Binding processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

A binding processing apparatus includes: a binding processing unit configured to move binding teeth toward a sheet bundle to press the sheet bundle and perform binding processing; and a control unit that controls the movement of the binding processing unit, the control unit increasing the pressing force of the binding teeth when the movement of the binding teeth does not reach a preset movement amount during the binding processing of the paper bundle.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to a stapling processing apparatus and an image forming system. BACKGROUND

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a post-processing apparatus having a horizontal paper discharge tray which is vertically movable and which loads and accommodates a bundle of paper stapled by a stapling processing mechanism which staples a bundle of paper discharged from an image forming apparatus or paper discharged from the image forming apparatus, a straightening mechanism which aligns a paper discharge direction and both side faces of paper discharged to the paper discharge tray, a stepping motor which drives the straightening mechanism, and an upper surface detection sensor which detects a position of an uppermost surface of a rear end portion side of the paper in the paper discharge direction, automatically calculates a weight of the bundle of paper based on a paper size, a paper quantity, and a stapling processing number set through an operation interface of the image forming apparatus, and makes a motor current of the stepping motor which drives the straightening mechanism variable based on the calculated weight of the bundle of paper.

[0003] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2009-126627

[0004] There is a technique of bundling a plurality of sheets of paper by stapling processing a bundle of paper using a staple having a concave-convex. In this case, when stapling processing a bundle of paper, for example, in a case where a pressing force to the bundle of paper is reduced due to an increase in rigidity of the paper or a change over time, a moving amount of the staple to the bundle of paper is reduced and a stable stapling function cannot be achieved. SUMMARY

[0005] An object of the present application is to stably perform stapling processing compared to a case where stapling processing is performed only based on a moving amount of a staple.

[0006] The invention described in Solution 1 is a stapling processing apparatus including: a stapling processing section which moves a staple toward a bundle of paper to press the bundle of paper and perform stapling processing; and a control section which controls movement of the stapling processing section, wherein the control section increases a pressing force of the staple in a case where movement of the staple does not reach a predetermined moving amount in the stapling processing of the bundle of paper.

[0007] The invention described in Solution 2 is the stapling processing apparatus described in Solution 1, wherein the control section increases the pressing force of the staple in a case where movement of the staple does not reach the predetermined moving amount in a predetermined time setting.

[0008] The invention described in Solution 3 is the stapling processing apparatus described in Solution 1 or 2, wherein the control section performs control to end the stapling processing in a case where movement of the staple does not reach the predetermined moving amount in the predetermined time setting, and the control section increases the pressing force of the staple in a case where the control is performed a predetermined number of times.

[0009] The invention described in Solution 4 is the binding processing device described in any one of Solutions 1 to 3, wherein the control section increases the pressing force of the binding tooth sequentially until a predetermined upper limit value is reached, and determines whether the movement of the binding tooth reaches a predetermined movement amount.

[0010] The invention described in Solution 5 is the binding processing device described in any one of Solutions 1 to 4, wherein, in the case where the movement of the binding tooth reaches a predetermined movement amount, the control section controls the binding processing section so as to perform binding processing with the increased pressing force as a new set value.

[0011] The invention described in Solution 6 is the binding processing device described in any one of Solutions 1 to 5, wherein the control section sets the movement amount of the binding tooth according to information related to the number of binding sheets of the bundle of sheets and the position at which the bundle of sheets is subjected to binding processing, and the pressing force is increased by a predetermined increase amount.

[0012] The invention described in Solution 7 is an image forming system including an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and the binding processing device described in any one of Solutions 1 to 6 that binds the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming device.

[0013] Effects of Invention

[0014] According to the first aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where binding processing is performed only according to the movement amount of the binding tooth, it is possible to stably perform binding processing.

[0015] According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to increase the pressing force of the binding tooth after a predetermined time set elapses.

[0016] According to the third aspect of the present invention, by the control of the binding tooth in succession, it is possible to increase the pressing force of the binding tooth at the time of control of the subsequent binding tooth.

[0017] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, compared to the case where the pressing force is increased to an upper limit value at once, it is possible to reduce the burden on the binding processing device.

[0018] According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, even in the case where the movement amount of the binding tooth to the bundle of sheets decreases, it is possible to perform more stable binding processing according to a new set value.

[0019] According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, even in the case of binding processing in which binding settings are different, it is possible to easily perform control of increasing the pressing force.

[0020] According to a seventh aspect of the present application, it is possible to provide an image forming system capable of stably performing a stapling process compared to a case where the stapling process is performed only based on a moving amount of a staple. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0021] Embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0022] Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall structure of an image forming system in the present embodiment;

[0023] Figure 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a first post-processing device;

[0024] Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a stapling process unit;

[0025] Figure 4 is a diagram when a paper accumulation section is viewed from above;

[0026] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware structure of an information processing section;

[0027] Figure 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting information for a stapling process;

[0028] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram explaining an example of timer control, Figure 7 (a) of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example where the stapling process is ended by pulse control, Figure 7 (b) of FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example where the stapling process is ended by timer control;

[0029] Figure 8 is a diagram showing an example of setting conditions when setting information of a stapling process is changed;

[0030] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of a change process of setting information of a stapling process.

[0031] SYMBOL EXPLANATION

[0032] 1 - image forming system, 2 - image forming device, 3 - paper processing device, 40 - first post-processing device, 42 - end stapling section, 43 - first loading section, 52 - stapling process unit, 60 - paper accumulation section, 61 - conveyance roller, 62 - movable roller, 64 - end guide plate, 65 - paper alignment member, 71 - first staple, 72 - second staple, 67 - support plate, 100 - information processing section, 500 - moving mechanism, 600 - linkage section. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0033] An embodiment of the present application will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0034] <Structure of image forming system>

[0035] Figure 1 is a view showing the overall structure of the image forming system 1 in the present embodiment.

[0036] Figure 1 The image forming system 1 shown in the figure is provided with an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on a paper sheet and a paper sheet processing apparatus 3 that performs a predetermined process on a paper sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2.

[0037] The image forming apparatus 2 is provided with an image forming section 19 that forms an image on a paper sheet P using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The paper sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming section 19 of the image forming apparatus 2 is conveyed toward the paper sheet processing apparatus 3 as a post-processing apparatus.

[0038] The paper sheet processing apparatus 3 is provided with a conveyance apparatus 10 that conveys a paper sheet output from the image forming apparatus 2 toward a downstream side and a backing paper supply apparatus 20 that supplies a backing paper such as a thick paper or a windowed paper to a paper sheet conveyed by the conveyance apparatus 10.

[0039] Further, the paper sheet processing apparatus 3 is provided with a folding apparatus 30 that performs a folding process such as an inner three-fold (C-fold) or an outer three-fold (Z-fold) on a paper sheet conveyed from the conveyance apparatus 10.

[0040] Further, the paper sheet processing apparatus 3 is provided with a first post-processing apparatus 40 that is provided on the downstream side of the folding apparatus 30 and performs a process such as a hole punching, an end stapling, a saddle stapling, and the like on a paper sheet.

[0041] Note that the first post-processing apparatus 40 that performs a process on a bundle of paper sheets composed of a plurality of paper sheets on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus 2 or on each paper sheet is provided on the downstream side of the folding apparatus 30.

[0042] Further, the paper sheet processing apparatus 3 is provided with a second post-processing apparatus 590 that is provided on the downstream side of the first post-processing apparatus 40 and further performs a process on a bundle of paper sheets that are folded in half or saddle stapled. Further, the paper sheet processing apparatus 3 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program and is provided with an information processing section 100 that controls the entire paper sheet processing apparatus 3. The information processing section 100 is an example of a control section. Further, the paper sheet processing apparatus 3 is composed of a liquid crystal display or the like and is provided with an information display section 915 that displays information to a user.

[0043] The first post-processing device 40 has a perforating unit 41 that performs a hole (punch hole) on a paper sheet and an end stapling section 42 that staples an end of a paper bundle. Further, the first post-processing device 40 has a first loading section 43 in which a paper bundle processed by the end stapling section 42 is loaded. Further, the first post-processing device 40 has a second loading section 45 in which a paper sheet not processed in the first post-processing device 40 or a paper sheet on which a hole is performed is loaded. Further, the first post-processing device 40 has a saddle stapling unit 44 that folds / staples a paper bundle to make a double-folded booklet.

[0044] <First Post-Processing Device>

[0045] Figure 2 is an explanatory view for explaining the first post-processing device 40.

[0046] The first post-processing device 40 has a receiving port 49 that receives a paper sheet delivered from the folding device 30. Further, the first post-processing device 40 has the perforating unit 41 immediately behind the receiving port 49. The perforating unit 41 performs a hole (punch hole) of 2 holes or 4 holes on a paper sheet delivered to the first post-processing device 40.

[0047] Further, the first post-processing device 40 has a first paper sheet delivery path R11 from the receiving port 49 to the end stapling section 42. The first paper sheet delivery path R11 is used to deliver a paper sheet received by the receiving port 49 to the end stapling section 42. Further, the first post-processing device 40 has a second paper sheet delivery path R12 branched from the first paper sheet delivery path R11 in a first branch section B1. The second paper sheet delivery path R12 is used to deliver a paper sheet to the second loading section 45.

[0048] Further, the first post-processing device 40 has a third paper sheet delivery path R13 branched from the first paper sheet delivery path R11 in a second branch section B2. The third paper sheet delivery path R13 is used to deliver a paper sheet to the saddle stapling unit 44. Further, the first post-processing device 40 has a switching gate 70 that switches a delivery destination of a paper sheet P to any one of the first paper sheet delivery path R11 to the third paper sheet delivery path R13.

[0049] The end stapling section 42 has a paper sheet accumulation section 60 that accumulates a required number of paper sheets to generate a paper bundle. The paper sheet accumulation section 60 has a support plate 67 that is inclined with respect to a horizontal direction and supports a delivered paper sheet from below. In the present embodiment, a paper bundle is generated on the support plate 67.

[0050] Further, the support plate 67 has an end guide plate 64 that aligns a position of an end of a paper sheet in a delivery direction. More specifically, the end guide plate 64 has a restriction portion 641 and an opposite piece 642 (refer to Figure 4 ].

[0051] The restriction portions 641 (641-1, 641-2, 641-3) are configured to be orthogonal with respect to the support plate 67. The end portion in the conveyance direction of the paper abuts against the restriction portions 641, and the movement of the paper is restricted.

[0052] Further, the opposing pieces 642 (642-1, 642-2, 642-3) are configured to be connected to the restriction portions 641 and to be opposed to the support plate 67. In the present embodiment, if the paper is placed on the support plate 67, the end portion in the conveyance direction of the paper enters between the opposing pieces 642 and the support plate 67.

[0053] Further, the end stapling portion 42 is provided with a paper alignment member 65 that aligns the position of the paper in the width direction of the paper. Here, the width direction of the paper refers to the width of the paper in the direction that intersects the direction in which the paper is conveyed to the paper accumulation portion 60.

[0054] In the present embodiment, two paper alignment members 65 are provided, one of which is configured on one side in the width direction of the paper bundle, and the other of which is configured on the other side in the width direction of the paper bundle. The paper alignment member 65 is provided with a driving source such as a motor, for example, and is able to move in the width direction of the paper (paper bundle).

[0055] In the present embodiment, when the paper P is fed onto the support plate 67 each time, the end portion in the width direction of the paper is pressed by the paper alignment member 65, and thus the position in the width direction of the paper (paper bundle) is aligned.

[0056] Further, the end stapling portion 42 is provided with a stapling processing unit 52 that presses and performs a stapling process on the paper bundle generated in the paper accumulation portion 60 by moving the staple with respect to the paper bundle. In the present embodiment, the stapling processing unit 52 performs a stapling process without using a staple. The stapling processing unit 52 is an example of a stapling processing portion. Details of the stapling processing unit 52 will be described later.

[0057] Further, the end stapling portion 42 is provided with a conveyance roller 61 that is rotationally driven and that sends out the paper bundle generated in the paper accumulation portion 60 to the first loading portion 43.

[0058] Further, the end stapling portion 42 is provided with a movable roller 62 that is able to move to a position in which the movable roller 62 is pressed against the conveyance roller 61 or a position in which the movable roller 62 is retracted from the conveyance roller 61.

[0059] Next, the process based on the end stapling portion 42 will be described.

[0060] When the process based on the end stapling portion 42 is performed, first, the paper that has been conveyed is accepted in the acceptance port 49. Then, the paper is conveyed along the first paper conveyance path R11 and reaches the end stapling portion 42.

[0061] Then, the paper is dropped onto the support plate 67 after being conveyed above the support plate 67. And, the paper is supported from below by the support plate 67, and slides on the support plate 67 by the tilting and rotating member 63 imparted to the support plate 67.

[0062] Then, the paper abuts against the end guide plate 64 installed to the end of the support plate 67. By this, the movement of the paper is stopped. After that, this action is performed every time the paper is conveyed from the upstream side, and a paper bundle in which a plurality of papers are aligned is generated on the support plate 67.

[0063] If the number of papers set in advance is loaded on the support plate 67, stapling is performed to the end of the paper bundle by the stapling processing unit 52. The stapling processing unit 52 performs stapling by sandwiching the paper bundle with two stapling teeth, and pressing the papers constituting the paper bundle against each other.

[0064] Then, the movable roller 62 advances toward the conveying roller 61, and the paper bundle is sandwiched by the movable roller 62 and the conveying roller 61. Then, the conveying roller 61 is driven to rotate, and the paper bundle is conveyed to the first loading portion 43.

[0065] <Stapling Processing Unit>

[0066] Figure 3 is an explanatory view for explaining the stapling processing unit 52.

[0067] As shown in Figure 3 , the stapling processing unit 52 has a first stapling tooth 71 for stapling processing of the paper bundle. And, the stapling processing unit 52 has a second stapling tooth 72 above the first stapling tooth 71. Hereinafter, when the first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72 are not distinguished, it is sometimes referred to as a stapling tooth.

[0068] The first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72 each have a concave-convex portion. More specifically, the first stapling tooth 71 has a concave-convex portion in which a convex portion and a concave portion are alternately arranged in a direction indicated by an arrow 3X on a surface on the second stapling tooth 72 side. And, the second stapling tooth 72 has a concave-convex portion in which a convex portion and a concave portion are alternately arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow 3X on a surface on the first stapling tooth 71 side. In other words, the first stapling tooth 71 has a concave-convex portion in which a convex portion and a concave portion are alternately arranged in a length direction on a surface on the second stapling tooth 72 side. And, the second stapling tooth 72 has a concave-convex portion in which a convex portion and a concave portion are alternately arranged in a length direction on a surface on the first stapling tooth 71 side. In addition, in the present embodiment, it is configured that the convex portion and the concave portion are alternately arranged in the first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72, respectively, but the convex portion and the concave portion can be arranged in other arrangement.

[0069] Further, the binding processing unit 52 has a linkage portion 600 that moves in conjunction with the second binding tooth 72. Also, the binding processing unit 52 has a moving mechanism 500 that moves the second binding tooth 72 toward the first binding tooth 71. The moving mechanism 500 has a rod-shaped threaded member 510 that extends in the up-and-down direction in the drawing. An external thread in which protrusions and groove portions are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the threaded member 510 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the threaded member 510. Also, an internal thread portion 610 is provided in the linkage portion 600, and the threaded member 510 that is the external thread is engaged with the portion of the linkage portion 600 in which the internal thread portion 610 is provided.

[0070] The moving mechanism 500 rotates the threaded member 510 that is engaged with the linkage portion 600 in the circumferential direction, and moves the second binding tooth 72 toward the first binding tooth 71.

[0071] More specifically, the binding processing unit 52 in the present embodiment has a drive motor that is not shown, and if the drive motor is rotated in the forward direction, the threaded member 510 is rotated in the circumferential direction and in one direction. As a result of this, the linkage portion 600 and the second binding tooth 72 descend along a linear path indicated by an arrow 3Y in the drawing, and move toward the first binding tooth 71. As a result of this, the binding processing is performed.

[0072] Also, if the drive motor is reversed, the threaded member 510 is rotated in the opposite direction. As a result of this, the linkage portion 600 and the second binding tooth 72 are raised. If the second binding tooth 72 is raised, the second binding tooth 72 is separated from the first binding tooth 71.

[0073] Also, the binding processing unit 52 in the present embodiment has an initial position detection sensor (not shown) that detects the initial position of the linkage portion 600.

[0074] Also, the binding processing unit 52 has an encoder (not shown) that detects the rotation of the drive motor and outputs a pulse signal if the linkage portion 600 deviates from the initial position.

[0075] In addition, in the present embodiment, a structure is provided in which the threaded member 510 is used to move the second binding tooth 72, but the mechanism that moves the second binding tooth 72 is not particularly limited. In addition, a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism or the like can also be used. Also, in the present 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.

[0076] Figure 4 is a view in which the paper accumulation portion 60 is viewed from above.

[0077] Next, the movement of the binding processing unit 52 on the paper accumulation portion 60 will be described.

[0078] The binding processing unit 52 in the present embodiment is arranged so as to be movable with respect to the paper accumulation section 60. The binding processing unit 52 is moved in a direction intersecting the conveying direction of the paper. The binding processing unit 52 can also be said to be moved in the depth direction (direction of the inner side and the front side) of the first post-processing device 40. Due to this, the binding processing unit 52 is able to perform binding processing on the paper bundle at a plurality of positions.

[0079] The binding processing unit 52, for example, stops at two points (positions (A) and (B) of the Figure 4 ) in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40 at positions different from each other, and performs binding processing at the two points. Also, the binding processing unit 52, for example, stops at one end (one corner of the paper bundle) of the paper bundle shown in the position (C) of the Figure 4 , and performs binding processing at the one point. Also, the binding processing unit 52, for example, stops at the other end (the other corner of the paper bundle) of the paper bundle shown in the position (D) of the Figure 4 , and performs binding processing at the one point.

[0080] The binding positions (positions (A) to (D)) shown above are one example of binding positions, and the binding positions are not limited thereto.

[0081] The binding processing unit 52 in the present embodiment is moved linearly between the positions (A) and (B). Also, the binding processing unit 52 is moved while, for example, rotating by 45° between the positions (A) and (C) and between the positions (B) and (D).

[0082] The binding processing unit 52 in the present embodiment is, for example, provided with a drive source such as a motor, and is able to perform the above-described movement. Also, for example, a structure can be adopted in which a belt member that is movable is provided, the binding processing unit 52 is attached to the belt member, and the binding processing unit 52 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the belt member.

[0083] In the present embodiment, as shown in Figure 4 , the paper accumulation section 60 is provided with a plurality of end guides 64. These end guides 64 are arranged at positions different from each other in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40. Also, Figure 4 The number of end guides 64 shown above is one example, and is not limited thereto.

[0084] First, in the case where binding processing is performed at the position (A) of the Figure 4 , binding processing is performed through the gap formed between the opposing piece 642-1 located on the front side and the opposing piece 642-2 located in the central portion. Also, in the case where binding processing is performed at the position (B) of the Figure 4In the case where the binding process is performed in the (B) position, the binding process is performed through a gap formed between the central-side opposing piece 642-2 and the inner-side opposing piece 642-3.

[0085] In addition, in the present embodiment, as the binding processing unit 52, a case where the binding processing unit 52 that does not use a binding member such as a staple is exemplified, but a binding processing unit that uses a binding member such as a staple can be additionally provided.

[0086] In the case where the binding processing unit that uses a binding member is additionally provided, for example, the binding processing unit for binding is switched according to an instruction from a user. In this case, both the binding process that does not use a binding member and the binding process that uses a binding member can be performed.

[0087] In the present embodiment, the maximum separation amount of the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 is larger than the height dimension of the end guide 64. Thereby, the binding processing unit 52 can pass through the end guide 64.

[0088] <Hardware structure of information processing unit>

[0089] Figure 5 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware structure of the information processing unit 100.

[0090] The information processing unit 100 is provided with a processing unit 201, an information storage device 202 that stores information, and a network interface 203 that realizes communication via a LAN (= Local Area Network) cable or the like.

[0091] The processing unit 201 is constituted by a computer. The processing unit 201 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211 that is an example of a processor that executes various processes described later. Also, the processing unit 201 has a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212 in which software is stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213 that serves as a work area. The information storage device 202 is realized by a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, a magnetic tape, or the like. In addition, the processing unit 201, the information storage device 202, and the network interface 203 are connected by a bus 206 or a signal line not shown.

[0092] The program executed by the CPU 211 can be provided to the information processing portion 100 in a state stored in a recording medium readable by a computer, such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, and a semiconductor memory. Also, the program executed by the CPU 211 can be provided to the information processing portion 100 using a communication method such as the Internet.

[0093] In the present embodiment, the CPU 211, which is an example of a processor, realizes various functions of the information processing portion 100 by executing the program stored in the ROM 212 or the information storage device 202.

[0094] Figure 6 is a view showing an example of setting information for the stapling process.

[0095] In the present embodiment, information required when the stapling process is performed is stored in advance in the information storage device 202. More specifically, in the present embodiment, the number of pulses that determines the movement amount and the current value supplied to the drive motor are set in advance according to the kind of the stapling process or the number of stapling. Here, as the kind of the stapling process, information of one-position stapling and two-position stapling is stored. Also, in the example shown in Figure 6 As the number of stapling, from 2 to 10, for example, is divided into five stages. For each stage, the number of pulses and the current value are set. In Figure 6 , instead of specific numerical values, 1 to 10 is set for the number of pulses and 1 to 10 is set for the current value. These set values are arbitrarily set, for example, according to the function of the stapling process unit 52 or the like.

[0096] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 6 , for example, in one-position stapling, when the number of stapling is 2, pulse setting 1 and current value setting 1 are set. Also, for example, in two-position stapling, when the number of stapling is 3 to 4, pulse setting 7 and current value setting 7 are set.

[0097] If an instruction of the stapling process is accepted, the information processing portion 100 performs the stapling process according to the set values corresponding to the kind of the stapling process instructed and the number of stapling.

[0098] Here, when the stapling process is performed according to the set values set in advance as shown in Figure 6 , for example, in a case where a decrease in the pressing force to the paper bundle caused by an increase in the rigidity of the paper or a change over time occurs, sometimes the number of pulses determined according to the setting cannot be counted. In this case, the movement of the second stapling tooth 72 does not reach the movement amount set in advance. In this state, the operation cannot be completed, so even in a case where the number of pulses determined according to the setting cannot be counted, control is performed such that the stapling process is considered to be completed by elapsing a time set in advance.

[0099] Hereinafter, the control that considers the stapling process to be completed by the lapse of the preset time setting will be referred to as timer control.

[0100] Figure 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the timer control, Figure 7 (a) of is a diagram showing an example in which the stapling process is ended by the pulse control, Figure 7 (b) of is a diagram showing an example in which the stapling process is ended by the timer control. Here, Figure 7 The waveform L shown in indicates a waveform output from the initial position detection sensor, and the waveform M indicates a pulse signal output from the encoder. Also, the waveform N indicates a current value supplied to the drive motor. Figure 7 (a) of, Figure 7 The horizontal axis shown in (b) of is a time axis, and the time point P indicates a start point of the measurement of the preset time setting. Also, the time point Q indicates a time at which the second stapling tooth 72 comes into contact with the paper bundle.

[0101] In the present embodiment, if a current is supplied to the drive motor, the drive motor rotates, and a driving force based on the drive motor is transmitted to the linkage portion 600 (refer to Figure 3 ). Thereby, the linkage portion 600 and the second stapling tooth 72 start to move. Then, the initial position detection sensor detects that the linkage portion 600 moves from the initial position and outputs a signal to the information processing portion 100. If a current is supplied to the drive motor, the drive motor rotates, and the encoder detects the rotation of the drive motor and outputs a pulse signal.

[0102] At the time point P shown in Figure 7 , if the initial position detection sensor detects the movement of the linkage portion 600 from the initial position, the information processing portion 100 starts the measurement of the preset time setting.

[0103] Then, if the second stapling tooth 72 advances toward the paper bundle, at the time point Q shown in Figure 7 , the second stapling tooth 72 comes into contact with the paper bundle. Then, if the drive motor continues to rotate, the pressing force of the paper bundle based on the second stapling tooth 72 increases, and the current supplied to the drive motor gradually increases.

[0104] Then, in the example shown in (a) of Figure 7 , it is shown that the number of pulses that can be counted and determined is set, and the second stapling tooth 72 is lowered to a desired position, that is, a state in which the paper bundle is pressed by a desired amount. In the example shown in (a) of Figure 7 , the information processing portion 100 determines that the movement of the second stapling tooth 72 reaches the preset movement amount and completes the stapling process.

[0105] On the other hand, Figure 7 In the example shown in (b), the pressure applied by the binding teeth is insufficient to count the determined number of pulses, and the pulse signal is interrupted at time point R. In this case, the information processing unit 100 determines that the movement of the second binding tooth 72 has not reached the preset movement amount. Figure 7 In the example shown in (b), even when the pulse signal is disconnected, the pressing of the paper bundle continues until the preset time setting shown at time point S is elapsed, and the binding process is considered complete.

[0106] Thus, pressure is applied based on the binding teeth until a preset time has elapsed, thereby ensuring the prescribed binding function for the paper bundle. However, in this embodiment, the setting information for the binding process is changed in order to achieve a more stable binding process.

[0107] More specifically, in this embodiment, if the binding process is terminated by timer control because the number of pulses determined by the timer cannot be counted, it is determined that the pressure applied by the binding teeth is insufficient, and the pressure applied by the binding teeth is increased.

[0108] Figure 8 This diagram illustrates an example of the setting conditions when changing the setting information for the binding process.

[0109] exist Figure 8 This document illustrates an example of setting control conditions and a specific adjustment method for adjusting the current value when increasing the pressure on the binding teeth by increasing the current value of the drive motor. As a control condition for adjusting the current value, a trigger is set as an event that occurs during adjustment. Here, the current value adjustment trigger is set to "timer control detection count twice," and an event is set such that... Figure 7 (b) shows the case where the current value is adjusted when the timer control is performed twice. "Timer control detection twice" means that when binding a paper bundle at two locations, if timer control is performed consecutively at the first and second binding positions, the current value is adjusted in the next binding process. However, the timer control detection count can be set to an odd number of once, or a plural number of three or more.

[0110] Furthermore, as a specific adjustment method, in Figure 8 In the example shown, a current value adjustment range and a current value adjustment limit are set. The current value adjustment range is the amount by which the current value supplied to the drive motor is increased each time. Furthermore, the current value adjustment limit is a preset current value that serves as the maximum current value supplied to the drive motor.

[0111] exist Figure 8In the example shown, the current value adjustment amplitude is set to "0.1 A", and the current value adjustment upper limit is set to "3.5 A". The "0.1 A" of the current value adjustment amplitude is a value adopted in the sense of increasing the current value supplied to the driving motor by a small amount each time. By this small amount increase each time, the pressing force of the binding teeth is sequentially increased, thereby suppressing the influence on the binding processing unit 52 to a minimum. Also, the current value adjustment upper limit "3.5 A" is a value adopted in consideration of the durability of the binding processing unit 52. The influence on the durability of the main body of the binding processing unit 52 is suppressed to a minimum, and stable binding is achieved. In addition, these values are not limited to Figure 8 In the example shown, the current value adjustment amplitude is set to "0.1 A", and the current value adjustment upper limit is set to "3.5 A". The "0.1 A" of the current value adjustment amplitude is a value adopted in the sense of increasing the current value supplied to the driving motor by a small amount each time. By this small amount increase each time, the pressing force of the binding teeth is sequentially increased, thereby suppressing the influence on the binding processing unit 52 to a minimum. Also, the current value adjustment upper limit "3.5 A" is a value adopted in consideration of the durability of the binding processing unit 52. The influence on the durability of the main body of the binding processing unit 52 is suppressed to a minimum, and stable binding is achieved. In addition, these values are not limited to

[0112] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the change processing of the setting information indicating the binding processing.

[0113] First, the CPU 211 of the information processing section 100 stands by the binding processing (step S101), and confirms that the binding processing is selected (step S102). Next, the CPU 211 confirms whether or not the operation has ended with the required pulse amount, press at the time of pressing (step S103). The CPU 211 acquires the setting value corresponding to the kind of the binding processing and the number of binding sheets, based on the setting information stored in the information storage device 202 (refer to Figure 6 ), and then executes the binding processing operation, and judges whether or not the operation has ended with the required pulse amount, press based on the setting value.

[0114] When the operation has ended with the required pulse amount, press at the time of pressing (YES in step S103), the count of the number of detections of the timer control is reset (step S104), and returns to step S101. On the other hand, in the case where the operation has not ended with the required pulse amount, press at the time of pressing (NO in step S103), the count of the number of detections of the timer control is incremented by 1 (step S105).

[0115] Next, the CPU 211 of the information processing section 100 confirms whether or not the number of detections of the timer control is less than the number of detections set in advance (step S106). This number of detections set in advance is stored as a setting condition as shown in Figure 8 , and the judgment is made based on this setting condition. In the case where the current value adjustment trigger is set to "the number of detections of the timer control twice", it is judged whether or not it is less than twice.

[0116] In a case where the number of detections by the timer control is less than the number of detections set in advance (YES in step S106), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, in a case where the number of detections by the timer control is equal to or more than the number of detections set in advance (NO in step S106), the CPU 211 determines whether the current value setting is greater than the current value adjustment upper limit (step S107). Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the current value adjustment upper limit is set to, for example, "3.5 A". Figure 8

[0117] In a case where the current value setting is greater than the current value adjustment upper limit (YES in step S107), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, in a case where the current value setting is not greater than the current value adjustment upper limit (NO in step S107), the current value adjustment increment is added to the current value setting (step S108), and the process ends. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the current value adjustment increment is set to, for example, "0.1 A", and the current value adjustment increment "0.1 A" is added to the current value setting. Thus, the pressing force of the binding teeth is increased. Figure 8

[0118] In the present embodiment, in a case where the current value adjustment increment is added to the current value setting, the new current value setting is stored in the information storage device 202 as the setting information shown in FIG. 9 (refer to FIG. 10). Figure 6 Figure 5 From the next binding process, the binding process is performed in accordance with the new current value setting. In this way, by sequentially increasing the pressing force of the binding teeth by a small amount each time, it is possible to minimize the impact on the durability of the cell main body, and to achieve stable binding.

[0119] The above describes an embodiment of the present application, but the technical scope of the present application is not limited to the above-described embodiment. In addition, various modifications or substitutions of the structure within the scope of the technical idea of the present application are included in the present application.

[0120]

[0121] (1) A binding processing device including: a binding processing section that moves a binding tooth toward a bundle of sheets to press the bundle of sheets and perform a binding process; and a control section that controls movement of the binding processing section, wherein the control section increases a pressing force of the binding tooth in a case where movement of the binding tooth does not reach a predetermined movement amount in the binding process of the bundle of sheets.

[0122] (2) The binding processing device according to (1), wherein the control section increases the pressing force of the binding tooth in a case where movement of the binding tooth does not reach a predetermined movement amount in a predetermined time setting.

[0123] ​​​​(3) The binding processing apparatus according to (1) or (2), wherein, in a case where the movement of the binding tooth does not reach the preset movement amount in the preset time setting, the control section performs control to end the binding processing, and in a case where the control is performed a preset number of times, the control section increases the pressing force of the binding tooth.

[0124] (4) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (3), wherein the control section sequentially increases the pressing force of the binding tooth until a preset upper limit value is reached, and determines whether the movement of the binding tooth reaches a preset movement amount.

[0125] (5) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (4), wherein, in a case where the movement of the binding tooth reaches the preset movement amount, the control section performs control to cause the binding processing section to perform binding processing with the increased pressing force as a new set value.

[0126] (6) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (5), wherein the control section sets the movement amount of the binding tooth according to information related to the number of sheets to be bound and a position at which the bundle of sheets is to be bound, and the pressing force is increased by a preset increase amount.

[0127] (7) An image forming system including: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet; and the binding processing apparatus according to any one of (1) to (6) that binds the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

[0128] The invention according to (1) enables stable binding processing to be performed compared to a case where binding processing is performed only according to the movement amount of the binding tooth.

[0129] The invention according to (2) enables the pressing force of the binding tooth to be increased after a preset time setting elapses.

[0130] The invention according to (3) enables the pressing force of the binding tooth to be increased by successive control of the binding tooth at the time of control of a subsequent binding tooth.

[0131] The invention according to (4) enables the burden on the binding processing apparatus to be reduced compared to a case where the pressing force is increased to an upper limit value at once.

[0132] The invention according to (5) enables more stable binding processing to be performed according to a new set value even in a case where the movement amount of the binding tooth to the bundle of sheets decreases.

[0133] The invention according to (6) enables control of the increase in the pressing force to be easily performed even in binding processing in which binding settings are different.

[0134] According to the invention of (7), it is possible to provide an image forming system that stably performs the stapling process compared to a case where the stapling process is performed only based on the movement amount of the staple.

[0135] The embodiments of the present application described above are provided for the purpose of illustration and explanation. In addition, the embodiments of the present application do not comprehensively and exhaustively include the present application, and do not limit the present application to the disclosed modes. It is obvious that various modifications and changes are self-evident to those skilled in the art to which the present application pertains. The present embodiments are selected and described in order to most easily explain the principles of the present application and its application. Thus, other skilled persons in the art can understand the present application through various modified examples assumed to be optimized for specific uses of various embodiments. The scope of the present application is defined by the above claims and equivalents thereof.

Claims

1. A binding processing apparatus characterized by comprising: Possessing: a binding processing section that moves a binding tooth toward a paper bundle to press the paper bundle and perform a binding process; and a control section that controls movement of the binding processing section, in a case where movement of the binding tooth in the binding process of the paper bundle does not reach a preset movement amount, the control section increases a pressing force of the binding tooth.

2. The binding processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in a case where movement of the binding tooth in the binding process does not reach the preset movement amount in a preset time setting, the control section increases the pressing force of the binding tooth.

3. The binding processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein in a case where movement of the binding tooth in the binding process does not reach the preset movement amount in the preset time setting, the control section performs control to end the binding process, and in a case where the control is performed a preset number of times, the control section increases the pressing force of the binding tooth.

4. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control section sequentially increases the pressing force of the binding tooth until a preset upper limit value is reached, and determines whether movement of the binding tooth reaches the preset movement amount.

5. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein in a case where movement of the binding tooth reaches the preset movement amount, the control section performs control to cause the binding processing section to perform the binding process with the increased pressing force as a new setting value.

6. The binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control section sets the movement amount of the binding tooth in accordance with information related to a binding number of the paper bundle and a position at which the paper bundle is subjected to the binding process, the pressing force is increased by a preset increase amount.

7. An image forming system, possessing: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a paper; and the binding processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 that binds the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

Images