Post-processing device, control method for post-processing device, and control program for post-processing device

Abstract

To solve the problem that it is difficult to simplify a configuration of a post-processing device and there is a possibility of causing positional deviation of a post-processing part.SOLUTION: A post-processing unit 30 comprises a stapler 60, a drive part 34 and a control part 22. The stapler 60 moves in a Y direction for stapling sheets P. The drive part 34 moves the stapler 60 in the Y direction. The control part 22 controls operation of the stapler 60 and operation of the drive part 34. The control part 22 performs first control for supplying a set current Ia or a set voltage Va to the drive part 34, second control for supplying a supply current Ib same as the set current Ia or a supply voltage Vb same as the set voltage Va to the drive part 34, and third control for stopping supply of the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb. The control part 22, when the stapler 60 performs a plurality of times of stapling on the sheets P, performs the second control and the third control repeatedly, and makes the stapler 60 staple during performing the second control.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-treatment device, a control method for the post-treatment device, and a control program for the post-treatment device.

Background Art

[0002] The sheet post-treatment device described in Patent Document 1 has a stapling unit including a stapler, a moving table on which the stapler is placed, and a base member that supports the stapler via the moving table. The motor that serves as the drive source of the stapler is not electrically locked.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, means for mechanically holding the post-treatment unit is separately required, making it difficult to simplify the configuration of the post-treatment device. Further, in a configuration for electrically holding the operation of the drive source of the conventional post-treatment unit, it is necessary to separately set the current value for moving the post-treatment unit and the current value for holding the operation of the drive source. For example, a configuration for converting the output, such as a DC-DC converter, is separately required, making it difficult to simplify the configuration. Furthermore, since the current value for holding the operation of the drive source is lower than the current value for moving the post-treatment unit, when post-treatment is performed multiple times, a component of the impact force of the operation of the post-treatment unit may act on the post-treatment unit, resulting in a possible displacement of the position of the post-treatment unit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In order to solve the above problems, the post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is provided movably in the width direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium in a placement unit on which the medium is placed, and includes a post-processing unit that post-processes the placed medium, a driving unit that moves the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source, and a control unit that controls the operation of the post-processing unit and the operation of the driving unit. The control unit performs a first control for moving the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by causing the driving unit to be supplied with a preset set current or set voltage from the power source, a second control for holding the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by causing the driving unit to be supplied with a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage, and a third control for stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the driving unit. When the post-processing unit performs post-processing on the medium a plurality of times, the second control and the third control are repeatedly executed, and post-processing is performed on the post-processing unit while the second control is being executed.

[0006] In order to solve the above problems, a control method for a post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is a control method for a post-processing apparatus including a placement unit on which a medium is placed, a post-processing unit that is provided movably in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium and post-processes the placed medium, and a driving unit that moves the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source. The control method includes a movement step of moving the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by causing the driving unit to be supplied with a preset set current or set voltage from the power source, a holding step of holding the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by causing the driving unit to be supplied with a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage, and a stopping step of stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the driving unit. When the post-processing unit performs post-processing on the medium a plurality of times, the holding step and the stopping step are repeatedly executed, and post-processing is performed on the post-processing unit while the holding step is being executed.

[0007] The control program of the post-processing apparatus according to the present invention for solving the above problems is provided in a placement unit on which a medium is placed, and is movable in a width direction intersecting the conveyance direction of the medium. A post-processing unit that post-processes the placed medium and a drive unit that moves the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source. A control program for a post-processing apparatus, the method comprising: a moving step of moving the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying a preset set current or set voltage from the power source to the drive unit; a holding step of holding the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the drive unit; a stopping step of stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit; and when the post-processing unit performs post-processing on the medium a plurality of times, repeating the holding step and the stopping step, and a processing step of causing the post-processing unit to perform post-processing while the holding step is being executed. It is characterized by being a program for causing a computer to execute.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0008]

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Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0009] Hereinafter, the present invention will be schematically described. A post-processing device according to a first aspect of the present invention for solving the above problems is provided movably in a width direction intersecting a conveyance direction of a medium in a placement unit on which the medium is placed, and includes a post-processing unit that post-processes the placed medium, a drive unit that moves the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source, and a control unit that controls operations of the post-processing unit and the drive unit. The control unit performs a first control of moving a position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by causing the drive unit to be supplied with a preset set current or set voltage from the power source, a second control of holding the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by causing the drive unit to be supplied with a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage, and a third control of stopping supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit. When the post-processing unit performs post-processing on the medium a plurality of times, the second control and the third control are repeatedly executed, and post-processing is performed on the post-processing unit while the second control is being executed. According to this aspect, in the first control and the second control, since the set current and the supply current, or the set voltage and the supply voltage are the same values respectively, a conversion unit for converting the magnitude of the output of the supply current or the supply voltage supplied to the drive unit becomes unnecessary. Thereby, the configuration of the post-processing device can be simplified. Furthermore, according to this aspect, since the supply current or the supply voltage having the same value as the set current or the set voltage is supplied to the drive unit, post-processing by the post-processing unit is performed in a state where the holding force of the post-processing unit is increased. Even if a component force of an impact force of the post-processing operation acts on the post-processing unit, displacement of the post-processing unit in the width direction can be suppressed.

[0010] A post-processing device according to a second aspect, in the first aspect, when a plurality of times of the post-processing are performed at one set position in the width direction of the medium, the control unit repeatedly executes the second control and the third control without executing the first control. According to this aspect, since the first control is not executed during a plurality of times of the post-processing, the speed of performing the post-processing can be increased compared to a configuration in which the first control is executed every time.

[0011] In the post-processing apparatus according to the third aspect, in the first aspect, when the plurality of times of the post-processing are performed at a first position in the width direction of the medium and a second position different from the first position, the control unit executes the third control at the first position and the second position. According to this aspect, when the post-processing unit is at the first position or the second position, the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit is stopped, so the power consumption in the post-processing apparatus can be reduced compared to a configuration in which the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit is continued.

[0012] In the post-processing apparatus according to the fourth aspect, in any one of the first aspect to the third aspect, the control unit synchronizes the operation of the post-processing in the post-processing unit and the operation of the drive unit with reference to the input time point of a signal input before the operation of the post-processing in the post-processing unit is started. According to this aspect, since the operation of the post-processing in the post-processing unit and the operation of the drive unit are synchronized, it becomes difficult for an extra supply current or supply voltage to be supplied compared to a configuration in which they are not synchronized, so the power consumption in the post-processing apparatus can be reduced.

[0013] In the post-processing apparatus according to the fifth aspect, in any one of the first aspect to the fourth aspect, the control unit starts the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit before the operation of the post-processing is started. According to this aspect, since the holding force of the post-processing unit is increased by the drive unit before the operation of the post-processing is started, when the post-processing by the post-processing unit is performed, the positional deviation of the post-processing unit in the width direction can be suppressed.

[0014] In the sixth aspect, the post-treatment apparatus according to the fifth aspect is characterized in that the control unit stops supplying current or voltage to the drive unit when a set time has elapsed since the start of supplying the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit. According to this aspect, since the supply of current or voltage from the power source to the drive unit is stopped when the set time has elapsed since the start of supplying the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit, the power consumption in the post-treatment apparatus can be further reduced as compared with a configuration in which current or voltage is supplied to the drive unit for a time longer than the set time.

[0015] In the seventh aspect, the post-treatment apparatus according to the fifth or sixth aspect is characterized in that the control unit stops supplying current or voltage from the power source to the drive unit when a set elapsed time has elapsed since the end of the post-treatment operation in the post-treatment unit. According to this aspect, since the supply of current or voltage from the power source to the drive unit is stopped when the set elapsed time has elapsed since the end of the post-treatment operation in the post-treatment unit, the power consumption in the post-treatment apparatus can be further reduced as compared with a configuration in which current or voltage is supplied to the drive unit for a time longer than the set elapsed time.

[0016] In the eighth aspect, the post-treatment apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects is characterized in that a first time from the end of the post-treatment to the end of the second control is longer than a second time from the start of the second control to the start of the post-treatment. According to this aspect, since the holding of the position of the post-treatment unit is released after the operation of the post-treatment unit is completed, it is possible to suppress the displacement of the post-treatment unit in the width direction while reducing the power consumption of the post-treatment apparatus.

[0017] In the ninth aspect, the post-treatment apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects is characterized in that the control unit causes the post-treatment unit to perform the post-treatment without executing the second control in the final post-treatment among a plurality of post-treatments. In the post-processing before the final time, since the post-processing is not performed thereafter, even if the displacement in the width direction of the post-processing unit occurs, there is no problem. Here, according to this aspect, since the second control for one time is eliminated, the power consumption in the post-processing apparatus can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which the second control is executed in all of the plurality of times of the post-processing.

[0018] The post-processing apparatus according to the tenth aspect is any one of the first aspect to the ninth aspect, wherein when the number of times of the post-processing at one location of the medium is one time, the control unit causes the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing without executing the second control. When the number of times of the post-processing at one location of the medium is one time, since the post-processing is not performed thereafter, even if the displacement in the width direction of the post-processing unit occurs, there is no problem. Here, according to this aspect, since the second control is eliminated, the power consumption in the post-processing apparatus can be reduced as compared with a configuration in which the second control is executed when performing the post-processing once.

[0019] The post-processing apparatus according to the eleventh aspect is any one of the first aspect to the tenth aspect, wherein the post-processing unit is a binding unit that binds the medium, the driving unit has a stepping motor including a coil excited by energization, and the force in the width direction acting on the binding unit when the binding unit binds the medium is larger than the holding force by the detent torque when the coil is not excited. According to this aspect, since the force in the width direction acting on the binding unit becomes larger, as a result, it is possible to easily move the binding unit in the width direction.

[0020] The control method of the post-processing device according to the 12th aspect is a control method of a post-processing device including: a post-processing unit that is provided to be movable in a width direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the medium and post-processes the placed medium in a placement unit on which the medium is placed; and a driving unit that moves the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source. The control method includes: a moving step of moving the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying a preset set current or set voltage from the power source to the driving unit; a holding step of holding the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the driving unit; and a stopping step of stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the driving unit. When the post-processing unit performs post-processing on the medium a plurality of times, the holding step and the stopping step are repeatedly executed, and post-processing is performed on the post-processing unit while the holding step is being executed. According to this aspect, the same operations and effects as those of the post-processing device according to the 1st aspect can be obtained.

[0021] The control program of the post-processing device according to the 13th aspect is a control program of a post-processing device including: a post-processing unit that is provided to be movable in a width direction intersecting a conveyance direction of the medium and post-processes the placed medium in a placement unit on which the medium is placed; and a driving unit that moves the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source. The control program causes a computer to execute: a moving step of moving the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying a preset set current or set voltage from the power source to the driving unit; a holding step of holding the position of the post-processing unit in the width direction by supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the driving unit; a stopping step of stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the driving unit; and a processing step of repeatedly executing the holding step and the stopping step and performing post-processing on the post-processing unit while the holding step is being executed when the post-processing unit performs post-processing on the medium a plurality of times. According to this aspect, the same operations and effects as those of the post-processing apparatus according to the first aspect can be obtained.

[0022] [Embodiment 1] Hereinafter, Embodiment 1 which is an example of a post-processing apparatus, a control method for the post-processing apparatus, and a control program for the post-processing apparatus according to the present invention will be specifically described. FIG. 1 shows a recording system 1 which is an example of a recording apparatus. The recording system 1 is configured as an inkjet apparatus that performs recording by discharging ink which is an example of a liquid onto a sheet P which is an example of a medium.

[0023] In the X - Y - Z coordinate system represented in each figure, the X direction is the apparatus width direction, the Y direction is the apparatus depth direction, and the Z direction is the apparatus height direction. The X direction, the Y direction, and the Z direction are orthogonal to each other. When distinguishing left and right with respect to the center in the apparatus width direction when viewing the recording system 1 from the front, the left is referred to as the +X direction, and the right is referred to as the -X direction. When distinguishing the front and the back with respect to the center in the apparatus depth direction, the front is referred to as the -Y direction, and the back is referred to as the +Y direction. When distinguishing the top and the bottom with respect to the center in the apparatus height direction, the top is referred to as the +Z direction, and the bottom is referred to as the -Z direction. In addition, in the post-processing unit 30 described later, the A direction and the B direction are further used for explanation.

[0024] The recording system 1 has, in order from the +X direction, a recording unit 2, an intermediate unit 4, and a post-processing unit 30. In the recording system 1, the recording unit 2, the intermediate unit 4, and the post-processing unit 30 are mechanically and electrically connected to each other. The intermediate unit 4 conveys the sheet P fed from the recording unit 2 to the post-processing unit 30. The recording system 1 is provided with an operation unit 15 (Fig. 3) operated by an operator and a display unit 17 (Fig. 3) on which various information of the recording system 1 is displayed. The operation unit 15 is configured to be able to input various settings in the recording unit 2 and the post-processing unit 30. Note that the recording system 1 is configured to perform post-processing described later on the sheet P on which information is recorded by the printer unit 10 described later. In the recording system 1, the same operational effects as those of the post-processing unit 30 described later can be obtained.

[0025] The recording unit 2 records various information on the conveyed sheet P. The sheet P is formed in a sheet shape. The recording unit 2 also includes a printer unit 10, a scanner unit 12, a cassette storage unit 14, and a power supply 16. The printer unit 10 is an example of a recording unit and includes a recording head 20, a control unit 22, and a conveyance motor 23 (Fig. 3). The recording head 20 is configured as a line head as an example. The conveyance motor 23 rotationally drives a plurality of roller pairs (not shown) provided in the recording system 1, as well as a paddle 46 and a discharge roller 48 described later. Note that the conveyance motor 23 does not mean a single motor, but is a general term for a plurality of motors. In the following description, the motor and the motor driver are collectively referred to as the "motor" for explanation, and the illustration and description of the motor driver are omitted.

[0026] As shown in Fig. 3, the control unit 22 includes a CPU 24 (Central Processing Unit) that functions as a computer, a memory 26 that functions as a storage unit, a timer 28 that can measure time or a time point based on each time point, and a storage (not shown). The control unit 22 also controls various operations in the recording system 1. The control by the control unit 22 includes the control of the operation of the stapler unit 50 (Fig. 1) described later and the control of the operation of the drive unit 34 described later. The memory 26 stores the program PR executed by the CPU 24 and various data (not shown). In other words, the memory 26 is an example of a recording medium storing a computer-readable program PR. Other examples of the recording medium include CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray discs, USB memories, etc. Also, in a part of the memory 26, the program PR can be expanded. The program PR is a program for causing the CPU 24 to execute the moving step, holding step, stopping step, and processing step of the post-processing unit 30 (FIG. 1) described later.

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1, the scanner unit 12 reads information on a manuscript (not shown). The cassette storage unit 14 has a plurality of storage cassettes 18 for storing a plurality of sheets of paper P. A conveyance path 19 for conveying the sheet of paper P is formed between the printer unit 10 and the cassette storage unit 14. In the conveyance path 19, the sheet of paper P is conveyed from the storage cassette 18 to the recording area of the recording head 20, and further conveyed from the recording area to the post-processing unit 30 via the intermediate unit 4.

[0028] The post-processing unit 30 is an example of a post-processing device, and post-processes the sheets of paper P received from the intermediate unit 4 in a required number at once. In the present embodiment, as an example of the post-processing, a stapling process of stapling a plurality of sheets of paper P using staples 61 (FIG. 6) is performed. The stapling process is, in other words, a process of forming a stack of sheets Q by driving staples 61 into a plurality of sheets of paper P. A conveyance path K for conveying the sheet of paper P from the intermediate unit 4 is formed in the post-processing unit 30. The conveyance path K has, as an example, a main conveyance path K1 extending toward a processing tray 32 described later and a sub-conveyance path K2 extending toward an upper tray 33 described later.

[0029] As shown in FIG. 2, the post-processing unit 30 has a housing 31 as a main body. An upper tray 33 is formed at the +Z-direction end of the housing 31. Also, a discharge tray 35 is provided at the +X-direction end of the +Z-direction part of the housing 31. The upper tray 33 and the discharge tray 35 are arranged in an inclined state where the +X-direction part is located in the +Z direction relative to the -X-direction part.

[0030] As shown in FIG. 1, the post-processing unit 30 includes, as an example, a processing tray 32, a stapling unit 50, a drive unit 34 (FIG. 3), and a control unit 22. In this embodiment, as an example, a configuration in which the control unit 22 also serves as the control unit of the post-processing unit 30 will be described, but the post-processing unit 30 may be provided with a separate control unit. The post-processing unit 30 is also provided with an alignment plate 42 and side cursors 43, 44 (FIG. 6), paddles 46, and a discharge roller 48.

[0031] The processing tray 32 is an example of a placement part, and one or more sheets of paper P conveyed along the main conveyance path K1 are placed thereon. Note that the placement surface 32A on which the paper P is placed on the processing tray 32 is arranged in an inclined state where the +X-direction part is located in the +Z direction relative to the -X-direction part. Here, the direction in which the placement surface 32A is inclined is defined as the A direction. The A direction is an example of the conveyance direction of the paper P and is orthogonal to the Y direction. Also, the A direction intersects both the X direction and the Z direction. When distinguishing between one side and the other side of the A direction, the direction toward the stapling unit 50 is defined as the +A direction, and the direction away from the stapling unit 50 is defined as the -A direction. The Y direction is an example of the width direction of the paper P. Also, as described above, the Y direction intersects the A direction. When viewed from the Y direction, the direction orthogonal to the A direction is defined as the B direction. Regarding the B direction, the direction in which the papers P are stacked is defined as the +B direction, and the direction opposite to the +B direction is defined as the -B direction. The processing tray 32 is provided with a paper sensor 39 (Fig. 3). The paper sensor 39 is configured as an optical and reflection-type sensor as an example. Further, the paper sensor 39 can detect whether the reception of the paper P is completed by detecting the presence or absence of the paper P in the processing tray 32. The signal of the detection information of the paper sensor 39 is transmitted to the control unit 22 (Fig. 3).

[0032] The drive unit 34 will be described with reference to Figs. 1, 3, 4, and 6. The operation of the drive unit 34 is controlled by the control unit 22. Further, a current or voltage can be supplied to the drive unit 34 from the power source 16. The drive unit 34 is configured to include, as an example, a guide motor 38, a moving motor 36, and a staple motor 37. The guide motor 38 includes a pinion (not shown) and drives the side cursors 43 and 44, which will be described later, in a direction approaching each other or away from each other in the Y direction. The moving motor 36 is configured as a stepping motor and includes a coil 36A. In other words, the drive unit 34 has a stepping motor including a coil 36A that is excited by energization. Further, the moving motor 36 has a pinion 36B and drives the transmission belts 58 and 59, which will be described later, to move the stapler 60, which will be described later, in the +Y direction or the -Y direction. In other words, the drive unit 34 moves the stapler 60 in the Y direction. The staple motor 37 drives the stapler 60 to drive a staple 61 into the paper P. That is, the stapler 60 is stapled.

[0033] As shown in Fig. 6, the alignment plate 42 stands upright in the B direction at the end of the processing tray 32 in the +A direction. Further, three alignment plates 42 are provided at intervals in the Y direction as an example. When the end of the paper P fed into the processing tray 32 in the +A direction contacts the three alignment plates 42, the position of the paper P in the A direction is determined, that is, the ends of the plurality of papers P are aligned. The side cursor 43, 44 is formed in a plate shape having a predetermined thickness in the Y direction. Also, the side cursor 43, 44 is arranged at intervals in the Y direction. A rack (not shown) is provided on the side cursor 43 and the side cursor 44. By moving this rack in the Y direction via the pinion of the guide motor 38 (FIG. 3), the side cursor 43, 44 moves in a direction approaching each other or a direction away from each other along the Y direction, enabling the alignment of the sheet P.

[0034] As shown in FIG. 1, the paddle 46 is rotatable around a rotation axis along the Y direction and is provided on the housing 31. Also, the paddle 46 is driven by the conveyance motor 23 (FIG. 3) to feed the sheet P into the processing tray 32. The discharge roller 48 is arranged downstream of the paddle 46 in the -A direction. Also, the discharge roller 48 is rotatable around a rotation axis along the Y direction and is provided on the housing 31. Then, the discharge roller 48 is driven by the conveyance motor 23 to discharge the sheet P or the sheet bundle Q on the processing tray 32 to the discharge tray 35.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 4, the staple unit 50 includes, as an example, a base frame 52, a guide shaft 55, a movable frame 56, two pulleys 57, transmission belts 58, 59, and a stapler 60. Also, the staple unit 50 is provided at a position in the +A direction with respect to the processing tray 32 (FIG. 1). The base frame 52 is formed in a box shape that opens in the -Z direction. Also, the base frame 52 includes an upper plate portion 52A along the A - Y plane and side walls 52B facing each other in the Y direction. The upper plate portion 52A extends in the Y direction. Also, a guide hole portion 54 is formed in the upper plate portion 52A. Further, a movement motor 36 is provided on the upper plate portion 52A. The guide hole portion 54 has a first hole portion 54A, a second hole portion 54B, and a third hole portion 54C. Further, the guide hole portion 54 is formed symmetrically with respect to the center in the Y direction. The first hole portion 54A extends in the Y direction. The second hole portion 54B extends from both end portions of the first hole portion 54A in the Y direction in an oblique direction intersecting the Y direction and toward the position in the -A direction. The third hole portion 54C extends in the Y direction outward from the end portions of the second hole portion 54B, respectively.

[0036] The guide shaft 55 is installed on the side wall 32B along the Y direction. The movable frame 56 is supported by the guide shaft 55 and is movable in the Y direction along the guide shaft 55. Note that the stapler 60 is provided on the movable frame 56 so as to be movable relative to the movable frame 56. Two pulleys 57 are provided on the base frame 52. A transmission belt 59 is wound around one pulley 57 and the pinion 36B. The transmission belt 58 is wound around two pulleys 57. A part of the transmission belt 58 is fixed to the movable frame 56. Here, when the pinion 36B is rotated in the forward direction or the reverse direction, the movable frame 56 is linearly moved in the +Y direction or the -Y direction. In other words, the stapler 60 is moved in the +Y direction or the -Y direction.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5, the stapler 60 is an example of a binding portion and a post-processing portion, and is arranged in the +Z direction with respect to the upper plate portion 52A. Further, when the stapler 60 is moved to the end portion in the Y direction of the first hole portion 54A, it enters the second hole portion 54B while rotating, so that the posture is inclined in a direction intersecting the Y direction. The stapler 60 arranged at the +Y direction end portion of the base frame 52 and the stapler 60 arranged at the - direction end portion of the base frame 52 are in a line-symmetrical relationship with respect to a straight line (not shown) that extends in the A direction passing through the center in the Y direction.

[0038] Stapler 60 includes a movable part (not shown), a staple 61 (FIG. 6) which is an example of a needle, and a staple motor 37 (FIG. 3). Then, when the staple motor 37 operated by energization drives the movable part, staple 61 is stapled to a part of a plurality of sheets of paper P. In other words, stapler 60 binds the sheets of paper P by performing a stapling process on the plurality of sheets of paper P by energization. Thus, stapler 60 is provided so as to be movable in the Y direction, and forms a part of a stack of sheets of paper Q (FIG. 1) by performing a stapling process, which is an example of post-processing, on the plurality of sheets of paper P placed on the processing tray 32.

[0039] As shown in FIG. 6, when viewed from the B direction, stapler 60 can be arranged at four positions with respect to the sheet of paper P as an example. In FIG. 6, four positions PA, PB, PC, and PD of stapler 60 are shown by virtual lines P1, P2, P3, and P4 representing the outer shape of stapler 60. Also, the sheet of paper P is shown in a state viewed from the back side. At position P1, stapler 60 performs a stapling process on the upper right part of the sheet of paper P. That is, staple 61 is stapled to the upper right part of the sheet of paper P (FIG. 7(A)). Also, at position P4, stapler 60 performs a stapling process on the upper left part of the sheet of paper P. As a result, staple 61 is stapled to the upper left part of the sheet of paper P (FIG. 7(B)). Furthermore, after performing a stapling process at position P2, stapler 60 is moved to position P3 along the Y direction and performs a stapling process, so that two staples 61 can be stapled at intervals in the Y direction to the end of the sheet of paper P in the +A direction. In the first embodiment, as an example, it will be described that stapler 60 performs a stapling process on a plurality of sheets of paper P at position P4.

[0040] In the control unit 22 shown in FIG. 3, the preset control, that is, each control executed by the control unit 22 will be described. For each part of the post-processing unit 30, FIGS. 1 to 6 will be referred to, and the description of individual figure numbers will be omitted. The control unit 22 can execute a first control, a second control, and a third control. The first control is a control for moving the position of the stapler 60 in the Y direction by supplying a preset set current Ia or set voltage Va from the power supply 16 to the moving motor 36 of the drive unit 34. The illustration of the set current Ia and the set voltage Va is omitted. The second control is a control for holding the position of the stapler 60 in the Y direction by supplying a supply current Ib having the same value as the value of the set current Ia or a supply voltage Vb having the same value as the value of the set voltage Va to the moving motor 36 of the drive unit 34. The illustration of the supply current Ib and the supply voltage Vb is omitted. The third control is a control for stopping the supply of the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb to the moving motor 36 of the drive unit 34.

[0041] The state where the set current Ia and the supply current Ib have the same value includes not only the state of Ia = Ib but also the state where one is a value within the measurement error range of the other. Similarly, the state where the set voltage Va and the supply voltage Vb have the same value includes not only the state of Va = Vb but also the state where one is a value within the measurement error range of the other. In the execution of the program PR, the first control corresponds to a moving step. The second control corresponds to a holding step. The third control corresponds to a stopping step.

[0042] When the stapler 60 performs staple processing on the paper P a plurality of times, the control unit 22 repeatedly executes the second control and the third control, and causes the stapler 60 to perform staple processing while executing the second control. This control corresponds to a processing step in the execution of the program PR. When a plurality of staple processes are performed at one set position in the Y direction of the paper P, the control unit 22 repeatedly executes the second control and the third control without executing the first control. The control unit 22 synchronizes the staple processing operation of the stapler 60 and the operation of the drive unit 34 with the input timing of the signal input before the start of the staple processing operation in the stapler 60 as the reference timing. In the present embodiment, as an example of the reference timing, the input timing of the signal from the sheet sensor 39 when the reception of the sheet P is completed in the processing tray 32 of the post-processing unit 30 is set. At time t9, which is before time t10 when the staple processing operation starts, the control unit 22 starts supplying the supply current Ib or supply voltage Vb to the movement motor 36 of the drive unit 34.

[0043] The control unit 22 stops supplying current or voltage from the power supply 16 to the movement motor 36 at the time when the set time ΔT [seconds] (FIG. 8) described later has elapsed since the start time of supplying the supply current Ib or supply voltage Vb to the movement motor 36 of the drive unit 34. Also, the control unit 22 stops supplying current or voltage from the power supply 16 to the movement motor 36 of the drive unit 34 at the time when the set elapsed time Δt1 [seconds] (FIG. 8) has elapsed since the end time of the staple processing operation in the stapler 60. In the final staple processing among multiple staple processes, the control unit 22 causes the stapler 60 to perform staple processing without executing the second control. When the number of staple processing times at one location of the sheet P is one, the control unit 22 causes the stapler 60 to perform staple processing without executing the second control.

[0044] The setting of the operation of each part in the post-processing unit 30 will be described using a timing chart. For each part of the post-processing unit 30, refer to FIGS. 1 to 6, and the description of individual figure numbers is omitted. FIG. 8 shows a timing chart for the ON and OFF times of the paper P conveyance operation, the paper P alignment operation, the operation of the movement motor 36, and the stapling process operation. Each operation shown in FIG. 8 is an operation until the stapling process is completed and one stack of paper Q is formed. Also, in FIG. 8, the time from time point t1 to time point t12 is shown, but the intervals between each of the time points from time point t1 to time point t12, that is, the lengths of time, are shown schematically and may be different from the actual lengths of time.

[0045] The paper conveyance operation includes an operation of feeding the paper P using the paddle 46 and an operation of discharging the stack of paper Q using the discharge roller 48. The conveyance operation of the paper P by the paddle 46 starts at time point t1 and ends at time point t2. The paper alignment operation is an operation of aligning the Y-direction ends of a plurality of sheets of paper P using the side cursors 43 and 44. The alignment of the plurality of sheets of paper P starts at time point t3 and ends at time point t4. Note that between time point t1 and time point t2, a plurality of sheets of paper P may be fed into the processing tray 32 by the paddle 46 and aligned by the side cursors 43 and 44.

[0046] In the operation of the movement motor 36, a set current Ia or a set voltage Va is supplied to the movement motor 36 at time point t5, and the movement of the stapler 60 starts at time point t6. The supply of the set current Ia or the set voltage Va to the movement motor 36 is stopped at time point t7, and the movement of the stapler 60 is stopped at time point t8. A supply current Ib or a supply voltage Vb is supplied to the movement motor 36 at time point t9, and the supply of the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb is stopped at time point t12. In other words, between time point t9 and time point t12, since the movement motor 36 resists an external force so as not to rotate, the position of the stapler 60 in the Y direction is maintained. Time point t9 is set as, for example, the time point when a preset time has elapsed from time point t8 with time point t8 as the reference time point. Time point t12 is set as, for example, the time point when a preset time has elapsed from time point t11 with time point t11 as the reference time point. Note that the time from time point t9 to time point t12 corresponds to the set time ΔT.

[0047] The stapling process operation is an operation in which stapler 60 drives staples 61 into a plurality of sheets P. The stapling process operation starts at time point t10 and ends at time point t11. Note that time point t10 is set as, for example, the time point when a preset time has elapsed from time point t8 with time point t8 as the reference time point. In the present embodiment, as an example, the stapling process operation is performed within the time during which the position of stapler 60 in the Y direction is held. Here, the time from time point t11 to time point t12 corresponds to the first time Δt1. The time from time point t9 to time point t10 corresponds to the second time Δt2 [seconds].

[0048] In post-processing unit 30, the first time Δt1 from the end time point of the stapling process to the end time point of the second control is longer than the second time Δt2 from the start time point of the second control to the start time point of the stapling process. Note that the first time Δt1 is an example of the set elapsed time. Also, in post-processing unit 30, the force in the Y direction acting on stapler 60 when stapler 60 binds sheets P is greater than the holding force due to the detent torque when coil 36A of moving motor 36 is not excited.

[0049] FIG. 9 shows, as an example, a timing chart when each operation in FIG. 8 is continuously executed for two bundles of sheets Q. Note that for the operations that have been described, the illustration and description of the time points are omitted. Also, in the present embodiment, the second bundle of sheets Q corresponds to the last media bundle. After staple processing is performed on the stack Q of sheets in the first part, the discharge roller 48 starts discharging the stack Q of sheets at time tA, and the discharge of the stack Q of sheets ends at time tB. Subsequently, the conveyance operation and alignment operation of the next sheet P are performed. However, since the position where staple processing is performed on the sheet P does not change, the movement motor 36 does not operate or hold. In this state, after staple processing is performed, the discharge roller 48 starts discharging the stack Q of sheets at time tC, and the discharge of the stack Q of sheets ends at time tD. In this way, one staple processing is performed on each of the two stacks Q of sheets.

[0050] Next, the operation of the post-processing unit 30 of Embodiment 1 will be described. For each part of the post-processing unit 30, the description of individual figure numbers is omitted with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the flow from the acceptance process of the sheet P by the control unit 22 to the discharge process of the stack Q of sheets after staple processing. Each process shown in FIG. 10 is performed by the CPU 24 reading and expanding the program PR from the memory 26 and executing it.

[0051] In step S10, the CPU 24 feeds a plurality of sheets P into the processing tray 32 by operating the paddle 46. Then, it proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the CPU 24 moves the side cursors 43 and 44 by operating the guide motor 38 to align a plurality of sheets P. Then, it proceeds to step S14. In step S14, the CPU 24 moves the stapler 60 from the initial position to position P4 by operating the movement motor 36. Then, it proceeds to step S16. In step S16, the CPU 24 determines whether or not the movement of the stapler 60 in the Y direction has ended. Here, as an example, the CPU 24 determines whether or not the stapler 60 has reached the position P4 based on the elapsed time since the start of the movement of the stapler 60. If the stapler 60 has reached the position P4 (S16: Yes), the process proceeds to step S18. If the stapler 60 has not reached the position P4 (S16: No), the process proceeds to step S14.

[0052] In step S18, the CPU 24 determines whether or not a plurality of sheets P for which staple processing is to be performed hereinafter are other than the last sheet bundle Q. If they are other than the last sheet bundle Q (S18: Yes), the process proceeds to step S20. If it is the last sheet bundle Q (S18: No), the process proceeds to step S28. In step S20, the CPU 24 supplies the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb to the movement motor 36 to hold the movement motor 36 so that it does not rotate. Then, the process proceeds to step S22. In step S22, the CPU 24 operates the stapler 60 by operating the staple motor 37 and starts the staple processing. Then, the process proceeds to step S24. In step S24, the CPU 24 stops the operation of the staple motor 37 to stop the operation of the stapler 60. Then, the process proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the CPU 24 stops the supply of the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb to the movement motor 36. Thereby, the holding of the movement motor 36 ends. Then, the process proceeds to step S32.

[0053] In step S28, the CPU 24 operates the stapler 60 by operating the staple motor 37 and starts the staple processing. Then, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, the CPU 24 stops the operation of the staple motor 37 to stop the operation of the stapler 60. Then, the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the CPU 24 rotates the discharge roller 48 by operating the conveyance motor 23 to discharge the paper stack Q, and then proceeds to step S34. In step S34, the CPU 24 determines whether to perform staple processing on the next sheet P. The determination is made based on, for example, the difference between the set number of paper stacks Q and the number of discharged paper stacks Q. It is made based on the number of discharged paper stacks Q. If staple processing on the next sheet P is not performed (S34: Yes), the program PR ends. If staple processing on the next sheet P is to be performed (S34: No), the process proceeds to step S10.

[0054] FIG. 11(A) shows a state where staples 61 are stapled to the upper left portion of the first paper stack Q in the post-processing unit 30 (FIG. 1). FIG. 11(B) shows a state where staples 61 are stapled to the upper left portion of the 40th paper stack Q. FIG. 11(C) shows a state where staples 61 are stapled to the upper left portion of the 80th paper stack Q. The solid-line staples 61 are those stapled by the post-processing unit 30, and the dashed-line staples 61 are those stapled by a comparative example device in which holding by the supply current Ib or supply voltage Vb is not performed in the movement motor 36. In the device of the comparative example, as the number increases from the first to the 40th and 80th, the amount of displacement of the staple 61 from the alternate long and short dash line G representing the predetermined stapling position increases. On the other hand, in the post-processing unit 30 of the present embodiment, even when the number increases from the first to the 40th and 80th, the amount of displacement of the staple 61 from the predetermined stapling position is smaller than that of the comparative example.

[0055] As described above, according to the post-processing unit 30, in the first control and the second control, since the set current Ia and the supply current Ib, or the set voltage Va and the supply voltage Vb are the same values respectively, a conversion unit for converting the magnitude of the output of the supply current Ib or supply voltage Vb supplied to the drive unit 34 becomes unnecessary. For example, a DC-DC converter becomes unnecessary. Thereby, the configuration of the post-processing unit 30 can be simplified. Furthermore, by supplying the drive unit 34 with the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb having the same value as the set current Ia or the set voltage Va, stapling processing is performed by the stapler 60 in a state where the holding force for holding the position of the stapler 60 is increased. Therefore, even if a component of the impact force of the stapling processing operation acts on the stapler 60, displacement of the stapler 60 in the Y direction can be suppressed. Note that, regarding the control method of the post-processing unit 30 and the program PR of the post-processing unit 30, the same operations and effects as those of the post-processing unit 30 can be obtained.

[0056] According to the post-processing unit 30, since the first control is not executed during multiple stapling processes, the speed of performing the stapling process can be increased compared to a configuration in which the first control is executed each time. According to the post-processing unit 30, since the operation of the stapler 60 for stapling and the operation of the drive unit 34 are synchronized, it becomes difficult for an extra supply current Ib or supply voltage Vb to be supplied compared to a configuration in which these are not synchronized. Therefore, the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 can be reduced. The start time t10 (FIG. 8) of the stapling process changes with respect to the preset time when the time required for aligning a plurality of sheets P changes. That is, the time t4 (FIG. 8) when the alignment ends may change depending on the placement state of the plurality of sheets P, and by shifting the time t4 forward or backward with respect to the set time, the time t10 also shifts forward or backward with respect to the set time. Here, in the post-processing unit 30 of the first embodiment, as described above, since the stapling process operation and the operation of the drive unit 34 are synchronized, even if the time t4 when the alignment ends shifts forward or backward, it becomes difficult for an extra supply power Ib or supply voltage Vb to be supplied, and the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 can be reduced.

[0057] According to the post-processing unit 30, at time t9 which is before time t10 when the operation of the stapling process is started, the holding of the moving motor 36 is started, and the holding force of the stapler 60 is increased by the moving motor 36. Therefore, when the stapling process is performed by the stapler 60, the positional deviation of the stapler 60 in the Y direction can be suppressed. According to the post-processing unit 30, at the time when the set time ΔT has elapsed from time t9 which is the start time of the supply of the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb to the moving motor 36 of the drive unit 34, the supply of the current or the voltage from the power supply 16 to the drive unit 34 is stopped. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the current or the voltage is supplied to the drive unit 34 for a time longer than the set time ΔT, the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 can be further reduced.

[0058] According to the post-processing unit 30, at the time when the set elapsed time Δt1 has elapsed from time t11 which is the end time of the operation of the stapling process in the stapler 60, the supply of the current or the voltage from the power supply 16 to the moving motor 36 of the drive unit 34 is stopped. Therefore, compared with a configuration in which the current or the voltage is supplied to the drive unit 34 for a time longer than the set elapsed time Δt1, the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 can be further reduced. According to the post-processing unit 30, since the holding of the position of the stapler 60 is released after the operation of the stapler 60 is completed, it is possible to suppress the positional deviation of the stapler 60 in the Y direction while reducing the power consumption of the post-processing unit 30. In the final stapling process, since the stapling process is not performed thereafter, there is no problem even if a positional deviation of the stapler 60 in the Y direction occurs. Here, according to the post-processing unit 30, since the second control for one time is eliminated, the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 can be reduced compared with a configuration in which the second control is executed in all of the plurality of stapling processes.

[0059] When the number of stapling processes at a single location on the sheet P is one, since no further stapling process is performed thereafter, even if a displacement in the Y direction of the stapler 60 occurs, there is no problem. Here, according to this aspect, since the second control is eliminated, compared to a configuration in which the second control is executed when performing a single stapling process, the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 can be reduced. According to the post-processing unit 30, since the force in the Y direction acting on the stapler 60 becomes larger, as a result, it becomes easier to move the stapler 60 in the Y direction.

[0060] [Embodiment 2] Next, a second embodiment, which is an example of a post-processing apparatus, a control method for the post-processing apparatus, and a control program for the post-processing apparatus according to the present invention, will be specifically described. Note that parts common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof and the description of individual figure numbers are omitted.

[0061] The post-processing unit 30 of the second embodiment is different from the post-processing unit 30 of the first embodiment in that the stapler 60 performs stapling processes at two locations, the position P2 and the position P3. The position P2 is an example of the first position. The position P3 is an example of the second position. In the post-processing unit 30 shown in FIG. 6, when a plurality of stapling processes are performed at a position P2 in the Y direction of the sheet P and a position P3 different from the position P2, the control unit 22 (FIG. 3) executes a third control at the position P2 and the position P3. That is, as shown in FIG. 12, at the end of the paper bundle Q in the +A direction, two staples 61 are driven at intervals in the Y direction.

[0062] FIG. 13 shows a timing chart when the conveyance operation of the sheet P, the alignment operation of the sheet P, the operation of the movement motor 36, and the stapling operation of the stapler 60 are executed for one set of sheets Q as an example of the operation of the post-processing unit 30 according to Embodiment 2. In the actual operation, each operation shown in FIG. 13 is performed a plurality of times according to a plurality of sets of sheets Q. For the operations that have been described, the illustration and description at that time are omitted. In Embodiment 2, as an example of the reference time point, a time point t8 at which the movement of the stapler 60 stops is set.

[0063] At position P2 (FIG. 6), after the first stapling process is performed by time point t12, a set current Ia or a set voltage Va is supplied to the movement motor 36 at time point t13, and the movement of the stapler 60 starts at time point t14. The supply of the set current Ia or the set voltage Va to the movement motor 36 stops at time point t15, and the movement of the stapler 60 stops at time point t16. As a result, the stapler 60 reaches position P3 (FIG. 6). The stapling operation of the stapler 60 starts at time point t17 and ends at time point t18. Subsequently, the discharge of the set of sheets Q is started by the discharge roller 48 (FIG. 1) at time point tA, and the discharge of the set of sheets Q ends at time point tB. In this way, two stapling processes are performed on one set of sheets Q. Subsequently, the stapling process is similarly performed on two or more sets of sheets Q.

[0064] Next, the operation of the post-processing unit 30 according to Embodiment 2 will be described. For each part of the post-processing unit 30, the description of individual figure numbers is omitted with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the flow from the acceptance process of the sheet P by the control unit 22 to the discharge process of the set of sheets Q after the stapling process. Each process shown in FIG. 14 is performed by the CPU 24 reading and expanding the program PR from the memory 26 and executing it.

[0065] In step S50, the CPU 24 feeds a plurality of sheets P into the processing tray 32 by operating the paddle 46, and then proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the CPU 24 moves the side cursors 43 and 44 by operating the guide motor 38 to align the plurality of sheets P, and then proceeds to step S54. In step S54, the CPU 24 moves the stapler 60 from the initial position to position P2 by operating the moving motor 36. Note that the stapler 60 may be waiting at position P2 from the beginning. Then, it proceeds to step S56. In step S56, the CPU 24 determines whether the Y-direction movement of the stapler 60 has ended. If the stapler 60 has reached position P2 (S56: Yes), it proceeds to step S58. If the stapler 60 has not reached position P2 (S56: No), it proceeds to step S54.

[0066] In step S58, the CPU 24 supplies the supply current Ib or supply voltage Vb to the moving motor 36 to hold the moving motor 36 from rotating, and then proceeds to step S60. In step S60, the CPU 24 operates the stapler 60 by operating the staple motor 37 to start the stapling process, and then proceeds to step S62. In step S62, the CPU 24 stops the operation of the staple motor 37 to stop the operation of the stapler 60, and then proceeds to step S64. In step S64, the CPU 24 stops supplying the supply current Ib or supply voltage Vb to the moving motor 36. Thereby, the holding of the moving motor 36 ends, and then it proceeds to step S66.

[0067] In step S66, the CPU 24 moves the stapler 60 from position P2 to position P3 by operating the moving motor 36, and then proceeds to step S68. In step S68, the CPU 24 determines whether the movement of the stapler 60 in the Y direction has ended. If the stapler 60 reaches the position P3 (S68: Yes), the process proceeds to step S70. If the stapler 60 has not reached the position P3 (S68: No), the process proceeds to step S66. In step S70, the CPU 24 operates the stapler 60 by operating the staple motor 37 and starts the stapling process. Then, the process proceeds to step S72.

[0068] In step S72, the CPU 24 stops the operation of the stapler 60 by stopping the operation of the staple motor 37. Then, the process proceeds to step S74. In step S74, the CPU 24 rotates the discharge roller 48 by operating the conveyance motor 23 and discharges the paper bundle Q. Then, the process proceeds to step S76. In step S76, the CPU 24 determines whether to perform the stapling process on the next sheet P. The determination is made, for example, based on the difference between the set number of paper bundles Q and the number of discharged paper bundles Q. If the stapling process on the next sheet P is not performed (S76: Yes), the program PR ends. If the stapling process on the next sheet P is to be performed (S76: No), the process proceeds to step S50.

[0069] According to the post-processing unit 30 of the second embodiment, when the stapler 60 is at the position P2 or the position P3, the supply of the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb to the movement motor 36 of the drive unit 34 is stopped. Therefore, compared with the configuration in which the supply of the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb to the drive unit 34 is continued, the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 can be reduced.

[0070] The recording system 1 and the post-processing unit 30 according to the first and second embodiments of the present invention are basically configured as described above. However, it is of course possible to make partial configuration changes, omissions, etc. without departing from the gist of the present invention. Hereinafter, modification examples will be described.

[0071] In the post-processing unit 30 of Embodiments 1 and 2, the control unit 22 does not have to synchronize the stapling operation of the stapler 60 and the operation of the drive unit 34 based on the input time of the signal input before the operation of the stapling process in the stapler 60 starts. The control unit 22 does not have to stop supplying current or voltage to the drive unit 34 when a set time has elapsed since the start time of the stapling operation in the stapler 60. For example, the supply of current or voltage to the drive unit 34 may be stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed since the start time of the movement of the stapler 60. The control unit 22 does not have to stop supplying current or voltage to the drive unit 34 when a set elapsed time has elapsed since the end time of the stapling operation in the stapler 60. For example, the end time of the stapling operation and the time when the supply of current or voltage to the drive unit 34 is stopped may be the same time.

[0072] The first time Δt1 and the second time Δt2 may be the same time, or the first time Δt1 may be shorter than the second time Δt2. Also, the first time Δt1 = 0 and the second time Δt2 = 0 may be set. Furthermore, within the range where the purpose of reducing the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 and suppressing the displacement of the stapler 60 in the Y direction can be achieved, the start time of the holding operation of the moving motor 36 may be after the start time of the stapling operation. Similarly, within the range where the purpose of reducing the power consumption in the post-processing unit 30 and suppressing the displacement of the stapler 60 in the Y direction can be achieved, the end time of the holding operation of the moving motor 36 may be before the end time of the stapling operation. The control unit 22 may perform the second control in the final stapling process. Also, the control unit 22 may perform the second control even when the number of stapling processes at one location on the sheet P is one. The force in the Y direction acting on the stapler 60 when the stapler 60 binds the sheet P may be equal to the holding force due to the detent torque when the coil 36A is not excited.

[0073] The point in time when holding of the moving motor 36 ends may be the same as the point in time when staple processing by the stapler 60 ends. Further, the convergence point in time at which the vibration of the stapler 60 converges after the staple processing is stopped may be confirmed in advance, and the point in time when holding of the moving motor 36 ends and the convergence point in time may be set to the same point in time. As a reference point in time for synchronizing the holding of the moving motor 36 and the staple processing by the stapler 60, the starting point in time or the ending point in time of the movement of the stapler 60 may be used as the reference point in time instead of the point in time when the sheet P is received.

[0074] During times other than the time when the stapler 60 is moved, the supply current Ib or the supply voltage Vb may be continuously supplied to the moving motor 36. As an example of post-processing other than staple processing, a crimping process of binding by crimping a plurality of sheets P or a drilling process of forming through holes penetrating in the thickness direction in a plurality of sheets P may be performed. Whether to supply the supply current Ib or supply the supply voltage Vb may be appropriately selected. Note that as control of the moving motor 36, it is preferable to perform constant current control, but it is also possible to perform constant voltage control.

[0075] The timing at which the CPU 24 moves the stapler 60 from the initial position is not limited to after aligning a plurality of sheets P by the side cursors 43 and 44. For example, the stapler 60 may be moved from the initial position simultaneously with the alignment by the side cursors 43 and 44, or the stapler 60 may be moved from the initial position while feeding the sheet P into the processing tray 32. Further, the stapler 60 may be moved from the initial position before feeding the sheet P into the processing tray 32. By these means, the time required until the post-processing is completed can be shortened.

[0076] In the post-processing unit 30 of Embodiment 1, the position where staple processing is performed on the sheet P is not limited to the position P4 at the upper right portion of the sheet P, and may be the position P1 at the upper left portion.

[0077] In the post-processing unit 30 of the second embodiment, staple processing at the positions P2 and P3 may also be performed on other sheets P, and two staple processes may be performed on each of a plurality of sheet bundles Q. Further, the positions for staple processing the sheet P are not limited to the two positions of P2 and P3, and may be a plurality of three or more positions. Furthermore, the end point of the staple process may be synchronized with the end point of the holding of the moving motor 36 with the end point of the staple process as the reference point.

[0078] The medium is not limited to the sheet P, and may be a film, a cloth, or the like. The staple processing of the sheet P can be performed not only when a plurality of flat sheets P are stacked in the B direction, but also when a plurality of pre-folded sheets P are stacked in the B direction. The staple processing can be performed not only in the case of binding the long sides of the sheet P, but also in the case of binding the short sides.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0079] 1... Recording system, 2... Recording unit, 3... Post-processing unit, 4... Intermediate unit, 10... Printer unit, 12... Scanner unit, 14... Cassette housing unit, 15... Operation unit, 16... Power supply, 17... Display unit, 18... Storage cassette, 19... Conveying path, 20... Recording head, 22... Control unit, 23... Conveying motor, 24... CPU, 26... Memory, 28... Timer, 30... Post-processing unit, 31... Housing, 32... Processing tray, 32A... Placing surface, 32B... Side wall, 33... Upper tray, 34... Driving unit, 35... Discharge tray, 36... Moving motor, 36A... Coil, 36B... Pinion, 37... Staple motor, 38... Guide motor, 39... Sheet sensor, 42... Alignment plate, 43... Side cursor, 44... Side cursor, 46... Paddle, 48... Discharge roller, 50... Staple unit, 52... Base frame, 52A... Upper plate part, 52B... Side wall, 54... Guide hole part, 54A... First hole part, 54B... second hole portion, 54C... third hole portion, 55... guide shaft, 56... movable frame, 57... pulley, 58... transmission belt, 59... transmission belt, 60... stapler, 61... staple, K1... main conveyance path, K2... sub-conveyance path, P1... position, P2... position, P3... position, P4... position

Claims

1. In a placement unit on which a medium is placed, a post-processing unit configured to be movable in a first direction and perform post-processing on the medium placed on the placement unit, a driving unit that moves the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source, a control unit that controls the operation of the post-processing unit and the operation of the driving unit, comprising The control unit, a first control for moving the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying a preset set current or set voltage from the power source to the driving unit, a second control for maintaining the position of the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the driving unit, and a third control for stopping the supply of the current or the voltage to the driving unit, and is capable of executing, When the post-processing is executed at a first position in the first direction of the medium and a second position different from the first position, the control unit, executes the first control for moving the post-processing unit to the first position, executes the second control at the first position, and causes the post-processing unit to execute the post-processing during the execution of the second control, executes the first control to move the post-processing unit to the second position, A post-processing apparatus characterized by the above.

2. When the post-processing is executed at the first position and the second position, the control unit does not execute the second control at the second position, The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. When the post-processing is executed at the first position and the second position, the control unit executes the third control after the post-processing at the second position by the post-processing unit, The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. In a placement unit on which a medium is placed, a post-processing unit provided to be movable in a first direction and perform post-processing on the placed medium, a driving unit that moves the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source, a control unit that controls the operation of the post-processing unit and the operation of the driving unit, comprising, The control unit, a first control for moving the position of the post-processing unit in the first direction by causing the power source to supply a preset set current or set voltage to the driving unit, By supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the drive unit, a second control for holding the position of the post-processing unit in the first direction is performed, and a third control for stopping the supply of the current or the voltage to the drive unit can be executed. When the post-processing is performed at a first position in the first direction of the medium and at a second position different from the first position, the control unit executes the second control and the third control at the first position, and causes the post-processing unit to perform post-processing while the second control is being executed. At the second position, the third control is executed and the second control is not executed. A post-processing apparatus characterized by the above.

5. Based on the input time point of a signal input before the operation of the post-processing in the post-processing unit starts, the control unit synchronizes the operation of the post-processing unit with the operation of the drive unit. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. Before the operation of the post-processing starts, the control unit starts supplying the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. The control unit stops supplying current or voltage to the drive unit when a set time has elapsed from the start time of supplying the supply current or the supply voltage to the drive unit. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

8. The control unit stops supplying current or voltage from the power supply to the drive unit when a set elapsed time has elapsed from the end time of the operation of the post-processing in the post-processing unit. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized by the above.

9. When performing the post-processing on a plurality of the media respectively, in the post-processing on the last medium, the control unit causes the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing without executing the second control at the first position and the second position. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by the above.

10. The post-processing unit is a binding unit for binding the medium. The drive unit has a stepping motor including a coil excited by energization. When the binding part binds the medium, the force in the first direction acting on the binding part is greater than the holding force due to the detent torque when the coil is not excited. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that.

11. In a placement part on which a medium is placed, a post-processing part that is provided so as to be movable in a first direction and that post-processes the placed medium; A control method for a post-processing device, comprising: a driving part that moves the post-processing part in the first direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source, A moving step of moving the position of the post-processing part in the first direction by supplying a preset set current or set voltage from the power source to the driving part; A holding step of holding the position of the post-processing part in the first direction by supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the driving part; A stopping step of stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the driving part, and having When the post-processing is executed at a first position in the first direction of the medium and a second position different from the first position, Executing the moving step of moving the post-processing part to the first position; Executing the holding step at the first position, and causing the post-processing part to execute the post-processing during the execution of the holding step; Executing the moving step of moving the post-processing part to the second position; A control method for a post-processing device, characterized in that.

12. In a placement part on which a medium is placed, a post-processing part that is provided so as to be movable in a first direction and that post-processes the placed medium; A control method for a post-processing device, comprising: a driving part that moves the post-processing part in the first direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source, A moving step of moving the position of the post-processing part in the first direction by supplying a preset set current or set voltage from the power source to the driving part; A holding step of holding the position of the post-processing part in the first direction by supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the driving part; A stopping step of stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the driving part, and having When the post-processing is performed at a first position in the first direction of the medium and a second position different from the first position; At the first position, execute the holding step and the stopping step, and cause the post-processing unit to perform post-processing while the holding step is being executed. At the second position, execute the stopping step and do not execute the holding step. A control method for a post-processing device, characterized by the above. [

13. ] In a placement unit on which a medium is placed, a post-processing unit that is provided to be movable in a first direction and performs post-processing on the placed medium, A control program for a post-processing device including a driving unit that moves the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source, A moving step of moving the position of the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying a preset set current or set voltage from the power source to the driving unit, A holding step of holding the position of the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the driving unit, A stopping step of stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the driving unit, When the post-processing is executed at a first position in the first direction of the medium and at a second position different from the first position, execute the moving step of moving the post-processing unit to the first position, execute the holding step at the first position, cause the post-processing unit to perform the post-processing during the execution of the holding step, and execute the moving step of moving the post-processing unit to the second position. A control program for a post-processing device for causing a computer to execute. [

14. ] In a placement unit on which a medium is placed, a post-processing unit that is provided to be movable in a first direction and performs post-processing on the placed medium, A control program for a post-processing device including a driving unit that moves the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying current or voltage from a power source, A moving step of moving the position of the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying a preset set current or set voltage from the power source to the driving unit, A holding step of holding the position of the post-processing unit in the first direction by supplying a supply current having the same value as the value of the set current or a supply voltage having the same value as the value of the set voltage to the driving unit, A stopping step of stopping the supply of the supply current or the supply voltage to the driving unit, When the post-processing is performed at a first position in the first direction of the medium and a second position different from the first position, at the first position, the holding step and the stopping step are executed, and the post-processing unit is caused to perform post-processing while the holding step is being executed. At the second position, the stopping step is executed and the holding step is not executed. A processing step; A control program for a post-processing device for causing a computer to execute.

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