Sheet processing apparatus, image forming apparatus, and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a sheet processing device capable of displaying a position where processing is applied to a sheet before executing predetermined processing to the sheet.SOLUTION: A sheet processing device (100) which can display the position of a sheet to be processed before the sheet is subjected to a predetermined process is provided with an insertion section (23) into which the sheet can be inserted, a sheet processing section (19,26) which performs the predetermined process on the sheet inserted into the insertion section, and a position display applying section (50) which applies a display to the position of the sheet to be processed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Sheet processing apparatuses that perform predetermined processing on sheet-like media, image forming apparatuses that form images on media, and image forming systems that include sheet processing apparatuses and image forming apparatuses are known.

[0003] BACKGROUND ART There is known a sheet processing apparatus that allows a user to insert a sheet bundle, which is a bundle of multiple sheets, into an insertion slot and perform a binding process (see Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The device disclosed in Patent Document 1 cannot visually confirm whether the binding process has been performed at the position desired by the user until after the binding process has been performed. In other words, it is difficult for the user to visually confirm the binding position for the sheet stack before the binding process. Therefore, with the conventional technology, it is difficult for the user to confirm in advance that the binding process will be performed at the position intended by the user, and if the binding process is performed at a position not intended by the user, the binding process must be performed again.

[0005] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus that can display the position where a predetermined process is to be performed on a sheet before the process is performed on the sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention relates to a sheet processing device, characterized in that it comprises an insertion section into which a sheet can be inserted, a sheet processing section that performs a predetermined processing on the sheet inserted into the insertion section, and a position indication section that indicates the position of the sheet on which the processing is performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, before a predetermined process is executed on a sheet, the position on the sheet where the process is to be executed can be displayed. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an external view showing a first embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is an external view showing a first embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a plan view of a binding processing unit included in the sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are explanatory diagrams of binding processing positions in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 5] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit included in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of a first embodiment of a processing position display mechanism provided in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a processing position display mechanism. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a manual binding operation according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9] 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating an example of a binding position display and a sheet bundle after binding processing according to the first embodiment. [Figure 10] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing an example of a convex portion of the processing position display mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing another example of the convex portion of the processing position display mechanism according to the first embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of a processing position display mechanism provided in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a third embodiment of a processing position display mechanism provided in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 14] 10A to 10C are explanatory diagrams of a manual binding operation according to the third embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fourth embodiment of a processing position display mechanism provided in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 16] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a processing position display mechanism. [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a manual binding operation according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a fifth embodiment of a processing position display mechanism provided in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 19] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a manual binding operation according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 20] 13A and 13B are explanatory views of a manual binding operation according to a sixth embodiment of a processing position display mechanism included in the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 21] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on an operation display unit included in the binding processing unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 22] 10 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a processing position display process that can be executed by the binding processing unit. [Figure 23] 10 is a flowchart showing a first embodiment of a processing position display process that can be executed by the binding processing unit. [Figure 24] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a binding processing unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 25] 13A to 13C are diagrams illustrating examples of displays on an operation display unit included in the binding processing unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 26] FIG. 10 is a plan view of a binding processing unit according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a processing position display mechanism according to a seventh embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 28] FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a manual binding operation according to the seventh embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 13 is a plan view of a binding processing unit according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 30] 13 is a flowchart of a control process executed in a binding processing unit according to the fifth embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 2 is an external view showing a second embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 32] Control configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment [Figure 33] Control configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment [Figure 34]Hardware configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to a second embodiment [Figure 35] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a conveying path of a binding processing unit. [Figure 36] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a conveying process in the binding processing unit. [Figure 37] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a conveying process in the binding processing unit. [Figure 38] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a conveying process in the binding processing unit. [Figure 39] 5A to 5C are diagrams illustrating a conveying process in the binding processing unit. [Figure 40] FIG. 10 is an external view showing a second embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 41] 1 is a diagram showing an example of an image forming system according to the present invention. [Figure 42] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an image forming system according to the present invention. [Figure 43] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of an image forming system according to the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] [First embodiment of image forming apparatus] First, a first embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 shows an example in which a binding processing unit 100 as an embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to an internal image forming apparatus 1.

[0010] Although various types of sheet-like media can be assumed to be the target of processing, the following description will mainly focus on paper. In the description of the embodiment, the target sheet-like media will be referred to as "sheets S." As an example of post-processing, the description will mainly focus on the binding process of binding a sheet bundle Sb formed by stacking multiple sheets S.

[0011] The predetermined processing performed by the sheet processing apparatus is sometimes referred to as "post-processing" because it is processing performed after the image forming processing. Hereinafter, the predetermined processing will be referred to as "post-processing." There are several types of post-processing. For example, there is an alignment processing for aligning the edges of multiple sheets, a binding processing for binding a sheet bundle formed by stacking multiple sheets, and a folding processing for folding sheets into a predetermined shape (for example, a Z-fold, an outer tri-fold, a double fold, etc.).

[0012] Known binding processes, which are one type of post-processing, include "staple binding," which uses metal staples to bind sheets, and "pressure binding," which binds sheets by applying pressure and deformation to the edges of a stack of sheets without attaching a staple or other member to the sheets. Some sheet processing devices are equipped with both a binding unit (staple binding unit) that performs staple binding and a binding unit (pressure binding unit) that performs pressure binding.

[0013] 1 is provided in an internal space 33 formed in a part of the apparatus housing 31 of the image forming apparatus 1. The binding processing unit 100 has a function of performing a "binding process" as a predetermined process (post-processing) on ​​sheets S, which are sheet-like media on which images have been formed in the image forming section 32. Some binding processing units 100 have a function of performing an automatic binding process in which multiple sheets S on which images have been formed are aligned, the ends of a sheet bundle Sb formed by bundling the sheets S are bound, and the resulting sheet bundle S is discharged to a discharge tray 20 as a sheet discharge section, and a function of performing a manual binding process in which a user binds the ends of a sheet bundle Sb formed by bundling multiple sheets S after discharging the sheets S on which images have been formed to the discharge tray 20.

[0014] In this embodiment, the binding processing unit 100 is assumed to be installed inside the body of the image forming device 1, but is not limited to this, and it is also assumed to be installed on the side of the main body of the image forming device 1 or to be able to operate independently of the image forming device 1.

[0015] [First embodiment of sheet processing apparatus] Next, a first embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a binding processing unit 100 as an embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus. The binding processing unit 100 is an apparatus that performs binding processing, which is an example of processing performed after an image forming process, for example. The binding processing unit 100 includes a main body section 100m that automatically performs binding processing on sheets S, which are sheet-like media discharged from the image forming apparatus 1, and a manual binding section 100h that allows a user to manually perform binding processing on sheets S discharged onto a discharge tray 20.

[0016] The binding unit that performs the binding process as the sheet processing unit includes a staple binding unit 19 for performing staple binding and a pressure binding unit 26 for performing pressure binding, as will be described later. In the following description, when the type of binding process does not matter, it may be referred to as a "binding unit."

[0017] 2, the binding processing unit 100 has a slit 23, into which the sheets S and the sheet stack Sb can be inserted, formed in a portion of the exterior cover 25 corresponding to the manual binding section 100h. The slit 23 is a gap provided in a portion of the exterior cover 25, and has a depth corresponding to the manual binding section 100h. The slit 23 constitutes a part of the insertion section.

[0018] The slit 23 is provided in a manner inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction so that the sheets S are placed on approximately the same plane as the discharge tray 20. Note that the manner of the slit 23 is not limited to this, and it may be provided horizontally. The positional relationship between the discharge tray 20 and the slit 23 is not particularly limited as long as the binding unit can perform both the binding process in the main body portion 100m and the binding process in the manual binding portion 100h.

[0019] The manual binding operation is started when the user presses the start button 24. The start button 24 is provided on the exterior cover 25. When the start button 24 is pressed, the binding process or the processing position display process is executed for the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the slit 23. The position at which the binding unit performs the binding process can also be set as the home position (HP) of the binding unit when performing manual binding.

[0020] Fig. 3 is a plan view of the binding processing unit 100. Note that the dashed dotted line in Fig. 3 indicates a reference position that is the center in the width direction of the sheets S that are conveyed and discharged in the main body 100m.

[0021] In Figure 3, an example of a position (main body processing position) where the binding unit is placed during binding processing in the main body section 100m is shown as H, and an example of a position (manual processing position) where the binding unit is placed during binding processing in the manual binding section 100h is shown as M.

[0022] 3, the exterior cover 25 of the manual binding unit 100h is provided with a stopper 25a for regulating one end edge of the sheet S manually inserted into the slit 23, which is the Y-direction edge, and a stopper 25b for regulating the other end edge of the sheet S, which is the X-direction edge. The X-direction edge and the Y-direction edge correspond to two adjacent end edges, and are perpendicular to each other. That is, the stoppers 25a and 25b, which serve as alignment units, are arranged perpendicular to each other.

[0023] When sheets S or sheet bundle Sb are manually inserted into the slit 23, the leading edge on the binding unit side in the X direction is stopped by stopper 25a, and the leading edge on the device interior side in the Y direction is stopped by stopper 25b. This positions the inserted sheets S or sheet bundle Sb inside the slit 23. This positioning brings the portion where the binding process is to be performed on the sheets S or sheet bundle Sb into a position where the binding process can be performed by the binding unit.

[0024] The binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment has at least two processing modes, for example, an automatic processing mode and a manual processing mode. The automatic processing mode is a processing mode in which the binding process is performed on the sheets S in the main body 100m. The manual processing mode is a processing mode in which the binding process is performed on the sheets S in the main body 100m.

[0025] The main body 100m can perform a sheet discharge operation in which sheets S conveyed by the conveying means are discharged without undergoing post-processing. Also, the manual binding section 100h can perform a manual processing operation (manual binding operation) in which sheets S inserted into the slit 23 are subjected to post-processing. The sheet discharge operation in which sheets S are discharged without undergoing post-processing includes a shift sheet discharge operation. It is possible to start a sheet discharge operation or a shift sheet discharge operation during a manual processing operation, and it is also possible to start a manual processing operation during a sheet discharge operation or a shift sheet discharge operation. The operation of the binding processing unit 100 will be described later.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 4(a), for example, the binding processing unit 100 includes a stapling unit 19 that performs stapling processing. Furthermore, the binding processing unit 100 may include not only the stapling unit 19 but also a pressure binding unit 26 in addition to the stapling unit 19, as shown in Fig. 4(b). The stapling unit 19 and the pressure binding unit 26 can be disposed at either the main processing position or the manual processing position described above.

[0027] Manual binding is started by the user pressing the start button 24 (see FIG. 2). The position when the staple binding unit 19 performs the binding process shown in FIG. 4 can also be set as the home position (HP) of the binding unit when performing manual binding. For example, the position of the staple binding unit 19 shown in FIG. 4(a) can also be set as the home position.

[0028] In the binding processing unit 100, as illustrated in Fig. 4(a), the stapling unit 19 may be used as a first processing unit that performs binding processing on the sheets S discharged onto the discharge tray 20, and may also be used as a second processing unit that performs binding processing on the sheets S after an image is formed thereon and before the sheets S are discharged onto the discharge tray 20. Furthermore, as illustrated in Fig. 4(b), when the stapling unit 19 and the pressure binding unit 26 are provided, one of them may be used as the first processing unit and the other as the second processing unit.

[0029] [Configuration of Control Block of Binding Processing Unit 100] Next, the control block configuration of the binding processing unit 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 is a hardware configuration diagram for executing control processing in the binding processing unit 100. As shown in Fig. 5, the binding processing unit 100 has a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 152, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 153, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 154, and an I / F 155 are connected via a common bus 159.

[0030] The CPU 151 is a calculation means and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3. The RAM 152 is a volatile storage medium that can read and write information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 151 processes information. The ROM 153 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 154 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0031] The binding processing unit 100 processes a control program stored in the ROM 153, an information processing program (application program) loaded from a storage medium such as the HDD 154 to the RAM 152, and the like, using a calculation function provided in the CPU 151. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the binding processing unit 100. A combination of the software control unit configured in this manner and hardware resources installed in the binding processing unit 100 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the binding processing unit 100. In other words, the CPU 151, the RAM 152, the ROM 153, the HDD 154, and the I / F 155 constitute a control unit 150 (control means) that controls the operation of the binding processing unit 100.

[0032] The I / F 155 is an interface that connects at least a binding unit moving motor 191 that constitutes a drive mechanism that moves the position of the staple binding unit 19, a binding unit drive motor 192 that constitutes the drive source for the binding operation of the staple binding unit 19, a pressure member sensor 193 that detects the operation of the pressure member 54 described later, and a sheet detection sensor 194 that detects that the sheet bundle Sb has been inserted into the slit 23 and is positioned at the binding position, to the common bus 159.

[0033] The control unit 150 controls the operations of the binding unit moving motor 191 and the binding unit driving motor 192 through the I / F 155. The control unit 150 also acquires the detection result of the pressing member sensor 193 and determines the position of the pressing member 54. The control unit 150 also acquires the detection result of the sheet detection sensor 194 and controls whether or not manual binding can be performed.

[0034] The control unit 150 is also communicably connected to an image formation control unit 350 included in the image forming apparatus 1. Therefore, the image forming control unit 350 notifies the binding processing unit 100 of information indicating the processing content together with the setting information so that the binding processing unit 100 operates in accordance with the processing content set in the image forming apparatus 1. Information regarding the processing operation executed in the binding processing unit 100 is also notified to the image forming control unit 350 via the I / F 155. The image forming control unit 350 controls the operations of various components of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0035] As described above, the binding processing unit 100 uses the hardware resources of the control unit 150 and the software (control program) executed by the CPU 151 to realize the function of controlling operations related to liquid application.

[0036] [Embodiment of Processing Position Display Mechanism] Next, an embodiment of the processing position display mechanism 50 included in the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. The processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment is an example of a structure having a function of displaying the position where the sheet bundle Sb is to be bound, i.e., the position of the sheet bundle Sb to be bound, before the binding process is performed when the binding process is performed in the manual binding mode. In other words, the processing position display mechanism 50 is an example of a structure having a function of making the position where the binding process is to be performed visually recognizable by the user before the binding process is performed.

[0037] [First embodiment of processing position display mechanism 50] As shown in FIG. 6, the processing position indication mechanism 50 according to the first embodiment includes at least a driver 51, a needle storage section 52, a clincher 53, a pressing member 54 corresponding to the position indication providing section, and a spring 55.

[0038] The driver 51 is a member that presses and pushes out the staples 529 stored in the staple storage section 52 toward the sheet bundle Sb, which is the target of the binding process, and penetrates the sheet bundle Sb to bind the sheets. The driver 51 is fixed to a part of the exterior cover 25, and is a member that can be moved by a mechanism that descends toward the sheet bundle Sb inserted in the slit 23 when the binding process is performed.

[0039] The staple storage section 52 stores staples 529 as members that penetrate the sheet stack Sb to bind the sheets. The staple storage section 52 has convex portions 521 in a portion of its outer shape that faces the sheets S. The convex portions 521 are provided at positions spaced apart so as to face each other in the longitudinal direction of the staples 529. That is, the convex portions 521 are provided at two separated points on a straight line in the longitudinal direction of the staples 529, and are provided so as to be disposed on both sides of the staples 529. When pressed by the presser member 54, the staple storage section 52 moves in a direction approaching the sheet stack Sb. When pressed by the driver 51, the staples 529 move in a direction approaching the sheet stack Sb and penetrate through it.

[0040] The clincher 53 is a member that receives and guides the staple 529 so as to bend and staple the sheets when the staple 529 stored in the staple storage unit 52 is pressed by the driver 51 and penetrates the sheet stack Sb. The clincher 53 is provided with a staple bending portion 532 that bends the tip of the staple 529 pressed by the driver 51 so that the sheet stack Sb is clamped between the tip of the staple 529 and the longitudinal portion of the staple 529. The clincher 53 also has a recessed portion 531 at a position facing the protruding portion 521 of the staple storage unit 52. The recessed portion 531 serves as a portion that receives a portion of the sheet stack Sb that is deformed by the protruding portion 521 when the staple storage unit 52 is pressed down by the presser member 54 and approaches the sheet stack Sb, and the protruding portion 521 comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb and is further pressed against it.

[0041] The presser member 54 is supported above the staple storage section 52 by a spring 55. When the driver 51 descends to approach the sheet stack Sb for the binding operation, the presser member 54 is configured to descend simultaneously with the driver 51 due to the movement of the spring 55. The presser member 54 also descends as the driver 51 descends, and comes into contact with the staple storage section 52. If the driver 51 further descends while the presser member 54 is in contact with the staple storage section 52, the staple storage section 52 will reach the top surface of the sheet stack Sb before the driver 51.

[0042] When the driver 51 further descends with the staple storage section 52 in contact with the sheet stack Sb, the pressing member 54 presses the staple storage section 52 due to the biasing force of the spring 55. This causes the convex portion 521 of the staple storage section 52 to press the sheet stack Sb. The convex portion 521 presses a predetermined position (binding position) on the top sheet S of the sheet stack Sb, thereby forming a depression at that position as an indication of the binding position.

[0043] The spring 55 supports the pressing member 54 at a position where it does not come into contact with the driver 51, and biases the pressing member 54 in a direction approaching the sheet stack Sb.

[0044] 6(b) is a side view of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6(b), the driver 51 is located directly above the staples 529 stored in the staple storage section 52. The presser member 54 is supported in a position where it does not come into contact with the driver 51, and is supported by a spring 55 that was once fixed to a portion at the same height as the driver 51. Therefore, after the driver 51 moves in a direction approaching the sheet stack Sb and comes into contact with the staple storage section 52, the spring 55 applies a biasing force to the staple storage section 52 in accordance with the movement of the driver 51, and the staple storage section 52 is pressed toward the sheet stack Sb.

[0045] When the staple storage unit 52 is pressed toward the sheet stack Sb, the convex portion 521 is pressed against the sheet stack Sb, and a binding position indication is provided on the top sheet S of the sheet stack Sb. In other words, the staple storage unit 52 and the presser member 54 constitute a mechanism that provides an indication of the position (processing position) of the sheet stack Sb where the binding process is performed with the staple 529. The staple storage unit 52 and the presser member 54 correspond to a position indication providing unit that makes the processing position where the binding process is performed visible to the user before the binding process. To make the processing position visible to the user, the convex portion 521 of the staple storage unit 52 is pressed against the sheet stack Sb to form two depressions on either side of the processing position. The depressions are formed at positions that correspond to the outsides of both longitudinal ends of the staple 529.

[0046] Fig. 7 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the driver 51 and the presser member 54 provided in the processing position display mechanism 50 according to the first embodiment. Note that the staple storage section 52 and the clincher 53 are not shown in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 7, the staple 529 is located at a position corresponding to the binding position for the sheet stack Sb, and the position where the binding process is performed corresponds to the vicinity of the outer edge of the sheet stack Sb. The driver 51 is located above this vicinity of the outer edge at a position where the staple 529 can be pressed down.

[0047] The presser member 54 is disposed in a position that does not hinder the movement of the driver 51 when the driver 51 pushes out the staple 529. The presser member 54 is also disposed in a position that allows the operation of attaching an indication that shows the position where the staple 529 penetrates the sheet stack Sb to be performed. For example, the presser member 54 is disposed in a position that corresponds to the outside of the outer edge of the sheet stack Sb where the driver 51 is disposed, and is supported in that position so that it can press the staple storage section 52.

[0048] Next, the manual binding operation according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 8. Fig. 8(a) illustrates a state in which the driver 51 and the presser member 54 are in the home position, which is the binding position before the binding operation starts. As shown in Fig. 8(b), when the driver 51 is lowered, the presser member 54, which is supported via the spring 55, also lowers.

[0049] Even if the driver 51 descends to a certain position, it does not come into contact with the staple 529. However, the convex portion 521 provided on the staple storage section 52 that is pressed by the pressing member 54 is in a state where it forms a depression as a mark in the sheet stack Sb when the staple storage section 52 comes into contact with and is pressed against the sheet stack Sb.

[0050] 8(c), after the convex portion 521 is sufficiently pressed into the sheet stack Sb and the sheet stack Sb is deformed, the spring 55 contracts, stopping the descent of the staple storage portion 52. However, the driver 51 continues to descent. At this time, if the driver 51 stops descent and lifts up once before it comes into contact with the staple 529 and removes the sheet stack Sb from the binding processing unit 100, the user can visually recognize the mark indicating the position (processing position) where the binding process will be performed.

[0051] If the driver 51 continues to descend from the state shown in FIG. 8(c) as shown in FIG. 8(d), the staple 529 is pressed down and penetrates the sheet stack Sb, and then the binding process is performed as shown in FIG. 8(e).

[0052] 9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating positions where a binding position indication is provided. Fig. 9A shows an example of an indication provided when the convex portion 521 is sufficiently pressed into the sheet bundle Sb and the sheet bundle Sb is deformed in the state shown in Fig. 8C, that is, when the convex portion 521 has deformed the sheet bundle Sb. The mark 5211 as an indication illustrated in Fig. 9A can be visually recognized by the user by raising the driver 51 and removing the sheet bundle Sb from the slit 23 before performing the binding process when the convex portion 521 has deformed the sheet bundle Sb.

[0053] More specifically, when the driver 51 stops descending while the convex portion 521 has deformed the sheet stack Sb, the presser member 54 causes the convex portion 521 of the staple storage unit 52 to contact the uppermost sheet S of the sheet stack Sb. When the driver 51 rises from this contact state, the presser member 54 also rises, and the pressure of the staple storage unit 52 against the sheet stack Sb is released, so that the sheet stack Sb with the mark 5211 applied can be seen. Note that the staple storage unit 52 is equipped with a mechanism that allows it to rise to a position where it is separated from the sheet stack Sb when the pressure of the presser member 54 is released.

[0054] 9(b) illustrates a state in which the driver 51 is lowered to the state illustrated in FIG. 8(e) to perform the binding process, and then the sheet bundle Sb is removed from the slit 23. As illustrated in FIG. 9(b), marks 5211 are provided on both sides of the position of the staple 529 as indicators that indicate the position at which the staple 529 will bind the sheet bundle Sb. In addition, in the example of FIG. 9(b), it can be said that the marks 5211 are located on the left and right extensions of an imaginary line that follows the staple 529 and overlaps with the staple 529.

[0055] Therefore, by lowering the driver 51 to the state illustrated in FIG. 8(c), stopping it once, and then raising it to remove the sheet stack Sb from the slit 23, the user can visually check the display illustrated in FIG. 9(a) and confirm the binding position in advance. More specifically, the user can recognize that the staple 529 will be placed inside the marks 5211 and on the imaginary line connecting the left and right marks 5211. Thereafter, by inserting the sheet stack Sb into the slit 23 and lowering the driver 51 to the state illustrated in FIG. 8(e) to perform the binding process, the user can perform the binding process at the position confirmed by the display, as illustrated in FIG. 9(b).

[0056] Fig. 10 is an enlarged view of the convex portion 521 provided in the staple storage section 52. As illustrated in Fig. 10, the convex portion 521 has a shape that forms a small depression in a part of the sheet stack Sb as an indicator to make the processing position (binding position) visible to the user. The convex portion 521 corresponds to a sharp protruding portion that can bite into the sheet stack Sb.

[0057] The angle of the tip of the convex portion 521 is preferably an acute angle, preferably 45 degrees or less, and more preferably about 30 degrees. The protrusion amount is preferably 1 mm or more. In FIG. 10, the protrusion amount is 3 mm. This allows the processing position to be indicated on the sheet stack Sb even with a small pressing force.

[0058] Furthermore, the shape of the tip of the convex portion 521 is not limited to the example shown in Fig. 10. For example, the tip of the convex portion 521 may be arc-shaped, as shown in Fig. 11. In the case of the arc-shaped convex portion 521 shown in Fig. 11, it is formed as a portion that does not bite into the sheet stack but leaves an indentation. In this case, the size of the tip of the convex portion 521 is a hemisphere with a radius of approximately 1 mm, so that a mark for clearly indicating the processing position can be attached by slightly deforming a portion of the sheet stack Sb without tearing the portion or applying ink or the like to the sheet stack Sb.

[0059] [Second embodiment of the processing position display mechanism 50] Next, a second example of the processing position display mechanism 50 provided in the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 12 shows a schematic configuration of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment. The staple binding unit 19 according to the first example required a configuration such as the convex portion 521 to display the processing position. In the case of the second example, as illustrated in Fig. 12, for example, by performing the operation of crimping and binding the sheet stack Sb using the crimping teeth 261 provided in the crimping binding unit 26 halfway, it is possible to attach an indication indicating the binding position.

[0060] As shown in FIG. 12(a), the sheet stack Sb is inserted between the crimping teeth 261. Then, as shown in FIG. 12(b), the movement of the crimping teeth 261 is stopped while pressing and crimping the sheet stack Sb. If the crimping teeth 261 are returned to the home position shown in FIG. 12(a) from this state, an indication indicating the processing position can be attached before the binding process is performed. If the sheet stack Sb is removed from the slit 23 in this state, the binding position can be confirmed in advance. According to this embodiment, the user can recognize that the position of the shape formed on the sheets by the crimping teeth 261 is the binding position.

[0061] As shown in FIG. 12(c), the pressure binding unit 26 can perform the binding process by clamping and applying pressure to the sheet bundle Sb, causing the fibers of the multiple sheets S to become entangled with each other.

[0062] [Third embodiment of the processing position display mechanism 50] Next, a third example of the processing position display mechanism 50 provided in the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 13 shows a schematic configuration of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment. In the first example, the position of the binding processing (processing position) was displayed by deforming a part of the sheet stack Sb using the convex portion 521 and the concave portion 531.

[0063] In the third embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, a first stamp 522 is provided in the needle storage section 52 instead of the convex section 521 and the concave section 531. Fig. 13(a) is a front view of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment. Fig. 13(b) is a side view of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment.

[0064] The first stamp 522 is fixed to the outer edge of the staple storage section 52 and moves as the staple storage section 52 moves. Therefore, the first stamp 522 moves down when the staple storage section 52 moves down. Furthermore, when the first stamp 522 comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb, it transfers an indicator material such as liquid ink to the uppermost sheet S of the sheet stack Sb. This indicator material can indicate the position of the binding process on the sheet stack Sb. The first stamps 522 are arranged on both sides of the binding staple 529. Furthermore, the binding staple 529 is located on an imaginary line connecting the lower ends of the first stamps 522.

[0065] The staple storage section 52 according to the third embodiment, like that of the first embodiment, is disposed at a position where it is pressed down by the presser member 54. One end of a spring 55 is fixed to the presser member 54, and the presser member 54 is supported by the spring 55. The presser member 54 is independent of the driver 51 that pushes out the binding staples 529 stored inside the staple storage section 52. The driver 51 is fixed to the one end to which the spring 55 is fixed. The presser member 54 is supported by the other end of the spring 55. Therefore, when the driver 51 moves for the binding operation, the one end of the spring 55 also descends in the same direction as the driver 51. Accordingly, the presser member 54 also moves simultaneously with and in the same direction as the driver 51 moves.

[0066] Next, the manual binding operation according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 14. Fig. 14(a) illustrates a state in which the driver 51 and the presser member 54 are in the home position, which is the binding position before the binding operation starts. As shown in Fig. 14(b), when the driver 51 is lowered, the presser member 54, which is supported via the spring 55, also lowers.

[0067] Even if the driver 51 descends to a certain position, it does not come into contact with the staples 529. However, before the driver 51 comes into contact with the staples 529, the presser member 54 comes into contact with and presses the staple storage section 52. A first stamp 522 is provided in the staple storage section 52 that is pressed by the presser member 54. This first stamp 522 is positioned so that it comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb as the staple storage section 52 descends, before the driver 51 presses the staples 529 down. Therefore, when the presser member 54 presses the staple storage section 52 down while the driver 51 is not in contact with the staples 529, the first stamp 522 comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb before the staples 529. This contact transfers liquid ink or the like to the sheet stack Sb, thereby applying an indication.

[0068] 14(c), the spring 55 contracts when the first stamp 522 is sufficiently pressed against the sheet stack Sb, and the descent of the staple storage section 52 stops at the point where the spring 55 can no longer contract. After that, the driver 51 is in a state where it can descend, but before the driver 51 comes into contact with the staple 529, the driver 51 stops descending and is raised. After that, when the sheet stack Sb is removed from the binding processing unit 100, an indication of the position where the binding processing will be performed (processing position) can be provided in a state where it can be seen by the user. More specifically, the user can recognize that the staple 529 will be bound on an imaginary line that is inside the first stamp 522 and connects the left and right marks 5211.

[0069] If the driver 51 continues to descend from the state shown in FIG. 14(c) as shown in FIG. 14(d), the staple 529 is pressed down and penetrates the sheet stack Sb, and then the binding process is performed as shown in FIG. 14(e).

[0070] [Fourth embodiment of processing position display mechanism] Next, a fourth example of the processing position display mechanism 50 provided in the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment will be described. Fig. 15 shows a schematic configuration of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to the fourth example.

[0071] In the third embodiment, the first stamp 522 was provided on the outer edge of the needle storage section 52. In the fourth embodiment, the second stamp 523 is provided on the back side of the needle storage section 52, rather than on the outer edge of the needle storage section 52. Figure 15(a) is a front view of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment. Figure 15(b) is a side view of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment.

[0072] The second stamp 523 is fixed to the rear surface of the staple storage unit 52. When the second stamp 523 comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb, it transfers an indicator, such as liquid ink, to the sheet stack Sb. The indicator indicates the position of the uppermost sheet S when it adheres to the uppermost sheet S. Unlike the third embodiment, the second stamp 523 is supported by a spring 55, and the staple storage unit 52 is supported in a predetermined position by the second stamp 523. The second stamp 523 is independent of the driver 51 that pushes out the binding staples 529 stored inside the staple storage unit 52. One end of the spring 55 is fixed to the same location as the driver 51. The other end of the spring 55 supports the second stamp 523. Therefore, when the driver 51 moves for the binding operation, the spring 55 also moves. The second stamp 523, supported by the spring 55, also moves simultaneously in the same direction.

[0073] The bottom end of the second stamp 523 is located below the bottom end of the staple storage section 52, and is positioned so that the second stamp 523 comes into contact with the top of the sheet stack Sb before the driver 51 descends and reaches a position where it pushes out the staple 529. FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the positional relationship between the driver 51 provided in the processing position indication mechanism 50 according to the fourth embodiment and the second stamp 523. Note that the staple storage section 52 and the clincher 53 are not shown. As shown in FIG. 16, the staple 529 is located at a position corresponding to the binding position for the sheet stack Sb, and the binding position corresponds to the vicinity of the outer edge of the sheet stack Sb. The driver 51 is positioned above this vicinity of the outer edge so that it can press down the staple 529.

[0074] The second stamp 523 is disposed at a position where it does not hinder the driver 51 from pressing down the staples 529 and where an operation to indicate the processing position can be performed. For example, the second stamp 523 is disposed at a position outside the outer edge of the sheet stack Sb where the driver 51 is disposed, and supports the staple storage unit 52 at that position so that it can descend.

[0075] Next, the manual binding operation according to the fourth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 17. Fig. 17(a) illustrates a state in which the driver 51 and the second stamp 523 are in their home positions, which are the binding positions before the binding operation starts. As shown in Fig. 17(b), when the driver 51 is lowered, the second stamp 523 supported via the spring 55 and the staple storage unit 52 held by the second stamp 523 also lower.

[0076] Although the driver 51 does not come into contact with the staples 529 even when it descends to a certain position, the second stamp 523 comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb before the staples 529 do, and is in a state where liquid ink or the like is transferred to form a mark.

[0077] 17(c), the spring 55 contracts when the second stamp 523 is sufficiently pressed against the sheet stack Sb, and when the spring 55 can no longer contract, the downward movement of the staple storage section 52 stops. After that, the driver 51 is ready to descend.

[0078] At this time, before the driver 51 comes into contact with the staple 529, the descent of the driver 51 is stopped and raised, and then the sheet stack Sb is removed from the binding processing unit 100, whereby the position (processing position) where the binding processing will be performed can be displayed in a manner that is visible to the user.

[0079] If the driver 51 continues to descend from the state shown in FIG. 17(c) as shown in FIG. 17(d), the staple 529 is pressed down and penetrates the sheet stack Sb, and then the binding process is performed as shown in FIG. 17(e).

[0080] [Fifth embodiment of processing position display mechanism] Next, a description will be given of a fifth example of the processing position display mechanism 50 provided in the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment. Fig. 18 shows a schematic configuration of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to the fifth example.

[0081] In the second embodiment, the first stamp 522 was provided on the outer edge of the needle storage section 52. In the fifth embodiment, the third stamp 524 is provided inside the needle storage section 52, not on the outer edge of the needle storage section 52. Figure 18(a) is a front view of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment. Figure 18(b) is a side view of the processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment.

[0082] The third stamp 524 is disposed inside the staple storage section 52, and when pressed by the presser member 54, a protruding portion 5241 containing liquid ink protrudes from the staple storage section 52. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 18(b), the portion pressed by the presser member 54 protrudes toward the rear side, and the protruding portion 5241 that comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb to provide an indication is disposed forward of the presser member 54. The third stamps 524 are disposed on both sides of the staple 529, sandwiching it therebetween. The staples 529 are also located on an imaginary line connecting the protruding portions 5241 of the third stamps 524.

[0083] When the protruding portion 5241 comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb, a material such as liquid ink that indicates the position of adhesion when it adheres to the sheets S is transferred to the sheet stack Sb. As in the first embodiment, the presser member 54 is supported by a spring 55. The presser member 54 is independent of the driver 51 that pushes out the binding staples 529 stored inside the staple storage section 52. One end of the spring 55 is fixed to the portion to which the driver 51 is fixed. The other end of the spring 55 supports the presser member 54. Therefore, when the driver 51 moves for the binding operation, the spring 55 also moves. The presser member 54, which is supported by the spring 55, also moves simultaneously in the same direction.

[0084] Next, the manual binding operation according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 19. FIG. 19(a) illustrates a state in which the driver 51 and the presser member 54 are in the home position, which is the binding position before the binding operation starts. As shown in FIG. 19(b), when the driver 51 is lowered, the presser member 54, which is supported via the spring 55, also lowers. Pressed by the presser member 54, the staple storage section 52 also lowers.

[0085] Even if the driver 51 descends to a certain position, it does not come into contact with the staples 529, but when the presser member 54 is pressed down, the protruding portion 5241 of the third stamp 524 comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb before the staples 529. This state is illustrated in FIG. 19(b). In this state, liquid ink or the like is transferred to the sheet stack Sb, thereby indicating the binding positions. More specifically, the user can recognize that the staples 529 will be bound inside the respective transferred and displayed binding positions and on the imaginary line connecting the respective binding positions.

[0086] 19(c), the spring 55 contracts when the third stamp 524 is sufficiently pressed against the sheet stack Sb, and when the spring 55 can no longer contract, the downward movement of the staple storage section 52 stops. After that, the driver 51 is ready to descend.

[0087] At this time, before the driver 51 comes into contact with the staple 529, the descent of the driver 51 is stopped and raised, and then the sheet stack Sb is removed from the binding processing unit 100, whereby the position (processing position) where the binding processing will be performed can be displayed in a manner that is visible to the user.

[0088] The operation when the driver 51 continues to descend from the state of FIG. 19(c) is the same as that explained in the second embodiment and so on, and therefore will be omitted.

[0089] [Sixth embodiment of processing position display mechanism] Next, a sixth embodiment, which is a modification of the fifth embodiment, will be described with reference to Fig. 20. The processing position display mechanism 50 according to this embodiment is configured so that when performing the binding process without displaying the binding position, only the driver 51 can be lowered even if the operation of lowering the staple storage unit 52 by the presser member 54 is stopped midway.

[0090] The manual binding operation according to the sixth embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 20. FIG. 20(a) illustrates a state in which the driver 51 and the presser member 54 are in the home position, which is the binding position before the binding operation starts. As shown in FIG. 20(b), when the driver 51 is lowered, the presser member 54, which is supported via the spring 55, also lowers. Pressed by the presser member 54, the staple storage section 52 also lowers.

[0091] Although not shown, the processing position indication mechanism 50 according to the sixth embodiment includes a mechanism for stopping the descent of the presser member 54 at a predetermined position. Even when the driver 51 has descended to a certain position and is not in contact with the staples 529, the presser member 54 presses down on the staple storage section 52. When the presser member 54 is pressed down, the staple storage section 52 descends, and a regulating member stops the descent of the presser member 54 at a position just before the protruding portion 5241 of the third stamp 524 comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb.

[0092] Next, with the lowering of the presser member 54 stopped, the driver 51 lowers as shown in Fig. 20(c). As a result, the staples 529 penetrate the sheet stack Sb, and the binding process is performed. After the state of Fig. 20(c), the driver 51 is raised, and the sheet stack Sb is removed.

[0093] As described above, according to the processing position display mechanism of the sixth embodiment, without displaying the binding position, that is, when the user does not need to check the binding position in advance, the mechanism for displaying the binding position (third stamp 524) does not come into contact with the sheet stack Sb, and the operation of the driver 51 and the pressing member 54 can be controlled to lower the binding needle 529.

[0094] [First Example of Processing Position Display Processing] Next, a first embodiment of the processing position display process in the binding processing unit 100 will be described. FIG. 21 is an example of a first setting screen G1 that can be displayed on the operation display unit 110 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 to which the binding processing unit 100 is attached. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the first setting screen G1 as a selection unit is a screen for selecting and setting a processing mode in advance. When an operation button for selecting "Only display binding position" is pressed on the first setting screen G1, the display processing mode is set. Also, when an operation button for selecting "Perform up to binding" is pressed on the first setting screen G1, the sheet processing mode is set. Either setting can be performed before performing manual binding, allowing the operation of the binding processing unit 100 to be selected when the start button 24 is operated. Note that "marking" is synonymous with adding a mark indicating the binding position.

[0095] Fig. 22 is a flowchart according to a first embodiment of the processing position display process. It is assumed that the pre-settings have been completed using the first setting screen G1 illustrated in Fig. 21. After the sheet stack Sb is inserted into the slit 23, the process enters a standby state until the start button 24 is pressed (S2201: No). When the start button 24 is pressed (S2201: Yes), the pre-settings are subsequently determined (S2202).

[0096] When the preset content is not "only display of binding position" (S2202: No), the binding processing unit 100 presses the driver 51 to the position illustrated in FIG. 8(e) to perform the binding process, and then returns the driver 51 to the home position (S2203). The home position corresponds to the position of the driver 51 when holding the sheet bundle Sb in a state where it can be inserted into the slit 23. This home position is referred to as the "first position." Furthermore, the position of the driver 51 when displaying the sheet bundle Sb is referred to as the "second position."

[0097] In step S2202, when the preset content is "only display of binding position" (S2202: Yes), the binding processing unit 100 presses the driver 51 to the position (second position) illustrated in Fig. 8(c) and then returns it to the home position (first position) (S2204). Note that the manual binding mode is not released when the processing of steps S2203 and S2204 is completed.

[0098] The first embodiment of the processing position display process is applicable to each embodiment of the processing position display mechanism 50.

[0099] In S2204, after the binding position is indicated, the user removes the sheet bundle Sb from the slit 23 and visually checks the binding position indication to determine whether the binding position is appropriate. If the binding position is appropriate, the user makes the binding process in S2203 executable, reinserts the sheet bundle Sb into the slit 23, and presses the start button 24.

[0100] Therefore, when the "execute up to binding" setting shown in FIG. 21 is made, the user has determined in advance that the binding position is an appropriate position.

[0101] [Second embodiment of processing position display processing] Next, a second embodiment of the processing position display process will be described. This embodiment allows the user to select whether to execute the binding process or the processing position display process by operating the start button 24, without having to perform any pre-settings as in the first embodiment.

[0102] 23 is a flowchart of a second embodiment of the processing position display process. After the sheet stack Sb is inserted into the slit 23, the process waits until the start button 24 is pressed (S2301: No). When the start button 24 is pressed (S2301: Yes), the operation mode of the start button 24 is then determined (S2302).

[0103] When the start button 24 is not pressed twice consecutively in S2301 (S2302: No), the binding processing unit 100 presses the driver 51 to the position (first position) illustrated in FIG. 8(e) to perform the binding process, and then returns the driver 51 to the home position (S2303).

[0104] In step S2302, if the start button 24 is pressed twice consecutively (S2302: Yes), the binding processing unit 100 causes the driver 51 to be pressed to the position (second position) illustrated in Fig. 8(c) and then returns to the home position (first position) (S2304). Note that the manual binding mode is not released when the processing of steps S2303 and S2304 is completed.

[0105] The second embodiment of the processing position display process is also applicable to each embodiment of the processing position display mechanism 50.

[0106] In S2304, after the binding position is indicated, the sheet bundle Sb is removed from the slit 23, and the user visually checks the binding position indication to determine whether the binding position is appropriate. If the binding position is appropriate, the sheet bundle Sb is reinserted into the slit 23 to execute the binding process in S2303, and the start button 24 is pressed once.

[0107] Therefore, when the start button 24 is pressed once from the beginning, the user has already determined that the binding position is an appropriate position.

[0108] [Second embodiment of binding processing unit 100] Next, a second embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 will be described. Fig. 24 is a plan view of the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment. Note that the dashed dotted line in Fig. 3 indicates a reference position that is the center in the width direction of the sheets S that are transported and discharged in the main body 100m.

[0109] 24, the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment has a configuration in which the positions of stopper 25a, which regulates the Y-direction edge of sheets S (sheet stack Sb) manually inserted into the slit 23, and stopper 25b, which regulates the X-direction edge, are adjustable. The positions of stopper 25a and stopper 25b can be manually changed by the user within the ranges indicated by the arrows in FIG.

[0110] The processing position display mechanism 50 according to the first to sixth embodiments already described is used to display the binding position, and before completing the binding process, the user can remove the sheet bundle Sb from the slit 23 and check the display of the binding position. If the displayed binding position differs from the position desired by the user at this time, the positions of the stoppers 25a and 25b are changed. After the change, the sheet bundle Sb is inserted into the slit 23 again, and the process for displaying the display is executed. This allows the processing position display to be displayed again with the abutment position of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the slit 23 changed.

[0111] This operation is repeated until the binding position is displayed at the position desired by the user, thereby enabling the binding process to be performed at the position desired by the user in manual binding.

[0112] [Third embodiment of binding processing unit 100] Next, a description will be given of a third embodiment of the binding processing unit 100. Fig. 25 shows an example of a second setting screen G2 that can be displayed on the operation display unit 110 provided in the image forming apparatus 1 to which the binding processing unit 100 is attached.

[0113] 25(a) shows an example in which a position change button B21 is provided on the second setting screen G2 displayed on the operation display unit 110. The configuration is such that when the user operates the position change button B21 corresponding to a specific direction, the icon A21 indicating the binding position moves within the second setting screen G2. The user can arbitrarily adjust the binding position by operating the position change button B21 while viewing the second setting screen G2.

[0114] 25(b) shows an example in which a position designation button B22 is provided on the second setting screen G2 displayed on the operation display unit 110. When the user can designate the position from two sides of the sheet stack by the distance, the icon A22 indicating the binding position moves within the second setting screen G2 by inputting each distance. The user can arbitrarily adjust the binding position by changing the value input into the position designation button B22 while viewing the second setting screen G2.

[0115] 25(c) is an example in which a position change icon A23 is provided on the second setting screen G2 displayed on the operation display unit 110. When the operation display unit 110 is configured as a touch panel, the user can adjust the binding position as desired by operating the position change icon A23 on the operation display unit 110.

[0116] [Fourth embodiment of binding processing unit 100] Next, a fourth embodiment of the binding processing unit 100 will be described. As shown in Fig. 26, the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment includes a sheet detection sensor 194 that detects the sheet bundle Sb near the binding position when the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the slit 23 is abutted against the sheet bundle Sb.

[0117] When the sheet detection sensor 194 does not detect the sheet S or the sheet bundle Sb, the control unit 150 controls not to perform the binding operation even if it detects that the user has pressed the start button 24. This makes it possible to prevent the binding unit from operating even when there is no sheet bundle Sb at the binding position.

[0118] [Seventh embodiment of the processing position display mechanism 50] Next, a seventh embodiment of the processing position indication mechanism 50 will be described with reference to Fig. 27. The processing position indication mechanism 50 according to this embodiment includes a presser member sensor 193 (see Fig. 5) so that the position of the presser member 54 can be determined by the control unit 150. The presser member sensor 193 enables the control unit 150 to control the position of the presser member 54 as it descends.

[0119] The pressing member sensor 193 is configured by a pair of a first sensor unit 541 and a second sensor unit 542. As shown in FIG. 27(a), the first sensor unit 541 is installed on the pressing member 54. As shown in FIG. 27(b), the second sensor unit 542 is installed on the exterior cover 25. The pressing member sensor 193 is, for example, a transmission sensor, and is configured to detect the position of the pressing member 54 based on the relative positional relationship between the second sensor unit 542, which has a concave shape in a plan view, and the first sensor unit 541, which also has a convex shape, as shown in FIG. 27(c).

[0120] Next, the manual binding operation according to the seventh embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 28. Figure 28(a) illustrates a state in which the driver 51 and the presser member 54 are in their home positions, which are the binding positions before the binding operation starts. As shown in Figure 28(b), when the driver 51 is lowered, the presser member 54, which is supported via the spring 55, also lowers. Even if the driver 51 is lowered to a certain position, it does not come into contact with the staples 529. However, because the convex portion 521 is provided in the staple storage portion 52 that is pressed by the presser member 54, the staple storage portion 52 reaches a position where it comes into contact with the sheet stack Sb.

[0121] 28(c), when the convex portion 521 is pressed against the sheet bundle Sb, that is, when the pressing member 54 reaches the second position, the second sensor unit 542 reaches the same height as the first sensor unit 541. The control unit 150 determines this state and determines that a binding position indication has been given to the sheet bundle Sb. Therefore, if the control unit 150 raises the driver 51 when the state shown in FIG. 28(c) is reached, the sheet bundle Sb can be brought into a state in which a binding position indication has been given.

[0122] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 28(d), when the second sensor unit 542 passes the first sensor unit 541, the driver 51 further descends, and the binding process is performed.

[0123] According to the processing position display mechanism 50 of the seventh embodiment, when the thickness of the sheets S or the number of sheets S constituting the sheet stack Sb changes and the lowering position at which the pressing member 54 indicates the processing position changes, the control unit 150 controls the amount of lowering of the driver 51 based on the output of the pressing member sensor 193 (first sensor unit 541 and second sensor unit 542).

[0124] The amount of descent of the driver 51 can be controlled by controlling the drive amount of the binding unit drive motor 192 in the control unit 150. For example, by using a pulse motor for the binding unit drive motor 192, the amount of descent can be controlled by the number of control pulses.

[0125] Furthermore, if the binding unit drive motor 192 is a DC motor, the magnitude of the load can be determined from the magnitude of the drive current. In this case, a Hall element is used to detect the amount of drive current supplied to the binding unit drive motor 192. In this case, the output of the Hall element is determined by the control unit 150 to determine the load amount of the binding unit drive motor 192, and the degree to which the presser member 54 presses the sheet bundle Sb can be determined, thereby providing an indication of the processing position.

[0126] [Fifth embodiment of binding processing unit 100] Next, a description will be given of a fifth embodiment of the binding processing unit 100. As shown in Fig. 29, the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment moves the processing position of the binding unit (only the staple binding unit 19 is shown) to different positions in the automatic binding mode and the manual binding mode, making it possible to handle a plurality of modes with a single binding unit.

[0127] Figure 29(a) illustrates an example of the position of the stapling unit 19 in the automatic binding mode, and Figure 29(b) illustrates an example of the position of the stapling unit 19 in the manual binding mode.

[0128] Next, a control process of the binding processing unit 100 according to the fifth embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart of Fig. 30. When the operation of the binding processing unit 100 is started, first, information indicating a post-processing mode included in a job to be processed is received (S3001).

[0129] Next, it is determined whether the received post-processing mode is the "automatic binding mode" (S3002). If the post-processing mode is the "automatic binding mode" (S3002: Yes), image formation is performed (S3003), and then binding processing is performed (S3004). Thereafter, it is confirmed whether or not there is next received information (S3006), and if there is received information (S3006: Yes), the process returns to processing step S3001. If there is no received information (S3006: No), the process ends.

[0130] In processing step S3002, if the received post-processing mode is not the "automatic binding mode" (S3002: No), the stapling unit 19 is moved to the manual binding mode position (S3006), as shown in FIG. 29(b). Next, the process of adding a processing position indication and the binding process, as already explained, are executed (S3007). Next, it is determined whether the marking or binding process for adding an indication should be continued (S3008), and the process loops until the marking or binding process is completed (S3008: Yes). If the marking or binding process is completed (S3008: No), the presence or absence of next received information is confirmed (S3009). If there is received information (S3009: Yes), the process returns to processing step S3001. If there is no received information (S3009: No), the process ends.

[0131] [Second embodiment of image forming apparatus] Next, a second embodiment of the image forming apparatus will be described. Figure 31 is an external view of the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment.

[0132] 31, the image forming apparatus 1 mainly includes an image forming unit 32 inside an apparatus housing 31. The apparatus housing 31 is a box-shaped member having an internal space formed therein for accommodating components of the image forming apparatus 1. The apparatus housing 31 also has an internal space 33 formed therein that is accessible from outside the image forming apparatus 1.

[0133] The internal space 33 is located, for example, slightly above the center in the vertical direction of the device housing 31, and has a structure in which a portion of the outer wall of the device housing 31 is cut out. Therefore, the internal space 33 corresponds to the portion exposed to the outside, and the internal space 33 is accessible to the user from outside the device housing 31. For example, the internal space 33 can be fitted with a punch hole punching unit 200 or a binding processing unit 100 as an embodiment of the sheet processing device according to the present invention.

[0134] The image forming unit 32 discharges the sheet S picked up from the sheet storage tray and transported to the hole punching unit 200 and the binding unit 100. The image forming unit 32 may be an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The configuration of the image forming unit 32 is already well known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0135] The punch hole punching unit 200 is attached to the internal space 33 of the image forming apparatus 1 downstream of the image forming unit 32 and upstream of the binding processing unit 100 on the conveyance path of the sheet S from the image forming unit 32 to the binding processing unit 100 (the path indicated by the dashed arrow in FIG. 31). That is, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 32 is first handed over to the punch hole punching unit 200 where a predetermined punch hole forming process is performed, and then handed over to the binding processing unit 100 where a binding process described below is performed.

[0136] [Control configuration of sheet processing apparatus including image forming apparatus] Next, the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 including the binding processing unit 100 will be described with reference to Fig. 32. Fig. 32 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 in a state where the hole punching unit 200 is detached.

[0137] In FIG. 32, the transport path of the sheet S (flow of the sheet S) is indicated by a dashed arrow, and the path (signal flow) of the communication signal (control signal) is indicated by a solid arrow.

[0138] The image forming apparatus 1 is equipped with a display unit 301 for informing the user of the status of various devices and operation details, an operation unit 302 for the user to set the operating mode and the number of copies of the sheet stack Sb to be generated, and a paper feed unit 303 for storing sheets S and separating and feeding them one by one.

[0139] The image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment is an example of a so-called electrophotographic type. Therefore, it further includes an image forming unit 304 that forms a latent image on a photoreceptor and transfers the image to a sheet S, both of which are not shown in Fig. 3, and a fixing unit 305 that fixes the image transferred to the sheet S. The image forming apparatus 1 also includes an image formation control unit 306 that controls the operations of the above-mentioned units.

[0140] In the binding processing unit 100 as an embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus, a processing instruction is sent from the image forming control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the post-processing control unit 102 via a communication line 307, and the post-processing unit 101 performs the specified processing on the specified sheet S.

[0141] Each of the linked image forming control units 306 and post-processing control units 102 is connected by a communication line 307, enabling the exchange of information. This allows the exchange of information regarding the operation mode, sheet size, timing, etc., enabling the system to operate.

[0142] 33 is a diagram illustrating an example of the control configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 when the punch hole punching unit 200 is attached (see FIG. 1). In FIG. 33, the transport path of the sheet S (flow of the sheet S) is also indicated by dashed arrows, and the path (signal flow) of the communication signal (control signal) is indicated by solid arrows.

[0143] Similarly, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a display unit 301, an operation unit 302, and a paper feed unit 303. It also includes an image forming unit 304 and an image formation control unit 306.

[0144] In the binding processing unit 100 as an embodiment of the media processing device, a processing instruction is sent from the image forming control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the binding processing control unit 102 via the communication line 309, and the binding processing unit 101 performs the specified processing on the specified sheets S. The binding processing unit 101 is notified of the specified information on the processing content for the sheets S via the punching processing unit 201.

[0145] The image forming control units 306 and binding process control units 102 are connected to each other via a communication line 309, enabling the exchange of information. This allows the exchange of information regarding the operation mode, sheet size, timing, etc., enabling the system to operate.

[0146] The punch hole punching unit 200 receives processing instructions from the image forming control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the binding process control unit 102 via a communication line 309, and the binding process control unit 102 sends instructions to the punching process control unit 202 via a communication line 103. The punching process control unit 202 controls the punching processing unit 201 to execute the instructed punching process.

[0147] [Hardware configuration of image forming device 1] Next, the hardware configuration of the binding processing unit 100 included in the image forming apparatus 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 34. Note that a description of the hardware configuration including the punching processing unit 400 will be omitted. As shown in FIG. 34, the binding processing unit 100 has a CPU 151 as a controller, and is connected to a plurality of motors that serve as power sources for the operation of each mechanism via an I / F (interface) 120. The CPU 151 is a calculation means, and controls the operation of the entire binding processing unit 100.

[0148] The CPU 151 in the binding processing unit 100 is connected to the image formation control unit 306 of the image forming apparatus 1 via the I / F 111, and controls the binding processing unit 100 in response to a processing signal from the image forming apparatus 1. The binding processing unit 100 is also an optional device, and therefore has a detachable hardware configuration.

[0149] The I / F section that connects the image forming section 300 and the binding processing unit 100 is configured to be detachable in hardware, for example, by a relay connector or a drawer connector. The I / F section that connects the punching processing unit 400 and the image forming section 300 is also configured in the same way.

[0150] The drive motors that drive the plurality of conveying roller pairs for performing the binding process in the binding process unit 100 are equipped with encoders that can detect the drive amount of each motor in terms of the number of pulses. Therefore, it is possible to drive and stop the conveying roller pairs at a position of a specific drive amount starting from a specific timing, and it is configured to realize control to convey the sheet S a specific amount in a specific direction.

[0151] In addition, the encoder pulses are measured based on the timing when the sensors on the conveying path are turned on or off, and the drive amount of each motor can be calculated based on these encoder pulses.Then, based on these calculated drive amounts, the position of the edge of the conveyed sheet S can be detected.

[0152] As illustrated in Figure 34, the binding processing control unit 102, which is the control unit of the binding processing unit 100, is connected to a CPU 151 via an I / F 111, and is connected to a conveying motor 1151, a discharge motor 1152, a staple moving motor 1153, a conveying sensor 1154, a discharge sensor 1155, and an HP sensor 1156.

[0153] In addition, a punching process control unit 202 which is a control unit of the punching unit 200 has a folding motor 162 , an entrance sensor 163 , and a folding sensor 164 connected to the CPU 115 via an I / F 121 .

[0154] In addition, when a punch processing main unit that performs punching processing on sheet S is connected as an option, the control unit is connected to the CPU 151 via the I / F 122 with a punch motor 1157, a punch movement motor 1158, a pre-punch motor 1159, a cover opening / closing sensor 1160, and a punch unit HP sensor 1161.

[0155] [Conveyance path configuration of binding processing unit 100] Next, the configuration of a conveyance path for sheets S provided in a binding processing unit 100 as one embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 35 shows a cross-sectional view of the conveyance path provided in the binding processing unit 100. The binding processing unit 100 is configured to be able to set a plurality of operation modes and to operate appropriately based on the set operation mode. The operation modes provided in the binding processing unit 100 include, for example, a "shift discharge mode" in which sheets S are conveyed and discharged from the upstream (image forming unit 32) to the discharge tray 20 without being bound, and a "binding mode" in which sheets S are stapled or pressure-bound by a staple binding unit 19 or a pressure-binding unit 26 (not shown in Fig. 36).

[0156] The binding modes include an "automatic binding mode" in which multiple sheets S that make up a bundle are loaded onto the stacking tray 17, aligned, and bound at the ends, and a "manual binding mode" in which multiple sheets S are discharged onto the discharge tray 20 and then bound by manual operation by the user.

[0157] In the shift discharge mode, the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1 is received by the entrance rollers 11, conveyed to the discharge rollers 16, and discharged onto the discharge tray 20. The entrance rollers 11, conveying rollers 12, shift rollers 13, and discharge rollers 16 constitute a first conveying means. That is, when the sheet S is conveyed from the entrance rollers 11 toward the discharge rollers 16, the conveying direction corresponds to the first direction.

[0158] In the automatic binding mode, the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1 is received by the entrance rollers 11 and conveyed in a first direction to the shift rollers 13. When the sheet S leaves the shift rollers 13, the tapping rollers 15 are driven to place the sheet S on a stacking tray 17 serving as an internal tray. Thereafter, the tapping rollers 15 and the return rollers 14 serving as second conveying means operate to convey the sheet S in a second direction different from the first direction. The second direction at this time is a conveyance toward a reference fence 18 for aligning the edge of the sheet S, and corresponds to a conveyance opposite to the first direction, and therefore corresponds to a "switchback conveyance."

[0159] Furthermore, in the automatic binding mode, the above-described conveying operation of the sheets S in the second direction (the operation of conveying the sheets S from the stacking tray 17 to the reference fence 18) is repeated until the number of sheets to be bound is reached. Then, when the final sheet S is conveyed to the reference fence 18, a stapler unit 19 serving as a stapler stapling means pierces a staple through an end of the stack of sheets S (sheet stack Sb) to perform the staple stapling process. The stapled sheet stack Sb is conveyed in the first direction by discharge rollers 16 constituting the first conveying means and discharged to the discharge tray 20.

[0160] The sheet S or the sheet stack Sb discharged onto the discharge tray 20 is aligned by abutting the end of the sheet S or the sheet stack Sb against the end fence 21.

[0161] In the manual binding mode, the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1 is received by the entrance rollers 11, and is conveyed to the discharge tray 20 and discharged without being placed on the stacking tray 17. This is repeated until the number of sheets to be bound is reached, and the binding process is performed by the user performing the manual binding operation described below.

[0162] [Shift discharge mode operation process] Next, with reference to several drawings, the operational steps of the shift discharge mode of the sheet S transport process and binding process in the binding processing unit 100 will be described. The process starts when the sheet S is received by the binding processing unit 100 and transported in a first direction. This state is the same regardless of the operating mode. Next, when the sheet S is transported in the first direction and its leading edge in the transport direction reaches the position of the discharge rollers 16, the discharge driven roller 16b transitions from a nip state in which it is close to the discharge drive roller 16a to a nip pressure release state in which it is separated from the discharge drive roller 16a. Then, with the trailing edge of the sheet S having passed through the transport rollers 12, the shift roller 13 is moved in the width direction (main scanning direction) of the sheet S, thereby transporting the sheet S while shifting its transport position in the main scanning direction.

[0163] Next, when the shifting of the sheet S is completed, the discharge driven roller 16b is moved to the nip position to convey the sheet S toward the discharge tray 20. Finally, as shown in FIG. 37, the sheet S is discharged onto the discharge tray 20 by the discharge roller 16.

[0164] [Binding mode operation process] Next, we will explain the operation steps of the binding mode among the conveying process and binding process of the sheet S in the binding processing unit 100. First, Figure 38 is similar to Figure 36 already explained, and shows the state in which the sheet S is received by the binding processing unit 100.

[0165] In the binding mode, the sheet S is conveyed without shifting its position from near the center in the conveying direction, so the discharge driven roller 16b remains in the nip pressure release position, and the sheet S is conveyed in the first direction. After the trailing end of the sheet S leaves the shift roller 13, it falls by its own weight onto the stacking tray 17, which serves as an internal tray. Then, the striking roller 15 comes into contact with the sheet S placed on the stacking tray 17 and conveys the sheet S in the second direction. As a result, the sheet S, while placed on the stacking tray 17, is switchback-conveyed toward the reference fence 18.

[0166] Next, the sheet S is conveyed by switchback conveyance by the striking rollers 15 and the return rollers 14 until the end of the sheet S (the end corresponding to the leading edge of the sheet S in the second direction) strikes the reference fence 18. After the end of the sheet S strikes the reference fence 18, the jogger fence 22 strikes the side (widthwise) end of the sheet S, thereby pinching the sheet S. This operation aligns the widthwise ends of the sheets S stacked on the stacking tray 17.

[0167] By repeating the above, a plurality of sheets S are stacked on the stacking tray 17. Here, the number of repetitions corresponds to the number of sheets S for forming the sheet bundle Sb. Next, as shown in FIG. 39, the sheets S are stacked on the stacking tray 17, and then pressure binding is performed on a portion (a portion of the end portion) of the sheet bundle Sb using the staple binding unit 19. When pressure binding is performed, the discharge driven roller 16b moves to the nip position.

[0168] Finally, the sheet stack Sb is discharged onto the discharge tray 20 by the discharge rollers 16 .

[0169] [Sixth embodiment of binding processing unit 100] Next, a sixth embodiment of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to Fig. 40. The binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment is capable of operating independently without being connected to the image forming apparatus 1 or the like.

[0170] As shown in Figure 40, the slit 23 has openings on two sides of the outer cover 25, and in the binding processing unit 100 of the first embodiment, the sheet stack Sb can be inserted from the side where the discharge tray 20 is installed.

[0171] The binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment includes an operation display panel 29. The operation display panel 29 displays the pre-setting screen already described and a setting screen for setting the binding position, and accepts setting operations performed via these screens. Furthermore, the binding processing unit 100 according to this embodiment can be applied to each of the above-described embodiments.

[0172] [First embodiment of image forming system] Next, a first embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 41 is an external view of an image forming system 10 according to this embodiment. The image forming system 10 is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 30, a relay apparatus 101a, and an external finisher 100a.

[0173] The external finisher 100a is a different type that has the same functions as the inner finisher, the binding processing unit 100. The external finisher 100a receives the sheet S on which an image has been formed from the image forming apparatus 30 via a relay device 101a and performs post-processing such as binding.

[0174] [Second embodiment of image forming system] Next, a second embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 42 is an external view of an image forming system 10a according to this embodiment. The image forming system 10a is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 30, a binding processing unit 100 that functions as a relay device, and an external finisher 120.

[0175] The sheet S on which an image has been formed from the image forming device 30 is received by a binding processing unit 100 which functions as a relay device and undergoes post-processing such as binding, and further downstream, an external finisher 120 is configured to allow sorting or other post-processing to be selected.

[0176] [Third embodiment of image forming system] Next, a third embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described. Fig. 43 is an external view of an image forming system 10b according to this embodiment. The image forming system 10b is configured by connecting an image forming apparatus 30, a binding processing unit 100 functioning as a relay device, a punching unit 200, and an external finisher 120.

[0177] The image forming system 10b performs a punching process in a punch hole punching unit 200 on the sheet S on which an image has been formed from the image forming apparatus 30. The image forming system 10b also receives the sheet S at a binding processing unit 100 that functions as a relay device and performs binding processing and the like. After that, the system is configured so that a sorting process or other post-processing can be selectively performed in a downstream external finisher 120.

[0178] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical ideas described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed contents. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims. Furthermore, in the first to sixth embodiments, the binding position is displayed, but the binding unit may be replaced with a punch hole punching unit, and the punch hole position may be displayed.

[0179] The contents of the present invention are as follows, for example. <1> an insertion portion into which a sheet can be inserted; a sheet processing section that performs a predetermined process on the sheet inserted into the insertion section; a position indication providing unit that provides an indication at a position on the sheet where the processing is to be performed; The sheet processing apparatus is characterized by comprising: <2> The display is performed by deforming a part of the sheet by the position display providing unit. The aforementioned <1> 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus. <3> the position indication providing portion has a convex portion that is in contact with the sheet inserted into the insertion portion and is capable of deforming a part of the sheet; The aforementioned <1> or the above <2> The processing device is described in the above. <4> The position indication providing unit The sheet processing unit approaches the sheet when the sheet processing unit approaches the sheet, and contacts the sheet before the sheet processing unit contacts the sheet. The aforementioned <1> or the above <2> 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus. <5> The sheet processing unit includes: the position indication providing unit contacts the sheet while in contact with the sheet; The aforementioned <4> 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus. <6> The position indication providing unit provided on both sides of the sheet processing section, The above characterized by <1> and above <5> 10. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus having a plurality of nozzles. <7> The insertion portion is a plurality of alignment portions that abut against two adjacent edge sides of the inserted sheet, the alignment units are each capable of changing their positions relative to the sheet processing unit; The aforementioned <1> and above <6> 10. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus having a plurality of nozzles. <8> a selection unit that selects either a sheet processing mode in which a predetermined process is performed by contacting a sheet, or a display processing mode in which the display is added to the sheet; The aforementioned <1> and above <7> 10. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus having a plurality of nozzles. <9> an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a sheet discharge section that discharges the sheet on which the image is formed; The sheet on which the image is formed is brought into contact with the sheet and subjected to a predetermined treatment. <1> and above <8> a sheet processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding items; Equipped with The sheet processing unit of the sheet processing apparatus includes: a position where the predetermined process is performed on the sheet discharged to the sheet discharge section is different from a position where the predetermined process is performed on the sheet after the image is formed but before the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge section; The image forming apparatus is characterized by the above. <10> The sheet processing unit of the sheet processing apparatus includes: a first processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the sheet discharged to the sheet discharge section; a second processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the sheet after the image has been formed and before the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge section; having The aforementioned <9> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: <11> a manual processing mode in which the sheet is processed by the sheet processing device; an automatic processing mode in which the sheet processing unit processes the sheet; a control unit that executes at least one of the manual processing mode and the automatic processing mode; The above-mentioned <9> or the above <10> 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: <12> an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet-like medium; The image forming apparatus connected to the <1> and above <8> a sheet processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding items; The image forming system includes: [Explanation of symbols]

[0180] 1: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 10: Image forming system 50: Processing position display mechanism 51: Driver 52: Needle storage section 53: Clincher 54: Pressing member 55: Spring 100: Binding processing unit 191: Binding unit movement motor 192: Binding unit drive motor 193: Presser element sensor 194: Sheet detection sensor 300: Image forming unit 301: Display section 302:Operation unit 303:Paper feed section 304:Image creation section 305: Fixing part 306: Image formation control unit 521:Convex shape part 522: First stamp 523: Second stamp 524: Third stamp 529: Stitching needle 531: Concave shape part 532: Needle bending part 541: First sensor unit 542: Second sensor unit [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0181] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6962059

Claims

1. an insertion portion into which a sheet can be inserted; a sheet processing section that performs a predetermined process on the sheet inserted into the insertion section; a position indication providing unit that provides an indication at a position on the sheet where the processing is to be performed; A sheet processing apparatus comprising:

2. The display is performed by deforming a part of the sheet by the position display providing unit. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

3. the position indication providing portion has a convex portion that is in contact with the sheet inserted into the insertion portion and is capable of deforming a part of the sheet; The processing device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The position indication providing unit The sheet processing unit approaches the sheet when the sheet processing unit approaches the sheet, and contacts the sheet before the sheet processing unit contacts the sheet. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The sheet processing unit includes: the position indication providing unit contacts the sheet while in contact with the sheet; The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4 .

6. The position indication providing unit provided on both sides of the sheet processing section, 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:

7. The insertion portion is a plurality of alignment portions that abut against two adjacent edge sides of the inserted sheet, the alignment units are each capable of changing their positions relative to the sheet processing unit; The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

8. a selection unit that selects either a sheet processing mode in which a predetermined process is performed by contacting a sheet, or a display processing mode in which the display is added to the sheet; The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 .

9. an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; a sheet discharge section that discharges the sheet on which the image is formed; a sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, which contacts a sheet on which an image is formed and performs a predetermined process; Equipped with The sheet processing unit of the sheet processing apparatus includes: a position where the predetermined process is performed on the sheet discharged to the sheet discharge section is different from a position where the predetermined process is performed on the sheet after the image is formed but before the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge section; An image forming apparatus characterized by:

10. The sheet processing unit of the sheet processing apparatus includes: a first processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the sheet discharged to the sheet discharge section; a second processing unit that performs the predetermined processing on the sheet after the image has been formed and before the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge section; having The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 .

11. a manual processing mode in which the sheet is processed by the sheet processing device; an automatic processing mode in which the sheet processing unit processes the sheet; a control unit that executes at least one of the manual processing mode and the automatic processing mode; The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, comprising:

12. an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet-like medium; a sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 connected to the image forming apparatus; An image forming system comprising:

Images