Sheet processing device, image forming device, image forming system

Abstract

To provide a sheet processing device having a plurality of binding means and enabling the binding means to change a facing posture of the binding means with respect to a sheet bundle.SOLUTION: A sheet processing device includes: binding means for performing a binding process on a sheet bundle formed by bundling a plurality of sheet-like media; moving means for moving the binding means in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction in which the media are conveyed toward the binding means; and posture changing means for changing a posture of the binding means facing the sheet bundle. The posture changing means changes the posture in response to a change in the relative positional relationship with the binding means due to the movement of the binding means in a perpendicular direction.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 20

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet-like medium is known. A sheet processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing on the medium used for image formation in the image forming apparatus is known. Also, an image forming system in which a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus are connected is known.

[0003] There are known a plurality of types of predetermined sheet processing (sometimes referred to as "post-processing" because it corresponds to a post-process of the image forming process) executed in the sheet processing apparatus. For example, an alignment process of stacking a plurality of media (sheets) and aligning the ends, a binding process of binding the ends of the aligned sheet bundle, a folding process of folding the sheet into a predetermined shape (for example, Z-fold, outside three-fold, two-fold, etc.) are known.

[0004] Regarding the binding process, which is one of the post-processes, there are known "needle binding" mainly using a metal needle and "pressure bonding binding" that presses and deforms the ends of the sheet bundle without using a needle. And there is also known a sheet processing apparatus equipped with a binding unit for needle binding and a binding unit for pressure bonding binding.

[0005] In a sheet processing apparatus equipped with a plurality of binding units, there is also known a device that can select "flat binding" in which the binding position with respect to the sheet bundle is in a direction parallel to the sheet width direction and "oblique binding" in which the binding position is in an inclined direction with respect to the sheet width direction according to the medium size (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] As disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order for a sheet processing apparatus to be capable of performing diagonal binding and flat binding for any media size with respective binding means, it is necessary to provide rotating means having a drive system different from that of the moving means for moving the binding means in the media width direction. That is, in the prior art, it is necessary to provide, in addition to the moving means, rotating and pivoting means including a drive system for changing the posture of the binding means, and there are problems that the apparatus becomes large-sized and costly.

[0007] An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus including a plurality of binding means, and enabling the change of the facing posture of one binding means to a sheet bundle by another binding means.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] To solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus, including binding means for performing a binding process on a sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheet-like media are bundled, moving means for moving the binding means in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction for conveying the media toward the binding means, and posture changing means for changing the posture of the binding means facing the sheet bundle, wherein the posture changing means changes the posture in accordance with a change in the relative positional relationship with the binding means in accordance with the movement of the binding means in the orthogonal direction.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to include a plurality of binding means and enable the change of the facing posture of one binding means to a sheet bundle by another binding means.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations may be omitted.

[0012] [Embodiment of the Image Forming Apparatus] First, a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIGS. 1 and 2 are external views of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus including an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet-like medium to be post-processed described later, and a post-processing function that executes a predetermined post-processing (sheet processing) on the medium on which the image is recorded.

[0013] Although various examples of the sheet-like medium are assumed, the following description is based on paper. Hereinafter, the paper to be processed by the sheet processing is referred to as "sheet S".

[0014] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes a housing 31 and an image forming unit 32 inside the housing 31. The housing 31 is a box-shaped member in which an internal space for accommodating the components of the image forming apparatus 1 is formed. Further, an inner body space 33 accessible from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is formed in the housing 31. The inner body space 33 is located, for example, slightly above the center in the vertical direction of the housing 31. Also, the outer wall of the housing 31 is cut out and exposed to the outside in the inner body space 33.

[0015] Furthermore, a punching unit 200 and a binding unit 100 as an embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention can be detachably attached to the inner body space 33.

[0016] The image forming unit 32 discharges the sheet S picked up and conveyed from the sheet storage tray to the punching unit 200 and the binding unit 100. The image forming unit 32 may be an inkjet method that forms an image using ink or an electrophotographic method that forms an image using toner. Since the configuration of the image forming unit 32 is already well-known, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0017] The punching unit 200 is attached to the inner body space 33 of the image forming apparatus 1 on the downstream side of the image forming unit 32 and on the upstream side of the binding unit 100 in the conveyance path of the sheet S from the image forming unit 32 to the binding unit 100 (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 unit 32 is first delivered to the punching unit 200, and a predetermined punching process is executed, and then delivered to the binding unit 100, and the binding process described later is executed.

[0018] Further, the punching unit 200 is configured to be detachable from the image forming apparatus 1. When the punching unit 200 is removed, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming means 32 is directly delivered to the binding processing unit 100 for binding processing. Note that, at the position where the punching unit 200 in the body space 33 is removed, another processing unit for performing arbitrary processing on the sheet S can be attached.

[0019] [Control Configuration of Sheet Processing Apparatus including Image Forming Apparatus] Next, the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 including the binding processing unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the punching unit 200 is removed.

[0020] In FIG. 3, the conveyance path of the sheet S (the flow of the sheet S) is represented by a broken-line arrow, and the path of the communication signal (control signal) (the flow of the signal) is represented by a solid-line arrow.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 1 includes a display unit 301 for notifying the user of the states and operation contents of various devices, an operation unit 302 for the user to perform setting operations such as modes and numbers of copies, and a paper feeding unit 303 for stocking the sheets S and separating and feeding them one by one. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming unit 304 that forms a latent image on a photoreceptor (not shown in FIG. 3) and transfers the image to the sheet S, and a fixing unit 305 that fixes the image transferred to the sheet S. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an image forming control unit 306 that controls the operations of the above-described units.

[0022] The binding processing unit 100 as an embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus is instructed to perform processing by the post-processing control unit 102 from the image forming control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 1 through the communication line 307, and performs the specified processing on the specified sheet S in the post-processing unit 101.

[0023] Each connected image formation control unit 306 and post-processing control unit 102 are connected by a communication line 307, enabling the exchange of information. As a result, information regarding the operation mode, sheet S size, timing, etc. is exchanged, enabling the operation of the system.

[0024] Further, FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the punching unit 200 is attached (see FIG. 1). Also in FIG. 4, the conveyance path of the sheet S (the flow of the sheet S) is represented by a dashed arrow, and the path of the communication signal (control signal) (the flow of the signal) is represented by a solid arrow.

[0025] The image forming apparatus 1 is similarly provided with a display unit 301, an operation unit 302, and a paper feeding unit 303. Also, an image forming unit 304 and an image formation control unit 306 are similarly provided.

[0026] As an embodiment of the media processing apparatus, the binding processing unit 100 receives a processing instruction from the image formation control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication line 309 and performs the specified processing on the specified sheet S in the binding processing unit 101. Information specifying the processing content to be performed on the sheet S is notified to the binding processing unit 101 via the punching processing unit 201.

[0027] Each connected image formation control unit 306 and binding processing control unit 102 are connected by a communication line 309, enabling the exchange of information. As a result, information regarding the operation mode, sheet S size, timing, etc. is exchanged, enabling the operation of the system.

[0028] The punching unit 200 receives a processing instruction from the image formation control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication line 309 and is instructed from the binding processing control unit 102 via the communication line 103 to the punching processing control unit 202. The punching processing control unit 202 controls the punching processing unit 201 to execute the instructed punching process.

[0029] [Hardware Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] Next, the hardware configuration of the binding processing unit 100 included in the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Note that the description of the hardware configuration including the punching processing unit 400 will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 5, the binding processing unit 100 includes a CPU 110 as a controller, which is connected to a plurality of motors serving as power sources for the operations of respective mechanisms via an I / F (interface) 120. The CPU 110 is an arithmetic means and controls the overall operation of the binding processing unit 100.

[0030] The CPU 110 within the binding processing unit 100 is connected to the image forming control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 1 via an I / F 111, and controls the binding processing unit 100 in accordance with the processing signals from the image forming apparatus 1. Since the binding processing unit 100 is also an optional device, it has a detachable hardware configuration.

[0031] Note that the I / F portion for connecting the image forming unit 300 and the binding processing unit 100 has a configuration that can be detachably connected hard, for example, by a relay connector or a drawer connector. Note that the I / F portion for connecting the punching processing unit 400 and the image forming unit 300 also has the same configuration.

[0032] Drive motors for driving a plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers for executing the binding process in the binding processing unit 100 are attached with encoders that can detect the drive amount of each motor in terms of the number of pulses. Therefore, it is configured such that the pair of conveyance rollers can be driven and stopped at a position with a specific drive amount starting from a specific timing, and control for conveying the sheet S by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction can be realized.

[0033] Also, encoder pulses can be measured based on the timing when the sensor on the conveyance path is turned ON or OFF, and the drive amount of each motor can be calculated based on these encoder pulses. Then, based on the calculated drive amount, the position of the edge of the conveyed sheet S can be detected.

[0034] As illustrated in FIG. 5, the binding process control unit 102, which is the control unit of the binding process unit 100, is connected to the CPU 110 via the I / F 111, and the conveyance motor 151, the discharge motor 152, the staple movement motor 153, the conveyance sensor 154, the discharge sensor 155, and the HP sensor 156 are connected thereto.

[0035] Further, the punching process control unit 202, which is the control unit of the punching unit 200 for punching holes in the sheet S, is connected to the CPU 110 via the I / F 113, and the folding motor 162, the entrance sensor 163, and the folding sensor 164 are connected thereto.

[0036] Further, when connecting the punching main unit that executes the punching process on the sheet S as an option, its control unit is connected to the CPU 110 via the I / F 112, and the punching motor 157, the punch movement motor 158, the pre-punch motor 159, the cover opening / closing sensor 160, and the punching unit HP sensor 161 are connected thereto.

[0037] [Conveyance path configuration of the binding process unit 100] Next, the configuration of the conveyance path of the sheet S provided in the binding process unit 100 as an embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the conveyance path provided in the binding process unit 100. The binding process unit 100 can set a plurality of operation modes and is configured to operate appropriately based on the set operation mode. As the operation modes provided in the binding process unit 100, for example, there are a "shift discharge mode" in which the sheet S is conveyed and discharged without performing the binding process on the sheet S from the upstream (image forming means 32) to the discharge tray 20, and a "binding mode" in which the sheet S is stitch-bound or heat-sealed by the stitch-binding unit 19 or the heat-sealing binding unit 26 (not shown in FIG. 6).

[0038] In the case of the shift discharge mode, the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1 is received by the inlet roller 11, conveyed to the discharge roller 16, and discharged onto the discharge tray 20. The inlet roller 11, the conveying roller 12, the shift roller 13, and the discharge roller 16 constitute the first conveying means. That is, when conveying the sheet S from the inlet roller 11 toward the discharge roller 16, the conveying direction corresponds to the first direction.

[0039] In the case of the binding mode, the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1 is received by the inlet roller 11, conveyed in the first direction up to the shift roller 13, and when the sheet S passes through the shift roller 13, the knocking roller 15 is driven to place the sheet S on the stacking tray 17 as an internal tray. Then, by the operations of the knocking roller 15 and the return roller 14 as the second conveying means, the sheet S is conveyed in a second direction different from the first direction. The second direction at this time is the conveyance toward the reference fence 18 for aligning the ends of the sheet S, and since it is the conveyance in the direction opposite to the first direction, it corresponds to "switchback conveyance".

[0040] Also, in the binding mode, the above-described conveyance operation of the sheet S in the second direction (the operation of conveying to the stacking tray 17 and up to the reference fence 18) is repeatedly executed until the number of bound sheets is reached. And when the final sheet S is conveyed to the reference fence 18, for example, a sewing needle is penetrated through the end of the bundle of sheets S (sheet bundle Sb) by the sewing unit 19 as the sewing means to execute the sewing process. The sewn sheet bundle Sb is conveyed in the first direction by the discharge roller 16 constituting the first conveying means and discharged onto the discharge tray 20.

[0041] Note that the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb discharged onto the discharge tray 20 is aligned by abutting the end of the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb against the end fence 21.

[0042] [Operation Steps of Shift Discharge Mode] Next, while referring to a plurality of drawings, the operation steps in the shift discharge mode among the conveyance process and the binding process of the sheet S in the binding processing unit 100 will be described. First, as illustrated in FIG. 7, it starts from the point where the sheet S is received by the binding processing unit 100 and conveyed in the first direction. This state is the same regardless of the operation mode.

[0043] Subsequently, the state shown in FIG. 8 is reached. FIG. 8(a) is a plan view of the conveyance path when the binding processing unit 100 is viewed from the thickness direction. FIG. 8(b) is a side view of the conveyance path when the binding processing unit 100 is viewed from the main scanning direction. Note that the main scanning direction is a direction (for example, a perpendicular direction) that intersects the first direction and corresponds to the width direction of the sheet S when the sheet S is being conveyed in the first direction. That is, in FIG. 8(a), the main scanning direction is the vertical direction of the drawing, and in FIG. 8(b), the main scanning direction is the direction from the back side to the front side of the drawing.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 8, when the leading end in the conveyance direction of the sheet S reaches the position of the discharge roller 16 while the sheet S is being conveyed in the first direction, the discharge driven roller 16b transitions from the nip state approaching the discharge drive roller 16a to the nip pressure release state of being separated from the discharge drive roller 16a. Then, while the rear end of the sheet S has passed through the conveyance roller 12, the shift roller 13 is moved in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the sheet S to convey the sheet S while shifting its conveyance position in the main scanning direction.

[0045] In FIG. 8(a), it is shifted and conveyed from near the center of the conveyance path to the back side (the upper side in FIG. 8(a)). The shift roller 13 as the medium shift means can also perform shift conveyance to the front side (the lower side in FIG. 8(a)), and by switching the shift direction for each sheet or for a plurality of sheets, a sorting process for shifting the discharge position for each part of the sheet bundle Sb can be performed as a discharge process.

[0046] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 9, when the shift of the sheet S is completed, the discharge driven roller 16b is moved to the nip position, and the sheet S is conveyed toward the discharge tray 20.

[0047] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 10, the sheet S is discharged onto the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roller 16.

[0048] As described above, when operating in the shift discharge mode in the binding processing unit 100, the sheet S is conveyed only in the first direction.

[0049] [Operation steps in the binding mode] Next, with reference to a plurality of drawings, the operation steps in the binding mode among the conveyance process and the binding process of the sheet S in the binding processing unit 100 will be described. First, FIG. 11 is the same as FIG. 7 which has been described above, and shows a state where the sheet S is received by the binding processing unit 100.

[0050] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 12, in the binding mode, since the sheet S is conveyed without shifting its position from near the center in the conveyance direction, the discharge driven roller 16b remains in the nip pressure release position, and the sheet S is conveyed in the first direction.

[0051] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 13, the sheet S whose rear end has passed through the shift roller 13 falls onto the stacking tray 17 as an internal tray due to its own weight. Then, the tapping roller 15 contacts the sheet S placed on the stacking tray 17 and conveys the sheet S in the second direction. As a result, the sheet S is switchback conveyed in the direction of the reference fence 18 while being placed on the stacking tray 17.

[0052] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 14, by the switchback conveyance by the tapping roller 15 and the return roller 14, the sheet S is conveyed until the end portion (the end portion corresponding to the leading end in the conveyance in the second direction) of the sheet S abuts against the reference fence 18. After the end portion of the sheet S abuts against the reference fence 18, the jogger fence 22 sandwiches the sheet S by abutting against the side (width direction) end portion of the sheet S. By this operation, the alignment of the width direction end portions of the sheets S stacked on the stacking tray 17 is performed.

[0053] By repeatedly executing FIGS. 11 to 14, a state is achieved where a plurality of sheets S are loaded on the loading tray 17. Here, the number of repetitions corresponds to the number of sheets S for forming the sheet bundle Sb. Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 15, after overlapping the sheets S on the loading tray 17, crimp binding is performed on a part (a part of the end) of the sheet bundle Sb using the sewing unit 19. When performing crimp binding, the discharge driven roller 16b moves to the nip position.

[0054] Subsequently, as shown in FIG. 16, the sheet bundle Sb is discharged onto the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roller 16.

[0055] [First Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100] Next, a first embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 17(a) is a plan view illustrating the internal configuration of the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 17(b) is a front view including the exterior cover 25 that covers the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment. As will be described later, the binding processing unit 100 includes a plurality of binding means, but only the sewing unit 19 is shown in FIG. 17. Here, the sewing unit 19 corresponds to "one of the binding means".

[0056] As shown in FIG. 17(a), the exterior cover 25 is provided with a slit 23 for manual binding processing. When the user manually performs binding processing on the sheet bundle Sb, the sheet bundle Sb composed of an arbitrary number of sheets S is inserted into the slit 23, the end of the sheet bundle Sb is aligned with the stopper provided at the back of the slit 23, and the position for performing the binding processing by the sewing unit 19 is adjusted to a predetermined position. Then, when the user presses the manual binding button 24, sewing needles can be automatically driven into the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb to perform sewing.

[0057] Also, as shown in FIG. 17(b), as a configuration for determining the position of the end of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the slit 23, it has a conveyance direction stopper 25a as an abutting portion at the end in the conveyance direction and a width direction stopper 25b as an abutting portion at the end in the width direction.

[0058] The stitching unit 19 can also be set as the initial position (HP: home position) of manual stitching with the position when the sheet bundle Sb is inserted into the slit 23 and positioned by the conveyance direction stopper 25a and the width direction stopper 25b being the position facing the stitching position. In that case, when the operation power supply of the stitching processing unit 100 is turned on, it can be configured to be capable of executing the manual stitching process by the stitching unit 19 in the initial position.

[0059] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a configuration in which two stitching units are mounted inside the stitching processing unit 100. FIG. 18(a) is an internal configuration diagram of the stitching processing unit 100 including the pressure bonding stitching unit 26 and the stitching unit 19 as viewed from the front direction. FIG. 18(b) is a plan view of the stitching processing unit 100 including the pressure bonding stitching unit 26 and the stitching unit 19. That is, the stitching processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment includes a stitching unit 19 and a pressure bonding stitching unit 26 as a plurality of stitching means.

[0060] In FIG. 18, the pressure bonding stitching unit 26 is located deeper inside the exterior cover 25 than the stitching unit 19. In the stitching process described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 16, instead of the stitching process by the stitching unit 19, pressure bonding stitching by the pressure bonding stitching unit 26 can also be performed.

[0061] Note that the positional relationship between the stitching unit 19 and the pressure bonding stitching unit 26 is not limited to that illustrated in FIG. 18, and the stitching unit 19 may be arranged deeper inside the stitching processing unit 100 and the pressure bonding stitching unit 26 may be arranged on the front side.

[0062] The following description is based on the positional relationship illustrated in FIG. 18. In the binding processing unit 100, both the pressure-bonding binding unit 26 and the sewing binding unit 19 are configured to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction along the conveyance-direction end of the sheet bundle Sb loaded on the inner tray 27.

[0063] [Explanation of the posture changing means] Subsequently, in the binding processing unit 100 according to the present embodiment, a posture changing means for changing the posture of the binding means facing the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb (the position where the binding process is performed at the conveyance-direction end) will be described. Note that in the following description, the sewing binding unit 19 is exemplified as the binding unit that moves the posture changing means, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the position of the posture changing means may be configured to move by the movement of the pressure-bonding binding unit 26.

[0064] As shown in FIG. 19, the binding processing unit 100 includes a moving means for moving the sewing binding unit 19 in the width direction of the sheet S, which is the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the sheet S.

[0065] In addition, the sewing binding unit 19 is provided with a binding unit moving mechanism 50 as a posture changing means for changing the posture of the pressure-bonding binding unit 26.

[0066] The binding unit moving mechanism 50 includes a cam mechanism. For example, as shown in FIG. 19(a), there is a type in which the first unit rotation cam 51 is moved by belt drive, and as shown in FIG. 19(b), there is a type in which the first unit rotation cam 51 is moved in accordance with the movement of the sewing binding unit 19, which is one of the binding means.

[0067] The first unit rotation cam 51 moves in the sheet width direction and contacts the crimp binding unit 26, which is the other binding means. As the first unit rotation cam 51 in the contacting state moves relatively, while pressing a part of the crimp binding unit 26, the positional relationship between the first unit rotation cam 51 and the crimp binding unit 26 is relatively changed. Due to the urging force caused by this pressing, the posture of the crimp binding unit 26 is changed. That is, by using the urging generated by relatively moving the first unit rotation cam 51 and the binding means whose posture is to be changed while they are in contact as a substitute for the driving source, the crimp binding unit 26 is rotated in a predetermined direction to change the posture.

[0068] Therefore, the drive system for causing the "movement from the contact state" that serves as the drive source for changing the posture of the crimp binding unit 26 may be any drive system that moves the sewing unit 19, and a rotation drive system for rotationally driving the crimp binding unit 26 becomes unnecessary. As a result, compared with the prior art, the rotation mechanism of the binding means can be miniaturized, and the cost can be reduced. Also, since the urging generated according to the change in the relative positional relationship between the first unit rotation cam 51 and the crimp binding unit 26 is used as the drive source, the binding posture of the crimp binding 26 can be changed at an arbitrary position in the width direction of the sheet bundle Sb.

[0069] The binding unit movement mechanism 50, which is the movement means illustrated in Fig. 19(a), includes a first unit rotation cam 51 as the posture changing means, a first motor 52, a first drive transmission belt 53, a first drive transmission pulley 54, a first unit movement belt 55, a first unit - belt fastening part 56, and a cam - belt fastening part 57.

[0070] The first motor 52 corresponds to the drive source for moving the sewing unit 19 and the first unit rotation cam 51 to an arbitrary position. That is, the first unit rotation cam 51, which is also the rotation means for changing the posture of the crimp binding unit 26, moves using the first motor 52 as the drive source. The operation of the first motor 52 is controlled by the binding process control unit 102.

[0071] The first drive transmission belt 53 is wound around the rotating shaft of the first motor 52 and the first drive transmission pulley 54, and transmits the rotation of the first motor 52 to the first drive transmission pulley 54.

[0072] The first drive transmission pulley 54 is a two-stage pulley. The first drive transmission belt 53 is wound around one stage, and the first unit movement belt 55 is wound around the other stage.

[0073] The first unit movement belt 55 is wound between the first drive transmission pulley 54 and a shaft arranged at a position facing it, and is configured to rotate in response to the rotation of the first motor 52. The sewing unit 19 is fastened to a part of the first unit movement belt 55 via the first unit-belt fastening portion 56.

[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 19(b), the sewing unit movement mechanism 50 is not connected to the first unit rotation cam 51 to the first unit movement belt 55, but is connected to the sewing unit 19 by the first connecting member 58. In the configuration illustrated in FIG. 19(b), the first unit rotation cam 51 is configured to move in the same direction as the sewing unit 19 moves in response to the drive of the first motor 52.

[0075] Also, as shown in FIG. 19, the sewing unit 19 is provided with an HP sensor 156 for detecting that it is in the initial position. The HP sensor 156 forms part of the moving means of the sewing unit 19. When the HP sensor 156 detects the sewing unit 19, the sewing unit 19 is in the initial position. Control is performed to move the sewing unit 19 and the first unit rotation cam 51 to predetermined positions starting from this initial position.

[0076] That is, starting from the initial position, the post-processing control unit 102 determines the relative position with respect to the crimp binding unit 26 in order to reach the contact state with the first unit rotation cam 51 required for the posture change of the crimp binding unit 26. Then, it determines the movement amount of the needle binding unit 19 required to realize the relative positional relationship for changing the crimp binding unit 26 to a predetermined posture at a predetermined position. Then, the post-processing control unit 102 determines and controls the rotation amount and rotation direction of the first motor 52 based on the determined movement amount. The post-processing control unit 102 also controls the ON-OFF of the rotation of the first motor 52.

[0077] FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining how the posture of the crimp binding unit 26 as the other binding means is changed by the operation of the binding unit movement mechanism 50. As shown in FIG. 20, as the moving means for moving the crimp binding unit 26, it includes a second motor 261, a second drive transmission belt 262, a second drive transmission pulley 263, a second unit movement belt 264, and a second unit-belt fastening part 265.

[0078] The second motor 261 corresponds to a drive source for moving the crimp binding unit 26 to an arbitrary position.

[0079] The second drive transmission belt 262 is wound around the rotation shaft of the second motor 261 and the second drive transmission pulley 263, and transmits the rotation of the second motor 261 to the second drive transmission pulley 263.

[0080] The second drive transmission pulley 263 is a two-stage pulley. The second drive transmission belt 262 is wound around one stage, and the second unit movement belt 264 is wound around the other stage.

[0081] The second unit moving belt 264 is wound around between the second drive transmission pulley 263 and a shaft disposed at a position facing the second drive transmission pulley 263, and is configured to rotate in accordance with the rotation of the second motor 261. A crimp binding unit 26 is fastened to a part of the second unit moving belt 264. The fastening portion of the second unit moving belt 264 and the crimp binding unit 26 is defined as a second unit-belt fastening portion 265.

[0082] As illustrated in FIG. 20(a), by driving the first motor 52 to move the needle binding unit 19, the first unit rotation cam 51 also moves in the same direction and moves to a predetermined position (posture change position).

[0083] Thereafter, the second motor 261 is driven to relatively move the crimp binding unit 26 with respect to the first unit rotation cam 51. By this movement, the crimp binding unit 26 is brought into contact with the first unit rotation cam 51. However, during a certain positional relationship, the posture of the crimp binding unit 26 remains in the flat binding posture as illustrated in FIG. 20(a).

[0084] Then, the crimp binding unit 26 and the first unit rotation cam 51 are brought into contact with each other, and further, the crimp binding unit 26 is moved in the width direction to change the relative position with the first unit rotation cam 51 to generate a biasing force. Receiving this biasing force, the crimp binding unit 26 rotates and is changed to the diagonal binding posture as illustrated in FIG. 11(b). Here, the flat binding posture is defined as the "first posture", and the diagonal binding posture is defined as the "second posture".

[0085] The crimp binding unit 26 is also provided with an HP sensor 156. Therefore, the crimp binding unit 26 can be moved to a predetermined position starting from the initial position based on the detection of the HP sensor 156.

[0086] Note that the movement control for causing a change in the relative positional relationship between the first unit rotation cam 51 and the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 is not limited to first moving the needle stitching unit 19 to a predetermined position and then moving the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 toward the stationary first unit rotation cam 51. That is, first, the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 may be moved to a predetermined position (posture change position), and then the needle stitching unit 19 may be controlled to move so as to face the first unit rotation cam 51 there. Alternatively, these two movement controls may be executed in parallel at the same time.

[0087] Also, if the relative movement direction between the first unit rotation cam 51 and the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 is set to the opposite direction to the above, the change from the second posture to the first posture will be performed.

[0088] FIG. 21 illustrates a state in which the posture change position of the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 can be arbitrarily adjusted by moving the needle stitching unit 19.

[0089] For example, as illustrated in FIG. 21(a), a case of performing diagonal stitching when the dimension in the width direction of the sheet S to be stitched is short is illustrated. In this case, the posture change position is a position shifted toward the center in the width direction according to the shortness of the width dimension of the sheet S. Therefore, first, the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 is moved from the initial position to a position on the width center side of the sheet S and made to standby near the end of the sheet bundle Sb. Then, the needle stitching unit 19 is moved to change the posture of the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 to an inclined posture (second posture), and diagonal pressure-bonding stitching processing is executed. At this time, the posture change position as the position for changing the posture of the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 may be set near the end in the width direction of the sheet S.

[0090] On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 20(b), in the case of performing diagonal stitching when the dimension in the width direction of the sheet S to be stitched is long, the pressure-bonding stitching unit 26 is left at the initial position, and the needle stitching unit 19 is moved to the limit of the depth of the stitching processing unit 100.

[0091] As described above, by adjusting the position of the first unit rotation cam 51 as the posture changing means to an arbitrary position according to the width dimension of the sheet S, the position for changing the posture of the crimp binding unit 26 can be arbitrarily adjusted.

[0092] Note that the posture change control of the crimp binding unit 26 described with reference to FIG. 21 is in a form in which the first unit rotation cam 51 is connected to the needle binding unit 19 via the first connecting member 58 as illustrated in FIG. 19(b). However, the same can be executed even in the belt drive form illustrated in FIG. 19(a).

[0093] FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining the structure of the crimp binding unit 26 for changing the posture according to the relative change in the contact position with the first unit rotation cam 51. FIG. 22(a) illustrates the moving bracket 266 installed on the bottom surface of the crimp binding unit 26.

[0094] The moving bracket 266 has a rotation fulcrum hole 2661, a contact stud relief hole 2662, and a second unit-belt fastening portion 265.

[0095] Also, as illustrated in FIG. 22(b), a rotation fulcrum 267 and a contact stud 268 are provided on the bottom surface of the crimp binding unit 26.

[0096] As illustrated in FIG. 22(c), with the rotation fulcrum 267 fitted into the rotation fulcrum hole 2661 and the contact stud 268 in contact with the wall surface of the contact stud relief hole 2662, the moving bracket 266 and the crimp binding unit 26 are integrated. The moving bracket 266 is attached to the second unit moving belt 264 via the second unit-belt fastening portion 265.

[0097] Next, the movement control of the first unit rotation cam 51 when changing the posture of the crimp binding unit 26 will be described with reference to FIG. 23. As already described, the sewing unit 19 is moved to a predetermined position, and the crimp binding unit 26 is moved relative to the first unit rotation cam 51. At this time, according to the state where the first unit rotation cam 51 and the crimp binding unit 26 are in contact and their subsequent relative positional relationship, the crimp binding unit 26 can rotate and change its facing posture with respect to the sheet bundle Sb.

[0098] As illustrated in FIG. 23(a), the first unit rotation cam 51 is provided with a cam groove 511. The cam groove 511 is a groove into which the abutting stud 268 of the crimp binding unit 26 enters, and extends in the moving direction of the sewing unit 19 (the width direction of the sheet S). Further, the cam groove 511 is provided with a step near the approximate center in the extending direction, and there is a portion that serves as a wall with which the moving abutting stud 268 comes into contact. Further, the cam groove 511 extends again in the width direction beyond the step.

[0099] That is, the abutting stud 268 of the moving crimp binding unit 26 first enters the cam groove 511 from the notch portion of the first unit rotation cam 51 and reaches the parallel portion extending in the moving direction of the crimp binding unit 26.

[0100] Furthermore, when the relative positional relationship between the crimp binding unit 26 and the first unit rotation cam 51 changes and the position of the crimp binding unit 26 reaches the stepped portion of the first unit rotation cam 51, the abutting stud 268 contacts the wall portion of the cam groove 511. As a result, the crimp binding unit 26 is pressed in accordance with the moving direction of the crimp binding unit 26. By this pressing, the crimp binding unit 26 rotates. After that, when the abutting stud 268 passes through the stepped portion and reaches the parallel portion, the posture of the crimp binding unit 26 is maintained in the rotated state (the state of the second posture).

[0101] As described above, in the previous parallel portion, the crimp binding unit 26 maintains the first posture (flat binding posture) (see FIG. 23(a)).

[0102] Then, in the stepped portion, the contact state changes, and accordingly, the abutting stud 268 receives a pressing force corresponding to the moving direction, and the crimping binding unit 26 rotates about the rotation fulcrum 267 as the center of rotation (see Fig. 23(b)).

[0103] Then, as shown in Fig. 23(c), after the state where the abutting stud 268 is pushed into the cam groove 511 has passed, it reaches the state of maintaining the second posture. With the mechanism as described above, as the abutting stud 268 moves along the shape of the cam groove 511, the posture of the crimping binding unit 26 is changed according to the change in the contact state.

[0104] [Second Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100] Next, a second embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 will be described. The binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment has a different shape of the first unit rotation cam 51a from that of the first unit rotation cam 51 according to the first embodiment, but the other configurations are the same. Therefore, a modified example of the first unit rotation cam 51 will be described with reference to Fig. 24.

[0105] As illustrated in Fig. 24(a), the cam groove 511a provided in the first unit rotation cam 51a has a notch portion into which the abutting stud 268 of the crimping binding unit 26 can enter, and from the notch portion, a parallel portion parallel to the direction in which the crimping binding unit 26 moves relatively, and a portion continuous with the parallel portion, which is extended in a direction inclined with respect to the relative moving direction with the crimping binding unit 26. That is, the portion corresponding to the stepped portion of the first unit rotation cam 51a is the inclined portion.

[0106] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 24(a), when the abutting stud 268 is positioned in the parallel portion continuous from the notch portion of the cam groove 511a, the posture of the crimping binding unit 26 is the first posture.

[0107] As shown in FIG. 24(b), when the relative positional relationship between the crimp binding unit 26 and the first unit rotation cam 51a changes and the contact stud 268 hits the inclined portion, the contact stud 268 is pressed by the wall surface (inclined portion) of the cam groove 511a. That is, the contact stud 268 is in a state of receiving a pressing force toward the moving direction of the crimp binding unit 26. Due to this pressing force, the crimp binding unit 26 rotates about the rotation fulcrum 267 to assume a second posture.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 24(c), as the crimp binding unit 26 moves, the contact position between the contact stud 268 and the cam groove 511a changes while continuously receiving the pressing force, so rotation continues during this period. In this way, by adopting a shape such as the cam groove 511a as a structure in which the state of contact between the first unit rotation cam 51a and the crimp binding unit 26 (contact stud 268) continues for a long time, the section in which the crimp binding unit 26 rotates about the rotation fulcrum 267 becomes longer, and different inclination angles can be formed even in the second posture.

[0109] The second postures in FIGS. 24(b) and 24(c) have different inclination angles. That is, according to the first unit rotation cam 51a according to the present embodiment, the degree of change in the posture of the crimp binding unit 26 (posture with respect to the sheet bundle Sb) can be adjusted at an arbitrary angle according to the change in the situation of the contact position determined by the relative positional relationship with the crimp binding unit 26.

[0110] In the first and second embodiments, the first unit rotation cam 51 is moved by the movement of the sewing unit 19 and relatively moved with respect to the crimp binding unit 26 to change the posture of the crimp binding unit 26.

[0111] However, neither the first embodiment nor the second embodiment is limited to this, and the first unit rotation cam 51 can also be moved by the movement of the crimp binding unit 26 and relatively moved with respect to the sewing unit 19 to change the posture of the sewing unit 19.

[0112] [Third Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100] Next, a third embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 25, a posture change position adjustment mechanism 590 may be further provided as a posture change position variable means for changing the position of the first unit rotation cam 51b in the apparatus housing as a posture change means.

[0113] The posture change position adjustment mechanism 590 includes an adjustment dial 591 and a variable member 592 that changes the position of the first unit rotation cam 51b in the apparatus housing by rotating the adjustment dial 591. The adjustment dial 591 of the posture change position adjustment mechanism 590 is rotatably installed outside the apparatus sphere. By rotating the adjustment dial 591, the variable member 592 moves in the width direction of the sheet S inside the apparatus. A unit rotation cam 591b is fixed to the variable member 592. Therefore, when the adjustment dial 591 is rotated, the position of the unit rotation cam 591b in the apparatus housing is defined according to the rotation direction and the amount of rotation. This position corresponds to the posture change position.

[0114] Therefore, by the user operating the adjustment dial 591, the user can arbitrarily change the posture change position of the first unit rotation cam 51b in the apparatus.

[0115] [Fourth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100] Next, a fourth embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the binding unit movement mechanism 50a included in the binding processing unit 100 includes a configuration in which a second unit rotation cam 59 is connected to the pressure binding unit 26 by a second connecting member 269.

[0116] By the movement of the crimp binding unit 26, the second unit rotation cam 59 moves in the width direction. While moving, the second unit rotation cam 59 contacts and acts on the needle binding unit 19 to change the posture of the needle binding unit 19. The principle by which the second unit rotation cam 59 changes the posture of the needle binding unit 19 is the same as that of the first unit rotation cam 51.

[0117] If a second unit rotation cam 59 is connected to the crimp binding unit 26 as in the binding unit movement mechanism 50a according to this embodiment so that the posture of the needle binding unit 19 can be changed, the usability can be improved in replenishing the binding needles of the needle binding unit 19.

[0118] That is, as shown in Fig. 27(a), the needle binding unit 19 is changed to the second posture, and then, with the needle binding unit 19 remaining in the second posture, it is moved to a position accessible from the outside (see Fig. 27(b)). As a result, the needle binding unit 19 can be moved forward while being in an inclined state, so that the needle cartridge 191 holding the binding needles can be directed outward, improving the operability of the user when replacing or replenishing the binding needles.

[0119] Subsequently, the operation of the binding unit movement mechanism 50a including the second unit rotation cam 59 will be described. Fig. 28 illustrates a situation where, after the needle binding unit 19 is changed to the second posture (after rotating to an oblique posture), as the crimp binding unit 26 and the needle binding unit 19 approach further, the first unit rotation cam 51 also rotates the crimp binding unit 26. Such movement is realized by providing cams having a similar shape for both binding units, as shown in Fig. 28(c).

[0120] That is, if it is a configuration including both the first unit rotation cam 51 and the second unit rotation cam 59, both the needle binding unit 19 and the crimp binding unit 26 can perform flat binding and oblique binding.

[0121] [Fifth Embodiment of the Binding Processing Unit 100] Next, a fifth embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 29, the binding unit moving mechanism 50b included in the binding processing unit 100 has a shape of the second unit rotation cam 59a different from that of the second unit rotation cam 59 according to the fourth embodiment.

[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 29(a), after the needle binding unit 19 rotates to an oblique posture and then the crimping binding unit 26 and the needle binding unit 19 approach each other, the crimping binding unit 26 is rotated by the first unit rotation cam 51 and changed to the second posture.

[0123] Thereafter, when the relative positions of the crimping binding unit 26 and the needle binding unit 19 further change and the degree of approach increases, the needle binding unit 19 is changed again to the initial flat binding posture (first posture) by the second unit rotation cam 59a.

[0124] By this operation, both the needle binding unit 19 and the crimping binding unit 26 can perform flat binding and oblique binding, and it is possible to avoid the situation where either binding unit conflicts with the sheet S or the structure of the apparatus when in an oblique posture. That is, the degree of freedom of movement of the binding unit is improved.

[0125] Note that the operations described in FIGS. 28 and 29 are examples of operations that change the posture of the needle binding unit 19 first, but are not limited thereto. For example, by changing the distance between the needle binding unit 19 and the second unit rotation cam 59, the distance between the crimping binding unit 26 and the first unit rotation cam 51, or the shape of the cam, the crimping binding unit 26 may be configured to change its posture first.

[0126] According to the binding processing unit 100 described above, it is possible to perform flat binding and oblique binding without adding a new drive system only for the widthwise movement mechanism of a plurality of binding means, thereby saving space and reducing costs.

[0127] [First Embodiment of Image Forming System] First, a first embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 30 is an external view of the image forming system 10 according to this embodiment. The image forming system 10 is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 30, a relay apparatus 101a, and an external finisher 100a.

[0128] The external finisher 100a is another form having the same function as the binding processing unit 100 which is an inner finisher. A sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 30 is received by the external finisher 100a via the relay apparatus 101a, and post-processing such as binding processing is executed.

[0129] [Second Embodiment of Image Forming System] Next, a second embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 31 is an external view of the image forming system 10a according to this embodiment. The image forming system 10a is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 30, a binding processing unit 100 that functions as a relay apparatus, and an external finisher 120.

[0130] A sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 30 is received by the binding processing unit 100 that functions as a relay apparatus, and post-processing such as binding processing is performed. Further, in the downstream external finisher 120, sorting and other post-processing can be selected.

[0131] [Third Embodiment of Image Forming System] Next, a third embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 32 is an external view of the image forming system 10b according to this embodiment. The image forming system 10b is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 30, a binding processing unit 100 that functions as a relay apparatus, a punching unit 200, and an external finisher 120.

[0132] The image forming system 10b performs punching processing on the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 30 in the punching unit 200. Further, the image forming system 10b receives the sheet S in the binding processing unit 100 that functions as a relay device and executes binding processing and the like. Thereafter, further, in the downstream external finisher 120, sorting processing and other post-processing can be selectively executed.

[0133] Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof, and all technical matters included in the technical idea described in the claims are the subject of the present invention. The above embodiments show preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modified examples from the disclosed content. Such modified examples are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0134] The content of the present invention is as follows, for example. <1> Binding means for performing binding processing on a bundle of sheets formed by bundling a plurality of sheet-like media; Moving means for moving the binding means in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction for conveying the medium toward the binding means; Posture changing means for changing the posture of the binding means facing the sheet bundle; Comprising: The posture changing means changes the posture in accordance with a change in the relative positional relationship with the binding means due to the movement of the binding means in the orthogonal direction. A sheet processing apparatus characterized by the above. <2> There are a plurality of the binding means. The moving means is configured to be able to move each of the plurality of binding means. The posture changing means changes the posture in accordance with the relative positional relationship with the other binding means that changes in accordance with the movement of one of the binding means. The sheet processing apparatus according to <1>. <3> There are a plurality of the binding means. The moving means is configured to be able to move each of the plurality of the binding means. It includes a posture change position variable means for varying the position of the posture change means in the apparatus housing. The posture change means changes the posture according to the relative positional relationship caused by the movement of the binding means at the position defined by the posture change position variable means. The sheet processing apparatus according to <1>. <4> The posture change means moves in the same direction by the movement of the one binding means, and changes the positional relationship by the movement of the posture change means to change the posture. The sheet processing apparatus according to <2>. <5> The degree of change of the posture of the posture change means can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the situation of the contact position with the other binding means. The sheet processing apparatus according to <4>. <6> The posture change means When the relative movement direction with the binding means is in one direction, the posture is changed from the first posture to the second posture When the relative movement direction with the binding means is in the reverse direction of the one direction, the posture is changed from the second posture to the first posture. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <5>. <7> The position at which the posture of the posture change means starts to change can be arbitrarily changed with respect to the binding means. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <6>. <8> The posture change means changes the posture by changing the positional relationship outside the range where the binding process by the binding means is executed. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <7>. <9> The posture changing means is a cam mechanism for rotating the binding means, and it is the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <8> above. <10> A housing, Image forming means housed in the housing for forming an image on a sheet-like medium, A sheet processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <9> above, which is detachably supported by the housing and performs a binding process on the medium on which an image is formed by the image forming means. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising: <11> An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet-like medium, A sheet processing apparatus according to any one of <1> to <9> above, connected to the image forming apparatus, An image forming system comprising:

Explanation of Signs

[0135] 1: Image forming apparatus 10: Image forming system 19: Sewing unit 26: Heat-sealing binding unit 50: Binding unit moving mechanism 51: First unit rotation cam 52: First motor 53: First drive transmission belt 54: First drive transmission pulley 55: First unit moving belt 56: First unit - belt fastening part 57: Belt fastening part 58: First connecting member 59: Second unit rotation cam 100: Binding processing unit 156: HP sensor 261: Second motor 262: Second drive transmission belt 263: Second drive transmission pulley 264: Second unit moving belt 265: Belt fastening part 266: Moving bracket 267: Rotation fulcrum 268: Contact stud 269: Second connecting member 511: Cam groove 590: Posture change position adjustment mechanism 591: Adjustment dial 591b: First unit rotation cam 592: Variable member 2661: Hole for rotation fulcrum 2662: Relief hole for contact stud

Prior art documents

Patent documents

[0136]

Patent Document 1

Claims

1. Stitching means for performing a stitching process on a sheet bundle formed by bundling a plurality of sheet-like media, Moving means for moving the stitching means in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction for conveying the media toward the stitching means, Posture changing means for changing the posture of the stitching means facing the sheet bundle, Comprising: The posture changing means changes the posture in accordance with a change in the relative positional relationship with the stitching means due to the movement of the stitching means in the orthogonal direction. A sheet processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. There are a plurality of the stitching means, The moving means is configured to be able to move each of the plurality of stitching means, The posture changing means changes the posture in accordance with the relative positional relationship with the other stitching means that changes in response to the movement of one of the stitching means. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

3. There are a plurality of the stitching means, The moving means is configured to be able to move each of the plurality of stitching means, Comprising posture change position variable means for varying the position of the posture changing means within the apparatus housing, The posture changing means: Changes the posture in accordance with the relative positional relationship due to the movement of the stitching means at the position defined by the posture change position variable means. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

4. The posture changing means moves in the same direction due to the movement of the one stitching means, and changes the positional relationship and thereby changes the posture by the movement of the posture changing means. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 2.

5. The degree of change in the posture of the posture changing means can be arbitrarily adjusted according to the situation of the contact position with the other stitching means. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 4.

6. The posture changing means: Changes the posture from a first posture to a second posture when the relative movement direction with the stitching means is in one direction. Changes the posture from the second posture to the first posture when the relative movement direction with the stitching means is in the reverse direction of the one direction. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

7. The posture changing means can arbitrarily change the position at which the change in the posture of the stitching means starts. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

8. The posture changing means changes the positional relationship outside the range where the stitching process by the stitching means is executed to change the posture. The sheet processing apparatus according to Claim 1.

9. The posture changing means is a cam mechanism that rotates the binding means. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.

10. A housing, Image forming means housed in the housing for forming an image on a sheet-like medium, The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, which is detachably supported by the housing and performs a binding process on the medium on which an image has been formed by the image forming means. An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising:

11. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet-like medium, The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 connected to the image forming apparatus, An image forming system comprising:

Images