Post-processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To make binding processing easy and satisfactory even for small-sized sheet bundles that can be completely accommodated in a sheet bundle insertion part.SOLUTION: There is a sheet bundle insertion part 41 into which a sheet bundle PT formed by stacking multiple sheets P is inserted. Also, there is a movable loading part 45 which is formed with a loading surface 45s on which the sheet bundle PT can be placed and which can be inserted into and removed from the sheet bundle insertion part 41. Furthermore, there is a binding device 30 which performs a binding process on the sheet bundle PT placed on the movable loading part 45 inside the sheet bundle insertion part 41.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device that performs post-processing on sheets, and an image forming system that includes the post-processing device and an image forming device. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known an image forming system (image forming apparatus) that is equipped with a post-processing device that performs binding processing (post-processing) on ​​a sheet bundle that is manually inserted into a sheet bundle insertion section (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In detail, the post-processing device disclosed in Patent Document 1 is installed adjacent to the image forming device and is configured to be able to perform binding processing on the corners of a sheet stack that a user manually inserts into the sheet stack insertion section (opening).

[0003] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology in which a retractable support member is provided in the sheet bundle insertion section (opening) to support the end surface of the sheet bundle when placed upright, in order to stabilize the binding position of the sheet bundle inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section (opening). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventional post-processing devices have difficulty manually inserting small sheet bundles that fit snugly into the sheet bundle insertion section, making it difficult to perform binding processing well and easily.

[0005] This invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a post-processing device and an image forming system that can perform binding processing well and easily even for small-sized sheet stacks that fit snugly into the sheet stack insertion section. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The post-processing device of this invention comprises a sheet bundle insertion section into which a sheet bundle consisting of multiple stacked sheets is inserted, a movable loading section which has a loading surface on which the sheet bundle can be placed and which can be inserted and removed from the sheet bundle insertion section, and a binding device which performs a binding process on the sheet bundle placed on the movable loading section inside the sheet bundle insertion section. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a post-processing device and an image forming system that can easily and satisfactorily bind even small sheet stacks that fit snugly into a sheet stack insertion section. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a configuration diagram showing an automatic processing unit of a post-processing device in the image forming system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is an enlarged view showing a binding tool of the staple-free binding device. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a post-processing device. [Figure 6] 1A and 1B are a side view and a front view, respectively, showing a post-processing device. [Figure 7] 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a movable sheet receiving portion is pulled out from a sheet stack insertion portion of the post-processing device; FIG. [Figure 8] 8A is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a small-sized sheet is placed on the movable placement section of FIG. 7, and FIG. 8B is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a large-sized sheet is placed on the movable placement section of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a post-processing device as a first modified example. [Figure 11]FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view showing a post-processing device as a second modified example. [Figure 12] FIG. 11 is a top view showing a movable receiver in a post-processing device as a third modified example. [Figure 13] 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which the movable placement part of FIG. 12 is inserted or removed. FIG. [Figure 14] (A) is a schematic oblique view of a post-processing device equipped with a movable loading section as shown in Figure 12, viewed from the inside toward the sheet bundle insertion section, and (B) is a schematic oblique view of a post-processing device equipped with a movable loading section as a comparative example, viewed from the inside toward the sheet bundle insertion section. [Figure 15] 13 is a schematic perspective view showing an operation in which the movable placement section is inserted from a state in which it is pulled out from a sheet bundle insertion section in the post-processing device as a fourth modified example. FIG. [Figure 16] 16 is a schematic side view showing the operation of inserting the movable placement section of FIG. 15 from the state where it is pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section. FIG. [Figure 17] 16 is a schematic top view showing the operation of inserting the movable placement section of FIG. 15 from the state where it is pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a movable receiver in a post-processing device as a fifth modified example. [Figure 19] 10A is a top view showing a movable receiving section of another embodiment, and FIG. 10B is a schematic perspective view showing the post-processing device in a state where the movable receiving section is pulled out. [Figure 20] FIG. 13 is a top view showing a movable receiver in a post-processing device as a sixth modified example. [Figure 21] 21A is a schematic side view of the movable placement section of FIG. 20, showing a state where no sheet stack is placed thereon, and FIG. 21B is a schematic side view of the movable placement section of FIG. 20, showing a state where a sheet stack is placed thereon. [Figure 22] 13 is a schematic side view showing the operation of the second collapsible abutment portion of the movable placement portion as a seventh modified example. FIG. [Figure 23] 23 is a schematic top view showing the operation of the retractable second abutment portion of FIG. 22. FIG. [Figure 24]23A is a schematic side view showing a state in which a small-sized sheet is placed on the movable placement section of FIG. 22, and FIG. 23B is a schematic side view showing a state in which a large-sized sheet is placed on the movable placement section of FIG. 22. [Figure 25] 23A is a schematic top view showing a state in which a small-sized sheet is placed on the movable placement section of FIG. 22, and FIG. 23B is a schematic top view showing a state in which a large-sized sheet is placed on the movable placement section of FIG. 22. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view showing a movable placement section provided with a second collapsible abutment section as another embodiment. [Figure 27] 27A is a schematic side view showing a state in which a small-sized sheet is placed on the movable placement section of FIG. 26, and FIG. 27B is a schematic side view showing a state in which a large-sized sheet is placed on the movable placement section of FIG. 26. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a state in which a movable tray is pulled out in a post-processing device as a modified example 8. [Figure 29] In the post-processing device of Figure 28, (A) is a schematic side view showing the movable loading section inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section, and (B) is a schematic side view showing the movable loading section pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section. [Figure 30] FIG. 13 is a schematic top view showing a state in which the movable sheet stack receiving portion is inserted into the sheet stack receiving portion in the post-processing device as a modified example 9. [Figure 31] In the post-processing device of Figure 30, (A) is a schematic top view showing the movable loading section pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section, and (B) is a schematic top view showing the movable loading section with a sheet bundle placed on it inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section. [Figure 32] 31 is a flowchart showing control performed in the post-processing device of FIG. 30. [Figure 33] 13 is a schematic perspective view showing a slide mechanism of a movable receiver in a post-processing device as a modified example 10. FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is a schematic front view showing the slide mechanism of FIG. 33. [Figure 35] FIG. 19 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming system as a modified example 11. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0010] An image forming system 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 1, in the image forming system 300 of this embodiment, a post-processing device 1 (sheet processing device) with a binding function is detachably installed in an internal space W of the image forming apparatus 100 (a space provided between the document reading device 102 and the image forming unit 115). The internal space W is a space into which sheets P (printed sheets P) discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 can be discharged, and is also a space into which the discharged sheets P can be removed. In other words, when the post-processing device 1 is not installed, the internal space W functions as a space (discharge unit) in which sheets P discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 are stacked. The internal space W is open in the +x and -y directions, and the user operates the operation display panel 149, views the display, and operates the post-processing device 1 from the +x direction directly facing the operation display panel 149.

[0011] In the image forming system 300, the image forming apparatus 100 is a portion other than the post-processing device 1, and is mainly composed of an image forming section 115, a main body feed tray 112, a fixing section 120, a document transport device 110, a document reading device 102, etc. An operation display panel 149 (operation display section) is provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 100 (image forming system 300) for displaying various information in the image forming system 300 and inputting various commands. 1 to 5, post-processing device 1 is provided with a binding device 30 (staple-type binding device), an internal tray 20, a discharge roller pair 15, a discharge tray 17, a plurality of conveying roller pairs 11 to 13, a staple-less binding device 40, and the like. Here, the post-processing device 1 is disposed downstream in the conveying direction (the conveying direction of the sheets P) relative to the image forming device 100. The post-processing device 1 is a device for binding a plurality of printed sheets P discharged from the image forming device 100 (either stapled binding or stapleless binding), or for binding a manually inserted sheet stack PT (staple binding), which will be described in detail later.

[0012] Hereinafter, the image forming operation (printing operation) in the image forming apparatus 100 of the image forming system 300 will be described with reference to FIG. In the image forming apparatus 100, first, the document D is transported (fed) from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the transport rollers of the document transport device 110, and passes over the document reading device 102. At this time, the document reading device 102 optically reads image information of the document D passing above. The optical image information read by the document reading device 102 is converted into an electrical signal and then transmitted to the writing device 103. Then, the writing device 103 emits laser light based on the image information of the electrical signal onto the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K for each color, thereby carrying out an exposure process. Then, a charging process, an exposure process, and a development process are performed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K of the image forming units 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K, respectively, and desired images are formed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K, respectively. Thereafter, the images formed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K are transferred as a color image onto the intermediate transfer belt 178 in a superimposed state. Furthermore, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 178 is transferred to a sheet P fed and conveyed by a feed roller 197 from the main body feed tray 112 (second feed unit) at a position facing the secondary transfer roller 189. Thereafter, the sheet P onto which the color image has been transferred is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 120. Then, the color image transferred onto the front surface of the sheet P is fixed onto the sheet P.

[0013] Thereafter, based on the user's selection of the printing mode, the sheet P is either discharged from the image forming device 100 by the first discharge roller pair 131 and fed into the post-processing device 1, or discharged from the image forming device 100 by the second discharge roller pair 132 and stacked on the discharge tray 135.

[0014] Here, in this embodiment, a post-processing device 1 is connected (installed) in the internal space W of the image forming device 1, and based on the user's selection, the sheet P discharged from the image forming device 1 is transported to the post-processing device 1, and post-processing is performed on the transported sheet P. By installing the post-processing device 1 in the internal space W of the image forming apparatus 1, the internal space W can be effectively utilized, and the image forming system 300 can be made smaller.

[0015] Referring to Figure 2, the post-processing device 1 (automatic processing unit 39) in this embodiment is configured to transport the sheet P fed from the image forming device 100 to a transport path (the transport path shown by the dashed line in the figure, on which three pairs of transport rollers 11 to 13 are installed) and perform post-processing such as binding, or to discharge the sheet as is without performing post-processing. More specifically, when a mode in which no post-processing is performed is selected, the sheet P conveyed by the first to third conveying roller pairs 11 to 13 is discharged by the discharge roller pair 15 and placed on the discharge tray 17.

[0016] When the "sorting mode (sorting processing mode)" is selected, the sheets P are transported by a pair of discharge rollers 15 configured to be movable in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 2), while being shifted in the width direction by a predetermined amount for each sheet P, and are stacked sequentially on the discharge tray 17.

[0017] When the "binding mode (staple mode)" is selected, the sheets P conveyed by the first to third conveying roller pairs 11 to 13 are sequentially stacked on the internal tray 20 without being discharged by the discharge roller pair 15. At this time, every time a sheet P is placed on the internal tray 20, the tapping roller 14 and the return roller 16 arranged above the sheet P move from their standby positions to positions where they come into contact with the sheet P (the uppermost sheet P in the sheet stack PT), and the tapping roller 14 and the return roller 16 are each driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 2, thereby conveying (moving) the sheet P toward the end fence 21. As a result, the trailing ends (trailing ends in the conveying direction) of the multiple sheets P (sheet stack PT) hit the end fence 21, and the positions of the multiple sheets P in the conveying direction are aligned.

[0018] 3, jogger fences 22 (side fences) installed at both widthwise ends of the internal tray 20 move in the widthwise direction to sandwich the sheets P (sheet stack PT) each time a sheet P is placed on the internal tray 20 (or after a desired number of sheets P have been stacked), thereby aligning the widthwise position of the sheets P (sheet stack PT). Then, the staple-based binding device 30 (or staple-less binding device 40) binds the rear end of the sheets P (sheet stack PT) that has been aligned in both the conveyance direction and the widthwise direction. Thereafter, the bound sheets P (sheet stack PT) are moved diagonally upward along the tray surface of the internal tray 20 by the reverse rotation of the return roller 16 (clockwise rotation in Figure 2), and are discharged onto the discharge tray 17 by transport by the discharge roller pair 15.

[0019] The post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with two binding devices (a staple-containing binding device 30 and a staple-less binding device 40), and the user can select either binding process. The staple binding device 30 as a binding device is configured to perform a binding process (staple binding process) on the sheet stack PT using staples (metal staples), and a known device can be used. In this embodiment, the staple binding device 30 is configured to be movable in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the plane of the paper in FIG. 2, and the up-and-down direction in FIG. 3) along guide rails 31 by a movement mechanism (not shown). This makes it possible to perform binding processing on the sheet bundle PT placed on the internal tray 20 at a desired position in the width direction. In particular, the staple binding device 30 is configured to be movable to the position of a sheet bundle insertion section 41, which will be described later, so that the binding process can be performed in the sheet bundle insertion section 41.

[0020] On the other hand, the staple-free binding device 40 is configured to perform binding processing using the binding tool 400 without using a staple (metal staple). 4, the stapleless binding device 40 is provided with a binding tool 400 consisting of two members 400a, 400b having tooth-shaped uneven portions 400a1, 400b1. The binding tool 400 presses the tooth-shaped uneven portions 400a1, 400b1 against a corner portion PTx (see FIGS. 8 and 9) of the sheet bundle PT inserted into the sheet bundle insertion portion 41, thereby forming unevenness in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle PT and engaging the sheets P together to perform the binding operation. In the binding device 400, the first member 400a and the second member 400b are disposed in a substantially vertical direction. The first member 400a has a tooth-shaped uneven portion 400a1 formed on its upper surface. The second member 400b has a tooth-shaped uneven portion 400b1 formed on its lower surface that meshes with the tooth-shaped uneven portion 400a1 of the first member 400a, and is configured to be movable relative to the first member 400a so as to sandwich the sheet bundle PT between the first member 400a and the second member 400b. Then, the binding operation is performed with the sheet bundle PT sandwiched between the first member 400a and the second member 400b. In this embodiment, the stapleless binding device 40 is configured to be movable in the width direction between a standby position (the position shown in FIG. 3) and a processing position (the position of a corner of the sheet bundle PT placed on the internal tray 20) by a movement mechanism (not shown). This makes it possible to perform binding processing on the corner of the sheet bundle PT placed on the internal tray 20.

[0021] The characteristic configuration and operation of the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail below. As previously explained using Figures 1 to 3, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with an automatic processing unit 39 that stacks multiple sheets P discharged from the image forming device 100 and fed into the post-processing device 1 to form a sheet bundle PT, and then performs a binding process (either staple-based binding process or staple-less binding process) on the sheet bundle PT. Here, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with a sheet bundle insertion unit 41 (manually fed binding processing unit) for binding a sheet bundle PT that has been manually (manually fed) by a user, in addition to the automatic processing unit 39. That is, the sheet bundle insertion unit 41 is a portion into which a part or all of the sheet bundle PT, which is made up of multiple overlapping sheets P, is manually inserted. In detail, the sheet bundle insertion section 41 is a post-processing device 1 installed in the internal space W of the image forming system 300, where the user inserts the sheet bundle PT from the front side (the side facing the operation display panel 149) and performs binding processing on the corners of the sheet bundle PT. In the present embodiment, the sheet bundle insertion section 41 is provided with a removable (drawable) movable placement section 45, which will be described in detail later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 8 and the like.

[0022] In this way, the binding device 30 (staple-type binding device) performs binding processing on the corners of the sheet bundle PT that has been manually inserted into the sheet bundle insertion portion 41. When the binding process is performed in the sheet bundle insertion section 41, the binding device 30 in this embodiment moves along the guide rails 31 to the position of the sheet bundle insertion section 41 (the position shown in FIG. 3), as previously described with reference to FIG. 3. This position is detected by the staple home position sensor 78 (see FIG. 3).

[0023] As described above, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with a sheet bundle insertion section 41 into which a sheet bundle PT made up of a plurality of overlapping sheets P is inserted. The sheet bundle insertion section 41 is recessed in the y direction and the -x direction with respect to the exterior cover 1a of the post-processing device 1 (see FIG. 5). 5 to 8, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is formed with a loading surface 45s on which the sheet bundle PT can be placed (removable), and is provided with a movable loading section 45 (movable tray) that can be inserted into and removed from the sheet bundle insertion section 41 in the ± direction. The binding device 30 performs binding processing on the sheet bundle PT placed on the movable loading section 45 inside the sheet bundle insertion section 41.

[0024] More specifically, inside the sheet bundle insertion portion 41, two main body side sliders 47 are provided so as to extend in the ±x direction and spaced apart in the ±y direction. On the other hand, two tray-side sliders 46 are provided at the bottom of the movable placement portion 45, and are fitted to two main body-side sliders 47 so as to be able to slide, respectively. With this configuration, the movable loading section 45 on which the sheet stack PT can be placed can be pulled out in the direction of the white arrow (+x direction) in Figure 6 relative to the sheet stack insertion section 41, or inserted in the opposite direction (-x direction). The movable placement section 45 is configured so as not to protrude outward from the sheet bundle insertion section 41 (post-processing device 1) when inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41 (as shown in FIG. 5).

[0025] Here, in this embodiment, when performing binding processing on small-sized sheet bundles PTs (sheet bundles with an area smaller than the area of ​​the loading surface 45s, for example, business card-sized or receipt-sized) that can fit on the loading surface 45s, the small-sized sheet bundle PTs is placed on the movable loading section 45 pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41 as shown in FIG. 7, as shown in FIG. 8(A), and then the binding device 30 performs binding processing on the sheet bundle PTs placed on the movable loading section 45 with the movable loading section 45 inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41. On the other hand, when performing binding processing on a large-sized sheet bundle PTd (a sheet bundle with an area larger than the area of ​​the loading surface 45s) that does not fit on the loading surface, the movable loading section 45 is pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41 (the state shown in Figure 7), and the large-sized sheet bundle PTd is placed on the movable loading section 45 as shown in Figure 8 (B), and the binding device 30 performs binding processing on the sheet bundle PTd that is placed on the movable loading section 45. In this embodiment, when binding the sheet bundle PT placed on the movable placement section 45, the user presses the manual staple button 5 (see FIG. 2) provided on the ceiling of the exterior cover 1a. This causes the binding device 30 to move to the position of the sheet bundle insertion section 41, and then to be driven to perform the binding process.

[0026] As described above, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with a movable loading section 45, so even if the sheet bundle PTs is small enough to fit snugly into the sheet bundle insertion section 41 and is difficult to insert manually into the sheet bundle insertion section 41, the sheet bundle PTs can be set on the movable loading section 45 pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41, and the movable loading section 45 can be inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41, after which the binding process can be easily and efficiently performed. Furthermore, even if it is necessary to support the part of the sheet bundle PTd that protrudes from the sheet bundle insertion section 41 when manually inserting the large-sized sheet bundle PTd into the sheet bundle insertion section 41 as it is, the part of the protruding part can be supported by the movable placing section 45 drawn out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41, which makes it easy to manually insert the sheet bundle PTd into the sheet bundle insertion section 41.

[0027] The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner is controlled by the control unit 200 shown in FIG. 9 (and FIG. 1). 9, the control unit 200 of the post-processing device 1 is connected to the control unit 350 of the image forming apparatus 100 via an interface 70. The control unit 350 of the image forming apparatus 100 is also connected to the operation display panel 149, the various driving members and sensors of the image forming apparatus 100, and the like via an interface 360. The control unit 200 of the post-processing device 1 is also connected to a conveyance motor 73 that rotates and drives the pairs of conveyance rollers 11 to 13, the tapping roller 14, the return roller 16, and the like, a discharge motor 74 that rotates and drives the pair of discharge rollers 15, a staple drive motor 75 that drives the binding devices 30 and 40, a conveyance sensor 76 installed on the conveyance path, a discharge sensor 77 installed at the discharge port, a staple HP sensor 78 that detects the reference position of the binding device 30, the manual staple button 5, and the like via an interface 72. The overall control system of the image forming system 300 configured in this manner executes the various operations in the image forming system 300 described above.

[0028] <Variation 1> As shown in Figure 10, the post-processing device 1 in variant example 1 differs from those in Figures 5, 6, etc. in that the movable loading section 45 (movable tray) is configured to be inserted and removed in the ±y direction, in that the movable loading section 45 is configured to be inserted and removed in the ±x direction. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0029] <Variation 2> As shown in FIG. 11, in the post-processing device 1 of the second modified example, the movable loading section 45 is provided with retractable trays 45a and 45b that can expand the area of ​​the loading surface 45s when pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41. Specifically, first, the movable placement section 45 with the retractable trays 45a and 45b stored therein is pulled out in the +x direction from the sheet bundle insertion section 41. Next, the retractable trays 45a and 45b are pulled out together in the -y direction from the movable placement section 45 pulled out in the +x direction, and then the second retractable tray 45b is pulled out in the -x direction from the first retractable tray 45a (this is the state shown in FIG. 11(A)). By configuring it in this manner, as shown in Figure 11 (B), when a large-sized sheet bundle PTd is placed on the movable loading section 45, the loading area can be expanded to support it, making it even easier to manually insert the sheet bundle PTd into the sheet bundle insertion section 41. In the post-processing device 1 configured in this manner, small-sized sheet bundles PTs that fit snugly into the sheet bundle insertion section 41 can be placed on the movable loading section 45 with the retractable trays 45a and 45b stored in place, and the binding process can be performed well and easily.

[0030] <Variation 3> As shown in Figures 12, 13, and 14(A), in the post-processing device 1 of variant example 3, the movable loading section 45 has cutout portions 45x formed at positions corresponding to the corners (corners in the -x direction and +y direction) of the sheet bundle insertion section 41 when inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41. The binding device 30 performs binding processing on the sheet bundle PT on the movable loading section 45 at a position corresponding to the cutout portion 45x of the movable loading section 45 when inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41. 14(B) as a comparative example, in which no notch is provided in the movable placing section 45, interference between the binding device 30, part of which is inserted into the sheet-bundle insertion section 41, and the movable placing section 45 is less likely to occur. Therefore, it is possible to lay out the movable placing section 45 so that it can be pushed all the way to the back side (-x direction) of the sheet-bundle insertion section 41, further enhancing the functionality of the movable placing section 45. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0031] <Variation 4> As shown in Figures 15 to 17, in the post-processing device 1 of variant example 4, the movable loading section 45 is provided with an opening / closing member 45z that moves from an open position to a closed position of the cutout portion 45x when pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41. 12, 13, and 14(A), the movable mount portion 45 in the fourth modification also has a notch 45x formed in a corner thereof. An opening / closing member 45z that opens and closes the notch x, and a compression spring 49 that biases the opening / closing member 45z in the closing direction (-x direction) are provided in the movable mount portion 45 in the fourth modification. Meanwhile, a stopper 48 that can come into contact with the opening / closing member 45z is provided at the bottom of the sheet bundle insertion portion 41 so as to stand in the +z direction. 15(A), 16(A), and 17(A), when the movable placement section 45 is pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41, the opening / closing member 45z is moved to a position where the notch 45x is closed by the bias of the compression spring 49. In other words, the placement surface 45s has no notch and is substantially rectangular. This makes it easier to set the sheet bundle PT on the placement surface 45s. 15(B), 16(B), and 17(B), as the movable placement portion 45 is pushed into the sheet-bundle insertion portion 41, the open / close member 45z in the closed state eventually comes into contact with the stopper 48. As shown in FIGS. 15(C), 16(C), and 17(C), as the movable placement portion 45 is further pushed into the sheet-bundle insertion portion 41, the movement of the open / close member 45z is limited by the stopper 48, and the open / close member 45z is relatively opened against the bias of the compression spring 49. Finally, when the insertion of the movable placement portion 45 into the sheet-bundle insertion portion 41 is completed, the open / close member 45z moves to the completely open position, and the notch 45x is opened. This prevents interference between the binding device 30 located at the position of the notch 45x and the movable placement portion 45. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0032] <Variation 5> As shown in Figure 18, in the post-processing device 1 of variant example 5, the movable loading section 45 has a guide line 45m formed on the loading surface 45s as a marker indicating the position where the sheet stack PT (especially small-sized sheet stacks PTs) should be loaded. This allows the user to set small-sized sheet bundles PTs on the movable loading section 45 pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41 using the guide line 45m as a marker, thereby reducing the chance of incorrectly setting the sheet bundles PTs. 19(A) and 19(B), a recess 45n indicating the position where the sheet bundle PT (especially small-sized sheet bundles PTs) should be placed on the placement surface 45s can be formed in the movable placement section 45. This allows the user to set the small-sized sheet bundle PTs along the recess 45n on the movable placement section 45 pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section 41, thereby reducing the possibility of incorrectly setting the sheet bundle PTs. It is also possible to form a plurality of guide lines 45m (marks) and recesses 45n in accordance with various sizes of small sheet bundles PTs. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0033] <Variation 6> As shown in Figures 20 and 21, in the post-processing device 1 of variant example 6, the movable loading section 45 has a pressing member 50 that presses down from above the sheet stack PT placed on the loading surface 45s and is installed so that it can move up and down. Specifically, the pressing member 50 is configured to press the sheet stack PT from above between the sheet stack PT and the placement surface 45s by the biasing force of a tension spring 51, except for the portion where the binding process is performed (the notched portion 45x). With this configuration, the binding device 30 can perform a good binding process on the sheet bundle PT that is fixed on the movable loading section 45 by the pressing member 50. In the sixth modification, the presser member 50 is configured to be moved up and down by manual operation by the user, but the presser member 50 can also be configured to be moved up and down automatically. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0034] <Variation 7> As shown in Figures 22 to 25, in the post-processing device 1 in variant example 7, the movable loading section 45 is provided with a first abutment section 42 against which one side end face (the end face in the -x direction) of a small-sized sheet bundle PTs or a large-sized sheet bundle PTd abuts, and a foldable second abutment section 53 against which an end face perpendicular to one side end face of a small-sized sheet bundle PTs abuts (the end face in the +y direction). More specifically, the second abutment portion 53 is an end portion (the right end portion in FIGS. 22 to 25) of the movable mounting portion 45, excluding the portion where the binding process is performed (notch portion 45x), and is configured to be manually rotatable around a support shaft 53a. The rotation range of the second abutment portion 53 is from a position where the arc-shaped protrusion portion 53b formed on the second abutment portion 53 abuts against the first engagement portion 54 formed on the movable mounting portion 45 (see FIGS. 22(A), 23(A), 24(A), and 25(A)) to a position where the arc-shaped protrusion portion 53b abuts against the second engagement portion 45r formed on the movable mounting portion 45 (see FIGS. 22(C), 23(C), 24(B), and 25(B)). 24(A) and 25(A), when a small-sized sheet bundle PTs is set on the movable loading section 45, the second abutting section 53 is brought into an upright state by abutting against the first engaging section 54. As a result, the small-sized sheet bundle PTs is set in a state where its two orthogonal end faces are abutted against each other by the first and second abutting sections 42 and 53. Therefore, the sheet bundle PTs that has been positioned accurately on the movable loading section 45 can be bound with high positional accuracy. 24(B) and 25(B), when a large-sized sheet bundle PTd is set on the movable loading section 45, the second abutment portion 53 is brought into a laid-down state by abutting against the second engagement portion 45r. As a result, the large-sized sheet bundle PTd is positioned by having one end face abutted against the first abutment portion 42, and the laid-down second abutment portion 53 functions to increase the area of ​​the loading surface 45s, making it easier to support the large-sized sheet bundle PTd. 26 and 27 show another embodiment of the movable mounting portion 45. A tension spring 55 is connected between the mounting end surface 45f and the second abutment portion 53. As shown in FIGS. 26(A) and 27(A), this tension spring 55 acts to urge the second abutment portion 53 in the upright direction when the second abutment portion 53 is in an upright state. On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 27(B), the tension spring 55 acts to release the urging of the second abutment portion 53 in the upright direction (the tension spring 55 is displaced so that the spring force in the upright direction is not applied). This configuration ensures that the function of the second abutment portion 53 described above is exhibited more reliably. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0035] <Variation 8> As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the post-processing device 1 in variant example 8 is configured so that the inside of the sheet bundle insertion section 41 is not exposed when the movable loading section 45 is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41. Specifically, when the movable placing section 45 is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41, the exterior cover of the movable placing section 45 is configured to contact the exterior cover 1a of the post-processing device 1 with almost no gap, thereby closing the opening of the sheet bundle insertion section 41. This configuration can reduce the problem of foreign matter entering the device through the opening of the sheet bundle insertion section 41. In addition, the sheet bundle insertion section 41 is provided with a main body side slider 47 that engages with the tray side slider 46 of the movable loading section 45 to slide the movable loading section 45 in the ±x direction, as well as a second main body side slider 57 that engages with the second tray side slider 56 of the movable loading section 45 to slide the movable loading section 45 in the ±z direction. 29, when a user grips the handle 45w and pulls out the movable placement portion 45 from the sheet stack insertion portion 41, the movable placement portion moves horizontally in the +x direction along the main body side slider 47, and then moves vertically in the -z direction along the second main body side slider 57. In this state, the sheet stack PT is placed on the placement surface 45s of the movable placement portion 45. When the movable sheet placement portion 45 is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion portion 41, the reverse operation to the above-described operation for pulling out the sheet bundle is performed. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0036] <Variation 9> As shown in Figures 30 to 32, in the post-processing device 1 of variant example 9, when it is detected that the movable loading section 45 on which the sheet bundle PT is placed has been inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41, the binding device 30 automatically operates to perform binding processing on the sheet bundle PT. 30 and 31, the sheet bundle insertion section 41 is provided with a tray detection sensor 58 that optically detects whether or not the movable placement section 45 is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41. On the other hand, the movable placement section 45 is provided with a sheet bundle detection sensor 59 that optically detects whether or not a sheet bundle PT is set on the placement surface 45s. A reflective photosensor can be used as the tray detection sensor 58 or the sheet bundle detection sensor 59. Then, when the tray detection sensor 58 detects that the movable loading section 45 is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section 41 and the sheet bundle detection sensor 59 detects that the sheet bundle PT is set on the loading surface 45s, it is determined that the sheet bundle PT is properly set in the binding position of the binding device 30, and the binding process of the sheet bundle PT is automatically performed by the binding device 30. This eliminates the need for the user to take the trouble of pressing the manual staple button 5 (see FIG. 2) during manual binding process. 32, as an example of such control, first, from a state where an option "End Manual Stapling" is displayed on the operation display panel 149 (see FIG. 1) (step S1), it is determined whether the movable sheet holder 45 is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion portion 41 (step S2). That is, it is determined whether the tray detection sensor 58 is in an ON state. If it is determined that the movable placement portion 45 is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion portion 41, it is determined whether a sheet bundle PT is set on the movable placement portion 45 (step S3). That is, it is determined whether the sheet bundle detection sensor 59 is in an ON state. As a result, if it is determined that a sheet bundle PT has been set on the movable placing section 45, the binding device 30 is driven to perform the binding process (step S4). Then, it is determined whether "End manual stapling" has been selected on the operation display panel 149 (step S5), and if it has been selected, the flow ends, and if it has not been selected, the flow from step S2 onwards is repeated. Also, if it is determined in step S3 that a sheet bundle PT has not been set on the movable placing section 45, the flow from step S5 onwards is performed. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0037] <Modification 10> As shown in Figures 33 and 34, the post-processing device 1 in variant example 10 is provided with a limiting mechanism that limits the pull-out range of the movable loading section 45 from the sheet bundle insertion section 41, and a release mechanism that can release the restriction imposed by the limiting mechanism. In detail, in the slide mechanism that slides the movable loading section 45 relative to the sheet bundle insertion section 41, the main body side slider 47 is provided with a movable stopper 47x that can move in the ±y direction, and the tray side slider 46 is provided with an abutment section 46x at the rear side in the -x direction that can abut against the movable stopper 47x. 33(B) and 34(B), in a state where the movable stopper 47x is moved to protrude into the slide path, when the movable placement portion 45 is pulled out relative to the sheet bundle insertion portion 41, the abutment portion 46x abuts against the movable stopper 47x, preventing the movable placement portion 45 from being pulled out any further. This prevents the movable placement portion 45 from being pulled out too far relative to the sheet bundle insertion portion 41, causing the movable placement portion 45 to fall off. In contrast, as shown in Figures 33(A) and 34(A), when the movable stopper 47x is moved to retract from the slide path, the abutment portion 46x does not abut against the movable stopper 47x when the movable placing portion 45 is pulled out relative to the sheet bundle insertion portion 41, so that the movable placing portion 45 can be removed from the sheet bundle insertion portion 41 and maintenance of the movable placing portion 45 can be performed. In other words, the movable stopper 47x and the abutment portion 46x function as a limiting mechanism that limits the pull-out range of the movable loading portion 45 from the sheet bundle insertion portion 41, and also function as a release mechanism that can release the restriction imposed by the limiting mechanism. The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner can also perform the binding process favorably and easily on small-sized sheet bundles PTs that can be completely accommodated in the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0038] <Variation 11> As shown in Figure 35, the image forming system 300 in variant example 11 is an internal space W of the image forming device 100, in which a punching device 90 is installed as a second post-processing device (optional device) upstream (upstream in the sheet conveying direction) of the post-processing device 1 (first post-processing device). The punching device 90 has a punch unit 91 installed therein, and when a punching mode is selected by the user, performs a punching process (punching process) on a sheet P inserted from the image forming apparatus 100. The punching device 90 is configured to transport the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 toward the post-processing device 1, regardless of whether punching processing is performed or not. In the eleventh modification, the post-processing device 1 is also configured and operates in the same manner as that described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9 and the like. In the image forming system 300 configured in this way, the post-processing device 1 can also be made relatively small and inexpensive. In the eleventh modification, punching device 90 capable of performing punching processing is installed as the second post-processing device, but it is also possible to install a device capable of performing another process as the second post-processing device. Furthermore, in the eleventh modification, the second post-processing device 90 is disposed upstream of the first post-processing device 1, but the second post-processing device 90 can also be disposed downstream of the first post-processing device 1.

[0039] As described above, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with the sheet bundle insertion section 41 into which the sheet bundle PT, which is made up of a plurality of overlapping sheets P, is inserted. Also provided is a movable loading section 45 which is formed with a loading surface 45s on which the sheet bundle PT can be placed and which can be inserted into and removed from the sheet bundle insertion section 41. Furthermore, a binding device 30 is provided which performs a binding process on the sheet bundle PT placed on the movable loading section 45 inside the sheet bundle insertion section 41. This allows the binding process to be performed well and easily even for small-sized sheet bundles PTs that fit snugly into the sheet bundle insertion portion 41.

[0040] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming system 300 in which the color image forming apparatus 100 is installed, but the present invention can also be applied to an image forming system in which a monochrome image forming apparatus is installed. Also, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming system 300 in which the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 is installed, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to an image forming system in which other types of image forming apparatuses (for example, inkjet image forming apparatuses, stencil printing machines, etc.) are installed. In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a post-processing device 1 connected to an image forming device 100, but the present invention can also be applied to a stand-alone post-processing device that is not connected to an image forming device. In addition, in this embodiment, the binding device 30 is configured to be movable so that the binding device 30 can be shared by the automatic processing unit 39 and the sheet bundle insertion unit 41, but it is also possible to install dedicated binding devices for each of the automatic processing unit and the sheet bundle insertion unit. Even in such cases, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0041] It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and it is clear that the present embodiment can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in addition to the modifications suggested in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number, position, shape, etc. of the components can be any number, position, shape, etc. that is suitable for implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0042] 1 post-processing device (sheet processing device), 1a outer cover, 30 Binding device (staple binding device), 39 automatic processing unit, 41 sheet bundle insertion unit (manual processing unit), 42 first abutment portion, 45 Movable placement section (movable tray), 45a, 45b Retractable tray, 45m guide line (marker), 45n recess, 45s placing surface, 45t slide end face, 45w handle, 45x cutout, 45z opening and closing member, 46 Tray side slider (slide mechanism), 46x contact part, 47 Main body slider (slide mechanism), 47x Movable stopper (limiting / releasing mechanism), 48 stopper, 49 compression springs, 50 Pressing member, 51 tension spring, 53 Second abutment part (foldable abutment part), 55 tension spring, 58 Tray detection sensor, 59 Sheet stack detection sensor, 100 Image forming device, 300 Image forming system, P, P1, P2, P3 sheets, PT sheet stack, PTs small sheet stacks, PTd Large sheet stacks, W Interior space.

[0043] The present invention can also be embodied in a combination of Supplementary Notes 1 to 13, as follows. (Appendix 1) a sheet bundle insertion section into which a sheet bundle formed by stacking a plurality of sheets is inserted; a movable sheet stacking section having a sheet stacking surface on which the sheet stack can be placed and which is insertable into and detachable from the sheet stack inserting section; a binding device that performs a binding process on the sheet bundle placed on the movable sheet stacking section inside the sheet bundle insertion section; A post-processing device comprising: (Appendix 2) When performing binding processing on a small-sized sheet bundle that fits on the loading surface, the small-sized sheet bundle is loaded on the movable loading section that has been pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section, and then the binding device performs binding processing on the sheet bundle loaded on the movable loading section with the movable loading section inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section; When performing binding processing on a large sheet stack that does not fit on the loading surface, the post-processing device described in Appendix 1 is characterized in that the large sheet stack is placed on the movable loading section with the movable loading section pulled out from the sheet stack insertion section, and the binding processing is performed on the sheet stack placed on the movable loading section using the binding device. (Appendix 3) The post-processing device described in Appendix 2 is characterized in that the movable loading section includes a first abutment section against which one side end face of the small-sized sheet stack or the large-sized sheet stack abuts, and a retractable second abutment section against which an end face perpendicular to the one side end face of the small-sized sheet stack abuts. (Appendix 4) the movable mounting portion has a notch formed at a position corresponding to a corner of the sheet bundle insertion portion when the movable mounting portion is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion portion, The post-processing device described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, characterized in that the binding device performs binding processing at a position corresponding to the cutout portion of the movable loading section when inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section. (Appendix 5) The post-processing device described in Appendix 4, characterized in that the movable loading section is equipped with an opening / closing member that moves from an open position to a closed position of the cutout section when pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section. (Appendix 6) 6. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the movable placement section has a mark or a depression formed on the placement surface to indicate a position where the sheet stack should be placed. (Appendix 7) 7. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the movable placement section has a movably installed pressing member that presses down the sheet stack placed on the placement surface from above. (Appendix 8) A post-processing device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, characterized in that when the movable loading section is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section, the inside of the sheet bundle insertion section is not exposed. (Appendix 9) A post-processing device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, characterized in that when it is detected that the movable loading section on which a sheet stack is placed has been inserted into the sheet stack insertion section, the binding device automatically operates to perform binding processing on the sheet stack. (Appendix 10) a limiting mechanism for limiting a range in which the movable sheet stacking section is pulled out from the sheet stack insertion section; a release mechanism capable of releasing the restriction imposed by the restriction mechanism; 10. The post-processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, comprising: (Appendix 11) A post-processing device as described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 10, characterized in that the movable loading section is equipped with a retractable tray that can expand the area of ​​the loading surface when pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section. (Appendix 12) an image forming device capable of forming an image on a sheet; A post-processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 11; An image forming system comprising: (Appendix 13) the image forming apparatus is capable of discharging a sheet on which an image has been formed, and has an internal space formed therein from which the discharged sheet can be taken out; 13. The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein the post-processing device is installed in the internal space of the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0044] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-96392

Claims

1. a sheet bundle insertion section into which a sheet bundle formed by stacking a plurality of sheets is inserted; a movable sheet stacking section having a sheet stacking surface on which the sheet stack can be placed and which is insertable into and detachable from the sheet stack inserting section; a binding device that performs a binding process on the sheet bundle placed on the movable sheet stacking section inside the sheet bundle insertion section; A post-processing device comprising:

2. When performing binding processing on a small-sized sheet bundle that fits on the loading surface, the small-sized sheet bundle is loaded on the movable loading section that has been pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section, and then the binding device performs binding processing on the sheet bundle loaded on the movable loading section with the movable loading section inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section; The post-processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that when binding a large sheet bundle that does not fit on the loading surface, the movable loading section is pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section, the large sheet bundle is placed on the movable loading section, and the binding device performs binding on the sheet bundle placed on the movable loading section.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that the movable loading section includes a first abutment section against which one side end face of the small-sized sheet stack or the large-sized sheet stack abuts, and a retractable second abutment section against which an end face perpendicular to the one side end face of the small-sized sheet stack abuts.

4. the movable mounting portion has a notch formed at a position corresponding to a corner of the sheet bundle insertion portion when the movable mounting portion is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion portion, 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the binding device performs binding processing at a position corresponding to the notch of the movable loading section when the binding device is inserted into the sheet bundle insertion section.

5. 5. The post-processing device according to claim 4, wherein the movable loading section includes an opening / closing member that moves the notch from an open position to a closed position when the movable loading section is pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section.

6. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the movable loading section has a mark or a depression formed on the loading surface to indicate a position where the sheet stack should be loaded.

7. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the movable placement section has a movably disposed pressing member for pressing down the sheet stack placed on the placement surface from above.

8. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the interior of the sheet insertion portion is not exposed when the movable loading portion is inserted into the sheet stack insertion portion.

9. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein when it is detected that the movable loading section on which a sheet stack is placed is inserted into the sheet stack insertion section, the binding device automatically operates to perform binding processing on the sheet stack.

10. a limiting mechanism for limiting a range in which the movable sheet stacking section is pulled out from the sheet stack insertion section; a release mechanism capable of releasing the restriction imposed by the restriction mechanism; 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, further comprising:

11. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the movable placement section includes a storage tray that can expand the area of ​​the placement surface when the tray is pulled out from the sheet bundle insertion section.

12. an image forming device capable of forming an image on a sheet; a post-processing device according to claim 1 or 2; An image forming system comprising:

13. the image forming apparatus is capable of discharging a sheet on which an image has been formed, and has an internal space formed therein from which the discharged sheet can be taken out; 13. The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein the post-processing device is installed in the internal space of the image forming apparatus.

Images