Media processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a technique of obtaining appropriate binding strength in a medium processing device for performing crimp-binding of plural media supported by a tray.SOLUTION: A medium processing device comprises: a conveying unit for conveying sheet-like media in a conveying direction; a tray capable of supporting the plural media conveyed by the conveying unit; a crimp processing unit for using a pair of binding teeth to sandwich the plural media supported by the tray for crimp-binding; a driving mechanism for sliding the crimp processing unit in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the conveying direction along surfaces of the media supported by the tray and rotating the crimp processing unit about a rotating shaft extending in a direction orthogonal to the conveying direction and the main scanning direction; and a controller for repetitively performing crimp-binding of the plural media supported by the tray by changing a rotating angle of the crimp processing unit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 7

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002] Conventionally, there has been known a medium processing apparatus that binds into a bundle sheet-like media on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus. Since paper is widely known as an example of a sheet-like medium, in the present specification, regarding a bundle of sheet-like media, a "paper bundle" formed by laminating a plurality of sheets is used as an example.

[0003] Some medium processing apparatuses include a pressure-bonding processing unit capable of so-called "pressure binding" in which, from the viewpoint of resource saving and reduction of environmental load, a metal binding needle is not used, and a paper bundle is clamped by uneven binding teeth and deformed under pressure (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2). [Summary of the Invention] [Problem to be Solved by the Invention]

[0004] In the medium processing apparatus having the above configuration, in order to secure binding strength, pressure binding may be performed on a plurality of locations for one paper bundle. However, since pressure binding binds a paper bundle by entangling paper fibers, there is a problem that binding strength may be insufficient even if pressure binding is repeated in the same direction on the paper.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for obtaining appropriate binding strength in a medium processing apparatus that pressure-binds a plurality of media supported on a tray. [Means for Solving the Problem]

[0006] To solve the above problems, one aspect of the present invention includes a transport unit for transporting a sheet-like medium in a transport direction, a tray capable of supporting a plurality of the mediums transported by the transport unit, a crimping unit for clamping and crimping the plurality of the mediums supported on the tray with a pair of fastening teeth, a drive mechanism for sliding the crimping unit along the surface of the mediums supported on the tray in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and rotating it about a pivot axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and the main scanning direction, and a controller for controlling the transport unit, the crimping unit, and the drive mechanism, wherein the controller repeatedly crimps and fastens the plurality of the mediums supported on the tray by changing the rotation angle of the crimping unit. The controller then changes the rotation angle of the crimping unit so that the entire crimped binding mark made by the crimping unit fits within the margin, according to the length of the pre-set margin in the transport direction at the edge of the medium. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, an appropriate binding strength can be obtained in a media processing device that crimps and binds multiple media supported on a tray. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0008] [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 view of the internal tray from the paper thickness direction. [Figure 4] A schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping section according to this embodiment. [Figure 5] Hardware configuration diagram of the post-processing unit. [Figure 6] A flowchart for stapling. [Figure 7] A diagram showing variations in stapling position and orientation during stapling. [Figure 8] A diagram showing variations in the pitch and number of stapling positions during stapling. [Figure 9] A diagram showing variations in the binding position of paper stacks with a short length in the main scanning direction. [Figure 10] A diagram showing the relationship between the margins of the paper and the binding orientation of the crimping section. [Figure 11] A diagram showing the configuration of the crimping section in a modified example. [Figure 12] A diagram showing variations in crimp binding due to modifications. [Figure 13] A diagram showing an example of the crimping procedure for a modified version. [Figure 14] A diagram showing another example of the crimping sequence related to the modified form. [Figure 15] A diagram showing variations in crimp binding due to modifications. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

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

[0010] 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.

[0011] 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 together a stack of multiple paper P on which an image has been formed (hereinafter referred to as a "paper stack (media stack)"). More specifically, the stapling process according to this embodiment includes so-called "pressure binding," which deforms the paper stack by applying pressure, and so-called "staple binding," which penetrates the paper stack with staples. The stapling process also includes edge binding, which binds the edges of the paper stack, and saddle binding, which binds the center of the paper stack.

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

[0013] The first transport path Ph1 is the path from the paper supply port of the image forming apparatus 2 to the discharge tray 21. The second transport path Ph2 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pair 11 and 14 in the transport direction and is the path to the discharge tray 30 through the internal tray 22. The third transport path Ph3 branches off from the first transport path Ph1 between the transport roller pair 11 and 14 in the transport direction and is the path to the discharge tray 36.

[0014] The switching claw 20 is disposed at a branching 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 discharge tray 21 through the first conveyance path Ph1, and a second position where the sheet P conveyed through the first conveyance path Ph1 is guided to the second conveyance path Ph2. Further, at the timing when the trailing end of the sheet P that has entered the second conveyance path Ph2 passes through the conveyance roller pair 11, the conveyance roller pair 14 is rotated reversely, whereby the sheet P is guided to the third conveyance path Ph3. The post-processing apparatus 3 further includes a plurality of sensors (indicated by triangles in FIG. 2) that detect the position of the sheet P on each of the conveyance paths Ph1, Ph2, and Ph3.

[0015] The post-processing apparatus 3 includes a discharge tray 21. The discharge tray 21 supports the sheet P discharged through the first conveyance path Ph1. Among the sheets P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2, the sheets P that are not subjected to stapling processing are discharged onto the discharge tray 21.

[0016] The post-processing apparatus 3 includes an internal tray 22 (tray), a tapping roller 23, a return roller 24, an end fence 25 (conveyance direction alignment section), side fences 26L and 26R (width direction alignment section), a pressure bonding processing section 27, a stapling processing section 28, a discharge claw 29, a discharge tray 30, and a filler 31. The internal tray 22, the tapping roller 23, the return roller 24, the end fence 25, the side fences 26L and 26R, the pressure bonding processing section 27, the stapling processing section 28, and the discharge claw 29 perform edge binding processing on the sheet P conveyed through the second conveyance path Ph2. Among the sheets P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2, the sheet bundle subjected to edge binding processing is discharged onto the discharge tray 30.

[0017] Hereinafter, the direction from the conveyance roller pair 15 toward the end fence 25 is defined as the "conveyance direction". Further, the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction and the thickness direction of the sheet P is defined as the "main scanning direction (width direction of the sheet P)".

[0018] The internal tray 22 is positioned downstream of the transport roller pair 15 in the transport direction. The internal tray 22 temporarily supports multiple sheets of paper P that are transported sequentially along the second transport path Ph2. In this embodiment, the internal tray 22 is inclined downward toward the downstream side in the transport direction. The tapping roller 23 is supported at the tip of the rotating arm above the internal tray 22. The tapping roller 23 moves toward and away from the uppermost sheet of paper P supported by the internal tray 22 as the rotating arm rotates. The return roller 24 is positioned above the internal tray 22, downstream of the tapping roller 23 in the transport direction.

[0019] When the rotating arm rotates in a direction that separates the tapping roller 23 from the internal tray 22, the paper P, which has been transported in the transport direction by the transport roller pair 15, enters the internal tray 22. In this state, when the rotating arm rotates in a direction that brings the tapping roller 23 closer to the internal tray 22, the tapping roller 23 contacts the paper P that has been transported onto the internal tray 22 by the transport roller pair 15 from above. The paper P that has come into contact with the tapping roller 23 detaches from the transport roller pair 15 and is supported by the internal tray 22. The return roller 24 contacts the upper surface of the paper P supported by the internal tray 22 and rotates, guiding the paper P toward the end fence 25.

[0020] The end fence 25 is positioned downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The end fence 25 also contacts the downstream end of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 in the transport direction, aligning the position of the paper stack in the transport direction. The side fences 26L and 26R are positioned on both sides of the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The side fences 26L and 26R are configured to be movable in the main scanning direction. The side fences 26L and 26R contact both ends of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction, aligning the position of the paper stack in the main scanning direction.

[0021] The crimping unit 27 clamps the binding position of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 from both sides in the thickness direction with a pair of convex and concave binding teeth 41, 42 (see Figure 4). This causes the binding position of the paper stack to be compressed and deformed, thereby crimping and binding it. The binding position is, for example, the center position in the main scanning direction of the rectangular crimping mark (hereinafter referred to as the "crimping mark"). The staple binding unit 28 staples the paper stack by passing a staple through the binding position of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22. The configurations of the crimping unit 27 and the staple binding unit 28 are already well known, so a detailed explanation is omitted. The staple binding unit 28 is also optional.

[0022] The release claw 29 is positioned downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The release claw 29 is configured to contact the downstream end of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 in the transport direction and to move toward the upstream side in the transport direction (i.e., toward the transport roller pair 15). As the release claw 29 moves toward the upstream side in the transport direction, it moves the end-stitched paper stack toward the upstream side in the transport direction along the internal tray 22. As a result, the end-stitched paper stack is released from the internal tray 22 and enters between the transport roller pair 15. The transport roller pair 15 then discharges the end-stitched paper stack into the discharge tray 30.

[0023] The output tray 30 is supported on the outer surface of the housing of the post-processing device 3 so as to be able to move up and down. The filler 31 is supported above the output tray 30 so as to be able to rotate. The tip of the filler 31 contacts the stack of paper supported on the output tray 30. The filler 31 detects when the height (thickness) of the stack of paper loaded on the output tray 30 reaches a threshold and outputs to the controller 100 (see Figure 5), which will be described later. In response to the filler 31 detecting that the height of the stack of paper has reached a threshold, the controller 100 lowers the output tray 30 by a predetermined amount.

[0024] Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 includes an end fence 32, a binding processing unit 33, a paper folding blade 34, a perforation processing unit 35, and an output tray 36. The end fence 32, the binding processing unit 33, and the paper folding blade 34 perform saddle stitching on the paper P being transported along the third transport path Ph3. The output tray 36 receives the stacks of paper P supplied from the image forming apparatus 2 that have undergone saddle stitching.

[0025] The end fence 32 aligns the positions of multiple sheets of paper P being transported sequentially along the third transport path Ph3. The end fence 32 is also configured to be movable between a saddle-stitch position where the center of the paper stack faces the saddle-stitch processing unit 33 and a folding position where it faces the paper folding blade 34. The saddle-stitch processing unit 33 saddle-stitches the center of the paper stack aligned by the end fence 32 in the saddle-stitch position. The paper folding blade 34 folds the paper stack supported by the end fence 32 in 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 discharge tray 36. The perforation processing unit 35 perforates through holes in the paper stack transported by the transport roller pairs 18 and 19.

[0026] Figure 3 is a view of the internal tray 22 from the thickness direction of the paper P. As shown in Figure 3, the crimping unit 27 is located downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The crimping unit 27 is configured to slide along the surface of the paper P supported by the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction and to rotate around a pivot axis 40 that extends in the thickness direction of the paper P supported by the internal tray 22 (in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and the main scanning direction). The configuration of the staple binding unit 28 is the same.

[0027] More specifically, a guide rail 37 extends in the main scanning direction downstream of the internal tray 22 in the transport direction. The crimping unit 27 slides in the main scanning direction along the surface of the stack of paper supported by the internal tray 22 (in other words, the guide rail 37) when the driving force of the slide motor 38 (see Figure 5) is transmitted to it. Furthermore, the crimping unit 27 rotates around a pivot shaft 40 that extends in the thickness direction of the paper P supported by the internal tray 22 when the driving force of the rotation motor 39 (see Figure 5) is transmitted to it. The guide rail 37, slide motor 38, rotation motor 39, and pivot shaft 40 constitute an example of a drive mechanism.

[0028] The crimping unit 27 slides between a standby position shown in Figure 3(A) and a position facing the binding position shown in Figures 3(B) and 3(C). The standby position is located away from the paper P supported by the internal tray 22, on one side in the main scanning direction. The binding position is located on the stack of paper supported by the internal tray 22. However, the specific location of the binding position is not limited to the example in Figure 3, and may be any position in the main scanning direction at the downstream end of the paper stack in the transport direction.

[0029] Furthermore, the crimping unit 27 changes its orientation (rotates) between the parallel binding orientation shown in Figures 3(A) and 3(B), and the oblique binding orientation shown in Figure 3(C). The parallel binding orientation is the orientation of the crimping unit 27 in which the longitudinal direction of the pair of binding teeth 41, 42 (in other words, the rectangular crimping marks) faces the main scanning direction. The oblique binding orientation is the orientation of the crimping unit 27 in which the longitudinal direction of the pair of binding teeth 41, 42 (in other words, the rectangular crimping marks) is inclined with respect to the main scanning direction.

[0030] Note that the rotation angle in the diagonal binding position (the longitudinal angle of the pair of binding teeth 41 and 42 with respect to the main scanning direction) is not limited to the example in Figure 3(C), and can be any angle as long as the pair of binding teeth 41 and 42 face the paper P supported by the internal tray 22. Also, crimp binding by the crimping unit 27 in the parallel binding position is referred to as "parallel binding," and crimp binding by the crimping unit 27 in the diagonal binding position is referred to as "diagonal binding."

[0031] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the crimping unit 27 according to this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the crimping unit 27 is equipped with a pair of binding teeth 41 and 42. The pair of binding teeth 41 and 42 are arranged opposite each other in the thickness direction of the paper stack, sandwiching the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22. The opposing surfaces of the pair of binding teeth 41 and 42 are formed in an uneven shape with alternating recesses and protrusions. Furthermore, the recesses and protrusions of the pair of binding teeth 41 and 42 are offset from each other so that they interlock. The pair of binding teeth 41 and 42 move toward and toward each other by the driving force of the separation motor 43 (see Figure 5).

[0032] As multiple sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack are supplied to the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 41 and 42 are spaced apart from each other, as shown in Figure 4(A). Then, once all the sheets of paper P constituting the paper stack are supported by the internal tray 22, the pair of binding teeth 41 and 42 interlock, as shown in Figure 4(B), and clamp the paper stack from the thickness direction. As a result, the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 is compressed and deformed, and then crimped and bound.

[0033] Figure 5 is a hardware configuration diagram of the post-processing unit 3. As shown in Figure 5, the post-processing unit 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] I / F105 is an interface that connects the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, 15, the switching claw 20, the tapping roller 23, the side fences 26L, 26R, the release claw 29, the slide motor 38, the rotating motor 39, the contact / separation motor 43, 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 tapping roller 23, the side fences 26L, 26R, the release claw 29, the slide motor 38, the rotating motor 39, and the contact / separation motor 43 through I / F105. Although Figure 5 only shows the components that perform edge stitching, the components that perform saddle stitching are similarly controlled by the controller 100.

[0037] The control panel 110 comprises an operation unit that receives user input and a display (notification unit) that notifies the user of information. The operation unit includes, for example, hard keys, a touch panel superimposed on the display, etc. The control panel 110 acquires information from the operator through the operation unit and provides the information to the operator through the display. Note that the notification unit is not limited to a display and may also include LED lamps, speakers, etc.

[0038] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the stapling process. The controller 100 starts the stapling process shown in Figure 6 when it receives, for example, an instruction to execute the stapling process (hereinafter referred to as "stapling instruction") from the image forming apparatus 2. The stapling instruction includes, for example, the number of sheets of paper P that make up the stack (hereinafter referred to as "number of sheets to be stapled"), as well as the length of the paper P in the main scanning direction, the length of the margin of the paper P in the transport direction, and the thickness of the paper P. The margin is a pre-set area on the outer edge of the paper P, in which it is guaranteed that no image will be formed by the image forming apparatus 2.

[0039] As shown in Figure 3(A), at the start of the stapling process, the crimping unit 27 is positioned in a standby position and in a parallel stapling orientation. The position and number of stapling positions in the main scanning direction for crimping the stack of paper, and the orientation (rotation angle) of the crimping unit 27 may be predetermined, indicated by a stapling instruction, or determined by the controller 100 as described later with reference to Figures 7 to 9.

[0040] First, the controller 100 rotates the transport roller pairs 10, 11, 14, and 15 to place the paper P, on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 2, into the internal tray 22 (S601). The controller 100 also moves the side fences 26L and 26R to align the position of the stack of paper supported in the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction (so-called jogging).

[0041] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the number of sheets of paper P stored in the internal tray 22 has reached the number of sheets to be stapled as instructed by the stapling instruction (S602). If the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets of paper P stored in the internal tray 22 has not reached the number of sheets to be stapled (S602: No), it repeats the process of step S601. On the other hand, if the controller 100 determines that the number of sheets of paper P stored in the internal tray 22 has reached the number of sheets to be stapled (S602: Yes), it initializes the variable N stored in the HDD 104 (= 1) (S603). Variable N is a variable that holds a value indicating the next stapling position to be crimped.

[0042] Next, the controller 100 positions the pair of fastening teeth 41 and 42 facing the fastening position N (S604). That is, the controller 100 drives the slide motor 38 to slide the crimping section 27 so that the pair of fastening teeth 41 and 42 face the fastening position N. On the other hand, if the pair of fastening teeth 41 and 42 are already facing the fastening position N, the process in step S604 is skipped.

[0043] Next, the controller 100 determines whether the current binding position of the crimping unit 27 is different from the binding position of the crimping unit 27 when crimping at binding position N (S605). If the controller 100 determines that the current binding position is different from the binding position at binding position N (S605: Yes), it changes the position of the crimping unit 27 to the binding position for binding position N (S606). That is, the controller 100 drives the rotating motor 39 to rotate the crimping unit 27 to the binding position for binding position N. On the other hand, if the controller 100 determines that the current binding position is the same from the binding position at binding position N (S605: No), the process in step S606 is skipped.

[0044] Next, the controller 100 causes the crimping unit 27 to crimp the binding position N (S607). That is, the controller 100 drives the contact / separation motor 43 to grip the binding position N of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 with the pair of binding teeth 41 and 42. As a result, the binding position N of the paper stack is compressed and deformed, and crimped.

[0045] Next, the controller 100 determines whether or not there are any binding positions that have not yet been crimped (S608). If the controller 100 determines that there are binding positions that have not yet been crimped (S608: Yes), it increments the variable N by 1 (S609) and executes the process from step S604 onwards again. In other words, the controller 100 crimps all binding positions N in order by repeating the process from steps S604 to S609.

[0046] Then, when the controller 100 determines that all binding positions N have been crimped (S608: No), it discharges the crimped paper stack into the discharge tray 30 (S610). More specifically, the controller 100 moves the discharge claw 29 to the upstream side in the main scanning direction, thereby gripping the paper stack between the transport roller pair 15. The controller 100 also discharges the paper stack into the discharge tray 30 by rotating the transport roller pair 15. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 3(A), the controller 100 moves the crimping unit 27 to the standby position and changes its orientation to the parallel binding position.

[0047] Figure 7 shows variations in stapling position and stapling orientation during stapling. As shown in Figure 7(A), adjacent stapling positions in the main scanning direction may be crimped and stapled by changing the stapling orientation (rotation angle) of the crimping processing unit 27. That is, the controller 100 may change the stapling orientation of the crimping processing unit 27 each time it repeatedly executes steps S604 to S609.

[0048] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(B), all binding positions on one side of the main scanning direction from the center of the paper stack may be crimped and bound in a first binding position, and all binding positions on the other side of the main scanning direction from the center of the paper stack may be crimped and bound in a second binding position different from the first binding position. In other words, the controller 100 may change the binding position of the crimping unit 27 only once when passing the center of the main scanning direction of the paper stack during the process of repeatedly executing steps S604 to S609.

[0049] In other words, the controller 100 can repeatedly crimp the stack of paper supported in the internal tray 22 by changing the rotation angle of the crimping unit 27. More specifically, the controller 100 can crimp and bind multiple binding positions of the stack of paper supported in the internal tray 22 that are spaced apart in the main scanning direction by changing the rotation angle of the crimping unit 27 at least once.

[0050] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 7(C), parallel binding and diagonal binding positions may be mixed. That is, the controller 100 can change the multiple binding positions of the stack of paper supported by the internal tray 22, which are spaced apart in the main scanning direction, to any rotation angle including the parallel binding position, and have the crimping unit 27 crimp the paper.

[0051] Figure 8 shows variations in the stapling position pitch (spacing in the main scanning direction) and the number of stapling positions during stapling. The controller 100 may change at least one of the stapling position pitch and the number of stapling positions, for example, according to the thickness of the stack of paper supported in the internal tray 22. Here, "thickness of the stack of paper (multiple sheets of paper P) supported in the internal tray 22" may refer to the thickness of a single sheet of paper P, or to the total thickness of the stack of paper (thickness of a single sheet of paper P × number of sheets of paper P constituting the stack).

[0052] More specifically, as shown in Figure 8(A), the controller 100 may widen the binding position pitch or reduce the number of binding positions as the thickness of the paper stack decreases. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 8(B), the controller 100 may narrow the binding position pitch or increase the number of binding positions as the thickness of the paper stack increases.

[0053] Figure 9 shows variations in binding positions for paper stacks with a short length in the main scanning direction. The controller 100 may change at least one of the binding position pitch and the number of binding positions depending on the length of the paper stack supported in the internal tray 22 in the main scanning direction. The length of the paper stack in the main scanning direction may be determined by the size of the paper P, or by the orientation of the paper P (whether the longitudinal direction is along the transport direction or the longitudinal direction is along the main scanning direction).

[0054] More specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the controller 100 may widen the binding position pitch or increase the number of binding positions as the length of the paper stack in the main scanning direction increases. On the other hand, as shown in Figure 9, the controller 100 may narrow the binding position pitch or decrease the number of binding positions as the length of the paper stack in the main scanning direction decreases.

[0055] Figure 10 shows the relationship between the margin of the paper P and the binding orientation of the crimping unit 27. As shown in the left diagram of Figure 10(A), when binding in parallel, the length L of the margin in the transport direction required for crimping is shorter compared to when binding at an angle, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 10(A). On the other hand, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 10(A), when binding in parallel, the number of binding positions that can be set within the width W in the main scanning direction is reduced compared to when binding at an angle, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 10(A) (in other words, the spacing between adjacent binding positions becomes wider).

[0056] Therefore, the controller 100 should change the rotation angle of the crimping unit 27 according to the length of the margin set in advance on the edge of the paper P in the transport direction. More specifically, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 10(B), the controller 100 should increase the rotation angle of the crimping unit 27 with respect to the main scanning direction as the length L of the margin set on the paper P in the transport direction increases. On the other hand, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 10(B), the controller 100 should decrease the rotation angle of the crimping unit 27 with respect to the main scanning direction as the length L of the margin set on the paper P in the transport direction decreases.

[0057] According to the above embodiment, for example, the following effects are achieved.

[0058] According to the above embodiment, by crimping each of the multiple binding positions spaced apart in the main scanning direction by changing the rotation angle of the crimping processing unit 27 at least once, it is possible to obtain appropriate binding strength without increasing the size of the post-processing device 3, compared to the case where all binding positions are crimped in the same binding orientation.

[0059] Furthermore, as explained with reference to Figure 10(A), by stapling at least one of the binding positions diagonally, the spacing (pitch) between adjacent binding positions in the main scanning direction can be narrowed compared to the case where all binding positions are parallel. As a result, the travel distance in step S604 in Figure 6 is shortened, improving the efficiency (productivity) of the stapling process.

[0060] Furthermore, as shown in the left diagram of Figure 10(B), the longer the length L in the transport direction of the pre-set margin on the paper P, the greater the rotation angle of the crimping processing unit 27 relative to the main scanning direction, thereby further improving the efficiency of the stapling process. On the other hand, as shown in the right diagram of Figure 10(B), the shorter the length L in the transport direction of the pre-set margin on the paper P, the smaller the rotation angle of the crimping processing unit 27 relative to the main scanning direction, thereby preventing the crimping marks from overlapping with the image formed on the paper P.

[0061] Furthermore, according to the above embodiment, as explained with reference to Figure 8, appropriate binding strength can be obtained by changing at least one of the binding position pitch and the number of binding positions according to the thickness of the paper stack. In addition, according to the above embodiment, as explained with reference to Figure 9, the efficiency of stapling can be improved by changing at least one of the binding position pitch and the number of binding positions according to the length of the paper stack in the main scanning direction.

[0062] [Differentiation] Next, a modified post-processing device 3 will be described with reference to Figures 11 to 15. Detailed explanations of the commonalities with the above embodiment will be omitted, and the focus will be on the differences. The modified controller 100 differs from the above embodiment in that it repeatedly crimps and binds the same binding position of the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 to the crimping processing unit 44, whose rotation angle has been changed, so that the crimping marks do not overlap.

[0063] Figure 11 shows the configuration of a crimping section 44 according to a modified example. As shown in Figure 11(A), the crimping section 44 is equipped with a pair of fastening teeth 45 and 46. The fastening tooth 45 is composed of a central part 45C and two end parts 45L and 45R. The central part 45C and the two end parts 45L and 45R are configured to be able to move toward and away from the fastening tooth 46 independently of each other.

[0064] As shown in Figure 11(B), the crimping unit 44 can grip the binding position of the paper stack across the entire longitudinal area of ​​the pair of binding teeth 45 and 46. In other words, the crimping unit 44 can engage the entire central portion 45C and both ends 45L and 45R of the binding tooth 45 with the binding tooth 46. The process in Figure 11(B) is an example of the first binding process.

[0065] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 11(C), the crimping unit 44 can grip the binding position of the paper stack using only the longitudinal ends of the pair of binding teeth 45 and 46. In other words, the crimping unit 44 can engage the binding teeth 46 with both ends 45L and 45R while keeping the central part 45C separated from the binding teeth 46. The process in Figure 11(C) is an example of a second binding process.

[0066] Figure 12 shows variations in crimp binding due to modifications. As shown in Figure 12, the controller 100 in the modified version crimps the paper stack supported by the internal tray 22 at the same binding position by the crimping processing unit 44 which has been rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, and then crimps it again by the crimping processing unit 44 which has been rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. In other words, the crimp binding marks in the modified version are roughly X-shaped.

[0067] As an example, the modified controller 100 may cause the crimping section 44 rotated clockwise and the crimping section 44 rotated counterclockwise to perform the second binding process, as shown in Figure 12(A). As another example, the modified controller 100 may cause the crimping section 44 rotated clockwise and the crimping section 44 rotated counterclockwise to perform the first binding process, as shown in Figure 12(B).

[0068] Figure 13 shows an example of the crimping sequence according to the modified example. As shown in Figure 13(A), the controller 100 according to the modified example sequentially crimps and staples multiple staple positions while sliding the crimping unit 44 in one direction in the main scanning direction, with the crimping unit 44 rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Then, as shown in Figure 13(B), the controller 100 according to the modified example sequentially crimps and staples multiple staple positions while sliding the crimping unit 44 in the other direction in the main scanning direction, with the crimping unit 44 rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. This reduces the number of times the crimping unit 44 changes its orientation.

[0069] Figure 14 shows another example of the crimping sequence in the modified version. As shown in Figure 14(A), the controller 100 in the modified version crimps the same binding position with the crimping unit 44 rotated clockwise or counterclockwise, and then crimps the same position with the crimping unit 44 rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. Next, as shown in Figure 14(B), the controller 100 in the modified version slides the crimping unit 44 to an adjacent binding position in the main scanning direction and performs the crimping described above. The controller 100 in the modified version then repeats this process. This reduces the amount the crimping unit 44 slides in the main scanning direction.

[0070] Figure 15 shows variations of crimp binding according to modified examples. As shown in Figure 15(A), parallel binding and diagonal binding may be performed at the same binding position. Furthermore, the binding position for which the crimping unit 44 with a changed rotation angle is repeatedly crimped is not limited to multiple locations, but may be just one location as shown in Figure 15(B).

[0071] In the modified version, appropriate binding strength can be obtained by repeatedly crimping the same binding position with the crimping section 44 whose rotation angle has been changed. However, since overlapping crimping marks reduces the binding strength, it is desirable to prevent the crimping marks from overlapping. Note that the configuration of the crimping section 44 to prevent overlapping crimping marks is not limited to the example in Figure 11.

[0072] Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to the crimping processing unit 27 that performs edge stapling, but also to the stapling processing unit 33 that performs saddle stitching.

[0073] Furthermore, the control method described above may be implemented, for example, by a program. That is, the control method is a method by which a computer executes by having the arithmetic unit, memory device, input device, output device, and control device work together based on a program. The program may also be written to a memory device or storage medium and distributed, or distributed via telecommunication lines, etc.

[0074] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments exemplified above, and various modifications are possible without departing from its technical essence. All technical matters included in the technical concept described in the claims are covered by the present invention. The above embodiments are preferred examples, but those skilled in the art can realize various modifications from the disclosed content. Such modifications are also included in the technical scope described in the claims.

[0075] Examples of the present invention are as follows: <1> A conveying unit that conveys a sheet-like medium in the conveying direction, A tray capable of supporting a plurality of media transported by the transport unit, A crimping section that clamps and crimps a plurality of media supported on the tray with a pair of fastening teeth, The crimping section is slid in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction along the surface of the medium supported on the tray, and rotated around a pivot axis extending in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction and the main scanning direction, The system comprises the transport unit, the crimping unit, and a controller for controlling the drive mechanism. The controller is a media processing device characterized by repeatedly crimping and binding a plurality of media supported on the tray by changing the rotation angle of the crimping processing unit. <2> The controller is characterized in that it crimps and binds a plurality of binding positions of the medium supported on the tray, spaced apart in the main scanning direction, by changing the rotation angle of the crimping processing unit at least once. <1> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <3> The drive mechanism is configured to allow the crimping section to rotate so that the longitudinal direction of the stud teeth is at any angle with respect to the main scanning direction. <1> or the above <2> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <4> The controller is characterized in that it changes the rotation angle of the crimping section according to the length of the margin set in advance at the end of the medium in the transport direction. <3> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <5> The controller is characterized in that it changes at least one of the spacing between the multiple binding positions in the main scanning direction and the number of binding positions, depending on the thickness of the multiple media supported in the tray. <1> 1 to the above <4> The media processing device is one of the items described in any one of the paragraphs. <6> The controller is characterized in that it changes at least one of the spacing between the binding positions in the main scanning direction and the number of binding positions, according to the length of the main scanning direction of the plurality of media supported in the tray. <1> or the above <5> The media processing device is one of the items described in any one of the paragraphs. <7> The controller is characterized in that it causes the crimping unit, which has changed its rotation angle, to repeatedly crimp the same binding position of the multiple media supported by the tray, so that the crimping marks do not overlap. <1> or the above <6> The media processing device is one of the items described in any one of the paragraphs. <8> The crimping section is positioned relative to the binding position. A first stabilization process involves clamping the pair of stabilizing teeth over their entire longitudinal region, The device is characterized by being configured to perform a second stapling process in which the pair of stapling teeth are clamped only at both ends in the longitudinal direction. <7> This is the media processing apparatus described above. <9> An image forming apparatus for forming an image on the aforementioned medium, The image forming apparatus presses together a plurality of media on which images have been formed. <1> or the above <8> An image forming system characterized by comprising a media processing device as described in any one of the above. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0076] 1: Image forming system 2: Image forming apparatus 3: Post-processing equipment (media processing equipment) 10-19: Conveyor roller pair (conveyor section) 20: Switching claw 21, 30, 36: Output tray 22: Internal tray 23: Hit and kill 24: Return Roll 25,32: End fence 26L, 26R: Side fence 27,44: Crimping section 28: Staple Binding Processing Unit 29: Release claw 31: Filler 33: Binding Processing Unit 34: Paper folding blade 35: Perforation Processing Section 37: Guide rail 38: Slide motor 39: Rotary motor 40: Rotating shaft 41, 42, 45, 46: Closure teeth 43: Contact / Disconnection Motor 44: Crimping section 45C: Central part 45L, 45R: End section 100: Controller 101: CPU 102: RAM 103: ROM 104: HDD 105 :I / F 109: Common Bus 110: Control Panel [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0077] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2019-163123 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2013-170067

Claims

1. A conveying unit that conveys a sheet-like medium in the conveying direction, A tray capable of supporting a plurality of media transported by the transport unit, A crimping section that clamps and crimps a plurality of media supported on the tray with a pair of fastening teeth, The crimping section is slid along the surface of the medium supported on the tray in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and rotated about a pivot axis extending in a direction perpendicular to both the transport direction and the main scanning direction, The system comprises the transport unit, the crimping unit, and a controller for controlling the drive mechanism. The controller repeatedly crimps and fastens the multiple media supported on the tray by changing the rotation angle of the crimping section. The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the controller changes the rotation angle of the crimping unit so that the entire crimping mark made by the crimping unit fits within the margin, according to the length of the margin set in advance at the edge of the medium in the transport direction.

2. A conveying unit that conveys a sheet-like medium in the conveying direction, A tray capable of supporting a plurality of media transported by the transport unit, A crimping section that clamps and crimps a plurality of media supported on the tray with a pair of fastening teeth, The crimping section is slid along the surface of the medium supported on the tray in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and rotated about a pivot axis extending in a direction perpendicular to both the transport direction and the main scanning direction, The system comprises the transport unit, the crimping unit, and a controller for controlling the drive mechanism. The controller repeatedly crimps and fastens the multiple media supported on the tray by changing the rotation angle of the crimping section. The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the controller changes at least one of the spacing between a plurality of binding positions in the main scanning direction and the number of binding positions according to the thickness of a plurality of media supported in the tray.

3. A conveying unit that conveys a sheet-like medium in the conveying direction, A tray capable of supporting a plurality of media transported by the transport unit, A crimping section that clamps and crimps a plurality of media supported on the tray with a pair of fastening teeth, The crimping section is slid along the surface of the medium supported on the tray in a main scanning direction perpendicular to the transport direction, and rotated about a pivot axis extending in a direction perpendicular to both the transport direction and the main scanning direction, The system comprises the transport unit, the crimping unit, and a controller for controlling the drive mechanism. The controller repeatedly crimps and fastens the multiple media supported on the tray by changing the rotation angle of the crimping section. The media processing apparatus is characterized in that the controller causes the crimping processing unit, which has a changed rotation angle, to repeatedly crimp the same binding position of a plurality of media supported on the tray, so that the crimping marks do not overlap.

4. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the controller crimps and binds a plurality of binding positions of the medium supported on the tray, spaced apart in the main scanning direction, by changing the rotation angle of the crimping processing unit at least once.

5. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive mechanism is configured to rotate the crimping processing unit so that the longitudinal direction of the fastening teeth is at an arbitrary angle with respect to the main scanning direction.

6. The media processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the controller changes at least one of the spacing between a plurality of binding positions in the main scanning direction and the number of binding positions according to the length of the plurality of media supported in the tray in the main scanning direction.

7. The crimping section is positioned relative to the binding position. A first stabilization process involves clamping the pair of stabilizing teeth over their entire longitudinal region, The media processing apparatus according to claim 6, characterized in that it is configured to perform a second stapling process in which the pair of stapling teeth are clamped only at both ends in the longitudinal direction.

8. The media processing apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the controller changes the rotation angle of the crimping processing unit according to the length of the margin set in advance at the end of the medium in the transport direction.

9. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on the aforementioned medium, An image forming system comprising a media processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which compresses and binds a plurality of media on which images have been formed by the image forming apparatus.

Images