Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

The present invention provides a media processing device that improves the degree of freedom in the binding position on a media bundle. [Solution] The media processing device comprises an accumulation means for accumulating media, a media bundle which is a plurality of media accumulated in the accumulation means for moving in the transport direction, a binding means which is movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction and binds the media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means, and a control means which controls the operation of the transport direction movement means and the binding means. The control means moves the media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means in the transport direction by the transport direction movement means and moves the binding means in the main scanning direction so that the binding means faces the binding position on the media bundle and binds the binding position of the media bundle with the binding means.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a media processing apparatus that binds a sheet-like medium on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus into a bundle (hereinafter referred to as a "media bundle") is known. For example, the media processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1 is configured to be able to bind a plurality of binding positions in the main scanning direction of a media bundle stacked on a stacking tray by mounting a moving mechanism that moves a stapler in the main scanning direction.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the configuration of Patent Document 1, since the stapler only moves in the main scanning direction, it is impossible to move the binding position in the conveyance direction on the media bundle stacked on the stacking tray, and there is a problem that the degree of freedom of the binding position is low.

[0004] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a media processing apparatus with improved freedom in binding positions on a media bundle.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] To solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention comprises: an accumulation means for accumulating media; a transport direction moving means for moving a media bundle, which is a plurality of media accumulated in the accumulation means, in the transport direction; a binding means that is movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction and binds the media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means; and a control means for controlling the operation of the transport direction moving means and the binding means, wherein the control means moves the media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means in the transport direction by the transport direction moving means and moves the binding means in the main scanning direction so that the binding means faces the binding position on the media bundle and binds the binding position of the media bundle with the binding means. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] According to the present invention, the degree of freedom in the binding position on the media bundle can be improved. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] External view of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] External view of the image forming system. [Figure 3] A diagram showing the internal structure of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 4] A side view showing the internal configuration of the binding apparatus according to the first embodiment, and a plan view showing the location of the transport path. [Figure 5] A plan view of the position of the internal tray of the binding apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] A diagram showing an example of a mechanism for driving a pair of conveyor rollers. [Figure 7] A diagram showing the structure of the crimped binding section. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the state of the binding device until the sheet reaches the transport roller pair. [Figure 9] This diagram shows the state of a binding device that performs binding. [Figure 10] Figure 9(B) shows the binding device as viewed from the sheet thickness direction. [Figure 11]This diagram shows the state of the binding processing device when a bound sheet bundle is discharged into the output tray. [Figure 12] An example of a hardware configuration diagram for an image forming apparatus. [Figure 13] Another example of a hardware configuration diagram for an image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] A flowchart of the binding control process according to the first embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the sheet bundle and the crimping and binding section during the binding control process. [Figure 16] A diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the sheet bundle and the crimping and binding section in the binding control process. [Figure 17] A diagram showing other examples of binding marks. [Figure 18] A diagram showing yet another example of binding marks. [Figure 19] A diagram showing an example of binding marks that avoid the image-forming region. [Figure 20] An example of a plan view of a binding processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 21] Another example of a plan view and an enlarged view of a main part of the binding processing device according to the second embodiment. [Figure 22] A diagram showing the position sensor provided in the crimping and binding section. [Figure 23] Flowchart for the transport direction movement process. [Figure 24] A diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the sheet bundle and the crimping and binding section during the binding control process. [Figure 25] A diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the sheet bundle and the crimping and binding section in the binding control process. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an external view of the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B. The image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B are apparatuses that form an image on a sheet S (typically, paper), which is an example of a sheet-like medium. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B mainly include a housing 111 and an image forming unit 115 (image forming means).

[0009] The housing 111 is box-shaped with an internal space formed to accommodate the components of the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B. Also, an internal space W accessible from the outside of the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B is formed in the housing 111. The internal space W is located, for example, slightly above the center in the vertical direction of the housing 111. Also, the outer wall of the housing 111 is cut away so that the internal space W is exposed to the outside. In the internal space W, a processing device (for example, an option device 20, a binding processing device 30) that performs various processes on the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 115 is installed. Also, the internal space W is a space where the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatuses 1A and 1B can be discharged, and is also a space where the discharged sheet S can be taken out.

[0010] As an example, as shown in FIG. 1(A), a binding processing device 30 (medium processing device) is arranged in the internal space W of the image forming apparatus 1A. In this configuration, a plurality of sheets S on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 115 are subjected to a binding process by the binding processing device 30 and discharged to the discharge tray 32.

[0011] As another example, as shown in FIG. 1(B), an option device 20 and a binding processing device 30 are arranged in the internal space W of the image forming apparatus 1B. In this configuration, in this example, a plurality of sheets S on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 115 are processed (for example, liquid application processing for the binding position, punching hole drilling processing, folding processing) by the option device 20 and are also subjected to a binding process by the binding processing device 30 and discharged to the discharge tray 32.

[0012] The optional device 20 and the binding processing device 30 are each unitized, and the input / output interfaces of the sheet S can be connected to them. In other words, the optional device 20 and the binding processing device 30 are configured to be interchangeable depending on the application of the image forming apparatus 1A and 1B. More specifically, the input interfaces of the optional device 20 and the binding processing device 30 can be connected to the output interface of the image forming unit 115. Also, the input interface of the binding processing device 30 can be connected to the output interface of the optional device 20. Adjacent units are connected to each other detachably by mechanical locks or magnets. Furthermore, each device installed in the internal space W of the cylinder is connected to the controller 150 (see Figure 12) by harnesses for transmitting and receiving various signals.

[0013] Figure 2 shows the external views of the image forming systems 2A, 2B, and 2C. As shown in Figure 2, the image forming systems 2A to 2C consist of image forming apparatuses 1A, 1B, and 1C, and post-processing apparatuses 3A, 3B, and 3C. The post-processing apparatuses 3A and 3B may be, for example, devices that perform sorting on sheet bundles Sb (media bundles) discharged from the binding apparatus 30. A relay device 4 is installed in the internal space W of the image forming apparatus 1C to relay the sheets S, on which images have been formed and which have been discharged into the internal space W, to the post-processing apparatus 3C. The post-processing apparatus 3C may be, for example, a binding apparatus 30. That is, as shown in Figure 2(C), the binding apparatus 30 may be externally attached to the image forming apparatus 1C.

[0014] Figure 3 shows the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1A. The image forming apparatuses 1B and 1C have similar configurations. The image forming apparatus 1A mainly comprises a document transport device 110, a document reader 102, a feed tray 112, a feed roller 197, an image forming unit 115, a fixing unit 120, a pair of transport rollers 131 and 132 (transport unit), and an output tray 135. In this specification, an example of an electrophotographic image forming unit 115 that uses toner to form images is described, but an inkjet system that uses ink to form images may also be used.

[0015] The document transport device 110 transports the document D, on which an image has already been formed, toward the document reader 102. The document reader 102 optically reads the image formed on the document D transported by the document transport device 110 and generates image data. As the reading element of the document reader 102, for example, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) can be used.

[0016] The feed tray 112 holds multiple sheets S stacked on top of each other. The feed roller 197 feeds the sheets S contained in the feed tray 112 one by one toward the image forming unit 115. The image forming unit 115 forms an image on the sheets S fed by the feed roller 197, indicated by image data generated by the document reader 102 (or received from an external device via a communication network). The image forming unit 115 comprises a writing device 103, image forming units 104Y, 104M, 104C, 104K, an intermediate transfer belt 178, and a secondary transfer roller 189.

[0017] The writing device 103 converts the image represented by the image data into laser light of multiple colors (yellow, magenta, cyan, and black) and irradiates the photoreceptor drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K of the image formation units 104Y, 104M, 104C, and 104K with the corresponding color images. As a result, the images of each color formed on the surface of the photoreceptor drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105K are formed. The images of each color formed on the photoreceptor drums 105Y, 105M, 105C, and 105 are then transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 178 to form a color image. The secondary transfer roller 189 transfers the color image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 178 onto the sheet S fed by the feed roller 197 and transports it to the fixing unit 120.

[0018] The fixing unit 120 fixes the image transferred to the sheet S by the secondary transfer roller 189 and transports it to the transport roller pair 131 and 132. The transport roller pair 131 transports the sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 120 toward the binding processing device 30 installed in the cylinder space W. The transport roller pair 132 transports the sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 120 toward the discharge tray 135 installed in the cylinder space W. Alternatively, the transport roller pair 132 inverts the sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 120 through the inversion transport path 136 and supplies it again to the image forming unit 115. The destination of the sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 120 can be switched, for example, by user operation via the operation panel 149 (or by instructions from an external device).

[0019] [First Embodiment] [Configuration of the binding processing device 30] Figure 4 is a side view (A) and a plan view (B) of the location of the transport path PH1 showing the internal configuration of the binding processing device 30 according to the first embodiment. Figure 5 is a plan view of the location of the internal tray 37 of the binding processing device 30 according to the first embodiment. The binding processing device 30 performs a binding process (post-processing) in which it bundles and binds a plurality of sheets S (sheet bundle Sb) on which images have been formed by the image forming unit 115. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the binding processing device 30 comprises a binding case 31, an output tray 32, a plurality of transport roller pairs 33, 34, 35, 36 (transport means), an internal tray 37 (accumulation means), a tapping roller 38, a return roller 39, end fences 40L, 40R (transport direction alignment means), side fences 41L, 41R (main scanning direction alignment means), a crimping binding unit 42, and a staple binding unit 43.

[0020] The binding case 31 is box-shaped with an internal space for housing the components of the binding processing device 30. A transport path Ph1, through which the sheets S pass, is also formed within the internal space of the binding case 31. The discharge tray 32 is supported on the outer surface of the binding case 31. The discharge tray 32 holds the sheets S or sheet bundles Sb that have been transported by the transport roller pairs 33-36.

[0021] The transport roller pairs 33-36 are arranged on the transport path Ph1 at predetermined intervals. The transport roller pairs 33-36 transport the sheet S along the transport path Ph1. The transport roller pair 33 consists of a drive roller 33a and a driven roller 33b, which are positioned opposite each other across the transport path Ph1. The drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b are rotatably supported by the binding case 31. The drive roller 33a is driven forward in the direction of transporting the sheet S (clockwise in Figure 4) by the rotational drive force of the transport motor 45. The driven roller 33b is positioned opposite the drive roller 33a across the transport path Ph1 and moves in conjunction with the rotation of the drive roller 33a. Then, with the drive roller 33a and the driven roller 33b gripping the sheet S, the transport motor 45 is driven, and the sheet S is transported along the transport path Ph1.

[0022] The basic configuration of the transport roller pairs 34-36 is the same as that of transport roller pair 33. However, transport roller pair 36 consists of a drive roller 36a and a driven roller 36b that can move toward and away from the drive roller 36a. Furthermore, transport roller pair 35 may be configured to slide in the width direction in order to realize a sorting process that shifts the sheets S in the width direction and discharges them to the discharge tray 32.

[0023] Figure 6 shows an example of a mechanism for driving a transport roller pair 36. In the first embodiment, the transport roller pair 36 is driven by a drive shaft 44a, a driven shaft 44b, a transport motor 45 (drive source), and a plurality of gears 46a, 46b (drive force transmission mechanism), as shown in Figure 6(A), for example.

[0024] The drive shaft 44a and the driven shaft 44b are located on opposite sides of the sheet S, and each extends in the main scanning direction. The drive shaft 44a and the driven shaft 44b are rotatably supported by the binding case 31. Furthermore, the drive shaft 44a is inserted through the drive roller 33a, and the driven shaft 44b is inserted through the driven roller 33b, so that they rotate as a single unit. The transport motor 45 is configured to rotate in both forward and reverse directions according to the control of the controller 160. Gear 46a is attached to the output shaft of the transport motor 45. Gear 46b is attached to the drive shaft 44a. Furthermore, gears 46a and 46b mesh with each other.

[0025] The driving force of the transport motor 45 is transmitted to the drive shaft 44a via gears 46a and 46b. When the transport motor 45 rotates forward, the drive roller 36a rotates clockwise in Figure 6, and the driven roller 36b follows the rotation of the drive roller 36a in a counterclockwise direction in Figure 6. As a result, the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb held between the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b is transported in a first transport direction (i.e., towards the end fences 40L and 40R). On the other hand, when the transport motor 45 rotates backward, the drive roller 36a rotates counterclockwise in Figure 6, and the driven roller 36b follows the rotation of the drive roller 36a in a clockwise direction in Figure 6. As a result, the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb held between the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b is transported in a second transport direction (i.e., away from the end fences 40L and 40R).

[0026] In this specification, among the transport directions of the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37, the direction approaching the end fences 40L and 40R is referred to as the "first transport direction," and the direction moving away from the end fences 40L and 40R is referred to as the "second transport direction." In other words, the first transport direction and the second transport direction are opposite directions. The first transport direction and the second transport direction may also be collectively referred to simply as the "transport direction." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the transport direction and the thickness direction of the sheet S supported by the internal tray 37 is referred to as the "main scanning direction."

[0027] As a modified example, the transport roller pair 36 may be driven by a pair of drive rollers 36a', 36b', a pair of drive shafts 44a', 44b', a transport motor 45 (drive source), and gears 46a, 46b, 46c (drive force transmission mechanism), for example, as shown in Figure 6(B).

[0028] A pair of drive shafts 44a' and 44b' extend in the main scanning direction at positions opposite each other across the sheet S. The drive shafts 44a' and 44b' are rotatably supported by the binding case 31. Furthermore, drive shaft 44a' is inserted through drive roller 36a', and drive shaft 44b' is inserted through drive roller 36b'. The transport motor 45 is configured to rotate in both forward and reverse directions according to the control of the controller 160. Gear 46a is mounted on the output shaft of the transport motor 45. Gear 46b is mounted on drive shaft 44a'. Gear 46c is mounted on drive shaft 44b'. Furthermore, gears 46a, 46b, and 46c mesh with each other.

[0029] The driving force of the transport motor 45 is transmitted to the drive shafts 44a' and 44b' via gears 46a, 46b, and 46c. When the transport motor 45 rotates forward, the drive roller 36a' rotates clockwise in Figure 6, and the drive roller 36b' rotates counterclockwise in Figure 6. As a result, the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb held between the drive rollers 36a' and 36b' is transported in the first transport direction. On the other hand, when the transport motor 45 rotates backward, the drive roller 36a' rotates counterclockwise in Figure 6, and the drive roller 36b' rotates clockwise in Figure 6. As a result, the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb held between the drive rollers 36a' and 36b' is transported in the second transport direction.

[0030] In the example shown in Figure 6(A), the mechanism for transmitting the driving force of the transport motor 45 to the transport roller pair 36 is simplified. On the other hand, in the example shown in Figure 6(B), since the driving force of the transport motor 45 is transmitted to both the drive rollers 36a' and 36b', the slippage of the drive rollers 36a' and 36b' relative to the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb can be reduced. Note that the method for transmitting the driving force of the transport motor 45 to the transport roller pair 36 is not limited to gears, but may also be an endless annular belt, a cam, or other components.

[0031] The internal tray 37 shown in Figure 5 temporarily supports (accumulates) multiple sheets S that are transported by the transport roller pair 36. The tapping roller 38 is supported at the tip of the rotating arm above the internal tray 37. The tapping roller 38 supplies the sheets S, which are held between the transport roller pair 36, to the internal tray 37 as the rotating arm rotates. The return roller 39 rotates in contact with the upper surface of the sheets S supported by the internal tray 37, guiding the sheets S toward the transport roller pair 36.

[0032] The end fences 40L and 40R contact the downstream end of the sheet S supported by the internal tray 37 in the first transport direction to align the position of the sheet S in the transport direction. The side fences 41L and 41R contact both ends of the sheet S in the width direction supported by the internal tray 37 to align the position in the main scanning direction.

[0033] The crimping and stapling section 42 and the stapling section 43 (stapling means) are located at the downstream end of the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37 in the first transport direction. The crimping and stapling section 42 and the stapling section 43 are configured to move independently in the main scanning direction along the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37. Furthermore, the crimping and stapling section 42 and the stapling section 43 are configured to rotate independently around pivot axes 55 and 57 that extend in the thickness direction of the sheet S supported by the internal tray 37. The crimping and stapling section 42 is, for example, a crimping and stapling means that staples the sheet bundle Sb by pressurizing and deforming it. The stapling section 43 is, for example, a stapling means that staples the sheet bundle Sb by passing stapling needles through it. However, the stapling processing device 30 may have only one of the crimping and stapling section 42 and the stapling section 43, or it may have both.

[0034] The crimping and binding unit 42 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction by a main scanning motor 47, a drive pulley 48a, a driven pulley 48b, and endless annular belts 49a and 49b. The main scanning motor 47 generates a driving force to move the crimping and binding unit 42 in the main scanning direction. The drive pulley 48a and the driven pulley 48b are each rotatably supported by the binding case 31 at positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction. The endless annular belt 49a is stretched between the output shaft of the main scanning motor 47 and the drive pulley 48a. The endless annular belt 49b is stretched between the drive pulley 48a and the driven pulley 48b. The crimping and binding unit 42 is attached to the endless annular belt 49b.

[0035] The driving force of the main scanning motor 47 is transmitted to the drive pulley 48a via the endless annular belt 49a. The endless annular belt 49b rotates around the drive pulley 48a and the driven pulley 48b as the drive pulley 48a rotates. As a result, the crimping and binding section 42 attached to the endless annular belt 49b moves in the main scanning direction. The drive pulley 48a, the driven pulley 48b, and the endless annular belts 49a and 49b are an example of a driving force transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the main scanning motor 47 to the crimping and binding section 42. However, the specific configuration of the driving force transmission mechanism is not limited to the example described above.

[0036] The stapler 43 is configured to be movable in the main scanning direction by a main scanning motor 50, a drive pulley 51a, a driven pulley 51b, and endless annular belts 52a and 52b. The main scanning motor 50 generates a driving force to move the stapler 43 in the main scanning direction. The drive pulley 51a and the driven pulley 51b are each rotatably supported on the stapler case 31 at positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction. The endless annular belt 52a is stretched between the output shaft of the main scanning motor 50 and the drive pulley 51a. The endless annular belt 52b is stretched between the drive pulley 51a and the driven pulley 51b. The stapler 43 is attached to the endless annular belt 52b.

[0037] The driving force of the main scanning motor 50 is transmitted to the drive pulley 51a via the endless annular belt 52a. The endless annular belt 52b rotates around the drive pulley 51a and the driven pulley 51b as the drive pulley 51a rotates. As a result, the staple stapling unit 43 attached to the endless annular belt 52b moves in the main scanning direction. The drive pulley 51a, the driven pulley 51b, and the endless annular belts 52a and 52b are an example of a power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the main scanning motor 50 to the staple stapling unit 43. However, the specific configuration of the power transmission mechanism is not limited to the example described above.

[0038] The binding processing device 30 includes position sensors 53 and 54. The position sensors 53 and 54 detect the position of the crimping binding units 42 and 43 in the main scanning direction. For example, the position sensors 53 and 54 output a position signal to the controller 160 when the crimping binding units 42 and 43 are positioned at a predetermined position (home position) in the main scanning direction, and stop outputting the position signal when the crimping binding units 42 and 43 are positioned at a position different from the home position. The specific configuration of the position sensors 53 and 54 is not particularly limited, but for example, mechanical sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, etc., can be used.

[0039] The crimping and binding section 42 is rotatably supported on the binding case 31 around a pivot axis 55 that extends in the thickness direction of the sheet S supported on the internal tray 37. The crimping and binding section 42 rotates between the parallel binding position shown in Figure 10 and the diagonal binding position shown in Figure 5 by the driving force transmitted by the rotating motor 56 (see Figure 12). Similarly, the staple binding section 43 rotates around a pivot axis 57 that extends in the thickness direction of the sheet S supported on the internal tray 37 by the driving force transmitted by the rotating motor 58 (see Figure 12).

[0040] Furthermore, a slit 31a for manual binding is provided in the binding case 31 at a position facing the staple binding section 43. The corners of the sheet bundle Sb inserted into the binding case 31 through the slit 31a can be manually bound by the staple binding section 43. The binding case 31 also further includes guide walls 31b and 31c surrounding the slit 31a. Guide wall 31b positions the sheet bundle Sb to be manually bound (i.e., the corners of which are inserted into the slit 31a) in the transport direction. Guide wall 31c positions the sheet bundle Sb to be manually bound (i.e., the corners of which are inserted into the slit 31a) in the main scanning direction. Hereinafter, the side closer to the slit 31a in the main scanning direction will be referred to as the "front side," and the side further from the slit 31a will be referred to as the "back side."

[0041] Figure 7 shows the configuration of the crimping fastening unit 42. As shown in Figure 7, the crimping fastening unit 42 fastens the sheet bundle Sb by pressing and deforming it with its uneven upper crimping teeth 42a and lower crimping teeth 42b, which grip the sheet bundle Sb in the thickness direction. In other words, the crimping fastening unit 42 can fasten the sheet bundle Sb without using fastening needles. The components of the crimping fastening unit 42 (upper crimping teeth 42a, lower crimping teeth 42b) are provided on the crimping frame. Hereinafter, the fastening of the sheet bundle Sb by pressing and deforming its fastening position with the crimping fastening unit 42 will simply be referred to as "crimping fastening".

[0042] The crimping and binding section 42 includes upper crimping teeth 42a and lower crimping teeth 42b. The upper crimping teeth 42a and lower crimping teeth 42b are positioned opposite each other in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Sb, which is placed on the internal tray 37. The opposing surfaces of the upper crimping teeth 42a and lower crimping teeth 42b are formed in an uneven shape with alternating recesses and protrusions. Furthermore, the recesses and protrusions of the upper crimping teeth 42a and lower crimping teeth 42b are offset from each other so that they interlock. The upper crimping teeth 42a and lower crimping teeth 42b move toward and toward each other by the driving force of the separation motor 59 (see Figure 12).

[0043] As the sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb are supplied to the internal tray 37, the upper crimping teeth 42a and the lower crimping teeth 42b are separated from each other, as shown in Figure 7(A). When all the sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb are placed on the internal tray 37, the upper crimping teeth 42a and the lower crimping teeth 42b engage due to the driving force of the contact / separation motor 59, as shown in Figure 7(B), thereby compressing and deforming the sheet bundle Sb from the thickness direction. As a result, the sheet bundle Sb accumulated on the internal tray 37 is crimped and bound together.

[0044] As shown in Figures 15 and 16, a rectangular binding mark B is formed on the surface of the sheet bundle Sb that has been crimped and bound by the crimping binding unit 42. When the crimping binding unit 42 is in a parallel binding position, the longitudinal direction of the binding mark B extends in a direction along the main scanning direction (typically parallel). On the other hand, when the crimping binding unit 42 is in an oblique binding position, the longitudinal direction of the binding mark B is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction. In the examples in Figures 15 and 16, an example is shown where the longitudinal direction of the binding mark B is at a 45° angle with respect to the main scanning direction, but the crimping binding unit 42 may be rotated to any angle.

[0045] Furthermore, since the configuration of the stapler section 43 is already well known, a detailed explanation will be omitted. The stapler section 43 staples the sheet bundle Sb, which is supported by the internal tray 37, by using the driving force of the stapler motor 60 to pass staples through the sheet bundle Sb. Hereafter, the process of stapling the sheet bundle Sb by passing staples through the stapler section 43 at the stapling positions will be simply referred to as "stapling." The staples that have stapled the sheet bundle Sb will be rectangular when viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Sb. Hereafter, the portion of the sheet bundle Sb where the staples are will also be referred to as "stapling marks."

[0046] [Basic operation of the binding processing device 30] Next, the binding process will be explained with reference to Figures 8 to 11. Figure 8 shows the state of the binding device 30 until the sheet S reaches the transport roller pair 36. Figure 9 shows the state of the binding device 30 performing the binding process. Figure 10 is a view of the binding device 30 as in Figure 9(B), viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet S. Figure 11 shows the state of the binding device 30 when the bound sheet bundle Sb is discharged to the discharge tray 32.

[0047] As shown in Figure 8, the binding processing device 30 transports the sheet S supplied from the image forming unit 115 along the transport path Ph1 by rotating the transport roller pairs 33 to 35 in the forward direction. At this time, the transport roller pair 36 is in a state where the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b are separated.

[0048] Next, as shown in Figure 9, the binding device 30 places the sheet S into the internal tray 37 by bringing the tapping roller 38 into contact with the sheet S after it has passed through the transport roller pair 35 and rotating it. Also, as shown in Figure 10, the sheets S accumulated in the internal tray 37 have their downstream ends in the first transport direction in contact with the end fences 40L and 40R, so that their positions in the transport direction are aligned. Furthermore, the crimping binding device 30 aligns the positions of the sheets S in the main scanning direction of the internal tray 37 by moving the side fences 41L and 41R in the main scanning direction. Then, the binding device 30 constructs a sheet bundle Sb on the internal tray 37 by repeating the processes shown in Figures 8 to 10.

[0049] Next, as shown in Figure 11(A), the binding device 30 positions the crimp binding unit 42 facing the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb in accordance with the stacking of a predetermined number of sheets S on the internal tray 37. The binding device 30 then crimps the sheet bundle Sb supported on the internal tray 37 by driving the crimp binding unit 42. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(B), the binding device 30 reverses the rotation of the transport motor 45 to discharge the sheet bundle Sb to the discharge tray 32 via the transport roller pair 36.

[0050] [Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 1A] Figure 12 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1A. As shown in Figure 12, the image forming apparatus 1A includes a controller 150 (control means) that controls the operation of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1A, and a controller 160 (control means) that controls the operation of the binding processing device 30. The controllers 150 and 160 work together to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 1A.

[0051] Controllers 150 and 160 include, for example, CPUs (Central Processing Units) 151 and 161 and memories 152 and 162. Memories 152 and 162 consist of, for example, ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or a combination thereof. Controllers 150 and 160 perform the processing described later by having the CPUs 151 and 161 read and execute program code stored in memories 152 and 162. However, the specific configuration of controllers 150 and 160 is not limited to this and may be implemented by hardware such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits) or FPGAs (Field-Programmable Gate Arrays).

[0052] Controller 150 controls the operation of the components of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1A (e.g., feed roller 197, image forming unit 115, fixing unit 120, transport roller pair 131, 132, operation panel 149) via internal IF 153. Controller 160 controls the operation of the components of the binding processing apparatus 30 (e.g., transport roller pair 33-36, tapping roller 38, return roller 39, side fences 41L, 41R, crimping binding unit 42, staple binding unit 43, position sensors 53, 54, rotary encoders 45a, 47a, 50a, 56a, 58a) via internal IF 163. Although Figure 12 only shows the main motors and sensors of the present invention, each component is driven by a motor (drive source) and its operating state (position, orientation) is detected by sensors.

[0053] The control panel 149 comprises an operation unit that receives user input and a display (notification unit) that provides information to the user. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The control panel 149 acquires information from the operator through the operation unit and provides information to the operator through the display. The notification unit is not limited to a display and may also include LED lamps, speakers, etc.

[0054] The rotary encoders 45a, 47a, 50a, 56a, and 58a detect the amount of drive (rotation) of the transport motor 45, the main scanning motors 47 and 50, and the rotating motors 56 and 58. More specifically, the rotary encoders 45a, 47a, 50a, 56a, and 58a output pulse signals to the controller 160 in accordance with the rotation of the corresponding motors 45, 47, 50, 56, and 58. The controller 160 can then determine the amount of drive of the corresponding motors 45, 47, 50, 56, and 58 by counting the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders 45a, 47a, 50a, 56a, and 58a.

[0055] Furthermore, controllers 150 and 160 are connected to each other via external IFs 154 and 164, enabling them to communicate with one another. Based on the information transmitted and received via the external IFs 154 and 164, controllers 150 and 160 work together to control the operation of each component.

[0056] Figure 13 is another example of the hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1A. Figure 13 differs from Figure 12 in that the controller 160 of the binding processing apparatus 30 is omitted, but otherwise it is the same as Figure 12. The controller 150 shown in Figure 13 controls the operation of the components of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1A via the internal IF 153, and also controls the operation of the components of the binding processing apparatus 30 via the external IFs 154, 164 and the internal IF 163. In other words, the binding processing apparatus 30 shown in Figure 13 operates according to the control of the controller 150 mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 1A.

[0057] [Binding control processing] Figure 14 is a flowchart of the binding control process according to the first embodiment. Figure 15 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the sheet bundle Sb and the crimp binding unit 42 in the binding control process. Figure 16 is a diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the sheet bundle Sb and the crimp binding unit 42 in the binding control process. The binding control process is a process of binding the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37 by controlling the transport roller pair 36 and the crimp binding unit 42. The binding position is the position on the sheet bundle Sb that is bound by the crimp binding unit 42. In other words, the binding position is the position on the sheet bundle Sb where the binding marks B are formed. The following describes the process of binding with the crimp binding unit 42, but the same applies when binding with the staple binding unit 43.

[0058] The controller 150 repeatedly performs the process of forming an image on the sheet S contained in the feed tray 112 and supplying it to the binding processing device 30, for example, in accordance with user instructions via the operation panel 149 (or instructions from an external device). In addition, the controller 150 outputs binding information to the controller 160 via the external IF 154 prior to (or in parallel with) the above-mentioned process. The binding information output by the controller 150 may be, for example, the default settings stored in the memory 152, the settings entered by the user via the operation panel 149, or the settings instructed by an external device.

[0059] Binding information includes, for example, at least the number of sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb, the position (coordinates on the sheet bundle Sb) and number of binding positions on the sheet bundle Sb. Binding information may also include the order in which multiple binding positions are bound. Furthermore, binding information may include, for example, at least one of media information and image formation information. Media information is information about the sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb, such as the thickness of the sheet S, the type of sheet S (e.g., glossy paper, plain paper), the size of the sheet S (e.g., A4, B4), and the ratio of the image area to the area of ​​the sheet S (e.g., duty cycle). Image formation information is, for example, information for identifying the region on the sheet S where an image is formed (hereinafter referred to as the "image formation region") (for example, a set of coordinates that identify the region where an image is formed in a two-dimensional coordinate system with one corner of the sheet S as the origin).

[0060] The controller 160 acquires binding information from the controller 150 via the external IF 164. The controller 160 also collects the sheets S (i.e., the sheets S on which images have been formed) supplied sequentially from the main body of the image forming apparatus 1A into the internal tray 37 in the manner described with reference to Figures 8 to 10. When the number of sheets S collected in the internal tray 37 reaches the number of sheets S indicated in the binding information, the controller 160 executes the binding control process shown in Figure 14. On the other hand, in the hardware configuration shown in Figure 13, the controller 150 performs these processes. At the start of the binding control process, the sheet bundle Sb collected in the internal tray 37 is in contact with the end fences 40L and 40R, and the crimp binding unit 42 is in the home position.

[0061] First, the controller 160 determines whether it is necessary to move the sheet bundle Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37 in the transport direction in order to bring the crimping and binding section 42 (more specifically, the upper crimping teeth 42a and the lower crimping teeth 42b) facing the binding position (S1401). In other words, the controller 160 simply needs to determine whether movement is necessary by comparing the binding position indicated by the binding information with the position (fixed) of the crimping and binding section 42 in the transport direction.

[0062] Next, if the controller 160 determines that movement of the sheet bundle Sb in the transport direction is unnecessary (S1401: No), it proceeds to the processing from step S1405 onwards without executing the processing in steps S1402 to S1404. On the other hand, if the controller 160 determines that movement of the sheet bundle Sb in the transport direction is necessary (S1401: Yes), it determines whether the movement of the sheet bundle Sb in the transport direction is the first time during the binding control processing for the sheet bundle Sb (i.e., the process of binding the sheet bundle Sb at multiple binding positions) (S1402).

[0063] Then, if the controller 160 determines that it is the first movement (S1402: Yes), it grips the sheet bundle Sb between the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b, as shown in Figure 15(B), and rotates the transport motor 45 by the target rotation amount + α (S1403). On the other hand, if the controller 160 determines that it is the second or subsequent movement (S1402: No), it grips the sheet bundle Sb between the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b, as shown in Figure 15(C), and rotates the transport motor 45 by the target rotation amount (S1404).

[0064] First, the controller 160 compares the binding position indicated by the binding information with the position of the crimp binding section 42 in the transport direction to determine the target amount of movement (e.g., 20 mm) and the direction of movement of the sheet bundle Sb in the transport direction. That is, the target amount of movement may differ each time steps S1403 and S1404 are executed. Also, the target rotation amount of the transport motor 45 to move the sheet bundle Sb by the target amount is predetermined as the number of pulses of the rotary encoder 45a (e.g., 1000 pulses). However, in the first movement, due to play in the drive force transmission mechanism (e.g., backlash of gears 46a and 46b), even if the transport motor 45 is rotated by the target amount, the actual amount of movement of the sheet bundle Sb does not reach the target amount.

[0065] Therefore, the controller 160 increases the amount of rotation (drive) of the transport motor 45 for the first time compared to the second time and onward, relative to the target amount of movement. The increase amount α (for example, 15 pulses) may be a constant or a variable. In Figure 15, the target amount of movement is shown by a black arrow, the actual amount of movement corresponding to the target rotation amount is shown by a gray arrow, and the actual amount of movement corresponding to the increase amount α is shown by a white arrow.

[0066] Next, the controller 160 determines whether it is necessary to move the crimping and binding unit 42 (more specifically, the upper crimping teeth 42a and the lower crimping teeth 42b) in the main scanning direction in order to face the binding position (S1405). That is, the controller 160 simply needs to compare the binding position indicated by the binding information with the position of the crimping and binding unit 42 in the main scanning direction detected by the position sensor 53 and the rotary encoder 47a to determine whether movement is necessary.

[0067] Next, if the controller 160 determines that movement of the crimping and binding unit 42 in the main scanning direction is unnecessary (S1405: No), it proceeds to the processing from step S1409 onwards without executing the processing in steps S1406 to S1408. On the other hand, if the controller 160 determines that movement of the crimping and binding unit 42 in the main scanning direction is necessary (S1405: Yes), it determines whether the movement of the crimping and binding unit 42 in the main scanning direction is the first time during the binding control processing for the sheet bundle Sb (i.e., the process of binding multiple binding positions of the sheet bundle Sb) (S1406).

[0068] Then, if the controller 160 determines that it is the first movement (S1406: Yes), it rotates the main scanning motor 47 by the target rotation amount + β (S1407). On the other hand, if the controller 160 determines that it is the second or subsequent movement (S1406: No), it rotates the main scanning motor 47 by the target rotation amount (S1408). The processing in steps S1406 to S1408 is performed to absorb errors in the amount of movement due to, for example, slack in the endless annular belts 49a and 49b, and the specific processing content is the same as in steps S1402 to S1404. Also, α and β may be the same value or different values.

[0069] As a result, the crimping and binding portion 42 faces the binding position of the sheet bundle Sb in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Sb. Note that the execution order of steps S1401 to S1404 and steps S1405 to S1408 is not limited to the order shown in Figure 14, and may be in reverse order or executed in parallel.

[0070] Next, the controller 160 drives the contact / separation motor 59 to cause the binding positions of the sheet bundle Sb to be crimped and bound by the crimping binding section 42 (S1409). Next, the controller 160 determines whether or not all binding positions indicated by the binding information have been bound (S1410). If the controller 160 determines that not all binding positions have been bound (S1410: No), it repeats the process from step S1401 onwards. That is, the controller 160 repeats the process from steps S1401 to S1409 for the number of binding positions. If the controller 160 determines that all binding positions have been bound (S1410: Yes), it terminates the binding control process and discharges the bound sheet bundle Sb to the discharge tray 32 via the transport roller pair 36.

[0071] Figures 15 and 16 illustrate an example in which the three binding positions at the upper left corner of the sheet bundle Sb are sequentially bound to the crimp binding section 42 in a diagonal binding position. Furthermore, the three binding positions in Figures 15 and 16 are arranged so that the straight lines L extending in the longitudinal direction of each binding mark B1, B2, and B3 coincide.

[0072] As an example, the controller 160 may cause the three binding positions arranged in a straight line to be bound by the crimp binding section 42 in order from one end (i.e., in the order of B1, B2, B3), as shown in Figure 15. That is, as shown in Figure 15(A), the controller 160 causes the binding position corresponding to binding mark B1 to be bound by the crimp binding section 42 while the sheet bundle Sb is in contact with the end fences 40L, 40R. Next, as shown in Figure 15(B), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction with the transport roller pair 36 and moves the crimp binding section 42 towards the front in the main scanning direction, thereby causing the binding position corresponding to binding mark B2 to be bound by the crimp binding section 42. Next, as shown in Figure 15(C), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction with the transport roller pair 36 and moves the crimping and binding unit 42 to the front side in the main scanning direction, thereby binding the binding position corresponding to the binding mark B3 with the crimping and binding unit 42.

[0073] As another example, as shown in Figure 16, the controller 160 may cause the crimping binding unit 42 to bind the three binding positions arranged in a straight line, starting with the central binding position (i.e., in the order of B2, B1, and B3). That is, as shown in Figure 16(A), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in contact with the end fences 40L and 40R in the second transport direction using the transport roller pair 36, causing the crimping binding unit 42 to bind the binding position corresponding to binding mark B2. Next, as shown in Figure 16(B), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the first transport direction using the transport roller pair 36 and moves the crimping binding unit 42 to the back side in the main scanning direction, causing the crimping binding unit 42 to bind the binding position corresponding to binding mark B1. Next, as shown in Figure 16(C), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction with the transport roller pair 36 and moves the crimping and binding unit 42 to the front side in the main scanning direction, thereby binding the binding position corresponding to the binding mark B3 with the crimping and binding unit 42.

[0074] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to the first embodiment, the sheet bundle Sb is moved in the transport direction by the transport roller pair 36, and the crimping and binding unit 42 is moved in the main scanning direction, so that the crimping and binding unit 42 can be positioned to face any binding position on the sheet bundle Sb. As a result, the degree of freedom of the binding position on the sheet bundle Sb is improved.

[0075] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, the binding marks B1 to B3, which are bound in an oblique binding position, can be aligned in a straight line without adding a dedicated mechanism for bringing the crimping binding section 42 to face multiple binding positions. In addition, by aligning the binding marks B1 to B3 in a straight line, the binding force can be strengthened.

[0076] Furthermore, when binding multiple binding positions aligned in a straight line, as shown in Figure 15, binding sequentially from one end may cause misalignment of the multiple sheets S that make up the sheet bundle Sb. Therefore, as shown in Figure 16, by binding from the center of the multiple binding positions first, misalignment of the sheets S can be suppressed.

[0077] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, by making the existing transport roller pair 36 function as a means of moving in the transport direction, it becomes unnecessary to add a new means of moving in the transport direction. However, the means of moving in the transport direction is not limited to the transport roller pair 36, but may also be a tapping roller 38, a return roller 39, or a combination thereof. In other words, the means of moving in the transport direction only needs to be able to move the sheet bundle Sb loaded on the internal tray 37 in the first transport direction and the second transport direction.

[0078] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, in the process of binding multiple binding positions of the sheet bundle Sb, the amount of the first rotation of the transport motor 45 and the main scanning motor 47 is increased relative to the target amount of rotation, thereby absorbing errors in the actual amount of movement due to play in the drive force transmission mechanism, etc. As a result, the crimping binding section 42 can be brought to face the binding position with high precision.

[0079] However, the adjustment of the rotation amounts of the transport motor 45 and the main scanning motor 47 is not limited to between the first and subsequent cycles. The controller 160 may, for example, increase or decrease the rotation amounts of the transport motor 45 and the main scanning motor 47 relative to the target travel amount based on media information obtained from the controller 150.

[0080] As an example, the controller 160 may increase the rotation amount of the transport motor 45 and the main scanning motor 47 relative to the target travel distance as the thickness of the sheet S increases. As another example, the controller 160 may increase the rotation amount of the transport motor 45 and the main scanning motor 47 relative to the target travel distance as the amount of toner adhering to the sheet S increases (i.e., the duty cycle is high). As yet another example, the controller 160 may decrease the rotation amount of the transport motor 45 and the main scanning motor 47 relative to the target travel distance as the amount of ink adhering to the sheet S increases (i.e., the duty cycle is high).

[0081] [Other examples of binding positions] Note that the binding positions on the sheet bundle Sb are not limited to the examples in Figures 15 and 16. Figure 17 shows another example of binding marks B. Figure 18 shows yet another example of binding marks B. Figure 19 shows an example of binding marks B that avoids the image forming region. The controller 160 can change the position and number of binding positions on the sheet bundle Sb, for example, as follows.

[0082] As shown in Figures 17(A) and 17(B), the two binding marks B1 and B2 may be aligned in a straight line. Alternatively, the two binding marks B1 and B2 may be placed close together as in Figure 17(A), or spaced apart as in Figure 17(B). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 17(C), the angle formed by the longitudinal direction of the binding marks B1 to B3 with respect to the main scanning direction does not have to be 45°. Also, as shown in Figure 17(D), there may be only one binding mark B. Moreover, as shown in Figure 18, multiple rows of binding marks arranged in a single line may be provided in the short direction. This makes it possible to bind according to the state of the image formed on the sheet S. Furthermore, the number of binding positions can be adjusted to balance binding force and productivity.

[0083] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 19, the controller 160 may have the crimping and binding unit 42 bind the binding positions of each of the multiple sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb that are outside the image forming area. That is, the controller 160 may acquire image forming information from the controller 150 via the external IF 164, identify the binding positions of all sheets S that are outside the image forming area based on the acquired image forming information, and have the crimping and binding unit 42 bind the identified binding positions. For example, as shown in Figure 19(A), the sheet bundle Sb is in contact with the end fences 40L and 40R, and the positions of the multiple sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb are aligned in the transport direction. At this time, the upper crimping teeth 42a and lower crimping teeth 42b of the crimping and binding unit 42 face the image forming area of ​​the sheet S. Therefore, as shown in Figure 19(B), the sheet bundle Sb is moved in the second transport direction by the transport roller pair 36, and the crimping and binding unit 42 is brought face to face with the binding positions that are outside the image forming area. This prevents a decrease in the binding strength of the crimp binding.

[0084] [Second Embodiment] Referring to Figures 20 to 25, the configuration of the binding processing apparatus 30A according to the second embodiment will be described. Detailed explanations of the common points with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences. The binding processing apparatus 30A according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the end fences 40L and 40R are movable in the transport direction, while other points are common with the first embodiment. That is, the means for moving in the transport direction according to the second embodiment is at least the end fences 40L and 40R, and may also be a combination of the transport roller pair 36 and the end fences 40L and 40R.

[0085] Figure 20 is an example of a plan view of a binding processing device 30A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 20, the binding processing device 30A may include a fence motor 61 (drive source), a drive pulley 62a, a driven pulley 62b, and endless annular belts 63a and 63b.

[0086] The fence motor 61 generates a driving force to move (advance and retreat) the end fences 40L and 40R in the conveying direction. Hereinafter, when the fence motor 61 rotates forward, the end fences 40L and 40R move in the second conveying direction, and when the fence motor 61 rotates backward, the end fences 40L and 40R move in the first conveying direction. The drive pulley 62a and the driven pulley 62b are each rotatably supported on the binding case 31 at positions spaced apart in the conveying direction. The endless annular belt 63a is stretched between the output shaft of the fence motor 61 and the drive pulley 62a. The endless annular belt 63b is stretched between the drive pulley 62a and the driven pulley 62b. The end fences 40L and 40R are attached to the endless annular belt 63b.

[0087] In the second embodiment, the "first transport direction" and "second transport direction," which represent the movement directions of the end fences 40L and 40R, refer to the same directions as the movement directions of the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37. That is, when the end fences 40L and 40R move in the first transport direction, it means that the end fences 40L and 40R move away from the internal tray 37. Also, when the end fences 40L and 40R move in the second transport direction, it means that the end fences 40L and 40R move towards the internal tray 37.

[0088] The driving force of the fence motor 61 is transmitted to the drive pulley 62a via the endless annular belt 63a. The endless annular belt 63b rotates around the drive pulley 62a and the driven pulley 62b as the drive pulley 62a rotates. As a result, the end fences 40L and 40R attached to the endless annular belt 63b move in the conveying direction. The drive pulley 62a, the driven pulley 62b, and the endless annular belts 63a and 63b are an example of a driving force transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the fence motor 61 to the end fences 40L and 40R.

[0089] Figure 21 shows another example of a plan view (A) and an enlarged view of the main part (B) of the binding processing device 30A according to the second embodiment. As shown in Figure 21, the binding processing device 30A may include a fence motor 61, a gear train 64, and a cam 65.

[0090] The gear train 64 consists of a pair of gears arranged coaxially and rotating as a single unit. One gear of the gear train 64 meshes with a drive gear attached to the output shaft of the fence motor 61, and the other gear meshes with a gear provided on the outer circumference of the cam 65. The cam 65 is rotatably supported by the binding case 31. End fences 40L and 40R are attached to the cam 65 at positions off-center from the center of rotation.

[0091] The driving force of the fence motor 61 is transmitted to the cam 65 through the gear train 64. Then, as shown in Figure 21(B), the rotation of the cam 65 causes the end fences 40L and 40R to move in the conveying direction. The gear train 64 and cam 65 are another example of a power transmission mechanism that transmits the driving force of the fence motor 61 to the end fences 40L and 40R.

[0092] In Figures 20 and 21, the components that move the end fences 40L and 40R in the transport direction (i.e., the fence motor 61, drive pulley 62a, driven pulley 62b, endless annular belts 63a and 63b, gear train 64, and cam 65) are located below the internal tray 37 (on the opposite side from the surface supporting the sheet S). On the other hand, the end fences 40L and 40R protrude above the internal tray 37. Therefore, the internal tray 37 has a notch (not shown) to avoid interference with the end fences 40L and 40R moving in the transport direction.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 20 and 21, the binding processing device 30A may also include a position sensor 66 and a rotary encoder 61a.

[0094] The position sensor 66 detects the position of the end fences 40L and 40R in the transport direction. For example, the position sensor 66 outputs a position signal to the controller 160 when the end fences 40L and 40R are positioned at a predetermined position in the transport direction (for example, the home position at the furthest downstream end in the first transport direction), and stops outputting the position signal when the end fences 40L and 40R are positioned at a position other than the home position. The specific configuration of the position sensor 66 is not particularly limited, but for example, a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc., can be used.

[0095] The rotary encoder 61a detects the amount of drive (rotation) of the fence motor 61. More specifically, the rotary encoder 61a outputs a pulse signal to the controller 160 as the fence motor 61 rotates. The controller 160 can then determine the amount of drive of the fence motor 61 by counting the pulse signals output from the rotary encoder 61a.

[0096] Figure 22 shows a position sensor 67 provided in the crimping and binding section 42. As shown in Figure 22, the crimping and binding section 42 according to the second embodiment may be equipped with a position sensor 67 (detection means). The position sensor 67 is a sensor that detects the position of the end fences 40L and 40R. More specifically, the position sensor 67 outputs a position signal to the controller 160 when it detects fillers 68A (Figure 22(A)) and 68B (Figure 22(B)) provided on the end fences 40L and 40R, and stops outputting the position signal when it does not detect the fillers 68A and 68B. The fillers 68A and 68B may have any shape. The specific configuration of the position sensor 66 is not particularly limited, but for example, a mechanical sensor, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, etc. can be used.

[0097] The controller 160 may, for example, detect the positions of the end fences 40L and 40R by combining the position sensor 66 and the rotary encoder 61a, or by using the position sensor 67 to detect the positions of the end fences 40L and 40R, or by combining the position sensors 66, 67 and the rotary encoder 61a to detect the positions of the end fences 40L and 40R.

[0098] [Transport direction movement processing] Figure 23 is a flowchart of the transport direction movement process. Figure 24 is a diagram showing an example of the positional relationship between the sheet bundle Sb and the crimping and binding unit 42 in the binding control process. Figure 25 is a diagram showing another example of the positional relationship between the sheet bundle Sb and the crimping and binding unit 42 in the binding control process.

[0099] The transport direction movement process is performed in place of steps S1401 to S1404 in the binding control process shown in Figure 14. That is, although an example in which the controller 160 in Figure 12 performs the transport direction movement process will be described below, it may also be performed by the controller 150 in Figure 13. At the start of the transport direction movement process, the end fences 40L and 40R are located at the downstream end in the first transport direction, the sheet bundle Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37 is in contact with the end fences 40L and 40R, and the crimp binding unit 42 is in the home position.

[0100] First, the controller 160 determines whether it is necessary to move the sheet bundle Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37 in the transport direction in order to bring the crimping and binding section 42 (more specifically, the upper crimping teeth 42a and the lower crimping teeth 42b) facing the binding position (S2301, 2302). In other words, the controller 160 simply needs to compare the binding position indicated by the binding information with the position (fixed) of the crimping and binding section 42 in the transport direction to determine whether movement is necessary.

[0101] Next, if the controller 160 determines that it is necessary to move the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction (S2301: Yes), it determines whether the movement of the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction is the first time during the binding control process for the sheet bundle Sb (i.e., the process of binding the sheet bundle Sb at multiple binding positions) (S2303).

[0102] Then, if the controller 160 determines that it is the first movement (S2303: Yes), it rotates the fence motor 61 forward by the target rotation amount + γ (S2304). On the other hand, if the controller 160 determines that it is the second or subsequent movement (S2303: No), it rotates the fence motor 61 forward by the target rotation amount (S2305). The processing in steps S2303 to S2305 is the same as in steps S1402 to S1404. Also, during the processing in steps S2303 to S2305, the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b may be separated or may be gripping the sheet bundle Sb.

[0103] On the other hand, if the controller 160 determines that it is necessary to move the sheet bundle Sb in the first transport direction (S2301: No & S2302: Yes), it rotates the fence motor 61 in the reverse direction by a target amount of rotation (S2306). The controller 160 also rotates the transport motor 45 in the forward direction until the sheet bundle Sb is gripped by the transport roller pair 36 and comes into contact with the end fences 40L and 40R (S2307).

[0104] Furthermore, if the controller 160 determines that movement of the sheet bundle Sb in the transport direction is unnecessary (S2301: No & S2302: No), it terminates the transport direction movement process without executing steps S2303 to S2307 and proceeds to the process from step S1405 onwards in Figure 14. In addition, in steps S1407 and S1408 in Figure 14, the controller 160 may control the position of the crimping and binding section 42 based on the positions of the end fences 40L and 40R detected by the position sensor 67.

[0105] Figures 24 and 25 illustrate an example in which the three binding positions at the upper left corner of the sheet bundle Sb are bound to the crimp binding section 42 in a diagonal binding position. Furthermore, the three binding positions in Figures 24 and 25 are arranged so that the straight lines L extending in the longitudinal direction of the binding marks B1, B2, and B3 coincide.

[0106] As an example, the controller 160 may cause the crimping binding unit 42 to bind three binding positions arranged in a straight line, in order from one end to the other (i.e., in the order of B1, B2, B3), as shown in Figure 24. That is, as shown in Figure 24(A), the controller 160 causes the crimping binding unit 42 to bind the binding position corresponding to binding mark B1 with the end fences 40L and 40R located at the downstream end of the first transport direction. Next, as shown in Figure 24(B), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction using the end fences 40L and 40R, and moves the crimping binding unit 42 towards the front in the main scanning direction, thereby causing the crimping binding unit 42 to bind the binding position corresponding to binding mark B2. Next, as shown in Figure 24(C), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction using the end fences 40L and 40R, and moves the crimping and binding unit 42 to the front side in the main scanning direction, thereby binding the binding position corresponding to the binding mark B3 with the crimping and binding unit 42.

[0107] As another example, as shown in Figure 25, the controller 160 may cause the crimping binding unit 42 to bind the three binding positions arranged in a straight line, starting with the central binding position (i.e., in the order of B2, B1, and B3). That is, as shown in Figure 25(A), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction using the end fences 40L and 40R to bind the binding position corresponding to binding mark B2 with the crimping binding unit 42. Next, as shown in Figure 25(B), the controller 160 moves the end fences 40L and 40R in the first transport direction, causing the sheet bundle Sb to come into contact with the end fences 40L and 40R using the transport roller pair 36, and moves the crimping binding unit 42 towards the back in the main scanning direction, thereby binding the binding position corresponding to binding mark B1 with the crimping binding unit 42. Next, as shown in Figure 25(C), the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction using the end fences 40L and 40R, and moves the crimping and binding unit 42 to the front side in the main scanning direction, thereby binding the binding position corresponding to the binding mark B3 with the crimping and binding unit 42.

[0108] [Effects of the second embodiment] The second embodiment also provides the same effects and advantages as the first embodiment. Furthermore, by using the existing end fences 40L and 40R as means for moving in the transport direction, it becomes unnecessary to add new means for moving in the transport direction. In addition, since the sheet bundle Sb can always be bound in contact with the end fences 40L and 40R, misalignment of the multiple sheets S constituting the sheet bundle Sb is suppressed.

[0109] Furthermore, according to the second embodiment, by controlling the position of the crimping and binding section 42 based on the positions of the end fences 40L and 40R detected by the position sensor 67, the position of the crimping and binding section 42 can be determined based on the actual position of the sheet bundle Sb in contact with the end fences 40L and 40R. This absorbs hardware variations and control errors, allowing the crimping and binding section 42 to be positioned with high precision.

[0110] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical essence, and all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are subject to the present invention. The above embodiments are shown as preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0111] The contents of this invention are, for example, as follows: <1> A means for accumulating media, A conveying direction moving means for moving a plurality of media bundles, which are media, accumulated in the accumulation means in the conveying direction, A binding means that is movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction and binds the media bundles that have been accumulated in the accumulation means, The system comprises a transport direction moving means and a control means for controlling the operation of the binding means, The control means is The media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means is moved in the transport direction by the transport direction moving means, and the binding means is moved in the main scanning direction so that the binding means faces the binding position on the media bundle. The media processing apparatus is characterized by binding the aforementioned media bundle at the aforementioned binding position using the binding means. <2> the above <1> In the media processing apparatus described above, The binding means is a media processing device characterized in that it is rotatable around a pivot axis extending in the thickness direction of the media accumulated in the accumulation means, between a parallel binding position in which the longitudinal direction of the rectangular binding marks is aligned with the main scanning direction and an oblique binding position in which the longitudinal direction of the binding marks is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction. <3> the above <2> In the media processing apparatus described above, The control means is a media processing device characterized by causing a plurality of binding positions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the binding marks to be bound by the binding means in the diagonal binding position. <4> the above <3> In the media processing apparatus described above, The control means is a media processing apparatus characterized by increasing the amount of drive for the media bundle during the first drive of the drive source that drives the transport direction moving means and the binding means, compared to the amount of drive for the second and subsequent drives, with respect to the target amount of movement. <5> the above <1> or the above <4> In the media processing apparatus described in any one of the paragraphs, The control means is a media processing device characterized by increasing or decreasing the amount of drive of the drive source that drives the transport direction moving means and the binding means relative to a target amount of movement, based on the media information of the media accumulated in the accumulation means. <6> the above <3> or the above <5> In the media processing apparatus described in any one of the paragraphs, The control means is a media processing device characterized in that, when binding three binding positions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the binding marks, the binding means causes the binding means to bind the central binding position first. <7> the above <1> or the above <6> In the media processing apparatus described in any one of the paragraphs, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the conveying direction moving means includes a conveying means for discharging the media bundle from the accumulation means. <8> the above <1> or the above <7> In the media processing apparatus described in any one of the paragraphs, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the conveying direction moving means includes a conveying direction aligning means that contacts the end of the media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means, aligns the positions of the plurality of media constituting the media bundle in the conveying direction, and is movable in the conveying direction. <9> the above <8> In the media processing apparatus described above, The binding means includes a detection means for detecting the position of the transport direction alignment means, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means controls the position of the binding means based on the position of the transport direction alignment means detected by the detection means. <10> the above <1> or the above <9> In the media processing apparatus described in any one of the paragraphs, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means can change the position and number of binding positions on the media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means. <11> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, The above image forming apparatus binds together a bundle of media, which is a plurality of media on which images have been formed. <1> or the above <10> The image forming system is characterized by comprising a media processing device described in any one of the items. <12> An image forming unit that forms an image on a medium, Accumulation means for accumulating the medium that has passed through the image forming unit, A conveying direction moving means for moving a plurality of media bundles, which are media, accumulated in the accumulation means in the conveying direction, A binding means that is movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction and binds the media bundles that have been accumulated in the accumulation means, The system comprises control means for controlling the operation of the transport direction moving means and the binding means, The control means is The media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means is moved in the transport direction by the transport direction moving means, and the binding means is moved in the main scanning direction so that the binding means faces the binding position on the media bundle. The image forming system is characterized by binding the aforementioned binding position of the media bundle with the aforementioned binding means. <13> the above <11> Or the above <12> In the image forming system described above, The control means is The image forming apparatus acquires image forming information indicating the image forming region where an image has been formed. This image forming system is characterized by controlling the operation of the transport direction moving means and the binding means based on the acquired image forming information. <14> the above <13> In the image forming system described above, The control means is characterized by causing the binding means to bind the binding position that is outside the image forming region indicated by the image forming information. [Explanation of symbols]

[0112] 1A,1B,1C: Image forming device 2A, 2B, 2C: Image forming system 3A,3B,3C: Post-processing equipment 4: Relay device 20: Optional equipment 30,30A: Binding processing device 31: Binding case 31a: Slit 31b, 31c: Guide wall 32,135: Output tray 33, 34, 35, 36, 131, 132: Conveyor roller pair 33a, 36a, 36a', 36b': Drive rollers 33b, 36b: Driven roller 37: Internal tray 38: Hit and kill 39: Return Roll 40L, 40R: End fence 41L, 41R: Side fence 42: Crimp binding section 43: Staple binding section 42a: Upper crimped tooth 42b: Infracising tooth 44a, 44a', 44b': Drive shafts 44b: Driven shaft 45: Conveyor motor 45a, 47a, 50a, 56a, 58a, 61a: Rotary encoders 46a, 46b, 46c: Gear 47: Main scanning motor 48a, 51a, 62a: Drive pulleys 48b, 51b, 62b: Driven pulleys 49a, 49b, 52a, 52b, 63a, 63b: Endless annular belt 50: Main scanning motor 53, 54, 66, 67: Position sensors 55, 57: Rotary shaft 56, 58: Rotary motor 59: Contact / Disconnection Motor 60: Binding motor 61: Fence motor 64: Gear train 65: Cam 68A, 68B: Filler 102: Document scanning device 103: Writing device 104C, 104K, 104M, 104Y: Image creation section 105C, 105K, 105M, 105Y: Photoconductor drum 110: Document transport device 111: Cabinet 112: Feeding tray 115: Image forming unit 120: Fixing section 136: Reversal transport path 149: Control Panel 150,160: Controller 151,161:CPU 152,162: Memory 153,163: Internal IF 154,164: External IF 178: Intermediate transfer belt 189: Secondary transfer roller 197: Feed roller [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0113] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2021-042041

Claims

1. A means for accumulating media, A conveying direction moving means for moving a plurality of media bundles, which are media, accumulated in the accumulation means in the conveying direction, A binding means that is movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction and binds the media bundles that have been accumulated in the accumulation means, The system comprises a transport direction moving means and a control means for controlling the operation of the binding means, The control means is The media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means is moved in the transport direction by the transport direction moving means, and the binding means is moved in the main scanning direction so that the binding means faces the binding position on the media bundle. A media processing apparatus characterized by binding the binding position of the media bundle with the binding means.

2. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the binding means is rotatable around a pivot axis extending in the thickness direction of the media accumulated in the accumulation means, between a parallel binding position in which the longitudinal direction of the rectangular binding marks is aligned with the main scanning direction and an oblique binding position in which the longitudinal direction of the binding marks is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

3. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 2, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means causes the binding means in the diagonal binding position to bind a plurality of binding positions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the binding marks.

4. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 3, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means increases the amount of the drive source that drives the transport direction moving means and the binding means for the media bundle for the first time, compared to the amount of the second time and onward, with respect to the target amount of movement.

5. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means increases or decreases the amount of drive of the drive source that drives the transport direction moving means and the binding means relative to a target amount of movement, based on the media information of the media accumulated in the accumulation means.

6. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 3, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the control means binds the three binding positions arranged in the longitudinal direction of the binding marks, the binding means causes the binding means to bind the central binding position first.

7. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the conveying direction moving means includes a conveying means for discharging the media bundle from the accumulation means.

8. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the conveying direction moving means includes a conveying direction aligning means that contacts the end of the media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means to align the positions of the plurality of media constituting the media bundle in the conveying direction and is movable in the conveying direction.

9. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 8, The binding means includes a detection means for detecting the position of the transport direction alignment means, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means controls the position of the binding means based on the position of the transport direction alignment means detected by the detection means.

10. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the control means can change the position and number of binding positions on the media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means.

11. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, An image forming system comprising a media processing apparatus according to claim 1, which binds together a plurality of media bundles, which are media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus.

12. An image forming unit that forms an image on a medium, Accumulation means for accumulating the medium that has passed through the image forming unit, A conveying direction moving means for moving a plurality of media bundles, which are media, accumulated in the accumulation means in the conveying direction, A binding means that is movable in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction and binds the media bundles that have been accumulated in the accumulation means, The system comprises control means for controlling the operation of the transport direction moving means and the binding means, The control means is The media bundle accumulated in the accumulation means is moved in the transport direction by the transport direction moving means, and the binding means is moved in the main scanning direction so that the binding means faces the binding position on the media bundle. An image forming system characterized by binding the binding position of the media bundle with the binding means.

13. In the image forming system according to claim 11 or 12, The control means is The image forming apparatus acquires image forming information indicating the image forming region where an image has been formed. An image forming system characterized by controlling the operation of the transport direction moving means and the binding means based on the acquired image forming information.

14. In the image forming system according to claim 13, The image forming system is characterized in that the control means causes the binding means to bind the binding position which is outside the image forming region indicated by the image forming information.

Images