Binding processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

A binding processing apparatus and an image forming system, the binding processing apparatus including: a sheet supporting section configured to support a sheet bundle; a pressing section that presses the sheet bundle; and a binding processing unit that moves binding teeth toward the paper bundle to press the paper bundle and bind the paper bundle, and that moves from the binding position of the paper bundle when the paper bundle is pressed by the pressing unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a paper binding device, which is a paper binding device of the pressing binding method that binds a bundle of paper by means of a pair of pressing members. The characteristic is that the surface roughness of the pair of pressing members and / or the static friction between them and the paper are different from each other.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2015-139959

[0004] There is a technique for binding paper bundles by clamping and pressing them with binding teeth that have concave and convex shapes. However, when pressing the paper bundle, for example, if the paper bundle contains a large amount of moisture, the paper will stretch due to the moisture binding, which may result in the paper bundle getting deeply stuck in the binding teeth and unable to come out. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to suppress the movement of the paper bundle relative to the binding teeth after binding, without being affected by the characteristics of the paper bundle.

[0006] The invention described in Scheme 1 is a binding processing apparatus, comprising: a paper support portion for supporting a paper bundle; a pressing portion for pressing the paper bundle; and a binding processing portion for moving the binding teeth toward the paper bundle to apply pressure to the paper bundle and perform binding processing, and for moving from the binding position of the paper bundle when the paper bundle is pressed by the pressing portion.

[0007] The invention described in Scheme 2 is the binding processing apparatus described in Scheme 1, characterized in that, after the binding processing based on the binding processing unit is performed, the pressing part is in contact with the paper bundle.

[0008] The invention described in Scheme 3 is the binding processing device described in Scheme 1 or 2, characterized in that, when performing binding processing based on the binding processing unit, the pressing part is located in a position where it is not in contact with the paper bundle.

[0009] The invention described in Scheme 4 is a binding processing device described in any one of Schemes 1 to 3, characterized in that, after binding processing based on the binding processing unit is performed, the pressing part moves from the non-contact state toward the paper bundle and contacts the paper bundle.

[0010] The invention described in Scheme 5 is a binding processing device described in any one of Schemes 1 to 4, characterized in that, if the binding processing part moves from the binding part, the pressing part retracts to a position that is in a non-contact state with the paper bundle.

[0011] The invention described in Scheme 6 is a binding processing device described in any one of Schemes 1 to 5, characterized in that the pressing part rotates while in contact with the paper bundle, causing the paper bundle to move toward the discharge paper bundle loading member.

[0012] The invention described in Scheme 7 is a binding processing device described in any one of Schemes 1 to 6, characterized in that, after the binding processing unit performs binding processing on the paper bundle at the first binding position, it moves to the second binding position and performs binding processing thereon, and when the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the pressing part contacts the paper bundle.

[0013] The invention described in Scheme 8 is a binding processing apparatus described in any one of Schemes 1 to 7, characterized in that, after all binding processing based on the binding processing unit is completed, the pressing part contacts the paper bundle and conveys the paper bundle in the discharge direction, and during the contact between the binding processing unit and the paper bundle when the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the conveying in the discharge direction is not performed.

[0014] The invention described in Scheme 9 is a binding processing apparatus described in any one of Schemes 1 to 8, characterized in that it further comprises: a paper alignment member that aligns the paper in a direction intersecting the direction of paper conveying to the paper support, i.e., the width direction of the paper, and when the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the paper alignment member contacts the paper bundle and restricts the movement of the paper bundle.

[0015] The invention described in Scheme 10 is an image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper; and a binding processing apparatus as described in any one of Schemes 1 to 9 for binding the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus.

[0016] Invention Effects

[0017] According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the movement of the paper bundle relative to the binding teeth after binding without being affected by the characteristics of the paper bundle.

[0018] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the movement of the paper bundle after binding.

[0019] According to the third aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the paper bundle position caused by contact with the paper bundle being bound.

[0020] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to suppress the movement of the paper bundle after binding.

[0021] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, further processing can be applied to the paper bundle after binding.

[0022] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the pressing part can be used to transport paper.

[0023] According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, when binding is performed at multiple locations, it is possible to suppress the movement of the paper bundle after binding relative to the binding teeth.

[0024] According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to discharge a bundle of paper that has been bound at multiple locations.

[0025] According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to further suppress the movement of the paper bundle relative to the binding teeth after binding.

[0026] According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, a system is provided that can suppress the movement of the paper bundle relative to the binding teeth after binding without being affected by the characteristics of the paper bundle. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the following figures.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image forming system in this embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the first post-processing unit;

[0030] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the binding processing unit;

[0031] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the up-and-down movement of the movable roller;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the paper accumulation section viewed from above;

[0033] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the binding process in this embodiment.

[0034] Symbol Explanation

[0035] 1-Image forming system, 2-Image forming apparatus, 3-Paper handling apparatus, 40-First post-processing apparatus, 42-End binding unit, 43-First loading unit, 52-Binding processing unit, 60-Paper storage unit, 61-Transfer roller, 62-Modable roller, 64-End guide plate, 65-Paper alignment component, 71-First binding tooth, 72-Second binding tooth, 67-Support plate, 100-Information processing unit. Detailed Implementation

[0036] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0037] <Structure of Image Forming Systems>

[0038] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the overall structure of the image forming system 1 in this embodiment.

[0039] Figure 1 The image forming system 1 shown includes an image forming apparatus 2 for forming an image on paper P and a paper processing apparatus 3 for performing a pre-set processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2.

[0040] The image forming apparatus 2 includes an image forming unit 19 that forms an image on paper P using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The paper P with the image formed by the image forming unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 2 is conveyed toward the paper processing apparatus 3, which is a post-processing device.

[0041] The paper handling apparatus 3 includes a conveying device 10 that conveys the paper P output from the image forming apparatus 2 to the downstream side, and a backing paper supply device 20 that supplies backing paper such as thick paper or windowed paper to the paper P conveyed by the conveying device 10.

[0042] Furthermore, the paper handling apparatus 3 is equipped with a folding device 30 that performs folding processing such as inward tri-folding (C-fold) or outward tri-folding (Z-fold) on the paper P conveyed from the conveying device 10.

[0043] Furthermore, the paper handling device 3 includes a first post-processing device 40 located downstream of the folding device 30, which performs tasks such as perforation, end binding, and saddle stitching on the paper P.

[0044] Additionally, a first post-processing device 40 is provided downstream of the folding device 30 to process a bundle of papers consisting of multiple sheets of paper P for which images have been formed by the image forming device 2, or to process each sheet of paper P.

[0045] Furthermore, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes a second post-processing apparatus 590 located downstream of the first post-processing apparatus 40, which further processes folded or saddle-stitched bundles of paper.

[0046] Furthermore, the paper handling device 3 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) for executing programs, and an information processing unit 100 for controlling the entire paper handling device 3.

[0047] Furthermore, the paper handling device 3 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like, and has an information display unit 915 for displaying information to the user.

[0048] The first post-processing device 40 has a perforation unit 41 for punching holes in paper P and an end-binding part 42 for binding the ends of the paper bundle.

[0049] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a first loading section 43 for loading paper bundles that have been processed by the end binding section 42. The first loading section 43 is an example of a paper bundle loading component for discharge.

[0050] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a second loading section 45 for loading paper P that has not been processed in the first post-processing device 40 or paper P with openings.

[0051] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a saddle stitching unit 44 for folding / saddle stitching the paper bundle to produce a double-page booklet.

[0052] <First Post-processing Unit>

[0053] Figure 2 This is an explanatory diagram for illustrating the first post-processing device 40.

[0054] The first post-processing device 40 has a receiving port 49 for receiving paper P conveyed from the folding device 30.

[0055] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a perforation unit 41 directly behind the receiving port 49. The perforation unit 41 punches holes (perforates) such as two holes or four holes into the paper P conveyed to the first post-processing device 40.

[0056] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a first paper transport path R11 from the receiving port 49 to the end binding section 42.

[0057] The first paper transport path R11 is used to transport the paper P received through the receiving port 49 to the end binding section 42.

[0058] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a second paper transport path R12 that branches off from the first paper transport path R11 in the first branch section B1.

[0059] The second paper transport path R12 is used to transport paper P to the second loading section 45.

[0060] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a third paper transport path R13 that branches off from the first paper transport path R11 in the second branch B2.

[0061] The third paper transport path R13 is used to transport paper P to horse order element 44.

[0062] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a switching gate 70 that switches the transport destination of the paper P to any one of the first paper transport path R11 to the third paper transport path R13.

[0063] The binding section 42 has a paper storage section 60 that stores the required number of sheets of paper P to form a paper bundle. The paper storage section 60 is an example of a paper support section.

[0064] The paper accumulation section 60 has a support plate 67 configured to be inclined relative to the horizontal direction and to support the paper P conveyed from below. In this embodiment, a paper bundle is generated on the support plate 67.

[0065] Furthermore, the support plate 67 has an end guide plate 64 positioned to align with the end of the paper P in the conveying direction. More specifically, the end guide plate 64 has a limiting portion 641 and an opposing piece 642 (see reference). Figure 5 ).

[0066] The limiting parts 641 (641-1, 641-2, 641-3) are configured orthogonally to the support plate 67. The end of the paper P in the conveying direction abuts against the limiting part 641 to restrict the movement of the paper P.

[0067] Furthermore, the opposing plates 642 (642-1, 642-2, 642-3) are configured to connect to the limiting part 641 and oppose the support plate 67. In this embodiment, if the paper P is placed on the support plate 67, the end of the paper P in the conveying direction enters between the opposing plate 642 and the support plate 67.

[0068] Furthermore, the end binding section 42 includes a paper alignment member 65 that aligns the position of the paper P in the width direction of the paper P. Here, the width direction of the paper P refers to the width of the paper P in the direction intersecting the direction in which the paper P is conveyed to the paper accumulation section 60.

[0069] In this embodiment, two paper alignment members 65 are provided, one of which is disposed on one side of the width direction of the paper bundle, and the other is disposed on the other side of the width direction of the paper bundle.

[0070] The paper alignment component 65 is equipped with a drive source such as a motor, and is able to move in the width direction of the paper P (paper bundle).

[0071] In this embodiment, each time the paper P is supplied to the support plate 67, the end of the paper P in the width direction is pressed by the paper alignment member 65, thereby aligning the position of the paper P (paper bundle) in the width direction.

[0072] Furthermore, the end-binding section 42 includes a binding processing unit 52 that performs binding (end-binding) on ​​the ends of the paper bundle generated in the paper accumulation section 60. In this embodiment, the binding processing unit 52 performs binding processing without using staples. The binding processing unit 52 is an example of a binding processing section.

[0073] <Binding Processing Unit>

[0074] Figure 3 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the binding processing unit 52.

[0075] The binding processing unit 52 has a first binding tooth 71 for binding the paper bundle. Furthermore, the binding processing unit 52 has a second binding tooth 72 above the first binding tooth 71. Hereinafter, without distinguishing between the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72, they will sometimes be referred to as binding teeth.

[0076] The first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 each have a concave and convex portion.

[0077] More specifically, the first binding tooth 71 has a protrusion and a recess on the surface located on the side of the second binding tooth 72, with the protrusion and recess alternating in the direction indicated by arrow 3X in the figure.

[0078] Furthermore, the second binding tooth 72 has a protrusion and a concave portion on the surface located on the side of the first binding tooth 71, with the protrusion and concave portion arranged alternately in the direction indicated by arrow 3X in the figure.

[0079] In other words, the first binding tooth 71 has a protrusion and a recess that are alternately arranged along the length direction on the surface located on the side of the second binding tooth 72.

[0080] Furthermore, the second binding tooth 72 has a protrusion and a recess that are alternately arranged along the length direction on the surface located on the side of the first binding tooth 71.

[0081] In addition, in this embodiment, the structure is provided in which the protrusions and concave portions are alternately arranged in the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72, but the protrusions and concave portions may also be arranged in other ways.

[0082] Furthermore, the binding processing unit 52 includes a moving mechanism 300 that moves the second binding tooth 72 toward the first binding tooth 71.

[0083] Furthermore, the moving mechanism 300 has a rod-shaped threaded component 310 extending in the vertical direction as shown in the figure.

[0084] Furthermore, the second binding tooth 72 has a linkage portion 330 that engages with the threaded component 310.

[0085] The moving mechanism 300 causes the threaded component 310 to rotate circumferentially, thereby moving the linkage part 330 and the second binding tooth 72 toward the first binding tooth 71.

[0086] In addition, in this embodiment, if the drive motor (not shown) provided in the binding processing unit 52 is rotated forward, the threaded component 310 rotates circumferentially and in one direction.

[0087] As a result, the linkage 330 and the second binding tooth 72 descend along the straight path indicated by arrow 3Y in the figure and move toward the first binding tooth 71.

[0088] In this embodiment, the bundle of paper (not shown) located between the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 is clamped and pressed by the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72.

[0089] At this time, the recess provided on the first binding tooth 71 and the protrusion provided on the second binding tooth 72 face each other. Furthermore, the protrusion provided on the other binding tooth enters the recess provided on one binding tooth. As a result, the paper P constituting the paper bundle are pressed together and the paper bundle is bound.

[0090] If the binding process is completed, the drive motor reverses, and the threaded part 310 rotates in the opposite direction.

[0091] As a result, the linkage 330 and the second binding tooth 72 rise. If the second binding tooth 72 rises, the second binding tooth 72 separates from the first binding tooth 71.

[0092] In this embodiment, a structure is provided that uses a threaded component 310 to move the second binding tooth 72, but the mechanism for moving the second binding tooth 72 is not particularly limited. Alternatively, a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism may also be used.

[0093] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second binding tooth 72 is moved, but the first binding tooth 71 can be moved, or both the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 can be moved.

[0094] Return to Figure 2 Further explanation of the end binding section 42.

[0095] The end binding section 42 is provided with a conveyor roller 61 that is driven to rotate and feeds the paper bundle generated in the paper accumulation section 60 to the first loading section 43.

[0096] Furthermore, the end binding section 42 is provided with a movable roller 62 that can move to a position pressing against the conveyor roller 61 or to a position retracting from the conveyor roller 61. The conveyor roller 61 and the movable roller 62 function as pressing parts for pressing the paper bundle. In addition, when the movable roller 62 is in the position retracting from the conveyor roller 61, it is in a state of non-contact with the paper bundle, thereby not hindering the movement of the paper bundle.

[0097] Figure 4 This is an explanatory diagram used to illustrate the up-and-down movement of the movable roller 62.

[0098] The movable roller 62 is moved up and down by the up and down moving mechanism 400 (in Figure 2 (Not shown in the figure) Moves to the position pressed against the conveyor roller 61, or moves to the position retracted from the conveyor roller 61.

[0099] The up-down moving mechanism 400 includes a pressing component 410 of a pressing relay mechanism 420, a relay mechanism 420 connected to a movable roller 62, and a force-applying component 430 for applying pressure to the paper bundle.

[0100] The pressing component 410 is driven by a motor (not shown) located in the up-down moving mechanism 400, which rotates clockwise to... Figure 4 The component moves in the direction indicated by arrow 4A and comes into contact with the relay mechanism 420. Furthermore, the pressing component 410 presses down on the relay mechanism 420.

[0101] If the relay mechanism 420 is pressed down, the movable roller 62 connected to the relay mechanism 420 moves in the direction indicated by arrow 4B. Thus, the movable roller 62 moves towards the position where it presses against the conveyor roller 61. When the movable roller 62 presses down on the paper bundle, the force-applying component 430 supplies pressure to the movable roller 62.

[0102] Additionally, when the movable roller 62 retracts from the conveyor roller 61, the motor provided in the up-down movement mechanism 400 reverses, thereby causing the pressing member 410 to move in the opposite direction to that indicated by arrow 4A.

[0103] As a result, the pressure on the relay mechanism 420 is released, and the movable roller 62 moves to a position away from the conveyor roller 61.

[0104] Return to Figure 2 The processing based on the end binding section 42 will be explained.

[0105] During the processing based on the end binding unit 42, firstly, the paper P is received at the receiving port 49. Then, the paper P is conveyed along the first paper conveying path R11 and arrives at the end binding unit 42.

[0106] Then, the paper P falls onto the support plate 67 after being conveyed above it. The paper P is supported from below by the support plate 67 and slides on the support plate 67 by means of the tilting and rotating members 63 provided to the support plate 67.

[0107] Then, the paper P abuts against the end guide plate 64 mounted at the end of the support plate 67. This stops the movement of the paper P. This action is repeated each time the paper P is conveyed from the upstream side, generating a bundle of multiple aligned sheets of paper P on the support plate 67.

[0108] If a predetermined number of sheets of paper P are loaded onto the support plate 67, the binding processing unit 52 performs binding on the ends of the paper bundle. The binding processing unit 52 performs binding by clamping the paper bundle with two binding teeth, pressing the sheets P constituting the paper bundle together.

[0109] Then, the movable roller 62 moves toward the conveyor roller 61, and the paper bundle is clamped by the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61. Then, the conveyor roller 61 is driven to rotate, and the paper bundle is conveyed to the first loading section 43.

[0110] Alternatively, the paper bundle can be conveyed to the first loading section 43 by rotating the movable roller 62 during the paper bundle conveying process. Furthermore, the paper bundle can also be conveyed to the first loading section 43 by rotating both the conveyor roller 61 and the movable roller 62.

[0111] Next, the movement of the binding processing unit 52 on the paper storage section 60 will be described.

[0112] Figure 5 This is a diagram showing the paper accumulation section at 60°C from above.

[0113] In this embodiment, the binding processing unit 52 is configured to be movable relative to the paper storage section 60. The binding processing unit 52 moves in a direction intersecting the paper transport direction P. The binding processing unit 52 can also be said to move along the depth direction (inner and front directions) of the first post-processing device 40. Thus, the binding processing unit 52 can perform binding processing on the paper bundle at multiple locations.

[0114] The binding processing unit 52, for example, is located at two points at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40. Figure 5 Stop at positions (A) and (B), and perform binding at those two points.

[0115] Furthermore, the binding processing unit 52, for example, in Figure 5 The paper bundle stops at one end (one corner of the paper bundle) as shown in position (C), and binding is performed at that point.

[0116] Furthermore, the binding processing unit 52, for example, in Figure 5 The paper bundle stops at the other end (the other corner of the paper bundle) indicated by position (D), and binding is performed at that point.

[0117] The binding positions (A) to (D) shown above are examples of binding positions, but binding positions are not limited to these.

[0118] In this embodiment, the binding processing unit 52 moves linearly between position (A) and position (B).

[0119] Furthermore, the binding processing unit 52 moves between positions (A) and (C) and between positions (B) and (D), for example, while rotating by 45°.

[0120] The binding processing unit 52 in this embodiment is equipped with a drive source such as a motor, enabling the aforementioned movement. Furthermore, for example, a structure may be adopted in which a movable belt member is provided, the binding processing unit 52 is mounted on the belt member, and the binding processing unit 52 moves along with the movement of the belt member.

[0121] In this embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, the paper accumulation section 60 includes multiple end guides 64. These end guides 64 are arranged at different locations relative to each other in the depth direction of the first post-processing unit 40. Furthermore, Figure 5 The number of end guide plates 64 shown is an example, and is not limited to this.

[0122] First of all, Figure 5 When binding is performed at position (A), the binding is performed through the gap between the opposing piece 642-1 located on the front side and the opposing piece 642-2 located in the center.

[0123] Furthermore, in Figure 5 When binding is performed at position (B), the binding is performed through the gap between the opposing piece 642-2 located on the central side and the opposing piece 642-3 located on the inner side.

[0124] In addition, in this embodiment, the binding processing unit 52 is described as an example of a binding processing unit 52 that does not use binding components such as staples, but it is also possible to add a binding processing unit that uses binding components such as staples.

[0125] When an additional binding processing unit using binding components is added, for example, the binding processing unit used for binding can be switched according to instructions from the user. In this case, both binding processing without binding components and binding processing with binding components can be performed.

[0126] In this embodiment, the maximum separation between the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 is greater than the height dimension of the end guide plate 64. Therefore, the binding processing unit 52 can pass through the end guide plate 64.

[0127] <Binding process in this embodiment>

[0128] Next, the binding process in this embodiment will be explained.

[0129] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the binding process in this embodiment. This process is performed by the information processing unit 100, which controls the operations of the first post-processing device 40. Furthermore, this example shows a case where the binding processing unit 52 instructs the paper bundle to be bound in two parts.

[0130] The binding processing unit 52 is in standby at the initial position, which is Figure 5 Position (A) is shown as the first binding position. If a binding processing instruction is received, the binding processing unit 52 first performs binding processing at the first binding position (step S101). More specifically, the second binding tooth 72 advances toward the first binding tooth 71, applying pressure to the paper bundle. Through this pressure, the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 engage with the paper bundle. By clamping the paper bundle and applying pressure, the fibers of each sheet of paper become entangled, and the paper bundle is bonded together.

[0131] In this binding process, after the second binding tooth 72 advances toward the first binding tooth 71 and applies pressure to the paper bundle, the second binding tooth 72 separates from the first binding tooth 71. However, for example, if the moisture content of the paper bundle is high during pressure application, the paper elongates due to moisture binding, causing the paper bundle to become trapped in the unevenness of the teeth and unable to detach. After the binding process ends at the first binding position, the binding processing unit 52 needs to be moved to the second binding position, but if the paper bundle becomes trapped in the unevenness of the teeth, the paper bundle will be driven by the first binding tooth 71 and / or the second binding tooth 72.

[0132] Therefore, in this embodiment, after the paper bundle is bound by the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72, the movable roller 62 moves toward the paper bundle and contacts it, and the paper bundle is pressed by the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61 (step S102). In other words, after the binding process based on the binding processing unit 52 is performed, the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61, which are the pressing parts in this embodiment, are in contact with the paper bundle.

[0133] Next, the binding processing unit 52 begins to move to position (B), which is the second binding position (step S103). At this time, the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61 are in contact with the paper bundle and are in a state of pressing the paper bundle. That is, while the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61 are pressing the paper bundle, the binding processing unit 52 moves from the first binding position to the second binding position. At this time, the insertion of the binding teeth into the paper bundle in the previous binding position is released by peeling, but because the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61 are pressing the paper bundle, the movement of the paper bundle relative to the binding teeth of the binding processing unit 52 is suppressed.

[0134] If the binding processing unit 52 moves to the second binding position, the movable roller 62 retracts to a position where it changes from a state of contact with the paper bundle to a non-contact state (step S104).

[0135] Then, at the second binding position, the second binding tooth 72 of the binding processing unit 52 moves toward the first binding tooth 71 to apply pressure to the paper bundle for binding processing (step S105).

[0136] Then, at the second binding position, after the binding process based on the binding processing unit 52 is performed, the movable roller 62 moves toward the paper bundle again and contacts the paper bundle, and the paper bundle is pressed by the movable roller 62 and the conveying roller 61 (step S106).

[0137] Then, the paper bundle is conveyed to the first loading section 43 by the rotation drive of the conveyor roller 61 (step S107). At this time, the binding teeth at the second binding position are released from the paper bundle by the rotation drive of the roller in a peeling manner.

[0138] If the transfer of the paper bundle to the first loading section 43 is completed, the transfer roller 61 stops rotating, and the movable roller 62 returns to its initial position. Thus, the series of actions in the binding process ends.

[0139] In addition, when conveying the paper bundle to the first loading unit 43, both the conveying roller 61 and the movable roller 62 can be driven by rotation, or either one can be driven by rotation.

[0140] Thus, the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61 originally functioned to convey the paper bundle to the downstream first loading section 43. However, in this embodiment, the following function is added: when the binding processing unit 52 moves to the second binding position after completing the binding process at the first binding position, the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61 press the paper bundle. That is, after all binding processes based on the binding processing unit 52 are completed, the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61, which serve as pressing parts, contact the paper bundle and convey it in the discharge direction. However, when the binding processing unit 52 moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, it also contacts the paper bundle, but does not convey it in the discharge direction; instead, it remains in the function of pressing the paper bundle.

[0141] In this embodiment, when the binding processing unit 52 moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the paper bundle is pressed by the movable roller 62 and the conveying roller 61, thereby suppressing the paper bundle from being driven relative to the binding processing unit 52.

[0142] Here, in addition to the pressing of the movable roller 62 and the conveyor roller 61, or instead of the pressing, the paper alignment member 65 can be used to press and suppress the paper bundle from moving relative to the binding processing unit 52.

[0143] As described above, the paper alignment member 65 presses the end of the paper P in the width direction to align the position of the paper P (paper bundle) in the width direction.

[0144] Therefore, in this embodiment, when the binding processing unit 52 moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the paper alignment member 65 contacts the paper bundle and presses the paper bundle.

[0145] More specifically, in this embodiment, when the binding processing unit 52 moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the paper alignment member 65 presses down on the end of the paper bundle to restrict the movement of the paper bundle.

[0146] As described above, the paper alignment member 65 can move relative to the width direction of the paper P (paper bundle) via a drive source such as a motor. Therefore, when the binding processing unit 52 moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, for example, the current value for energizing the paper alignment member 65 is increased to improve the position retention of the paper alignment member 65. As a result, the paper bundle is fixed in the alignment position, and even if the paper bundle gets stuck in the binding teeth due to the pressure applied in the first binding position, the paper bundle will not be pulled away from the binding teeth by the movement of the binding processing unit 52 to the second binding position.

[0147] Furthermore, this embodiment is described using the case where instructions to bind two parts as an example, but this embodiment can also be applied when the binding process is performed on one part or more parts.

[0148] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. Furthermore, various modifications or structural substitutions that do not depart from the technical concept of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0149] <Postscript>

[0150] (1) A binding processing apparatus comprising: a paper support portion for supporting a bundle of paper; a pressing portion for pressing the bundle of paper; and a binding processing portion for pressing the bundle of paper by moving the binding teeth toward the bundle of paper and performing binding processing, and moving from the binding position of the bundle of paper while the pressing portion is pressing the bundle of paper.

[0151] (2) The binding processing apparatus according to (1) is characterized in that, after the binding processing based on the binding processing unit is performed, the pressing part is in contact with the paper bundle.

[0152] (3) The binding processing apparatus according to (1) or (2) is characterized in that, when performing binding processing based on the binding processing unit, the pressing part is located in a position where it is not in contact with the paper bundle.

[0153] (4) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3) is characterized in that, after binding processing based on the binding processing unit is performed, the pressing part moves from the non-contact state toward the paper bundle and contacts the paper bundle.

[0154] (5) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4) is characterized in that, if the binding processing part moves from the binding part, the pressing part retracts to a position that is in a non-contact state with the paper bundle.

[0155] (6) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5) is characterized in that the pressing part rotates while in contact with the paper bundle, thereby moving the paper bundle toward the discharge paper bundle loading member.

[0156] (7) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6), characterized in that, after the binding processing unit performs binding processing on the paper bundle at the first binding position, it moves to the second binding position and performs binding processing, and when the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the pressing part contacts the paper bundle.

[0157] (8) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (7) is characterized in that, after all binding processing based on the binding processing unit is completed, the pressing part contacts the paper bundle and conveys the paper bundle in the discharge direction, and during the contact between the binding processing unit and the paper bundle when the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the conveying in the discharge direction is not performed.

[0158] (9) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (8) is characterized in that it further comprises: a paper alignment member that aligns the paper in a direction intersecting the direction of conveying the paper to the paper support, i.e., the width direction of the paper, and when the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the paper alignment member contacts the paper bundle and restricts the movement of the paper bundle.

[0159] (10) An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper; and a binding processing apparatus as described in any one of (1) to (9) for binding the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus.

[0160] According to the invention of (1), it is possible to suppress the movement of the paper bundle relative to the binding teeth after binding without being affected by the characteristics of the paper bundle.

[0161] According to the invention of (2), it is possible to suppress the movement of the paper bundle after binding.

[0162] According to the invention of (3), it is possible to suppress the positional shift of the paper bundle caused by contact with the paper bundle being bound.

[0163] According to the invention of (4), it is possible to suppress the movement of the paper bundle after binding.

[0164] According to the invention of (5), it is possible to perform other treatments on the paper bundles after binding.

[0165] According to the invention of (6), the pressing part can be used to deliver paper.

[0166] According to the invention of (7), when binding is performed at multiple locations, it is possible to suppress the movement of the paper bundle after binding relative to the binding teeth.

[0167] According to the invention of (8), it is possible to discharge a bundle of paper that has been bound at multiple locations.

[0168] According to the invention of (9), it is possible to further suppress the movement of the paper bundle relative to the binding teeth after binding.

[0169] According to the invention of (10), it is possible to provide a system that suppresses the movement of the paper bundle relative to the binding teeth after binding without being affected by the characteristics of the paper bundle.

[0170] The embodiments of the present invention described above are provided for illustrative purposes. Furthermore, these embodiments do not encompass the entirety of the invention, nor do they limit the invention to the disclosed methods. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations will be readily understood. These embodiments were chosen and described to most readily explain the principles and applications of the invention. Thus, those skilled in the art can understand the invention through various modifications that are assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the foregoing claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A binding processing device, comprising: Paper support section, supporting the paper bundle; The pressing part presses down the paper bundle; and The binding processing unit moves the binding teeth toward the paper bundle to apply pressure to the paper bundle and perform binding processing, and moves away from the binding position of the paper bundle when the pressing part presses the paper bundle.

2. The binding processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, After the binding process based on the binding processing unit is performed, the pressing part is in contact with the paper bundle.

3. The binding processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, When performing binding processing based on the binding processing unit, the pressing part is located in a position where it is not in contact with the paper bundle.

4. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that, After the binding process based on the binding processing unit is performed, the pressing part moves from the non-contact state toward the paper bundle and comes into contact with the paper bundle.

5. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, If the binding processing unit moves from the binding part, the pressing part retracts to a position where it is in a non-contact state with the paper bundle.

6. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The pressing part rotates while in contact with the paper bundle, causing the paper bundle to move toward the discharge paper bundle loading member.

7. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, After binding the paper bundle at the first binding position, the binding unit moves to the second binding position and performs binding again. When the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the pressing part contacts the paper bundle.

8. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, After all binding processes based on the binding processing unit are completed, the pressing part contacts the paper bundle and conveys the paper bundle in the discharge direction, and during the contact between the binding processing unit and the paper bundle when the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the conveying in the discharge direction is not performed.

9. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, It also has: The paper alignment component aligns the paper in a direction intersecting the direction in which the paper is fed to the paper support, i.e., in the width direction of the paper. When the binding processing unit moves from the first binding position to the second binding position, the paper alignment member contacts the paper bundle and restricts the movement of the paper bundle.

10. An image forming system comprising: An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper; and The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9 binds paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus.

Images