Binding processing device and image forming system

Abstract

Compared to performing stabilization based solely on the amount of tooth movement, this method provides more stable stabilization. [Solution] A binding apparatus comprising a binding processing unit that moves binding teeth toward a stack of paper and pressurizes the stack to perform binding, and a control unit that controls the movement of the binding processing unit, wherein the control unit increases the pressure applied to the binding teeth when the movement of the binding teeth in the binding process of the stack of paper does not reach a predetermined amount.

Description

Technical Field

[0004] , , , ,

[0005] , ,

[0001] The present invention relates to a binding processing apparatus and an image forming system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a post-processing apparatus having a stapling mechanism for stacking and binding a plurality of sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus, a vertically movable and horizontal paper discharge tray for stacking and accommodating the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus, an alignment mechanism for aligning the discharge direction and both side surfaces of the sheets discharged onto the paper discharge tray, a stepping motor for driving the alignment mechanism, and an upper surface detection sensor for detecting the position of the uppermost surface at the rear end side in the sheet discharge direction, which automatically calculates the weight of a stack of sheets based on the sheet size, the number of consecutive sheets, and the number of binding processes set by the operating means of the image forming apparatus, and varies the motor current of the stepping motor that drives the alignment mechanism according to the calculated weight of the stack of sheets.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] There is a technique of bundling a plurality of sheets by performing a binding process on a stack of sheets using binding teeth having irregularities. Here, when performing the binding process on a stack of sheets, for example, if the rigidity of the sheets increases or the pressing force on the stack of sheets decreases due to changes over time, the amount of movement of the binding teeth relative to the stack of sheets decreases, and a stable binding function cannot be realized.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to perform a binding process stably as compared with a case where the binding process is performed based only on the amount of movement of the binding teeth.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] The invention described in claim 1 is a binding processing device comprising a binding processing unit that moves binding teeth toward a stack of paper and pressurizes the stack of paper to perform binding, and a control unit that controls the movement of the binding processing unit, wherein the control unit increases the pressure applied to the binding teeth when the movement of the binding teeth in the binding process of the stack of paper does not reach a predetermined amount. The invention described in claim 2 is a fastening apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit increases the pressure applied to the fastening tooth when the movement of the fastening tooth does not reach a predetermined amount of movement within a predetermined time setting. The invention described in claim 3 is a fastening apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the control unit performs control to terminate the fastening process when the movement of the fastening teeth does not reach a predetermined amount of movement within a predetermined time setting, and increases the pressure applied to the fastening teeth when such control is performed a predetermined number of times. The invention described in claim 4 is a fastening apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit sequentially increases the pressure applied to the fastening tooth up to a predetermined upper limit and determines whether the movement of the fastening tooth has reached a predetermined amount. The invention described in claim 5 is a binding apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that when the movement of the binding teeth reaches a predetermined amount, the control unit controls the binding processing unit to perform the binding process with the increased pressure as a new set value. The invention described in claim 6 is a binding apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit sets the amount of movement of the binding teeth based on the number of sheets to be bound in the stack of paper and information regarding the location to be bound in the stack of paper, and increases the pressing force by a predetermined amount. The invention described in claim 7 is an image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper, and a binding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 for binding the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the invention of claim 1, the stabilization process can be performed more stably compared to the case where the stabilization process is performed based solely on the amount of movement of the stabilizing teeth. According to the invention of claim 2, the pressure applied to the prosthetic teeth can be increased after a predetermined time has elapsed. According to the invention of claim 3, by controlling the prosthetic teeth in succession, the pressure applied to the prosthetic teeth can be increased when controlling the subsequent prosthetic teeth. According to the invention of claim 4, the burden on the binding processing device can be reduced compared to the case in which the applied pressure is increased all at once to the upper limit. According to the invention of claim 5, even if the amount of movement of the binding teeth to the paper stack decreases, a more stable binding process can be performed by setting a new value. According to the invention of claim 6, even with binding processes that have different binding settings, it is possible to easily control the increase in the applied pressure. According to the invention of claim 7, an image forming system that performs stabilization processing stably can be provided compared to a case where stabilization processing is performed based solely on the amount of movement of the stabilizing teeth. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [Figure 1] This figure shows the overall configuration of the image forming system in this embodiment. [Figure 2] This is an explanatory diagram for describing the first post-processing device. [Figure 3] This is an explanatory diagram for describing the binding unit. [Figure 4] This is a diagram showing the paper stacking section viewed from above. [Figure 5] This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing unit. [Figure 6] This figure shows an example of the setting information used for the binding process. [Figure 7] These are explanatory diagrams illustrating examples of timer control. Figure 7(a) shows an example where the binding process is completed by pulse control, and Figure 7(b) shows an example where the binding process is completed by timer control. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing an example of setting conditions when changing setting information for binding processing. [Figure 9] It is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for changing the setting information of the binding process.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <Configuration of the Image Forming System> FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1 in the present embodiment. The image forming system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on a sheet of paper, and a sheet processing apparatus 3 that performs predetermined processing on the sheet of paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2.

[0010] The image forming apparatus 2 includes an image forming unit 19 that forms an image on a sheet of paper P using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The sheet of paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 2 is conveyed toward the sheet processing apparatus 3, which is a post-processing apparatus.

[0011] The sheet processing apparatus 3 includes a conveyance device 10 that conveys the sheet of paper output from the image forming apparatus 2 to the downstream side, and a sheet supply device 20 that supplies sheets such as thick paper and windowed paper to the sheet of paper conveyed by the conveyance device 10. Further, the sheet processing apparatus 3 includes a folding device 30 that performs folding processing such as inner three-fold (C-fold) or outer three-fold (Z-fold) on the sheet of paper conveyed from the conveyance device 10.

[0012] Further, the sheet processing apparatus 3 includes a first post-processing device 40 provided on the downstream side of the folding device 30, which perforates, edge-binds, center-binds, etc. the sheet of paper. Incidentally, on the downstream side of the folding device 30, a first post-processing device 40 is provided that processes a stack of sheets of paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, or processes each sheet of paper individually.

[0013] Further, the paper processing apparatus 3 is provided on the downstream side of the first post-processing apparatus 40, and includes a second post-processing apparatus 590 that further processes the folded or stapled paper bundle. The paper processing apparatus 3 also has a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes a program, and includes an information processing unit 100 that controls the entire paper processing apparatus 3. The information processing unit 100 is an example of a control unit. The paper processing apparatus 3 also includes an information display unit 915 configured by a liquid crystal monitor or the like, which displays information to the user.

[0014] The first post-processing apparatus 40 has a punching unit 41 that punches holes in the paper and an end stapling unit 42 that staples the ends of the paper bundle. The first post-processing apparatus 40 also has a first stacking unit 43 on which the paper bundle processed by the end stapling unit 42 is stacked. The first post-processing apparatus 40 also has a second stacking unit 45 on which the paper that is not processed by the first post-processing apparatus 40 or the paper that has only been punched is stacked. Furthermore, the first post-processing apparatus 40 has a stapling unit 44 that folds and staples the paper bundle to create a booklet in a spread-out state.

[0015] <The First Post-Processing Apparatus> FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the first post-processing apparatus 40. The first post-processing apparatus 40 has an entrance 49 that receives the paper conveyed from the folding apparatus 30. Immediately after the entrance 49, the first post-processing apparatus 40 has a punching unit 41. The punching unit 41 punches holes such as two holes or four holes in the paper conveyed to the first post-processing apparatus 40.

[0016] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a first paper transport path R11 extending from the receiving port 49 to the end-stitching section 42. This first paper transport path R11 is used to transport the paper received at the receiving port 49 to the end-stitching section 42. In addition, the first post-processing device 40 has a second paper transport path R12 that branches off from the first paper transport path R11 at the first branching section B1. This second paper transport path R12 is used to transport the paper to the second loading section 45.

[0017] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 has a third paper transport path R13 that branches off from the first paper transport path R11 at the second branching section B2. This third paper transport path R13 is used to transport the paper to the saddle-stitching unit 44. The first post-processing device 40 also has a switching gate 70 that switches the destination of the paper P to one of the first paper transport path R11 to the third paper transport path R13.

[0018] The end binding section 42 is equipped with a paper stacking section 60 that collects the required number of sheets of paper to generate a paper stack. The paper stacking section 60 is positioned at an angle to the horizontal and has a support plate 67 that supports the conveyed paper from below. In this embodiment, the paper stack is generated on this support plate 67.

[0019] Furthermore, the support plate 67 has an end guide 64 that aligns the position of the edges in the paper transport direction. More specifically, the end guide 64 has a regulating portion 641 and an opposing piece 642 (see Figure 4). The restricting sections 641 (641-1, 641-2, 641-3) are arranged perpendicular to the support plate 67. The ends of the paper in the direction of transport abut against these restricting sections 641, restricting the movement of the paper. Furthermore, the opposing pieces 642 (642-1, 642-2, 642-3) are connected to the regulating section 641 and are positioned to face the support plate 67. In this embodiment, when paper is placed on the support plate 67, the edges of the paper in the transport direction are inserted between the opposing pieces 642 and the support plate 67.

[0020] Furthermore, the edge binding section 42 is equipped with a paper alignment member 65 that aligns the paper in the width direction. Here, the width direction of the paper refers to the width of the paper in the direction intersecting the direction in which the paper is transported in the paper stacking section 60. In this embodiment, two paper alignment members 65 are provided. One paper alignment member 65 is positioned on one side in the width direction of the paper stack, and the other paper alignment member 65 is positioned on the other side in the width direction of the paper stack. The paper alignment members 65 are equipped with a drive source, such as a motor, and are capable of moving in the width direction of the paper (paper stack). In this embodiment, each time a sheet of paper P is supplied onto the support plate 67, the edges of the paper in the width direction are pressed by the paper alignment member 65, and the positions of the paper (paper stack) in the width direction are aligned.

[0021] Furthermore, the edge binding section 42 is provided with a binding unit 52 that moves binding teeth over the stack of paper generated in the paper stacking section 60 to pressurize the stack and perform binding. In this embodiment, the binding unit 52 performs binding without using staples. The binding unit 52 is an example of a binding processing section. Details of the binding unit 52 will be described later.

[0022] Furthermore, the edge binding section 42 is provided with a transport roll 61 that is driven to rotate and feed the stack of paper generated in the paper stacking section 60 to the first loading section 43. Furthermore, the end binding section 42 is provided with a movable roll 62 that can move to a position where it is pressed against the transport roll 61, or to a position where it is retracted from the transport roll 61.

[0023] Next, we will explain the processing performed by the end binding section 42. When processing is performed by the edge binding section 42, the transported paper is first received at the receiving slot 49. Then, the paper is transported along the first paper transport path R11 and reaches the edge binding section 42. The paper is then transported to the top of the support plate 67 and falls onto the support plate 67. The paper is supported from below by the support plate 67 and slides along the support plate 67 due to the inclination and rotation member 63 provided to the support plate 67.

[0024] Subsequently, the paper abuts against an end guide 64 attached to the end of the support plate 67. This stops the paper from moving. This operation is repeated each time paper is transported from the upstream side, and a stack of multiple sheets of paper is generated on the support plate 67.

[0025] When a predetermined number of sheets of paper are stacked on the support plate 67, the binding unit 52 performs binding on the ends of the stack of paper. The binding unit 52 clamps the stack of paper with two binding teeth, pressing the sheets of paper together to perform the binding. Subsequently, the movable roll 62 advances toward the transport roll 61, and the stack of paper is sandwiched between the movable roll 62 and the transport roll 61. Then, the transport roll 61 rotates, and the stack of paper is transported to the first loading section 43.

[0026] <Binding Unit> Figure 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the binding unit 52. As shown in Figure 3, the binding unit 52 is equipped with a first binding tooth 71 used for binding stacks of paper. The binding unit 52 is also equipped with a second binding tooth 72 above the first binding tooth 71. Hereafter, when the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 are not distinguished, they may be referred to simply as binding teeth.

[0027] Each of the first and second closure teeth 71 and 72 has a surface with alternating protrusions and recesses. More specifically, the first closure tooth 71 has a surface with alternating protrusions and recesses on the side facing the second closure tooth 72, in the direction indicated by arrow 3X in the figure. The second closure tooth 72 also has a surface with alternating protrusions and recesses on the side facing the first closure tooth 71, in the direction indicated by arrow 3X in the figure. In other words, the first closure tooth 71 has a surface with alternating protrusions and recesses on the side facing the second closure tooth 72, in the longitudinal direction. The second closure tooth 72 also has a surface with alternating protrusions and recesses on the side facing the first closure tooth 71, in the longitudinal direction. In this embodiment, the first and second closure teeth 71 and 72 are configured with alternating protrusions and recesses, but the protrusions and recesses may be arranged in other ways.

[0028] Furthermore, the stapling unit 52 is equipped with an interlocking part 600 that moves in conjunction with the second stapling teeth 72. In addition, the stapling unit 52 is equipped with a moving mechanism 500 that moves the second stapling teeth 72 toward the first stapling teeth 71. The moving mechanism 500 is equipped with a rod-shaped screw member 510 that extends along the vertical direction in the figure. The outer circumferential surface of the screw member 510 is provided with male threads, which have protrusions and grooves arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the screw member 510. Furthermore, the interlocking part 600 is equipped with a female thread portion 610, and the screw member 510, which is a male thread, meshes with the portion of the interlocking part 600 equipped with the female thread portion 610.

[0029] The moving mechanism 500 rotates the screw member 510 that engages with the interlocking part 600 in the circumferential direction, thereby moving the second staple tooth 72 toward the first staple tooth 71. More specifically, the stapling unit 52 in this embodiment is equipped with a drive motor (not shown), and when the drive motor is rotated forward, the screw member 510 rotates circumferentially and in one direction. As a result, the interlocking part 600 and the second stapling teeth 72 descend along the linear path indicated by arrow 3Y in the figure and move toward the first stapling teeth 71. This performs the stapling process.

[0030] Furthermore, when the drive motor is reversed, the screw member 510 rotates in the opposite direction. This causes the interlocking part 600 and the second fastening tooth 72 to rise. When the second fastening tooth 72 rises, it separates from the first fastening tooth 71.

[0031] Furthermore, the binding unit 52 in this embodiment is equipped with an initial position detection sensor (not shown) that detects the initial position of the interlocking portion 600. Furthermore, the binding unit 52 is equipped with an encoder (not shown) that detects the rotation of the drive motor and outputs a pulse signal when the interlocking part 600 deviates from its initial position.

[0032] In this embodiment, the second stapling tooth 72 is moved using a screw member 510, but the mechanism for moving the second stapling tooth 72 is not particularly limited. Other mechanisms such as a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism may also be used. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second stapling tooth 72 is moved, but the first stapling tooth 71 may be moved, or both the first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72 may be moved.

[0033] Figure 4 shows the paper stacking section 60 as viewed from above. Next, we will describe the movement of the binding unit 52 on the paper stacking section 60. In this embodiment, the binding unit 52 is movably mounted relative to the paper stacking unit 60. The binding unit 52 moves in a direction intersecting the paper transport direction. It can also be said that the binding unit 52 moves along the depth direction (back and front direction) of the first post-processing device 40. As a result, the binding unit 52 can perform binding on the paper stack at multiple locations.

[0034] The binding unit 52 stops at two points (positions (A) and (B) in Figure 4) that are located at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40, and performs binding at these two points. The binding unit 52 also stops at one end of the paper stack (one corner of the paper stack) as shown at position (C) in Figure 4, and performs binding at this point. The binding unit 52 also stops at the other end of the paper stack (the other corner of the paper stack) as shown at position (D) in Figure 4, and performs binding at this point. The binding positions (A) to (D) shown above are just examples of binding positions, and the binding position is not limited to these.

[0035] In this embodiment, the binding unit 52 moves linearly between position (A) and position (B). Furthermore, the binding unit 52 moves between position (A) and position (C), and between position (B) and position (D), with a rotation of, for example, 45°. In this embodiment, the binding unit 52 is equipped with a drive source such as a motor, enabling the movement described above. Alternatively, a configuration may be adopted in which a movable belt member is provided, the binding unit 52 is attached to the belt member, and the binding unit 52 is moved in accordance with the movement of the belt member.

[0036] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the paper stacking unit 60 is equipped with a plurality of end guides 64. These end guides 64 are arranged at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40. Note that the number of end guides 64 shown in Figure 4 is just an example and is not limited to this.

[0037] First, when the binding process is performed at position (A) in Figure 4, the binding is performed through the gap formed between the opposing piece 642-1 located on the front side and the opposing piece 642-2 located in the center. Also, when the binding process is performed at position (B) in Figure 4, the binding is performed through the gap formed between the opposing piece 642-2 located on the center side and the opposing piece 642-3 located on the back side.

[0038] In this embodiment, the example described is a binding unit 52 that does not use binding members such as staples, but additional binding units that use binding members such as staples may also be provided. When an additional binding unit using binding components is provided, for example, the binding unit used for binding can be switched according to instructions from the user. In this case, both binding without binding components and binding with binding components can be performed.

[0039] In this embodiment, the maximum distance between the first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72 is greater than the height dimension of the end guide 64. This allows the stapling unit 52 to pass through the end guide 64.

[0040] <Hardware configuration of the information processing unit> Figure 5 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the information processing unit 100. The information processing unit 100 includes a processing unit 201, an information storage device 202 for storing information, and a network interface 203 for enabling communication via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable or the like.

[0041] The processing unit 201 is comprised of a computer. The processing unit 201 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 211, which is an example of a processor that performs various processes described later. The processing unit 201 also includes a ROM (Read Only Memory) 212 where software is stored, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 213 used as a work area. The information storage device 202 is implemented using existing devices such as a hard disk drive, semiconductor memory, or magnetic tape. The processing unit 201, the information storage device 202, and the network interface 203 are connected via a bus 206 and signal lines (not shown).

[0042] The program executed by the CPU 211 can be provided to the information processing unit 100 while stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program executed by the CPU 211 may be provided to the information processing unit 100 using communication means such as the internet.

[0043] In this embodiment, the CPU 211, as an example of a processor, executes programs stored in the ROM 212 and the information storage device 202, thereby realizing various functions of the information processing unit 100.

[0044] Figure 6 shows an example of the setting information used in the binding process. In this embodiment, information necessary for performing the binding process is stored in the information storage device 202 in advance. More specifically, in this embodiment, the number of pulses that determine the amount of movement and the current value supplied to the drive motor are set in advance according to the type of binding process and the number of sheets to be bound. Here, information for one-point binding and two-point binding is stored as the type of binding process. Also, in the example shown in Figure 6, the number of sheets to be bound is distinguished into, for example, five stages from 2 to 10 sheets. The number of pulses and the current value are set for each stage. In Figure 6, these are not expressed as specific numerical values, but as pulse settings 1 to 10 and current value settings 1 to 10. These setting values ​​can be arbitrarily determined, for example, according to the function of the binding processing unit 52.

[0045] More specifically, in the example shown in Figure 6, for example, in single-point binding, if the number of sheets bound is 2, pulse setting 1 and current value setting 1 are set. Also, for example, in double-point binding, if the number of sheets bound is 3 to 4, pulse setting 7 and current value setting 7 are set. Upon receiving a binding instruction, the information processing unit 100 performs the binding process based on the specified binding type and the setting values ​​corresponding to the number of pages to be bound.

[0046] Here, when performing the binding process based on predetermined settings shown in Figure 6, if, for example, the rigidity of the paper increases or the pressure applied to the paper stack decreases due to changes over time, it may not be possible to count the number of pulses determined by the settings. In this case, the movement of the second binding tooth 72 will not reach the predetermined amount of movement. Since the operation will not be completed in this state, control is also implemented that considers the binding process to be complete after a predetermined time has elapsed, even if the number of pulses determined by the settings cannot be counted. In the following, a control system that considers the binding process complete after a predetermined time has elapsed may be referred to as timer control.

[0047] Figure 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of timer control. Figure 7(a) shows an example where the binding process is completed by pulse control, and Figure 7(b) shows an example where the binding process is completed by timer control. Here, the waveform L shown in Figure 7 represents the waveform output by the initial position detection sensor, and the waveform M represents the pulse signal output by the encoder. The waveform N represents the current value supplied to the drive motor. The horizontal axis in Figures 7(a) and (b) is the time axis, and time point P indicates the starting point for starting measurement of a predetermined time setting. Time point Q indicates when the second binding tooth 72 comes into contact with the stack of paper.

[0048] In this embodiment, when current is supplied to the drive motor, the drive motor rotates, and the driving force from this drive motor is transmitted to the interlocking part 600 (see Figure 3). As a result, the interlocking part 600 and the second prosthesis tooth 72 begin to move. The initial position detection sensor then detects that the interlocking part 600 has moved from its initial position and outputs a signal to the information processing unit 100. When current is supplied to the drive motor, the drive motor rotates, and the encoder detects the rotation of the drive motor and outputs a pulse signal.

[0049] At time point P shown in Figure 7, when the initial position detection sensor detects movement of the interlocking part 600 from its initial position, the information processing unit 100 starts measuring for a predetermined time setting. Subsequently, as the second binding teeth 72 advance toward the stack of paper, they come into contact with the stack of paper at time Q shown in Figure 7. As the drive motor continues to rotate, the pressure exerted on the stack of paper by the second binding teeth 72 increases, and the current supplied to the drive motor increases.

[0050] In the example shown in Figure 7(a), the set and predetermined number of pulses can be counted, indicating that the second binding tooth 72 has moved down to the required position, that is, that the stack of paper is being pressurized by the required amount. In the example shown in Figure 7(a), the information processing unit 100 determines that the movement of the second binding tooth 72 has reached a predetermined amount and completes the binding process.

[0051] On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 7(b), the pressing force of the binding teeth is insufficient, and the predetermined number of pulses cannot be counted, causing the pulse signal to stop at time R. In this case, the information processing unit 100 determines that the movement of the second binding tooth 72 has not reached the predetermined amount of movement. In the example shown in Figure 7(b), even if this pulse signal stops, the paper stack continues to be pushed in until the predetermined time setting shown at time S has elapsed, and the binding process is considered to be complete.

[0052] In this way, by continuing to apply pressure with the binding teeth until a predetermined time has elapsed, a certain binding function for the paper stack is ensured. However, in this embodiment, in order to achieve a more stable binding process, the setting information used for the binding process is changed. More specifically, in this embodiment, if the predetermined number of pulses cannot be counted and the binding process is deemed to have ended by timer control, it is determined that the pressure on the binding teeth is insufficient, and the pressure on the binding teeth is increased.

[0053] Figure 8 shows an example of the setting conditions when changing the settings information for the binding process. Figure 8 shows the conditions for controlling the current value adjustment when increasing the clamping force on the binding teeth by increasing the current value supplied to the drive motor, and an example of the setting of a specific adjustment method. The conditions for controlling the current value adjustment are set as triggers that occur when the adjustment is performed. In this case, the current value adjustment trigger is set to "timer control detection count 2 times," and the current value adjustment is performed when the timer control shown in Figure 7(b) is performed twice. This "timer control detection count 2 times" means that when binding a stack of paper in two places, if the timer control is performed consecutively at the first binding position and the second binding position, the current value adjustment will be performed in the next binding process. However, the timer control detection count may be a single number, such as 1, or it may be multiple, such as 3 or more.

[0054] Furthermore, as a specific adjustment method, the example shown in Figure 8 includes settings for the current value adjustment range and the current value adjustment upper limit. The current value adjustment range is the amount of current value increase per step to sequentially increase the current value supplied to the drive motor. The current value adjustment upper limit is a predetermined current value that serves as the maximum current value supplied to the drive motor. In the example shown in Figure 8, the current adjustment range is set to "0.1A" and the current adjustment upper limit is set to "3.5A". The current adjustment range of "0.1A" was adopted to gradually increase the current to the drive motor. By increasing it gradually, the pressure on the stapling teeth is increased sequentially, minimizing the impact on the stapling unit 52. The current adjustment upper limit of "3.5A" was adopted considering the durability of the stapling unit 52. This aims to ensure stable stapling while minimizing the impact on the durability of the stapling unit 52 body. Note that these values ​​are not limited to the example shown in Figure 8 and can be determined considering the durability of the stapling unit 52, etc.

[0055] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing the flow of the process for changing the binding settings. First, the CPU 211 of the information processing unit 100 waits for the binding process (step 101) and confirms that the binding process has been selected (step 102). Next, the CPU 211 checks whether it has pressed down for the required number of pulses during pressurization and completed the operation (step 103). The CPU 211 obtains setting values ​​corresponding to the type of binding process and the number of sheets to be bound from the setting information stored in the information storage device 202 (see Figure 6). Then, it executes the binding process and determines whether it has pressed down for the required number of pulses according to the setting values ​​and completed the operation.

[0056] If the necessary pulses are pressed during pressurization and the operation is completed (YES in step 103), the timer control detection count is reset (step 104), and the process returns to step 101. On the other hand, if the necessary pulses are not pressed during pressurization and the operation is not completed (NO in step 103), the timer control detection count is increased by 1 (step 105).

[0057] Next, the CPU 211 of the information processing unit 100 checks whether the number of timer control detections is less than a predetermined number (step 106). This predetermined number is stored as a setting condition as shown in Figure 8, and the determination is made based on that setting condition. If the current value adjustment trigger is set to "timer control detection count 2 times", it is determined whether the count is less than 2.

[0058] If the number of timer control detections is less than a predetermined number (YES in step 106), the process returns to step 101. On the other hand, if the number of timer control detections is equal to or greater than a predetermined number (NO in step 106), the CPU 211 determines whether the current value setting is greater than the current value adjustment upper limit (step 107). Here, as shown in Figure 8, the current value adjustment upper limit is set to, for example, "3.5A".

[0059] If the current value setting is greater than the current value adjustment limit (YES in step 107), the process returns to step 101. On the other hand, if the current value setting is not greater than the current value adjustment limit (NO in step 107), the current value adjustment range is added to the current value setting (step 108), and the process ends. Here, as shown in Figure 8, the current value adjustment range is set to, for example, "0.1A", and the current value adjustment range "0.1A" is added to the current value setting. This increases the pressure applied to the prosthetic teeth.

[0060] In this embodiment, when the current value adjustment range is added to the current value setting, the new current value setting is stored in the information storage device 202 (see Figure 5) as setting information as shown in Figure 6. From the next binding process onward, the binding process is performed based on this new current value setting. In this way, by gradually increasing the pressure on the binding teeth in small increments, stable binding is achieved while minimizing the impact on the durability of the unit body.

[0061] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various other modifications and substitutions of configurations that do not depart from the technical concept of the present invention are included in the present invention.

[0062] <Note> (((1))) A binding apparatus comprising a binding processing unit that moves binding teeth toward a stack of paper and pressurizes the stack of paper to perform binding, and a control unit that controls the movement of the binding processing unit, wherein the control unit increases the pressure applied to the binding teeth when the movement of the binding teeth in the binding process of the stack of paper does not reach a predetermined amount. (((2))) The fastening apparatus according to (((1))), characterized in that the control unit increases the pressure applied to the fastening tooth when the movement of the fastening tooth does not reach a predetermined amount of movement within a predetermined time setting. (((3))) The binding apparatus according to (((1))) or (((2))), characterized in that the control unit performs control to terminate the binding process if the movement of the binding teeth does not reach a predetermined amount of movement within a predetermined time setting, and increases the pressure applied to the binding teeth if such control is performed a predetermined number of times. (((4))) The fastening apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), characterized in that the control unit sequentially increases the pressure applied to the fastening teeth up to a predetermined upper limit and determines whether the movement of the fastening teeth has reached a predetermined amount. (((5))) The binding processing apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), characterized in that when the movement of the binding teeth reaches a predetermined amount, the control unit controls the binding processing unit to perform the binding process with the increased pressure as a new set value. (((6))) The binding apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), characterized in that the control unit sets the amount of movement of the binding teeth based on the number of sheets to be bound in the stack of paper and information regarding the location to be bound in the stack of paper, and increases the pressing force by a predetermined increase. (((7))) An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper, and a binding apparatus according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))) for binding the paper on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus.

[0063] According to the invention of (((1))), the stabilization process can be performed more stably compared to the case where the stabilization process is performed based solely on the amount of movement of the stabilizing teeth. According to the invention of (((2))), the pressure applied to the prosthetic teeth can be increased after a predetermined time has elapsed. According to the invention of (((3))), by controlling the prosthetic teeth in succession, the pressure applied to the prosthetic teeth can be increased when controlling the subsequent prosthetic teeth. According to the invention of (((4))), the burden on the binding processing device can be reduced compared to the case in which the applied pressure is increased all at once to the upper limit. According to the invention of (((5))), even if the amount of movement of the binding teeth to the stack of paper decreases, a more stable binding process can be performed by setting a new value. According to the invention of (((6))), even with binding processes that have different binding settings, it is possible to easily control the increase in the applied pressure. According to the invention of (((7))), an image forming system that performs stabilization processing stably can be provided compared to a case where stabilization processing is performed based only on the amount of movement of the stabilizing teeth. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0064] 1…Image forming system, 2…Image forming apparatus, 3…Paper processing device, 40…First post-processing device, 42…Edge binding unit, 43…First loading unit, 52…Binding processing unit, 60…Paper stacking unit, 61…Conveyor roll, 62…Movable roll, 64…End guide, 65…Paper alignment member, 71…First binding tooth, 72…Second binding tooth, 67…Support plate, 100…Information processing unit, 500…Moving mechanism, 600…Interlocking part

Claims

1. A binding unit that moves the binding teeth toward the stack of paper, pressurizes the stack of paper, and performs the binding process, A control unit that controls the movement of the binding processing unit and Equipped with, The control unit increases the pressure applied to the binding teeth if the movement of the binding teeth during the binding process of the paper stack does not reach a predetermined amount. A binding processing device characterized by the following features.

2. The control unit increases the pressure applied to the prosthesis tooth if, within a predetermined time setting, the movement of the prosthesis tooth does not reach a predetermined amount. The binding apparatus according to feature 1.

3. The control unit performs a control to terminate the stapling process if the movement of the stapling tooth does not reach a predetermined amount within a predetermined time setting, and increases the pressure applied to the stapling tooth if this control is performed a predetermined number of times. The binding apparatus according to feature 2.

4. The control unit sequentially increases the pressure applied to the prosthesis tooth until it reaches a predetermined upper limit, and determines whether the movement of the prosthesis tooth has reached a predetermined amount. The binding apparatus according to feature 1.

5. When the movement of the stitched teeth reaches a predetermined amount, the control unit controls the stitching unit to perform the stitching process using the increased pressure as a new set value. The binding apparatus according to feature 4.

6. The control unit sets the amount of movement of the binding teeth based on the number of sheets in the stack of paper and information regarding the location where the binding process is performed on the stack of paper. The aforementioned pressure is increased by a predetermined amount. The binding apparatus according to feature 1.

7. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper, A binding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, which binds a sheet of paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, An image forming system comprising the following features.

Images