Post-processing device and image forming device

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device and an image forming device capable of suppressing the occurrence of a stapler failure and damaging of a paper bundle when binding processing for the paper bundle fails.SOLUTION: The post-processing device comprises: a binder that performs binding processing for a paper bundle; a sound collector that inputs an operation sound of the binding processing by the binder; a determination unit that determines whether or not the operation sound input by the sound collector is normal; and a notification unit that performs notification of a failure of the binding processing when the determination unit determines that the operation sound is not normal.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art In a post-processing device that performs a binding process, a technique for manually performing the binding process by manual operation through manual insertion is already known.

[0003] As a device for performing such binding processing, a configuration has been disclosed in which, in order to prevent the occurrence of operations contrary to the user's intentions when performing binding processing by voice input, if there are setting items that have not been input by voice, the device determines whether or not to query the user depending on the combination of default values ​​of the setting items (for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional technologies have had the problem of causing stapler malfunction or damage to the paper stack if the paper stack is bound when it cannot be bound properly. Examples of situations where the paper stack cannot be bound properly include when the paper stack is not set properly or when a paper stack containing more than the maximum number of sheets that can be bound is set. When binding is performed when the paper stack is not set properly, staples may remain in the stapler, causing the stapler to malfunction if binding is performed with the staples remaining. Furthermore, when binding is performed when a paper stack containing more than the maximum number of sheets that can be bound is set, the staples do not penetrate the paper stack and stop midway, causing the stapler to lock the paper stack, causing damage to the paper stack when it is pulled out.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above, and aims to provide a post-processing device and an image forming device that can prevent stapler failure and damage to a stack of paper when the binding process for the stack of paper is faulty. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems and achieve the object, the present invention is characterized by comprising a binding device that performs a binding process on a stack of paper sheets, a sound collection device that inputs the operating sound of the binding process by the binding device, a judgment unit that judges whether the operating sound input by the sound collection device is normal or not, and a notification unit that notifies that the binding process is defective if the judgment unit judges that the operating sound is not normal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the stapler from breaking down and the paper stack from being damaged when the binding process for the paper stack is faulty. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a block configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the outline of the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the block configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a waveform of a sound when binding processing is performed by a stapler. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where binding processing is performed when a sheet bundle is not properly set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when binding processing is performed in a state where a paper stack is not correctly set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state in which binding processing is performed in a state in which a stack of sheets exceeding the maximum number of sheets that can be bound is set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when binding processing is performed in a state where a paper stack exceeding the maximum number of sheets that can be bound is set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation when binding processing is performed in a state where a stack of sheets exceeding the maximum number of sheets that can be bound is set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 20]FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the third embodiment. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 24] FIG. 24 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to a modified example of the fourth embodiment.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of a post-processing device and an image forming device according to the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that would be easily conceived by a person skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are within the scope of what is called equivalents. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions, modifications, and combinations of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

[0010] [First embodiment] (Overall configuration and block configuration of image forming apparatus) FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of an outline of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing another example of an outline of the overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing another example of a block configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The overall configuration and block configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4.

[0011] 1 is an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) that forms an image on paper by electrophotography or the like. Note that an MFP is an image forming apparatus that has at least two of the following functions: copy function, printer function, scanner function, and fax function. The image forming apparatus 1 has an inner finisher 10 (an example of a post-processing device) and an imaging device 30.

[0012] The inner finisher 10 is a device that performs post-processing such as binding using a stapler. As shown in FIG. 2, the inner finisher 10 has a control unit 101 and a processing unit 102. In FIG. 2, the flow of paper is indicated by dashed lines, and the flow of communication signals is indicated by solid lines. The control unit 101 corresponds to the "determination unit," "notification unit," and "control unit" of the present invention.

[0013] The control unit 101 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the inner finisher 10. The control unit 101 operates in accordance with instructions from a control unit 301 (described later) via a communication line 310.

[0014] The processing unit 102 is a functional unit that performs predetermined post-processing on the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming device 30 under the control of the control unit 101 .

[0015] The image forming device 30 is a device that forms an image by an electrophotographic method or the like on paper fed from a paper feed unit 304 (described later). As shown in FIG. 2 , the image forming device 30 has a control unit 301, an operation unit 302, a display unit 303 (display device), a paper feed unit 304, an image forming unit 305, and a fixing unit 306.

[0016] The control unit 301 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the image forming device 30. The control unit 301 performs data communication with the control unit 101 of the inner finisher 10 via a communication line 310. The control unit 301 exchanges information such as information about the mode, paper size, and timing with the control unit 101.

[0017] The operation unit 302 is a functional unit that allows the user to switch modes and set the number of copies, etc.

[0018] The display unit 303 is a device that displays the status of various devices and a screen that notifies the user of the operation.

[0019] The paper feed unit 304 is a device that stores paper sheets and separates and feeds the sheets one by one. The paper sheets separated and fed by the paper feed unit 304 are transported to the image forming unit 305.

[0020] The image forming unit 305 is a device that forms an image by forming a latent image on a photosensitive member (not shown) and transferring the image to a sheet of paper. The sheet of paper onto which the image has been transferred by the image forming unit 305 is transported to the fixing unit 306.

[0021] The fixing unit 306 is a device that fixes the image transferred onto the paper. The paper on which the image has been fixed by the fixing unit 306 is transported to the processing unit 102 of the inner finisher 10.

[0022] The configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 . For example, as shown in FIG. 3 , the image forming apparatus 1 may further include an optional device 20 connected to the inner finisher 10. The optional device 20 is a device that performs processes such as punching on sheets of paper on which an image has been formed by the imaging device 30. The optional device 20 is an optional device that a user can purchase and install. As shown in FIG. 4 , the optional device 20 includes a control unit 201 and a processing unit 202. The control unit 201 is a functional unit that controls the operation of the optional device 20. The control unit 201 operates in response to instructions from the control unit 101 via the communication line 110. The processing unit 202 is a device that performs processes such as punching on sheets of paper on which an image has been formed by the imaging device 30 (sheets of paper transported from the fixing unit 306). The sheets of paper processed by the processing unit 202 are transported to the processing unit 102 of the inner finisher 10. In the following description, the image forming apparatus 1 will be described as having the configuration shown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0023] (Inner finisher configuration) Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The configuration of the inner finisher 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that Fig. 5(a) is a top view of the inner finisher 10, and Fig. 5(b) is a front view of the inner finisher 10.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 5, the inner finisher 10 includes an entrance roller 51, a return roller 54, a tapping roller 55, a paper discharge roller 56, a reference fence 58, a stapler 59 (binding device), a paper discharge tray 60, a jogger fence 62, a staple slit 63, a start button 64, an exterior 65, a conveying direction stopper 65a, a width direction stopper 65b, and a microphone 67 (sound collection device).

[0025] The entrance roller 51 is the most upstream roller of the inner finisher 10. The return roller 54 is a roller for transporting the paper toward the reference fence 58 and abutting it against the reference fence 58. The striking roller 55 is a roller for transporting the paper toward the reference fence 58. The discharge roller 56 is the most downstream roller of the inner finisher 10.

[0026] The reference fence 58 is a fence against which the rear end of the paper is abutted when binding or the like is performed, and which aligns the conveying direction.

[0027] The stapler 59 is a device that performs a binding process by piercing a stack of paper sheets with staples to bind them together.

[0028] The paper discharge tray 60 is a tray for discharging paper. The jogger fence 62 is a fence that pinches the paper to align it in the width direction.

[0029] The staple slit 63 is an opening provided in the exterior 65 for inserting a stack of paper sheets and setting the stack of paper sheets in the opening of the stapler 59 .

[0030] The start button 64 is a button for causing the sheet stack set in the staple slit 63 to be bound by the stapler 19 .

[0031] The exterior 65 is the exterior of the front side of the inner finisher 10. The transport direction stopper 65a is a member that abuts in the transport direction when a stack of paper is set in the staple slit 63. The width direction stopper 65b is a member that abuts in the width direction when a stack of paper is set in the staple slit 63.

[0032] The microphone 67 is a sound collection device that collects sounds such as voices for performing a binding process on a stack of paper sheets set in the staple slits 63. The microphone 67 is disposed on the exterior 65 of the inner finisher 10 so that it can easily collect the user's voice. The location of the microphone 67 is not limited to the location shown in FIG. 5 , and it may be disposed anywhere on the inner finisher 10 as long as it is attached to the inner finisher 10. The shape of the microphone 67 is not limited to the circular shape shown in FIG. 5 , and may be, for example, an oval shape. Because the binding process can be performed by the stapler 59 by voice input through the microphone 67, even a physically disabled person or a person with both hands full can perform the binding process at any time by speaking into the microphone 67.

[0033] (Hardware configuration of image forming device) 6 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0034] 6, the image forming device 30 has a control unit 301, an operation unit 302, a display unit 303, a paper feed unit 304, an image forming unit 305, a fixing unit 306, an I / F 602, and an I / F 603. The control unit 301, the operation unit 302, the display unit 303, the paper feed unit 304, the image forming unit 305, and the fixing unit 306 are as described above.

[0035] The I / F 602 is an interface circuit for communication between the control unit 301 and each of the operation unit 302, display unit 303, paper feed unit 304, image forming unit 305, and fixing unit 306.

[0036] The I / F 603 is an interface circuit for the control unit 301 to communicate with the CPU 501 of the inner finisher 10 via the communication line 310 .

[0037] 6, the inner finisher 10 has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, an I / F 502, an I / F 503, a conveyance motor 511, a paper discharge motor 512, a binding motor 513, a start button 64, a microphone 67, and a speaker 514. The start button 64 and the microphone 67 are as described above. Furthermore, the inner finisher 10 is an optional device like the optional device 20 described above, and is therefore a unit that can be attached and detached via the I / F 503.

[0038] The CPU 501 is a calculation device that controls the operation of the inner finisher 10. The CPU 501 corresponds to the control unit 101 shown in Fig. 2. The voice recognition unit 551 shown in Fig. 6 is realized by the CPU 501 executing a program, and is a functional unit that performs voice recognition processing on voice input through the microphone 67.

[0039] The I / F 502 is an interface circuit for communication between the CPU 501 and the transport motor 511, the paper discharge motor 512, the binding motor 513, the start button 64, the microphone 67, and the speaker 514, respectively.

[0040] The I / F 503 is an interface circuit that enables the CPU 501 to communicate with the control unit 301 of the image forming device 30 via the communication line 310 .

[0041] The conveying motor 511 is a motor that controls the rotation of the inlet rollers 51 under the control of the CPU 501. The paper discharge motor 512 is a motor that controls the rotation of the paper discharge rollers 56 under the control of the CPU 501.

[0042] The binding motor 513 is a motor for performing the binding operation by the stapler 59 under the control of the CPU 501.

[0043] The speaker 514 is a device that outputs voice or sound under the control of the CPU 501. Here, voice refers to words uttered by the user or the speaker 514, etc., and sound refers to sounds other than words produced by the user or the speaker 514, etc.

[0044] (Manual binding process flow of the inner finisher of the image forming device) FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing in the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a sound waveform when binding processing is performed by a stapler. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where binding processing is performed when a stack of sheets is not properly set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when binding processing is performed when a stack of sheets is not properly set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a state where binding processing is performed when a stack of sheets exceeding the maximum number of sheets to be bound is set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a screen displayed when binding processing is performed when a stack of sheets exceeding the maximum number of sheets to be bound is set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram explaining the operation when binding processing is performed when a stack of sheets exceeding the maximum number of sheets to be bound is set in the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. The flow of manual binding processing in the inner finisher 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 13.

[0045] <Step S11> The voice recognition unit 551 of the CPU 501 uses voice recognition processing to detect whether the voice of the user 40 input via the microphone 67 is a preset voice such as "standby mode" by the user 40 or a sound indicating specific content. If it is the voice or sound (step S11: Yes), the process proceeds to step S12, and if it is not the voice or sound (step S11: No), the process continues to step S11.

[0046] <Step S12> The CPU 501 transitions to a standby state (preparation state) in which the stapler 59 can execute the binding process in response to the start button 64 or the microphone 67. This prevents the stapler 59 from executing the binding process by pressing the start button 64 or inputting a voice signal to the microphone 67 for executing the binding process by the stapler 59 before the transition to the standby state, thereby preventing defective stapling. Note that the condition for transitioning to the standby state is not limited to the voice signal input via the microphone 67 as described above, and may be, for example, detection of a sound of a stack of sheets hitting the transport direction stopper 65a or the width direction stopper 65b when the stack of sheets is set in the staple slit 63. Then, the process transitions to step S13.

[0047] <Step S13> The CPU 501 causes the speaker 514 to issue an audio notification that it is possible to perform binding processing using the stapler 59. This prompts the user 40 to place the stack of sheets in the staple slit 63. The notification may be an audio announcement or may be output of a beep sound, etc. Then, the process proceeds to step S14.

[0048] <Step S14> The CPU 501 determines whether or not the start button 64 has been pressed by the user 40. If the start button 64 has been pressed (step S14: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17, and if the start button 64 has not been pressed (step S14: No), the process proceeds to step S15.

[0049] <Step S15> The voice recognition unit 551 determines, through voice recognition processing, whether the voice of the user 40 input through the microphone 67 is a voice for starting the binding process by the stapler 59. If it is a voice for starting the binding process (step S15: Yes), the process proceeds to step S17, and if it is not a voice for starting the binding process (step S15: No), the process proceeds to step S16.

[0050] <Step S16> The CPU 501 determines whether a predetermined time (for example, 10 seconds) has elapsed without the start button 64 being pressed and without any voice input to the microphone 67 to start the binding process. If the predetermined time has not elapsed (step S16: No), the process returns to step S14, and if the predetermined time has elapsed (step S16: Yes), the process proceeds to step S20. As will be described later, in step S20, the standby state is cancelled. This makes it possible to prevent the binding process from being unintentionally executed if the user 40 sets a stack of paper but does not execute the binding process, and then removes the stack of paper and walks away.

[0051] <Step S17> CPU 501 causes stapler 59 to perform binding processing on the stack of sheets set in staple slit 63. Then, the process proceeds to step S18.

[0052] <Step S18> CPU 501 inputs the operation sound generated during the binding process by stapler 59 into microphone 67. Then, CPU 501 determines whether the operation sound input into microphone 67 is normal or not. If the operation sound is normal (step S17: Yes), the process proceeds to step S20, and if the operation sound is abnormal (step S17: No), the process proceeds to step S19.

[0053] Examples of operation sounds are shown in FIG. 8. FIG. 8(a) shows the waveform of a normal operation sound during binding processing, FIG. 8(b) shows the waveform of an abnormal operation sound when binding processing is performed when a stack of sheets is not properly set, and FIG. 8(c) shows the waveform of an abnormal operation sound when binding processing is performed on a stack of sheets exceeding the maximum number of sheets to be bound. For example, the CPU 501 (voice recognition unit 551) can determine whether the operation sound input by the microphone 67 is normal by comparing the waveform of the operation sound input by the microphone 67 with a pre-stored waveform of a normal operation sound such as that shown in FIG. 8(a) through voice recognition processing. Furthermore, the CPU 501 (voice recognition unit 551) may pre-store waveform information of abnormal operation sounds such as those shown in FIGS. 8(b) and 8(c) and determine the type of abnormal operation sound by comparing the waveform with these waveforms.

[0054] <Step S19> The CPU 501 notifies the user 40 via the control unit 301 by causing the display unit 303 to display a message indicating that the operation sound is abnormal (that the binding process of the stapler 59 is faulty).

[0055] For example, FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which the user 40 sets the stack of paper P in the staple slit 63 with its leading edge bent and then performs the binding process using the stapler 59. If the stack of paper P is bound with its leading edge bent as shown in FIG. 9 , or if the stack of paper is pulled out during the binding process, staples remain in the stapler 59. In this case, the CPU 501 determines that the operation sound input to the microphone 67 is abnormal and further determines that the operation sound is an operation sound that occurs when the stack of paper P is bound when it is not properly set, and causes the display unit 303 to display an error notification screen 1000 indicating this, as shown in FIG. 10 . The error notification screen 1000, as shown in FIG. 10 , is a screen that prompts the user 40 to remove the staples from the stapler 59. Performing the binding process with the staples still remaining in the stapler 59 can cause the stapler 59 to malfunction. Therefore, the notification, such as the display of the error notification screen 1000, allows the user 40 to remove the staples remaining in the stapler 59 and prevent the stapler 59 from malfunctioning.

[0056] In addition, the binding process by the stapler 59 is not limited to a binding process with a staple, but may be a binding process without a staple, and similarly, the CPU 501 may notify that the binding process has been performed when there is no stack of paper P.

[0057] 11 shows a state in which stapler 59 has performed a binding process on a stack of sheets P that exceeds the maximum number of sheets to be bound. In particular, FIG. 11(a) shows a state in which stapler 59 has performed a binding process on a stack of sheets P that exceeds the maximum number of sheets to be bound, FIG. 11(b) shows a state in which the tip of staple 76, which has been used to perform a binding process on a stack of sheets P that exceeds the maximum number of sheets to be bound, protrudes from the stack of sheets P, and FIG. 11(c) shows a state in which staple 76, which has been used to perform a binding process on a stack of sheets P that exceeds the maximum number of sheets to be bound, stops midway without penetrating. In this case, CPU 501 determines that the operation sound input to microphone 67 is abnormal, and further determines that the operation sound is an operation sound when a binding process is performed on a stack of sheets P that exceeds the maximum number of sheets to be bound, that is, an operation sound when staple 76 does not properly penetrate the stack of sheets P, and causes display unit 303 to display an error notification screen 1100 to that effect, as shown in FIG. 12. 12, the error notification screen 1100 is a screen that displays a message urging the user to perform a binding process on the paper stack with an appropriate number of sheets. At this time, the stapler 59 locks the paper stack P, which may cause damage to the paper stack P when the paper stack P is pulled out. However, the user 40 can be notified of the state by displaying the error notification screen 1100, and damage to the paper stack P can be avoided.

[0058] In this way, the CPU 501 causes the display unit 303 to display content according to the type of operation sound input to the microphone 67 that has been determined.

[0059] The binding process by the stapler 59 is not limited to a process using staples, but may be a process without staples. Similarly, the CPU 501 may notify that a binding process has been performed on a stack of paper P that exceeds the maximum number of sheets that can be bound.

[0060] 13(a) shows a state in which stapler 59 locks paper stack P when stapler 59 performs binding processing on paper stack P exceeding the maximum number of sheets to be stapled as shown in FIG. 11 above. As shown in FIG. 13(a), stapler 59 has a stapler 81, a cam 82, a pulley 84a, a pulley 84b, a rotating shaft 85, a belt 86, and a rotating shaft 87.

[0061] The staple ejection unit 81 is a member that rotates about a rotation shaft 87 to prick staples into the sandwiched paper stack P. The cam 82 is a cam member that rotates about a rotation shaft 85 as a result of the pulley 84b being rotated by the belt 86, and that can push up the staple ejection unit 81. The pulley 84a is a pulley that rotates as a result of the rotation drive of the binding motor 513. The belt 86 is stretched between the pulley 84a and the pulley 84b, and the pulley 84b is rotated via the belt 86 as a result of the rotation of the pulley 84a due to the rotation drive of the binding motor 513. The rotation shaft 85 is the rotation shaft of the cam 82. The belt 86 is a belt member that is stretched between the pulleys 84a and 84b. The rotation shaft 87 is the rotation shaft when the staple ejection unit 81 is driven to sandwich paper.

[0062] As described above, when the CPU 501 determines that the operation sound input to the microphone 67 is abnormal and determines that the operation sound is the operation sound produced when binding a sheet stack P exceeding the maximum number of sheets to be bound, the CPU 501 reverses the rotation of the binding motor 513 to reversely rotate the cam 82 and move the stapler 81 upward (to the home position), as shown in Fig. 13(b). This allows the stapler 59 to release the state in which the sheet stack P is locked, thereby preventing damage to the sheet stack P that would otherwise occur if the sheet stack P were pulled out in the locked state.

[0063] After the above series of operations in step S19 is completed, the process proceeds to step S20.

[0064] <Step S20> The CPU 501 cancels the standby state, thereby preventing the same sheet stack P from being bound consecutively when the sheet stack P remains in the staple slit 63.

[0065] The operations of steps S1 to S20 described above are repeatedly executed.

[0066] As described above, in the inner finisher 10 of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment, the stapler 59 binds a stack of sheets, the microphone 67 inputs the operating sound of the binding process by the stapler 59, the CPU 501 determines whether the operating sound input by the microphone 67 is normal or not, and if it determines that the operating sound is not normal, it notifies the user that the binding process is faulty. This makes it possible to prevent the stapler 59 from breaking down and the stack of sheets from being damaged when the binding process for the stack of sheets is faulty.

[0067] [Second embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. In this embodiment, a configuration including a sensor that detects the stack of sheets P set in the staple slit 63 will be described. The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0068] (Inner finisher configuration) Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The configuration of the inner finisher 10a of the image forming apparatus 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Note that Fig. 14(a) is a top view of the inner finisher 10a, and Fig. 14(b) is a front view of the inner finisher 10a.

[0069] 14, the inner finisher 10a (an example of a post-processing device) includes an entrance roller 51, a return roller 54, a tapping roller 55, a paper discharge roller 56, a reference fence 58, a stapler 59, a paper discharge tray 60, a jogger fence 62, a staple slit 63, a start button 64, an exterior 65, a transport direction stopper 65a, a width direction stopper 65b, a microphone 67, and a paper stack detection sensor 68 (first detection unit). Note that the configuration other than the paper stack detection sensor 68 is the same as that of the inner finisher 10 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0070] The paper stack detection sensor 68 is a sensor that detects the paper stack P set in the staple slit 63.

[0071] (Hardware configuration of image forming device) 15 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 15, image forming apparatus 1a has inner finisher 10a and imaging device 30. The configuration of imaging device 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment described above. As shown in FIG. 15, inner finisher 10a has CPU 501, I / F 502, I / F 503, conveyance motor 511, paper discharge motor 512, binding motor 513, start button 64, microphone 67, speaker 514, and paper stack detection sensor 68 (first detection unit). The configuration other than paper stack detection sensor 68 is the same as that of inner finisher 10 according to the first embodiment described above.

[0073] A detection signal detected by the paper stack detection sensor 68 is sent to the CPU 501 via the I / F 502 .

[0074] (Manual binding process flow of the inner finisher of the image forming device) 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the second embodiment. The flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher 10a of the image forming apparatus 1a according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0075] <Step S21> The CPU 501 determines whether or not the paper stack P has been set in the staple slit 63 using the paper stack detection sensor 68. If the paper stack P has been set in the staple slit 63 (step S21: Yes), the CPU 501 proceeds to step S22, and if the paper stack P has not been set in the staple slit 63 (step S21: No), the CPU 501 continues the processing of step S21.

[0076] <Steps S22 to S25> The operations in steps S22 to S25 are the same as the operations in steps S12 to S15 in FIG. 7, respectively.

[0077] <Step S26> CPU 501 determines whether or not a stack of sheets P is set in staple slit 63 using paper stack detection sensor 68. If a stack of sheets P is set in staple slit 63 (step S26: Yes), the process returns to step S24, and if a stack of sheets P is not set in staple slit 63 (step S26: No), the process proceeds to step S31. As will be described later, in step S31, the standby state is cancelled. This makes it possible to prevent unintended execution of binding processing when user 40 sets a stack of sheets but does not execute binding processing, and then user 40 removes the stack of sheets and walks away.

[0078] <Steps S27 to S29> The operations in steps S27 to S29 are the same as those in steps S17 to S19 in Fig. 7. After step S29 is completed, the process proceeds to step S30.

[0079] <Step S30> CPU 501 determines whether or not a stack of sheets P is set in staple slit 63 using sheet stack detection sensor 68. If the stack of sheets P has been removed from staple slit 63 (step S30: No), the process proceeds to step S31, and if the stack of sheets P remains set in staple slit 63 (step S30: Yes), the process continues to step S30. Note that if start button 64 is pressed or a voice command to start the binding process is input to microphone 67 while the stack of sheets P remains set, CPU 501 may notify the user that the binding process cannot be performed by displaying a message on display unit 303 or outputting a message from speaker 514.

[0080] <Step S31> The CPU 501 cancels the standby state, thereby preventing the same sheet stack P from being bound consecutively when the sheet stack P remains in the staple slit 63.

[0081] The operations of steps S21 to S31 are repeatedly executed.

[0082] As described above, in the inner finisher 10a of the image forming apparatus 1a according to this embodiment, the paper stack detection sensor 68 detects a paper stack set in the stapler 59, and when the CPU 501 detects a paper stack by the paper stack detection sensor 68, the stapler 59 transitions to a standby state in which binding processing is possible, and when, in the standby state, a voice is input to the microphone 67 to start the binding processing, or when the start button 64 to start the binding processing is operated, the stapler 59 performs the binding processing. This makes it possible to prevent the binding processing from being performed when a paper stack is not set in the stapler 59.

[0083] [Third embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the operation of changing the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 toward the direction of the user will be described. The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0084] (Inner finisher configuration) Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. Fig. 18 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The configuration of the inner finisher 10b of an image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 17 and 18. Fig. 17(a) is a top view of the inner finisher 10b, and Fig. 17(b) is a front view of the inner finisher 10b.

[0085] As shown in FIG. 17, inner finisher 10b (an example of a post-processing device) includes inlet rollers 51, return rollers 54, tapping rollers 55, discharge rollers 56, reference fence 58, stapler 59, discharge tray 60, jogger fence 62, staple slits 63, start button 64, exterior casing 65, transport direction stopper 65a, width direction stopper 65b, microphone 67, paper stack detection sensor 68 (first detection unit), motion sensors 69a and 69b, rotary motor 70, and belt 71. The configuration other than microphone 67, motion sensors 69a and 69b, rotary motor 70, and belt 71 is the same as that of inner finisher 10a according to the second embodiment. Motion sensors 69a and 69b are examples of the "second detection unit" of the present invention.

[0086] The human presence sensor 69a is a sensor for detecting a person present in front of the inner finisher 10b. The human presence sensor 69b is a sensor for detecting a person present on the side of the inner finisher 10b. The human presence sensors 69a and 69b are infrared sensors that detect the presence or absence of a person by detecting infrared rays emitted by a person, ultrasonic sensors, camera sensors that detect the presence or absence of a person by captured images, or the like.

[0087] 17, the positions of the motion sensors 69a and 69b are not limited to those shown in FIG. 17, and they may be located anywhere as long as they can detect a user. Furthermore, the number of motion sensors is not limited to two or more, as in the case of motion sensors 69a and 69b. For example, if only motion sensor 69a is installed, when motion sensor 69a detects motion, microphone 67 may rotate so that its sound collection direction faces the front of inner finisher 10b, and when motion sensor 69a does not detect motion, microphone 67 may rotate so that its sound collection direction faces the paper discharge direction of inner finisher 10b.

[0088] The rotary motor 70 is a motor for rotating the microphone 67 left and right via a belt 71 to change the sound collection direction of the microphone 67. The belt 71 is a belt that is stretched over the rotary shaft of the rotary motor 70 and the rotary shaft 67a of the microphone 67.

[0089] The microphone 67 changes its sound collection direction by rotating left and right around the rotation axis 67a within the space 72 as a result of the rotation drive of the rotary motor 70. In FIG. 18(a), the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 faces away from the direction in which the user 40 is located. Here, when the user 40 places the stack of sheets P in the staple slit 63 and the human presence sensor 69a detects the user 40 positioned in front of the inner finisher 10b, as shown in FIG. 18(b), the microphone 67 rotates around the rotation axis 67a and changes its sound collection direction toward the direction in which the user 40 is located. This enables the microphone 67 to more easily collect the voice uttered by the user 40.

[0090] (Hardware configuration of image forming device) 19 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 19, image forming apparatus 1b includes inner finisher 10b and imaging device 30. The configuration of imaging device 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 19, inner finisher 10b includes CPU 501, I / F 502, I / F 503, conveyance motor 511, paper discharge motor 512, binding motor 513, start button 64, microphone 67, speaker 514, paper stack detection sensor 68 (first detection unit), human presence sensor 69a, human presence sensor 69b, and rotation motor 70. The configuration other than human presence sensor 69a, human presence sensor 69b, and rotation motor 70 is the same as that of inner finisher 10a according to the second embodiment. Human presence sensors 69a and 69b are examples of the "second detection unit" of the present invention.

[0092] The detection signals detected by the human sensors 69a and 69b are transmitted to the CPU 501 via the I / F 502. The CPU 501 also controls the rotation of the rotary motor 70 via the I / F 502.

[0093] (Manual binding process flow of the inner finisher of the image forming device) 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the third embodiment. The flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher 10b of the image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0094] <Step S41> The CPU 501 determines whether or not a stack of sheets P has been set in the staple slit 63 using the sheet stack detection sensor 68. If the stack of sheets P has been set in the staple slit 63 (step S41: Yes), the CPU 501 proceeds to step S42, and if the stack of sheets P has not been set in the staple slit 63 (step S41: No), the CPU 501 continues the processing of step S41.

[0095] <Step S42> The CPU 501 turns on the detection operations of the human sensors 69a and 69b (enabled), and then proceeds to step S43.

[0096] <Step S43> Then, CPU 501 determines whether or not a person (user) is present around image forming apparatus 1b using human presence sensors 69a and 69b. If a person (user 40 in this case) is present (step S43: Yes), CPU 501 proceeds to step S44, and if no person is present (step S43: No), CPU 501 continues the process of step S43.

[0097] <Step S44> The CPU 501 rotates the microphone 67 using the rotary motor 70 so that the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 is in the direction of the user 40 detected by the motion sensor 69a or the motion sensor 69b. For example, when the user 40 is detected by the motion sensor 69a, the CPU 501 rotates the microphone 67 so that the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 is in the front direction, and when the user 40 is detected by the motion sensor 69b, the CPU 501 rotates the microphone 67 so that the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 is in the side direction (the detection direction of the motion sensor 69b). Then, the process proceeds to step S45.

[0098] <Steps S45 to S54> The operations in steps S45 to S54 are the same as the operations in steps S22 to S31 in FIG. 16, respectively.

[0099] The operations of steps S41 to S54 are repeatedly executed.

[0100] As described above, in the inner finisher 10b of the image forming apparatus 1b according to this embodiment, the motion sensors 69a and 69b detect a person, and the CPU 501 changes the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 according to the detection state of the motion sensors 69a and 69b. This allows the microphone 67 to more easily collect the voice of the user 40.

[0101] (Modification of the third embodiment) The following describes an image forming apparatus according to a modification of the third embodiment, focusing on differences from the image forming apparatus 1b according to the third embodiment. In this modification, an operation for effectively collecting the operating noise generated during the binding process by the stapler 59 will be described. The overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this modification, as well as the configuration of the inner finisher, are the same as those described in the third embodiment.

[0102] 21 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of embodiment 3. With reference to FIG. 21, the operation of inner finisher 10c (an example of a post-processing device) of an image forming apparatus according to this modified example (referred to here as image forming apparatus 1c) will be described.

[0103] 21, immediately before the stapler 59 performs the binding process, the microphone 67 rotates around the rotation axis 67a and changes the sound collection direction toward the stapler 59. This allows the microphone 67 to more easily collect the operating sound of the stapler 59 performing the binding process.

[0104] 22 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of embodiment 3. The flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher 10c of the image forming apparatus 1c according to this modified example will be described with reference to FIG.

[0105] <Steps S61 to S69> The operations of steps S61 to S69 are the same as the operations of steps S41 to S49 in Fig. 20. If the start button 64 is pressed in step S67 (step S67: Yes), the process proceeds to step S70. Also, if a voice to start the binding process is input into the microphone 67 in step S68 (step S68: Yes), the process proceeds to step S70.

[0106] <Step S70> CPU 501 rotates microphone 67 using rotary motor 70 so that the sound collection direction of microphone 67 is in the direction in which stapler 59 is disposed. This allows microphone 67 to more easily collect the operating sound of the binding process of stapler 59, thereby improving the accuracy of the voice recognition process by voice recognition unit 551. Then, the process proceeds to step S71.

[0107] <Steps S71 to S75> The operations in steps S71 to S75 are the same as the operations in steps S50 to S54 in FIG. 20 described above.

[0108] The operations of steps S61 to S75 are repeatedly executed.

[0109] As described above, in the inner finisher 10c of the image forming apparatus 1c according to this modified example, before the binding process is started, the CPU 501 changes the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 to the direction in which the stapler 59 is disposed. This allows the microphone 67 to more easily collect the operating sound of the binding process of the stapler 59, thereby improving the accuracy of the voice recognition process by the voice recognition unit 551.

[0110] [Fourth embodiment] The image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment will be described, focusing on the differences from the image forming apparatus 1a according to the second embodiment. In this embodiment, the operation of changing the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 by moving the microphone 67 along a guide member will be described. The overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is the same as the configuration described in the first embodiment.

[0111] (Inner finisher configuration) Fig. 23 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of an inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 24 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The configuration of an inner finisher 10d of an image forming apparatus 1d according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 23 and 24. Fig. 23(a) is a top view of the inner finisher 10d, and Fig. 23(b) is a front view of the inner finisher 10d.

[0112] As shown in FIG. 23, inner finisher 10d (an example of a post-processing device) includes inlet rollers 51, return rollers 54, tapping rollers 55, discharge rollers 56, reference fence 58, stapler 59, discharge tray 60, jogger fence 62, staple slits 63, start button 64, exterior casing 65, transport direction stopper 65a, width direction stopper 65b, microphone 67, paper stack detection sensor 68 (first detection unit), motion sensors 69a, 69b, movement motor 73, belt 74, and guide member 75. The configuration other than microphone 67, motion sensors 69a, 69b, movement motor 73, belt 74, and guide member 75 is the same as that of inner finisher 10a according to the second embodiment. Motion sensors 69a and 69b are examples of the "second detection unit" of the present invention.

[0113] The human presence sensor 69a is a sensor for detecting a person present in front of the inner finisher 10d. The human presence sensor 69b is a sensor for detecting a person present on the side of the inner finisher 10d. The human presence sensors 69a and 69b are infrared sensors that detect the presence or absence of a person by detecting infrared rays emitted by a person, ultrasonic sensors, or camera sensors that detect the presence or absence of a person by captured images.

[0114] 23, the positions of the motion sensors 69a and 69b are not limited to those shown in FIG. 23, and they may be located anywhere as long as they can detect a user. Furthermore, the number of motion sensors is not limited to two or more, as in the case of motion sensors 69a and 69b. For example, if only motion sensor 69a is installed, the microphone 67 may move so that its sound collection direction is in front of the inner finisher 10d when motion sensor 69a detects motion, and may move so that its sound collection direction is in the paper discharge direction of the inner finisher 10d when motion sensor 69a does not detect motion.

[0115] The movement motor 73 is a motor that moves the microphone 67 along a guide member 75 via a belt 74 to change the sound collection direction of the microphone 67. The belt 74 is a belt that is stretched over the rotation shaft of the movement motor 73 and the rotation shaft 67a of the microphone 67. The guide member 75 is a guide member that is configured with a portion that extends in the front-rear direction and a portion that extends in the left-right direction, for example, as shown in FIG. 23(a).

[0116] The microphone 67 changes its sound collection direction by moving the rotation shaft 67a along the guide member 75 and rotating about the rotation shaft 67a as the movement motor 73 is driven to rotate. In FIG. 24(a), the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 faces away from the direction in which the user 40 is located. Here, when the user 40 sets the stack of sheets P in the staple slit 63 and the human presence sensor 69a detects the user 40 positioned in front of the inner finisher 10d, as shown in FIG. 24(b), the microphone 67 moves along the guide member 75 and rotates about the rotation shaft 67a, changing its sound collection direction toward the direction in which the user 40 is located. This enables the microphone 67 to more easily collect the voice of the user 40.

[0117] (Hardware configuration of image forming device) 25 is a diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus 1d according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0118] As shown in FIG. 25, image forming apparatus 1d includes inner finisher 10d and imaging device 30. The configuration of imaging device 30 is the same as that of the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 25, inner finisher 10d includes CPU 501, I / F 502, I / F 503, conveyance motor 511, paper discharge motor 512, binding motor 513, start button 64, microphone 67, speaker 514, paper stack detection sensor 68 (first detection unit), human presence sensor 69a, human presence sensor 69b, and movement motor 73. The configuration other than human presence sensor 69a, human presence sensor 69b, and movement motor 73 is the same as that of inner finisher 10a according to the second embodiment. Human presence sensors 69a and 69b are examples of the "second detection unit" of the present invention.

[0119] The detection signals detected by the human sensors 69a and 69b are transmitted to the CPU 501 via the I / F 502. The CPU 501 also controls the rotational drive of the movement motor 73 via the I / F 502.

[0120] (Manual binding process flow of the inner finisher of the image forming device) 26 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher of the image forming apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. The flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher 10d of the image forming apparatus 1d according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0121] <Steps S81 to S83> The operations in steps S81 to S83 are the same as the operations in steps S41 to S43 in FIG. 20, respectively.

[0122] <Step S84> The CPU 501 moves and rotates the microphone 67 along the guide member 75 using the movement motor 73 so that the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 is in the direction of the user 40 detected by the motion sensor 69a or the motion sensor 69b. For example, when the user 40 is detected by the motion sensor 69a, the CPU 501 moves and rotates the microphone 67 so that the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 is in the front direction, and when the user 40 is detected by the motion sensor 69b, the CPU 501 moves and rotates the microphone 67 so that the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 is in the side direction (the detection direction of the motion sensor 69b). Then, the process proceeds to step S85.

[0123] <Steps S85 to S94> The operations in steps S85 to S94 are the same as the operations in steps S45 to S54 in FIG. 20, respectively.

[0124] The operations of steps S81 to S94 are repeatedly executed.

[0125] As described above, in the inner finisher 10d of the image forming apparatus 1d according to this embodiment, the motion sensors 69a and 69b detect a person, and the CPU 501 changes the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 using the movement motor 73 in accordance with the detection state of the motion sensors 69a and 69b. This allows the microphone 67 to more easily collect the voice of the user 40.

[0126] (Modification of the fourth embodiment) The following describes an image forming apparatus according to a modification of the fourth embodiment, focusing on differences from the image forming apparatus 1d according to the fourth embodiment. In this modification, an operation for effectively collecting the operating noise generated during the binding process by the stapler 59 will be described. The overall configuration and hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus according to this modification, as well as the configuration of the inner finisher, are the same as those described in the fourth embodiment.

[0127] 27 is a diagram illustrating the operation of an inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to a modified example of embodiment 4. With reference to FIG. 27, the operation of inner finisher 10e (an example of a post-processing device) of an image forming apparatus according to this modified example (referred to here as image forming apparatus 1e) will be described.

[0128] 27, immediately before the stapler 59 performs the binding process, the microphone 67 rotates around the rotation axis 67a at the end of the guide member 75, for example, and changes the sound collection direction toward the stapler 59. This allows the microphone 67 to more easily collect the operating sound of the stapler 59 performing the binding process.

[0129] 28 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual binding processing of an inner finisher of an image forming apparatus according to a modification of Embodiment 4. The flow of manual binding processing of the inner finisher 10e of an image forming apparatus 1e according to this modification will be described with reference to FIG.

[0130] <Steps S101 to S109> The operations of steps S101 to S109 are the same as the operations of steps S81 to S89 in Fig. 26. In step S107, if the start button 64 is pressed (step S107: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110. In step S108, if a voice to start the binding process is input to the microphone 67 (step S108: Yes), the process proceeds to step S110.

[0131] <Step S110> CPU 501 rotates microphone 67 around rotation axis 67a using movement motor 73 at the end of guide member 75, for example, to change the sound collection direction to the direction in which stapler 59 is disposed. This allows microphone 67 to more easily collect the operating sound of the binding process of stapler 59, thereby improving the accuracy of the voice recognition process by voice recognition unit 551. Then, the process proceeds to step S111.

[0132] <Steps S111 to S115> The operations in steps S111 to S115 are the same as the operations in steps S90 to S94 in FIG. 26, respectively.

[0133] The operations of steps S101 to S115 are repeatedly executed.

[0134] As described above, in the inner finisher 10e of the image forming apparatus 1e according to this modified example, before the binding process starts, the CPU 501 changes the sound collection direction of the microphone 67 to the direction in which the stapler 59 is disposed by the movement motor 73. This allows the microphone 67 to more easily collect the operating sound of the binding process of the stapler 59, and improves the accuracy of the voice recognition process by the voice recognition unit 551.

[0135] The aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> a binding device that performs binding processing on a stack of paper sheets; a sound collection device that inputs an operation sound of the binding process by the binding device; a determination unit that determines whether the operation sound input by the sound collection device is normal; a notification unit that notifies the user that the binding process is defective when the determination unit determines that the operation sound is not normal; The post-processing device is provided with: <2> When the determination unit determines that the operation sound is abnormal, the determination unit determines the type of the operation sound, the notification unit performs the notification by displaying on a display device content according to the type of the operation sound determined by the determination unit. <1> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <3> When the determining unit determines that the operation sound is a sound of the binding process when the sheet bundle is not properly set, the notifying unit displays on the display device a message urging the user to remove staples from the binding device. <2> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <4> When the determination unit determines that the operation sound is a sound of the binding process when a staple does not properly penetrate the paper stack, the notification unit displays on the display device a message urging the user to perform the binding process on the paper stack with an appropriate number of sheets. <2> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <5> a first detection unit that detects the sheet stack set in the binding device; a control unit that transitions to a preparation state in which the binding device can perform the binding process when the first detection unit detects the sheet stack; Furthermore, When the binding device is in the preparation state, if a voice is input to the sound collecting device to start the binding process, or if an operation is performed on an operating means to start the binding process, the binding device performs the binding process. <1> ~ <4> 10. The post-processing device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. <6> the control unit cancels the preparation state when the first detection unit no longer detects the paper stack in the preparation state, or when the first detection unit no longer detects the paper stack after the binding process is performed by the binding device. <5> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <7> When the determining unit determines that the operation sound is a sound of the binding process when a staple does not properly penetrate the paper stack, the binding device releases the bound state of the paper stack. <2> or <4> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <8> a second detection unit that detects a person; a control unit that changes the sound collection direction of the sound collection device according to the detection state of the second detection unit; The said further comprising <1> ~ <4> 10. The post-processing device according to claim 9, wherein the first and second electrodes are arranged parallel to each other. <9> The control unit changes the sound collection direction of the sound collection device to a direction in which the binding device is disposed before the binding process is started. <8> 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 . <10> an image forming device for forming an image on paper; The aforementioned <1> ~ <9> a post-treatment device according to any one of the preceding claims; The image forming apparatus has the above. [Explanation of symbols]

[0136] 1, 1a~1e Image forming device 10, 10a to 10e Inner finisher 20 Optional Equipment 30 Imaging device 40 users 51 Entrance Roller 54 Return roller 55 Hitting Roller 56 Paper ejection roller 58 Standard Fence 59 Stapler 60 Output tray 62 Jogger Fence 63 Staple slit 64 Start button 65 Exterior 65a Conveying direction stopper 65b Width direction stopper 67 Mike 67a Rotation axis 68 Paper stack detection sensor 69a, 69b Human presence sensor 70 rotation motor 71 Belt 72 Space 73 Travel Motor 74 Belt 75 Guide member 76 needles 81 Needle outlet 82 Cam 84a, 84b pulleys 85 Rotation axis 86 Belt 87 Rotational Axis 101 Control section 102 Processing section 110 Communication Line 201 Control Unit 202 Processing section 301 Control Unit 302 Operation section 303 Display section 304 Paper feed section 305 Image creation section 306 Fixing part 310 Communication Line 501 CPU 502, 503 I / F 511 Transport motor 512 Paper ejection motor 513 Binding motor 514 Speaker 551 Voice Recognition Unit 602, 603 I / F 1000, 1100 Error notification screen P Paper stack [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0137] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-031296

Claims

1. a binding device that performs binding processing on a stack of paper sheets; a sound collection device that inputs an operation sound of the binding process by the binding device; a determination unit that determines whether the operation sound input by the sound collection device is normal; a notification unit that notifies the user that the binding process is defective when the determination unit determines that the operation sound is not normal; A post-treatment device comprising:

2. When the determination unit determines that the operation sound is abnormal, the determination unit determines the type of the operation sound, The post-processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the notification unit performs the notification by causing a display device to display content corresponding to the type of the operation sound determined by the determination unit.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 2, wherein the notification unit displays on the display device a message urging the user to remove staples from the binding device when the judgment unit determines that the operating sound is the sound of the binding process when the stack of paper is not set properly.

4. The post-processing device described in claim 2, wherein the notification unit, when the judgment unit determines that the operating sound is the sound of the binding process when the needle does not properly penetrate the stack of paper, displays on the display device content encouraging the user to perform the binding process on the stack of paper with an appropriate number of sheets.

5. a first detection unit that detects the sheet stack set in the binding device; a control unit that transitions to a preparation state in which the binding device can perform the binding process when the first detection unit detects the sheet stack; Furthermore, A post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the binding device performs the binding process when, in the preparation state, voice is input to the sound collection device to start the binding process, or when an operation is performed on an operating means to start the binding process.

6. The post-processing device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit cancels the preparation state when the first detection unit no longer detects the stack of paper in the preparation state, or when the first detection unit no longer detects the stack of paper after the binding process is performed by the binding device.

7. The post-processing device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein the binding device releases the binding state of the stack of paper when the determination unit determines that the operating sound is the sound of the binding process when the needle does not properly penetrate the stack of paper.

8. a second detection unit that detects a person; a control unit that changes the sound collection direction of the sound collection device according to the detection state of the second detection unit; The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

9. The post-processing device according to claim 8 , wherein the control unit changes the sound collection direction of the sound collection device to a direction in which the binding device is disposed before the binding process is started.

10. an image forming device for forming an image on paper; A post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4; An image forming apparatus having the same.

Images