Post-processing device and image forming device equipped with the same

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device capable of performing a staple binding process on a paper sheet bundle and removing a staple needle from the paper sheet bundle without requiring a separate dedicated facility and also without causing the paper sheet bundle to fall off, and an image forming device equipped with the same.SOLUTION: A post-processing device 200 equipped with a paper sheet insertion / removal groove 202 into / from which a paper sheet bundle can be inserted and removed includes: a stapler unit 40 which is movable relative to the paper sheet insertion / removal groove 202 and performs a staple binding process on a paper sheet bundle P inserted into the paper sheet insertion / removal groove 202; and a remover unit 50 which is movable relative to the paper sheet insertion / removal groove 202 and performs a staple removal process on the paper sheet bundle P inserted into the paper sheet insertion / removal groove 202.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a post-processing device and an image forming apparatus including the same, such as a copying machine, a multifunction machine, a printer, or a facsimile machine. [Background technology]

[0002] When staples are driven into a stack of sheets on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus main body, a post-processing device (finisher) that is provided in the image forming apparatus and performs post-processing such as sorting of the sheets on which images have been formed may perform the stapling process of driving staples into the stack of sheets. For example, in the post-processing device, a stapler unit in the post-processing device main body may perform the stapling process (online stapling process) on the stack of sheets on which images have been formed when images are formed in the image forming apparatus main body. Also, a user may insert a stack of sheets into a paper insertion / ejection slot provided in the post-processing device main body and perform a stapling operation on the stack of sheets inserted in the paper insertion / ejection slot, causing the stapler unit in the post-processing device main body to perform the stapling process (manual stapling process).

[0003] Incidentally, when a sheet of paper (original) on which an image has been formed is to be read by an image reading device or recycled or disposed of, if the stack of sheets is stapled, a staple removal operation may be performed in advance to remove the staples from the stack of sheets.

[0004] For example, a user manually removes staples from a stack of paper using a spatula, claw, or other removal tool attached to the rear end of the stapler. This makes the staple removal process cumbersome and inefficient, especially when there are many sheets of paper.

[0005] In addition, in offices and other business facilities, staple removers are sometimes used to automatically remove staples from stacks of paper. In this case, the machine is an independent product that requires separate dedicated equipment such as installation space and power outlets.

[0006] In this regard, Patent Document 1 describes a configuration in which an image forming device creates curved or folded line perforations surrounding the staple insertion position and then inserts staples into the enclosed area, making it easier to remove the portion of the paper stack where staples have been inserted. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-315669 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, although the image forming device can remove the portion of the paper stack into which staples have been driven, it is not possible to remove the staples from the paper stack without causing the paper stack to fall off.

[0009] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a post-processing device that can perform stapling processing on a stack of paper, and can remove staples from the stack of paper without requiring any separate dedicated equipment and without causing the stack of paper to fall off, and an image forming device equipped with the same. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] In order to solve the above problem, the post-processing device disclosed herein is a post-processing device provided with a paper insertion / removal groove into which a stack of paper can be inserted and removed, and is characterized by comprising: a stapler unit that is movable relative to the paper insertion / removal groove and performs a staple binding process on the stack of paper inserted into the paper insertion / removal groove; and a remover unit that is movable relative to the paper insertion / removal groove and performs a staple removal process on the stack of paper inserted into the paper insertion / removal groove.

[0011] An image forming apparatus according to the present disclosure is characterized by including the post-processing apparatus according to the present disclosure. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to perform a staple binding process on a stack of paper, and it is also possible to remove staples from the stack of paper without requiring any separate dedicated equipment and without causing the stack of paper to fall off. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a post-processing device in the image forming apparatus shown in FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an operation unit portion shown in FIG. 2. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a schematic configuration of a stapler unit in the post-processing device. [Figure 5] 10 is a plan view showing a staple position and a staple retracted position of the stapler unit. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically illustrating a general configuration of a remover unit in the post-processing device. [Figure 7] 10 is a plan view showing a remove position and a remove retracted position of the remover unit. FIG. [Figure 8A] 10 is a side view schematically illustrating a state before a removal piece in the remover unit removes a staple from a stack of paper sheets. FIG. [Figure 8B] 10 is a side view schematically showing a state in which a removal piece in the remover unit removes a staple from a stack of paper sheets. FIG. [Figure 9A] FIG. 10 is a bottom view schematically illustrating a state before a removal piece in the remover unit removes the staple from the stack of paper sheets. [Figure 9B] 10 is a bottom view schematically showing a state in which a removal piece in the remover unit removes a staple from a stack of paper sheets. FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a system block diagram showing a control configuration of the image forming apparatus. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a viewing window portion in another example of the post-processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a projection unit in another example of a post-processing device according to the present embodiment. [Figure 13A] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a control operation of selection control for selecting one of a staple binding process and a staple removal process by a control unit. [Figure 13B] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of staple binding control. [Figure 13C] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of staple removal control. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals. The names and functions of the components are also the same. Therefore, detailed descriptions thereof will not be repeated.

[0015] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing an example of a post-processing device 200 in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of an operation unit 240 shown in FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a stapler unit 40 in the post-processing device 200. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a staple position ST1 and a staple retraction position ST2 of the stapler unit 40. FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of a remover unit 50 in the post-processing device 200. FIG. 7 is a plan view showing a remove position RE1 and a remove retraction position RE2 of the remover unit 50. FIGS. 8A and 8B are side views showing a state before and after a removal piece 52a of the remover unit 50 removes a staple SN from a stack of paper P, respectively. 9A and 9B are bottom views schematically showing the state before and after the removal piece 52a of the remover unit 50 removes the staple SN from the stack of paper P. FIG. 10 is a system block diagram showing the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0016] 1 to 9 and later-described FIGS. 11 and 12, arrows X1 and X2 respectively indicate the front side (front side, operation side) and rear side (rear side, opposite the operation side) in the front-rear direction X (depth direction) of the image forming apparatus 100. Arrows Y1 and Y2 respectively indicate one side Y1 (left side in this example) and the other side Y2 (right side in this example) in the left-right direction Y when viewed from the front side X1 of the image forming apparatus 100. Arrows Z1 and Z2 respectively indicate the upper side Z1 and lower side Z2 in the up-down direction Z (height direction) of the image forming apparatus 100.

[0017] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming device 100 includes an image forming device main body 101 that forms an image on paper, and a post-processing device 200 that performs predetermined post-processing on the image-formed paper and / or paper stack P on which an image has been formed in the image forming device main body 101 and discharges the paper to a paper discharge section (31, 32).

[0018] In this example, the image forming apparatus main body 101 is an example of a multifunction peripheral, and includes a paper transport mechanism 110, an image forming unit 120, a main body operation unit 130, a main body control unit 140 (see FIG. 10), and a main body communication unit 150 (see FIG. 10).

[0019] The paper transport mechanism 110 transports paper in the image forming apparatus main body 101. As shown in FIG. 10 , the image forming unit 120 is electrically connected to the input / output system of the main body control unit 140, transmits input signals from the detection unit and the like to the main body control unit 140, and forms an image based on the output signal from the main body control unit 140. This allows the image forming unit 120 to form an image on paper based on image data. The main body operation unit 130 is electrically connected to the input / output system of the main body control unit 140, receives operation commands from the user, transmits operation signals corresponding to the operation commands to the main body control unit 140, and displays display information corresponding to the output signal from the main body control unit 140. The main body control unit 140 controls the operation processing of each component such as the paper transport mechanism 110 and image formation processing such as image processing based on the operation signals received from the main body operation unit 130. The main body communication unit 150 communicates with the control unit 230 in the post-processing device 200 to send and receive communication information.

[0020] A post-processing device 200 is disposed on the downstream side (Y1) of the image forming apparatus main body 101 in the conveying direction W. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, a first side surface 201a of the post-processing device 200 on the upstream side (Y2) in the conveying direction W is connected to a side surface 101a of the image forming apparatus main body 101 on the downstream side (Y1) in the conveying direction W.

[0021] The post-processing device 200 performs post-processing such as sorting, binding, or punching on the image-formed paper sheets discharged from the image forming device main body 101 based on specifications specified by the user, and then discharges the sheets to the paper discharge section (upper discharge tray 31 or lower discharge tray 32).

[0022] The post-processing device 200 is provided with a paper insertion / removal groove 202 (see FIGS. 1 to 3) into which the paper stack P can be inserted and removed. The paper insertion / removal groove 202 is provided in the post-processing device main body 201. The post-processing device 200 is provided with a stapler unit 40 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) and a remover unit 50 (see FIGS. 6 and 7).

[0023] The stapler unit 40 is movable relative to the paper insertion / ejection groove 202, and performs a staple binding process of driving staples SN into the paper stack P inserted into the paper insertion / ejection groove 202. The remover unit 50 is movable relative to the paper insertion / ejection groove 202, and performs a staple removal process of removing staples SN from the paper stack P inserted into the paper insertion / ejection groove 202. The stapler unit 40 and the remover unit 50 are provided in the post-processing device main body 201.

[0024] In the post-processing device 200, when an image is formed in the image forming device main body 101, the stapler unit 40 in the post-processing device main body 201 performs a staple binding process (online staple binding process) on the sheet stack P on which the image has been formed. Also, when the user inserts the sheet stack P into a sheet insertion / ejection groove 202 provided in the post-processing device main body 201 and performs a staple binding operation on the sheet stack P inserted into the sheet insertion / ejection groove 202, the stapler unit 40 in the post-processing device main body 201 performs a staple binding process (manual staple binding process).

[0025] 5 and 7, the internal tray 203 is formed in the shape of a rectangular plate so that it can hold the stack of sheets P on which images are formed when images are formed in the image forming apparatus main body 101, and is slightly larger than the maximum size (in this example, the size of A4 landscape) of the stack of sheets P in the width direction T perpendicular to the groove direction V along the conveying direction W of the paper insertion / removal groove 202. The stapler unit 40 performs a staple binding process (online staple binding process) on the stack of sheets P placed on the internal tray 203. Note that the following description will mainly focus on the configuration of the manual staple binding process.

[0026] 2 and 3, the paper insertion / removal groove 202 is formed at a predetermined position for a user to insert or remove a stack of paper sheets P. In this example, the paper insertion / removal groove 202 is located at approximately the middle of the upper half of the front side X1 in the front-to-rear direction X of the post-processing device 200. The paper insertion / removal groove 202 is a groove that slopes obliquely downward from the second side surface 201b on one side Y1 (the left side in this example) in the left-to-right direction Y of the post-processing device main body 201 (main body housing), and cuts from the front surface 201c of the front side X1 to the rear side X2 in the front-to-rear direction X.

[0027] The paper insertion / removal groove 202 has a side-side insertion / removal opening 202a extending in the front-rear direction X on the second side surface 201b, and a front-side insertion / removal opening 202b extending diagonally downward on the front surface 201c. The width of the side-side insertion / removal opening 202a and the front-side insertion / removal opening 202b in the up-down direction Z (height direction) is set to a predetermined size (for example, about 3 cm) that allows a stack of paper of a predetermined thickness to be inserted and removed.

[0028] The paper insertion / removal groove 202 has an internal tray 203 (see FIGS. 5 and 7) provided inside the post-processing device main body 201 from the side insertion / removal opening 202a and the front insertion / removal opening 202b.

[0029] The post-processing device 200 further includes a first driving device 210 (see FIG. 4) that drives the stapler unit 40, a second driving device 220 (see FIG. 6) that drives the remover unit 50, and a control unit 230 (see FIG. 10).

[0030] [First drive unit] As shown in FIG. 4, the first driving device 210 includes a first driving unit 211 (a stepping motor in this example) and a first driving mechanism 212.

[0031] <First drive unit> The first driving section 211 drives the movement of the stapler unit 40. The first driving section 211 is electrically connected to the output system of the control section 230 (see FIG. 10), and is controlled by an instruction signal from the control section 230.

[0032] <First drive mechanism> The first drive mechanism 212 is configured to reciprocate the stapler unit 40 in the width direction T between one side T1 (front side X1 in this example) and the other side T2 (rear side X2 in this example).

[0033] In detail, the first drive mechanism 212 includes a first timing belt 212a, a two-stage gear member 212b, a second timing belt 212c, a driven gear 212d, a first unit position detection section 212e, a first paper detection section 212f, and a second paper detection section 212g.

[0034] -Two-stage gear parts- The first drive unit 211 and the two-stage gear member 212b are located at an end of one side T1 in the width direction T of the main body frame FL of the post-processing device main body 201 (outside a stapling position ST1, which will be described later). The first drive unit 211 is fixed to the end of the one side T1 in the width direction T of the main body frame FL so that its rotation axis extends along an orthogonal direction U that is perpendicular to both the width direction T and the groove direction V. The two-stage gear member 212b is rotatably supported at the end of the one side T1 in the width direction T of the main body frame FL so that its rotation axis extends along the orthogonal direction U.

[0035] -Driven gear- The driven gear 212d is rotatably supported at the end (outside the internal tray 203) of the other side T2 in the width direction T of the main body frame FL of the post-processing device main body 201 so that the rotation axis is aligned with the two-stage gear member 212b in the groove direction V and along the perpendicular direction U.

[0036] -Timing belt- The first timing belt 212a is wound around the drive gear 211a of the first drive unit 211 and the large-diameter gear 212b1 of the two-stage gear member along the groove direction V, and an inner locking portion 212a1 is meshed with the gear teeth of the drive gear 211a and the large-diameter gear 212b1. The second timing belt 212c is wound around the small-diameter gear 212b2 of the two-stage gear member and the driven gear 212d along the width direction T, and an inner locking portion 212c1 is meshed with the gear teeth of the small-diameter gear 212b2 and the driven gear 212d.

[0037] -First unit position detection section- The stapler unit 40 has a stapler unit main body 41 fixed to the first timing belt 212a. The stapler unit main body 41 is provided with a detected portion 41a (detected piece).

[0038] The first unit position detection section 212e detects the detectable portion 41a of the stapler unit 40. In this example, the first unit position detection section 212e has a light transmission sensor 212e1. The first unit position detection section 212e detects whether the detectable portion 41a blocks light from the light-emitting portion between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the light transmission sensor 212e1. The first unit position detection section 212e is electrically connected to the input system of the control section 230 (see FIG. 10) and transmits a detection signal to the control section 230 according to the presence or absence of the detectable portion 41a. In this example, when the control section 230 receives a presence signal of the detectable portion 41a from the first unit position detection section 212e, it can detect that the stapler unit 40 is located at a predetermined stapling position ST1 (the home position in this example) (see FIGS. 4 and 5). Here, staple position ST1 is a position for performing a staple binding process (manual staple binding process) in the paper insertion / ejection groove 202, and is a position where staples SN are on standby to be driven into the stack of paper P inserted into the paper insertion / ejection groove 202. In this example, the staple binding process is a process in which the back portion SNa of the staple SN is pushed into the stack of paper P toward the paper surface (in this example, from the lower side Z2 to the upper side Z1). Therefore, when the staple SN is driven into the stack of paper P, the direction of the back portion SNa of the staple SN is opposite to the paper surface (in this example, toward the lower side Z2).

[0039] The control unit 230 can position the stapler unit 40 at the staple retraction position ST2 (see FIG. 5) by driving the first drive unit 211 so that the stapler unit 40 moves from the staple position ST1 to the other side T2 (inside) in the width direction T by a predetermined staple retraction position movement time (a predetermined number of pulses). Here, the staple retraction position ST2 is a position retracted from the staple position ST1. The stapler unit 40 does not perform stapling when positioned at the staple retraction position ST2.

[0040] -Paper detection unit- The first paper detection unit 212f detects the edge of the other side T2 (inner side) in the width direction T of the paper stack P. The second paper detection unit 212g detects the edge of the paper stack P on the upstream side in the transport direction W (inner side in the groove direction V). In this example, the first paper detection unit 212f and the second paper detection unit 212g include actuators 212f1 and 212g1 that swing when they come into contact with the paper stack P, and light transmission sensors 212f2 and 212g2. The first paper detection unit 212f and the second paper detection unit 212g detect whether the actuators 212f1 and 212g1 block light from the light emitting units between the light emitting units and light receiving units of the light transmission sensors 212f2 and 212g2. The first paper detection unit 212f and the second paper detection unit 212g are electrically connected to an input system of the control unit 230 (see FIG. 10), and transmit a detection signal to the control unit 230 according to the presence or absence of the paper-sheet stack P. In this example, when the control unit 230 receives a signal indicating the presence of the paper-sheet stack P from the first paper detection unit 212f, it can detect that a predetermined position in the width direction T of the paper-sheet stack P, i.e., that the end of the paper-sheet stack P on the other side T2 in the width direction T, is located at a position where the staple binding process can be performed (first binding set position). Furthermore, when the control unit 230 receives a signal indicating the presence of the paper-sheet stack P from the second paper detection unit 212g, it can detect that a predetermined position in the conveyance direction W of the paper-sheet stack P, i.e., that the end of the paper-sheet stack P on the downstream side in the conveyance direction W is located at a position where the staple binding process can be performed (second binding set position).

[0041] The first drive device 210 configured in this manner can move the stapler unit 40 to the staple position ST1 and the staple retraction position ST2 by controlling the drive of the first drive section 211 under the instructions of the control section 230.

[0042] [Stapler unit] The stapler unit 40 performs a process of stapling the paper stack P by driving staples SN into the paper stack P (stapling process). The stapler unit 40 is electrically connected to the output system of the control unit 230, and is controlled by instruction signals from the control unit 230. As a result, when the stapler unit 40 is positioned at the staple position ST1, it can drive staples SN into the paper stack P that has been set by the user at the first binding set position and the second binding set position.

[0043] In this embodiment, the structure of the stapler unit 40 is the same as that of the conventional stapler unit 40, and therefore, detailed description of the structure of the stapler unit 40 will be omitted here.

[0044] [Second driving device] As shown in FIG. 6, the second driving device 220 includes a second driving section 221 (a stepping motor in this example) and a second driving mechanism 222.

[0045] <Second drive unit> The second driving section 221 drives the movement of the remover unit 50. The second driving section 221 is electrically connected to the output system of the control section 230 (see FIG. 10), and is controlled by an instruction signal from the control section 230.

[0046] <Second drive mechanism> The second drive mechanism 222 is configured to reciprocate the remover unit 50 to one side V1 in the groove direction V (in this example, the downstream side in the conveying direction W) and the other side (in this example, the upstream side in the conveying direction W).

[0047] More specifically, the second drive mechanism 222 includes a rack gear 222a, a rack gear holding portion 222b, and a second unit position detection portion 222c.

[0048] -Rack gear- The second drive unit 221 is fixed to the end of the main body frame FL (see FIG. 4) of the post-processing device main body 201 on the other side V2 in the groove direction V (upstream side in the conveying direction W) so that the rotation axis is along the vertical direction Z.

[0049] The rack gear 222a is a plate-shaped gear extending along the groove direction V, and has gear teeth 222a1 arranged in parallel along the width direction T. The rack gear 222a is meshed with the gear teeth of the drive gear 221a of the second drive unit 221.

[0050] -Rack gear holding part- The rack gear holding portion 222b is fixed to the main body frame FL of the post-processing device main body 201, and supports the rack gear 222a movably along the width direction T.

[0051] -Second unit position detection section- The remover unit 50 has a remover unit main body 51 fixed to the surface of the rack gear 222a opposite to the gear teeth 222a1. The remover unit main body 51 is provided with a detected portion 51a (detected piece).

[0052] The second unit position detection unit 222c detects the detectable portion 51a of the remover unit 50. In this example, the second unit position detection unit 222c has a light transmission sensor 222c1. The second unit position detection unit 222c detects whether the detectable portion 51a blocks light from the light-emitting portion between the light-emitting portion and the light-receiving portion of the light transmission sensor 222c1. The second unit position detection unit 222c is electrically connected to the input system of the control unit 230 (see FIG. 10) and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 230 corresponding to the presence or absence of the detectable portion 51a. In this example, when the control unit 230 receives a presence signal of the detectable portion 51a from the second unit position detection unit 222c, it can detect that the remover unit 50 is located at a predetermined removal position RE1 (see FIGS. 6 and 7). Here, the removal position RE1 is a position for performing a staple removal process in the paper insertion / removal groove 202, and is a position where the staple SN is on standby to be removed from the stack of paper P inserted in the paper insertion / removal groove 202. In this example, the staple removal process is a process of pushing up the back part SNa of the staple SN from the stack of paper P toward the side opposite to the paper surface (in this example, from the upper side Z1 to the lower side Z2). Therefore, when the staple SN is removed from the stack of paper P, the direction of the back part SNa of the staple SN is opposite to the paper surface (in this example, the lower side Z2).

[0053] The control unit 230 can position the remover unit 50 at the remove position RE1 (see FIG. 7) by driving the second drive unit 221 so that the remover unit 50 moves from the remove retract position RE2 (the home position in this example) to one side V1 (outside) in the groove direction V by a predetermined remove position movement time (a predetermined number of pulses). Here, the remove retract position RE2 is a position retracted from the remove position RE1. When the remover unit 50 is positioned at the remove retract position RE2, it does not perform staple removal processing.

[0054] Furthermore, the control unit 230 can position the remover unit 50 at the remove execution position α of the removal piece 52a by driving the second drive unit 221 so that the remover unit 50 moves from the remove position RE1 to one side V1 (outside) in the groove direction V by a predetermined remove execution position movement time (predetermined number of pulses). Here, the remove execution position α is the position of the staple SN at which the remover unit 50 projects from the remove position RE1 toward the staple SN in the stack of paper-sheets P and performs the operation of removing the staple SN from the stack of paper-sheets P with the removal piece 52a. After removing the staple SN from the stack of paper-sheets P with the removal piece 52a, the control unit 230 returns the remover unit 50 to the remove position RE1.

[0055] The second drive device 220 configured in this manner can move the remover unit 50 to the remove position RE1 and the remove retract position RE2 by controlling the drive of the second drive unit 221 under the instructions of the control unit 230, and can further move the removal piece 52a to the remove execution position α.

[0056] [Remover unit] The remover unit 50 performs a process (staple removal process) of removing the staples SN that have been driven into the paper stack P from the paper stack P. The remover unit 50 is electrically connected to the output system of the control unit 230, and is controlled by an instruction signal from the control unit 230.

[0057] The remover unit 50 can remove staples SN from the stack of paper-sheets P that has been set at the removal execution position α by a user by moving the remover unit 50 from the removal position RE1 (see FIGS. 8A and 9A) to a predetermined removal execution position α (see FIGS. 8B and 9B) of the removal piece 52a. More specifically, the remover unit 50 includes a remover 52 that removes staples SN from the stack of paper-sheets P. The remover 52 is fixed to the remover unit main body 51, and a removal piece 52a is provided at the tip of the remover 52. In this example, the removal piece 52a can be, for example, a spatula-shaped member with a sharpened tip, or a claw-shaped member with a triangular cross-sectional shape with a sharpened tip. This allows the staples SN to be easily removed from the stack of paper-sheets P. The remover unit 50 may be provided with a removable box for collecting the staples SN removed from the stack of paper-sheets P. This prevents the staples SN from scattering.

[0058] In this embodiment, the structure of the remover unit 50 is the same as that of the conventional remover unit 50, and therefore, a detailed description of the structure of the remover unit 50 will be omitted here.

[0059] The post-processing device 200 further includes an operation unit 240 (see FIGS. 2 and 3). The operation unit 240 is electrically connected to the input / output system of the control unit 230 (see FIG. 10), accepts operation commands from the user, transmits operation signals corresponding to the operation commands to the control unit 230, and displays display information corresponding to output signals from the control unit 230. The operation unit 240 is provided on the top surface 201d of the post-processing device 200 on the front side X1 (the paper insertion / removal groove 202 side) in the front-rear direction X. As shown in FIG. 3, the operation unit 240 is provided with a staple binding button 241 (an example of a first reception unit), a staple binding lamp 242 (an example of a first notification unit), a staple removal button 243 (an example of a first reception unit), and a staple removal lamp 244 (an example of a second notification unit). The staple binding button 241 accepts a selection operation of the staple binding process by the user. A staple binding lamp 242 displays (notifies) the availability of staple binding processing. A staple removal button 243 accepts a selection operation of staple removal processing by the user. A staple removal lamp 244 displays (notifies) the availability of staple removal processing.

[0060] In this example, the staple binding button 241 also accepts an operation by the user to execute the staple binding process. That is, the staple binding button 241 also serves as an operation to accept an operation to select and execute the staple binding process. The staple removal button 243 also accepts an operation to execute the staple removal process. That is, the staple removal button 243 also serves as an operation to accept an operation to select and execute the staple removal process.

[0061] A light-transmitting material is provided at operation locations 241a and 243a where the user operates (presses) the staple binding button 241 and the staple removal button 243. The staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 are provided inside the operation locations 241a and 243a of the staple binding button 241 and the staple removal button 243, and are designed to illuminate the operation locations 241a and 243a from inside the operation locations 241a and 243a. Note that the colors of light emitted at the operation locations 241a and 243a may be different from each other.

[0062] 10 , the staple binding button 241 and the staple removal button 243 are electrically connected to the input system of the control unit 230, and transmit operation signals corresponding to operation commands from the user to the control unit 230. The staple binding button 241 and the staple removal button 243 accept operation commands from the user and transmit operation signals corresponding to the operation commands to the control unit 230. The control unit 230 controls the staple binding process and the staple removal process based on the operation signals received from the staple binding button 241 and the staple removal button 243. The staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 are electrically connected to the output system of the control unit 230, and are turned on by an ON signal from the control unit 230, or are turned off by an OFF signal from the control unit 230.

[0063] The control unit 230 has a processing unit 231 and a storage unit 232. The processing unit 231 is made up of a microcomputer such as a CPU. The storage unit 232 includes a non-volatile memory such as a ROM and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The control unit 230 controls the operation of various components by the processing unit 231 loading a control program stored in advance in the ROM of the storage unit 232 onto the RAM of the storage unit 232 and executing it. Note that the processing of the control unit 230 may be executed by the main body control unit 140 in the image forming apparatus main body 101.

[0064] The power switch 204 is electrically connected to the input system of the control unit 230 and transmits an operation signal corresponding to an operation command from the user to the control unit 230. Power is constantly supplied to the control unit 230 from a power source PW. When the user turns on the power switch 204, the control unit 230 transitions from a standby state (an energy-saving mode in which the staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 are turned off and controls not necessary for operation are stopped) to an activated state (an operable state in which the staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 are turned on and controls necessary for operation are activated). The control unit 230 transitions to the standby state if a predetermined period of time continues without any operation by the user from the activated state.

[0065] [About this embodiment] According to this embodiment, the post-processing device 200, which is provided with a paper insertion / ejection groove 202 into which a stack of paper sheets P can be inserted and ejected, includes a stapler unit 40 and a remover unit 50. The stapler unit 40 is movable relative to the paper insertion / ejection groove 202 and performs a staple binding process on the stack of paper sheets P inserted into the paper insertion / ejection groove 202. The remover unit 50 is movable relative to the paper insertion / ejection groove 202 and performs a staple removal process on the stack of paper sheets P inserted into the paper insertion / ejection groove 202. Therefore, a staple removal machine is not used to remove staples from the stack of paper sheets, and as an independent product, no separate installation space or dedicated equipment such as a power outlet is required. Moreover, no curved or folded line perforations are made surrounding the positions where the staples SN are inserted, and therefore the stack of paper sheets P is not likely to fall out.

[0066] Therefore, the staple binding process can be performed on the paper stack P, and the staples SN can be removed from the paper stack P without requiring any separate dedicated equipment and without causing the paper stack P to fall off.

[0067] Furthermore, by utilizing the existing paper insertion / removal groove 202, both the stapling process and the staple removal process can be performed in the paper insertion / removal groove 202.

[0068] First Embodiment The post-processing device 200 includes an operation unit 240 that accepts a selection operation for either the stapling process or the staple removal process.

[0069] With this configuration, the staple binding process and the staple removal process can be selectively performed. Also, the user can select the staple binding process and the staple removal process using a single operation unit 240, thereby improving operability and convenience.

[0070] In this embodiment, the staple position ST1 of the stapler unit 40 is a position where the remover unit 50 interferes with the stapler unit 40 when the remover unit 50 attempts to move to the remove position RE1 while the stapler unit 40 is located at the staple position ST1 (a position where the stapler unit 40 interferes with the movement of the remover unit 50 to the remove position RE1). For this reason, the staple retraction position ST2 is a position where the remover unit 50 located at the remove position RE1 does not interfere with the stapler unit 40 (a position where the stapler unit 40 does not interfere with the movement of the remover unit 50 to the remove position RE1).

[0071] Furthermore, the remove position RE1 of the remover unit 50 is a position where the stapler unit 40 interferes with the remover unit 50 when the stapler unit 40 attempts to move to the staple position ST1 while the remover unit 50 is located at the remove position RE1 (a position where the remover unit 50 interferes with the movement of the stapler unit 40 to the staple position ST1). For this reason, the remove retract position RE2 is a position where the stapler unit 40 located at the staple position ST1 does not interfere with the remover unit 50 (a position where the remover unit 50 does not interfere with the movement of the stapler unit 40 to the staple position ST1).

[0072] In this embodiment, the staple position ST1 and the remove position RE1 are the same position.

[0073] With this configuration, the positions of the staples SN of the sheet stack P when the user inserts the sheet stack P into the paper insertion / removal groove 202 can be made the same when performing the staple binding process with the stapler unit 40 and when performing the staple removal process with the remover unit 50. This allows the user to have the post-processing device 200 perform the staple binding process and the staple removal process without having to worry about the positions of the staples SN of the sheet stack P in the paper insertion / removal groove 202 for the staple binding process and the staple removal process.

[0074] Second Embodiment In this embodiment, the stapler unit 40 is movable between a staple position ST1 for performing a staple binding process in the paper insertion / ejection groove 202 and a staple retraction position ST2 retracted from the staple position ST1. The remover unit 50 is movable between a remove position RE1 for performing a staple removal process in the paper insertion / ejection groove 202 and a remove retraction position RE2 retracted from the remove position RE1.

[0075] In this configuration, since the stapler unit 40 is movable between the staple position ST1 and the staple retraction position ST2 in the paper insertion / ejection groove 202, when the remover unit 50 moves to the removal position RE1, the stapler unit 40 positioned at the staple retraction position ST2 does not interfere with the movement of the remover unit 50 to the removal position RE1. Also, since the remover unit 50 is movable between the removal position RE1 and the removal retraction position RE2 in the paper insertion / ejection groove 202, when the stapler unit 40 moves to the staple position ST1, the remover unit 50 positioned at the removal retraction position RE2 does not interfere with the movement of the stapler unit 40 to the staple position ST1.

[0076] <Third embodiment> In this embodiment, the movement direction of the stapler unit 40 and the movement direction of the remover unit 50 are perpendicular to each other.

[0077] By doing so, when the stapler unit 40 performs the stapling process, it is possible to easily move the remover unit 50 to the remove retract position RE2 where it does not interfere with the stapler unit 40, relative to the stapler unit 40 that is positioned at the staple position ST1. Similarly, when the remover unit 50 performs the staple removal process, it is possible to easily move the stapler unit 40 to the staple retract position ST2 where it does not interfere with the remover unit 50, relative to the remover unit 50 that is positioned at the remove position RE1.

[0078] In this embodiment, the post-processing device 200 includes a first reception unit (in this example, a staple binding button 241) that receives a selection operation for a staple binding process, and a second reception unit (in this example, a staple removal button 243) that receives a selection operation for a staple removal process. The control unit 230 receives the selection operation for the staple binding process from the first reception unit (241) or receives the selection operation for the staple removal process from the second reception unit (243), and controls the driving of the first drive device 210 and the second drive device 220 based on the process corresponding to the selection operation received by the first reception unit (241) or the second reception unit (243).

[0079] With this configuration, the user can reliably select either the stapling process or the staple removal process. Furthermore, when the process corresponding to the selection operation received by the first reception unit (241) or the second reception unit (243) is the stapling process, the first drive device 210 can reliably move the stapler unit 40 to the stapling position ST1, and the second drive device 220 can reliably move the remover unit 50 to the removal retraction position RE2. Furthermore, when the process corresponding to the selection operation received by the first reception unit (241) or the second reception unit (243) is the staple removal process, the second drive device 220 can reliably move the remover unit 50 to the removal position RE1, and the first drive device 210 can reliably move the stapler unit 40 to the staple retraction position ST2.

[0080] <Fourth embodiment> In this embodiment, after receiving a selection operation of either a staple binding process or a staple removal process (for example, a staple binding process) from the operation unit 240, when the user inserts a stack of sheets P into the sheet insertion / removal groove 202, the control unit 230 performs the process for which the selection operation was received (for example, a staple binding process) after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when it detected that the stack of sheets P has been inserted. Here, the time when it is detected that the first sheet detection unit 212f and the second sheet detection unit 212g have detected a signal indicating that the stack of sheets P has been inserted can be exemplified as the time when the first sheet detection unit 212f and the second sheet detection unit 212g detect that a signal indicating that the stack of sheets P has been inserted.

[0081] This allows the process for which the selection operation has been accepted to be performed without accepting an operation to execute the process for which the selection operation has been accepted, thereby improving the convenience for the user in executing the process for which the selection operation has been accepted.

[0082] Fifth Embodiment In this embodiment, the orientation of the back portion SNa of the staple SN when the stapler unit 40 drives the staple SN into the stack of paper P is the same as the orientation of the back portion SNa of the staple SN removed from the stack of paper P when the remover unit 50 removes the staple SN from the stack of paper P.

[0083] With this configuration, when performing staple binding processing by the stapler unit 40 and when performing staple removal processing by the remover unit 50, it is possible to unify the front and back orientation of the sheet stack P when the user inserts the sheet stack P into the sheet insertion / removal groove 202. This allows the post-processing device 200 to perform the staple binding processing and staple removal processing without the user having to worry about the front and back orientation of the sheet stack P when inserting it into the sheet insertion / removal groove 202.

[0084] Sixth Embodiment In this embodiment, the remover unit 50 has a removal piece 52a that removes the staples SN that have been driven into the stack of paper-sheets P from the stack of paper-sheets P.

[0085] In this way, the staple SN can be reliably removed from the sheet stack P by the removal piece 52a.

[0086] Seventh Embodiment FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a viewing window 250 in another example of post-processing device 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0087] In this embodiment, the post-processing device 200 is provided with a space SP adjacent to the paper insertion / removal groove 202 and including a removal execution position α, which is the position of the staple SN when the remover unit 50 performs the operation of removing the staple SN from the paper stack P. An opening SPa on the user's operation side (front side X1 in this example) in the space SP forms a viewing window 250 (a transparent viewing window in this example) that allows the user to visually recognize the removal execution position α.

[0088] With this configuration, when a user performs the staple removal process, the position of the staple SN in the stack of paper P can be easily seen through the viewing window 250, thereby making it easy for the user to perform the staple removal process.

[0089] More specifically, a space SP is provided in the post-processing device main body 201. The space SP is formed in a polyhedron shape (in this example, formed by connecting a rectangular parallelepiped and a triangular prism) extending to the upper side Z1 in the up-down direction Z at the downstream end of the paper insertion / removal groove 202 in the conveying direction W. An opening SPa on the front side X1 of the space SP forms the viewing window 250. In this example, an opening SPb on the lower side Z2 of the space SP communicates with the paper insertion / removal groove 202, and a transparent member made of transparent glass, transparent resin, or the like is provided in the opening SPa (viewing window 250) on the front side X1 of the space SP. A transparent member made of transparent glass, transparent resin, or the like may also be provided in the opening SPb on the lower side Z2 of the space SP.

[0090] Eighth Embodiment FIG. 12 is a perspective view that schematically shows a projection unit 260 in another example of post-processing device 200 according to the present embodiment.

[0091] Incidentally, when performing staple removal processing in the paper insertion / removal slot 202, the user does not know at what position in the paper insertion / removal slot 202 the staple SN in the paper stack P should be positioned. Also, the post-processing device 200 may perform staple removal processing on a paper stack P into which staples SN have been manually driven using a stapler, for example. In this case, the position (relative position with respect to one side of the paper) and direction (angle of the staple SN with respect to one side of the paper) of the staple SN in the paper stack P are not constant. For this reason, when performing staple removal processing in the paper insertion / removal slot 202, the user does not know at what position the staple SN in the paper stack P should be positioned and in what direction it should be pointed.

[0092] In this regard, in this embodiment, the post-processing device 200 includes a light source 261 that illuminates the space SP, and a projection unit 262 that projects an index image MK serving as an index for the staple SN in the paper stack P onto the removal execution position α using light L from the light source 261. The light source 261 and the projection unit 262 are provided in the space SP.

[0093] With this configuration, the user can easily align the index image MK, which is projected onto the removal execution position α by the light L from the light source 261 via the projection unit 262, with the staple SN in the paper stack P. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the user to recognize the position and direction of the staple SN in the paper stack P at the removal execution position α, and thereby it is possible to reliably remove the staple SN from the paper stack P.

[0094] More specifically, the post-processing device 200 further includes a projection unit 260. The projection unit 260 includes a light source 261 and a projection unit 262. The light source 261 is provided in the space SP so as to be able to irradiate light L toward the removal execution position α. ​​The projection unit 262 includes a transparent plate 262a and a light-shielding plate 262b. The transparent plate 262a is provided in an opening SPb on the lower side Z2 of the space SP. The light-shielding plate 262b is provided in a region of the transparent plate 262a that includes the optical path of the light source 261 between the light source 261 and the removal execution position α. ​​The light-shielding plate 262b also includes a through-hole 262b1 through which the light L from the light source 261 passes and projects an index image MK at the removal execution position α. ​​In this example, the transparent plate 262a is a transparent plate made of transparent glass, transparent resin, or the like. The light-shielding plate 262b is a black light-shielding sheet with a through-hole 262b1 and is attached to the transparent plate 262a. The through-hole 262b1 has a shape similar to the shape of the back portion SNa of the staple SN so that the through-hole 262b1 has approximately the same shape as the back portion SNa of the staple SN when projected at the removal execution position α. ​​This allows the user to reliably match the shape of the index image MK provided in the shadow SD of the light-shielding plate 262b with the shape of the back portion SNa of the staple SN. The light-shielding plate 262b may be light-transmitting as long as it can generate the shadow SD. The transparent plate 262a may also be translucent. In this case, the light transmittance of the transparent plate 262a is greater than that of the light-shielding plate 262b.

[0095] In this embodiment, the light source 261 is electrically connected to the output system of the control unit 230 (see FIG. 10), and is controlled by an instruction signal from the control unit 230.

[0096] The control unit 230 illuminates the space SP with the light source 261 at least from the time when the operation unit 240 accepts the selection operation of the staple removal process until the staple removal process is completed (for example, when the remover unit 50 completes the operation of removing the staple SN from the paper stack P).

[0097] In this configuration, the user can view the inside of the space SP illuminated by the light source 261 at least from the time when the selection operation for the staple removal process is accepted until the staple removal process is completed. That is, when the user wants to remove the staple SN from the stack of paper P, the user can align the index image MK projected at the removal execution position α with the staple SN in the stack of paper P by selecting the staple removal process from the operation unit 240.

[0098] [Example of control of staple binding process and staple removal process] Next, an example of the control operation of the control unit 230 for the stapling process and the staple removal process will be described.

[0099] Fig. 13A is a flowchart showing an example of a control operation of selection control for selecting either a staple binding process or a staple removal process by control unit 230. Fig. 13B is a flowchart showing an example of staple binding control. Fig. 13C is a flowchart showing an example of staple removal control.

[0100] When the power supply PW is turned off, the post-processing device 200 is in an energy-saving mode (standby state), and the staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 are turned off. When the power supply PW is turned on, the device transitions from the energy-saving mode to an activated state. In the initial state of the activated state, the stapler unit 40 is located at the staple position ST1, and the remover unit 50 is located at the remove retract position RE2.

[0101] <Selection Control> As shown in FIG. 13A, in the selection control (S100), the control unit 230 first waits until the power supply PW is turned on by the power switch 204 (S101: No), and when the power supply PW is turned on (S101: Yes), it turns on the staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 (S102).

[0102] Next, when the control unit 230 receives a press operation of the staple binding button 241 (S103: Yes) or detects a presence signal of the stack of sheets P from the first sheet detection unit 212f and the second sheet detection unit 212g (S104: Yes), the control unit 230 proceeds to [Staple binding control] of S200 shown in Fig. 13B. On the other hand, when the control unit 230 does not receive a press operation of the staple binding button 241 (S103: No) and does not detect a presence signal of the stack of sheets P from the first sheet detection unit 212f and the second sheet detection unit 212g (S104: No), the control unit 230 determines whether a press operation of the staple removal button 243 has been received (S105).

[0103] Next, when the control unit 230 receives a pressing operation of the staple removal button 243 (S105: Yes), the control unit 230 proceeds to "staple removal control" of S300 shown in Fig. 13C. Furthermore, the control unit 230 repeats the processes of S103 to S106 unless it receives a pressing operation of the staple removal button 243 (S105: No) and until a predetermined first time has elapsed since the power supply PW was turned on (S106: No). When the predetermined first time has elapsed since the power supply PW was turned on (S106: Yes), the control unit 230 turns off the staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 (S107), enters energy saving mode, and proceeds to S101.

[0104] <Staple binding control> 13B, in the staple binding control (S200), the control unit 230 first turns off the staple binding lamp 242 (S201). Next, the control unit 230 waits until a predetermined second time has elapsed since the start of the staple binding control (S202: No), and when the predetermined second time has elapsed (S202: Yes), executes the staple binding process (S203).

[0105] Next, the control unit 230 waits until the first paper detection unit 212f and the second paper detection unit 212g detect no signal from the paper stack P (S204: No), and when the control unit 230 detects no signal from the paper stack P (S204: Yes), it turns on the staple binding lamp 242 (S205) and proceeds to S103 shown in Figure 13A.

[0106] <Staple removal control> As shown in FIG. 13C, in the staple removal control (S300), the control unit 230 first turns off the staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 (S301). Next, the control unit 230 moves the stapler unit 40 from the staple position ST1 to the staple retraction position ST2 (S302), and further moves the remover unit 50 from the remove retraction position RE2 to the remove position RE1 (S303). After the removal unit 50 has moved, the control unit 230 turns on the staple removal lamp 244 (S304). At this time, the staple binding lamp 242 remains turned off.

[0107] Next, when the user inserts a stack of paper P with staples SN into the paper insertion / removal groove 202, the control unit 230 detects the presence of a signal from the first paper detection unit 212f and the second paper detection unit 212g for the stack of paper P, but determines that the signal is invalid for control purposes (S305).

[0108] Next, if the control unit 230 has not received a pressing operation of the staple removal button 243 (S306: No), it waits until a predetermined third time has elapsed from the time when the staple removal control was started (S310: No). If the control unit 230 receives a pressing operation (S306: Yes), it turns off the staple removal lamp 244 (S307), executes the staple removal process (S308), and then turns on the staple removal lamp 244 (S309), and proceeds to S306. If the control unit 230 has not received a pressing operation of the staple removal button 243 (S306: No) and the predetermined third time has elapsed (S310: Yes), it turns off the staple removal lamp 244 (S311). The control unit 230 moves the remover unit 50 from the remove position RE1 to the remove retract position RE2 (S312), and moves the stapler unit 40 from the staple retract position ST2 to the stapling position ST1 (S313). Thereafter, the control unit 230 turns on the staple binding lamp 242 and the staple removal lamp 244 (S314), and proceeds to S103 shown in FIG. 13A.

[0109] In addition, when using the light source 261 and the projection unit 262 provided in the space SP, for example, the light source 261 can start illuminating the space SP between S301 and S304, and can end illuminating the space SP between S309 and S314.

[0110] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the user inserts a stack of sheets P into the sheet insertion / ejection slot 202 after receiving a selection operation for the staple binding process from the operation unit 240, the control unit 230 performs the staple binding process after a predetermined time (second time) has elapsed from the time when the insertion of the stack of sheets P is detected (in this example, the time when the first sheet detection unit 212f and the second sheet detection unit 212g detect the presence of signals for the stack of sheets P). However, without being limited thereto, the control unit 230 may be configured to perform the staple removal process after receiving a selection operation for the staple removal process from the operation unit 240, when the user inserts a stack of sheets P into the sheet insertion / ejection slot 202 after receiving a selection operation for the staple removal process after receiving the presence of signals for the stack of sheets P from the first sheet detection unit 212f and the second sheet detection unit 212g. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 100 Image forming device 200 Aftertreatment device 201 Aftertreatment device main body 202 Paper insertion groove 210 First Drive Unit 220 Second Drive Unit 230 Control Unit 231 Processing section 232 Storage section 240 Operation section 241 Staple binding button 242 Staple binding lamp 243 Staple remover button 244 Staple removal lamp 250 Viewing window 260 projection unit 261 Light source 262 Projection section 40 Stapler unit 41 stapler unit main body 50 Remover Unit 51 Remover unit main body 52 Removal part 52a removal piece α Remove execution position FL main frame L light MK index image P Paper stack RE1 Remove Position RE2 Remove Evacuation Position SD Shadow SN Staples SNa back SP space part ST1 Staple position ST2 Staple retraction position T Width direction U perpendicular direction V groove direction W Conveying direction X Anteroposterior direction Y left / right direction Z vertical direction

Claims

1. A post-processing device having a paper insertion / removal groove into which a stack of paper can be inserted and removed, a stapler unit that is movable relative to the paper insertion / ejection groove and that performs a staple binding process on a stack of paper sheets inserted into the paper insertion / ejection groove; a remover unit that is movable relative to the paper insertion / ejection groove and performs staple removal processing on the paper stack inserted into the paper insertion / ejection groove; A post-processing device comprising:

2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, a post-processing device including an operation unit that accepts a selection operation for either the stapling process or the staple removal process;

3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, the stapler unit is movable between a staple position for performing the stapling process in the paper insertion / ejection groove and a staple retraction position retracted from the staple position, The post-processing device is characterized in that the remover unit is movable between a remove position for performing the staple removal process in the paper insertion / removal groove and a remove retracted position retracted from the remove position.

4. The post-processing device according to claim 3, The post-processing device is characterized in that the moving direction of the stapler unit and the moving direction of the remover unit are perpendicular to each other.

5. The post-processing device according to claim 2, A post-processing device characterized in that after receiving a selection operation for either the staple binding process or the staple removal process from the operation unit, when a stack of sheets of paper is inserted into the paper insertion / removal groove, the device performs the process that accepted the selection operation after a predetermined time has elapsed from the time when the insertion of the stack of sheets of paper is detected.

6. The post-processing device according to claim 1 A post-processing device characterized in that the orientation of the back of the staple when the stapler unit drives the staple into the stack of paper is the same as the orientation of the back of the staple removed from the stack of paper when the remover unit removes the staple from the stack of paper.

7. The post-processing device according to claim 1, The post-processing device is characterized in that the remover unit has a removal piece for removing staples that have been driven into a stack of paper from the stack of paper.

8. The post-processing device according to claim 1, a space portion adjacent to the paper insertion / removal groove and including a removal execution position, which is a position of the staple when the remover unit performs an operation of removing the staple from the paper stack; The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein an opening in the space on the side of the user's operation constitutes a viewing window for allowing the user to visually recognize the removal execution position.

9. The post-processing device according to claim 8, A post-processing device characterized by comprising: a light source that illuminates the space; and a projection unit that uses light from the light source to project an index image that serves as an index for staples in a stack of paper at the removal execution position.

10. The post-processing device according to claim 9, an operation unit that accepts a selection operation of either the staple binding process or the staple removal process; The post-processing device is characterized in that the light source illuminates the interior of the space at least from the time when the selection operation for the staple removal process is accepted by the operation unit until the staple removal process is completed.

11. An image forming apparatus comprising the post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

Images