Sheet processing apparatus, sheet processing method, and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a sheet processing device, a sheet processing method, and an image forming system capable of forming a crimped saddle-stitched booklet in which the crimped booklet is not peeled off by a page turning operation and is easy to open. A sheet processing apparatus includes a folding unit that folds a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets, and a ridge crimping and binding unit that forms a ridge on the folded sheet bundle and crimps and binds the ridge, the ridge crimping and binding unit includes a ridge forming processing unit that forms a ridge on the folded sheet bundle, and the ridge crimping and binding unit that crimps and binds the ridge on the folded sheet bundle. And a crimp binding processing unit that performs crimp binding processing on the folded sheet bundle, the crimp binding processing unit forming stripe traces parallel to the creases formed at the ridge portion.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A sheet processing device is known that can perform a "binding process" that binds a sheet bundle formed by a bundle of sheet-like recording media. There are many types of binding processes performed in the sheet processing device. For example, there are known "end binding processes" for binding the ends of a sheet bundle, "saddle stitch binding processes" for folding a sheet bundle in half and binding near a folded position, etc. The saddle stitch binding process is a binding method mainly used when making books such as booklets.

[0003] In order to provide a saddle-stitched booklet with neat cut surfaces even without trimming, a saddle-stitched booklet-making device is disclosed that performs square spine folding on the booklet to form a square spine after crimping and binding at positions on both sides away from the folded position (for example, refer to patent document 1).

[0004] In order to provide a compression saddle stitching apparatus, a saddle stitching apparatus for performing compression stitching at a position away from a folded position has been disclosed (for example, refer to Patent Document 2).

[0005] In addition, as a saddle stitch binding device that performs square spine folding on the spine of a booklet, in order to make it difficult for the staples to shift from the center of the spine and provide an aesthetically pleasing booklet, a saddle stitch binding device having a groove for staple engagement on a stop plate is disclosed (for example, refer to patent document 3).

[0006] In order to provide a booklet bound without using a needle, a compression saddle stitch bookbinding apparatus is disclosed which performs a compression binding process on the center of a booklet and then folds the booklet in half (for example, refer to Patent Document 4).

[0007] In addition, in an image forming apparatus using an electrophotographic method, a binding apparatus is disclosed that forms a bonding toner layer at the end of a sheet, etc., and bonds the sheets together by heating and pressurizing the toner layer (for example, refer to Patent Document 5).

[0008] Patent Documents 1 to 5 disclose prior art techniques for performing a crimping saddle stitching process and a square spine process for a booklet spine. However, when a saddle stitching booklet is formed using these prior art techniques, there are problems such as an uncoordinated state for the opened portion when turning pages, a load is applied to the crimping portion due to the page turning operation, or the crimping portion is peeled off. That is, in the prior art techniques, there are problems with the quality and binding strength of the finished product when the crimping binding process is used in the saddle stitching process.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of forming a pressure-bonded saddle-stitched booklet that is easy to open and does not peel off due to a page turning operation.

[0010] [Patent Document 1] (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2014-031268

[0011] [Patent Document 2] (Japan) Patent No. 6089675

[0012] [Patent Document 3] (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2004-168012

[0013] [Patent Document 2] (Japan) Patent No. 5361858

[0014] [Patent Document 5] (Japanese) Patent Publication No. 2004-209858 Summary of the invention

[0015] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, one embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that it includes: a folding unit, which folds a sheet bundle composed of multiple sheets, and a spine crimping binding unit, which forms a spine on the sheet bundle that has been folded and performs crimping binding on the spine, the spine crimping binding unit having: a spine forming processing unit, which forms a spine on the sheet bundle that has been folded, and a crimping binding processing unit, which performs crimping binding on the sheet bundle that has been folded, and the crimping binding processing unit forms a stripe mark parallel to the fold formed on the spine.

[0016] According to the present invention, it is possible to form a compression-bonded saddle-stitched booklet in which the compression-bonded binding is not peeled off by the page turning operation and the double-page opening operation is easy. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to the first embodiment.

[0018] Figure 2 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to the first embodiment.

[0019] Figure 3 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the end stapling processing section viewed from the discharge port side.

[0020] Figure 4 (a)-(b) are schematic diagrams showing the structure of the crimping teeth of the end crimping binding processing unit.

[0021] Figure 5 (a)-(e) show the moving position of the end binding processing unit.

[0022] Figure 6 (a)-(e) are schematic diagrams showing the actions of the saddle stitching process.

[0023] Figure 7 (a)-(c) are cross-sectional views showing the action of the saddle stitching process.

[0024] Figure 8 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a pressing state in the saddle stitching process.

[0025] Fig. 9 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a compression-bonded saddle-stitched booklet bound in a first embodiment.

[0026] Fig.10 The figure shows the hardware structure of the control unit of the post-processing device.

[0027] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modified example 1 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0028] Fig.12 (a)-(b) are BB cross-sectional views showing the operation of the modified example 1 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0029] Fig.13 (a)-(b) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the modified example 2 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0030] Fig.14 (a)-(b) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the modified example 3 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0031] Fig.15 (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the modified example 4 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0032] Fig.16 (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the modified example 5 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0033] Fig.17 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a compression-bonded saddle-stitched booklet bound in Modification 5. FIG.

[0034] Fig.18 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modification 6 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0035] Fig.19 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a compression-bonded saddle-stitched booklet bound in Modification 6. FIG.

[0036] Fig. 20 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modification 7 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0037] Fig.21 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a compression-bonded saddle-stitched booklet bound in Modification 7. FIG.

[0038] Fig. 22 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modified example 8 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0039] Fig.23 (a) to (c) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the modified example 8 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0040] Fig.24 (a)-(b) are schematic diagrams of the compression-bonded saddle-stitched booklet bound in Modification Example 8.

[0041] Fig.25 (a)-(b) are cross-sectional views showing the operation of the modified example 9 of the saddle stitching processing unit.

[0042] Fig.26 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to a second embodiment.

[0043] Fig. 27 FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of a post-processing device according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0044] [First embodiment]

[0045] Hereinafter, a first embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus, a sheet processing method, and an image forming system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of an MFP 100 as an embodiment of an image forming system. Figure 1 As shown, the MFP 100 includes an image forming apparatus 101 that forms an image on a paper P that is an example of a sheet-like medium, and a post-processing apparatus 110 that performs a predetermined post-processing on the paper P on which the image is formed. The MFP 100 corresponds to an embodiment of an in-body type image forming system in which the post-processing apparatus 110 is arranged in an in-body space of the image forming apparatus 101.

[0046] The image forming device 101 forms an image on a sheet of paper P, and discharges the sheet of paper P with the image formed thereon to a post-processing device 110. The image forming device 101 includes a tray for accommodating the sheet of paper P, a conveying unit for conveying the sheet of paper P accommodated in the tray, and an image forming unit for forming an image on the sheet of paper P conveyed by the conveying unit. The image forming unit can perform a known image forming method. For example, it may be an inkjet method for spraying liquid ink onto the sheet of paper P and causing it to adhere to form an image, or it may be an electronic photography method for forming an image using a toner. The structure and operation of the image forming device 101 may be well known, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0047] Next, the post-processing apparatus 110 as one embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail. Figure 2 1 is an internal structure diagram of the post-processing device 110 involved in the first embodiment. The post-processing device 110 has a function of performing post-processing on the paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming device 101, receives the paper P on which an image is formed from an input port 1100 for receiving the paper P from the image forming device 101, and performs a binding process to bind a bundle of multiple sheets of paper Pb.

[0048] More specifically, the binding process involved in the present embodiment includes "pressure binding" in which a binding position is pressed to deform a paper bundle Pb formed by stacking a plurality of paper sheets P, and "needle binding" in which a staple is used to bind the paper bundle Pb at the binding position. In addition, pressure binding includes an end binding process for binding the ends of the paper bundle Pb and a saddle binding process for binding the center of the paper bundle Pb.

[0049] The post-processing device 110 includes a first conveying roller pair 111 and a second conveying roller pair 112 for conveying the paper P input from the input port 1100 along the conveying path. The first conveying roller pair 111 and the second conveying roller pair 112 convey the paper P supplied from the image forming device 101 along the first conveying path Ph1 inside the post-processing device 110.

[0050] The first transport path Ph1 is a path from an input port 1100 through which the paper P is input into the image forming apparatus 101 to the internal tray 114 .

[0051] [End binding process]

[0052] The post-processing device 110 includes a return conveying roller 113, an internal tray 114, a bottom end fence 115, a side fence 116 not shown, an end needle binding processing section 117 and an end crimping binding processing section 118 as end binding processing sections, a discharge roller pair 119 and a discharge tray 120.

[0053] The return conveying roller 113 is a conveying roller for placing the paper P that has passed through the second conveying roller pair 112 on the inner tray 114 and conveying it to the bottom end stopper 115. The conveying direction of the return conveying roller 113 is different from the conveying direction of the first conveying roller pair 111 and the second conveying roller pair 112, and is equivalent to a direction (opposite direction) returning from the conveying direction of the first conveying roller pair 111 and the second conveying roller pair 112. Therefore, the conveying of the return conveying roller 113 is called switchback conveying.

[0054] In addition, the paper P as a sheet is conveyed to the inner tray 114 for binding by the first conveying roller pair 111, the second conveying roller pair 112, and the return conveying roller 113. The first conveying roller pair 111, the second conveying roller pair 112, the return conveying roller 113, and the first conveying path Ph1 constitute a conveying unit for conveying the paper P to the inner tray 114 as a loading unit.

[0055] The inner tray 114 is equivalent to a loading unit for temporarily loading a plurality of sheets of paper P that are sequentially transported. The sheets of paper P loaded on the inner tray 114 are transported back by the return transport roller 113 to a position where they collide with the bottom end stopper 115. The bottom end stopper 115 is a aligning member for aligning and aligning the ends of the transport direction formed by the switchback transport. The ends of the plurality of sheets of paper P loaded on the inner tray 114 are aligned and aligned by the bottom end stopper 115 to form a paper bundle Pb.

[0056] In addition, Figure 2 Although not shown in the figure, a pair of side fences 116 are arranged in the width direction of the inner tray 114 (the width direction of the paper P). In other words, a pair of side fences 116 are arranged at both side ends of the inner tray 114 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the paper P for switchback conveyance, that is, the conveying direction when the paper P is conveyed to the end fence 115.

[0057] The side fence 116 performs an "alignment operation", that is, repeatedly contacts and separates the widthwise ends of the plurality of paper sheets P loaded on the inner tray 114. Through this alignment operation, the widthwise ends of the plurality of paper sheets P are also aligned. That is, the side fence 116 constitutes an alignment member for aligning and aligning the widthwise ends of the paper sheets P loaded on the inner tray 114 (the widthwise ends in the direction orthogonal to the conveying direction).

[0058] The end needle binding processing section 117 and the end pressure binding processing section 118 as end binding processing sections perform binding processing on the end portions of the paper bundle Pb aligned by the bottom end fence 115 and the side fence 116 .

[0059] After the binding process is performed, the return conveying roller 113 contacts the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 114 and rotates. The rotation direction at this time is the rotation direction opposite to the rotation direction when the switchback conveying is performed. Therefore, the paper bundle Pb subjected to the end binding process is discharged from the first discharge port 1101 to the discharge tray 120 by the return conveying roller 113.

[0060] There are various types of "end binding processing" performed on the paper bundle Pb by the end needle binding processing unit 117 and the end pressure contact binding processing unit 118. For example, there are "parallel binding processing" in which binding processing is performed along one side parallel to the main scanning direction of the paper bundle Pb, "oblique binding processing" in which binding processing is performed on the corner of the paper bundle Pb, and "two-position binding processing" in which binding processing is performed at a plurality of locations separated in the width direction along one side parallel to the conveying direction of the paper bundle Pb.

[0061] Figure 3 11 is a schematic diagram of the end binding processing unit 1110 including the end needle binding processing unit 117 and the end crimping binding processing unit 118 as viewed from the first discharge port 1101 toward the bottom end stopper 115. Figure 3 As shown in the figure, the end stitching processing unit 1110 is installed on the end stitching processing unit base member 151 in a state where the end stitching processing unit 117 and the end crimping stitching processing unit 118 are separated from each other in the main scanning direction, and are supported on a guide shaft 152 extending in the main scanning direction via the end stitching processing unit base member 151. Therefore, both the end stitching processing unit 117 and the end crimping stitching processing unit 118 are supported so as to be movable along the guide shaft 152.

[0062] The end needle binding processing unit 117 includes an end needle binding main scanning moving motor 161, a driving force transmission mechanism 162, and an end needle binding processing unit base component 163, and is configured to be movable relative to the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 152 through the driving force of the end needle binding main scanning moving motor 161.

[0063] The end stitch stapling main scanning moving motor 161 generates a driving force for moving the end stitch stapling processing unit 117. The driving force transmission mechanism 162 transmits the driving force of the end stitch stapling main scanning moving motor 161 to the end stitch stapling processing unit base member 163 via a pulley or a timing belt. Thus, the end stitch stapling processing unit 117 can move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 152.

[0064] The end stitching processing section 117 further includes an end stitching posture rotating motor 164 that rotates relative to the end stitching processing section base member 163 about a stitching rotating shaft 165 as a rotation center.

[0065] The end stitch binding processing section 117 includes an end stitch binding clamping motor 166, and performs stitch binding processing by opening and closing a needle clamp 167 to allow the needle to penetrate and clamp the paper bundle Pb.

[0066] The end crimping processing unit 118 includes an end crimping main scanning moving motor 171, a driving force transmission mechanism 172, and an end crimping processing unit base component 173, and is configured to be movable relative to the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 152 through the driving force of the end crimping main scanning moving motor 171.

[0067] The end crimping main scanning moving motor 171 generates a driving force for moving the end crimping processing unit 118. The driving force transmission mechanism 172 transmits the driving force of the end crimping main scanning moving motor 171 to the end crimping processing unit base member 173 via a pulley or a timing belt. Thus, the end crimping processing unit 118 can move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 152.

[0068] The end portion crimping binding processing section 118 further includes an end portion crimping binding posture rotating motor 174 that rotates relative to the end portion crimping binding processing section base member 173 about a crimping binding rotating shaft 175 as a rotation center.

[0069] In addition, the end crimping binding processing unit 118 has an end crimping binding clamping motor 176, and the driving force of the end crimping binding clamping motor 176 causes the upper crimping teeth 177 to approach or separate from the lower crimping teeth 178 to perform an "opening and closing action". Through this opening and closing action, the end of the paper bundle Pb can be sandwiched between the concave-convex upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 and pressurized and deformed. Through this pressurized deformation, the fibers of the papers P constituting the paper bundle Pb are intertwined with each other, forming a paper bundle Pb composed of a plurality of papers P. In this way, the binding process performed by pressurized deformation is marked as "crimping binding".

[0070] Figure 4 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 as the crimping portion provided in the end crimping binding processing unit 118. Figure 4 As shown, the crimping portion has a pair of upper crimping teeth 177 and lower crimping teeth 178. The upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 are arranged to face each other in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb so as to be able to clamp the paper bundle Pb placed on the internal tray 114. The upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 are formed into a concave-convex shape in which concave portions and convex portions are alternately formed. In addition, the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 are formed by staggering the concave portions and convex portions in a manner that they mesh with each other. Furthermore, the crimping portion is configured so that the upper crimping teeth 177 are opened and closed (contacted / separated) relative to the lower crimping teeth 178 by the driving force of the end crimping binding clamping motor 176.

[0071] In the process where a plurality of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb are fed to the inner tray 114, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in (a), the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 are separated from each other. Then, when all the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle Pb are placed on the inner tray 114 and the prescribed integration operation (operation to align the ends) is completed, the end crimping binding processing unit 118 moves to the binding position, as shown in FIG. Figure 4 As shown in (b), the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 approach and mesh with each other. That is, the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 clamp the binding position relative to the paper bundle Pb, and pressurize and deform the paper bundle Pb in the thickness direction. As a result, the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 114 is crimped and bound. Then, the crimped and bound paper bundle Pb is discharged from the first discharge port 1101 to the discharge tray 120 through the discharge roller pair 119.

[0072] In addition, since the end crimping binding processing unit 118 only needs to perform the function of applying pressure to the paper bundle Pb to perform crimping at a specific position, when the paper bundle Pb is sandwiched between the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 for binding, it is sufficient for them to mesh and apply pressure. Therefore, the structure that can perform the action of closing the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 is not limited to the structure example disclosed in the present embodiment. For example, it can be a crimping mechanism of a connecting rod mechanism type that uses a driving source and a connecting rod mechanism that only rotates forward or reversely to perform the approach (crimping) and separation of the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 (for example, the crimping mechanism disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 6057167). In addition, it can also be a direct-acting crimping mechanism that converts the rotational motion of the driving source into a linear motion to perform the crimping and separation of the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 in a linear manner.

[0073] In addition, if Figure 3 As shown, the crimping section is provided with a binding teeth sliding mechanism for moving the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 relative to the frame of the end crimping binding processing section 118. The binding teeth sliding mechanism is composed of a binding teeth sliding motor 179 and a drive transmission mechanism as a direct-acting conversion mechanism such as a rack and pinion mechanism or a crank mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the binding teeth sliding motor 179. When the driving force from the binding teeth sliding motor 179 is transmitted to the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 through the drive transmission mechanism, the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 slide and move along their respective length directions (the length direction of the end binding processing section base member 151).

[0074] Here, the sliding movement amount of the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 is, for example, equal to the crimping mark length. In addition, the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 perform multiple crimping binding actions before and after the sliding movement. That is, when the crimping mark length of the upper crimping teeth 177 and the lower crimping teeth 178 is 10 mm, by making the sliding movement amount also 10 mm, the crimping action before the sliding movement (the first pressing stroke) and the crimping action after the sliding movement (the second pressing stroke) are combined, and a crimping mark length of 20 mm wide can be obtained, and the binding force is increased to about 2 times.

[0075] [Overview of Binding Processing]

[0076] Figure 5 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating the positions of the end stitch binding processing section 117 and the end pressure contact binding processing section 118 according to the processing steps. Figure 5 (a) of FIG. 1 illustrates a standby state (standby state) for binding processing. Figure 5 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , in the standby state, the end needle stapling processing unit 117 is located at the needle stapling standby position HP1 , and the end pressure stapling processing unit 118 is located at the pressure stapling standby position HP2 .

[0077] Figure 5 (b) and Figure 5 (c) shows an example of the situation where the end crimping binding processing unit 118 performs the oblique binding processing. Figure 5 As shown in (b), before the first sheet P1 constituting the sheet bundle Pb is supplied to the inner tray 114, the end-end pressing binding processing unit 118 is moved in the main scanning direction and rotated obliquely so that the end-end pressing binding processing unit 118 can face the first binding position B1. The movement and rotation of the end-end pressing binding processing unit 118 are determined by Fig.10 The control is performed by a controller 190 which is a control unit described later.

[0078] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in (c), the controller 190 performs the alignment operation each time the paper P is conveyed to the inner tray 114, while the end crimping stapling processing unit 118 is arranged at a position facing the first stapling position B1. The alignment operation is performed by the controller 190 controlling the side fence 116 to slide in the width direction.

[0079] Next, the controller 190 Figure 5 In the state shown in (c), the stacking and alignment operations of the sheets of paper P are repeated until the number of sheets of paper P constituting the sheet bundle Pb reaches a predetermined number N.

[0080] Next, when the controller 190 detects that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 114 has reached the predetermined number N, it operates the edge pressure binding processing unit 118 to perform pressure binding at the first binding position B1 of the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 114 .

[0081] Next, the controller 190 discharges the paper bundle Pb subjected to the crimping binding at the first binding position B1 to the discharge tray 120. Furthermore, the controller 190 moves the end crimping binding processing unit 118 to the end crimping binding processing unit 118. Figure 5 The pressure-bonding standby position HP2 shown in (a) is shown.

[0082] Figure 5 (d) and Figure 5 (e) illustrates a situation where the end-stitch binding processing unit 117 performs two-position binding processing. The second binding position B2 and the third binding position B3 are separated from each other in the main scanning direction. Before the first sheet P1 constituting the sheet bundle Pb is supplied to the inner tray 114, the controller 190 moves the end-stitch binding processing unit 117 in the main scanning direction so that the end-stitch binding processing unit 117 can face the second binding position B2. Then, as shown in FIG. Figure 5 As shown in (d) of FIG. 1 , the controller 190 causes the side fence 116 to perform the alignment operation in a state where the end stitch binding processing unit 117 is moved to a position facing the second binding position B2 .

[0083] Next, the controller 190 Figure 5 In the state shown in (d), the stacking and alignment operations of the sheets of paper P are repeated until the number of sheets of paper P constituting the sheet bundle Pb reaches a predetermined number N.

[0084] Next, when the controller 190 detects that the number of sheets P placed on the inner tray 114 has reached the predetermined number N, the controller 190 operates the end stitching processing unit 117 to perform stitching at the first stitching position B1 on the sheet bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 114 .

[0085] Then, if Figure 5 As shown in (e) of FIG. 1 , the controller 190 makes the end stitch stapling processing unit 117 face the third stapling position B3 and performs the stitch stapling operation at the third stapling position B3 on the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 114 .

[0086] In addition, Figure 5In the example, in the two-place binding, after the binding process is performed on the second binding position B2, the binding process is performed on the third binding position B3, but the order of performing the two-place binding is not limited to this. That is, the two-place binding can also be performed by binding the second binding position B2 after the third binding position B3. In the case of a continuous number of binding copies, the third binding position B3 is bound after the second binding position B2 is bound in the odd-numbered copy, and the second binding position B2 is bound after the third binding position B3 is bound in the even-numbered copy. In this way, by performing the binding process by changing the order of the binding positions according to the order of the overall number of binding copies, the efficiency of the binding process can be improved.

[0087] Next, the controller 190 discharges the paper bundle Pb that has been stapled by needles at the second stapling position B2 and the third stapling position B3 to the discharge tray 120. Figure 5 As shown in (a) of FIG. 1 , the controller 190 moves the end stitch stapling processing section 117 to the stitch stapling standby position HP1 .

[0088] In the above embodiment, diagonal binding at the corners of the paper bundle Pb and binding at two locations are described as examples, but the present invention can also be applied to binding at three or more locations of the paper bundle Pb divided in the main scanning direction.

[0089] [Overview of the crimping saddle stitching process section]

[0090] Here, return Figure 2 , the part that performs the crimping saddle stitching process in the structure of the post-processing device 110 is described in detail. Figure 2 As shown, the post-processing device 110 has a return conveying roller 113, an internal tray 114, a side guard plate 116 not shown, a movable bottom end guard plate 131, a folding plate 132, a folding roller pair 133, a folding plate engaging roller 134, a folded booklet discharge roller pair 135 and a folded booklet discharge tray 136.

[0091] The movable bottom end fence 131, the folding plate 132 and the folding roller pair 133 constitute a folding unit. In addition, the folding plate 132, the folding roller pair 133 and the folding plate engaging roller 134 constitute a pressure-bonding saddle stitching unit.

[0092] The movable bottom stopper 131 is a mechanism that moves the end of the paper P placed on the inner tray 114 in the conveying direction to align the folding position near the center of the paper P in the conveying direction with the position of the folding plate 132 .

[0093] After only the predetermined number N of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb are stacked on the inner tray 114 and the integration process is completed, the movable bottom end stopper 131 is moved and adjusted so that the folded position of the paper bundle Pb becomes a position facing the folding plate 132. Alternatively, at the stage of placing the predetermined number N of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, the position of the movable stopper may be moved so that the folded position of the paper bundle Pb becomes a position facing the folding plate 132, and then the paper P is placed on the inner tray 114. In either case, adjustment is performed so that the folded position of the paper bundle Pb becomes a position pushed by the folding plate 132 toward the folding roller pair 133. Then, in these adjusted states, the folding plate 132, the folding roller pair 133, and the folding plate engaging roller 134 operate to perform the pressure-bonding saddle stitching process.

[0094] More specifically, when the paper P input from the image forming device 101 leaves the second conveying roller pair 112 and is placed on the inner tray 114, the return conveying roller 113 turns the paper P back toward the movable bottom stopper 131 for conveyance. The series of steps from the turn-back conveyance to the conveyance step corresponds to the conveying step. At this time, the movable bottom stopper 131 may have moved to a position corresponding to the folding position, or may be located at the same position as the bottom stopper 115.

[0095] The inner tray 114 temporarily carries a plurality of sheets of paper P that are transported sequentially. A movable bottom stopper 131 is provided relative to the inner tray 114, and is movable to the side of the transport direction that is closer to the bottom stopper 115. The movable bottom stopper 131 is a component that can move along the inner tray 114 in the transport direction of the sheets of paper P. The movable bottom stopper 131 is equivalent to a structure that moves and changes the position of the sheets of paper P under the control of the controller 190 according to the transport direction length of the sheets of paper P placed on the inner tray 114 (the transport direction length in the switchback transport is also the same). The position of the movable bottom stopper 131 is set in such a way that the center position of the transport direction length of the sheets of paper P becomes a position opposite to the folding plate 132.

[0096] Although in Figure 2 Although the icons are omitted in the figure, the side fence 116 aligns the position of the paper P or the paper bundle Pb placed on the inner tray 114 in the main scanning direction (width direction). The pressure-bonding saddle stitching processing unit performs pressure-bonding saddle stitching processing on the paper bundle Pb aligned by the movable bottom end fence 131 and the side fence 116. The paper bundle Pb subjected to the pressure-bonding saddle stitching processing is discharged by the folding booklet discharge roller pair 135 and is stacked on the folding booklet discharge tray 136 through the second discharge port 1103.

[0097] [Operation of the crimping saddle stitching unit]

[0098] Then, use Figure 6 etc. to explain the process of the operation of the crimping saddle stitching unit. Figure 6 The diagram mainly shows the folding plate 132 as a folding plate component constituting a crimping saddle stitch binding unit, the folding roller pair 133 as a folding roller pair component, and the folding plate engaging roller 134 as a folding plate engaging component, and is a schematic diagram showing an overview of the folding binding process performed by these actions. Figure 6 (a) shows a state where the paper bundle Pb is loaded on the inner tray 114 after the conveying process and the loading process, the ends of the paper sheets P are aligned, and the positions of all the paper sheets P are aligned. Figure 6 In (a), the folding plate 132, the folding roller pair 133 and the folding plate engaging roller 134 are located at the initial positions.

[0099] The initial position of the folding plate 132 is a position away from the surface of the paper bundle Pb in a direction substantially perpendicular to the paper bundle Pb. In the initial position, the folding plate 132 is opposite to the bending position for folding the paper bundle Pb in half, and is moved by the folding plate moving motor 141 ( Fig.10 ), and is configured to be able to advance and retreat in the thickness direction of the paper bundle Pb. The advance and retreat of the folding plate 132 relative to the paper bundle Pb is performed between a push-in position for forming a folded portion and a retreat position for pulling the folding plate 132 out of the paper bundle Pb after the center of the paper bundle Pb is bent in the folding process of bending the central portion of the conveying direction length as a part of the paper bundle Pb. The retreat position of the folding plate 132 corresponds to the initial position (HP position).

[0100] The folding roller pair 133 is arranged symmetrically with respect to the center line of the folding plate 132. That is, the folding roller pair 133 is arranged at a symmetrical position with respect to the center line along the moving direction when the folding plate 132 performs a folding operation on the paper P. The folding roller pair 133 is configured by rotating the folding roller pair motor 142 (see Fig.10 ) to rotate. In addition, the folding roller pair 133 has a folding roller pair contact / separation motor 143 (see Fig.10 ) can be approached and separated from each other.

[0101] The distance between the pair of rollers constituting the folding roller pair 133 is adjusted by the control of the controller 190. When the paper bundle Pb is pushed toward the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133 by the folding plate 132, the pair of rollers of the folding roller pair 133 are set to the "receiving position" where the clamping position is separated by a predetermined amount of separation by the control of the controller 190. In addition, the controller 190 may set the position of the folding roller pair 133 to a position further separated than the receiving position before the start of the folding process. In the folding roller pair 133, the "receiving position" when the paper bundle Pb is received is also the position when the paper bundle Pb is on standby in the folding and binding process, and therefore is also equivalent to the standby position.

[0102] The folding plate engaging roller 134 constituting the spine crimping binding unit is a cylindrical roller-shaped component, and a rotation axis is set in the direction of passing through the two ends of the outer peripheral portion clamping the cylindrical portion, and is supported by an axis in a manner that can rotate with the rotation axis as the rotation center. Then, the folding plate engaging roller 134 has a plurality of annular concave and convex engaging crimping teeth 134a arranged on the cylindrical outer peripheral portion (cylindrical outer peripheral surface). In addition, the folding plate engaging roller 134 has a flange portion 134b with an outer diameter larger than the engaging crimping teeth 134a at both ends of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The flange portion 134b as a flange portion has the same diameter at both ends of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface.

[0103] The engagement crimping teeth 134a of the folding plate engagement roller 134 are gear-like portions having projections and depressions formed repeatedly at predetermined intervals on the cylindrical outer peripheral surface of the folding plate engagement roller 134. The projections and depressions are formed parallel to the rotation axis of the folding plate engagement roller 134.

[0104] The crimping saddle stitching process involved in this embodiment first performs a folding process. In the folding process, the controller 190 first adjusts the position of a pair of rollers constituting the folding roller pair 133 through the folding roller pair contact / separation motor 143 to enter a state capable of receiving the paper bundle Pb. The folding roller pair contact / separation motor 143 adjusts the spacing at the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133. The adjustment amount (separation amount) at this time is the folding plate 132 pushing the center of the conveying direction (length direction) of the paper bundle Pb into the clamping position (spacing) of the folding roller pair 133, and is used to form a gap in which the folding plate 132 can push the paper bundle Pb while moving at the clamping position. Therefore, the adjustment amount of the spacing at the receiving position of the folding roller pair 133 is changed according to the specified number N of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, the size information including the size and thickness of the paper P, etc.

[0105] That is, as a pre-stage of the folding process, when the folding plate 132 guides the paper bundle Pb to between the rollers of the folding roller pair 133 (the clamping position), the controller 190 separates the rollers to a state where the folding plate 132 and the paper bundle Pb can pass between the rollers. At the "receiving position", that is, the position of the rollers constituting the folding roller pair 133 at this time, for example, the outer circumferences of the rollers are slightly separated.

[0106] Then, if Figure 6 As shown in (b), the folding plate 132 guides the paper bundle Pb to the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133. At this time, the folding plate 132 is pushed by the elastic force of the folding roller pair pressure member 144. The degree to which the paper bundle Pb is pressed by the folding plate 132 is determined by the push at this time. The folding plate 132 is formed on the paper bundle Pb by the push at this time and the movement of the folding plate 132.

[0107] In addition, information for adjusting the receiving position in the folding roller pair 133 (the type and thickness of the paper P, and the number of sheets of paper P constituting one unit of the paper bundle Pb) is preset in the controller 190 via the operation panel 102. That is, when the folding process starts, the controller 190 calculates an adjustment value based on the number of sheets of paper P constituting the paper bundle Pb, the type of paper P (mainly the difference in thickness), etc., which have been set, and uses the value after the thickness of the folding plate 132 is cumulatively calculated as the adjustment amount of the pitch.

[0108] like Figure 6 As shown in (b), the folding plate 132 moves forward while deforming the paper bundle Pb toward the folding roller pair 133 with the adjusted spacing. At this time, the folding roller pair 133, which serves as a folding unit, rotates in accordance with the traveling speed of the folding plate 132, and pushes the paper bundle Pb in a direction orthogonal to the traveling direction. That is, the folding plate 132 and the paper bundle Pb guided by the traveling of the folding plate 132 are pushed between the folding roller pair 133. When the paper bundle Pb is pushed into the folding roller pair 133, the pushing position of the paper bundle Pb is bent, so that the folding is performed. When the paper bundle Pb is guided (pushed) between the folding roller pair 133 by the folding plate 132, the spacing between the folding roller pair 133 is pushed open by an amount equivalent to the thickness of the paper bundle Pb × 2.

[0109] Furthermore, if Figure 6 As shown in (c), the front end of the folding plate 132 continues to move forward to a position sufficiently beyond the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133 to perform a folding process on the paper bundle Pb. In this folding process, a portion of the paper bundle Pb (the portion at the approximate center of the conveying direction) becomes a fold portion Fp (see Fig. 9 ). When executing as Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 When the process in (c) is folded in half, Figure 6 As shown in (c) , the folding plate engaging roller 134 is located at a retracted position away from the front end of the folding plate 132 that has passed the clamping position.

[0110] Then, if Figure 6 As shown in (d), the folding plate engaging roller 134 moves from the retracted position toward the folding plate 132. The moving destination at this time is the engaging position, which is the position where the folding plate engaging roller 134 and the folding plate 132 are in contact with each other via the paper bundle Pb. When the folding plate engaging roller 134 moves to the engaging position, it becomes a pushing state in which the paper bundle Pb is sandwiched between the folding plate 132 and the folding plate engaging roller 134. In this pushing state, the paper bundle Pb is pushed from both sides by meshing the concave-convex shape formed on the front end of the folding plate 132 and the engaging crimping teeth 134a as a concave-convex shape formed on the circumferential surface of the folding plate engaging roller 134, so that pressure is applied and pressed.

[0111] At the same time, the paper bundle Pb is folded in the direction opposite to the traveling direction of the folding plate 132 by the flange 134b of the folding plate engaging roller 134 and the folding plate 132. Since the folding position (folding position) is formed by the flange 134b, the paper bundle Pb has two folds f (see FIG. 1 ) formed at positions corresponding to the distance between the flanges 134b starting from the center of the length in the conveying direction. Fig. 9 ). At this time, the fold f is formed at two locations with the ridge Cb sandwiched therebetween. That is, the ridge Cb is formed in a substantially flat area between the two folds f. In addition, by engaging the crimping teeth 134a, a stripe mark is also formed substantially parallel to the fold portion. The stripe mark is also substantially parallel to the fold f. That is, this process is equivalent to a ridge forming process.

[0112] That is, while the paper bundle Pb is pushed and clamped by the folding plate 132 and the folding plate engaging roller 134, the controller 190 causes the folding plate engaging roller 134 to sweep in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the paper bundle Pb. During the sweep in the width direction, the folding plate engaging roller 134 rotates. That is, while the paper bundle Pb is pushed onto the folding plate 132, the folding plate engaging roller 134 rotates and moves relative to the width direction of the paper bundle Pb. At this time, the paper bundle Pb protruding in the thickness direction of the folding plate engaging roller 134 is clamped in an enclosed manner by the flange portion 134b of the folding plate engaging roller 134. Through this action, a square ridge is formed on the paper bundle Pb, and the formed ridge Cb is also crimped and bound. That is, Figure 6 The action described in (d) is a spine folding process, which is also a crimping process, and is equivalent to a spine folding crimping process. In this spine folding crimping process, a stripe mark is formed approximately parallel to the fold portion by the engaging crimping teeth 134a of the folding plate engaging roller 134. The stripe mark is also approximately parallel to the fold f.

[0113] Finally, if Figure 6 As shown in (e), the controller 190 causes the folding plate engaging roller 134 to retreat in the width direction of the paper bundle Pb, and also causes the folding plate 132 to retreat to the retreat position. Then, the controller 190 causes the folding roller pair 133 to rotate, so that the paper bundle Pb passes between the folding roller pair 133, and the pressure-bonded saddle-stitched booklet with the spine Cb pressure-bonded is discharged to the folded booklet discharge tray 136 (see Figure 2 )discharge.

[0114] As described above, when the post-processing device 110 involved in the present embodiment performs saddle-stitching on the paper bundle Pb, first, after performing the folding process, a spine folding process is performed to form the spine Cb of the folded paper bundle Pb. Then, further thereafter, the saddle-stitching process is completed by performing a crimping binding process on the spine Cb. That is, in the saddle-stitching method of the sheet material processing method involved in the present invention, the paper bundle Pb is folded in half after the spine folding process is performed, and then the formed spine Cb is subjected to a crimping binding process. Thus, unlike the conventional method, the crimping binding will not be peeled off due to the folding process and the page turning operation, and a crimping saddle-stitched booklet that is easy to open with double pages can be formed.

[0115] Figure 7 The figure is a cross-sectional view of the operation of the saddle stitching processing unit, and is a cross-sectional view of the folding plate 132 viewed from the paper conveying direction side at the thickness center position. The thickness center position of the folding plate 132 corresponds to the folding center line. The folding plate 132 has folding concave-convex teeth 132a as folding plate pressing teeth with a concave-convex shape on the sheet pushing surface which is the opposite surface to the folding plate engaging roller 134 in the traveling direction.

[0116] Figure 7 (a) is equivalent to Figure 6 As described above, in Figure 6 In the state shown in (c) of FIG. 1 , the folding plate 132 pushes the paper bundle Pb to a position exceeding the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133 .

[0117] When the paper bundle Pb is pushed into the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133 by the folding plate 132 and moves, the folding plate engaging roller 134 waits at a position outside the width direction length of the paper bundle Pb that becomes a booklet when the paper bundle Pb is folded in half. The waiting position at this time is equivalent to the initial position (HP position). The initial position (HP position) is the outside of the main scanning direction of the folding plate engaging roller 134 relative to the paper bundle Pb that is pushed into the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133 and moves, which is equivalent to a position separated from the paper bundle Pb. In addition, Figure 7 Among the components of the hinge plate engaging roller 134, only the engaging pressing teeth 134a are shown.

[0118] The folding plate engaging roller 134 (engaging pressing teeth 134a) is driven by the folding plate engaging roller to sweep the motor 145 ( Fig.10 ) moves in the main scanning direction (width direction). In the saddle stitching processing unit, a clamping roller guide rail 146 is provided as a folding plate clamping roller contact / separation mechanism, and the clamping pressure contact teeth 134a of the folding plate clamping roller 134 are configured to move along the clamping roller guide rail 146 in the main scanning direction.

[0119] The engaging roller guide rail 146 has a dimension longer than the dimension of the paper bundle Pb in the main scanning direction, and a portion of the engaging roller guide rail 146 located outside the end portion of the paper bundle Pb in the main scanning direction is separated from the folded portion of the paper bundle Pb that has passed through the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133. In addition, a portion of the engaging roller guide rail 146 located inside the end portion of the paper bundle Pb in the main scanning direction is close to the folded portion of the paper bundle Pb that has passed through the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133.

[0120] Therefore, the engaging and pressing teeth 134a of the folding plate engaging roller 134 do not contact the folded portion formed on the paper bundle Pb on the outside including the end in the main scanning direction relative to the paper bundle Pb, and move while sandwiching the folded portion with the folding plate 132 on the inside of the end in the main scanning direction. Then, the engaging and pressing teeth 134a move along the engaging roller guide rail 146 in the main scanning direction, and are sequentially pressed and bound at the positions where the folded portion of the paper bundle Pb is sandwiched with the folding plate 132.

[0121] Figure 7 (b) is equivalent to Figure 6 The state (d) is equivalent to a pressurized state in which the engaging crimping teeth 134a of the folding plate engaging roller 134 are pressed by the folding plate 132 to pressurize and deform the paper bundle Pb clamped by the folding plate 132. When the folding plate engaging roller 134 sweeps the paper bundle Pb while forming the ridge Cb at the folding portion of the paper bundle Pb, the folding roller pair 133 is in a pressurized state in which the paper bundle Pb is clamped and does not move, so that the paper bundle Pb is not pushed back. The control of maintaining the pressurized state of the folding roller pair 133 is performed by the controller 190. That is, when the crimping saddle stitching process is performed on the paper bundle Pb, the folding roller pair 133 is controlled to maintain the pressurized state so that the folding plate 132 does not retreat due to the pressure of the folding plate engaging roller 134.

[0122] Then, as the folding plate engaging roller 132 pushes the folding plate 132, the concave-convex teeth of the engaging crimping teeth 134a of the folding plate engaging roller 134 and the folding concave-convex teeth 134a provided on the pushing surface of the folding plate 132 engage in a manner of sandwiching the paper bundle Pb. As a result, the spine Cb of the paper bundle Pb is intermittently pressurized and deformed in the main scanning direction, and the crimping binding process is performed.

[0123] The folding plate engaging roller 134 sweeps the motor 145 ( Fig.10 ) When scanning in the main scanning direction, the meshing position of the engagement pressure contact teeth 134a of the folding plate engagement roller 134 and the folding concave-convex teeth 132a of the folding plate moves in the main scanning direction. By moving the meshing position (engagement position), the crimping binding process of the spine Cb of the paper bundle Pb is performed. During the execution of the crimping binding process, in order to maintain the engagement position while allowing the folding plate engagement roller 134 to reciprocate in the main scanning direction, the folding roller pair 133 is maintained in a state of being pushed toward the clamping position. In this way, the paper bundle Pb and the folding plate 132 are prevented from coming out due to the push of the folding plate engagement roller 134.

[0124] Thus, when the engaging crimping teeth 134a approach the ridge Cb formed on the paper bundle Pb, they move in an oblique direction from the outside in the width direction of the paper bundle Pb toward the ridge Cb. As a result, they approach from a direction that does not collide with the end of the ridge Cb in the width direction of the paper bundle Pb, and the position of engagement with the folding concave-convex teeth 132a of the folding plate 132 starts from the inside of the end of the width direction of the paper Pb. Thus, when passing through the end of the paper bundle Pb, it is possible to prevent the end from being lifted up.

[0125] Figure 7 As shown in (c), after the spine Cb of the paper bundle Pb is crimped and bound, it is retracted to the retracted position from the width of the paper bundle Pb in the main scanning direction and is also separated in the folded discharge direction.

[0126] When the next paper bundle Pb is continuously crimped and saddle-stitched, the paper bundle Pb is moved in the opposite direction in the main scanning direction. Figure 7 (b) moves from left to right. In the even-numbered parts, Figure 7 In (b), it moves from right to left.

[0127] In addition, as the folding plate engaging roller contact / separation mechanism according to the present embodiment, an engaging roller guide rail 146 and a folding plate engaging roller sweeping motor 145 ( Fig.10 ) is configured, but is not limited thereto. A moving motor may also be provided to enable the folding plate engaging roller 134 to move in and out and retreat in the folding and discharging direction.

[0128] Figure 8 The figure shows a state when the saddle stitching processing unit presses the paper bundle Pb. The folding roller pair 133 sandwiches the folding plate 132 and the paper bundle Pb, and applies force to the folding plate 132 through the folding roller pair pressure member 144. The folding roller pair pressure member 144 is an elastic member such as a spring, so that while the folding roller pair 133 is pressed against the folding plate 132, the folding plate 132 and the paper bundle Pb are pushed back by the elastic force when they travel between the folding roller pair 133.

[0129] exist Figure 6 (b) and Figure 6 In the state (c), since the folding roller pair 133 pushes the paper bundle Pb toward the folding plate 132 while conveying it, when the paper bundle Pb passes between the folding roller pair 133, the folding portion is pushed by the end of the folding plate 132 in the traveling direction, thereby folding the paper bundle Pb. Figure 6 In the state (d), the folding roller pair 133 presses the paper bundle Pb, and the folding plate engaging roller 134 holds the paper bundle Pb during the pressure binding.

[0130] In addition, the folding plate engaging roller 134 sandwiches the paper bundle Pb and is pressed toward the folding plate 132 by the folding plate engaging roller pressure member 147. With this pressing force, the engaging crimping teeth 134a of the folding plate engaging roller 134 perform pressure-bonding. Then, by the pressing of the engaging crimping teeth 134a toward the folding plate 132, the portion of the paper bundle Pb sandwiched between the end portion in the thickness direction of the folding plate 132 and the flange portion 134b is bent toward the direction along the folding plate 132. The bending direction is opposite to the direction in which the folding plate 132 enters. At this time, the bent portion is formed at two locations separated by a predetermined interval in the thickness direction of the folding plate 132, and thus a square spine is formed in the paper bundle Pb by the pressure-bonding saddle-stitching action. That is, square spine folding is performed by the pressure-bonding process.

[0131] When the folding plate engaging roller 134 performs the crimping binding process while sweeping in the main scanning direction as described above, assuming that the tooth line of the engaging crimping teeth 134a is orthogonal to the main scanning direction, the pressure point moves in sequence while in line contact to perform the crimping binding. At this time, at the pressure point, the force that squeezes the paper bundle Pb is stronger than the force that stretches the paper bundle Pb. On the other hand, as in the present embodiment, if the tooth line of the engaging crimping teeth 134a is parallel to the main scanning direction, then Figure 4As described above, the upper pressing teeth 177 and the lower pressing teeth 178 can be pressed in parallel with the main scanning direction. As a result, the sheets P can be partially stretched and entangled with each other at the binding position where the pressing binding is performed, and more secure pressing binding can be obtained.

[0132] [Booklet Bk]

[0133] Fig. 9 2 is a perspective view illustrating a booklet Bk formed by the above-mentioned crimping saddle-stitching action. Fig. 9 As shown, the paper bundle Pb is folded at the folding portion Fp to form a booklet Bk, and a square spine is formed on its spine Cb. Then, on the spine Cb, the pressing marks Ct that are deformed by the engagement pressing teeth 134a and the folding plate 132 are formed at predetermined intervals in the length direction of the spine Cb. The pressing marks Ct can be formed at a position that overlaps with the position (the folding portion Fp) that is bent by the folding process of the paper bundle Pb. In addition, the movable parts of the booklet Bk when turning the pages are two folds f that form the spine Cb. The two folds f are formed near the two sides of the pressing marks Ct.

[0134] Therefore, the booklet Bk formed by the saddle stitching process and the pressure-bonding process involved in this embodiment, when the pages are turned through the fold f of the page turning operation, the load is not applied to the pressure-bonded portion, so it is a structure that does not induce the peeling of the binding portion due to the page turning operation. In addition, since the fold f is formed at two locations sandwiching the spine Cb, the fold f that can move during the page turning operation is any one of the two locations. The fold f is a position that does not overlap with the fold portion Fp pushed into the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133 by the folding plate 132. And, the binding position of the pressure-bonding process is formed in the fold portion Fp.

[0135] Therefore, when turning pages, the pages are turned at the fold f, and since the fold portion Fp corresponding to the central portion when the booklet Bk is opened is in a bound state, the paper pages are not turned across the binding position. That is, since the fold line (fold f) is symmetrical on both sides of the binding position, the left and right openings can be equal, and the quality of the booklet Bk is also maintained.

[0136] [Control composition]

[0137] Fig.10 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the controller 190 for controlling the operation of the post-processing device 110 according to the first embodiment. Fig.10As shown, the controller 190 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 191 , a RAM (Random Access Memory) 192 , a ROM (Read Only Memory) 193 , an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 194 , and an I / F 15 , which are mutually connected via a common bus 16 .

[0138] The CPU 11 is a computing unit that controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 110. The RAM 12 is a volatile storage medium that can read and write information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 11 processes information. The ROM 13 is a non-volatile storage medium dedicated to reading, and stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 14 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (operating system), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0139] The post-processing device 110 processes the control program stored in the ROM 13, the information processing program (application program) loaded from the storage medium such as the HDD 14 to the RAM 12, etc. through the calculation function of the CPU 101. Through this processing, a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 110 is formed. The combination of the software control unit thus formed and the hardware resources mounted on the post-processing device 110 constitutes a functional block that realizes the function of the post-processing device 110. That is, the CPU 11, RAM 12, ROM 13 and HDD 14 constitute a controller 190 (control unit) that controls the operation of the post-processing device 110.

[0140] I / F15 is an interface that connects the first conveying roller pair 111, the second conveying roller pair 112, the return conveying roller 113, the side baffle 116, the discharge roller pair 119, the movable bottom end baffle 131, the folding plate moving motor 141, the folding roller pair rotating motor 142, the folding roller pair contact / separation motor 143, the folding plate engaging roller sweeping motor 145, the end needle binding main scanning moving motor 161, the end needle binding posture rotating motor 164, the end needle binding clamping motor 166, the crimping end binding main scanning moving motor 171, the end crimping binding posture rotating motor 174, the crimping end binding clamping motor 176, the binding tooth sliding motor 179, the crimping roller moving motor 188 and the operation panel 102 to the common bus 16.

[0141] The controller 190 activates the first conveying roller pair 111, the second conveying roller pair 112, the return conveying roller 113, the side baffle 116, the discharge roller pair 119, the movable bottom baffle 131, the folding plate moving motor 141, the folding roller pair rotating motor 142, the folding roller pair contact / separation motor 143, the folding plate engaging roller sweeping motor 145, the end needle binding main scanning moving motor 161, the end needle binding posture rotating motor 164, the end needle binding clamping motor 166, the crimping end binding main scanning moving motor 171, the end crimping binding posture rotating motor 174, the crimping end binding clamping motor 176, the binding tooth sliding motor 179, and the crimping roller moving motor 188 through I / F15.

[0142] If already in Figure 1 As described in , the image forming apparatus 101 includes an operation panel 102. The operation panel 102 includes an operation unit that accepts input operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. Then, the operation panel 102 obtains information from the user through the operation unit and provides information to the user through the display. In addition, a specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may also be an LED light or a speaker, etc. In addition, the post-processing device 110 may also have the same operation panel 102 as described above.

[0143] [Modification 1]

[0144] Next, refer to Fig.11 and Fig.12 Modification 1 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in the first embodiment is that the component for performing pressure-bonding binding on the spine Cb formed after the folding process is performed on the paper bundle Pb is not a roller component such as the folding plate engaging roller 134, but a scraper component extending along the length direction of the spine Cb. That is, in modification 1, a folding plate engaging die head 181 is provided as a component engaged with the folding plate 132 for pressure-bonding the spine Cb. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0145] Fig.11 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modification 1 of the saddle stitching processing unit. The folding roller pair 133 sandwiches the folding plate 132 and the paper bundle Pb, and presses them against each other via the folding roller pair pressing member 144 .

[0146] The folding plate engaging die head 181 has a plurality of concave and convex shapes extending in parallel in the length direction as a group of engaging crimping teeth on the surface facing the folding plate 132. On the folding plate 132, on the opposite surface facing the folding plate engaging die head 181, there are folding concave and convex teeth 132a as a group of folding plate crimping teeth that engage with the group of engaging crimping teeth. The folding plate 132 pushes the paper bundle Pb into the folding roller pair 133. When the fold of the paper bundle Pb reaches the position where the folding plate engaging die head 181 can engage, the folding plate engaging die head 181 moves toward the folding plate 132 and pushes it to perform crimping binding. At this time, since the folding roller pair 133 is pushed toward the folding plate 132 by the folding roller pair pressure member 144, the folding plate 132 is prevented from being pushed back by the push from the folding plate engaging die head 181. The pressing force of the folding plate clamping die head 181 is used to perform the crimping binding by the crimping portion 181a of the folding plate clamping die head 181. As a result, a plurality of stripe marks are formed on the ridge Cb by a plurality of concave and convex shapes in a direction parallel to the length direction of the ridge Cb. The stripe marks are also substantially parallel to the fold f. In addition, the pressing force of the folding plate clamping die head 181 can perform the square spine folding on the paper bundle Pb by the flange portion 181b of the folding plate clamping die head 181.

[0147] Fig.12 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the modified example 1 of the saddle stitching processing unit, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the BB line, viewed from one side in the paper conveying direction, at the folding center line, in other words, at the thickness center of the folding plate 132 . Fig.12 (a) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate 132 pushes the paper bundle Pb to a position exceeding the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133, and the folding plate clamping die head 181 is located at the standby position (HP position) and is separated from the paper bundle Pb in the folding and discharging direction.

[0148] The folding plate clamping head 181 is moved by the folding plate clamping head moving motor 182 (see Fig.10 ) moves toward the folding plate.

[0149] Fig.12 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate clamping die head 181 is pushed onto the folding plate 132 with the paper bundle Pb clamped therein, and the concave-convex teeth of the crimping portion 181a of the folding plate clamping die head and the folding concave-convex teeth 132a provided on the pressing surface of the folding plate 132 clamp the paper bundle Pb. The folding plate clamping die head 181 is pressurized by the folding plate clamping die head pressurizing component 183 to crimp and bind the spine of the paper bundle Pb.

[0150] [Modification 2]

[0151] Next, refer to Fig.13Modification 2 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in modification 1 is that the concave and convex crimping teeth are not evenly arranged in the width direction, but are partially (intermittently) arranged. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0152] Fig.13 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the modified example 2 of the saddle stitching processing unit, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the folding center line, in other words, at the thickness center of the folding plate 184 as viewed from one side in the paper conveying direction. Fig.13 (a) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate 184 pushes the paper bundle Pb to a position exceeding the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133, and the folding plate clamping die head 185 is located at the standby position (HP position) and is separated from the paper bundle Pb in the folding and discharging direction.

[0153] The folding plate clamping head 185 is moved toward the folding plate by a folding plate clamping head moving motor 182 (not shown).

[0154] Fig.13 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate clamping die head 185 is pushed onto the folding plate 184 with the paper bundle Pb clamped therein, and the concave and convex teeth of the crimping portion 185a of the folding plate clamping die head and the crimping teeth 184a provided on the pressing surface of the folding plate 184 clamp the paper bundle Pb. The folding plate clamping die head 185 is pressurized by the folding plate clamping die head pressurizing member 183 to crimp and bind the spine of the paper bundle Pb.

[0155] [Variation 3]

[0156] Next, refer to Fig.14 Modification 3 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in modification 1 is that the folding plate engaging member is not moved linearly opposite to the folding plate 132 to engage, but is configured to move along a rotation trajectory so that the concave and convex crimping teeth engage in sequence. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0157] Fig.14 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the modified example 3 of the saddle stitching processing unit, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the folding center line, in other words, at the thickness center of the folding plate 132 as viewed from one side in the paper conveying direction. Fig.14 (a) corresponds to Figure 6The folding plate 132 pushes the paper bundle Pb to a position exceeding the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133, and the folding plate clamping die head 186 is located at the standby position (HP position) and is separated from the paper bundle Pb in the folding and discharging direction.

[0158] The folding plate clamping die head 186 is moved toward the folding plate by a folding plate clamping die head moving motor 182 (not shown), and moves by forming a rotation trajectory in a manner in which the concave and convex teeth mesh in sequence.

[0159] Fig.14 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate clamping die head 186 is pushed onto the folding plate 132 with the paper bundle Pb clamped therein, and the concave-convex teeth of the crimping portion 186a of the folding plate clamping die head and the folding concave-convex teeth 132a provided on the pressing surface of the folding plate 132 clamp the paper bundle Pb. The folding plate clamping die head 186 is pressurized by the folding plate clamping die head pressurizing component 183 to crimp and bind the spine of the paper bundle Pb.

[0160] In addition, the crimping portion 186a of the folding plate clamping die head may not be a flat surface but a curved surface, and concave and convex teeth are provided on the curved surface so that the concave and convex teeth mesh in sequence to form a rotation trajectory for movement.

[0161] In this way, the sequential meshing of the concave and convex teeth can reduce the pressure during crimping and binding, thereby achieving miniaturization of the device.

[0162] [Variation 4]

[0163] Next, refer to Fig.15 Modification 4 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in the first embodiment is that a pressure contact roller 187 having concave and convex teeth on the outer periphery is provided on the folding plate 132 so as to sweep along the main scanning direction at the front end. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0164] Fig.15 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the modified example 4 of the saddle stitching processing unit, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the folding center line, in other words, at the thickness center of the folding plate 132 as viewed from one side in the paper conveying direction. Fig.15 (a) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate 132 pushes the paper bundle Pb to a position exceeding the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133, and the folding plate engaging roller 134 and the pressure contact roller 187 are located at the standby position (HP position), separated from the paper bundle Pb in the folding discharge direction.

[0165] The pressure contact roller 187 as the first roller member is driven to rotate by the folding plate engaging roller sweeping motor 145 and is supported to be guided by the pressure contact roller rail 132b. The pressure contact roller guide rail 132b is arranged in the longitudinal direction (main scanning direction) of the folding plate 132. The pressure contact roller 187 is driven by the pressure contact roller moving motor 188 (see Fig.10 ) is scanned in the main scanning direction of the paper bundle Pb.

[0166] Fig.15 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 (d) state. The folding plate engaging roller 134 as the second roller component is guided by the engaging roller guide rail 146, approaches the crimping roller 187, and is pushed onto the crimping roller 187 via the paper bundle Pb. The concave and convex teeth of the engaging crimping teeth 134a of the folding plate engaging roller and the concave and convex teeth 187a provided on the pressing surface of the crimping roller 187 clamp the paper bundle Pb and engage. The folding plate engaging roller 134 is pressurized by the folding plate engaging roller pressure component 147 to crimp and bind the spine Cb of the paper bundle Pb.

[0167] [Variation 5]

[0168] Next, refer to Fig.16 A modification 5 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in the first embodiment is that the concave and convex crimping teeth of the folding plate are not evenly arranged in the width direction, but are partially (intermittently) arranged. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0169] Fig.16 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the modified example 5 of the saddle stitching processing unit, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the folding center line, in other words, at the thickness center of the folding plate 184 as viewed from one side in the paper conveying direction. Fig.16 (a) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate 184 pushes the paper bundle Pb to a position exceeding the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133, and the folding plate engaging roller 134 is located at the standby position (HP position) and is separated from the paper bundle Pb in the folding and discharging direction.

[0170] Fig.16 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate engaging roller 134 is pushed by the folding plate 184 while sandwiching the paper bundle Pb, and the concave-convex teeth of the crimping tooth portion 184a of the folding plate 184 and the folding concave-convex teeth 132a provided on the pressing surface of the folding plate 132 are engaged with the paper bundle Pb. The folding plate engaging roller 134 is pressurized by the folding plate engaging roller pressurizing member 147 to crimp and bind the spine of the paper bundle Pb.

[0171] Fig.17Schematic diagram of a booklet Bk formed in Modification Example 5. Fig.17 As shown, the spine Cb of the booklet Bk is formed into a square spine. Then, the spine Cb is intermittently crimped and bound, and crimp marks Ct are intermittently formed in the longitudinal direction of the spine Cb (the width direction of the paper bundle Pb).

[0172] [Variation 6]

[0173] Next, refer to Fig.18 and Fig.19 A modification example 6 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in the first embodiment is that the engagement pressure contact teeth 134a of the folding plate engagement roller are not arranged horizontally with respect to the main scanning direction, but are formed into an inclined "oblique tooth shape" with respect to the main scanning direction, for example. Here, the inclination angle of the engagement pressure contact teeth 134a is, for example, 15 degrees. In addition, the same reference numerals are marked for the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0174] Fig.19 Schematic diagram of a compression-bonded saddle-stitched booklet bound in Modification 6. Fig.19 As shown, the spine Cb of the booklet Bk is formed into a square spine. Then, the spine Cb is intermittently pressed and bound, and pressing marks Ct inclined in the main scanning direction are intermittently formed in the longitudinal direction of the spine Cb (the width direction of the paper bundle Pb).

[0175] [Variation 7]

[0176] Next, refer to Fig. 20 and Fig.21 A modification example 7 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in the first embodiment is that the engagement crimping teeth 134a of the folding plate engagement roller are not arranged in a plurality in the sub-scanning direction, but are composed of a single protrusion. In addition, the same reference numerals are given to the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0177] Fig.21 FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a booklet Bk produced by performing a compression binding process using the saddle stitch binding processing unit according to Modification Example 7. Fig.21 As shown, the spine portion Cb of the booklet Bk is formed with a square spine, and a pressure-bonding mark Ct is formed as a single stripe mark in the longitudinal direction. The pressure-bonding mark Ct is a single stripe continuous in the main scanning direction and is formed substantially parallel to the fold f.

[0178] [Variation 8]

[0179] Next, refer to Fig. 22Modification 8 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in the first embodiment is that the crimping teeth with a concavo-convex shape are not provided on the pressing surface of the folding plate 132, and the crimping teeth with a concavo-convex shape are not provided on the cylindrical outer peripheral portion of the folding plate engaging roller, but a reheating portion is provided on the cylindrical outer peripheral portion of the folding plate engaging roller 191. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0180] Fig. 22 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a modification 8 of the saddle stitching processing unit. The folding roller pair 133 sandwiches the folding plate 132 and the paper bundle Pb, and presses them against each other via the folding roller pair pressing member 144 .

[0181] In addition, the folding plate engaging roller 191 as the folding plate engaging heating member involved in this modification clamps the paper bundle Pb and is pressed toward the folding plate 132 by the folding plate engaging roller pressing member 147. By utilizing the pressing force and heat, toner pressure bonding is performed at the heating pressure bonding portion 191a of the folding plate engaging roller 191. Then, the flange portions 191b formed at both ends of the cylindrical portion of the folding plate engaging roller 191 can perform a ridge forming process for performing square ridge folding on the paper bundle Pb.

[0182] The folding plate engaging roller 191 constituting the toner crimping binding unit is a cylindrical roller-shaped component. Then, a rotating shaft is provided in the direction of the two end portions of the folding plate engaging roller 191 sandwiching the cylindrical outer peripheral portion. With the rotating shaft as the rotation center, the folding plate engaging roller 191 is supported by an axis so as to be rotatable. Then, the folding plate engaging roller 191 has a heating and crimping portion 191a on the cylindrical outer peripheral portion (cylindrical outer peripheral surface). In addition, the folding plate engaging roller 191 has flange portions 191b having an outer diameter larger than that of the heating and crimping portion 191a at both ends of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface. The flange portion 191b has the same diameter at both ends of the cylindrical outer peripheral surface.

[0183] The heating and pressing portion 191 a of the folding plate engaging roller 191 is a portion heated by a heater mounted inside the folding plate engaging roller 191 .

[0184] Fig.23 The figure is a cross-sectional view of the operation of the modified example 8 of the saddle stitching processing unit. It is viewed from the side of the paper conveying direction at the folding center line, in other words, at the thickness center position of the folding plate 132. Fig. 22 The cross-sectional view of the BB view in the figure. Fig.23 (a) corresponds to Figure 6The folding plate 132 pushes the paper bundle Pb to a position exceeding the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133, and the folding plate engaging roller 191 is located at the standby position (HP position) and is separated from the paper bundle Pb in the folding and discharging direction.

[0185] The folding plate engaging roller 191 (heating and pressing portion 191a) is moved by the folding plate engaging roller sweeping motor 145 ( Fig.10 ) moves in the main scanning direction (width direction). A folding plate folding plate folding plate roller guide rail 146 is provided in the saddle stitching processing unit as a folding plate folding plate roller contact / separation mechanism, and the folding plate folding plate roller 191 is configured to move in the main scanning direction along the folding plate roller guide rail 146.

[0186] Fig.23 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate engaging roller 191 is pressed against the folding plate 132 with the paper bundle Pb clamped therein, and the heating and pressing portion 191a of the folding plate engaging roller is pressed against the pressing surface of the folding plate 132, and the spine Cb of the paper bundle Pb is pressed and bound after the paper bundle Pb is clamped therein and heated and pressurized.

[0187] Fig.23 (c) illustrates a state where after the spine portion Cb of the paper bundle Pb is crimped and bound in the entire length direction, the paper bundle Pb is separated in the folded and discharged direction.

[0188] Fig.24 (a) is a schematic diagram of a paper bundle Pb before being folded in half and crimped and bound in Modification 8. Fig.24 (a) corresponds to Figure 6 (a) state. Fig.24 As shown in (a), at a position corresponding to the fold of the booklet Bk, the image forming device 101 uses a toner for forming a visible image as a bonding medium to form a toner image tn. The toner image corresponds to the bonding medium formed on the bonding portion of the paper bundle Pb. The details of the method of forming the toner image tn for bonding by the image forming device 101 are based on a well-known technique such as Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-209858.

[0189] Fig.24 (b) is a schematic diagram of a booklet Bk formed by folding and crimping in Modification Example 8. Fig.24 As shown in (b), the spine Cb of the booklet Bk is formed into a square spine. Then, in the spine Cb, by heating the toner image tn for bonding again, the toner image tn at the overlapping portion of the plurality of paper sheets P located at the flat portion (spine Cb) forming the square spine exerts bonding force, and toner pressure-bonding is performed.

[0190] [Variation 9]

[0191] Next, refer to Fig.25 Modification 9 of the saddle stitching processing unit is described. The difference from the saddle stitching processing unit involved in modification 8 is that the folding plate engaging member is not composed of a roller member that performs sweeping (rotational movement), but is composed of a folding plate engaging die head 192 that is a scraper member extending in the width direction. In addition, the same reference numerals are attached to the common components of the binding processing unit involved in the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions are omitted.

[0192] Fig.25 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the operation of the modified example 9 of the saddle stitching processing unit, and is a cross-sectional view taken along the folding center line, in other words, the thickness center of the folding plate 132 as viewed from one side in the paper conveying direction. Fig.25 (a) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate 132 pushes the paper bundle Pb to a position exceeding the clamping position of the folding roller pair 133, and the folding plate clamping die head 192 is located at the standby position (HP position), and is separated from the paper bundle Pb in the folding and discharging direction.

[0193] The folding plate clamping head 192 is moved toward the folding plate by a folding plate clamping head moving motor 182 (not shown).

[0194] Fig.25 (b) corresponds to Figure 6 The folding plate clamping die head 192 is pressed against the folding plate 132 with the paper bundle Pb clamped therein, and the heating and pressing portion 192a of the folding plate clamping roller is pressed against the pressing surface of the folding plate 132, and the spine of the paper bundle Pb is crimped and bound after the paper bundle Pb is heated and pressurized.

[0195] [Second Embodiment]

[0196] Next, a second embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described. Fig.26 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the overall structure of an MFP 200 as a second embodiment of the image forming system. The MFP 200 has the function of forming an image on a sheet of paper P (medium) and performing post-processing on the sheet of paper P on which the image is formed. Fig.26 As shown, the MFP 200 includes an image forming apparatus 201 and a console-type post-processing apparatus 210 disposed adjacent to the image forming apparatus.

[0197] The image forming device 201 forms an image on a sheet of paper P and discharges the sheet of paper P with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device 210. The image forming device 201 includes a tray for storing the sheet of paper P, a conveying unit for conveying the sheet of paper P stored in the tray, and an image forming unit for forming an image on the sheet of paper P conveyed by the conveying unit. The image forming unit may be an inkjet method for forming an image using ink or an electrophotographic method for forming an image using toner. Since the structure of the image forming device 201 is already known, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0198] Fig. 27 1 is an internal structural diagram of a post-processing device 210 according to the second embodiment. The post-processing device 210 performs post-processing on a sheet of paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming device 201. The post-processing according to the present embodiment is a binding process for binding a bundle of a plurality of sheets of paper on which an image has been formed (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet bundle Pb"). More specifically, the binding process according to the present embodiment includes so-called "press-bonding" for press-bonding the sheet bundle Pb to be deformed at a press-bonding position and "staple binding" for binding the sheet bundle Pb with staples. In addition, the press-bonding includes an end binding process for binding the ends of the sheet bundle Pb and a saddle-stitch binding process for binding the center of the sheet bundle Pb.

[0199] The same reference numerals are used to denote the same components as those of the binding processing section according to the first embodiment, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0200] [Saddle stitch processing]

[0201] like Fig. 27 As shown, the post-processing device 210 includes a folding plate 232 , a folding roller pair 233 , a folding plate engaging roller 234 , a folded booklet discharge roller pair 235 , and a folded booklet discharge tray 236 .

[0202] The transport roller places the paper P on the saddle stitch inner tray 237 and simultaneously switches and transports the paper P back toward the movable bottom end fence 238 .

[0203] The saddle stitch internal tray 237 temporarily places a plurality of sheets of paper P that are sequentially conveyed. The movable bottom end fence 238 is movable in the conveying direction of the sheets of paper P along the saddle stitch internal tray 237, and the folding plate 232 is aligned with the center of the length in the conveying direction of the sheets of paper according to the size of the sheets of paper to align the positions of the sheets of paper. The side fences align the positions of the sheets of paper P or the sheet bundle Pb placed on the saddle stitch internal tray 237 in the main scanning direction (width direction). The saddle stitch processing unit performs saddle stitch processing on the sheet bundle Pb that is aligned by the movable bottom end fence 238 and the side fences. The sheet bundle Pb that has undergone the saddle stitch processing is discharged by the folded booklet discharge roller pair 235 and is stacked on the folded booklet discharge tray 236.

[0204] In addition, the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the technical gist thereof, and the technical matters included in the technical ideas recorded in the claims are all objects of the present invention. Although the above-mentioned embodiments show preferred examples, those skilled in the art can implement various modifications according to the disclosed contents. These modifications are also included in the technical scope recorded in the scope of the claims.

[0205] Embodiments of the present invention are as follows, for example.

[0206] <1>

[0207] A sheet processing device, characterized in that it includes: a folding unit, which folds a sheet bundle composed of multiple sheets, and a spine crimping binding unit, which forms a spine on the sheet bundle that has been folded and performs crimping binding on the spine, the spine crimping binding unit having: a spine forming processing unit, which forms a spine on the sheet bundle that has been folded, and a crimping binding processing unit, which performs crimping binding processing on the sheet bundle that has been folded, the crimping binding processing unit forming a stripe mark parallel to the fold formed on the spine.

[0208] <2>

[0209] according to <1> The sheet processing device is characterized in that the folding unit includes: a folding plate component, which guides the sheet bundle in a specified direction, and a folding roller pair component, which clamps the sheet bundle guided by the folding plate component and simultaneously makes the sheet bundle move along the direction.

[0210] <3>

[0211] according to <2> The sheet processing device is characterized in that the spine crimping binding unit includes the folding plate member and a folding plate engaging member engaged with the folding plate member via the sheet bundle.

[0212] <4>

[0213] according to <3> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that the folding plate engaging member is urged toward the folding plate member, and sandwiches and presses the spine portion together with the folding plate member.

[0214] <5>

[0215] according to <3> or <4> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that the folding plate engaging member is a roller-shaped member supported by an axis, and performs the crimping binding by reciprocating relative to the longitudinal direction of the spine.

[0216] <6>

[0217] according to <3> to <5> Any one of the sheet processing devices described in the claims is characterized in that: the folding plate component has folding plate crimping teeth with a concave and convex shape on the surface opposite to the folding plate engaging component, and the folding plate engaging component has engaging crimping teeth with a concave and convex shape that engage with the folding plate crimping teeth, and is supported to be movable toward the main scanning direction of the sheet bundle while being clamped by the engaging crimping teeth and the folding plate crimping teeth.

[0218] <7>

[0219] according to <3> to <6> The sheet processing device according to any one of the above, wherein the spine crimping binding unit performs the crimping binding while forming the spine by moving the folding plate engaging member in the main scanning direction of the sheet bundle.

[0220] <8>

[0221] according to <6> or <7> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that: the folding plate component has a plurality of separate concave-convex folding plate crimping tooth groups on the surface opposite to the folding plate engaging component, and the folding plate engaging component has a plurality of separate concave-convex engaging crimping tooth groups that engage with the folding plate crimping tooth groups, and the crimping binding is performed by making the folding plate component face the folding plate engaging component.

[0222] <9>

[0223] according to <5> The sheet processing device is characterized in that the folding plate engaging member is a plate-shaped scraper member facing the folding plate member, and the pressure-bonding is performed by moving the scraper member toward the folding plate member.

[0224] <10>

[0225] according to <1> to <9> The sheet processing device described in any one of the above is characterized in that the spine crimping binding unit includes: a first roller component having concave and convex teeth, and a second roller component that engages with the first roller component via the sheet bundle.

[0226] <11>

[0227] according to <6> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that the folding plate engaging component includes: a cylindrical portion having the engaging crimping teeth, and a flange portion having a larger diameter than the cylindrical portion on both sides thereof.

[0228] <12>

[0229] according to <11> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that the flange portion is engaged across the opposing surface of the folding plate engaging component.

[0230] <13>

[0231] according to <1> to <12> The sheet material processing device described in any one of the above is characterized in that the spine crimping binding unit forms two parallel folds relative to the spine in the length direction.

[0232] <14>

[0233] according to <13> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that the ridge is a flat portion formed between the two folds.

[0234] <15>

[0235] according to <13> The sheet processing device is characterized in that the spine crimping binding unit has a single groove shape, that is, a concave-convex shape, in a direction along the fold formed on the sheet bundle.

[0236] <16>

[0237] according to <15> The sheet processing device is characterized in that the concave and convex shapes are arranged as a repeated pattern in the sub-scanning direction of the sheet bundle.

[0238] <17>

[0239] according to <16> The sheet processing device is characterized in that the concave and convex shapes are arranged continuously in the sub-scanning direction of the sheet bundle.

[0240] <18>

[0241] according to <16> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that the concave-convex shapes are arranged intermittently in the sub-scanning direction of the sheet material.

[0242] <19>

[0243] according to <1> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that the concave and convex shapes of the folding plate member of the folding unit are arranged intermittently.

[0244] <20>

[0245] according to <1> The sheet material processing device is characterized in that the concave and convex shapes of the folding plate engaging parts of the crimping binding unit are arranged intermittently.

[0246] <21>

[0247] An image forming system, characterized in that it comprises: an image forming device, and a <1> To the <20> The sheet processing device described in any one of the above.

[0248] <22>

[0249] An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus and a sheet processing apparatus for performing a predetermined process on a sheet having an image formed thereon, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is <1> To the <20> The sheet processing device described in any one of the above.

[0250] <23>

[0251] A sheet processing method that can be executed in a sheet processing device, the sheet processing device comprising: a folding unit that performs a folding process on a sheet bundle consisting of multiple sheets, and a spine crimping binding unit that forms a spine on the sheet bundle that has been folded, and performs crimping binding on the spine, wherein the spine crimping binding unit forms a stripe mark on the spine by performing a spine forming process of forming a spine in a folded portion formed by the folding of the sheet bundle, and a crimping binding process of performing the crimping binding on the spine, and the stripe mark is substantially parallel to the fold formed in the folding.

Claims

1. A sheet material processing device, characterized in that include: a folding unit for folding a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets in half, and a spine crimping binding unit that forms a spine on the sheet bundle that has been folded in half and crimps the spine, The spine crimping binding unit has: a ridge forming processing unit that forms a ridge on the sheet bundle subjected to the folding, and a pressure-bonding processing unit that performs a pressure-bonding processing on the sheet bundle that has been folded in half, The crimping binding processing portion forms a stripe mark parallel to the fold formed on the ridge portion.

2. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The folding unit comprises: a folding plate member that guides the sheet bundle in a predetermined direction, and A folding roller pair member sandwiches the sheet bundle guided by the folding plate member and advances the sheet bundle in the direction.

3. The sheet material processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spine pressure binding unit includes the folding plate member and a folding plate engaging member engaged with the folding plate member via the sheet bundle.

4. The sheet material processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The hinge plate engaging member is urged toward the hinge plate member, The spine is clamped and pressed together with the hinged plate member.

5. The sheet material processing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The hinge plate engaging member is a roller-shaped member supported by an axis. The crimping binding is performed by reciprocating movement relative to the longitudinal direction of the spine.

6. The sheet material processing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The hinge plate component has hinge plate crimping teeth with a concave-convex shape on a surface facing the hinge plate engaging component. The folding plate engaging member has engaging crimping teeth of a concave-convex shape that engage with the folding plate crimping teeth, and is supported to be movable in the main scanning direction of the sheet bundle while being sandwiched by the engaging crimping teeth and the folding plate crimping teeth.

7. The sheet material processing device according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that: The spine pressure binding unit performs the pressure binding while forming the spine by moving the folding plate engaging member in the main scanning direction of the sheet bundle.

8. The sheet material processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that: The hinge plate component has a plurality of separate concave-convex hinge plate crimping teeth on a surface facing the hinge plate engaging component. The hinge plate engaging member has a plurality of separate engaging crimping teeth groups of concave and convex shapes that engage with the hinge plate crimping teeth group. The pressure binding is performed by causing the folding plate member to face the folding plate engaging member.

9. The sheet material processing device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The folding plate engaging member is a plate-shaped scraper member facing the folding plate member. The pressure binding is performed by moving the scraper member toward the folding plate member.

10. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that The spine crimping binding unit comprises: The first roller component has concave and convex teeth, and The second roller member is engaged with the first roller member via the sheet bundle.

11. The sheet material processing device according to claim 6, characterized in that The hinge plate engaging component comprises: a cylindrical portion having the engaging crimping teeth, and The flange portion is larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion on both sides of the cylindrical portion.

12. The sheet material processing device according to claim 11, characterized in that: The flange portion is engaged across the opposing surface of the hinge plate engaging member.

13. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spine crimping binding unit forms two parallel folds relative to the spine in the length direction.

14. The sheet material processing device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The ridge is a flat portion formed between the two folds.

15. The sheet material processing device according to claim 13, characterized in that: The spine crimping binding unit has a single groove shape, ie, a concavo-convex shape, in a direction along the fold formed on the sheet bundle.

16. The sheet material processing device according to claim 15, characterized in that: The concavo-convex shapes are arranged as a repetitive pattern in the sub-scanning direction of the sheet bundle.

17. The sheet material processing device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The concavo-convex shapes are continuously arranged in the sub-scanning direction of the sheet bundle.

18. The sheet material processing device according to claim 16, characterized in that: The concavo-convex shapes are arranged intermittently in the sub-scanning direction of the sheet.

19. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The concavo-convex shapes of the folding plate member included in the half-folding unit are arranged intermittently.

20. The sheet material processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The concavo-convex shapes of the hinge plate engaging member included in the pressure-bonding unit are arranged intermittently.

21. An image forming system, characterized in that include: an image forming device, and The image forming apparatus includes the sheet processing device according to claim 1 within its body.

22. An image forming system, characterized in that include: An image forming device; as well as a sheet processing device that performs a predetermined process on a sheet on which an image is formed in the image forming device, The sheet processing apparatus is the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.

23. A sheet material processing method executable in a sheet material processing device, the sheet material processing device comprising: a folding unit for folding a sheet bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets in half, and a spine crimping binding unit that forms a spine on the sheet bundle subjected to the half-folding process and performs crimping binding on the spine, The sheet material processing method is characterized by being implemented in the spine crimping binding unit, a ridge forming step of forming a ridge on the sheet bundle that has been folded in half, and a compression binding step of performing compression binding processing on the sheet bundle that has been folded in half, In the crimping binding step, a stripe mark is formed which is parallel to the fold formed on the ridge.

24. The sheet material processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The spine crimping binding unit includes the folding plate member and a folding plate engaging heating member having a heating portion for pressing the sheet bundle toward the folding plate member and heating the sheet bundle. The folding plate engagement heating member heats the adhesive medium formed on the adhesive portion of the sheet bundle.

25. The sheet material processing device according to claim 24, characterized in that: The bonding medium is a toner that forms a visible image.

26. The sheet material processing device according to claim 24, characterized in that: The folding plate engaging heating member is a roller-shaped member supported by a shaft, and reciprocates with respect to the longitudinal direction of the spine portion to perform the spine portion forming process for forming the spine portion and the crimping binding.

27. The sheet material processing device according to claim 24, characterized in that: The folding plate engaging heating member is a plate-shaped scraper member facing the folding plate member, and the pressure binding is performed by moving the scraper member toward the folding plate member.

28. An image forming system, characterized in that include: an image forming device, and a sheet processing device that performs a predetermined process on a sheet on which an image is formed in the image forming device; The adhesive medium is formed by the image forming device, The sheet processing apparatus is the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 24 to 27.

Images