Media processing device, image forming device, and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a media processing device that, when performing binding processing (offline binding) by user operation, determines a thickness of a sheet stack by using a sheet pressing mechanism that prevents the sheet stack from shifting, and enables pressure binding processing suitable for the thickness of the sheet stack.SOLUTION: There is provided a media processing device including an opening through which a bundle of sheet-like media can be inserted; sheet bundle holding means for holding a sheet bundle inserted into the opening and detecting a thickness of the sheet bundle; liquid applying means for applying liquid to the sheet bundle according to a detected thickness of the sheet bundle; and pressure binding means for performing a pressure binding process to the sheet bundle inserted into the opening, in which the sheet bundle holding means holds a part of the sheet bundle inserted into the opening in a thickness direction of the sheet bundle, thereby holding a position of the sheet bundle and detecting the thickness of the sheet bundle.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical field]

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

[0002] Media processing devices that perform predetermined processing on sheet-like media as processing objects are known. Also known are image forming devices that incorporate a functional unit equivalent to the media processing device into the housing of a device that forms images on sheet-like media, and image forming systems in which a media processing device is installed and connected to the side of an image forming device.

[0003] There are several types of sheet processing (hereinafter referred to as "post-processing" since it corresponds to a post-process of image formation processing) that can be performed in a media processing device. For example, a "binding process" that binds multiple sheets of media together and a punching process that punches holes in the sheets are known.

[0004] Known binding processes include "staple binding" in which a sheet stack is stapled using staples, and "pressure binding" in which a part of the sheet stack is pressurized and deformed to bind the sheets by pressure without using a staple or other binding member. In addition to "online binding" in which the ends of sheets after image formation are aligned and the aligned ends are stapled and discharged as a sheet stack, "offline binding" is also known in which sheets after image formation are discharged to a discharge tray or the like and the discharged sheets are bundled and bound by a user.

[0005] A configuration has been disclosed in which, for the purpose of pressing the sheet bundle when performing offline binding, a sheet inserted into an opening is detected and the sheet bundle is held (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] According to the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, it is possible to hold a sheet bundle when performing offline binding, but it is not possible to select a process according to the thickness (number of sheets) of the sheet bundle. In addition, when performing offline binding by pressure binding, the binding strength can be improved by controlling whether or not liquid is applied to the binding position according to the number of sheets, but the thickness of the sheet bundle cannot be determined in the conventional technology, so it is also difficult to improve the binding strength.

[0007] Furthermore, when applying liquid before pressure binding, it is necessary to wait for the liquid to penetrate into the sheets, and since the sheet stack needs to be held during that time, it is necessary to adjust the holding time depending on whether or not liquid is applied. However, with conventional technology, it is difficult to maintain an appropriate holding time because it is not possible to determine the thickness of the sheet stack.

[0008] That is, in the conventional technology, when pressure binding is performed in offline binding, there are problems in terms of improving the binding force and improving the operability for the user.

[0009] The present invention aims to provide a media processing device that determines the thickness of a sheet stack using a sheet pressing mechanism that prevents the sheet stack from shifting when performing binding processing (offline binding) by user operation, and enables pressure binding processing appropriate for the thickness of the sheet stack. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention is a media processing device having an opening into which a sheet bundle consisting of multiple bundled sheet-like media can be inserted, comprising: a sheet bundle holding means for holding the sheet bundle inserted into the opening and detecting the thickness of the sheet bundle; a liquid application means for applying liquid to the sheet bundle in accordance with the detected thickness of the sheet bundle; and a pressure binding means for performing a pressure binding process on the sheet bundle inserted into the opening, wherein the sheet bundle holding means holds the position of the sheet bundle by a pressing process that presses a portion of the sheet bundle inserted into the opening in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle, and detects the thickness of the sheet bundle. Effect of the Invention

[0011] According to the present invention, when a binding process (offline binding) is performed by user operation, the thickness of the sheet stack is determined using a sheet pressing mechanism that prevents the sheet stack from shifting, enabling a pressure binding process appropriate for the thickness of the sheet stack. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0012] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing an example of an MFP as an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 11 is an external view showing another example of an MFP as an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram corresponding to an example of an MFP according to the present embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a functional block diagram corresponding to another example of the MFP according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the binding processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a basic configuration of a binding processing unit according to the embodiment; [Figure 7] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration of the binding processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a detailed configuration of the binding processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 9] 11A to 11C are views for explaining a method for calculating the thickness of a paper stack in the binding process according to the embodiment. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a binding process according to the embodiment. [Figure 11] 6 is a flowchart showing an example of a binding process according to the embodiment. [Figure 12] 6A to 6C are diagrams showing examples of screens used in the binding process according to the embodiment. [Figure 13] 6A to 6C are diagrams showing examples of data used in the binding process according to the embodiment; [Figure 14] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the binding processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] 6A to 6C are diagrams illustrating an example of the operation of the binding processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 16] 10 is a flowchart showing another example of the binding process according to the embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the binding processing unit according to the embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram showing another example of the binding processing unit according to the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0013] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of a media processing device, an image forming device, and an image forming system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0014] [Embodiment of Image Forming Apparatus] First, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. This is an external view of an MFP1 according to this embodiment. The MFP1 is a device that has an image forming function for forming an image on paper P as an example of a sheet-like medium, and a post-processing function for performing a predetermined sheet process (post-processing) on ​​the paper P on which the image has been recorded.

[0015] 1, MFP1 mainly includes a housing 301 and an image forming unit 300 inside the housing 301 as an image forming means. Housing 301 is box-shaped with an internal space formed therein for accommodating the components of MFP1. Housing 301 also defines an internal space 302 accessible from outside MFP1. Internal space 302 is a portion exposed to the outside by cutting out an outer wall of housing 301, and is located, for example, slightly above the center of housing 301 in the vertical direction.

[0016] In the internal space 302, it is possible to attach optional units that add optional functions, such as a punching unit 200 that enables punching, and a binding unit 100 that enables binding of a paper stack Pb that is a sheet bundle formed by binding a plurality of papers P. The binding unit 100 corresponds to an embodiment of the media processing device according to the present invention.

[0017] The image forming unit 300 discharges the paper P picked up from the paper storage tray and transported to the punching unit 200 and the binding unit 100. The image forming unit 300 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 unit 300 is already known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0018] The punching unit 200 is attached to an internal space 302 of the MFP 1 downstream of the image forming unit 300 and upstream of the binding unit 100 in a transport path (path indicated by a dashed arrow in FIG. 1) of the paper P from the image forming unit 300 to the binding unit 100. That is, in the example of the MFP 1, the paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 300 is first handed over to the punching unit 200 where a predetermined punch hole forming process is performed, and then handed over to the binding unit 100 where a binding process to be described later is performed.

[0019] The punching process unit 200 is configured to be detachable from the MFP 1. When the punching process unit 200 is removed, the state shown in Fig. 2 is obtained. In this case, the paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming section 300 is directly delivered to the binding process unit 100 and subjected to binding process. In addition, another process unit that performs any process on the paper P can be attached to the position in the internal space 302 from which the punching process unit 200 was removed.

[0020] [Control configuration of media processing device including image forming device] Next, the control configuration of the MFP 1 including the binding unit 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Fig. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control configuration of the MFP 1 in a state in which the punching unit 200 is detached.

[0021] In FIG. 3, the transport path of the paper P (flow of the paper P) is indicated by dashed arrows, and the path of the communication signal (control signal) (signal flow) is indicated by solid arrows.

[0022] The MFP1 includes a display unit 303 for informing the user of the status of various devices and operation details, an operation display unit 304 as an operation means for the user to perform setting operations such as setting the mode and number of copies and selecting a binding process, and a paper feed unit 305 for stocking paper P and separating and feeding the paper P one sheet at a time. The MFP1 also includes an image creation unit 306 for forming a latent image on a photoconductor, not shown in Fig. 3, and transferring the image to the paper P, and a fixing unit 307 for fixing the image transferred to the paper P. The MFP1 also includes an image formation control unit 308 for controlling the operation of each of the above units.

[0023] In the embodiment of the media processing device, the binding processing unit 100 receives a processing instruction from the image formation control unit 308 of the MFP 1 via a communication line 309 to the binding processing control unit 102, and performs the specified processing on the specified paper P in the binding processing control unit 102.

[0024] The image forming control units 308 and the binding process control units 102 connected to each other are connected by a communication line 309, enabling the exchange of information. This enables the exchange of information regarding the operation mode, the paper size, timing, etc., enabling the system to operate.

[0025] In addition, in Fig. 3, the binding processing unit 100 includes an image forming processing control unit 101 and a binding processing control unit 102 as controllers constituting a control means. The control means included in the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment is not limited to this configuration. The binding processing control unit 102 may take charge of the processing executed by the image forming processing control unit 101, or vice versa. Whichever control means is used, it is sufficient to have a functional configuration equivalent to the control block exemplified in Fig. 5. Details of the control block shown in Fig. 5 will be described later.

[0026] [Another example of control configuration] An example of the control configuration of the MFP 1 with the punch processing unit 200 attached is shown in Fig. 4. In Fig. 4 as well, the transport path of the paper P (flow of the paper P) is indicated by dashed arrows, and the path of the communication signal (control signal) (signal flow) is indicated by solid arrows.

[0027] The MFP1 is similar in that it includes a display unit 303, an operation display unit 304, and a paper feed unit 305. It also includes an image forming unit 306 and an image formation control unit 308.

[0028] In the binding processing unit 100 as an embodiment of the media processing device, a processing instruction is sent from the image formation control unit 308 of the MFP1 to the binding processing control unit 102 via a communication line 309, and the binding processing control unit 102 performs a specified process on the specified paper P. The binding processing control unit 102 is notified of designation information on the process content for the paper P via the punching processing unit 201.

[0029] The image formation control unit 308 and the binding process control unit 102 are connected by a communication line 309, enabling the exchange of information. This enables the exchange of information on the operation mode, the paper size, timing, and the like, enabling the system to operate.

[0030] In the punching process unit 200, a processing instruction is sent from the image formation control unit 308 of the MFP1 to the binding process control unit 102 via a communication line 309, and an instruction is sent from the binding process control unit 102 to the punching process control unit 202 via a communication line 103. The punching process control unit 202 controls the punching process unit 201 to execute the instructed punching process.

[0031] [MFP1 hardware configuration] Next, the hardware configuration of the binding processing unit 100 included in the MFP 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that a description of the hardware configuration including the punching processing unit 200 will be omitted. As shown in Fig. 5, the binding processing unit 100 includes a CPU 110 as a controller, and is connected to a plurality of motors that serve as power sources for the operation of each mechanism via an I / F (interface) 120. The CPU 110 is a calculation means, and controls the operation of the entire binding processing unit 100.

[0032] The CPU 110 in the binding processing unit 100 is connected to the image formation control unit 308 of the MFP 1 via the I / F 120, and controls the binding processing unit 100 in response to a processing signal from the MFP 1. The binding processing unit 100 is also an optional device, and therefore has a detachable hardware configuration.

[0033] The I / F section that connects the image forming section 300 and the binding processing unit 100 is configured to be detachable in hardware, for example, by a relay connector or a drawer connector. The I / F section that connects the punching processing unit 200 and the image forming section 300 is also configured in the same way.

[0034] An encoder capable of detecting the drive amount of each motor in terms of the number of pulses is attached to the drive motor that drives the multiple transport roller pairs for performing the binding process in the binding process unit 100. Therefore, it is possible to drive and stop the transport roller pairs at a position of a specific drive amount starting from a specific timing, and it is configured to realize control to transport the paper P a specific amount in a specific direction.

[0035] In addition, the encoder pulses are measured starting from the timing when the sensor on the conveying path is turned ON or OFF, and the drive amount of each motor can be calculated based on the measured encoder pulses. Then, the position of the edge of the conveyed paper P can be determined based on the calculated drive amount of each motor.

[0036] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the binding processing unit 100 is connected to a CPU 110 via an I / F 120 with a conveying motor 151, a discharge motor 152, a binding unit moving motor 153, a liquid application unit moving motor 154, a liquid application motor 155, a pressure motor 156, a conveying sensor 157, a discharge sensor 158, a binding unit position sensor 159, a liquid application unit position sensor 160, a lifting sensor 161, a liquid amount sensor 162, a paper pressing motor 30, a paper sensor 35, etc.

[0037] [Configuration of binding processing unit 100] Next, the configuration of the binding processing unit 100 in this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 6(a) is a plan view of the binding processing unit 100. Fig. 6(b) is a side view of the binding processing unit 100. Fig. 6(c) is a cross-sectional view of the binding processing unit 100, and shows a configuration used mainly for the process of transporting and aligning the paper P to the stacking tray 17.

[0038] 6, the binding processing unit 100 includes a pressure binding unit 19 as a pressure binding means capable of performing pressure binding by applying pressure to a paper stack Pb obtained by bundling multiple papers P and deforming a part of the paper stack Pb without using staples. Also, the binding processing unit 100 includes a liquid application unit 26 as a liquid application means that applies liquid to a position (binding position) where pressure binding is performed before pressure binding to improve binding strength.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6(b), an exterior 25 (part of the housing) of the housing that houses the configuration of the binding processing unit 100 is provided with a slit 23 for performing pressure binding while the user holds the paper stack Pb. The slit 23 is provided in a part of the exterior 25 and has an opening. The user can insert the paper stack Pb, which is the object to be bound, through the opening of the slit 23 to perform "manual binding" in which a predetermined position of the paper stack Pb is set as the binding position. In other words, the slit 23 forms a space that receives the paper stack Pb inserted by the user through the opening.

[0040] When a user inserts a stack of sheets Pb into the slit 23 and an end of the stack of sheets Pb reaches a predetermined position in the space of the slit 23, a sheet sensor 35 installed inside the slit 23 detects the stack of sheets Pb. The sheet sensor 35 notifies the CPU 110, which serves as a controller, that the stack of sheets Pb has been detected. The CPU 110 determines whether the stack of sheets Pb is present at a predetermined binding position based on a control signal notified from the sheet sensor 35.

[0041] Next, the operation modes of the binding processing unit 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 6(a) and Fig. 6(b). The binding processing unit 100 is configured to be able to set a plurality of operation modes and to operate appropriately based on the set operation mode. The binding processing unit 100 is able to set, as operation modes, a "shift discharge mode" in which the paper P is conveyed and discharged from the upstream (image forming section 300) to the discharge tray 20 without being bound, and a "binding mode" in which the paper P is bound by the pressure binding unit 19.

[0042] In the shift discharge mode, the paper P conveyed from the MFP 1 is received by the entrance rollers 11, conveyed to the discharge rollers 16, and discharged onto the discharge tray 20.

[0043] In the binding mode, the paper P transported from the MFP 1 is received by the entrance rollers 11 and transported in the first direction to the shift rollers 13. When the paper P passes through the shift rollers 13, the tapping rollers 15 are driven to place the paper P on the stacking tray 17 serving as an internal tray. Then, the tapping rollers 15 and the return rollers 14 operate to transport the paper P toward the terminal end of the stacking tray 17. At this time, the paper P is transported toward a reference fence 18 for aligning the end of the paper P.

[0044] In the binding mode, the above-mentioned operation of stacking the sheets P on the stacking tray 17 and transporting them to the reference fence 18 is repeated until the number of sheets to be bound is reached. Then, when the final sheet P is transported to the reference fence 18, the pressure binding unit 19 closes the end of the stack of sheets P (sheet stack Pb) to perform the binding process. The stapled sheet stack Pb is discharged to the discharge tray 20 by the discharge rollers 16.

[0045] The sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb discharged onto the discharge tray 20 is aligned by abutting an end of the sheet P or the sheet bundle Pb against the end fence 21.

[0046] When performing online binding, after the ends of the paper stack Pb are aligned, liquid is applied by the liquid application unit 26 in accordance with the number of sheets P that make up the paper stack Pb. Then, after liquid application, the binding process is performed by the pressure binding unit 19. Note that it is also possible to control so that liquid is not applied in accordance with the number of sheets P.

[0047] [Manual binding process] When performing binding processing on the paper stack Pb discharged to the discharge tray 20, the user inserts the paper stack Pb into the slit 23 and performs manual binding when the paper stack Pb is detected by the paper sensor 35 or when the user presses the processing start button 24 provided on a part of the exterior 25 of the binding processing unit 100.

[0048] Manual binding is a process that has multiple start triggers, such as starting by pressing the process start button 24 or starting by operating a process button displayed on the operation display unit 304. Therefore, the process start button 24 and the operation display unit 304 also correspond to an operation means for instructing the start of manual binding.

[0049] The home position (initial position) of the pressure binding unit 19 as a binding unit can also be set to a position (binding position) where manual binding is performed on the paper stack Pb inserted into the slit 23. That is, when the user inserts the paper stack Pb into the slit 23 and aligns an end of the paper stack Pb with the abutment portion, a position facing the paper stack Pb can be set as the home position. In this case, the abutment portion may be adjusted and installed so that a predetermined end of the paper stack Pb corresponds to the binding position when two orthogonal ends of the paper stack Pb are abutted against each other. The abutment portion is provided in the slit 23.

[0050] As shown in FIG. 6A, the abutting portion as a positioning configuration of the sheet bundle includes a conveying direction stopper 25a as a portion that abuts in a direction corresponding to the conveying direction when the sheet bundle Pb is discharged from the binding processing unit 100, and a width direction stopper 25b having a linear length as a portion that abuts in a width direction that is a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheet P. The positions of the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b are adjusted and installed so that the position where the sheet bundle Pb inserted into the slit 23 abuts against the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b becomes the binding position. Then, the pressure binding unit 19 or the home position of the pressure binding unit 19 is set so that the end of the sheet bundle Pb when the sheet bundle Pb abuts against the conveying direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b is set to the binding position. By setting these, manual binding can be performed at the position at the start of operation of the binding processing unit 100.

[0051] Next, an example of the manual binding process will be described. First, the user inserts the paper stack Pb into the slit 23. As shown in Fig. 6(a), the slit 23 is provided with a paper sensor 35 that detects the presence or absence of the paper stack Pb. Therefore, when the paper stack Pb is inserted into the slit 23 and abuts against the abutment portion, the paper sensor 35 detects the paper stack Pb and notifies the CPU 110 as a controller.

[0052] When a control signal notifying the presence of the stack of sheets Pb from the sheet sensor 35 continues for a predetermined time, the CPU 110 drives the sheet pressure motor 30 to move the sheet pressure member 27 (see FIG. 7) as a medium fixing means to a predetermined sheet pressure position. The sheet pressure member 27 is a member that presses a part of the stack of sheets Pb that is abutted against the abutment portion in the thickness direction. When the sheet pressure member 27 is moved to the sheet pressure position, the stack of sheets Pb is sandwiched between the flat surface of the slit 23 and the sheet pressure member 27, and is held in a predetermined position.

[0053] By fixing the paper stack Pb inserted by the user into the slit 23 with the paper pressing member 27, it is possible to prevent the paper stack Pb from shifting in position until the binding process for the paper stack Pb is completed.

[0054] Next, an embodiment of a medium fixing means for fixing the paper stack Pb when performing manual binding will be described in detail. Fig. 7(a) illustrates a state before the paper stack Pb is inserted into the slit 23 when performing manual binding. Fig. 7(b) is a diagram illustrating the operation of the paper stack fixing mechanism. Fig. 7(c) illustrates a state after the paper stack Pb is inserted into the slit 23 and the paper stack fixing mechanism has operated when performing manual binding.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 7(a), in the binding processing unit 100, a paper sensor 35 is disposed in a part of the slit 23. As already described and shown in Fig. 6, the paper sensor 35 is disposed on the back side of the slit 23 (the back side when viewed from the opening).

[0056] The paper pressing member 27 as a medium fixing means is a rod-shaped member that is held so as to be movable in a direction perpendicular to the planar direction of the slit 23. The paper pressing member 27 is, for example, cylindrical. However, the shape of the paper pressing member 27 is not limited to a cylindrical shape, and it may be a prismatic shape, or may have an elliptical cross-sectional shape.

[0057] Furthermore, the portion of paper pressing member 27 that presses down on stack of paper sheets Pb preferably has enough elasticity to prevent damage to paper sheets P. Furthermore, the portion of paper pressing member 27 that presses down stack of paper sheets Pb, i.e., the tip portion of paper pressing member 27, may be made of a material that is water-resistant. In this case, it is possible to prevent liquid from penetrating from paper sheets P into paper pressing member 27 when pressing down the portion to which liquid has been applied, and deterioration of paper pressing member 27 can be suppressed.

[0058] In order to allow the paper pressing member 27 to move in a direction perpendicular to the plane direction of the slit 23, a recessed portion 37 extending in the perpendicular direction is provided on the plane of the slit 23. The recessed portion 37 is formed below the lower surface of the slit 23.

[0059] The paper pressure member 27 is attached to a fixed member plate 34. The fixed member plate 34 has a shaft 32 attached thereto, which is surrounded by a belt 33. The belt 33 is wound around the rotating shaft of the paper pressure motor 30. When the paper pressure motor 30 rotates, the belt 33 rotates. When the belt 33 rotates, the shaft surrounded by the belt 33 rotates, and the fixed member plate 34 moves according to the rotation direction of the belt 33. When the fixed member plate 34 moves, the paper pressure member 27 moves in the same direction.

[0060] 7(b), when the paper pressure motor 30 is driven, the paper pressure member 27 moves in a direction penetrating the plane of the slit 23 so that its tip reaches the recessed portion 37. In other words, the paper pressure member 27 is configured to move in the vertical direction relative to the slit 23.

[0061] 7(c), when the stack of paper Pb is inserted into the slit 23, the paper sensor 35 detects the stack of paper Pb for a certain period of time, and the paper pressure motor 30 is driven, the paper pressure member 27 moves to a position where it presses the stack of paper Pb in a direction perpendicular to the planar direction. This fixes the stack of paper Pb.

[0062] In order to hold down a part of the paper stack Pb with the paper stack pressing member 27 and hold the paper stack Pb at a predetermined position in the slit 23, the paper stack pressing motor 30 moves the paper stack pressing member 27. The CPU 110 then derives the amount of movement of the paper stack pressing member 27 from the number of drive pulses of the paper stack pressing motor 30, detects the drive load of the paper stack pressing motor 30, and executes a process of determining the thickness (dimension in the thickness direction) of the paper stack Pb based on these.

[0063] Then, the CPU 110 determines whether to apply liquid before performing the pressure binding process or to perform the pressure binding process without applying liquid, depending on the determined thickness of the paper stack Pb. Then, based on the determination, a predetermined manual binding is performed.

[0064] [Processing to determine thickness of paper stack Pb] Here, the process of determining the thickness of the stack of sheets Pb, which is performed in conjunction with the operation of the sheet pressing member 27, will be described in detail.

[0065] As shown in FIG. 8(a), the stack of paper sheets Pb is inserted into the slit 23. Then, the paper sensor 35, which has already been described, detects the stack of paper sheets Pb, or the user presses the process start button 24 provided on the housing. As a result, as shown in FIG. 8(b), the paper presser motor 30 is driven to rotate, causing the paper presser member 27 to move toward the recessed portion 37 and press a part of the stack of paper sheets Pb. This causes the stack of paper sheets Pb to be held in the slit 23 and to become immovable. In other words, the stack of paper sheets Pb is fixed at a predetermined position in the slit 23.

[0066] When the paper pressure member 27 moves to press the paper stack Pb and hits the paper stack Pb, the driving load of the paper pressure motor 30 increases, causing a change in the value of the driving voltage applied to drive the paper pressure motor 30. When the CPU 110 detects this change in the driving voltage, it stops driving the paper pressure motor 30.

[0067] By the state where the paper-sheet pressing member 27 abuts against the paper-sheet stack Pb, the binding position for the paper-sheet stack Pb is held at a position where it can face the pressure binding unit 19. In this case, even if the state of the paper-sheet stack Pb inserted into the slit 23 is somewhat distorted as shown in Fig. 8(c), the state of the vicinity of the binding position can be corrected by pressing the vicinity of the binding position with the paper-sheet pressing member 27, and the binding process can be performed appropriately.

[0068] The paper pressure motor 30 is provided with an encoder for detecting the amount of movement, and the CPU 110 can detect the output of this encoder to calculate the amount of movement of the paper pressure motor 30. For example, the paper pressure motor 30 is configured as a DC motor, and from the amount of rotation, it is possible to calculate the member movement distance L2 (see FIG. 8(b)) as the movement distance of the paper pressure member 27 from the initial position (position shown in FIG. 8(a)) until the paper pressure member 27 reaches the position where it presses the paper stack Pb. In addition, the slit interval distance L1 from the initial position of the paper pressure member 27 to the lower surface of the slit 23 is measured in advance and set in the storage means.

[0069] CPU 110 can calculate the thickness of sheet stack Pb inserted into slit 23 by subtracting member movement distance L2 from slit interval distance L1. Then, by setting the thickness of each sheet of paper P constituting sheet stack Pb in advance, the number of sheets of paper P constituting sheet stack Pb can be calculated from the thickness of sheet stack Pb.

[0070] Depending on the calculated number of sheets P (thickness of the sheet stack Pb), control is made as to whether or not liquid is applied in the pressure binding using the pressure binding unit 19. When the number of sheets P is greater than a predetermined threshold number, applying liquid can improve the binding strength, but the time until pressure binding is completed becomes longer, so this does not lead to improved productivity. On the other hand, if the number of sheets P is less than the predetermined threshold number, the binding strength can be maintained without applying liquid, so by not applying liquid, the time until pressure binding is completed can be shortened, improving productivity while maintaining the binding strength.

[0071] That is, while the paper stack Pb is fixed and held using the paper holding member 27 to stabilize the binding state during the binding process, it is also possible to control whether or not to apply liquid during the pressure binding process based on the thickness of the paper stack Pb (the number of sheets of paper P) which can be calculated using the paper holding member 27.

[0072] It is also possible to control so as to stop the binding process based on the calculated thickness of the paper stack Pb and the number of sheets P.

[0073] [First embodiment] Next, a first embodiment of an operational flow for manual binding that can be performed in the binding processing unit 100 will be described with reference to Figs. 9 and 10. Fig. 9(a) illustrates an example in which 20 sheets of paper P make up the paper stack Pb inserted into the slit 23. Fig. 9(b) illustrates an example in which 5 sheets of paper P make up the paper stack Pb inserted into the slit 23. Fig. 9(c) illustrates an example in which no paper stack Pb is inserted into the slit 23.

[0074] 10 illustrates an example of an operation flow in manual binding. First, when a user inserts a stack of paper Pb into the slit 23 and presses the process start button 24, the paper pressing motor 30 rotates, and the paper pressing member 27 moves toward the stack of paper Pb set in the slit 23 and the recessed portion 37 (S1001).

[0075] When the paper pressure member 27 hits against the stack of paper Pb or the recessed portion 37, the driving load of the paper pressure motor 30 increases, causing the value of the driving voltage for the paper pressure motor 30 to fluctuate, which is determined (S1002). When the CPU 110 detects that the value of the driving voltage has fluctuated, it determines that the driving load has increased (S1002: Yes) and stops the operation of the paper pressure motor 30 (S1003).

[0076] Next, the member movement distance L2, which is the movement of the paper pressure member 27, is calculated from the amount of rotation of the paper pressure motor 30. Here, the member movement distance L2 in FIG. 9(a) is the first movement distance L21. The member movement distance L2 in FIG. 9(b) is the second movement distance L22. And the member movement distance L2 in FIG. 9(c) is the third movement distance L23. The slit interval distance L1 corresponds to the height of the slit 23,

[0077] Here, the relationship between the difference between the slit interval distance L1 and the movement distance of the paper pressing member 27 is (L-L1)>0, (L-L2)>0, (L-L3)<0 (S1004). Therefore, in the case of the state shown in Fig. 9(c) (S1004: No), that is, when the CPU 110 determines that the difference between the slit interval distance L1 and the movement distance becomes a negative value, the paper stack Pb is not set, so the binding process is stopped (S1007).

[0078] On the other hand, when the CPU 110 determines that the difference between the slit interval distance L1 and the moving distance is a positive value (S1004: Yes), the thickness of the paper stack Pb is (L1-L21) or (L1-L22) as shown in Fig. 9(a). If the thickness of the paper stack Pb that can be bound is Lmax, then if (L1-L21) ≤ Lmax or (L1-L22) ≤ Lmax (S1005: Yes), the binding process is executed (S1006).

[0079] On the other hand, if (L-L1)>Lmax and (L-L2)>Lmax (S1005: NO), the manual binding is stopped (S1007).

[0080] The processes executed in S1001 to S1005 above correspond to the process of determining the thickness of the paper stack Pb described with reference to Fig. 8. That is, in order to prevent the binding position of the paper stack Pb from shifting in the manual binding process, the thickness of the paper stack Pb is measured and determined using a mechanism for holding the paper stack Pb (paper pressing member 27 and a mechanism for operating the same). The thickness determination of the paper stack Pb can be applied in substantially the same manner to the following embodiments.

[0081] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of an operation flow for manual binding that can be performed in the binding processing unit 100 will be described. Fig. 11 is a flowchart according to this embodiment. First, the paper sensor 35 detects whether the paper stack Pb has been inserted into the slit 23 and reached a predetermined position (S1101). The process loops until the paper stack Pb is detected in the slit 23 (S1101: No).

[0082] When the paper stack Pb is detected (S1101: Yes), it is determined whether the detection period of the paper stack Pb has elapsed a certain time (S1102). If the certain time has not elapsed, the process returns to S1101 (S1102: No). If the certain time has elapsed (S1102: Yes), the paper pressure motor 30 is operated to lower the paper pressure member 27, so that a part of the paper stack Pb is pressed by the paper pressure member 27, and the position of the paper stack Pb is maintained (S1103).

[0083] When the sheet stack Pb is being held, an operation screen 340 shown in Fig. 12 is displayed on the operation unit 204. The operation screen 340 includes a notification field 341 for notifying that the sheet stack Pb has been detected, a "pressure binding start button 342" that triggers the start of pressure binding, and a "cancel button 343" that instructs the stop of the binding process.

[0084] When the "Cancel button 343" on the operation screen 340 is pressed (S1104: No), the paper pressing member 27 is raised to release the held state of the paper stack Pb (S1115), and the binding process ends.

[0085] When the "press binding start button 342" is pressed on the operation screen 340 (S1104: Yes), the member movement distance L2 when the paper pressing member 27 descends in S1103 is calculated, and the number of sheets of paper P is calculated by subtracting the member movement distance L2 from the slit spacing distance L1 (S1105).

[0086] Next, the calculated number of sheets P is compared with a threshold value for judgment. An example of the judgment table is shown in Fig. 13. As shown in the processing judgment table T400 shown in Fig. 13, the threshold values ​​for the number of sheets N as the calculated number of sheets P are set to "5 sheets or less", "6 sheets to 19 sheets", and "20 sheets or more".

[0087] If the number of sheets N is 6 or more (S1106: Yes) and is not 19 or less (S1107: No), "This number of sheets is not compatible with pressure binding" is displayed in the notification field 341 of the operation screen 340 (S1103). Then, the process loops until the "Cancel button 343" on the operation screen 340 is pressed or a certain time has passed (S1114: No). When the "Cancel button 343" is pressed or a certain time has passed (S1114: Yes), the paper pressing member 27 is raised to release the holding state of the paper stack Pb (S1115), and manual binding ends.

[0088] When the number of sheets N is 6 or more (S1106: Yes) and is 19 or less (S1107: No), that is, when the number of sheets N is between 6 and 19, the liquid application unit 26 is moved to the manual binding position (S1108). Figure 14 illustrates an example of a state in which the liquid application unit 26 has moved to the manual binding position.

[0089] Next, liquid is applied by the liquid application unit 26 (S1109). After that, the process loops until a threshold time that is preset as the time it takes for the liquid to penetrate the paper stack Pb has elapsed (S1110: No). When the threshold time has elapsed (S1110: Yes), the pressure binding unit 19 is moved to the manual binding position (S1111). FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the state in which the pressure binding unit 19 has moved to the manual binding position.

[0090] Next, pressure binding is performed (S1112). After pressure binding is completed, the paper-sheet pressing member 27 is raised to release the paper-sheet stack Pb from its holding state (S1115), and the manual binding is completed.

[0091] When the number of sheets N is 5 or less (S1106: No), the pressure binding unit 19 is moved to the manual binding position (S1111) to perform pressure binding without applying liquid. After that, pressure binding is performed (S1112). When pressure binding is completed, the paper pressing member 27 is raised to release the holding state of the paper stack Pb (S1115), and the manual binding is completed.

[0092] As described above, according to the binding processing unit 100 of this embodiment, the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper stack Pb can be calculated using the paper stack holding action of the paper pressing member 27, and appropriate pressure binding or pressure binding after liquid application can be performed depending on the number of sheets of paper P.

[0093] [Third embodiment] Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment of an operation flow for manual binding that can be performed in the binding processing unit 100. Fig. 16 is a flowchart according to this embodiment. First, before determining whether or not the paper stack Pb is inserted in the slit 23, the operation screen 340 (see Fig. 12) is displayed on the operation unit 204.

[0094] The process loops (S1601: No) until the "press binding start button 342" is pressed on the operation screen 340. When the "press binding start button 342" is pressed (S1601: Yes), the liquid application unit 26 is moved to the manual binding position (S1602).

[0095] Next, the paper sensor 35 detects whether the paper stack Pb has been inserted into the slit 23 and reached a predetermined position (S1603). The process loops until the paper stack Pb is detected in the slit 23 (S1603: No). When the paper stack Pb is detected in the slit 23 (S1603: Yes), the paper pressure motor 30 rotates, and the paper pressure member 27 moves toward the paper stack Pb set in the slit 23 and the recessed portion 37 (S1604).

[0096] Then, in S1604, the member movement distance L2 when the paper pressing member 27 descends is calculated, and the number of papers P is calculated by subtracting the member movement distance L2 from the slit interval distance L1 (S1605).

[0097] Next, the calculated number of sheets P is compared with the threshold value shown in the processing determination table T400 illustrated in Fig. 13 to branch the processing. The threshold value for the number of sheets N as the calculated number of sheets P is set to "5 sheets or less", "6 sheets to 19 sheets", and "20 sheets or more".

[0098] If the number of sheets N is 6 or more (S1606: Yes) and is not 19 or less (S1607: No), "This number of sheets is not compatible with pressure binding" is displayed in the notification field 341 of the operation screen 340 (S1613). Then, the paper pressing member 27 is raised to release the holding state of the paper stack Pb (S1614), and manual binding is completed.

[0099] When the number of sheets N is 6 or more (S1606: Yes) and 19 or less (S1607: No), that is, when the number of sheets N is between 6 and 19, the liquid application unit 26 is moved to the manual binding position (S1608). Figure 14 illustrates an example of the state in which the liquid application unit 26 has moved to the manual binding position.

[0100] Next, liquid is applied by the liquid application unit 26 (S1609). After that, the process loops until a threshold time that is preset as the time it takes for the liquid to penetrate the paper stack Pb has elapsed (S1610: No). When the threshold time has elapsed (S1610: Yes), the pressure binding unit 19 is moved to the manual binding position (S1611). FIG. 15 illustrates an example of the state in which the pressure binding unit 19 has moved to the manual binding position.

[0101] Next, pressure binding is performed (S1612). After pressure binding is completed, the paper-sheet pressing member 27 is raised to release the paper-sheet stack Pb from its holding state (S1615), and the manual binding is completed.

[0102] When the number of sheets N is 5 or less (S1606: No), the pressure binding unit 19 is moved to the manual binding position (S1111) to perform pressure binding without applying liquid. After that, pressure binding is performed (S1612). When pressure binding is completed, the paper pressing member 27 is raised to release the holding state of the paper stack Pb (S1615), and the manual binding is completed.

[0103] As described above, according to the binding processing unit 100 of this embodiment, the number of sheets of paper P that constitute the paper stack Pb can be calculated using the paper stack holding action of the paper pressing member 27, and appropriate pressure binding or pressure binding after liquid application can be performed depending on the number of sheets of paper P.

[0104] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 17, in addition to the liquid application unit 26 applying liquid in the thickness direction of the paper stack Pb, a second liquid application member 29 may be provided.

[0105] The second liquid applicator 29 applies liquid not in the thickness direction of the sheet stack Pb but from the side of the end of the sheet stack Pb, thereby further enhancing the effect of improving the binding strength by applying liquid.

[0106] [Fifth embodiment] Next, a fifth embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 18, a plurality of paper-sheet pressing members 27 may be provided. That is, when the paper-sheet stack Pb is generated by manual binding, the paper-sheet stack Pb may be pressed at various positions until the pressure binding of the paper-sheet stack Pb is completed. This makes it possible to hold the paper-sheet stack Pb more reliably.

[0107] As described above, according to the binding processing unit 100 of the above embodiment, when performing manual binding, the thickness of the paper stack Pb is measured using the paper pressing member 27 to suppress misalignment of the paper stack Pb, thereby making it possible to realize manual binding that makes it easy to ensure binding strength.

[0108] In addition, depending on the thickness of the paper stack Pb, the application of liquid can be controlled based on the thickness of the paper stack Pb obtained using the paper pressing member 27, thereby further improving the binding strength and improving user operability.

[0109] 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.

[0110] The contents of the present invention are, for example, as follows. <1> A media processing device having an opening through which a sheet bundle of multiple sheet-like media can be inserted, a sheet bundle holding means for holding the sheet bundle inserted into the opening and detecting a thickness of the sheet bundle; a liquid applying unit that applies liquid to the sheet stack in accordance with the detected thickness of the sheet stack; a pressure binding unit that performs a pressure binding process on the sheet bundle inserted into the opening; Equipped with the sheet bundle holding means holds a part of the sheet bundle inserted into the opening in a thickness direction of the sheet bundle, thereby holding the position of the sheet bundle and detecting a thickness of the sheet bundle; The media processing device is characterized in that <2> An operation means for selecting execution of the compression binding process is provided, The timing at which the sheet bundle holding means starts the pressing process is after the pressure binding process is selected by the operation means. The above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <3> a sheet bundle detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet bundle inserted through the opening, The timing at which the sheet bundle holding means starts the pressing process is after the sheet bundle is detected by the sheet bundle detection means. The above <1> The present invention relates to a media processing device. <4> the sheet bundle holding means varies a duration of the pressing process based on a thickness of the sheet bundle. The above <1> or the above <3> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <5> The member that presses the sheet stack in the pressing process is a waterproof member. The above <1> or the above <4> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <6> The pressing member for pressing the sheet stack in the pressing process is a plurality of members. The above <1> or the above <5> 1 is a media processing device according to any one of the preceding claims. <7> A housing and an image forming unit that is accommodated in the housing and that forms an image on a sheet-like medium; a pressure binding unit that is detachably supported by the housing and that performs a pressure binding process on the medium on which an image is formed by the image forming unit; <1> or the above <6> a media processing device according to any one of The image forming apparatus is characterized by comprising: <8> an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet-like medium; The image forming apparatus connected to the <1> or the above <6> a media processing device according to any one of The image forming system includes: [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 1:MFP 23: Slit 24: Processing start button 26: Liquid application unit 27: Paper holding member 29: Second liquid application member 30: Paper pressure motor 151: Transport motor 152: Discharge motor 153: Unit movement motor 154: Liquid application unit moving motor 155: Liquid application motor 156: Crimping motor 157: Transport sensor 158: Discharge sensor 159: Unit position sensor 160: Liquid application unit position sensor 301: Housing 304: Operation display section 340: Operation screen 341: Notification field 342: Start button 343: Cancel button [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0112] [Patent Document 1] JP 2013-126911 A

Claims

1. A media processing device having an opening through which a sheet bundle of multiple sheet-like media can be inserted, a sheet bundle holding means for holding the sheet bundle inserted into the opening and detecting a thickness of the sheet bundle; a liquid applying unit that applies liquid to the sheet stack in accordance with the detected thickness of the sheet stack; a pressure binding unit that performs a pressure binding process on the sheet bundle inserted into the opening; Equipped with the sheet bundle holding means holds a part of the sheet bundle inserted into the opening in a thickness direction of the sheet bundle, thereby holding the position of the sheet bundle and detecting a thickness of the sheet bundle; 23. A media processing device comprising:

2. An operation means for selecting execution of the compression binding process is provided, The timing at which the sheet bundle holding means starts the pressing process is after the pressure binding process is selected by the operation means. The media processing device of claim 1 .

3. a sheet bundle detection means for detecting the presence or absence of the sheet bundle inserted through the opening, The timing at which the sheet bundle holding means starts the pressing process is after the sheet bundle is detected by the sheet bundle detection means. The media processing device of claim 1 .

4. the sheet bundle holding means varies a duration of the pressing process based on a thickness of the sheet bundle. The media processing device of claim 1 .

5. The member that presses the sheet stack in the pressing process is a waterproof member. The media processing device of claim 1 .

6. The pressing member for pressing the sheet stack in the pressing process is a plurality of members. The media processing device of claim 1 .

7. A housing and an image forming unit that is accommodated in the housing and that forms an image on a sheet-like medium; a media processing device according to claim 1 , the media processing device being detachably supported by the housing and performing a pressure binding process on the media on which an image has been formed by the image forming device; An image forming apparatus comprising:

8. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet-like medium; The media processing device according to claim 1 , which is connected to the image forming device; An image forming system comprising:

Images