Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a medium processing apparatus capable of improving the productivity of sheet bundles in binding processing in which details of the binding processing can be automatically switched according to a binding number.SOLUTION: There is provided a medium processing apparatus that comprises: binding processing units that bind sheet bundles by pressing and deforming parts thereof and that are a first binding processing unit having a water addition processing unit adding water to a pressure application position for media and a second binding unit performing needle binding on the parts of the sheet bundles using needles; and a control unit which switches and controls operations of crimp binding processing by the first binding processing unit, water addition crip binding processing by the first binding processing unit, and needle binding processing by the second binding processing unit according to the number of media constituting one unit of the sheet bundles when performing sheet bundle creation processing for forming the sheet bundles. The control unit switches the execution start timing of the sheet bundle creation processing according to switching conditions of the respective binding processing when executing the sheet bundle creation processing.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] There has been known a medium processing apparatus that stacks sheet-shaped media to form a sheet bundle. When forming a sheet bundle, the medium processing apparatus has a functional configuration that performs a binding process to bind a part of the sheet bundle. Binding processes executable by the medium processing apparatus include "needle binding" that uses metal staples, as well as "staple-less binding" that does not use metal staples from the viewpoint of resource saving and reduction of environmental load. The staple-less binding includes a crimping processing unit capable of "crimp binding" that sandwiches a part of the sheet bundle with uneven binding teeth, deforms the part under pressure, and crimps the sheet bundle.

[0003] Paper is widely known as an example of sheet-shaped media. Therefore, in the present specification, when describing a sheet bundle, a "paper bundle" formed by bundling a plurality of sheets of paper as media is used as an example. Further, in the present specification, "needle binding" may be simply referred to as "staple binding", and "staple-less binding" may also be referred to as "crimp binding".

[0004] A technology for switching between performing a water-added crimp binding operation of adding water for crimping and performing a crimp binding operation of crimping without adding water for the purpose of performing appropriate binding processing is disclosed (for example, see Patent Document 1). [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0005] According to the prior art disclosed in Patent Document 1, in order to automatically switch the binding process, it is necessary that the number of sheets in a sheet bundle (number of sheets to be bound) be determined when starting a job as a series of processing units including the binding process. Furthermore, the job cannot be started unless the processing data required to transport the determined number of sheets of paper to the binding position is acquired in a quantity corresponding to the number of sheets to be bound.

[0006] In other words, for a media processing device to begin the process of creating a single sheet bundle, it must wait for the input of processing data corresponding to the number of sheets in the sheet bundle before branching the control process to execute the job. Therefore, with conventional technology, there is a problem in that the time from when the input of processing data for the job is started until the processing of the first medium (such as transporting to the binding position) begins becomes long, which negatively impacts the productivity of the sheet bundles.

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a media processing device that can improve the productivity of sheet bundles in a binding process by automatically switching the content of the binding process according to the number of sheets to be bound. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention is a media processing apparatus for creating a sheet bundle, which is a stack of sheet-like media, comprising: a first binding processing unit having a water-adding processing unit that pressurizes and deforms a part of the sheet bundle to bind it, the first binding processing unit having a water-adding processing unit that adds water to the pressurized position on the media; a second binding processing unit that performs staple binding on a part of the sheet bundle using staples; and a control unit that, when executing a sheet bundle creation process to create the sheet bundle, switches and controls the operation of a pressure binding process by the first binding processing unit, a water-adding pressure binding process by the first binding processing unit, and a staple binding process by the second binding processing unit, according to the number of media sheets constituting one unit of the sheet bundle, wherein when executing the sheet bundle creation process, the control unit switches the start timing of the execution of the sheet bundle creation process according to the switching conditions of each binding process. When creating a sheet bundle, if the processing data corresponding to one medium is acquired from the processing data required to create one unit of the sheet bundle and the sheet bundle creation process is started, the watering process by the watering unit is executed on all the mediums that make up one unit of the sheet bundle. It is characterized by the following. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, the productivity of sheet bundles in a binding process can be improved by automatically switching the binding process content according to the number of sheets to be bound. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1] A diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system. [Figure 2] A diagram showing the internal structure of the post-processing device. [Figure 3] A schematic diagram of the first binding unit viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram of the binding processing unit as seen from the hydration processing unit side in the main scanning direction. [Figure 5] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping and binding section. [Figure 6] A schematic diagram of the second binding processing unit viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. [Figure 7] Hardware configuration diagram of the control block that controls the operation of the post-processing device. [Figure 8] A diagram showing the position of each binding section during the first binding process. [Figure 9] A diagram showing the position of each binding processing unit during the second binding process. [Figure 10] This figure shows an example of a user interface that allows the user to select the binding mode in the post-processing device described above. [Figure 11] A flowchart showing a first embodiment of the paper stack creation process that can be executed in the above-described post-processing device. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing a second embodiment of the paper stack creation process that can be executed in the above-described post-processing device. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing a third embodiment of the paper stack creation process that can be executed in the above-described post-processing device. [Figure 14] A flowchart showing a fourth embodiment of the paper stack creation process that can be executed in the above-described post-processing device. [Figure 15]A flowchart showing a fifth embodiment of the paper stack creation process that can be executed in the above-described post-processing device. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, a printer system 1 as an embodiment of the image forming system according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the printer system 1. The printer system 1 has the function of forming an image on a sheet of paper P as a sheet medium and performing post-processing on the paper P on which the image has been formed. As shown in Figure 1, the printer system 1 is configured by linking an image forming apparatus 2 and a post-processing device 3 as a medium processing device. However, if it is possible to include all the functional configurations of the post-processing device 3 in the image forming apparatus 2, it may be configured in that way.

[0012] The image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on paper P and discharges the image-formed paper P to the post-processing device 3. The image forming apparatus 2 mainly comprises a tray containing paper P, a transport unit for transporting the paper P contained in the tray, and an image forming unit for forming an image on the paper P transported by the transport unit. The image forming unit may be an inkjet system that forms images using ink, or an electrophotographic system that forms images using toner. The configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 is already well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0013] [Internal structure of the post-processing device 3] Figure 2 shows the internal structure of the post-processing device 3. The post-processing device 3 performs post-processing on the paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2. The post-processing according to this embodiment is a stapling process that binds a sheet bundle (hereinafter referred to as "paper bundle"), which is a stack of multiple sheets P on which an image has been formed. More specifically, the stapling process according to this embodiment includes a "staple binding process" in which the paper bundle is bound with staples, a so-called "pressure binding process" in which the paper bundle is pressed and deformed at the binding position, and a "water-added pressure binding process" in which water is added to the position that is pressed during the pressure binding process (pressure position) before pressure binding. It also includes edge binding, which binds the edges of the paper bundle, and saddle binding, which binds the center of the paper bundle.

[0014] The post-processing device 3 includes a pair of conveyance rollers 10 to 19 serving as a post-processing conveyance section, and a switching claw 20 serving as a branch switching section that selectively switches the conveyance direction in the post-processing conveyance section. The pair of conveyance rollers 10 to 19 convey the sheet P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 inside the post-processing device 3. More specifically, the pair of conveyance rollers 10 to 13 convey the sheet P along the first conveyance path Ph1. The pair of conveyance rollers 14 to 15 convey the sheet P along the second conveyance path Ph2. The pair of conveyance rollers 16 to 19 convey the sheet P along the third conveyance path Ph3.

[0015] The first conveyance path Ph1 is a path leading from a supply port for the sheet P from the image forming apparatus 2 to a sheet discharge tray 21. The second conveyance path Ph2 is a path that branches off from the first conveyance path Ph1 between the pair of conveyance rollers 11 and 14 in the conveyance direction, and leads to a sheet bundle discharge tray 26 via an internal tray 22. The third conveyance path Ph3 is a path that branches off from the first conveyance path Ph1 between the pair of conveyance rollers 11 and 14 in the conveyance direction, and leads to a saddle-stitch discharge tray 30.

[0016] The switching claw 20 is disposed at a branch position of the first conveyance path Ph1 and the second conveyance path Ph2. The switching claw 20 is configured to be switchable between a first position where the sheet P is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 21 through the first conveyance path Ph1, and a second position where the sheet P conveyed along the first conveyance path Ph1 is guided to the second conveyance path Ph2. Further, when the trailing end of the sheet P that has entered the second conveyance path Ph2 passes the pair of conveyance rollers 11, the pair of conveyance rollers 14 is rotated in reverse, thereby guiding the sheet P to the third conveyance path Ph3. The post-processing device 3 further includes a plurality of sensors that detect the position of the sheet P on each of the first conveyance path Ph1, the second conveyance path Ph2, and the third conveyance path Ph3. Note that conveyance sensors for detecting the position of the sheet P during conveyance are indicated by black-filled triangles (▲) in FIG. 2.

[0017] The post-processing device 3 includes a sheet discharge tray 21. The sheet discharge tray 21 supports the paper P discharged through the first transport path Ph1. The sheet discharge tray 21 receives the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 that has not undergone stapling.

[0018] The post-processing device 3 also includes an internal tray 22 (tray), an end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, a first binding processing unit 25 and a second binding processing unit 55, and a sheet bundle discharge tray 26. The internal tray 22, end fence 23, side fences 24L and 24R, and the first binding processing unit 25 and second binding processing unit 55 perform edge binding on the paper P being transported along the second transport path Ph2. The sheet bundle discharge tray 26 discharges the paper bundles that have undergone edge binding from the paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2. Hereinafter, the direction from the transport roller pair 15 toward the end fence 23 is defined as the "transport direction of the paper P". Also, the direction perpendicular to the surface of the paper P and the transport direction of the paper P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the paper P)".

[0019] [Explanation of the water-based pressure binding process] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the first binding unit 25, which performs hydration and crimp binding, as viewed from the upstream side in the paper transport direction P. Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the first binding unit 25 as viewed from the hydration unit 31 side in the main scanning direction. As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first binding unit 25 mainly comprises a hydration unit 31 and a crimp binding unit 32. The hydration unit 31 and the crimp binding unit 32 are arranged adjacent to each other in the main scanning direction, downstream from the internal tray 22 in the transport direction.

[0020] The water-adding section 31 applies (hereinafter referred to as "water-adding") liquid (e.g., water) stored in the water tank 43 to the paper P supported in the internal tray 22. The position where water is added to the paper P by the water-adding section 31 (water-adding position) corresponds to the binding position where pressure binding is to be performed. As shown in Figure 3, the water-adding section 31 mainly comprises a lower pressure plate 33, an upper pressure plate 34, a lifting mechanism 35, and a water-adding mechanism 36.

[0021] The lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are positioned downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The lower pressure plate 33 supports the stack of paper supported by the internal tray 22 from below. The upper pressure plate 34 is configured to be vertically movable above the stack of paper supported by the internal tray 22. That is, the lower pressure plate 33 and the upper pressure plate 34 are positioned opposite each other in the thickness direction of the stack of paper (hereinafter simply referred to as the "thickness direction"), with the stack of paper supported by the internal tray 22 in between. Furthermore, the upper pressure plate 34 has a through-hole 34a that penetrates in the thickness direction at a position facing the tip of the water-adding member 44 supported by the base plate 40.

[0022] The lifting mechanism 35 raises and lowers the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the water-adding member 44 in the thickness direction of the paper stack. In this embodiment, the lifting mechanism 35 raises and lowers the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the water-adding member 44 in conjunction with a single lifting motor 37. The lifting mechanism 35 mainly comprises, for example, a lifting motor 37, a trapezoidal screw 38, a nut 39, a base plate 40, columnar members 41a and 41b, and coil springs 42a and 42b.

[0023] The lifting motor 37 generates the driving force to raise and lower the upper pressing plate 34, the base plate 40, and the water-adding member 44. The trapezoidal screw 38 extends in the vertical direction and is rotatably supported on the water-adding frame. The trapezoidal screw 38 is also connected to the output shaft of the lifting motor 37 via a pulley or belt. The nut 39 is screwed onto the trapezoidal screw 38. The driving force from the lifting motor 37 is transmitted, causing the trapezoidal screw 38 to rotate, which in turn causes the nut 39 to move up and down.

[0024] The base plate 40 is a flat plate parallel to the stack of paper supported by the internal tray 22. The base plate 40 is positioned above the upper pressing plate 34. The base plate 40 also supports the water-adding member 44 with its tip protruding downwards. Furthermore, the base plate 40 is connected to a trapezoidal screw 38 and is configured to move up and down together with the trapezoidal screw 38. The vertical position of the base plate 40 is detected by a lifting sensor.

[0025] The columnar members 41a and 41b protrude downward from the base plate 40 around the tip of the water-adding member 44. Furthermore, the columnar members 41a and 41b are configured to be movable relative to the base plate 40 in the thickness direction. In addition, the columnar members 41a and 41b support the upper pressing plate 34 at their lower ends. The coil springs 42a and 42b are externally fitted to the columnar members 41a and 41b between the base plate 40 and the upper pressing plate 34. The coil springs 42a and 42b bias the upper pressing plate 34 and the columnar members 41a and 41b downward relative to the base plate 40.

[0026] The watering mechanism 36 adds water to the stack of paper supported by the internal tray 22. More specifically, the watering mechanism 36 adds water to at least one sheet of paper P constituting the stack of paper by bringing the tip of the watering member 44 into contact with the stack of paper. The watering mechanism 36 mainly comprises a water storage tank 43, a watering member 44, a supply member 45, and a joint 46.

[0027] The water storage tank 43 stores water for supplying to the paper stack. The amount of water stored in the water storage tank 43 is detected by the water volume sensor 43a. The water supply member 44 supplies the water stored in the water storage tank 43 to the paper stack. The water supply member 44 is supported by the base plate 40 with its tip facing downwards. The water supply member 44 is made of a material with a high water absorption rate (e.g., sponge, fiber).

[0028] The supply member 45 is a long member whose base end is immersed in the water stored in the water storage tank 43 and whose tip is connected to the water-adding member 44. Furthermore, the supply member 45 is made of a material with a high water absorption rate, similar to the water-adding member 44. As a result, water absorbed from the base end of the supply member 45 is supplied to the water-adding member 44 by capillary action.

[0029] The protective member 45a is a long cylindrical body (e.g., a tube) that is fitted onto the supply member 45. This prevents leakage and evaporation of water absorbed by the supply member 45. The supply member 45 and the protective member 45a are made of a flexible material. The joint 46 fixes the water-adding member 44 to the base plate 40. As a result, even when the water-adding member 44 is raised and lowered by the lifting mechanism 35, it protrudes downward from the base plate 40 and maintains a state in which its tip points downward.

[0030] The pressure binding unit 32 binds the paper stack by applying pressure and deforming it with its convex and concave binding teeth 32a and 32b. Hereinafter, the process of binding the paper stack by clamping and applying pressure with the binding teeth 32a and 32b and deforming it will be referred to as "pressure binding." In other words, the pressure binding unit 32 can bind the paper stack by pressure without using staples.

[0031] [Composition of prosthetic teeth 32a and 32b] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping and binding section 32. As shown in Figure 5, the crimping and binding section 32 is equipped with a pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b. The pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction of the paper stack so that they can clamp the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are formed in an uneven shape with alternating recesses and protrusions. Furthermore, the recesses and protrusions of the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are offset from each other so that they interlock.

[0032] As multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack are supplied to the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b are separated from each other, as shown in Figure 5(A). When all the sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack are supported by the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b move toward and toward each other by the driving force of the separation motor, and mesh together as shown in Figure 5(B), compressing and deforming the paper stack from the thickness direction. As a result, the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 is compressed and bound. The compressed and bound paper stack is then discharged to the sheet stack discharge tray 26 by the transport roller pair 15.

[0033] Returning to Figure 3, the first binding unit 25 includes a first moving mechanism 47 as shown in Figure 3. The first moving mechanism 47 moves the first binding unit 25 (i.e., the watering unit 31 and the crimping binding unit 32) in the main scanning direction along the downstream end in the transport direction of the paper P supported by the internal tray 22. The first moving mechanism 47 mainly comprises, for example, a base member 48, a guide shaft 49, a watering and crimping moving motor 50, and a drive force transmission mechanism 51.

[0034] The base member 48 supports the watering section 31 and the crimping section 32 in an adjacent position in the main scanning direction. The guide shaft 49 extends in the main scanning direction downstream from the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The guide shaft 49 also supports the base member 48 so that it can move in the main scanning direction. The watering and crimping move motor 50 generates a driving force to move the first binding section 25.

[0035] The drive force transmission mechanism 51 transmits the driving force of the water-pressure moving motor 50 to the base member 48 via pulleys and a timing belt. As a result, the water-pressure processing unit 31 and the pressure-binding processing unit 32, which are integrated by the base member 48, move along the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction. The position of the first binding processing unit 25 can be determined, for example, by an encoder sensor attached to the output shaft of the water-pressure moving motor 50.

[0036] [Explanation of the stapled binding process] Next, the details of the second stapling unit 55, which functions as a stapled stapling unit, will be described. Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the second stapling unit 55 as viewed from the upstream side in the transport direction. The second stapling unit 55 includes a stapled stapling unit 62 that staples stacks of paper using staples. The stapled stapling unit 62 is located downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction and adjacent to the main scanning direction.

[0037] The staple binding unit 62 is configured to perform what is known as "staple binding," which involves binding a stack of paper using staples. More specifically, the staple binding unit 62 binds the stack of paper by passing staples loaded in the staple binding unit 62a through the stack of paper. The configuration of the staple binding unit 62 is already well known, so a detailed explanation will be omitted.

[0038] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 6, the second binding unit 55 is equipped with a second moving mechanism 77. The second moving mechanism 77 moves the second binding unit 55 in the main scanning direction along the downstream end of the paper P supported by the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The second moving mechanism 77 mainly comprises, for example, a base member 78, a guide shaft 49, a staple binding moving motor 80, and a drive force transmission mechanism 81. The configuration of the second moving mechanism 77 is the same as that of the first moving mechanism 47, so a further explanation will be omitted.

[0039] The binding units 25 and 55 are supported by a common guide axis 49. That is, the first moving mechanism 47 and the second moving mechanism 77 move the binding units 25 and 55 in the main scanning direction along the common guide axis 49. Furthermore, the first moving mechanism 47 and the second moving mechanism 77 move the binding units 25 and 55 independently.

[0040] Returning to Figure 2, the post-processing device 3 further comprises an end fence 27, a third stapling processing unit 28, a paper folding blade 29, and a saddle-stapling discharge tray 30. The end fence 27, the third stapling processing unit 28, and the paper folding blade 29 perform saddle-stapling on the paper P being transported along the third transport path Ph3. The saddle-stapling discharge tray 30 discharges the stacks of paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 that have undergone saddle-stapling.

[0041] The end fence 27 aligns the positions of multiple sheets of paper P being transported sequentially along the third transport path Ph3. The end fence 27 is also configured to be movable between a binding position where the center of the paper stack faces the third binding processing unit 28 and a folding position where it faces the paper folding blade 29. The third binding processing unit 28 binds the center of the paper stack aligned by the end fence 27 at the binding position. The paper folding blade 29 folds the paper stack supported by the end fence 27 at the folding position in half and holds it between the transport roller pair 18. The transport roller pairs 18 and 19 discharge the saddle-stitched paper stack into the saddle-stitched output tray 30.

[0042] [Control block of post-processing device 3] Next, the control block configuration as the control unit of the post-processing device 3 will be explained using Figure 7. Figure 7 illustrates the hardware configuration for executing the control processing performed in the post-processing device 3. As shown in Figure 7, the post-processing device 3 has a configuration in which a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101, RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, ROM (Read Only Memory) 103, HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 104, and I / F 105 are connected via a common bus 109.

[0043] The CPU 101 is the arithmetic unit and controls the operation of the entire post-processing unit 3. The RAM 102 is a volatile storage medium that allows high-speed reading and writing of information and is used as a workspace for the CPU 101 when processing information. The ROM 103 is a read-only, non-volatile storage medium that stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 104 is a non-volatile storage medium that allows reading and writing of information and has a large storage capacity, and stores the OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, etc.

[0044] The post-processing unit 3 processes control programs stored in the ROM 103, information processing programs (application programs) loaded into the RAM 102 from storage media such as the HDD 104, etc., using the arithmetic functions of the CPU 101. This processing constitutes a software control unit, which includes various functional modules of the post-processing unit 3. The combination of this software control unit and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing unit 3 constitutes a functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing unit 3. In other words, the CPU 101, RAM 102, ROM 103, and HDD 104 constitute a controller 100 that controls the operation of the post-processing unit 3.

[0045] I / F105 is an interface that connects the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, the crimping and stapling processing unit 32, the water supply processing unit 31, the water volume sensor 43a, the staple stapling processing unit 62, the water supply and crimping moving motor 50, the staple stapling moving motor 80, and the operation panel 110 to the common bus 109. The controller 100 operates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the side fences 24L, 24R, and the stapling processing units 25, 55 via I / F105. Although Figure 6 only shows the components that perform edge stapling, the components that perform saddle stapling are similarly controlled by the controller 100.

[0046] The control panel 110 comprises an operation unit that receives user input and a display (notification unit) that provides information to the user. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The control panel 110 acquires information from the user through the operation unit and provides information to the user through the display. The notification unit is not limited to a display and may also include LED lamps, speakers, etc.

[0047] The controller 100, acting as a control unit, executes stapling in response to receiving, for example, an instruction to execute stapling from the image forming apparatus 2 (hereinafter referred to as "stapling instruction"). The stapling instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets of paper P constituting the stack, the number of binding positions, and the position in the main scanning direction. In the following, the number of sheets of paper P per stack (the number of sheets of paper P constituting the stack) will be referred to as "predetermined number N".

[0048] The controller 100 then executes a stapling process, which is automatically switched between the first stapling process and the second stapling process, as described later, according to the predetermined number of sheets N included in the stapling instruction, the number of copies in the paper stack, and various setting information related to the stapling process. In other words, the controller 100, as a control unit, is configured to automatically select and execute the appropriate stapling process for the paper stack according to the number of sheets P, etc., by automatically switching the stapling type, stapling position, and number of staples.

[0049] [Overview of operations in the hydrostatic binding process] Here, we will describe the general operation of the water-based stapling process that can be performed in the post-processing device 3. Figure 8 shows the positions of the stapling processing units 25 and 55 during the water-based stapling process. First, the controller 100 drives the water-based stapling transfer motor 50 so that at the start of the stapling process, the first stapling processing unit 25 is located at the first standby position HP1 and the second stapling processing unit 55 is located at the second standby position HP2. As shown in Figure 8(A), the first standby position HP1 and the second standby position HP2 correspond to the opposite ends of the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction.

[0050] Next, the controller 100 rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, which serve as the post-processing transport unit, to accommodate the paper P on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 into the internal tray 22. The controller 100 also performs a jogging process by moving the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position of the stack of paper supported in the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0051] Next, as shown in Fig. 8(B), the controller 100 drives the watering and pressure-bonding moving motor 50 to move the watering processing unit 31 to perform watering on the binding position P1 of the sheet P supported on the inner tray 22. That is, the controller 100 drives the lifting motor 37 to bring the watering member 44 into contact with the binding position P1 of the sheet P supported on the inner tray 22.

[0052] Next, the controller 100 performs watering on the sheets P stored in the inner tray 22 until the number of sheets P stored in the inner tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N instructed by the stapling instruction. That is, every time the sheet P is conveyed to the inner tray 22 by the conveying roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, the controller 100 performs the watering process. Note that, depending on settings, the operation can be configured not to perform watering on all sheets P constituting the sheet bundle. As another example, the controller 100 may cause the watering processing unit 31 to perform watering on the binding position P1 once every n (n<N) sheets.

[0053] Then, when the number of sheets P stored in the inner tray 22 reaches the predetermined number N, as shown in Fig. 8(C), the controller 100 drives the watering and pressure-bonding moving motor 50 to move the first binding processing unit 25 in the main scanning direction such that the pressure-bonding binding processing unit 32 faces the binding position P1. Then, the controller 100 performs pressure-bonding binding on the sheet bundle stored in the inner tray 22, and discharges the sheet bundle to the sheet bundle discharge tray 26. That is, the controller 100 drives the approaching / separating motor to cause the binding position P1 of the sheet bundle supported on the inner tray 22 to be clamped between the pair of binding teeth 32a and 32b. Further, the controller 100 rotates the conveying roller pair 15 to discharge the pressure-bonded bound sheet bundle to the sheet bundle discharge tray 26.

[0054] As described above, the post-processing device 3 executes the watering pressure-binding process when the watering pressure-binding process can be performed for the predetermined number N of sheets.

[0055] [Outline of Operation in Staple Needle Binding Processing] Next, an overview of the operations in the stapling process that can be performed in the post-processing device 3 will be described. Figure 9 shows the positions of the first stapling processing unit 25 and the second stapling processing unit 55 during stapling. First, the controller 100 drives the water-pressure moving motor 50 so that at the start of the stapling process, the first stapling processing unit 25 is located at the first standby position HP1 and the second stapling processing unit 55 is located at the second standby position HP2. As shown in Figure 9(A), the first standby position HP1 and the second standby position HP2 correspond to the opposite ends of the guide shaft 49 in the main scanning direction.

[0056] Next, the controller 100 rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15, which serve as the post-processing transport unit, to accommodate the paper P on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus 2 into the internal tray 22. The controller 100 also performs a jogging process by moving the side fences 24L and 24R to align the position of the stack of paper supported in the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction.

[0057] Next, the controller 100 accepts paper P into the internal tray 22 until the number of sheets of paper P stored in the internal tray 22 reaches a predetermined number N indicated by the staple instruction. Then, in response to determining that the number of sheets of paper P stored in the internal tray 22 has reached a predetermined number N, the controller 100 drives the water-based crimping motor 50 to move the second stapling unit 55 in the main scanning direction so that the staple stapling unit 62 faces the stapling position P1 (S904), as shown in Figure 9(B).

[0058] The controller 100 then staples the stack of paper contained in the internal tray 22 and discharges it into the sheet stack discharge tray 26. In other words, the controller 100 drives the contact / separation motor to staple the stack of paper supported in the internal tray 22 at the stapling position P1 using staples.

[0059] Then, the controller 100 drives the water-pressing moving motor 50 to move the second binding processing unit 55 to the second standby position HP2, as shown in Figure 9(A).

[0060] As described above, if the number of sheets to be bound is not suitable for the water-based binding process, the process can be switched to staple binding.

[0061] [Selection of binding mode in media processing device] Next, an embodiment of the post-processing device 3 that performs binding processing by automatically switching between pressure binding, water pressure binding, and staple binding processing according to the number of sheets to be bound (a predetermined number N) will be described. The post-processing device 3 according to this embodiment can improve the productivity of paper stacks by shortening the "FCOT / FPOT (First Copy Output Time / First Print Output)," which is the time required from the start of input of processing data to be provided for the job until the start of processing on the first sheet P (such as transport processing to the binding position). In other words, the post-processing device 3 has a functional configuration that allows the user to arbitrarily select the start timing of the binding process (paper stack creation process) by shortening FCOT / FPOT.

[0062] Figure 10 shows an example of a user interface for selecting a "binding mode" that defines switching conditions for automatically switching the type of binding process when a user creates a stack of paper with an arbitrary number of sheets. By selecting a "binding mode" as illustrated in Figure 10, the switching method (switching pattern) for automatically switching between using pressure binding, water pressure binding, or staple binding when performing binding on a predetermined number of sheets (predetermined number N) is set based on the switching conditions. Furthermore, according to the switching conditions of this embodiment, it is possible to perform binding that shortens FCOT / FPOT. In addition, the acquisition conditions for processing data (number of specific processing data) as a job start condition are changed based on the switching conditions defined by the binding mode.

[0063] In other words, different job start conditions are set depending on the binding mode, and when the number of processing data corresponding to those job start conditions is acquired, processing for each sheet P is started in order to create a stack of a predetermined number of sheets N. Details of the number of processing data to be acquired as a job start condition will be described later. The binding mode selection screen 1010, which serves as a switching mode selection unit as illustrated in Figure 10, is displayed on the operation panel 110, which serves as a binding mode setting unit.

[0064] As shown in Figure 10, the binding mode selection screen 1010 according to this embodiment includes "first pattern button 1011", "second pattern button 1012", "third pattern button 1013", "fourth pattern button 1014", and "fifth pattern button 1015".

[0065] In other words, this embodiment includes five binding modes. Based on the selected binding mode and a predetermined number of pages N, the controller 100 controls the operation of the first binding processing unit 25 and the second binding processing unit 55, and controls the switching between these binding processing units. Furthermore, the number of processing data to be acquired as a job start condition is determined based on the selected binding mode. The characteristics of each of the first to fifth patterns will be described below. The following description is illustrative and not limiting.

[0066] The first pattern is a control pattern recommended when the number of sheets to be bound (a predetermined number N) is undetermined at the start of a job, which is a series of processing units including binding, and when prioritizing the saving of water consumed in the hydration process.

[0067] The second pattern is a recommended control pattern when the number of sheets to be bound (a predetermined number N) is undetermined at the start of the job, and when productivity (the number of paper stacks created per unit time) is to be prioritized.

[0068] The third pattern is a control pattern that is prioritized when it can be determined in advance that the number of sheets to be bound (a predetermined number N) will fall between "B sheets" and "A sheets" at the start of the job. In this embodiment, "A sheets" corresponds to the upper limit of the predetermined number N that constitutes one stack of paper in a pressure binding process that uses water (water-assisted pressure binding process). Also, "B sheets" corresponds to the upper limit of the predetermined number N that can create one stack of paper in a pressure binding process that does not use water.

[0069] The fourth pattern is a control pattern recommended when it can be determined in advance that the number of sheets to be bound (a predetermined number N) will be "B sheets" or less, or exceed "A sheets," at the time the job is started.

[0070] The fifth pattern is a control pattern recommended when it can be determined in advance that the number of sheets to be bound (a predetermined number N) will be around "B sheets" at the start of the job.

[0071] The user of the post-processing device 3 presses (inputs) the operation button corresponding to the desired mode from among the multiple buttons included in the binding mode selection screen 1010 before starting the job. The controller 100 switches to the binding mode corresponding to the pressed button (input operation via the operation panel 110). Note that the binding modes are not limited to the five patterns exemplified above, and any of them may be omitted.

[0072] [Embodiment of Sheet Bundle Creation Process] The following describes the processing flow of the control program executed in the media processing apparatus according to the present invention, separated by binding mode. First, we will explain the matters common to the media processing program that executes the sheet bundle creation process.

[0073] To reiterate, the number of media sheets constituting one stack of paper (one unit of paper stack) is defined as "a predetermined number N". Furthermore, the flowchart described below illustrates the process of creating one stack of sheets (a sheet stack unit). Therefore, when creating multiple sheet stacks, the processes shown in each flowchart should be repeated.

[0074] Furthermore, based on the selected switching conditions, in order to shorten FCOT / FPOT, even if the number of processing data acquired is less than a predetermined number N, the process of transporting paper P from the job to the internal tray 22 is started when the predetermined start conditions are met.

[0075] The job start conditions are determined based on the number of sheets P that make up the sheet bundle (a predetermined number N) and the selected switching conditions. For example, the number of sheets N is determined by comparing it with the predetermined number N using the threshold values ​​of "A sheets" or "B sheets" as described above to determine the number of processing data to be acquired for the job start conditions.

[0076] In an embodiment of the present invention, we assume that "A sheets," or "maximum number of sheets to be crimped with water A," is 15 sheets, and "B sheets," or "maximum number of sheets to be crimped B," is 5 sheets.

[0077] Therefore, based on the selected switching conditions, the number of processing data acquired is compared with "Upper Limit Number of Sheets for Hydration and Crimping A" and "Upper Limit Number of Sheets for Crimping B" to determine whether the job start conditions are met. Furthermore, by acquiring a number of processing data equivalent to a predetermined number N, the binding process is executed. When the job start conditions are met, a series of processes (transport process and image forming process) for transporting the paper P to the internal tray 22 are initiated.

[0078] Here, the image forming process is an example of the upstream process for transporting the paper P to the post-processing device 3. In other words, the "job start time" corresponds to the timing when the preceding process for supplying the paper P as the object to be processed to the post-processing device 3 begins.

[0079] Furthermore, in this embodiment, "job" refers to a series of processes performed prior to the binding process, including image forming processing on the paper P and transport processing for transporting the paper P toward the internal tray 22.

[0080] [First Embodiment] First, the paper stack creation process when the first pattern button 1011 (Figure 10) is operated and the first pattern is selected will be explained as the first embodiment using the flowchart in Figure 11. The first pattern is an operation pattern in which, when processing data corresponding to the maximum number of sheets A for water-pressing is acquired, the image forming process included in the job is started (the job is started), and the water-pressing process is not performed on the paper P that exceeds the maximum number of sheets A for water-pressing.

[0081] In the first pattern, the binding process can be appropriately switched between pressure binding, water pressure binding, and staple binding depending on the number of sheets of paper P that make up one unit of the paper stack. However, in order to start the binding job, the processing data corresponding to a predetermined number of sheets N must be acquired in the number specified by the switching conditions. The following will explain the cases where the predetermined number of sheets N is "3 sheets", "10 sheets", and "20 sheets".

[0082] [First Embodiment: First Example: When the predetermined number N is 3 sheets] First, since the predetermined number N (3 sheets) is less than the upper limit A (15 sheets) for hydro-pressing, after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data IN" and "variable NUM+1" (S1101), a loop will be performed three times to determine "NUM>A sheets (15 sheets)?" (S1102: NO, S1103: NO).

[0083] In the first example, the "Scan 1 sheet / Data IN" process is performed three times (a number of times corresponding to a predetermined number of sheets N), which satisfies the condition "Scan the final sheet of one stack / Data IN? = YES," and the process moves to the start of the image formation process (S1103: Yes).

[0084] Next, once processing data for three images has been acquired, the image formation process as a job begins (S1104). Here, for the image formation process of the first and second images, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, first, "NUM>B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not true (S1105: NO), and "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1113: NO). Then, "Scanned / data IN completed for the final sheet for one bundle?" is true (S1115: YES), and the process returns to the image formation process (S1104).

[0085] Next, the third image forming process and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1104) are performed. The condition "NUM>B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not met (S1105: NO), but the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1113: YES). Therefore, a crimping and binding process is performed to create a bundle from the three sheets of paper P (S1114), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1117).

[0086] [First Embodiment: Second Example: When the predetermined number N is 10 sheets] Since the predetermined number N (10 sheets) is less than the upper limit number of sheets A (15 sheets) for water-pressing, the process of "1 sheet scan / data IN" and "variable NUM+1" (S1101) will be followed by a loop that checks "NUM>A sheets (15 sheets)?" 10 times (S1102: NO, S1103: NO).

[0087] In the first example, the "Scan 1 sheet / Data IN" process is performed 10 times (a number of times corresponding to a predetermined number of sheets N), which satisfies the condition "Scan the final sheet of one bundle / Data IN? = YES," and the process moves to the start of the image formation process (S1103: Yes).

[0088] Next, the image formation process as a job is started when processing data for 10 images has been acquired (S1104). Here, for the image formation process of the 1st and 9th images, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, first, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1105: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not true (S1106: NO). Here, we assume that there is enough remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1109: YES). Therefore, the hydration process is executed (S1110). Next, "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is not true (S1111: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is true (S1115: YES), and the process returns to the image formation process (S1104).

[0089] Next, the 10th image forming process and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1104) are performed, and "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1105: YES), while the subsequent "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not met (S1106: NO). Then, there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1109: YES), so the hydration process is performed (S1110), and "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1111: YES), so the crimping and binding process is performed (S1112). Finally, the created sheet is discharged from the machine (S1117).

[0090] [First Embodiment: Third Example: When the predetermined number N is 20 sheets] Since the predetermined number N (20 sheets) is greater than the upper limit A (15 sheets) for hydrobonding, after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data IN" and "variable NUM+1" (S1101), a loop is performed 15 times to determine "NUM>A sheets (15 sheets)?" (S1102: NO). After that, the 16th process determines that "NUM>A sheets (15 sheets)?" and the process moves to start the image formation process (S1103: Yes).

[0091] Next, with the acquisition of processing data for 16 images, the image formation process as a job begins (S1104). Here, during the image formation process for the first to fourth images, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, first, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1105: YES), followed by "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is also true (S1106: YES). Next, "Transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not true (S1107: NO). And "Scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not true (S1115: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1116), the process returns to the image formation process (S1104).

[0092] Next, in the image forming process for the 5th to 19th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1104), "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1105: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is also true (S1106: YES). Then, "Transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not true (S1107: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is true (S1115: YES). The process returns to S1104.

[0093] Next, in the image forming process for the 20th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1104), the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1105: YES), and the subsequent condition "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is also met (S1106: YES). Then, the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also met (S1107: YES). Therefore, a staple binding process is performed to create a bundle from the 20 sheets of paper P (S1108), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1117).

[0094] [Second Embodiment] Next, the paper stack creation process when the second pattern button 1012 (Figure 10) is operated and the second pattern is selected will be explained as a second embodiment using the flowchart in Figure 12. The second pattern is an operation pattern in which, when processing data corresponding to the maximum number of sheets B to be crimped is acquired, the image forming process included in the job is started (the job is started), and a watering process is performed on the paper P that exceeds the maximum number of sheets B to be crimped.

[0095] In the second pattern as well, the binding process—pressure binding, water-pressure binding, and staple binding—is appropriately switched depending on the number of sheets of paper P that make up one unit of the paper stack. When the predetermined number of sheets N that make up one stack of paper P is greater than the upper limit A for water-pressure binding, staple binding will ultimately be performed, so water-binding is not necessary for the sheets of paper P up to that point. In this case, the water-binding process performed on the sheets of paper equivalent to A - B sheets, as in the first pattern, is unnecessary, but the main purpose is to increase productivity instead. The following will explain the cases where the predetermined number of sheets N is "3 sheets", "10 sheets", and "20 sheets".

[0096] [Second Embodiment: First Example: When the predetermined number N is 3 sheets] First, since the predetermined number N (3 sheets) is less than the maximum number of sheets to be crimped B (5 sheets), after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data IN" and "variable NUM+1" (S1201), a loop will be performed three times to determine "NUM>B sheets (5 sheets)?" (S1202: NO, S1203: NO).

[0097] In the first example, the "Scan 1 sheet / Data IN" process is performed three times (a number of times corresponding to a predetermined number of sheets N), which satisfies the condition "Scan the final sheet of one stack / Data IN? = YES," and the process moves to the start of the image formation process (S1203: Yes).

[0098] Next, once the processing data for the three images has been acquired, the image formation process as a job begins (S1204). Here, for the image formation process of the first and second images, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, first, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not true (S1205: NO), and "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1213: NO). Then, "Scanning / data input for the final sheet for one bundle?" is true (S1215: YES), and the process returns to the image formation process (S1204).

[0099] Next, the third image forming process and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1204) are performed. The condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not met (S1205: NO), but the condition "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1213: YES). Therefore, a crimping and binding process is performed to create a bundle from the three sheets of paper P (S1214), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1217).

[0100] [Second Embodiment: Second Example: When the predetermined number N is 10 sheets] Since the predetermined number N (10 sheets) is greater than the maximum number of sheets to be crimped B (5 sheets), after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data IN" and "variable NUM+1" (S1201), a loop is performed 5 times to determine "NUM>B sheets (5 sheets)?" (S1202: NO). After that, the 6th processing determines that "NUM>B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true, and the process moves to start the image formation process (S1203: Yes).

[0101] Next, the image formation process as a job is started when processing data for six images has been acquired (S1204). Here, for the image formation process of the first to fourth images, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, first, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1205: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not true (S1206: NO). Here, we assume that there is enough remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1209: YES). Therefore, the hydration process is executed (S1210). Next, "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is not true (S1211: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1215: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "1 image scan / data IN" and "variable NUM+1" is performed (S1216), the process returns to the image formation process (S1204).

[0102] Next, in the image forming process for the 5th to 9th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1204), "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1105: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not true (S1206: NO). Since there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1209: YES), the hydration process is executed (S1210). Subsequently, "transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not true (S1211: NO), and "scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is true (S1215: YES). Therefore, the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM+1" is not performed, and the process returns to the image forming process (S1204).

[0103] Next, in the image forming process for the 10th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1204), the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1205: YES), and the subsequent condition "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not met (S1206: NO). Since there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1209: YES), the hydration process is performed (S1210). Next, the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1211: YES). Therefore, a hydration and pressure binding process is performed to create a bundle of 10 sheets of paper P (S1212), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1217).

[0104] [Second Embodiment: Third Example: When the predetermined number N is 20 sheets] Since the predetermined number N (20 sheets) is greater than the maximum number of sheets to be crimped B (5 sheets), after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data IN" and "variable NUM+1" (S1201), a loop will be performed 5 times to determine "NUM>B sheets (5 sheets)?" (S1202: NO). After that, the 6th processing will determine "NUM>B sheets (5 sheets)?" and the process will proceed to the start of the image formation process (S1202: Yes).

[0105] Next, the image formation process as a job is started when processing data for six images has been acquired (S1204). Here, for the image formation process of the first to tenth images, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, first, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1205: YES), and then "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is true (S1206: NO). Since there is enough moisture remaining for the hydration process (S1209: YES), the hydration process is executed (S1210). Next, "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is not true (S1211: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1215: NO). Therefore, the processes "1 image scan / data IN" and "variable NUM+1" are performed (S1216), data for processing from the 7th image onward is acquired, and processing returns to image formation processing (S1204). This process is repeated until the data for processing the 10th image is obtained.

[0106] Next, in the image forming process for the 11th to 14th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1204), "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1205: YES), and subsequently, "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is also true (S1206: YES). Subsequently, "Transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not true (S1207: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is true (S1215: YES). Therefore, the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM+1" is not performed, and the process returns to the image forming process (S1204).

[0107] Next, in the image forming process for the 15th to 19th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1204), "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1205: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is also true (S1206: YES). Subsequently, "Transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not true (S1207: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is true (S1215: YES). Therefore, the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM+1" is not performed, and the process returns to the image forming process (S1204).

[0108] Next, in the image forming process for the 20th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1204), the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1205: YES), and the subsequent condition "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is also met (S1206: YES). Then, the condition "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1207: YES). Therefore, a staple binding process is performed to create a bundle from the 20 sheets of paper P (S1208), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1217).

[0109] [Third Embodiment] Next, the paper stack creation process when the third pattern button 1013 (Figure 10) is operated and the third pattern is selected will be explained as a third embodiment using the flowchart in Figure 13. In the third pattern, the image formation process starts as soon as at least one piece of processing data for executing the job is acquired. In other words, it is a control pattern that improves productivity because there is no need to wait for the acquisition time of processing data for each paper stack.

[0110] In the third pattern as well, depending on the number of sheets of paper P that make up one unit of the paper stack, the pressure binding process, the water-based pressure binding process, and the staple binding process can be appropriately switched. In the third pattern, when the predetermined number of sheets N that make up one unit of paper stack is less than the pressure binding limit B, the final step is to perform a pressure binding process that does not require water, so the water-based binding process is wasted on the sheets of paper P up to that point. Also, when the predetermined number N is more than the water-based pressure binding limit A (15 sheets), the final step is to perform a staple binding process, so the water-based binding process is wasted on the sheets of paper P up to that point. The following will explain the cases where the predetermined number N is "3 sheets", "10 sheets", and "20 sheets".

[0111] [Third Embodiment: First Example: When the predetermined number N is 3 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1301), the process moves to the start of image formation (S1302: Yes).

[0112] Here, the image forming process for the first and second sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, are performed as follows: First, "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not true (S1303: NO), and there is sufficient remaining moisture for the water addition process (S1306: YES), so the water addition process is executed (S1307). Next, "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is not true (S1308: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1310: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM+1" is performed (S1311), the process returns to the image forming process (S1302).

[0113] Next, the image forming process for the third sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1302) are performed. The condition "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not met (S1303: NO), and there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1306: YES), so the hydration process is executed (S1307). Subsequently, the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1308: YES), so a hydration and pressure binding process is performed to create a bundle from the three sheets of paper P (S1309), and the created paper bundle is discharged from the machine (S1312).

[0114] [Third Embodiment: Second Example: When the predetermined number N is 10 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1301), the process moves to the start of image formation (S1302: Yes).

[0115] Here, the image forming process for the first to ninth sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, are performed because, firstly, "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not true (S1303: NO), and there is sufficient remaining moisture for the water replenishment process (S1306: YES), so the water replenishment process is executed (S1307). Next, "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is not true (S1308: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1310: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM+1" is performed (S1311), the process returns to the image forming process (S1302).

[0116] Next, in the image forming process for the 10th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1304), the condition "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not met (S1303: NO), and there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1306: YES), so the hydration process is executed (S1307). Subsequently, the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1308: YES), so a hydration and pressure binding process is performed to create a bundle of three sheets of paper P (S1309), and the created paper bundle is discharged from the machine (S1312).

[0117] [Third Embodiment: Third Example: When the predetermined number N is 20 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1301), the process moves on to the start of image formation.

[0118] Here, the image forming process for the first to fifteenth sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1302), firstly, the condition "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is not met (S1303: NO). Since there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1306: YES), the hydration process is executed (S1307). Next, the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not met (S1308: NO), and the condition "scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not met (S1310: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "scanning one sheet / data input" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1311), the process returns to the image forming process (S1304).

[0119] Next, in the image forming process for the 16th to 19th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1304), the condition "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is met (S1303: YES), the subsequent condition "Transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not met (S1304: NO), and the condition "Scanned / data entered for the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not met (S1310: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "Scan 1 sheet / data entered" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1311), the process returns to the image forming process (S1304).

[0120] Next, in the image forming process for the 20th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1304), the condition "NUM > A sheets (15 sheets)?" is met (S1303: YES), and the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also met (S1304: YES). Therefore, a staple binding process is performed to create a bundle from the 20 sheets of paper P (S1305), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1317).

[0121] [Fourth Embodiment] Next, the paper stack creation process when the fourth pattern button 1014 (Figure 10) is operated and the fourth pattern is selected will be explained as a fourth embodiment using the flowchart in Figure 14. In the fourth pattern, the image formation process starts as soon as at least one piece of processing data for executing the job is acquired. In other words, it is a control pattern that improves productivity because there is no need to wait for the acquisition time of processing data for each paper stack.

[0122] In the fourth pattern, the pressure binding process, water-pressure binding process, and staple binding process can be appropriately switched depending on the number of sheets of paper P that make up one unit of the paper stack. In the fourth pattern, if the predetermined number of sheets N that make up one stack of paper P is less than the pressure binding limit B, water is not added, and if the predetermined number N is less than or equal to the water-pressure binding limit A, water is not added. In other words, the fourth pattern is the recommended pattern when the predetermined number N is expected to exceed the water-pressure binding limit A or fall below the pressure binding limit B. The following will explain the cases where the predetermined number N is "3 sheets", "10 sheets", and "20 sheets".

[0123] [Fourth Embodiment: First Example: When the predetermined number N is 3 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1401), the process moves to the start of image formation (S1402: Yes).

[0124] Here, the image forming process for the first and second sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, firstly, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not true (S1403: NO), and "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1406: NO). Subsequently, "scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1408: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "scanning / data input of one sheet" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1409), the process returns to the image forming process (S1402).

[0125] Next, the image forming process for the third sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1402) are performed. The condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not met (S1403: NO), and the condition "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1406: YES). Therefore, a crimping and binding process is performed to create a bundle from the three sheets of paper P (S1407), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1410).

[0126] [Fourth Embodiment: Second Example: When the predetermined number N is 10 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1401), the process moves to the start of image formation (S1402: Yes).

[0127] Here, the image forming process for the first to fifth sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray, firstly, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not true (S1403: NO), and "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1406: NO). Subsequently, "scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1408: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "scanning / data input of one sheet" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1409), the process returns to the image forming process (S1402).

[0128] Next, in the image forming process for the 6th to 9th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1402), the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1403: YES), and the condition "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is not met (S1404: NO). Subsequently, the condition "Scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1408: YES), so the process returns to the image forming process (S1402).

[0129] Next, in the image forming process for the 10th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1402), the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1403: YES), and the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also met (S1404: YES), so the 10 sheets of paper P are stapled together (S1405), and the resulting bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1410).

[0130] [Fourth Embodiment: Third Example: When the predetermined number N is 20 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1401), the process moves on to the start of image formation.

[0131] Here, the image forming process for the first to fifth sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1402), firstly, the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not met (S1403: NO). Next, the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not met (S1406: NO), and the condition "scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not met (S1408: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "scanning / data input of one sheet" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1409), the process returns to the image forming process (S1402).

[0132] Next, in the image forming process for the 6th to 19th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1304), the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1403: YES), the subsequent condition "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is not met (S1404: NO), and the condition "Scanned / data entered for the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not met (S1408: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "Scanning / data entered for one sheet" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1409), the process returns to the image forming process (S1402).

[0133] Next, in the image forming process for the 20th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1402), the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1403: YES), and the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also met (S1404: YES). Therefore, a staple binding process is performed to create a bundle from the 20 sheets of paper P (S1405), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1410).

[0134] [Fifth Embodiment] Next, the paper stack creation process when the fifth pattern button 1015 (Figure 10) is operated and the fifth pattern is selected will be explained as a fifth embodiment using the flowchart in Figure 15. In the fifth pattern as well, the image formation process starts as soon as at least one piece of processing data for executing the job is acquired. In other words, it is a control pattern that improves productivity because there is no need to wait for the acquisition time of processing data for each paper stack.

[0135] In the fifth pattern as well, depending on the number of sheets of paper P that make up one unit of the paper stack, the pressure binding process, the water-based pressure binding process, and the staple binding process can be appropriately switched. Comparing the fifth pattern with the third pattern, when the predetermined number of sheets N is less than or equal to the pressure binding limit B, the waste of water-based binding for the number of sheets is eliminated. Also, when the predetermined number of sheets N is greater than the water-based pressure binding limit A, the waste of water-based binding for the paper P equivalent to the pressure binding limit B is eliminated in the following cases.

[0136] On the other hand, in the fifth pattern, when the predetermined number of sheets N is greater than the maximum number of sheets B to be crimped, and less than or equal to the maximum number of sheets A to be crimped with water, the watering process starts from the sheet P corresponding to B+1. In this case, the ability to maintain the binding state is weaker compared to when watering is performed on all sheets P. Therefore, when the fifth pattern is selected, in order to maintain binding strength, the second maximum number of sheets A' to be crimped with water, which is less than the maximum number of sheets A to be crimped with water, will be used for the condition determination.

[0137] In other words, in the fifth pattern, the condition for determining the control branch is to use the following: Crimping limit B ≤ predetermined number N < second water-pressing limit A'. Below, we will explain the cases where the predetermined number N is "3 sheets", "10 sheets", and "20 sheets".

[0138] [Fifth Embodiment: First Example: When the predetermined number N is 3 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1501), the process moves to the start of image formation (S1502: Yes).

[0139] Here, when the image forming process for the first and second sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray are repeatedly executed (S1502), first, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not true (S1503: NO), and "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1510: NO). Subsequently, "scanning / data input of the final sheet for one bundle?" is also not true (S1512: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "scanning one sheet / data input" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1513), the process returns to the image forming process (S1502).

[0140] Next, the third image forming process and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1502) are performed. The condition "NUM>B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not met (S1503: NO), but the condition "Transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1510: YES). Therefore, a crimping and binding process is performed to create a bundle from the three sheets of paper P (S1511), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1514).

[0141] [Fifth Embodiment: Second Example: When the predetermined number N is 10 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1501), the process moves to the start of image formation (S1502: Yes).

[0142] First, the image forming process for the first to fifth sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1512), firstly, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not true (S1503: NO), and "transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not true (S1510: NO). Next, "Scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not true (S1512: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1513), the process returns to the image forming process (S1502).

[0143] Next, in the image forming process for the 6th to 9th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1502), "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1503: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A' sheets (12 sheets)?" is not true (S1504: NO). Since there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1506: YES), the hydration process is executed (S1507). Subsequently, "transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not true (S1508: NO), and "scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not true (S1512: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "scanning / data input of one sheet" and "variable NUM+1" is performed (S1513), the process returns to the image forming process (S1502).

[0144] Next, in the image forming process for the 10th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1502), the condition "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is met (S1503: YES), and the subsequent condition "NUM > A' sheets (12 sheets)?" is not met (S1504: NO). Since there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1506: YES), the hydration process is performed (S1507). Subsequently, the condition "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is met (S1508: YES). Therefore, a hydration and pressure binding process is performed to create a bundle using 10 sheets of paper P (S1504), and the created paper bundle is discharged from the machine (S1514).

[0145] [Fifth Embodiment: Third Example: When the predetermined number N is 20 sheets] First, after processing "Scan 1 image / Data IN" and "Variable NUM+1" (S1501), the process moves to the start of image formation (S1502: Yes).

[0146] First, the image forming process for the first to fifth sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1512), firstly, "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is not true (S1503: NO), and "transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not true (S1510: NO). Next, "Scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not true (S1512: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1513), the process returns to the image forming process (S1502).

[0147] Next, in the image forming process for the 6th to 12th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1502), "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1503: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A' sheets (12 sheets)?" is not true (S1504: NO). Since there is sufficient remaining moisture for the hydration process (S1506: YES), the hydration process is executed (S1507). Subsequently, "transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not true (S1508: NO), and "scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not true (S1512: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "scanning / data input of one sheet" and "variable NUM+1" is performed (S1513), the process returns to the image forming process (S1502).

[0148] Next, in the image forming process for the 13th to 19th sheets, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1502), "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1503: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A' sheets (12 sheets)?" is also true (S1504: YES). Subsequently, "Transport and loading of the final sheet of one bundle?" is not true (S1506: NO), and "Scanning / data input of the final sheet of one bundle?" is also not true (S1512: NO). Therefore, after the processing of "1 sheet scan / data input" and "variable NUM + 1" is performed (S1513), the process returns to the image forming process (S1502).

[0149] Next, in the image forming process for the 20th sheet, and the transport to the post-processing device 3 and loading into the internal tray (S1502), "NUM > B sheets (5 sheets)?" is true (S1503: YES), and the subsequent "NUM > A' sheets (12 sheets)?" is also true (S1504: YES). Then, "transport and loading of the final sheet for one bundle?" is true (S1505: YES). Therefore, a staple binding process is performed to create a bundle from the 20 sheets of paper P (S1506), and the created bundle of paper is discharged from the machine (S1514).

[0150] According to each embodiment described above, a binding process can be performed that shortens FCOT / FPOT depending on the binding mode arbitrarily selected by the user.

[0151] Furthermore, the control method by the controller 100 described above is realized through the cooperation of the computer's hardware resources and the computer software program, as already explained. In other words, the control method is a method in which the computer executes by having the arithmetic unit, memory device, input device, output device, and control device work together based on the program. The program may also be written to a memory device or storage medium and distributed, or distributed via telecommunication lines, etc.

[0152] [Aspects of the present invention] The contents of this invention are, for example, as follows:

[0153] <1> A media processing apparatus for creating a sheet bundle, which is a stack of sheet-like media, A binding processing unit for binding a portion of the aforementioned sheet bundle by pressurizing and deforming it, comprising a first binding processing unit having a watering processing unit that adds water to the pressurized position on the medium, A second binding processing unit that performs staple binding on a portion of the aforementioned sheet bundle using needles, When executing the sheet bundle creation process to create the aforementioned sheet bundle, a control unit controls the operation of the crimping process by the first binding processing unit, the water-based crimping process by the first binding processing unit, and the staple binding process by the second binding processing unit, depending on the number of media sheets constituting one unit of the sheet bundle. Equipped with, When the control unit executes the sheet bundle creation process, it switches the start timing of the sheet bundle creation process according to the switching conditions for each binding process. This is a media processing apparatus characterized by the following features.

[0154] <2> The control unit starts the sheet bundle creation process when it obtains a number of specific processing data corresponding to one unit of the sheet bundle that is less than the number of processing data corresponding to the number of media sheets. The aforementioned <1> This is the media processing apparatus described above.

[0155] <3> The control unit starts the sheet bundle creation process when it acquires processing data corresponding to one medium from the processing data required to create one unit of the sheet bundle. The aforementioned <1> This is the media processing apparatus described above.

[0156] <4> When the control unit acquires processing data corresponding to one medium from the processing data required to create one unit of the sheet bundle and starts the sheet bundle creation process, it performs the watering process by the watering unit on all the mediums constituting that unit of the sheet bundle. The aforementioned <3> This is the media processing apparatus described above.

[0157] <5> When the control unit acquires processing data corresponding to one medium from the processing data required to create one unit of the sheet bundle and starts the sheet bundle creation process, it does not perform the watering process by the watering processing unit on all the mediums constituting that unit of the sheet bundle. The aforementioned <3> This is the media processing apparatus described above.

[0158] <6> The control unit starts the sheet bundle creation process when it acquires processing data corresponding to one medium from the processing data required to create one unit of the sheet bundle. When performing the binding process for the processing data corresponding to the specified number of processing data among the processing data required to create the sheet bundle in the said unit, the watering process by the watering processing unit is not performed. When performing the binding process for processing data exceeding the specified number of processing data, the watering process by the watering unit is performed. The aforementioned <2> This is the media processing apparatus described above.

[0159] <7> The system includes a switching mode selection unit for selecting a switching mode among the crimping process, the water-based crimping process, and the stapled process when the user performs a sheet bundle creation process to create the sheet bundle. The control unit controls the binding process based on the switching conditions determined based on the switching mode. The aforementioned <1> or the above <6> This is a media processing device described in any of the above.

[0160] <8> An image forming apparatus that forms images on multiple media, The image forming apparatus performs a binding process on the plurality of media on which images have been formed. <1> or the above <7> A media processing apparatus as described in any of the following, This is an image forming system characterized by comprising the following features. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0161] 1: Printer System 2: Image forming apparatus 3: Post-processing equipment 22: Internal tray 25: First Binding Processing Unit 28: Processing Unit 29: Paper folding blade 30: Output tray 31: Hydration Treatment Section 32: Crimp binding section 55: Second Binding Processing Unit 62: Staple Binding Processing Unit 100: Controller 101: CPU 110: Control Panel 1010: Mode selection screen 1011: First pattern button 1012: Second pattern button 1013: Third pattern button 1014: Fourth pattern button 1015: Fifth pattern button [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0162] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-010811

Claims

1. A media processing apparatus for creating a sheet bundle, which is a stack of sheet-like media, A binding processing unit for binding a portion of the aforementioned sheet bundle by pressurizing and deforming it, comprising a first binding processing unit having a watering processing unit that adds water to the pressurized position on the medium, A second binding processing unit that performs staple binding on a portion of the aforementioned sheet bundle using needles, When executing the sheet bundle creation process to create the aforementioned sheet bundle, the control unit includes a control unit that switches and controls the operation of the first binding unit, the first binding unit, the first binding unit, and the second binding unit, according to the number of media sheets constituting one unit of the sheet bundle. When the control unit executes the sheet bundle creation process, in order to switch the start timing of the sheet bundle creation process according to the switching conditions of each binding process, if it has started the sheet bundle creation process by acquiring processing data corresponding to one medium from the processing data required to create one unit of the sheet bundle, it executes the watering process by the watering processing unit on all the media constituting that unit of the sheet bundle. A media processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The system includes a switching mode selection unit for selecting a switching mode among the crimping process, the water-based crimping process, and the stapled process when the user performs a sheet bundle creation process to create the sheet bundle. The control unit controls the binding process based on the switching conditions determined based on the switching mode. The media processing apparatus according to claim 1.

3. An image forming apparatus that forms images on multiple media, The media processing apparatus according to claim 1 performs a binding process on a plurality of media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus, An image forming system characterized by comprising the following features.

Images