Post-processing device

Abstract

To receive a retreat instruction of a stapler at an operation part without increasing the number of buttons of the operation part which receives an operation from a user.SOLUTION: A post-processing device comprises a processing tray on which a sheet bundle is placed, a stapler for performing staple processing, a movement mechanism for moving the stapler, an operation part and a control part. Modes of the staple processing includes a normal mode and a manual mode. The operation part has a manual input part for receiving an execution instruction of the staple processing in the manual mode. When a first operation is performed for the manual input part, the control part makes the stapler perform the staple processing. When a second operation is performed for the manual input part, the control part makes the stapler retreat to a retreat position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a post-processing device capable of performing staple processing has been known. Such a post-processing device (sheet processing device) is disclosed, for example, in Patent Document 1.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] A post-processing device capable of performing staple processing is equipped with a stapler. In the normal mode (inline job), the post-processing device performs staple processing on a bundle of printed sheets supplied from an image forming device. In the manual mode (offline job), the post-processing device performs staple processing on a bundle of sheets prepared in advance.

[0005] Some post-processing devices are provided with an operation unit having a button for receiving an instruction to execute staple processing in the manual mode. In such a post-processing device equipped with an operation unit, staple processing can be easily executed in the manual mode by simply operating the operation unit (button).

[0006] Here, when a sheet jam occurs in the post-processing device, it is necessary to retract the stapler to a position (retracted position) where it does not interfere with jam processing. Also, when maintenance of the post-processing device is required, it is necessary to retract the stapler to a position (retracted position) where it does not interfere with maintenance work.

[0007] For example, in order to receive a stapler retraction instruction at the operation unit, it may be considered to add a new button to the operation unit. However, in this case, since it is necessary to increase the number of buttons on the operation unit, a design change of the operation unit is required.

[0008] The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object thereof is to provide a post-processing device capable of receiving a stapler retraction instruction at an operation unit without increasing the number of buttons on the operation unit that receives operations from a user.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] To achieve the above object, a post-processing device according to an aspect of the present invention is a post-processing device that performs staple processing for stapling a part of a binding margin extending along one side of a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of stacked sheets with a needle, including a processing tray on which the sheet bundle is placed so that the extending direction of the binding margin is along a predetermined direction, a stapler that performs staple processing on the sheet bundle on the processing tray, a moving mechanism that moves the stapler in a predetermined direction, an operation unit that receives operations related to staple processing from a user, and a control unit. The staple processing modes include a normal mode in which a sheet bundle obtained by automatically supplying a sheet and stacking it on the processing tray is the processing target of the staple processing, and a manual mode in which a sheet bundle manually placed by a user on the processing tray is the processing target of the staple processing. The operation unit has a manual button that receives an execution instruction for staple processing in the manual mode. When a first operation is performed on the manual button, the control unit causes the stapler to perform staple processing. When a second operation different from the first operation is performed on the manual button, the control unit moves the stapler in a predetermined direction and retracts the stapler to a retraction position that is a position different from a position where staple processing on the binding margin is possible.

Effects of the Invention

[0010] According to the configuration of the present invention, it is possible to receive a stapler retraction instruction at the operation unit without increasing the number of buttons of the operation unit that receives an operation from the user.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0011]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0012] <Overview of the Image Forming System> As shown in FIG. 1, the post-processing apparatus 100 of the present embodiment constitutes an image forming system 100S together with the image forming apparatus 1000. In other words, the post-processing apparatus 100 includes the image forming apparatus 1000. The image forming system 100S executes a printing job. In the printing job, printing is performed by the image forming apparatus 1000, and the printed sheet S (see FIG. 2) is carried into the post-processing apparatus 100, where post-processing is performed. In this configuration, the image forming apparatus 1000 serves as a supply apparatus that supplies the sheet S to the post-processing apparatus 100. Note that a device different from the image forming apparatus 1000 may be the supply apparatus. The supply apparatus does not necessarily have a printing function. For example, the printed sheet S may be supplied to the supply apparatus and then supplied to the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0013] The image forming apparatus 1000 conveys the sheet S and prints an image on the conveyed sheet S. The printing method of the image forming apparatus 1000 is not particularly limited. The printing method may be an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The image forming apparatus 1000 carries the printed sheet S into the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0014] The post-processing apparatus 100 is connected to the image forming apparatus 1000. The post-processing apparatus 100 is detachable from the image forming apparatus 1000. The post-processing apparatus 100 receives the carried-in printed sheet S from the image forming apparatus 1000. For this reason, the post-processing apparatus 100 is disposed on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction with respect to the image forming apparatus 1000.

[0015] The post-processing apparatus 100 conveys the printed sheet S and performs post-processing such as punching and stapling on the sheet S (including the sheet bundle SB described later). The post-processing apparatus 100 discharges the post-processed sheet S.

[0016] The post-processing apparatus 100 performs post-processing based on user settings. Depending on the user setting content, post-processing on the printed sheet S may not be performed in the post-processing apparatus 100, and the sheet S may be discharged from the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0017] The post-processing device 100 may be used independently without being connected to the image forming device 1000. In this case, for example, a set tray is provided in the post-processing device 100. Then, the post-processing device 100 automatically loads and conveys the sheet S set on the set tray, and performs post-processing.

[0018] <Configuration of Post-Processing Device> The internal configuration of the post-processing device 100 is shown in FIG. 2. The orientation of the post-processing device 100 shown in FIG. 2 corresponds to the orientation when the post-processing device 100 is viewed from the front of the device. In the following description, "left" and "right" are the orientations when the post-processing device 100 is viewed from the front of the device. Also, in the following description, "front" and "rear" are the orientations when the post-processing device 100 is viewed from the front of the device.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 2, the post-processing device 100 conveys the printed sheet S loaded from the loading port 100A along the conveyance path P. In order to convey the sheet S along the conveyance path P, a plurality of pairs of conveyance rollers (not shown) are provided in the post-processing device 100. The pair of conveyance rollers includes a pair of rollers that are in pressure contact with each other. The pair of conveyance rollers nip the sheet S between the pair of rollers and rotate in that state to convey the sheet S.

[0020] The post-processing device 100 includes a control unit 10. The control unit 10 includes a processing circuit such as a CPU. Also, the control unit 10 includes a storage unit such as a ROM and a RAM. The control unit 10 controls the post-processing device 100.

[0021] Here, the post-processing device 100 includes a stapler 1. The stapler 1 is a unit that performs staple processing as post-processing. The control unit 10 controls the stapler 1. The stapler 1 performs staple processing on the sheet bundle SB composed of a plurality of stacked sheets S at the location shown in FIG. 3. Specifically, the stapler 1 staples a part of the binding margin B extending along one side of the sheet bundle SB with staple pins.

[0022] For example, there are four positions in the binding margin B where staple processing can be performed. In FIG. 3, the symbols P1, P2, P3, and P4 are respectively assigned to these four positions. Also, in FIG. 3, the area that becomes the binding margin B is surrounded by a broken line, and the positions where the staple pins pierce the binding margin B are indicated by thick lines.

[0023] Note that other units may be mounted on the post-processing device 100 as units that perform post-processing. For example, a punch unit PU and a booklet unit BU are mounted on the post-processing device 100 as units that perform post-processing. The punch unit PU performs punching processing on the sheet S. The booklet unit BU performs folding processing on the sheet S.

[0024] The conveyance path P has a processing position of the punch unit PU in the vicinity of the conveyance inlet 100A (that is, on the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction of the conveyance path P). Then, the conveyance path P branches into three on the downstream side in the sheet conveyance direction from the processing position of the punch unit PU. Hereinafter, the symbols Pa, Pb, and Pc will be assigned to each of the three branched conveyance paths P for explanation.

[0025] The conveyance path Pa leads to the discharge tray T1. When staple processing and folding processing are not performed, the sheet S that has passed through the punch unit PU is discharged to the discharge tray T1 via the conveyance path Pa.

[0026] The conveyance path Pb leads to a discharge tray T2 different from the discharge tray T1. A processing tray 2 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path of the sheet S leading to the discharge tray T2 (at the position immediately before reaching the discharge tray T2). That is, the post-processing device 100 includes the processing tray 2.

[0027] In a printing job involving staple processing, the sheet S is drawn from the conveyance path Pb into the processing tray 2. A plurality of sheets S are stacked on the processing tray 2. In other words, a sheet bundle SB is placed on the processing tray 2. The state where the sheet bundle SB is placed on the processing tray 2 is shown in FIG. 4.

[0028] On the processing tray 2, a stack of sheets SB is placed such that the extending direction of the binding margin B is along a predetermined direction. On the processing tray 2, the binding margin B of the stack of sheets SB extends in the front-rear direction. That is, the front-rear direction corresponds to the "predetermined direction".

[0029] The conveyance path Pc is connected to the booklet unit BU. When performing a folding process as a post-processing, the post-processing device 100 conveys the sheet S to the booklet unit BU via the conveyance path Pc. The booklet unit BU performs a booklet process on the sheet S sent via the conveyance path Pc. Then, the booklet unit BU discharges the sheet S to the discharge tray T3 for booklet processing. In other words, the booklet obtained by the booklet process is discharged to the discharge tray T3.

[0030] At the branch position of the conveyance path P, a retracting mechanism 3 for temporarily retracting the sheet S is provided. The retracting mechanism 3 includes a retracting drum. The retracting mechanism 3 retracts the sheet S by winding the sheet S around the retracting drum. Thereby, the conveyance of the sheet S to the processing tray 2 can be delayed.

[0031] In a printing job involving staple processing, the sheet S is conveyed from the retracting mechanism 3 toward the discharge tray T2. The processing tray 2 is disposed in the middle of the conveyance path of the sheet S from the retracting mechanism 3 to the discharge tray T2.

[0032] The processing tray 2 is inclined obliquely downward from the downstream side to the upstream side in the sheet conveyance direction. In other words, the processing tray 2 is inclined obliquely downward from one end side to the other end side. When viewed from the front of the post-processing device 100 (that is, viewed from the front-rear direction), the left end of the processing tray 2 is the one end, and the right end of the processing tray 2 is the other end. For this reason, the processing tray 2 is inclined obliquely downward to the right from the left side to the right side when viewed from the front of the post-processing device 100.

[0033] On the left end side of the processing tray 2, a discharge port 100B that opens toward the discharge tray T2 is provided. Also, on the left end side of the processing tray 2, a pair of discharge rollers 4 is provided. The pair of discharge rollers 4 includes an upper roller and a lower roller that are in pressure contact with each other. The upper roller is disposed above the conveyance path of the sheet S, and the lower roller is disposed below the conveyance path of the sheet S. The upper roller and the lower roller face each other across the conveyance path of the sheet S. The pair of discharge rollers 4 nips the sheet S between the upper roller and the lower roller and rotates in that state. Thereby, the sheet S or the sheet bundle SB is discharged to the discharge tray T2 through the discharge port 100B.

[0034] For example, the upper roller of the pair of discharge rollers 4 is rotatably supported at one end of an arm 40. The other end of the arm 40 is rotatably supported by a rotating shaft 4A. The arm 40 is rotatable about the rotating shaft 4A so as to swing one end up and down. By rotating the arm 40 upward, the upper roller can be separated from the lower roller. By rotating the arm 40 downward, the upper roller can be brought closer to the lower roller.

[0035] Note that a stopper 20 (see FIG. 4) is provided on the processing tray 2. The stopper 20 is disposed on the right end side of the processing tray 2. The stopper 20 protrudes to the right side of the right end of the processing tray 2. The stopper 20 is formed in a substantially U shape when viewed from the front of the apparatus of the post-processing apparatus 100.

[0036] In a printing job involving stapling processing, with the upper roller of the pair of discharge rollers 4 separated from the lower roller, the sheet S enters between the upper roller and the lower roller. Then, for example, when a paddle (not shown) operates, the sheet S moves obliquely downward along the placement surface of the processing tray 2 (the surface on which the sheet S is stacked). Alternatively, the sheet S moves obliquely downward along the placement surface of the processing tray 2 by its own weight. Then, when the rear end of the sheet S contacts the stopper 20, the movement of the sheet S obliquely downward stops. Thereby, the rear ends of the plurality of sheets S are aligned.

[0037] The stapler 1 is disposed on the right end side of the processing tray 2. The stapler 1 includes a main body portion 11 and a movable portion 12 (see FIG. 4). The movable portion 12 is attached to the main body portion 11. The stapler 1 sandwiches the sheet bundle SB between the main body portion 11 and the movable portion 12 by moving the movable portion 12 with respect to the main body portion 11. Then, the stapler 1 performs stapling processing on the rear end of the sheet bundle SB.

[0038] After the stapling processing is completed, the upper roller of the discharge roller pair 4 approaches the lower roller, so that the sheet bundle SB on the processing tray 2 is sandwiched between the upper roller and the lower roller. In this state, the discharge roller pair 4 rotates. As a result, the sheet bundle SB is discharged to the discharge tray T2 through the discharge port 100B.

[0039] <Stapler movement mechanism> The post-processing device 100 includes a movement mechanism 5 as shown in FIG. 5. The movement mechanism 5 shown in FIG. 5 is an example, and the configuration of the movement mechanism 5 is not particularly limited.

[0040] The movement mechanism 5 moves the stapler 1 in the front-rear direction. Thereby, the stapler 1 can move along the stretching direction of the binding margin B of the sheet bundle SB on the processing tray 2. By moving the stapler 1 in the front-rear direction, stapling processing can be selectively performed on the positions P1, P2, P3, and P4 among the binding margins B.

[0041] The movement mechanism 5 includes a base portion 51 and a moving portion 52. The movement mechanism 5 also includes a motor M (see FIG. 2).

[0042] The base portion 51 supports the moving portion 52 so as to be movable in the front-rear direction. The base portion 51 guides the movement of the moving portion 52 in the front-rear direction. The base portion 51 has a guide groove 511.

[0043] The moving part 52 is attached to an endless belt stretched by a plurality of pulleys (not shown). One of the plurality of pulleys is connected to the motor M. When the motor M is driven, the endless belt rotates. As a result, when the motor M is driven, the moving part 52 moves in the front-rear direction.

[0044] The stapler 1 has a pedestal 110. The pedestal 110 is supported by the moving part 52. As a result, when the moving part 52 moves in the front-rear direction, the stapler 1 moves in the front-rear direction. As shown in FIG. 6, the pedestal 110 has two guide pins 111. The two guide pins 111 are respectively inserted into guide holes 521 which are through holes formed in the moving part 52, and are fitted into the guide grooves 511. Note that the guide holes 521 extend in an arc shape in a direction orthogonal to the through direction thereof. That is, the guide holes 521 have an arc-shaped opening when viewed from the through direction.

[0045] The control unit 10 controls the driving of the motor M. In other words, the control unit 10 controls the moving mechanism 5. Further in other words, the control unit 10 controls the movement of the stapler 1 in the front-rear direction.

[0046] The control unit 10 moves the stapler 1 in the front-rear direction so that stapling can be performed at a user-specified position among the binding margins B of the sheet bundle SB (that is, positions P1 to P4), and causes the stapler 1 to perform stapling at the user-specified position. In the following description, the execution position of the stapling process for the binding margin B of the sheet bundle SB is simply referred to as the stapling position.

[0047] When the stapling position is position P1, the stapler 1 moves to the position shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 7. When the stapling position is positions P2 and P3, the stapler 1 moves to the position shown in the middle diagram of FIG. 7. When the stapling position is position P4, the stapler 1 moves to the position shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 7.

[0048] <Stapling mode> The modes of staple processing include a normal mode and a manual mode.

[0049] The normal mode is a mode in which a stack of sheets SB obtained by automatically supplying a sheet S from the image forming apparatus 1000 and stacking it on the processing tray 2 is the object of staple processing. That is, when executing a print job involving staple processing, the mode of staple processing is the normal mode.

[0050] In the normal mode, even if the user does not manually give an instruction to execute staple processing, staple processing on the stack of sheets SB on the processing tray 2 is automatically performed. Then, the discharged stack of sheets SB after staple processing is automatically discharged to the discharge tray T2.

[0051] In the normal mode, the setting of the staple position is performed by the user as one setting of the print job. When instructing the image forming system 100S to execute a print job from a user terminal such as a personal computer, the staple position can be set on the user terminal. When executing a copy job as a print job on the image forming system 100S, the staple position can be set on the operation panel (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1000.

[0052] The manual mode is a mode in which a stack of sheets SB manually placed by the user on the processing tray 2 is the object of staple processing. Therefore, in the manual mode, the supply of the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 1000 to the post-processing apparatus 100 is not performed. In the manual mode, setting of the print job is not required. That is, operation on the operation panel (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 1000 is not required.

[0053] In manual mode, the user places the sheet bundle SB on the processing tray 2 from outside the post-processing device 100. For example, when the image forming system 100S including the post-processing device 100 is in a standby state, the upper roller and the lower roller of the discharge roller pair 4 are separated from each other. In other words, it is possible to place the sheet bundle SB on the processing tray 2 from outside the post-processing device 100 through the discharge port 100B.

[0054] In manual mode, after placing the sheet bundle SB on the processing tray 2, the user's operation proceeds as follows.

[0055] When the sheet bundle SB is placed on the processing tray 2, the user operates the operation unit 6 described later to instruct the execution of the stapling process. When the operation unit 6 receives the instruction to execute the stapling process, the control unit 10 causes the stapler 1 to perform the stapling process. After the stapling process is completed, the upper roller and the lower roller of the discharge roller pair 4 nip and rotate the sheet bundle SB. As a result, the stapled sheet bundle SB is discharged to the discharge tray T2.

[0056] <Operation unit of the post-processing device> The post-processing device 100 includes an operation unit 6 as shown in FIG. 8. The operation unit 6 receives various settings related to the stapling process in manual mode from the user. By operating the operation unit 6, the settings for the stapling process in manual mode can be made.

[0057] The operation unit 6 has a position setting button 61 that receives the setting of the staple position in manual mode. The position setting button 61 is a hardware button. Note that the operation unit 6 may be configured as a touch screen, and an operation reception image such as a software button corresponding to the position setting button 61 may be displayed on the touch screen. By operating the position setting button 61, the staple position can be switched. Further, the operation unit 6 has indicator lights 611, 612, and 613 that indicate the current setting of the staple position.

[0058] When the current setting of the staple position is at position P1, pressing the position setting button 61 causes the staple position to switch from position P1 to positions P2 and P3. When the current setting of the staple position is at positions P2 and P3, pressing the position setting button 61 causes the staple position to switch from positions P2 and P3 to position P4. When the current setting of the staple position is at position P4, pressing the position setting button 61 causes the staple position to switch from position P4 to position P1.

[0059] When the current setting of the staple position is at position P1, the indicator lamp 611 corresponding to position P1 lights up. When the current setting of the staple position is at positions P2 and P3, the indicator lamps 612 corresponding to positions P2 and P3 light up. When the current setting of the staple position is at position P4, the indicator lamp 613 corresponding to position P4 lights up. For example, in the normal mode, all of the indicator lamps 611 to 613 are turned off.

[0060] Also, the operation unit 6 has a manual button 60 that receives an instruction to execute staple processing in the manual mode. The manual button 60 corresponds to a "manual input unit". The manual button 60 is a hardware button. Note that the operation unit 6 may be configured as a touch screen, and an operation reception image such as a software button corresponding to the manual button 60 (in other words, an image corresponding to the "manual input unit") may be displayed on the touch screen.

[0061] The control unit 10 determines whether a first operation has been performed on the manual button 60. When it is determined that a first operation has been performed on the manual button 60, the control unit 10 causes the stapler 1 to perform staple processing on the sheet bundle SB on the processing tray 2.

[0062] <Retraction of the stapler> The post-processing device 100 includes a conveyance guide 7 (see FIG. 9). The conveyance guide 7 guides the conveyance of the sheet S. The conveyance guide 7 is disposed below the conveyance path of the sheet S. That is, the sheet S is conveyed along the upper surface of the conveyance guide 7. Note that FIG. 9 is a diagram schematically showing the conveyance guide 7 and its periphery.

[0063] When performing jam processing on the sheet S in the post-processing device 100, it is necessary to open the conveyance path of the sheet S. For example, the conveyance guide 7 is supported by a shaft pin 70 and is rotatable downward (in the RD direction in FIG. 9) with the shaft pin 70 as a fulcrum. By rotating the conveyance guide 7 downward, the conveyance path of the sheet S defined by the conveyance guide 7 is opened. Thereby, the sheet S staying in the conveyance path defined by the conveyance guide 7 can be removed.

[0064] Also, when maintenance is required in the post-processing device 100, maintenance work is performed from the front side (the front of the device) of the post-processing device 100. In the maintenance work, hands are put inside from the front side of the post-processing device 100.

[0065] Here, in jam processing, maintenance work, etc., if the stapler 1 is disposed at a position where stapling can be performed on the binding margin B of the sheet bundle SB (i.e., positions P1 to P4), it will interfere with the work. Therefore, a retracted position for retracting the stapler 1 is secured inside the post-processing device 100. The retracted position of the stapler 1 is a position different from the position where stapling can be performed on the binding margin B of the sheet bundle SB. In other words, the retracted position of the stapler 1 is a position different from the position where the stapler 1 can be disposed during stapling.

[0066] Specifically, the retracted position of the stapler 1 is secured at the rear inside the post-processing device 100. Among positions P1 to P4, the placement position of the stapler 1 during staple processing with respect to position P4 is the most rearward. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, the retracted position of the stapler 1 (the position shown in the lower diagram of FIG. 10) is a position rearward of the placement position of the stapler 1 during staple processing with respect to position P4 (the position shown in the upper diagram of FIG. 10).

[0067] When the stapler 1 retracts to the retracted position, the conveyance guide 7 can be rotated downward. Thereby, the conveyance path of the sheet S defined by the conveyance guide 7 can be opened, and jam processing can be performed. Further, when the stapler 1 retracts to the retracted position, maintenance work can be performed from the front side of the post-processing device 100.

[0068] <First Operation and Second Operation> The manual button 60 is a button that receives an execution instruction for staple processing from the user in the manual mode. Here, the manual button 60 also functions as a button that receives a retraction instruction to the retracted position of the stapler 1 from the user.

[0069] Hereinafter, a specific description will be given with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 11. At the start of the flow shown in FIG. 11, there may be a case where the sheet S is being carried from the image forming apparatus 1000 to the post-processing apparatus 100 during the execution of the print job. Also, there may be a case where the sheet S is not being carried from the image forming apparatus 1000 to the post-processing apparatus 100. The fact that the sheet S is not being carried from the image forming apparatus 1000 to the post-processing apparatus 100 means that the print job is not being executed, and the post-processing apparatus 100 and the image forming apparatus 1000 are each in a standby state.

[0070] In step #1, the control unit 10 determines whether a print job is being executed. If the control unit 10 determines that a print job is being executed, it proceeds to step #2. In step #2, the control unit 10 disables the operation on the manual button 60. That is, when the stapling process mode is the normal mode, the control unit 10 disables the operation on the manual button 60. As a result, during the execution of the print job, even if the manual button 60 is pressed, there is no response to the pressing. Consequently, even if the user accidentally operates the manual button 60 during the execution of the print job, it is possible to prevent the stapler 1 from malfunctioning.

[0071] In step #1, if the control unit 10 determines that a print job is not being executed, that is, the post-processing device 100 is in a standby state, it proceeds to step #3. In step #3, the control unit 10 determines whether the manual button 60 has been operated. If the control unit 10 determines that the manual button 60 has been operated, it proceeds to step #4. If the control unit 10 determines that the manual button 60 has not been operated, it returns to step #1.

[0072] In step #4, the control unit 10 determines whether the operation performed on the manual button 60 is the first operation. If the control unit 10 determines that the operation performed on the manual button 60 is not the first operation, it proceeds to step #5. In step #5, the control unit 10 determines whether the operation performed on the manual button 60 is the second operation.

[0073] Here, the first operation and the second operation will be described.

[0074] The control unit 10 detects, as the first operation, the operation of pressing the manual button 60 only once within a predetermined time. For example, the predetermined time is from 1 second to several seconds. That is, if the operation of pressing and immediately releasing the manual button 60 is performed, that operation is detected as the first operation.

[0075] The control unit 10 detects a predetermined operation different from the first operation as the second operation. The operation detected as the second operation may be one or a plurality.

[0076] The control unit 10 detects, as the second operation, an operation of continuously pressing the manual button 60 until a predetermined first time elapses. That is, the control unit 10 detects a long-press operation on the manual button 60 as the second operation. The first time may be the same as or different from the above-mentioned predetermined time.

[0077] The control unit 10 detects, as the second operation, an operation of pressing the manual button 60 a plurality of times before a predetermined second time elapses. That is, the control unit 10 detects a rapid-fire operation on the manual button 60 as the second operation. For example, the number of rapid-fire operations is 2 to 3 times. The second time may be the same as or different from the above-mentioned predetermined time. Also, the second time may be the same as or different from the above-mentioned first time.

[0078] Only one of the long-press operation and the rapid-fire operation on the manual button 60 may be detected as the second operation, or both may be detected as the second operation. When only one of the long-press operation and the rapid-fire operation is detected as the second operation, even if the other operation is performed, that operation becomes invalid. When both the long-press operation and the rapid-fire operation are detected as the second operation, if there is no abnormality in the detection of the operation, it is possible to suppress the operation from becoming invalid.

[0079] In step #4, when the control unit 10 determines that the operation performed on the manual button 60 is the first operation, it proceeds to step #6. In step #6, the control unit 10 determines that the operation on the manual button 60 is an instruction to execute staple processing in the manual mode. Therefore, when proceeding to step #6, the control unit 10 causes the stapler 1 to perform staple processing.

[0080] In step #5, when the control unit 10 determines that the operation performed on the manual button 60 is the second operation, the process proceeds to step #7. In step #7, the control unit 10 determines that the operation on the manual button 60 is a retraction instruction for the stapler 1. Therefore, when the process proceeds to step #7, the control unit 10 moves the stapler 1 in the front-rear direction (specifically, rearward) to retract the stapler 1 to the retracted position.

[0081] In step #5, when the control unit 10 determines that the operation performed on the manual button 60 is not the second operation, the process proceeds to step #1.

[0082] In the present embodiment, the first operation on the manual button 60 is received as an instruction to execute staple processing in the manual mode. On the other hand, the second operation on the manual button 60 is received as an instruction to retract the stapler 1 to the retracted position. With this configuration, there is no need to separately provide a button for receiving an instruction to execute staple processing in the manual mode and a button for receiving an instruction to retract the stapler 1. That is, with only one button (the button is the manual button 60), it is possible to receive both an instruction to execute staple processing in the manual mode and an instruction to retract the stapler 1.

[0083] As a result, for example, in a configuration having a button for receiving an instruction to execute staple processing in the manual mode from the user, when changing the specification so that it is possible to receive an instruction to retract the stapler 1 from the user, it is possible to receive an instruction to retract the stapler 1 from the user without adding a button for receiving an instruction to retract the stapler 1. That is, it is possible to receive an instruction to retract the stapler 1 from the user without increasing the number of buttons for receiving operations from the user. Note that since the number of buttons installed does not increase, the configuration of the operation unit 6 is simplified. Also, no design change to the operation unit 6 is required.

[0084] In addition, by adopting a configuration in which an operation of continuously pressing the manual button 60 until the first hour elapses (long press operation) is detected as the second operation, it is possible to easily distinguish between the first operation and the second operation. Further, by adopting a configuration in which an operation of pressing the manual button 60 a plurality of times until the second hour elapses (rapid fire operation) is detected as the second operation, it is possible to easily distinguish between the first operation and the second operation. Note that the long press operation and the rapid fire operation are common operations. Therefore, for users, when performing jam processing and maintenance work, the stapler 1 can be retracted with a simple operation, which is highly convenient.

[0085] The embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the description of the above embodiments but by the claims, and further includes all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0086] For example, the operation unit may be arranged in the image forming apparatus. Further, the entire image forming system including the image forming apparatus may be used as the post-processing apparatus.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0087] 1 Stapler 2 Processing Tray 5 Moving Mechanism 6 Operation Unit 10 Control Unit 60 Manual Button (Manual Input Unit) 100 Post-Processing Apparatus 100S Image Forming System 1000 Image Forming Apparatus B Binding Charge S Sheet SB Sheet Bundle

Claims

1. A post-processing device that performs staple processing to stitch a part of the binding margin extending along one side of a stack of sheets with a needle, a processing tray on which the stack of sheets is placed so that the extending direction of the binding margin is along a predetermined direction, a stapler that performs the staple processing on the stack of sheets on the processing tray, a moving mechanism that moves the stapler in the predetermined direction, an operation unit that receives an operation regarding the staple processing from a user, and a control unit, and in the mode of the staple processing, there are a normal mode in which the stack of sheets obtained by automatically supplying the sheets and stacking them on the processing tray is the object of the staple processing, and a manual mode in which the stack of sheets manually placed by the user on the processing tray is the object of the staple processing, the operation unit has a manual input unit that receives an execution instruction for the staple processing in the manual mode, when a first operation is performed on the manual input unit, the control unit causes the stapler to perform the staple processing, when a second operation different from the first operation is performed on the manual input unit, the control unit moves the stapler in the predetermined direction and retracts the stapler to a retracted position that is a position different from the position where the staple processing on the binding margin is possible. A post-processing device.

2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects an operation of continuously pressing the manual input unit until a first time has elapsed as the second operation.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit detects an operation of pressing the manual input unit a plurality of times until a second time has elapsed as the second operation.

4. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the mode of the staple processing is the normal mode, the control unit invalidates an operation on the manual input unit.

5. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising an image forming device that prints an image on the sheet, and performing the staple processing on the printed sheet supplied from the image forming device.

Images