Media binding device and media processing system using the same

Abstract

This method shortens the processing time for edge stapling compared to a method where binding means that are not to be bound are moved to a retracted position before performing edge stapling with binding means that are to be bound. [Solution] When accumulating media S in the accumulation means 1, the first binding means 3 and the second binding means 4 are moved to a standby position PW on the side of the end binding position PT relative to the retracted position PH and made to wait. When performing multiple end binding processes using either binding means, the binding means 3 to be bound, located at the standby position PW, is positioned at the first end binding position PT1 to perform the end binding process, and then moves to the second end binding position PT2 to perform the end binding process. While the binding means 3 is moving from the standby position PW1 to the second end binding position PT2, the other binding means 4, which is not to be bound, is moved from the standby position PW2 to the retracted position PH2, and a control means 7 controls this to open the second end binding position PT2.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a medium binding device and a medium processing system using the same.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as this type of medium binding device, for example, the one described in Patent Document 1 is already known. Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus using a medium binding device as a post-processing device. This post-processing device includes a stitching member with needles and a stitching member without needles, and the standby positions where the stitching member with needles and the stitching member without needles are located outside the paper loading area are set as home positions. For example, when stapling a stack of papers with the stapling member without needles, the stapling member without needles moves to a predetermined initial position before the papers are loaded on the loading plate. After the papers are loaded on the loading plate and aligned by the abutting member, the stapling member without needles sequentially moves from the initial position to the second stapling position and the first stapling position to perform the stapling operation, and then returns to the standby position.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that when performing edge binding processing of a medium using either the first binding means or the second binding means, compared with the case where the binding means that is not the binding target is retracted to the retracted position and then the edge binding processing is performed by the binding means that is the binding target, to provide a medium binding device and a medium processing system using the same that can shorten the processing time of the edge binding processing. 。

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] A first technical feature of the present invention is a stacking means for stacking sheet-fed media, a plurality of aligning means for aligning the binding ends of the media stacked in the stacking means, a first binding means for binding the media stacked in the stacking means, a second binding means for binding the media in a manner different from the first binding means, a guide passage that includes a plurality of edge binding positions for binding the edges of the media and retraction positions in an area outside the aligning means arranged on both sides of the aligning means, a guide means for guiding the first binding means and the second binding means to each position, a moving means for moving the first binding means and the second binding means along the guide passage of the guide means, and when stacking the media in the stacking means, the A media binding device is characterized by comprising: moving a first binding means and a second binding means to a standby position on the end-binding position side relative to the retracted position and putting them into standby; when performing multiple end-binding processes using either the first binding means or the second binding means, the first binding means to be bound, located at the standby position, is positioned at the first end-binding position and the end-binding process is performed; thereafter, the first binding means is moved to the second end-binding position and the end-binding process is performed; and while the first binding means starts from the standby position and reaches the second end-binding position, a control means controls the other binding means, which is not to be bound, to move from the standby position to the retracted position, thereby opening the second end-binding position.

[0006] A second technical feature of the present invention is a media binding device having the first technical feature, wherein the standby position is selected to be a location in the guide passage that faces the back side of the aligning means arranged on both sides, or a location in the area inside the aligning means arranged on both sides. A third technical feature of the present invention is a media binding device having the second technical feature, wherein the standby position is selected to be closer to a plurality of end binding positions. A fourth technical feature of the present invention is a media binding device having the second technical feature, characterized in that the standby position is also used for a plurality of the end binding positions. A fifth technical feature of the present invention is a media binding device having the first technical feature, wherein the control means starts moving the other binding means, which is not to be bound, toward the retracted position based on the behavior of the one binding means to be bound until the completion of the first edge binding process.

[0007] A sixth technical feature of the present invention is a media binding device having the fifth technical feature, wherein the control means is triggered by the start or end signal of the first edge binding process of the binding means to be bound, and starts moving the other binding means, which is not to be bound, toward the retracted position. A seventh technical feature of the present invention is a media binding device having the first technical feature, wherein the control means is characterized in that it makes the first start time t1 at which one binding means to be bound begins to move to the second end binding position and the second start time t2 at which the other binding means not to be bound begins to move to the retracted position different. The eighth technical feature of the present invention is a media binding device having the seventh technical feature, wherein the control means is selected such that the second start time t2 is earlier than the first start time t1. The ninth technical feature of the present invention is a media binding device having the first technical feature, wherein the control means satisfies the relationship v2 > v1, where v1 is the speed at which one binding means to be bound moves to the second edge binding position, and v2 is the speed at which the other binding means not to be bound moves to the retracted position.

[0008] The tenth technical feature of the present invention is a media processing system comprising a media binding device having any of the first to ninth technical features, wherein the media is brought into the accumulation means of the media binding device for accumulation, and then the media binding process is performed by the media binding device. The eleventh technical feature of the present invention is a media processing system characterized by comprising a processing means for applying predetermined processing to a medium, and a media binding device having any of the first to ninth technical features for performing a binding process as a post-processing step on the medium processed by the processing means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the first technical feature of the present invention, when performing edge stapling of a medium using either the first or second stapling means, the processing time for edge stapling can be shortened compared to the case where the stapling means that are not to be stapled are moved to a retracted position before performing edge stapling with the stapling means that are to be stapled. According to a second technical feature of the present invention, even if there is an (upward) curl at the end of the media to be stacked in the stacking means, it is possible to suppress the situation in which the first and second binding means interfere with the alignment operation of the media by the alignment means. According to a third technical feature of the present invention, compared to the case where the waiting position is provided away from the end-stitching position, the start time for multiple end-stitching processes can be shortened after the media have been accumulated and aligned. According to the fourth technical feature of the present invention, compared to the case where the waiting position is located at a different position from the end-stitching position, the start time for multiple end-stitching processes can be shortened after the media have been accumulated and aligned. According to the fifth technical feature of the present invention, one binding means to be bound and the other binding means not to be bound can be easily maintained in a non-interfering positional relationship. According to the sixth technical feature of the present invention, the operation signal of the first edge stapling process of one of the binding means to be bound can be used to easily start moving the other binding means, which is not to be bound, toward the retracted position. According to the seventh technical feature of the present invention, compared to a method in which one binding means to be bound is moved to the second-punch end binding position and the other binding means not to be bound is moved to the retracted position simultaneously, the drive current and drive noise associated with the start of movement can be reduced. According to the eighth technical feature of the present invention, compared to the case without this embodiment, contact between one fastening means and the other fastening means can be more reliably prevented when both are moved. According to the ninth technical feature of the present invention, compared to the case without a main body, contact between one fastening means and the other fastening means can be more reliably prevented when both are moved. According to the tenth technical feature of the present invention, when performing edge stapling of a medium using either a first or second stapling means, it is possible to provide a media processing system including a media stapling device that can shorten the processing time for edge stapling compared to a case where the stapling means that are not to be stapled are moved to a retracted position before performing edge stapling with the stapling means that are to be stapled. According to the eleventh technical feature of the present invention, when performing edge stapling of a medium using either a first or second stapling means, it is possible to construct a media processing system that uses a media stapling device as a post-processing device, which shortens the processing time for edge stapling compared to the case where stapling means that are not to be stapled are moved to a retracted position before performing edge stapling with the stapling means that are to be stapled. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] This is an explanatory diagram illustrating an overview of an embodiment of a media binding device to which the present invention is applied. [Figure 2] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the standby state of the first and second binding means of the media binding device shown in Figure 1 when media is stacked, and the state in which the first edge binding process by the first binding means begins. (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the second edge binding process by the first binding means and the movement process of the second binding means from the standby position to the retracted position. [Figure 3]It is an explanatory diagram of an image forming system equipped with a medium binding device according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the front side. [Figure 4] It is an explanatory diagram of the medium binding device according to Embodiment 1 as viewed from the front side. [Figure 5] It is an explanatory diagram of a part of the medium binding device in FIG. 4 as viewed from the upper surface side. [Figure 6] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sewing device with needles and its peripheral structure used in Embodiment 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a sewing device without needles and its peripheral structure used in Embodiment 1. [Figure 7] It is an explanatory diagram showing the movement paths and their control systems of the sewing device with needles and the sewing device without needles in the medium binding device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 8] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the retracted positions of the sewing device with needles and the sewing device without needles shown in FIG. 7, (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the standby positions of the same sewing device with needles and the sewing device without needles, and (c) is an explanatory diagram showing the end binding positions and corner binding positions of the same sewing device with needles and the sewing device without needles. [Figure 9] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing Selection Example 1 of the standby positions of the sewing device with needles and the sewing device without needles in the medium binding device according to Embodiment 1, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing Selection Example 2 of the standby positions of the same sewing device with needles and the sewing device without needles. [Figure 10] It is a flowchart showing an example of the dual binding job processing of the sewing device with needles in the medium binding device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 11] (a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams showing the behaviors associated with the dual binding job processing of the sewing device with needles. [Figure 12] It is a flowchart showing an example of the dual binding job processing of the sewing device without needles in the medium binding device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 13] (a) to (d) are explanatory diagrams showing the behaviors associated with the dual binding job processing of the sewing device without needles. [Figure 14] It is a flowchart showing an example of the adjustment process of the standby positions of the sewing device with needles and the sewing device without needles in the medium binding device according to Embodiment 1. [Figure 15] It is a plan explanatory view showing the main part of the medium binding device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 16] (a) is an explanatory view showing an example of a stitching device with needles and its peripheral structure used in Embodiment 2, and (b) is an explanatory view showing an example of a stitching device without needles and its peripheral structure used in Embodiment 2. [Figure 17] It is an explanatory view showing the movement paths of the stitching device with needles and the stitching device without needles and their control systems in the medium binding device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 18] (a) is an explanatory view showing an example of a guide passage leading to the corner stitching position of the stitching device without needles used in Embodiment 2, and (b) is an explanatory view showing an example of a guide passage from the retracted position to the standby position of the same stitching device without needles. [Figure 19] (a) is an explanatory view showing the state of the stitching device without needles according to Embodiment 1 on the way from the end stitching position to the corner stitching position, (b) is an explanatory view showing the state of the same stitching device without needles immediately before reaching the corner stitching position, (c) is an explanatory view showing the state of the same stitching device without needles when it reaches the retracted position, and (d) is an explanatory view showing the state of the same stitching device without needles on the way from the retracted position to the standby position. [Figure 20] (a) is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship of contact with the front alignment member when the stitching device with needles or the stitching device without needles is arranged at the end stitching position, and (b) is an explanatory view showing the positional relationship of contact with the rear alignment member when the stitching device without needles moves to the corner stitching position. [Figure 21] It is a plan explanatory view showing an overview of the movable alignment members installed on the front side and the rear side and their peripheral structures in the medium binding device according to Embodiment 2. [Figure 22] It is a perspective explanatory view of the movable alignment member shown in FIG. 21 and its peripheral structure. [Figure 23] It is a perspective explanatory view showing the details of the movable alignment member installed on the front side. [Figure 24] (a) to (c) are explanatory views showing the movable alignment member on the front side separated by parts. [Figure 25](a) is an explanatory diagram showing the movable aligning member in its normal position, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the positional relationship between the movable aligning member and the binding machine. [Figure 26] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which a movable aligning member moves from its normal position to an avoidance position when the binding machine moves to a predetermined binding position. [Figure 27] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligner 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 movable aligner when the contact between a part of the binding machine in (a) and the movable aligner is released. [Figure 28] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the movable aligning member on the front side moves to the avoidance position in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the movable aligning member on the front side returns from the avoidance position to the normal position. [Figure 29] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligner just before the binding machine passes over the movable aligner and moves further, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligner when the binding machine in (a) has moved further. [Figure 30] This is an explanatory diagram showing the movable alignment member installed on the rear side, viewed from below. [Figure 31] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the movable aligning member installed on the rear side as viewed from above, and (b) is a graph showing the relationship between the movement position of the stapleless stapling machine and the amount of movement of the movable aligning member. [Figure 32] This is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the movable alignment member installed on the rear side is in its normal position. [Figure 33] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligning member just before the stapleless stapling machine moves from its standby position and enters the corner stapling passage, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligning member while the stapleless stapling machine is moving after entering the corner stapling passage. [Figure 34](a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligner when the stapling machine is in a position just before reaching the corner stapling position, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligner when the stapleless stapling machine has reached the corner stapling position and stopped. [Figure 35] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligning member when the stapleless stapling machine moves from the corner stapling position to the retracted position, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligning member when the stapleless stapling machine in (a) is in a position just before reaching the retracted position. [Figure 36] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the movable alignment member on the rear side has moved to the avoidance position, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state in which the movable alignment member on the rear side has returned from the avoidance position to the normal position. [Figure 37] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligning member on the rear side when the stapleless stapling machine has reached the retracted position, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligning member on the rear side when the stapleless stapling machine in (a) has begun to move from the retracted position toward the standby position. [Figure 38] (a) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligning member on the rear side when the stapleless stapling machine is in a position just before reaching the standby position, and (b) is an explanatory diagram showing the state of the movable aligning member on the rear side when the stapleless stapling machine in (a) has reached the standby position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] ◎Overview of the Embodiment Figure 1 shows an overview of an embodiment of a media binding device to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, the media processing system includes a media binding device 10, in which media S are loaded into the accumulation means 1 of the media binding device 10 and accumulated, and then the media binding process is performed by the media binding device. This example includes a media binding device 10 and a unit for loading and accumulating media S.

[0012] Another media processing system includes a processing means (not shown) that applies predetermined processing to a medium S, and a media binding device 10 that performs binding as a post-processing step on the medium S processed by the processing means. The processing means here include, for example, an image-forming means that forms an image on the medium and a cutting means that cuts the medium. In this example, the media binding device 10 can be appropriately selected as long as it performs binding as a post-processing step. For example, the unit including the processing means and the unit including the media binding device 10 may be configured separately, or they may be configured as a single integrated unit.

[0013] Furthermore, in this example, the media binding device 10 includes a stacking means 1 for stacking sheet media S, a plurality of aligning means 2 (2a to 2c in this example) for aligning the binding ends of the media S stacked in the stacking means 1, a first binding means 3 for binding the media S stacked in the stacking means 1, a second binding means 4 for binding the media S in a different manner from the first binding means 3, and a plurality of edge binding positions PT (PT1, PT1, PT2) for binding the edges of the media S by either the first binding means 3 or the second binding means 4. The PT2) and the alignment means 2 have a guide passage 5a that includes retraction positions PH (PH1, PH2) that are located in an area outside of the alignment means 2a, 2b arranged on both sides, and a guide means 5 that guides the first binding means 3 and the second binding means 4 to their respective positions, and a moving means 6 that moves the first binding means 3 and the second binding means 4 along the guide passage 5a of the guide means 5, and when the medium S is to be accumulated in the accumulation means 1, the first binding means 3 and the second binding means 4 are retracted. When performing multiple end-stitching processes using either the first or second end-stitching means 3, one of the end-stitching means 3 (or 4) located at the waiting position PW (PW1, PW2) on the end-stitching position PT side relative to position PH, the end-stitching process is performed by placing the end-stitching means 3 (or 4) to be stitched, located at the waiting position PW, at the first end-stitching position PT1 (or PT2), and then moving the other end-stitching means 3 (or 4) to the second end-stitching position The system includes a control means 7 that moves to PT2 (or PT1) to perform edge stapling, and while one stapling means 3 (or 4) starts from standby position PW1 (or PW2) and reaches the second edge stapling position PT2 (or PT1), controls the other stapling means 4 (or 3), which is not to be stapled, to move from standby position PW2 (or PW1) to retracted position PH2 (or PH1), thereby releasing the second edge stapling position PT2 (or PT1).

[0014] In such technical means, a typical configuration of the stacking means 1 is one in which sheet-fed media S are brought in and stacked one by one. However, the stacking means 1 also includes configurations in which stacks of sheet-fed media S are stacked together. Furthermore, the alignment means 2 can be selected as appropriate, as long as it aligns the binding ends of the media S accumulated in the accumulation means 1. Also, the alignment means 2 can be fixed or movable, and any combination of fixed and movable types is acceptable. The alignment means 2 may consist entirely of fixed types, or it may consist of both fixed and movable types. Furthermore, the first binding means 3 and the second binding means 4 include stapled binding machines and stapleless binding machines.

[0015] Furthermore, the guide means 5 has a guide passage 5a that guides the first binding means 3 and the second binding means 4. The guide passage 5a includes a plurality of end binding positions PT (PT1, PT2) and retracted positions PH (PH1, PH2). The "retracted position PH" here refers to a retracted position (home position) where the other binding means 4 (or 3) is retracted when the other binding means 3 (or 4) performs end binding. Here, the retracted position PH is located in the guide passage 5a in an area outside the alignment means 2a, 2b arranged on both sides. For example, the retracted position PH may be a position connected to a straight passage that includes the end binding position PT. Alternatively, in an embodiment that enables corner binding, it may be provided in a branch passage that branches off in a curved or straight manner from the straight passage. Furthermore, the moving means 6 may include a movable support means that supports each of the binding means 3 and 4 so as to be movable along the guide passage 5a of the guide means 5, and a driving means (drive motor, rack and pinion mechanism, etc.) that provides driving force to the movable support means.

[0016] The control means 7 moves each binding means 3,4 to standby positions PW(PW1, PW2) when the media S is being stacked. The standby positions PW(PW1, PW2) can be appropriately selected as long as they do not interfere with the stacking operation of the media S. However, in this example, the retracted position PH is not used as a standby position PW during the stacking operation. Furthermore, regarding the edge stapling process by the control means 7, the one stapling means 3 (or 4) to be stapled should move to the nearby first-stroke edge stapling position PT1 (or PT2) and perform the edge stapling process, and then move to the second-stroke edge stapling position PT2 (or PT1) and perform the edge stapling process. In contrast, the other stapling means 4 (or 3) that is not to be stapled should move from the standby position PW1 (or PW2) to the retracted position PH1 (or PH2) while the one stapling means 3 (or 4) to be stapled is moving from the standby position PW1 (or PW2) and reaching the second-stroke edge stapling position PT2 (or PT1). Representative and preferred embodiments of the model will be described later.

[0017] The present invention will be described in more detail below based on the embodiments shown in the attached drawings. ◎Embodiment 1 Figure 3 shows a media processing system equipped with a media binding device according to Embodiment 1. In the figure, the media processing system is an image forming apparatus 20 that forms an image on the media S, with a media binding apparatus 10 mounted on top of it.

[0018] -Image forming apparatus- The image forming apparatus 20 includes a housing 21, an image forming unit 22, a media supply unit 23, a media binding device 10, and the like. The reference numeral 26, indicated by the dashed line in Figure 3, represents a document reading device that reads information from the original document. When the image forming apparatus 20 is equipped with the document reading device 26, it becomes a multifunction device that adds multiple functions such as copying and scanning to the printer function. The housing 21 is a structure formed using materials such as frames, plates, and exterior materials to achieve a predetermined external shape and internal structure. The housing 21 houses the image forming unit 22 and the media supply unit 23, as well as the media transport path 24 and the like, on its interior. The housing 21 also houses a control unit, a drive unit, a power supply unit, and the like, which are not shown.

[0019] Furthermore, the housing 21 has an external shape in which the discharge and storage section 25 is formed as part of its external appearance. The discharge storage section 25 is formed as a recessed space extending from the front to the depth direction in the upper part of the housing 21 of the image forming apparatus 20. The discharge storage section 25 has a side portion 25a extending from the front to the depth direction and a rear portion 25b located at the back. Furthermore, the housing 21 has an operation display unit and the like (not shown) located on its exterior.

[0020] The image forming unit 22 is a part configured to form an image on the medium S using a predetermined image forming method. In Embodiment 1, the image forming unit 22 is configured as an image forming device that employs an image forming method such as electrophotography. 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 20, such as the document reader 26. Image information is visible information such as characters, figures, and photographs that can be reproduced and formed by the image forming unit 22.

[0021] The media supply unit 23 is configured to receive a medium S consisting of a desired type of paper and supply it to the image forming unit 22. The media supply unit 23 consists of equipment such as a storage container and an unloading device. The storage container is a structure that houses the media S in a loaded state. The unloading device is a device that sends out the media S stored in the storage container one by one towards the media transport path 24. In Embodiment 1, the media supply unit 23 is configured as two sets of paper supply units 23a and 23B. Furthermore, the housings of the two sets of media supply units 23a and 23b can accommodate media S with different dimensions, types, and orientations. The medium S is a sheet-like medium of predetermined dimensions that can be transported by the medium transport path 24 and on which images can be formed.

[0022] The media transport path 24 is a part configured to transport the media S to the required location within the housing 21. The media transport path 24 is constructed using the required number of transport roll pairs, media guide members, and other components. The media transport path 24 employs a center register transport method (central reference transport method). In this transport method, the media S 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 media transport path.

[0023] In Embodiment 1, the media transport path 24 is arranged between the media supply unit 23 and the image forming unit 222, and the media discharge unit S. The media S discharge section has a section for discharge to the media binding device 10 and a normal discharge port 27. The discharge port 27 is provided at a predetermined location on the side surface 25a of the discharge storage section 25. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the media transport path 24 branches into two discharge paths 24a and 24b just before reaching the normal discharge port 27. A branching claw 24c is positioned at the branching point of the discharge paths 24a and 24b to change the media transport destination to either discharge path 24a or 24b. Discharge path 24a is connected at its end to the inlet 14 of the media binding device 10, which will be described later (see Figure 4). The discharge passage 24b is connected to the discharge port 27 at its end.

[0024] -Media binding device- The media binding device 10 is a device that performs post-processing such as binding on the media S. The media binding device 10 in Embodiment 1 is a device that performs at least a binding process on the media S discharged from the image forming unit 22. Furthermore, the media binding device 10 is located in the lower space of the discharge and storage section 25 of the image forming apparatus 20 (see Figure 3, etc.). In particular, the media binding device 10 has a depth dimension smaller than that of the image forming apparatus 20. Its depth dimension is approximately the same as that of the discharge and storage section 25. Therefore, the media binding device 10 is a compact device that fits almost entirely within the discharge and storage section 25.

[0025] -Elements of a media binding device- The media binding device 10 includes a housing 11, a stacking section 30, multiple lower end support sections 40, a binding device 50, a movable support section 60, etc. (see Figure 4, etc.). <Enclosure> 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 in Embodiment 1 comprises a base portion 12 and a cover body 13. The base portion 12 is the fundamental part of the structure of the housing 11. The base portion 12 is formed in a shape and dimensions that allow it to be attached to the discharge storage portion 25 of the housing 21. In Embodiment 1, the base portion 12 has a bottom surface that slopes upward from the left end to the right in Figure 4, and then extends almost horizontally.

[0026] Furthermore, an inlet 14 for introducing the medium S is provided at the left end of the base portion 12 in Figure 4. The inlet 14 is connected to the discharge passage 24a. The cover 13 is a component that covers at least the upper surface or other parts of the base 12. In Embodiment 1, the cover 13 has an upper surface portion which serves as a medium S containment portion 13a. The containment portion 13a is the part that contains the medium S discharged from the image forming unit 22 via the discharge passage 24b and out the discharge port 27. Furthermore, the cover body 13 is provided with an extension support member 13b that supports a portion of the medium S housed in the housing section 13a. In this way, the cover 13 can accommodate the image-formed medium S without introducing it into the medium binding device 10.

[0027] Furthermore, the housing 11 has an accumulation section 30, a lower end support section 40, a binding device 50 (specifically 50A, 50B), a movable support section 60, and the like arranged inside. Furthermore, the housing 11 also houses a media introduction path 15, a drive unit (not shown), a control unit, and the like. The media introduction path 15 is configured to transport the media S introduced from the introduction port 14 to the accumulation section 30. In Embodiment 1, the media introduction path 15 is a transport path that goes from the introduction opening 14, through the top of the housing 11, to the accumulation section 30. The media introduction path 15 is composed of the required number of transport roll pairs 15a to 15c and media guide members 15e, 15f, etc.

[0028] Each conveyor roll pair 15a to 15c consists of a drive roll that rotates and a driven roll that rotates in contact with the drive roll. The media guide member 15e guides the media S from the inlet 14 to pass sequentially through the transport roll pairs 15a to 15c. The media guide member 15f guides the media S, which has finished being transported by the final transport roll pair 15c, downwards. Furthermore, the enclosure 11 has a media receiving tray 16 positioned facing outwards from its interior. The media receiving tray 16 is a component that receives a bundle of media consisting of multiple media S after the binding process. The media receiving tray 16 has a receiving surface 16a that slopes upward from left to right in Figure 4.

[0029] In Embodiment 1, the media receiving tray 16 is configured as a tray-shaped receiving member that moves up and down in the vertical direction by a lifting mechanism 17. In other words, the media receiving tray 16 is a receiving member that moves up and down in the vertical direction and is displaced according to the amount of media bundle to be received. A receiving member that moves up and down in this way is also called a stacker. Furthermore, the media storage receiver 16 is equipped with an extension storage section 16b that can be pulled out from a part of its main body to extend the storage surface. When not in use, the extension storage section 16b can be stored inside the main body of the media storage receiver 16.

[0030] -Collection Department- The stacking unit 30 embodies the stacking means shown in Figure 1. The stacking unit 30 is configured to receive and stack multiple media S introduced from the media introduction path 15. In Embodiment 1, the stacking section 30 is composed 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 30 actually also includes a lower edge support section 40. The loading plate 31 is a plate-shaped member having a loading surface 31a on which multiple media S are stacked and accumulated. The loading plate 31 is positioned below the end of the media introduction path 15 and between the media receiving tray 16 and the binding machine 50 (specifically 50A and 50B). The loading plate 31 is a roughly rectangular plate-shaped member that extends long in the depth direction. Furthermore, the loading plate 31 is positioned at an angle such that the end 31c on the binding machine 50A and 50B side of the loading surface 31a is located downwards. This makes it easier for the loading plate 31 to move the media S introduced from the media introduction path 15 by its own weight on the inclined loading surface 31a.

[0031] Furthermore, the loading plate 31 has notches 31d and 31e on both sides of its end portion 31c (see Figure 5). The notches 31d and 31e are cut-out portions at the corners on both ends of the longitudinal direction of the end portion 31c of the loading plate 31. In this example, one of the notches 31d is used as a workspace when one of the binding machines 50 (specifically 50A) performs corner binding (diagonal corner binding), which will be described later. In this example, the other binding machine 50 (specifically 50B) does not perform corner binding, so it is not necessary to form a notch 31e in it. In Embodiment 1, a portion of the media receiving tray 16 adjacent to the loading plate 31 is configured to also serve as part of the accumulation section 30. As a result, a portion of the media receiving tray 16 is used as a section for accumulating a portion of the media S that is too long to be accommodated on the loading plate 31.

[0032] The side edge alignment section 32 is configured to align both ends in the width direction that intersects the loading direction C of the media S to be stacked on the loading plate 31. As shown in Figure 5, the side edge alignment section 32 in Embodiment 1 is composed of a pair of alignment plates 32f and 32r. Alignment plate 32f is located on the front side of the image forming apparatus 20 and the media binding apparatus 10. Alignment plate 32r is located on the rear side of the image forming apparatus 20 and the media binding apparatus 10. The alignment plates 32f and 32r move along the width direction that intersects the medium S in the direction of input C by the required distance.

[0033] The aligning plates 32f and 32r are members having side wall portions 322 that rise almost vertically from one end of the bottom plate portion 321 (see Figure 5). The bottom plate portion 321 moves guided by slide grooves 324 and 325 provided in the width direction of the loading plate 31, 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 direction. When the alignment operation is performed, the alignment plates 32f and 32r move to sandwich the medium S on the loading plate 31 from both sides. As a result, the position of the medium S on the loading plate 31 in the width direction at its side edges is adjusted and aligned.

[0034] The first paddle 33 is a rotating paddle that transports the medium S, which is dropped onto the loading plate 31 and introduced, toward the lower end contact portion 40 of the loading plate 31. The first paddle 33 is positioned above the loading plate 31 and within the gap between the media guide member 15f and the cover 13. The first paddle 33 is composed of a movable paddle section 33a and a drive support section 33b. 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.

[0035] When the medium S is not being loaded, the first paddle 33 has its movable paddle section 33a positioned above the medium guide member 15f, etc. This prevents the movable paddle section 33a of the first paddle 33 from obstructing the introduction of the medium S onto the loading plate 31. When the medium S is introduced onto the loading plate 31, the first paddle 33 moves downward so that the movable paddle portion 33a approaches the medium S. As a result, the first paddle 33 is in a state where the rotating elastic plate of the movable paddle portion 33a touches the medium S on the loading plate 31. As a result, the first paddle 33 is used to feed the medium S on the loading plate 31 towards the lower end contact portion 40.

[0036] The second paddle 34 is a rotating paddle that further transports the medium S on the loading plate 31, which is being transported by the first paddle 33, toward the lower end contact portion 40. The second paddle 34 is positioned above the lower end (left end) of the loading plate 31. The second paddle 34 is a rotating body consisting of multiple elastic plates 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 medium S on the loading plate 31. As a result, the second paddle 34 is fed further toward the lower end contact portion 40.

[0037] The discharge roll 35 is a roll that discharges the bundle of media S, which has been bound, from the stacking plate 31 to the media storage receiver. 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 media bundle, the discharge roll 35 rotates for a predetermined time in the direction indicated by the arrow. This causes the discharge roll 35 to send the media bundle on the loading plate 31 to be discharged and stored in the media storage receiver 16.

[0038] -Lower end support section- The lower end contact portion 40 embodies the alignment means shown in Figure 1. This lower end contact portion 40 is configured to abut against the lower ends Su of multiple media S that are accumulated in the accumulation portion 30. The lower end Su of the medium S is the downstream end in the loading direction C. In Embodiment 1, the lower end support portion 40 is composed of three alignment members 41, 42, and 43 as alignment means (see Figures 5 and 7). Alignment members 41, 42, and 43 are positioned at three different normal positions corresponding to three different locations on the lower end Su of the medium S with the minimum width Ws. The medium S with the minimum width Ws is the medium with the minimum width at the time of delivery. The three normal positions in this case are normal positions J1, J2, and J3 (see Figure 5).

[0039] The alignment members 41, 42, and 43, which serve as the lower end support portion 40, are provided on the main body portion 45, as shown in Figure 6. Furthermore, these alignment members 41, 42, and 43 are positioned facing the lower end of the loading plate 31. Here, the main body portion 45 is a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member that extends along the width direction E of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped member that extends in the direction along the lower edge of the loading plate 31 (corresponding to the width direction of the medium S). The main body portion 45 is provided with a plurality of mounting parts (not shown) for fixing and attaching to the lower surface side of the loading plate 31. In this example, the plurality of aligning members 41, 42, and 43 are all fixed to the main body portion 45 via fasteners (not shown). Thus, in this example, the main body 45 is used as a mounting bracket for attaching each of the alignment members 41, 42, and 43 to the loading plate 31. In this example, each aligning member 41, 42, and 43 is fixed to the loading plate 31 via the main body 45. However, this is not the only option, and each aligning member 41, 42, and 43 may be attached individually to the loading plate 31.

[0040] In this example, of the multiple (three in this example) alignment members 41, 42, and 43, the alignment members 41 and 42, which are positioned on both sides, are located on the front side and the rear side, respectively. The front-side alignment member 41 is a member that abuts against the front end of the lower end Su of the medium S with the minimum width Ws. Furthermore, the rear alignment member 42 is the part that abuts against the rear end of the lower end Su of the medium S with the minimum width. Furthermore, among the multiple alignment members 41, 42, and 43, the alignment member 43 located near the center is the part that abuts against approximately the central portion of the lower end Su of the medium S with the minimum width Ws. These alignment members 41, 42, and 43 are all U-shaped structures with a cross-section, having a backing wall portion 46, a bottom portion 47, and an upper portion 48. These alignment members 41, 42, and 43 have a receiving space SP surrounded by the backing wall portion 46, the bottom portion 47, and the upper portion 48.

[0041] -Binding equipment- As shown in Figures 5 and 6, the binding device 50 is a device that binds a portion of the ends of the bundle of media S that are accumulated in the accumulation unit 30. The end of the medium bundle S is the end that is downstream in the direction C of medium S being transported (see Figure 5). Furthermore, the end is the portion extending slightly inward from the lower end Su of the medium S. In Embodiment 1, the binding machine 50 is equipped with two binding machines (50A, 50B). The two binding machines (50A, 50B) are different types of binding machines that perform different types of binding processes, as will be described later.

[0042] <Stapling machine with staples> One of the stapling machines 50 is a staple stapling machine 50A that performs the process of stapling with staples. The stapler 50A has a main body 51 and a pair of stapler sections 52 and 53. 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 and 53 are configured to perform the process of binding with staples. The pair of staple-binding sections 52 and 53 have a structure that allows the alignment members 41, 42, and 43 to pass through a gap G1 (see Figure 6(a)).

[0043] The stapler section 52 is a movable part that dispenses staples. When it is time to staple, the stapler section 52 moves downward towards the stapler section 53 and operates to insert the staples into a part of the media bundle. The staple-binding section 53 is a part that is fixed in place to receive and bend the staple needle. When the staple-binding process is performed, the staple-binding section 53 receives and bends the end of the staple needle that emerges from the staple-binding section 52 and penetrates a part of the media bundle.

[0044] <Stapleless stapling machine> The other stapling machine 50 is a stapleless stapling machine 50B that performs stapling without staples. Stapleless stapling means stapling without using staples. The stapleless stapling machine 50B has a main body 55 and a pair of stapleless stapling sections 56 and 57. 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 stapling sections 56 and 57 are configured to be held between the upper and lower stapling teeth and deformed to perform the stapling process. The pair of stapleless stapling sections 56 and 57 have a structure that allows the alignment members 41, 42, and 43 to pass through a gap G2 (see Figure 6(b)).

[0045] The stapleless stapling section 56 is a movable part having upper stapling teeth with an uneven shape. When the stapleless stapling unit 56 is ready to staple, it moves closer to the stapleless stapling unit 57. Then, the upper stapling teeth of the stapleless stapling unit 56 come into contact with a portion of the end of the media bundle and move towards the stapleless stapling 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 stapling process, it receives and holds a portion of the end of the media bundle, which is pressed by the upper stapling teeth, with the lower stapling teeth. The pair of stapleless stapling sections 56 and 57 fasten by clamping a portion of the end of the media bundle between the upper and lower stapling teeth under high pressure and deforming it.

[0046] -Moving support part- The movable support section 60 embodies the guide and moving means shown in Figure 1. The movable support section 60 is a part configured to support the binding machine 50 so that it moves around the end of the bundle of media S. In Embodiment 1, the movable support unit 60 movably supports the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B. Furthermore, the movable support unit 60 moves the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B along the depth direction from the front to the rear. Furthermore, the movable support unit 60 is positioned so that the stapler 50A is located on the front side and the stapler 50B is located on the rear side.

[0047] The movable support unit 60 moves the stapled stapling machine 50A and the stapleless stapling machine 50B so that they pass through without hitting the multiple alignment members 41, 42, and 43 which serve as the lower end support unit 40. The lower end contact portion 40 passes through at least one of the alignment members 41, 42, and 43. This passage is achieved by passing the lower end stopper 40 through the gap G1 of the stapler 50A and the gap G2 of the stapler 50B (see Figure 6).

[0048] Furthermore, the movable support unit 60 supports the binding machine 50 so that it can be stopped at multiple stopping positions, including multiple binding positions. In Embodiment 1, the movable support unit 60 supports the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B so that they can be stopped at their respective stopping positions. The stopping positions include the retracted position PH1(PH) for the stapler 50A and the retracted position PH2(PH) for the stapler 50B (see Figures 7 and 8(a)). The PH position is the position where the binder is set back when the binding process is not being performed or after the process is completed (equivalent to the home position).

[0049] Additionally, the stopping position for stapled stapling machine 50A is the edge stapling position PT (specifically PT1, PT2: corresponding to the dual flat stapling position) (see Figures 7 and 8(c)). The stopping position for stapleless stapling machine 50B is also the edge stapling position PT (specifically PT1, PT2: corresponding to the dual flat stapling position) (see Figure 7). In this example, the same edge stapling position PT is used for both stapled stapling machine 50A and stapleless stapling machine 50B, but it is also possible to select different edge stapling positions PT depending on each stapling machine 50. Dual saddle stitching is a method of binding two points on the end of a stack of media S such that the bound portion is parallel to the edge of the bottom end Su. The first dual stapling position PT1 is, in principle, set between the front alignment member 41 and the center alignment member 43. The second dual stapling position PT2 is, in principle, set between the center alignment member 43 and the rear alignment member 42.

[0050] Furthermore, the stopping position for the stapled stapling machine 50A is the corner stapling position PC (specifically, PC1: corresponding to the corner diagonal stapling position) (see Figures 7 and 8(c)). In this example, the stapleless stapling machine 50B does not select the corner stapling position. Corner binding (diagonal corner binding) is a method of binding the corners of the end of a bundle of materials S such that the bound portion is at an angle to the edge of the bottom end Su. The corner diagonal binding position PC (specifically PC1) is located diagonally opposite the corner that is on the front side of the alignment member 41 on the front side.

[0051] -Regarding the selection of standby positions- Additionally, there are standby positions PW (specifically PW1 and PW2) for the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B as stopping positions (see Figures 7 and 8(b)). The standby positions PW (PW1, PW2) referred to here are the positions where each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) stands when the media S is being accumulated in the accumulation unit 30. These standby positions PW must be in positions where each binding machine 50 does not interfere with the accumulation operation of the media S. Furthermore, the standby positions PW are located closer to the end-binding position PT than to the retracted position PH. In particular, in this example, when selecting the standby position PW, the positions of the alignment members 41 and 42, which are located on both sides of the multiple alignment members 41, 42, and 43, are used as the basis.

[0052] <First Method> The first method involves selecting standby positions PW (PW1, PW2) for the binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) at locations facing the back side of the alignment member 41 (or 42). For example, if we select standby position PW1 for the binding machine 50A using the front alignment member 41 as an example, it would be as follows: As shown by the solid line in Figure 9(a), the binding machine 50A should be positioned so that it faces the entire width dimension of the back side of the alignment member 41. Alternatively, standby position PW1 can be shifted further towards the front than the position shown by the solid line in Figure 9(a). In this case, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 9(a), the binding machine 50A should be positioned so that it faces a portion of the back side of the alignment member 41. However, this excludes the case where the entire binding machine 50A is positioned in the area Rout, which is outside (towards the front) of the outer part 41out on the front side of the alignment member 41. Furthermore, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 9(a), it is also acceptable for the outer front portion of the binding machine 50A to be facing a portion of the back side of the aligning member 41. Furthermore, for the binding machine 50B, the standby position PW2 should be selected based on the rear alignment member 42, similar to the front alignment member 41.

[0053] <Second Method> A second method involves selecting a standby position PW (PW1 or PW2) in an area inside the alignment member 41 (or 42). As shown in Figures 8(b) and 9(a), this refers to an area (Rin) that does not face the back side of the alignment member 41 (or 42) and is located inside the inner part 41in of the alignment member 41 (or 42). For example, if we select the standby position PW1 of the binding machine 50A using the front-side aligning member 41 as an example, it would be as follows. As shown by the solid line in Figure 9(b), the standby position PW1 should be selected so that the outer front part of the binding machine 50A is aligned with the outer rear surface of the aligning member 41. Alternatively, as shown by the dotted line in Figure 9(b), the standby position PW1 should be selected so that the outer front part of the binding machine 50A is in an area inside the outer rear surface of the aligning member 41. If the standby position PW is selected according to this second method, the standby position PW1(PW) will be positioned closer to the end-binding position PT1(PT). In this case, it is of course possible to use the standby position PW1(PW) as both the end-binding position PT1(PT) and the standby position PW1(PW). Furthermore, for the binding machine 50B, the standby position PW2 should be selected based on the rear alignment member 42.

[0054] -Example of a movable support unit configuration- As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the movable support unit 60 includes trolleys 61 and 62, a direction guide plate 63 as a guide means, and movable drive devices 65 and 66. - Dolly - Carts 61 and 62 are mobile platforms that move around carrying the stapled stapling machine 50A and the stapleless stapling machine 50B, 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 12 of the housing 11.

[0055] 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 12 of the housing 11. As a result, both the trolleys 61 and 62 move linearly along the width directions E1 and E2, respectively. Furthermore, the trolleys 61 and 62 are rotatably mounted to the main body 601, with the stapled stapling machine 50A and the stapleless stapling machine 50B attached to them. Furthermore, the trolleys 61 and 62 have the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B rotatably mounted on the support shaft 605. This allows the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B to rotate on the trolleys 61 and 62 with the support shaft 605 as the pivot point.

[0056] -Orientation Guide Plate- The orientation guide plate 63 is an embodiment of the guide means 5 shown in Figure 1. The orientation guide plate 63 is a plate-shaped member that guides the orientation of the stapled stapling machine 50A and the stapleless stapling machine 50B to be changed. The orientations described above are the orientations (positions) of the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B with respect to the stacking plate 31. In other words, the above orientation corresponds to the orientation of the stacking plate 31 and the edges of the media S of the stapled stapling section 52, 53 of the stapled stapling machine 50A. Also, the above orientation corresponds to the orientation of the stacking plate 31 and the edges of the media S of the stapled stapling section 56, 57 of the stapleless stapling machine 50B.

[0057] The orientation guide plate 63 is configured as a support plate 631 with a guide groove 64 (see Figures 6 and 7). The support plate 631 is a roughly rectangular plate extending along the width direction E. The support plate 631 is fixed to the bottom surface of the base portion 12 of the housing 11. Meanwhile, the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B are guided by fitting the guided shaft 606 into the guide groove 64. The guided shaft 606 is positioned to protrude from the lower surface of the stapled stapling machine 50A and the stapleless stapling machine 50B toward the guide groove 64. The guided shaft 606 is also positioned closer to the loading plate 31 than the support shaft 605 and close to the corners of the trolleys 61 and 62.

[0058] <Guide groove> The guide groove 64 includes each of the aforementioned stopping positions and corresponds to the guide passage 5a shown in Figure 1, which guides each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) to each stopping position. In this example, the guide groove 64 has a straight guide section 641 and a curved guide section 642. 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 binding machine 50 (50A or 50B) to the edge binding positions (corresponding to dual flat binding positions) PT1 and PT2, respectively, and determines its orientation at those positions. The linear guide section 641 also guides the binding machine 50 (50A or 50B) to the standby position PW (PW1 or PW2), respectively, and determines its orientation at that position. Thus, the linear guide section 641 has a main passage 5m that guides each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) to the standby position PW and the edge binding position PT.

[0059] Furthermore, the linear guide section 641 has retractable passages 5h that extend linearly on both sides of the main passage mentioned above, and a retractable position PH (PH1 or PH2) is selected in the retractable passage. Therefore, the linear guide section 641 guides each binding machine 50 (50A or 50B) to the retractable position PH (PH1 or PH2) and determines its orientation at that position. The orientation at the linear guide section 641 is such that each binding device 50 (50A, 50B) faces approximately parallel to the lower end Su of the media S on the stacking plate 31. This orientation is determined and maintained by the positional relationship between the support shaft 605 and the guided shaft 606.

[0060] The curved guide section 642 has a curved corner-fastening passage 5c that curves from the front end of the straight guide section 641 towards the loading plate 31. The curved guide section 642 is provided in the area of ​​the front end of the support plate 631 in the longitudinal direction. The curved guide section 642 guides the stapler 50A to the corner stapling position (corner diagonal stapling position) PC1 and determines its orientation at that position. The curved guide section 642 can also guide the stapler 50A beyond the corner stapling position (corner diagonal stapling position) PC1 to the staple replenishment work position. The orientation at the curved guide section 642 is such that the stapler 50A faces diagonally towards the corner of the end of the medium S on the stacking plate 31. At this time, the corner of the end of the medium S is the front corner. Furthermore, this orientation is determined and maintained by the positional relationship between the support shaft 605 and the guided shaft 606. Furthermore, in the case of the stapleless stapling machine 50B, if a corner stapling position PC2 is provided, for example, as shown by the dashed line in Figure 7, a corner stapling passage 5c may be formed that branches off in a straight or curved manner from the straight guide section 641, and the corner stapling position PC2 may be provided in this corner stapling passage 5c. In this case, the corner stapling passage 5c and the retraction passage 5h leading to the retraction position PH2 may be appropriately selected by switching to a switching member not shown.

[0061] -Mobile drive system- 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 50A and the stapleless stapling machine 50B. The mobile drive unit 65 consists of a drive source 651 and a rack gear 67 (see Figure 6(a)). The mobile drive unit 65 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.

[0062] 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 12 of the housing 11. 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.

[0063] The mobile drive unit 66 consists of a drive source 661 and a rack gear 67 (see Figure 6(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. 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.

[0064] -Control system for media binding device- In this example, the control system of the media binding device 10 has a control device 90 composed of a microcomputer including various processors, as shown in Figure 7. The term "processor" here refers to a processor in a broad sense, and includes general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and dedicated processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the control device 90 is connected to an operation display unit 91 of the media processing system. This operation display unit 91 is equipped with a start switch to initiate the image processing on the media S, a mode switch to specify the image processing mode such as single-sided printing, double-sided printing, or high-resolution printing, and a media type indicator unit to indicate the type of media to be used.

[0065] Furthermore, the ROM, which serves as the storage device of the control device 90, has programs installed that control the media binding device 10. These programs include those that move the binding machines 50 (50A, 50B) and perform the binding process (see, for example, Figures 10, 12, and 14). Furthermore, various detectors (not shown) are connected to the control device 90. In addition, various control targets (drive sources 651, 661, etc.) are connected to the control device 90. The processor of the control device 90 receives instruction signals from the operation display unit 91 and detection signals from various detectors, executes the aforementioned program, and sends appropriate control signals to each controlled object.

[0066] - Operation of the media binding device - The media binding device 10 basically operates as described below. When it is time to operate the media binding device 10, the media S after image formation, which is discharged from the image forming device 20, is introduced through the inlet 14. At this time, in the media binding device 10, the media S introduced from the media introduction path 15 is transported through the inside of the housing 11 toward the accumulation section 30. As a result, the medium S is fed out from the medium introduction path 15 and falls onto the inclined loading surface 31a of the loading plate 31. If the medium S is too long to fit on the loading plate 31, it is placed straddling the loading plate 31 and a portion of the medium receiving tray 16.

[0067] Next, the media binding device 10 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 medium S 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 40 (multiple alignment members 41-43). The medium S also stops when its lower end Su abuts against the three c alignment members 41, 42, and 43 of the lower end contact section 40.

[0068] When the lower end Su of the media S abuts against the lower end contact portion 40, the movable paddle portion 33a of the first paddle 33 moves upward and waits. Also, when one media S is accumulated on the stacking plate 31 of the media binding device 10, the alignment plates 32f and 32r of the side edge alignment portion 32 are activated. The stacking operation of the medium S described above is repeated a number of times corresponding to the number of sheets to be bound in the medium S. As a result, the multiple media S become a bundle of media accumulated on the loading plate 31. In this configuration, the lower ends Su of each medium S are aligned by the lower end support portion 40. Additionally, the side ends of each medium S are aligned by the side end alignment portion 32.

[0069] - Edge stapling using a stapler- Next, when the media stapling device 10 performs edge stapling (dual flat stapling) using the staple stapling device 50A, it operates as follows. Figure 10 is a flowchart of the edge stapling (dual flat stapling) job processing using staple stapling machine 50A. In the same figure, let's assume, for example, that a job using the stapler 50A is specified on the operation display unit 91. Then, the control device 90 sends a start signal for the edge stapling (dual stapling) job using the stapler 50A. In this state, the aforementioned accumulation operation of the medium S is performed. In this example, the control device 90 moves the stapled stapling machine 50A from the retracted position PH1 to the standby position PW1 before the stacking operation of the media S is performed. In parallel with this, the control device 90 moves the stapleless stapling machine 50B from the retracted position PH2 to the standby position PW2 (see Figure 11(a)).

[0070] At this time, each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) waits in standby position PW (PW1), and during this time, the stacking operation of the media S is performed. In this example, the standby positions PW (PW1, PW2) are positioned facing the back sides of the alignment members 41 and 42, which are located on both sides. In particular, the standby positions PW in this example are located inside the width of the medium S in the direction along the straight guide section 641, and are selected so that each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) does not protrude from the outer part of the alignment members 41 and 42 into the outer region. Therefore, compared to the case where the binding device 50 is stationary in a standby position protruding from the outer parts of the alignment members 41 and 42, even if there is curling at the end of the media S to be bound that is accumulated in the accumulation section 30, the situation in which each binding device 50 interferes with the alignment operation of the media S by the alignment members 41 to 43 is appropriately suppressed. In particular, even if a thin medium that is prone to curling (a thin medium with a predetermined thickness or less) is used as the medium S, upward curling may still occur at the corners of the edges of the thin medium. However, since the binding device 50 does not protrude from the outer parts of the aligning members 41 and 42, there is no interference between each binding device 50 and the curled portion of the thin medium.

[0071] Then, once the stacking operation of the medium S is complete, the control device 90 moves a stapler 50A, which is the object to be stapled, from the standby position PW1 to the first edge stapling position TP1 and performs the edge stapling process (see Figure 11(b)). At this time, the stapler 50A, which is the object to be stapled, was waiting at the standby position PW1, which is close to the edge stapling position PT1. This is preferable because it speeds up the start time of the first edge stapling process by the stapler 50A. In this operation process, it is preferable that the standby position PW1t is selected to be closer to the first edge stapling position PT1, as this further speeds up the start time of the first edge stapling process. In particular, it is effective in terms of time reduction when the edge stapling position PW and the standby position PW are used interchangeably. On the other hand, the stapleless stapling machine 50B, which is not being used for stapling, remains stopped in the standby position PW2. Therefore, the power consumption used to drive the edge stapling machine 50B, which is not being processed, is unused.

[0072] Furthermore, when the first edge stapling process by the stapled stapling machine 50A is initiated, for example, the start signal or end signal for the first stapling process of the stapled stapling machine 50A can be detected. For this reason, the control device 90 uses the start signal or end signal for the first stapling process as a trigger to move the stapleless stapling machine 50, which is not to be stapled, from the standby position PW2 to the retracted position PH2 (see Figure 11(c)). Meanwhile, before and after the stapleless stapling machine 50B, which is not intended for stapling, begins to move toward the retracted position PH2, the control device 90 moves the stapled stapling machine 50A, which is intended for stapling, from the first end stapling position PT1 to the second end stapling position PT2. Here, the first start time when the stapled stapling machine 50A, which is intended for stapling, begins to move toward the second end stapling position PT2 is defined as t1. The second start time when the stapleless stapling machine 50B, which is not intended for stapling, begins to move toward the retracted position PH2 is defined as t2. In this example, a method is employed in which the first start time t1 and the second start time t2 are different. Therefore, in this example, each stapling machine 50 (50A, 50B) is driven at different timings, so power consumption is not unnecessarily increased.

[0073] Furthermore, once the stapler 50A completes the first edge stapling process, the control device 90 initiates movement of the stapler 50 to the second edge stapling position PT2. At this time, it is preferable that the control device 90 initiates movement of the non-stapled stapler 50B to the retracted position PH2 before the stapler 50A begins movement to the second edge stapling position PT2. Let's assume that the timing of the non-stapled stapler 50B's movement to the retracted position PH2 is later than the timing of the stapler 50B's movement to the second edge stapling position PT2. In this case, it is undesirable for the stapler 50B to start moving while the non-stapled stapler 50B remains in the standby position PW2. In other words, there is a concern that the non-stapled stapler 50B, positioned in the standby position PW2, and the stapler 50A, moving towards the second edge stapling position PT2, may interfere with each other. From the perspective of preventing such interference, it is desirable to advance the timing of the stapleless stapling machine 50B's movement to the retracted position. Alternatively, even if the timing of the stapleless stapling machine 50B's movement to the retracted position PH2 is delayed, the movement speed v2 of the stapleless stapling machine 50B can be selected to be faster than the movement speed v1 of the stapled stapling machine 50A.

[0074] After this, the control device 90 should be configured to perform the second edge stapling process when the staple stapling machine 50A reaches the second edge stapling position PT2 (see Figure 11(c)). Then, when the second edge stapling process of the stapled stapling machine 50A is completed, the control device 90 moves the stapled stapling machine 50A and the non-stapled stapling machine 50B to the standby position PW (see Figure 11(d)). Then, when both binding machines 50 (50A, 50B) are waiting in the standby position PW for a predetermined time, the control device 90 determines that there are no further binding jobs and returns both binding machines 50 to the retracted position PH. Furthermore, if the signal to start the next binding process is received while both binding machines 50 (50A, 50B) are in the standby position PW, each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) is positioned in the standby position PW. As a result, the time required for each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) to move from the retracted position PH to the standby position PW is eliminated. This makes it possible to perform edge binding by the binding machines 50 earlier.

[0075] - Edge stapling using a stapleless stapling machine - Next, when the media stapling device 10 performs edge stapling (dual flat stapling) using the stapleless stapling device 50B, it operates as follows. Figure 12 is a flowchart of the edge stapling (dual flat stapling) job processing using staple stapling machine 50B. In the figure, it is assumed that the control device 90 has received instructions for a dual flat stitching (edge ​​stitching) processing job by the stapleless stapling machine 50B. At this time, the control device 90 receives the start signal for the dual saddle stitching job and moves each saddle stitching machine 50 (50A, 50B) from the retracted position PH (PH1, PH2) to the standby position PW (PW1, PW2) (see Figure 13(a)). When each binding machine 50 reaches the standby position PW, the control device 90 starts the media stacking operation by the stacking unit 30. At this time, each binding machine 50 located in the standby position PW does not interfere with the media stacking operation.

[0076] Once the stacking operation by the stacking unit 30 is complete, the control device 90 moves the stapleless stapling machine 50B, which is to be stapled, from the standby position PW2 to the first edge stapling position PT2 (see Figure 13(b)). Then, after the stapleless stapling machine 50B reaches the first edge stapling position PT2, the control device 90 performs the first stapling process. On the other hand, the stapler 50A, which is not intended for binding, remains stopped in standby position PW1. Therefore, the power consumption used to drive the edge stapling machine 50B, which is not intended for processing, is unused. Then, when the stapleless stapling machine 50B performs its first stapling operation, the control device 90 uses the start or end signal of the stapleless stapling machine 50A's stapling operation as a trigger to move the stapled stapling machine 50A from the standby position PW1 to the retracted position PH1 (see Figure 13(c)).

[0077] Furthermore, when the first edge stapling process is initiated by the stapleless stapling machine 50B, the start or end signal of the first stapling process of the stapled stapling machine 50A can be detected, for example. Therefore, the control device 90 uses the start or end signal of the first stapling process as a trigger to move the stapleless stapling machine 50B, which is not to be stapled, from the standby position PW2 to the retracted position PH2 (see Figure 13(c)). On the other hand, when the stapler 50A, which is not intended for stapling, begins to move toward the retracted position PH2, the control device 90 moves the stapler 50B, which is intended for stapling, from the first-stroke edge stapling position PT2 to the second-stroke edge stapling position PT1 (see Figure 13(c)).

[0078] Furthermore, once the stapleless stapling machine 50B completes the first edge stapling process, the control device 90 starts moving the stapleless stapling machine 50B to the second edge stapling position PT1. At this time, it is preferable that the control device 90 starts moving the stapled stapling machine 50A to the retracted position PH1 before the stapleless stapling machine 50B starts moving to the second edge stapling position PT1. In this example, care must be taken to ensure that the stapled stapling machine 50A and the stapleless stapling machine 50B do not come into contact during movement. Points to note include the start time and speed of movement of the stapling machine 50, as explained in the dual flat stapling process of the stapled stapling machine 50A.

[0079] After this, the control device 90 should perform the second edge stapling process when the staple stapling machine 50A reaches the second edge stapling position PT2 (see Figure 13(c)). Then, when the second edge stapling process of the stapled stapling machine 50A is completed, the control device 90 moves the stapled stapling machine 50A and the non-stapled stapling machine 50B to the standby position PW (see Figure 13(d)). Then, when both binding machines 50 (50A, 50B) are waiting in the standby position PW for a predetermined time, the control device 90 determines that there are no further binding jobs and returns both binding machines 50 to the retracted position PH.

[0080] - Corner stapling (angled corner stapling) using a stapler- When performing corner stapling (diagonal corner stapling) using the staple stapling device 50A, the media stapling device 10 operates as follows: In this case, the movable support unit 60 operates to move the stapler 50A to the corner stapling position (corner diagonal stapling position) PC1 (PC) (see Figure 8(c)). At this time, the stapler 50A moves from the standby position PW towards the corner diagonal stapling position PC1 while changing its orientation. This movement is also performed by the movable drive device 65 of the movable support unit 60 being driven by a predetermined amount. The moved stapler 50A is positioned at an angle to the front corner Se of the end of the media bundle S. Subsequently, the stapler 50A performs the stapling process at the corner diagonal stapling position PC1. As a result, the media bundle S has its corners Sc at the ends slanted with staples. Once this stapling process is complete, the movable support unit 60 activates and moves the stapler 50A to the standby position PW (see Figure 8(b)). This movement is also performed by the movable drive device 65 of the movable support unit 60 being driven by a predetermined amount.

[0081] -Replenishing staples- In the media binding device 10, the movable support unit 60 is configured to move the staple binding device 50A to the position where staples need to be replenished. The position for replenishing staples is beyond the corner diagonal stapling position PC1 towards the front. The staples are moved to the replenishment position by being guided to the end 642e of the curved guide section 642 of the guide groove 64 of the orientation guide plate 63 (see Figure 8(c)). The housing 11 is provided with an opening / closing door (not shown) at the location of the replenishment position. Furthermore, in Embodiment 1, the stapler 50A is positioned in a front position compared to the stapleless stapler 50B. Therefore, compared to the case where the stapler 50A is positioned further back than the stapler 50B, it becomes easier to replenish staples in the stapler 50A from the front.

[0082] -Standby machine standby position adjustment process- In this embodiment, the standby positions PW (PW1, PW2) of each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) are selected in advance. However, the standby position PW of each binding machine 50 may be changed depending on the type of media. If the media S is a thin media that is prone to curling and is below a predetermined threshold, it is preferable that the standby position PW of each binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) be appropriately selected for media that are prone to curling. However, if the medium S is a thicker medium than the thin medium mentioned above, curling is less likely to occur in the first place, which means there is less need to appropriately select the standby position PW. Therefore, in this embodiment, a method is proposed in which the standby position PW of each binding machine 50 is changed depending on the type of media.

[0083] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing the process for adjusting the standby position of the binding machine. In the figure, first, the control device 90 identifies the type of media to be collected. At this time, the type of media may be specified on the operation display unit 91, or the media S to be used may be saved in advance in the storage unit and identified from the database. The control device 90 determines whether the medium is thinner than a predetermined threshold Th (for example, a threshold for whether curling is likely to occur). If the medium is thicker than or equal to the threshold Th, curling is unlikely to occur, so the reference position is selected as the standby position PW. On the other hand, if the medium S is thin (thin medium) with a thickness less than the threshold Th, curling is likely to occur, so the standby position PW should be changed to an area inside the reference position. The region inside the reference position, as used here, means, for example, a region closer to the edge-binding position PT compared to the reference position. Furthermore, the standby position PW for thin media is preferably a position where the binding device 50 does not protrude from the outer portion 41out of the alignment member 41 (or 42) on both sides into the outer region Rout (see Figure 9(a)). Then, once the binding job processing is complete, the standby position is returned to the reference position. In this way, the standby position PW is changed only for types of media S that are prone to curling, and for all others, the pre-selected reference position can be used as the standby position PW. In this embodiment, the standby position PW is changed based on a single threshold Th, but the standby position PW may be changed to multiple levels based on multiple thresholds.

[0084] ◎Embodiment 2 Figure 15 is a plan view illustrating the main parts of a media binding device according to Embodiment 2. In the figure, the basic configuration of the media binding device 10 includes a housing 11, a stacking section 30, multiple lower end support sections 40, a binding device 50, a movable support section 60, and the like. In this example, the basic configuration of the housing 11, the stacking unit 30, and the binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) is substantially the same as in Embodiment 1. However, in this example, the configuration of the multiple aligning members 41-43 as multiple lower end support portions 40 and the movable support portion 60 differs from that of Embodiment 1. Furthermore, components similar to those in Embodiment 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as in Embodiment 1, and their detailed descriptions are omitted here.

[0085] In this example, the basic configuration of the movable support section 60 is the same as in Embodiment 1, with a guide groove 64 formed in the orientation guide plate 63. In the figure, the guide groove 64 includes a straight guide section 641 and a curved guide section 642 similar to those in Embodiment 1, but it also includes a different component. In this example, the guide groove 64 has a recess 648 formed in a roughly mountain shape toward the loading plate 31 at the location facing the rear retraction passage 5h of the straight guide section 641. The guide groove 64 has a second curved guide section 643 and a third curved guide section 644 by arranging a displacement guide 645, which will be described later, within this recess 648. The second curved guide section 643 is a curved 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 in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 631. 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.

[0086] The second curved guide section 643 has a corner stapling passage 5c that guides the stapleless stapling machine 50B to the corner stapling position (corner diagonal stapling position) PC2 (PC), and determines the orientation at the corner stapling position. The orientation at the second curved guide section 643 is such that the stapleless stapling machine 50B faces diagonally towards the corner Se at the end of the medium S on the stacking plate 31. At this time, the corner Se at the end of the medium S 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.

[0087] The third curved guide section 644 is a curved groove that curves back from the end of the second curved guide section 643 to the straight guide section 641. The third curved guide section 644 is provided in the rear end region in the longitudinal direction of the support plate 631, continuously extending from the end of the second curved guide section 643. 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 third curved guide section 644 has a retraction passage 5h that guides the stapleless stapling machine 50B to the retraction position PH2 (PH), and determines the orientation at the retraction position PH2.

[0088] The orientation at the third curved guide section 644 is such that the stapleless stapling machine 50B faces the lower end Su of the medium S on the stacking plate 31 at approximately perpendicular angles. This orientation is determined and maintained by the positional relationship between the support shaft 605 and the guided shaft 606. In Embodiment 2, the guide groove 64 contains a displacement guide 645, as illustrated in Figures 18(a) and 18(b). 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 2, the displacement guide 645 is configured as a member with a planar shape that is nearly triangular, with three sides being curved.

[0089] Normally, the displacement guide 645 is in its normal position, with the guide grooves 64 of the second curved guide section 643 and the third curved guide section 644 exposed (see Figure 18(a)). At this time, the displacement guide 645 is elastically biased toward its normal position by a biasing member 646 such as a spring. Furthermore, the displacement guide 645 is displaced when the stapleless stapling machine 50B moves from the retracted position PH2 to the stapling position PT2 (see Figure 18(b)). 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 50B (see Figures 19(a) to (d)). The displacement guide 645 is displaced when the guided shaft 606 of the stapleless stapling machine 50B enters the space at its lower edge, makes contact with it, and pushes against it.

[0090] -Demand for miniaturization of media binding devices- In this example, the media binding device 10 is located in the lower space of the discharge and storage section 25 of the image forming apparatus 20. Therefore, its depth is approximately the same as the depth of the discharge and storage section 25. Against this backdrop, when attempting to further reduce the depth of the media binding device 10, the following problems were discovered. In the media binding device 10, the following problems 1 and 2 arise due to the arrangement of the three alignment members 41, 42, and 43 that form the lower end support portion 40. Alignment members 41, 42, and 43 are positioned at the three normal positions J1, J2, and J3 described above (see Figure 15).

[0091] <Bug 1> Problem 1 occurs when performing a second dual saddle stitch using a stapler 50A and a stapleless stapler 50B. In this case, when the stapler 50A and the stapler 50B move to the dual flat stapling position PT to perform the stapling process, one of the bottom edge alignment sections 40 becomes an obstacle. In Embodiment 2, the lower end support portion 40 corresponds to the alignment member 41. In this case, a portion 41x of the alignment member 41, illustrated with diagonal lines in Figure 20(a), becomes an obstruction. The problem in this case occurs when a part 41x of the alignment member 41 becomes an obstruction when the binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) moves to the edge binding position. Another type of obstruction in this case is when a part 41x of the alignment member 41 becomes an obstruction when the binding machine 50 performs the binding operation at the binding position. As a result, the second dual flat stitching operation using the stapler 50A and the stapleless stapler 50B is impossible because the front-side alignment member 41 is an obstacle. This is defect 1.

[0092] <Bug 2> Problem 2 occurs when corner slanted stapling is performed using the stapleless stapling machine 50B. In this case, when the stapleless stapling machine 50B moves from the dual flat stapling position PT2 to the corner diagonal stapling position PC2 to perform the stapling process, one of the lower end support parts 40 becomes an obstacle. In Embodiment 2, the lower end support portion 40 corresponds to the rear alignment member 42. In this case, a portion 43x, illustrated with diagonal lines in Figure 20(b), becomes an obstruction to the alignment member 42. The obstacle in this case is when a part 42x of the alignment member 42 becomes an obstruction when the binding machine 50 (50B) moves to the corner binding position. Another obstacle in this case is when a part 42x of the alignment member 42 becomes an obstruction when the binding machine 50 performs the binding operation at the binding position. As a result, corner diagonal stapling with the stapleless stapling machine 50B is impossible because the rear alignment member 42 gets in the way. This is defect 2.

[0093] These types of problems 1 and 2 are more likely to occur under the following circumstances: In other words, this problem is more likely to occur when the width E of the media binding device 10 is narrowed. In this case, the positions of the alignment members 41, 42, and 43 are restricted. As a result, the positions of the alignment members 41, 42, and 43 are more likely to interfere with the binding positions of the binding devices 50 (50A, 50B). The normal positions J1, J2, and J3 of the alignment members 41, 42, and 43 are positioned to coincide with three points on the lower end Su of the medium S with the minimum width Ws. In this example, the alignment members 41, 42, and 43 are provided on the main body 45, similar to the first embodiment. The main body 45 is a roughly rectangular plate-shaped member that extends along the width direction E (see Figure 20). The main body 45 is provided with a number of mounting parts 402 for fixing and attaching it to the lower surface of the loading plate 31. In Figure 20, reference numeral 402a indicates a hole for fixing the mounting part 402 to a cylindrical mounting part (not shown) located on the lower side of the loading plate 31.

[0094] - Adoption of movable alignment members - In this example, of the multiple alignment members 41, 42, and 43, the alignment members 41 and 42 located on both sides are configured as movable types that can move relative to the main body 45. In contrast, the alignment member 43 located in the center is configured as a fixed type that is fixedly attached to the main body 45. The media binding device 10 employs movable alignment members 41 and 42 to resolve the problems 1 and 2. In this example, in order to realize movable alignment members 41 and 42, the media binding device 10 is equipped with a first interlocking mechanism 70 and a second interlocking mechanism 80 (see Figure 21, etc.).

[0095] -Configuration of the first interlocking mechanism- The first interlocking mechanism 70 is a mechanism that moves the front-side aligning member 41 in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50 (50A, 50B). The alignment member 41, which is the object to be moved by the first interlocking mechanism 70, is provided to be movable in the width direction E, which intersects with the loading direction C. The alignment member 41 is provided on a movable member 425 that is movable in the width direction E (see Figures 21, 22, etc.). The movable member 425 is a plate-shaped member that moves guided by a first guide bar 401 provided on the main body 40 of the aligning member 4. The movable member 425 is located below the aligning member 41 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 are fixed to the mounting portion 402 and the holding portion 403 provided on the main body portion 45.

[0096] As a result, the movable member 425 can move relative to the main body 45 in the directions indicated by arrows E1 and E2 (see Figure 21, etc.). In addition, the aligning member 41 can also move in the directions indicated by arrows E1 and E2. The first interlocking mechanism 70 includes a rotating lever 71, a rotation control member 73, a rotation biasing member 75, a movement biasing member 77, etc. (see Figure 23, etc.). The rotating lever 71 is a lever having a bearing portion 711, a first contact portion 712, and a second contact portion 713. 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.

[0097] 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 50. 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.

[0098] The aforementioned part of the binding machine 50 refers to the contact members 608 and 609 provided on the trolleys 61 and 62 of the movable support unit 6, respectively (see Figure 16). 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 50 (50A and 50B). 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. 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. 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.

[0099] 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 alignment member 42 should be moved along the width direction E. The predetermined distance La is the distance from the normal position J1 to the avoidance position J5 (see Figure 28) at least. The avoidance position J5 is a position that prevents the alignment member 41 from becoming an obstacle when the stapling machine 50 (50A, 50B) performs the stapling process at the dual flat stapling positions PT1, PT2.

[0100] In Figure 25(a), the symbol Ps represents the position where the second contact portion 713 contacts the first control surface 731 when the aligning member 41 is in the normal position J1. 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 25(a) is the position where the second contact portion 713 contacts the first control surface 731 when the alignment member 41 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.

[0101] 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 the direction of shifting upward from the first control surface 731 (approaching the other side of the rotation control member 73). In other words, the direction of separation described above is also the direction of moving towards the other side of the rotation control member 73 from the first control surface 731. The above-mentioned curved surface is an arc-shaped curved surface or a curved surface.

[0102] The rotation control member 73 is attached to the lower side of the main body portion 45 of the alignment member 41 (see Figure 22). 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 25(a)). 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 25(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.

[0103] 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 25(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. The moving biasing member 77 is a member that applies a biasing force Fb to the moving member 425 so as to move the aligning member 41 back to its normal position J1. For example, a tension spring can be used as the movement biasing member 77 (see Figure 25(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.

[0104] The movement biasing member 77 extends mainly due to the movement of the movement member 425, generating a biasing force Fb that returns the movement member 425 to its original position (see Figure 26). The biasing force Fb is also generated when the movement 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 aligning member 42 is returned to its original position together with the movable member 425.

[0105] -Arrangement of the first interlocking mechanism- The first interlocking mechanism 70 is positioned so that the rotating lever 71 can come into contact with a part of the moving binding machine 50 (50A, 50B). The above movement occurs when the stapling machine 50 moves toward the dual flat stapling position PT1 from both the rear and front sides. Furthermore, the first interlocking mechanism 70 is located on the lower side of the main body portion 40 of the aligning member 4 (see Figure 23). The first interlocking mechanism 70 is installed so that the alignment member 41 stops in the normal position J1 (see Figures 21 and 25).

[0106] The first interlocking mechanism 70 is normally in the state shown in Figure 25, etc. In this normal state, a part of the binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) is not in contact with the rotating lever 71. First, the first interlocking mechanism 70 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.

[0107] Furthermore, in the first interlocking mechanism 70, the aligning member 41 is stopped in the normal position J2 by ​​the moving member 425. At this time, the moving member 425 is subjected to a biasing force Fb from the moving 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 moving member 425 stops and positions the aligning member 41 in the normal position J1. Furthermore, in the first interlocking mechanism 70, the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71 is in a state where it hangs down downward 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 50 (50A, 50B). The part of the binding device 50 (50A, 50B) in this state is the contact members 608, 609 (see Figure 25(b)). Furthermore, the rotating lever 71 at this time has two patterns of contact with a part of the binding machine 50 (50A, 50B) at the first contact portion 712.

[0108] The first contact pattern is when a part of the binding device 50 (50A, 50B) comes into contact with the first contact surface 712a of the first contact portion 712. This contact pattern is illustrated in Figure 25(a). In this contact pattern, contact occurs when the stapling device 50 moves from the rear to the dual flat stapling position PT1. This movement can be described as the binding machine 50 moving in a first, fixed direction E1a toward a predetermined binding position. The predetermined binding position is the dual flat binding position PT1. The first constant direction E1a is the direction in which the paper moves towards the dual flat binding position PT1 from the rear side (see Figure 25(b)).

[0109] The second contact pattern is when a part of the binding device 50 (50A, 50B) comes into contact with the second contact surface 712b of the first contact portion 712. This contact pattern is illustrated in Figure 29(a). In this contact pattern, contact occurs when the stapling device 50 moves from the front side to the dual flat stapling position PT1. This movement can be described as the binding device 50 moving toward a predetermined binding position in a direction E2a opposite to the first constant direction E1a described above. The opposite direction E2a is the direction in which the device moves toward the dual flat binding position PT2 from the front side (see Figure 29(a)).

[0110] -Operation of the first interlocking mechanism- Next, the operation of the first interlocking mechanism 70 will be described. (a) When the stapling machine 50 (50A, 50B) moves in a first constant direction E1a toward the dual flat stapling position PT1. In this case, in the first interlocking mechanism 70, a part of the moving binding device 50 (50A, 50B) 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 50 (50A, 50B) come into contact with the first contact surface 712a of the first contact portion 712. 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.

[0111] 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 50 (50A, 50B) stops at the dual flat stapling position PT1. 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.

[0112] 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 (direction of arrow E1) 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.

[0113] As a result, the first interlocking mechanism 70 moves the aligning member 41 in a first constant direction E1a by moving the moving member 425. At this time, the alignment member 41 moves a predetermined distance La from the normal position J2 (see Figure 25(a)). As a result, the alignment member 41 is moved to the avoidance position J5 and stops (see Figure 26). Therefore, in the media binding device 10, when the binding device 50 (50A, 50B) moves from the rear to the dual flat binding position PT1, the alignment member 41 moves to the avoidance position J5. In other words, in this case, the alignment member 41, which is normally in position J1, is moved to avoidance position J5 in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50. As a result, the aligning member 41 does not get in the way when the stapling machine 50 moves to the dual flat stapling position PT1 to perform the stapling process. Furthermore, the stapling device 50 can also perform the stapling process at the dual flat stapling position PT for media S with a minimum width Ws without the alignment member 41 becoming an obstacle. The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 28(a).

[0114] Specifically, the stapler 50A can perform the stapling process at the dual flat stapling position PT1 without the alignment member 41 getting in the way. Similarly, the stapler 50B can perform the stapling process at the dual flat stapling position PT1 without the alignment member 41 getting in the way. In other words, in the media binding device 10, the above-mentioned problem 1 can be resolved by the operation of the first interlocking mechanism 70.

[0115] (b) When the stapling machine 50 (50A) moves further from the dual flat stapling position PT1 in a first constant direction E1a. This case refers to the situation when the binding machine 50 (50A) moves to the retracted position PH1 after the binding process at the dual flat binding position PT1 has been completed. In other words, it refers to the situation when the binding machine 50 (50A) moves beyond a predetermined distance La in the first predetermined direction E1a. In this case, a part of the binding machine 50 (50A) remains in contact with the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71 and is further pushed in a first constant direction E1a.

[0116] 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 27(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.

[0117] Then, as the binding device 50(50A) moves further in the first fixed direction E1a, a part of the binding device 50(50A) disengages from contact with the first contact portion 712. The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 27(b). Figure 27(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. At this time, the moving member 425 moves in the direction of arrow E2 while being guided by the first guide bar 401.

[0118] 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 27(a) (excluding the binding device 50). 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 27(a) to the state shown in Figure 26, and then back to the state shown in Figure 25(b). Each of these states refers to the state of the contents excluding the binding device 50.

[0119] As a result, the first interlocking mechanism 70 moves the aligning member 41 back to its original position in conjunction with the further movement of the binding machine 50 (50A). Specifically, the aligning member 41 returns in conjunction with the movement of the staple stapling machine 50A from the dual flat stapling position PT1 to the retracted position PH1. In other words, the alignment member 41 is returned from the avoidance position J5 to the normal position J2, as shown in Figure 28(b). As a result, the alignment member 41 is in a state where it can abut and hold the lower end Su of the medium S with the minimum width Ws. When moving the stapler 5A to the retracted position PH1, it is preferable to have it pass over the retracted position PH1 and then return to the retracted position PH1 again. This ensures that the contact between the contact member 608 of the stapler 50A and the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71 is reliably released.

[0120] On the other hand, if there is no binding process at any binding position other than the dual flat binding position PT1, the binding machine 50 (50B) moves to the retracted position PH2. In this case, the stapling machine 50 (50B) moves from the dual flat stapling position PT1 in the direction E2a opposite to the first fixed direction E1a. At this time, in the first interlocking mechanism 70, the rotating lever 71 moves in the opposite direction E2a while the first contact portion 712 remains in contact with a part of the binding machine 50 (50B). As a result, the movable member 425 moves in the opposite direction E2a as the rotating lever 71 moves, returning to its original position. Also, a part of the movable member 425 comes into contact with the holding portion 403 of the main body portion 45 of the lower end contact portion 40 and stops.

[0121] In this case as well, the first interlocking mechanism 70 moves the aligning member 41 back to its original position in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50 (50B). Specifically, the aligning member 41 is returned in conjunction with the movement of the stapleless stapling machine 50B from the dual flat stapling position PT1 to the retracted position PH2. In other words, in this case as well, the alignment member 41 is moved back to its normal position J2 (see Figure 28(b)).

[0122] (c) When the binding machine 50 (50A) moves from the retracted position PH1 in the direction E2a opposite to the first fixed direction E1a. This case refers to the time when the stapling machine 50 (50A) moves from the retracted position PH1, passing through the alignment member 41. Moving through the alignment member 41 also means moving through the dual flat stapling position PT1. In this case, a portion of the moving binding device 50 (50A) comes into contact with the second contact surface 712b of the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71. At this time, the portion of the binding device 50 (50A) becomes the contact member 608.

[0123] At this time, the first contact portion 712 of the rotating lever 71 is pushed in the opposite direction E2a, and it begins to rotate in the opposite direction M2 to the direction M1. As a result, the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71 separates from the first control surface 731 of the rotation control member 73. The state of the rotating lever 71 at this time is illustrated in Figure 29(b). Furthermore, the biasing force Fa of the rotation biasing member 75 increases as the rotation lever 71 rotates in the opposite direction M2.

[0124] Next, as the binding device 50 (50A) passes the alignment member 41, a portion of the binding device 50 (50A) 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 makes contact with 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 125(a).

[0125] As a result, the rotary lever 71 remains stationary and does not move in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50 (50A) in the opposite direction E2a. As a result, the moving member 425 and the aligning member 41 remain stationary without moving, just like the rotating lever 71. In other words, the alignment member 41 remains in its normal position J1 at this time.

[0126] As a result, when the binding device 50 (50A) passes through the aligning member 41 from the front side, the first interlocking mechanism 70 does not move the aligning member 41. Therefore, when the binding device 50 (50A) simply passes through without performing the binding process at the dual flat binding position PT1, the first interlocking mechanism 70 does not unnecessarily move the aligning member 41. (d) Other effective contents of the first interlocking mechanism The first interlocking mechanism 70 that performs the above-described operation operates in conjunction with the operation of the binding device 50 (50A, 50B) moving. For this reason, the first interlocking mechanism 70 can be operated without using the power of a dedicated power source.

[0127] - Other configurations related to the first interlocking mechanism - The first interlocking mechanism 70 has the first shortest length L1 and the second shortest length L2 of the rotating lever 71 in the relationship of L1 < L2. 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 50 (50A, 50B). 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. 25(b).

[0128] Compared with the case where the first interlocking mechanism 70 has the relationship of L1 ≥ L2, the contact resistance between the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71 and the first control surface 731 of the rotation control member 73 is suppressed. As a result, the rotating lever 71 smoothly moves in a certain direction E1a when the second contact portion 713 contacts the first control surface 731. For this reason, in the first interlocking mechanism 70, the aligning member 41 is smoothly moved from the normal position J1 toward the avoidance position J5.

[0129] It is preferable that the relationship between the first shortest length L1 and the second shortest length L2 is (L1 / L2) ≥ 1.3. This relationship has the following advantages compared to the relationship where (L1 / L2) < 1.3. First, if the relationship is as described above (the latter), the load on the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71 when it comes into contact with the first control surface 731 increases. As a result, the contact resistance between the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71 and the first control surface 731 increases, and the contact movement of the second contact portion 713 does not proceed smoothly. In addition, the second contact portion 713 of the rotating lever 71 may deform or wear down due to the continuous contact with the first control surface 731. In this respect, adopting the former relationship makes it easier to avoid the problems that would occur if the latter relationship were adopted.

[0130] Incidentally, the media binding device 10 is installed inside the housing 21 of the image forming apparatus 20 (in the discharge and storage section 25). In other words, the media binding device 10 is constrained by the dimensions of the housing 21 and is located in a relatively small space. On the other hand, the media binding device 10 is equipped with a first interlocking mechanism 70 that performs the operations described above. Therefore, even though the media binding device 10 is located inside the housing 21 of the image forming apparatus 20, the following binding operations can be performed. In other words, in the media binding device 10, binding at the dual flat binding positions PT1 and PT2 can be performed in either of the two binding machines 50A or 50B without the front-side alignment member 41 becoming an obstacle.

[0131] -Selection of standby position for stapler- In this example, the stapler 50A, as in Embodiment 1, selects the standby position PW1 based on the position of the front-side aligning member 41. In this example, the front-side aligning member 41 is provided to be movable between the normal position J1 and the avoidance position J5 via the first interlocking mechanism 70. The standby position TW1 should be selected based on the position of the aligning member 41 located in the normal position J1. In this example, when the stapler 50A moves from the end-stapling position PT1 to the retracted position PH1, it comes into contact with the front-side aligning member 41. However, since the aligning member 41 is movable, it temporarily retracts and returns to its original position in accordance with the movement of the stapler 50A. At this time, the aligning member 41 moves against the biasing force of the movement biasing member 77 and returns to its original position when the biasing force is released. In this state, when the biasing force of the movement biasing member 77 is released, a popping sound is generated by the movement biasing member 77.

[0132] Therefore, in this example, when selecting the standby position PW1 of the alignment member 41, it is preferable to avoid generating a popping sound from the first interlocking mechanism 70. Specifically, a position should be selected between the standby position PW1 and the retracted position PH1 in which the alignment member 41 does not retract. If the standby position PW1 (PW) is selected in this way, it is preferable to adopt a method in which the binding machine 50A is moved to the standby position PW1 when the media S is stacked. In this case, even if the binding machine 50A moves from the standby position PW1 to the retracted position PH1, the alignment member 41 remains in the normal position J1. Therefore, even if the binding machine 50A is selected to be in the standby position PW1 when the media S is corrected, the generation of popping noise by the first interlocking mechanism described above is suppressed.

[0133] -Configuration of the second interlocking mechanism- The second interlocking mechanism 80 is a mechanism that moves the rear alignment member 42 in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50 (50B). The alignment member 42, which is the object to be moved by the second interlocking mechanism 80, is provided to be movable in the width direction E, which intersects with the loading direction C. The alignment member 42 is provided on a movable member 435 that is movable in the width direction E (see Figures 21, 22, etc.).

[0134] The movable member 435 is a plate-shaped member that moves guided by a second guide bar 405 provided on the main body portion 45 of the alignment member 42. The movable member 435 has a body bent into an L shape. 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 45.

[0135] As a result, the movable member 435 can move relative to the main body 45 in the directions indicated by arrows E1 and E2 (see Figure 21, etc.). In addition, the aligning member 42 can also move in the directions indicated by arrows E1 and E2. The second interlocking mechanism 80 includes a rotating lever 81, a swinging lever 83, a rotation biasing member 85, a movement biasing member 87, etc. (see Figure 30, etc.).

[0136] The rotating lever 81 is a lever having a first bearing portion 811, a first contact portion 812, and a second contact portion 813. 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 30, at a position relatively close to the alignment member 42. The first bearing section 811 is provided with a shaft hole 811a (see Figure 31(a)), which is not shown, through which the first shaft 316 can rotatably pass.

[0137] 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 50 (50B). 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 50 (50B) 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 that contacts a part of the binding device 50 (50B). The second contact surface 812b is the other contact surface facing the rear side. The above-mentioned part of the binding device 50 (50B) is a part of the main body 51. Details of a part of the main body 51 will be described later.

[0138] The second contact portion 813 is a portion that contacts the swing lever 83 on the other end side that is separated from the first bearing portion 811 in a direction different from the first contact portion 812. The second contact portion 813 is formed as a tapered portion extending in the other direction from the first bearing portion 811. Also, the second contact portion 813 has a contact surface 831a facing the front side that contacts a cam portion 832 (to be described later) of the swing lever 83. Furthermore, the second contact portion 813 has a cutout-shaped hanging portion 813d at its tip side for hooking one end portion of the rotational biasing member 85.

[0139] The swing lever 83 is a lever having a second bearing portion 831, a cam portion 832, and a pressing portion 833. The second bearing portion 831 is a portion of the swing lever 83 that is rotatably attached to the second shaft 317. The second shaft 317 is provided protruding from the lower surface of the mounting plate 31 of the integrating portion 30 at a position away from the first shaft 316. The second shaft 317 is disposed at a position farther from the aligning member 42 and shifted to the front side than the first shaft 316. The second bearing portion 831 is provided with a shaft hole (not shown) through which the second shaft 317 penetrates rotatably.

[0140] The cam portion 832 is a portion that extends from the second bearing portion 831 toward the first shaft 316 and is a portion that the second contact portion 813 contacts. 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. The cam portion 832 has a cam surface 832a at a portion facing the second contact portion 813 of the rotary 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 rotary lever 81 contacts this cam surface 832a.

[0141] The pressing portion 833 is a portion that contacts the moving member 435 and presses it in a direction E1c opposite to a second constant direction E2c described later. The pressing portion 833 is formed in a shape that bends and extends from the cam portion 832 to the side opposite to the second bearing portion 831. The pressing portion 833 contacts the moving member 435 at its extended end. The pressing portion 833 has a contact surface 833a that contacts the moving member 435. The contact surface 833a is formed as a curved surface to smooth the contact while moving to the moving member 435. 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 slopes so as to gradually separate from the first contact surface 812a of the rotary lever 81.

[0142] The rotational biasing member 85 is a member that applies a biasing force to rotate the rotary lever 81 in a direction opposite to the direction when the rotary lever 81 rotates. The direction when the rotary lever 81 rotates is the direction indicated by the arrows N1 and N2 when rotating about the first shaft 316 as a fulcrum (see FIG. 30). The above biasing force includes a biasing force Fc that rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow N2 and a biasing force Fd that rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow N1.

[0143] As the rotational biasing member 85, for example, a tension spring is applied (see FIG. 31(a)). The tension spring as the rotational biasing member 85 attaches the hook portion 85c at one end of the coil portion to the hanging portion 319 on the lower surface of the loading plate 31. Also, the tension spring attaches the hook portion 85b at the other end of the coil portion to the hanging portion 813d of the rotary lever 81. The hanging portion 319 is positioned, for example, on a virtual straight line Vc extending from the axis g1 of the first shaft 316 of the rotating lever 81. 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. 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.

[0144] The moving biasing member 87 is a member that applies a biasing force Fe to the moving member 435 so as to move the aligning member 42 back to its normal position J2. For example, a tension spring can be used as the movement biasing member 87 (see Figure 31(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 is also attached to a part of the holding portion 403 with a hook portion 87c at the other end of the coil attached in a manner that applies a biasing force Fe.

[0145] The movable biasing member 87 extends mainly due to the movement of the movable member 435, generating a biasing force Fe that returns the movable member 435 to its original position (see Figure 31). The 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 aligning member 42 is returned to its original position together with the movable member 435.

[0146] -Arrangement of the second interlocking mechanism- The second interlocking mechanism 80 is positioned so that the rotating lever 81 can come into contact with a part of the moving binding machine 50 (50B). The above movement occurs when the stapling machine 50 (50B) moves toward the corner diagonal stapling position PC (PC2) from the front side. The above movement also includes when the stapling machine 50 (50B) moves toward the dual flat stapling position PT2 from the retracted position PH1. Furthermore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 is located on the lower side of the main body portion 45 of the aligning member 42 (see Figures 21 and 22). The second interlocking mechanism 80 is installed so that the alignment member 42 stops in the normal position J2 (see Figures 21 and 30).

[0147] Furthermore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 is normally in the state shown in Figures 30 and 32, etc. In the normal state, this occurs when a part of the binding device 50 (50B) 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 50 (50B) in this case is 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 32).

[0148] Under normal circumstances, the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 is positioned to contact a part of the binding machine 50 (50B) that moves in a second, fixed direction E2c. This state is illustrated in Figure 32. The second constant direction E2c is the direction in which the stapleless stapling device 50B moves towards the corner oblique stapling position PC2 from the front side. Specifically, it is the direction in which the stapleless stapling device 50B moves from the dual flat stapling position PT2 toward the corner oblique stapling position PC2. The second constant direction E2c is as shown in Figure 33, etc.

[0149] Furthermore, in the second interlocking mechanism 80, 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 oscillating lever 83 when not in operation. In this case, the rotating lever 81 will begin to contact the cam portion 832 of the oscillating lever 83 in response to contact with a part of the binding machine 50 (50B). As will be described later, the rotating lever 81 and the oscillating lever 83 should move in conjunction with the operation in which a part of the moving binding machine 50B 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 operation so that its second contact portion 813 comes into contact with the cam portion 832 of the oscillating lever 83. At this time, as will be described later, 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 a result, the oscillating lever 83 moves in an oscillating manner.

[0150] Furthermore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 is configured such that the rotating lever 81 and the oscillating lever 83 are in the following state during normal operation. This state is one in which the tip 813b of the second contact portion 813 contacts the portion of the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832 that is closer to the second shaft 317. This state is illustrated in Figure 32. Closer to the second shaft 317 means that it is located between the midpoint of the line connecting the axis g1 of the first shaft 316 and the axis g2 of the second shaft 317 and the axis g2.

[0151] Furthermore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 is configured such that when it is in operation, the rotating lever 81 and the oscillating lever 83 perform the following actions. The operation is configured such that the amount of oscillation of the oscillating lever 83 in the first half is greater than the amount of oscillation in the second half. The amount of oscillation in the first half is the amount by which the oscillation lever 83 oscillates 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 50 (50B) touches the first contact part 812. At this time, the oscillation lever 83 oscillates in the direction of arrow Q2 with the second shaft 317 as the pivot point. 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 swing amount of the swing lever 83 is the swing width (central angle) based on the second axis 317 when it swings.

[0152] Furthermore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 is configured such that the first contact portion 812 of the rotation lever 81 and the pressing portion 833 of the swing lever 83 are as follows. That is, the first contact portion 812 and the pressing portion 833 are shaped to form a gap Sg that widens as they move away from the first axis 316 between them during normal times. The gap Sg is a V-shaped space surrounded by the first contact surface 812a of the first contact portion 812 and the inclined surface 833b of the pressing portion 833 (see FIG. 32).

[0153] -Operation of the second interlocking mechanism- Next, the operation of the second interlocking mechanism 80 will be described. (a) When the sewing device 50 (50B) moves in the second constant direction E2c toward the corner diagonal sewing position PC2. This movement is actually the movement when the needleless sewing device 50B moves from the dual flat sewing position PT2 to the corner diagonal sewing position PC2. In this case, in the second interlocking mechanism 80, a part of the moving sewing device 50 (50B) contacts the first contact portion 812 of the rotation lever 81. Specifically, the rear corner portion 55r of the main body 55 of the needleless sewing device 50B contacts the first contact surface 812a of the first contact portion 812 (see FIG. 32).

[0154] As a result, the rotation lever 81 starts to rotate in the direction of arrow N1 as the first contact portion 812 is pushed in the second constant direction E2c. Also, the swing lever 83 starts to swing in the direction of arrow Q1 as the rotation lever 81 rotates. This operation is performed by the tip 813b of the second contact portion 813 of the rotation lever 81 pushing the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832 of the swing lever 83. This operation proceeds in conjunction with the operation of the sewing device 50 (50B) moving in the second constant direction E2c.

[0155] 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 operating states are illustrated in Figure 33.

[0156] Furthermore, in the second interlocking mechanism 80, 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. 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 movable biasing member 87 extends as the movable member 435 moves, and the biasing force Fe gradually increases.

[0157] At this time, the binding machine 50 (50B) moves in the direction of arrow E2 and towards the corner diagonal binding position PH2. This movement is performed by the operation of the movement support unit 60 and by guidance from the second curved guide unit 643 of the guide groove 64 of the orientation guide plate 63. The binding machine 50 (50B) stops when it reaches the corner diagonal binding position PC2 (see Figure 34(b)) and performs the diagonal binding process. The operation of the second interlocking mechanism 80 described above stops in conjunction with the stopping of the binding machine 50 (50B) (see Figure 34(b)). At this time, the rotating lever 81 is pushed by the corner 55r of the main body of the binding machine 50 (50B) 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.

[0158] Furthermore, the rotational biasing member 85 swings and extends in the front direction E1 of the width direction E, using the hook portion 319 as a pivot point, generating a biasing force Fc. As a result, the rotation 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. As a result, the second interlocking mechanism 80 moves the aligning member 42 by moving the moving member 435. At this time, the alignment member 42 is moved in the direction E1c, which is opposite to the second fixed direction E2c (see Figures 33 and 34). Furthermore, the alignment member 42 is moved by a predetermined distance Lb from its normal position J3 at this time (see Figure 34(b)).

[0159] As a result, the alignment member 42 is moved to the avoidance position J6 and stops (see Figure 34(a)). The avoidance position J6 is a position that prevents the alignment member 42 from becoming an obstacle when the binding machine 50 (50B) performs the binding process at the corner diagonal binding position PH2. Therefore, in the media binding device 10, when the binding device 50 (50B) moves to the corner diagonal binding position PH2, the alignment member 42 moves to the avoidance position J6. In other words, in this case, the alignment member 42, which is normally in position J3, is moved to avoidance position J6 in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50 (50B). The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 22(A).

[0160] As a result, the aligning member 42 does not get in the way when the binding machine 50 (50B) moves to the corner diagonal binding position PC2 and performs the binding process. Specifically, the stapleless stapling machine 50B can perform the stapling process at the corner diagonal stapling position PC2 without the alignment member 42 becoming an obstacle. In other words, in the media binding device 10, the above-mentioned problem 2 can be resolved by the operation of the second interlocking mechanism 80.

[0161] (b) When the binding machine 50 (50B) moves from the corner diagonal binding position PC2 to the retracted position PH2. This case refers to the time when the binding machine 50 (50B) moves to the retracted position PH2 after the binding process at the corner diagonal binding position PC2 has been completed. In other words, it refers to the time when the binding machine 50 (50B) 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 50 (50B) contacts the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 changes.

[0162] At this time, the binding machine 50 (50B) moves in the direction of arrow E2 and towards the retracted position PH2 (see Figures 36 and 27(a)). This movement is performed by the operation of the movement support unit 60 and by guidance from the third curved guide unit 644 of the guide groove 64 of the orientation guide plate 63. The binding device 50 (50B) moves in the direction of arrow E2, causing it to begin moving away from the rotating lever 81.

[0163] As a result, the rotating lever 71 moves from the corner 55r to the side surface 55a of the main body 55 of the binding machine 50 (50B) and makes contact with it. At this time, the stapler 50 (50B) moves in the direction of arrow E2 with the stapleless stapling section 56, 57 tilted towards the front. As a result, the side portion 55a of the main body 55 of the stapler 50 (50B) is further from the first axis 316 than the corner portion 55r.

[0164] 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 swinging lever 83 begins to swing in the direction of arrow Q2 as the rotating lever 81 rotates in the direction of arrow E2. This operation is performed by the second contact portion 813 of the rotating lever 81 contacting the cam surface 832a of the cam portion 832 of the swinging lever 83 and moving. The above conditions are illustrated in Figure 36(a).

[0165] At this time, the rotating lever 81 and the oscillating lever 83 move so that the first contact portion 812 and the pressing portion 833 move closer to each other. 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. In the second interlocking mechanism 80, the swinging lever 83 swings in the direction of arrow Q2, causing the pushing part 833 to stop pressing 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.

[0166] As a result, the moving member 435 moves in the direction of arrow E2, 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. Next, the binding machine 50 (50B) stops when it reaches the retracted position PH2 (see Figure 37(a)). The binding machine 50 (50B) releases contact with the first contact portion 812 of the rotating lever 81 just before reaching the retracted position PH2. 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 37(a).

[0167] The second interlocking mechanism 80 returns to its normal state just before the binding machine 50 (50B) reaches the retracted position PH2 (see Figure 37(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.

[0168] As a result, the second interlocking mechanism 80 moves the aligning member 42 back to its original position as the moving member 435 moves. At this time, the alignment member 42 is moved in a second, fixed direction E2c (see Figures 36 and 37(a)). Furthermore, the alignment member 42 is moved by a predetermined distance Lb (see Figure 34(b)) from the avoidance position J6 at this time.

[0169] As a result, the alignment member 42 is moved from the avoidance position J6 to the normal position J3 and stops (see Figure 37(a)). Furthermore, in the media binding device 10, the binding device 50 (50A) can move to the dual flat binding position Pa2 and perform the binding operation. The flat stitching operation of the binding machine 50 (50A) is not hindered by the presence of the alignment member 42 in the avoidance position J6. The state at this time is illustrated by the dashed line in Figure 35(b).

[0170] (c) When the binding machine 50 (50B) moves from the retracted position PH2 to a second fixed direction E1c opposite to the direction E2c. In this case, movement refers to the movement of the stapling machine 50 (50B) from the retracted position PH2, passing through the alignment member 42. Moving through the alignment member 42 also means moving towards the dual flat stapling positions PT2 and PT1. In this case, a portion of the moving binding device 50 (50B) 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 50 (50B) becomes the front corner portion 55f of the main body 55.

[0171] At this time, the binding machine 50 (50B) moves in the direction of the reverse arrow E1c and towards the dual flat binding position PT2, etc. This movement is performed by the operation of the movement support part 60 and by guidance from the linear guide part 641 of the guide groove 64 of the orientation guide plate 63. As a result, the moving binding machine 50 (50B) is pushed by the corner 55f of the main body 55 contacting 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 37(b).

[0172] Next, when the binding machine 50 (50B) 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 50 (50B). 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 38(a).

[0173] Next, just before the stapling machine 50 (50B) reaches the dual flat stapling position PT2, 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 stapling machine 50 (50B) stops when it reaches the dual flat stapling position PT2.

[0174] As a result, the rotating lever 81 rotates in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50 (50B). However, the swinging lever 83 remains stationary without swinging, regardless of the above-mentioned movement of the binding machine 50 (50B). As a result, the moving member 435 and the aligning member 42 remain stationary without moving, just like the swinging lever 83. In other words, the alignment member 42 remains in its normal position J2 at this time. The above operating states are illustrated in Figure 38(b).

[0175] As a result, the second interlocking mechanism 80 does not move the aligning member 42 when the binding machine 50 (50B) passes the aligning member 42 from the rear side. Therefore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 does not unnecessarily move the aligning member 42 when the stapling machine 50 (50B) simply passes through to the dual flat stapling position PT2. Incidentally, the second interlocking mechanism 80, which performs the above-mentioned operation, operates in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50 (50B). Therefore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 can be operated without using the power of a dedicated power source.

[0176] 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 mechanism 80 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 oscillating 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 mechanism 80 to move the alignment member 42 smoothly.

[0177] (d) Other effective features of the second interlocking mechanism The second interlocking mechanism 80, which performs the operations described above, operates in conjunction with the movement of the binding machine 50 (50B). Therefore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 can be operated without using the power of a dedicated power source. Furthermore, in the second interlocking mechanism 80, under normal conditions, the tip 813b of the rotating lever 81 is positioned to contact the portion of the cam surface 832a of the oscillating lever 83 that is closer to the second axis 317. Therefore, the second interlocking mechanism 80 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 portion of the cam surface 832a of the oscillating 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 mechanism 80 to move the alignment member 42 smoothly.

[0178] Furthermore, in the second interlocking mechanism 80, 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 mechanism 80, 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.

[0179] The second interlocking mechanism 80 is more effective in the following respects compared to the case where the amount of oscillation of the oscillating lever 83 in the first half is the same as or less than the amount of oscillation in the second half. This is particularly effective when the normal position J2 of the alignment member 42 is biased toward the downstream end in the direction of movement of the binding machine 50 (50B). In this case, the alignment member 42 can be moved relatively more in the direction E1c, which is opposite to the direction in which the binding machine 50B moves, at an early stage. The state at this time is illustrated in Figure 31(b). In Figure 31(b), the symbol Ptb indicates the front position where a part of the binding device 50 (50B) moving to the corner diagonal binding position PC2 contacts the first contact surface 812a of the rotating lever 81. As a result, when the binding machine 50 (50B) moves from the front side to the corner diagonal binding position PC2, there is no risk of the alignment member 42 being in the way at the destination.

[0180] -Selection of standby position for stapleless stapling machine- In this example, the stapleless stapling machine 50B, similar to Embodiment 1, selects the standby position PW2 based on the position of the rear alignment member 42. In this example, the rear alignment member 42 is provided to be movable between the normal position J2 and the avoidance position J6 via the second interlocking mechanism 80. The standby position TW2 should be selected based on the position of the alignment member 42 located in the normal position J2. In this example, the stapleless stapling machine 50B comes into contact with the rear aligning member 42 as it moves from the edge stapling position PT2 towards the corner diagonal stapling position PH2. However, since the aligning member 42 is movable, it temporarily retracts and returns to its original position in accordance with the movement of the stapleless stapling machine 50B. At this time, the aligning member 42 moves against the biasing force of the movement biasing member 87 and returns to its original position when the biasing force is released. In this state, when the biasing force of the movement biasing member 87 is released, a popping sound is generated by the movement biasing member 87.

[0181] Therefore, in this example, when selecting the standby position PW2 of the alignment member 42, it is preferable to avoid generating a popping sound from the second interlocking mechanism 80. Specifically, the alignment member 42 should be selected so that it does not move to a retracted position between the standby position PW2 and the retracted position PH2. In this example, the binding machine 50B has a guide groove 64 that allows it to return to the retracted position PH2 via the corner diagonal binding position PC2 when returning from the standby position PW2. In contrast, the binding machine 50B has a structure that allows it to go directly to the standby position PW2 without going through the corner diagonal binding position PC2 when moving from the retracted position PH2. Therefore, in this example, when selecting the standby position PW2, it should be selected as the main passage 5m of the straight guide section 641 that does not require going through the corner diagonal binding position PC2 when returning to the retracted position PW2. If the standby position PW2 (PW) is selected in this manner, it is preferable to adopt a method in which the binding machine 50B is moved to the standby position PW2 when the media S is stacked. In this case, even if the binding machine 50B returns from the standby position PW2 to the retracted position PH2, it is possible to return without passing through the corner diagonal binding position PC2. In this state, the alignment member 42 remains in the normal position J2. Therefore, even if the binding machine 50B is kept in standby position PW2 when the media S is stacked, the generation of popping noise by the second interlocking mechanism 80 described above is suppressed.

[0182] (Note) (((1))) A stacking means for stacking sheet-fed media, Multiple alignment means for aligning the binding ends of the media accumulated in the accumulation means, A first binding means for binding the media accumulated in the accumulation means, A second binding means for binding the medium in a manner different from the first binding means, The first binding means or the second binding means has a guide passage that includes a plurality of edge binding positions for binding the edge of the medium and a retraction position that retracts to an area outside the aligning means arranged on both sides, and a guide means that guides the first binding means and the second binding means to each position, A moving means for moving the first binding means and the second binding means along the guide path of the guide means, When accumulating the medium in the accumulation means, the first binding means and the second binding means are moved to a standby position on the end-binding position side relative to the retracted position and made to wait, and when performing multiple end-binding processes using either the first binding means or the second binding means, the binding means to be bound, located in the standby position, is positioned at the first end-binding position and the end-binding process is performed, thereafter the binding means is moved to the second end-binding position and the end-binding process is performed, and while the binding means starts from the standby position and reaches the second end-binding position, the other binding means, which is not to be bound, is moved from the standby position to the retracted position, and the control means controls the release of the second end-binding position. A media binding device characterized by having the following features. (((2))) In the media binding device described in (((1))), The media binding device is characterized in that the standby position is selected to be a location in the guide passage that faces the back side of the aligning means arranged on both sides, or a location in the area inside the aligning means arranged on both sides. (((3))) In the media binding device described in (((2))), A media binding device characterized in that the standby position is selected to be close to one of the multiple end-binding positions. (((4))) In the media binding device described in (((2))), A media binding device characterized in that the standby position also serves as one of the multiple end-binding positions. (((5))) In a media binding device described in any of (((1))) to (((4))), The media binding apparatus is characterized in that the control means starts moving the other binding means, which is not to be bound, toward the retracted position based on the behavior of the one binding means to be bound until the completion of the first edge binding process. (((6))) In the media binding device described in (((5))), The media binding apparatus is characterized in that the control means starts moving the other binding means, which is not to be bound, toward the retracted position, triggered by the start or end signal of the first edge binding process of the one binding means to be bound. (((7))) In a media binding device described in any of (((1))) to (((6))), The media binding device is characterized in that the control means makes the first start time t1 at which one binding means to be bound begins to move to the end binding position for the second stroke different from the second start time t2 at which the other binding means not to be bound begins to move to the retracted position. (((8))) In the media binding device described in (((7))), The control means is characterized in that the second start time t2 is selected to be earlier than the first start time t1. (((9))) In a media binding device described in any of (((1))) to (((8))), The control means is characterized in that, if v1 is the speed at which one of the binding means to be bound moves to the second edge binding position, and v2 is the speed at which the other binding means not to be bound moves to the retracted position, then v2 > v1 is satisfied. (((10))) A media binding device as described in any of (((1))) to (((9))), A media processing system characterized by loading the media into the accumulation means of the media binding device and accumulating them, and then performing binding processing by the media binding device. (((11))) A processing means for applying predetermined processing to a medium, A media binding device according to any one of (((1))) to (((9))) that performs a binding process as a post-processing step on the media processed by the processing means, A media processing system characterized by comprising the following features.

[0183] According to the media binding device described in (((1))), when performing edge binding of a media using either the first binding means or the second binding means, the processing time for edge binding can be shortened compared to the case where binding means that are not to be bound are moved to a retracted position before performing edge binding with the binding means that are to be bound. According to the media binding device described in (((2))), even if there is an (upward) curl at the end of the media to be bound that is accumulated in the accumulation means, it is possible to suppress the situation in which the first binding means and the second binding means interfere with the alignment operation of the media by the alignment means. According to the media binding device described in (((3))), compared to the case where the standby position is set away from the edge binding position, the start time for multiple edge binding processes can be shortened after the media have been collected and aligned. According to the media binding device described in (((4))), compared to the case where the standby position is located at a different position from the edge binding position, the start time for multiple edge binding processes can be shortened after the media have been collected and aligned. According to the media binding device described in (((5))), it is possible to easily maintain a non-interfering positional relationship between one binding means to be bound and the other binding means not to be bound. According to the media binding device described in (((6))), the operation signal for the first edge binding process of one of the binding means to be bound can be used to easily start moving the other binding means, which is not to be bound, toward the retracted position. The media binding device according to (((7))) can reduce the drive current and drive noise associated with the start of movement compared to a method in which one binding means to be bound is moved to the second edge binding position and the other binding means not to be bound is moved to the retracted position at the same time. With the media binding device according to (((8))), contact between one binding means and the other binding means can be prevented more reliably when both are moved, compared to a device without this embodiment. According to the media binding device described in (((9))), compared to a device without a main body, when both binding means are moved, contact between them can be prevented more reliably. According to the media processing system of (((10))), when performing edge stapling of a media using either the first or second stapling means, it is possible to provide a media processing system including a media stapling device that can shorten the processing time for edge stapling compared to the case where the stapling means that are not to be stapled are moved to a retracted position before performing edge stapling with the stapling means that are to be stapled. According to the media processing system of (((11))), when performing edge stapling of a media using either the first or second stapling means, it is possible to construct a media processing system that uses a media stapling device as a post-processing device which shortens the processing time for edge stapling compared to the case where the stapling means that are not to be stapled are moved to a retracted position and then the edge stapling is performed with the stapling means that are to be stapled. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0184] 1...Stacking means, 2(2a~2c)...Alignment means, 3...First binding means, 4...Second binding means, 5...Guiding means, 5a...Guiding passage, 6...Moving means, 7...Control means, 10...Media binding device, S...Media, PH(PH1,PH2)...Retracted position, PT(PT1,PT2)...Edge binding position, PW(PW1,PW2)...Standby position, U1...Binding target, U2...Not binding target

Claims

1. A stacking means for stacking sheet-fed media, Multiple alignment means for aligning the binding ends of the media accumulated in the accumulation means, A first binding means for binding the media accumulated in the accumulation means, A second binding means for binding the medium in a manner different from the first binding means, The first binding means or the second binding means has a guide passage that includes a plurality of edge binding positions for binding the edge of the medium and a retraction position that retracts to an area outside the area of ​​the alignment means arranged on both sides, and a guide means that guides the first binding means and the second binding means to each position, A moving means for moving the first binding means and the second binding means along the guide path of the guide means, When accumulating the medium in the accumulation means, the first binding means and the second binding means are moved to a standby position on the end-binding position side relative to the retracted position and made to wait, and when performing multiple end-binding processes using either the first binding means or the second binding means, the binding means to be bound, located in the standby position, is positioned at the first end-binding position and the end-binding process is performed, thereafter the binding means is moved to the second end-binding position and the end-binding process is performed, and while the binding means is moving from the standby position to the second end-binding position, the other binding means, which is not to be bound, is moved from the standby position to the retracted position, and the second end-binding position is opened, the control means controls this. A media binding device characterized by having the following features.

2. In the media binding device according to claim 1, The media binding device is characterized in that the standby position is selected to be a location in the guide passage that faces the back side of the aligning means arranged on both sides, or a location in the area inside the aligning means arranged on both sides.

3. In the media binding device according to claim 2, A media binding device characterized in that the standby position is selected to be close to one of the multiple end-binding positions.

4. In the media binding device according to claim 2, A media binding device characterized in that the standby position also serves as one of the multiple end-binding positions.

5. In the media binding device according to claim 1, The media binding apparatus is characterized in that the control means starts moving the other binding means, which is not to be bound, toward the retracted position based on the behavior of the one binding means to be bound until the completion of the first edge binding process.

6. In the media binding device according to claim 5, The media binding device is characterized in that the control means starts moving the other binding means, which is not to be bound, toward the retracted position, triggered by the start or end signal of the first edge binding process of the binding means to be bound.

7. In the media binding device according to claim 1, The media binding device is characterized in that the control means makes the first start time t1 at which one binding means to be bound begins to move to the end binding position for the second stroke different from the second start time t2 at which the other binding means not to be bound begins to move to the retracted position.

8. In the media binding device according to claim 7, The control means is characterized in that the second start time t2 is selected to be earlier than the first start time t1.

9. In the media binding device according to claim 1, The control means is characterized in that, if v1 is the speed at which one of the binding means to be bound moves to the second edge binding position, and v2 is the speed at which the other binding means not to be bound moves to the retracted position, then v2 > v1 is satisfied.

10. A media binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, A media processing system characterized by loading the media into the accumulation means of the media binding device and accumulating them, and then performing binding processing by the media binding device.

11. A processing means for applying predetermined processing to a medium, A media binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, which performs a binding process as a post-processing step on a medium processed by the processing means, A media processing system characterized by comprising the following features.

Images