Recording medium processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To restrict reduction in productivity of a binding process compared to the case where the moving speed of the teeth used in the binding process remains unchanged.SOLUTION: A recording media processor includes: first teeth to be used in a process of binding a recording medium bundle; second teeth to be moved towards the first teeth to press the recording medium bundle located between the first teeth and the second teeth; and moving means that includes screw moving means for moving the second teeth by circumferentially rotating a screw meshed with an interlocking portion interlocked with the second teeth and that moves the second teeth with respect to the first teeth. A moving speed of the second teeth being moved by the moving means is varied.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a binding device that binds a bundle of recording materials using a first tooth and a second tooth that moves toward the first tooth and presses the bundle of recording materials positioned therebetween. In this binding device, a trapezoidal screw that meshes with an interlocking portion interlocked with the second tooth is rotated in the circumferential direction to move the second tooth with respect to the first tooth.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the binding process of a bundle of recording media, teeth may be pressed against the bundle of recording media, and the binding process of the bundle of recording media may be performed. Here, when moving the teeth used for the binding process of the bundle of recording media by rotating the screw in the circumferential direction, if the moving speed of the teeth is constant, there is a risk that the productivity of the binding process will decrease. An object of the present invention is to suppress a decrease in the productivity of the binding process as compared with the case where the moving speed of the teeth used for the binding process does not change.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The invention according to claim 1 includes a first tooth used for the binding process of a bundle of recording media, a second tooth that moves toward the first tooth and presses the bundle of recording media positioned therebetween, and screw moving means for rotating a screw that meshes with an interlocking portion interlocked with the second tooth in the circumferential direction to move the second tooth, and the second tooth isThe aforementioned A means of movement for moving relative to the first tooth , a first transmission means that transmits driving force to the screw moving means to rotate the screw in the circumferential direction, a second transmission means that transmits driving force to the screw moving means to rotate the screw in the circumferential direction at a higher speed than the first transmission means, and a switching means that switches between a state in which the screw is rotated by the first transmission means and a state in which the screw is rotated by the second transmission means. This is a recording medium processing device that includes a mechanism for changing the movement speed of the second tooth, which is moved by the moving means. Claim 2 The invention is characterized in that the first transmission means has a first gear means that rotates due to a driving force from a drive source and transmits the driving force to the screw moving means, and the second transmission means has a second gear means that rotates due to a driving force from the drive source with a smaller gear ratio than the first gear means and transmits the driving force to the screw moving means. 1 This is a recording medium processing device as described above. The invention of claim 3 is a recording medium processing device comprising: a first tooth used for binding a stack of recording media; a second tooth that moves toward the first tooth and presses the stack of recording media located between the first tooth and the second tooth; a screw moving means that rotates a screw that engages with an interlocking portion linked to the second tooth in the circumferential direction to move the second tooth; and other moving means that moves the second tooth at a higher speed than the screw moving means, wherein the moving speed of the second tooth moved by the moving means changes. Claim 4 The invention is characterized in that the other moving means converts the rotational driving force that rotates the screw into linear motion and transmits it to the second tooth. 3 This is a recording medium processing device as described above. Claim 5 The invention is characterized in that the movement speed of the second tooth changes depending on the position of the second tooth in the direction of movement of the second tooth. Any one of paragraphs 4 through 4. This is a recording medium processing device as described above. Claim 6 The invention is characterized in that, when the recording medium bundle is bound, the second tooth moves toward the recording medium bundle from a predetermined initial position, and the moving means moves the second tooth such that the speed at which the second tooth moves from the initial position until it contacts the recording medium bundle is faster than the speed at which the second tooth moves when pressing the recording medium bundle. 5 This is a recording medium processing device as described above. Claim 7 The invention is characterized in that the second tooth moves to the initial position after the binding process of the recording medium bundle is completed, and the moving means moves the second tooth such that the speed at which the second tooth moves toward the initial position is faster than the speed at which the second tooth moves when pressing the recording medium bundle. 6 This is a recording medium processing device as described above. Claim 8The invention is characterized in that, after the binding process of the recording medium bundle is completed, the second tooth moves to the initial position via a predetermined pre-stop position between the recording medium bundle and the initial position, and the moving means moves the second tooth such that the speed at which the second tooth moves from the pre-stop position to the initial position is slower than the speed at which the second tooth moves to the pre-stop position. 7 This is a recording medium processing device as described above. Claim 9 The invention comprises an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and a recording medium processing apparatus for performing binding processing on a bundle of recording mediums comprising a plurality of recording mediums on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the recording medium processing apparatus is as described in claim 1 to 8 This is an image forming system configured with a recording medium processing device described in any one of the items. [Effects of the Invention]

[0006] Claim 1 、3 According to this invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the productivity of the stapling process compared to a case where the movement speed of the teeth used in the stapling process does not change. Claim 2 According to this invention, the speed of the second tooth can be changed by changing the speed at which the screw rotates. Claim 4 According to this invention, a power source for driving other means of transport becomes unnecessary. Claim 5 According to this invention, the second tooth can be moved at a speed suitable for its position in the direction of movement. Claim 6 According to this invention, compared to the case where the movement speed of the second tooth from the initial position until contact with the recording medium bundle is slower than the movement speed of the second tooth when pressing the recording medium bundle, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the productivity of the binding process. Claim 7 According to this invention, compared to the case where the movement speed of the second tooth moving toward the initial position is slower than the movement speed of the second tooth when pressing the recording medium bundle, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the productivity of the binding process. Claim 8According to the invention, the second tooth is more likely to stop at the initial position as compared with the case where the moving speed of the second tooth from the position before stopping to the initial position is faster than the moving speed of the second tooth to the position before stopping. Claim 9 According to the invention, it is possible to suppress a decrease in productivity of the binding process as compared with the case where the moving speed of the tooth used for the binding process does not change.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007] [Figure 1] It is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 2] It is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the first post-processing device. [Figure 3] It is a diagram when viewing the paper stacking unit from above. [Figure 4] It is a diagram when viewing the second binding device from the direction indicated by the arrow IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] It is a diagram when viewing the second binding device from the direction of the arrow V in FIG. 4. [Figure 6] It is a diagram showing another configuration example of the second binding device. [Figure 7] It is a cross-sectional view of the second binding device taken along line VII-VII in FIG. 4, and is a cross-sectional view showing an upper part of the second binding device. [Figure 8] [[ID=3,2]]It is a diagram showing a cross-section of the second binding device taken along line VIII-VIII in FIG. 5. [Figure 9] It is a longitudinal sectional view of the screw member. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a state on the back side of the second binding device. [Figure 11] It is a diagram when viewing the second binding device from below. [Figure 12] It is a diagram when viewing the second binding device from above. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing the hardware configuration of the information processing unit. [Figure 14] It is a diagram for explaining a position in the moving direction of the second binding tooth when the binding process is performed. [Figure 15]This diagram shows the relationship between the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth and the speed of movement of the second prosthesis tooth. [Figure 16] This figure shows the state of the back side of the second binding processing device to which Embodiment 2 is applied. [Figure 17] This is a view of the second binding processing device from the rear. [Figure 18] Figure 16 shows a cross-section of the second stapling device along line XVIII-XVIII. [Figure 19] This is a view of the second binding processing device from direction XIX in Figure 16. [Figure 20] This is a schematic diagram showing how the support members move using a link mechanism. [Figure 21] (a) and (b) are rear views of the second binding processing device to which Embodiment 2 is applied. [Figure 22] (a) and (b) are diagrams illustrating the control of the drive motor by the information processing unit, and show the rotational speed of the drive motor driven by the information processing unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0008] <Embodiment 1> Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings. Figure 1 shows the overall configuration of the image forming system 1. The image forming system 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on a sheet of paper P, which is an example of a recording medium, and a paper processing apparatus 3 that performs predetermined processing on the sheet of paper P on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. Here, the image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on the paper P using an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method.

[0009] As an example of a recording medium processing apparatus, the paper processing apparatus 3 is equipped with a transport device 10 that transports the paper P output from the image forming apparatus 2 to the downstream side, and a paper supply device 20 that supplies interleaving paper such as cardboard or windowed paper P to the paper P transported by the transport device 10. Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is equipped with a folding device 30 that performs folding processes such as inward tri-fold (C-fold) or outward tri-fold (Z-fold) on the paper P transported from the transport device 10.

[0010] Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is equipped with a first post-processing device 40 located downstream of the folding device 30, which performs functions such as punching holes, edge binding, and saddle stitching on the paper P. In addition, the downstream side of the folding device 30 is equipped with a first post-processing device 40 which performs processing on a stack of paper sheets P (an example of a recording medium stack) consisting of multiple sheets of paper P on which images have been formed by the image forming device 2, or performs processing on each individual sheet of paper P.

[0011] Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is equipped with a second post-processing device 590 located downstream of the first post-processing device 40, which performs further processing on folded and saddle-stitched paper stacks. Furthermore, the paper processing device 3 is equipped with an information processing unit 100, which is an example of a control means that controls the entire paper processing device 3 and is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that executes programs.

[0012] The first post-processing device 40 is equipped with a punching unit 41 for punching holes in the paper P and an edge-stapling stapler unit 42 for binding the ends of the stack of paper. Furthermore, there is a first loading section 43 where paper P that has gone through the edge-stapling unit 42 is loaded, and a second loading section 45 where paper P that has not been processed by the first post-processing device 40 or paper P that has only been punched is loaded. Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 is equipped with a saddle-stitching unit 44 that folds and saddle-stitches the stack of paper to produce a booklet in a spread-out shape.

[0013] Figure 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the first post-processing device 40. The first post-processing device 40 is provided with a receiving port 49 for receiving paper P transported from the folding device 30. Immediately behind the receiving port 49 is a punching unit 41. The punching unit 41 punches holes (such as two holes or four holes) in the paper P transported to the first post-processing device 40.

[0014] Furthermore, a first paper transport path R11 is provided, extending from the receiving port 49 to the edge-stapling unit 42, and used to transport the paper P received at the receiving port 49 to the edge-stapling unit 42. Furthermore, at the first branching section B1, a second paper transport path R12 is provided, which branches off from the first paper transport path R11 and is used to transport the paper P to the second loading section 45.

[0015] Furthermore, at the second branching section B2, a third paper transport path R13 is provided, which branches off from the first paper transport path R11 and is used to transport the paper P to the saddle-stitching unit 44. Furthermore, a switching gate 70 is provided to switch (set) the destination of the paper P to one of the first paper transport path R11 to the third paper transport path R13.

[0016] The edge-stapling stapler unit 42 is provided with a paper stacking unit 60 that collects the required number of sheets of paper P to generate a paper stack. The paper stacking section 60 is provided with a support plate 67 that is positioned at an angle to the horizontal direction and supports the transported paper P from below. In this embodiment, a stack of paper is formed on this support plate 67.

[0017] Furthermore, the edge stapling unit 42 is equipped with a stapling processing device 50 that performs stapling (edge ​​stapling) on ​​the ends of the stack of paper generated in the paper stacking unit 60. In this embodiment, as will be described later, two binding processing devices 50 are provided: a first binding processing device 51 that performs binding using staples, and a second binding processing device 52 that performs binding without using staples.

[0018] Furthermore, the edge-stapling stapler unit 42 is provided with a transport roll 61 that is driven to rotate and feed the stack of paper generated in the paper stacking unit 60 to the first stacking unit 43. In addition, a movable roll 62 is provided that can move to a position retracted from the transport roll 61 and to a position pressed against the transport roll 61.

[0019] When processing is carried out by the edge-stapling stapler unit 42, the transported paper P is first received at the receiving port 49. Subsequently, the paper P is transported along the first paper transport path R11 and reaches the edge stapling unit 42. The paper P is then transported to the top of the support plate 67 and falls onto the support plate 67. The paper P is supported from below by the support plate 67 and slides along the support plate 67 due to the inclination and rotation member 63 provided to the support plate 67.

[0020] Subsequently, the paper P abuts against an end guide 64 attached to the end of the support plate 67. In addition, in this embodiment, an end guide 64 is provided on the end of the support plate 67, extending upward in the figure, and the paper P, moving along the support plate 67, abuts against this end guide 64. As a result, in this embodiment, the movement of the paper P is stopped. Thereafter, this operation is performed each time paper P is transported from the upstream side, and a stack of aligned paper P is generated on the support plate 67.

[0021] In this embodiment, a paper width alignment member 65 is further provided to align the positions of the paper stack in the width direction. In this embodiment, each time a sheet of paper P is supplied onto the support plate 67, the edges (sides) of the paper P in the width direction are pressed by the paper width alignment member 65, and the positions of the paper P (paper stack) in the width direction are also aligned.

[0022] When a predetermined number of sheets of paper P are stacked on the support plate 67, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 perform binding on the ends of the stack of paper. The first stapling device 51 performs stapling by driving metal staples (U-shaped needles) into the stack of paper. The second stapling device 52 performs stapling by clamping the stack of paper with two stapling teeth and pressing the sheets of paper in the stack together.

[0023] Subsequently, in this embodiment, the movable roll 62 advances toward the transport roll 61, and the stack of paper is sandwiched between the movable roll 62 and the transport roll 61. Then, the transport roll 61 rotates, and the stack of paper is transported to the first loading section 43. The first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 are provided so as to be movable toward the back and front sides of the paper in the figure, and in this embodiment, binding processing can be performed on the paper P at multiple locations.

[0024] Referring to Figure 3 (a view of the paper stacking unit 60 from above), further explanation is given. In this embodiment, as described above, a first binding processing device 51 and a second binding processing device 52 are provided. The first binding processing device 51 and the second binding processing device 52 are arranged such that their positions in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40 are different from each other.

[0025] In this embodiment, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 move along the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40, which is perpendicular to the transport direction of the paper P (paper stack). Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first binding processing device 51 and the second binding processing device 52 move along a single common path. In this embodiment, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 are movable, allowing binding to be performed at multiple locations on the stack of paper.

[0026] Here, the first binding processing device 51 and the second binding processing device 52 each stop at two points (positions (A) and (B) in Figure 3) that are located at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40, and perform binding processing (two-point edge binding processing) at these two points. Furthermore, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 each stop, for example, at one end of the stack of paper (one corner of the stack of paper) (position (D) in Figure 3), and perform binding (single-point binding) at this stopping position.

[0027] Furthermore, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 each stop, for example, at the other end of the stack of paper (the other corner of the stack of paper) (position (C) in Figure 3), and perform binding (single-point binding) at this stopping position. In this embodiment, the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 move linearly between position (A) and position (B), but between position (A) and position (C), and between position (B) and position (D), the first binding device 51 and the second binding device 52 move with a rotation of, for example, 45°.

[0028] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 3, multiple end guides 64 are provided. These end guides 64 are positioned at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40 (a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction of the paper P). Furthermore, each of the end guides 64 has a restricting portion 641 and an opposing piece 642, as shown in Figure 3.

[0029] The restricting portion 641 is positioned perpendicular to the support plate 67, and in this embodiment, the edge of the paper P abuts against this restricting portion 641, thereby restricting the movement of the paper P. The opposing piece 642 is connected to the regulating portion 641 and is positioned to face the support plate 67. In this embodiment, when the paper P is placed on the support plate 67, the edge of the paper P fits between the opposing piece 642 and the support plate 67. Furthermore, the edge of the paper P abuts against the regulating portion 641. This aligns the paper P.

[0030] When the binding process is performed at position (A) in Figure 3, the binding process is carried out through the gap formed between the opposing piece 642 located in the center (center in the vertical direction) of Figure 3 and the opposing piece 642 located at the bottom of the figure. Furthermore, when the binding process is performed at position (B) in Figure 3, the binding process is carried out through the gap formed between the opposing piece 642 located at the top of the figure and the opposing piece 642 located in the center of the figure.

[0031] Figure 4 shows the second binding processing device 52 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow IV in Figure 3. Figure 5 shows the second binding processing device 52 as viewed from the direction indicated by arrow V in Figure 4. In addition, Figure 5 shows the second binding processing device 52 as viewed from the front. In Figure 4, the direction indicated by arrow 4A will be referred to as the width direction of the second binding device 52, and the direction indicated by arrow 4B will be referred to as the depth direction of the second binding device 52. The direction indicated by arrow 4C will be referred to as the height direction of the second binding device 52. Furthermore, in this specification, the direction indicated by arrow 4R in the figure is referred to as the rear direction or rear side, and the direction indicated by arrow 4F in the figure is referred to as the front direction or front side.

[0032] As shown in Figure 4, the second binding processing device 52 is provided with first binding teeth 71 used for binding a paper stack T (see Figure 5), which is an example of a recording medium stack. Above the first binding teeth 71, a second binding tooth 72 is provided. Each of the first prosthetic tooth 71, which is an example of a first tooth, and the second prosthetic tooth 72, which is an example of a second tooth, is provided with a recessed or recessed portion.

[0033] The surface of the first prosthetic tooth 71 that is located on the side of the second prosthetic tooth 72, and the surface of the second prosthetic tooth 72 that is located on the side of the first prosthetic tooth 71, are provided with an uneven surface in which convex and concave portions are arranged alternately in the direction indicated by arrow 4X in the figure. In other words, the surface of the first prosthesis tooth 71 that is located on the side of the second prosthesis tooth 72, and the surface of the second prosthesis tooth 72 that is located on the side of the first prosthesis tooth 71, are provided with convex and concave portions arranged alternately in the longitudinal direction of the first prosthesis tooth 71 and the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0034] In this embodiment, when the fastening process is performed by the first fastening teeth 71 and the second fastening teeth 72, the second fastening teeth 72 advance toward the first fastening teeth 71. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the binding process is performed, the second binding tooth 72 descends along a linear path indicated by arrow 4Y in the figure (hereinafter referred to as "linear path 4Y") and moves toward the first binding tooth 71.

[0035] In this embodiment, the stack of paper T located between the first staple tooth 71 and the second staple tooth 72 is sandwiched and pressed by the first staple tooth 71 and the second staple tooth 72. In this embodiment, the protrusion on the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the recess on the second stabilizing tooth 72 face each other. Furthermore, a protrusion on one binding tooth fits into a recess on the other binding tooth. This causes the sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack T to be pressed together, and the binding process of the sheets of paper P is performed. Subsequently, in this embodiment, the second binding tooth 72 moves upward and retracts from the first binding tooth 71.

[0036] In this embodiment, the case in which the protrusions and recesses of the first and second closure teeth 71 and 72 are arranged alternately was described as an example, but the protrusions and recesses may be arranged in other ways. Alternatively, for example, when the stack of paper T is pressed by the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72, a portion of the stack of paper T may be cut to form a strip-shaped piece, and through holes may be formed in the stack of paper T, and the strip-shaped piece may be passed through these through holes to perform the binding process. The method of stabilization using the first stabilizing tooth 71 and the second stabilizing tooth 72 is not particularly limited.

[0037] As shown in Figure 4, the second stapling processing device 52 is provided with a moving mechanism 500 as an example of a moving means for moving the second stapling teeth 72 toward the first stapling teeth 71. The moving mechanism 500 includes a rod-shaped screw member 510 extending vertically in the figure, and rotates this screw member 510 in the circumferential direction to move the second stapling tooth 72 toward the first stapling tooth 71. The screw member 510 is an example of a screw that engages with the interlocking part that is linked to the second tooth.

[0038] The screw member 510 is made of metal. Furthermore, the screw member 510 is formed in a straight shape. Furthermore, spiral-shaped protrusions and grooves are formed on the outer circumferential surface of the screw member 510. In other words, the outer circumferential surface of the screw member 510 is provided with male threads in which protrusions and grooves are arranged at predetermined intervals in the axial direction of the screw member 510. In the axial direction of the screw member 510, the protrusions and grooves are arranged alternately. Furthermore, the screw member 510 in this embodiment is a screw conforming to JIS standards. The type of screw member 510 is not particularly limited, but for example, a trapezoidal screw can be used. Also, the screw member 510 is not limited to being a standalone screw; it may be integrated with other functional members.

[0039] Furthermore, the screw member 510 is positioned along the linear path 4Y on which the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a multi-start screw is used as the screw member 510. More specifically, in this embodiment, a double-start screw is used as the screw member 510. In this embodiment, "multi-start screw" refers to a screw that has two or more helical threads within one pitch.

[0040] Furthermore, in this embodiment, an interlocking part is provided that moves in conjunction with the second prosthesis tooth 72. In addition, a screw member 510 engages with this interlocking part 600. In other words, the screw member 510 is connected to the interlocking part 600. More specifically, the interlocking portion 600 is provided with a female threaded portion 610, and the male threaded screw member 510 engages with the portion of the interlocking portion 600 that is provided with this female threaded portion 610.

[0041] The moving mechanism 500 rotates the screw member 510 that engages with the female screw portion 610 in the circumferential direction, thereby moving the second fastening tooth 72 toward the first fastening tooth 71. More specifically, in this embodiment, when the drive motor M, which will be described later, is rotated in the forward direction, the screw member 510 rotates in the circumferential direction and in one direction. As a result, the interlocking part 600 and the second closure tooth 72 descend, and the second closure tooth 72 moves to the first closure tooth 71. This performs the closure process. In this embodiment, when the screw member 510 rotates in the circumferential direction, the interlocking portion 600 and the second stabilizing tooth 72 move along the axial direction of the screw member 510.

[0042] Furthermore, in this embodiment, once the binding process is complete, the drive motor M reverses direction, causing the screw member 510 to rotate in the opposite direction. As a result, the interlocking part 600 and the second prosthesis tooth 72 rise. When the second prosthesis tooth 72 rises, the second prosthesis tooth 72 retracts from the first prosthesis tooth 71.

[0043] In addition to the screw member 510, the moving mechanism 500 is provided with a drive motor M as an example of a drive source, as shown in Figure 5. The drive motor M is not particularly limited and any known type can be used. For example, a DC motor such as a brushless DC motor or a brushed DC motor, or a stepping motor can be used as the drive motor M. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a drive gear (not shown) is provided below the drive motor M, connected to the output shaft of the drive motor M and positioned coaxially with the output shaft. A rotating gear (not shown) is also provided that meshes with and rotates with this drive gear. In addition, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, a large-diameter gear 520 is provided that meshes with this rotating gear and receives driving force from this rotating gear.

[0044] The large-diameter gear 520, which is an example of a rotating body, is arranged coaxially with the screw member 510. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the lower end of the screw member 510 is fixed to the large-diameter gear 520. Moreover, in this embodiment, the outer diameter of the large-diameter gear 520 is larger than the outer diameter of the screw member 510. In this embodiment, the drive motor M rotates the large-diameter gear 520, and consequently, the screw member 510 rotates in the circumferential direction.

[0045] In this embodiment, the large-diameter gear 520 receives the driving force transmitted to the screw member 510. Then, the driving force is transmitted from the large-diameter gear 520 to the screw member 510. As a result, the screw member 510 rotates around its axis. When the screw member 510 rotates around its axis, the second stabilizing tooth 72 moves forward and backward relative to the first stabilizing tooth 71. In this embodiment, the screw moving mechanism is composed of a screw member 510 and a large-diameter gear 520.

[0046] Other mechanisms for moving the second stapling teeth 72 include, for example, a cam mechanism and a jack mechanism, but by using a screw member 510 as in this embodiment, the second stapling processing device 52 can be miniaturized. When using a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism, for example, one possible configuration is to install the cam mechanism or jack mechanism at the location indicated by reference numeral 4Z in Figure 4 (above the second binding processing device 52). In this embodiment, the interlocking part 600 is pressed from above by a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism to move the second stapling tooth 72.

[0047] However, in this case, it becomes difficult to increase the distance between the first stapling teeth 71 and the second stapling teeth 72 while suppressing the enlargement of the second stapling processing device 52. In this embodiment, the space between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 serves as a receiving section for receiving the stack of paper T. However, when using a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism, it is difficult to enlarge this receiving section while suppressing the enlargement of the second binding processing device 52.

[0048] When using a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism, increasing the size of the cam mechanism or jack mechanism increases the amount of movement of the second stapling tooth 72, making it possible to enlarge the receiving section. However, this leads to an increase in the size of the second stapling processing device 52. Furthermore, reducing the size of the receiving section can prevent the second binding processing device 52 from becoming larger, but in this case, the maximum number of sheets of paper P that can be bound will decrease.

[0049] In contrast, using the screw member 510 as in this embodiment suppresses the enlargement of the second binding processing device 52, and furthermore, the receiving section becomes larger. In particular, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, some components of the moving mechanism 500, such as the drive motor M and the screw member 510, are provided on the side of the linear path 4Y through which the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves. In this case, it becomes easier to reduce the height dimension of the second binding processing device 52 while ensuring the size of the receiving section.

[0050] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the large-diameter gear 520 is arranged to extend in a direction that intersects with the linear path 4Y on which the second stapling teeth 72 move, which also reduces the height dimension of the second stapling device 52. In this embodiment, the direction in which the linear path 4Y extends and the radial direction of the large-diameter gear 520 intersect (are perpendicular). In this case, the height dimension of the second binding processing device 52 is smaller compared to the case where the large-diameter gear 520 is installed along the direction in which the linear path 4Y extends.

[0051] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the end guide 64 shown in Figure 3 is configured to allow the second binding processing device 52 to pass through. More specifically, in this embodiment, the maximum distance between the first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72 is greater than the height dimension of the end guide 64, and the end guide 64 passes through the receiving portion. As a result, the second stapling processing device 52 passes through the end guide 64.

[0052] As shown in Figure 4, the interlocking portion 600 is provided with a load-receiving member 620. In this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 is provided with a female threaded portion 610. A load-receiving member 620, as an example of a load-receiving section, contacts the screw member 510 and receives a load from this screw member 510. Furthermore, the interlocking section 600 is provided with an upper support member 630 that supports the load-receiving member 620 and the second closure tooth 72.

[0053] Furthermore, the interlocking section 600 is provided with two rod-shaped members 640 that are attached to the upper support member 630 and extend downward. The interlocking section 600 is also provided with fixing members 650 for fixing each of the rod-shaped members 640 to the upper support member 630. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640 is provided as a left rod-shaped member 640L located on the left side in the figure and a right rod-shaped member 640R located on the right side in the figure. The left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R are each arranged to extend along the linear path 4Y.

[0054] The rod-shaped member 640 is used to guide the interlocking portion 600. The rod-shaped member 640 is also used to guide the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this embodiment, the outer diameter of the rod-shaped member 640 is larger than the outer diameter of the threaded member 510. More specifically, the outer diameters of the left rod-shaped member 640L and the right rod-shaped member 640R are each larger than the outer diameter of the threaded member 510.

[0055] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640 are separate parts, and the rod-shaped member 640 is attached to the upper support member 630. However, the design is not limited to this; the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640 may be integrated, and the upper support member 630 may be given the function of the rod-shaped member 640.

[0056] The fixing member 650 is composed of a nut 652. A bolt portion 651 is provided at the tip of the rod-shaped member 640, which is located at the top in the figure, and the nut 652 is fixed to this bolt portion 651. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a cylindrical rod-shaped member body 648 is provided in the portion of the rod-shaped member 640 that is located below the upper support member 630.

[0057] In this embodiment, the upper support member 630 is provided with a through hole 633 (see Figure 5), which is an example of a hole. In this embodiment, a rod-shaped member 640 is passed through this through hole 633. Also, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, the bolt portion 651 of the rod-shaped member 640 protrudes above the upper support member 630.

[0058] In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a nut 652 is attached to this bolt portion 651 which protrudes above the upper support member 630. In this embodiment, the upper support member 630 is sandwiched between the nut 652 attached to the bolt portion 651 and the rod-shaped member body 648 of the rod-shaped member 640. This fixes the rod-shaped member 640 to the upper support member 630.

[0059] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 4, the second closure teeth 72 are fixed to the upper support member 630. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second closure teeth 72 are fixed to one end 631 of the upper support member 630 located on the front side in the figure. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second stabilizing tooth 72 is fixed to the upper support member 630 by press-fitting. However, the fixing of the second stabilizing tooth 72 is not limited to press-fitting; other methods such as bonding, welding, or fastening may also be used.

[0060] Furthermore, below the interlocking portion 600, a lower support member 700 is provided to support the first prosthesis tooth 71. In other words, below the upper support member 630, a lower support member 700 is provided to support the first prosthesis tooth 71. In this embodiment, the first stabilizing tooth 71 is fixed to the lower support member 700 by press-fitting. However, as described above, the fixing of the first stabilizing tooth 71 is not limited to press-fitting; other methods such as bonding, welding, or fastening may also be used.

[0061] The lower support member 700 is provided with a tooth support portion 710 that extends in the width direction of the second stapling processing device 52 and supports the first stapling teeth 71 from below. Furthermore, the lower support member 700 is provided with connecting portions 720 that are connected to each end of the tooth support portion 710 and extend from these ends toward the rear side of the second stapling processing device 52. In this embodiment, the lower support member 700 is formed from a metal block, and the tooth support portion 710 and the connecting portion 720 are integrated.

[0062] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a guide section 90 is provided to guide the second prosthesis tooth 72. This guide portion 90 is provided on the lower support member 700. Furthermore, this guide portion 90 is arranged along the linear path 4Y on which the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves. In this embodiment, as described above, a rod-shaped member 640 is provided, and the guide portion 90 guides the second prosthesis tooth 72 by guiding this rod-shaped member 640.

[0063] More specifically, in this embodiment, the lower support member 700 is provided with a hole 91 that extends along a linear path 4Y. In this embodiment, the guide portion 90 is formed by the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole portion 91. In this embodiment, the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole 91 is used to guide the rod-shaped member 640, which is an example of a guided portion.

[0064] In this embodiment, multiple guide portions 90 and rod-shaped members 640, which are the guided portions, are provided. Specifically, in this embodiment, two guide portions 90 and two rod-shaped members 640 are provided. In this embodiment, two guided sections and two guided sections are provided, but the number of guided sections and guided sections is not limited to this; there may be one or three or more.

[0065] The hole 91 has a circular cross-section. In this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640 is made of, for example, a cylindrical member with a diameter of 10 mm or more. The cross-sectional shape of the hole 91 and the cross-sectional shape of the rod-shaped member 640 are not limited to circular shapes, but may be elliptical, polygonal, or other shapes. In this embodiment, a cylindrical rod-shaped member 640, which constitutes a part of the interlocking portion 600 (see Figure 4), is inserted into the hole 91, and the rod-shaped member 640 is guided by the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole 91.

[0066] In this embodiment, the guide portion 90 is composed of a hole portion 91, which is an example of a hole provided in the lower support member 700. More specifically, the guide portion 90 is composed of the inner surface of the hole portion 91 provided in the lower support member 700. The guide portion 90 uses the inner surface of the hole portion 91 to guide the outer surface of the rod-shaped member 640.

[0067] The rod-shaped member 640 (see Figure 4), which is an example of the guided portion and rod-shaped portion, extends along the vertical direction, which is the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600. In other words, the rod-shaped member 640 extends along the movement path of the interlocking portion 600. Furthermore, the rod-shaped member 640 extends downstream in the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600, starting from the connection point with the upper support member 630. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the hole 91 (see Figure 5) provided in the lower support member 700, which functions as a guide, also extends along the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600.

[0068] In Figures 4 and 5, the guide portion is formed by the inner surface of the hole, and the guided portion is formed by a rod-shaped portion that contacts the inner surface of the hole. However, the design is not limited to this configuration, and as will be described later, the guided portion may be formed by the inner surface of the hole, and the guide portion may be formed by a rod-shaped portion that contacts the inner surface of the hole. Furthermore, the hole 91 (see Figure 5) provided in the lower support member 700 may be provided in a state where it penetrates the lower support member 700. However, it is not limited to this, and the hole 91 may not penetrate the lower support member 700, but may have a bottom.

[0069] In this embodiment, as the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward the first prosthesis tooth 71, the contact area between the guide portion 90 (see Figure 5) and the rod-shaped member 640 which is the guided portion increases. More specifically, in this embodiment, as the second stabilizing tooth 72 moves toward the first stabilizing tooth 71, the amount of penetration of the rod-shaped member 640 into the hole 91 increases, and the contact area between the guide portion 90 and the rod-shaped member 640 increases. In other words, in this embodiment, as the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward the first prosthesis tooth 71, the area of ​​the region where the guide portion 90 and the rod-shaped member 640 overlap increases.

[0070] Figure 6 shows another configuration example of the second binding processing device 52. Figure 6 illustrates a case where the guided portion is formed by the inner surface of the hole, and the guide portion is formed by a rod-shaped portion that contacts the inner surface of the hole. In this configuration example, a hole 93 extending along a linear path 4Y is provided on the side of the interlocking portion 600 that is linked to the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this configuration example, a rod-shaped member 640 is provided on the lower support member 700 side, which enters the hole 93 and extends along the linear path 4Y. The rod-shaped member 640 is fixed to the lower support member 700.

[0071] In this configuration example, the outer circumferential surface of the rod-shaped member 640 becomes the guide portion 90, and this outer circumferential surface is used to guide the interlocking portion 600. In this configuration example, the guided portion is formed by the inner surface of a hole 93 that extends along the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600. In this configuration example, the guide portion is formed by a rod-shaped member 640 that extends along the direction of movement of the interlocking portion 600 and contacts the inner surface of the hole 93.

[0072] Furthermore, in this embodiment (as shown in Figures 4 and 5), the movement of the screw member 510 relative to the interlocking portion 600 is such that the screw member 510 can move in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction in which the screw member 510 extends. Specifically, in this embodiment, the movement of the screw member 510 relative to the interlocking portion 600 is such that the screw member 510 can move in the direction indicated by arrow 4A in Figure 4. In other words, the screw member 510 of the second binding processing device 52 can move in the width direction.

[0073] In this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 can be moved in the direction indicated by arrow 4A. More specifically, in this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 is configured to move relative to the upper support member 630, thereby enabling the load-receiving member 620 to move in the width direction of the second binding processing device 52. In other words, in this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 can move relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640, which constitute part of the interlocking section 600.

[0074] In this way, by allowing the load-receiving member 620 to move relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640, the screw member 510 can be moved relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640. More specifically, the screw member 510 can be moved relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640, and the screw member 510 can be moved in a direction that intersects (is perpendicular to) the direction in which it extends. In other words, the screw member 510 can be moved in the radial direction.

[0075] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of the second binding device 52 along the line VII-VII in Figure 4, showing the upper portion of the second binding device 52. In this embodiment, as shown in Figure 7, a through hole 620A is formed in the load-receiving member 620, and a fixing screw 95 used to fix the load-receiving member 620 to the upper support member 630 is passed through this through hole 620A. A gap is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the through hole 620A and the fixing screw 95. Furthermore, the outer circumferential surface of the portion of the fixing screw 95 located inside the through hole 620A does not have a threaded portion.

[0076] Furthermore, the thickness of the load-receiving member 620 is smaller than the distance between the head 95A of the fixing screw 95 and the upper surface 630E of the upper support member 630. As a result, in this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 can be moved relative to the upper support member 630, specifically in the direction indicated by arrow 7A in the figure. In this case, the screw member 510 (not shown in Figure 7) can be moved relative to the upper support member 630 and the rod-shaped member 640. In other words, the screw member 510 can be moved relative to the interlocking part 600 (see Figure 4), and it can be moved in a direction intersecting the direction in which the screw member 510 extends.

[0077] Here, for example, we assume a configuration in which the screw member 510 cannot move relative to the interlocking part 600, and also assume a state in which the screw member 510 is inclined with respect to the linear path 4Y (see Figure 4). In this case, when the second prosthesis tooth 72 advances toward the first prosthesis tooth 71, the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward a position different from its intended position. In this case, the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 relative to the first prosthesis tooth 71 is shifted from the originally intended position. In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the screw member 510 is movable, the inclination of the screw member 510 with respect to the linear path 4Y becomes smaller, and the displacement of the second prosthesis tooth 72 with respect to the first prosthesis tooth 71 becomes smaller.

[0078] Furthermore, if the screw member 510 is not able to move relative to the interlocking part 600, and the screw member 510 is inclined with respect to the linear path 4Y, the second stapling tooth 72 may stop while it is moving toward the first stapling tooth 71, making stapling impossible. In contrast, as in this embodiment, if the screw member 510 is movable, the inclination of the screw member 510 with respect to the linear path 4Y becomes smaller, making it less likely for problems such as the second stabilizing tooth 72 stopping midway to occur.

[0079] In this embodiment, the part indicated by reference numeral 7F in Figure 7 is the guided part guided by the guide part 90 (see Figure 5), and in this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 can move relative to this guided part. More specifically, the load-receiving member 620 is capable of moving relative to the guided portion in a direction that intersects (orthogonal to) the axial direction of the screw member 510 (not shown in Figure 7).

[0080] The interlocking portion 600 includes a load-receiving member 620 as an example of a load-receiving portion that contacts the screw member 510 and receives a load from the screw member 510, and a rod-shaped member 640 as an example of a guided portion that is guided by the guide portion 90. In this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620, which is an example of a load-receiving part, can be moved relative to the rod-shaped member 640. As in this embodiment, if the load-receiving member 620 can move relative to the rod-shaped member 640, as described above, the displacement of the second prosthesis tooth 72 relative to the first prosthesis tooth 71 becomes smaller, and problems such as the second prosthesis tooth 72 stopping midway become less likely to occur.

[0081] As shown in Figure 7, the load-bearing member 620 has a T-shaped cross-section. More specifically, the load-receiving member 620 comprises a disc-shaped large-diameter portion 621 located at the top in the figure, and a small-diameter portion 622 located below the large-diameter portion 621. The large-diameter section 621 and the small-diameter section 622 are arranged coaxially. Furthermore, the lower end of the large-diameter section 621 and the upper end of the small-diameter section 622 are connected.

[0082] A female threaded portion 610 is provided on the central axis of the load-bearing member 620. The female threaded portion 610 is cylindrical, and in this embodiment, a rod-shaped screw member 510 (see Figure 4) is passed through this female threaded portion 610. In other words, in this embodiment, the female threaded portion 610 and the screw member 510 interlock and connect with each other. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the longitudinal length L1 of the second stabilizing tooth 72 (see Figure 5) is smaller than the outer diameter D1 of the large diameter portion 621 (see Figure 7).

[0083] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when comparing the radial positions of the large-diameter portion 621, the second fastening tooth 72 (see Figure 5) is located on the other end 621B side of the large-diameter portion 621, rather than on the other end 621A (see Figure 7). Also, the second fastening tooth 72 is located on the one end 621A side of the large-diameter portion 621, rather than on the other end 621B. In other words, in this embodiment, when the second stapling device 52 is viewed from the front (when the second stapling device 52 is viewed from the side where the receiving portion is provided), the second stapling teeth 72 are located between one end 621A and the other end 621B of the large diameter portion 621.

[0084] In this embodiment, the load-receiving member 620 is pulled downward by the screw member 510, and consequently, the portion of the upper support member 630 indicated by reference numeral 7X in Figure 7 is uniformly pressed from above by the load-receiving member 620. In this case, the portion of the upper support member 630 that is uniformly pressed moves downward while generally maintaining a shape that extends laterally and linearly. On the other hand, the side portions of the upper support member 630 located on either side of this pressing portion (indicated by reference numeral 7Y in Figure 7) tend to tilt with respect to the horizontal direction, as indicated by reference numeral 7Z.

[0085] In this case, for example, if the longitudinal dimension of the second prosthesis tooth 72 is large and a part of the second prosthesis tooth 72 extends to the side portion (the portion indicated by reference numeral 7Y), the second prosthesis tooth 72 is prone to distortion. In contrast, as in this embodiment, when the second stapling tooth 72 does not reach the side portion and is positioned between one end 621A and the other end 621B of the large diameter portion 621, distortion of the second stapling tooth 72 becomes less likely.

[0086] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72 relative to the guide portion 90 (see Figure 5) is such that the second prosthesis tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction in which the guide portion 90 extends. More specifically, in this embodiment, the second stabilizing tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction indicated by arrow 5X (see Figure 5), which is the direction in which the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole 91 extends. In addition, in this embodiment, the second prosthesis tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction of advancement and retraction of the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0087] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 5Y in Figure 5. More specifically, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 is movable relative to the rod-shaped member 640, and the upper support member 630 is movable in the direction indicated by arrow 5Y. In other words, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0088] In this embodiment, the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves in the longitudinal direction by moving the upper support member 630 relative to the rod-shaped member 640. In addition, in this embodiment, when the upper support member 630 is moved relative to the rod-shaped member 640, the second stabilizing tooth 72 moves in a direction intersecting the direction in which the guide portion 90 extends (indicated by arrow 5X in the figure).

[0089] More specifically, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 5, a bolt portion 651 is provided at the upper end of the rod-shaped member 640. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a through hole 633 is formed in the upper support member 630 through which the bolt portion 651 passes. This through hole 633 is a so-called elongated hole and is formed to extend along the longitudinal direction of the second stabilizing tooth 72.

[0090] As a result, in this embodiment, the upper support member 630 can move relative to the rod-shaped member 640, and the second closure tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction in which the rod-shaped member 640 extends. In other words, the second closure tooth 72 can move in a direction intersecting the direction in which the guide portion 90 extends. More specifically, the second prosthesis tooth 72 can be moved in the direction indicated by the arrow 5Y in Figure 5.

[0091] In this embodiment, the rod-shaped member 640 is released from the bolt portion 651 and nut 652 that secure it to the upper support member 630, and then the upper support member 630 is moved in the longitudinal direction of the second stud teeth 72. This alters the positional relationship between the first prosthesis tooth 71 and the second prosthesis tooth 72. In addition, the relative position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 with respect to the first prosthesis tooth 71 is adjusted. In this embodiment, once the position of the second closure tooth 72 has been adjusted, the nut 652 is tightened onto the bolt portion 651, and the rod-shaped member 640 is fixed to the upper support member 630.

[0092] In this embodiment, the configuration described is such that the upper support member 630 moves along the longitudinal direction of the second stapling tooth 72. However, the configuration is not limited to this, and the upper support member 630 may move in both the longitudinal direction of the second stapling tooth 72 and in a direction perpendicular to this longitudinal direction. Furthermore, in order to allow the upper support member 630 to move in both the longitudinal direction and the perpendicular direction, for example, the through hole 633 formed in the upper support member 630 may be formed as a round hole having a diameter larger than the outer diameter of the bolt portion 651. As a result, the upper support member 630 moves in both the longitudinal direction and the perpendicular direction.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, in this embodiment, the drive motor M is housed between one end 511 and the other end 512 in the axial direction of the screw member 510. In other words, in this embodiment, the drive motor M is located to the side of the screw member 510. As a result, in this embodiment, the size of the second fastening device 52 in the direction in which the screw member 510 extends, in other words, in the direction in which the second fastening tooth 72 moves forward and backward, is reduced.

[0094] Here, if the drive motor M is located, for example, at the location indicated by the reference numeral 5S in Figure 5, it tends to lead to an increase in the size of the second binding processing device 52. In contrast, as in this embodiment, when the drive motor M is located to the side of the screw member 510, the size increase of the second binding processing device 52 is suppressed.

[0095] In this embodiment, all or most of the drive motor M is housed between one end 511 and the other end 512 in the axial direction of the screw member 510. Furthermore, the drive motor M may be configured such that at least a portion of it is positioned on the other end 512 side of the screw member 510 in the axial direction, and on the one end 511 side of the other end 512. In this case, the second binding processing device 52 can be made smaller compared to a configuration in which the drive motor M is not located at all between one end 511 and the other end 512.

[0096] Figure 8 shows a cross-section of the second stapling device 52 along the line VIII-VIII in Figure 5. The moving mechanism 500 of this embodiment (see Figure 4) applies a load to a specific location of the interlocking part 600 to move the second prosthesis tooth 72 toward the first prosthesis tooth 71. More specifically, the moving mechanism 500 applies a load to a specific location in the interlocking portion 600 indicated by reference numeral 8A (see Figure 8) (hereinafter referred to as the "load application location 8A"), thereby moving the second prosthesis tooth 72 toward the first prosthesis tooth 71.

[0097] More specifically, in this embodiment, the load application location 8A is the location where the female screw portion 610 is provided. In this embodiment, a load is applied to this location where the female screw portion 610 is provided to move the interlocking portion 600 and move the second stapling tooth 72 toward the first stapling tooth 71. In this embodiment, the guide portion 90 (the inner circumferential surface 91A of the hole portion 91) is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the load application point 8A. Furthermore, "located on the closer side" means that all parts of the guide section 90 are located further than the load application point 8A. This does not mean that it is located on the side closer to the stud tooth 72.

[0098] In this embodiment, the rear portion 90B of the guide portion 90, which is located at the rearmost position, is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the rear portion 8X of the load application point 8A, which is located at the rearmost position. Thus, when comparing the parts located furthest to the rear, if the rear portion 90B of the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the rear portion 8X of the load application point 8A, then it can be said that the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the load application point 8A.

[0099] The guide section 90 guides the second prosthesis tooth 72 by providing guidance to the portion of the interlocking section 600 that is linked to the second prosthesis tooth 72, which is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the load application point 8A. More specifically, the guide portion 90 guides the rod-shaped member 640, which is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the load application point 8A, and thereby guides the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0100] Furthermore, in this embodiment, assuming a virtual plane H1 that passes through the load application point 8A and the second prosthesis tooth 72 and along a linear path 4Y (see Figure 5), guide portions 90 are provided in each of the two opposing regions R1 and R2 that straddle this plane H1. More specifically, in this embodiment, assuming a virtual plane H1 that passes through the central part C1 of the load application point 8A and the central part C2 in the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72 and along a linear path 4Y, guide portions 90 are provided in each of the two opposing regions R1 and R2 that straddle this plane H1.

[0101] In other words, in this embodiment, assuming a virtual plane H1 that passes through the axial center 510R of the screw member 510 and the central part C2 in the longitudinal direction of the second stabilizing tooth 72 and along a linear path 4Y, guide portions 90 are provided in each of the two opposing regions R1 and R2 that straddle this plane H1. Furthermore, in this embodiment, each guide portion 90 provided in these two regions R1 and R2 is positioned closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than to the load application point 8A.

[0102] In this embodiment, when the second binding teeth 72 are pressed against the stack of paper T, the reaction force causes the second binding teeth 72 to be pressed upward, and one end 631 of the upper support member 630 moves upward. In this case, as in this embodiment, if each of the guide portions 90 is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than to the load application point 8A, upward movement of one end portion 631 of the upper support member 630 becomes less likely.

[0103] Furthermore, in this embodiment, assuming a virtual line LX that passes through the axial center 610R of the female screw portion 610 and extends along the longitudinal direction of the second stapling tooth 72, the guide portion 90 is located at a point outside of this virtual line LX. More specifically, the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX. Figure 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the second stapling device 52 when viewed from above. In this view, the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second stapling teeth 72 than the dashed line LX.

[0104] "The guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX" means that when the guide portion 90 is projected onto the plane H8, the central portion 90C of the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX when the virtual line LX is projected onto the plane H8. Here, plane H8 is a plane that is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72. In this embodiment, when the guide portion 90 and the virtual line LX are projected onto plane H8 (when projected in a direction perpendicular to plane H8), the central portion 90C of the guide portion 90 (the central portion in the direction in which plane H8 extends) is located closer to the second prosthesis tooth 72 than the virtual line LX.

[0105] The statement that the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX does not mean that the entire portion of the guide portion 90 is located closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX. As described above, if the central part 90C of the guide portion 90 is located on the side of the second prosthetic tooth 72 that is closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72 than the virtual line LX, then the guide portion 90 is located on the side of the virtual line LX that is closer to the second prosthetic tooth 72.

[0106] In this case, compared to the case where the guide portion 90 is located on the virtual line LX, upward movement of one end portion 631 of the upper support member 630 becomes less likely. In other words, compared to the case where the position of the virtual line LX and the position of the central part 90C of the guide part 90 are aligned, upward movement of one end 631 of the upper support member 630 becomes less likely. In this case, when the binding process is performed, the second binding teeth 72 are less likely to move upward, and a greater load is applied to the stack of paper T.

[0107] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the guide portions 90 provided in each of the two regions R1 and R2 are arranged on a common straight line LK that extends along the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72. In addition, the guide portions 90 provided in each of the two regions R1 and R2 are positioned on a straight line LK that extends along the longitudinal direction of the second stud tooth 72 and passes through a location other than the axial center 610R of the female screw portion 610.

[0108] "The guide portion 90 is positioned on the straight line LK" means that when the guide portion 90 and the straight line LK are projected onto the plane H8 (projected in a direction perpendicular to the plane H8), the position of the central portion 90C of the guide portion 90 (the central portion in the direction in which the plane H8 extends) coincides with the position of the straight line LK.

[0109] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the distance L11 between the guide portion 90 provided in one of the two regions R1 and R2, region R1, and the distance L21 between the guide portion 90 provided in the other region R2 and the plane H1 are equal. In addition, in this embodiment, the distance L11 between one of the two guides 90, which are arranged on a common straight line LK, and the plane H1 is equal to the distance L21 between the other guide 90 and the plane H1.

[0110] More specifically, we consider the case where plane H1, one guide portion 90, and the other guide portion 90 are projected onto plane H15, which extends along the longitudinal direction of the second prosthesis tooth 72 (i.e., projected in a direction perpendicular to plane H15). In this embodiment, the distance L11 between the central part C11 of one guide portion 90 (the central part in the direction in which the plane H15 extends) and the plane H1 is equal to the distance L21 between the central part C21 of the other guide portion 90 (the central part in the direction in which the plane H15 extends) and the plane H1.

[0111] Furthermore, in this embodiment, the female thread portion 610 of the interlocking portion 600, which is the contact portion that contacts the threaded member 510, is located on the right side of the right rod-shaped member 640R in the figure, which is an example of the second guided portion, rather than on the left side of the left rod-shaped member 640L in the figure, which is an example of the first guided portion. Furthermore, this female thread portion 610 is located on the left side of the diagram, closer to the left-side rod-shaped member 640L, than to the right-side rod-shaped member 640R on the right side of the diagram.

[0112] In this embodiment, the interlocking portion 600 is provided with a left rod-shaped member 640L and a right rod-shaped member 640R, which are guided by the guide portion 90. In this embodiment, the female screw portion 610, which is an example of a contact portion, is located on the side of the right rod-shaped member 640R relative to the left rod-shaped member 640L, and on the side of the left rod-shaped member 640L relative to the right rod-shaped member 640R. In this embodiment, the female thread portion 610 can be considered as a load-receiving portion that receives the load from the threaded member 510. In this embodiment, this load-receiving portion is located on the right rod-shaped member 640R side of the left rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left rod-shaped member 640L side of the right rod-shaped member 640R.

[0113] More specifically, we consider the case where the left rod-shaped member 640L, the right rod-shaped member 640R, and the female threaded portion 610 are projected onto a plane H15. In this case, on this plane H15, the female thread portion 610 is located on the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R rather than the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L rather than the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R.

[0114] In this embodiment, when a load is applied to the load-receiving member 620 of the interlocking portion 600 (see Figure 8), the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward the first prosthesis tooth 71. More specifically, when a load is applied to the female threaded portion 610 provided on the load-receiving member 620, the second stapling tooth 72 moves toward the first stapling tooth 71. In this embodiment, the first and second closure teeth 71 and 72 are also located on the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R rather than the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L, and on the left side of the rod-shaped member 640L rather than the right side of the rod-shaped member 640R.

[0115] Figure 9 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the screw member 510. In this embodiment, a restricting member that restricts the movement of the interlocking part 600 (see Figure 4) is attached to the screw member 510. Specifically, one end 510A of the screw member 510 is provided with a mounting portion 510B. A regulating member can be attached to this mounting portion 510B. Specifically, the end face of the screw member 510, located at one end 510A, is provided with a circular recess 510C that curves inward toward the inside of the screw member 510. A female thread is formed on the inner surface of the recess 510C. In this embodiment, a regulating member 980 (see Figure 4) equipped with a male thread is attached to this female thread portion.

[0116] In this embodiment, if the screw member 510 rotates more than necessary and the interlocking portion 600 reaches one end 510A (see Figure 9) of the screw member 510, the interlocking portion 600 will come into contact with the regulating member 980, and the movement of the interlocking portion 600 will be restricted. This prevents the interlocking portion 600 from detaching from the screw member 510. Furthermore, in this embodiment, a groove 510D extending along the circumferential direction of the screw member 510 is formed on one end 510A and its outer circumferential surface of the screw member 510. In this embodiment, a retaining element (not shown) with an E-shaped or C-shaped cross-section can be attached to the groove 510D. In this embodiment, the movement of the interlocking part 600 can also be restricted by this retaining element.

[0117] Figure 10 shows the state of the back side of the second binding processing device 52. Figure 11 is a view of the second binding processing device 52 from below. Note that in Figure 11, the housings covering each component of the transmission unit 560 are omitted. In this embodiment, a drive motor M is provided on the back side of the second binding processing device 52. Below the drive motor M, a transmission unit 560 is provided to transmit the driving force from the drive motor M to the large-diameter gear 520. Furthermore, the large-diameter gear 520 of this embodiment is provided with a pulley portion 522 on one side (downward side) along the axial direction, which rotates by receiving driving force from the transmission portion 560.

[0118] The transmission unit 560 is located below the drive motor M, coaxially with the output shaft of the drive motor M, and includes a drive gear 561 and a switching gear 562 that rotate by receiving the driving force from the drive motor M. Furthermore, the transmission unit 560 includes an electromagnetic clutch 563 as an example of a switching means that switches the switching gear 562 between a state in which the output shaft of the drive motor M and the rotation shaft of the switching gear 562 are connected and a state in which the connection is released. As will be described in detail later, the switching of the connection state by the electromagnetic clutch 563 is performed based on control by the information processing unit 100.

[0119] Furthermore, the transmission unit 560 is provided on the back side of the second binding processing device 52 and includes a first transmission unit 570 as an example of a first transmission means and a second transmission unit 580 as an example of a second transmission means for transmitting the driving force from the drive motor M to the large-diameter gear 520.

[0120] The first transmission unit 570 has rotatably mounted rotating gears 571a and 571b. In the following description, when rotating gears 571a and 571b are not distinguished, they will simply be referred to as rotating gear 571. The rotating gear 571 of the first transmission unit 570 receives rotational driving force from the switching gear 562 and transmits this rotational driving force to the large-diameter gear 520. In addition, in the first transmission unit 570, the rotating gear 571a receives rotational driving force from the switching gear 562 and transmits it to the rotating gear 571b. Then, the rotating gear 571b transmits the rotational driving force it received from the rotating gear 571a to the large-diameter gear 520.

[0121] In this embodiment, the rotating gear 571 of the first transmission unit 570 transmits rotational driving force to the large-diameter gear 520 when the output shaft of the drive motor M and the rotating shaft of the switching gear 562 are connected by the electromagnetic clutch 563. In this example, the rotating gear 571 is an example of the first gear mechanism.

[0122] The second transmission unit 580 has a rotatably mounted rotating gear 581. The second transmission unit 580 also includes a pulley 582 integrally mounted on one axial side (downward side) of the rotating gear 581. The pulley 582 rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating gear 581. Furthermore, the second transmission unit 580 includes a belt member 583 stretched between the pulley 582 and the pulley portion 522 of the large-diameter gear 520, which circumferentially moves in conjunction with the rotation of the pulley 582. Moreover, the second transmission unit 580 includes a torque limiter 584 provided between the rotating gear 581 and the pulley 582, which releases the transmission of driving force between the rotating gear 581 and the pulley 582 when a predetermined torque is applied.

[0123] The rotating gear 581, pulley 582, and belt member 583 of the second transmission unit 580 receive rotational driving force from the drive gear 561 and transmit this rotational driving force to the large-diameter gear 520. In addition, when the rotating gear 581 of the second transmission unit 580 rotates after receiving rotational driving force from the drive gear 561, the pulley 582 rotates in conjunction with the rotating gear 581. Then, the belt member 583 moves in a circular motion due to the rotation of the pulley 582 and transmits rotational driving force to the large-diameter gear 520 via the pulley section 522.

[0124] In this embodiment, the second transmission unit 580 transmits rotational driving force to the large-diameter gear 520 as described above when the connection between the output shaft of the drive motor M and the rotating shaft of the switching gear 562 is released by the electromagnetic clutch 563. In this example, the rotating gear 581, pulley 582, and belt member 583 are examples of the second gear mechanism.

[0125] Furthermore, when the output shaft of the drive motor M and the rotating shaft of the switching gear 562 are connected by the electromagnetic clutch 563, the torque limiter 584 releases the transmission of rotational driving force between the rotating gear 581 and the pulley 582. In other words, when the rotational driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the large-diameter gear 520 by the first transmission unit 570, the torque limiter 584 releases the transmission of rotational driving force between the rotating gear 581 and the pulley 582. In this case, the rotating gear 581, which receives rotational driving force from the drive motor M, rotates freely without transmitting rotational driving force to the pulley 582. Also, the belt member 583 and pulley 582, which receive rotational driving force from the rotating large-diameter gear 520, rotate freely without transmitting rotational driving force to the rotating gear 581.

[0126] In this embodiment, the driving force transmitted from the drive motor M to the large-diameter gear 520 via the transmission unit 560 (first transmission unit 570, second transmission unit 580) is further transmitted to the second closure teeth 72. In addition, the driving force transmitted from the drive motor M to the large-diameter gear 520 via the transmission unit 560 is transmitted from the large-diameter gear 520 to the second closure teeth 72 via the screw member 510 and the interlocking unit 600. As a result, the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward the first prosthesis tooth 71, and the second prosthesis tooth 72 also retracts from the first prosthesis tooth 71.

[0127] In the transmission unit 560 of this embodiment, the gear ratio of the rotating gear 571 of the first transmission unit 570 is larger than the gear ratio of the rotating gear 581, pulley 582, and belt member 583 of the second transmission unit 580. In other words, in the transmission unit 560 of this embodiment, the gear ratio of the second transmission unit 580 is smaller than the gear ratio of the first transmission unit 570. Here, the gear ratio of the first transmission unit 570 or the second transmission unit 580 is the number of rotations of the drive motor M required to rotate the large-diameter gear 520 once by the first transmission unit 570 or the second transmission unit 580. Although not particularly limited, the gear ratio of the first transmission unit 570 is, for example, about 5 to 10 times the gear ratio of the second transmission unit 580. The gear ratio of the first transmission unit 570 can be, for example, 1:91.7, and the gear ratio of the second transmission unit 580 can be, for example, 1:11.2.

[0128] In this embodiment, when the rotational speed of the drive motor M does not change, the rotational speed of the large-diameter gear 520 when it is rotated by the first transmission unit 570 is slower than the rotational speed of the large-diameter gear 520 when it is rotated by the second transmission unit 580. In other words, when the large-diameter gear 520 is rotated by the second transmission unit 580, its rotational speed is faster than when the large-diameter gear 520 is rotated by the first transmission unit 570. Furthermore, the movement speed of the second stapling tooth 72 when the large-diameter gear 520 is rotated by the second transmission unit 580 is faster than the movement speed of the second stapling tooth 72 when the large-diameter gear 520 is rotated by the first transmission unit 570. In the following explanation, the movement speed of the second stapling tooth 72 when it is moved by the first transmission unit 570 may be referred to as the first movement speed V1, and the movement speed of the second stapling tooth 72 when it is moved by the second transmission unit 580 may be referred to as the second movement speed V2. In this example, the second movement speed V2 is faster than the first movement speed V1 (V1 <V2)。

[0129] Furthermore, the torque acting on the large-diameter gear 520 when it is rotated by the first transmission unit 570 is greater than the torque acting on the large-diameter gear 520 when it is rotated by the second transmission unit 580. As a result, when the large-diameter gear 520 is rotated by the first transmission unit 570, a greater load can be applied to the stack of paper located between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 compared to when the large-diameter gear 520 is rotated by the second transmission unit 580.

[0130] Furthermore, in this embodiment, a position detection sensor 800 is provided on the back side of the second binding processing device 52, which functions as an example of a position detection unit for detecting the position of the second binding teeth 72. The position detection sensor 800 acquires information about the amount of movement of the interlocking part that is linked to the movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, and detects the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72. Specifically, the position detection sensor 800 acquires information about the amount of rotation of a rotating part that rotates in conjunction with the movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, and detects the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0131] The position detection sensor 800 is composed of a so-called rotary encoder. The position detection sensor 800 uses a rotating body 810 and a transmissive sensor 820 which functions as a detection unit for detecting the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810 to detect the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72. The rotating body 810 is positioned coaxially with the rotating gear 571 of the first transmission unit 570 and rotates in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating gear 571.

[0132] More specifically, the rotating body 810 is positioned coaxially with some of the rotating gears 571 (in this example, rotating gear 571a) and rotates in conjunction with these rotating gears 571. In this embodiment, a rotating shaft 571X is provided to rotatably support this portion of the rotating gear 571, and the rotating body 810 is attached to the upper end of this rotating shaft 571X in the figure.

[0133] The transmissive sensor 820 is equipped with a light source 821 that emits light and a light receiving unit 822 that receives light from the light source 821. The rotating body 810 is provided with a plurality of protrusions 811 that project outward from the central part of the rotating body 810 in the radial direction. These multiple protrusions 811 are arranged radially. In addition, a gap 812 is provided between two adjacent protrusions 811, allowing light emitted from a light source 821 provided on the transmissive sensor 820 to pass through.

[0134] In this embodiment, the multiple protrusions 811 sequentially pass between the light source 821 and the light receiving unit 822 provided on the transmissive sensor 820 as the rotating body 810 rotates. In this embodiment, the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810 is detected by sequentially detecting these multiple protrusions 811 using the transmissive sensor 820. The detected information about the amount of rotation is output to the information processing unit 100 (see Figure 1), and the information processing unit 100 detects the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 based on this information about the amount of rotation.

[0135] Specifically, in this embodiment, the relationship between the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810 and the amount of movement of the second stapling tooth 72 is registered in advance in the information storage device 120 (described later), and the information processing unit 100 determines the amount of movement of the second stapling tooth 72 based on this relationship registered in the information storage device 120. More specifically, when the information processing unit 100 obtains information about the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810, it refers to the above relationship registered in the information storage device 120 to determine the amount of movement of the second stapling tooth 72. Then, based on this determined amount of movement, the information processing unit 100 detects the position of the second stapling tooth 72. The information processing unit 100 then determines, based on the detected position of the second closure tooth 72, whether the second closure tooth 72 is in the closure start position, closure end position, or pre-stop position, as described later.

[0136] Furthermore, the detection of the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 is not limited to detection of the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810. For example, a linear encoder extending along the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72 may be installed, and the position of the interlocking part that is linked to the second prosthesis tooth 72 may be detected using this linear encoder.

[0137] Figure 12 shows the second binding processing device 52 as viewed from above. In the second binding processing device 52 of this embodiment, an initial position sensor 850 is further provided to detect that the second binding teeth 72 (not shown in Figure 12) are in a predetermined initial position. In this embodiment, a protruding piece 860 is provided, which functions as an example of an interlocking part that moves in conjunction with the second prosthesis tooth 72, and the initial position sensor 850 detects this protruding piece 860. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 100 determines that the second protruding tooth 72 is in its initial position if the protruding piece 860 is located at the installation location of the initial position sensor 850 and the protruding piece 860 is detected by the initial position sensor 850.

[0138] The initial position sensor 850 is composed of a transmissive sensor comprising a light-emitting unit 851 and a light-receiving unit 852 that receives light from the light-emitting unit 851. When the protruding piece 860 is in the initial position sensor 850, light from the light-emitting unit 851 is not detected by the light-receiving unit 852. In this case, the information processing unit 100 (see Figure 1) determines that the second prosthesis tooth 72 is in the initial position. On the other hand, if the light receiving unit 852 detects light from the light emitting unit 851, the information processing unit 100 determines that the second prosthesis tooth 72 is in a position other than its initial position.

[0139] The protruding piece 860 is attached to the interlocking part 600 and moves in conjunction with the second closure tooth 72. In this embodiment, the protruding piece 860 is detected at the location where the initial position sensor 850 is installed, thereby detecting that the second closure tooth 72 is in its initial position. In this embodiment, when the paper stack T (see Figure 5) is bound by the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72, the second binding teeth 72 move from their initial position toward the paper stack T and the first binding teeth 71.

[0140] Figure 13 shows the hardware configuration of the information processing unit 100. The information processing unit 100 includes a processing unit 110, an information storage device 120 for storing information, and a network interface 130 for enabling communication via a LAN (Local Area Network) cable or the like.

[0141] The processing unit 110 is comprised of a computer. The processing unit 110 includes a CPU (=Central Processing Unit) 111, which is an example of a processor that performs various processes described later. The processing unit 110 also includes a ROM (=Read Only Memory) 112 in which software is stored, and a RAM (=Random Access Memory) 113 used as a work area. The information storage device 120 is implemented using existing devices such as hard disk drives, semiconductor memory, and magnetic tape. The processing unit 110, the information storage device 120, and the network interface 130 are connected via the bus 140 and signal lines (not shown).

[0142] The program executed by the CPU 111 can be provided to the information processing unit 100 while stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, etc.), an optical recording medium (optical disk, etc.), a magneto-optical recording medium, or semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program executed by the CPU 111 may be provided to the information processing unit 100 using communication means such as the internet.

[0143] In this specification, "processor" refers to a processor in a broad sense, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and specialized processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, programmable logic device, etc.). Furthermore, the operation of the processor may not be performed by a single processor, but may be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor's operations is not limited to the order described in this embodiment, and may be changed.

[0144] Next, the functions implemented by the information processing unit 100 will be described. In the following, only the functions related to binding the stack of paper T will be described. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 100 implements the following functions by having the CPU 111, as an example of a processor, execute programs stored in the ROM 112 and the information storage device 120.

[0145] The information processing unit 100 acquires paper bundle information, which is information about a paper bundle T, which is an example of a recording medium bundle. In other words, the information processing unit 100 acquires paper bundle information, which is information about a paper bundle T that is subject to binding by the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72. Although not explained above, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 1, a receiving device 915 is provided for receiving information input by the user. In this embodiment, the user, for example, operates on the touch panel provided on the receiving device 915 to input the information necessary for the binding process.

[0146] The information processing unit 100 obtains paper bundle information, which is information about the paper bundle T that is to be bound, from the information received by the receiving device 915. Furthermore, user information input may be performed using a terminal device such as a PC (Personal Computer) connected to the image forming system 1. In this case, the information processing unit 100 acquires paper stack information from the information received by this terminal device.

[0147] The user starts the reception device 915 or terminal device and inputs paper stack information, such as the thickness information of each sheet of paper P that makes up the paper stack T, the number of sheets of paper P that make up the paper stack T, and type information, which is information about the type of paper P that makes up the paper stack T. In response, the information processing unit 100 acquires the thickness information, number of sheets, and type information as paper stack information. Furthermore, this information may also be included in the job information, and the information processing unit 100 may acquire this information based on the information included in the job information.

[0148] Furthermore, based on the acquired paper stack information, the information processing unit 100 sets a binding start position in the direction of movement of the second binding teeth 72 where the second binding teeth 72 begin binding the paper stack T. In addition, based on the acquired paper stack information, the information processing unit 100 sets a binding end position in the direction of movement of the second binding teeth 72 where the second binding teeth 72 end binding the paper stack T.

[0149] In this embodiment, when the paper stack T is bound, the second binding tooth 72 moves from its initial position toward the first binding tooth 71 while the paper stack T is located between the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72. The second binding tooth 72 then contacts the surface of the paper stack T, more specifically, the surface of the paper P stacked closest to the second binding tooth 72, and then moves further toward the first binding tooth 71. At this time, the paper stack T located between the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 is sandwiched and pressed between the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72. This binds the paper stack T. When the portion of the paper stack T pressed by the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 reaches a predetermined thickness and the binding of the paper stack T is completed, the second binding tooth 72 stops. Subsequently, the second prosthesis tooth 72 retracts away from the first prosthesis tooth 71, moves through the pre-stop position described later, and then moves to the initial position, completing the series of processes.

[0150] Figure 14 illustrates the position of the second stapling tooth 72 in the direction of movement during the stapling process. The information processing unit 100 sets the starting position for the second binding teeth 72 to a position where the second binding teeth 72 contact the surface of the paper stack T before binding. Alternatively, the information processing unit 100 may set the starting position for the second binding teeth 72 to a position where the second binding teeth 72 do not contact the surface of the paper stack T before binding. Furthermore, the information processing unit 100 sets the position of the second binding tooth 72 as the binding end position such that the portion of the paper stack T pressed by the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 has a predetermined thickness. Here, the predetermined thickness of the portion of the paper stack T pressed by the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 refers to the thickness to which the sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack T are pressed together by the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72.

[0151] The starting and ending positions of the second binding teeth 72 vary depending on the thickness of the paper P that make up the paper stack T to be bound, the number of sheets of paper P that make up the paper stack T, the type of paper P that makes up the paper stack T, and so on. Therefore, the information processing unit 100 sets the starting and ending positions of the second binding teeth 72 based on the thickness information, number of sheets, type information, etc., included in the acquired paper stack information.

[0152] Furthermore, the information processing unit 100 stores in the information storage device 120 the initial position and a pre-stop position set at a predetermined distance from the initial position in the direction of movement of the second closure tooth 72, as information regarding the position of the second closure tooth 72 in the direction of movement. As will be explained in more detail later, after the binding process of the paper stack T is completed, the second binding tooth 72 moves from the binding completion position, through the pre-stop position, to the initial position. In the following explanation, the information regarding the binding start position, binding end position, and initial position and pre-stop position stored in the information storage device 120, which are set by the information processing unit 100 based on the paper stack information, may be referred to as the setting position information of the second binding teeth 72.

[0153] Furthermore, the information processing unit 100 detects the position of the second prosthetic tooth 72. Specifically, the information processing unit 100 detects the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 in the direction of movement (hereinafter referred to as the "movement direction position") when the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves relative to the first prosthesis tooth 71. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 100 acquires information about the amount of movement of the part that is linked to the movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, and detects the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 in the direction of movement.

[0154] Specifically, in this embodiment, the information processing unit 100 acquires information about the amount of rotation of the rotating part that rotates in conjunction with the movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72, and detects the position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 in the direction of movement. More specifically, the information processing unit 100 obtains information about the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810, which is provided on the position detection sensor 800 (see Figure 10), from the position detection sensor 800, and detects the moving position of the second stud tooth 72.

[0155] More specifically, the information processing unit 100 detects the movement direction position of the second stapling tooth 72 based on information about the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810 and information from the initial position sensor 850 (see Figure 12). More specifically, the information processing unit 100 detects the movement direction position of the second stapling tooth 72 based on the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810 after the initial position sensor 850 stops detecting the protruding piece 860. In other words, the information processing unit 100 detects the movement direction position of the second staple tooth 72 based on the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810 since the second staple tooth 72 left its initial position.

[0156] Although not explained above, in this embodiment, the amount of movement of the second stapling tooth 72 per rotation of the rotating body 810 (referred to as "amount of movement per rotation") is stored in the information storage device 120. When the information processing unit 100 obtains information about the amount of rotation of the rotating body 810 from the position detection sensor 800, it multiplies this amount of rotation by the amount of movement per revolution to obtain information about the amount of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72. As a result, the information processing unit 100 detects the movement direction position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 with the initial position as the origin.

[0157] Furthermore, the information processing unit 100 determines whether the second closing tooth 72 is in the closing start position, closing end position, or the position before stopping, based on the detected movement direction position of the second closing tooth 72.

[0158] Furthermore, the information processing unit 100 performs various processes related to binding the stack of paper T. Specifically, the information processing unit 100 controls the movement of the second staple tooth 72 based on the detected movement direction position of the second staple tooth 72 and the set position information set based on the paper stack information or stored in the information storage device 120. In addition, the information processing unit 100 controls the movement of the second staple tooth 72 by controlling the operation of the drive motor M and the electromagnetic clutch 563. In this embodiment, the information processing unit 100 controls the start and stop of the drive motor M, but does not change the rotation speed of the drive motor M.

[0159] When there is no stack of paper T between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 and the binding process has not yet begun (hereinafter referred to as the initial state), the information processing unit 100 stops the drive of the drive motor M and stops the second binding teeth 72 in the initial position. Also, in the initial state, the information processing unit 100 sets the electromagnetic clutch 563 to a state in which the connection between the output shaft of the drive motor M and the switching gear 562 is released (hereinafter referred to as the released state).

[0160] When a stack of paper T is transported between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 and the binding process is to begin, the information processing unit 100 starts driving the drive motor M and rotates the drive motor M in the forward direction. As described above, since the electromagnetic clutch 563 is in the released state, the driving force from the drive motor M is not transmitted to the first transmission unit 570, but is transmitted to the second binding teeth 72 via the second transmission unit 580. The second binding teeth 72 move from their initial position toward the first binding teeth 71 at a second moving speed V2 due to the driving force transmitted via the second transmission unit 580.

[0161] When the second closure tooth 72 reaches the closure start position, the information processing unit 100, while continuing to rotate the drive motor M in the forward direction, switches the electromagnetic clutch 563 from the released state to a state in which the output shaft of the drive motor M and the switching gear 562 are connected (hereinafter referred to as the connected state). As a result, the driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the second closure tooth 72 via the first transmission unit 570. The second closure tooth 72 moves from the closure start position toward the first closure tooth 71 at a first moving speed V1 due to the driving force transmitted via the first transmission unit 570. Although the driving force from the drive motor M is also transmitted to the second transmission unit 580, it is not transmitted from the second transmission unit 580 to the second prosthesis tooth 72 due to the action of the torque limiter 584 of the second transmission unit 580.

[0162] When the second closure tooth 72 reaches the closure end position, the information processing unit 100 stops driving the drive motor M. The information processing unit 100 also switches the electromagnetic clutch 563 from the engaged state to the disengaged state. Subsequently, the information processing unit 100 starts driving the drive motor M and reverses its rotation. As a result, the driving force of the drive motor M is transmitted to the second closure tooth 72 via the second transmission unit 580. The second closure tooth 72 moves from the closure end position towards the initial position at a second movement speed V2 due to the driving force transmitted via the second transmission unit 580.

[0163] When the second closure tooth 72 reaches the position before stopping, the information processing unit 100 switches the electromagnetic clutch 563 from the disengaged state to the engaged state while continuing to reverse the drive motor M. As a result, the driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the second closure tooth 72 via the first transmission unit 570. The second closure tooth 72 moves from the position before stopping toward the initial position at a first moving speed V1 due to the driving force transmitted via the first transmission unit 570. Subsequently, when the second closure tooth 72 reaches its initial position, the information processing unit 100 stops the drive of the drive motor M. As a result, the second closure tooth 72 stops at its initial position.

[0164] Thus, in this embodiment, when the information processing unit 100 moves the second binding teeth 72 from the binding start position to the binding end position, it transmits the driving force of the drive motor M to the second binding teeth 72 via the first transmission unit 570. In other words, when the information processing unit 100 clamps and presses the stack of paper T between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72, it transmits the driving force of the drive motor M to the second binding teeth 72 via the first transmission unit 570. As described above, the torque acting when transmitting driving force via the first transmission unit 570 is greater than the torque acting when transmitting driving force via the second transmission unit 580. In this embodiment, when the paper stack T is clamped and pressed between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72, the driving force of the drive motor M is transmitted to the second binding teeth 72 via the first transmission unit 570. This allows a greater load to be applied to the paper stack T compared to when the force is transmitted via the second transmission unit 580. As a result, the binding of the paper stack T can be performed more reliably.

[0165] Figure 15 shows the relationship between the position in the direction of movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72 and the movement speed of the second prosthesis tooth 72. As shown in Figure 15, in this embodiment, when moving the second binding teeth 72 during the binding process of the paper stack T, the teeth move from the initial position to the binding start position at a second movement speed V2, and from the binding start position to the binding end position at a first movement speed V1. Furthermore, the teeth move from the binding end position to the position before stopping at a second movement speed V2, and from the position before stopping to the initial position at a first movement speed V1.

[0166] In other words, in this embodiment, when the second stapling tooth 72 moves toward the first stapling tooth 71, the speed at which the second stapling tooth 72 moves from its initial position to the stapling start position (second movement speed V2) is faster than the speed at which the second stapling tooth 72 moves from the stapling start position to the stapling end position (first movement speed V1). As a result, the time required for the second stapling tooth 72 to move when stapling a stack of paper T is reduced compared to, for example, when the second stapling tooth 72 moves from its initial position to the stapling end position at a first movement speed V1. This makes it possible to suppress a decrease in the productivity of stapling a stack of paper T.

[0167] Furthermore, in this embodiment, after the binding process of the paper stack T is completed, the movement speed at which the second binding teeth 72 move from the position before stopping to the initial position (first movement speed V1) is slower than the movement speed at which the second binding teeth 72 move from the binding completion position to the position before stopping (second movement speed V2). As described above, after the binding process of the paper stack T is completed, when the second binding teeth 72 reach their initial position, the information processing unit 100 stops the drive of the drive motor M and stops the movement of the second binding teeth 72. At this time, there may be a time lag between the detection by the initial position sensor 850 that the second binding teeth 72 have reached their initial position and the information processing unit 100 stopping the drive of the drive motor M and actually stopping the movement of the second binding teeth 72. In this case, if the movement speed of the second binding teeth 72 moving toward the initial position is fast, the position where the second binding teeth 72 actually stop is likely to deviate from the initial position. And if the position where the second binding teeth 72 stop deviates from the initial position, the accuracy of the next binding process of the paper stack T may decrease.

[0168] In contrast, in this embodiment, the movement speed at which the second closure tooth 72 moves from the pre-stop position to the initial position is slower than the movement speed at which the second closure tooth 72 moves from the closure end position to the pre-stop position. This makes it easier for the second closure tooth 72 to stop at the initial position when the drive motor M is stopped.

[0169] In the embodiment described above, the information processing unit 100 determines whether the second stapling tooth 72 is at the stapling start position or stapling end position based on information obtained from the position detection sensor 800, but is not limited to this. The information processing unit 100 may, for example, determine whether the second stapling tooth 72 is at the stapling start position or stapling end position by referring to the current value of the current supplied to the drive motor M. In other words, when the second stapling tooth 72 moves toward the first stapling tooth 71, and the second stapling tooth 72 comes into contact with the surface of the paper stack T, and pressing of the paper stack T by the first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72 begins, the current value supplied to the drive motor M starts to increase. In this case, the information processing unit 100 can determine that the second stapling tooth 72 has reached the stapling start position. Furthermore, after the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 press against the stack of paper T, if the second binding teeth 72 are moved further toward the first binding teeth 71, the current value supplied to the drive motor M will stop increasing, or the rate of increase in the current value will slow down. In this case, the information processing unit 100 can determine that the second binding teeth 72 have reached the binding end position.

[0170] <Embodiment 2> Next, a second binding processing device 52 to which Embodiment 2 of the present invention is applied will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above, and detailed explanations are omitted here. Figure 16 shows the rear side of the second binding processing device 52 to which Embodiment 2 is applied. Figure 17 is a view of the second binding processing device 52 from the rear side. Note that the drive motor M and the link mechanism 569 of the transmission unit 560, which will be described later, are omitted in Figures 16 and 17. Figure 18 shows a cross-section of the second stapling device 52 along the line XVIII-XVIII in Figure 16. Figure 19 is a view of the second binding processing device 52 from the XIX direction (downward) of Figure 16. Note that in Figure 19, the housings covering each component of the transmission unit 560 are omitted.

[0171] The second binding processing device 52 of Embodiment 2 differs from the second binding processing device 52 of Embodiment 1 in the configuration of the moving mechanism 500, the interlocking part 600, and the transmission part 560. To explain in more detail, the moving mechanism 500 of Embodiment 1 described above has a screw member 510 and a large-diameter gear 520, and moves the second stapling tooth 72 by rotating the screw member 510 in the circumferential direction. In contrast, the moving mechanism 500 of Embodiment 2 has, in addition to the screw member 510 and the large-diameter gear 520, a support member 530 that moves in a horizontal direction (left and right direction in Figures 17 and 18) perpendicular to the direction of movement of the second stapling tooth 72, thereby moving the second stapling tooth 72. Furthermore, the shape of the screw member 510 in the moving mechanism 500 of Embodiment 2 is different from that of Embodiment 1.

[0172] The screw member 510 of this embodiment has a threaded portion 511 with male threads formed on its outer circumference, and an extended portion 512 extending upward from the threaded portion 511. The threaded portion 511 has a male thread formed on its outer surface, with protrusions and grooves arranged at regular intervals. The threaded portion 511 is capable of engaging with the portion of the interlocking portion 600 that has a female threaded portion 610. The extension portion 512 does not have male threads formed on its outer surface and has a cylindrical shape. The outer diameter of the extension portion 512 is smaller than the outer diameter of the threaded portion 511. Also, the outer diameter of the extension portion 512 is smaller than the inner diameter of the female threaded portion 610 in the interlocking portion 600.

[0173] In the example shown in Figure 18, the extended portion 512 of the screw member 510 is passed inside the female thread portion 610 of the interlocking portion 600. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 18, the extended portion 512 of the screw member 510 penetrates the female thread portion 610. As will be described in more detail later, in this embodiment, the screw member 510 is configured such that, as the interlocking portion 600 moves relative to the screw member 510, the extension portion 512 is passed inside the female screw portion 610 and the screw portion 511 is engaged with the female screw portion 610, switching between these two states.

[0174] The support member 530 has a cylindrical shape with an axial direction in the direction of movement of the second stapling tooth 72. However, it is not limited to a cylindrical shape as long as it extends along the direction of movement of the support member 530. The support member 530 receives a driving force via the link mechanism 569, which will be described later, and moves in a direction perpendicular to the direction of movement of the second stapling tooth 72.

[0175] Furthermore, the interlocking portion 600 of Embodiment 2 is attached to the rear side of the upper support member 630 and has an opposing member 660 that faces the support column member 530 from above. The opposing member 660 faces the support member 530 and has a curved surface portion 662, the distance from the lower end of the support member 530 increases as you move from right to left in the figure. In addition, because the opposing member 660 has a curved surface portion 662, its thickness in the vertical direction decreases as you move from right to left in the figure. Furthermore, the interlocking portion 600 of Embodiment 2 is provided with a retraction position 665 adjacent to the opposing member 660 on the left side in the figure, where the support member 530 retracts. As will be described in detail later, when the support member 530 is in the retraction position 665, the support member 530 and the opposing member 660 do not come into contact.

[0176] Next, the transmission unit 560 of this embodiment will be described. As shown in Figure 19 and other figures, the transmission unit 560 of this embodiment includes a drive gear 561 that rotates by receiving a driving force from a drive motor M (see Embodiment 1, Figure 10), and a plurality of rotating gears 564 that receive rotational driving force from the drive gear 561 and transmit this rotational driving force to a large-diameter gear 520. In this embodiment, the driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the screw member 510 via the drive gear 561, the rotating gear 564, and the large-diameter gear 520. The driving force transmitted to the screw member 510 is then transmitted to the second binding tooth 72 when the threaded portion 511 of the screw member 510 is engaged with the female threaded portion 610 of the interlocking portion 600. As a result, the second binding tooth 72 moves toward the first binding tooth 71 and also retracts from the first binding tooth 71.

[0177] Furthermore, the transmission unit 560 of this embodiment has a link mechanism 569 that transmits the driving force from the drive motor M to the support member 530. The link mechanism 569 is connected to a rotating gear 564 that rotates by receiving rotational driving force from the drive motor M. The link mechanism 569 receives rotational driving force from the rotating gear 564, converts this rotational driving force into linear motion, and transmits it to the support member 530. A detailed explanation is omitted here, but a known mechanism that converts rotational motion into linear motion can be used as the link mechanism 569. In this embodiment, the support member 530 and the link mechanism 569 are examples of other means of movement.

[0178] Figure 20 is a schematic diagram showing the movement of the support member 530 by the link mechanism 569. Figure 20 corresponds to a view of the support member 530 from above. In this embodiment, when the driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the support member 530 via the link mechanism 569, the support member 530 moves horizontally. When the support member 530 and the opposing member 660 of the interlocking portion 600 are in contact, the driving force is transmitted from the support member 530 to the opposing member 660. As a result, the second closure tooth 72 moves toward the first closure tooth 71, and the second closure tooth 72 retracts from the first closure tooth 71.

[0179] Figures 21(a) and 21(b) show the second binding processing device 52 to which Embodiment 2 is applied, viewed from the rear. Note that in Figures 21(a) and 21(b), the drive motor M and the link mechanism 569 of the transmission unit 560, which will be described later, are omitted. Next, using Figures 21(a) to (b) and Figures 17 and 18 mentioned above, the operation of the second binding processing device 52 when binding a stack of paper T based on control by the information processing unit 100 will be explained. Similar to Embodiment 1, the information processing unit 100 (see Figure 13, etc.) initially stops the drive of the drive motor M and stops the second fastening tooth 72 in its initial position. At this time, as shown in Figure 18, the threaded portion 511 of the screw member 510 is not engaged with the female threaded portion 610 of the interlocking portion 600, and the extended portion 512 of the screw member 510 penetrates the female threaded portion 610. Also, as shown in Figure 17, the upper end surface of the support member 530 is in contact with the rightmost curved portion 662 of the opposing member 660 in the figure.

[0180] When a stack of paper T is transported between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 and the binding process is to begin, the information processing unit 100 starts driving the drive motor M and rotates the drive motor M in the forward direction. In this case, the rotational driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the link mechanism 569 via the drive gear 561 and the rotating gear 564. The rotational driving force transmitted to the link mechanism 569 is converted into linear motion and transmitted to the support member 530, causing the support member 530 to move horizontally. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 17 and 21(a), the support member 530 moves horizontally from right to left in the figures. Moreover, the support member 530 moves horizontally from right to left in the figures relative to the opposing member 660 while in contact with the curved surface portion 662 of the opposing member 660.

[0181] As described above, the thickness of the opposing member 660 decreases in the vertical direction as it moves from right to left in the figure. As a result, when the support member 530 moves from right to left in the figure relative to the opposing member 660 while contacting the curved surface 662, the entire interlocking portion 600 moves from top to bottom in the figure relative to the moving mechanism 500 via the opposing member 660. As a result, the second prosthesis tooth 72 moves toward the first prosthesis tooth 71.

[0182] Furthermore, as the interlocking portion 600 moves from the top to the bottom in the figure relative to the moving mechanism 500, the female thread portion 610 of the interlocking portion 600 moves from the top to the bottom in the figure relative to the extended portion 512 of the thread member 510. Furthermore, the rotational driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the screw member 510 via the drive gear 561, the rotating gear 564, and the large-diameter gear 520, causing the screw member 510 to rotate. However, as described above, since the threaded portion 511 of the screw member 510 does not mesh with the female threaded portion 610, no driving force is transmitted from the screw member 510 to the second stapling teeth 72.

[0183] Next, the support member 530 moves further and, as shown in Figure 21(b), reaches the retracted position 665, at which point the support member 530 and the opposing member 660 (curved portion 662) cease to be in contact. In this case, the movement of the interlocking portion 600 by the support member 530 stops. Further, when the support member 530 reaches the retracted position 665, the female screw portion 610 of the interlocking portion 600 that has moved downward from above in the drawing with respect to the screw member 510 engages with the screw portion 511 of the screw member 510.

[0184] Thereby, the driving force of the drive motor M is transmitted to the interlocking portion 600 via the drive gear 561, the rotating gear 564, the large-diameter gear 520, and the screw member 510, and is transmitted to the second stapling tooth 72 via the interlocking portion 600. Thereby, the second stapling tooth 72 moves toward the first stapling tooth 71. After that, the paper bundle T is pressed against the second stapling tooth 72 and the first stapling tooth 71 that move by the driving force transmitted through the large-diameter gear 520, the screw member 510, etc., so that the stapling process for the paper bundle T is performed.

[0185] Here, generally, the moving speed of the second stapling tooth 72 when rotating the screw of the screw member 510 etc. to move the second stapling tooth 72 tends to be slower than the moving speed of the second stapling tooth 72 when moving the second stapling tooth 72 without using a screw. On the other hand, when pressing the paper bundle T with the first stapling tooth 71 and the second stapling tooth 72 to perform the stapling process of the paper bundle T, from the viewpoint of applying the load necessary for the stapling process to the paper bundle T, it is preferable to move the second stapling tooth 72 using the screw of the screw member 510 etc.

[0186] In the present embodiment, as described above, when the second stapling tooth 72 moves toward the first stapling tooth 71, during the period from the initial position to a predetermined position (for example, the stapling start position), the second stapling tooth 72 is moved via the support member 530 without using the screw member 510. Thereby, compared with the case of moving the second stapling tooth 72 using the screw member 510, the time required for moving the second stapling tooth 72 when performing the stapling process of the paper bundle T is shortened, and the productivity of the stapling process of the paper bundle T is improved.

[0187] Furthermore, in this embodiment, as described above, when the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 press against the paper stack T, the second binding teeth 72 are moved via the screw member 510. This allows a greater load to be applied to the paper stack T compared to when the second binding teeth 72 are moved by means other than the screw member 510, such as the support member 530, when the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 press against the paper stack T. This makes it possible to bind the paper stack T more reliably.

[0188] <Embodiment 3> Next, a second binding processing device 52 to which Embodiment 3 of the present invention is applied will be described. Note that the same reference numerals are used for components similar to those in Embodiment 1 described above, and detailed explanations are omitted here. The second binding processing device 52 to which Embodiment 3 is applied differs from the first binding processing device 51 to which Embodiment 1 is applied in the configuration of the transmission unit 560. Specifically, the second binding processing device 52 of Embodiment 3 has the same configuration as Embodiment 1, except for the transmission unit 560. Furthermore, the transmission unit 560 in the second binding processing device 52 of Embodiment 3 has the same configuration as the transmission unit 560 of Embodiment 2, except that it does not have a link mechanism 569 (see Figure 20, etc.).

[0189] In the second stapling device 52 of Embodiment 3, the driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the second stapling teeth 72 via the rotating gear 564. More specifically, the driving force from the drive motor M is transmitted to the second stapling teeth 72 via the drive gear 561, the rotating gear 564, the large-diameter gear 520, the screw member 510, and the interlocking part 600. As a result, the second stapling teeth 72 move toward the first stapling teeth 71 and retract away from the first stapling teeth 71.

[0190] In the embodiment 1 described above, the information processing unit 100 does not change the rotational speed of the drive motor M. In contrast, embodiment 3 differs from embodiment 1 in that the information processing unit 100 changes the rotational speed of the drive motor M according to the movement direction position of the second prosthesis tooth 72.

[0191] Figures 22(a) and 22(b) illustrate the control of the drive motor M by the information processing unit 100, and show the rotational speed of the drive motor M driven by the information processing unit 100. Figure 22(a) shows the case when a DC motor is used as the drive motor M, and Figure 22(b) shows the case when a stepping motor is used as the drive motor M. The information processing unit 100 performs different control depending on the type of drive motor M.

[0192] First, referring to Figure 22(a), we will explain the control of the drive motor M performed by the information processing unit 100 when a DC motor is used as the drive motor M. When a stack of paper T is transported between the first stapling teeth 71 and the second stapling teeth 72 and the stapling process is to begin, the information processing unit 100 starts driving the drive motor M and rotates the drive motor M in the forward direction at a predetermined rotational speed R1. As a result, the driving force transmitted from the drive motor M causes the second stapling teeth 72 to move from the initial position described above toward the first stapling teeth 71.

[0193] The information processing unit 100 continues to rotate the drive motor M in the forward direction at rotational speed R1 until the second stapling tooth 72 reaches the stapling completion position described above. Furthermore, when the second binding tooth 72 moves toward the first binding tooth 71 and reaches the binding start position described above, where it contacts the stack of paper T, the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72 pressurize the stack of paper T, thereby creating a load on the second binding tooth 72. As a result, even if the information processing unit 100 does not change the rotation speed of the drive motor M, the movement speed of the second binding tooth 72 toward the first binding tooth 71 may slow down.

[0194] When the second closure tooth 72 reaches the closure end position, the information processing unit 100 temporarily stops the drive of the drive motor M, and then reverses the drive motor M at rotational speed R1. As a result, the driving force transmitted from the drive motor M causes the second closure tooth 72 to retract from the first closure tooth 71 and move toward its initial position.

[0195] When the second prosthesis tooth 72 reaches the aforementioned pre-stop position, the information processing unit 100 reverses the drive motor M to a rotational speed R2 that is lower than rotational speed R1. In other words, the information processing unit 100 reduces the rotational speed of the reversing drive motor M from rotational speed R1 to rotational speed R2. This slows down the movement speed of the second closure tooth 72, which is moved by the driving force from the drive motor M. More specifically, the movement speed of the second closure tooth 72 from the position before stopping towards the initial position is slower than the movement speed of the second closure tooth 72 from the closure end position to the position before stopping.

[0196] When the second closure tooth 72 reaches its initial position, the information processing unit 100 stops the drive of the drive motor M. As a result, the second closure tooth 72 stops at its initial position.

[0197] In this case, there may be a time lag between the detection by the initial position sensor 850 that the second prosthesis tooth 72 has reached its initial position and the information processing unit 100 stopping the drive of the drive motor M and the actual cessation of the movement of the second prosthesis tooth 72. In particular, when a DC motor is used as the drive motor M, if the rotational speed of the drive motor M is high, the time difference between when the information processing unit 100 stops driving the drive motor M and when the second prosthesis tooth 72 actually stops tends to be larger compared to when a stepping motor is used as the drive motor M. As a result, the stopping position of the second prosthesis tooth 72 tends to deviate from its initial position.

[0198] In contrast, in this embodiment, the information processing unit 100 controls the rotation speed of the drive motor M to be reduced during the period from the position before stopping to the initial position. Compared to when the rotation speed of the drive motor M is not changed, this makes it easier for the second prosthesis tooth 72 to stop at the initial position when the drive of the drive motor M is stopped.

[0199] Next, referring to Figure 22(b), we will explain the control of the drive motor M performed by the information processing unit 100 when a stepping motor is used as the drive motor M. When a stack of paper T is transported between the first stapling teeth 71 and the second stapling teeth 72 and the stapling process is to begin, the information processing unit 100 starts driving the drive motor M and rotates the drive motor M in the forward direction at a predetermined rotational speed R3. As a result, the driving force transmitted from the drive motor M causes the second stapling teeth 72 to move from their initial position toward the first stapling teeth 71.

[0200] When the second closure tooth 72 reaches the closure start position, the information processing unit 100 causes the drive motor M to rotate forward at a rotation speed R4, which is lower than the rotation speed R3. In other words, the information processing unit 100 reduces the rotation speed of the forward-rotating drive motor M from rotation speed R3 to rotation speed R4. This slows down the movement speed of the second closure tooth 72, which is moved by the driving force from the drive motor M. More specifically, the movement speed of the second closure tooth 72 as it moves from the closure start position toward the first closure tooth 71 is slower than the movement speed of the second closure tooth 72 as it moves from its initial position toward the closure start position.

[0201] When the second closure tooth 72 reaches the closure end position, the information processing unit 100 temporarily stops the drive of the drive motor M, and then reverses the drive motor M at rotational speed R3. As a result, the driving force transmitted from the drive motor M causes the second closure tooth 72 to retract from the first closure tooth 71 and move toward its initial position. When the second closure tooth 72 reaches its initial position, the information processing unit 100 stops the drive motor M. As a result, the second closure tooth 72 stops at its initial position.

[0202] Thus, in this embodiment, when a stepping motor is used as the drive motor M, the information processing unit 100 rotates the drive motor M at a rotational speed R3 when moving the second stapling tooth 72 from the stapling completion position to the initial position, and does not perform any control to reduce the rotational speed of the drive motor M. Here, generally, compared with a DC motor, a stepping motor has higher accuracy in stop control, and it is less likely to cause a time difference between when the information processing unit 100 stops driving the drive motor M and when the actual movement of the second binding tooth 72 stops. Therefore, in the present embodiment, even when the rotation speed of the drive motor M is not decreased when moving the second binding tooth 72 from the binding end position to the initial position, the problem that the position where the second binding tooth 72 stops deviates from the initial position is less likely to occur.

[0203] Also, in the present embodiment, when moving the second binding tooth 72 from the binding end position to the initial position, by rotating at the rotation speed R3 without decreasing the rotation speed of the drive motor M, for example, compared with the case of decreasing the rotation speed of the drive motor M during the movement of the second binding tooth 72 from the binding end position to the initial position, the time required for the movement of the second binding tooth 72 is shortened. As a result, the productivity of the binding process of the paper bundle T is improved.

[0204] Furthermore, when using a stepping motor as the drive motor M, the information processing unit 100 of the present embodiment decreases the rotation speed of the drive motor M from the rotation speed R3 to the rotation speed R4 when moving the second binding tooth 72 from the binding start position to the binding end position. Thereby, when performing the binding process of the paper bundle T by pressing the paper bundle T with the first binding tooth 71 and the second binding tooth 72, it becomes possible to apply a load necessary for the binding process to the paper bundle T.

[0205] Each configuration described above is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiment and its modifications, and can be changed without departing from the gist. In other words, it is understood that various changes in form and details are possible without departing from the gist and scope of the claims. For example, a part of each configuration described above may be omitted, or other functions may be added to each configuration described above. Also, although multiple embodiments have been described above, the configurations included in one embodiment and the configurations included in another embodiment may be interchanged, or the configurations included in one embodiment may be added to another embodiment.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0206] 3...Paper processing device, 71...First binding tooth, 72...Second binding tooth, 100...Information processing unit, 520...Large diameter gear, 560...Transmission unit, 570...First transmission unit, 580...Second transmission unit, M...Drive motor, T...Paper stack

Claims

1. A first tooth used in the binding process of a stack of recording media, A second tooth moves toward the first tooth and presses the recording medium bundle located between the first tooth and the second tooth, The system includes a screw moving means for rotating a screw that engages with a linked portion linked to the second tooth in the circumferential direction to move the second tooth, and a moving means for moving the second tooth relative to the first tooth, A first transmission means that transmits driving force to the screw moving means to rotate the screw in the circumferential direction, A second transmission means that transmits driving force to the screw moving means, causing the screw to rotate in the circumferential direction at a higher speed than the first transmission means, A switching means for switching between a state in which the screw is rotated by the first transmission means and a state in which the screw is rotated by the second transmission means. Equipped with, A recording medium processing device in which the movement speed of the second tooth, which is moved by the aforementioned moving means, is changed.

2. The first transmission means has a first gear means that rotates due to a driving force from a drive source and transmits the driving force to the screw moving means. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the second transmission means has a second gear means that rotates with a smaller gear ratio than the first gear means by means of the driving force from the drive source and transmits the force to the screw moving means.

3. A first tooth used for binding a stack of recording media, A second tooth moves toward the first tooth and presses the recording medium bundle located between the first tooth and the second tooth, The device includes a screw moving means for moving the second tooth by rotating a screw that engages with an interlocking portion linked to the second tooth in the circumferential direction, and other moving means for moving the second tooth at a higher speed than the screw moving means, and further includes a moving means for moving the second tooth relative to the first tooth. A recording medium processing device in which the movement speed of the second tooth, which is moved by the aforementioned moving means, is changed.

4. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the other moving means converts the rotational driving force that rotates the screw into linear motion and transmits it to the second tooth.

5. The recording medium processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the movement speed of the second tooth changes according to the position of the second tooth in the direction of movement of the second tooth.

6. The second tooth moves toward the recording medium bundle from a predetermined initial position when the recording medium bundle is bound together. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that the moving means moves the second tooth such that the speed at which the second tooth moves from the initial position to before contact with the recording medium bundle is faster than the speed at which the second tooth moves when pressing the recording medium bundle.

7. The second tooth moves to the initial position after the binding process of the recording medium bundle is completed. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that the moving means moves the second tooth such that the speed at which the second tooth moves toward the initial position is faster than the speed at which the second tooth moves when pressing the recording medium bundle.

8. After the binding process of the recording medium bundle is completed, the second tooth moves to the initial position, passing through a predetermined pre-stop position between the recording medium bundle and the initial position. The recording medium processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the moving means moves the second tooth such that the speed at which the second tooth moves from the position before stopping to the initial position is slower than the speed at which the second tooth moves to the position before stopping.

9. An image forming system comprising an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium, and a recording medium processing apparatus for performing binding processing on a bundle of recording mediums comprising a plurality of recording mediums on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus, wherein the recording medium processing apparatus is configured as the recording medium processing apparatus described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images