Media processing device, image forming system, and program

Abstract

To provide a medium processing unit capable of improving productivity of processing for performing crimp binding after water addition is performed.SOLUTION: A post processing unit comprises: a transport part for transporting a medium in a transport direction; a tray capable of supporting a plurality of media, the media were transported by the transport part; a plurality of water adding processing parts (31, 61) for adding water to at least one medium supported by the tray at different positions in a width direction of the media, the width direction being orthogonal to the transport direction; and a crimp binding processing part (32) for compressing and deforming the plurality of media to which the water is added by at least one of the water adding processing parts (31, 61) for performing crimp binding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, media processing devices have been known that bundle and bind sheet-like media on which images have been formed by an image forming device. Because paper is a widely known example of sheet-like media, this specification uses a "sheet stack" of multiple sheets of paper as an example of a bundle of sheet-like media. Furthermore, in consideration of resource conservation and reducing environmental impact, some media processing devices are equipped with a crimping unit that can perform so-called "crimp binding," in which a bundle of sheets is clamped and pressure-deformed with uneven binding teeth, without using metal staples (staples).

[0003] Pressure binding has the problem that the greater the number of sheets of paper that make up a paper stack, the harder it is for the binding teeth to bite into the paper stack, causing the bound sheets to peel off and making it difficult to maintain the binding state properly. Therefore, some media processing devices that perform pressure binding are equipped with a hydration processing unit that adds water in advance to the position on the paper where the binding teeth come into contact (hereinafter referred to as the "binding position") to make it easier for the binding teeth to bite into the paper stack in order to increase binding strength (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The media processing device can perform pressure binding at multiple binding positions on a stack of paper that are spaced apart in the width direction. When performing pressure binding at multiple binding positions, the hydration processing unit must move in the width direction each time a sheet of paper is conveyed and hydrate it at each of the multiple binding positions. This creates a problem in that the productivity of pressure binding decreases as the number of binding positions increases.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and aims to provide technology that improves the productivity of pressure binding in a media processing device that adds water to each of the multiple sheets that make up a paper stack and then pressure binds them. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, one aspect of the present invention is characterized by comprising a conveying unit that conveys media in a conveying direction, a tray that can support multiple media conveyed by the conveying unit, multiple hydration processing units that add hydration to at least one of the media supported on the tray at different positions in the width direction of the media that is perpendicular to the conveying direction, and a pressure binding processing unit that pressurizes and deforms the multiple media that have been hydrated by at least one of the multiple hydration processing units, and pressure binds them. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the productivity of pressure binding in a media processing device that adds water to each of a plurality of sheets that make up a paper stack and then pressure binds the sheets. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the first binding processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a pressure binding processing section. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the second binding processing section as viewed from the upstream side in the conveyance direction. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of the post-processing device. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart of a staple process for crimping and binding a stack of sheets at one binding position. [Figure 8] 8 is a diagram showing the position of the binding processing unit during the stapling process in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart of a stapling process for press-binding a stack of sheets at a first binding position and a second binding position spaced apart in the main scanning direction. [Figure 10] 10 is a diagram showing the position of the binding processing unit during the stapling process in FIG. 9; [Figure 11] 10 is a flowchart of a stapling process for press-binding a stack of sheets at a first binding position, a second binding position, and a third binding position spaced apart in the main scanning direction. [Figure 12] 12 is a diagram showing the position of the binding processing unit during the stapling process in FIG. 11; [Figure 13] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the position of the binding processing section during stapling using staples. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] An image forming system 1 according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 has the function of forming an image on a sheet P (medium) and performing post-processing on the sheet P on which the image has been formed. As shown in Fig. 1, the image forming system 1 is made up of an image forming device 2 and a post-processing device 3 (medium processing device).

[0010] The image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet P and discharges the sheet P with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device 3. The image forming device 2 mainly comprises a tray in which the sheet P is stored, a transport unit that transports the sheet P stored in the tray, and an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet P transported by the transport unit. The image forming unit may be of an inkjet type that forms an image using ink, or of an electrophotographic type that forms an image using toner. The configuration of the image forming device 2 is already well known, so a detailed description will be omitted.

[0011] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device 3. The post-processing device 3 performs post-processing on the sheets P on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2. The post-processing according to this embodiment is a stapling process that binds a bundle of multiple sheets P on which images have been formed (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet bundle"). More specifically, the stapling process according to this embodiment includes so-called "pressure binding," in which the sheet bundle is pressurized and deformed at the binding position, and "staple binding," in which the sheet bundle is bound with staples. Furthermore, pressure binding includes an edge binding process that binds the edge of the sheet bundle, and a saddle binding process that binds the center of the sheet bundle.

[0012] The post-processing device 3 includes conveyance roller pairs 10-19 (conveyance section) and a switching claw 20. The conveyance roller pairs 10-19 convey the paper P supplied from the image forming device 2 inside the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the conveyance roller pairs 10-13 convey the paper P along a first conveyance path Ph1. Furthermore, the conveyance roller pairs 14-15 convey the paper P along a second conveyance path Ph2. Furthermore, the conveyance roller pairs 16-19 convey the paper P along a third conveyance path Ph3.

[0013] The first transport path Ph1 is a path that leads from the supply port of the paper P from the image forming device 2 to the discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the discharge tray 26 via the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 is a path that branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the pairs of transport rollers 11 and 14 in the transport direction, and leads to the discharge tray 30.

[0014] The switching claw 20 is disposed at a branching position of the first transport path Ph1 and the second transport path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is configured to be switchable between a first position where the sheet P is discharged to the discharge tray 21 via the first transport path Ph1, and a second position where the sheet P transported along the first transport path Ph1 is guided to the second transport path Ph2. Furthermore, when the trailing edge of the sheet P that has entered the second transport path Ph2 passes through the transport roller pair 11, the transport roller pair 14 is rotated in the reverse direction, thereby guiding the sheet P to the third transport path Ph3. The post-processing device 3 also includes multiple sensors that detect the position of the sheet P on each of the transport paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3. The sensors that detect the position of the sheet P during transport are indicated by solid black triangles (▲) in FIG. 2.

[0015] The post-processing device 3 includes a discharge tray 21. The discharge tray 21 supports the paper sheets P discharged through the first transport path Ph1. Of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2, those that are not to be stapled are discharged to the discharge tray 21.

[0016] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 (tray), an end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, a first binding processing unit 25 and a second binding processing unit 55 (hereinafter, these may be collectively referred to as "binding processing units 25 and 55"), and an output tray 26. The internal tray 22, the end fence 23, the side fences 24L and 24R, and the binding processing units 25 and 55 perform edge binding processing on the sheets P transported along the second transport path Ph2. A stack of sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2 that has been edge-stitched is output to the output tray 26. Hereinafter, the direction from the transport roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "transport direction of the sheets P." Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the surface of the sheets P and the transport direction of the sheets P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the sheets P)."

[0017] The internal tray 22 temporarily supports multiple sheets of paper P that are transported sequentially along the second transport path Ph2. The end fence 23 aligns the position of the sheet stack supported by the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The side fences 24L, 24R align the position of the sheet stack supported by the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The binding processing units 25, 55 bind the ends of the sheet stack aligned by the end fence 23 and the side fences 24L, 24R. Then, the pair of transport rollers 15 discharges the sheet stack that has undergone edge binding processing onto the discharge tray 26.

[0018] Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram of the first binding processing unit 25 as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. As shown in Fig. 3, the first binding processing unit 25 mainly includes a first hydration processing unit 31 and a pressure binding processing unit 32. The first hydration processing unit 31 and the pressure binding processing unit 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0019] The first hydration unit 31 applies (hereinafter referred to as "hydration") liquid (e.g., water) stored in the water storage tank 43 to the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The position (hydration position) where the first hydration unit 31 adds water to the sheets P corresponds to the binding position where pressure binding is to be performed. As shown in FIG. 3, the first hydration unit 31 mainly includes a lower pressure plate 33, an upper pressure plate 34, a lifting mechanism 35, and a hydration mechanism 36.

[0020] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are arranged downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The lower pressure plate 33 supports the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22 from below. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be able to move up and down above the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction of the stack of sheets (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thickness direction"), sandwiching the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22 between them. Furthermore, the upper pressure plate 34 has a through hole 34a that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position facing the tip of the hydration member 44 supported by the base plate 40.

[0021] The lifting mechanism 35 raises and lowers the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the hydration member 44 in the thickness direction of the paper stack. The lifting mechanism 35 according to this embodiment raises and lowers the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the hydration member 44 in unison using a single lifting motor 37. The lifting mechanism 35 mainly includes, for example, the lifting motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, the base plate 40, columnar members 41a, 41b, and coil springs 42a, 42b.

[0022] The lifting motor 37 generates a driving force that raises and lowers the upper pressure plate 34, the base plate 40, and the hydration member 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported on the hydration frame. The trapezoidal screw 38 is connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor 37 via a pulley, a belt, or the like. The nut 39 is threadedly engaged with the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force of the lifting motor 37 is transmitted to rotate the trapezoidal screw 38, causing the nut 39 to rise and fall.

[0023] The base plate 40 is a flat plate parallel to the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22. The base plate 40 is positioned above the upper pressure plate 34. The base plate 40 supports the hydration members 44 with their tips protruding downward. The base plate 40 is connected to the trapezoidal screw 38 and is configured to be able to move up and down together with the trapezoidal screw 38. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is detected by a lift sensor.

[0024] The pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 around the tip of the hydration member 44. The pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. The pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b support the upper pressure plate 34 at their lower ends. The coil springs 42a, 42b are fitted around the pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressure plate 34. The coil springs 42a, 42b urge the upper pressure plate 34 and the pillar-shaped members 41a, 41b downward with respect to the base plate 40.

[0025] The hydration mechanism 36 hydrates the stack of sheets supported by the internal tray 22. More specifically, the hydration mechanism 36 hydrates at least one sheet of the stack of sheets by bringing the tip of the hydration member 44 into contact with the stack of sheets. The hydration mechanism 36 mainly includes a water storage tank 43, a hydration member 44, a supply member 45, and a joint 46.

[0026] The water storage tank 43 stores water to be supplied to the paper stack. The amount of water stored in the water storage tank 43 is detected by a water level sensor. The hydration member 44 supplies the water stored in the water storage tank 43 to the paper stack. The hydration member 44 is supported on the base plate 40 with its tip facing downward. The hydration member 44 is made of a material with high water absorption (for example, sponge or fiber).

[0027] The supply member 45 is a long member whose base end is immersed in the water stored in the water storage tank 43 and whose tip end is connected to the hydration member 44. The supply member 45 is made of a material with high water absorption, similar to the hydration member 44. This allows water absorbed from the base end of the supply member 45 to be supplied to the hydration member 44 by capillary action.

[0028] The protective member 45a is a long cylinder (for example, a tube) that is fitted onto the supply member 45. This prevents the water absorbed by the supply member 45 from leaking or evaporating. The supply member 45 and the protective member 45a are made of a flexible material. The joint 46 fixes the hydration member 44 to the base plate 40. As a result, even when the hydration member 44 is raised or lowered by the lifting mechanism 35, it protrudes downward from the base plate 40 and maintains a state in which its tip faces downward.

[0029] The pressure binding processing unit 32 binds a stack of sheets by applying pressure and deforming the stack of sheets with concave and convex binding teeth 32a, 32b (hereinafter referred to as "pressure binding"). In other words, the pressure binding processing unit 32 can bind a stack of sheets without using staples.

[0030] Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the pressure binding processing unit 32. As shown in Fig. 4, the pressure binding processing unit 32 includes a pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are arranged opposite to each other in the thickness direction of the paper stack so as to be able to sandwich the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are formed unevenly with concave and convex portions alternately formed. Furthermore, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are formed with the concave and convex portions misaligned so as to mesh with each other. The pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are brought into contact with and separated from each other by the driving force of a contact / separation motor.

[0031] As shown in Fig. 4(A), when a plurality of sheets P constituting a sheet bundle are being supplied to the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b are spaced apart from each other. Then, when all of the sheets P constituting the sheet bundle are supported by the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b mesh with each other, as shown in Fig. 4(B), and pressurize and deform the sheet bundle in the thickness direction. This causes the sheet bundle supported by the internal tray 22 to be pressure-bound. The pressure-bound sheet bundle is then discharged to the discharge tray 26 by the pair of conveying rollers 15.

[0032] 3, the first binding processing unit 25 includes a first movement mechanism 47. The first movement mechanism 47 moves the first binding processing unit 25 (i.e., the first hydration processing unit 31 and the pressure binding processing unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The first movement mechanism 47 mainly includes, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, a movement motor 50, and a drive force transmission mechanism 51.

[0033] The base member 48 supports the first water addition processing unit 31 and the pressure binding processing unit 32 in a state where they are adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction. The guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction. The guide shaft 49 also supports the base member 48 so that it can move in the main scanning direction. The movement motor 50 generates a driving force for moving the first binding processing unit 25. The driving force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the driving force of the movement motor 50 to the base member 48 via a pulley and a timing belt.

[0034] As a result, the first hydration processing unit 31 and the pressure binding processing unit 32, which are integrated by the base member 48, move in the main scanning direction along the guide shaft 49. The position of the first binding processing unit 25 can be grasped by, for example, an encoder sensor attached to the output shaft of the movement motor 50.

[0035] Fig. 5 is a schematic diagram of the second binding processing unit 55 as seen from the upstream side in the conveying direction. As shown in Fig. 5, the second binding processing unit 55 mainly includes a second hydration processing unit 61 and a staple binding processing unit 62. The second hydration processing unit 61 and the staple binding processing unit 62 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction, downstream of the internal tray 22 in the conveying direction.

[0036] The second hydration unit 61 applies (hereinafter referred to as "hydration") liquid (e.g., water) stored in a water storage tank 73 to the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The position (hydration position) at which the second hydration unit 61 hydrates the sheets P corresponds to the binding position where pressure binding is to be performed. As shown in FIG. 5, the second hydration unit 61 mainly includes a lower pressure plate 63, an upper pressure plate 64, a lifting mechanism 65, and a hydration mechanism 66. The lifting mechanism 65 mainly includes, for example, a lifting motor 67, a trapezoidal screw 68, a nut 69, a base plate 70, columnar members 71a, 71b, and coil springs 72a, 72b. The hydration mechanism 66 mainly includes a water storage tank 73, a hydration member 74, a supply member 75, and a joint 76. The configuration of the second hydration processing unit 61 is the same as that of the first hydration processing unit 31, so a repeated explanation will be omitted.

[0037] The staple binding processing unit 62 staples a stack of sheets using staples (hereinafter referred to as "staple binding"). More specifically, the staple binding processing unit 62 staples the stack of sheets by passing staples loaded in the staple binding unit 62a through the stack of sheets. The configuration of the staple binding processing unit 62 is already well known, so a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0038] 5, the second binding processing unit 55 includes a second movement mechanism 77. The second movement mechanism 77 moves the second binding processing unit 55 (i.e., the second hydration processing unit 61 and the staple binding processing unit 62) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The second movement mechanism 77 mainly includes, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a movement motor 80, and a drive force transmission mechanism 81. The configuration of the second movement mechanism 77 is the same as that of the first movement mechanism 47, so a repeated description will be omitted.

[0039] The binding processing units 25 and 55 are supported by a common guide shaft 49. That is, the movement mechanisms 47 and 77 move the binding processing units 25 and 55 in the main scanning direction along the common guide shaft 49. Furthermore, the movement mechanisms 47 and 77 move the binding processing units 25 and 55 independently.

[0040] 8, 10, 12, and 13, the first binding processing unit 25 moves in the main scanning direction between a first standby position HP1 and a position where it can face the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The first standby position HP1 is a position offset to one side (right side) in the main scanning direction from the sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The pressure binding processing unit 32 is disposed adjacent to the first hydration processing unit 31 on one side in the main scanning direction.

[0041] 8, 10, 12, and 13, the second binding processing unit 55 moves in the main scanning direction between a second standby position HP2 and a position where it can face the paper sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The second standby position HP2 is a position that is offset to the other side (left side) in the main scanning direction from the paper sheets P supported by the internal tray 22. The staple binding processing unit 62 is disposed adjacent to the second water addition processing unit 61 on the other side in the main scanning direction.

[0042] 2, the post-processing device 3 further includes an end fence 27, a third binding processing unit 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a discharge tray 30. The end fence 27, the third binding processing unit 28, and the paper folding blade 29 perform saddle stitching on the paper sheets P transported along the third transport path Ph3. Of the paper sheets P supplied from the image forming device 2, a bundle of paper sheets that has been saddle stitched is discharged to the discharge tray 30.

[0043] The end fence 27 aligns the positions in the conveyance direction of multiple sheets P conveyed in sequence along the third conveyance path Ph3. The end fence 27 is also configured to be movable between a binding position where the center of the sheet stack faces the third binding processing unit 28, and a folding position where the center faces the paper folding blade 29. The third binding processing unit 28 staples the center of the sheet stack aligned by the end fence 27 at the binding position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the sheet stack supported by the end fence 27 at the folding position in half and sandwiches it between the conveyance roller pair 18. The conveyance roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the sheet stack that has been saddle-stitched onto the discharge tray 30.

[0044] Fig. 6 is a hardware configuration diagram of a control block that controls the operation of post-processing device 3. As shown in Fig. 6, post-processing device 3 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101, a random access memory (RAM) 102, a read only memory (ROM) 103, a hard disk drive (HDD) 104, and an interface (I / F) 105, all of which are connected via a common bus 109.

[0045] The CPU 101 is a computing means and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that can read and write information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 101 processes information. The ROM 103 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information and has a large storage capacity, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0046] The post-processing device 3 processes a control program stored in the ROM 103, an information processing program (application program) loaded into the RAM 102 from a storage medium such as the HDD 104, and the like using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 3. The combination of the software control unit thus constituted and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing device 3 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 3. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing device 3.

[0047] The I / F 105 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, the binding processing units 25 and 55, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 operates the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L and 24R, and the binding processing units 25 and 55 through the I / F 105. Note that while only the components that perform the edge binding process are illustrated in FIG. 6, the components that perform the saddle stitching process are also similarly controlled by the controller 100.

[0048] The operation panel 110 includes an operation unit that accepts operations from the user and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The operation panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides the information to the user through the display. Note that the notification unit is not limited to a display, and may be an LED lamp, a speaker, etc.

[0049] The controller 100 executes stapling in response to, for example, receiving an instruction to execute stapling (hereinafter referred to as a "stapling instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2. The stapling instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets P constituting the paper stack (hereinafter referred to as a "predetermined number N"), the number of binding positions, and the positions in the main scanning direction.

[0050] Then, the controller 100 executes the stapling process shown in Figures 7, 9, and 11 according to the number of binding positions included in the staple command. That is, the controller 100 is configured to be able to switch the positions and number of press-stapling positions for binding the paper stack.

[0051] Fig. 7 is a flowchart of the staple process for pressure-binding a stack of sheets at one binding position P1. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing the positions of the binding processing units 25 and 55 during the staple process in Fig. 7. It is assumed that, at the start of the staple process, the first binding processing unit 25 is located at the first standby position HP1, and the second binding processing unit 55 is located at the second standby position HP2.

[0052] First, as shown in Fig. 8(A), the controller 100 drives the movement motor 50 to move the first binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the first hydration processing unit 31 faces the binding position P1 (S701). Meanwhile, the controller 100 causes the second binding processing unit 55 to wait at the second standby position HP2.

[0053] Next, the controller 100 rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to accommodate the sheet P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 in the inner tray 22 (S702). Further, the controller 100 moves the side fences 24L and 24R to align the positions of the stack of sheets supported by the inner tray 22 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging).

[0054] Next, the controller 100 causes the first water treatment unit 31 to add water to the binding position P1 of the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S702 (S703). That is, the controller 100 drives the lifting motor 37 to bring the water adding member 44 into contact with the binding position P1 of the sheet P supported by the inner tray 22.

[0055] Next, the controller 100 determines whether or not the number of sheets accommodated in the inner tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N indicated by the staple instruction (S704). Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets accommodated in the inner tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S704: No), the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S702 to S703 again.

[0056] That is, each time the sheet P is transported to the inner tray 22 by the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S702 to S703. However, it is not necessary to add water to all the sheets P constituting the stack of sheets. As another example, the controller 100 may cause the first water treatment unit 31 to add water to the binding position P1 at an interval of one sheet per n (n < N) sheets.

[0057] Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets P accommodated in the inner tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N (S704: Yes), as shown in FIG. 8(B), the controller 100 drives the movement motor 50 to move the first binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction so that the pressure binding processing unit 32 faces the binding position P1 (S705).

[0058] Next, the controller 100 performs pressure binding on the sheet bundle accommodated in the internal tray 22 and discharges the sheet bundle to the discharge tray 26 (S706). That is, the controller 100 drives the contact / separation motor to clamp the sheet bundle supported by the internal tray 22 at the binding position P1 between the pair of binding teeth 32a, 32b. The controller 100 also rotates the pair of conveyance rollers 15 to discharge the pressure-bound sheet bundle to the discharge tray 26.

[0059] 8(C), the controller 100 drives the movement motor 50 to move the first binding processing unit 25 to the first standby position HP1 (S707). Meanwhile, while the first binding processing unit 25 is adding water and performing pressure binding on the sheet stack (i.e., while S702 to S707 are being performed), the controller 100 causes the second binding processing unit 55 to wait at the second standby position HP2.

[0060] Fig. 9 is a flowchart of a staple process for pressure-binding a stack of sheets at a first binding position P1 and a second binding position P2 spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Fig. 10 is a diagram showing the positions of the binding processing units 25, 55 during the staple process of Fig. 9. The first binding position P1 is a binding position on one side in the main scanning direction. The second binding position P2 is a binding position on the other side in the main scanning direction. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the staple process described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8 will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0061] First, as shown in FIG. 10(A), the controller 100 causes the first hydration processing unit 31 to face the first binding position P1, and causes the second hydration processing unit 61 to face the second binding position P2 (S901).

[0062] Next, the controller 100 stores the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming device 2 in the internal tray 22, and aligns the position in the main scanning direction of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 (S902).

[0063] Next, the controller 100 causes the water adding units 31 and 61 to add water to the sheets P at the binding positions P1 and P2 supported by the internal tray 22 in the immediately preceding step S902 (S903).

[0064] Next, in response to determining that the number of sheets stored in the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S904: No), the controller 100 executes the processes of steps S902 and S903 again.

[0065] Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets P stored in the internal tray 22 has reached the predetermined number N (S904: Yes), the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to face the first binding position P1, as shown in Fig. 10(B). Next, the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to pressure bind the first binding position P1 of the stack of sheets stored in the internal tray 22 (S905).

[0066] Next, the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to face the second binding position P2, as shown in FIG. 10(C). Also, the controller 100 moves the second binding processing unit 55 to the second standby position HP2. Next, the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to pressure bind the second binding position P2 of the sheet stack accommodated in the internal tray 22 (S906). Next, the controller 100 discharges the pressure-bound sheet stack to the discharge tray 26. Next, the controller 100 moves the first binding processing unit 25 to the first standby position HP1, as shown in FIG. 10(D) (S907).

[0067] That is, in steps S905 and S906, the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to perform pressure binding in the order of the first binding position P1 and the second binding position P2. Furthermore, in step S906, the controller 100 moves the second binding processing unit 55 from the second binding position P2 to the second standby position HP2 in parallel with moving the first binding processing unit 25 from the first binding position P1 to the second binding position P2.

[0068] Fig. 11 is a flowchart of a staple process for pressure-binding a stack of sheets at a first binding position P1, a second binding position P2, and a third binding position P3 that are spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Fig. 12 is a diagram showing the positions of the binding processing units 25, 55 during the staple process of Fig. 11. The third binding position P3 is a binding position between the first binding position and the second binding position in the main scanning direction. Note that a detailed description of the commonalities with the staple process described with reference to Figs. 7 to 10 will be omitted, and the following description will focus on the differences.

[0069] First, as shown in FIG. 12(A), the controller 100 causes the first hydration processing unit 31 to face the first binding position P1, and causes the second hydration processing unit 61 to face the second binding position P2 (S1101).

[0070] Next, the controller 100 stores the paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming device 2 in the internal tray 22, and aligns the position in the main scanning direction of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 (S1102).

[0071] Next, if it is determined that the number of sheets of paper stored in the internal tray 22 has not reached the predetermined number N (S1103: No), the water addition processing units 31 and 61 are made to add water to the binding positions P1, P2, and P3 of the sheets of paper P supported on the internal tray 22 in the previous step S1102 (S1104).

[0072] First, controller 100 causes hydration processing units 31 and 61 to hydrate the sheets of paper P at binding positions P1 and P2. Next, controller 100 causes second hydration processing unit 61 to face third binding position P3, as shown in FIG. 12(B). Next, controller 100 causes second hydration processing unit 61 to hydrate the sheets of paper P at third binding position P3. Then, controller 100 executes the processes from step S1102 onwards again.

[0073] The controller 100 may switch the order in which the second hydration unit 61 adds water for each sheet of paper P. That is, the controller 100 may cause the second hydration unit 61 to add water to odd-numbered sheets of paper P in the order of the second binding position P2 and the third binding position P3, and may cause the controller 100 to add water to even-numbered sheets of paper P in the order of the third binding position P3 and the second binding position P2.

[0074] Furthermore, the controller 100 may switch the position where the second hydration unit 61 adds water for each sheet of paper P. That is, the controller 100 may cause the second hydration unit 61 to add water only to the second binding position P2 for odd-numbered sheets of paper P, and to add water only to the third binding position P3 for even-numbered sheets of paper P.

[0075] Then, upon determining that the number of sheets P stored in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N (S1103: Yes), the controller 100 causes the water addition processing units 31, 61 to add water to the binding positions P1, P2 of the Nth sheet P supported by the internal tray 22 (S1105).

[0076] Next, the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to face the first binding position P1, as shown in Fig. 12(C). Next, the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to pressure bind the first binding position P1 of the bundle of sheets stored in the internal tray 22. In addition, the controller 100 causes the second hydration processing unit 61 to face the third binding position P3, and causes the second hydration processing unit 61 to hydrate the third binding position P3 (S1106).

[0077] Next, as shown in Fig. 12(D), the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to face the third binding position P3 and causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to perform pressure binding at the third binding position P3. Furthermore, the controller 100 moves the second hydration processing unit 61 from the third binding position P3 to the second standby position HP2. Next, as shown in Fig. 12(E), the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to face the second binding position P2 and causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to perform pressure binding at the second binding position P2 (S1107).

[0078] Next, the controller 100 discharges the press-stitched bundle of sheets onto the discharge tray 26. Next, as shown in FIG. 12(F), the controller 100 moves the first binding processing unit 25 to the first standby position HP1 (S1108).

[0079] That is, in steps S1106 and S1107, the controller 100 causes the pressure binding processing unit 32 to perform pressure binding in the order of the first binding position P1, the third binding position P3, and the second binding position P2. Furthermore, in step S1105, the controller 100 causes the second hydration processing unit 61 to apply hydration to the second binding position P2, in parallel with causing the first hydration processing unit 31 to apply hydration to the first binding position P1. Furthermore, in step S1106, the controller 100 causes the second hydration processing unit 61 to apply hydration to the third binding position P3, in parallel with causing the pressure binding processing unit 32 to perform pressure binding at the first binding position P1. Furthermore, in step S1107, the controller 100 moves the pressure binding processing unit 32 from the first binding position P1 to the third binding position P3, and at the same time moves the second binding processing unit 55 from the third binding position P3 to the second standby position HP2.

[0080] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing the positions of the binding processing units 25, 55 during stapling using staples. Fig. 13 shows an example of stapling at a first binding position P1 and a second binding position P2 that are spaced apart in the main scanning direction. Note that a detailed description of commonalities with the stapling described with reference to Figs. 7 and 8 will be omitted, and the following description will focus on differences.

[0081] First, the controller 100 causes the staple binding processing unit 62 to face the first binding position P1, as shown in Fig. 13(A). Meanwhile, the controller 100 causes the first binding processing unit 25 to wait at the first standby position HP1. Next, the controller 100 stores the sheets P, on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2, in the internal tray 22, and aligns the position in the main scanning direction of the sheet stack supported by the internal tray 22.

[0082] Then, when the number of sheets P stored in the internal tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N, the controller 100 causes the stapling unit 62a to staple the first binding position P1 of the stack of sheets. Next, as shown in Fig. 13(B), the controller 100 causes the stapling processing unit 62 to face the second binding position. Next, the controller 100 causes the stapling unit 62a to staple the second binding position P2 of the stack of sheets.

[0083] The order of stapling is not limited to the above example, and may be the second binding position P2, then the first binding position P1. In addition, when stapling one position of the paper stack, the process of FIG. 13(B) may be omitted.

[0084] Next, the controller 100 discharges the stapled sheet bundle onto the discharge tray 26. Next, as shown in Fig. 13(C), the controller 100 moves the second binding processing unit 55 to the second standby position HP2. Meanwhile, while the staple binding processing unit 62 is stapling the sheet bundle, the controller 100 causes the first binding processing unit 25 to wait at the first standby position HP1.

[0085] According to the above embodiment, for example, the following advantageous effects are achieved.

[0086] According to the above embodiment, by providing multiple hydration processing units 31, 61, it is possible to simultaneously add water to multiple binding positions in step S903 of Fig. 9 and steps S1104 and S1105 of Fig. 11. As a result, it is possible to improve the productivity of the post-processing device 3 compared to when a single hydration processing unit is provided. Note that the post-processing device 3 may be provided with three or more hydration processing units.

[0087] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, the second hydration processing unit 61 is provided alongside the staple binding processing unit 62 that has conventionally been installed in the post-processing device 3, and the second hydration processing unit 61 is moved by the second movement mechanism 77 that has conventionally been installed in the post-processing device 3, and the binding processing units 25 and 55 are moved along the common guide shaft 49. In this way, by attaching the second hydration processing unit 61 to existing components, it is possible to reduce the cost and size of the post-processing device 3. However, the second hydration processing unit 61 may move independently of the stapling processing unit 62. Furthermore, the binding processing units 25 and 55 may move along different guide shafts.

[0088] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, in the stapling process when there is one binding position, the second binding processing unit 55 is kept waiting at the second waiting position HP2, thereby realizing energy saving in the post-processing device 3. Furthermore, by reducing the number of times that the second hydration processing unit 61 is used, a longer life can be achieved.

[0089] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, in steps S905 and S906 of FIG. 9, pressure binding is performed in the order of the first binding position P1 and the second binding position P2, thereby making it possible to shorten the movement time of the first binding processing unit 25. This further improves the productivity of the post-processing device 3. In steps S1106 and S1107 of FIG. 11, pressure binding is performed in the order of the first binding position P1, the third binding position P3, and the second binding position P2, thereby making it possible to obtain the same effect. Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to cases where there are four or more binding positions.

[0090] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by moving the binding processing units 25 and 55 in parallel in step S906 in Fig. 9, the productivity of the post-processing device 3 is further improved compared to the case where the binding processing units 25 and 55 are moved sequentially. The same effect can also be obtained by moving the binding processing units 25 and 55 in parallel in steps S1106 and S1107 in Fig. 11.

[0091] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by adding water to every n sheets of paper P among N sheets of paper P supplied in sequence to the internal tray 22, the productivity of the post-processing device 3 is further improved compared to adding water to all sheets of paper P. Also, by increasing or decreasing the value of n according to the thickness of the paper P, it is possible to adjust the amount of water to be added appropriately according to the paper thickness. Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, by configuring the number of binding positions and their positions in the main scanning direction to be switchable, it is possible to accommodate paper P of various sizes.

[0092] The control method described above may be realized, for example, by a program. That is, the control method is a method executed by a computer by causing an arithmetic unit, a storage unit, an input unit, an output unit, and a control unit to cooperate with each other based on the program. The program may be written to a storage unit or a storage medium and distributed, or distributed via a telecommunications line, etc.

[0093] The present invention is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the technical gist thereof. The present invention covers all technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims. The above-described embodiments are preferred examples, but a person 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. [Explanation of symbols]

[0094] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming device 3: Post-processing device 10 to 19: Transport roller pair 20: Switching claw 21, 26, 30: Output tray 22: Internal tray 23,27: End fence 24L, 24R: Side fence 25: First binding processing section 28: Second binding processing section 29: Paper folding blade 31: First hydration processing section 32: Pressure binding processing section 32a, 32b: dental prosthesis 33,63: Lower pressure plate 34,64: Upper pressure plate 34a, 64a: Through hole 35,65: Lifting mechanism 36,66: Water addition mechanism 37,67: Lifting motor 38,68: Trapezoidal screw 39,69: Nut 40,70: Base plate 41a, 41b, 71a, 71b: columnar members 42a, 42b, 72a, 72b: Coil springs 43,73: Water tank 44,74: Hydration member 45,75: Supply material 45a, 75a: Protective member 46,76: Joint 47: 1st movement mechanism 48,78: Base material 49: Guide shaft 50,80: Travel motor 51, 81: Driving force transmission mechanism 55: Second binding processing section 61: Second water addition processing section 62: Staple binding processing section 62a: Staple binding section 77:Second movement mechanism 100: Controller 101: CPU 102: RAM 103:ROM 104: HDD 105: Interface 109: Common bus 110: Operation panel [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0095] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-101009

Claims

1. a transport unit that transports the medium in a transport direction; a tray capable of supporting the plurality of media transported by the transport unit; a plurality of hydration processing units configured to hydrate at least one sheet of the medium supported by the tray at different positions in a width direction of the medium perpendicular to the conveying direction; a pressure binding processing unit that pressurizes and deforms the plurality of media that have been hydrated by at least one of the plurality of hydration processing units, thereby pressure-binding the media.

2. The plurality of hydration processing units include at least a first hydration processing unit and a second hydration processing unit, a first binding processing unit in which the pressure binding processing unit and the first hydration processing unit are integrated; 2. The media processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a second binding processing unit that is an integrated unit of a staple binding processing unit that staples the plurality of media and the second hydration processing unit.

3. a first moving mechanism that moves the first binding processing section in the width direction; The media processing device according to claim 2 , further comprising a second movement mechanism that moves the second binding processing unit in the width direction independently of the first binding processing unit.

4. The media processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the first binding processing section and the second binding processing section move in the width direction along a common guide shaft that extends in the width direction.

5. a controller that controls the first binding processing unit and the second binding processing unit, When the plurality of media are pressure-bonded and bound at one binding position, the controller causing the first hydration processing unit to hydrate the at least one sheet of the medium transported to the tray by the transport unit at the binding position; When a predetermined number N of the media are supported on the tray, the pressure binding processing unit performs pressure binding at the binding position; A media processing device as described in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that while the first binding processing unit is performing water addition and pressure binding, the second binding processing unit is made to wait in a waiting position that is offset in the width direction from the media supported on the tray.

6. a controller that controls the first binding processing unit and the second binding processing unit, When the plurality of media are pressure-bonded and bound at a plurality of binding positions including at least a first binding position and a second binding position spaced apart in the width direction, the controller The first hydration processing unit hydrates at least one sheet of the medium transported to the tray by the transport unit at the first binding position, and the second hydration processing unit hydrates at the second binding position, A media processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, when a predetermined number N of the media are supported on the tray, the pressure binding processing unit performs pressure binding at the first binding position and the second binding position.

7. The media processing device according to claim 6 , wherein the controller causes the pressure binding processing unit to perform pressure binding at the first binding position and then at the second binding position.

8. The media processing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the controller moves the first binding processing unit from the first binding position to the second binding position, and at the same time moves the second binding processing unit from the second binding position to a standby position that is offset in the width direction from the media supported on the tray.

9. a controller that controls the first binding processing unit and the second binding processing unit, When the controller pressure-bonds and binds the plurality of media at a plurality of binding positions including at least a first binding position, a second binding position, and a third binding position spaced apart in the width direction, The first hydration processing unit hydrates at least one sheet of the medium transported to the tray by the transport unit at the first binding position, and the second hydration processing unit hydrates at the second binding position and the third binding position, A media processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that, in response to a predetermined number N of the media being supported on the tray, the pressure binding processing unit performs pressure binding at the first binding position, the second binding position, and the third binding position.

10. The controller, for the N-th medium, In parallel with the first hydration processing unit adding water to the first binding position, the second hydration processing unit adds water to the second binding position; The media processing device according to claim 9 , wherein the second hydration processing unit hydrates the sheets at the third binding position in parallel with the pressure binding processing unit hydrating the sheets at the first binding position.

11. The media processing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the controller moves the first binding processing unit from the first binding position to the third binding position, and at the same time moves the second binding processing unit from the second binding position to a standby position that is offset in the width direction from the media supported on the tray.

12. 12. The media processing device according to claim 6, wherein the controller causes the first hydration processing unit and the second hydration processing unit to hydrate at intervals of one per n (n<N) sheets.

13. 13. The media processing device according to claim 5, wherein the controller is configured to be able to change the position and number of the media to be crimp-bound.

14. an image forming apparatus for forming images on a plurality of the media; An image forming system comprising: the medium processing device according to claim 1 , which crimps and binds a plurality of the media on which images have been formed by the image forming device.

15. 15. A program that, when executed by the media processing device of claim 1, causes the transport unit, the plurality of water adding units, and the pressure binding unit to operate.

Images