Post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus

Abstract

The overall size of the device can be reduced compared to a case where the alignment means for aligning the ends of the media in the transport direction is fixed, and the binding position is set in a position that avoids this means. [Solution] A post-processing device comprising: Alignment means (42, 43) for aligning the ends of the medium (19) to be bound in the transport direction, wherein the alignment means (42, 43) is movable along the direction of movement of the first binding unit (5A) and the second binding unit (5B) when the first binding unit (5A) and the second binding unit (5B) move along the guide means (64).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device and an image forming device having the post-processing device.

Background Art

[0002] Regarding a post-processing device having a binding device, so-called stapler device, for binding a bundle of media on which an image is recorded by an image recording device, the technique described in the following Patent Document 1 is conventionally known.

[0003] Patent Document 1 (Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2022-179064) describes a technique in which a movable abutting member (90) that abuts against a sheet (P) retreats when a binding member with needles (50) and a binding member without needles (60) perform a binding operation.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] The technical problem of the present invention is to reduce the size of the entire device compared to the case where an aligning means for aligning the ends in the conveyance direction of the medium is fixed and the binding position is set at a position avoiding this.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problem, the post-processing device according to the invention described in claim 1 is a first binding unit for binding a medium, a second binding unit different from the first binding unit, A guide means capable of guiding the first binding unit and the second binding unit to the edge binding position where the first binding unit and the second binding unit bind the edge of the medium, Alignment means for aligning the ends of a medium to be bound in the transport direction, comprising: a first binding unit; and the alignment means, which is movable along the direction of movement of the first binding unit and the direction of movement of the second binding unit when the second binding unit moves the guide means along a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium; It is characterized by having the following features.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 1, The alignment means has a first alignment portion that moves outward in the width direction of the medium from a first alignment position that aligns the edges of the medium, in accordance with the movement of the first binding unit toward a first corner binding position that binds the corners of the medium. It is characterized by having the following features.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 2, The first alignment position is set to a position that overlaps with the position of either the first binding unit or the second binding unit when either the first binding unit or the second binding unit is performing edge binding. It is characterized by the following:

[0009] The invention described in claim 4 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 2, The first alignment position is the position when the first binding unit moves to the first corner binding position. In addition, the first binding unit is set to a position that does not interfere with it. It is characterized by the following:

[0010] The invention described in claim 5 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 2, The first contact portion provided on the first binding unit contacts the first contacted portion provided on the first aligning portion, and the first aligning portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the first binding unit. It is characterized by the following:

[0011] The invention described in claim 6 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 2, A first driving means for moving the first aligning unit in accordance with the movement of the first binding unit, It is characterized by having the following features.

[0012] The invention described in claim 7 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 2, When the first binding unit moves through the guide means to the first corner binding position, the first moving means moves the first alignment portion toward the first alignment position. It is characterized by having the following features.

[0013] The invention described in claim 8 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 1, The alignment means has a second alignment portion that moves inward in the width direction of the medium from a second alignment position that aligns the edges of the medium, in accordance with the movement of the second binding unit toward a second corner binding position that binds the opposite corner of the medium in the direction of movement of the second binding unit, relative to a first corner binding position where the first binding unit binds the corner of the medium. It is characterized by having the following features.

[0014] The invention described in claim 9 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 8, The second alignment position is set to a position that overlaps with the position of the second binding unit when the second binding unit performs the second corner binding. It is characterized by the following:

[0015] The invention described in claim 10 is a post-processing apparatus described in claim 8, The second alignment position is set to a position where there is no interference with the second binding unit when the second binding unit moves to the second corner binding position. It is characterized by this.

[0016] The invention according to claim 11 is the post-processing apparatus according to claim 8, A second contact portion provided on the second binding unit contacts a second contacted portion provided on the second alignment portion, and the second alignment portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the second binding unit. It is characterized by this.

[0017] The invention according to claim 12 is the post-processing apparatus according to claim 8, Second driving means for moving the second alignment portion in accordance with the movement of the second binding unit, It is characterized by comprising this.

[0018] The invention according to claim 13 is the post-processing apparatus according to claim 8, Second moving means for moving the second alignment portion toward the second alignment position when the second binding unit moves through the guide means and moves from the second corner binding position, It is characterized by comprising this.

[0019] In order to solve the above technical problem, the image forming apparatus according to claim 14 of the invention An image recording apparatus for recording an image on a medium, The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 for performing post-processing on the medium on which an image has been recorded by the image recording apparatus, It is characterized by comprising this.

Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the inventions described in claims 1 and 14, the alignment means for aligning the ends in the conveyance direction of the medium is fixed, and the entire apparatus can be downsized as compared with the case where the binding position is set at a position avoiding this. According to the invention described in claim 2, as the first binding unit moves toward the first corner binding position, the first alignment portion can move outward in the width direction of the medium from the first alignment position to a position that does not interfere with the movement of the first binding unit or the binding process. According to the invention described in claim 3, even if the first alignment position overlaps with the first binding unit or the second binding unit when performing edge binding, the first alignment portion can be moved to a position that does not interfere with the binding process. According to the invention described in claim 4, when the first binding unit moves to the first corner binding position, the first aligning part can move to a position that does not interfere with the first binding unit, and the first corner binding process can be performed without interference by the first aligning part.

[0021] According to the invention described in claim 5, the first contact portion of the first binding unit and the first contacted portion of the first aligning portion allow the first aligning portion to be linked to the movement of the first binding unit, eliminating the need for a dedicated drive source to move the first aligning portion. According to the invention described in claim 6, the first aligning unit can be moved by the first driving means in accordance with the movement of the first binding unit. According to the invention described in claim 7, the first moving means can return the first aligning part to the first aligning position.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 8, as the second binding unit moves toward the second corner binding position, the second alignment portion can move inward in the width direction of the medium relative to the second alignment position, to a position that does not interfere with the movement of the second binding unit or the binding process. According to the invention described in claim 9, even if the second alignment position overlaps with the second binding unit when performing the second corner binding, the second alignment portion can be moved to a position that does not interfere with the binding process. According to the invention described in claim 10, when the second binding unit moves to the second corner binding position, the second aligning part can move to a position that does not interfere with the second binding unit, and the second corner binding process can be performed without interference by the second aligning part.

[0023] According to the invention described in claim 11, the second contact portion of the second binding unit and the second contacted portion of the second aligning portion allow the second aligning portion to be linked to the movement of the second binding unit, eliminating the need for a dedicated drive source to move the second aligning portion. According to the invention described in claim 12, the second aligning unit can be moved by the second driving means in accordance with the movement of the second binding unit. According to the invention described in claim 13, the second moving means can be used to return the second alignment unit to the second alignment position. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus equipped with a paper processing device according to Embodiment 1, as viewed from the front. [Figure 2] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the image forming apparatus as viewed from the side. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of the paper processing device according to Embodiment 1, as viewed from the front. [Figure 4] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a part of the paper processing device as seen from the top side. [Figure 5] (A) is a schematic diagram of the stapler and the front of the movable support section as viewed from the front, and (B) is a schematic diagram of the stapleless stapler and the front of the movable support section as viewed from the front. [Figure 6] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the standby positions of the stapler and stapleless stapler, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing a part of the movable support section. [Figure 7] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the dual flat stitching positions for stapled and stapleless stapling machines, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the corner diagonal stitching positions for stapled and stapleless stapling machines. [Figure 8] This is a schematic side view of the accumulation section, lower end contact section, first interlocking movement mechanism, second interlocking movement mechanism, etc. [Figure 9] This is a schematic perspective view of the lower end contact portion, the first interlocking movement mechanism, the second interlocking movement mechanism, etc. [Figure 10] This is a schematic perspective view of the first interlocking movement mechanism. [Figure 11] (A) is a schematic perspective view of the lower end contact portion, movable member, and movable biasing member, (B) is a schematic perspective view of the rotating lever and rotation biasing member, and (C) is a schematic perspective view of the rotation control member. [Figure 12] (A) is a schematic side view showing the normal state of the first interlocking movement mechanism, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first interlocking movement mechanism in relation to the binding machine. [Figure 13] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine has moved to a predetermined binding position. [Figure 14] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine is in the process of moving beyond a predetermined binding position to a standby position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first interlocking movement mechanism when a part of the binding machine in (A) is released from contact with the rotating lever. [Figure 15] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the first linked movement mechanism moves one of the lower end contact parts to the avoidance position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the first linked movement mechanism returns one of the lower end contact parts from the avoidance position to the normal position. [Figure 16] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first interlocking movement mechanism just before the binding machine passes one lower end stop and moves further, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the first interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine in (A) has moved further. [Figure 17] This is a schematic diagram of the second interlocking movement mechanism, etc., viewed from below. [Figure 18] (A) is a schematic diagram of the second linked movement mechanism as viewed from above, and (B) is a graph illustrating the state in which one lower end contact part is moved by the second linked movement mechanism. [Figure 19] This is an explanatory diagram showing the normal state of the second interlocking movement mechanism. [Figure 20] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine moves and the rotating lever begins to rotate, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the rotating lever in (A) has rotated further. [Figure 21](A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine is in a position just before reaching the predetermined binding position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine has reached the predetermined binding position and stopped. [Figure 22] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the second linked movement mechanism moves one of the lower end contact parts to the avoidance position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state when the second linked movement mechanism returns one of the lower end contact parts from the avoidance position to the normal position. [Figure 23] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine moves from a predetermined binding position to a standby position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine in (A) is in a position just before reaching the standby position. [Figure 24] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine has reached the standby position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine in (A) has started to move toward another position. [Figure 25] (A) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine is in a position just before reaching another position, and (B) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second interlocking movement mechanism when the binding machine in (A) has reached another position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] The following describes embodiments for carrying out the present invention.

[0026] Embodiment 1. Figures 1 and 2 are schematic diagrams of an image forming apparatus 10A equipped with a paper processing apparatus 2A according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. Figures 3 and 4 are schematic diagrams of the paper processing apparatus 2A. In this specification and the drawings, substantially identical components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, redundant descriptions of these identical components are omitted in this specification.

[0027] In Figure 1, etc., the arrow +X indicates the right direction when viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 10A, and the arrow -X indicates the left direction at the same time. Furthermore, the arrow +Y indicates the upward direction of the image forming apparatus 10A, and the arrow -Y indicates the downward direction. In addition, the symbol +Z indicates the depth direction when viewed from the front of the image forming apparatus 10A, and the symbol -Z indicates the forward direction at the same time. In addition, the symbol with a "×" inside a "○" in Figure 1, etc., indicates the direction from the front to the back of the drawing. The symbol with a "·" inside a "○" indicates the direction from the back to the front of the drawing.

[0028] (1) Image forming apparatus As shown in Figure 1, the image forming apparatus 10A includes a housing 11, an image forming unit 12 as an example of an image recording unit, a paper supply unit 13, a paper processing device 2A, and the like. The reference numeral 16, indicated by the dashed line in Figure 1, represents a document reader that reads information from the original document. When the image forming apparatus 10A is equipped with the document reader 16, it becomes a multifunction device that adds multiple functions such as copying and scanning to the printer function. In Figure 1, etc., reference numeral 100 denotes the mounting surface on which the image forming apparatus 10A is installed.

[0029] The housing 11 is a structure formed using materials such as frames, plates, and exterior materials to achieve a predetermined external shape and internal structure. The housing 11 houses the image forming unit 12 and the paper supply unit 13, as well as the paper transport path 14 and the like, inside. The housing 11 also houses a control unit, a drive unit, a power supply unit, and the like, which are not shown.

[0030] Furthermore, the housing 11 has an external shape in which the discharge storage section 15 is formed as part of its external appearance. It has . The discharge storage section 15 is formed as a recessed space extending from the front to the depth direction in the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10A within the housing 11. The discharge storage section 15 has a side section 15a extending from the front to the depth direction and a rear section 15b located at the back (see Figures 1 and 2). Furthermore, the housing 11 has an operation display unit and the like (not shown) located on its exterior.

[0031] The image forming unit 12 is a part configured to form an image on the paper 19 using a predetermined image forming method. In Embodiment 1, the image forming unit 12 is configured as an image forming device that employs an image forming method such as electrophotography.

[0032] In this case, the imaging apparatus includes equipment such as a photoreceptor, charging device, image exposure device, developing device, transfer device, and fixing device (not shown). Furthermore, the imaging apparatus is not limited to forming monochrome images, but is also configured to form multi-color images. The image exposure apparatus forms an electrostatic latent image by irradiating a charged photoreceptor with light corresponding to the image information. The image information is input from external devices connected to the image forming apparatus 10A or from the document reading device 16, etc. Image information is visible information such as characters, figures, and photographs that can be reproduced and formed by the image forming unit 12.

[0033] The paper supply unit 13 is configured to receive the desired paper 19 and supply it toward the image forming unit 12. The paper supply unit 13 consists of equipment such as a storage unit and a discharge device. The storage unit is a structure that stores stacks of paper 19. The discharge device is a device that feeds the paper 19 stored in the storage unit one sheet at a time towards the paper transport path 14.

[0034] In Embodiment 1, the paper supply unit 13 is configured as two sets of paper supply units 13A and 13B. Furthermore, the storage compartments of the two sets of paper supply units 13A and 13B can accommodate paper 19 of different dimensions, types, and orientations. The paper 19 is a sheet-like medium of predetermined dimensions that can be transported by the paper transport path 14 and on which images can be formed.

[0035] The paper transport path 14 is a part configured to transport the paper 19 to the required location inside the housing 11. The paper transport path 14 is constructed using the required number of transport roll pairs, paper guide members, and other components. The paper transport path 14 employs a center register transport system (central reference transport system). In this transport system, the paper 19 is guided and transported so that its center position in the width direction during transport passes through the center position in the width direction of the paper transport path.

[0036] In Embodiment 1, the paper transport path 14 is arranged between the paper supply unit 13 and the paper discharge unit via the image forming unit 12. The paper discharge section has a section for discharging to the paper processing device 2A and a normal discharge port 17. The discharge port 17 is provided at a predetermined location on the side surface 15a of the discharge storage section 15.

[0037] Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the paper transport path 14 branches into two discharge paths 14b and 14c just before reaching the normal discharge port 17. A branching claw 14e is positioned at the branching point of the discharge paths 14b and 14c to change the paper transport destination to either discharge path 14b or 14c. The discharge passage 14b is connected at its end to the inlet 23 of the paper processing device 2A, which will be described later (see Figure 3). The discharge passage 14c is connected to the discharge port 17 at its end (see Figures 1 and 3).

[0038] (2) Paper processing device As an example of a post-processing device, paper processing device 2A is a device that performs post-processing such as binding on paper 19. The paper processing device 2A in Embodiment 1 is a device that performs at least a binding process on the paper 19 discharged from the image forming unit 12. Furthermore, the paper processing device 2A is located in the lower space of the discharge and storage section 15 of the image forming apparatus 10A (see Figure 1, etc.). In particular, the paper processing device 2A has a depth dimension Lz2 that is smaller than the depth dimension Lz1 of the image forming apparatus 10A (see Figure 2). The depth dimension Lz2 is approximately the same as the depth dimension of the discharge and storage section 15. Therefore, the paper processing device 2A is a compact device that fits almost entirely within the discharge and storage section 15.

[0039] The paper processing device 2A includes a housing 20, a stacking unit 3, a lower end support unit 4 as an example of an alignment means, a binding device 5, a movable support unit 6, etc. (see Figure 3, etc.).

[0040] The housing 20 is a structure formed using materials such as frames, plates, and exterior materials to achieve a predetermined external shape and internal structure. The housing 20 in Embodiment 1 comprises a base portion 21 and a cover 22.

[0041] The base portion 21 is the fundamental part of the structure of the housing 20. The base portion 21 is formed with a shape and dimensions that allow it to be attached to the discharge storage portion 15 of the housing 11. In Embodiment 1, the base portion 21 has a bottom surface that slopes upward from the left end towards the right, and then extends almost horizontally. Furthermore, an inlet 23 for introducing paper 19 is provided at the left end of the base portion 21 (see Figure 3). The inlet 23 is connected to the discharge passage 14b.

[0042] The cover 22 is a member that covers at least the upper surface or other parts of the base 21. In Embodiment 1, the cover 22 has an upper surface portion which serves as a paper storage section 22a. The storage section 22a is the portion that stores the paper 19 that is discharged from the image forming section 12 via the discharge path 14c and out the discharge port 17. Furthermore, the cover body 22 is equipped with an extension support member 28 that supports a portion of the paper 19 stored in the storage section 22a. In this way, the cover 22 can accommodate the paper 19 on which the image has been formed without introducing it into the paper processing device 2A.

[0043] Furthermore, the housing 20 has an accumulation section 3, a lower end support section 4, binding devices 5A and 5B as an example of a binding unit, a movable support section 6, and the like arranged inside. Furthermore, the housing 20 also houses a paper feed path 24, a drive unit (not shown), a control unit, and other components.

[0044] The paper introduction path 24 is configured to transport the paper 19 introduced from the introduction opening 23 to the stacking section 3. In Embodiment 1, the paper introduction path 24 is a transport path that goes from the introduction opening 23, through the top of the housing 20, to the accumulation section 3. The paper introduction path 24 is composed of the required number of transport roll pairs 24a, 24b, 24c and paper guide members 24e, 24f, etc.

[0045] Each conveyor roll pair 24a, 24b, and 24c consists of a drive roll that rotates and a driven roll that rotates in contact with the drive roll. The paper guide members 24e, etc., guide the paper 19 to pass sequentially through the transport roll pairs 24a, 24b, and 24c from the inlet 23. The paper guide members 24f, etc., guide the paper 19 downwards after it has been transported by the final transport roll pair 24c.

[0046] Furthermore, the housing 20 has storage trays 25 positioned from the inside outwards.

[0047] The storage tray 25 is a component that stores a stack of paper consisting of multiple sheets of paper 19 after the binding process. The storage tray 25 has a storage surface 25a that slopes upward from left to right.

[0048] In Embodiment 1, the storage tray 25 is configured as a tray that moves up and down in the vertical direction by a lifting mechanism 26. In other words, the storage tray 25 is a tray that moves up and down in the vertical direction and is displaced according to the amount of paper bundle to be stored. A tray that moves up and down in this way is It is also known as a stacker. Furthermore, the storage tray 25 is equipped with an extension tray 27 that can be pulled out from a part of its main body to extend its storage surface. When not in use, the extension tray 27 can be stored inside the main body of the storage tray 25.

[0049] The stacking unit 3 is configured to receive and stack multiple sheets of paper 19 introduced from the paper introduction path 24. In Embodiment 1, the stacking section 3 consists of a stacking plate 31, a side edge alignment section 32, a first paddle 33, a second paddle 34, a discharge roll 35, etc. The stacking section 3 also actually includes the lower edge support section 4.

[0050] The stacking plate 31 is a plate-shaped member having a stacking surface 31a for accumulating multiple sheets of paper 19 in a stacked state. The stacking plate 31 is positioned below the end of the paper feed path 24 and between the storage tray 25 and the binding machines 5A and 5B. The stacking plate 31 is a roughly rectangular plate-like member that extends long along the depth direction +Z (see Figure 4).

[0051] Furthermore, the stacking plate 31 is positioned at an angle such that the end 31c of the stacking surface 31a on the binding machine 5A and 5B side is located downwards. This makes it easier for the paper 19 introduced from the paper introduction path 24 to move on the inclined stacking surface 31a by its own weight. Furthermore, the loading plate 31 has notches 31d and 31e on its end 31c side (see Figure 7). The notches 31d and 31e are cut-out portions of the corners on both ends of the longitudinal direction of the end 31c of the loading plate 31. The notches 31d and 31e are used as workspace when the binding machine 5 performs corner diagonal binding, which will be described later.

[0052] In Embodiment 1, a portion of the storage tray 25 adjacent to the stacking plate 31 is configured to also serve as part of the stacking section 3. As a result, a portion of the storage tray 25 is used as a section for stacking paper 19 that is too long to fit on the stacking plate 31.

[0053] The side edge alignment section 32 is configured to align the side edges 19c and 19d of the paper 19 when it is loaded onto the stacking plate 31. In Embodiment 1, the side edge alignment section 32 is composed of a pair of alignment plates 32F and 32R (see Figure 4). Alignment plate 32F is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 10A and the paper processing apparatus 2A. Alignment plate 32R is located on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 10A and the paper processing apparatus 2A. Alignment boards 32F and 32R move the required distance along the width directions E1 and E2, which intersect perpendicularly to the direction C in which the paper 19 is fed.

[0054] The aligning plates 32F and 32R are members having a side wall portion 321 that rises almost vertically from one end of the bottom plate portion 322 (see Figure 8). The bottom plate portion 322 is attached to the loading plate 31. at It moves guided by slide grooves 324 and 325 provided along the width directions E1 and E2, respectively. The alignment plates 32F and 32R are moved by a drive mechanism (not shown) located on the underside (backside) of the loading plate 31. The alignment plates 32F and 32R move toward and away from each other along the width directions E1 and E2.

[0055] When the alignment operation is performed, the alignment plates 32F and 32R move the paper 19 on the stacking plate 31 to the side. both sides It moves in a way that sandwiches it. As a result, the paper 19 is aligned by adjusting the position of its side edges 19c and 19d on the stacking plate 31 in the width direction E1 and E2.

[0056] The first paddle 33 is a rotating paddle that transports the paper 19, which is dropped onto the loading plate 31, toward the lower end contact portion 4 of the loading plate 31. The first paddle 33 is positioned above the loading plate 31 and within the gap between the paper guide member 24f and the cover 22. The first paddle 33 is composed of a movable paddle section 33a and a drive support section 33b.

[0057] The movable paddle section 33a is a rotating body in which multiple elastic plates are arranged at intervals. The movable paddle section 33a rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow and moves up and down with the drive support section 33b as the pivot point. The drive support section 33b serves as the pivot point for the movable paddle section 33a and transmits rotational power to the movable paddle section 33a via a transmission belt or the like.

[0058] When paper 19 is not being loaded, the first paddle 33 has its movable paddle section 33a positioned above the paper guide member 24f, etc. This prevents the movable paddle section 33a of the first paddle 33 from obstructing the introduction of the paper 19 onto the loading plate 31. When a sheet of paper 19 is introduced onto the loading plate 31, the first paddle 33 moves downward so that it approaches the paper 19. As a result, the first paddle 33 is in a state where the rotating elastic plate of the moving paddle 33a touches the paper 19 on the loading plate 31. As a result, the first paddle 33 feeds the paper 19 on the loading plate 31 toward the lower end support portion 4.

[0059] The second paddle 34 is a rotating paddle that further feeds the paper 19 on the loading plate 31, which is fed in by the first paddle 33, toward the lower end contact portion 4. The second paddle 34 is located at the lower end (left end) of the loading plate 31. 31c It is positioned above the second paddle 34. The second paddle 34 is a rotating body in which multiple elastic plates are spaced apart, and it rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. The second paddle 34 is positioned so that its rotating elastic plate touches the paper 19 on the loading plate 31. As a result, the second paddle 34 feeds the paper 19 further toward the lower end support portion 4.

[0060] The discharge roll 35 is a roll that discharges the stack of paper sheets 19, after the binding process is complete, from the stacking plate 31 to the storage tray 25. The discharge roll 35 is positioned such that a portion of it protrudes slightly upward from the loading surface at the upper end (right end) of the loading plate 31. When it is time to discharge the paper stack, the discharge roll 35 rotates for a predetermined time in the direction indicated by the arrow. This causes the discharge roll 35 to send out the paper stack on the stacking plate 31 and store it in the storage tray 25.

[0061] The lower end support portion 4 is configured to abut against the lower ends 19u of multiple sheets of paper 19 that are stacked in the stacking portion 3. The lower edge 19u of the paper 19 is the downstream edge in the direction of loading C.

[0062] In Embodiment 1, the lower end support portion 4 is composed of three lower end support portions 41, 42, and 43 (see Figures 4 and 6). The lower end support portions 41, 42, and 43 are positioned at three different normal positions on the lower end 19u of the paper 19S with the minimum width Ws. The paper 19S with the minimum width Ws is the paper with the minimum width W when the paper 19 is loaded. The three normal positions in this case are normal positions J1, J2, and J3 (see Figure 4). The lower end support portions 41, 42, and 43 are provided on the main body portion 40 (see Figure 9). Furthermore, the lower end support portion 4 is positioned such that the lower end support portions 41, 42, and 43 face the lower end of the loading plate 31 (see Figures 3 and 4).

[0063] The main body portion 40 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member that extends along the width direction E (see Figure 9). The main body portion 40 is provided with a plurality of mounting portions 402 for fixing and attaching it to the lower surface side of the loading plate 31. In Figure 9, reference numeral 402a indicates a hole for rotatably fitting onto a support shaft (not shown) provided on the lower surface of the loading plate 31. This allows the lower end contact portion 4 to swing downward using the support shaft as a pivot point, and to be moved to a retracted position when needed.

[0064] The lower edge support portion 41 is the portion that the lower edge 19u of the paper 19S with the minimum width Ws abuts against approximately the center portion. Hereinafter, the lower edge support portion 41 will also be referred to as the central lower edge support portion 41. The central lower end support portion 41 has a structure with a support wall portion 410, a bottom portion 411, and an upper portion 412. The bottom portion 411 and the upper portion 412 are formed by surfaces that extend from the upper and lower ends of the support wall portion 410 in a nearly opposing manner. The central lower end support portion 41 has a storage space S1 surrounded by a support wall portion 410, a bottom portion 411, and an upper portion 412 (see Figure 9). The storage space S1 can accommodate multiple sheets of paper 1 9 This is a space that accommodates and holds the lower part, including the lower end 19u. The same applies to the accommodation spaces S2 and S3, which will be described later. Furthermore, the central lower end support portion 41 is fixedly attached to the main body portion 40.

[0065] The lower edge support portion 42, as an example of the first alignment portion, is the support portion to which the front edge of the lower edge 19u of the paper 19S with the minimum width Ws abuts. Hereinafter, the lower edge support portion 42 will also be referred to as the front-side lower edge support portion 42. The lower end support portion 42 on the front side has a structure with a support wall portion 420, a bottom portion 421, and an upper portion 422. The lower end support portion 42 on the front side has a storage space S2 enclosed by the support wall portion 420, the bottom portion 421, and the upper portion 422 (see Figure 9).

[0066] The lower end support portion 43, as an example of a second alignment portion, is the support portion to which the rear edge of the lower end 19u of the paper 19S with the minimum width Ws abuts. Hereinafter, the lower end support portion 43 will also be referred to as the rear lower end support portion 43. The lower end support portion 43 on the rear side has a structure with a support wall portion 430, a bottom portion 431, and an upper portion 432. The lower end support portion 43 on the rear side has a storage space S3 enclosed by the support wall portion 430, the bottom portion 431, and the upper portion 432 (see Figure 9).

[0067] The binding device 5 is stacked in the stacking unit 3. Multiple sheets Paper 19 Consists of This device binds a portion of the end 19e of a stack of paper. for The end 19e of the paper stack is the end on the downstream side in the direction C from which the paper 19 is fed in (see Figure 7(A)). The end 19e is the portion that extends from the bottom edge 19u of the paper 19 to a position slightly inward. In Embodiment 1, the binding device 5 is equipped with two binding devices (5A, 5B). The two binding devices (5A, 5B) are different types of binding devices that perform different types of binding processes, as will be described later.

[0068] One of the stapling machines 5 is a stapled stapling machine 5A that performs the process of stapling with staples. The stapler 5A has a main body 51 and a pair of stapler sections 52 and 53.

[0069] The main body 51 is a structure enclosed by an exterior material. Inside the main body 51, the staple supply unit 54, the drive unit, and the like are arranged. The pair of staple binding sections 52, 53 are A portion of the stack of paper This section is configured for binding with staples. The pair of staple binding sections 52 and 53 have a gap T1 that allows the lower end contact sections 41, 42, and 43 to pass through (see Figure 5(A)).

[0070] The staple stapling section 52 is a movable part that dispenses staples. When it is time to staple, the staple stapling section 52 moves downward towards the staple stapling section 53 and operates to insert staples into a portion of the paper stack. The staple-binding section 53 is a part that is fixed in place to receive and bend the staples. When the staple-binding process is performed, the staple-binding section 53 receives and bends the ends of the staples that emerge from the staple-binding section 52 and penetrate a portion of the stack of paper.

[0071] The other stapling machine 5 is a stapleless stapling machine 5B that performs stapling without staples. Stapleless stapling means stapling without using staples. The stapleless stapling machine 5B has a main body 55 and a pair of stapleless stapling sections 56 and 57.

[0072] The main body 55 is a structure enclosed by exterior materials. The drive unit and other components are located inside the main body 55. The pair of stapleless binding sections 56, 57 are A portion of the stack of paper It is inserted between the upper and lower prosthetic teeth and deformed. By doingThis is the part configured for the binding process. The pair of stapleless binding sections 56 and 57 have a structure that allows the lower end contact sections 41, 42, and 43 to pass through a gap T2 (see Figure 5(B)).

[0073] The stapleless stapling section 56 is a movable part having upper stapling teeth with an uneven shape. When it is time to bind, the stapleless binding unit 56 moves closer to the stapleless binding unit 57. Then, the upper binding teeth of the stapleless binding unit 56 come into contact with a part of the edge of the stack of paper and move towards the stapleless binding unit 57. The stapleless stapling section 57 is a fixed portion having lower stapling teeth with an uneven shape. When the stapleless stapling section 57 is in the process of stapling, it receives and holds a portion of the end of the stack of paper, which has been pressed by the upper stapling teeth, with the lower stapling teeth. The pair of stapleless binding sections 56, 57 are located at the edges of the paper stack. 19e The teeth are fixed by clamping a portion of them between the upper and lower prosthetic teeth under high pressure and deforming them.

[0074] The movable support section 6 is configured to support the binding device 5 so that it moves around the end 19e of the stack of paper. In Embodiment 1, the movable support unit 6 movably supports a stapled stapling device 5A, which is an example of a first stapling unit, and a stapleless stapling device 5B, which is an example of a second stapling unit. Furthermore, the movable support unit 6 moves the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B along the depth direction from the front to the rear. Furthermore, the movable support unit 6 is positioned so that the stapler 5A is located on the front side and the stapler 5B is located on the rear side.

[0075] The movable support unit 6 moves the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B so that they pass through without hitting the lower end support unit 4. The passage of the lower end support portion 4 involves passing over at least one of the lower end support portions 41, 42, and 43. This passage is achieved by passing the lower end stopper 4 through the gap T1 of the stapler 5A and the gap T2 of the stapler 5B (see Figure 5).

[0076] Furthermore, the movable support unit 6 supports the binding machine 5 so that it can be stopped at multiple stopping positions, including multiple binding positions. In Embodiment 1, the movable support unit 6 supports the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B so that they can be stopped at their respective stopping positions.

[0077] The stopping positions include the standby position Pa1 for the stapler 5A and the standby position Pb1 for the stapler 5B (see Figures 4 and 6). The waiting position is the position the device is in when it is not performing a binding process or after the binding process has been completed.

[0078] Furthermore, as an example of a stopping position, there are the dual flat stitching positions Pa2 and Pa3 of stapled stapling machine 5A (see Figure 7(A)). As an example of a stopping position, there are also the dual flat stitching positions Pb2 and Pb3 of stapleless stapling machine 5B (see Figure 7(A)).

[0079] Dual saddle stitching involves binding two points on the edge 19e of the stack of paper so that the bound portion is parallel to the edge of the bottom edge 19u. The first dual flat stitching position Pa2,Pb2 is, in principle, set between the rear lower end support portion 43 and the central lower end support portion 41. The second dual flat stitching position Pa3,Pb3 is, in principle, set between the central lower end support portion 41 and the front lower end support portion 42.

[0080] Furthermore, as an example of a first corner stapling position, there is the corner diagonal stapling position Pa4 of the stapled stapling machine 5A (see Figure 7(B)). Also, as an example of a second corner stapling position, there is the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4 of the stapleless stapling machine 5B (see Figure 7(B)).

[0081] Corner diagonal binding is a method of binding paper so that the corners of the end 19e of the stack are bound at an angle to the bottom edge 19u. The corner diagonal binding position Pa4 is located diagonally opposite to the corner that is located on the front side of the lower end contact portion 42 on the front side. The corner diagonal binding position Pb4 is located diagonally opposite to the corner that is located on the rear side of the lower end contact portion 43 on the rear side.

[0082] As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the movable support unit 6 includes trolleys 61 and 62, a direction guide plate 63, a movable drive device 65 and 66, and the like.

[0083] Carts 61 and 62 are mobile platforms that move around carrying the stapled stapling machine 5A and the stapleless stapling machine 5B, respectively. Both the trolleys 61 and 62 consist of a plate-shaped main body 601 and wheels (rollers) 602 provided on the underside of the main body 601. The trolleys 61 and 62 move by the wheels 602 rotating along the width direction E on the running surface, which is part of the base 21 of the housing 20.

[0084] Furthermore, both trolleys 61 and 62 are configured to move under the guidance of a moving guide bar 603. Trolleys 61 and 62 are provided with a portion 604 having a through hole that receives the moving guide bar 603. The moving guide bar 603 is a rod that extends linearly along the width direction E, and both ends of it are fixed to the base portion 21 of the housing 20. As a result, both the trolleys 61 and 62 move linearly along the width directions E1 and E2, respectively. ru.

[0085] Furthermore, trolleys 61 and 62 carry stapled stapling machine 5A and stapleless stapling machine 5B, Main body 601 Support shaft 605 via They are mounted in a rotatable manner. As a result, the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B are mounted on trolleys 61 and 62. each It can rotate with the support shaft 605 as the pivot point.

[0086] The orientation guide plate 63 is a plate-shaped member that guides the orientation of the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B to be changed. The orientations described above are the orientations (positions) of the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B with respect to the stacking plate 31. In other words, the above orientation is the stacking plate 31 of the staple stapling section 52, 53 of the staple stapling machine 5A. and Paper bundle end 19e and This is the orientation relative to the stacking plates 31 of the stapleless stapling sections 56 and 57 of the stapleless stapling machine 5B. and Paper bundle end 19e and It will be oriented toward.

[0087] The orientation guide plate 63 is configured as a support plate 631 with a guide groove 64 as an example of a guiding means (see Figures 5 and 6(B)). The support plate 631 is a nearly rectangular plate extending along the width direction E. The support plate 631 is fixed to the bottom surface of the base portion 21 of the housing 20. The guide groove 64 has a straight guide section 641, a first curved guide section 642, a second curved guide section 643, and a third curved guide section 644.

[0088] On the other hand, the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B are guided by fitting the guided shaft 606 into the guide groove 64 (see Figures 5 and 6). The guided shaft 606 is positioned to protrude from the lower surfaces of the stapled stapling machine 5A and the stapleless stapling machine 5B toward the guide groove 64. The guided shaft 606 is also positioned closer to the loading plate 31 than the support shaft 605 and closer to the corners of the trolleys 61 and 62.

[0089] The linear guide section 641 is a guide groove that extends linearly parallel to the end 31c of the loading plate 31 or along the width direction E. The linear guide section 641 is provided in the central region in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 631. The linear guide section 641 guides the stapled stapling machine 5A to the dual flat stapling positions Pa2 and Pa3, respectively, and determines its orientation at those positions. The linear guide section 641 also guides the stapled stapling machine 5A to the standby position Pa1, and determines its orientation at that position. Furthermore, the linear guide section 641 guides the stapleless stapling machine 5B to the dual flat stapling positions Pb2 and Pb3, respectively, and determines its orientation at those positions.

[0090] Straight guide section 641 Determined by The orientation is such that the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B are on the paper on the stacking plate 31. bundle The orientation is such that it faces almost parallel to the lower end 19u. This orientation is determined and maintained by the positional relationship between the support shaft 605 and the guided shaft 606.

[0091] The first curved guide section 642 is a curved guide groove that curves from the front end of the straight guide section 641 towards the loading plate 31. The first curved guide section 642 is provided in the region of the front end of the support plate 631 in the longitudinal direction. The first curved guide section 642 guides the stapler 5A to the corner diagonal stapling position Pa4 and determines its orientation at that position. The first curved guide section 642 can also guide the stapler 5A beyond the corner diagonal stapling position Pa4 to the staple replenishment position.

[0092] First curve guide section 642 Determined by The orientation is such that the stapler 5A is on the paper on the stacking plate 31. bundle The corner of edge 19e will be oriented diagonally towards it. bundle The corner of the end portion 19e becomes the front-side corner. Furthermore, this orientation is determined and maintained by the positional relationship between the support shaft 605 and the guided shaft 606.

[0093] The second curved guide section 643 is a curved guide groove that curves from just before the rear end of the straight guide section 641 towards the loading plate 31. The second curved guide section 643 is provided in the region of the rear end of the support plate 631 in the longitudinal direction. Furthermore, the second curved guide section 643 is formed as a groove that branches off and extends from just before the rear end of the straight guide section 641. The second curved guide section 643 guides the stapleless stapling machine 5B to the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4 and determines its orientation at that position.

[0094] The orientation at the second curved guide section 643 is such that the stapleless stapling machine 5B faces diagonally towards the corner of the edge 19e of the paper 19 on the stacking plate 31. At this time, the corner of the edge 19e of the paper 19 is the rear corner. Furthermore, this orientation is determined and maintained by the positional relationship between the support shaft 605 and the guided shaft 606.

[0095] The third curved guide section 644 is a curved guide groove that curves back to the straight guide section 641 from the end of the second curved guide section 643. The third curved guide section 644 is provided continuously from the end of the second curved guide section 643 in the longitudinal rear end region of the support plate 631. 3 Curved guide section 64 4 teeth, From the second curve guide section 643 Straight guide section 641 After extending almost parallel to it, a straight guide section 641 rear side So that it merges with the extended portion It is formed as an extending groove. The third curved guide section 644 guides the stapleless stapling machine 5B to the standby position Pb1 and determines its orientation at that position.

[0096] Third curve guide section 644 Determined by The orientation is such that the stapleless stapling machine 5B is positioned approximately away from the lower edge 19u of the paper 19 on the stacking plate 31. parallel Facing each other direction This is the orientation. The orientation at this time is determined and maintained by the positional relationship between the support shaft 605 and the guided shaft 606.

[0097] In Embodiment 1, the guide groove 64 contains a displacement guide 645, as illustrated in Figure 19. The displacement guide 645 is a member that displaces in the area enclosed by the straight guide portion 641, the second curved guide portion 643, and the third curved guide portion 644. In Embodiment 1, the displacement guide 645 is configured as a member with a planar shape that is nearly triangular, with three sides being curved.

[0098] Normally, the displacement guide 645 is in its normal position, exposing the guide grooves 64 of the second curved guide section 643 and the third curved guide section 644. At this time, the displacement guide 645 is elastically biased toward its normal position by a biasing member such as a spring. Furthermore, the displacement guide 645 is displaced when the stapleless stapling machine 5B moves from the standby position Pb1 to the dual flat stapling position Pb2. This displacement causes the straight guide section 641 to appear below the second curved guide section 643 and the third curved guide section 644. The displacement guide 645 is displaced from its normal position in conjunction with the movement of the stapleless stapling machine 5B (see Figure 24(B)). The displacement guide 645 is displaced when the guided shaft 606 of the stapleless stapling machine 5B enters the space at its lower edge, making contact and pushing against it.

[0099] The mobile drive devices 65 and 66 are drive devices that move and stop the trolleys 61 and 62, and consequently the stapled stapling machine 5A and the stapleless stapling machine 5B.

[0100] The mobile drive unit 65 consists of a drive source 651 and a rack gear 67 (see Figure 5(A)). Power source 651 It is configured as a mechanism similar to a rack and pinion mechanism. The drive source 651 includes a motor, a drive gear 652, a two-stage gear 653, etc. The drive gear 652 is attached to the output shaft of the motor. The two-stage gear 653 has a large-diameter gear and a small-diameter gear, and rotates when the large-diameter gear meshes with the drive gear 652. The drive source 651 is mounted on the bogie 61. The rack gear 67 is a gear section with a gear on its upper surface, extending linearly along the width direction E. The small-diameter gear of the two-stage gear 653 meshes with the rack gear 67. The rack gear 67 is fixed to the base portion 21 of the housing 20.

[0101] When the drive source 651 is driven, the small-diameter gear of the two-stage gear 653 meshes with the rack gear 67 and rotates. As a result, the mobile drive unit 65 moves the trolley 61 on which the drive source 651 is mounted in a predetermined direction along the mobile guide bar 603.

[0102] The mobile drive unit 66 consists of a drive source 661 and a rack gear 67 (see Figure 5(B)). Like the mobile drive unit 65, the mobile drive unit 66 is configured as a mechanism similar to a rack and pinion mechanism. The mobile drive unit 66 is equipped with a motor, a drive gear 662, a two-stage gear 663, etc. The motor, drive gear 662, and two-stage gear 663 are the same as the motor, drive gear 652, and two-stage gear 653 in the drive source 651. The drive source 661 is mounted on the trolley 62. The rack gear 67 is used in common with the mobile drive unit 65.

[0103] When the drive source 661 is driven, the small-diameter gear of the two-stage gear 663 meshes with the rack gear 67 and rotates. As a result, the mobile drive unit 66 moves the trolley 62 on which the drive source 661 is mounted in a predetermined direction along the mobile guide bar 603.

[0104] (3) Basic operation of the paper processing device The paper processing device 2A basically operates as described below.

[0105] When it is time to operate, the paper processing device 2A receives the image-formed paper 19 discharged from the image forming device 10A through the inlet 23. At this time, the paper processing device 2A , guide The submitted form 19 By the paper input path 24The contents of the housing 20 are transported towards the integration unit 3. As a result, the paper 19 is fed out from the paper introduction path 24 and falls onto the inclined loading surface 31a of the loading plate 31. If the paper 19 is too long to fit on the loading plate 31, it is placed so that it straddles the loading plate 31 and a portion of the storage tray 25.

[0106] Next, the paper processing device 2A moves downward with the drive support 33b as a pivot point, while the movable paddle portion 33a of the first paddle 33 rotates. At the same time, the second paddle 34 also rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow. As a result, the paper 19 placed on the loading plate 31, etc., receives the transport force of the first paddle 33 and the second paddle 34 and is carried toward the lower end contact section 4. The paper 19 also stops when its lower end 19u abuts against the three lower end contact sections 41, 42, and 43 of the lower end contact section 4. The moving paddle portion 33a of the first paddle 33 moves upward and waits when the lower edge 19u of the paper 19 hits the lower edge contact portion 4. In addition, the alignment plates 32F and 32R of the side edge alignment portion 32 operate each time a sheet of paper 19 is stacked on the stacking plate 31.

[0107] The above stacking operation of the paper 19 is repeated a number of times corresponding to the number of paper 19 sheets to be bound. As a result, multiple sheets of paper 19 are stacked on the loading plate 31 as a bundle of paper. In this stack of paper, the lower edge 19u of each sheet 19 is aligned by the lower edge support portion 4. Also, in this stack of paper, the side edges 19c and 19d of each sheet 19 are aligned by the side edge alignment portion 32.

[0108] Next, when performing dual saddle stitching with stapler stapling machine 5A, the paper processing device 2A operates as follows:

[0109] In this case, the movable support unit 6 operates and moves the stapler 5A to the first dual flat stapling position Pa3 (see Figure 7(A)). At this time, the stapler 5A moves from the standby position Pa1 to the dual flat stapling position Pa3. 2It moves towards the rear. This movement is performed by the movement drive device 65 of the movement support unit 6 being driven by a predetermined amount. The moved stapler 5A was Guided by the straight guide section 641, The longitudinal directions of the stapled sections 52 and 53 are oriented so as to be approximately parallel to the edge 19e of the paper stack. Dual flat stitching position Pa 2 The orientation of the stapler 5A after it has moved is the same as when it was in standby position Pa1. Subsequently, the stapler 5A has a dual flat stapling position Pa 2 The binding process is performed. As a result, the stack of paper is flat-stitched at one point on its edge 19e with a staple.

[0110] Next, the movable support unit 6 is activated, moving the stapled stapling machine 5A to the second dual flat stapling position Pa 3 Move to the position (see Figure 7(A)). At this time, the stapler 5A is in the dual flat stitching position Pa 2 From dual perfect stitching position Pa 3 Towards front It moves to the side. This movement is also performed by the movement drive device 65 of the movement support part 6 being driven by a predetermined amount. Subsequently, the stapler 5A has a dual flat stapling position Pa 3 The binding process is designed to be performed using this method. If this binding process is performed, the stack of papers will be flat-stitched at the second point on its edge 19e with a staple.

[0111] However, in the paper processing device 2A, there is actually a second dual saddle stitching position Pa 3 There is a problem described below (Problem 1) when performing the binding process.

[0112] Next, when corner slanted stapling is performed by the stapler stapling machine 5A, the paper processing device 2A operates as follows:

[0113] In this case, the movable support unit 6 is activated to move the stapler 5A to the corner diagonal stapling position Pa4 (see Figure 7(B)). At this time, the stapler 5A moves from the standby position Pa1 towards the corner diagonal stapling position Pa4 while changing its orientation. This movement is also performed by the movable drive device 65 of the movable support unit 6 being driven by a predetermined amount. The moved stapler 5A was Guided by the first curved guide section 642, It will be oriented at an angle to the front corner of the end 19e of the paper stack. Subsequently, the stapler 5A performs the stapling process at the corner diagonal stapling position Pa4. As a result, the corners of the end 19e of the stack of paper are bound diagonally with staples. Once the stapling process is complete, the movable support unit 6 activates and moves the stapler 5A to the standby position Pa1 (see Figure 6(A)). This movement is also performed by the movable drive device 65 of the movable support unit 6 being driven by a predetermined amount.

[0114] Next, when the paper processing device 2A performs dual saddle stitching using the stapleless stapling device 5B, it operates as follows:

[0115] In this case, the movable support unit 6 is activated to move the stapleless stapling machine 5B to the first dual flat stapling position Pb2 (see Figure 7(A)). At this time, the stapleless stapling machine 5B moves from the standby position Pb1 towards the front of the dual flat stapling position Pb2. This movement is performed by the movable drive device 66 of the movable support unit 6 being driven by a predetermined amount. The moved stapleless stapling machine 5B is Guided by the first curved guide section 642, The longitudinal directions of the stapleless stapling sections 56 and 57 are oriented so that they are almost parallel to the edge 19e of the paper stack. The orientation of the stapleless stapling device 5B when it moves to the dual flat stapling position Pb2 is the same as when it is in the standby position Pb1. Subsequently, the stapleless stapling machine 5B performs the stapling process at the dual flat stapling position Pb2. As a result, the stack of paper is flat-stitched at one point on its edge 19e without the use of staples.

[0116] Next, the movable support unit 6 is activated, moving the stapleless stapling machine 5B to the second dual flat stapling position Pb3 (see Figure 7(A)). At this time, the stapleless stapling machine 5B moves from the dual flat stapling position Pb2 towards the front of the dual flat stapling position Pb3. Subsequently, the stapleless stapling machine 5B is configured to perform stapling at the dual flat stapling position Pb3. If this binding process is performed, the stack of papers will be flat-stitched without staples at the second point on its edge 19e.

[0117] However, the paper processing device 2A also suffers from the same problem described below when performing the binding process at the second dual saddle stitching position Pb3.

[0118] Next, when corner diagonal binding is performed by the stapleless binding device 5B, the paper processing device 2A operates as follows.

[0119] In this case, the movable support unit 6 is activated to move the stapleless stapling machine 5B to the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4 (see Figure 7(B)). At this time, the stapleless stapling machine 5B moves while changing its orientation from the dual flat stapling position Pb2 to the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4. This movement is also performed by the movable drive device 66 of the movable support unit 6 being driven by a predetermined amount. The stapleless stapling machine 5B that was moved was Guided by the second curved guide section 643, It is oriented at an angle to the rear corner of the end 19e of the stack of paper. Subsequently, the stapleless stapling machine 5B is configured to perform stapling at the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4. As a result, the stack of paper will be bound diagonally at the rear corner of its end 19e without the use of staples.

[0120] However, the paper processing device 2A has a problem (described later) when actually performing the binding process at the corner diagonal binding position Pb4.

[0121] When corner slanted stapling is complete, the movable support unit 6 activates and moves the stapleless stapling machine 5B to the standby position Pb1 (see Figure 6(A)). This movement is also performed by the movable drive device 66 of the movable support unit 6 being driven by a predetermined amount. The stapleless stapling machine 5B may also be moved back to the dual flat stapling position Pb2 when corner slanted stapling is complete.

[0122] In the paper processing device 2A, once the dual saddle stitching and corner diagonal stitching processes are complete, the stack of paper is ejected into the storage tray 25. At this time, the bound stack of paper is transported from the loading plate 31 to the storage tray 25 by the transport force of the discharge roll 35. Also, when the stack of paper moves, the upper end 19t opposite to the lower end 19u of each sheet of paper 19 is at the front.

[0123] (4) Problems 1, 2 In the paper processing device 2A, the following problems 1 and 2 occur due to the arrangement of the three lower end contact parts 41, 42, and 43. The lower end contact portions 41, 42, and 43 are positioned at the three normal positions J1, J2, and J3 described above (see Figure 4).

[0124] Problem 1 occurs when performing a second dual saddle stitch using stapler 5A and stapleless stapler 5B. In this case, when the stapler 5A and the stapler 5B move to the dual flat stapling positions Pa3 and Pb3 to perform the stapling process, one of the lower edge contacts becomes an obstacle.

[0125] In Embodiment 1, one of the lower end support portions at this time is the front side lower end support portion 42 It becomes And at this time, the lower end contact portion 42 is obstructed by a part 42x, which is illustrated with diagonal lines in Figure 7(A).

[0126] The obstacle in this case is when a part 42x of the lower end support portion 42 becomes an obstruction when the binding machine 5 (5A, 5B) moves to the binding position. In this case, an obstacle may occur when the binding operation of the binding machine 5 at the binding position is performed by a part 42x of the lower end support portion 42 that has moved to the normal position J2, which is an example of the first alignment position. That is, as shown in Figure 7(A), at the normal position J2, the position where the binding machine 5 performs edge binding, the lower end support portion 42 is set to a position that overlaps with the position of the binding machine 5. In Embodiment 1, setting it to an overlapping position allows for miniaturization in the front-to-back direction compared to a configuration where there is no overlap, but it is also possible to configure it so that there is no overlap.

[0127] As a result, the second dual flat stitching operation using the stapler 5A and the stapleless stapler 5B is impossible because the lower edge support portion 42 on the front side is an obstacle. This is defect 1. The notation "stapling machine 5 (5A, 5B)" indicates that stapleling machine 5 consists of two stapleling machines (5A, 5B). These two stapleling machines (5A, 5B) are stapled stapleling machine 5A and stapleless stapleling machine 5B.

[0128] Problem 2 occurs when corner slanted stapling is performed using the stapleless stapling machine 5B. In this case, when the stapleless stapling machine 5B moves from the dual flat stapling position Pb2 to the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4 to perform the stapling process, one of the lower edge contact points becomes an obstacle.

[0129] In Embodiment 1, one of the lower end support portions at this time is the rear lower end support portion 43 It becomes And at this time, the lower end contact portion 43 is obstructed by a part 43x, which is illustrated with diagonal lines in Figure 7(B). The obstacle in this case is when a part 43x of the lower end support portion 43 becomes an obstruction when the binding machine 5 (5B) moves to the binding position. In this case, an obstacle may also occur when the binding operation of the binding machine 5 at the binding position occurs, and a part 43x of the lower end support portion 43, which has moved to the normal position J3 as an example of a second alignment position, becomes an obstruction. As a result, corner diagonal stapling with the stapleless stapling machine 5B is impossible because the lower end support portion 43 on the rear side gets in the way. This is defect 2. The description of stapling machine 5(5B) indicates that stapling machine 5 is a stapleless stapling machine 5B.

[0130] These types of problems 1 and 2 are more likely to occur under the following circumstances: In other words, this is more likely to occur when the width E of the paper processing device 2A is narrowed. In this case, the positions where the lower end contact parts 41, 42, and 43 are arranged are It will become easier to approach. This imposes constraints. As a result, the position of the lower end contact parts 41, 42, and 43 is more likely to interfere with the binding position of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B). The normal positions J1, J2, and J3 of the lower edge contact portions 41, 42, and 43 are positioned to contact the three lower edges 19u of the minimum width Ws paper 19S.

[0131] (5) First linked movement mechanism and second linked movement mechanism The paper processing device 2A is equipped with a first interlocking movement mechanism 7 and a second interlocking movement mechanism 8 that resolve malfunctions 1 and 2 (see Figure 8, etc.).

[0132] (6-1) Configuration of the first interlocking movement mechanism The first interlocking movement mechanism 7 is a mechanism that moves the lower end contact portion 42 on the front side in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5 (5A, 5B).

[0133] The lower end contact portion 42, which is the object to be moved by the first interlocking movement mechanism 7, is provided to be movable in the width direction E, which intersects with the loading direction C. The lower end support portion 42 is provided on a movable member 425 that is movable in the width direction E (see Figures 8, 9, etc.).

[0134] The movable member 425 is a plate-shaped member that moves guided by a first guide bar 401 provided on the main body portion 40 of the lower end support portion 4. The movable member 425 is located below the lower end support portion 42 and is shaped to rotatably support the rotating lever 71. A guide bar receiving hole 425a is provided on the surface of the movable member 425 that is aligned with the direction C in which it is brought in, through which the first guide bar 401 passes. The first guide bar 401 is positioned along the width direction E, and both ends of it are fixed to the mounting portion 402 and the holding portion 403 provided on the main body portion 40.

[0135] As a result, the movable member 425 is shown by arrows E1 and E2 relative to the main body 40. width It is movable in the direction shown by arrows E1 and E2. width It is possible to move in that direction.

[0136] The first interlocking movement mechanism 7 includes a rotating lever 71, a rotation control member 73, a rotation biasing member 75, a movement biasing member 77, etc., as examples of the first contacted parts (see Figure 10, etc.).

[0137] The rotating lever 71 is a lever having a bearing portion 711, a first contact portion 712, and a second contact portion 713. (See Figure 11(B), etc.) . The bearing portion 711 is the part of the rotating lever 71 that is rotatably attached to the shaft 426. The shaft 426 is provided on the side surface of the movable member 425 so as to protrude in a direction along the loading direction C. The bearing portion 711 is provided with a shaft hole 711a through which the shaft 426 rotatably passes.

[0138] The first contact portion 712 is located at a position away from the bearing portion 711 in one direction and is a portion that can contact a part of the moving binding machine 5. The first contact portion 712 is formed as a part that extends downward from the bearing portion 711. The first contact portion 712 has a first contact surface 712a facing the front and a second contact surface 712b facing the rear. The second contact portion 713 is a portion that contacts the rotation control member 73 at a position separated from the bearing portion 711 in a different direction from the first contact portion 712. The second contact portion 713 is formed in a shape that extends diagonally upward from the bearing portion 711. The second contact portion 713 has a contact portion 713a that tapers upward.

[0139] The aforementioned part of the binding machine 5 refers to the contact members 608 and 609 provided on the trolleys 61 and 62 of the movable support unit 6, respectively (see Figure 5). The contact members 608 and 609 are members that rise from each end of the trolleys 61 and 62 along the sides of the binding machines 5 (5A and 5B). The contact members 608 and 609 have a portion that is bent toward the loading plate 31 at the upper end of the rising portion. The bent portion of the contact members 608 and 609 is used as contact portions 608a and 609a that come into contact with the first contact portion 712.

[0140] The rotation control member 73 is a member that is fixed in a position facing the second contact portion 713 of the rotation lever 71. (See Figure 11(C), etc.) . The rotation control member 73 is a plate-shaped member, and a first control surface 731 and a second control surface 732 are provided on a part of one side thereof.

[0141] The first control surface 731 is a surface that controls the rotation of the rotating lever 71 by making contact with the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71, thereby stopping the rotation of the rotating lever 71 in one direction M1. The first control surface 731 is formed as a plane extending parallel to the width direction E. The first control surface 731 is a surface with a length that includes a predetermined distance La range of movement over which the lower end contact portion 42 should be moved along the width direction E.

[0142] A predetermined distance La (See Figure 12(A)) The lower end contact portion 42 moves from the normal position J2 to the avoidance position J5 (Figure 1 3 (Reference) This is the distance to at least reach the specified location. The avoidance position J5 is a position that prevents the lower end support portion 42 from becoming an obstacle when the binding machine 5 (5A, 5B) performs the binding process at the dual flat binding positions Pa3, Pb3.

[0143] In Figure 12(A), the symbol Ps represents the position where the second contact portion 713 contacts the first control surface 731 when the lower end contact portion 42 is in the normal position J2. This position is referred to as the normal contact position Ps. The normal contact position Ps is also the position where the rotation of the rotary lever 71 is stopped under normal conditions. Furthermore, the symbol Pz in Figure 12(A) represents the position where the second contact portion 713 contacts the first control surface 731 when the lower end contact portion 42 is in the avoidance position J5. This position is designated as the contact position Pz during avoidance. The contact position Pz during avoidance is also the position where the rotation of the rotating lever 71 is stopped during avoidance.

[0144] The second control surface 732 is a surface that controls the rotation lever 71 to rotate in the one direction M1 described above. The second control surface 732 is composed of a curved surface that curves in a direction that gradually moves away from the first control surface 731. The second control surface 732 is formed in a continuous state from the end 731e of the first control surface 731. The direction of separation described above is an upward displacement from the first control surface 731. Those who This is the direction. In other words, the above-mentioned direction of separation is also the direction of moving from the first control surface 731 toward the other side of the rotation control member 73. The above-mentioned curved surface is an arc-shaped curved surface or a curved surface.

[0145] The rotation control member 73 is attached to the lower side of the main body portion 40 of the lower end contact portion 4 (see Figure 9). Furthermore, the rotation control member 73 is positioned such that the first control surface 731 faces and contacts the second contact portion 713 of the rotation lever 71. At this time, the second contact portion 713 of the rotation lever 71 contacts the first control surface 731 at its normal contact position Ps (see Figure 12(A)).

[0146] The rotation biasing member 75 is a member that applies a biasing force Fa to the rotation lever 71, causing the rotation lever 71 to rotate in the one direction M1. For example, a torsion spring can be used as the rotational biasing member 75 (see Figure 12(A)). The torsion spring, acting as the rotation biasing member 75, has its coil portion fitted onto the shaft 426. Furthermore, one arm portion 75b of the torsion spring is attached to a part of the moving member 425. Additionally, the other arm portion 75c of the torsion spring is attached in such a way that it applies a biasing force Fa to the first contact portion 712 of the rotation lever 71.

[0147] The rotation biasing member 75 continuously generates a biasing force Fa that rotates the rotation lever 71 in the aforementioned one direction M1 (see Figure 12(A)). As a result, the rotating lever 71 is maintained in a state where the second contact portion 713 continues to contact the first control surface 731 of the rotating control member 73.

[0148] The movable biasing member 77 is a member that applies a biasing force Fb to the movable member 425 to move (return) the lower end contact portion 42 to the normal position J2. For example, a tension spring can be used as the movement biasing member 77 (see Figure 12(A)). The tension spring, acting as the moving biasing member 77, has a hook portion 77b at one end of its coil attached to the hook portion 425d of the moving member 425. The tension spring is also attached to the hook portion 77c at the other end of its coil attached to the hook portion 404d of the holding portion 404, applying a biasing force Fb.

[0149] The movable biasing member 77 extends mainly due to the movement of the movable member 425, generating a biasing force Fb that returns the movable member 425 to its original position (see Figure 13). The biasing force Fb is also generated when the movable member 425 is stopped in its normal position. As a result, when the movable member 425 is not moving, it is in a stopped state in contact with the holding part 403. Also, when the movable member 425 moves in the direction of arrow E1, the lower end contact part 42 is returned to its original position together with the movable member 425.

[0150] (6-2) Arrangement of the first linked movement mechanism The first interlocking movement mechanism 7 is positioned so that the rotating lever 71 can come into contact with a part of the moving binding machine 5 (5A, 5B). The above movement occurs when the stapling device 5 moves toward the dual flat stapling positions Pa3 and Pb3 from the rear and front sides, respectively.

[0151] Furthermore, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 is positioned on the lower side of the main body portion 40 of the lower end contact portion 4 (see Figure 9). The first interlocking movement mechanism 7 is installed such that the lower end contact portion 42 stops in the normal position J2 (see Figures 8 and 12).

[0152] The first interlocking movement mechanism 7 is normally in the state shown in Figure 12, etc. In this normal state, a part of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B) is not in contact with the rotating lever 71.

[0153] First, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 is in a state where the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71 is in contact with the first control surface 731 of the rotating control member 73. At this time, the rotating lever 71 is subjected to a biasing force Fa from the rotation biasing member 75 that causes it to rotate in one direction M1. However, at this time, the rotation of the rotating lever 71 in one direction M1 is restrained by the first control surface 731 and it remains stationary.

[0154] Furthermore, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 is in a state where the lower end contact portion 42 is stopped in the normal position J2 by ​​the moving member 425. At this time, the movable member 425 is subjected to a biasing force Fb from the movable biasing member 77 and comes into contact with the holding portion 403 of the main body portion 40, causing it to stop. As a result, the movable member 425 stops and the lower end contact portion 42 is positioned in the normal position J2.

[0155] Furthermore, in the first interlocking movement mechanism 7, the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71 is in a state where it is hanging downwards from the bearing portion 711. As a result, the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71 is in a state where it can come into contact with a part of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B). The part of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B) in this state is the contact members 608 and 609 (see Figure 12(B)). Furthermore, the rotating lever 71 at this time makes contact with a part of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B) of the first contact portion 712. As a pattern There are two possible patterns.

[0156] The first contact pattern involves the first contact surface 712a of the first contact portion 712, and the binding device 5 (5 This is the case where parts of A and 5B) come into contact. This contact pattern is illustrated in Figure 12(A). In this contact pattern, contact occurs when the stapling device 5 moves from the rear to the dual flat stapling positions Pa3 and Pb3. This will be the case. . This movement can be described as the binding device 5 moving in a first, fixed direction E1a toward a predetermined binding position. The predetermined binding position is the dual flat binding position Pa3,Pb3. The first constant direction E1a is the direction in which the paper moves towards the dual flat binding position Pa3,Pb3 from the rear side (see Figure 12(B)).

[0157] The second contact pattern is when a part of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B) comes into contact with the second contact surface 712b of the first contact portion 712. This contact pattern is illustrated in Figure 16(A). In this contact pattern, contact occurs when the stapling device 5 moves from the front side to the dual flat stapling positions Pa3 and Pb3. This will be the case. . The movement at this time occurs when the binding device 5 moves toward a predetermined binding position in the direction E2a opposite to the first constant direction E1a. It is a movement It can be said that... In this case The opposite direction, E2a, is the direction in which the document moves towards the dual stapling positions Pa2 and Pb2 from the front side (see Figure 16(A)).

[0158] (6-3) Operation of the first interlocking movement mechanism Next, the operation of the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 will be described.

[0159] (a) When the stapling machine 5 (5A, 5B) moves in a first constant direction E1a toward the dual flat stapling positions Pa3, Pb3. In this case, in the first interlocking movement mechanism 7, a part of the moving binding device 5 (5A, 5B) comes into contact with the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71. Specifically, the contact members 608 and 609 of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B) come into contact with the first contact surface 712a of the first contact portion 712. (See Figure 12(B)) . At this time, the rotating lever 71 attempts to rotate in one direction M1 as the first contact portion 712 is pushed from a first constant direction E1a. However, the rotating lever 71 does not rotate because the second contact portion 713 is in contact with the first control surface 731 of the rotation control member 73.

[0160] As a result, the rotary lever 71 moves as it is pushed in a first constant direction E1a while the second contact portion 713 remains in contact with the first control surface 731. Furthermore, the rotation lever 71 stops moving when the stapling machine 5 (5A, 5B) stops at the dual flat stapling positions Pa3, Pb3. In this case, the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71 moves a predetermined distance La from the normal contact position Ps to the first control surface 731. Furthermore, the rotating lever 71 stops at the contact position Pz during avoidance, with the second contact portion 713 still in contact with the first control surface 731. (See Figure 13) .

[0161] As the rotating lever 71 moves, the moving member 425 also moves together with it. At this time, the moving member 425 moves in a first constant direction E1a while being guided by the first guide bar 401. At this time, the movable biasing member 77 extends as the movable member 425 moves, and the biasing force Fb increases.

[0162] As a result, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 moves the lower contact portion 42 in a first constant direction E1a by moving the moving member 425. At this time, the lower contact portion 42 moves a predetermined distance La from the normal position J2 (Figure 12( See A). As a result, the lower contact portion 42 is moved to the avoidance position J5 and stops (see Figure 13).

[0163] Therefore, in the paper processing device 2A, when the binding device 5 (5A, 5B) moves from the rear to the dual flat binding positions Pa3, Pb3, the lower contact portion 42 moves to the avoidance position J5. In other words, in this case, the lower contact portion 42, which is in the normal position J2, is moved to the avoidance position J5 in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5. That is, in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5, the lower contact portion 42 moves from the normal position J2, which is an example of the first alignment position, to the avoidance position J5, which is an example of a position that is outside the width direction of the first alignment position. As a result, the lower contact portion 42 does not obstruct the binding machine 5 when it moves to the dual flat binding positions Pa3,Pb3 to perform the binding process. Furthermore, the lower support portion 42 does not obstruct the binding process of the binding device 5 at the dual flat binding positions Pa3, Pb3 for paper 19S with the minimum width Ws. The state at this time is as illustrated in Figure 15(A).

[0164] Specifically, stapled stapling machine 5A can perform stapling at the dual flat stapling position Pa3 without the lower support portion 42 obstructing it. Also, stapleless stapling machine 5B can perform stapling at the dual flat stapling position Pb3 without the lower support portion 42 obstructing it. In other words, in the paper processing device 2A, the above-mentioned problem 1 can be resolved by the operation of the first interlocking movement mechanism 7.

[0165] (b) When the stapling machine 5(5A) moves further from the dual flat stapling position Pa3 in a first constant direction E1a. This case refers to the situation when the binding machine 5(5A) moves to the standby position Pa1 after completing the binding process at the dual flat binding position Pa3. In other words, it refers to the situation when the binding machine 5(5A) moves beyond a predetermined distance La in the first predetermined direction E1a. In this case, a part of the binding device 5(5A) remains in contact with the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71 and is further pushed in a first constant direction E1a.

[0166] As a result, the rotating lever 71 moves the second contact portion 713 from the first control surface 731 to the second control surface 732. When the second contact portion 713 exceeds the end 731e of the first control surface 731, it moves to the second control surface 732. At this time, the rotating lever 71 begins to rotate in one direction M1 as the second contact portion 713 contacts and moves against the second control surface 732. The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 14(A). At this time, the rotation biasing member 75 is in a state where its biasing force Fa is weakened due to the rotation of the rotation lever 71 in one direction M1.

[0167] Then, as the binding device 5(5A) moves further in the first specific direction E1a, a part of the binding device 5(5A) disengages from contact with the first contact portion 712. Transition to a new state The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 14(B). Figure 14(B) shows the state at the moment when the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71 disengages from contact with the contact member 608. As a result, the movable member 425 is moved back to its original position by the biasing force Fb of the movable biasing member 77, which is an example of the first moving means. At this time, the moving member 425 moves in a first constant direction E2a while being guided by the first guide bar 401.

[0168] Furthermore, at this time, the rotating lever 71 is rotated in the opposite direction M2 to the direction M1. The intermediate state of the rotating lever 71 at this time is as shown in Figure 14(A) (excluding the binding device 5). Furthermore, at this time, the rotation biasing member 75 begins to return to its original biasing force Fa due to rotation in the opposite direction M2 of the rotation lever 71. As a result, the rotating lever 71 moves while the second contact portion 713 remains in contact with the first control surface 731 from the second control surface 732. The rotating lever 71 transitions from the state shown in Figure 14(A) to the state shown in Figure 13, and then back to the state shown in Figure 12(A). Each of these states refers to the state of the contents excluding the binding device 5.

[0169] As a result, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 moves the lower contact portion 42 back in conjunction with further movement of the binding device 5 (5A). Specifically, the lower contact portion 42 returns in conjunction with the operation of the sewing machine 5A with needles moving from the dual flat sewing position Pa3 to the standby position Pa1 or the corner diagonal sewing position Pa4. That is, as shown in FIG. 15(B), the lower contact portion 42 is returned from the avoidance position J5 to the normal position J2. Therefore, when the binding device 5 moves from the dual flat sewing position Pa3 to the standby position Pa1 or the corner diagonal sewing position Pa4, in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 5, the lower contact portion 42 moves from the normal position J2 to the avoidance position J5 once and then moves to the normal position J2. As a result, the lower contact portion 42 can abut against and hold the lower end 19u of the sheet 19S with the minimum width Ws. Also, when the sewing machine 5A with needles moves to the corner diagonal sewing position Pa4 (see FIG. 7(B)), the lower end contact portion 42 returns to the normal position J2, and the sewing machine with needles 5A and the lower end contact portion 42 are in a non-interfering position. The movement of the sewing machine 5A with needles to the standby position Pa1 may be such that it passes through the standby position Pa1 once and then returns to the standby position Pa1 again. Thereby, the contact state between the contact member 608 of the sewing machine 5A with needles and the first contact portion 712 of the rotary lever 71 can be reliably released.

[0170] On the other hand, the binding device 5 (5B) moves to the standby position Pb1 if there is no binding process at a binding position other than the dual flat binding position Pb3.

[0171] In this case, the binding device 5 (5B) moves from the dual flat binding position Pb3 in the direction E2a opposite to the first fixed direction E1a. At this time, in the first interlocking movement mechanism 7, the rotary lever 71 moves in the reverse direction E2a while keeping the first contact portion 712 in contact with a part of the binding device 5 (5B). As a result, the moving member 425 moves in the reverse direction E2a along with the movement of the rotary lever 71 and returns to its original position. Also, a part of the moving member 425 contacts the holding portion 403 of the main body portion 40 of the lower contact portion 4 and stops.

[0172] Also in this case, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 moves in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 5 (5B) so as to return the lower contact portion 42 to its original position. Specifically, in conjunction with the operation in which the stitchless binding device 5B moves from the dual flat binding position Pb3 to the standby position Pb1, the lower contact portion 42 is returned. That is, also in this case, the lower contact portion 42 is moved and returned to the normal position J2 (see FIG. 15(B)).

[0173] (c) When the binding device 5 (5A) moves from the standby position Pa1 in the direction opposite to the first certain direction E1a, i.e., in the direction E2a.

[0174] This case is when the binding device 5 (5A) moves from the standby position Pa1 and passes through the lower contact portion 42. Moving through the lower contact portion 42 also means moving through the dual flat binding position Pa3. In this case, a part of the moving binding device 5 (5A) contacts the second contact surface 712b of the first contact portion 712 of the rotary lever 71. A part of the binding device 5 (5A) at this time becomes the contact member 608 as an example of the first contact portion.

[0175] At this time, the rotary lever 71 is pushed in the reverse direction E2a by the first contact portion 712 and begins to rotate in the direction M2 opposite to the direction M1. As a result, the second contact portion 713 of the rotary lever 71 moves away from the first control surface 731 of the rotation control member 73. The state of the rotary lever 71 at this time is as illustrated in FIG. 16(B). Also, at this time, the rotational biasing member 75 increases the biasing force Fa as the rotary lever 71 rotates in the reverse direction M2.

[0176] Next, as the binding device 5(5A) passes the lower end contact portion 42, a part of the binding device 5(5A) disengages from contact with the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71. At this time, the rotating lever 71 rotates in one direction M1 due to the biasing force Fa of the rotation biasing member 75 and returns to its normal state. As a result, the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71 contacts the first control surface 731 of the rotation control member 73 again. The state of the rotating lever 71 at this time is illustrated in Figure 12(A).

[0177] As a result, the rotating lever 71 remains stationary and does not move in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5 (5A) in the opposite direction E2a. As a result, the movable member 425 and the lower end contact portion 42 remain stationary without moving, just like the rotating lever 71. In other words, the lower end contact portion 42 remains in its normal position J2 at this time.

[0178] As a result, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 does not move the lower end contact portion 42 when the binding machine 5 (5A) passes the lower end contact portion 42 from the front side. Therefore, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 does not unnecessarily move the lower end contact portion 42 when the binding machine 5 (5A) simply passes through the dual flat binding position Pa3 without performing the binding process.

[0179] Therefore, in Embodiment 1, when the paper 19 is fed in, the lower end of the lower end support portion 42 is abutted against and aligned at the normal position J2. Then, when the binding process is performed by the binding machine 5(5A), the lower end support portion 42 can move to the avoidance position J5 in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5(5A). In other words, the lower end support portion 42 can move in the width direction in accordance with the width direction movement of the paper 19 by the binding machine 5(5A). In a configuration where the lower end support portion 42 is immovable, it is necessary to install it so that the lower end support portion 42 does not interfere with the binding positions Pa2 to Pa4 of the binding machine 5(5A). Therefore, the lower end support portion 42 must not become too small, and in order to ensure that the lower end support portion 42 is of a certain size, it is necessary to separate the binding positions Pa2 to Pa4 from each other. If the lower end contact portion 42 becomes too small, there is a problem in that the ability to align the incoming paper 19 decreases. Therefore, the alignment of the paper 19 may worsen, and the quality of the binding process may deteriorate. If the binding positions Pa2 to Pa4 are spaced far apart, there is a problem in that the entire device becomes larger.

[0180] Furthermore, as in the technology described in Patent Document 1, with a rotating movable abutment member, interference occurs if the member is placed within the range of the rotation trajectory. Therefore, a large space is required when installing the movable abutment member, which may lead to constraints on the fastening position and reduce the degree of design freedom. In other words, there is a problem in miniaturization. Furthermore, in Patent Document 1, when the binding member moves to the binding position for flat binding, the movable stopper member that aligns the edges of the paper rotates before the flat binding process is performed. In other words, before binding, the movable stopper member separates from the paper, and the edges of the paper are not supported. Therefore, when performing flat binding, the lower edge of the paper cannot be aligned with the movable stopper member, which may reduce the quality of the binding process. In contrast to these, in Embodiment 1, the lower end support portion 42 is configured to be movable, making it possible to miniaturize the entire device compared to the case where the lower end support portion 42 is fixed and the binding position is set to avoid it. Furthermore, since the lower end support portion 42 is configured to move in the width direction without changing the surface that aligns the lower edge of the paper 19, the deterioration of the binding process quality is suppressed compared to the technology described in Patent Document 1.

[0181] (d) Other effective features of the first interlocking movement mechanism The first interlocking movement mechanism 7, which performs the operations described above, operates in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5 (5A, 5B). Therefore, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 can be operated without using the power of a dedicated power source. In addition, in the first embodiment, the lower end contact portion 42 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the binding device 5 (5A), and an example of a configuration that does not use a dedicated power source for moving the lower end contact portion 42 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use a dedicated drive source (first drive means) such as a motor or a solenoid. That is, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the lower end contact portion 42 is moved between the normal position J2 and the avoidance position J5 by a dedicated drive source separately from the binding device 5 (5A).

[0182] (6-4) Other configurations related to the first interlocking movement mechanism The first interlocking movement mechanism 7 has a relationship in which the first shortest length L1 and the second shortest length L2 of the rotary lever 71 are such that L1 < L2.

[0183] The first shortest length L1 is the shortest length between the first contact point Pt closest to the shaft 426 and the axis gc of the shaft 426 at the portion where the first contact portion 712 contacts a part of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B). The second shortest length L2 is the shortest length between the second contact point Pd closest to the shaft 426 and the axis gc at the portion where the second contact portion 713 contacts the first control surface 731. The second contact point Pd is included in the contact position Ps. The first shortest length L1 and the second shortest length L2 are as illustrated in FIG. 12(B).

[0184] When the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 has a relationship such that L1 ≥ L2, the contact resistance between the second contact portion 713 of the rotary lever 71 and the first control surface 731 of the rotation control member 73 is suppressed as compared with the case where L1 < L2. As a result, the rotary lever 71 smoothly moves in a certain direction E1a when the second contact portion 713 contacts the first control surface 731. Therefore, in the first interlocking movement mechanism 7, the lower end contact portion 42 is smoothly moved from the normal position J2 toward the avoidance position J5.

[0185] In the paper processing apparatus 2A, the movement support portion 6 is configured to move the stitching device 5A with needles to the stitching needle replenishment work position. The replenishment working position of the sewing needle becomes a position beyond the corner diagonal sewing position Pa4 on the front side. To the replenishment working position, it is moved by the guidance up to the end 642e of the first curve guide portion 642 of the guide groove 64 of the orientation guide plate 63. (See Figure 6(B)) Note that the housing 20 is provided with an opening / closing door (not shown) at a place that becomes the replenishment working position. Also, in the first embodiment, the sewing device 5A with a needle is arranged at a position on the front side of the sewing device 5B without a needle. Therefore, compared with the case where the sewing device 5A with a needle is arranged at a position on the rear side of the sewing device 5B without a needle, it becomes easier to perform the replenishment operation of the sewing needle for the sewing device 5A from the front side.

[0186] Incidentally, the paper processing device 2A is installed inside the housing 11 of the image forming device 10A (discharge storage portion 1 5). That is, the paper processing device 2A is likely to be subject to the dimensional constraints of the housing 11 and is arranged in a relatively narrow space. On the other hand, the paper processing device 2A includes the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 that performs the above-described operation. Therefore, although the paper processing device 2A is arranged inside the housing 11 of the image forming device 10A, the next sewing operation can be performed. That is, in the paper processing device 2A, for either of the two sewing devices 5A and 5B, the sewing process at the dual flat sewing positions Pa3 and Pb3 can be performed without the lower end contact portion 42 on the front side becoming an obstacle.

[0187] (7-1) Configuration of the second interlocking movement mechanism (7-1) Configuration of the second interlocking movement mechanism The second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is a mechanism that moves the lower end contact portion 43 on the rear side in conjunction with the movement of the sewing device 5 (5B).

[0188] The lower end contact portion 43 that is the object to be moved by the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is provided so as to be movable in the width direction E that intersects the carrying direction C. The lower end contact portion 43 is provided on a moving member 435 that is movable in the width direction E (see FIGS. 8, 9, etc.).

[0189] The movable member 435 is a plate-shaped member that moves guided by a second guide bar 405 provided on the main body portion 40 of the lower end support portion 4. The movable member 435 has a body bent into an L shape. (See Figure 17) The movable member 435 is provided with a guide bar receiving portion 435a that passes through and receives the second guide bar 405. The second guide bar 405 is positioned along the width direction E, and both ends are fixed to the holding parts 406 and 407 provided on the main body 40.

[0190] As a result, the movable member 435 is shown by arrows E1 and E2 relative to the main body 40. width It is movable in the direction shown by arrows E1 and E2. width It is possible to move in that direction.

[0191] The second interlocking movement mechanism 8 includes a rotating lever 81, a swinging lever 83, a rotation biasing member 85, a movement biasing member 87, etc. (see Figure 17, etc.).

[0192] The rotating lever 81 is a lever having a first bearing portion 811, a first contact portion 812, and a second contact portion 813.

[0193] The first bearing portion 811 is the part of the rotating lever 81 that is rotatably attached to the first shaft 316. The first shaft 316 is provided projecting from the lower surface of the stacking plate 31 of the stacking section 3, at a position relatively close to the lower end contact section 43. The first bearing section 811 has a shaft (not shown) through which the first shaft 316 rotatably passes. The hole It is provided.

[0194] The first contact portion 812 is the end portion extending from the first bearing portion 811 that contacts a part of the moving binding machine 5 (5B). The first contact portion 812 is formed as a part that extends in one direction from the first bearing portion 811 and tapers to a point. The first contact portion 812 protrudes from the moving member 435 so as to enter a position through which a part of the binding machine 5 (5B) passes. The first contact portion 812 has a first contact surface 812a and a second contact surface 812b. The first contact surface 812a is one contact surface facing the front side and in contact with a part of the binding machine 5 (5B). The second contact surface 812b is the other contact surface facing the rear side. The part of the binding machine 5(5B) mentioned above is a part of the main body 51. Details of the part of the main body 51 are as follows: This will be explained later.

[0195] The second contact portion 813 is the part that contacts the swing lever 83 on the other end side, which is separated from the first bearing portion 811 in a different direction from the first contact portion 812. The second contact portion 813 is formed as a part that extends from the first bearing portion 811 in the other direction and tapers to a point. Furthermore, the second contact portion 813 has a contact surface 831a facing the front side that contacts the cam portion 832 of the swinging lever 83, which will be described later. Furthermore, the second contact portion 813 has a notched hook portion 813d on its tip side for hooking one end of the rotation biasing member 85.

[0196] The oscillating lever 83 is a lever having a second bearing portion 831, a cam portion 832, and a pushing portion 833.

[0197] The second bearing portion 831 is the part of the oscillating lever 83 that is rotatably attached to the second shaft 317. The second shaft 317 is provided protruding from the lower surface of the stacking plate 31 of the stacking section 3 at a position away from the first shaft 316. The second shaft 317 is positioned further away from the lower end contact portion 43 and shifted towards the front than the first shaft 316. The second bearing portion 831 is provided with a shaft hole (not shown) through which the second shaft 317 is rotatably inserted.

[0198] The cam portion 832 is the portion that extends from the second bearing portion 831 toward the first shaft 316 and is the portion that the second contact portion 813 makes contact with. The cam portion 832 is formed in a shape that extends from the second bearing portion 831 to a position approaching the first shaft 316 of the rotating lever 81. Furthermore, the cam portion 832 has a cam surface 832a in the portion facing the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81. The cam surface 832a is configured as a predetermined curved surface from the second bearing portion 831 to a position approaching the first shaft 316. The second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81 contacts this cam surface 832a.

[0199] The pressing portion 833 is the part that contacts the movable member 435 and pushes it in the direction E1c opposite to the second constant direction E2c described later. The pressing portion 833 is formed in a shape that bends and extends from the cam portion 832 toward the opposite side from the second bearing portion 831. The pressing portion 833 contacts the movable member 435 at its extended end. The pressing portion 833 has a contact surface 833a that contacts the movable member 435. The contact surface 833a is formed as a curved surface to facilitate smooth contact with the movable member 435 while it is moving. The pressing portion 833 has an inclined surface 833b on the side opposite to the contact surface 833a. The inclined surface 833b is formed as a surface that is inclined so as to gradually move away from the first contact surface 812a of the rotating lever 81.

[0200] The rotation biasing member 85 is a member that applies a biasing force to the rotation lever 81, causing it to rotate in the opposite direction to the direction in which the rotation lever 81 rotates. The direction in which the rotary lever 81 rotates is indicated by arrows N1 and N2 when it rotates with the first axis 316 as the pivot point (see Figure 17). The biasing forces described above consist of a biasing force Fc that rotates in the direction indicated by arrow N2, and a biasing force Fd that rotates in the direction indicated by arrow N1.

[0201] For example, a tension spring can be used as the rotation biasing member 85 (see Figure 18(A)). The tension spring, which acts as a rotational biasing member 85, has a hook portion 85c at one end of its coil attached to a hook portion 319 on the underside of the loading plate 31. The other end of the tension spring, a hook portion 85b, is attached to a hook portion 813d on the rotation lever 81. The mounting portion 319 is, for example, positioned on a virtual straight line Vc extending from the axis g1 of the first shaft 316 of the rotating lever 81. (See Figure 18(A)) The virtual straight line Vc is a virtual straight line that extends along the direction C from the axis g1 of the first shaft 316 to the upstream side of direction C. The position of the hanging portion 319 may be set at a position shifted to the rear side from the above virtual straight line. As a result, when the rotation lever 81 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow N1, the rotation biasing member 85 generates a biasing force Fc that rotates in the opposite direction. Also, when the rotation lever 81 rotates in the direction indicated by arrow N2, the rotation biasing member 85 generates a biasing force Fd that rotates in the opposite direction. The position of the mounting portion 319 may be set to a position shifted towards the rear from the above-mentioned virtual straight line Vc.

[0202] The movable biasing member 87 is a member that applies a biasing force Fe to the movable member 435 so as to move the lower end contact portion 43 back to its normal position J3. For example, a tension spring can be used as the movement biasing member 87 (see Figure 18(A)). The tension spring, acting as the moving biasing member 87, has a hook portion 87b at one end of the coil attached to a part of the moving member 435. The tension spring also has a hook portion 87c at the other end of the coil attached to the holding portion 40 7 It is installed with a biasing force Fe applied to a part of it.

[0203] The movement biasing member 87 extends mainly due to the movement of the movement member 435, thereby restoring the movement member 435 to its original position. Position (normal position) A biasing force Fe is generated that returns it to its original position (see Figure 18). This biasing force Fe is also generated when the movable member 435 is stopped in its normal position. As a result, when the movable member 435 is not moving, it is in a state where it is in contact with the holding part 407 and stopped. Also, when the movable member 435 moves in the direction of arrow E1, the lower end contact part 43 is returned to its original position together with the movable member 435.

[0204] (7-2) Arrangement of the second linked movement mechanism The second interlocking movement mechanism 8 makes contact with a part of the moving binding machine 5 (5B) via the rotating lever 81. difference It is positioned in a location where it can be placed. The above movement occurs when the stapling machine 5(5B) moves toward the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4 from the front side. The above movement also includes when the stapling machine 5(5B) moves toward the dual flat stapling position Pb2 from the standby position Pb1.

[0205] Furthermore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is positioned on the lower side of the main body portion 40 of the lower end contact portion 4 (see Figures 8 and 9). The second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is installed such that the lower end contact portion 43 stops in the normal position J3 (see Figures 8 and 17).

[0206] Furthermore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is normally in the state shown in Figures 17 and 19. In the normal state, this occurs when a part of the binding device 5 (5B) is not in contact with the rotating lever 81, or is about to come into contact with it. Furthermore, the part of the binding device 5(5B) in this case is a part of the main body 51. In Embodiment 1, this is the rear corner 55r and the side portion 55a from there to the front corner 55f of the outer wall surface of the main body 51 (see Figure 19).

[0207] Under normal circumstances, the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 is positioned to contact a part of the binding device 5(5B) that moves in a second, fixed direction E2c. This state is illustrated in Figure 19. It is being done. The second constant direction E2c is the direction in which the stapleless stapling machine 5B moves towards the corner oblique stapling position Pb4 from the front side. Specifically, this is the direction in which the stapleless stapling machine 5B moves from the dual flat stapling position Pb2 toward the corner oblique stapling position Pb4.

[0208] Furthermore, in the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81 is in contact with the cam portion 832 of the swinging lever 83. Specifically, a portion of the contact surface 813a of the second contact portion 813 is in contact with a portion of the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832. Incidentally, the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81 may be configured not to contact the cam portion 832 of the swinging lever 83 when not in operation. In this case, the rotating lever 81 will react in response to contact with a part of the binding machine 5 (5B). When it rotates The cam portion 832 of the oscillating lever 83 will begin to make contact with it. As will be described later, the rotating lever 81 and the oscillating lever 83 should move in conjunction with the movement of a part of the moving binding device 5 that comes into contact with the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81. In other words, the rotating lever 81 should move in conjunction with the above contact movement so that its second contact portion 813 comes into contact with the cam portion 832 of the oscillating lever 83. At this time, the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81 touches and pushes the oscillating lever 83 with the portion of the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832 that is closer to the second axis 317, as will be described later. As a result, the oscillating lever 83 moves in an oscillating manner.

[0209] Furthermore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is arranged so that, under normal circumstances, the rotating lever 81 and the swinging lever 83 are in the following state. This state is when the tip 813b of the second contact portion 813 is in contact with the portion of the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832 that is closer to the second shaft 317. This state is shown in Figure 1. 8 As illustrated in the example, being off-center to the second axis 317 means being located between the midpoint of the line connecting the axis g1 of the first axis 316 and the axis g2 of the second axis 317 and the axis g2.

[0210] Furthermore, when the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is in operation, the rotating lever 81 and the swinging lever 83 perform the following actions wo su It is configured in such a way. The movement is such that the amount of oscillation of the first half of the oscillating lever 83 is the second half of It is configured to be greater than the amount of oscillation. The amount of oscillation in the first half is the amount of oscillation of the oscillation lever 83 during the first half of the rotation when the rotary lever 81 rotates in the direction of arrow N1. The rotation of the rotary lever 81 occurs when a part of the binding machine 5 (5B) touches the first contact part 812. At this time, the oscillation lever 83 pivots on the second axis 317, following the direction of arrow Q. 1 It swings in that direction. The amount of oscillation in the latter half is the amount by which the oscillation lever 83 oscillates during the latter half of the rotation when the rotating lever 81 rotates in the direction of arrow N1. The amount of oscillation of the oscillating lever 83 is the amplitude (center angle) of the oscillation relative to the second axis 317.

[0211] The cam surface 832a has a first surface portion that extends almost flat from the second bearing portion 831 to a position just before the first shaft 316 in order to achieve the above operation. (See Figure 18) . Furthermore, the cam surface 832a has a second surface portion that curves and extends away from the first shaft 316 from the end of its first surface portion. (See Figure 18) .

[0212] Furthermore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is configured such that the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 and the pushing portion 833 of the swinging lever 83 are as follows. In other words, the first contact portion 812 and the pressing portion 833 are shaped to form a gap Sg between them that widens as they move away from the first shaft 316 under normal conditions. The gap Sg is a V-shaped space enclosed by the first contact surface 812a of the first contact portion 812 and the inclined surface 833b of the pressing portion 833 (see Figure 19).

[0213] (7-3) Operation of the second interlocking movement mechanism Next, the operation of the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 will be explained.

[0214] (a) When the binding machine 5(5B) moves in a second constant direction E2c toward the corner diagonal binding position Pb4. This movement is, in fact, the movement of the stapleless stapling machine 5B from the dual flat stapling position Pb2 to the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4, which is an example of a second corner stapling position. In this case, in the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, a part of the moving binding device 5 (5B) comes into contact with the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81, which is an example of a second contacted portion. Specifically, the rear corner 55r of the main body 55 of the stapleless stapling machine 5B (an example of a second contact portion) comes into contact with the first contact surface 812a of the first contact portion 812 (see Figure 19).

[0215] As a result, the rotating lever 81 begins to rotate in the direction of arrow N1, with the first contact portion 812 being pushed in the second constant direction E2c. The oscillating lever 83 also begins to oscillate in the direction of arrow Q1 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating lever 81. This operation is performed when the tip 813b of the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81 presses against the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832 of the oscillating lever 83. This operation proceeds in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5 (5B) in a second fixed direction E2c.

[0216] At this time, the rotating lever 81 and the oscillating lever 83 move such that the first contact portion 812 and the pressing portion 833 move away from each other. The first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 moves in the rear direction E2 of the width direction E. The pushing portion 833 of the oscillating lever 83 moves in the front direction E1 of the width direction E. The above operation states are illustrated in Figure 20.

[0217] Furthermore, in the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, the swinging lever 83 swings in the direction of arrow Q1, thereby pushing the moving member 435. The pushing action by the oscillating lever 83 is performed by the contact surface 833a of the pushing part 833 rubbing against a part of the moving member 435.

[0218] As a result, the moving member 435 moves in the direction E1c opposite to the second constant direction E2c, while being guided by the second guide bar 405. At this time, the movement biasing member 87, which is an example of a second means of movement, becomes extended as the movement member 435 moves, and the biasing force Fe gradually increases.

[0219] At this time, the binding machine 5 (5B) moves in the direction of arrow E2 and towards the corner diagonal binding position Pb4. This movement is performed by the operation of the movement support unit 6 and by guidance from the second curved guide unit 643 of the guide groove 64 of the orientation guide plate 63. The binding machine 5(5B) stops when it reaches the corner diagonal binding position Pb4 (Figure 21(B)). Figure 22(A) (See reference), the binding process is performed diagonally. The above operation states are illustrated in Figure 21.

[0220] The operation of the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 described above stops in conjunction with the stopping of the binding machine 5(5B) (see Figure 21(B)). At this time, the rotating lever 81 is pushed by the corner 55r of the main body of the binding machine 5(5B) and rotates to almost its maximum extent in the direction of arrow N1 and stops. Also, the oscillating lever 83 is pushed by the rotating lever 81 and oscillates to almost its maximum extent in the direction of arrow Q1 and stops.

[0221] Furthermore, the rotational biasing member 85 is pivoted on the hanging portion 319 and moves in the front direction in the width direction E. It swings and extends towards E1, generating a biasing force Fc. As a result, the rotating lever 81 receives a biasing force Fc that causes it to rotate in the direction of arrow N2. Furthermore, the movable biasing member 87 moves and extends to its maximum extent due to the movement of the movable member 435, and the biasing force Fe becomes maximum. As a result, the movable member 435 receives a biasing force Fe that returns it in the direction of arrow E2.

[0222] As a result, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 moves the lower contact portion 43 by moving the moving member 435. At this time, the lower contact portion 43 is moved in the direction E1c, which is opposite to the second fixed direction E2c (see Figures 20 and 21). Furthermore, the lower contact portion 43 is moved by a predetermined distance Lb from its normal position J3 (see Figure 21(B)).

[0223] As a result, the lower contact portion 43 is moved to the avoidance position J6 and stops (see Figure 21(A)). The avoidance position J6 is a position that prevents the lower end support portion 43 from becoming an obstacle when the binding machine 5 (5B) performs the binding process at the corner diagonal binding position Pb4.

[0224] Therefore, in the paper processing device 2A, when the binding device 5 (5B) moves to the corner diagonal binding position Pb4, the lower support portion 43 moves to the avoidance position J6. In other words, in this case, the lower support portion 43, which is in the normal position J3 as an example of a second alignment position, is moved to the inward avoidance position J6 in the width direction in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5(5B). The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 22(A). That is, in Embodiment 1, as shown in Figure 22(A), the lower support portion 43 is located in a position that overlaps with the binding machine 5(5B) at the corner diagonal binding position Pb4 in the normal position J3.

[0225] As a result, the lower support portion 43 does not obstruct the binding machine 5(5B) when it moves to the corner diagonal binding position Pb4 to perform the binding process. In other words, when the binding machine 5(5B) is in the corner diagonal binding position Pb4, the lower support portion 43, as an example of the second alignment portion, moves to a position that does not interfere with the binding machine 5(5B). Specifically, as the lower contact portion 43 moves to the avoidance position J6, the stapleless stapling machine 5B moves to the corner diagonal stapling position Pb4 in The lower part 43 becomes an obstacle to the binding process. Without It can be done. In other words, in the paper processing device 2A, the above-mentioned problem 2 can be resolved by the operation of the second interlocking movement mechanism 8.

[0226] (b) When the binding machine 5(5B) moves from the corner diagonal binding position Pb4 to the standby position Pb1. This case refers to the time when the binding machine 5(5B) moves to the standby position Pb1 after completing the binding process at the corner diagonal binding position Pb4. In other words, it refers to the time when the binding machine 5(5B) moves further in a second predetermined direction E2c beyond a predetermined distance Lb. The direction of this movement is denoted as direction E2d. In this case, the state in which a part of the binding device 5(5B) contacts the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 changes.

[0227] At this time, the binding machine 5(5B) moves in the direction of arrow E2 and towards the standby position Pb1 (see Figures 23 and 24(A)). This movement is performed by the operation of the movement support unit 6 and by guidance from the third curved guide unit 644 of the guide groove 64 of the orientation guide plate 63. The binding device 5(5B) moves away from the rotating lever 81 as it moves towards arrow E2.

[0228] This will result in a rotating lever 8 1. The first contact portion 812 moves from the corner portion 55r to the side portion 55a of the main body 55 of the binding machine 5 (5B). so touch. In this case, the stapling machine 5(5B) has stapleless stapling sections 56 and 57 on the front side. Rotate around the support shaft 605 so that it faces the desired direction. The device tilts and moves in the direction of arrow E2. As a result, the side portion 55a of the main body 55 of the binding machine 5(5B) is further from the first axis 316 than the corner portion 55r.

[0229] On the other hand, the rotating lever 81 loses the external force that causes it to rotate in the direction of arrow N1 and begins to rotate in the direction of arrow N2. At this time, the rotating lever 81 is receiving a biasing force Fc from the rotation biasing member 85 and is therefore attempting to rotate in the direction of arrow N2. Furthermore, the oscillating lever 83 is the arrow of the rotating lever 81. N As it rotates in direction 2, it begins to swing in the direction of arrow Q2. The operation at this time is performed by the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81. tip portion 813b This is done by the movement of the oscillating lever 83 as it comes into contact with the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832. The above conditions are illustrated in Figure 23(A).

[0230] At this time, the rotating lever 81 and the oscillating lever 83 move so that the first contact portion 812 and the pushing portion 833 move closer to each other. (See Figure 23(B)) . The first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 moves in the front direction E1 of the width direction E. The pushing portion 833 of the oscillating lever 83 moves in the rear direction E2 of the width direction E.

[0231] In the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, the swinging lever 83 swings in the direction of arrow Q2, causing the pushing part 833 to stop pushing the moving member 435. Therefore, the moving member 435 also begins to move in the direction of arrow E2 in accordance with the swinging of the swinging lever 83 in the direction of arrow Q2. The movement of the movable member 435 at this time is achieved by receiving the biasing force Fe from the movable biasing member 87.

[0232] As a result, the moving member 435 moves in a second constant direction E2c, guided by the second guide bar 405, and returns to its original position. At this time, the moving biasing member 87 begins to contract as the moving member 435 moves in the direction of arrow E2. As a result, the biasing force Fe of the moving biasing member 87 gradually decreases.

[0233] Next, the binding machine 5(5B) stops when it reaches the standby position Pb1 (see Figure 24(A)). The binding machine 5(5B) releases contact with the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 just before reaching the standby position Pb1. At this time, the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 is separated from the main body 55 as the corner portion 55f of the main body 55 passes over it. The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 24(A).

[0234] The second interlocking movement mechanism 8 returns to its normal state just before the binding machine 5(5B) reaches the standby position Pb1 (see Figure 24(A)). At this point, the rotation lever 81 stops rotating in the direction of arrow N2 and returns to its normal position. As a result, the rotation lever 81 no longer presses against the oscillating lever 83. Furthermore, the swinging lever 83 stops swinging toward arrow Q2 in conjunction with the operation of the rotating lever 81 and returns to its normal position. Furthermore, when the movable member 435 comes into contact with the holding portion 407, its movement in the second specific direction E2c stops and it returns to its normal position.

[0235] As a result, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 moves the lower contact portion 43 back to its original position as the moving member 435 moves. At this time, the lower contact portion 43 is moved in a second, fixed direction E2c (see Figures 23 and 24(A)). Furthermore, the lower contact portion 43 is moved by a predetermined distance Lb (see Figure 21(B)) from the avoidance position J6 at this time.

[0236] As a result, the lower contact portion 43 is moved from the avoidance position J6 to the normal position J3 and stops there (see Figure 24(A)). Therefore, in Embodiment 1, the lower contact portion 43 moves (returns) to the normal position J3 due to the biasing force Fe of the movement biasing member 87. Thus, as the binding machine 5(5B) moves from the corner diagonal binding position Pb4 to the standby position Pb1, the lower contact portion 43 moves from the avoidance position J6 to the normal position J3.

[0237] Furthermore, the paper processing device 2A enables the binding device 5 (5A) to move to the dual flat binding position Pa2 and perform the binding operation. The flat stitching operation of the binding machine 5 (5A) is not hindered by the lower contact portion 43 being in the avoidance position J6. The state at this time is illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 22(B).

[0238] (c) When the binding machine 5(5B) moves from the standby position Pb1 to a second fixed direction E2c and in the opposite direction E1c.

[0239] In this case, movement refers to the movement of the stapling machine 5 (5B) from the standby position Pb1, passing through the lower end contact portion 43. Moving through the lower end contact portion 43 also means moving towards the dual flat stapling positions Pb2 and Pb3. In this case, a portion of the moving binding device 5(5B) comes into contact with the second contact surface 812b of the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81. At this time, the portion of the binding device 5(5B) is the front corner portion 55f of the main body 55.

[0240] At this time, the binding machine 5 (5B) moves in the direction of the reverse arrow E1c and towards the dual flat binding position Pb2, etc. This movement is performed by the operation of the movement support unit 6 and by guidance from the linear guide unit 641 of the guide groove 64 of the orientation guide plate 63.

[0241] As a result, the moving binding machine 5(5B) presses down when the corner 55f of the main body 55 comes into contact with the second contact surface 812b of the rotating lever 81. As a result, the rotary lever 81 begins to rotate in the direction of arrow N2. At this time, the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81 is separated from the cam surface 832a of the oscillating lever 83. On the other hand, the oscillating lever 83 is not pushed by the rotation of the rotating lever 81 in the direction of arrow N2, and therefore does not oscillate. The above operating states are illustrated in Figure 24(B).

[0242] Next, when the binding device 5 (5B) moves further in the direction of the reverse arrow E1c, the rotating lever 81 rotates further in the direction of arrow N2. At this time, the rotating lever 81 is in a state where the first contact portion 812 is in contact with the side portion 55a of the main body 55 of the binding machine 5(5B). Furthermore, at this time, the rotating lever 81 is in a state where the first contact surface 812a approaches or contacts the inclined surface 833b of the oscillating lever 83. At this time, the oscillating lever 83 does not oscillate, and the pushing portion 833 is kept in contact with the moving member 435. Furthermore, at this time, the rotational biasing member 85 extends towards the rear side with the hook portion 319 as the pivot point and swings, generating a biasing force Fd. The above operating states are illustrated in Figure 25(A).

[0243] Next, just before the binding device 5(5B) reaches the dual flat binding position Pb2, the main body 55 is released from contact with the rotating lever 81. As a result, the rotating lever 81 rotates in the direction of arrow N1, receiving the biasing force Fd of the rotation biasing member 85. At this point, the rotating lever 81 stops with the second contact portion 813 in contact with the cam portion 832 of the swinging lever 83. Furthermore, the binding machine 5(5B) stops when it reaches the dual saddle stitching position Pb2.

[0244] As described above, the rotating lever 81 rotates in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5 (5B). However, the swinging lever 83 remains stationary without swinging, regardless of the above-mentioned movement of the binding machine 5(5B). As a result, the movable member 435 and the lower end contact portion 43 remain stationary without moving, just like the swinging lever 83. In other words, the lower end contact portion 43 remains in its normal position J3 at this time.

[0245] As a result, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 does not move the lower end contact portion 43 when the binding machine 5 (5B) passes the lower end contact portion 43 from the rear side. Therefore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 does not unnecessarily move the lower end contact portion 43 when the stapling machine 5 (5B) simply passes through to move toward the dual flat stapling position Pb2.

[0246] Incidentally, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, which performs the above-mentioned operation, operates in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5 (5B). Therefore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 can be operated without using the power of a dedicated power source. In Embodiment 1, the lower end support portion 43 is moved in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5(5B), and a configuration without a dedicated power source for moving the lower end support portion 43 is illustrated, but the invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to use a dedicated drive source (second drive means) such as a motor or solenoid. In other words, it is also possible to configure the lower end support portion 43 to be moved between the normal position J3 and the avoidance position J6 using a dedicated drive source separate from the binding machine 5(5B).

[0247] Furthermore, in the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, under normal conditions, the tip 813b of the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81 is in contact with the portion of the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832 of the swinging lever 83 that is closer to the second axis 317. Therefore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 has the following advantages compared to the case where, under normal circumstances, the tip 813b of the rotating lever 81 is in contact with the part of the cam surface 832a of the swinging lever 83 that is closer to the first axis 316. In other words, when the rotating lever 81 rotates in the direction of arrow N1, the swinging lever 83 can be efficiently swung in the direction of arrow Q1, thereby moving the movable member 435. This allows the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 to move the lower end contact portion 43 smoothly.

[0248] Therefore, in Embodiment 1, when the paper 19 is fed in, the lower end of the lower end support portion 43 is also abutted against and aligned at the normal position J3. Then, when the binding process is performed by the binding machine 5(5B), the lower end support portion 43 can move to the avoidance position J6 in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5(5B). In other words, the lower end support portion 43 can move in the width direction in accordance with the width direction movement of the paper 19 by the binding machine 5(5B). In a configuration where the lower end support portion 43 is immovable, it is necessary to install it so that the lower end support portion 43 does not interfere with the binding positions Pb2 to Pb4 of the binding machine 5(5B). Therefore, the lower end support portion 43 must not become too small, and in order to ensure that the lower end support portion 43 is of a certain size, it is necessary to separate the binding positions Pb2 to Pb4 from each other. If the lower edge support portion 43 becomes too small, the ability to align the incoming paper 19 will decrease, potentially leading to a decline in the quality of the binding process. If the binding positions Pb2 to Pb4 are spaced further apart, the overall size of the device will increase, which presents a challenge. In contrast to these, in Embodiment 1, the lower end support portion 43 is configured to be movable, and compared to the case where the lower end support portion 43 is fixed and the binding position is set to a position that avoids it, it is possible to make the entire device smaller.

[0249] (d) Other effective features of the second interlocking movement mechanism The second interlocking movement mechanism 8, which performs the operations described above, operates in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 5 (5B). Therefore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 can be operated without using the power of a dedicated power source.

[0250] Furthermore, in the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, under normal conditions, the tip 813b of the rotating lever 81 is positioned to contact the portion of the cam surface 832a of the swinging lever 83 that is closer to the second axis 317. Therefore, the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is more effective in the following respects compared to the case where the tip 813b of the rotating lever 81 is in contact with the part of the cam surface 832a of the swinging lever 83 that is closer to the first axis 317. In other words, when the rotating lever 81 rotates in the direction of arrow N1, the swinging lever 83 can be efficiently swung in the direction of arrow Q1 to move the moving member 435. This allows the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 to smoothly move the lower end contact portion 43.

[0251] Furthermore, in the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, when the rotating lever 81 rotates in the direction of arrow N1, the amount of oscillation of the swinging lever 83 in the first half is greater than the amount of oscillation in the second half. As a result, in the second interlocking movement mechanism 8, when the rotating lever 81 rotates in the direction of arrow N1, the swinging lever 83 swings relatively more in the direction of arrow Q1 in the initial stage. In addition, the moving member 435 is also moved relatively more in the direction of arrow E1 in the initial stage.

[0252] The second interlocking movement mechanism 8 is the first half of the swinging lever 83 of The amount of oscillation is in the latter half. of Compared to a configuration where the oscillation amount is equal to or less than that, this is effective in the following respects: In particular, when the normal position J3 of the lower end support portion 43 is biased toward the downstream end in the direction of movement of the binding machine 5 (5B) to It is effective. In this case, the lower end contact portion 43 can be moved relatively more in the direction E1c opposite to the direction in which the binding unit (5B) moves at an early stage. The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 18(B). In Figure 18(B), the symbol Ptb moves to the corner diagonal binding position Pb4. toki This indicates the front position where a part of the binding device 5(5B) contacts the first contact surface 812a of the rotating lever 81. As a result, when the binding device 5(5B) moves from the front side to the corner diagonal binding position Pb4, there is no risk of the lower end support portion 43 being in the way at the destination.

[0253] Variant expression. The present invention is not limited to the configurations illustrated as Embodiments 1 and 2 above. In other words, the present invention can be modified and altered in various ways without changing the gist of the invention as disclosed in the specification and drawings. Therefore, the present invention also includes, for example, the following modifications.

[0254] The binding device 5 in the paper processing devices 2A and 2B may be just one. In this case, it is a prerequisite that one of the lower end support portions 4 is positioned in a location that obstructs the binding process when one binding device 5 is performing the binding process at a predetermined binding position. The one lower end support portion 4 is, for example, lower end support portions 42 and 43. Furthermore, if two binding devices 5 are installed, those two binding devices 5 may be binding devices with the same binding method. Furthermore, the configuration of the binding device 5, including its binding position, standby position, movement order, and destination, is not limited to the examples in Embodiment 1 and can be modified.

[0255] The lower end support portion 4 in the paper processing devices 2A and 2B may consist of two or more lower end support portions. That is, depending on the positions of the dual binding positions Pa2, Pa3, Pb2, and Pb3, and the corner diagonal binding positions Pa4 and Pb4, it is possible to have only one movable lower end support portion 42 or 43, or to have three or more. Furthermore, the normal positions of the multiple lower end support portions 4 may be set to positions other than those exemplified in Embodiment 1, etc. In this case as well, the condition is that one of the lower end support portions 4 is positioned in a location that would obstruct the binding process of one binding device 5 when it is binding at a predetermined binding position.

[0256] The first interlocking movement mechanism 7 and the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 may be configured to be equipped with only one of them. In this case, the appropriate mechanism can be selected depending on the position of the lower end contact portion 4, which is normally located in a position that would be an obstacle during the binding operation. Furthermore, the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 and the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 may be arranged in multiple locations. In this case, it is an example of how to handle situations where there are multiple lower end contact parts 4 in their normal positions that would be an obstacle during the binding operation.

[0257] The second interlocking movement mechanism 8 also operates when the other binding machine 5A can move to the rear corner diagonal binding position Pb4. In this case, one of the binding machines 5B moves to the standby position Pb1 and waits.

[0258] The predetermined binding position of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B) relative to the first interlocking movement mechanism 7 can be changed by the arrangement of the multiple lower end support portions 4. For example, the predetermined binding position in this case may be the rear dual flat binding positions Pa2, Pb2. In this case, one of the lower end support portions 4 is, for example, the rear lower end support portion 43. Furthermore, the predetermined binding position of the binding device 5 (5A, 5B) relative to the second interlocking movement mechanism 8 can also be changed by the arrangement of the multiple lower end support portions 4. For example, the predetermined binding position in this case may be the dual flat binding position Pa4 on the front side. In this case, one of the lower end support portions 4 is, for example, the lower end support portion 42 on the front side.

[0259] The paper processing device 2A is not limited to being used as a part of the image forming apparatus 10A, but may also be configured as an independent paper processing device. In this case, for example, a supply unit for supplying the paper 19 to be bound can be added. This example of a paper processing device can be made into a small device with a narrow depth.

[0260] The image forming apparatus 10A and 10B may be apparatus equipped with an image forming unit 12 that uses an image forming method other than electrophotography. Examples of other image forming methods include ink jetting and printing.

[0261] (Note) (((1))) A first binding unit for binding the media, A second binding unit, which is different from the first binding unit, A guide means capable of guiding the first binding unit and the second binding unit to the edge binding position where the first binding unit and the second binding unit bind the edge of the medium, Alignment means for aligning the ends of a medium to be bound in the transport direction, comprising: a first binding unit; and the alignment means, which is movable along the direction of movement of the first binding unit and the direction of movement of the second binding unit when the second binding unit moves the guide means along a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium; A post-processing apparatus characterized by comprising: (((2))) The alignment means has a first alignment portion that moves outward in the width direction of the medium from a first alignment position that aligns the edges of the medium, in accordance with the movement of the first binding unit toward a first corner binding position that binds the corners of the medium. The post-processing apparatus according to (((1))), characterized by comprising: (((3))) The first alignment position is set to a position that overlaps with the position of either the first binding unit or the second binding unit when either the first binding unit or the second binding unit is performing edge binding. The post-processing apparatus according to (((2))), characterized in that (((4))) The first alignment position is set to a position that does not interfere with the first binding unit when the first binding unit moves to the first corner binding position. A post-processing apparatus according to (((2))) or (((3))), characterized in that (((5))) The first contact portion provided on the first binding unit contacts the first contacted portion provided on the first aligning portion, and the first aligning portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the first binding unit. A post-processing apparatus according to any one of (((2))) to (((4))), characterized by the above. (((6))) A first driving means for moving the first aligning unit in accordance with the movement of the first binding unit, A post-processing apparatus according to any one of (((2))) to (((4))), characterized by comprising: (((7))) When the first binding unit moves through the guide means to the first corner binding position, the first moving means moves the first alignment portion toward the first alignment position. A post-processing apparatus according to any one of (((2))) to (((6))), characterized by comprising: (((8))) The alignment means has a second alignment portion that moves inward in the width direction of the medium from a second alignment position that aligns the edges of the medium, in accordance with the movement of the second binding unit toward a second corner binding position that binds the opposite corner of the medium in the direction of movement of the second binding unit, relative to a first corner binding position where the first binding unit binds the corner of the medium. A post-processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((7))), characterized by comprising: (((9))) The second alignment position is set to a position that overlaps with the position of the second binding unit when the second binding unit performs the second corner binding. The post-processing apparatus according to (((8))), characterized in that (((10))) The second alignment position is set to a position that does not interfere with the second binding unit when the second binding unit moves to the second corner binding position. A post-processing apparatus according to (((8))) or (((9))), characterized by the above. (((11))) The second contact portion provided on the second binding unit contacts the second contacted portion provided on the second aligning portion, and the second aligning portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the second binding unit. A post-processing apparatus according to any one of (((8))) to (((10))), characterized by the above. (((12))) A second drive means for moving the second aligning unit in accordance with the movement of the second binding unit, A post-processing apparatus according to any one of (((8))) to (((10))), characterized by comprising: (((13))) When the second binding unit moves from the second corner binding position by passing through the guide means, a second moving means moves the second alignment portion toward the second alignment position. A post-processing apparatus according to any one of (((8))) to (((12))), characterized by comprising: (((14))) An image recording device that records images on a medium, A post-processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((13))) that performs post-processing on a medium on which an image has been recorded by the image recording device, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the following:

[0262] According to the post-processing device described in (((1))), the alignment means for aligning the ends of the medium in the transport direction is fixed, and the entire device can be made smaller compared to the case where the binding position is set at a position that avoids this means. According to the post-processing device described in (((2))), as the first binding unit moves toward the first corner binding position, the first aligning unit can move outward in the width direction of the medium from the first aligning position to a position that does not interfere with the movement of the first binding unit or the binding process. According to the post-processing device described in (((3))), even if the first alignment position overlaps with the first binding unit or the second binding unit when performing edge binding, the first alignment part can be moved to a position that does not interfere with the binding process. According to the post-processing device described in (((4))), when the first binding unit moves to the first corner binding position, the first aligning unit can move to a position that does not interfere with the first binding unit, and the first corner binding process can be performed without interference by the first aligning unit. According to the post-processing device described in (((5))), the first contact portion of the first binding unit and the first contacted portion of the first aligning portion allow the first aligning portion to be linked to the movement of the first binding unit, and there is no need for a dedicated drive source to move the first aligning portion. According to the post-processing device described in (((6))), the first aligning unit can be moved by the first driving means in accordance with the movement of the first binding unit. According to the post-processing device described in (((7))), the first moving means can return the first alignment unit to the first alignment position. According to the post-processing device described in (((8))), as the second binding unit moves toward the second corner binding position, the second alignment unit moves inward in the width direction of the medium relative to the second alignment position, so as to a position where it does not interfere with the movement of the second binding unit or the binding process. According to the post-processing device described in (((9))), even if the second alignment position overlaps with the second binding unit when performing the second corner binding, the second alignment part can be moved to a position where it does not interfere with the binding process. ru. According to the post-processing device (((10))), when the second binding unit moves to the second corner binding position, the second aligning unit can move to a position that does not interfere with the second binding unit, and the second corner binding process can be performed without interference by the second aligning unit. According to the post-processing device described in (((11))), the second contact portion of the second binding unit and the second contacted portion of the second aligning portion allow the second aligning portion to be linked to the movement of the second binding unit, eliminating the need for a dedicated drive source to move the second aligning portion. According to the post-processing device described in (((12))), the second aligning unit can be moved by the second driving means in accordance with the movement of the second binding unit. According to the post-processing device described in (((13))), the second moving means can return the second alignment unit to the second alignment position. In the image forming apparatus described in (((14))), the alignment means for aligning the edges in the transport direction of the medium is fixed, and the entire apparatus can be made smaller compared to the case where the binding position is set at a position that avoids this means. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0263] 2A... Post-treatment device, 5A...First binding unit, 5B...Second binding unit, 10A...Image forming apparatus, 12…Image recording device, 19...medium, 42...First alignment section, 42, 43... means of assembly, 43... The second alignment section, 55r... Second contact point, 64... Means of guidance, 71...First contacted part, 77... The first means of transportation, 81...Second contacted part, 87... Second means of transportation, 608...First contact point, J2...First alignment position, J3... Second alignment position, Pa2, Pa3, Pb2, Pb3... edge binding position, Pa4...First corner binding position, Pb4...Second corner binding position.

Claims

1. A first binding unit for binding the media, A second binding unit, which is different from the first binding unit, A guide means capable of guiding the first binding unit and the second binding unit to the edge binding position where the first binding unit and the second binding unit bind the edge of the medium, Alignment means for aligning the ends of a medium to be bound in the transport direction, comprising: a first binding unit; and the alignment means, which is movable along the direction of movement of the first binding unit and the direction of movement of the second binding unit when the second binding unit moves the guide means along a direction intersecting the transport direction of the medium; A post-processing apparatus characterized by comprising:

2. The alignment means has a first alignment portion that moves outward in the width direction of the medium from a first alignment position that aligns the edges of the medium, in accordance with the movement of the first binding unit toward a first corner binding position that binds the corners of the medium. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising:

3. The first alignment position is set to a position that overlaps with the position of either the first binding unit or the second binding unit when either the first binding unit or the second binding unit is performing edge binding. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2.

4. The first alignment position is set to a position that does not interfere with the first binding unit when the first binding unit moves to the first corner binding position. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2.

5. The first contact portion provided on the first binding unit contacts the first contacted portion provided on the first aligning portion, and the first aligning portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the first binding unit. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2.

6. A first driving means for moving the first aligning unit in accordance with the movement of the first binding unit, The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by comprising:

7. When the first binding unit moves through the guide means to the first corner binding position, the first moving means moves the first alignment portion toward the first alignment position. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, characterized by comprising:

8. The alignment means has a second alignment portion that moves inward in the width direction of the medium from a second alignment position that aligns the edges of the medium, in accordance with the movement of the second binding unit toward a second corner binding position that binds the opposite corner of the medium in the direction of movement of the second binding unit, relative to a first corner binding position where the first binding unit binds the corner of the medium. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by comprising:

9. The second alignment position is set to a position that overlaps with the position of the second binding unit when the second binding unit performs the second corner binding. The post-processing apparatus according to feature 8.

10. The second alignment position is set to a position that does not interfere with the second binding unit when the second binding unit moves to the second corner binding position. The post-processing apparatus according to feature 8.

11. The second contact portion provided on the second binding unit contacts the second contacted portion provided on the second aligning portion, and the second aligning portion moves in conjunction with the movement of the second binding unit. The post-processing apparatus according to feature 8.

12. A second driving means for moving the second aligning unit in accordance with the movement of the second binding unit, The post-processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by comprising:

13. When the second binding unit moves from the second corner binding position by passing through the guide means, a second moving means moves the second alignment portion toward the second alignment position. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 8, characterized by comprising:

14. An image recording device that records images on a medium, A post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which performs post-processing on a medium on which an image has been recorded by the image recording device, An image forming apparatus characterized by comprising the following:

Images