Paper processing system

Abstract

To prevent a bundle of paper sheets from sticking to stapleless binding means when the bundle of paper sheets is bound by the stapleless binding means in a paper processing system equipped with the stapleless binding means, compared to a case where no change is made to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time.SOLUTION: The paper processing system includes: a paper supply device that supplies paper; a paper binding device that performs a binding process on a stack of multiple sheets of paper supplied from the paper supply device; thickness acquisition means that acquires information about the thickness of the paper; environment measurement means that measures at least information about humidity; and control means that acquires information necessary for control and controls operation. The paper binding device has stapleless binding means that performs a stapleless binding process for crimping a portion of the stack of paper to bind it without using staples. The control means changes the operation of the stapleless binding means when the thickness in the acquired information is equal to or greater than a specific thickness and the humidity in the measured information is equal to or greater than a specific humidity.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to paper handling systems. [Background technology]

[0002] The following Patent Document 1 describes a recording material processing device that includes a first tooth, a second tooth, and a guide portion. The first tooth is used for binding a stack of recording materials. The second tooth moves toward the first tooth along a linear path and presses the stack of recording materials located between the first tooth and the second tooth. The guide portion is disposed along the linear path and guides the second tooth as it moves toward the first tooth.

[0003] The following Patent Document 2 describes a sheet processing apparatus that includes a pressing member and a pressing means. The pressing members are mating members having uneven surfaces. The pressing force applying means applies a pressing force to the pressing members to pressurize the sheet stack inserted between the pressing members in the thickness direction, thereby binding the sheet stack. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] JP 2021-70172 A (Claim 1, Figures 2-4) [Patent Document 2] JP 2014-19526 A (Claim 1, Figure 1) Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] To provide a paper processing system that can prevent a stack of paper from sticking to a stapleless binding means when the stack of paper is bound by the stapleless binding means, compared to when no change is made to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The first aspect of the present invention is a paper feeder for feeding paper; a paper binding device that performs a binding process to bind a stack of paper sheets that are stacked and supplied from the paper supply device; a thickness acquisition means for acquiring information about the thickness of the paper; an environmental measurement means for measuring at least information regarding humidity; a control means for acquiring information necessary for control and controlling the operation; Equipped with The paper binding device has a staple-free binding means for performing a staple-free binding process of pressing a part of the paper stack together to bind the paper stack without a staple, The control means is a paper processing system that makes changes to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time when the acquired information on thickness is equal to or greater than a specific thickness and the information on measured humidity is equal to or greater than a specific humidity.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is the paper processing system of the first aspect, the stapleless binding means has a first crimping tooth and a second crimping tooth that presses a portion of the paper stack against the first crimping tooth and moves back and forth to engage with the first crimping tooth, The control means is a sheet processing system that, at the specific time, changes the amount of pressure applied by the second crimping teeth when pressing to be lower than the amount of pressure applied in normal times other than the specific time.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is the paper processing system of the first aspect, a drying means for drying the paper or the paper stack; The control means is a paper processing system that, at the specified time, makes a change to add an operation of drying the paper or paper stack to be bound by the staple-free binding means using the drying means before performing the staple-free binding process using the staple-free binding means.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is the paper processing system of the first aspect, a display and selection means for displaying and selecting a first warning message including an option to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means; The control means is a paper processing system in which, at the specified time, the control means causes the display selection means to display the first warning message to prompt a selection operation, and, based on the results of the selection operation, makes changes to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is the paper processing system according to the second aspect, the stapleless binding means has a drive device that drives the second crimping teeth to move toward and away from the first crimping teeth, The control means is a paper processing system that, when making a change to reduce the amount of pressure, controls the operation of the drive device by changing the conditions so that the pressure applied when advancing the second crimping tooth of the drive device is weaker than the normal pressure force.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is a paper processing system according to the second aspect, the stapleless binding means has a drive device that drives the second crimping teeth to move toward and away from the first crimping teeth, The control means is a paper processing system that, when making a change to reduce the amount of pressure, controls the operation of the drive device by changing the conditions so that the amount of movement when advancing the second pressure tooth of the drive device is less than the amount of movement under normal conditions.

[0012] A seventh aspect of the present invention is a paper processing system according to the third aspect, The drying means is a paper handling system that applies heat or blows air onto the paper or paper stack.

[0013] An eighth aspect of the present invention is the paper processing system of the fourth aspect, The paper-sheet binding device has a staple-containing binding means for performing a staple-containing binding process for binding the paper-sheet stack with staples, the display selection means displays a second warning message including an option to change the stapleless binding process by the stapleless binding means to the staple-presence binding process by the staple-presence binding means; The control means is a paper processing system that, at the specified time, causes the display selection means to display the second warning message to prompt a selection operation, and makes changes to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means based on the results of the selection operation.

[0014] A ninth aspect of the present invention is a paper processing system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, The paper feeder is a paper handling system that is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper.

[0015] A tenth aspect of the present invention is the paper processing system of the ninth aspect, The paper binding device is a paper handling system configured to be incorporated as a part of the image forming apparatus.

[0016] An eleventh aspect of the present invention is the paper processing system of the tenth aspect, the image forming apparatus has a fixing unit for thermally fixing an image on a sheet of paper; the drying means also serves as the fixing means, The control means is a paper processing system that makes a change at the specific time to add the execution of an operation of passing the paper before an image is formed on it through the fixing means before performing the stapleless binding process using the stapleless binding means.

[0017] A twelfth aspect of the present invention is the paper processing system of the ninth aspect, The paper binding device is a paper processing system configured as a separate device that is used in connection with the image forming device.

[0018] A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is a paper processing system according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, The paper supply device is a paper processing system that is a device that at least supplies paper that requires binding processing. [Effects of the Invention]

[0019] According to the paper processing system of the first means, when a stack of paper is bound by the stapleless binding means, the stack of paper can be prevented from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time.

[0020] According to the paper processing system of the second means described above, it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means when binding without a staple, compared to when no change is made to reduce the amount of pressure applied when pressing the paper stack against the fixed crimping teeth via the movable crimping teeth to a level lower than the amount of pressure applied normally except at specific times.

[0021] According to the paper processing system of the third means described above, it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the staple-free binding means when binding without a staple, compared to when no change is made to add an operation of drying the paper or paper stack to be subjected to the staple-free binding process using a drying means before performing the staple-free binding process using the staple-free binding means.

[0022] According to the paper processing system of the fourth means described above, it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the staple-free binding means, compared to a case where the operation of the staple-free binding means cannot be canceled at a specific time.

[0023] According to the paper processing system of the fifth means described above, it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means without reducing the working speed of the stapleless binding process, compared to when the conditions are changed to slow down the advancement speed when advancing the second crimping tooth.

[0024] According to the paper processing system of the sixth means described above, it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means without reducing the working speed of the stapleless binding process, compared to when the conditions are changed to slow down the advancement speed when advancing the second crimping tooth.

[0025] According to the paper processing system of the seventh means, it is easier to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means than when the drying means is not a means for applying heat or a means for blowing air.

[0026] According to the paper processing system of the eighth means described above, it is possible to perform the binding process on a stack of paper sheets while preventing the stack of paper sheets from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to when there is no option to change from stapleless binding process using a stapleless binding means to staple binding process using a staple-containing binding means at a specific time.

[0027] According to the paper processing system of the ninth means, when a stack of multiple sheets of paper discharged and supplied from an image forming device is bound by the stapleless binding means, the stack of sheets can be prevented from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time.

[0028] According to the paper processing system of the tenth means, the paper processing system can be prevented from becoming larger due to the presence of the paper binding device, compared to when the paper binding device is configured as a device separate from the image forming device.

[0029] According to the paper processing system of the 11th means described above, it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the staple-free binding means without equipping a dedicated means as a drying means, compared to when no change is made to add the execution of the operation of passing the paper stack through the fixing means before performing the binding process using the staple-free binding means.

[0030] According to the paper processing system of the twelfth means, it is easier to manufacture a paper binding device that is adapted to differences in image forming devices, compared to when the paper binding device is configured to be incorporated as part of the image forming device.

[0031] According to the paper processing system of the thirteenth means, when a stack of multiple sheets of paper supplied from a paper supply device is bound by the stapleless binding means, the stack of sheets can be prevented from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of a paper processing system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus as a paper feeder in a paper processing system. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a main part of a paper-sheet binding device in a paper-sheet processing system. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the main part of the paper-sheet binding device as seen from above. [Figure 5] 1 is a schematic diagram of a staple-free binding device in a paper-sheet binding device as seen from the front. FIG. [Figure 6] 1A is a schematic diagram of the staple-free binding device when viewed from the side in a state where a non-binding process is performed, and FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of the staple-free binding device when viewed from the side in a state where a binding process is performed. [Figure 7] (A) is an oblique view of the first and second crimping teeth in a paper binding device, (B) is a schematic diagram showing the state of the first and second crimping teeth during non-binding processing, and (C) is a schematic diagram showing one state of the first and second crimping teeth during binding processing. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control configuration in the paper processing system. [Figure 9] 1A is a schematic front view showing a state in the middle of starting staple-free binding processing, and FIG. 1B is a schematic front view showing a state after staple-free binding processing has been completed. [Figure 10] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations during staple-less binding processing in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] (A) is a schematic diagram showing the positional relationship between the second crimping tooth and the first crimping tooth before stapleless binding processing, and (B) is a schematic diagram showing a change in the amount of pressure applied by the second crimping tooth to the first crimping tooth. [Figure 12] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of a sticking phenomenon of a stack of sheets. [Figure 13] 10 is a chart showing the results of Test 1, which investigated the occurrence of sticking in a conventional stapleless binding process. [Figure 14] 10 is a chart showing the results of Test 2, which investigated the causes of sticking during stapleless binding processing. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart showing the flow of operations during stapleless binding processing in the paper-sheet processing system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 16] 10A is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a second warning message displayed on the operation display panel, and FIG. 10B is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a display prompting selection of an operation process. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a paper processing system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of a paper processing system according to a fourth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0034] Embodiment 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a paper sheet processing system 1A according to a first embodiment of the present invention. In this specification and the drawings, substantially the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations of the same components will be omitted in this specification.

[0035] (1) Outline of the paper processing system As shown in FIG. 1, the paper processing system 1A includes a paper supply device 2A and a paper binding device 5A. The paper supply device 2A is a device that supplies paper sheets 9 to the paper binding device 5A. The paper binding device 5A is a device that performs binding processing to bind a paper stack 90 made up of a plurality of overlapping paper sheets 9 supplied from the paper supply device 2A.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, the paper processing system 1A also includes a thickness acquisition unit 11, an environment measurement unit 12, a control unit 13, and the like. The thickness acquisition means 11 is a means for acquiring information about the thickness of the paper 9. The environment measurement means 12 is a means for measuring at least information about humidity. The control means 13 is a means for acquiring information necessary for control and controlling operation.

[0037] Here, the sheets 9 include at least sheets that require binding processing. The paper sheets 9 also include at least paper sheets that can be subjected to staple-less binding, which will be described later. Paper sheets that can be subjected to staple-less binding include, for example, plain paper that is not processed.

[0038] (2) Image forming device as a paper feeder The paper supply device 2A in the first embodiment is configured with an image forming device 3A that forms an image on a paper 9. As shown in Fig. 2, image forming device 3A, which is paper supply device 2A, has an image forming unit 20 and paper supply unit 30 arranged inside housing 10A. Image forming unit 20 is a unit that forms an image on paper 9. Paper supply unit 30 is a unit that supplies paper 9 to image forming unit 20. When the paper feeder 2A is an image forming device 3A, the paper processing system 1A can also be called an image forming system. The image forming system is a system in which a paper binding device 5A is connected to the outside of the image forming device 3A.

[0039] The image forming section 20 includes a plurality of image forming units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D, an intermediate transfer unit 25, and a fixing unit 29.

[0040] The imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D are units that respectively create images of predetermined colors by electrophotography in response to image information. The image information is, for example, information related to image formation input from an external device such as an externally connected device 300. In this case, the image is a toner image.

[0041] Each of the imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D has a photosensitive drum 22. In addition, each of the imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D has a charging device, a latent image forming device, a developing device, and the like (not shown) arranged around the periphery of each photosensitive drum 22. The imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D in the first embodiment are arranged in series on a flat surface holding portion below an intermediate transfer belt 26, which will be described later.

[0042] The intermediate transfer unit 25 is a unit that temporarily holds toner images of predetermined colors formed in the image forming units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D by primary transfer, and then secondarily transfers the images onto the paper 9.

[0043] Intermediate transfer unit 25 has intermediate transfer belt 26 that is wound around multiple rolls and rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. Intermediate transfer unit 25 also has a primary transfer device 27 and a secondary transfer device 28. Primary transfer device 27 is a device such as a roll type that performs primary transfer of toner images of predetermined colors created by imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D onto the outer circumferential surface of intermediate transfer belt 26. Secondary transfer device 28 is a device such as a roll type that performs secondary transfer of the toner images that have been primarily transferred onto the outer circumferential surface of intermediate transfer belt 26 onto paper 9. In the intermediate transfer unit 25, the position where the intermediate transfer belt 26 and the secondary transfer device 28 face each other is the secondary transfer position.

[0044] The fixing unit 29 is a unit (means) that thermally fixes the toner image formed on the paper 9.

[0045] The fixing unit 29 is configured by arranging a heating rotor, a pressure rotor, and the like inside a housing. The heating rotor is a rotor that rotates while heating the paper 9, etc. The pressure rotor is a rotor that rotates to form a fixing processing section that comes into contact with the heating rotor at a predetermined pressure and allows the paper 9 to pass through. The fixing processing section is also called a nip section. The heating rotor and the pressure rotor are rotors of either a roll type or a belt type.

[0046] The paper supply unit 30 includes containers 31A and 31B, delivery devices 32A and 32B, a delivery path Tr1, and the like.

[0047] The containers 31A and 31B are cassette-type or tray-type structures that store paper sheets 9. The delivery devices 32A and 32B are devices that deliver the paper sheets 9 stored in the containers 31A and 31B one by one. The delivery path Tr1 is a transport path that transports the paper 9 delivered from the delivery devices 32A and 32B toward the image forming unit 20. The delivery path Tr1 is composed of a predetermined number of transport roll pairs 33, a paper guide member (not shown), and the like.

[0048] As shown in FIG. 2, the paper supply unit 30 is connected to the paper feed path Tr2, the first conveying path Tr3, the second conveying path Tr5, and the like.

[0049] The paper feed path Tr2 is a transport path that transports the paper 9 transported from the delivery path Tr1 to the secondary transfer position of the intermediate transfer unit 25. The paper feed path Tr2 is configured by arranging a predetermined number of transport roll pairs 34, 35, paper guide members (not shown), and the like.

[0050] The first discharge path Tr3 is a transport path that transports the paper 9, which is transported from the image forming unit 20 through the fixing unit 29, so that the paper 9 is discharged to the paper discharge unit 45. The first discharge path Tr3 is configured by arranging a predetermined number of transport roll pairs 36, 37, paper guide members (not shown), and the like.

[0051] The second conveying path Tr5 is a conveying path that conveys the paper 9 from midway along the first conveying path Tr3 to an outlet (not shown) formed on the side of the housing 10A. The second conveying path Tr5 connects a first branch position midway along the first conveying path Tr3 to the outlet (not shown) below the paper discharge unit 45. The outlet (not shown) is connected to the paper binding device 5A or the like. The second discharge path Tr5 is configured by arranging a predetermined number of pairs of conveying rolls 38a, 38b, 38c, and 38d and a paper guide member (not shown). In addition, the second discharge path Tr5 has a conveyance destination switching member arranged at the first branch position.

[0052] 2, the image forming apparatus 3A has a paper inverting supply unit 40. The paper inverting supply unit 40 is a part that, when forming images on both sides of the paper 9, inverts the paper 9 and supplies it again to the image forming unit 20.

[0053] The paper reversing supply unit 40 is provided with a reversing return path Tr4 inside a housing that is attached to the side of the housing 10A of the image forming apparatus 3A. The reverse return path Tr4 is a path for transporting the paper 9 branched from a second branch position midway along the first discharge path Tr3 to a joining position with the paper feed path Tr2. The second branch position is a position on the first discharge path Tr3 upstream of the first branch position. The joining position with the paper feed path Tr2 is a midway position upstream of the pair of transport rolls (pair of registration rolls) 35. The reverse re-sending path Tr4 is configured by arranging a predetermined number of conveying roll pairs 39, 41, 42, and 43 and a paper guide member (not shown). The reverse re-sending path Tr4 also has a conveying destination switching member arranged at the second branch position.

[0054] The paper reversing and supplying unit 40 introduces the paper 9, which is branched off from the first discharge path Tr3 at the second branch position and conveyed, into the reversing and re-sending path Tr4. Thereafter, the paper reversing and supplying unit 40 conveys the paper 9 through the reversing and re-sending path Tr4 so that it merges with the paper supply path Tr2.

[0055] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 3A includes an operation display panel unit 47 on the housing 10A.

[0056] The operation display panel section 47 has a function of displaying information relating to the operation and status of the image forming apparatus 3A and the like, and a function of performing necessary operations. Operation display panel unit 47 is disposed in a protruding state at the top of housing 10A. Operation display panel unit 47 is configured by arranging a liquid crystal display panel, an operation panel, etc. The liquid crystal display panel may be configured as a touch panel that also serves as part of the operation panel. The operation display panel unit 47 displays necessary information such as warning messages and operation guide messages on the display screen.

[0057] (Image formation, etc.) When the image formation control unit 14, which will be described later, acquires information on a request for an image forming operation, the image forming apparatus 3A performs the following image forming operation. Here, an example will be described in which an image is formed using all of the developers (toners) of predetermined colors (A, B, C, D).

[0058] First, in the image forming units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D of the image forming section 20, toner images of predetermined colors (A, B, C, and D) are formed on the photosensitive drums 22, respectively. Next, intermediate transfer unit 25 of image forming section 20 sequentially performs primary transfer of the toner images of each color created by imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D onto intermediate transfer belt 26. After that, intermediate transfer unit 25 performs secondary transfer of the toner images on intermediate transfer belt 26 all at once onto paper 9 at a secondary transfer position. At this time, paper supply section 30 transports and supplies a predetermined paper 9 to the secondary transfer position through delivery path Tr1 and paper supply path Tr2.

[0059] Next, in the fixing unit 29 of the image forming section 20, the paper 9 onto which the toner image has been secondarily transferred is introduced into and passes through a fixing processing section. At this time, the fixing processing section heats the toner image under pressure to fix it to the paper 9. As a result, an image made up of developer (toner) of a predetermined color (A, B, C, D) is formed on one side of the paper 9.

[0060] Finally, in the image forming apparatus 3A, the paper 9 on which the image has been formed is transported to the paper discharge section 45 through the first conveying path Tr3 and stored in the paper discharge section 45.

[0061] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 3A, if the request for image formation includes image formation on both sides of the paper 9, the image forming apparatus 3A operates as follows. In this case, the paper 9 on one side of which an image has been formed is fed from the middle of the first conveying path Tr3 to the reverse re-feeding path Tr4 of the paper reversing supply unit 40. At this time, the paper 9 is turned upside down and sent again toward the secondary transfer position of the image forming unit 20. After that, a toner image for the back side is secondarily transferred onto the remaining side of the paper 9 and fixed as an image.

[0062] Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 3A, when the request for image formation includes a binding process for sheets, the image forming apparatus 3A operates as follows. In this case, the paper 9 discharged from the fixing unit 29 is sent from the middle of the first discharge path Tr3 to the second discharge path Tr5. As a result, the paper sheets 9 are conveyed to a discharge port (not shown) through the second conveyance path Tr5. The paper sheets 9 discharged from the discharge port are introduced into the paper-sheet binding device 5A.

[0063] (3) Paper binding device As shown in FIG. 1, the paper-sheet binding device 5A includes a paper-sheet introduction section 50, a paper-sheet accumulation section 60, a binding section 70, and the like inside a housing 10B. Furthermore, the paper-sheet binding device 5A is provided with a discharge and storage section 58 outside the housing 10B.

[0064] (Paper introduction section) The paper introduction section 50 is a section that introduces the paper 9, which is discharged and supplied from the image forming apparatus 3A, which is the paper supply device 2A, into the inside of the housing 10B. The paper introduction section 50 is configured by arranging a predetermined number of transport roll pairs 51, 52, paper guide members (not shown), etc. An introduction port (not shown) is provided on the side of the housing 10B, through which paper 9 supplied from the image forming device 3A passes and is introduced. The transport roll pair 51 is arranged near the introduction port. As shown in FIG. 3, paper introduction section 50 in the first embodiment transports introduced paper 9 in the direction shown by arrow Dc1 so as to send it into paper stacking section 60.

[0065] (Paper stacking section) The paper stacking section 60 is a section that stacks a plurality of paper sheets 9 introduced from the paper introduction section 50 into a paper stack 90. As shown in FIG. 3 and other figures, the paper stacking section 60 is configured by arranging a stacking tray 61, a side edge aligning member 63, a feed rotor 65, a paper stack discharge device 66, and the like.

[0066] The accumulation tray 61 is an accumulation portion provided with an accumulation surface that slopes upward at a predetermined angle from a position below the paper introduction section 50 . The accumulation surface of the accumulation tray 61 is formed as a substantially rectangular surface. Reference numerals 61a and 61b in Fig. 4 indicate the upper and lower ends of the accumulation tray 61 in the inclined direction. Reference numerals 61c and 61d indicate the front and rear ends of the accumulation tray 61 in the inclined direction.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 4, the accumulation tray 61 is provided with a bottom edge aligning member 62 at the bottom edge 61b of the accumulation surface. The bottom end aligning member 62 is a plate-like member that stands up in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stacking surface of the stacking tray 61. The bottom end aligning member 62 is divided into a plurality of members, which are arranged at intervals on the lower end 61b of the stacking surface. The bottom ends of the sheets 9 and the stack of sheets 90 stacked on the stacking surface of the stacking tray 61 abut against the bottom end aligning member 62. As a result, the bottom end aligning member 62 acts to align the bottom ends of the sheets 9 and the stack of sheets 90.

[0068] Furthermore, the accumulation tray 61 has beveled corners 61e, 61f formed by diagonally chamfering the left and right corners of the lower end 61b of the accumulation surface. The beveled corners 61e, 61f are used when the paper-sheet binding device 5A binds the corners 90e, 90f of the paper-sheet stack 90. Furthermore, the accumulation tray 61 is provided with a plurality of rectangular cutout recesses 61g, 61h in a central portion of the lower end 61b of the accumulation surface. The cutout recesses 61g, 61h are used when the paper-sheet binding device 5A binds the ends of the paper-sheet stack 90. ​​The ends of the paper-sheet stack 90 are the ends (lower ends) excluding the corners 90e, 90f.

[0069] 4, the side edge aligning member 63 has a first aligning member 63A and a second aligning member 63B. The first aligning member 63A and the second aligning member 63B are arranged opposite each other near the front end 61c and the rear end 61d of the accumulation surface of the accumulation tray 61. Such a side edge aligning member 63 is also called, for example, a tamper.

[0070] The first and second alignment members 63A and 63B are members that move toward and away from the front end 61c and rear end 61d, respectively, of the accumulation surface of the accumulation tray 61. Specifically, the first and second alignment members 63A and 63B move forward and backward in the directions indicated by arrows Ts and Tt, which are substantially perpendicular to the direction in which the stack of paper-sheets 90 moves. The first and second aligning members 63A and 63B have contact aligning portions that come into contact with the left and right side edges of the stack of paper sheets 90 and the like when they move on the accumulation tray 61 to align them. As the first alignment member 63A and the second alignment member 63B move in the direction indicated by the arrow Ts, the contact alignment portions come into contact with and push the side edges of the paper stack 90. ​​This causes the side edge alignment member 63 to align the side edges of the paper stack 90.

[0071] The feed rotor 65 is a rotor that rotates in contact with the paper 9 or the paper stack 90 so as to feed the paper 9 or the paper stack 90 toward the bottom edge aligning member 62 of the accumulation tray 61 .

[0072] For example, a structure in which a plurality of elastic plates are attached to a rotationally driven rotating shaft in an upright state at intervals in the circumferential direction of the rotating shaft is used as the feed rotor 65. The feed rotor 65 made of such a structure is also called, for example, a rotating paddle. 3, the feed rotor 65 is disposed above the accumulation tray 61. The feed rotor 65 moves toward and away from the middle of the inclined accumulation surface of the accumulation tray 61. Specifically, the feed rotor 65 moves forward and backward in the directions indicated by arrows Pp and Pt.

[0073] The feed rotor 65 moves to a retracted position away from the stacking surface until the introduced paper sheets 9 are stacked on the stacking surface of the stacking tray 61. At this time, the rotation is stopped. On the other hand, when paper sheets 9 or paper stacks 90 are accumulated on the accumulation surface of the accumulation tray 61, the feed rotor 65 moves to a feed position close to the accumulation surface and rotates in the feed direction indicated by the arrow.

[0074] The feed rotor 65 moves to the feed position and rotates while in contact with the surface of the paper sheet 9 or the paper stack 90. ​​This causes the feed rotor 65 to generate a feed action that feeds the paper sheet 9 or the paper stack 90 toward the bottom end aligning member 62. When subjected to this feeding action, the paper sheet 9 or the paper sheet stack 90 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow Dc2.

[0075] The paper stack discharge device 66 is a device that discharges the paper stack 90 from the stacking tray 61 of the paper stacking unit 60 toward the discharge storage unit 58. The paper-sheet bundle discharge device 66 in the first embodiment is made up of a drive roll 67A and a moving roll 67B.

[0076] The driving roll 67A is a roll that is driven to rotate during transport. The drive roll 67A is disposed in a fixed state at a position close to the upper end 61a of the stacking tray 61 of the paper stacking unit 60. The drive roll 67A is disposed in a state in which the upper end of the roll protrudes from an opening (not shown) provided in the accumulation tray 61.

[0077] The moving roll 67B is a roll that moves toward and away from the driving roll 67A. The moving roll 67B is disposed so as to face the driving roll 67A across the accumulation tray 61 and move so as to come into contact with and move away from the driving roll 67A. As shown in FIG. 4, a plurality of movable rolls 67B are rotatably arranged at intervals on a rotary support shaft 672. 3, the movable roll 67B has a rotation support shaft 672 attached to a holder 68 that rotates up and down around a shaft 68a as a fulcrum, so that the movable roll 67B is held by the holder 68 and moves in the directions indicated by the arrows Hp and Ht.

[0078] When it is time to discharge the paper-sheet bundle 90, the paper-sheet bundle discharge device 66 causes the movable roll 67B to move in the direction indicated by the arrow Hp and come into contact with the surface of the paper-sheet bundle 90. As a result, the movable roll 67B presses the paper-sheet bundle 90 against the drive roll 67A that drives the paper-sheet bundle 90 to rotate. At this time, the movable roll 67B cooperates with the drive roll 67A to sandwich the paper-sheet bundle 90.

[0079] As a result, the paper stack discharge device 66 causes the drive roll 67A and the moving roll 67B to work together to send the paper stack 90 on the accumulation tray 61 to the discharge storage section 58. In this way, the paper stack discharge device 66 performs the action of discharging the paper stack 90 to the discharge storage section 58. The sheet stack 90 subjected to this discharge action is transported so as to be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow Dc3 toward the discharge storage section 58.

[0080] (Discharge storage section) The discharge storage section 58 is a section that stores the paper stack 90 and the like that are discharged by the paper stack discharge device 66 to the outside of the housing 10B. Discharge and storage section 58 in the first embodiment is configured to move in the up and down directions indicated by the arrows in FIG. 1 on the side surface of housing 10B. As a result, the discharge and storage section 58 moves to a position appropriate for the amount of paper stacks 90 etc. stored therein, thereby maintaining a good storage condition. Such a discharge and storage section 58 is called, for example, a stacker.

[0081] (Binding section) The binding unit 70 is a means for performing a binding process to bind the paper stack 90 together. The binding section 70 in the first embodiment has a staple-less binding device 71, which is an example of a staple-less binding means that binds the paper-sheet stack 90 without a staple. In addition to the staple-less binding device 71, the binding section 70 also has a staple-containing binding device 77, which is an example of a staple-containing binding means that binds the paper stack 90 with staples. For this reason, the binding section 70 in the first embodiment is configured to be able to arbitrarily select and perform either the staple-less binding process by the staple-less binding device 71 or the staple-with binding process by the staple-with binding device 77.

[0082] (Needle-free binding method) As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the staple-free binding device 71 has first and second crimping teeth 72 and 73. The first crimping tooth 72 is a crimping tooth that is fixed in position. The second crimping tooth 73 is a crimping tooth that presses a part of the paper-sheet stack 90 against the first crimping tooth 72 and moves back and forth to mesh with the first crimping tooth 72.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 7, the first crimping teeth 72 are structured such that a predetermined number of convex portions each having a predetermined width, length and height are provided successively on a crimping member 722 at a constant interval ΔT. As shown in FIG. 7, the second crimping teeth 73 are structured such that a predetermined number of convex portions each having a predetermined width, length and height are provided successively on a crimping member 732 at a constant interval ΔT.

[0084] The protrusions of the first crimping teeth 72 and the second crimping teeth 73 are both formed as teeth with a tapered cross section and are arranged adjacent to each other in a continuous state. Therefore, there is a recess between adjacent protrusions. As a result, the protrusions form a continuous uneven portion across the entire crimping tooth. The first crimping tooth 72 and the second crimping tooth 73 are arranged so that their respective concave and convex portions mesh with each other when the second crimping tooth 73 approaches the first crimping tooth 72, as shown in Figure 7(C).

[0085] The first crimping teeth 72 are attached to the upper surface of one end of the support member 711 with the concave and convex portions thereof facing upward. One of the second crimping teeth 73 is attached with its concave and convex portions facing downward to the lower surface of one end of the moving member 712. The moving member 712 is a member that moves toward and away from the support member 711. When the second crimping teeth 73 are separated from the support member 711, they are separated to such an extent that a gap is formed between the second crimping teeth 73 and the first crimping teeth 72 to allow insertion of the paper-sheet stack 90 to be bound. The gap for inserting the paper stack 90 becomes the pre-stapling space 70s. The pre-stapling space 70s is set so that the distance between the upper end 72t of the first crimping tooth 72 and the lower end 73t of the second crimping tooth 73 is a predetermined distance K (see FIG. 11(A)).

[0086] 5 and 6, the movable member 712 is movably attached to a support post 713 on the support member 711. Two support posts 713 are provided on the upper surface of the other end of the support member 711 and fixed so as to stand upright. Furthermore, the moving member 712 has a portion adjacent to the support 713 supported by a screw member 741 which is part of the moving mechanism. Furthermore, the moving member 712 is attached so as to be movable toward and away from the support member 711 by rotating the screw member 741 .

[0087] As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, the screw member 741 is a rod-shaped member that extends in the vertical direction, and has a double-thread or other screw thread formed on the outer peripheral surface of the upper side thereof. The screw member 741 also has a lower portion where no threads are formed, and this lower portion is supported rotatably relative to the support member 711 . Furthermore, screw member 741 rotates by receiving rotational power from drive motor 742, which serves as a drive device for the movement mechanism. Screw member 741 has a large-diameter passive gear 743 attached to its lower end, which protrudes downward from support member 711, that receives the rotational power.

[0088] The drive motor 742 is an electric motor that can rotate in both forward and reverse directions and generates high torque, and is disposed on the support member 711 . As shown in FIG. 6, the drive motor 742 is attached so that its output shaft 742j passes through the lower side of the support member 711.

[0089] The drive motor 742 transmits rotational power from a drive gear 744 attached to the tip of the output shaft 742j to a passive gear 743 via a reduction gear train 745. Reference numeral 714 in Figure 6(A) denotes a lower cover member that covers the lower part of the support member 711. Incidentally, the state of output rotation of the drive motor 742 is controlled, for example, using detection information from a rotary encoder (not shown) attached to the support member 711. The state of output rotation includes the number of rotations, the amount of rotation, etc.

[0090] Further, in the staple-free binding device 71, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a first biasing member 75A is attached to the support member 711. The first biasing member 75A is a member that biases the paper-sheet stack 90, for which staple-less binding processing has been completed, in a direction (upward) away from the first pressure teeth 72 by means of an elastic restoring force.

[0091] The first biasing member 75A is a plate-like member that is shaped to surround part of the periphery of the first crimping tooth 72, and the end that faces the stack of paper-sheets 90 is bent downward. Furthermore, the first biasing member 75A is attached to the support member 711 via a spring. When stapleless binding processing is not being performed, the first biasing member 75A is attached so that its plate-shaped main body portion stops at a position close to the upper end of the first crimping tooth 72, as exemplified in Figures 5 and 6(A). When first biasing member 75A is pushed downward from above, it is elastically displaced downward relative to support member 711. Furthermore, first biasing member 75A is displaced so as to move upward and return to its original position due to an elastic restoring force generated by the displacement.

[0092] Furthermore, in the staple-free binding device 71, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, a second biasing member 75B is attached to the moving member 712. The second biasing member 75B is a member that biases the paper-sheet stack 90, for which staple-less binding processing has been completed, in a direction (downward) away from the second crimping teeth 73 by means of an elastic restoring force.

[0093] The second biasing member 75B is a plate-like member that is shaped to surround part of the periphery of the second crimping tooth 73, and the end that faces the stack of paper-sheets 90 is bent upward. Further, second biasing member 75B is attached to moving member 712 via a spring. When stapleless binding processing is not being performed, second biasing member 75B is attached so that its plate-shaped main body portion stops at a position close to the lower end of second crimping tooth 73, as exemplified in Figures 5 and 6(A). When second biasing member 75B is pushed upward from below, it is elastically displaced upward relative to moving member 712. In addition, second biasing member 75B is displaced so as to move downward and return to its original position by an elastic restoring force generated by the displacement.

[0094] Furthermore, the staple-free binding device 71 is movably attached to a guide support member 78 as shown in FIG.

[0095] The guide support member 78 is provided with a guide hole (track) 781 having a shape corresponding to the range in which the staple-free binding device 71 is moved. As shown in FIG. 4, the guide hole 781 has a straight portion 781a, curved portions 781b and 781c, a first evasive line portion 781d, and a second evasive line portion 781e.

[0096] Of these, the straight portion 781a is a straight guide portion that extends parallel to the bottom end 61b of the accumulation tray 61 of the paper accumulation unit 60. The curved corner portions 781b and 781c are curved guide portions that extend from both ends of the straight portion 781a and bend to face the chamfered corner portions 61e and 61f of the accumulation tray 61. The first retraction line portion 781d is a guide portion that branches off from the curved line portion 781c at the rear end of the straight line portion 781a and extends to the retraction position Ph1 of the staple-less binding device 71. The second retraction line portion 781e is a guide portion that further extends from the curved line portion 781c and extends to the retraction position Ph2 of the staple-containing binding device 77.

[0097] The staple-less binding device 71 is provided with a support protrusion 791 on the lower part of the support member 711. The support protrusion 791 is a rod-shaped protrusion that protrudes downward from the support member 711, and a part of it is fitted into the guide hole 781.

[0098] Further, the stapleless binding device 71 is equipped with a movement drive unit 79 on the support protrusion 791 . The movement drive unit 79 has a drive motor (not shown) that rotates forward and backward, and a drive gear (not shown) that receives rotational power from the drive motor and is driven. The drive gear of the movement drive unit 79 is meshed with a rack gear (not shown) provided on the guide support member 78 or the like, for example, along the guide hole 781 .

[0099] When the movement drive unit 79 is driven and stopped, the staple-less binding device 71 is guided by the guide hole 781 of the guide support member 78, moves to a predetermined position, and stops at the predetermined position. At this time, in the movement drive unit 79, the drive gear is rotated by a predetermined amount in a predetermined direction by the drive motor.

[0100] The staple-free binding device 71 in the first embodiment is capable of moving to and stopping at each of the binding positions P1, P2, P3, and P4 shown in FIG.

[0101] Binding position P1 is a binding position facing the chamfered corner 61f of the accumulation tray 61. Binding position P2 is a binding position facing the notched recess 61h of the accumulation tray 61. Binding position P3 is a binding position facing the notched recess 61g of the accumulation tray 61. Binding position P4 is a binding position facing the chamfered corner 61e of the accumulation tray 61. Furthermore, when the staple-free binding device 71 is not performing the staple-free binding process, the staple-free binding device 71 moves to the retracted position Ph1 of the staple-free binding device 71 and stops there.

[0102] (staple binding method) The staple binding device 77 may be a known staple binding device. An example of a staple-type binding device 77 that can be applied is one that has a movable binding part that holds the staple and pushes it into a part of the paper stack 90, and a bending part that bends the end of the staple that has been pushed by the movable binding part and penetrated the paper stack 90 in a predetermined direction.

[0103] As in the case of the staple-less binding device 71, the staple-containing binding device 77 is movably attached to a guide support member 78 as shown in FIGS. The staple binding device 77 is also configured to be guided by the guide hole 781 of the guide support member 78, move to a predetermined binding position, and stop at the predetermined binding position.

[0104] Furthermore, similar to the staple-less binding device 71, the staple-containing binding device 77 can move to and stop at each of the binding positions P1, P2, P3, and P4 shown in FIG. Furthermore, when the staple-containing binding device 77 is not performing staple-containing binding processing, the staple-containing binding device 77 moves to and stops at a retracted position Ph2 of the staple-containing binding device 77.

[0105] (4) Thickness acquisition means The thickness acquisition means 11 acquires information about the thickness of the paper sheet 9 . The information about the thickness of the paper 9 is not limited to the physical thickness of the paper 9, but also includes information about the basis weight, ream weight, etc. of the paper 9.

[0106] The thickness acquisition means 11 in the first embodiment is configured to acquire information about thickness from the operation display panel unit 47 or the like. That is, the operation display panel unit 47 displays information for prompting a user to input information regarding the thickness of the paper 9 used in the image forming apparatus 3A, which is the paper supply device 2A. The information regarding the thickness of the paper 9 includes information such as basis weight and paper type. The thickness acquisition means 11 acquires information about the thickness of the paper 9 inputted to the operation display panel unit 47 .

[0107] When information regarding the thickness of the paper 9 is input via the externally connected device 300, the thickness acquisition means 11 may extract and acquire information regarding the thickness of the paper 9 from the input information. The basis weight can be converted into thickness as needed. The thickness acquisition means 11 may be configured using a device that can actually measure the thickness of the paper sheet 9 .

[0108] (5) Environmental measurement tools The environment measurement means 12 measures at least information related to humidity. The information about humidity is preferably absolute humidity, but is not limited to this and may include information about relative humidity, temperature, etc., which can be obtained by converting absolute humidity.

[0109] The environment measuring means 12 in the first embodiment is composed of a relative humidity measuring device and a temperature measuring device. The environment measuring means 12 also has a function of converting information such as relative humidity and temperature into absolute humidity. For example, the Tetens equation is used for the conversion.

[0110] It is preferable that the environment measuring means 12 measures the environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, etc.) of the place where the paper 9 is stored for a relatively long period of time. For this reason, the environment measuring means 12 is disposed, for example, around the place where the containers 31A and 31B in the paper supply unit 30 are disposed, as illustrated in FIG.

[0111] It is preferable that the environment measuring means 12 is configured to also measure the environmental condition outside the housing 10A of the paper feeder 2A. If it is difficult to measure the environmental condition outside the housing 10A, temperature information obtained by correcting the temperature measured inside the housing 10A to the external temperature may be used. Furthermore, the environment measuring means 12 may be configured to measure the environmental conditions of the place where the paper sheets 9 are stored outside the paper processing system 1A.

[0112] (6) Control means The control means 13 acquires information necessary for control and controls the necessary operations. As shown in FIG. 1 and other figures, the control means 13 in the first embodiment is made up of an image formation control section 14 and a paper processing control section 15.

[0113] Both the image formation control unit 14 and the paper processing control unit 15 are configured with a processing unit, a memory unit, an input / output unit, etc. (not shown). Other control units, which will be described later, are configured in a similar manner.

[0114] The image forming control unit 14 and the paper processing control unit 15 perform necessary processing based on the control program and control data while the arithmetic processing unit acquires information necessary for control. The control program and control data are stored in the memory unit. The image forming control unit 14 and the paper processing control unit 15 also transmit signals that control the operation of the control target that requires control from the arithmetic processing unit. The information necessary for control includes, for example, detection information, input information, and the like.

[0115] The image forming control unit 14 is a part that controls the operation of the image forming device 3A, which is the paper supply device 2A.

[0116] 8, the image formation control unit 14 is connected to a thickness acquisition unit 11, an environment measurement unit 12, an external input / output unit 18, etc. The external input / output unit 18 also has a communication function, which enables the image formation control unit 14 to acquire necessary detection information, input information, etc.

[0117] The image formation control unit 14 is also connected to an image creation operation control unit 131, a paper transport operation control unit 132, a display operation control unit 133, etc. This enables the image formation control unit 14 to output control signals to necessary control targets, etc. The image forming operation control unit 131 is a unit that controls operations related to the image forming unit 20. The paper transport operation control unit 132 is a unit that controls operations related to the paper supply unit 30, including the transport path Tr. The display operation control unit 133 is a unit that controls operations related to the operation display panel unit 47.

[0118] The paper processing control section 15 is a section that mainly controls the operation of the paper binding device 5A.

[0119] 8, the paper processing control unit 15 is connected to a paper passage detection unit 501, a binding device position detection unit 502, etc. This enables the paper processing control unit 15 to obtain necessary detection information, etc. The paper passing detection means 501 is a means for detecting whether or not the paper 9 or the paper stack 90 has passed through the paper introduction section 50, the paper stacking section 60, the binding section 70, etc. The paper passing detection means 501 is composed of a detector such as a sensor (not shown) that is arranged at a predetermined position where the paper 9 or the paper stack 90 passes through. The binding device position detection means 502 is a means for detecting the positions when the staple-less binding device 71 and the staple-containing binding device 77 move. The binding device position detection means 502 is composed of detectors such as sensors (not shown) that are arranged around the guide support member 78, etc.

[0120] Furthermore, the paper processing control unit 15 is connected to a paper transport operation control unit 141, a paper alignment operation control unit 142, a stapleless binding processing operation control unit 143, a stapled binding processing operation control unit 144, etc. This enables the paper processing control unit 15 to output control signals to necessary control targets, etc. Incidentally, the paper processing control unit 15 is also connected to the image formation control unit 14, and is capable of exchanging necessary information.

[0121] The paper transport operation control unit 141 is a unit that controls the transport operation of the paper 9 or paper stack 90 in the paper introduction unit 50, paper stacking unit 60, etc. The paper alignment operation control unit 142 is a unit that controls the alignment operation of the side edge alignment member 63 in the paper stacking unit 60 to align the paper 9 or paper stack 90. The staple-free binding process operation control unit 143 is a unit that controls the movement of the staple-free binding device 71 and the operation of the staple-free binding process. The staple-with binding process operation control unit 144 is a unit that controls the movement of the staple-with binding device 77 and the operation of the staple-with binding process.

[0122] (7) Binding process In the paper-sheet binding device 5A, when the paper-sheet processing control section 15 acquires information on a request for binding processing, the following binding processing operation is performed. First, a case where a request for staple-free binding by the staple-free binding device 71 is selected will be described.

[0123] First, a plurality of sheets of paper 9 are sequentially fed into the paper binding device 5A from the image forming device 3A, which is the paper supply device 2A. In response to this, the paper introduction section 50 of the paper binding device 5A introduces the sheets of paper 9 into the housing 10B and transports them toward the paper accumulation section 60. In the paper stacking unit 60, a plurality of sheets of paper 9 are sequentially fed into the stacking tray 61, where they are stacked and aligned with each other. As a result, in the paper stacking unit 60, the plurality of sheets of paper 9 are made into a paper stack 90 to be bound.

[0124] At this time, in the accumulation tray 61, the fed paper 9 is subjected to a sliding action due to the inclination of the accumulation tray 61 and a feeding action due to the downward moving feed rotor 65. As a result, the paper 9 moves on the accumulation tray 61 toward the bottom end aligning member 62, and its bottom end is brought into a state where it abuts against the bottom end aligning member 62.

[0125] In addition, in the accumulation tray 61, the bottom edges of the stack of paper-sheets 90 are kept aligned by the bottom edge alignment member 62. Moreover, in the accumulation tray 61, the side edges of the stack of paper-sheets 90 are aligned by the side edge alignment members 63A and 63B. At this time, the side edges of the stack of paper-sheets 90 that are misaligned are corrected by the side edge alignment members 63A and 63B. As a result, the side edges of the stack of paper-sheets 90 are aligned.

[0126] Next, in the binding section 70, the staple-free binding device 71 moves from the retracted position Ph1 to the requested binding position and stops there. The binding position is one of the binding positions P1 to P4 along the edge of the accumulation tray 61.

[0127] At this time, the staple-less binding device 71 is moved while being guided by the guide support member 78 by the drive of the movement drive unit 79 . Furthermore, in the staple-less binding device 71, the ends or corners 90e, 90f of the paper stack 90 are inserted into the pre-binding space 70s between the first crimping tooth 72 and the second crimping tooth 73 in accordance with the binding position.

[0128] Thereafter, the staple-free binding device 71 executes the staple-free binding process at the requested binding position.

[0129] At this time, in the staple-less binding device 71, the screw member 741 is rotated in a predetermined direction by the drive motor 742 of the movement mechanism. As a result, in the staple-free binding device 71, the moving member 712 moves downward in the direction of the arrow Sp so as to approach the support member 711, and the second crimping tooth 73 approaches the first crimping tooth 72. As a result, in the staple-free binding device 71, as shown in FIG. 9(A), a portion of the paper-sheet stack 90 is sandwiched between the second crimping tooth 73 and the first crimping tooth 72 and crimped.

[0130] 9(A), the first biasing member 75A and the second biasing member 75B are elastically displaced in the vertical direction and come into contact with the front and back surfaces of a portion of the paper-sheet stack 90. ​​At this time, the first biasing member 75A and the second biasing member 75B come into contact with the front and back surfaces of a portion of the paper-sheet stack 90 around the first crimping tooth 72 and the second crimping tooth 73. As a result, the first biasing member 75A and the second biasing member 75B elastically sandwich the area around the portion of the paper-sheet stack 90 to be bound from above and below.

[0131] Subsequently, when the staple-free binding process by the staple-free binding device 71 is completed, the drive motor 742 of the movement mechanism is driven to rotate the screw member 741 in the direction opposite to the previous direction.

[0132] As a result, in the staple-free binding device 71, the moving member 712 moves upward in the direction of the arrow St so as to move away from the support member 711. As a result, in the staple-free binding device 71, as shown in FIG. 9(B), the second crimping tooth 73 moves away from the first crimping tooth 72. In addition, a pre-binding space 70s (see FIG. 5, etc.) is formed between the first crimping tooth 72 and the second crimping tooth 73.

[0133] At this time, in the staple-less binding device 71, the first biasing member 75A and the second biasing member 75B return to the positions they held during non-binding processing, as illustrated in Figures 6(A) and 9(B). At this time, the first biasing member 75A and the second biasing member 75B move and return in the vertical direction due to their elastic restoring forces. As a result, the first biasing member 75A and the second biasing member 75B elastically bias the bound paper-sheet stack 90 in directions that move the paper-sheet stack 90 away from the first pressure-bonding teeth 72 and the second pressure-bonding teeth 73, respectively.

[0134] In this stapleless binding process, the bundle of paper-sheets 90 is sandwiched between the second crimping teeth 73 and the first crimping teeth 72, and the crimped portion 91 is deformed into a wavy shape (see FIG. 9(B)). In other words, the crimped portion 91 of the bundle of paper-sheets 90 is deformed into a wavy shape that follows the shape of the uneven portions of the first crimping teeth 72 and the second crimping teeth 73. At this time, the pressed portion 91 of the paper-sheet stack 90 is deformed so that the fibers of the overlapping paper-sheets 9 become entangled and bonded together.

[0135] As a result, the paper-sheet stack 90 is bound in a state where the paper-sheets 9 are joined together at the portions where they are sandwiched and pressed between the second pressing teeth 73 and the first pressing teeth 72. That is, the stack of sheets 90 on the stacking surface of the accumulation tray 61 is bound by the stapleless binding device 71 without using staples.

[0136] In the paper-sheet binding device 5A, if staple-free binding processing is requested at another binding position, the staple-free binding device 71 moves to the next binding position and then stops. Thereafter, the staple-free binding device 71 repeats the same staple-free binding processing at the next binding position. Furthermore, in the paper-sheet binding device 5A, when all staple-free binding processes by the staple-free binding device 71 are completed, the staple-free binding device 71 moves to the evacuation position Ph1 and stops. In this case, the staple-free binding device 71 waits at the evacuation position Ph1 until the next staple-free binding process is requested.

[0137] On the other hand, in the paper-sheet binding device 5A, when the request for binding processing selects stapled binding processing by the stapled binding device 77, stapled binding processing operation is performed.

[0138] That is, in this case, the staple binding device 77 moves from the retracted position Ph2 to the requested binding position and stops. The binding position at this time is one of the binding positions P1 to P4 along the edge of the accumulation tray 61. Thereafter, the staple binding device 77 executes the staple binding process at the requested binding position. As a result, the stack of sheets 90 on the stacking surface of the accumulation tray 61 is stapled together with staples.

[0139] Furthermore, in the paper-sheet binding device 5A, if stapled binding processing at another binding position is requested, the stapled binding device 77 moves to the next binding position and stops there, whereby the stapled binding device 77 repeats the same stapled binding processing at the next binding position. Furthermore, in the paper-sheet binding device 5A, when all stapled binding processes are completed, the stapled binding device 77 moves to the evacuation position Ph2 and stops there. In this case, the stapled binding device 77 waits at the evacuation position Ph2 until the next stapled binding process is requested.

[0140] Finally, when the stapleless binding process or stapled binding process in the binding unit 70 is completed, the paper stack discharge device 66 is driven. As a result, the stapled paper stack 90 is discharged by the paper stack discharge device 66 and discharged to and stored in the discharge storage unit 58.

[0141] This completes the binding process in the paper binding device 5A.

[0142] (8) Sticking phenomenon In the paper-sheet binding device 5A, when staple-less binding processing is performed by the staple-less binding device 71, the paper-sheet stack 90X after the binding processing may stick to the second crimping teeth 73 and not separate, as illustrated in FIG.

[0143] This sticking phenomenon occurs even though the paper-sheet stack 90X is being urged in a direction away from the second pressure teeth 73 by the second urging member 75B. The sticking phenomenon may also occur when the paper-sheet stack 90X does not separate from the first pressure teeth 72 and remains stuck there. In the paper-sheet binding device 5A, when such a sticking phenomenon occurs, the paper-sheet stack 90X becomes jammed in the stapleless binding device 71. As a result, in the paper-sheet binding device 5A, a problem occurs in which the paper-sheet stack 90X remains in the paper-sheet stacking section 60.

[0144] (Test 1) Therefore, the inventors conducted Test 1 to investigate the occurrence of sticking when staple-less binding processing was performed by the staple-less binding device 71 of the paper-sheet binding device 5A.

[0145] In Test 1, six types of paper 9 were used: 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 9E, and 9F, each with the thickness / density characteristics shown in FIG. 13. For each of the six types of paper 9, four different moisture contents were used, as shown in FIG. 13. The moisture contents were measured when the paper 9 was opened from the wrapping paper in which it had been stored. Each of the six types of paper 9 used had one of the four moisture contents shown on the vertical axis of FIG. 13. In addition, in test 1, stapleless binding processing was repeatedly performed multiple times on a paper stack 90 made up of 10 sheets of each of the above-mentioned paper sheets 9. Furthermore, test 1 was performed in an environment of a temperature of 28°C and a relative humidity of 85%. The basis weights of papers 9A, 9B, and 9C are 68 gsm, 64 gsm, and 82 gsm, respectively. The basis weights of papers 9D, 9E, and 9F are 80 gsm, 79.7 gsm, and 67 gsm, respectively. The abbreviation "gsm" stands for "grams per square meter," and the unit is g / m 2 It is also a unit of measurement.

[0146] The results of Test 1 are shown in FIG. In Fig. 13, "◯" indicates that sticking never occurred, "△" indicates that sticking occurred at least once, and "×" indicates that sticking always occurred. The results shown in Figure 13 show that sticking is more likely to occur when paper 9 with a moisture content of more than 5.8% is used. Conversely, it can also be seen that sticking does not occur when paper 9 with a moisture content of 5.8% or less is used.

[0147] Incidentally, although the paper 9F had a relatively low basis weight compared to the other papers 9A and 9C to 9E, sticking was likely to occur. This is presumably because paper 9F is a type of paper (e.g., recycled paper) that is more likely to absorb moisture than the other papers. Specifically, paper with a relatively high moisture content tends to stick to the first and second pressing teeth 72 and 73 under negative pressure due to the presence of a large amount of moisture when the paper comes into contact with them. As a result, paper that tends to have a high moisture content, such as paper 9F, is more likely to stick. For reference, paper 9B has the smallest basis weight, but it is also a type of paper with a low density and low fiber content. This paper 9B is less likely to absorb moisture, and even when pressed during stapleless binding, there are relatively many voids. As a result, paper 9B adheres poorly to the first and second pressing teeth 72 and 73, and its low moisture content makes it less likely to adhere under negative pressure. As a result, paper like paper 9B does not or is less likely to stick.

[0148] (Test 2) The inventors also conducted Test 2 to investigate the causes of sticking when staple-less binding processing is performed by the staple-less binding device 71 of the paper-sheet binding device 5A.

[0149] In test 2, stapleless binding processing was performed on a stack 90 of 10 sheets of paper 9 under multiple conditions shown in FIG. 14, and was repeated multiple times. In Test 2, the thickness / density of the paper 9 used in Test 1 at the time of opening was approximately 790 mm / (g / cm 3 ) Paper 9E was used. Furthermore, in Test 2, the absolute humidity shown in FIG. 14 was calculated from information on the environmental conditions and the like using the Tetens formula.

[0150] The results of Test 2 are shown in FIG. The results shown in Figure 14 show that the absolute humidity is 21.4 g / m 3 It can be seen that sticking occurs when The inventors have reported that the absolute humidity is 20 g / m 3 It has been confirmed that sticking is more likely to occur when the temperature exceeds this limit.

[0151] (9) Measures to prevent sticking The results of tests 1 and 2 above show that the sticking phenomenon during stapleless binding tends to occur more easily when the information regarding the thickness of the paper 9 exceeds a certain thickness and the information regarding humidity exceeds a certain humidity.

[0152] In order to prevent the sticking phenomenon from occurring, the present invention changes the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 when the above-mentioned specific time occurs. In embodiment 1, the paper processing control unit 15, which is an example of the control means 13, is configured to change the amount of pressure applied when pressing the second crimping tooth 73 against the first crimping tooth 72 at the specific time described above, as shown in Figure 10, to be lower than the amount of pressure applied normally other than at that specific time.

[0153] Hereinafter, the operation of the stapleless binding process by the paper-sheet binding device 5A in the paper-sheet processing system 1A according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0154] In the paper processing system 1A, when a request for binding paper 9 is made to the paper processing control unit 15 or the like, it is determined whether stapleless binding has been selected (S100), as shown in Figure 10. S100 is an abbreviation for step 100. This abbreviation is also used for the other steps that follow.

[0155] If stapleless binding processing is selected in step 100, information about the thickness of the paper 9 is acquired in the paper processing control unit 15 (S101). Information regarding the thickness of the paper 9 is acquired by the thickness acquisition means 11 by reading out information input from the operation display panel unit 47 or the like. Next, the paper processing control section 15 determines whether the thickness of the paper 9 exceeds 65 gsm in basis weight (S102). By the way, gsm, which represents basis weight, stands for grams per square meter, or g / m 2 It may also be displayed as:

[0156] If it is determined in step 102 that the thickness of the paper 9 exceeds 65 gsm in basis weight, the paper processing control unit 15 acquires information on temperature and relative humidity (S103). The temperature and relative humidity information is obtained by reading the measurement information from the environment measurement means 12. Next, the paper processing control unit 15 determines whether the absolute humidity is 20 g / m 3 It is determined whether or not the difference exceeds the predetermined value (S104). In the paper processing control section 15, a process of converting the temperature and relative humidity information into absolute humidity is carried out.

[0157] In step 104, the absolute humidity is 20 g / m 3 If it is determined that the pressure Pa exceeds the specified value, the paper processing control unit 15 changes the pressure amount Pa for stapleless binding processing to the pressure amount Pa2, which is the condition for a specific time (S105). The amount of pressure Pa is the amount of force applied when the second crimping teeth 73 are pressed against (engaged with) the first crimping teeth 72. In addition, the amount of pressure applied at the specific time Pa2 is a smaller amount of pressure applied than the amount of pressure applied at normal times other than the specific time Pa1 (Pa2 <Pa1)。 The amount of pressure Pa will be described in detail later.

[0158] Thereafter, the staple-free binding device 71 performs the staple-free binding process under specific time conditions (S106). In other words, in the paper binding device 5A, a stapleless binding process is performed by the stapleless binding device 71 on a stack of paper 90 consisting of multiple sheets of paper 9 transported from the image forming device 3A, which is the paper supply device 2A, under specific conditions. When it is confirmed whether the operation of the stapleless binding process under the specific conditions has been completed (S107), the paper processing control unit 15 returns the pressure amount Pa for the stapleless binding process to the pressure amount Pa1 under the normal conditions (S108).

[0159] This completes all operations of the stapleless binding process under specific time conditions.

[0160] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 102 that the thickness of the paper 9 is 65 gsm or less in basis weight, or if it is determined in step 104 that the absolute humidity is 20 g / m 3 If it is determined that: That is, in either of these cases, the pressure amount Pa for stapleless binding processing is maintained at the pressure amount Pa1, which is the normal condition, in the sheet processing control unit 15 (S109).

[0161] Thereafter, the staple-free binding device 71 performs the staple-free binding process under normal conditions (S110). That is, in the paper-sheet binding device 5A, the staple-free binding process is performed on the paper-sheet stack 90 by the staple-free binding device 71 under normal conditions. Next, it is confirmed whether or not the stapleless binding process under the normal conditions has been completed (S111). When the completion is confirmed, all operations of the stapleless binding process are completed under normal conditions.

[0162] In the first embodiment, when the pressurization amount Pa is changed in step 104 to a specific pressurization amount Pa2 that is lower than the normal pressurization amount Pa1, one of the following two change methods is adopted.

[0163] The first change method changes the pressure force Fp applied to the second crimping teeth 73 by the drive motor 742 in the movement mechanism that moves the moving member 712 including the second crimping teeth 73. Specifically, the pressure force Fp applied to the second crimping teeth 73 is changed to a pressure force Fp2 that is weaker than the normal pressure force Fp1.

[0164] The pressure force Fp is the pressure applied when the second crimping teeth 73 are pressed against the first crimping teeth 72. The pressure force Fp is expressed in units of N (Newton). This pressure force Fp may be regarded as the driving force of the drive motor 742.

[0165] The pressure force Fp2 at the specific time can be set to a value that is, for example, about 20% weaker than the pressure force Fp1 at the normal time. The pressure force Fp is changed by adjusting the power supplied to the drive motor 742, for example.

[0166] The second change method changes the amount of movement Ma by which the drive motor 742 in the movement mechanism moves the second crimping tooth 73 when advancing it. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 11(B), the amount of movement Ma is changed to an amount of movement Ma2 that is less than the normal amount of movement Ma1. Symbol Te1 in Fig. 11 indicates the position at which the second crimping tooth 73 stops when the second crimping tooth 73 moves by the amount Ma1. Symbol Te2 indicates the position at which the second crimping tooth 73 stops when the second crimping tooth 73 moves by the amount Ma2.

[0167] The movement amount Ma is the distance from the standby position Tp of the second crimping tooth 73 to the stopping position Te. The standby position Tp is a standby position where the second crimping tooth 73 waits away from the first crimping tooth 72 when staple-less binding processing is not being performed. The stopping position Te is a position where the second crimping tooth 73 moves closer to the first crimping tooth 72 and stops when staple-less binding processing is being performed. The movement amount Ma is expressed in units of mm, for example.

[0168] The standby position Tp of the second crimping teeth 73 is also the position when the second crimping teeth 73 are stopped away from the first crimping teeth 72. The standby position Tp is set, for example, based on the position of the lower end 73t of the second crimping teeth 73. In contrast, the first crimping teeth 72 are fixed at the attachment position Pg regardless of whether or not stapleless binding is performed. The attachment position Pg of the first crimping teeth 72 is set, for example, based on the position of the lower end of the crimping member 722 of the second crimping teeth 73. The attachment position Pg may also be based on the upper end 72t of the first crimping teeth 72.

[0169] The amount of movement Ma2 at the specific time can be set to a value that is, for example, about 0.1 mm less than the amount of movement Ma1 at the normal time. The movement amount Ma is changed by, for example, adjusting the rotation amount of the drive motor 742. In the first embodiment, the rotation amount of the drive motor 742 is determined and adjusted from the detection information of the rotary encoder.

[0170] As described above, stapleless binding processing is performed by the paper-sheet binding device 5A in the paper-sheet processing system 1A. In this stapleless binding process, the sticking phenomenon in which the paper-sheet stack 90 does not come off the second pressure teeth 73 or the first pressure teeth 72 and remains stuck there did not occur.

[0171] In the sheet processing system 1A, the operation of the stapleless binding means is changed at a specific time. Specifically, the pressure amount Pa is changed to a pressure amount Pa2 for a specific time that is lower than the normal pressure amount Pa1. Therefore, in the stapleless binding process at a specific pressure amount Pa2, the degree of pressure applied by the first and second pressure teeth 72 and 73 to the stack of paper 90 to be bound is weakened compared to the degree of pressure applied during the stapleless binding process at the normal pressure amount Pa1.

[0172] Therefore, in the paper-sheet processing system 1A, the paper-sheet stack 90 is prevented from sticking to the staple-free binding device 71 compared to when no change is made to the operation of the staple-free binding device 71 at a specific time.

[0173] Embodiment 2 FIG. 15 is a flowchart relating to control of the paper processing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The sheet processing system according to the second embodiment is similar to the sheet processing system 1A according to the first embodiment, except for some changes in the control described below.

[0174] In the paper-sheet processing system according to the second embodiment, in order to prevent the occurrence of the sticking phenomenon, the staple-less binding process by the paper-sheet binding device 5A is performed as follows.

[0175] In the paper processing system according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, when a request for binding processing of paper 9 is made to the paper processing control unit 15, etc., it is determined whether or not stapleless binding processing has been selected, as shown in FIG. 15 (S200).

[0176] If stapleless binding processing is selected in step 200, information regarding the thickness of the paper sheets 9 is acquired in the paper processing control unit 15 (S201). Next, the paper processing control unit 15 determines whether the thickness of the paper 9 exceeds 65 gsm in basis weight (S202).

[0177] If it is determined in step 202 that the thickness of the paper 9 exceeds 65 gsm in basis weight, the paper processing control unit 15 acquires information on temperature and relative humidity (S203). Next, the paper processing control unit 15 determines whether the absolute humidity is 20 g / m 3 It is determined whether or not the difference exceeds the predetermined value (S204).

[0178] In step 202, if it is determined that the thickness of the paper 9 is 65 gsm or less in basis weight, and in step 204, if the absolute humidity is 20 g / m 3 If it is determined that: That is, in either of these cases, the pressure amount Pa for stapleless binding processing is maintained at the pressure amount Pa1, which is the normal condition, in the sheet processing control unit 15 (S205).

[0179] Thereafter, the staple-free binding device 71 performs the staple-free binding process under normal conditions (S206). Next, it is confirmed whether or not the stapleless binding process under the normal conditions has been completed (S207). When the completion is confirmed, all operations of the stapleless binding process are completed under normal conditions.

[0180] On the other hand, in step 204, the absolute humidity is 20 g / m 3 If it is determined that the number of sheets exceeds the limit, the display operation control unit 133 of the image forming apparatus 3A, which is the paper supply device 2A, displays a warning message A on the operation display panel unit 47 (S208).

[0181] As illustrated in Figure 16(A), warning message A is a message that warns of the possibility of problems if stapleless binding processing is performed at this time, and includes the option to cancel the stapleless binding processing and change to stapled binding processing. The display of warning message A alerts the user who is planning to perform stapleless binding that performing stapleless binding at this time may cause problems. The display of warning message A also gives the user who is planning to perform stapleless binding the option of canceling the potentially problematic stapleless binding and changing to stapled binding.

[0182] Incidentally, warning message A is a sentence (second warning message) that includes an option to change stapleless binding processing to stapled binding processing. Warning message A can also be a sentence (first warning message) that includes an option to cancel the stapleless binding processing operation. Furthermore, warning statement A may be the latter option only.

[0183] Subsequently, the paper processing control unit 15 determines whether or not to change the stapleless binding process to the stapled binding process after displaying the warning message A (S209).

[0184] If it is determined in step 209 that a selection has been made to change to staple-based binding processing, the staple-free binding processing operation is canceled and the staple-based binding device 77 executes the staple-based binding processing operation (S220). In this case, the operation of the stapleless binding process, which may cause sticking, is canceled, thereby preventing the paper-sheet stack 90 from sticking to the stapleless binding device 71.

[0185] Furthermore, if it is determined in step 209 that no change to staple binding processing has been selected, information on the image forming operation is acquired in the paper supply device 2A and the like (S210). The information on the image forming operation is part of the information on the requested image forming operation (whether or not a double-sided image forming operation is performed). This information on the image forming operation is acquired from the image forming control unit 14.

[0186] In this case, it is subsequently determined whether the information on the image forming operation in the paper supply device 2A is a double-sided image forming operation (S211). Specifically, it is determined whether or not the image formation on the sheets 9 to be stapleless bound is double-sided image formation in the information on the image formation operation.

[0187] If it is determined in step 211 that the image forming operation is a double-sided image forming operation, the process proceeds to step 205, where the pressure amount Pa for stapleless binding processing is maintained at the pressure amount Pa1, which is the normal condition. In this case, the operations of steps 205 to 207 are similarly executed.

[0188] Specifically, in this case, in the image forming device 3A, which is the paper supply device 2A, the paper 9 that has passed through the fixing unit 29 in the image forming section 20 and has an image formed on one side is re-sent to the image forming section 20 through the paper inversion supply section 40. Subsequently, the paper 9 has a toner image secondarily transferred onto the opposite side thereof, passes through the fixing unit 29 again to be fixed, and is then transported to the paper binding device 5A via the second discharge path Tr5. In this case, the paper binding device 5A performs a stapleless binding process using the stapleless binding device 71 under normal conditions on a stack of paper 90 consisting of multiple sheets of paper 9 with images formed on both sides that are transported from the image forming device 3A.

[0189] Here, in the stapleless binding process that proceeds from step 211 to steps 205 and 206, before the stapleless binding process is performed, the multiple sheets of paper 9 that make up the paper stack 90 pass through the fixing unit 29 twice and are heated twice in a double-sided image forming operation. As a result, the paper 9 at this time is dried by being heated twice as it passes through the fixing unit 29. For this reason, the fixing unit 29 is also used as the drying means 16 that dries the paper 9. Moreover, the dried paper sheet 9 has a lower moisture content than when it passes through the fixing unit 29 once. At this time, the paper 9 has an absolute humidity of 20 g / m 3 It is assumed that the situation corresponds to the following:

[0190] In this way, in the paper processing system according to the second embodiment, even at the specific times described above, when a double-sided image formation operation is performed on paper 9 that is the target of stapleless binding processing, stapleless binding processing is performed under normal conditions. In this case, the sheets 9 to be stapleless bound are heated and dried twice by the fixing unit 29 during double-sided image formation. This reduces the moisture content of the sheets 9. As a result, the adhesive force (adhesion) of the stack 90 of sheets 9 at this time to the second crimping teeth 73 of the stapleless binding device 71 is reduced, making them more likely to separate. Therefore, in the paper-sheet processing system according to the second embodiment, the paper-sheet stack 90 made up of the paper-sheets 9 is prevented from sticking to the second pressure teeth 73 and the like.

[0191] If it is determined in step 211 that the information on the image forming operation does not include a double-sided image forming operation, the display operation control unit 133 displays a warning message B on the operation display panel unit 47 (S212).

[0192] Warning message B, as illustrated in Figure 16(B), is a message that includes an option to select whether to shorten the required time for the requested image formation operation and stapleless binding process, i.e., to prioritize productivity. The display of this warning message B gives the user who is planning to perform stapleless binding processing the choice of whether or not to prioritize productivity.

[0193] If it is determined in step 213 that priority has been given to productivity, the sheet processing control unit 15 changes the pressure amount Pa for stapleless binding processing to the pressure amount Pa2, which is a condition for a specific time (S214).

[0194] Thereafter, the staple-less binding device 71 performs the staple-less binding process with the pressure amount Pa2, which is a condition for the specific time (S215). When it is confirmed whether the operation of the stapleless binding process under the specific conditions has been completed (S216), the paper processing control unit 15 returns the pressure amount Pa for the stapleless binding process to the pressure amount Pa1 under the normal conditions (S217). As a result, all operations of the stapleless binding process are completed under the specific time conditions.

[0195] On the other hand, if it is determined in step 213 that a selection has been made not to prioritize productivity, the image forming operation control unit 131 performs processing to add a pre-fixing operation to the single-sided image forming operation (S218). After the process of adding the idle fixing operation to the single-sided image forming operation in step 218, the process proceeds to step 205, where the pressure amount Pa for the stapleless binding process is maintained at the pressure amount Pa1, which is the normal condition. In this case, the operations of steps 205 to 207 are similarly executed.

[0196] Here, the empty fixing operation is an operation in which the paper 9 to be staple-less bound is passed through the fixing unit 29 and heated before an image is formed on one side of the paper 9 through the image forming section 20. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 3A causes the paper 9 supplied from the paper supply section 30 to pass through the secondary transfer position of the image forming section 20 without transferring a toner image, and then passes the paper 9 through the fixing processing section of the fixing unit 29 to be heated. This performs the idle fixing operation. Furthermore, in the image forming apparatus 3A after the pre-fixing operation, the paper 9 on which the pre-fixing has been performed is re-sent to the image forming unit 20 through the paper reversing supply unit 40. As a result, an image is properly formed on one side of the paper 9 on which the pre-fixing has been performed in the image forming unit 20.

[0197] Adding the idle fixing operation to the single-sided image forming operation in step 218 can also be said to have the following meaning. In other words, the above addition also means that even at the above specific times, a change is made to add an operation in which the paper 9 before the image is formed is passed through the fixing unit 29 to dry it before the stapleless binding process is performed. For this reason, in the paper-sheet processing system according to the second embodiment, even in the above-mentioned specific cases, the process may proceed to step 218 and stapleless binding processing may be performed even under normal conditions.

[0198] In this case, the paper 9 to be subjected to the stapleless binding process is heated and dried twice by the fixing unit 29 during the double-sided image forming operation, thereby reducing the moisture content of the paper 9. Therefore, the adhesive force (adhesion) of the paper-sheet stack 90 to the second pressure teeth 73 and the first pressure teeth 72 of the staple-less binding device 71 at this time decreases, and the paper-sheet stack 90 becomes more likely to come off therefrom. In other words, in this case, the stack of paper 90 is prevented from sticking to the stapleless binding device 71 when stapling without staples, compared to when no change is made to add an operation of passing the paper 9 through the fixing unit 29, which also serves as a drying means, before performing the stapleless binding process.

[0199] Therefore, in the paper processing system according to the second embodiment, the paper stack 90 is prevented from sticking to the stapleless binding device 71 compared to when the above-mentioned changes to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 are not made at a particular time.

[0200] Embodiment 3 FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of a paper sheet processing system 1B according to the third embodiment of the present invention. When compared with the paper processing system 1A of embodiment 1, the paper processing system 1B of embodiment 3 differs in that a paper binding device 5B is incorporated into part of an image forming device 3B, which is an example of a paper supply device 2B. Other than that, it has the same configuration as the paper processing system 1A.

[0201] In the paper processing system 1B, a paper binding device 5B is installed inside a housing 10C of an image forming device 3B, which is an example of a paper supply device 2B. In the image forming apparatus 3B according to the third embodiment, a paper-sheet binding device 5B is disposed in an accommodation space Ea between the intermediate transfer unit 25 of the image forming section 20 and the paper discharge section 45 inside a housing 10C.

[0202] Image forming apparatus 3B has, inside housing 10C, image forming section 20 and paper supply section 30 similar to those in image forming apparatus 3A of the first embodiment. On the outside of the housing 10C, there are provided a paper inverting and supplying unit 40 and an operation display panel unit 47 similar to those in the image forming apparatus 3A in Embodiment 1. On one side of the housing 10C, there is provided a discharge and storage unit 59 that stores the bound paper stack 90 discharged from the paper binding device 5B.

[0203] In the paper-sheet binding device 5B, the paper-sheet introduction section 50, the paper-sheet accumulation section 60, the binding section 70, etc., similar to those in the paper-sheet binding device 5A of the first embodiment, are arranged in the accommodation space Ea of the housing 10C. Of these, the binding section 70 includes a staple-less binding device 71 and a staple-containing binding device 77 similar to those in the binding section 70 of the first embodiment.

[0204] The paper processing system 1B also includes the thickness acquisition means 11, the environment measurement means 12, the control means 13, the drying means 16, etc., similar to the paper processing system 1A. As shown by the broken line in FIG. 17, the control means 13 is made up of an image formation control section 14 and a paper processing control section 15, similar to those in the paper processing system 1A. The fixing unit 29 also serves as the drying means 16.

[0205] Then, in the same way as in the case of the paper-sheet processing system 1A or the case of the paper-sheet processing system according to the second embodiment, the paper-sheet processing system 1B selectively performs stapleless binding processing and stapled binding processing. Furthermore, in the paper processing system 1B, similarly to the paper processing system 1A or the paper processing system according to embodiment 2, the control means 13 is configured to make changes to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 at the above-mentioned specific times (see Figures 10 and 15).

[0206] Therefore, as with the paper processing system 1A or the paper processing system according to embodiment 2, the paper processing system 1B also reduces the likelihood of the paper stack 90 sticking to the stapleless binding device 71 compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 at a specific time.

[0207] Furthermore, in the paper processing system 1B, compared to the case where the paper binding device 5A is configured as a separate device from the image forming device 3A, as in the case of the paper processing system 1A, the entire paper processing system 1B is prevented from becoming larger due to the presence of the paper binding device 5B.

[0208] Embodiment 4 FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a paper sheet processing system 1C according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. When compared with the paper processing system 1A according to the first embodiment, the paper processing system 1C according to the fourth embodiment differs in that the paper supply device 2C is a dedicated device for supplying paper 9 rather than the image forming device 3A. Other than that, it has the same configuration as the paper processing system 1A. The paper processing system 1C includes a paper supply device 2C and a paper binding device 5C.

[0209] Of these, paper sheet binding device 5C has a paper sheet introduction section 50, a paper sheet accumulation section 60, a binding section 70, etc. arranged inside a housing 10D, similar to those in paper sheet binding device 5A. The binding section 70 includes a staple-less binding device 71 and a staple-containing binding device 77, similar to those in the binding section 70 in the first embodiment. Furthermore, in paper-sheet binding device 5C, operation display panel unit 47 and discharge and storage unit 58 in the first embodiment are provided outside housing 10D.

[0210] The paper supply device 2C is provided with a paper storage section 19 for storing and stacking the paper sheets 9 on one side surface of the exterior of the housing 10D. The paper feed storage section 19 is a plate-shaped section having a storage surface capable of stacking and storing a plurality of sheets of paper 9. The paper feed storage section 19 also includes a sending device 152 that sends out the sheets of paper 9 stacked on the storage surface one by one toward the paper binding device 5C. The paper sheets 9 sent out from the paper feed storage section 19 are delivered to the paper introduction section 50 of the paper binding device 5C.

[0211] The paper supply device 2C may also be provided with drying means 16 that dries the paper sheets 9 stacked and stored in the paper storage section 19. As the drying means 16, for example, a heating means that applies heat to the paper sheets 9 by contact or without contact, or a blowing means that blows air such as hot air onto the paper sheets 9, etc., can be used.

[0212] The paper sheet processing system 1C also includes a thickness acquisition means 11, an environment measurement means 12, a control means 13, etc., similar to those of the paper sheet processing system 1A. 18, the control means 13 is configured by a paper processing control unit 15 in the paper processing system 1A. The paper processing control unit 15 is connected to a paper supply operation control unit 147 that controls the supply operation of the delivery device 152 of the paper supply device 2C, (the drying means 16), etc.

[0213] In the fourth embodiment, the control means 13 is arranged inside the housing 10D of the paper-sheet binding device 5C. In addition, in the fourth embodiment, the thickness acquisition means 11 and the environment measurement means 12 are arranged inside the lower housing 10E located below the paper feed storage section 19 of the paper supply device 2C. The thickness acquisition means 11 and the environment measurement means 12 may also be arranged inside the housing 10D of the paper binding device 5C.

[0214] Similarly to the paper sheet processing system 1A, the paper sheet processing system 1C selects and performs stapleless binding processing and stapled binding processing. Furthermore, in the same manner as in the case of the paper sheet processing system 1A, the control means 13 of the paper sheet processing system 1C is configured to make changes to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 at the specific times described above (see FIG. 10).

[0215] Therefore, as with the paper processing system 1A, the paper processing system 1C also reduces the likelihood of paper stacks 90 sticking to the stapleless binding device 71 compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 at specific times.

[0216] Variant. The present invention is not limited to the configurations exemplified as the above-mentioned Embodiments 1 to 4. In other words, the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without departing from the spirit of the inventions described in the claims. Therefore, the present invention also includes the following modifications, for example.

[0217] In the first to fourth embodiments, four binding positions P are exemplified for the staple-less binding device 71 and the staple-containing binding device 77. However, the number and set positions of the binding positions P are not particularly limited.

[0218] In the first to third embodiments, the fixing unit 29 is used as the drying means 16 for drying the paper 9. However, the drying means 16 may be provided as a dedicated drying means in the paper supply devices 2A and 2B or the paper binding devices 5A and 5B.

[0219] The sheet processing systems 1A to 1C according to the first to fourth embodiments may be equipped with a device that performs other processes on the sheets 9 in addition to the binding unit 70 that binds the sheets 9. An example of the device that performs other processes is a hole punching device such as a hole puncher.

[0220] The paper processing system 1C according to the fourth embodiment can also be configured such that the control means 13 makes changes to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 at the above-mentioned specific times, in a manner similar to that of the paper processing system 1B, except for steps 210 to 213 and 218 shown in FIG. 15. When configured in this manner, as in the case of paper processing system 1B, the paper stack 90 is less likely to stick to the stapleless binding device 71 than when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 at specific times.

[0221] Furthermore, in the case where the paper sheet processing system 1C according to the fourth embodiment is provided with the drying means 16 in the paper sheet storage section 19, the following configuration can also be adopted. That is, in the paper processing system 1C provided with the drying means 16, the control means 13 can be configured to make changes to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 at the above-mentioned specific times, in much the same way as in the paper processing system 1B. However, if you want to use this configuration, you will need to make the following changes: The changes are to remove the operations of steps 210 and 211 shown in FIG. 15, and to change step 218 to "dry the paper 9 with the drying means 16 before performing stapleless binding processing." When configured in this manner, similar to the case of paper processing system 1B, the paper stack 90 is prevented from sticking to the stapleless binding device 71 compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding device 71 at specific times.

[0222] In the first to third embodiments, image forming apparatuses 3A and 3B (see FIGS. 2 and 17) equipped with an electrophotographic image forming unit 20 have been exemplified as image forming apparatuses, which are examples of paper feeders. However, the image forming apparatus may also be equipped with an image forming unit of another image forming method. Examples of other image forming methods include an ink jet image forming method. Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments, the image forming section 20 has been exemplified as having a plurality of imaging units 21A, 21B, 21C, and 21D. However, the number of the imaging units 21 is not limited to four, and may be any other number.

[0223] (Addendum) (((1))) a paper feeder that feeds paper; a paper binding device that performs a binding process to bind a stack of paper sheets that are stacked and supplied from the paper supply device; a thickness acquisition means for acquiring information about the thickness of the paper; an environmental measurement means for measuring at least information regarding humidity; a control means for acquiring information necessary for control and controlling the operation; Equipped with The paper binding device has a staple-free binding means for performing a staple-free binding process of pressing a part of the paper stack together to bind the paper stack without a staple, A paper processing system in which the control means makes changes to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time when the acquired information on thickness is equal to or greater than a specific thickness and the information on measured humidity is equal to or greater than a specific humidity. (((2))) the stapleless binding means has a first crimping tooth and a second crimping tooth that presses a portion of the paper stack against the first crimping tooth and moves back and forth to engage with the first crimping tooth, The paper processing system described in (((1))) wherein the control means changes the amount of pressure applied by the second crimping tooth when pressing at the specific time to be lower than the amount of pressure applied normally other than the specific time. (((3))) a drying means for drying the paper or the paper stack; The control means, at the specified time, makes a change to add an operation of drying the paper or paper stack to be bound by the stapleless binding means using the drying means before performing the stapleless binding process using the stapleless binding means. This is a paper processing system described in (((1))) or (((2))). (((4))) a display and selection means for displaying and selecting a first warning message including an option to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means; The control means, at the specified time, causes the display selection means to display the first warning message to prompt a selection operation, and, based on the result of the selection operation, makes a change to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means. A paper processing system as described in any of (((1))) to (((3))). (((5))) the stapleless binding means has a drive device that drives the second crimping teeth to move toward and away from the first crimping teeth, When the control means makes a change to reduce the amount of pressure, it controls the operation of the drive device by changing the conditions so that the pressure applied when advancing the second crimping tooth of the drive device is weaker than the normal pressure force (((2))). (((6))) the stapleless binding means has a drive device that drives the second crimping teeth to move toward and away from the first crimping teeth, When the control means makes a change to reduce the amount of pressure, it controls the operation of the drive device by changing the conditions so that the amount of movement when advancing the second crimping tooth of the drive device is less than the amount of movement under normal circumstances (((2))). (((7))) The sheet processing system according to (((3))), wherein the drying means is a means for applying heat to the sheet or the stack of sheets or a means for blowing air onto the sheet or the stack of sheets. (((8))) The paper-sheet binding device has a staple-containing binding means for performing a staple-containing binding process for binding the paper-sheet stack with staples, the display selection means displays a second warning message including an option to change the stapleless binding process by the stapleless binding means to the staple-presence binding process by the staple-presence binding means; The control means, at the specified time, causes the display selection means to display the second warning message to prompt a selection operation, and, based on the results of the selection operation, makes a change to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means (((4))). (((9))) The paper handling system according to any one of ((1)) to ((8))), wherein the paper feeder is an image forming device that forms an image on paper. (((10))) The paper processing system according to (((9))), wherein the paper binding device is configured to be incorporated as part of the image forming device. (((11))) the image forming apparatus has a fixing unit for thermally fixing an image on a sheet of paper; the drying means also serves as the fixing means, The control means makes a change at the specific time to add the execution of an operation of passing the paper before forming an image through the fixing means before performing the stapleless binding process using the stapleless binding means. This is the paper processing system described in (((9))) or (((10))). (((12))) The paper processing system according to (((9))), wherein the paper binding device is configured as a separate device that is used in connection with the image forming device. (((13))) The paper processing system according to any one of ((1))) to ((8))), wherein the paper supply device is a device that supplies at least paper that requires binding processing.

[0224] According to the paper processing system of (((1))), when a stack of paper is bound by a stapleless binding means, the stack of paper can be prevented from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time. According to the paper processing system relating to (((2))), it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the needleless binding means when binding without a staple, compared to when no change is made to reduce the amount of pressure applied when pressing the paper stack against the fixed crimping teeth via the movable crimping teeth to a level lower than the amount of pressure applied normally except at specific times. According to the paper processing system of (((3))), it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means when binding without a needle, compared to when no change is made to add an operation of drying the paper or paper stack that is the target of the needleless binding process with a drying means before performing the needleless binding process using the stapleless binding means. According to the paper processing system of (((4))), it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to a case where the operation of the stapleless binding means cannot be canceled at a specific time. According to the paper processing system of (((5))), it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means without reducing the working speed of the stapleless binding process, compared to when the conditions are changed to slow down the advancement speed when the second crimping tooth is advanced. According to the paper processing system of (((6))), it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means without reducing the working speed of the stapleless binding process, compared to when the conditions are changed to slow down the advancement speed when the second crimping tooth is advanced. According to the paper processing system of (((7))), it is easier to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to when the drying means is not a means for applying heat or a means for blowing air. According to the paper processing system of (((8))), it is possible to perform the binding process on a stack of paper sheets while preventing the stack of paper sheets from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to when there is no option to change from stapleless binding process using a stapleless binding means to staple binding process using a staple-containing binding means at a specific time. According to the paper processing system of (((9))), when a stack of multiple sheets of paper discharged from an image forming device and supplied is bound by the stapleless binding means, the stack of sheets can be prevented from sticking to the stapleless binding means, compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time. According to the paper processing system of (((10))), the paper processing system can be prevented from becoming larger due to the presence of the paper binding device, compared to when the paper binding device is configured as a device separate from the image forming device. According to the paper processing system of (((11))), it is possible to prevent the paper stack from sticking to the stapleless binding means without equipping a dedicated means as a drying means, compared to when no change is made to add the execution of the operation of passing the paper stack through the fixing means before performing the binding process using the stapleless binding means. According to the paper processing system of (((12))), it is easier to manufacture a paper binding device that is adapted to differences in image forming devices, compared to when the paper binding device is configured to be incorporated as part of the image forming device. According to the paper processing system of (((13))), when a stack of multiple sheets of paper supplied from a paper supply device is bound by the needleless binding means, the stack of sheets can be prevented from sticking to the needleless binding means, compared to when no changes are made to the operation of the needleless binding means at a specific time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0225] 1A, 1B, 1C...Paper handling system 2A,2B…Paper supply device 2C...Paper supply device (an example of a dedicated paper supply device) 3A, 3B...Image forming device (an example of a paper supply device) 5A...paper binding device (an example of a separate paper binding device) 5B...paper binding device (an example of a paper binding device incorporated as part of an image forming device) 5C...paper binding device (an example of a standalone paper binding device) 9...Paper 11...Thickness acquisition means 12...Environmental measurement tools 13...Control means 14...Image formation control unit (an example of a control means) 15...Paper processing control unit (an example of a control means) 16...Drying means 29... Fixing unit (an example of fixing means and drying means) 71... Staple-free binding device (an example of a staple-free binding means) 72...First crimping tooth 73...Second crimping tooth 77... Staple binding device (an example of staple binding means) 90…Paper stack 742...Drive motor (an example of a drive device) Pa...pressure amount Pa1: Normal pressure Pa2: Amount of pressure at a specific time Fp...pressure (an example of pressure amount) Fp1: Normal pressure Fp2: Pressure at a specific time Ma...Movement amount (example of pressure amount) Ma1: Normal movement amount Ma2: Amount of movement at a specific time

Claims

1. a paper feeder for feeding paper; a paper binding device that performs a binding process to bind a stack of paper sheets that are stacked and supplied from the paper supply device; a thickness acquisition means for acquiring information about the thickness of the paper; an environmental measurement means for measuring at least information regarding humidity; a control means for acquiring information necessary for control and controlling the operation; Equipped with The paper binding device has a staple-free binding means for performing a staple-free binding process of pressing a part of the paper stack together to bind the paper stack without a staple, A paper processing system in which the control means makes changes to the operation of the stapleless binding means at a specific time when the acquired information on thickness is equal to or greater than a specific thickness and the information on measured humidity is equal to or greater than a specific humidity.

2. the stapleless binding means has a first crimping tooth and a second crimping tooth that presses a portion of the paper stack against the first crimping tooth and moves back and forth to engage with the first crimping tooth, 2. The paper processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control means changes the amount of pressure applied by the second crimping teeth when pressing at the specific time to be lower than the amount of pressure applied at normal times other than the specific time.

3. a drying means for drying the paper or the paper stack; 2. The paper processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control means makes a change at the specific time to add an operation of drying the paper or paper stack to be bound by the stapleless binding means using the drying means before performing the stapleless binding process using the stapleless binding means.

4. a display / selection means for displaying and selecting a first warning message including an option to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means; The paper processing system according to claim 1, wherein the control means, at the specified time, causes the display selection means to display the first warning message to prompt a selection operation, and, based on the result of the selection operation, makes a change to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means.

5. the stapleless binding means has a drive device that drives the second crimping teeth to move toward and away from the first crimping teeth, The paper processing system described in claim 2, wherein when the control means makes a change to reduce the amount of pressure, it controls the operation of the drive device by changing the conditions so that the pressure applied when advancing the second crimping tooth of the drive device is weaker than the normal pressure force.

6. the stapleless binding means has a drive device that drives the second crimping teeth to move toward and away from the first crimping teeth, The paper processing system described in claim 2, wherein when the control means makes a change to reduce the amount of pressure, it controls the operation of the drive device by changing the conditions so that the amount of movement when advancing the second pressure tooth of the drive device is less than the amount of movement under normal conditions.

7. 4. A paper processing system according to claim 3, wherein the drying means is a means for applying heat or a means for blowing air onto the paper or the paper stack.

8. The paper-sheet binding device has a staple-containing binding means for performing a staple-containing binding process for binding the paper-sheet stack with staples, the display selection means displays a second warning message including an option to change the stapleless binding process by the stapleless binding means to the staple-containing binding process by the staple-containing binding means; The paper processing system according to claim 4, wherein the control means, at the specified time, causes the display selection means to display the second warning message to prompt a selection operation, and, based on the result of the selection operation, makes a change to cancel the operation of the stapleless binding means.

9. 9. The paper handling system according to claim 1, wherein the paper supply device is an image forming device that forms an image on a paper sheet.

10. 10. The paper handling system according to claim 9, wherein the paper binding device is configured to be incorporated as a part of the image forming device.

11. the image forming apparatus has a fixing unit for thermally fixing an image on a sheet of paper; the drying means also serves as the fixing means, 11. The paper processing system according to claim 10, wherein the control means makes a change at the specific time to add the execution of an operation of passing the paper before an image is formed on it through the fixing means before performing the stapleless binding process using the stapleless binding means.

12. 10. The paper processing system according to claim 9, wherein the paper binding device is configured as a separate device that is used in connection with the image forming device.

13. 9. The paper processing system according to claim 1, wherein the paper supply device is a device that supplies at least paper that requires binding processing.

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