Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

The invention discloses a paper sheet processing apparatus and an image forming system, the paper sheet processing apparatus includes: a folding unit that folds a stack of paper sheets formed by overlapping a plurality of paper sheets; and a needleless binding unit that has a binding operation part that binds a portion of the sheet bundle that is close to the fold folded by the folding unit without using a binding needle.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the following Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2022-170714 (paragraphs 0034, Figure 2 ) describes a sheet processing device comprising: a binding processing section that binds a sheet bundle using a binding needle; and a folding processing section that folds the sheet bundle bound by the binding processing section in half.

[0003] In the following Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2023-107564 (paragraphs 0033, Figure 4 ) describes a post-processing device comprising: a stapler that performs binding processing on a sheet stack using a stapler; and a folding mechanism that folds the sheet stack bound by the stapler in half. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention provides a paper processing device capable of binding a portion of a paper bundle close to a fold without using a binding needle, and an image forming system using the same.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a paper processing device comprising: a folding unit that bends a paper stack formed by overlapping a plurality of sheets of paper; and a needleless binding unit having a binding action portion that binds a portion of the paper stack close to a fold formed by the folding unit without using binding needles.

[0006] According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the paper processing device of the first aspect, the folding unit has: an accumulation unit, which accumulates multiple sheets of paper to form a paper stack; a bending unit, which bends the folded part of the paper stack in the accumulation unit; and a folding and conveying unit, which conveys the paper stack in a clamped and folded manner with the part of the paper stack bent by the bending unit as the front, and the folding and conveying unit temporarily stops the conveyance of the paper stack according to the position of the binding action part.

[0007] According to the third aspect of the present invention, in the paper processing device of the first or second aspect, the needleless binding unit is configured to be able to move between a binding position close to the paper stack for binding processing and a retreat position away from the paper stack and retreated, and when binding processing is performed, it moves from the retreat position to the binding position.

[0008] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet processing apparatus of the second aspect, a position of the sheet bundle bound by the needleless binding unit is adjusted according to a conveyance amount of the folding and conveying unit until the temporary stop.

[0009] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the paper processing device according to the second aspect, the needleless binding unit includes a pressing portion as the binding action portion, and the pressing portion presses and binds a portion of the paper bundle near the fold.

[0010] The pressing portion of the needleless binding unit is arranged in a range from a feed position of the folding and conveying unit to a position that is away from the feed position and is half the length of the smallest sheet when conveyed among the sheets forming the sheet bundle.

[0011] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, in the paper processing device of the third aspect, it is provided with: a carrying unit, which transports and carries the paper stack that has passed through the folding unit with the fold as the leading edge; and a channel for the paper stack, which allows the paper stack to pass from the folding unit to the carrying unit, the binding position is set in the channel, and the retracted position is set outside the channel.

[0012] According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the paper processing device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, the needleless binding unit performs the following binding processing: the portion where the paper bundle is bound along the fold line increases as the number of sheets forming the paper bundle increases.

[0013] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the paper processing device of the seventh aspect, the following binding processing is performed: when the number of sheets of paper forming the paper bundle is two, the binding locations are two, and the number of binding locations increases by one each time the number of sheets of paper increases.

[0014] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, in the paper processing device of any one of the first to eighth aspects, it is provided with: a needle binding unit, which uses a binding needle to bind the paper stack before the folding process of the folding unit; and a selection unit, which selects any one of the needleless binding process based on the needleless binding unit and the needle binding process based on the needle binding unit as the binding process of the paper stack.

[0015] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, an image forming system is provided, which comprises: an image forming device, which forms an image on a paper; and a paper processing device, which binds a stack of papers formed by overlapping multiple sheets of paper introduced from the image forming device, and the paper processing device is composed of the paper processing device of any one of the first to ninth aspects.

[0016] (Effect)

[0017] According to the first aspect, the portion of the sheet bundle close to the fold can be bound without using a staple.

[0018] According to the second aspect, the binding process by the needleless binding unit can be performed in a state where the folded sheet bundle is held by the folding and conveying unit.

[0019] According to the third aspect, when the stapling process is not being performed, the needleless binding unit can be moved to the retreat position away from the sheet bundle and placed on standby.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect, the position of the sheet bundle bound by the needleless binding unit can be adjusted without using a unit for causing the sheet bundle conveyed by the folding and conveying unit to abut and stop at the binding position.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect, compared with a case where the needleless binding unit is configured such that its pressing portion is located at a distant position beyond the range from the delivery position of the folding and conveying unit to the above-mentioned separated position, it is possible to suppress the increase in size of the paper processing device due to the configuration of the needleless binding unit, and at the same time, the binding processing of the needleless binding unit can be performed with the paper bundle being held bent by the folding and conveying unit.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect, the needleless binding unit moves to the retreat position outside the passage when not performing the binding process, and does not hinder the sheet bundle from moving through the passage toward the carrier unit.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect, even if the number of sheets forming the paper bundle increases, the paper bundle can be stably bound in a staple-less manner, compared to a case where the number of binding locations when binding the paper bundle remains unchanged or decreases even if the number of sheets forming the paper bundle increases.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect, even if the number of sheets forming a sheet bundle increases, the time required for the binding process of the needleless binding process can be kept short, and the sheet bundle can be stably bound without a staple.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect, it is possible to arbitrarily select and perform the following processes: the binding process of binding the sheet bundle without a staple; and the binding process of binding the sheet bundle using a staple.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect, a portion close to a fold of a stack of a plurality of sheets introduced from an image forming apparatus can be bound without using staples. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the image forming system of embodiment 1(2);

[0028] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram showing the main parts of a paper processing device in an image forming system;

[0029] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a portion of a folding unit, a stapleless binding unit, etc. in a paper processing device as viewed from above;

[0030] Figure 4 is an enlarged schematic diagram showing a portion of the folding unit and the stapleless binding unit;

[0031] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram showing the front side of the needleless binding device in a non-binding processing state;

[0032] Figure 6 In the figure, (A) is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a state of a crimping portion of a needleless binding device when not in crimping, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing a side view of a state of a crimping portion of (A) when in crimping;

[0033] Figure 7 , (A) is a perspective view of the first and second crimping teeth in the crimping portion, (B) is a schematic diagram of the front side of the first and second crimping teeth in a non-binding state, and (C) is a schematic diagram of the front side of the first and second crimping teeth in a binding state;

[0034] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the structure of a control system in an image forming system;

[0035] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the main control actions of the needleless saddle stitching process;

[0036] Figure 10 In the figure, (A) is a schematic diagram showing the bending action of the folding unit, (B) is a schematic diagram showing the folding and conveying action of the folding and conveying unit, and (C) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the bent sheet bundle in the middle of being carried;

[0037] Figure 11 In the figure, (A) is a perspective view of a stack of paper sheets before folding, (B) is a schematic view of a stack of paper sheets after bending, and (C) is a schematic view of a stack of paper sheets bound in a needleless manner;

[0038] Figure 12 , (A) is a graph showing the relationship between the number of sheets of paper and the number of locations bound in a needleless manner, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of locations of a sheet bundle bound in a needleless manner;

[0039] Figure 13 This is a flowchart showing main control operations of the saddle stitching process in the paper processing apparatus according to the second embodiment;

[0040] Figure 14 In the figure, (A) is a schematic diagram showing a storage state of a paper bundle that has been center-stitched by a needleless method, (B) is a schematic diagram showing a storage state of a paper bundle that has been center-stitched by a needle method, and (C) is a schematic diagram showing a storage state of a paper bundle that has been center-stitched by a needle method;

[0041] Figure 15 This is a schematic diagram of a paper processing apparatus according to a third embodiment;

[0042] Figure 16 Yes Figure 15 A block diagram of the structure of a control system in a paper processing device system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0043] The following describes a mode for carrying out the present invention.

[0044] Implementation method 1.

[0045] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system 1 including a paper processing apparatus 5A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0046] In this specification and the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and repeated description of the same components will be omitted in this specification.

[0047] like Figure 1 As shown, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a paper processing apparatus 5A.

[0048] The image forming device 2 is a device that forms an image on paper 9 .

[0049] The paper processing apparatus 5A performs binding processing on a stack of paper sheets 90 formed by stacking a plurality of paper sheets 9 introduced from the image forming apparatus 2. The paper processing apparatus 5A of the first embodiment is provided separately from the image forming apparatus 2 and is used while connected to the image forming apparatus 2.

[0050] (Image Forming Apparatus)

[0051] like Figure 1As shown, the image forming apparatus 2 includes an image forming unit 20 , a paper supply unit 30 , a paper conveying path Tr, and the like arranged inside a housing 10 .

[0052] In addition, the image forming apparatus 2 has an operation display unit 45 and the like disposed outside the housing 10 .

[0053] The housing 10 is a structure having a predetermined internal space and a predetermined external shape.

[0054] The image forming unit 20 is a portion that forms a desired image on the paper 9 .

[0055] The image forming unit 20 only needs to be able to form an image corresponding to the desired image information on the paper 9. Therefore, the image forming unit 20 is not particularly limited in terms of the image forming method or form. The image information is mainly received from an external connection device 300 (see Figure 8 )enter.

[0056] As a method for forming an image, for example, an electrophotographic method, an inkjet method, etc. are applicable. The image formed may be, for example, a monochrome image (black and white, etc.) or a multicolor image.

[0057] In the image forming unit 20 using electrophotography, either an intermediate transfer method or a direct transfer method is employed. The intermediate transfer method is a method of transferring an unfixed image from a photoreceptor to a sheet of paper via an intermediate transfer member. The direct transfer method is a method of transferring an unfixed image directly from a photoreceptor to a sheet of paper.

[0058] The paper supply unit 30 supplies the paper 9 to the image forming unit 20 .

[0059] The paper supply unit 30 includes a single or multiple storage bodies (not shown) and a single or multiple feeder devices (not shown).

[0060] The storage body is a structure such as a tray or a box that stacks and stores a plurality of paper sheets 9. The feeding device is a device that feeds out the paper sheets 9 one by one from the storage body.

[0061] The paper transport path Tr is a transport path that transports the paper 9 so as to pass through a predetermined position inside the housing 10 .

[0062] The paper transport path Tr includes a portion (paper supply path) that transports the paper 9 from the paper supply portion 30 to a portion of the image forming portion 20 where an image is formed on the paper 9 .

[0063] The paper transport path Tr includes a portion (export path) that transports the paper 9 from the image forming unit 20 to an unillustrated outlet. The outlet is an opening for delivering the paper 9 from the housing 10 to the paper processing device 5A.

[0064] The paper transport path Tr also includes a portion (paper discharge path) that transports the paper 9 from the image forming unit 20 to a paper discharge unit (not shown). The paper discharge unit is provided in a predetermined portion of the housing 10 and stores the paper 9 .

[0065] The paper transport path Tr is configured by arranging a predetermined number of transport roller pairs, paper guide members, and the like. Figure 1 Reference numeral 38 in the figure denotes a pair of discharge rollers for discharging the paper 9 from the discharge outlet (not shown) toward the paper processing apparatus 5A.

[0066] As the paper 9 , paper that can be at least image-formed by the image forming unit 20 and that is transported by the paper transport path Tr is used.

[0067] The paper 9 includes paper that needs to be processed by the paper processing device 5A. The processing performed by the paper processing device 5A is at least a needleless binding process described later.

[0068] The paper 9 requiring the needleless binding process is paper that can be bound by the needleless binding process. Examples of the paper that can be bound by the needleless binding process include plain paper that is not processed paper.

[0069] The operation display unit 45 includes an operation unit and a display unit. The operation unit is used to input and select information required for the operation of the image forming apparatus 2. The display unit displays information related to the status and operation of the image forming apparatus 2.

[0070] The operation display unit 45 is configured using components such as an operation panel and a liquid crystal display panel.

[0071] When the image forming apparatus 2 receives an image forming operation instruction, the image forming unit 20 forms a desired image. At this time, in the image forming apparatus 2, the paper 9 is fed from the paper supply unit 30 and conveyed to the image forming unit 20 via the paper feed path Tr.

[0072] Through the above-described operation, a desired image is formed on the paper 9 when the paper passes through the image forming unit 20 .

[0073] Furthermore, when the image forming apparatus 2 receives a request for processing by the paper handling apparatus 5A in addition to an instruction for image forming, the paper 9 on which an image has been formed is discharged to the paper handling apparatus 5A. In this case, the paper 9 is conveyed from the image forming unit 20 along the discharge path of the paper conveying path Tr to a discharge port (not shown).

[0074] Through the above-described operation, the paper 9 is finally carried out by the carry-out roller pair 38 toward the paper processing apparatus 5A.

[0075] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 2 , the paper on which the image is formed may be conveyed from the image forming section 20 to the paper discharge section via the paper discharge path of the paper conveyance path Tr.

[0076] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 2 , the paper 9 on which an image has not been formed by the image forming unit 20 may be conveyed to the paper processing apparatus 5A through the paper conveying path Tr.

[0077] (Paper handling device)

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the paper processing apparatus 5A includes a paper introduction path 51 , a folding unit 60 , a stapling unit 70 , and the like inside a housing 50 .

[0079] Furthermore, the paper processing apparatus 5A includes a loading unit 59 and the like outside the housing 50 .

[0080] The frame 50 is a structure having a predetermined internal space and a predetermined external shape.

[0081] <Paper feed path>

[0082] The paper introduction path 51 is a conveyance path for conveying the paper 9 so as to be introduced into a predetermined position inside the housing 50 .

[0083] The paper introduction path 51 is configured by arranging a predetermined number of transport roller pairs 52 and 53 and paper guide members (not shown).

[0084] A receiving port (not shown) for receiving the paper 9 discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 is provided on the side surface of the housing 50 facing the image forming apparatus 2. A pair of conveying rollers 52 is arranged near the receiving port.

[0085] The paper introduction path 51 of the first embodiment is formed as a conveyance path Td for conveying the paper 9 introduced from the receiving port to the folding unit 60 .

[0086] Furthermore, a final guide member 54 and a transport rotating body 55 are provided in the paper introduction path 51 .

[0087] The final guide member 54 is a final guide member that guides the paper 9 toward the folding unit 60 . The transport rotor 55 rotates so as to transport the paper 9 to the folding unit 60 while facing the guide surface of the final guide member 54 .

[0088] <Folding unit>

[0089] The folding unit 60 is a unit that folds a paper bundle 90 formed by stacking a plurality of paper sheets 9 .

[0090] The folding unit 60 of the first embodiment is configured as a so-called middle folding unit that folds the sheet bundle 90 in two.

[0091] In addition, if Figure 1 、 Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 , the folding unit 60 includes a pushing unit 61 , a bending unit 66 , a folding conveying unit 67 , and the like.

[0092] The stacking unit 61 is a unit that stacks a plurality of sheets of paper 9 to form a sheet bundle 90 .

[0093] The accumulation unit 61 of the first embodiment is configured by arranging an accumulation tray 62 , a side end alignment member 64 , a feeding rotary body 65 , and the like.

[0094] like Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the accumulation tray 62 is a plate-shaped member provided with an accumulation surface 621 inclined at a predetermined angle.

[0095] The accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62 is inclined from a position on the lower side of the housing 50 toward a position close to the terminal end of the paper introduction path 51 .

[0096] Furthermore, the accumulation surface 621 is formed of a substantially rectangular surface that is long in the inclined direction.

[0097] Figure 2 Reference numerals 62 a and 62 b in the figures represent the upper end and the lower end of the accumulation tray 62 in the tilting direction. Figure 3 Reference numerals 62c and 62d in the figure represent the front end and the rear end of the accumulation tray 62 in the direction perpendicular to the inclination direction thereof.

[0098] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown, the accumulation tray 62 is provided with a lower end alignment member 63 at the lower end portion near the lower end 62 b.

[0099] The lower end alignment member 63 is a plate-shaped member having at least a vertical surface and an opposing surface. The vertical surface is a portion that rises perpendicularly to the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62. The opposing surface is a portion that curves from the upper end of the vertical surface and faces the accumulation surface 621.

[0100] Furthermore, the lower end alignment member 63 is provided so as to move in the up-down direction indicated by the double-headed arrow E relative to the pushing surface 621 .

[0101] The lower end alignment member 63 moves vertically according to the length of the sheets 9 forming the sheet bundle 90 during introduction and transport, and then stops at a predetermined position. The sheets 9 introduced and accumulated on the accumulation tray 62 and the lower ends of the sheet bundle 90 abut against the stopped lower end alignment member 63.

[0102] Thus, the lower end alignment member 63 aligns the lower ends of the paper 9 and the paper bundle 90 accumulated on the accumulation tray 62 .

[0103] The side end alignment member 64 is a member that aligns the side ends consisting of the front end and the rear end of the paper bundle 90 .

[0104] The side end alignment member 64 of the first embodiment is composed of a pair of alignment members.

[0105] The pair of alignment members are arranged near the front end 62 c and the rear end 62 d of the accumulation tray 62 so as to face each other.

[0106] Furthermore, the pair of alignment members move so as to approach and separate from the front end 62 c and the rear end 62 d of the accumulation tray 62 , respectively.

[0107] The pair of alignment members also includes contact alignment portions that contact and align the front and rear ends of the paper sheets 9 and paper bundle 90 accumulated on the accumulation tray 62, respectively. The side end alignment members 64 having such a structure are, for example, called presses.

[0108] When the accumulation unit 61 is operated, the pair of aligning members 64 move toward the approaching direction. At this time, the contact aligning portions of the lateral end aligning members 64 contact the front and rear ends of the paper 9 and the paper bundle 90, respectively.

[0109] Thus, the side end alignment member 64 aligns the side ends consisting of the front end and the rear end of the paper bundle 90 .

[0110] The feeding rotary body 65 is a rotary body that rotates in contact with the lower end alignment member 63 so as to feed the paper 9 and the paper bundle 90 on the accumulation tray 62 toward the lower end alignment member 63 .

[0111] The feeding rotor 65 is a structure in which a plurality of elastic plates are provided in an upright state at intervals along the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft on a rotating shaft that is driven to rotate. The feeding rotor 65 composed of such a structure is called a rotating blade, for example.

[0112] Furthermore, the outer peripheral portion (the front end of the elastic plate) of the feeding rotating body 65 during rotation is arranged in contact with or close to the lower portion of the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62 .

[0113] Next, the bending unit 66 is a unit that bends the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90 formed in the accumulation unit 61 .

[0114] The bending unit 66 is arranged at a position on the opposite side of the folding and conveying unit 67 with the accumulation tray 62 interposed therebetween.

[0115] like Figure 2 As shown, the bending unit 66 of the first embodiment is composed of a pressing member 661, a moving device 662, and the like.

[0116] When the paper bundle 90 is folded in the middle, the folded portion 93 corresponds to the center portion in the longitudinal direction of the paper bundle 9 introduced into the stacking unit 61 during transport (see FIG. Figure 2 、 Figure 11 (A)).

[0117] The pressing member 661 is a member that contacts and presses the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90 to create an opportunity for folding the sheet bundle 90 .

[0118] The pressing member 661 is formed of a plate-shaped member. The plate-shaped pressing member 661 is called a folding knife, for example.

[0119] The moving device 662 is a device that holds the pressing member 661 and moves it.

[0120] The moving device 662 moves the pressing member 661 so as to approach and separate from the folding conveying unit 67 .

[0121] The moving device 662 moves the pressing member 661 in the directions indicated by the double-headed arrow H, for example, by the driving force of a driving motor (not shown).

[0122] The moving device 662 moves the pressing member 661 to a pressing position protruding from the accumulation surface 621 through the through portion 625 of the accumulation tray 62. The moving device 662 also moves the pressing member 661 to a standby position not protruding from the accumulation surface 621.

[0123] like Figure 2 or Figure 4 As shown, the through portion 625 is an opening provided in the portion where the folding process is performed in the stacking tray 62. In addition, there is the following relationship: the through portion 625 and the folded portion 93 (see FIG. 1 ) of the sheet bundle 90 formed on the stacking tray 62 are connected. Figure 2 )face.

[0124] When the bending unit 66 performs the folding process, the pressing member 661 moves to the pressing position. At this time, the pressing member 661 contacts the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90 on the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62 with its front end and presses it in by a predetermined amount.

[0125] Thus, the bending unit 66 causes the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90 to be bent (see FIG. Figure 10 (A)).

[0126] Next, the folding and conveying unit 67 is a unit that conveys the paper bundle 90 in a folded manner by sandwiching it, with the portion of the paper bundle 90 bent by the bending unit 66 leading.

[0127] The folding conveyor unit 67 is arranged at a position opposite to the bending unit 66 across the accumulation tray 62. In other words, the folding conveyor unit 67 is arranged so as to exist on the same side as the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62.

[0128] The folding conveying unit 67 of the first embodiment is composed of a pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B.

[0129] like Figure 2 or Figure 4 As shown, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B rotate in the directions indicated by arrows while in contact with each other.

[0130] like Figure 3 As shown, one folding roller 67A includes a plurality of roller bodies 672 arranged on a rotating shaft 671 at predetermined intervals. Figure 3 Reference numeral 675 denotes a bearing of the rotating shaft 671 .

[0131] The other folding roller 67B is constituted by a rotating shaft (not shown) and a plurality of roller bodies, similar to the one folding roller 67A.

[0132] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow when both or one of them receives the rotational power from the rotation drive device 678 .

[0133] The pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are arranged so that a straight line OL connecting the rotation centers thereof is substantially parallel to the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62 .

[0134] The pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are arranged so that the straight line OL exists at a position separated from the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62. The separated position is a position separated from the accumulation surface 621 by a predetermined distance L1.

[0135] The straight line OL substantially intersects the center portion in the rotational direction of the portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are in contact with each other.

[0136] When the folding conveying unit 67 performs the folding process, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are driven to rotate.

[0137] Thus, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B sandwich the sheet bundle 90 at the portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are in contact with each other, with the portion of the sheet bundle 90 bent by the bending unit 66 leading the sheet bundle 90 and conveying the sheet bundle 90 (see FIG. Figure 10 (B)).

[0138] <Carrying unit>

[0139] The placement unit 59 is a unit that conveys and places the paper bundle 90 that has passed through the folding and conveying unit 67 with the fold 95 at the leading end.

[0140] The carrier unit 59 is disposed at a lower portion of a side surface of the housing 50 opposite to the image forming apparatus 2 so as to protrude from the side surface.

[0141] The carrier unit 59 of the first embodiment is composed of a carrier tray 591 and a conveyor device 595 .

[0142] The loading tray 591 is a structure having a storage surface 592 for storing the stack of paper sheets 90 in an obliquely stacked manner. The loading tray 591 has a paper stack stopper 593 having a stopper slope rising from a terminal end 592e of the storage surface 592.

[0143] The conveyor belt device 595 is a device that conveys the paper bundle 90 by using a conveyor belt so as to move it toward the terminal end 592 e of the storage surface 592 .

[0144] The conveyor device 595 includes conveyor belts 598A and 598B which are wound around a plurality of rollers 596 and 597 and rotate in the directions indicated by arrows.

[0145] The conveyor device 595 is arranged in a state where the travel upper surface portions of the conveyor belts 598A and 598B are exposed on the storage surface 592 .

[0146] exist Figure 3 In FIG. 5 , as indicated by the dotted line, the paper processing device 5A is provided with a passage 56 through which the bent paper bundle 90 passes.

[0147] The passage 56 is a spatial region (passage space) through which the sheet bundle 90 folded by the folding and conveying unit 67 passes until it reaches the carrier unit 59 .

[0148] The channel 56 is not limited to forming the above-mentioned space by configuring the conveying guide member or the channel forming member. That is, the channel 56 can also ensure the above-mentioned space by adjusting the configuration or shape of a portion of the peripheral parts or devices between the folding conveying unit 67 and the carrier unit 59.

[0149] <Stitchless binding unit>

[0150] like Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown, the binding unit 70 includes a needleless binding device 71 as an example of a needleless binding unit.

[0151] The needleless binding device 71 is a device that binds a portion of the sheet bundle 90 close to a fold 95 formed by the folding unit 60 without using a binding needle.

[0152] like Figure 11 As shown in (C), the portion close to the fold 95 is a portion extending inward by a predetermined dimension α from the fold 95. The predetermined dimension α is selected within a range of 1 to 10 mm, for example.

[0153] like Figures 4 to 7 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the needleless binding device 71 includes a binding operation section 72 that binds a portion of a sheet bundle 90 near a fold 95 without using a binding needle.

[0154] The binding operation section 72 of the first embodiment uses a pressing section 72A that presses and binds the portion of the paper bundle 90 near the fold 95 .

[0155] Furthermore, the crimping portion 72A includes first crimping teeth 73 and second crimping teeth 74 .

[0156] like Figure 5 、 Figure 6 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the first crimping teeth 73 are crimping teeth whose positions are fixed.

[0157] The second pressing teeth 74 press a portion of the paper bundle 90 against the first pressing teeth 73 and move forward and backward while meshing with the first pressing teeth 73 .

[0158] like Figure 7 As shown, the first crimping teeth 73 are structures in which a predetermined number of protrusions (teeth) are provided on the surface of the crimping base 721 facing the second crimping teeth 74 .

[0159] like Figure 7 As shown, the second crimping teeth 74 are structures in which a predetermined number of protrusions (teeth) are provided on the surface of the crimping base 722 facing the first crimping teeth 73 .

[0160] The predetermined number of protrusions of the first crimping teeth 73 and the second crimping teeth 74 are all protrusions having predetermined widths, lengths, and heights.

[0161] Furthermore, the predetermined number of convex portions have a cross section that tapers gradually toward the upper end and are continuously provided at a constant interval ΔT.

[0162] Thus, both the first crimping teeth 73 and the second crimping teeth 74 are formed as continuous concave-convex portions because a concave portion exists between adjacent convex portions.

[0163] Furthermore, the first crimping teeth 73 are attached to the upper surface of one end portion of the support member 711 with the concavo-convex portion thereof facing upward.

[0164] The other second crimping tooth 74 is attached to the lower surface of one end portion of the moving member 712 with the concavo-convex portion thereof facing downward.

[0165] Furthermore, the first crimping teeth 73 and the second crimping teeth 74 are arranged so that when the second crimping teeth 74 approach the first crimping teeth 73, the concave and convex portions thereof mesh with each other (see Figure 7 (C)).

[0166] The moving member 712 is a member that moves in the directions indicated by arrows Sp and St so as to approach and separate from the support member 711 whose position is fixed.

[0167] When the second crimping teeth 74 are separated from the support member 711 , they are separated to such an extent that a gap is formed between the second crimping teeth 74 and the first crimping teeth 73 so that the bundle of paper sheets 90 to be bound is inserted therein.

[0168] The gap where the paper bundle 90 is inserted is formed into the crimping binding space 72As. The crimping binding space 72As is formed by separating the upper end of the first crimping teeth 73 and the lower end of the second crimping teeth 74 by a predetermined distance K (see Figure 5 ) method.

[0169] like Figure 5 or Figure 6 As shown, the moving member 712 is mounted so as to be movable relative to a support column 713 fixed to the supporting member 711 .

[0170] In addition, a portion of the moving member 712 adjacent to the support column 713 is supported by a rod-shaped screw member 741 which is a part of the moving mechanism.

[0171] The moving member 712 is moved in a direction approaching or separating from the supporting member 711 by the screw member 741 rotating in a predetermined direction.

[0172] The screw member 741 is rotated by receiving the rotational power of a drive motor 742 serving as a drive device of a moving mechanism.

[0173] A driven gear 743 is attached to a portion of the screw member 741 that protrudes downward from the support member 711 . Figure 5 Reference numeral 714 denotes a lower covering portion of the support member 711 .

[0174] The drive motor 742 is a motor that can rotate in forward and reverse directions, and is disposed on the support member 711 .

[0175] The driving motor 742 has a driving gear 744 attached to an output shaft 742 j that protrudes downward from the support member 711 .

[0176] The driving force of the driving motor 742 is transmitted from the driving gear 744 to the driven gear 743 via a predetermined reduction gear train 745 .

[0177] As a result, the screw member 741 receives the rotational power of the drive motor 742 and rotates by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction.

[0178] Incidentally, the driving motor 742 controls the state of output rotation (rotation speed, rotation amount, etc.) using, for example, detection information from a rotary encoder (not shown) attached to the support member 711 .

[0179] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the needleless binding device 71 is movably mounted on the guide support member 75 .

[0180] The guide support member 75 is a plate-shaped member provided with a guide hole 751 formed in a shape corresponding to the range in which the needleless binding device 71 is moved.

[0181] like Figure 3 As shown in the example, the guide hole 751 is formed as a hole (rail) extending continuously in a straight line. In addition, the guide hole 751 is also a hole extending in a straight line along a fold 95 of the paper bundle 90 to be described later.

[0182] In the needleless binding device 71 , a support protrusion 715 is provided on the lower portion of the support member 711 . The support protrusion 715 is a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes downward from the support member 711 , and a portion thereof is fitted into the guide hole 751 .

[0183] Furthermore, the needleless binding device 71 is equipped with a movement drive portion 76 on the support protrusion 715 .

[0184] The movement drive unit 76 includes a drive motor (not shown) that rotates forward and reverse, and a drive gear (not shown) that is driven by the rotational power from the drive motor.

[0185] The movement drive unit 76 causes the drive gear to mesh with a rack (not shown) provided on the guide support member 75 or the like in a state along the guide hole 751 .

[0186] The needleless binding device 71 is driven or stopped by the movement drive unit 76 , is guided by the guide holes 751 of the guide support member 75 , moves to a predetermined position, and stops at the predetermined position.

[0187] At this time, in the movement drive unit 76 , the drive motor drives the gear to rotate in a predetermined direction by a predetermined amount.

[0188] In addition, the needleless binding device 71 can be moved to Figure 3 The illustrated plurality of stapling positions P and the retreat position Ph are stopped.

[0189] exist Figure 3 In FIG, five binding positions P1, P2, P3, P4, and P5 are shown as an example. The number of binding positions P is not limited, and may be a plurality of numbers other than five.

[0190] Figure 3 The illustrated binding positions P1 , P2 , P3 , P4 , and P5 are positions distributed along the fold 95 of the sheet bundle 90 on the accumulation tray 62 .

[0191] When not performing the needleless binding process, the needleless binding device 71 moves to the retreat position Ph and stands by until the next needleless binding process is performed.

[0192] The retreat position Ph is when the entire needleless binding device 71 is out of the passage 56 ( Figure 3 Reference) position of the deviated state.

[0193] The needleless binding device 71 is disposed so that a virtual straight line VL connecting the first crimping teeth 73 and the second crimping teeth 74 of the crimping portion 72A has a predetermined angle (posture).

[0194] like Figure 4 or Figure 7 As shown in FIG. 1A , the imaginary straight line VL connects the middle positions of the first pressing teeth 73 and the second pressing teeth 74 in the direction in which the sheet bundle 90 passes. The imaginary straight line VL is also parallel to the directions St and Sp in which the second pressing teeth 74 move.

[0195] The needleless binding device 71 is preferably arranged so that the virtual straight line VL intersects the binding portion including the leading end portion of the fold 95 of the paper bundle 90 fed from the pair of folding rollers 67A, 67B at approximately right angles.

[0196] In the first embodiment, the needleless binding device 71 is arranged so that the virtual straight line VL has an angle (attitude) inclined in the opposite direction to the inclination direction of the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62 .

[0197] This configuration is made in consideration of the following situation: the paper bundle 90 fed out from the pair of folding rollers 67A, 67B is as follows: Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1B , the leading end portion including the fold 95 of the sheet bundle 90 is bent downward due to gravity. That is, the pressure-bonding space 72As of the needleless binding device 71 receives the leading end portion including the fold 95, which is bent downward, of the sheet bundle 90 so that it intersects the imaginary straight line VL at approximately right angles.

[0198] In addition, if Figure 4 As shown, the needleless binding device 71 is arranged so that the pressure-bonding portion 72A exists within a predetermined range.

[0199] The predetermined range is a range from the delivery position NPe of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B to a position separated by a predetermined distance L2 from the delivery position NPe.

[0200] The delivery position NPe is a position at the downstream end of the portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B contact each other in the conveying direction of the paper bundle 90. The delivery position NPe may also be a position (intermediate point) in the middle of the portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B contact each other.

[0201] The separated position is the position of the straight line EL connecting the downstream ends 73 e and 74 e of the first crimping teeth 73 and the second crimping teeth 74 as the crimping portion 72A.

[0202] The predetermined distance L2 is half the length of the smallest sheet 9 when being conveyed among the sheets 9 forming the sheet bundle 90 .

[0203] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the paper processing apparatus 5A is provided with a guide member 57 for passing a paper bundle.

[0204] The passage guide member 57 is a member that allows the leading end portion of the sheet bundle 90 fed from the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B to pass therethrough and guides the leading end portion toward the pressure-bonding space 72As of the needleless binding device 71 .

[0205] The guide member 57 is disposed in the area between the pair of folding rollers 67A, 67B and the needleless binding device 71 in the passage 56 for the sheet bundle.

[0206] The guide member 57 is composed of a pair of guide members 57A and 57B arranged approximately vertically with a gap therebetween to form a guide space 57s. The guide space 57s of the first embodiment is formed into a space formed in a curved shape that is convex upward.

[0207] The guide space 57s is not limited to the space formed in the above-mentioned shape, and the guide space 57s may be a space in a shape extending straightly at an angle, for example.

[0208] In addition, if Figure 2 As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 , the paper processing apparatus 5A is provided with a paper bundle carrying-out guide member 58 .

[0209] The carry-out guide member 58 is a member that guides the paper bundle 90 fed from the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B so as to be carried out onto the placement tray 591 of the placement unit 59 .

[0210] The carry-out guide member 58 is arranged so as to extend from a position near the lower side of the end portion of the needleless binding device 71 opposite to the pressure-bonding portion 72A to a position close to one end portion of the placement tray 591 .

[0211] The carry-out guide member 58 is formed using a plate-shaped member.

[0212] (Control Unit)

[0213] like Figure 1 or Figure 8 As shown, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming control unit 14 and a paper handling control unit 15 as control units.

[0214] The image formation control unit 14 and the paper handling control unit 15 are both composed of a processing unit (not shown), a storage unit, an input / output unit, etc. This configuration is also substantially the same for other control units described later.

[0215] The processing units of the image formation control unit 14 and the paper handling control unit 15 acquire information necessary for control and process it based on the control program and control data stored in the storage unit. The processing units then send signals to control the operation of the control objects to be controlled.

[0216] Information required for control includes, for example, detection information and input information.

[0217] The image formation control unit 14 is a portion that performs control related to the operation of the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0218] like Figure 8As shown, the image formation control unit 14 is connected to a communication / input / output unit 16 , a paper size acquisition unit 17 , a paper passage detection unit 18 , etc. This enables the image formation control unit 14 to perform processing such as acquisition of necessary detection information and input information.

[0219] The communication / input / output unit 16 is a unit that communicates or inputs / outputs information with the externally connected device 300. The paper size acquisition unit 17 is a unit that acquires information related to the size of the paper 9.

[0220] Furthermore, the image formation control unit 14 is connected to an image forming operation control unit 141 , a paper conveying operation control unit 142 , an operation display control unit 143 , etc. Thus, the image formation control unit 14 can perform processing such as outputting a control signal to a desired control target.

[0221] The imaging operation control unit 141 controls the operation of the image forming unit 20 . The paper conveying operation control unit 142 controls the operation of the paper supply unit 30 including the paper conveying path Tr. The operation display control unit 143 controls the operation of the operation display unit 45 .

[0222] The paper sheet handling control unit 15 is a portion that performs control related to the operation of the paper sheet handling apparatus 5A.

[0223] like Figure 8 As shown, the paper handling control unit 15 is connected to a paper bundle number acquisition unit 502, a paper passage detection unit 503, a binding device position detection unit 504, etc. Thus, the paper handling control unit 15 can perform processing such as acquisition of necessary detection information and input information.

[0224] The sheet number acquisition unit 502 is a unit that acquires information regarding the number of sheets of paper 9 forming the sheet bundle 90. The sheet number acquisition unit 502 acquires information regarding the number of sheets of paper 9 forming the sheet bundle 90, which is input to the image formation control unit 14 from the outside or the operation display unit 45.

[0225] The paper passage detection unit 503 is a portion that detects the passage of paper 9 or a paper bundle 90 through the paper introduction path 51, the folding unit 60, the loading unit 59, and the like. The paper passage detection unit 503 is composed of a detector such as a sensor (not shown) disposed at a predetermined position through which the paper 9 or the paper bundle 90 passes.

[0226] The binding device position detection unit 504 detects the position of the needleless binding device 71 when it moves. The binding device position detection unit 504 is composed of a detector such as a sensor (not shown) arranged around the guide support member 75 and the like.

[0227] The paper handling control unit 15 is also connected to a paper conveying control unit 151, a paper alignment control unit 152, a folding control unit 153, a binding device movement control unit 154, and a needleless binding control unit 155. This allows the paper handling control unit 15 to perform processes such as outputting control signals to desired control targets.

[0228] Incidentally, the paper handling control unit 15 is also connected to the image formation control unit 14. Thus, the paper handling control unit 15 can exchange information necessary for control with the image formation control unit 14.

[0229] Alternatively, the paper handling control unit 15 may be disposed in the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0230] The paper conveying operation control unit 151 controls the conveying operation of the paper 9 or the paper bundle 90 in the paper introduction path 51, the stacking unit 61, the loading unit 59, etc. The paper alignment operation control unit 152 controls the alignment operation of the lower end alignment member 63 and the side end alignment member 64 in the stacking unit 61, which align the paper 9 or the paper bundle 90.

[0231] The folding operation control unit 153 is a portion that controls the operations of the bending unit 66 and the folding and conveying unit 67 of the folding unit 60. The operation of the folding and conveying unit 67 will be described in detail later.

[0232] The binding device movement control unit 154 is a unit that controls the movement of the needleless binding device 71. The needleless binding operation control unit 155 is a unit that controls the operation of the needleless binding process of the needleless binding device 71.

[0233] <Operation of the paper handling device>

[0234] Next, the operation of the paper sheet processing apparatus 5A will be described.

[0235] First, in the paper processing device 5A, as shown in FIG. Figure 9 As shown, it is determined whether or not there is a request for a needleless saddle stitching process in the image forming system 1 ( S100 ).

[0236] The above-mentioned S100 is an abbreviated description of the description of step 100. This abbreviation is also applied to the description of other steps that appear later.

[0237] The needleless center binding process is a process of binding the paper bundle 90 folded in half, ie, center-folded, by the needleless binding device 71 .

[0238] The above determination is performed by the paper handling control unit 15 acquiring request information input from the externally connected device 300 or the operation display unit 45 to the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0239] When a needleless saddle stitching process is requested, the paper processing control unit 15 obtains information on the size and number of overlapping sheets of paper 9 constituting a paper bundle 90 to be processed ( S101 ).

[0240] Information on the size of the paper 9 and the number of overlapped sheets is acquired from request information or selection information input to the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0241] When the information on the size of the paper 9 is acquired, the lower end alignment member 63 of the accumulation unit 61 moves to the lower end alignment position appropriate for the size on the accumulation tray 62 and stops.

[0242] The lower end alignment position is set in advance according to the size of the paper 9 .

[0243] Thus, in the accumulation unit 61 , the sheet bundle 90 is secured on the accumulation tray 62 in a state where the folded portion 93 faces the through portion 625 .

[0244] Next, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, the paper introduction path 51 sequentially conveys a predetermined number of paper sheets 9 forming the paper bundle 90 and introduces the paper sheets 9 into the accumulation tray 62 of the accumulation unit 61 ( S102 ).

[0245] At this time, the paper 9 is carried out from the image forming apparatus 2 and introduced into the paper processing apparatus 5A.

[0246] Next, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, the paper bundle 90 is aligned on the accumulation tray 62 of the accumulation unit 61 (S103). In addition, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, it is determined whether the alignment operation at this time is completed (S104).

[0247] During the above-mentioned alignment operation, the feed rotating body 65 is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction.

[0248] As a result, the paper sheets 9 or the paper bundle 90 on the accumulation tray 62 are fed downward, and their lower ends abut against the lower end alignment member 63 and are aligned.

[0249] In addition, in the above-mentioned alignment operation, the pair of alignment members of the side end alignment member 64 moves.

[0250] As a result, the front and rear ends of the sheet bundle 90 on the accumulation tray 62 come into contact with the pair of alignment members, and the side ends formed by the front and rear ends are aligned.

[0251] By the alignment operation in step 103 , a paper bundle 90 in which a predetermined number of paper sheets 9 are neatly aligned and stacked is formed on the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62 .

[0252] In addition, at this time, the paper bundle 90 is formed in a state where the folded portion 93 faces the through portion 625 of the stacking tray 62 (see FIG. Figure 2 ).

[0253] When it is determined in step S104 that the alignment operation is completed, the needleless binding device 71 moves to the binding position ( S105 ).

[0254] At this time, the needleless binding device 71 moves from the retreat position Ph to the predetermined binding position P while being guided by the guide support member 75, and then stops. The predetermined binding position P is Figure 3 Any of the binding positions P1 to P5 illustrated in FIG.

[0255] The movement of the needleless binding device 71 to the binding position may be started after, for example, the information on the size of the paper is acquired in step 101 .

[0256] Next, in the paper sheet processing apparatus 5A, a center folding operation is performed ( S106 ).

[0257] In the middle folding action, first, as Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 8 (A), the bending unit 66 bends the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90 on the accumulation tray 62 .

[0258] Specifically, the pressing member 661 is moved toward the sheet bundle 90 by a predetermined amount by the operation of the moving device 662 in the bending unit 66 .

[0259] At this time, the front end portion of the pressing member 661 passes through the through portion 625 of the accumulation tray 62 and contacts the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90 to press the sheet bundle 90 by a predetermined amount.

[0260] As a result, a portion of the sheet bundle 90 centered around the folded portion 93 is bent so as to be lifted up in a mountain shape in a substantially vertical direction from the accumulation surface 621 of the accumulation tray 62 .

[0261] The sheet bundle 90 is pressed until its bent portion is guided to the contact portion NP of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B serving as the folding conveying unit 67. The bent portion is the portion of the sheet bundle 90 facing each other with the folded portion 93 as the boundary.

[0262] Incidentally, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B start to move toward the sheet bundle 90 when the portion thereof bent by the pressing member 661 is about to reach the portion NP in contact with each other. Figure 4 The pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B may be driven to rotate in the direction indicated by the arrows, etc. The starting point of the operation may be the time when the bent portion of the sheet bundle 90 contacts the portion NP that contacts each other.

[0263] Next, in the middle fold, as Figure 10 As shown in FIG. 1B , the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B driven to rotate convey the sheet bundle 90 with the bent portion of the sheet bundle 90 leading, while being sandwiched between the contact portion NP of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B.

[0264] At this time, the sheet bundle 90 is folded by applying pressure to the bent front end portion thereof at the portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B contact each other.

[0265] In this case, the paper bundle 90 is conveyed by a predetermined conveyance distance in a state where the bent front end portion thereof is folded.

[0266] Therefore, if Figure 10 (B) or Figure 11 As shown in FIG. 1 (B), the paper bundle 90 is folded in half with the bent front end portion forming a fold 95. That is, the paper bundle 90 is folded in the middle at this time.

[0267] The sheet bundle 90 is fed out from a portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are in contact with each other, with the fold line 95 leading the bundle.

[0268] The sheet bundle 90 at this time is finally conveyed toward the pressure binding space 72As of the needleless binding device 71 .

[0269] The sheet bundle 90 at this time advances so that the leading end including the fold 95 passes through the guide space 57s of the guide member 57. Thus, the leading end including the fold 95 of the sheet bundle 90 is stably guided into the pressure-bonding space 72As of the needleless binding device 71.

[0270] Furthermore, during the center folding operation, the paper processing control unit 15 determines whether the conveyance amount of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B has reached a predetermined amount ( S107 ).

[0271] At this time, when it is determined that the conveyance amount has reached a predetermined amount, the conveyance operation of the paper bundle 90 by the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B is temporarily stopped ( S108 ).

[0272] like Figure 10 As shown in (B) and the like, the transport amount is a transport distance D1 from the delivery position NPe of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B to the stop position Te where the folding rollers 67A and 67B temporarily stop.

[0273] As will be described later, the stop position Te is a position beyond a dimension α described later from the straight line EL. Figure 4 or Figure 10 The line TL shown in (B) is a virtual extension line that passes through the stop position Te and is parallel to the straight line EL.

[0274] Strictly speaking, the conveying distance D1 in the first embodiment is the length of a curved line extending from the delivery position NPe as a starting point to the stop position Te.

[0275] The predetermined amount of conveyance is obtained by adding the predetermined dimension α to the predetermined distance L2 (L2+α).

[0276] The predetermined distance L2 is the distance from the delivery position NPe of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B to the downstream ends 73e and 74e of the pressure-bonding portion 72A (see Figure 4 The predetermined dimension α is the length from the fold 95 of the needleless binding portion of the paper bundle 90 to the inside (see Figure 11 (C)).

[0277] That is, the predetermined amount of the transport distance is also an amount obtained by adding the dimension α to half the length (L2) of the smallest sheet 9 among the sheets 9 forming the sheet bundle 90 when transported.

[0278] Strictly speaking, the predetermined amount in the first embodiment is the length of the curved line from the delivery position NPe to the stop position Te or the distance of the conveyance path.

[0279] In the first embodiment, control is implemented by, for example, the following configuration until the conveyance amount of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B reaches a predetermined amount and the conveyance operation is temporarily stopped.

[0280] That is, when the amount of conveyance by the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B from a certain point in time reaches the predetermined amount, the rotational drive of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B is stopped.

[0281] For example, a paper detection sensor (not shown) is arranged at a position away from the discharge side of the portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B contact each other by a certain distance Ls (not shown). Figure 8 The illustrated example is a portion of the paper passage detection unit 503. This paper detection sensor detects the arrival time of the fold 95 of the paper bundle 90 fed from the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B.

[0282] Then, when a required time is reached, which is the time from the detected arrival time to the time point when the predetermined amount is reached, the rotational drive of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B is stopped.

[0283] The time point (time) at which the predetermined amount is reached can be obtained by dividing the predetermined amount (L2 + α) by the conveyance speed of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B. The time required from the detected arrival time to the time point at which the predetermined amount is reached can be obtained by subtracting the distance Ls from the predetermined amount (L2 + α) and dividing it by the conveyance speed.

[0284] Due to the temporary stop in step 108 , the leading end portion of the sheet bundle 90 including the fold 95 thereof enters the pressure-bonding space 72As of the needleless binding device 71 .

[0285] In addition, at this time, the paper bundle 90 is stopped in a state where its fold 95 reaches the stop position Te (see Figure 10 (B)).

[0286] like Figure 4 As shown, the stop position Te is a position beyond the aforementioned dimension α from the straight line EL connecting the downstream ends 73 e and 74 e of the first and second crimping teeth 73 and 74 .

[0287] Furthermore, at this time, the portion of the paper bundle 90 close to the fold 95 faces the first and second crimping teeth 73 and 74 of the crimping portion 72A.

[0288] Next, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, after temporarily stopping in step 108 , the needleless binding device 71 performs a needleless middle binding operation ( S109 ).

[0289] At this time, the needleless binding device 71 performs the needleless binding process at the requested (initial) binding position.

[0290] Specifically, in the needleless binding device 71 , the moving member 712 moves downward in the direction of arrow Sp so as to approach the supporting member 711 .

[0291] As a result, the second crimping teeth 74 on the moving member 712 approach the first crimping teeth 73 and sandwich and crimp a portion of the paper bundle 90 between the first crimping teeth 73. The portion of the paper bundle 90 is the portion near the fold 95.

[0292] Thereafter, in the needleless binding device 71 , the moving member 712 moves upward in the direction of the arrow St so as to separate from the supporting member 711 .

[0293] As a result, the second crimping teeth 74 on the moving member 712 are separated from the first crimping teeth 73. At this time, a crimping binding space 72As is ensured between the first crimping teeth 73 and the second crimping teeth 74.

[0294] As a result, the portion of the sheet bundle 90 close to the fold 95 which is pinched and pressed between the second pressing teeth 74 and the first pressing teeth 73 becomes a portion 96 bound without a staple (see FIG. Figure 11 (C)).

[0295] The compressed and bound portion 96 deforms in a wave-like manner according to the shapes of the concave and convex portions of the first and second compression teeth 73 and 74. The compressed and bound portion 96 deforms so that the fibers of the overlapping sheets 9 are entangled and bonded.

[0296] Therefore, the sheet bundle 90 folded by the folding unit 60 is bound by the needleless binding device 71 without using binding needles.

[0297] That is, as in Figure 11 As shown in (C), the paper bundle 90 is stapled in the middle without stitching. Figure 11 In (C), the portion indicated by reference numeral 96 is a portion bound without a staple (binding portion).

[0298] When the needleless binding device 71 is requested to perform needleless center binding at another binding position, it stops after moving to the next binding position and then performs needleless center binding at the other binding position in the same manner.

[0299] Here, in the paper processing device 5A, the following needleless binding process is performed: the binding portion 96 of the paper bundle 90 increases as the number of sheets 9 forming the paper bundle 90 increases. Figure 12 As shown in FIG. 2 (B), the binding portion 96 is a portion that is bound in a needleless manner in a direction along the fold 95 of the sheet bundle 90 .

[0300] In embodiment 1, as Figure 12 As shown in (A), the number of needleless binding locations 96 is set to two when the number of sheets 9 forming the paper bundle 90 is two. Furthermore, the number of needleless binding locations 96 is set to increase one by one as the number of sheets 9 increases. In other words, the number of binding locations 96 is set to an appropriate number, neither too many nor too few, depending on the number of sheets 9.

[0301] The binding portion 96 is allocated and set to an appropriate position according to the width of the paper 9 during transport. The width of the paper 9 during transport is the dimension perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper 9 when transported in the paper processing device 5A.

[0302] exist Figure 12(B) shows an example in which the number of sheets of paper 9 forming the paper bundle 90 is three and the number of binding locations 96 is three.

[0303] In addition, Figure 12 The sheet bundle 90 illustrated in (B) assumes that the width during transport is the maximum size.

[0304] Under this premise, Figure 12 The uppermost binding portion 96 in (B) is at the binding position P1 of the needleless binding device 71 (see Figure 3 ) for binding. In addition, Figure 12 The binding portion 96 at the bottom of (B) is similarly bound at the binding position P5. Figure 12 The binding portion 96 at the middle position of (B) is similarly bound at the binding position P3.

[0305] Next, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, it is determined whether all the needleless saddle binding operations have been completed ( S110 ).

[0306] When it is determined in step S110 that the needleless middle stapling operation is completed, the needleless stapling device 71 moves from the final stapling position to the retreat position Ph and stops ( S111 ).

[0307] Thus, the needleless binding device 71 stands by at the retreat position Ph until the next needleless middle stapling process is requested.

[0308] Furthermore, when not performing the binding process, the needleless binding device 71 moved to the retreat position Ph does not prevent the needleless center-stitched sheet bundle 90 from moving to the carrier unit 59 through the passage 56 .

[0309] In addition, in the case of the above determination, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B restarts the conveying operation that was temporarily stopped (S112).

[0310] As a result, the sheet bundle 90 folded by the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B is again fed toward the carrier unit 59 by the conveying force of the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B.

[0311] At this time, the bent paper bundle 90 is conveyed to the carrying unit 59 (see FIG. 1 ) while passing through the passage 56 and guided by the carrying guide member 58. Figure 10 (C)).

[0312] The paper bundle 90 is then conveyed by the belt device 595 on the storage surface 592 of the loading tray 591 of the loading unit 59. As a result, the paper bundle 90 is moved to the paper bundle stopper 593 and stored.

[0313] Finally, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, it is determined whether the paper bundle 90 saddle-stitched in the needleless method has been placed on the placement unit 59 ( S113 ).

[0314] If it is determined in step S113 that the loading is completed, the requested needleless saddle binding process is completed.

[0315] As described above, according to the image forming system 1 , in the paper processing apparatus 5A, the portion near the fold 95 of the paper bundle 90 formed by overlapping the plurality of paper sheets 9 introduced from the image forming apparatus 2 is bound without using staples.

[0316] In this case, the plurality of sheets of paper 9 introduced from the image forming apparatus 2 are not limited to the sheets of paper 9 on which images are formed, but may also include the sheets of paper 9 on which no images are formed.

[0317] In the paper processing apparatus 5A, the binding process by the needleless binding device 71 is performed in a state where the folded paper bundle 90 is held between the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B.

[0318] Thus, according to the paper processing apparatus 5A, the binding process is performed more stably than when the needleless binding device 71 performs the binding process in a state where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B do not hold the paper bundle 90 .

[0319] In addition, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B temporarily stops conveyance of the paper bundle 90 according to the position of the binding operation section 72 of the needleless binding device 71 .

[0320] At this time, the sheet bundle 90 stops in a state where the bound portion thereof faces the first crimping teeth 73 and the second crimping teeth 74 of the crimping portion 72A serving as the binding operation portion 72 .

[0321] Specifically, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, the position at which the paper bundle 90 is bound by the needleless binding device 71 is adjusted based on the amount of transport (transport distance D1) by the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B until the paper bundle 90 is temporarily stopped. The binding position is defined as the position extending inward from the fold 95 of the paper bundle 90 by a predetermined dimension α.

[0322] Thus, the paper processing apparatus 5A can adjust the position of the paper bundle 90 bound by the needleless binding device 71 without using a stop plate or the like that abuts and stops the paper bundle 90 conveyed by the pair of folding rollers 67A, 67B at the binding position.

[0323] Implementation method 2.

[0324] The image forming system according to the second embodiment is an image forming system in which a stapler binding device 77 is added as the binding unit 70 to the image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0325] Specifically, if Figure 1 or Figure 2 As shown by the two-dot chain line, a stapler 77 is additionally provided in the paper processing apparatus 5A.

[0326] The stapler binding device 77 is a device that binds the sheet bundle 90 in the stacking unit 61 with staplers before the folding process by the folding unit 60 is performed.

[0327] Therefore, the stapler binding device 77 is arranged, for example, in the accumulation unit 61 at a position above the folding and conveying unit 67 of the accumulation tray 62 .

[0328] As the staple binding device 77 , a well-known staple binding device is applied.

[0329] The needle binding device 77 may be, for example, a needle binding device including a movable portion 771 and a needle bending portion 772 .

[0330] The movable portion 771 is a portion that moves to hold the staple and insert it into the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90. The movable portion 771 is disposed on the accumulation surface 621 side of the accumulation tray 62 at a predetermined distance from the accumulation surface 621.

[0331] The needle bending portion 772 receives the end of the binding needle that has been pressed by the movable portion 771 and passed through the sheet bundle 90 and bends it in a predetermined direction. The needle bending portion 772 is disposed on the opposite side of the accumulation tray 62 from the accumulation surface 621 and faces the movable portion 771.

[0332] The accumulation tray 62 is provided with a binding through portion for performing a staple binding process.

[0333] The needle-binding device 77 is substantially the same as the needleless binding device 71 and is mounted so as to be movable along the width direction of the accumulation tray 62 via a guide support member (not shown). The width direction of the accumulation tray 62 is a direction spanning the front end 62c and the rear end 62d of the accumulation tray 62.

[0334] Thus, the needle binding device 77 is also configured to be guided by a guide support member (not shown) to move to a predetermined binding position and stop. A plurality of binding positions are also provided for the needle binding device 77.

[0335] Furthermore, the image forming system and the paper processing apparatus 5A according to the second embodiment include a selection unit 19 for selecting a binding method for the paper bundle 90 .

[0336] The selection unit 19 is a unit that selects one of the needleless binding process by the needleless binding device 71 and the needle binding process by the needle binding device 77 as the binding process for the sheet bundle 90 .

[0337] The selection unit 19 is configured as, for example, a selection operation function of a part of the operation display unit 45. The selection unit 19 is added as a selection operation function of the external connection device 300.

[0338] Furthermore, in the image forming system of embodiment 2, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As indicated by the two-dot chain line, the paper handling control unit 15 is connected to a staple operation control unit 156 .

[0339] The staple binding operation control unit 156 is a portion that controls the operation of the staple binding device 77 .

[0340] The operation display control unit 143 adds control content that enables selection screen display or selection input operation for the selection unit 19 as operational control of the operation display unit 45 .

[0341] In the image forming system of the second embodiment, similarly to the case of the first embodiment, the image forming apparatus 2 can perform an operation of forming an image on the paper 9 .

[0342] In the image forming system according to the second embodiment, the paper processing apparatus 5A can perform the saddle stitching process described below.

[0343] <Operation of the paper handling device>

[0344] First, in the paper processing device 5A, as shown in FIG. Figure 13 As shown, it is determined whether or not there is a request for saddle stitching processing in the image forming system 1 ( S200 ).

[0345] When it is determined in step 200 that there is a request for saddle stitching, a determination is made regarding the binding method of the saddle stitching process ( S201 ).

[0346] The determination regarding the binding method of the saddle stitching process refers to the determination of whether the saddle stitching process is a request for a binding method of stitchless binding or stitch binding.

[0347] This determination is made by the paper handling control unit 15 acquiring request information input from the operation display unit 45 or the externally connected device 300 to the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0348] If it is determined in step 201 that the middle binding process is a request for a needleless binding method, the execution Figure 13 The operations of steps 202 to 213 are shown.

[0349] The details of the operations in steps 202 to 213 are the same as those in steps 101 to 103 and steps 105 to 113 ( S101 to S103 and S105 to S113 ) in the first embodiment.

[0350] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 201 that the saddle stitching process is a request for a staple stitching method, the process is executed. Figure 13 The operations of steps 230 to 232 are shown.

[0351] In this case, the information on the size and number of overlapping sheets of paper 9 forming the paper stack 90 is obtained (S230), the paper 9 is introduced and conveyed to the accumulation tray 62 (S231), and the paper stack 90 on the accumulation tray 62 is aligned (S232).

[0352] The details of the operations in steps 230 to 232 are the same as those in steps 101 to 103 ( S101 to S103 ) in the first embodiment.

[0353] Next, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, when the alignment operation in step 232 is completed, a saddle stitching operation is performed ( S233 ).

[0354] In the stapled middle stapling operation, first, the position of the paper bundle 90 formed on the accumulation tray 62 is adjusted according to the length of the paper bundle 90 during conveyance.

[0355] That is, the position of the sheet bundle 90 is adjusted so that the folded portion 93 thereof faces the stapler binding operating section 773 of the stapler binding device 77. This position adjustment is performed by moving and stopping the lower end alignment member 63.

[0356] Next, in the staple center stapling operation, the position-adjusted paper bundle 90 is stapled by the staple binding device 77 .

[0357] Thus, the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90 on the accumulation tray 62 is bound with the staples. That is, the sheet bundle 90 at this time is centrally bound with the staples.

[0358] In addition, when the stapler binding device 77 is requested to perform the stapler middle stapling process at another stapling position, it stops after moving to the next stapling position and then performs the stapler middle stapling process at another stapling position in the same manner.

[0359] In the paper processing apparatus 5A, it is determined whether the operation of the saddle stitch binding in step 233 has been completed (S234).

[0360] Then, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, when it is determined that the stitch-stitching operation is completely completed, the folding unit 60 performs the folding operation ( S235 ).

[0361] In the folding operation of step 235, first, the position of the folded portion 93 of the paper bundle 90 bound with the staples is adjusted to face the through portion 625 of the accumulation tray 62. The position adjustment is performed by moving and stopping the lower end alignment member 63.

[0362] Next, in this folding operation, the caulking unit 66 of the folding unit 60 caulks the folded portion 93 of the sheet bundle 90 whose position is adjusted on the accumulation tray 62 and bound with the staples.

[0363] In this folding operation, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B serving as the folding and conveying unit 67 of the folding unit 60 sandwich and convey the paper bundle 90 with the portion of the paper bundle 90 folded by the bending unit 66 leading.

[0364] At this time, the bent front end portion of the sheet bundle 90 is pressed and folded by the pressure applied to it as it passes through the portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are in contact with each other.

[0365] In addition, the sheet bundle 90 at this time is conveyed toward the carrier unit 59 in a state where the bent front end portion is folded.

[0366] In addition, when performing the center binding with needles, the needleless binding device 71 has already moved to the retreat position Ph outside the passage 56 .

[0367] Thus, the paper bundle 90 is folded in half with the paper bundle 90 bound with the staples and the bent front end portion forming a fold 95. That is, the paper bundle 90 is folded in the middle at this time.

[0368] The sheet bundle 90 is fed out from a portion NP where the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B are in contact with each other, with the fold line 95 leading the bundle.

[0369] Next, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, the pair of folding rollers 67A and 67B continue the conveying operation of the paper bundle 90 ( S236 ).

[0370] At this time, the folded paper bundle 90 is conveyed to the carrier unit 59 while passing through the passage 56 and guided by the carrying guide member 58 .

[0371] The paper bundle 90 is then conveyed by the belt device 595 on the storage surface 592 of the loading tray 591 of the loading unit 59. As a result, the paper bundle 90 is moved to the paper bundle stopper 593 and stored.

[0372] Finally, in the paper processing apparatus 5A, it is determined whether the paper bundle 90 saddle-stitched with a stitch has been placed on the placement unit 59 ( S237 ).

[0373] When it is determined in step S237 that the loading is completed, the requested staple saddle stitching process is completed.

[0374] As described above, the image forming system according to the second embodiment can bind the portion near the fold 95 of the stack of paper sheets 9 introduced from the image forming apparatus 2 without using staples, similarly to the first embodiment.

[0375] Furthermore, according to the image forming system of the second embodiment, the paper processing apparatus 5A can also bind the folded portion 93 of the paper bundle 90 formed by overlapping the plurality of paper sheets 9 introduced from the image forming apparatus 2 using a stapler.

[0376] Furthermore, in the paper processing apparatus 5A according to the second embodiment, a larger number of paper bundles 90A subjected to needleless center binding can be stored in the placement unit 59 compared to the paper bundles 90B subjected to needle center binding.

[0377] This is because the expansion amount (bundle thickness) β1 of the paper bundle 90A is suppressed (see Figure 11 That is, the expansion amount β1 of the paper bundle 90A is greater than the expansion amount β2 of the paper bundle 90B having the staples 79 ( Figure 14 (B)) small.

[0378] Therefore, if Figure 14 As shown in FIG. 5A (A), the overlap amount (height) h1 of the paper bundle 90A when placed and stored in the placement unit 59 is reduced. As a result, the volume of the paper bundle 90A when stored in the placement unit 59 is also small, making it easier to store and increase the storage capacity.

[0379] In contrast, Figure 14 As shown in (C), the overlap amount h2 of the paper bundle 90B is greater than the overlap amount h1 of the paper bundle 90A. As a result, the paper bundle 90B has a larger volume when stored in the carrier unit 59 than the paper bundle 90A, making it difficult to store the paper bundle 90B and increasing the storage volume.

[0380] Implementation method 3.

[0381] exist Figure 15 hereinafter shows a paper sheet processing apparatus 5B according to a third embodiment.

[0382] The paper handling apparatus 5B differs from the paper handling apparatus 5A of Embodiment 1 mainly in that a paper feeding device 80 is provided instead of the image forming apparatus 2. Otherwise, the structure is substantially the same as that of the paper handling apparatus 5A.

[0383] The paper feeding device 80 includes a paper storage portion 81 provided on one side surface portion of the housing 50 of the paper processing device 5B.

[0384] The paper storage portion 81 is a portion having a storage surface capable of placing and storing a plurality of sheets of paper 9. The paper 9 stored in the paper storage portion 81 is paper that requires at least a center stapling process.

[0385] The paper storage section 81 includes a feeder device 82 that feeds the paper 9 placed on the storage surface one by one toward the inside of the housing 50 .

[0386] The paper supply device 80 includes a frame 85 integrated with the frame 50 below the paper storage portion 81. The frame 85 can accommodate necessary components and the like within its internal space.

[0387] The paper supply device 80 delivers the paper 9 fed from the paper storage portion 81 to the paper introduction path 51 of the paper processing device 5B.

[0388] Furthermore, the paper feeding device 80 includes an operation display unit 510 .

[0389] The operation display unit 510 includes an operation unit and a display unit, similar to the operation display unit 45 in Embodiment 1. The operation display unit 510 allows input and selection of information required for operations such as stapling, and displays the status of the paper processing apparatus 5B and operation details.

[0390] In addition, if Figure 16 As shown, the paper feeding device 80 includes a paper processing control unit 15B as a control unit.

[0391] When the paper handling control unit 15B is connected to the paper handling control unit 15 of the first embodiment (see Figure 8 ) are different in the following respects. Specifically, a paper size acquisition unit 501 and an operation display control unit 157 are added and connected. Otherwise, the configuration is the same as that of the paper handling control unit 15 of the first embodiment.

[0392] The paper size acquisition unit 501 is a unit that acquires information related to the size of the paper 9 . The information related to the size of the paper 9 is acquired from information input on the operation display unit 510 .

[0393] The operation display control unit 157 is a portion that controls the operation operation and display operation of the operation display unit 510 .

[0394] Furthermore, the paper sheet processing apparatus 5B is different from the paper sheet processing apparatus 5A of the first embodiment (see Figure 9 Likewise, operations related to the needleless middle binding process are performed.

[0395] Therefore, according to the paper processing apparatus 5B, the portion close to the fold 95 of the paper bundle 90 formed by overlapping the plurality of paper sheets 9 supplied from the paper supply device 80 is bound without using a staple.

[0396] In addition, the paper processing device 5B is similar to the paper processing device 5A of the second embodiment. Figure 15 As shown by the two-dot chain line, a needle binding device 77 may be added as the binding unit 70.

[0397] The paper processing apparatus 5B in this case may also be equipped with a selection unit 19 for selecting the binding method of the paper bundle 90 , similarly to the case of the second embodiment.

[0398] Furthermore, in this case, the paper processing apparatus 5B is different from the paper processing apparatus 5A of the second embodiment (see Figure 13 ) Similarly, the middle binding process is performed by arbitrarily selecting either the needleless binding method or the needle binding method.

[0399] Thus, the paper processing apparatus 5B at this time can select and perform the following processing: binding the portion of the paper bundle 90 near the fold 95 without using staples; or binding the portion of the paper bundle 90 near the fold 95 with staples.

[0400] Variation example.

[0401] The present invention is not limited to the configurations exemplified in the above-described Embodiments 1 to 3. That is, the present invention can be variously modified and altered within the scope of the gist of the disclosures described in the claims.

[0402] Therefore, the present invention also includes, for example, the following modified examples.

[0403] In the first to third embodiments, as the binding position P of the needleless binding device 71, Figure 3 5 locations (P1 to P5) are shown together with the set positions. However, there is no particular limitation on the number of binding positions P and the set positions, and they can be set arbitrarily.

[0404] The needleless binding portion 96 of the needleless binding device 71 may be configured to be selectable and set arbitrarily by the user.

[0405] The retreat position Ph of the needleless binding device 71 is not limited to being offset from the passage 56. The retreat position Ph may be offset from the passage 56 to the front or to the top or bottom as long as a retreat space is ensured.

[0406] The paper handling apparatus 5A of Embodiments 1 and 2 is not limited to being provided separately from and connected to the image forming apparatus 2 .

[0407] The paper processing devices 5A and 5B of the first to third embodiments may be additionally equipped with devices that perform other processing on the paper 9 or the paper bundle 90. Examples of the devices that perform other processing include a punching device or other hole-forming device, and an inserting paper supply device that inserts inserting paper into the paper bundle 90.

[0408] (Note) (((1)))

[0410] A paper processing device, comprising:

[0411] a folding unit that bends a stack of overlapping sheets of paper; and

[0412] The needleless binding unit includes a binding operation portion that binds a portion of the sheet bundle close to a fold formed by the folding unit without using a binding needle. (((2)))

[0414] The paper processing device according to (((1))), wherein

[0415] The folding unit comprises: an accumulation unit for stacking a plurality of sheets of paper to form a sheet bundle; a bending unit for bending a folded portion of the sheet bundle in the accumulation unit; and a folding and conveying unit for conveying the sheet bundle in a manner of clamping and folding the sheet bundle, with the portion of the sheet bundle bent by the bending unit as the leading portion.

[0416] The folding and conveying unit temporarily stops conveying the sheet bundle according to the position of the stapling operation portion. (((3)))

[0418] The paper processing device according to (((1))) or (((2))), wherein

[0419] The needleless binding unit is configured to be movable between a binding position for approaching the sheet bundle for binding and a retreat position for retreating away from the sheet bundle, and moves from the retreat position to the binding position during binding. (((4)))

[0421] The paper processing device according to (((2))), wherein

[0422] The position of the sheet bundle bound by the needleless binding unit is adjusted according to the conveyance amount of the folding and conveying unit until the temporary stop. (((5)))

[0424] The paper processing device according to (((2))), wherein

[0425] The needleless binding unit includes a pressing portion as the binding action portion, and the pressing portion presses and binds the portion of the paper bundle close to the fold.

[0426] The pressing portion of the needleless binding unit is arranged in a range from a feed position of the folding and conveying unit to a position that is away from the feed position and is half the length of the smallest sheet when conveyed among the sheets forming the sheet bundle. (((6)))

[0428] The paper processing device according to (((3))), wherein

[0429] The invention comprises: a carrying unit that conveys and carries the paper bundle that has passed through the folding unit with the fold at the leading edge; and a passage for the paper bundle that allows the paper bundle to pass from the folding unit to the carrying unit.

[0430] The binding position is set inside the passage, and the retreat position is set outside the passage. (((7)))

[0432] The paper processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))), wherein

[0433] The needleless binding unit performs binding processing such that the portion where the sheet bundle is bound along the fold increases as the number of sheets forming the sheet bundle increases. (((8)))

[0435] The paper processing device according to (((7))), wherein

[0436] The binding process is performed as follows: when the number of the sheets forming the sheet bundle is two, the binding locations are two, and the binding location increases by one each time the number of the sheets increases. (((9)))

[0438] The paper processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((8))), comprising:

[0439] a staple binding unit for binding the sheet bundle with staples before the folding process of the folding unit; and

[0440] A selection unit that selects, as a binding process for the sheet bundle, either a needleless binding process by the needleless binding unit or a needle binding process by the needle binding unit. (((10)))

[0442] An image forming system comprising:

[0443] an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet of paper; and

[0444] a paper processing device for binding a stack of overlapping sheets of paper introduced from the image forming device;

[0445] The paper sheet processing device is constituted by the paper sheet processing device described in any one of (((1))) to (((9))).

[0446] According to the paper processing device of (((1))), the portion of the paper bundle close to the fold line can be bound without using a staple.

[0447] According to the paper processing apparatus of (((2))), the binding process by the needleless binding unit can be performed while the folded paper bundle is held by the folding and conveying unit.

[0448] According to the paper processing device of (((3))), when the stapling process is not performed, the needleless binding unit can be moved to the retreat position away from the paper bundle and placed on standby.

[0449] According to the sheet processing apparatus of (((4))), the position of the sheet bundle bound by the stitchless binding unit can be adjusted without using a unit for causing the sheet bundle conveyed by the folding conveying unit to abut and stop at the binding position.

[0450] According to the paper processing device of (((5))), compared with the case where the needleless binding unit is configured so that its pressure contact portion is located at a distant position beyond the range from the delivery position of the folding and conveying unit to the above-mentioned separated position, it is possible to suppress the size increase of the paper processing device due to the configuration of the needleless binding unit, and at the same time, the binding processing of the needleless binding unit can be performed with the paper bundle being held bent by the folding and conveying unit.

[0451] According to the paper processing device of (((6))), the stapleless binding unit moves to the retreat position outside the passage when no binding processing is performed, and does not hinder the paper bundle from moving through the passage toward the carrier unit.

[0452] According to the paper processing device of (((7))), even if the number of sheets of paper forming a paper stack increases, the paper stack can be stably bound in a staple-free manner, compared to a case where the number of binding locations when binding the paper stack remains unchanged or decreases even if the number of sheets of paper forming the paper stack increases.

[0453] According to the paper processing device of (((8))), even if the number of sheets forming a paper bundle increases, the time required for the binding process of the needleless binding process can be kept short, and the paper bundle can be stably bound without a staple.

[0454] According to the paper processing apparatus of (((9))), the following processes can be arbitrarily selected and performed: a binding process for binding a paper bundle without a staple; and a binding process for binding a paper bundle using a staple.

[0455] According to the image forming system (((10))), a portion close to a fold in a stack of stacked sheets of paper introduced from an image forming apparatus can be bound without using staples.

Claims

1. A paper processing device, characterized in that: have: a folding unit configured to bend a stack of overlapping sheets of paper; as well as The needleless binding unit includes a binding operation portion that binds a portion of the sheet bundle close to a fold formed by the folding unit without using a binding needle.

2. The paper processing device according to claim 1, wherein: The folding unit comprises: a pushing unit, which pushes and accumulates a plurality of sheets of paper to form a sheet bundle; a bending unit configured to bend a folded portion of the sheet stack in the stacking unit; and a folding and conveying unit for conveying the paper bundle in a manner of sandwiching and folding the paper bundle with the portion of the paper bundle bent by the bending unit as the leading edge. The folding and conveying unit temporarily stops conveying the sheet bundle according to the position of the stapling operation portion.

3. The paper processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The needleless binding unit is configured to be movable between a binding position for approaching the sheet bundle for binding and a retreat position for retreating away from the sheet bundle, and moves from the retreat position to the binding position during binding.

4. The paper processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The position of the sheet bundle bound by the needleless binding unit is adjusted according to the conveyance amount of the folding and conveying unit until the temporary stop.

5. The paper processing device according to claim 2, wherein: The needleless binding unit includes a pressing portion as the binding action portion, and the pressing portion presses and binds the portion of the paper bundle close to the fold. The pressing portion of the needleless binding unit is arranged in a range from a feed position of the folding and conveying unit to a position that is away from the feed position and is half the length of the smallest sheet when conveyed among the sheets forming the sheet bundle. The paper processing device according to claim 3 , wherein: The invention comprises: a carrying unit that conveys and carries the paper bundle that has passed through the folding unit with the fold at the leading edge; and a passage for the paper bundle that allows the paper bundle to pass from the folding unit to the carrying unit. The binding position is set inside the passage, and the retreat position is set outside the passage.

7. The paper processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein: The needleless binding unit performs binding processing such that the portion where the sheet bundle is bound along the fold increases as the number of sheets forming the sheet bundle increases.

8. The paper processing device according to claim 7, wherein: The binding process is performed as follows: when the number of the sheets forming the sheet bundle is two, the binding locations are two, and the binding location increases by one each time the number of the sheets increases.

9. The paper processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein: have: a staple binding unit for binding the sheet bundle with staples before the folding process of the folding unit; and A selection unit that selects, as a binding process for the sheet bundle, either a needleless binding process by the needleless binding unit or a needle binding process by the needle binding unit.

10. An image forming system, characterized in that: have: an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet of paper; and a paper processing device for binding a stack of overlapping sheets of paper introduced from the image forming device; The paper sheet processing device is constituted by the paper sheet processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images