Medium processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

The invention relates to a medium processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system, and aims to provide the medium processing apparatus which can improve binding position precision of manual binding processing by a user. The medium processing device is used for bundling a plurality of sheet-shaped media to form a medium bundle, and is provided with a binding part used for binding the plurality of media; a medium insertion part which has an opening part and can be inserted from the outside to a binding position at which the binding part can perform binding processing after the plurality of media are overlapped; and a binding position confirmation unit that can confirm from the outside the binding position at which binding processing can be performed on the media when the plurality of media are inserted into the medium insertion unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] As is well known, a medium processing device performs a predetermined process on a sheet-like medium. Also known is an image forming device in which a functional unit corresponding to the medium processing device is installed in a housing of an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet-like medium, and an image forming system in which the medium processing device and the image forming device are connected.

[0003] There are many types of sheet processing (sometimes referred to as "post-processing") that can be performed in a media processing device. For example, there are the well-known "binding process" of binding a plurality of sheets as media, and the punching process of punching holes in a sheet.

[0004] In the binding process, in addition to "online binding" in which the ends of sheets after image formation are aligned, the aligned ends are bound, and the sheets are discharged as a stack, there is also "offline binding" in which the sheets after image formation are discharged onto a discharge tray, etc., and the user bundles the discharged sheets for binding.

[0005] When performing offline binding, since the operation of placing the sheet stack at the binding position is manually performed by the user, the user needs to confirm that the sheet stack is at the binding position while working. The prior art uses a device with a transparent window structure, allowing the user to bind while confirming the binding position.

[0006] According to the technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, when performing offline binding, the user can confirm the position of the sheet stack, but cannot confirm the binding position on the sheet stack when the binding process is performed. Therefore, when performing offline binding using the prior art, there is a possibility that the image forming position and the binding position overlap each other, thereby affecting the binding quality of the sheet stack. In other words, the prior art has problems in improving the accuracy of the positional relationship of the binding position relative to the sheet stack.

[0007] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2018-167937 Summary of the invention

[0008] An object of the present invention is to provide a medium processing device that allows a user to improve the binding position accuracy of a manual binding process.

[0009] In order to solve the above-mentioned technical problem, one aspect of the present invention relates to a media processing device, which is used to bundle multiple sheet-like media to form a media bundle, and is characterized in that it comprises: a binding section, which is used to bind the multiple media; a media insertion section, which has an opening, which allows the multiple media to be inserted from the outside into a binding position where the binding section can perform binding processing after overlapping; and a binding position confirmation section, which allows the binding position where the media can be bound to be confirmed from the outside when the multiple media are inserted into the media insertion section.

[0010] The present invention has the effect of improving the binding position accuracy of the user in the manual binding process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Figure 1 This is an external view of an MFP as an example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2 This is an external view of an MFP which is another example of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 3 This is an example of a functional block diagram corresponding to the MFP of this embodiment.

[0014] Figure 4 This is another example of a functional block diagram corresponding to the MFP of this embodiment.

[0015] Figure 5 This is a functional block diagram of the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0016] Figure 6 This is an example of a basic structural concept of the bookbinding processing unit involved in this embodiment.

[0017] Figure 7 It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the basic structure of the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0018] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram showing another example of the basic structure of the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0019] Fig. 9 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a characteristic structure of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0020] Fig.10 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of a characteristic structure of the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0021] Fig.11 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of a characteristic structure of the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0022] Fig.12 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of a characteristic structure of the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0023] Fig.13 This is a configuration diagram showing another example of the characteristic configuration of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0024] Fig.14 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a position display corresponding to the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0025] Fig.15 It is a schematic diagram showing an example of a position display arrangement of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0026] Fig.16 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the position display arrangement of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0027] Fig.17 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the position display arrangement of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0028] Fig.18 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a position display switching structure of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0029] Fig.19 It is a schematic diagram of a position display switching structure provided in the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0030] Fig. 20 This is a schematic diagram showing an example of a position display device provided in the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0031] Fig.21 This is a schematic diagram of another example of the position display switching structure provided in the bookbinding processing unit of the present embodiment.

[0032] Fig. 22 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of a characteristic structure of the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0033] Fig.23 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the position display arrangement of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0034] Fig.24 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the position display arrangement of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0035] Fig.25 This is a schematic diagram showing another example of the position display arrangement of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0036] Fig.26This is a schematic diagram showing an example of the use of position display of the bookbinding processing unit according to the present embodiment.

[0037] Explanation of symbols

[0038] 1: MFP

[0039] 11: Entrance roller

[0040] 12: Conveyor roller

[0041] 13: Speed ​​change roller

[0042] 14: Return roller

[0043] 15: Roller

[0044] 16: Discharge roller

[0045] 16a: Ejection drive roller

[0046] 16b: Ejection driven roller

[0047] 17: Loading the Pallet

[0048] 18: Benchmark Fence

[0049] 18b: Ejection driven roller

[0050] 19: Crimping unit

[0051] 20: Eject tray

[0052] 26: Liquid application unit

[0053] 27: Liquid application head

[0054] 31: Sheet stack sensor

[0055] 301: Shell

[0056] 300: Image forming unit

[0057] 302: Shell internal space

[0058] 100: Binding processing unit

[0059] 101: Binding Processing Department

[0060] 102: Binding process control unit

[0061] 110: CPU

[0062] 151: Conveyor motor

[0063] 152: Exhaust motor

[0064] 153: Stitching unit moving motor

[0065] 154: Liquid application unit moving motor

[0066] 155: Liquid application motor

[0067] 156: Crimp motor

[0068] 157: Conveyor sensor

[0069] 158: Exhaust sensor

[0070] 159: Stapler unit position sensor

[0071] 160: Liquid dispensing unit position sensor

[0072] 161: Lift sensor

[0073] 162: Liquid volume sensor DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0074] [Embodiment of Image Forming Apparatus]

[0075] First, an MFP 1 as an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 and Figure 2 1 is an external view of the MFP 1 according to the present embodiment. The MFP 1 has an image forming function for forming an image on a sheet S of a thin medium (typically, paper) and a post-processing function for performing a predetermined sheet process (post-processing) on ​​the sheet S having the image recorded thereon.

[0076] like Figure 1 As shown, the MFP 1 mainly includes a housing 301 and an image forming unit 300 inside the housing 301. The housing 301 is a box-shaped object that forms an internal space for storing components of the MFP 1. The housing 301 also forms a housing internal space 302 that can be accessed from the outside of the MFP 1. The housing internal space 302 is a portion where the outer wall of the housing 301 is cut and exposed to the outside, for example, located slightly above the middle of the housing 301 in the longitudinal direction.

[0077] The binding unit 100 can be installed in the housing internal space 302 as an optional unit with an additional optional function, such as a punching unit 200 that performs a punching process or a binding process that binds a plurality of sheets S. The binding unit 100 corresponds to an embodiment of the medium processing device according to the present invention.

[0078] The image forming unit 300 discharges the sheet S picked up from the sheet storage tray and conveyed to the punching processing unit 200 and the stapling processing unit 100. The image forming unit 300 may be an inkjet method that forms an image with ink or an electrophotographic method that forms an image with toner. The structure of the image forming unit 300 is already well known, so a detailed description is omitted.

[0079] The punching unit 200 is installed in the housing internal space 302 of the MFP 1, in the conveying path ( 302 ) of the sheet S from the image forming unit 300 to the stapling unit 100. Figure 1 In the path shown by the dotted arrow in the figure, the sheet S is at a position downstream of the image forming unit 300 and upstream of the stapling unit 100. That is, in the example of the MFP 1, the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 300 is first delivered to the punching unit 200 to perform a predetermined punching process, and then delivered to the stapling unit 100 to perform a stapling process described later.

[0080] The punching unit 200 is detachably mounted on the MFP 1. When the punching unit 200 is removed, Figure 2 In this case, the sheet S on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 300 is directly delivered to the binding processing unit 100, and the binding processing is performed by the binding processing unit 100. Other processing units that perform any processing on the sheet S can be installed at the position where the punching processing unit 200 is removed in the housing internal space 302.

[0081] [Control Structure of Image Forming Apparatus Equipped with Medium Processing Device]

[0082] The following uses Figure 3 A control structure of the MFP 1 including the bookbinding processing unit 100 will be described. Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a control structure of the MFP 1 in a state where the punching unit 200 is removed.

[0083] exist Figure 3 In FIG. 1 , the conveying path of the sheet S (movement of the sheet S) is indicated by a dotted arrow, and the path of the communication signal (control signal) (movement of the signal) is indicated by a solid arrow.

[0084] The MFP 1 has a display unit 303 for notifying the user of the status and operation contents of various devices; an operation unit 304 for the user to set the mode and number of copies, etc.; and a paper feed unit 305 for storing sheets S and separating and conveying the sheets one by one. The MFP 1 also has an imaging unit 306 for Figure 3 The latent image is formed on the photosensitive drum shown in FIG. 3 and transferred to the sheet S; and a fixing unit 307 for fixing the image transferred to the sheet S. The MFP 1 further includes an image formation control unit 308 for controlling the operation of the above-mentioned units.

[0085] The stapling processing unit 100 is an embodiment of a medium processing apparatus. When a processing instruction is issued from the image forming control unit 308 of the MFP 1 to the stapling processing control unit 102 via the communication line 309 , the stapling processing unit 101 performs a designated process on a designated sheet S.

[0086] The image formation control section 308 and the binding process control section 102 are connected to each other via a communication line 309 and can exchange information. Thus, information on the operation mode, the size of the sheet S, time, etc. can be exchanged, thereby enabling system operation.

[0087] The control structure of the MFP 1 equipped with the punching processing unit 200 is as follows: Figure 4 shown. Figure 4 In the figure, the conveying path of the sheet S (movement of the sheet S) is indicated by a dotted arrow, and the path of the communication signal (control signal) (movement of the signal) is indicated by a solid arrow.

[0088] The MFP 1 is similar in that it includes a display unit 303 , an operation unit 304 , and a paper feed unit 305 , and also includes an image forming unit 306 and an image formation control unit 308 .

[0089] The stapling processing unit 100 is an embodiment of a media processing device. The image forming control unit 308 of the MFP 1 sends a processing instruction to the stapling processing control unit 102 through the communication line 309, and the stapling processing unit 101 performs a specified process on the specified sheet S. The stapling processing unit 101 is notified of the specified information of the processing content on the sheet S through the punching processing unit 201.

[0090] The image formation control unit 308 and the bookbinding control unit 102 are connected to each other via a communication line 309 and can exchange information. Thus, information on the operation mode, the size of the sheet S, time, etc. can be exchanged, thereby enabling system operation.

[0091] The punching unit 200 issues a processing instruction from the image forming control unit 308 of the MFP 1 to the binding control unit 102 via the communication line 309, and issues an instruction from the binding control unit 102 to the punching control unit 202 via the communication line 103. The punching control unit 202 controls the punching unit 201 to execute the punching instruction.

[0092] [Hardware Configuration of MFP 1]

[0093] Use Figure 5 The hardware configuration of the stapling processing unit 100 in the MFP 1 is described, but the hardware configuration of the punching processing unit 200 included therein is omitted. Figure 5 As shown, the binding processing unit 100 includes a CPU 110 as a controller, and is connected to a plurality of motors as a power source for each mechanism via an I / F (interface) 120. The CPU 110 is a computing device, and controls the overall operation of the binding processing unit 100.

[0094] The CPU 110 in the bookbinding processing unit 100 is connected to the image forming control unit 308 of the MFP 1 via the I / F 120, and controls the bookbinding processing unit 100 according to a processing signal from the MFP 1. The bookbinding processing unit 100 is also an optional device and thus has a detachable hardware structure.

[0095] The I / F portion connecting the image forming unit 300 and the bookbinding unit 100 is configured as a detachable hardware structure by, for example, a relay connector or a drawer connector. The I / F portion connecting the punching unit 200 and the image forming unit 300 also has the same structure.

[0096] A plurality of conveying roller pairs are used for the binding processing unit 100 to perform binding processing. The motors for driving the conveying roller pairs are provided with encoders, which can detect the driving amount of each motor by the number of pulses. Therefore, the conveying roller pairs can be driven and stopped at a specific driving amount position starting at a specific time, thereby realizing control of conveying a specified amount of the sheet S in a specified direction.

[0097] By measuring the encoder pulses using the time when the sensor on the conveying path is turned on or off as a base point, the drive amount of each motor can be calculated based on the encoder pulses. Then, the end position of the sheet S being conveyed can be detected based on the calculated drive amount.

[0098] like Figure 5 As shown, the binding processing unit 100 connects the conveying motor 151, the discharging motor 152, the binding unit moving motor 153, the liquid applying unit moving motor 154, the liquid applying motor 155, the crimping motor 156, the conveying sensor 157, the discharging sensor 158, the binding unit position sensor 159, the liquid applying unit position sensor 160, the lifting sensor 161, the liquid volume sensor 162, the slide plate sensor 29, the dimming film 30, the sheet stack sensor 31, the speaker 311, etc. to the CPU 110 via the I / F 120.

[0099] [Configuration of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0100] The binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figure 6 (a) is a plan view of the binding processing unit 100 , and (b) is a cross-sectional view of the binding processing unit 100 . Figure 6 Only the staple binding unit 19 for “stitch binding”, which binds the end portions of a sheet stack using staples in the staple processing unit 100, is shown.

[0101] As described later, the binding processing unit 100 can be used for manual binding processing, but the binding unit is not limited to the needle binding unit 19, and a pressure binding unit 26 that binds by deforming a part of the sheet stack Sb by applying pressure without using a binding needle may also be used. Figure 7 As shown, the binding processing unit may also be a hybrid structure including a needle binding unit 19 and a crimping binding unit 26.

[0102] like Figure 8 As shown, the binding processing unit 100 may be composed only of the pressure binding unit 26 for “pressure binding” which performs binding by applying pressure to the end portions of the sheet stack Sb to deform them without using binding pins.

[0103] That is, the binding processing unit 100 illustrated in the following description is applicable to any structure including only the pin binding unit 19, only the pressure binding unit 26, or a hybrid structure combining these structures, whether shown in the figure or not.

[0104] like Figure 6 As shown in (b), a slit 23 for manual binding is provided on the housing 25 (a part of the housing) of the housing accommodating the binding processing unit 100. The slit 23 is equivalent to a space for a user to insert a sheet stack Sb from an opening provided on a part of the housing 25, constituting a sheet insertion portion. Figure 7 and Figure 8 Illustration of the structure for manual binding processing including the slit 23 is omitted.

[0105] A plurality of operation modes can be set in the binding processing unit 100, and the binding processing unit 100 operates according to the set operation modes. The operation modes provided by the binding processing unit 100 include, for example, a "shift discharge mode" and a "binding mode". The "shift discharge mode" does not bind the sheets S from the start of conveying the sheets S from the upstream (image forming unit 300) to the discharge of the sheets S to the discharge tray 20, while the "binding mode" binds the sheets S by the pin binding unit 19 or the crimping binding unit 26 during this period.

[0106] In the case of the shift discharge mode, the sheet S conveyed from the MFP 1 is received by the entrance rollers 11 , conveyed to the discharge rollers 16 , and discharged to the discharge tray 20 .

[0107] In the binding mode, the entrance roller 11 receives the sheet S conveyed from the MFP 1 and conveys it to the shift roller 13 in the first direction. When the sheet S is separated from the shift roller 13, the knock roller 15 is driven to place the sheet S on the loading tray 17 as the inner tray. Then, the sheet S is conveyed toward the terminal end of the loading tray 17 by the action of the knock roller 15 and the return roller 14. At this time, the sheet S is conveyed toward the reference fence 18 with which the end of the sheet S is aligned.

[0108] In the case of the binding mode, the operation of placing the sheets S on the loading tray 17 and then conveying them to the reference fence 18 is repeatedly performed until the number of binding pages is reached. Then, when the last sheet S is conveyed to the reference fence 18, a binding process is performed by a binding unit such as a needle binding unit 19 or a crimping binding unit 26 to bind the ends of the sheet stack (sheet stack Sb) of the sheets S. The bound sheet stack Sb is discharged to the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roller 16.

[0109] The end of the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb discharged to the discharge tray 20 hits the end fence 21 and is aligned.

[0110] After the sheet bundle Sb is inserted into the slit 23, the user presses a process start button 24 provided on a part of the housing 25 of the binding processing unit 100 to start the needle binding process or the crimp binding process. The process start button 24 is equivalent to an operation instruction device for starting the manual binding process.

[0111] The pin binding unit 19 or the crimp binding unit 26 may also use the binding position for manual binding as the initial position, that is, the binding position of the sheet stack when the end portions of the sheet stack respectively touch the contact portions for positioning the sheet stack when the user inserts the sheet stack Sb into the slit 23 for setting.

[0112] like Figure 6 As shown in (a), the positioning structure of the sheet stack has a conveying direction stopper 25a and a width direction stopper 25b. The conveying direction stopper 25a is a contact portion in the conveying direction when the sheet stack Sb is discharged, and the width direction stopper 25b is a contact portion in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet S. The positions of the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b are set and adjusted so that the position where the sheet Sb inserted into the slit 23 hits the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b becomes the binding position. Then, the initial position of the binding unit is set so that the end of the sheet stack Sb when the end of the sheet stack Sb hits the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b is set as the binding position. With these settings, the manual binding process can be performed at the position when the binding processing unit 100 starts to operate.

[0113] exist Figure 7 In the example of FIG. 1 , the pressure-bonding unit 26 is provided inside the binding processing unit 100, and the pin-binding unit 19 is provided in the front, but the arrangement of each binding unit is not limited thereto. The pin-binding unit 19 may be provided inside, and the pressure-bonding unit 26 may be provided in the front.

[0114] Here, the “inner side” used herein corresponds to the opposite side of the opening of the slit 23 into which the sheet stack Sb is inserted when one side in the longitudinal direction is the front side. Figure 7 The middle is equivalent to the top when facing the drawing.

[0115] [First Embodiment of Bookbinding Processing Unit 100]

[0116] Fig. 9 In the figure, (a) is a plan view of the binding processing unit 100, showing that the needle binding unit 19 is in the end position when the sheet stack Sb is inserted into the slit 23 and hits the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b, and the manual binding process can be performed immediately, and (b) shows that the end position of the binding needle unit 19 is outside a certain range when the end of the sheet stack Sb is inserted into the slit 23 and hits the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b, and the binding needle unit 19 must be moved to the binding position when the manual binding process is performed. That is, the state shown in (b) is equivalent to the state in which the needle binding unit 19 is moved to the inside of the binding processing unit 100.

[0117] Fig. 9 (c) shows a schematic diagram viewed from the front including the housing of the bookbinding processing unit 100 . Fig. 9 The rectangular portion indicated by the oblique lines in (c) is a transparent plate 27, which is a transparent component provided on the front of a part of the housing as a confirmation housing. The transparent plate 27 is a component for observing the state of the binding position surrounding the slit 23 from the outside of the housing 25, and constitutes a binding position confirmation component.

[0118] like Fig. 9 As shown in FIG. 2( c ), the transparent plate 27 is a member that allows the binding position on the sheet stack Sb to be confirmed in advance from the front (directly in front) of the binding processing unit 100 when the stapler unit 19 can perform the binding process on the sheet stack Sb.

[0119] [Second Embodiment of Bookbinding Processing Unit 100]

[0120] Fig.10 In FIG. 1 , (a) is a top view of the binding processing unit 100 including the housing, and (b) is a top view of the binding processing unit 100 observed through the housing. Fig.10As shown, by forming a portion of the housing including the top surface of the binding processing unit 100 as the transparent plate 27 , the surrounding state of the binding position of the slit 23 can be confirmed from the top surface of the binding processing unit 100 .

[0121] Fig.11 is a perspective view of the binding processing unit 100. Fig.11 As shown, the transparent plate 27 is configured as a confirmation housing that is continuous from the top surface portion to the side surface portion of the housing of the stapling processing unit 100, and the position (executable position) inside the slit 23 where the stapling process can be performed can be seen from both the top surface and the front surface (side surface). In this way, the manual stapling process can be reliably performed while observing the stapling position of the sheet stack Sb inserted into the slit 23.

[0122] [Third Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0123] Fig.12 is a perspective view of the binding processing unit 100. Fig.12 As shown, transparent plates 27 may be provided on the top and side surfaces of the housing of the bookbinding processing unit 100 . Fig.12 The structure shown is also consistent with Fig.11 The structure shown is the same, and the position (executable position) where the binding process can be performed inside the slit 23 can also be seen from any direction of the top surface and the front (side surface). In this way, the binding position of the sheet stack Sb inserted into the slit 23 can be observed while the manual binding process can be reliably performed.

[0124] like Fig.10 , 11 As shown in FIG. 12, it is better not to form the entire opening portion (around the slit portion) of the slit 23 as a transparent plate 27. If the entire opening portion is formed of a transparent member, then when the sheet detection device for optically detecting the insertion of the sheet Sb is set inside (inside) the slit 23, it may be affected by interference light and cause erroneous detection. However, as in the binding processing unit 100 of this embodiment, the influence of interference light can be eliminated by using a transparent member only in the minimum necessary range around the binding position.

[0125] [Fourth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0126] Further description is given of other embodiments of the binding processing unit 100 provided with the transparent plate 27. Fig.13 As shown, in order to visually confirm from the outside the position corresponding to the binding position positioned when the sheet bundle Sb to be manually bound is inserted into the slit 23, a position display is provided on the transparent plate 27 for visually confirming the position overlapping the binding position.

[0127] like Fig.13 As shown in (a), a mark 271 as a position indicator is provided on the top surface portion of the transparent plate 27. The mark 271 is a figure attached to the transparent plate 27, and is indicated by, for example, a line segment formed according to the binding position.

[0128] Fig.13 (b) is a cross-sectional view of the binding processing unit 100 as viewed from the right side. Fig.13 As shown in (b) of FIG. 2 , the mark 271 is provided to correspond to the binding position when the width direction end portion of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the slit 23 hits the width direction stopper 25 b.

[0129] Fig.13 (c) is a plan view showing a state where the sheet stack Sb is inserted into the slit 23 when a mark 271 is provided on the top surface portion of the transparent plate 27 as a position indication. Fig.13 (c) shows a state in which the user who performs manual stapling processing inserts the sheet bundle Sb into the slit 23 and the sheet bundle Sb hits the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b respectively.

[0130] Fig.13 (c) shows that when the sheet stack Sb for manual binding processing is positioned, a mark 271 is present within a range that can be visually confirmed from the outside through the transparent plate 27 (a rectangular area indicated by a dotted line in the figure), as a state of position indication indicating the binding position. Therefore, when a user who wants to press the process start button 24 inserts the sheet stack Sb into the slit 23 from the front of the binding processing unit 100, and operates while bringing the process start button 24 into view from the top (top surface), the position of the mark 271 can be confirmed by looking down at the binding position from above, thereby pre-knowing the binding position. That is, the position of the binding process (binding position) can be confirmed while observing the overlap of the mark 271 and the sheet stack Sb.

[0131] In the stage of visually confirming the binding position, if the binding unit (needle binding unit 19 or crimping binding unit 26) is within the range (slit portion) of the slit 23, the mark 271 is blocked from the sheet stack Sb, and the binding position cannot be confirmed in advance. Fig. 9 As shown in (b), the binding unit is moved to the inside of the binding processing unit 100 outside the slit.

[0132] [Fifth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0133] Another embodiment of the bookbinding processing unit 100 including the transparent plate 27 provided with the mark 271 will be described. Fig.14 As shown, the mark 271 can be changed according to the type of binding process.

[0134] The binding process that can be executed in the binding processing unit 100 includes a variety of binding methods, in addition to the needle binding process (needle binding process) and the pressure binding process (needleless binding process). In the case of "end binding" for binding along the end of the sheet stack Sb, the mark 271 is set as follows: Fig.14 As shown in (a), a line segment along the rectangle of the transparent plate 27.

[0135] In the case of “oblique binding” in which binding is performed at a position inclined with respect to the end of the sheet stack Sb, the mark 271 is set as follows: Fig.14 As shown in (b), it is a line segment inclined relative to the rectangular end of the transparent plate 27.

[0136] In the case of crimp binding, the mark 271 is set as follows Fig.14 As shown in (c), the portion to be crimped is represented as a line segment.

[0137] In addition, no matter what kind of binding process and binding method are adopted, the mark 271 may be set as follows: Fig.14 As shown in (d), the ranges corresponding to the plurality of binding processes are represented as rectangles.

[0138] [Sixth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0139] Another embodiment of the bookbinding processing unit 100 having the transparent plate 27 provided with the mark 271 will be described. For example, the mark 271 may be provided in a manner similar to Fig.11 and 12 It corresponds to the transparent plate 27 shown in FIG.

[0140] Fig.15 (a) is in Fig.11 The example of setting the mark 271 on the transparent plate 27 shown in FIG. Fig.15 (a) Corresponding side cross-sectional view.

[0141] Fig.15 (c) is in Fig.12 An example of a mark 271 being provided on the transparent plate 27 is shown, and (d) is a side sectional view corresponding to (c).

[0142] The mark 271 in each of the above examples indicates the range visible from the outside through the transparent plate 27 when the sheet stack Sb is positioned during the manual stapling process and the position of the stapling position. Therefore, when a user who wants to press the process start button 24 inserts the sheet stack Sb into the slit 23 from the front of the stapling process unit 100, and then operates the process start button 24 from the top (top surface) while keeping the view of the process start button 24, the user can visually check the inside of the slit 23 in a manner of looking down at the stapling position from above. In other words, the position of the stapling process (stapling position) can be checked while observing the overlap of the mark 271 and the sheet stack Sb.

[0143] [Seventh Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0144] Another embodiment of the bookbinding processing unit 100 having the transparent plate 27 provided with the mark 271 will be described. Fig.16 As shown, the mark 271 can be set at Fig.12 The transparent plate 27 shown corresponds to the side portion of the transparent plate 27.

[0145] like Fig.16 As shown in (a), the mark 271 on the side transparent plate 27 allows the user to visually confirm the position where the binding unit (needle binding unit 19, pressure binding unit 26) binds the sheet stack Sb inserted into the slit 23 from the width direction of the sheet stack Sb.

[0146] This allows the user to visually confirm how far the end portion of the sheet bundle Sb has entered the interior, which corresponds to the binding position.

[0147] When the mark 271 is provided on the transparent plate 27 on the side, it is preferable to specify the angle at which the transparent plate 27 is viewed so that the mark 271 can be correctly overlapped on the binding position of the sheet stack Sb. Fig.16 As shown in (b), in addition to the transparent plate 27 on the side, a portion of the top surface of the slit 23 also adopts the same structure as the transparent plate 27, and a mark 271 is set here. When visually confirming the binding position from the side, if the front of the mark 271 set on the transparent plate 27 on the top surface of the slit 23 overlaps with the front end of the mark 271 set on the transparent plate 27 on the side, the observation angle is correct. This prevents visual confirmation of the binding position from an incorrect position (angle).

[0148] [Eighth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0149] Another embodiment of the bookbinding processing unit 100 including the transparent plate 27 provided with the mark 271 will be described. Fig.11 , Fig.12 The side portions of the transparent plate 27 shown are arranged with Fig.16 The same mark as the mark 271 described above.

[0150] Fig.17 (a) is a Fig.11 The example in which the mark 271 is provided on the side surface of the transparent plate 27 is shown, and (b) is a side cross-sectional view corresponding to (a).

[0151] Fig.17 (c) is a Fig.12 The example of the transparent plate 27 having the mark 271 provided on the side surface is shown, and (d) is a side cross-sectional view corresponding to (c).

[0152] The mark 271 existing in the above two methods can also be used as a position indication indicating a range that can be visually confirmed from the outside through the transparent plate 27 when positioning the sheet stack Sb during the manual stapling process. Therefore, when a user who wants to press the process start button 24 inserts the sheet stack Sb into the slit 23 from the front of the stapling processing unit 100, and visually confirms the inside of the slit 23 from the side (front) while operating the process start button 24 located above the slit 23, the user can visually confirm the inside of the slit 23 from the side.

[0153] In this case, it is necessary to specify the angle at which the transparent housing is viewed so that the mark 271 on the transparent plate 27 on the side can be correctly overlapped on the binding position of the sheet stack Sb. Fig.17 As shown in (b) and (d) of FIG. 2 , in addition to the transparent plate 27 on the side, a mark 271 is provided on the transparent housing of the top surface portion of the slit 23. The mark 271 on the top surface portion is provided at a position where the mark 271 on the side surface portion overlaps with the position corresponding to the binding position when viewed at a correct angle. This prevents the binding position from being visually confirmed from an incorrect position (angle), and confirms the position (binding position) where the binding process is to be performed while observing the overlap of the mark 271 and the sheet bundle Sb.

[0154] [Ninth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0155] Fig.18 (a) is a perspective view of the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment, and (b) is a plan view of the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment.

[0156] like Fig.18 As shown in FIG. 1 , a transparent slide plate 28 is provided to slide relative to a transparent plate 27 as a confirmation housing. A plurality of marks 271 are provided on the transparent slide plate 28 to indicate binding positions corresponding to different binding processing methods.

[0157] Fig.18exemplifies that a mark 271 corresponding to the end binding and a mark 271 corresponding to the oblique binding are respectively provided on the transparent slide plate 28.

[0158] Fig.19 (a) and (b) are cross-sectional views of the transparent slide plate 28 according to the present embodiment, and (c) is a perspective view of the transparent slide plate 28 according to the present embodiment. Fig.19 As shown, the transparent slide plate 28 is a plate-shaped member made of a transparent member, and has a gripping portion 281 that can be manually slid by the user. By gripping the gripping portion 281, the transparent slide plate 28 is slid relative to the transparent plate 27, and the mark 271 set on the transparent slide plate 28 is moved to the mark corresponding to the binding method.

[0159] That is, in Fig.19 In the state shown in (a), the end binding mark 271 is at a position corresponding to the binding position. Fig.19 In the state shown in (b) of FIG. 1 , the oblique binding mark 271 is at a position corresponding to the binding position.

[0160] The method of changing the mark 271 is not limited to the structure of providing multiple parts to change the position like the transparent slide plate 28. Fig. 20 As shown, the transparent plate 27 provided with the mark 271 can also be made embeddable and detachable by means of snap-fitting, so as to form a structure that can be replaced at will.

[0161] As in the seventh and eighth embodiments described above, when the marks 271 are set at multiple positions in these embodiments, either a slidable transparent slide plate 28 as in the present embodiment or a slidable transparent slide plate 28 as in the present embodiment can be used. Fig. 20 The transparent plate 27 of the structure shown.

[0162] In any case, the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment can use the mark 271 that enables the binding position to be recognized from the outside according to the binding processing method.

[0163] [Tenth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0164] Next, other embodiments of the bookbinding processing unit 100 will be further described. Fig.21 FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig.21 As shown, a slide plate sensor 29 as a position display detection device is provided for detecting whether a mark 271 among a plurality of marks is consistent with a position corresponding to a binding position when the transparent slide plate 28 is slid and positioned.

[0165] The sliding plate sensor 29 is set at the position of the sliding direction terminal of the transparent sliding plate 28, and is set according to the number of the marks 271. Fig.21 As shown, an end binding detection skateboard sensor 29a and an oblique binding detection skateboard sensor 29b are respectively arranged in the sliding direction of the transparent skateboard 28. The end binding detection skateboard sensor 29a and the oblique binding detection skateboard sensor 29b are respectively used to detect the arrival of one terminal and the arrival of the other terminal when the transparent skateboard 28 slides linearly.

[0166] like Fig.21 As shown in (a), when the transparent slide plate 28 reaches the vicinity of the terminal binding detection slide plate sensor 29a or the contact position, the terminal binding mark 271 becomes located at a position corresponding to the binding position. Fig. 22 As shown in (a), the stapler unit 19 is moved to the terminal stapling position.

[0167] like Fig.21 As shown in (b), when the transparent slide plate 28 reaches the vicinity of the oblique binding detection slide plate sensor 29b or the contact position, the oblique binding mark 271 becomes located at a position corresponding to the binding position. Fig. 22 As shown in (b), the staple binding unit 19 is moved to the oblique binding position.

[0168] The CPU 110 can determine whether end binding or oblique binding is selected based on the detection signal from the slide sensor 29. Based on the determination result, the binding process is controlled in conjunction with the selection type of the position display (mark 271), thereby changing the type of binding process (binding process method).

[0169] The slide plate sensor 29 may be a transmission type sensor, a reflection type sensor, etc., and its form is not limited to end binding and diagonal binding. The slide plate sensor 29 may be any sensor as long as it can detect the transparent slide plate 28.

[0170] [Eleventh Embodiment of the Bookbinding Processing Unit 100]

[0171] Next, other implementation modes will be further described. Fig.23 FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment. Fig.23 As shown, a dimming film 30 is provided on the surface of the transparent plate 27 of the binding processing unit 100 involved in this embodiment, and the dimming film 30 becomes transparent only when manual binding processing can be performed, and becomes opaque when manual binding processing cannot be performed.

[0172] The light-adjusting film 30 is a thin film-like member, and its transparency can be changed by applying electricity, and its transparency can be controlled by controlling the voltage applied. For example, it is opaque when it is energized, and transparent when it is not energized.

[0173] Fig.23 (a) illustrates a state when the light-adjusting film 30 is powered (power-on state), and (b) illustrates a state when the light-adjusting film 30 is not powered (non-power-on state).

[0174] For example, when the stitching unit 19 is in the Fig. 9 When the position where manual stapling can be performed is shown in (a), Fig.24 As shown in (a), the light-adjusting film 30 is not energized and becomes transparent. This allows visual confirmation from the outside, and manual binding processing can be performed while visually confirming the binding position relative to the sheet stack Sb.

[0175] When Fig. 9 As shown in (b), when the stapler unit 19 is not in a position where manual stapling can be performed, Fig.24 As shown in (b), the dimming film 30 is powered on and becomes non-transparent. In this way, the user can know that the stapler unit 19 is not in a position where manual stapling can be performed. In other words, when the dimming film 30 is non-transparent and the stapling position of the stapling processing unit 100 cannot be confirmed, the user can recognize that manual stapling cannot be performed.

[0176] [Twelfth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100]

[0177] Next, another embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 is described. Fig.23 As shown, when the stapler unit 19 moves to the position where the manual staple process can be performed, the staple position can be visually confirmed, so that the user can know whether the manual staple process can be performed.

[0178] The method of informing the user is not limited to the above, and for example, a notification device that emits a sound may be used when the sheet stack Sb is detected to be inserted into the binding position of the slit 23. For example, a sheet stack sensor 31 is provided on the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b, and the sheet stack Sb hitting these sensors is output as a detection signal to the CPU 110.

[0179] Based on the detection signal from the sheet stack sensor 31, the CPU 110 notifies the user that the manual binding process has been reached through the speaker 311 as a notification device. Alternatively, when the display unit 303 or the operation unit 304 has a sound output mechanism, the user can be notified through electronic sound or sound that the manual binding process can be performed.

[0180] [Thirteenth Embodiment of the Bookbinding Processing Unit 100]

[0181] Next, another embodiment of the bookbinding processing unit 100 will be described. Fig.25It is a stereoscopic view of the binding processing unit 100 of the present embodiment, wherein (a) is a stereoscopic view of a state in which a small-scale slit 231 is provided on a portion of the outer shell corresponding to the opening portion of the slit 23 possessed by the binding processing unit 100 of the present embodiment, (b) is an enlarged oblique view of the small-scale slit 231, and (c) is an enlarged plan view of the small-scale slit 231.

[0182] The small-scale slit 231 has the same shape as the area around the sheet stack Sb that the slit 23 has, and a transparent small plate 232 is provided at a portion corresponding to the top surface. A mark 271 is provided on the transparent small plate 232. The "shape around the area around the sheet stack Sb that the sheet stack Sb touches" means that the area around the binding position of the sheet stack Sb that touches the end portion by the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b has a shape similar to that position.

[0183] A small slit 231 is provided in a part of the opening, and a small transparent plate 232 with a mark 271 is provided on the portion corresponding to the top surface, so that the binding position relative to the sheet stack Sb can be visually confirmed before the sheet stack Sb is inserted into the slit 23.

[0184] Fig.26 2 is a diagram showing a state where a sheet stack Sb is inserted into a small-scale slit 231, wherein (a) is an oblique view and (b) is a top view. Fig.26 As shown in (a), the leading end of the sheet stack Sb (the part to be bound) is inserted into the small slit 231, and the position where the engraved overlaps on the sheet stack Sb (the overlapping position of the mark 271) is confirmed, so that the binding position can be confirmed before the manual binding process.

[0185] The confirmed position at this time corresponds to the binding position when the sheet bundle Sb is manually bound after being inserted into the slit 23. This allows for confirmation in advance whether binding is to be performed at an undesired location (a location where an image or text is printed, etc.).

[0186] The stapling processing unit 100 according to the above-described embodiments can solve the problem that in the conventional manual stapling process, in the case of an in-machine medium processing configuration, the stapling unit is located inside, making it difficult to visually confirm the stapling position.

[0187] That is, in the conventional structure, when manually binding the sheet stack Sb, it is not possible to confirm in advance whether the binding position overlaps with the image forming position, so sometimes the sheet stack is bound at the image forming position, resulting in a decrease in the binding quality of the sheet stack. In response to this, the binding processing unit 100 of the present embodiment can visually confirm the binding position relative to the sheet stack Sb before the user who performs manual binding performs the binding process. In this way, since it can be confirmed in advance at which position of the sheet stack Sb the binding process is to be performed, it is possible to prevent the sheet stack from being bound at the image forming position.

[0188] In other words, a transparent housing is provided in the media processing device, and a position display is provided on the transparent housing that overlaps with the predetermined binding position on the sheet stack when the interior is viewed from a certain angle. In this way, the user can confirm the relationship between the position of the sheet stack inside the slit for manual binding and the binding position, and can perform the binding process while specifically confirming the binding position during manual binding processing, thereby improving the accuracy of the binding position on the sheet stack.

[0189] The present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the technical concept. All technical items included in the technical concept of the present invention are the objects of the present invention. Although the above-mentioned embodiments give preferred examples, as long as a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications according to the disclosed content. Such modifications also belong to the scope of the present invention.

[0190] The present invention is, for example, as follows.

[0191] <1> A medium processing device, used for bundling a plurality of thin sheet-like medium bundles to form a medium bundle, characterized in that it comprises: a binding section for binding the plurality of mediums; a medium insertion section having an opening for allowing the plurality of mediums to be inserted from the outside into a binding position where the binding section can perform binding processing after the plurality of mediums are overlapped; and a binding position confirmation section for confirming from the outside the binding position where the plurality of mediums can be bound when the plurality of mediums are inserted into the medium insertion section.

[0192] <2> according to <1> The medium processing device is characterized in that the binding position confirmation section constitutes a part of the housing and is a confirmation housing that allows the binding position to be visually confirmed from the outside.

[0193] <3> according to <2> The media processing device is characterized in that the confirmation housing has a position indication indicating the binding position for implementing the binding processing at a position overlapping with the binding position, so that the overlapping state of the medium inserted into the opening and the position indication can be observed from the outside.

[0194] <4> according to <3> The medium processing device is characterized in that the position indicator is set on the top surface of the confirmation housing.

[0195] <5> according to <3> or <4> The medium processing device is characterized in that the position indicator is provided on a side surface portion of the confirmation housing.

[0196] <6> according to <3> to <5> The medium processing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the position indication is provided at a plurality of locations corresponding to a plurality of binding positions at which the binding process can be performed.

[0197] <7> according to <6> The medium processing device is characterized in that the binding unit is linked to the type of the position indication to change the type of the binding processing.

[0198] <8> according to <2> to <7> The medium processing device described in any one of the above is characterized in that a part of the confirmation housing has a light-adjusting film that can be switched between transparent and opaque, and the light-adjusting film becomes transparent when the medium is located at the binding position.

[0199] <9> according to <1> to <8> The medium processing device described in any one of the above aspects is characterized by comprising: a medium detection unit configured to detect the medium inserted into the medium insertion unit; and a notification unit configured to notify that a portion of the medium has reached the stapling position.

[0200] <10> according to <1> to <9> The medium processing device described in any one of the above aspects is characterized in that an indication for visually confirming a binding position of the medium when the medium is subjected to the binding process is provided at an end portion of the opening.

[0201] <11> An image forming device, characterized in that it comprises: a housing; an image forming unit, which is accommodated in the housing and is used to form an image on a sheet-like medium; and <1> to <10> The medium processing device described in any one of the above is detachably supported by the housing and performs binding processing on the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

[0202] <12> An image forming system, characterized in that it comprises: an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet-like medium; and <1> to <11> The medium processing device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the medium processing device is connected to the image forming device.

Claims

1. A medium processing device for bundling a plurality of thin sheet-like medium bundles to form a medium bundle, characterized in that: have: A binding unit, used for binding the plurality of media; A medium inserting portion, wherein the medium has an opening, which allows the plurality of media to be inserted from the outside after being overlapped to a binding position where the binding portion can perform binding processing; as well as The binding position confirmation unit is configured to allow the binding position at which the plurality of media can be bound to be confirmed from the outside when the plurality of media are inserted into the media insertion unit.

2. The medium processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The binding position confirmation section constitutes a part of the housing and is a confirmation housing that allows the binding position to be visually confirmed from the outside.

3. The medium processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The confirmation housing has a position indicator indicating a binding position where the binding process is to be performed at a position overlapping with the binding position, and an overlapping state between the medium inserted into the opening and the position indicator can be observed from the outside.

4. The medium processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position indicates that the portion is provided on the top surface of the confirmation housing.

5. The medium processing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The position indication is provided on a side surface portion of the confirmation housing.

6. The medium processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The position indication is set at a plurality of locations corresponding to a plurality of binding positions at which the binding process can be performed.

7. The medium processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The binding unit changes the type of the binding process in conjunction with the type of the position indication.

8. The medium processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: A portion of the confirmation housing has a light-adjusting film that can be switched between transparent and opaque, and the light-adjusting film becomes transparent when the medium is located at the binding position.

9. The medium processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: have: a medium detection portion, configured to detect the medium inserted into the medium insertion portion; and The notification unit is used to notify that a portion of the medium has reached the binding position.

10. The medium processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The end of the opening has an indication for visually confirming the binding position of the medium when the medium is subjected to the binding process.

11. An image forming device, characterized in that: have: case; an image forming unit, housed in the housing, for forming an image on a sheet-like medium; and The medium processing device according to claim 1 is detachably supported by the housing and performs binding processing on the medium on which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

12. An image forming system, characterized in that: include: An image forming device for forming an image on a sheet-like medium; as well as The medium processing device according to claim 1, wherein the medium processing device is connected to the image forming device.

Images