Post-processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To relieve sound leakage from an opening of a manual-loading processing unit without increasing the size and cost of an apparatus.SOLUTION: A post-processing device comprises: a manual-loading processing unit 41 that is provided to manually load a sheet bundle PT consisting of a plurality of sheets P stacked in communication with an interior of a post-processing device body 1 through an opening M; a binding device 30 that is provided to perform binding processing on the sheet bundle PT in a state manually loaded on the manual-loading processing unit 41 at a binding position of the opening M; a shut-off member 50 that is provided to move from a closure position to shut off the opening M to an open position to cancel the shutting off in cooperation with an action that the binding device 30 moves to the shut-off cancellation position; and moving mechanisms 60-64 (moving means) that are provided to move the binding device 30.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there has been known an image forming system (image forming apparatus) that is provided with a post-processing device that performs binding processing (post-processing) on ​​a manually inserted sheet bundle (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). In detail, the post-processing device disclosed in Patent Documents 1 and 2 is installed on the exterior of the image forming device and is configured to be able to perform binding processing on the corners of a sheet stack that the user manually inserts into a slit (opening).

[0003] On the other hand, Patent Document 2 discloses a technology in which a shielding member that opens and closes a slit is operated by a motor to prevent the mechanical noise inside the device from leaking to the outside through a slit (opening) formed in a manual binding processing section. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The post-processing device of Patent Document 2 has a shielding member that opens and closes the opening of the manual feeding processing section, which is driven by a motor, resulting in an increased size and cost of the device.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a post-processing device and an image forming system that can reduce sound leakage from the opening of the manual feed processing section without increasing the size and cost of the device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The post-processing device of this invention comprises a manual feed processing section that is connected to the inside of the post-processing device main body through an opening and into which a sheet stack consisting of multiple stacked sheets is manually fed, a binding device that performs binding processing on the sheet stack that has been manually fed into the manual feed processing section at a binding position in the opening, a shielding member that moves from a closed position that shields the opening to an open position that unshields it in conjunction with the movement of the binding device to an unshielding position, and a moving means for moving the binding device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a post-processing device and an image forming system that can reduce sound leakage from the opening of the manual feed processing section without increasing the size and cost of the device. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] 2 is a configuration diagram showing an automatic processing unit of a post-processing device in the image forming system of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a manual feeding processing section in the post-processing device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a manual feed processing section in another embodiment. [Figure 6] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the shielding member and the binding device in the manual feeding processing section. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the operation following that of FIG. 6. [Figure 8] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control during manual binding processing. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a manual feed processing section in a post-processing device as a first modified example. [Figure 11]11 is a flowchart showing control during manual binding processing performed in the post-processing device of FIG. 10. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a top view showing a post-processing device as a second modified example. [Figure 13] 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating the operation of a shielding member and a binding device in the manual feeding processing section of the post-processing device of FIG. 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming system as a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

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

[0010] An image forming system 300 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in Fig. 1, in the image forming system 300 of this embodiment, a post-processing device 1 (sheet processing device) with a binding function is detachably installed in an internal space W of the image forming apparatus 100 (a space provided between the document reading device 102 and the image forming unit 115). The internal space W is a space into which sheets P (printed sheets P) discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 can be discharged, and is also a space into which the discharged sheets P can be removed. In other words, when the post-processing device 1 is not installed, the internal space W functions as a space (discharge unit) in which sheets P discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 are stacked. In the image forming system 300, the image forming apparatus 100 is a portion other than the post-processing device 1, and is mainly composed of an image forming section 115, a main body feed tray 112, a fixing section 120, a document transport device 110, a document reading device 102, etc. An operation display panel 149 (operation display section) is provided on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 100 (image forming system 300) for displaying various information in the image forming system 300 and inputting various commands. 1 to 4, post-processing device 1 is provided with binding device 30, internal tray 20, discharge roller pair 15, discharge tray 17, a plurality of conveying roller pairs 11 to 13, and the like. Here, the post-processing device 1 is disposed downstream in the conveying direction (the conveying direction of the sheets P) relative to the image forming device 100. The post-processing device 1 is a device for binding a plurality of printed sheets P discharged from the image forming device 100 (staple binding), and for binding a manually inserted sheet stack PT (staple binding), which will be described in detail later.

[0011] Hereinafter, the image forming operation (printing operation) in the image forming apparatus 100 of the image forming system 300 will be described with reference to FIG. In the image forming apparatus 100, first, the document D is transported (fed) from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the transport rollers of the document transport device 110, and passes over the document reading device 102. At this time, the document reading device 102 optically reads image information of the document D passing above. The optical image information read by the document reading device 102 is converted into an electrical signal and then transmitted to the writing device 103. Then, the writing device 103 emits laser light based on the image information of the electrical signal onto the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K for each color, thereby carrying out an exposure process. Then, a charging process, an exposure process, and a development process are performed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K of the image forming units 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K, respectively, and desired images are formed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K, respectively. Thereafter, the images formed on the photosensitive drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K are transferred as a color image onto the intermediate transfer belt 178 in a superimposed state. Furthermore, the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 178 is transferred to a sheet P fed and conveyed by a feed roller 197 from the main body feed tray 112 (second feed unit) at a position facing the secondary transfer roller 189. Thereafter, the sheet P onto which the color image has been transferred is conveyed to the position of the fixing unit 120. Then, the color image transferred onto the front surface of the sheet P is fixed onto the sheet P.

[0012] Thereafter, based on the user's selection of the printing mode, the sheet P is either discharged from the image forming device 100 by the first discharge roller pair 131 and fed into the post-processing device 1, or discharged from the image forming device 100 by the second discharge roller pair 132 and stacked on the discharge tray 135.

[0013] Here, in this embodiment, a post-processing device 1 is connected (installed) in the internal space W of the image forming device 1, and based on the user's selection, the sheet P discharged from the image forming device 1 is transported to the post-processing device 1, and post-processing is performed on the transported sheet P. By installing the post-processing device 1 in the internal space W of the image forming apparatus 1, the internal space W can be effectively utilized, and the image forming system 300 can be made smaller.

[0014] Referring to Figure 2, the post-processing device 1 (automatic processing unit 39) in this embodiment is configured to transport the sheet P fed from the image forming device 100 to a transport path (the transport path shown by the dashed line in the figure, on which three pairs of transport rollers 11 to 13 are installed) and perform post-processing such as binding, or to discharge the sheet as is without performing post-processing. More specifically, when a mode in which no post-processing is performed is selected, the sheet P conveyed by the first to third conveying roller pairs 11 to 13 is discharged by the discharge roller pair 15 and placed on the discharge tray 17.

[0015] When the "sorting mode (sorting processing mode)" is selected, the sheets P are transported while being shifted in the width direction by a predetermined amount for each sheet P by a pair of transport rollers 13 configured to be movable in the width direction (the direction perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 2), and are stacked sequentially on the discharge tray 17.

[0016] When the "binding mode (staple mode)" is selected, the sheets P conveyed by the first to third conveyance roller pairs 11 to 13 are sequentially stacked on the internal tray 20 without being discharged by the discharge roller pair 15. At this time, every time a sheet P is placed on the internal tray 20, the tapping roller 14 and the return roller 16 disposed above the sheet P move from their standby positions to positions where they come into contact with the sheet P (the uppermost sheet P in the sheet stack PT), and the tapping roller 14 and the return roller 16 are each driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 2, thereby conveying (moving) the sheet P toward the end fence 21. As a result, the trailing ends (trailing ends in the conveying direction) of the multiple sheets P (sheet stack PT) hit the end fence 21, and the positions of the multiple sheets P in the conveying direction are aligned.

[0017] 3, jogger fences 22 (side fences) installed at both widthwise ends of the internal tray 20 move in the widthwise direction to sandwich the sheets P (sheet stack PT) every time a sheet P is placed on the internal tray 20 (or after a desired number of sheets P are stacked), thereby aligning the widthwise position of the sheets P (sheet stack PT). Then, the binding device 30 performs binding processing on the rear end of the sheets P (sheet stack PT) that has been aligned in both the conveying direction and the widthwise direction. Thereafter, the bound sheets P (sheet stack PT) are moved diagonally upward along the tray surface of the internal tray 20 by the reverse rotation of the return roller 16 (clockwise rotation in Figure 2), and are discharged onto the discharge tray 17 by transport by the discharge roller pair 15.

[0018] In this embodiment, the binding device 30 is configured to be movable in the width direction along a guide rail 31 extending in the width direction (perpendicular to the paper surface of Figure 2, and up and down in Figure 3) by means of movement mechanisms 60 to 64 as movement means. More specifically, the movement mechanism (moving means) is composed of a drive motor 60, a first timing belt 63 stretched between a pulley installed on the motor shaft of the drive motor 60 and a first pulley 61, and a second timing belt 64 stretched between the first pulley 61 and a second pulley 62 installed on the binding device 30. When the drive motor 60 is driven to rotate in the forward and reverse directions, the binding device 30 moves in the width direction (±Y direction). This makes it possible to perform binding processing on the sheet bundle PT placed on the internal tray 20 at a desired position in the width direction. In particular, the binding device 30 is configured to be movable to the position of a manual feeding processing section 41, which will be described later, so that binding processing can be performed at the manual feeding processing section 41. In the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment, a binding device 30 is used that performs binding processing (staple-based binding processing) on ​​the sheet stack PT using needles (metal needles), but it is also possible to use a binding device that performs binding processing on the sheet stack PT without using needles.

[0019] The characteristic configuration and operation of the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment will be described in detail below. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 4(B), the manual feed processing section 41 has a loading section (bottom surface) where the sheet P is inserted and placed that is inclined downward from the front side (+X direction) to the back side (-X direction) in the insertion direction, but in other figures, the illustration of this inclination is omitted as appropriate. In addition, in accordance with such illustration, when describing directions using the symbols XYZ, such slight inclination will be ignored.

[0020] As previously explained using Figures 1 to 3, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with an automatic processing unit 39 that stacks multiple sheets P discharged from the image forming device 100 and fed into the post-processing device 1 to form a sheet bundle PT, and then performs a binding process on the sheet bundle PT. Here, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with a manual feed processing unit 41 for performing binding processing on a sheet stack PT that has been manually (manually fed) by a user, in addition to the automatic processing unit 39. That is, the manual feed processing unit 41 is a portion where the sheet stack PT, which is made up of multiple overlapping sheets P, is manually fed. In detail, the manual feed processing unit 41 is a post-processing device 1 installed in the internal space W of the image forming system 300, in which the user inserts a stack of sheets PT from the front side (the side facing the operation display panel 149) and performs binding processing on the corners of the stack of sheets PT. In this way, the binding device 30 performs binding processing on the leading end portion on the downstream side in the manual insertion direction of the sheet stack PT that has been manually inserted into the manual insertion processing portion 41. In particular, the manual insertion processing portion 41 in this embodiment is formed in a slit shape (see FIG. 4(B)). Furthermore, post-processing device 1 is formed with a first guide wall surface 42 that is isolated from the interior of post-processing device main body 1 in the -Y direction relative to manual feeding processing section 41. Post-processing device 1 is formed with a second guide wall surface 43 that is isolated from the interior of post-processing device main body 1 in the -X direction relative to manual feeding processing section 41.

[0021] 3, 4, etc., manual feeding processing section 41 communicates with the interior of post-processing device main body 1 via opening M. That is, when viewed from the side of manual feeding processing section 41, opening M of post-processing device main body 1 is a hole that communicates between the inside and outside. The binding device 30 then performs binding processing on the sheet bundle PT that has been manually fed into the manual feeding processing unit 41 at the binding position of the opening M (the position shown in FIGS. 3, 7A, etc.). Specifically, whether the binding processing is performed by the automatic processing unit 39 or the manual feeding binding processing is performed by the binding processing unit 41, the binding device 30 waits at the reference position (home position) shown in FIG. 6A before the job (before processing starts). During the manual feeding binding processing, the binding device 30 moves from the reference position to the binding position of the opening M and performs binding processing on the manually fed sheet bundle PT with a portion of the sheet bundle PT exposed from the opening M to the manual feeding processing unit 41.

[0022] 6(A) to 6(C), the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with a shielding member 50 (opening / closing member) that moves from a closed position (the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6(A)) that shields the opening M to an open position (the position shown in FIG. 6(C)) that unshields the opening M in conjunction with the movement (movement in the +Y direction) of the binding device 30 from the reference position shown in FIG. 6(A) to the unshielding position (the position shown in FIG. 6(C)). 3 function as moving means for moving the binding device 30 from a position different from the unshielding position to the unshielding position. Specifically, the moving mechanisms 60 to 64 function as moving means for moving the binding device 30 to any one of the reference position, the binding position, and the unshielding position.

[0023] The shielding member 50 moves downward from the open position shown in FIG. 6(C) toward the closed position in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 30 by the moving mechanisms 60-64 (moving means) from the unshielded position shown in FIG. 6(C) to a position other than the unshielded position (the binding position shown in FIG. 7(A) or the reference position shown in FIG. 7(C)).

[0024] In particular, in this embodiment, the shielding member 50 moves from the open position shown in FIG. 6(C) to a position (the position shown in FIG. 7(A), which is the pressing position) where it clamps the sheet stack PT that has been manually inserted and placed in the manual insertion processing section 41, in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 30 by the moving mechanisms 60-64 (moving means) from the unshielded position shown in FIG. 6(C) to the binding position shown in FIG. 7(A). As a result, when the binding device 30 performs the binding process (manual binding process) on the sheet bundle PT, the sheet bundle PT placed on the loading section of the manual processing section 41 is pressed down from above by the shielding member 50, resulting in a stable state (a state where it is less likely to shift position), and therefore, a good binding process can be performed. In this embodiment, the bottom surface of the shielding member 50 (the surface facing the placement section of the manual feeding processing section 41) is flat. 5, an elastic member 50x made of a rubber material or the like can be provided on the bottom surface of the shielding member 50. In this case, even if the shielding member 50 presses the sheet stack PT, damage is less likely to occur.

[0025] As described above, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with the shielding member 50 that opens and closes the opening M. When the automatic binding process is performed by the binding device 30 in the automatic processing unit 39, the opening M is closed by the shielding member 50, so that it is possible to reduce the problem of sounds such as mechanical sounds and sheet conveyance sounds generated inside the post-processing device main body 1 leaking to the outside from the opening M. Furthermore, when the manual binding process (manual binding process) is performed by the binding device 30 in the manual feeding processing unit 41, the opening M is unclosed by the shielding member 50 and is opened, so that the manual binding process by the binding device 30 can be performed at the binding position (manual binding position) of the opening M. Furthermore, the opening and closing operation of the opening M by such a shielding member 50 is not driven by a dedicated motor (rather than installing a dedicated motor for opening and closing), but is performed in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 30 by the moving mechanisms 60-64, so the post-processing device 1 is less likely to become larger and more expensive than if a dedicated motor were installed.

[0026] The opening and closing mechanism of the shielding member 50 will be described in further detail below. 4 to 7, the post-processing device 1 is provided with a guide portion 51 that guides the shielding member 50 to be movable in the vertical direction between a closed position shown in FIG. 6(A), etc. and an open position shown in FIG. 6(C), etc., and a compression spring 53 as a biasing member that biases the shielding member 50 downward toward the closed position. More specifically, guide portion 51 is fixed to the housing of post-processing device main body 1, and has a through-hole formed therein through which shaft portion 52, which is formed to stand upward from the ceiling surface of shielding member 50, is inserted. A compression spring 53 (biasing member) is wound around shaft portion 52 between guide portion 51 and the ceiling surface of shielding member 50. With this configuration, shielding member 50 is biased downward (in the direction to close opening M) by compression spring 53 between guide portion 51 and shielding member 50.

[0027] Then, in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 30 to the unshielded position shown in Figure 6(C), etc., the shielding member 50 is pushed by the pushing portion 30a of the binding device 30 (contacts the pushing portion 30a), and moves upward toward the open position shown in Figure 6(C), etc., against the force of the compression spring 53 (biasing member). 4, 5, etc., the shielding member 50 has a tapered portion 50b (inclined portion) formed at a portion that abuts against the pushing portion 30a of the binding device 30. As a result, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 4(D), when the binding device 30 is moved in the +Y direction by being driven by the movement mechanisms 60 to 64 in a state where the pushing portion 30a of the binding device 30 abuts against the tapered portion 50b, a component force Fz in the +Z direction acts on the shielding member 50, and the movement of the shielding member 50 in directions other than the Z direction is restricted by the guide portion 51, so that the shielding member 50 moves upward. Note that the component force Fz in the +Z direction can be adjusted by changing the inclination angle θ of the tapered portion 50b. In this embodiment, a tapered portion 50b is formed on the shielding member 50, but it is also possible to form a tapered portion that applies the above-mentioned +Z direction component force to the pushing portion 30a of the binding device 30, or to form tapered portions on both the shielding member 50 and the binding device 30.

[0028] 7(A) and (B), in this embodiment, the moving mechanisms 60-64 (moving means) are controlled by the control unit 200 to move the binding device 30 from the binding position (the position in FIG. 7(A)) to the release position shown in FIG. 7(B) after the binding process (manual binding process) on the sheet bundle PT by the binding device 30 is completed. In other words, the shielding member 50 moves upward from the pressing position to the release position after the binding process. By performing such control, the sheet bundle PT after the binding process is released from being pinched (pressed) by the shielding member 50, and can be taken out by the user from the manual feeding processing section 41 without much resistance.

[0029] Here, in this embodiment, when the binding device 30 is positioned in the unshielded position shown in Figures 6(C) and 7(B), it is controlled to perform binding processing on the sheet stack PT by pressing the manual binding processing start button 5B (see Figure 2) as a start button. Then, when the manual binding process start button is not pressed even after a predetermined time T (minutes) has elapsed since the previous binding process was performed or since the shielding member 50 moved from the closed position to the open position, the moving mechanism 60-64 (moving means) moves the binding device 30 from the binding position shown in Figure 7(A) to a reference position inside the post-processing device main body 1 (the position shown in Figures 6(A) and 7(C)). By performing such control, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the shielding member 50 remains in the open position even when the manual binding process is interrupted, regardless of whether the user is aware of it or not.

[0030] Hereinafter, a series of operations of the shielding member 50 and the binding device 30 in the manual feeding processing section 41 described above will be described with reference to FIGS. First, as described above, before a job, the binding device 30 is located at the reference position (home position) shown in Fig. 6(A) inside the post-processing device main body 1. At this time, the shielding member 50 is located at the closed position where it shields the opening M. Then, as shown in Figure 6 (B), when the user presses the manual binding processing mode button 5A (see Figure 2), the control unit 200 controls the movement mechanisms 60 to 64 (drive motor 60), causing the binding device 30 to start moving in the +Y direction from the reference position, and eventually the pushing portion 30a of the binding device 30 abuts against the tapered portion 50b of the shielding member 50. 6(C), when the binding device 30 is further moved in the +Y direction and reaches the unshielding position, the binding device 30 (pushing portion 30a) is pushed up, causing the shielding member 50 to reach the completely open position, allowing the user to insert the sheet stack PT into the manual insertion processing portion 41. Note that it is preferable that such a state be notified to the user by, for example, the operation display panel 149 or by voice.

[0031] 7(A), when the user inserts the sheet bundle PT into the opening M of the manual feeding processing section 41 and presses the manual feeding binding process start button 5B, the control section 200 controls the movement mechanisms 60-64 (drive motor 60) to move the binding device 30 in the -Y direction from the unshielding position to the binding position. At this time, the biasing force of the compression spring 53 and the binding member 50's own weight cause the binding member 50 to descend to a pressing position where the sheet bundle PT is sandwiched in the manual feeding processing section 41. Then, under the control of the control section 200, the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT by the binding device 30 in this state. 7(B), when the binding process is completed, the control unit 200 controls the movement mechanisms 60-64 (drive motor 60) to move the binding device 30 from the pressing position in the +Y direction to reach the unblocking position. This releases the pressing by the blocking member 50, allowing the sheet bundle PT (the sheet bundle after the binding process) to be smoothly drawn out of the manual feed processing unit 41. Finally, the control unit 200 controls the movement mechanisms 60-64 (drive motor 60) to move the binding device 30 from the unshielding position in the -Y direction and return it to the reference position, completing the manual binding process. At this time, the shielding member 50 is positioned at the closing position where it shields the opening M. The states in which the binding device 30 is positioned at the reference position, the unshielding position, and the pressing position are detected by position detection means (not shown) such as a photosensor installed at each of these positions.

[0032] An example of a control flow during manual binding processing will be described below with reference to FIG. As shown in Figure 8, first, when the manual processing mode button 5A (see Figure 2) is pressed, the binding device 30 is moved from the reference position to the unshielded position by the moving mechanisms 60 to 64, and in conjunction with this movement, the shielding member 50 rises from the closed position to the open position (steps S1, S2). Then, it is determined whether a predetermined time T has elapsed since the shielding member 50 moved to the open position or since the previous manual binding process was performed (step S3). As a result, if the predetermined time T has not elapsed, it is determined whether the manual binding process mode button 5A (see FIG. 2) has been pressed (step S4), and if it has not been pressed, it is further determined whether the manual binding process start button 5B (see FIG. 2) has been pressed (step S5). As a result, when the insertion binding process start button 5B is pressed, the binding device 30 is moved from the unshielding position to the binding position by the movement mechanisms 60-64, and in conjunction with this movement, the shielding member 50 is lowered from the open position to the pressing position to fix the sheet bundle PT (step S6). Then, in this state, the binding process is performed by the binding device 30 (step S7). Thereafter, the binding device 30 is moved from the binding position to the unshielding position by the movement mechanisms 60-64, and in conjunction with this movement, the shielding member 50 is raised from the pressing position to the open position to release the fixation of the sheet bundle PT (step S8), and then the flow from step S3 onwards is performed. Furthermore, if a predetermined time T has elapsed in step S3 or if the manual binding processing mode button 5A is pressed in step S4, the binding device 30 is moved to the reference position by the moving mechanisms 60-64, and in conjunction with this movement, the shielding member 50 is lowered to the closed position (step S9), and this flow ends.

[0033] The post-processing device 1 configured in this manner is controlled by the control unit 200 shown in FIG. 9 (and FIG. 1, etc.). 9, the control unit 200 of the post-processing device 1 is connected to the control unit 350 of the image forming apparatus 100 via an interface 70. The control unit 350 of the image forming apparatus 100 is also connected to an operation display panel 149, the various driving members and sensors of the image forming apparatus 100, and the like via an interface 360. The control unit 200 of the post-processing device 1 is also connected to a conveyance motor 73 that rotates and drives the pairs of conveyance rollers 11 to 13, the striking roller 14, the return roller 16, and the like, a discharge motor 74 that rotates and drives the pair of discharge rollers 15, a staple drive motor 60 that drives the binding device 30, a conveyance sensor 76 installed on the conveyance path, a discharge sensor 77 installed at the discharge port, various staple sensors 78 that detect the reference position, the unshielded position, and the presser position of the binding device 30, a manual binding process mode button 5A, a manual binding process start button 5B, and the like via an interface 72. The overall control system of the image forming system 300 configured in this manner executes the various operations in the image forming system 300 described above.

[0034] <Variation 1> As shown in FIG. 10, the post-processing device 1 in variant example 1 is provided with a manual feed detection sensor 80 (e.g., a reflective photosensor) at the binding position of the opening M in the manual feed processing unit 41 as a detection means for optically detecting the presence or absence of a sheet stack PT at that position. When the binding device 30 is located at the unshielded position (the position shown in FIG. 6C, etc.), the manual insertion detection sensor 80 (detection means) detects that the sheet bundle PT has been manually inserted into the binding position, and the binding device 30 is controlled to perform the binding process on the sheet bundle PT. In other words, after the manual insertion detection sensor 80 detects the sheet bundle PT to be bound, the binding device 30 is controlled to perform the binding process on the sheet bundle PT. Then, when the manual feed detection sensor 80 (detection means) does not detect the sheet stack PT even after a predetermined time T (minutes) has elapsed since the previous binding process was performed or since the shielding member 50 moved from the closed position to the open position, the binding device 30 is moved by the moving mechanism 60-64 (moving means) from the binding position shown in Figure 7(A) to a reference position inside the post-processing device main body 1 (the position shown in Figures 6(A) and 7(C)). By performing such control, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the shielding member 50 remains in the open position even when the manual binding process is interrupted, regardless of whether the user is aware of it or not. That is, referring to the control flow shown in FIG. 11, step S10 is performed to determine whether the manual insertion detection sensor 80 has detected the sheet stack PT, instead of step S5 in the control flow shown in FIG. Also in the post-processing device 1 in the first modification, sound leakage from the opening M of the manual feeding processing section 41 can be reduced without increasing the size and cost of the post-processing device 1.

[0035] <Variation 2> As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in post-processing device 1 in Modification 2, the opening / closing mechanism of shielding member 50 that opens and closes opening M is different from that previously described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7 and the like. As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the shielding member 50 is provided with a holding portion 55, a ball screw 56, a pinion gear 57, etc., and the binding device 30 is provided with a rack gear 30z. The holding portion 55 is integrally installed above the shielding member 50, and is formed with a female screw portion 55a that penetrates in the vertical direction. A pinion gear 57 is integrally provided at the lower end of the ball screw 56. The ball screw 56 is threadedly engaged with a female thread portion 55a of the holding portion 55 (shielding member 50) and is configured to be rotatable together with the pinion gear 57. The ball screw 56 is regulated and held by a regulating portion (not shown) so that its position in the up and down directions (±Z directions) is not displaced. The binding device 30 is provided with a rack gear 30z that can be threadably engaged with the pinion gear 57 of the shielding member 50. As shown in Figures 13(A) and (B), in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 30 to the unshielded position shown in Figure 13(B), the pinion gear 57 that is threaded onto the rack gear 30z of the binding device 30 rotates together with the ball screw 56, causing the shielding member 50 to move upward from the closed position shown in Figure 13(A) to the open position shown in Figure 13(B). The first guide wall surface 42, which separates the manual feeding processing section 41 from the interior of the post-processing device main body 1, functions as a limiting section that limits the rotation of the shielding member 50 (holding section 55). That is, when the rack gear 30z (binding device 30) moves in the ±Y directions while meshing with the pinion gear 57 and the ball screw 56 rotates, the first guide wall surface 42, which serves as a limiting section, comes into contact with the shielding member 50 and prevents the shielding member 50 (holding section 55) from rotating together with the ball screw 56. Therefore, the rotation of the ball screw 56 causes the shielding member 50 (holding section 55) to move up and down. 13(A) to 13(C), the meshing position between the pinion gear 57 and the rack gear 30z changes in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 30 to the reference position, the unshielding position, and the binding position by the movement mechanisms 60 to 64, and the shielding member 50 moves to the closed position, the open position, and the pressing position. The binding device 30 and the shielding member 50 operate in the same manner as those previously described using Figures 6 to 8, etc., except that the opening and closing mechanisms of the opening M are different. Also in the post-processing device 1 in the second modification, sound leakage from the opening M of the manual feeding processing section 41 can be reduced without increasing the size and cost of the post-processing device 1.

[0036] <Variation 3> As shown in Figure 14, the image forming system 300 in variant example 3 is an internal space W of the image forming device 100, in which a punching device 90 is installed as a second post-processing device (optional device) upstream (upstream in the sheet conveying direction) of the post-processing device 1 (first post-processing device). The punching device 90 has a punch unit 91 installed therein, and when a punching mode is selected by the user, performs a punching process (punching process) on a sheet P inserted from the image forming apparatus 100. The punching device 90 is configured to transport the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 toward the post-processing device 1, regardless of whether punching processing is performed or not. In the third modification, the post-processing device 1 is also configured and operates in the same manner as that described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 9 (or the first and second modifications). In the image forming system 300 configured in this manner, sound leakage from the opening M of the manual feeding processing section 41 can also be reduced without increasing the size and cost of the post-processing device 1. In the third modification, punching device 90 capable of performing punching processing is installed as the second post-processing device, but it is also possible to install a device capable of performing another process as the second post-processing device. Furthermore, in the third modification, the second post-processing device 90 is disposed upstream of the first post-processing device 1, but the second post-processing device 90 can also be disposed downstream of the first post-processing device 1.

[0037] As described above, the post-processing device 1 in this embodiment is provided with a manual insertion processing section 41 that communicates with the interior of the post-processing device main body 1 via the opening M and into which a sheet stack PT formed by stacking a plurality of sheets P is manually inserted. Also provided are a binding device 30 that performs binding processing on the sheet stack PT manually inserted into the manual insertion processing section 41 at a binding position at the opening M, and a shielding member 50 that moves from a closed position that shields the opening M to an open position that unshields it in conjunction with the operation of the binding device 30 moving to the unshielding position. Furthermore, movement mechanisms 60-64 (moving means) that move the binding device 30 are provided. This makes it possible to reduce sound leakage from the opening M of the manual feeding processing section 41 without increasing the size and cost of the post-processing device 1.

[0038] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming system 300 in which the color image forming apparatus 100 is installed, but the present invention can also be applied to an image forming system in which a monochrome image forming apparatus is installed. Also, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming system 300 in which the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 100 is installed, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can also be applied to an image forming system in which other types of image forming apparatuses (for example, inkjet image forming apparatuses, stencil printing machines, etc.) are installed. In addition, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a post-processing device 1 connected to an image forming device 100, but the present invention can also be applied to a stand-alone post-processing device that is not connected to an image forming device. In addition, in this embodiment, the binding device 30 is configured so as to be shared by the automatic processing section 39 and the manual feeding processing section 41, but it is also possible to provide dedicated binding devices for each of the automatic processing section and the manual feeding processing section. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the binding device 30 is configured so that the shielding member 50 is positioned at the open position when the binding device 30 is positioned at the unshielding position, and so that the shielding member 50 is positioned at the pressing position when the binding device 30 is positioned at the binding position, and so that the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT. On the other hand, the binding device 30 can also be configured so that the shielding member 50 is positioned at the open position when the binding device 30 is positioned at the unshielding position, and so that the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT without the shielding member 50 moving to the pressing position. In other words, the unshielding position of the binding device 30 can also be the binding position. Even in such cases, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0039] It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and it is clear that the present embodiment can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in addition to the modifications suggested in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number, position, shape, etc. of the components can be any number, position, shape, etc. that is suitable for implementing the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0040] 1 post-processing device (sheet processing device), 5A Manual binding mode button, 5B Manual binding process start button (start button), 30 binding device, 30a Pushing part, 30z rack gear, 39 automatic processing unit, 41 manual feed processing section, 42 first guide wall surface (restriction portion), 50 shielding member, 50b tapered portion, 50x elastic members, 51 guide part, 52 shaft portion, 53 compression spring (biasing member), 55 Holding part, 55a female thread part, 56 ball screws, 57 pinion gear, 60 Drive motor (movement means), 61, 62 Pulley (means of transportation), 63, 64 Timing belt (means of movement), 80 manual insertion detection sensor (detection means), 90 punching device (second post-processing device), 100 Image forming device, 149 Operation display panel (display unit), 300 Image forming system, P-sheet, PT sheet stack, M opening, W Interior space.

[0041] The present invention can also be embodied in a combination of Supplementary Notes 1 to 10, for example, as follows. (Appendix 1) a manual feeding processing section that communicates with the interior of the post-processing device body through an opening and into which a sheet bundle formed by stacking a plurality of sheets is manually fed; a binding device that binds the sheet bundle manually fed into the manual feeding processing section at a binding position in the opening; a shielding member that moves from a closed position where the opening is shielded to an open position where the opening is unshielded in conjunction with an operation of the binding device moving to an unshielding position; a moving means for moving the binding device; A post-processing device comprising: (Appendix 2) The post-processing device described in Appendix 1, characterized in that the shielding member moves from the open position toward the closed position in conjunction with the movement of the binding device from the unshielded position to a position other than the unshielded position by the moving means. (Appendix 3) The post-processing device described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, characterized in that the shielding member moves from the open position to a position where it clamps a sheet stack that has been manually inserted into the manual insertion processing section in conjunction with the movement of the binding device from the unshielded position to the binding position by the moving means. (Appendix 4) a guide portion that guides the shielding member so that the shielding member is movable in the up and down direction between the closed position and the open position; a biasing member that biases the shielding member downward toward the closed position; Equipped with The post-processing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, characterized in that, in conjunction with the operation of the binding device moving to the unshielded position, the shielding member is pushed by a pushing portion of the binding device to move upward toward the open position against the biasing force of the biasing member. (Appendix 5) a ball screw that is threadedly engaged with the female thread portion of the shielding member and is rotatable together with the pinion gear; a limiting portion that limits the rotation of the shielding member; Equipped with the binding device includes a rack gear that can be threadably engaged with the pinion gear; The post-processing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 3, characterized in that, in conjunction with the operation of the binding device moving to the unshielding position, the pinion gear that screws into the rack gear of the binding device rotates together with the ball screw, and the shielding member moves upward from the closed position toward the open position. (Appendix 6) The post-processing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 5, characterized in that the moving means moves the binding device from the binding position to the unblocking position after the binding process on the sheet stack at the binding position by the binding device is completed. (Appendix 7) When the binding device is located at the unshielding position, When the start button is pressed, the binding process is controlled for the sheet stack. The post-processing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6, characterized in that when the start button is not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous binding process was performed or since the shielding member moved from the closed position to the open position, the moving means moves the post-processing device from the binding position to a reference position inside the post-processing device main body. (Appendix 8) When the binding device is located at the unshielding position, The detection means detects that the sheet bundle has been manually inserted into the binding position, and the control is performed to perform a binding process on the sheet bundle, The post-processing device according to any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 6, characterized in that when the detection means does not detect a sheet stack even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous binding process was performed or since the shielding member moved from the closed position to the open position, the moving means moves the post-processing device from the binding position to a reference position inside the post-processing device main body. (Appendix 9) an image forming device capable of forming an image on a sheet; A post-processing device according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 8; An image forming system comprising: (Appendix 10) the image forming apparatus is capable of discharging a sheet on which an image has been formed, and has an internal space formed therein from which the discharged sheet can be taken out; 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the post-processing device is installed in the internal space of the image forming device. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0042] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 7057890 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-20833

Claims

1. a manual feeding processing section that communicates with the interior of the post-processing device body through an opening and into which a sheet bundle formed by stacking a plurality of sheets is manually fed; a binding device that binds the sheet bundle manually fed into the manual feeding processing section at a binding position in the opening; a shielding member that moves from a closed position where the opening is shielded to an open position where the opening is unshielded in conjunction with an operation of the binding device moving to an unshielding position; a moving means for moving the binding device; A post-processing device comprising:

2. 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the shielding member moves from the open position toward the closed position in conjunction with the movement of the binding device from the unshielded position to a position other than the unshielded position by the moving means.

3. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 2, wherein the shielding member moves from the open position to a position where it clamps a sheet stack that has been manually inserted into the manual insertion processing section in conjunction with the movement of the binding device from the unshielded position to the binding position by the moving means.

4. a guide portion that guides the shielding member so that the shielding member is movable in the up and down direction between the closed position and the open position; a biasing member that biases the shielding member downward toward the closed position; Equipped with 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein, in conjunction with the operation of the binding device moving to the unshielded position, the binding device is pushed by a pushing portion thereof, causing the shielding member to move upward toward the open position against the force of the biasing member.

5. a ball screw that is threadedly engaged with the female thread portion of the shielding member and is rotatable together with the pinion gear; a limiting portion that limits the rotation of the shielding member; Equipped with the binding device includes a rack gear that can be threadably engaged with the pinion gear; 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the pinion gear that is threadedly engaged with the rack gear of the binding device rotates together with the ball screw in conjunction with the movement of the binding device to the unblocking position, so that the blocking member moves upward from the closed position toward the open position.

6. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the moving means moves the binding device from the binding position to the unblocking position after the binding process on the sheet bundle at the binding position by the binding device is completed.

7. When the binding device is located at the unshielding position, When the start button is pressed, the binding process is controlled for the sheet stack.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the moving means moves the post-processing device from the binding position to a reference position inside the post-processing device body when the start button is not pressed even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous binding process was performed or since the shielding member moved from the closed position to the open position.

8. When the binding device is located at the unshielding position, The detection means detects that the sheet bundle has been manually inserted into the binding position, and the control is performed to perform a binding process on the sheet bundle, 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the moving means moves the post-processing device from the binding position to a reference position inside the post-processing device body when the detection means does not detect a sheet stack even after a predetermined time has elapsed since the previous binding process was performed or since the shielding member moved from the closed position to the open position.

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

10. the image forming apparatus is capable of discharging a sheet on which an image has been formed, and has an internal space formed therein from which the discharged sheet can be taken out; 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the post-processing device is installed in the internal space of the image forming apparatus.

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