Media processing device, image forming system, and program

Abstract

This technology provides a way to suppress the increase in size and cost of media processing equipment. [Solution] The media processing device includes a first transport unit that transports the media in a first transport direction by gripping and rotating the media; a second transport unit that transports the media in a second transport direction different from the first transport direction by contacting the upper surface of the media that has passed through the first transport unit and rotating; an accumulation unit that accumulates the media transported by the second transport unit; an accumulation unit that binds the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation unit; and a drive unit that rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and moves the second transport unit to a transport position in which it can transport the media accumulated in the accumulation unit while contacting it, and to an accumulation position in which it moves away from the media accumulated in the accumulation unit.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a media processing apparatus that binds a plurality of media (hereinafter referred to as a "media bundle") stacked on a processing tray has been known. Further, in such a media processing apparatus, there is a technique of raising and lowering a return belt that abuts on the upper surface of the media placed on the processing tray according to the number of sheets of the media bundle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] However, in the media processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, since a dedicated motor is used to raise and lower the return belt, there are problems of an increase in the size and cost of the apparatus.

[0004] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a technique for suppressing an increase in the size and cost of a media processing apparatus.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, one aspect of the present invention includes a first conveyance unit that conveys the media in a first conveyance direction by sandwiching and rotating the media, and a second conveyance unit that conveys the media in a second conveyance direction different from the first conveyance direction by rotating while abutting on the upper surface of the media that has passed through the first conveyance unit. An accumulation unit that accumulates the media conveyed by the second conveyance unit, a binding unit that binds a plurality of the media accumulated in the accumulation unit, and the first conveyance unit and the second conveyance unit are rotated, and the second conveyance unit is moved to a conveyance position where it can abut on and convey the media accumulated in the accumulation unit and a retracted position where it retreats from the media accumulated in the accumulation unit. It is characterized by comprising a drive unit.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] According to the present invention, it is possible to suppress the increase in size and cost of media processing equipment. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0007] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the internal structure of an image forming apparatus. [Figure 2] A side view (A) and a plan view (B) showing the internal configuration of the binding apparatus according to the first embodiment, and the location of the transport path. [Figure 3] A plan view of the position of the internal tray of the binding apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] A diagram showing the state of the binding device until the sheet reaches the transport roller pair. [Figure 5] A diagram showing the state of a binding device that performs binding operations. [Figure 6] Figure 5(B) shows the binding processing device as viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet. [Figure 7] This diagram shows the state of the binding processing device when a bound sheet bundle is discharged to the second discharge tray. [Figure 8] This diagram shows the state where the transport roller pair is in the release position and the return roller is in the transport position. [Figure 9] Enlarged view of the rotary drive mechanism (A) and return roller (B). [Figure 10] A diagram showing the return rollers at the transport position (A) and the retracted position (B). [Figure 11] This diagram shows the state where the transport roller pair is in the engaged position and the return roller is in the transport position. [Figure 12] This diagram shows the state where the transport roller pair is in the engaged position and the return roller is in the transport position. [Figure 13] An example of a hardware configuration diagram for an image forming apparatus. [Figure 14] Another example of a hardware configuration diagram for an image forming apparatus. [Figure 15] Flowchart of manual feed binding control process 1. [Figure 16]Flowcharts of the retraction position movement process (A) and the conveyance position movement process (B). [Figure 17] Screen examples of the mode selection screen (A) and the hand stitching start screen (B). [Figure 18] Diagram showing the position of the side fence in the hand stitching control process 1. [Figure 19] Flowchart of the hand stitching control process 2. [Figure 20] Flowchart of the hand stitching control process 3. [Figure 21] View of the stitching device according to the second embodiment as seen from the sheet thickness direction. [Figure 22] Flowchart of the hand stitching control process 4. [Figure 23] Flowchart of the hand stitching control process 5. [Figure 24] Diagram showing the shape of the protrusion according to the third embodiment. [Figure 25] Diagram showing the state of the return roller when the pin is moved in the main scanning direction.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms 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 apparatus 1 mainly includes a housing 111 and an image forming unit 115 (image forming apparatus).

[0009] The housing 111 is box-shaped with an internal space for accommodating the components of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, an inner body space W accessible from the outside of the image forming apparatus 1 is formed in the housing 111. The inner body 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 and exposed to the outside for the inner body space W. In the inner body space W, a processing device (for example, an option device, a binding processing device 30) for performing various processes on the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 115 is installed. Further, the inner body space W is a space capable of discharging the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus 1, and is also a space where the discharged sheet S can be taken out.

[0010] In the inner body space W of the image forming apparatus 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 1, a binding processing device 30 (media processing device) is arranged. In this configuration, a plurality of sheets S on which images are formed by the image forming unit 115 are subjected to binding processing by the binding processing device 30 and discharged to the second discharge tray 32.

[0011] As another example, an option device and a binding processing device 30 may be arranged in the inner body space W of the image forming apparatus 1. In this configuration, a plurality of sheets S on which images are 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, and then subjected to binding processing by the binding processing device 30 and discharged to the second discharge tray 32.

[0012] The optional device and the binding 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 device 30 are configured to be interchangeable depending on the application of the image forming apparatus 1. More specifically, the input interfaces of the optional device and the binding device 30 can be connected to the output interface of the image forming unit 115. Also, the input interface of the binding device 30 can be connected to the output interface of the optional device. Adjacent units are connected to each other in a detachable manner by mechanical locks or magnets. Furthermore, each device installed in the internal space W of the machine body is connected to the controller 150 (see Figure 13) by harnesses for transmitting and receiving various signals.

[0013] As yet another example, the image forming apparatus 1 may be combined with a post-processing device (not shown) mounted outside the internal space W of the cylinder to form an image forming system. The post-processing device may be, for example, a device that performs sorting on sheet bundles Sb (media bundles) discharged from the binding processing device 30. Alternatively, a relay device may be installed in the internal space W of the image forming apparatus 1 to relay the sheets S, on which images have been formed and discharged into the internal space W, to the post-processing device. The relay device may be integrated with the post-processing device or may be configured and mounted separately. The post-processing device may also be the binding processing device 30.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 1 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 fuser unit 120, a pair of transport rollers 131 and 132 (transport unit), and a first discharge tray 135. In this specification, an example of an electrophotographic image forming unit 115 that forms images using toner is described, but an inkjet system that forms images using ink 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 first 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 2 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 3 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 2 and 3, the binding processing device 30 comprises a binding case 31, a second discharge tray 32, a plurality of transport roller pairs 33, 34, 35, 36 (transport section), an internal tray 37 (accumulation section), a tapping roller 38, a return roller 39 (second transport section), end fences 40L, 40R (transport direction alignment section), side fences 41L, 41R (main scanning direction alignment section), a crimping binding section 42, and a staple binding section 43.

[0020] In this specification, the direction toward the second discharge tray 32 along the transport path Ph1 is referred to as the "first transport direction," and the direction toward the end fences 40L and 40R along the upper surface of the internal tray 37 is referred to as the "second transport direction." In other words, the first transport direction and the second transport direction are different directions. More specifically, the first transport direction and the second transport direction are different directions on the same plane (a plane perpendicular to the width direction of the sheet S). Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the first transport direction, the second transport direction, and the thickness direction of the sheet S supported by the internal tray 37 (i.e., the width direction of the sheet S) is referred to as the "main scanning direction."

[0021] 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 second discharge tray 32 is supported on the outer surface of the binding case 31. The second discharge tray 32 loads the sheets S or sheet bundles Sb that have been transported by the transport roller pairs 33-36.

[0022] 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 rotates forward in the direction of transporting the sheet S (counterclockwise in Figure 2) when rotational force from the transport motor is transmitted to it. 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 is driven, and the sheet S is transported along the transport path Ph1.

[0023] 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 (first transport section) is a so-called "shift roller" that is configured to slide in the width direction in order to realize a sorting process in which the sheet S is shifted in the width direction and discharged to the second discharge tray 32. The specific configuration of transport roller pair 35 will be described later with reference to Figures 8-12.

[0024] The internal tray 37 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 to the internal tray 37 as the rotating arm rotates. The return roller 39 guides the sheets S toward the transport roller pair 36 by rotating in contact with the upper surface of the sheets S supported on the internal tray 37.

[0025] The end fences 40L and 40R contact the downstream end of the sheet S supported on 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 supported on the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction to align the position in the main scanning direction. More specifically, the side fences 41L and 41R are driven by the fence motors 59L and 59R (see Figure 13) and can move independently in the main scanning direction.

[0026] The binding processing device 30 also includes position sensors 60L and 60R (see Figure 13). The position sensors 60L and 60R detect when the side fences 41L and 41R are positioned in a standby position in the main scanning direction. The standby position is, for example, the position where the distance between the side fences is greatest in the main scanning direction (in other words, a position greater than the maximum width of the sheets S that can be accumulated in the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction). The position sensors 60L and 60R output a position signal to the controller 160 when the side fences 41L and 41R are positioned in a standby position, and stop outputting the position signal when the side fences 41L and 41R are positioned in a position other than the standby position. The specific configuration of the position sensors 60L and 60R is not particularly limited, but for example, mechanical sensors, optical sensors, magnetic sensors, etc., can be used. The same applies to other sensors.

[0027] The crimping and stapling section 42 and the stapling section 43 (stapling section) are located at the downstream end of the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37 in the second 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 section that compresses and deforms the sheet bundle Sb. The stapling section 43 is, for example, a stapling section that passes stapling needles through the sheet bundle Sb to staple 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.

[0028] 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.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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, when the crimping binding units 42 and 43 are positioned at a predetermined position (home position) in the main scanning direction, the position sensors 53 and 54 output a position signal to the controller 160, and stop outputting the position signal when the crimping binding units 42 and 43 are positioned at a position different from the home position.

[0033] 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 6 and the diagonal binding position shown in Figure 3 by the driving force transmitted by the rotating motor 56 (see Figure 13). 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 13).

[0034] [Basic operation of the binding processing device 30] Next, the binding process will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 7. Figure 4 shows the state of the binding processing device 30 until the sheet S reaches the transport roller pair 36. Figure 5 shows the state of the binding processing device 30 performing the binding process. Figure 6 is a view of the binding processing device 30 as in Figure 5(B), viewed from the thickness direction of the sheet S. Figure 7 shows the state of the binding processing device 30 when the bound sheet bundle Sb is discharged to the second discharge tray 32.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, 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.

[0036] Next, as shown in Figure 5, 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 6, the sheets S accumulated in the internal tray 37 have their downstream ends in the second transport direction contact with the end fences 40L and 40R, so that their positions in the transport direction are aligned. Furthermore, the binding device 30 aligns the positions of the sheets S in the main scan direction of the internal tray 37 by moving the side fences 41L and 41R in the main scan direction (so-called jogging). Then, the binding device 30 constructs a sheet bundle Sb on the internal tray 37 by repeating the processes shown in Figures 4 to 6.

[0037] Next, as shown in Figure 7(A), the binding device 30 positions the 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 press-staples the sheet bundle Sb supported on the internal tray 37 by driving the binding unit 42. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(B), the binding device 30 reverses the rotation of the transport motor to discharge the sheet bundle Sb to the second discharge tray 32 via the transport roller pair 36.

[0038] [Description of the drive mechanism for the conveyor roller pair 35 and return roller 39] Figure 8 shows the state where the transport roller pair 35 is in the released position and the return roller 39 is in the transport position. Figure 9 is an enlarged view of the rotary drive mechanism 66(A) and the return roller 39(B). Figure 10 shows the return roller 39 in the transport position (A) and the retracted position (B). Figure 11 shows the state where the transport roller pair 35 is in the engaged position and the return roller 39 is in the transport position. Figure 12 shows the state where the transport roller pair 35 is in the engaged position and the return roller 39 is in the transport position.

[0039] As shown in Figure 8, the transport roller pair 35 and the return roller 39 are supported by a pair of frames 31L and 31R fixed to the binding case 31. The pair of frames 31L and 31R are located on opposite sides of the transport path Ph1 and the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction. The pair of frames 31L and 31R also extend in a direction perpendicular to the main scanning direction. That is, the sheets S and sheet bundles Sb transported by the transport roller pair 35, the tapping roller 38, and the return roller 39 pass between the pair of frames 31L and 31R.

[0040] As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the transport roller pair 35 comprises, for example, a drive shaft 61, a driven shaft 62, a plurality of drive rollers 63, a plurality of driven rollers 64, and a pin 65 (first engagement portion). The binding processing device 30 also comprises a rotary drive mechanism 66 (rotary drive unit) and a slide drive mechanism 67 (slide drive unit). The rotary drive mechanism 66 and the slide drive mechanism 67 are examples of drive units that rotate the transport roller pair 35 and the return roller 39, and move the return roller 39 to a transport position where it contacts and transports the sheets S or sheet bundles Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37, and to a retracted position where it is moved away from the sheets S or sheet bundles Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37.

[0041] The rotary drive mechanism 66 rotates the transport roller pair 35 and the return roller 39 with a single drive source (rotary motor 69). In other words, the rotary drive mechanism 66 transmits the driving force of the rotary motor 69 to the transport roller pair 35 and the return roller 39. The slide drive mechanism 67 moves the transport roller pair 35 in the main scanning direction, shifting the sheet S held by the transport roller pair 35 in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the rotary drive mechanism 66 and the slide drive mechanism 67 move the return roller 39 to the transport position and the retracted position by combining the movement and rotation of the transport roller pair 35 in the main scanning direction.

[0042] The drive shaft 61 and the driven shaft 62 extend in the main scanning direction. Furthermore, the drive shaft 61 and the driven shaft 62 are located on opposite sides of the transport path Ph1. In addition, the drive shaft 61 and the driven shaft 62 are rotatably supported by frames 31L and 31R. In the example shown in Figure 8, the driven shaft 62 is divided into left and right halves, joined in the center by a connecting member 68. The drive shaft 61 and the driven shaft 62 rotate (spin) when the driving force of the rotational drive mechanism 66 is transmitted, and slide in the main scanning direction when the driving force of the slide drive mechanism 67 is transmitted.

[0043] Multiple drive rollers 63 are extrapolated onto the drive shaft 61 at positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction. The drive rollers 63 rotate integrally with the drive shaft 61. Multiple driven rollers 64 are extrapolated onto the driven shaft 62 at positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction. The driven rollers 64 rotate integrally with the driven shaft 62. The drive rollers 63 and driven rollers 64 are positioned opposite each other across the transport path Ph1. In other words, the sheet S on the transport path Ph1 is gripped and rotated by the drive rollers 63 and driven rollers 64, thereby transporting the sheet S in the first transport direction.

[0044] The pin 65 is provided on the drive shaft 61. More specifically, the pin 65 protrudes radially outward from the outer surface of the drive shaft 61 at one point in the circumferential direction of the drive shaft 61. The pin 65 is also positioned to engage with a projection 87, which will be described later, in the main scanning direction. More specifically, the pin 65 engages with the projection 87 when the transport roller pair 35 is in the engaged position (Figures 11 and 12), and disengages from the projection 87 when the transport roller pair 35 is in the disengaged position (Figure 8). The pin 65 rotates together with the drive shaft 61 and slides together with the drive shaft 61 in the main scanning direction.

[0045] The rotary drive mechanism 66 rotates the conveyor roller pair 35 and the return roller 39. The rotary drive mechanism 66 consists of a rotary motor 69 and a plurality of gears 70a to 70d, as shown in Figure 9(A), for example. The rotary motor 69 is a drive source that generates the driving force to rotate the conveyor roller pair 35 and the return roller 39. The gears 70a to 70f mesh with each other to transmit the driving force of the rotary motor 69 to the drive shaft 61. As a result, the drive shaft 61 and the drive roller 63 rotate counterclockwise as shown in Figure 10(A). The driven roller 64 also rotates (drives) clockwise as shown in Figure 10(A) in conjunction with the rotation of the drive roller 63 by contacting the drive roller 63 with the sheet S in between. However, the specific configuration of the rotary drive mechanism 66 is not limited to the example described above.

[0046] The binding processing device 30 is equipped with a rotation sensor 71. The rotation sensor 71 detects when the transport roller pair 35 (more specifically, the drive shaft 61) reaches a predetermined position in the circumferential direction of the drive shaft 61 (hereinafter referred to as the "home position") and outputs a rotation signal indicating the detection result to the controller 160. The rotation sensor 71 outputs a rotation signal when the drive shaft 61 is in the home position and stops outputting the rotation signal when the drive shaft 61 is in a position other than the home position.

[0047] The gear 70d, which rotates integrally with the drive shaft 61, has a filler 72. The filler 72 protrudes radially outward from the end face of the gear 70d at one point in the circumferential direction of the gear 70d. The filler 72 is positioned so that it is detected by the rotation sensor 71 when the drive shaft 61 is in the home position, and not detected by the rotation sensor 71 when the drive shaft 61 is in a position other than the home position. In other words, the rotation sensor 71 detects the filler 72 once each time the drive shaft 61 rotates. The rotation sensor 71 outputs a rotation signal when it detects the filler 72 and stops outputting the rotation signal when it does not detect the filler 72. The home position detected by the rotation sensor 71 is the position in the circumferential direction where the pin 65 and the projection 87 are separated (i.e., the engagement between the pin 65 and the projection 87 is released).

[0048] The slide drive mechanism 67 slides the transport roller pair 35 in the main scanning direction. The slide drive mechanism 67 includes, for example, a slide motor 73, a drive pulley 74, a driven pulley 75, an endless annular belt 76, a slide member 77, and regulating members 78a, 78b, 79a, and 79b, as shown in Figures 8 and 9(A).

[0049] The slide motor 73 generates a driving force to slide the transport roller pair 35 in the main scanning direction. The drive pulley 74 and the driven pulley 75 are each rotatably supported on the binding case 31 at positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction. The drive pulley 74 is attached to the output shaft of the slide motor 73. The endless annular belt 76 is stretched over the drive pulley 74 and the driven pulley 75. When the slide motor 73 rotates, the endless annular belt 76 revolves around the drive pulley 74 and the driven pulley 75. The slide member 77 is fixed to the endless annular belt 76. The regulating members 78a and 78b are fixed to the drive shaft 61 in the main scanning direction, sandwiching the slide member 77. The regulating members 79a and 79b are fixed to the driven shaft 62 in the main scanning direction, sandwiching the slide member 77.

[0050] When the endless annular belt 76 rotates in the first direction, the slide member 77 contacts the regulating members 78a and 79a, causing the transport roller pair 35 to slide to one side (left side in Figure 8) in the main scanning direction. When the endless annular belt 76 rotates in the second direction, opposite to the first direction, the slide member 77 contacts the regulating members 78b and 79b, causing the transport roller pair 35 to slide to the other side (right side in Figure 8) in the main scanning direction. However, the specific configuration of the slide drive mechanism 67 is not limited to the example described above.

[0051] The binding processing device 30 is equipped with a position sensor 79. The position sensor 79 detects the position of the transport roller pair 35 (more specifically, the slide member 77) in the main scanning direction and outputs a position signal indicating the detection result to the controller 160. The position sensor 79 outputs a position signal when the transport roller pair 35 is in its initial position and stops outputting the position signal when the transport roller pair 35 is in a position different from the initial position.

[0052] The transport roller pair 35 moves in the main scanning direction between the initial position (release position) shown in Figure 8 and the engagement positions shown in Figures 11 and 12, due to the driving force transmitted by the slide drive mechanism 67. The initial position is an example of a release position where the engagement between the pin 65 and the projection 87 is released (i.e., the pin 65 and the projection 87 are shifted in the main scanning direction). The initial position is also the position where the positions of the transport roller pairs 33 to 36 are aligned in the main scanning direction. The engagement position is the position where the pin 65 and the projection 87 can engage (i.e., the pin 65 and the projection 87 face each other in the circumferential direction). Note that the release position is not limited to the initial position, as long as it is a position where the engagement between the pin 65 and the projection 87 is released. In other words, multiple positions in the main scanning direction can be release positions.

[0053] The return roller 39 rotates in contact with the upper surface of the sheet S that has passed the transport roller pair 35 in the first transport direction, thereby transporting the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb in the second transport direction. The return roller 39 is positioned facing the internal tray 37. As shown in Figures 8, 9(B), and 10, for example, the return roller 39 mainly comprises an arm 80, a rotating shaft 81, drive rollers 82a, 82b, and a plurality of gears 83a to 83b. The binding processing device 30 also comprises a bush 84, a regulating member 85, and a driven roller 86.

[0054] The arm 80 is pivotably supported at one end (the pivoting base) on the drive shaft 61 via a bush 84. The bush 84 rotates with the drive shaft 61 and slides with the drive shaft 61 in the main scanning direction. The bush 84 does not transmit the rotation of the drive shaft 61 to the arm 80, nor does it transmit the sliding of the drive shaft 61 in the main scanning direction to the arm 80. Furthermore, the sliding of the arm 80 in the main scanning direction is restricted by a regulating member 85 fixed to the frames 31L and 31R. In other words, the position of the arm 80 in the main scanning direction is fixed.

[0055] Furthermore, the arm 80 rotatably supports the rotating shaft 81 at its other end (the pivoting tip). The rotating shaft 81 extends in the main scanning direction. Drive rollers 82a and 82b are attached to both ends of the rotating shaft 81. In addition, the arm 80 houses a plurality of gears 83a to 83c. Gear 83a is attached, for example, to a D-cut bush 84. As a result, gear 83A rotates integrally with the bush 84 (drive shaft 61) and does not slide in the main scanning direction together with the bush 84 (drive shaft 61). Gear 83c is attached to the rotating shaft 81 and rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 81 and the drive rollers 82a and 82b. Furthermore, gears 83a to 83c mesh with each other to transmit the rotation of the drive shaft 61 to the drive rollers 82a and 82b. The drive rollers 82a and 82b are then driven by the power of the rotary motor 69 and rotate counterclockwise as shown in Figure 10(A). However, the specific configuration of the mechanism for rotating the drive rollers 82a and 82b is not limited to the example described above.

[0056] The driven roller 86 is supported by the internal tray 37 so as to be rotatable around a rotation axis extending in the main scanning direction. A portion of the outer surface of the driven roller 86 protrudes upward from the upper surface of the internal tray 37. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 10(A), the driven roller 86 is positioned to face the drive rollers 82a and 82b when the return roller 39 is in the transport position. The driven roller 86 then contacts the drive rollers 82a and 82b (or the drive rollers 82a and 82b with the sheet S in between) and rotates (is driven) clockwise as shown in Figure 10(A) in conjunction with the rotation of the drive rollers 82a and 82b.

[0057] Furthermore, a projection 87 is provided on the side of the arm 80 (the side facing the main scanning direction). The projection 87 protrudes from the side of the arm 80 in the main scanning direction. The projection 87 is also provided on a part of the circumferential direction. The projection 87 is positioned so as not to engage with the pin 65 when the transport roller pair 35 is in the release position. The projection 87 is also positioned so as not to engage with the pin 65 when the transport roller pair 35 is in the engagement position and in the home position. Furthermore, the projection 87 engages with the pin 65 as shown in Figure 10(B) when the transport roller pair 35 is in the engagement position and rotates from the home position.

[0058] The return roller 39 is configured to move (more specifically, the arm 80 swings) between the transport position shown in Figure 10(A) and the retracted position shown in Figure 10(B). The initial position of the return roller 39 is the transport position. The return roller 39 moves from the transport position to the retracted position when the driving force of the rotary motor 69 is transmitted to it. Furthermore, when the transmission of the driving force of the rotary motor 69 is released, the return roller 39 moves from the retracted position to the transport position by its own weight (or the biasing force of a biasing part not shown).

[0059] The transport position is the position where the drive rollers 82a and 82b can contact the driven roller 86 (or the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37). That is, when the return roller 39 is in the transport position, the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37 is transported in the second transport direction by rotating the drive rollers 82a and 82b.

[0060] The retracted position is the position where the drive rollers 82a and 82b are retracted above the driven roller 86 (or the sheets S or sheet bundles Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37). In other words, when the return roller 39 is in the retracted position, even if the drive rollers 82a and 82b rotate, the sheets S or sheet bundles Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37 will not be transported. There may be multiple retracted positions depending on the thickness of the sheet bundles Sb accumulated in the internal tray 37.

[0061] As shown in Figure 8, when the transport roller pair 35 is in the release position, the pin 65 and projection 87 are offset in the main scanning direction, so even if the drive shaft 61 rotates from the home position, the pin 65 and projection 87 do not engage. Therefore, the return roller 39 is maintained in the transport position. When the rotary motor 69 is rotated in this state, the transport roller pair 35 rotates in a direction that transports the gripped sheet S in the first transport direction, and the return roller 39 rotates in a direction that transports the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37 in the second transport direction.

[0062] Next, as shown in Figure 11, when the transport roller pair 35 is slid from the released position to the engaged position, the pin 65 and the projection 87 face each other in the circumferential direction. However, when the transport roller pair 35 is in the home position, the pin 65 does not yet engage with the projection 87. Therefore, the return roller 39 is maintained in the transport position. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12, when the transport roller pair 35 in the engaged position is rotated, the pin 65 engages with the projection 87, and the arm 80 swings along with the rotation of the drive shaft 61. As a result, the drive rollers 82a and 82b retract upward from the sheet S or sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37. That is, the return roller 39 moves to the retracted position.

[0063] Next, when the return roller 39 is in the retracted position, and the transport roller pair 35 rotates to the home position, the pin 65 and projection 87 move apart in the circumferential direction. As a result, the return roller 39 returns from the retracted position to the transport position, as shown in Figure 11. Next, when the transport roller pair 35 is slid from the engaged position to the released position, the pin 65 and projection 87 shift in the circumferential direction, as shown in Figure 8.

[0064] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2(A), an opening 31A is formed in the binding case 31. More specifically, the opening 31A is located on the side of the binding case 31 that supports the second discharge tray 32, and is positioned above the second discharge tray 32. The sheets S or sheet bundles Sb conveyed by the transport roller pair 36 are discharged to the second discharge tray 32 through the opening 31A. The opening 31A is also configured to allow sheet bundles Sb to be manually inserted into the inside of the binding case 31 from the outside (more specifically, through the spaced-apart transport roller pair 36 to the internal tray 37).

[0065] [Hardware configuration of image forming apparatus 1] Figure 13 is an example of a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in Figure 13, the image forming apparatus 1 includes, for example, a controller 150 (control unit) that controls the operation of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1, and a controller 160 (control unit) that controls the operation of the binding processing device 30. The controllers 150 and 160 cooperate to control the operation of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0066] 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).

[0067] Controller 150 controls the operation of the components of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 (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, end fence 40L, 40R, side fence 41L, 41R, crimping binding unit 42, staple binding unit 43, position sensors 53, 54, 60L, 60R, 79, rotation sensor 71, rotary encoders 47a, 50a, 56a, 58a, 59La, 59Ra, 69a, 73a) via internal IF 163. Although only the main motors and sensors of the present invention are shown in Figure 13, each component is driven by a motor (drive source) and its operating state (position, orientation) is detected by sensors.

[0068] The control panel 149 includes an input unit for receiving input from the user and a display (notification unit) for informing the user of information. The input 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 input unit and provides the information to the operator through the display. The notification unit is not limited to a display and may also include LED lamps, speakers, etc.

[0069] The rotary encoders 47a, 50a, 56a, 58a, 59La, 59Ra, 69a, and 73a detect the amount of drive (rotation) of the main scanning motors 47 and 50, the rotating motors 56 and 58, the fence motors 59L and 59R, the rotary motor 69, and the slide motor 73. More specifically, the rotary encoders 47a, 50a, 56a, 58a, 59La, 59Ra, 69a, and 73a output pulse signals to the controller 160 in accordance with the rotation of the main scanning motors 47 and 50, the rotating motors 56 and 58, the fence motors 59L and 59R, the rotary motor 69, and the slide motor 73. The controller 160 can then determine the amount of drive for the main scanning motors 47 and 50, the rotating motors 56 and 58, the fence motors 59L and 59R, the rotary motor 69, and the slide motor 73 by counting the pulse signals output from the rotary encoders 47a, 50a, 56a, 58a, 59La, 59Ra, 69a, and 73a.

[0070] The controller 160 can determine the current position of the crimping and stapling unit 42 in the main scanning direction by combining the detection results of the position sensor 53 and the rotary encoder 47a. In other words, the position sensor 53 and the rotary encoder 47a can be combined to form a position sensor that detects the position of the crimping and stapling unit 42 in the main scanning direction. Similarly, the controller 160 can determine the current position of the staple stapling unit 43 in the main scanning direction by combining the detection results of the position sensor 54 and the rotary encoder 50a. In other words, the position sensor 54 and the rotary encoder 50a can be combined to form a position sensor that detects the position of the staple stapling unit 43 in the main scanning direction.

[0071] The controller 160 can determine the current positions of the side fences 41L and 41R in the main scanning direction by combining the detection results of the position sensors 60L and 60R and the rotary encoders 59La and 59Ra. In other words, the position sensors 60L and 60R and the rotary encoders 59La and 59Ra can be combined to form a position sensor that detects the positions of the side fences 41L and 41R in the main scanning direction.

[0072] The controller 160 can determine the amount of rotation of the transport roller pair 35 (more specifically, the pin 65) in the circumferential direction by combining the detection results of the rotation sensor 71 and the rotary encoder 69a. In other words, the rotation sensor 71 and the rotary encoder 69a can be combined to form a rotation sensor that detects the amount of rotation of the transport roller pair 35 in the circumferential direction.

[0073] The controller 160 can determine the current position of the transport roller pair 35 (more specifically, the pin 65) in the main scanning direction by combining the detection results of the position sensor 79 and the rotary encoder 73a. In other words, the position sensor 79 and the rotary encoder 73a can be combined to form a position sensor that detects the position of the transport roller pair 35 in the main scanning direction.

[0074] 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.

[0075] Figure 14 is another example of a hardware configuration diagram of the image forming apparatus 1. Figure 14 differs from Figure 13 in that the controller 160 of the binding processing apparatus 30 is omitted, but otherwise it is the same as Figure 13. The controller 150 shown in Figure 14 controls the operation of the components of the main body of the image forming apparatus 1 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 14 operates according to the control of the controller 150 mounted on the main body of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0076] [Explanation of the process of shifting sheet S using the conveyor roller pair 35] The binding processing device 30 can achieve a so-called "shift function" by shifting the sheet S supplied from the image forming unit 115 in the main scanning direction using the transport roller pair 35 before discharging it to the second discharge tray 32.

[0077] First, when the controller 160 detects, using a sensor (not shown), that the rear end (the upstream end in the first transport direction) of the sheet S supplied from the image forming unit 115 has passed the transport roller pair 35, the controller 160 moves the transport roller pair 35 in the main scanning direction using the slide drive mechanism 67. As a result, the sheet S, which is held between the drive roller 63 and the driven roller 64, is shifted in the main scanning direction. At this time, the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b of the transport roller pair 36 are assumed to be separated. Next, the controller 160 brings the drive roller 36a and the driven roller 36b into contact, causing the sheet S to be discharged to the second discharge tray 32 by the transport roller pair 35 and 36. Then, the controller 160 changes the amount of slide of the transport roller pair 35 on a sheet S-by-sheet (or section-by-section) basis, causing the sheet S to shift in the main scanning direction and accumulate in the second discharge tray 32.

[0078] [Manual feed binding control process 1] Figure 15 is a flowchart of the manual feed stapling control process 1. Figure 16 is a flowchart of the retraction position movement process (A) and the transport position movement process (B). Figure 17 is an example of the mode selection screen (A) and the manual feed stapling start screen (B). Figure 18 shows the positions of the side fences 41L and 41R in the manual feed stapling control process 1. Note that in the flowchart, the transport roller pair 35 is referred to as the "shift roller".

[0079] The manual feed binding control process 1 is a process for binding a sheet bundle Sb that has been manually fed through the opening 31A when no print job is being executed in the image forming apparatus 1 (i.e., when a sheet S with an image formed on it has not been supplied from the image forming unit 12 to the binding processing apparatus 30). At the start of the manual feed binding control process 1, the transport roller pair 35 is in the released position, the transport roller pair 36 is separated, the return roller 39 is in the transport position, and the side fences 41L and 41R are in the standby position.

[0080] First, the controller 150 displays the mode selection screen shown in Figure 17(A) on the operation panel 149. The mode selection screen allows the user to select the process (mode) to be executed by the image forming apparatus 1. The mode selection screen includes a [copy] icon to form the image read by the document reader 102 onto the sheet S in the image forming unit 115, a [scanner] icon to output the image read by the document reader 102 (stored in memory 152 and sent to an external device), a [fax] icon to send the image read by the document reader 102 to an external device via a public telephone line, and a [manual feed binding] icon to bind the sheet bundle Sb that has been manually fed through the opening 31A.

[0081] Next, if the [Manual Feed Binding] icon is pressed (S1501:Yes), the controller 150 prompts the user to select the binding method (e.g., pressure binding, staple binding), binding orientation (e.g., parallel binding orientation, diagonal binding orientation), sheet bundle Sb size (e.g., A4, B4), sheet bundle Sb thickness (e.g., type and number of sheets S), binding position B, etc., through a selection screen (not shown). Then, the controller 150 sends binding information, including the various information selected by the user, to the controller 160. Note that the information included in the binding information may be set to default settings instead of being selected by the user. Pressing the [Manual Feed Binding] icon is an example of inputting a manual feed binding instruction.

[0082] When controller 160 receives binding information from controller 150, it executes the retraction position movement process shown in Figure 16(A) (S1502). First, controller 160 rotates the transport roller pair 35 to the home position by rotating the rotary motor 69 (S1601). Next, controller 160 slides the transport roller pair 35 to the engagement position by rotating the slide motor 73 (S1602). Furthermore, controller 160 moves the return roller 39 to the retraction position by rotating the rotary motor 69 (S1603). This allows the user to manually insert the sheet bundle Sb into the internal tray 37 through the opening 31A.

[0083] Next, returning to Figure 15, the controller 160 determines whether or not it is possible to bind the manually inserted sheet bundle Sb at binding position B based on the binding information received from the controller 150 (S1503). For example, as shown in Figure 18(A), the staple binding unit 43 may not be able to bind at binding position B in the back corner of the sheet bundle Sb because the crimping binding unit 42 is in the way. Therefore, if the controller 160 determines that it is not possible to bind at binding position B (S1503: No), it rotates the fence motors 59L and 59R to move the manually inserted sheet bundle Sb into the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction using the side fences 41L and 41R (S1504).

[0084] In other words, with the return roller 39 in the retracted position, the controller 160 moves the sheet bundle Sb in the main scanning direction using the side fences 41L and 41R. This allows the stapler 43 to face the stapler position B, as shown in Figure 18(B). Note that the processing in steps S1503-S1504 is not limited to manual stapler processing, but can also be applied when stapling with a sheet bundle Sb supplied from the image forming unit 115. On the other hand, if the controller 160 determines that the stapler position B is stapling-ready (S1503: Yes), it skips the processing in step S1504.

[0085] Note that the processing in steps S1502-S1503 may be performed before the sheet bundle Sb is manually inserted (for example, the retraction position movement process in Figure 16(A)). That is, the controller 160 may determine whether or not the binding position B of the sheet bundle Sb is bindingable based on the combination of the size of the sheet bundle Sb and the binding position B indicated by the binding information. If the controller 160 determines that the binding position B is not bindingable, it may pre-move the side fences 41L and 41R in the main scanning direction so that the sheet bundle Sb is manually inserted into a bindingable position. The user then simply needs to manually insert the sheet bundle Sb between the adjusted side fences 41L and 41R.

[0086] Furthermore, after transmitting binding information to controller 160, controller 150 displays the manual feed binding start screen shown in Figure 17(B) on the operation panel 149. The manual feed binding start screen includes, for example, a [Manual Feed Binding Start] icon and a [Back] icon. When the [Manual Feed Binding Start] icon is pressed, controller 150 sends a manual feed binding start instruction to controller 160. On the other hand, when the [Back] icon is pressed, controller 150 displays the mode selection screen on the operation panel 149 again. When the [Manual Feed Binding] icon is pressed again, controller 150 sends a manual feed binding cancellation instruction to controller 160.

[0087] In other words, when the user wants to perform manual binding, they simply press the [Manual Binding] icon, insert the sheet bundle Sb through the opening 31A, and then press the [Start Manual Binding] icon. On the other hand, when the user wants to cancel manual binding, they simply remove the inserted sheet bundle Sb and press the [Back] icon and the [Manual Binding] icon. Next, the controller 160 waits for a predetermined time to elapse (S1505) or until it receives a manual binding start instruction and a manual binding cancellation instruction from the controller 150 (S1506, S1507) before executing the process from step S1508 onwards.

[0088] Then, if the controller 160 receives a manual binding start instruction from the controller 150 before a predetermined time has elapsed since moving the return roller 39 to the retracted position (S1505: No, S1506: No, S1507: Yes), it binds the binding position B of the sheet bundle Sb that has been manually inserted into the internal tray 37 according to the binding information (S1508). That is, the controller 160 rotates the main scanning motors 47, 50 and the rotary motors 56, 58 to bring the crimp binding unit 42 or the staple binding unit 43 facing the binding position B. The controller 160 also causes the crimp binding unit 42 or the staple binding unit 43 to bind the binding position B.

[0089] Next, when a predetermined time has elapsed since the sheet bundle Sb was bound (S1508 → S1505: Yes), the controller 160 executes the transport position movement process shown in Figure 16(B) (S1509). The predetermined time here is set to the time required for the bound sheet bundle Sb to be pulled out by the user through the opening 31A. In addition, when the controller 150 receives notification from the controller 160 that step S1508 has been executed, it may notify the user via the operation panel 149 to pull out the sheet bundle Sb.

[0090] The controller 160 rotates the conveyor roller pair 35 to the home position by rotating the rotary motor 69 (S1606). This moves the return roller 39 to the conveyor position. Next, the controller 160 slides the conveyor roller pair 35 to the release position by rotating the slide motor 73 (S1607). Returning to Figure 15, the controller 160 rotates the fence motors 59L and 59R to move the side fences 41L and 41R to the standby position (S1510).

[0091] Furthermore, if the controller 160 receives a manual feed stapling cancellation instruction from the controller 150 before a predetermined time has elapsed since the return roller 39 was moved to the retracted position (S1505: No & S1506: Yes), it will execute the processes of steps S1509-S1510 without executing the process of step S1508. In addition, if the controller 160 has elapsed a predetermined time since the return roller 39 was moved to the retracted position (S1505: Yes), it will execute the processes of steps S1509-S1510 without executing the process of step S1508. The predetermined time here is set to the time at which it can be determined that the user has pressed the [Manual Feed Stapling] icon but will not perform manual feed stapling.

[0092] [Manual feed binding control process 2] Figure 19 is a flowchart of the manual feed binding control process 2. The manual feed binding control process 2 is the process that occurs when the [Manual Feed Binding] icon is pressed while a print job is being executed in the image forming apparatus 1. The state of each part at the start of the manual feed binding control process 2 is the same as that of the manual feed binding control process 1. A detailed explanation of the similarities with the manual feed binding control process 1 will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0093] A print job is the process of forming an image on a sheet S in the image forming unit 115 and discharging it to the first output tray 135 or the second output tray 32. The controller 150 starts a print job (S1901) when, for example, the [Copy] icon is pressed or a print command is received from an external device. The controller 150 obtains the image data to be formed on the sheet S, the size of the sheet S, the number of sheets S to be formed, and the destination of the sheets S with the formed images (first output tray 135, second output tray 32) from the operation panel 149 or an external device and executes the print job.

[0094] Next, the controller 150 determines the destination of the print job if the [Manual Feed Binding] icon is pressed while the print job is running (S1902:Yes) (S1903). Here, the first output tray 135 is an output tray that is not used when performing the manual feed binding process (steps S1502-S1510 in Figure 15). On the other hand, the second output tray 32 is an output tray that is used when performing the manual feed binding process.

[0095] If the controller 150 determines that the destination of the print job is the first output tray 135 (S1903:Yes), it instructs the controller 160 to execute the manual feed binding process in parallel with the print job (S1904). On the other hand, if the controller 150 determines that the destination of the print job is the second output tray 32 (S1903:No), it instructs the controller 160 to wait before executing the manual feed binding process until the print job is finished (S1905:No). After the print job is finished (S1905:Yes), the controller 150 instructs the controller 160 to execute the manual feed binding process (S1904).

[0096] [Manual feed binding control process 3] Figure 20 is a flowchart of the manual feed binding control process 3. The manual feed binding control process 3 is the process that occurs when the [Manual Feed Binding] icon is pressed while a print job is being executed in the image forming apparatus 1. The state of each part at the start of the manual feed binding control process 3 is the same as that of the manual feed binding control process 1. Furthermore, a detailed explanation of the similarities with manual feed binding control processes 1 and 2 will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0097] First, the controller 150 determines whether a print job is currently running (S2001) and the destination of the print job that is currently running (S2002).

[0098] If the controller 150 determines that the output destination of the currently running print job is the first output tray 135 (S2001:Yes & S2002:Yes), it activates (makes clickable) the [Manual Feed Binding] icon on the mode selection screen (S2003). If the controller 150 determines that there is no print job currently running (S2001:No), it skips the process in step S2002 and executes the process in step S2003. Then, if the active [Manual Feed Binding] icon is pressed, the controller 150 instructs the controller 160 to execute the manual feed binding process.

[0099] On the other hand, if the controller 150 determines that the output destination of the print job currently in progress is the second output tray 32 (S2001:Yes & S2002:No), it deactivates the [Manual Feed Binding] icon on the mode selection screen (S2004). Then, if the inactive [Manual Feed Binding] icon is pressed (S2005:Yes), the controller 150 notifies the user of an error (that the manual feed binding process cannot be performed) via the operation panel 149 (S2006).

[0100] [Effects of the First Embodiment] According to the first embodiment, the return roller 39 can be moved to the transport position and the retracted position by utilizing the rotary motor 69 that rotates the transport roller pair 35 and the slide motor 73 that slides the transport roller pair 35. In this way, by eliminating a dedicated drive source for moving the return roller 39, the binding processing device can be made smaller and less expensive.

[0101] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, prior to moving the sheet bundle Sb supported by the internal tray 37 in the main scanning direction with the side fences 41L and 41R, the return roller 39 is moved to the retracted position. This prevents the return roller 39 from contacting the sheet bundle Sb as it moves in the main scanning direction and damaging the sheet bundle Sb, and also prevents a decrease in the accuracy of alignment in the main scanning direction.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, when a manual feed binding instruction is input to the operation panel 149, the return roller 39 is moved to the retracted position, thereby preventing damage to the sheet bundle Sb that is manually fed into the internal tray 37 through the opening 31A, and preventing a decrease in the accuracy of alignment in the second transport direction.

[0103] Furthermore, according to the first embodiment, if a print job is entered while the manual feed binding process is in progress, the execution of the print job is delayed until the manual feed binding process is completed (i.e., the manually fed sheet bundle Sb is ejected through the opening 31A). As a result, interference between the sheet bundle Sb being processed by the manual feed binding process and the sheets S ejected by the print job can be prevented, thus preventing jams from occurring.

[0104] [Second Embodiment] Figure 21 is a view of the binding processing device 30 according to the second embodiment, as seen from the thickness direction of the sheet S. Detailed explanations of the similarities with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences will be the focus of this explanation. The binding processing device 30 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that it includes a sheet sensor 88, while other aspects are the same as the first embodiment.

[0105] The sheet sensor 88 is positioned to detect the sheet bundle Sb that is manually inserted through the opening 31A and accumulated in the internal tray 37. When the sheet sensor 88 detects the sheet bundle Sb, it outputs a detection signal to the controller 160. When the sheet sensor 88 does not detect the sheet bundle Sb, it stops outputting the detection signal.

[0106] [Manual feed binding control process 4] Figure 22 is a flowchart of the manual feed binding control process 4. The manual feed binding control process 4 is the process of binding the sheet bundle Sb that is manually fed through the opening 31A when no print job is being executed in the image forming apparatus 1. The state of each part at the start of the manual feed binding control process 4 is the same as that of the manual feed binding control process 1. Furthermore, a detailed explanation of the similarities with manual feed binding control processes 1-3 will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0107] First, controller 150 sends a start notification to controller 160 when a print job starts, and sends a completion notification to controller 160 when a print job finishes. In other words, controller 160 can determine whether controller 150 is currently executing a print job or not. Then, while controller 150 is executing a print job (i.e., from the time it receives the start notification until it receives the completion notification) (S2201: No), controller 160 waits for the execution of the processes from step S2202 onwards.

[0108] Meanwhile, if controller 150 is not executing a print job (S2201: No), controller 160 determines whether a detection signal is being output from the sheet sensor 88 (sheet sensor ON) (S2202). Then, if a detection signal is being output from the sheet sensor 88 (S2202: Yes), controller 160 executes the manual feed binding process (S2203). On the other hand, if no detection signal is being output from the sheet sensor 88 (S2202: No), controller 160 skips step S2203.

[0109] [Manual feed binding control process 5] Figure 23 is a flowchart of manual feed binding control process 5. Manual feed binding control process 5 is the process that occurs when a print job is instructed to start while manual feed binding is in progress. At the start of manual feed binding control process 5, it is assumed that the system is waiting for any of steps S1505-S1507 to be completed. Furthermore, a detailed explanation of the similarities with manual feed binding control processes 1-4 will be omitted, and the explanation will focus on the differences.

[0110] First, controller 160 sends a start notification to controller 150 when the manual feed binding process begins, and sends a completion notification to controller 150 when the manual feed binding process ends. In other words, controller 150 can determine whether controller 160 is currently performing the manual feed binding process. Then, if controller 150 receives a print job start instruction while the manual feed binding process is in progress (i.e., from the start notification to the completion notification) (S2301 → S2302: Yes), it determines the destination of the print job (S2303).

[0111] If the controller 150 determines that the destination of the print job is the first output tray 135 (S2303: Yes), it executes the instructed print job in parallel with the controller 160 executing the manual feed binding process (S2304). On the other hand, if the controller 150 determines that the destination of the print job is the second output tray 32 (S2303: No), it prompts the user via the operation panel 149 to choose whether or not to terminate (interrupt) the manual feed binding process midway (S2305).

[0112] Next, if the user selects to terminate the manual binding process midway through the operation panel 149 (S2305: Yes), the controller 150 queries the controller 160 to find out whether a detection signal has been output from the sheet sensor 88 (S2306: Yes). Then, if a detection signal has been output from the sheet sensor 88, the controller 150 notifies the user through the operation panel 149 that the manually inserted sheet bundle Sb will be removed through the opening 31A (S2307).

[0113] Furthermore, if no detection signal is output from the sheet sensor 88 (S2306: No), the controller 150 instructs the controller 160 to perform the transport position movement process shown in Figure 16(B) (S2308), and then executes the print job (S2304).

[0114] Furthermore, if the user does not select to terminate the manual binding process midway through the operation panel 149 (S2305: No), the controller 150 will execute the print job after receiving notification from the controller 150 that the manual binding process has finished (S2309: Yes → S2304). In other words, the controller 150 waits to execute the print job (S2304) until the sheet bundle Sb bound by the manual binding process is ejected through the opening 31A (S2309: No). As another example, if the controller 150 determines that the destination of the print job is the second output tray 32 and the user does not select to terminate the manual binding process midway through the operation panel 149 (S2303: No & S2305: No), it may change the destination of the print job to the first output tray 135 and execute the print job.

[0115] [Effects of the second embodiment] According to the second embodiment, by providing a sheet sensor 88, the user does not need to press the [Manual Feed Binding] icon on the mode selection screen. This reduces the user's workload for performing the manual feed binding process.

[0116] [Third Embodiment] Figure 24 shows the shape of the projection 89 according to the third embodiment. Figure 25 shows the state of the return roller 39 when the pin 65 is moved in the main scanning direction. Detailed explanations of the similarities with the first embodiment will be omitted, and the differences will be explained in detail. The binding processing device 30 according to the third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the shape of the projection 89, while other aspects are the same as the first embodiment.

[0117] As shown in Figure 24, the projection 89 according to the third embodiment has an inclined surface 90 on its outer circumferential surface (the surface that can contact the pin 65). More specifically, the inclined surface 90 is formed such that the projection 89 tapers towards the protruding end in the main scanning direction. The inclined surface 90 is also formed in the circumferential direction at a position where it can contact the pin 65 when the return roller 39 is in the retracted position. The inclined surface 90 may be a flat surface as shown in Figure 24(A), or a curved surface as shown in Figure 24(B).

[0118] Then, in the binding processing device 30 according to the third embodiment, when the transport roller pair 35 is slid in the main scanning direction toward the release position from a state where the transport roller pair 35 is engaged and the return roller 39 is retracted (Figure 25(A)), the pin 65 moves along the inclined surface 90 in the main scanning direction. As a result, as shown in Figures 25(B) and 25(C), the return roller 39 (arm 80) moves (oscillates) slowly from the retracted position to the transport position.

[0119] [Effects of the Third Embodiment] According to the third embodiment, as the pin 65 moves in the main scanning direction, the return roller 39 moves slowly from the retracted position to the transport position, thus reducing the impact and noise when the return roller 39 returns to the transport position. As a result, in the transport position movement process shown in Figure 16(B), the process of rotating the transport roller pair 35 to the home position (S1606) can be omitted. As a result, the productivity of the binding processing device 30 is improved.

[0120] 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.

[0121] Furthermore, each of the aforementioned processes may be implemented, for example, by a program. That is, each of the aforementioned processes may be implemented by CPU 151 or CPU 161 executing a program stored in memory 152 or memory 162. Note that the program is not limited to a single program, but may be a collection of multiple programs. Also, the program is not limited to being executed by only one of CPUs 151 or 161, but may be executed jointly by CPUs 151 and 161. Furthermore, the program may be written to a storage device or storage medium and distributed, or distributed via telecommunication lines, etc.

[0122] The contents of this invention are, for example, as follows: <1> A first conveying unit that conveys the medium in a first conveying direction by gripping and rotating the medium, A second conveying unit that rotates in contact with the upper surface of the medium that has passed through the first conveying unit, thereby conveying the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction, A collection unit for collecting the medium that has been transported by the second transport unit, A binding section for binding the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation section, The media processing apparatus is characterized by comprising a drive unit that rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and moves the second transport unit to a transport position in which it can transport the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to a retracted position in which it moves away from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit. <2> the above <1> In the media processing apparatus described above, The aforementioned drive unit is A rotary drive unit that rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, The media processing apparatus is characterized by comprising a slide drive unit that slides the first transport unit to an engaged position in which the second transport unit can move to the retracted position, and to a released position in which the second transport unit is maintained in the transport position, in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the first transport direction and the second transport direction. <3> the above <2> In the media processing apparatus described above, The first transport unit includes a first engagement unit provided on a drive shaft that rotates when the driving force of the rotary drive unit is transmitted to it. The second transport unit is, An arm supported so as to be pivotable on the aforementioned drive shaft, A roller supported at the tip of the aforementioned arm, which rotates when the driving force of the rotational drive unit is transmitted to it, The device comprises a first engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion when the first transport portion is in the engagement position, and a second engaging portion that disengages from the first engaging portion when the first transport portion is in the release position, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the first transport unit is in the engagement position, the arm swings to the transport position in which the roller contacts the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to the retracted position in which the roller is retracted from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, by transmitting the driving force of the rotary drive unit to the drive shaft and rotating the drive shaft. <4> the above <1> or the above <3> In a media processing apparatus described in any one of the following, The system includes a main scanning direction alignment unit that aligns the positions of the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation unit in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the first and second transport directions, The main scanning direction alignment unit is a media processing apparatus characterized by moving the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit in the main scanning direction while the second transport unit is in the retracted position. <5> the above <1> or the above <4> In a media processing apparatus described in any one of the following, An input unit that receives input from the user, An opening for manually inserting multiple media toward the accumulation section, The system comprises the aforementioned drive unit and the control unit that controls the binding unit, When a manual binding instruction is input to the input unit, the control unit will: Move the second transport unit from the transport position to the retracted position, This media processing apparatus is characterized by binding a plurality of media inserted by hand through the opening into the binding section. <6> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, The above process the medium supplied from the image forming apparatus. <1> or the above <5> An image forming system comprising a media processing apparatus described in any one of the above. <7> the above <6> In the image forming system described above, A detection unit for detecting the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, An opening for manually inserting multiple media toward the accumulation section, The system comprises the aforementioned drive unit and the control unit that controls the binding unit, When the control unit detects the medium when it is not supplied from the image forming apparatus, Move the second transport unit from the transport position to the retracted position, This image forming system is characterized by binding a plurality of media inserted by hand through the opening into the binding section. <8> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, A first transport unit that transports the medium supplied from the image forming apparatus in a first transport direction by gripping and rotating the medium, A second conveying unit that rotates in contact with the upper surface of the medium that has passed through the first conveying unit, thereby conveying the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction, A collection unit for collecting the medium that has been transported by the second transport unit, A binding section for binding the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation section, A drive unit rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and moves the second transport unit to a transport position where it can contact and transport the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to a retracted position where it moves away from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit. An input unit that receives input from the user, An opening for manually inserting multiple media toward the accumulation section, The apparatus comprises the image forming apparatus, the binding unit, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit, The control unit, When a manual binding instruction is input to the input unit, the second transport unit is moved from the transport position to the retracted position, and the multiple media inserted by hand through the opening are bound together in the binding unit. The image forming system is characterized in that, when the second transport unit is in the retracted position and image forming is instructed by the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is made to wait to perform image forming until the plurality of media bound in the binding unit are discharged through the opening. <9> A first conveying unit that conveys the medium in a first conveying direction by gripping and rotating the medium, A second conveying unit that rotates in contact with the upper surface of the medium that has passed through the first conveying unit, thereby conveying the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction, A collection unit for collecting the medium that has been transported by the second transport unit, A binding section for binding the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation section, A processor for a media processing apparatus, which includes a drive unit that rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit and moves the second transport unit to a transport position where it can contact and transport the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to a retracted position where it is retracted from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, The program is characterized by controlling the drive unit to move the second transport unit to the transport position and the retracted position. <10> An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, A first transport unit that transports the medium supplied from the image forming apparatus in a first transport direction by gripping and rotating the medium, A second conveying unit that rotates in contact with the upper surface of the medium that has passed through the first conveying unit, thereby conveying the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction, A collection unit for collecting the medium that has been transported by the second transport unit, A binding section for binding the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation section, A drive unit rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and moves the second transport unit to a transport position where it can contact and transport the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to a retracted position where it moves away from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit. An input unit that receives input from the user, A processor of an image forming system, which includes an opening for manually inserting a plurality of media toward the integration unit, When a manual binding instruction is input to the input unit, the second transport unit is moved from the transport position to the retracted position, and the multiple media inserted by hand through the opening are bound together in the binding unit. The program is characterized in that, when the second transport unit is in the retracted position and image forming is instructed by the image forming apparatus, it causes the image forming apparatus to wait to perform image forming until the multiple media bound in the binding unit are discharged through the opening. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0123] 1: Image forming apparatus 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 31b, 31c: Guide wall 32: Second discharge tray 33, 34, 35, 36, 131, 132: Conveyor roller pair 33a, 36a, 63, 82a, 82b: Drive rollers 33b, 36b, 64, 86: Driven rollers 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 47: Main scanning motor 48a,74: Drive pulley 48b,75: Driven pulley 49a, 49b, 76: Endless annular belt 50: Main scanning motor 53, 54, 79, 60L, 60R: Position sensors 55, 57: Rotary shaft 56, 58: Rotary motor 59La, 59Ra, 69a, 73a: Rotary encoders 61: Drive shaft 62: Driven axis 65: Pin 66: Rotary drive mechanism 67: Slide drive mechanism 68: Connecting member 69: Rotary motor 70,83: Gear 71: Rotation sensor 72: Filler 73: Slide motor 77: Sliding member 78a, 78b, 79a, 79b, 85: Regulating members 80: Arm 81: Rotation axis 87,89 :Protrusion 88: Sheet sensor 90: Inclined surface 102: Document scanning device 103: Writing device 104C,104K,104M,104Y: Image forming section 105C, 105K, 105M, 105Y: Photoconductor drum 110: Document transport device 111: Cabinet 112: Feeding tray 115: Image forming unit 120: Fixing section 135: First discharge tray 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: Feeding roller [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0124] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6916636

Claims

1. A first conveying unit that conveys the medium in a first conveying direction by gripping and rotating the medium, A second conveying unit, which rotates while contacting the upper surface of the medium that has passed through the first conveying unit, conveys the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction, A collection unit for collecting the medium that has been transported by the second transport unit, A binding section for binding the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation section, A media processing apparatus comprising a drive unit that rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and moves the second transport unit to a transport position in which it can transport the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to a retracted position in which it is retracted from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit.

2. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The aforementioned drive unit is A rotational drive unit that rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, A media processing apparatus comprising a slide drive unit that slides the first transport unit to an engaged position in which the second transport unit can move to the retracted position, and to a released position in which the second transport unit is maintained in the transport position, in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the first transport direction and the second transport direction.

3. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 2, The first transport unit includes a first engagement portion provided on a drive shaft that rotates when the driving force of the rotary drive unit is transmitted to it. The second transport unit is, An arm supported so as to be pivotable on the aforementioned drive shaft, A roller supported at the tip of the aforementioned arm, which rotates when the driving force of the rotational drive unit is transmitted to it, The device comprises a first engaging portion that engages with the first engaging portion when the first transport portion is in the engagement position, and a second engaging portion that disengages from the first engaging portion when the first transport portion is in the release position, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that, when the first transport unit is in the engagement position, the driving force of the rotary drive unit is transmitted and the drive shaft rotates, causing the arm to swing to the transport position in which the roller contacts the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to the retracted position in which the roller is retracted from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit.

4. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, The system includes a main scanning direction alignment unit that aligns the positions of the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation unit in the main scanning direction perpendicular to the first and second transport directions, The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the main scanning direction alignment unit moves the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit in the main scanning direction while the second transport unit is in the retracted position.

5. In the media processing apparatus according to claim 1, An input unit that receives input from the user, An opening for manually inserting multiple media toward the accumulation section, The system comprises the aforementioned drive unit and the control unit that controls the binding unit, When a manual binding instruction is input to the input unit, the control unit will: Move the second transport unit from the transport position to the retracted position, A media processing apparatus characterized by binding a plurality of media inserted by hand through the opening into the binding section.

6. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, An image forming system comprising: a medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, which processes the medium supplied from the image forming apparatus.

7. In the image forming system according to claim 6, A detection unit for detecting the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, An opening for manually inserting multiple media toward the accumulation section, The system comprises the aforementioned drive unit and the control unit that controls the binding unit, When the control unit detects the medium when it is not supplied from the image forming apparatus, Move the second transport unit from the transport position to the retracted position, An image forming system characterized by binding a plurality of media inserted by hand through the opening into the binding section.

8. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, A first transport unit that transports the medium supplied from the image forming apparatus in a first transport direction by gripping and rotating the medium, A second conveying unit, which rotates while contacting the upper surface of the medium that has passed through the first conveying unit, conveys the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction, A collection unit for collecting the medium that has been transported by the second transport unit, A binding section for binding the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation section, A drive unit rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and moves the second transport unit to a transport position where it can contact and transport the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to a retracted position where it moves away from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit. An input unit that receives input from the user, An opening for manually inserting multiple media toward the accumulation section, The apparatus comprises the image forming apparatus, the binding unit, and a control unit for controlling the drive unit, The control unit, When a manual binding instruction is input to the input unit, the second transport unit is moved from the transport position to the retracted position, and the multiple media inserted by hand through the opening are bound together in the binding unit. An image forming system characterized in that, when the second transport unit is in the retracted position and image forming is instructed by the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is made to wait to perform image forming until the plurality of media bound in the binding unit are discharged through the opening.

9. A first conveying unit that conveys the medium in a first conveying direction by gripping and rotating the medium, A second conveying unit, which rotates while contacting the upper surface of the medium that has passed through the first conveying unit, conveys the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction, A collection unit for collecting the medium that has been transported by the second transport unit, A binding section for binding the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation section, A processor for a media processing apparatus, which includes a drive unit that rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit and moves the second transport unit to a transport position where it can contact and transport the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to a retracted position where it is retracted from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, A program characterized by controlling the drive unit to move the second transport unit to the transport position and the retracted position.

10. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a medium, A first transport unit that transports the medium supplied from the image forming apparatus in a first transport direction by gripping and rotating the medium, A second conveying unit, which rotates while contacting the upper surface of the medium that has passed through the first conveying unit, conveys the medium in a second conveying direction different from the first conveying direction, A collection unit for collecting the medium that has been transported by the second transport unit, A binding section for binding the multiple media accumulated in the accumulation section, A drive unit rotates the first transport unit and the second transport unit, and moves the second transport unit to a transport position where it can contact and transport the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit, and to a retracted position where it moves away from the medium accumulated in the accumulation unit. An input unit that receives input from the user, A processor of an image forming system, which includes an opening for manually inserting a plurality of media toward the integration unit, When a manual binding instruction is input to the input unit, the second transport unit is moved from the transport position to the retracted position, and the multiple media inserted by hand through the opening are bound together in the binding unit. A program characterized in that, when the second transport unit is in the retracted position and image forming is instructed by the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus is instructed to wait to perform image forming until the plurality of media bound in the binding unit are discharged through the opening.

Images