Medium processing device and image forming device

Abstract

To provide a medium processing device capable of performing manual binding processing using any of a plurality of binding means having different binding methods.SOLUTION: A medium processing device consists of: a tray on which a plurality of media can be loaded; first binding means for binding a plurality of media loaded on the tray; second binding means for binding a plurality of media loaded on the tray in a different way from that of the first binding means; a common guide extending in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction on a downstream side of the tray in the transport direction; a first branching guide extending between one end of the common guide and a first standby position; and a second branching guide extending between one end of the common guide and a second standby position. The first binding means is guided by the common guide and the first branching guide and moves between the first standby position and a manual binding position. The second binding means is guided by the common guide and the second branching guide and moves between the second standby position and the manual binding position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a media processing device and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a media processing device that performs a process of bundling and stapling sheet-like media on which images have been formed by an image forming device. Some media processing devices are capable of performing "online stapling," which staples a media bundle transported by a transport means, and "manual stapling," which staples a media bundle inserted through a slit.

[0003] For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a media processing device that, when manual stapling is instructed during online stapling, interrupts and executes manual stapling if manual stapling is possible during the waiting time for a stack of media to be loaded during online stapling. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In recent years, an increasing number of media processing devices are equipped with a pressure binding device that binds a media stack by applying pressure and deformation, in addition to a staple binding device that staples a media stack by penetrating the media stack with staples. However, even if the media processing device of Patent Document 1 is provided with two binding devices, there is a problem in that manual stapling can only be performed with the binding device closest to the slit.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and has an object to provide a media processing device that is capable of manual binding processing using any of a plurality of binding means that have different binding methods. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, one aspect of the present invention includes a conveying means for conveying a sheet-like medium in a conveying direction, a tray capable of stacking a plurality of the media conveyed by the conveying means, a first binding means for stapling the plurality of the media stacked on the tray, a second binding means for stapling the plurality of the media stacked on the tray by a method different from that of the first binding means, a common guide extending in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the conveying direction downstream of the tray in the conveying direction, a first branch guide extending between one end of the common guide and a first standby position, and a second branch guide extending between one end of the common guide and a second standby position. The apparatus comprises a two-branch guide, and a case that houses the conveying means, the tray, the first binding means, the second binding means, the common guide, the first branch guide, and the second branch guide, and has a slit through which a plurality of the media can be inserted into a manual binding position at the other end of the common guide, wherein the first binding means is configured to be guided by the common guide and the first branch guide and to be movable between the first waiting position and the manual binding position, and the second binding means is configured to be guided by the common guide and the second branch guide and to be movable between the second waiting position and the manual binding position. Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the present invention, a media processing device can be obtained that is capable of performing manual binding processing using any of a plurality of binding means that have different binding methods. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is an external view of an image forming apparatus. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of a punch hole forming unit and a binding unit. [Diagram 3] FIG. [Figure 4] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing a staple binding means and a pressure binding means, respectively. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 6] 13 is a flowchart of an automatic binding process. [Figure 7] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating positions of a staple binding device and a pressure binding device during execution of an automatic binding process. [Figure 8] 6A and 6B are diagrams illustrating a state of the binding unit until a sheet reaches a pair of conveying rollers. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating a state of a binding unit that performs staple binding. [Figure 10] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating a state of the binding unit when the bound sheet bundle is discharged onto a discharge tray. [Figure 11] An example of the manual binding process screen. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart of a manual binding process 1. [Figure 13] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating positions of a staple binding means and a pressure binding means during execution of a manual binding process. [Figure 14] An example of the operation panel display while the manual binding process is in progress. [Figure 15] 13 is a flowchart of manual binding process 2. [Figure 16] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating positions of a staple binding means and a pressure binding means during execution of a manual binding process. [Figure 17] 13 is a flowchart of a manual binding cancellation process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus 10 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 10. The image forming apparatus 10 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet S (typically, paper), which is an example of a sheet-like medium. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a housing 11 and an image forming unit 12.

[0010] The housing 11 is box-shaped with an internal space formed therein for accommodating the components of the image forming device 10. The housing 11 also has an internal space 13 formed therein that is accessible from outside the image forming device 10. The internal space 13 is located, for example, slightly above the center of the housing 11 in the up-down direction. The internal space 13 is exposed to the outside by cutting out an outer wall of the housing 11. Furthermore, a punch hole punching unit 20 and a binding unit 30 (media processing device) can be attached to the internal space 13.

[0011] The image forming means 12 forms an image on the sheet S stored in the tray, and discharges the sheet S on which the image has been formed to the hole punching unit 20, the binding unit 30, or the liquid application unit. The image forming means 12 may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The configuration of the image forming means 12 is already known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0012] The punch hole punching unit 20 is attached to the internal space 13 of the image forming apparatus 10 downstream of the image forming means 12 and upstream of the binding unit 30 on the transport path of the sheet S from the image forming means 12 to the binding unit 30 (the path indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 1). That is, the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming means 12 is first handed over to the punch hole punching unit 20 for a punch hole punching process described later, and then handed over to the binding unit 30 for a binding process described later.

[0013] The punch hole punching unit 20 is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 10. When the punch hole punching unit 20 is detached, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming means 12 is directly delivered to the binding unit 30 for binding processing. Furthermore, other processing units such as a liquid application unit are configured to be detachable at the position in the internal space 13 from which the punch hole punching unit 20 has been detached. That is, the image forming apparatus 10 is configured so that the punch hole punching unit 20 and the liquid application unit can be replaced depending on the application.

[0014] When the liquid application unit is attached, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming means 12 is first handed over to the liquid application unit for liquid application processing, and then handed over to the binding unit 30 for binding processing. The liquid application processing is a process of applying liquid to the surface of the sheet S at a binding position to be bound by the binding unit 30. Note that the position in the internal space 13 from which the punch hole punching unit 20 has been removed can be fitted with a unit that performs any processing on the sheet S, not limited to the liquid application unit.

[0015] 2 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the punch hole punching unit 20 and the binding unit 30. The punch hole punching unit 20 and the binding unit 30 are each formed as a unit, and an input / output interface for the sheet S can be connected to them. That is, the input interface IN of the punch hole punching unit 20 is configured to be connectable to the output interface of the image forming means 12. Furthermore, the input interface of the binding unit 30 is configured to be connectable to the output interface of the image forming means 12 and the output interface OUT of the punch hole punching unit 20.

[0016] As shown in FIG. 2, the punch hole punching unit 20 includes a housing 21, a sheet sensor 22, punch pins 23L and 23R, and a punch scrap hopper 24. The housing 21 has an internal space for accommodating the components of the punch hole punching unit 20. A conveying path Ph0 is formed in the internal space of the housing 21, through which a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming means 12 passes. The sheet sensor 22 detects that the sheet S supplied from the image forming means 12 has reached a predetermined position. The punch pins 23L and 23R punch holes in the sheet S detected by the sheet sensor 22. Punch scraps that fall off the sheet S fall into the punch scrap hopper 24. This realizes a punching process for punching holes in the sheet S.

[0017] 3 is a view of the binding unit 30 as seen from the thickness direction. The binding unit 30 is a media processing device that performs a binding process (post-processing) of bundling and binding the sheet bundle Sb on which images have been formed by the image forming means 12. The binding process is a process that combines stapling and pressure binding, which will be described later, with automatic binding and manual binding processes, which will also be described later. Hereinafter, the automatic binding process by the stapling means 50 will be referred to as "automatic stapling," the manual binding process by the stapling means 50 will be referred to as "manual stapling," the automatic binding process by the pressure binding means 60 will be referred to as "automatic pressure binding," and the manual binding process by the pressure binding means 60 will be referred to as "manual pressure binding."

[0018] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the binding unit 30 includes a binding case 31, an output tray 32, a plurality of pairs of conveying rollers 33, 34, 35, 36 (conveying means), an internal tray 37 (tray), a tapping roller 38 (conveying means), a return roller 39, end fences 40L, 40R, side fences 41L, 41R (main scanning direction alignment section), a common rail 42 (common guide), a first branch rail 43 (first branch guide), a second branch rail 44 (second branch guide), a switching claw 45, an H1 position sensor 46 (first detection means), an H2 position sensor 47 (second detection means), an MS position sensor 48 (manual binding position detection means), a sheet sensor 49 (media detection means), a staple binding means 50, and a pressure binding means 60.

[0019] The binding case 31 is box-shaped with an internal space for accommodating components (32-50, 60) of the binding unit 30. The internal space of the binding case 31 is also formed with transport paths Ph1 and Ph2, which are spaces through which the sheets S pass. The discharge tray 32 is supported on the outer surface of the binding case 31. The discharge tray 32 holds the sheets S or the sheet stack Sb transported by the transport roller pairs 33-36.

[0020] A binding slit 31a for manual binding is provided on the side of the binding case 31. A corner of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a can be manually bound by the staple binding means 50 or the pressure binding means 60 that has moved to the binding slit 31a side. The binding case 31 further includes guide walls 31b and 31c surrounding the binding slit 31a. The guide walls 31b and 31c position the sheet bundle Sb to be manually bound (i.e., the corner is inserted into the binding slit 31a).

[0021] The conveying roller pairs 33-36 are disposed at a predetermined interval on the conveying path Ph1. The conveying roller pairs 33-36 convey the sheet S along the conveying path Ph1 in a first conveying direction. The conveying path Ph1 is a path from the input interface of the binding unit 30 to the discharge tray 32 via the internal tray 37. The first conveying direction is a direction from the input interface of the binding unit 30 to the discharge tray 32 via the internal tray 37.

[0022] The conveying roller pair 33 is composed of a drive roller 33a and a driven roller 33b arranged to face each other with a conveying path Ph1 therebetween. The drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b are rotatably supported by the binding case 31. The drive roller 33a receives a rotational driving force from a conveying motor and rotates forward in a first conveying direction (clockwise in FIG. 2) for conveying the sheet S. The driven roller 33b is arranged to face the drive roller 33a with the conveying path Ph1 therebetween, and is driven by the rotation of the drive roller 33a. Then, when the conveying motor is driven with the sheet S sandwiched between the drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b, the sheet S is conveyed in the first conveying direction along the conveying path Ph1.

[0023] The basic configuration of the conveying roller pairs 34 to 36 is the same as that of the conveying roller pair 33. However, the conveying roller pair 36 is composed of a drive roller 36a and a driven roller 36b that can be brought into contact with and separated from the drive roller 36a. The conveying roller pair 35 may be configured to be slidable in the width direction to realize a sorting process in which the sheet S is shifted in the width direction and discharged to the discharge tray 32. The conveying roller pair 36 is provided at the end of the internal tray 37 opposite the common rail 42 (the end of the internal tray 37 on the upstream side in the second conveying direction).

[0024] The internal tray 37 temporarily stacks a plurality of sheets S (hereinafter, referred to as "sheet stack Sb") transported by the transport roller pair 36. The tapping roller 38 is supported at the tip of a rotating arm above the internal tray 37. When the rotating arm rotates, the tapping roller 38 comes into contact with the upper surface of the sheet S that has entered between the separated drive roller 36a and driven roller 36b (in other words, the sheet S that has reached the internal tray 37). When the tapping roller 38 rotates in this state, the sheet S is transported in the second transport direction along the transport path Ph2. The return roller 39 rotates in contact with the upper surface of the sheet S stacked on the internal tray 37, thereby guiding the sheet S toward the transport roller pair 36.

[0025] The transport path Ph2 branches off from the transport path Ph1 at the position of the transport roller pair 36 and runs along the loading surface (upper surface) of the internal tray 37 to the end fences 40L, 40R and the common rail 42. The second transport direction is a direction from the transport roller pair 36 to the end fences 40L, 40R and the common rail 42 along the loading surface of the internal tray 37. In other words, the second transport direction is a direction different from the first transport direction (typically, the opposite direction). In addition, a direction perpendicular to the second transport direction and a direction perpendicular to the thickness direction of the sheet S loaded on the internal tray 37 are referred to as a "main scanning direction".

[0026] The conveying roller pair 36 is disposed downstream of the conveying roller pair 35 in the first conveying direction. The internal tray 37 is disposed below the conveying roller pair 35. Therefore, the sheet S conveyed by the conveying roller pair 35 enters between the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b of the conveying roller pair 36. The sheet S whose rear end has passed the conveying roller pair 35 falls toward the internal tray 37 and is stacked on the internal tray 37. The striking roller 38 is configured to be capable of contacting and separating from the sheet S stacked on the internal tray 37.

[0027] The end fences 40L and 40R are disposed at the downstream end of the internal tray 37 in the second transport direction. The end fences 40L and 40R come into contact with the downstream end of the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the second transport direction to align the positions of the sheets S in the second transport direction. The side fences 41L and 41R are disposed at both ends of the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction. The side fences 41L and 41R come into contact with both ends of the sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction to align the positions in the main scanning direction. The side fences 41L and 41R are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction.

[0028] The common rail 42 extends in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 37 in the second transport direction. One end of the common rail 42 is connected to the first branch rail 43 and the second branch rail 44 at a position offset from the sheets S loaded on the internal tray 37 to one side in the main scanning direction. The other end of the common rail 42 is close to the binding slit 31a at a position offset from the sheets S loaded on the internal tray 37 to the other side in the main scanning direction. The position of the common rail 42 that can face the sheets S loaded on the internal tray 37 is an automatic binding position (hereinafter referred to as "OS position") where the staple binding means 50 or the pressure binding means 60 executes an automatic binding process. The other end of the common rail 42 is a manual binding position (hereinafter referred to as "MS position") where the staple binding means 50 or the pressure binding means 60 executes a manual binding process.

[0029] The first branch rail 43 extends between one end of the common rail 42 and a first waiting position (hereinafter referred to as "H1 position") at a position offset from one end of the sheets S loaded on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction. The second branch rail 44 extends between one end of the common rail 42 and a second waiting position (hereinafter referred to as "H2 position") at a position offset from one end of the sheets S loaded on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction. That is, the first branch rail 43 and the second branch rail 44 branch from one end of the common rail 42 and extend to the different H1 and H2 positions. The H1 position is a position where the staple binding means 50 that does not perform the automatic binding process and the manual binding process waits. The H2 position is a position where the pressure binding means 60 that does not perform the automatic binding process and the manual binding process waits.

[0030] The common rail 42, the first branch rail 43, and the second branch rail 44 are guide members that guide the movement of the staple binding means 50 and the pressure binding means 60. Specific examples of the guide members are not limited to the form of a rail, and may be in the form of a shaft, a groove, a wall, or the like.

[0031] The switching claw 45 guides the staple binding means 50 or the pressure binding means 60, which moves on the common rail 42 from the other end side to the one end side, to the first branch rail 43 or the second branch rail 44. More specifically, the switching claw 45 is configured to be switchable between a first position in which the staple binding means 50 on the common rail 42 is guided to the first branch rail 43, and a second position in which the pressure binding means 60 on the common rail 42 is guided to the second branch rail 44.

[0032] The H1 position sensor 46 detects that the staple binding means 50 is at the H1 position, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 100 (see FIG. 5), which will be described later. The H2 position sensor 47 detects that the pressure binding means 60 is at the H2 position, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 100. The MS position sensor 48 detects that the staple binding means 50 or the pressure binding means 60 is at the MS position, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 100. The sheet sensor 49 detects the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a, and outputs a detection signal to the control unit 100. Each of the sensors (46 to 49) is, for example, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a mechanical sensor, or the like.

[0033] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a staple binding means 50 (A) and a pressure binding means 60 (B). The staple binding means 50 performs "staple binding" by piercing a staple through the sheet bundle Sb to bind the sheets. The pressure binding means 60 performs "pressure binding" by pressurizing and deforming the sheet bundle Sb to bind the sheets. The staple binding means 50 and the pressure binding means 60 bind the sheet bundle Sb in different ways. One of the staple binding means 50 and the pressure binding means 60 is an example of a first binding means, and the other is an example of a second binding means. However, the combination of different binding methods is not limited to staple binding and pressure binding. As another example, staple binding using different types (shapes, sizes, colors) of staples may be used.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 4(A), the staple binding means 50 includes a staple binding body 51, a drive motor 52, a gear 53, a belt 54, a rotating shaft 55, rollers 56a, 56b, 56c, and fillers 57 and 58. The staple binding body 51 performs staple binding. That is, the staple binding body 51 causes staples loaded in a cartridge to penetrate the sheet bundle Sb. The staple binding body 51 also supports other components (52 to 58) of the staple binding means 50.

[0035] The drive motor 52 generates a drive force for moving the stapling means 50. The drive force of the drive motor 52 is transmitted to rollers 56a and 56b through a gear 53, a belt 54, and a rotating shaft 55, and is also transmitted to roller 56c through a transmission mechanism (not shown). The rollers 56a to 56c hold the common rail 42 and the first branch rail 43 and rotate by the drive force of the drive motor 52 being transmitted thereto. As a result, the stapling means 50 is guided by the common rail 42 and the first branch rail 43 and moves between the H1 position and the MS position.

[0036] The filler 57 is a detected portion that is detected by the H1 position sensor 46 when the stapling means 50 is located at the H1 position. The filler 58 is a detected portion that is detected by the MS position sensor 48 when the stapling means 50 is located at the MS position. For example, if the H1 position sensor 46 and the MS position sensor 48 are optical sensors, the fillers 57 and 58 are portions that reflect or block light output from the sensors.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4(B), the pressure binding means 60 includes a pressure binding body 61, a drive motor 62, a gear 63, a belt 64, a rotating shaft 65, rollers 66a, 66b, 66c, and fillers 67, 68. The pressure binding body 61 performs pressure binding. That is, the pressure binding body 61 holds the sheet bundle Sb between a pair of binding teeth and pressurizes and deforms the sheet bundle Sb. The pressure binding body 61 also supports other components (62 to 68) of the pressure binding means 60.

[0038] The drive motor 62 generates a drive force for moving the pressure binding means 60. The drive force of the drive motor 62 is transmitted to rollers 66a and 66b through a gear 63, a belt 64, and a rotating shaft 65, and is also transmitted to roller 66c through a transmission mechanism (not shown). The rollers 66a to 66c hold the common rail 42 and the second branch rail 44 and rotate by the drive force of the drive motor 62. As a result, the pressure binding means 60 is guided by the common rail 42 and the second branch rail 44 and moves between the H2 position and the MS position.

[0039] The filler 67 is a detected portion that is detected by the H2 position sensor 47 when the pressure binding means 60 is located at the H2 position. The filler 68 is a detected portion that is detected by the MS position sensor 48 when the pressure binding means 60 is located at the MS position. For example, when the H2 position sensor 47 and the MS position sensor 48 are optical sensors, the fillers 67 and 68 are portions that reflect or block light output from the sensors.

[0040] Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in Fig. 5, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0041] The CPU 101 is a computing means and controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 10. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a working area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium in which programs such as firmware are stored. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0042] Image forming apparatus 10 processes a control program stored in ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as HDD 104 to RAM 102, and the like, using a calculation function provided in CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of image forming apparatus 10. A combination of the software control unit thus constituted and hardware resources mounted on image forming apparatus 10 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of image forming apparatus 10. That is, CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute control unit 100 that controls the operation of image forming apparatus 10.

[0043] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the image forming means 12, the punching pins 23L, 23R, the conveying roller pairs 33 to 36, the tapping roller 38, the return roller 39, the side fences 41L, 41R, the switching claw 45, the staple binding means 50, the pressure binding means 60, the H1 position sensor 46, the H2 position sensor 47, the MS position sensor 48, the sheet sensors 22, 49, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The control unit 100 acquires various information from the H1 position sensor 46, the H2 position sensor 47, the MS position sensor 48, the sheet sensors 22, 49, and the operation panel 110 through the I / F 105, and operates the image forming means 12, the punching pins 23L, 23R, the conveying roller pairs 33 to 36, the tapping roller 38, the return roller 39, the side fences 41L, 41R, the switching claw 45, the staple binding means 50, and the pressure binding means 60.

[0044] 5 collectively controls the image forming means 12, the punch hole punching unit 20, and the binding unit 30. As another example, the image forming means 12, the punch hole punching unit 20, and the binding unit 30 may be operated in conjunction with each other by the control unit that controls the operation of the image forming means 12, the control unit that controls the operation of the punch hole punching unit 20, and the control unit that controls the operation of the binding unit 30 communicating with each other.

[0045] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts input operations from an operator, and a display (notification unit) that notifies the operator of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 obtains information from the operator through the operation unit, and provides the information to the operator through the display. Note that a specific example of the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, etc.

[0046] With the switching claw 45 switched to the first position, the control unit 100 drives the drive motor 52 to move the stapling means 50 to the H1 position, the OS position, and the MS position. With the switching claw 45 switched to the second position, the control unit 100 drives the drive motor 62 to move the pressure binding means 60 to the H1 position, the OS position, and the MS position. Furthermore, when moving one of the stapling means 50 and the pressure binding means 60, the control unit 100 causes the other of the stapling means 50 and the pressure binding means 60 to wait in a standby position (H1 position / H2 position).

[0047] [Automatic binding process] Fig. 6 is a flowchart of the automatic binding process. Fig. 7 is a diagram showing the positions of the staple binding means 50 and the pressure binding means 60 during the automatic binding process. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the state of the binding unit 30 until the sheet S reaches the conveying roller pair 36. Fig. 9 is a diagram showing the state of the binding unit 30 performing staple binding. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the state of the binding unit 30 when the sheet bundle Sb that has been subjected to the staple process is discharged to the discharge tray 32.

[0048] 6 at the timing when an instruction to execute the automatic binding process (hereinafter, referred to as an "automatic binding instruction") is acquired from the operation panel 110 or an external device. The automatic binding process is a process of binding N sheets S stacked in order on the internal tray 37 by the conveying roller pairs 33 to 36 and the tapping roller 38. More specifically, the automatic binding process is a process of binding N sheets S on which images are formed by the image forming means 12 into a bundle (i.e., a sheet bundle Sb).

[0049] The automatic binding instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb (hereinafter referred to as "predetermined number N"), the number of sheet bundles Sb to be automatically bound (hereinafter referred to as "required number of copies M"), the method of binding the sheet bundle Sb (staple binding / pressure binding), and the OS position. Hereinafter, a series of processes (S602 to S605 in FIG. 6) up to binding one sheet bundle Sb will be referred to as a "task", and a series of processes (S601 to S607 in FIG. 6) for repeating a task M times will be referred to as a "job".

[0050] In this embodiment, it is assumed that staple binding is specified as a method for binding the sheet bundle Sb. In this case, the staple binding means 50 is the first binding means, and the pressure binding means 60 is the second binding means. On the other hand, when "pressure binding" is specified as a method for binding the sheet bundle Sb, the pressure binding means 60 is the first binding means, and the staple binding means 50 is the second binding means. In addition, it is assumed that at the start of the automatic binding process, the staple binding means 50 is located at the H1 position, and the pressure binding means 60 is located at the H2 position, as shown in FIG.

[0051] First, the control unit 100 moves the stapler 50 from the H1 position to the OS position instructed by the automatic binding instruction (S601), as shown in Fig. 7. Next, the control unit 100 rotates the conveying roller pairs 33-36 and the striking roller 38, as shown in Fig. 8 and Fig. 9, to stack the sheets S on which the images are formed by the image forming unit 12 on the internal tray 37 (S602). In addition, the control unit 100 moves the side fences 41L and 41R to align the positions of the sheets S or the sheet bundle Sb placed on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging).

[0052] Next, the control unit 100 determines whether the number of sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 reaches the predetermined number N instructed by the automatic binding instruction (S603). If the control unit 100 determines that the number of sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 has not reached the predetermined number N (S603: No), it executes the process of step S602 again. That is, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes the process of step S602 until the number of sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 reaches the predetermined number N.

[0053] Then, when the control unit 100 determines that the number of sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 has reached the predetermined number N (S603: Yes), it causes the stapling means 50 to staple the sheets at the OS position (S604). Next, as shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 100 rotates the pair of conveying rollers 36 and the return roller 39 to discharge the stapled sheet stack Sb onto the discharge tray 32 (S605).

[0054] Next, the control unit 100 judges whether the number of the discharged sheet bundles Sb reaches the required number of copies M indicated in the automatic binding instruction (S606). When the control unit 100 judges that the required number of copies M has not been reached (S606: No), it executes the processes from step S602 onwards again. That is, the control unit 100 repeatedly executes the tasks of steps S602 to S605 until the number of the sheet bundles Sb discharged to the discharge tray 32 reaches the required number of copies M (S606: No). Then, when the control unit 100 judges that the number of the sheet bundles Sb discharged to the discharge tray 32 has reached the required number of copies M (S606: Yes), it moves the stapler 50 to the H1 position as shown in FIG. 3 (S607).

[0055] Fig. 11 is a display example of a manual binding process screen. The control unit 100 causes the operation panel 110 to display the manual binding process screen shown in Fig. 11. The manual binding process screen includes, for example, a radio button 121 for selecting a binding method (staple binding / pressure binding), a selection button 122 for selecting whether to permit (ON) or prohibit (OFF) the execution of the manual binding process, and a check box 123 for selecting whether to prioritize the manual binding process over the automatic binding process. As shown in Figs. 11(A) and 11(B), the selection button 122 is switched ON / OFF each time it is tapped.

[0056] Then, the operator selects the binding method with the radio button 121, selects whether or not to permit the manual binding process with the selection button 122, and selects whether or not to prioritize the manual binding process with the check box 123. Furthermore, when the manual binding process is permitted by the selection button 122, the control unit 100 executes the manual binding process at the timing when a detection signal is output from the sheet sensor 49. The manual binding process is a process of binding the sheet stack Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a.

[0057] [Manual binding process 1] Fig. 12 is a flowchart of the manual binding process 1. Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the positions of the staple binding means 50 and the pressure binding means 60 during the execution of the manual binding process. Fig. 14 is an example of a display on the operation panel 110 during the execution of the manual binding process.

[0058] When "staple binding" is selected by the radio button 121, the control unit 100 executes the manual binding process 1 shown in FIG. 12 if the sheet bundle Sb is inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a while the automatic binding process is being performed by the staple binding means 50. Inserting the sheet bundle Sb into the binding slit 31a is an example of an instruction to perform the manual binding process. However, a button to instruct the execution of the manual binding process may be displayed on the operation panel 110. Furthermore, of the multiple tasks that constitute the automatic binding process, the task at the start of the manual binding process is referred to as the "current task", and the task following the current task is referred to as the "next task".

[0059] Moreover, since the automatic binding process is being performed at the start of the manual binding process 1, the staple binding means 50 is at the OS position, and the pressure binding means 60 is at the H2 position, as shown in Fig. 7. Furthermore, in the manual binding process 1, the staple binding means 50 may be read as the pressure binding means 60. In other words, the manual binding process 1 is a process in which the automatic binding process and the manual binding process are performed by the same binding means.

[0060] First, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the check box 123 is checked on the manual binding process screen (S1201). Checking the check box 123 is an example of an input operation that instructs to execute the manual binding process with priority over the automatic binding process.

[0061] Next, when the control unit 100 determines that the check box 123 is checked (S1201: Yes), it executes the manual binding process (S1202 to S1204) without executing the process of step S1205 described later. That is, when the control unit 100 receives an input operation to instruct the priority execution of the manual binding process through the operation panel 110 (S1201: Yes), it executes steps S1202 to S1204 regardless of the magnitude relationship between the required time T and the current task time T1 (waiting time T0) (S1205).

[0062] Then, the control unit 100 moves the stapling means 50 from the OS position to the MS position (S1202), as shown in Fig. 13. Next, in response to the stapling means 50 reaching the MS position, the control unit 100 causes the stapling means 50 at the MS position to staple the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a (S1203). Next, in response to the completion of stapling, the control unit 100 moves the stapling means 50 from the MS position to the OS position (S1204), as shown in Fig. 7.

[0063] During the execution of the processes of steps S1202 to S1204, the control unit 100 causes the operation panel 110 to display an execution screen shown in Fig. 11(C). Displaying the execution screen is an example of notifying through the operation panel 110 that the manual binding process is being executed. The execution screen also includes an [Abort] button 124. The [Abort] button 124 is a button for instructing the cancellation of the manual binding process. The same applies during the execution of the processes of steps S1502 to S1506 in Fig. 15. The process when the [Abort] button 124 is pressed will be described later with reference to Fig. 17.

[0064] Note that the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S602 to S603 in FIG. 6 in parallel with the processes of steps S1202 to S1204. That is, the control unit 100 executes the manual binding process in parallel with the stacking of the sheet bundle Sb on the internal tray 37 in the current task. Then, after executing the processes of steps S1202 to S1204, the control unit 100 executes the remaining processes of the current task. That is, the control unit 100 completes the current task after executing the manual binding process. In other words, the control unit 100 interrupts the current task of the automatic binding process and executes the manual binding process.

[0065] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the checkbox 123 is not checked (S1201: No), it compares the required time T required for executing the manual binding process (S1202 to S1204) with the current task time T1 until the number of sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 reaches the predetermined number N in the current task (S1205).

[0066] The required time T in the manual binding process 1 is the time required for the stitching means 50 to move from the OS position to the MS position (S1202), the stitching means 50 to stitch the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the stitching case 31 through the stitching slit 31a (S1203), and the stitching means 50 to move from the MS position to the OS position (S1204). That is, the required time T varies depending on the OS position indicated by the automatic binding instruction. Also, the required time T may include a predetermined margin in addition to the minimum time required for the processes of steps S1202 to S1204.

[0067] The current task time T1 is the time until (N - x) sheets S are stacked on the internal tray 37 when the manual binding process is instructed with x (1 ≦ x < N) sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37. That is, the current task time T1 varies depending on the predetermined number N indicated by the automatic binding instruction and the number x of sheets S already stacked on the internal tray 37 at the start of the manual binding process.

[0068] Then, when the necessary time T is shorter than the current task time T1 (S1205: Yes), the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S1202 to S1204. Then, the control unit 100 completes the current task after executing the processes of steps S1202 to S1204. Note that, if the check box 123 is checked, there is a possibility that a predetermined number N of sheets S will be stacked on the internal tray 37 before the processes of steps S1202 to S1204 are completed. That is, there is a possibility that a wait time will occur in the current task. On the other hand, when the necessary time T is shorter than the current task time T1, it is possible to interrupt the manual binding process in the current task without causing a wait time in the current task.

[0069] On the other hand, if the required time T is equal to or greater than the current task time T1 (S1205: No), the control unit 100 compares the required time T with the next task time T2 (S1206). The next task time T2 is the time from when no sheets S are loaded on the internal tray 37 until a predetermined number N of sheets are loaded. In other words, the next task time T2 (>T1) varies depending on the predetermined number N specified in the automatic binding instruction. Although the number of sheets S loaded on the internal tray 37 at the start of measurement differs, the current task time T1 and the next task time T2 are an example of the waiting time T0 until the number of sheets S loaded on the internal tray 37 reaches the predetermined number N.

[0070] Next, if the required time T is equal to or longer than the current task time T1 (S1205: No) and shorter than the next task time T2 (S1206: Yes), the control unit 100 causes the operation panel 110 to display a warning screen 1 shown in FIG. 14(A) (S1207). The warning screen 1 shown in FIG. 14(A) includes information that manual stapling cannot be performed immediately and the remaining time until manual stapling starts is "0 seconds." The display of the warning screen 1 is an example of notifying the remaining time until the start of manual stapling processing via the operation panel 110. The remaining time until the start of manual stapling processing corresponds to the current task time T1.

[0071] Then, the control unit 100 continues to display the warning screen 1 while counting down the remaining time. Furthermore, when the remaining time reaches 0 seconds, the control unit 100 ends the display of the warning screen 1. Furthermore, when the remaining time reaches 0 seconds, the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S1202 to S1204 if a detection signal is output from the sheet sensor 49. That is, the control unit 100 executes the manual binding process after completing the current task of the automatic binding process.

[0072] On the other hand, when the necessary time T is equal to or longer than the next task time T2 (S1206: No), the control unit 100 causes the operation panel 110 to display the warning screen 2 shown in Fig. 14(B) (S1208). The display of the warning screen 2 is an example of notifying through the operation panel 110 that the manual binding process cannot be executed until all tasks of the automatic binding process are completed.

[0073] Then, the control unit 100 continues to display the warning screen 2 until all tasks of the automatic binding process are completed. Furthermore, the control unit 100 ends the display of the warning screen 2 in response to the completion of all tasks of the automatic binding process. Furthermore, when a detection signal is output from the sheet sensor 49 at the timing when all tasks of the automatic binding process are completed, the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S1202 to S1204. That is, the control unit 100 executes the manual binding process after completing all tasks of the automatic binding process.

[0074] [Manual binding process 2] Fig. 15 is a flowchart of the manual binding process 2. Fig. 16 is a diagram showing the positions of the staple binding means 50 and the pressure binding means 60 during the execution of the manual binding process. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the manual binding process 1 will be omitted, and the description will focus on the differences.

[0075] When "press binding" is selected by the radio button 121, the control unit 100 executes the manual binding process 2 shown in Fig. 15 when the sheet bundle Sb is inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a while the automatic binding process is being executed by the staple binding means 50. Since the automatic binding process is being executed at the start of the manual binding process 2, the staple binding means 50 is in the OS position and the press binding means 60 is in the H2 position as shown in Fig. 7. In addition, in the manual binding process 2, the staple binding means 50 may be read as the press binding means 60. In other words, the manual binding process 2 is a process in which the automatic binding process and the manual binding process are executed by different binding means.

[0076] When the control unit 100 determines that the check box 123 is checked (S1501: Yes), it executes the manual binding process (S1502 to S1206) without executing the process of step S1507 described later. That is, when the control unit 100 receives an input operation instructing priority execution of the manual binding process through the operation panel 110 (S1501: Yes), it executes steps S1502 to S1506 regardless of the magnitude relationship between the required time T and the current task time T1 (waiting time T0) (S1507).

[0077] Then, the control unit 100 moves the staple binding means 50 from the OS position to the H1 position (S1502) as shown in FIG. 3. Next, in response to the staple binding means 50 reaching the H1 position, the control unit 100 moves the pressure binding means 60 from the H2 position to the MS position (S1503) as shown in FIG. 16. Next, in response to the pressure binding means 60 reaching the MS position, the control unit 100 pressure-binds the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a to the pressure binding means 60 at the MS position (S1504). Next, in response to the completion of pressure binding, the control unit 100 moves the pressure binding means 60 from the MS position to the H2 position (S1505) as shown in FIG. 3. Next, in response to the arrival of the pressure binding means 60 at the H2 position, the control unit 100 moves the staple binding means 50 from the H1 position to the OS position (S1506) as shown in Fig. 7. Note that the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S602 to S603 in Fig. 6 in parallel with the processes of steps S1502 to S1206.

[0078] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the check box 123 is not checked (S1501: No), it compares the required time T required to execute the manual binding process (S1502 to S1506) with the current task time T1 until the number of sheets S stacked on the internal tray 37 in the current task reaches the predetermined number N (S1507). The current task time T1 is the same as that of the manual binding process 1.

[0079] The necessary time T in the manual binding process 2 is the time required for the staple binding means 50 to move from the OS position to the H1 position (S1502), the pressure binding means 60 to move from the H2 position to the MS position (S1503), the pressure binding means 60 to pressure bind the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the binding slit 31a (S1504), the pressure binding means 60 to move from the MS position to the H2 position (S1505), and the staple binding means 50 to move from the H1 position to the OS position (S1506). That is, the necessary time T varies depending on the OS position specified by the automatic binding command. Furthermore, the necessary time T may include a predetermined margin in addition to the minimum time required for the processing of steps S1502 to S1506.

[0080] Then, when the necessary time T is shorter than the current task time T1 (S1507: Yes), the control unit 100 executes the processes of steps S1502 to S1506. Then, the control unit 100 completes the current task after executing the processes of steps S1502 to S1506. Note that, if the check box 123 is checked, there is a possibility that a predetermined number N of sheets S will be stacked on the internal tray 37 before the processes of steps S1502 to S1506 are completed. That is, there is a possibility that a wait time will occur in the current task. On the other hand, when the necessary time T is shorter than the current task time T1, it is possible to interrupt the manual binding process in the current task without causing a wait time to occur in the current task.

[0081] On the other hand, if the necessary time T is equal to or longer than the current task time T1 (S1507: No), the control unit 100 compares the necessary time T with the next task time T2 (S1508). The next task time T2 is the same as in the manual binding process 1. Then, if the necessary time T is equal to or longer than the current task time T1 (S1507: No) and shorter than the next task time T2 (S1508: Yes), the control unit 100 causes the operation panel 110 to display a warning screen 1 (S1509). On the other hand, if the necessary time T is equal to or longer than the next task time T2 (S1508: No), the control unit 100 causes the operation panel 110 to display a warning screen 2 (S1509). The information to be displayed on the warning screens 1 and 2 and the processing after displaying the warning screens 1 and 2 are the same as in the manual binding process 1.

[0082] [Manual Binding Cancellation Processing] Fig. 17 is a flowchart of the manual binding cancellation process. The control unit 100 repeatedly executes the manual binding cancellation process shown in Fig. 17 at a predetermined time interval while executing the processes of steps S1202 to S1204 in Fig. 12 or steps S1502 to S1506 in Fig. 15. Note that Fig. 17 is based on the premise that the manual binding process is executed during the automatic binding process by the staple binding means 50. On the other hand, if the manual binding process is executed during the automatic binding process by the pressure binding means 60, the staple binding means 50 and the pressure binding means 60 are switched in Fig. 17.

[0083] If the [Abort] button 124 in FIG. 11(C) has not been pressed (S1701: No) and the detection signal output from the sheet sensor 49 continues (S1702: No), the control unit 100 ends the manual binding cancellation process without executing the processes of steps S1703 to S1706 (i.e., without canceling the manual binding process).

[0084] Then, the control unit 100 stops the manual binding process (S1703 to S1706) when the [STOP] button 124 is pressed (S1701: Yes) or when the output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 49 stops (S1702: Yes). Note that the output of the detection signal from the sheet sensor 49 stops when the sheet bundle Sb is pulled out from the binding slit 31a during the execution of the manual binding process.

[0085] More specifically, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the manual binding process by the pressure binding means 60 is being performed (S1703). Next, when the control unit 100 determines that the manual binding process by the pressure binding means 60 is being performed (S1703: Yes), the control unit 100 determines whether or not the pressure binding means 60 is located at the H2 position based on the H2 position sensor 47 (S1704).

[0086] Then, when the control unit 100 determines that the pressure binding means 60 is not at the H2 position (S1704: No), it moves the pressure binding means 60 to the H2 position (S1705). Next, in response to the pressure binding means 60 reaching the H2 position, the control unit 100 moves the staple binding means 50 from the H1 position to the OS position (S1706) and displays the notification screen shown in Fig. 14(C) on the operation panel 110. Then, the control unit 100 resumes the automatic binding process.

[0087] On the other hand, when the control unit 100 determines that the manual binding process by the staple binding means 50 is being performed (S1703: No), or when the control unit 100 determines that the pressure binding means 60 is located at the H2 position (S1704: Yes), the control unit 100 skips the process of step S1705 and performs the process of step S1706 (S1706), and also displays the notification screen shown in Fig. 14(C) on the operation panel 110. Then, the control unit 100 resumes the automatic binding process.

[0088] [Effects of the embodiment] According to the above embodiment, the first branch rail 43 and the second branch rail 44, which branch in different directions, are provided on the opposite side of the common rail 42 from the MS position, so that the binding means not used in the manual binding process can be retreated to the standby position (H1 position / H2 position). As a result, the manual binding process can be performed with any of a plurality of binding means having different binding methods.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the required time T for the manual binding process is shorter than the current task time T1, the manual binding process is inserted into the current task, so that the manual binding process can be executed without incurring a waiting time for the current task (i.e., without reducing the throughput of the automatic binding process).

[0090] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the required time T for the manual binding process is equal to or longer than the current task time T1 and shorter than the next task time T2, the manual binding process is inserted into the next task, so that the manual binding process can be executed without incurring a waiting time for the current task and the next task (i.e., without reducing the throughput of the automatic binding process).

[0091] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, when the required time T for the manual binding process is equal to or greater than the next task time T2, the manual binding process is executed after all tasks of the automatic binding process are completed, so that the manual binding process can be executed without incurring waiting times for each task (i.e., without reducing the throughput of the automatic binding process).

[0092] According to the above embodiment, the warning screens 1 and 2 are switched depending on the magnitude relationship between the required time T and the current task time T1 and the next task time T2, so that the operator can recognize the timing when the manual binding process can be performed. This can reduce the operator's stress caused by the manual binding process not being started even though the sheet bundle Sb is inserted into the slit 31a.

[0093] On the other hand, according to the above embodiment, by checking the check box 123 which instructs the priority execution of the manual binding process, the manual binding process is executed as an interrupt regardless of the length relationship between the required time T and the current task time T1 and the next task time T2, thereby reducing the stress of the operator who wants to prioritize the manual binding process.

[0094] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the manual binding process is stopped and the automatic binding process is resumed by pressing the [Stop] button 124 or by pulling out the sheet bundle Sb from the slit 31a. This makes it possible to minimize the decrease in throughput of the automatic binding process. Note that the [Stop] button 124 and the process of step S1701 may be omitted, and the sheet sensor 49 and the process of step S1702 may be omitted.

[0095] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist of the present invention. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0096] The contents of the present invention are, for example, as follows. <1> A conveying means for conveying a sheet-shaped medium in a conveying direction; a tray capable of stacking a plurality of the media conveyed by the conveying means; a first binding means for binding the plurality of media loaded on the tray; a second binding means for binding the plurality of media loaded on the tray by a method different from that of the first binding means; a common guide extending in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the conveying direction at a downstream side of the tray in the conveying direction; a first branch guide extending between one end of the common guide and a first standby position; A second branch guide extending between one end of the common guide and a second standby position; a case that houses the conveying means, the tray, the first binding means, the second binding means, the common guide, the first branch guide, and the second branch guide, and has a slit that allows a plurality of the media to be inserted into a manual binding position at the other end of the common guide; the first binding means is configured to be movable between the first standby position and the manual binding position while being guided by the common guide and the first branch guide; The second binding means is configured to be guided by the common guide and the second branch guide and be movable between the second waiting position and the manual binding position in this media processing device. <2> a first detection means for detecting that the first binding means is at the first standby position; a second detection means for detecting that the second binding means is at the second standby position; a manual binding position detection means for detecting that the first binding means or the second binding means is at the manual binding position. <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <3> a control unit that controls the conveying means, the first binding means, and the second binding means, The control unit is an automatic binding process in which the first binding means or the second binding means binds the predetermined number N of the media sequentially loaded on the tray by the conveying means at an automatic binding position on the common guide; The media processing apparatus according to the <1> or <2> above, which executes a manual binding process of binding a plurality of the media inserted through the slit to the first binding means or the second binding means at the manual binding position. <4> When the manual binding process by the second binding means is instructed during the execution of the automatic binding process by the first binding means, if the required time T required for the execution of the manual binding process is shorter than the waiting time T0 until the number of the media loaded on the tray reaches the predetermined number N, after executing the manual binding process, the control unit completes the automatic binding process. The media processing apparatus according to <3> above, wherein the required time T is the time required for the first binding means to move from the automatic binding position to the first standby position, the second binding means to move from the second standby position to the manual binding position, the second binding means to bind a plurality of the media inserted through the slit, the second binding means to move from the manual binding position to the second standby position, and the first binding means to move from the first standby position to the automatic binding position. <5> The automatic binding process repeats a task of binding the media of the predetermined number N, M times. When the manual binding process is instructed with x (1 ≦ x < N) sheets of the media loaded on the tray, the control unit if the required time T is shorter than the current task time T1 until (N - x) sheets of the media are loaded on the tray, after executing the manual binding process, the control unit completes the current task of the automatic binding process. The media processing apparatus according to <4> above, wherein if the required time T is equal to or longer than the current task time T1 and shorter than the next task time T2 until N sheets of the media are loaded on the tray, after completing the current task of the automatic binding process, the control unit executes the manual binding process. <6> It includes a notification unit that notifies information. The control unit When the required time T is equal to or longer than the current task time T1 and shorter than the next task time T2, the remaining time until the start of the manual binding process is notified through the notification unit; When the required time T is equal to or longer than the next task time T2, the notification unit notifies the user that the manual binding process cannot be executed until all tasks of the automatic binding process are completed. <5> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <7> An operation unit for receiving input operations is provided, When the control unit receives an input operation for instructing priority execution of the manual binding process through the operation unit, the control unit completes the automatic binding process after executing the manual binding process, regardless of the length relationship between the required time T and the waiting time T0. <4> or the above <6> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <8> a medium detection means for detecting the medium inserted through the slit; The control unit is configured to stop the manual binding process when the medium is no longer detected by the medium detection unit during the manual binding process. <4> or the above <7> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <9> An operation unit for receiving input operations is provided, The control unit is configured to stop the manual binding process when an input operation for instructing to stop the manual binding process is received through the operation unit during the execution of the manual binding process. <4> or the above <7> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <10> the control unit, when a manual binding process by the first binding means is instructed during the execution of the automatic binding process by the first binding means, completes the automatic binding process after executing the manual binding process if a required time T required to execute the manual binding process is shorter than a waiting time T0 until the number of the media loaded on the tray reaches the predetermined number N; The required time T is a time required for the first binding means to move from the automatic binding position to the manual binding position, bind the plurality of media inserted through the slits, and return from the manual binding position to the automatic binding position. <3> or the above <9> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <11> An image forming means for forming an image on a medium; The method of binding a plurality of the media on which images are formed by the image forming means <1> or the above <10> and a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5. [Explanation of symbols]

[0097] 10: Image forming device 11: Housing 12: Image forming means 13:Inner body space 20: Hole punching unit 21: Housing 22: Sheet sensor 23L, 23R: Drilling pin 24: Punch waste hopper 30: Binding unit 31: Binding case 31a: Binding slit 31b, 31c: Guide wall 32: Output tray 33-36: Transport roller pair 33a, 36a: Drive roller 33b, 36b: driven roller 37: Internal tray 38: Beating Roller 39: Return roller 40L, 40R: End fence 41L, 41R: Side fence 42: Common rail 43: First branch rail 44: Second branch rail 45: Switching claw 46: H1 position sensor 47: H2 position sensor 48: MS position sensor 49: Sheet sensor 50: Staple binding means 51: Staple binding body 52,62: Drive motor 53,63: Gear 54,64: Belt 55,65: Rotation axis 56,66: Laura 57,58,67,68 :Filler 60: Pressure binding means 61: Pressure-sealed binding body 100: Control unit 101: CPU 102: RAM 103: ROM 104: HDD 105: Interface 109: Common bus 110: Operation panel 121: Radio button 122: Selection button 123: Checkbox 124: [Cancel] button [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0098] [Patent Document 1] JP 2016-011189 A

Claims

1. A conveying means for conveying a sheet-shaped medium in a conveying direction; a tray capable of stacking a plurality of the media conveyed by the conveying means; a first binding means for binding the plurality of media loaded on the tray; a second binding means for binding the plurality of media loaded on the tray by a method different from that of the first binding means; a common guide extending in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the conveying direction at a downstream side of the tray in the conveying direction; a first branch guide extending between one end of the common guide and a first standby position; A second branch guide extending between one end of the common guide and a second standby position; a case that houses the conveying means, the tray, the first binding means, the second binding means, the common guide, the first branch guide, and the second branch guide, and has a slit that allows a plurality of the media to be inserted into a manual binding position at the other end of the common guide; the first binding means is configured to be movable between the first standby position and the manual binding position while being guided by the common guide and the first branch guide; The second binding means is configured to be movable between the second standby position and the manual binding position while being guided by the common guide and the second branch guide.

2. a first detection means for detecting that the first binding means is at the first standby position; a second detection means for detecting that the second binding means is at the second standby position; 2. The media processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a manual binding position detection unit that detects whether the first binding unit or the second binding unit is at the manual binding position.

3. a control unit that controls the conveying means, the first binding means, and the second binding means, The control unit is an automatic binding process in which the first binding means or the second binding means binds the predetermined number N of the media sequentially loaded on the tray by the conveying means at an automatic binding position on the common guide; The media processing device according to claim 1 , further comprising: a manual binding process for binding the plurality of media inserted through the slits at the manual binding position with the first binding means or the second binding means.

4. the control unit, when a manual binding process by the second binding means is instructed during the execution of the automatic binding process by the first binding means, completes the automatic binding process after executing the manual binding process if a required time T required to execute the manual binding process is shorter than a waiting time T0 until the number of the media loaded on the tray reaches the predetermined number N; 4. The media processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the required time T is the time required for the first binding means to move from the automatic binding position to the first waiting position, for the second binding means to move from the second waiting position to the manual binding position, for the second binding means to bind the multiple media inserted through the slits, for the second binding means to move from the manual binding position to the second waiting position, and for the first binding means to move from the first waiting position to the automatic binding position.

5. The automatic binding process repeats a task of binding the predetermined number N of sheets of the medium M times, When the manual binding process is instructed in a state where x (1≦x<N) sheets of the medium are loaded on the tray, the control unit: If the required time T is shorter than a current task time T1 until (N-x) sheets of the media are loaded onto the tray, the current task of the automatic binding process is completed after the manual binding process is performed; 5. A media processing device as described in claim 4, characterized in that when the required time T is greater than or equal to the current task time T1 and shorter than the next task time T2 until N sheets of the media are loaded onto the tray, the manual binding process is executed after completing the current task of the automatic binding process.

6. A notification unit that notifies information is provided, The control unit is When the required time T is equal to or longer than the current task time T1 and shorter than the next task time T2, the remaining time until the start of the manual binding process is notified through the notification unit; 6. The media processing device according to claim 5, wherein when the required time T is equal to or greater than the next task time T2, the notification unit notifies the user that the manual binding process cannot be performed until all tasks of the automatic binding process are completed.

7. An operation unit for receiving input operations is provided, The media processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that when the control unit receives an input operation through the operation unit instructing priority execution of the manual binding process, the control unit completes the automatic binding process after executing the manual binding process, regardless of the length relationship between the required time T and the waiting time T0.

8. a medium detection means for detecting the medium inserted through the slit; The media processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit stops the manual binding process when the media detection unit no longer detects the media during the manual binding process.

9. An operation unit for receiving input operations is provided, The media processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit cancels the manual binding process when an input operation instructing to cancel the manual binding process is received through the operation unit during execution of the manual binding process.

10. the control unit, when a manual binding process by the first binding means is instructed during the execution of the automatic binding process by the first binding means, completes the automatic binding process after executing the manual binding process if a required time T required to execute the manual binding process is shorter than a waiting time T0 until the number of the media loaded on the tray reaches the predetermined number N; 4. The media processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that the required time T is the time required for the first binding means to move from the automatic binding position to the manual binding position, for the first binding means to bind the multiple media inserted through the slits, and for the first binding means to return from the manual binding position to the automatic binding position.

11. An image forming means for forming an image on a medium; 2. An image forming apparatus comprising: the medium processing device according to claim 1, which binds a plurality of the media on which images have been formed by the image forming device.

Images