JP2011037598A - Post-processing device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To reduce failures in folding media. <P>SOLUTION: This post-processing device (U4) includes a bending member (44) for clamping and carrying the media (S) while bending them, the bending member (44) having a driving member (44a) for driving the rotation and a driven member (44b) supported on the driving member (44a) in a contacting/leaving manner and adapted to be drivenly rotated, a pushing-out member (46) opposed to the bending member (44) and movable between a set-back position set-back from a storage part (41) and a push-out position push-out of the media (S) stored in the storage part (41) to the side of the bending member (44), the pushing-out member (46) having a contact part (51) movable between the set-back position and the push-out position in the direction crossing the moving direction for contacting the media (S). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus.

  As a technique relating to a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing such as alignment, edge binding, and saddle stitching in an image forming apparatus, a technique described in Patent Document 1 below is known.

  In Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2003-89463 as Patent Document 1, in the post-processing apparatus, a central portion in the sheet conveyance direction is saddle-stitched with a needle for a plurality of sheets, and a knife edge is directed toward the folding roller (28). A configuration is described in which it is pressed in (29) and folded in half.

JP 2003-89463 A (“0035”, FIG. 2)

  An object of the present invention is to reduce the folding failure of a medium.

In order to solve the technical problem, the post-processing device according to the first aspect of the present invention provides:
A storage portion that has an aligning portion that contacts and aligns with the downstream end in the medium carrying-in direction;
A bending member that is disposed at a position shifted to the upstream side in the medium carry-in direction with respect to the aligning portion and that conveys the medium while being bent, and is in contact with the driving member that rotates and drives the driving member. A follower member that is supported in a separable manner and is driven to rotate.
An extruding member that is disposed opposite the bending member and is movable between a retracted position retracted from the accommodating portion and an extruding position that pushes the medium accommodated in the accommodating portion toward the bending member; The extruding member capable of moving a contact portion in contact with the medium in a direction intersecting a moving direction between the retracted position and the extruding position;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 2 is the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The extruding member comprising: an elastically deformable contact portion; and an extruding support that supports the contact portion and is movably supported between the retracted position and the extruding position;
It is provided with.

The invention according to claim 3 is the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
The extruding member supported rotatably about a rotation center;
An interlocking member connected to the driven member and connected to the pushing member, and moving the pushing member in the moving direction of the driven member in conjunction with the movement of the driven member;
It is provided with.

In order to solve the technical problem, an image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention provides:
An image forming apparatus main body for recording an image on a medium;
A post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus main body and loaded with a medium on which an image is recorded;
It is provided with.

According to the first and fourth aspects of the invention, the folding failure of the medium can be reduced as compared with the case where the contact portion is not movable.
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the contact portion is elastically deformed, and the position in contact with the medium can be automatically moved.
According to the third aspect of the present invention, the contact portion moves in conjunction with the driven member, and the position in contact with the medium can be automatically moved.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing the vertical movement of the opposing member. FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing the vertical movement of the retracting member. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a block diagram subsequent to FIG. 6A and 6B are explanatory views of tri-folding according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is an explanatory view of folding in the first middle folding tray when C-folding is performed. FIG. 6B is a second folding center in the case of C-folding. 6C is an explanatory diagram of the state of the C-folded sheet, FIG. 6D is an explanatory diagram of folding in the first middle folding tray when performing Z-folding, and FIG. 6E is a second diagram when performing Z-folding. FIG. 6F is an explanatory view of a state of a Z-folded sheet. FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the control process of the middle folding device of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart of sheet discharge control processing in the binding device according to the first exemplary embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the control process of the saddle stitching apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when a plurality of sheets are folded in the middle folding apparatus of the first embodiment, FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the first sheet is accommodated, and FIG. 10B is a second sheet FIG. 10C is an explanatory view of a state in which the two sheets are overlapped, and FIG. 10D is conveyed while being bent while being sandwiched between folding rollers. It is explanatory drawing of the state which exists. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional window frame paper, FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which sheets are stacked after the window frame paper, and FIG. 11B is a conventional window frame member provided on the edge binding compiler. It is explanatory drawing of a structure. FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram when the window frame paper according to the first embodiment is conveyed to the edge binding device, FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a state where the window frame paper is conveyed along the edge binding path, and FIG. 12B is a window frame. FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which paper switchback is started, FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the window frame paper is retracted in the buffer path and the subsequent sheet starts to be carried in, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the state. 13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which a bundle of sheets is pressed by the folding knife unit of the first embodiment, FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram when the number of sheets is small, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram when the number of sheets is large. It is. FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a folding knife unit according to the second embodiment.

Next, specific examples of embodiments of the present invention (hereinafter referred to as examples) will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following examples.
In order to facilitate understanding of the following description, in the drawings, the front-rear direction is the X-axis direction, the left-right direction is the Y-axis direction, the up-down direction is the Z-axis direction, and arrows X, -X, Y, -Y, The directions indicated by Z and -Z or the indicated side are defined as front, rear, right, left, upper, lower, or front, rear, right, left, upper, and lower, respectively.
In the figure, “•” in “○” means an arrow pointing from the back of the page to the front, and “×” in “○” is the front of the page. It means an arrow pointing from the back to the back.
In the following description using the drawings, illustrations other than members necessary for the description are omitted as appropriate for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 is an overall explanatory view of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
In FIG. 1, a copier U as an image forming apparatus according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a user interface UI as an example of an operation unit, an image input device U1 as an example of an image reading unit, a paper feeding device U2, and an image forming unit. It has an apparatus main body U3 and a post-processing apparatus U4.

(User interface UI)
The user interface UI includes a display unit UI1, a copy start key UI2 as an example of an operation start button, a copy number input key UI3 as an example of a number input button, a numeric keypad UI4, and a post-processing setting key UI5 as an example of a post-processing setting button. , And input keys.
(Image input device U1)
The image input device U1 includes an automatic document feeder and an image scanner as an example of a reading unit main body.
In FIG. 1, in the image input apparatus U1, information of the read original is input to the image forming apparatus body U3.

(Paper Feeder U2)
The sheet feeding device U2 includes a plurality of sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR3 that store recording sheets S as an example of a medium as an example of a medium storage container. The recording sheet S taken out from each of the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 is conveyed to the image forming apparatus main body U3 through a paper supply path SH1 as an example of a conveyance path.

(Image forming apparatus body U3)
In FIG. 1, an image forming apparatus main body U3 includes an image recording unit that records an image on the recording sheet S conveyed from the sheet feeding device U2, a toner dispenser device U3a as an example of a developer supply device, and a medium conveyance path. As an example, a sheet conveying path SH2, a sheet discharging path SH3, a sheet reversing path SH4, a sheet circulation path SH5, and the like are provided.
The image forming apparatus main body U3 includes a controller C as an example of a control unit, laser drive circuits DLy to DLk as examples of a writing circuit controlled by the controller C, a power supply circuit E, and the like. The laser drive circuits DLy to DLk whose operations are controlled by the controller C preliminarily receive drive signals corresponding to image information of Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, and K: black input from the image input device U1. At the set time, the images are output to the latent image forming apparatuses ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, and ROSk of the respective colors.

In FIG. 1, in a K (black) toner image forming apparatus UK as an example of a visible image forming apparatus, a charging device CCk, a developing device Gk, and a cleaning device are disposed around a photosensitive drum Pk as an example of an image holding member. A cleaner CLk or the like as an example of the vessel is arranged.
Further, around the photosensitive drums Py, Pm, and Pc of other toner image forming apparatuses UY, UM, and UC, chargers CCy, CCm, CCc, and developing units Gy, similar to those around the photosensitive drum Pk, respectively. Gm, Gc, cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, etc. are arranged.

  In FIG. 1, photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, Pk are uniformly charged by chargers CCy, CCm, CCc, CCk, respectively, and then output from the latent image forming devices ROSy, ROSm, ROSc, ROSk. An electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface by laser beams Ly, Lm, Lc, and Lk as an example of writing light. The electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are converted into toner images of Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, and K: black by developing units Gy, Gm, Gc, and Gk. Developed.

The toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk are transferred onto an intermediate transfer belt B as an example of an intermediate transfer member by primary transfer rollers T1y, T1m, T1c, and T1k as an example of a primary transfer unit. And a multicolor image, that is, a color toner image is formed on the intermediate transfer belt B. The color toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt B is conveyed to the secondary transfer area Q4.
If the input image information is only black image information, only K: black photosensitive drum Pk and developing unit Gk are used, and only a black toner image is formed.
After the primary transfer, residual toner on the surface of the photosensitive drums Py, Pm, Pc, and Pk is cleaned by the photosensitive drum cleaners CLy, CLm, CLc, and CLk.

The intermediate transfer belt B includes a belt driving roller Rd as an example of a driving member, a tension roller Rt as an example of a stretching member, a walking roller Rw as an example of a meandering correction member, and a plurality of idler rollers as an example of a driven member. Rf and a belt support roller Rd + Rt + Rw + Rf + T2a as an example of an intermediate transfer support system including a backup roller T2a as an example of a secondary opposing member. The intermediate transfer belt B is supported by a belt support roller Rd + Rt + Rw + Rf + T2a so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow Ya.
The intermediate transfer belt B, belt support rollers Rd + Rt + Rw + Rf + T2a, and primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k constitute a belt module BM as an example of an intermediate transfer unit.

A secondary transfer unit Ut is disposed below the backup roller T2a. The secondary transfer unit Ut includes a secondary transfer roller T2b as an example of a secondary transfer member. The secondary transfer roller T2b is disposed so as to be separated from and accessible to the backup roller T2a with the intermediate transfer belt B interposed therebetween, and the secondary transfer region Q4 depends on the region where the secondary transfer roller T2b contacts the intermediate transfer belt B. Is formed. The backup roller T2a is in contact with a contact roller T2c as an example of a contact power supply member. The contact roller T2c receives developer toner at a preset time from a power supply circuit controlled by the controller C. A secondary transfer voltage having the same polarity as the charging polarity is applied.
A secondary transfer device T2 is constituted by the rollers T2a to T2c. The primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k, the intermediate transfer belt B, and the secondary transfer unit T2 constitute transfer devices T1y to T1k + B + T2 that transfer the toner images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py to Pk to the recording sheet S. . The toner image forming devices UY to UK and the transfer devices T1y to T1k + B + T2 constitute the image recording unit of the first embodiment.

Below the belt module BM, a sheet conveyance path SH2 in which a conveyance roll Ra as an example of a medium conveyance member, a registration roll Rr as an example of a timing adjustment member, and the like are arranged. The recording sheet S fed from the sheet feeding path SH1 of the sheet feeding device U2 is conveyed to the registration roller Rr of the sheet conveying path SH2, and the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B moves to the secondary transfer area Q4. In accordance with the timing, the sheet is conveyed to the secondary transfer region Q4 through the registration-side sheet guide SGr as an example of the guide member and the pre-transfer sheet guide SG1.
The registration-side sheet guide SGr is supported by the image forming apparatus main body U3 together with the registration roller Rr.

The toner image on the intermediate transfer belt B is transferred to the recording sheet S by the secondary transfer unit T2 when passing through the secondary transfer region Q4. Note that in the case of a full-color image, the toner images primarily transferred onto the surface of the intermediate transfer belt B are secondarily transferred onto the recording sheet S at once.
The intermediate transfer belt B after the secondary transfer is cleaned by a belt cleaner CLB as an example of a cleaner for the intermediate transfer member.

  The recording sheet S on which the toner image is secondarily transferred is conveyed to the fixing device F through the post-transfer sheet guide SG2 as an example of a guide member and the sheet conveying belt BH. The fixing device F includes a heating roller Fh as an example of a heat fixing member and a pressure roller Fp as an example of a pressure fixing member, and a fixing region Q5 that is a region where the pair of fixing rollers Fh and Fp are in contact with each other. It is conveyed to. The toner image on the recording sheet S is heated and fixed by the fixing device F when passing through the fixing region Q5. On the downstream side of the fixing device F, a switching gate G1 as an example of a switching member is provided. The switching gate G1 selectively switches the recording sheet S, which has been conveyed through the sheet conveyance path SH2 and heated and fixed in the fixing region Q5, to either the sheet discharge path SH3 or the sheet reversal path SH4.

A cooling fan F1 as an example of a cooling device is disposed in the sheet discharge path SH3, and the sheet S heated by the fixing device F and passing through the sheet discharge path SH3 can be cooled.
The sheet S conveyed to the sheet discharge path SH3 is discharged to the post-processing device U4 by a conveyance roll Ra, a discharge roller Rh as an example of a main body discharge member, and the like.

A sheet circulation path SH5 is connected to the sheet reversing path SH4, and a Mylar gate G2 as an example of a switching member is provided at the connecting portion. The Mylar gate G2 passes the recording sheet S conveyed to the sheet reversing path SH4 once as it is, and guides the recording sheet S switched back after passing to the sheet circulation path SH5. The recording sheet S conveyed to the sheet circulation path SH5 is retransmitted to the secondary transfer area Q4 through the sheet feeding path SH1.
A sheet conveying path SH is constituted by the elements indicated by the symbols SH1 to SH5. Further, a sheet conveying device SU is constituted by the elements indicated by the symbols SH, Ra, Rr, Rh, SG1, SG2, SGr, BH, G1, and G2.

(Post-processing device U4)
FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing the vertical movement of the opposing member.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is an explanatory view showing the vertical movement of the retracting member.
1, 2, and 3, the post-processing device U <b> 4 according to the first embodiment includes a center folding device U <b> 4 a disposed adjacent to the image forming apparatus main body U <b> 3 and a binding disposed adjacent to the center folding device U <b> 4 a. Device U4b.

(Explanation of the center folding device)
2 and 3, the half-folding device U4a is provided with a carry-in port 1 for carrying in the recording sheet S copied by the image forming apparatus main body U3 on a surface connected to the image forming apparatus main body U3. The recording sheet S carried in from the carry-in entrance 1 is switched to the binding device U4b by switching the center folding gate 2 as an example of a conveyance switching member between a passing position shown in FIG. 3 and a carrying-in position shown in FIG. It is conveyed to either the passage path SH6 extending toward the center or the middle folding path SH7 extending downward.
The sheet S carried into the passage path SH6 is conveyed by a half-fold conveyance roller 3 as an example of a half-fold conveyance member on the passage path SH6, and is conveyed from the middle folding conveyance outlet 4 to the binding device U4b.

The middle folding path SH7 includes a first middle folding tray 6 extending in the vertical direction in which the sheet S that has passed through the middle folding gate 2 is accommodated as an example of a first accommodation portion. The first folding tray 6 of the first embodiment is formed in a shape in which the left side wall swells to the left at the center in the vertical direction. A first center folding end guide 7 as an example of an aligning section in which the downstream end of the sheet S contacts and is aligned at the lower end of the first center folding tray 6, that is, the downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet S, is 1 It is supported so as to be movable in the vertical direction along the half-fold tray 6.
Above the first half-folding tray 6, a half-folded sheet sensor SN1 that detects the sheet S stored in the first half-folding tray 6 is disposed.

  An auxiliary paddle 8 is disposed as an example of an auxiliary conveying member at the upstream end of the first middle folding tray 6 on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the sheet S of the middle folded sheet sensor SN1. The auxiliary paddle 8 includes a rotating cylindrical cylindrical portion 8a, and four paddle main bodies 8b extending in a tangential direction from the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical portion 8a and capable of entering the middle folding path SH7. The four paddle main bodies 8b are configured to be elastically deformable, and are provided with a phase difference of 90 ° with respect to the rotation direction of the cylindrical portion 8b. Accordingly, with the rotation of the cylindrical portion 8a, the four paddles 8b sequentially enter the middle folding path SH7, intermittently contact the sheet in the middle folding path SH7, and toward the first middle folding tray 6. Send S. At this time, since the paddle main body 8b can be elastic, the conveyance force is weaker than that of a roller that sandwiches and conveys the sheet S, such as the half-fold conveyance roller 3, and the first conveyance force is such that the sheet S is not curved. 1 The sheet S is abutted against the half-fold end guide 7.

  A bending roller 9 as an example of a medium bending member is disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the auxiliary paddle 8. The curved roller 9 is a curved drive roller 9a as an example of a curved drive member to which driving is transmitted from a drive source (not shown), and a curved driven member as an example of a curved driven member that can contact and separate from the curved drive roller 9a. And a roller 9b. The curved driven roller 9b is separated from the curved driving roller 9a by a solenoid and a spring (not shown) so as to retract from the middle folding path SH7 and away from the sheet S conveyed through the middle folding path SH7. It is supported so as to be movable between the separation position and a nipping position that approaches the bending drive roller 9a and sandwiches the sheet S between the bending drive roller 9a. Accordingly, when the curved drive roller 9a rotates in the direction in which the sheet S is sent to the downstream side in a state where the curved driven roller 9b is moved to the nipping position, the sheet S accommodated in the first half-fold tray 6 is bent and the first A curved so-called loop is formed on the left side of the middle folding tray 6 which is swollen.

A first folding roller 11 as an example of a folding member is disposed on the left side of the central portion in the vertical direction of the first middle folding tray 6. The first folding roller 11 is configured to be able to convey the sheet S in a direction intersecting with the conveyance direction of the middle folding path SH7. Therefore, when the sheet S accommodated in the first folding tray 6 is bent by the bending roller 9 and the surface of the sheet S enters between the rollers of the first folding roller 11, the sheet S is sandwiched and bent while being downstream. Conveyed to the side.
The first folding roller 11 is connected to a second folding path 12 extending toward the lower left, and the second folding path 12 includes a plurality of conveying rollers 13 that convey the sheet S as an example of a conveying member. Has been placed.
A second middle folding tray 14 as an example of a second storage portion is supported at the lower end of the second folding path 12. Similar to the first center folding end guide 7, the second center folding end guide 14 can move in the vertical direction along the second center folding tray 14 and the downstream end of the sheet S is abutted against the second center folding end guide 7. 16 is supported.

As an example of the second folding member, on the right side of the central portion in the up-down direction of the second middle folding tray 13, the sheet S of the second middle folding tray 13 intersects with the conveyance direction of the second folding path 12. A second bending roller 17 to be conveyed is disposed. The second folding roller 17 is curved when the conveyance direction rear end of the sheet carried into the second middle folding tray 14 is pressed by the conveyance roller 13 and the surface of the sheet enters between the rollers of the second folding roller 17. The sheet S is conveyed downstream while being sandwiched and bent.
Connected to the right side of the second bending roller 17 is a joining passage 18 that extends upward and joins the passage SH6. Further, an oblique stacker 19 capable of discharging the three-folded sheet S is provided as an example of a discharge unit on the lower right side of the second bending roller 17.

(Description of binding device)
2 and 3, the binding device U <b> 4 b has a binding carry-in port 21 connected to the middle folding carry-out port 4, and a binding path 22 is connected to the binding carry-in port 21. The binding path 22 includes a binding carry-in path 23 that extends rightward from the binding carry-in entrance 21, and the binding carry-in path 23 detects the sheet S downstream of the binding carry-in entrance 21 in the transport direction of the sheet S. A binding sheet sensor SN2 as an example of a member is disposed. A saddle stitch path 24 is formed on the downstream side of the binding sheet sensor SN2 and extends downwardly from the binding carry-in path 23, and an example of a first binding switching member is formed at a branch portion with the saddle stitch path 24. As shown, a saddle stitching gate 26 for switching the conveyance direction of the sheet S is arranged. The saddle stitching gate 26 is supported so as to be movable between a passing position where the saddle stitching path 23 shown in FIG. 2 continues to be conveyed and a saddle stitch guidance position where the saddle stitching guide 24 guides the saddle stitching path 24 shown in FIG.

Further, the binding carry-in path 23 is branched into a binding-free path 27 extending upward and an end binding path 28 extending rightward on the downstream side in the sheet S conveyance direction of the saddle stitching gate 26. An end binding gate 29 that switches the conveyance direction of the sheet S is disposed as an example of a second binding switching member and an example of a evacuation switching member. The end binding gate 29 according to the first exemplary embodiment includes a retracting guide position that also serves as a no-binding position that guides the sheet S to the non-binding path 27 illustrated in FIG. 2 and guides the sheet S to a buffer path described below, and the end illustrated in FIG. The binding path 28 is supported so as to be movable between an end binding guide position for guiding the sheet S.
The non-binding path 27 is connected to a top tray TH0 as an example of a non-binding discharge section disposed at the upper end of the binding device U4b. Therefore, the sheet S on which no post-processing such as stapling processing is performed on the sheet S or the sheet S folded in three by the center folding device U4a is conveyed to the non-binding path 27 by switching the gates 26 and 29, and is conveyed to the medium. A plurality of post-processing conveyance rollers 30 as an example of members are discharged to the top tray TH0.

In the end binding path 28, a buffer path 31 is formed as an example of a shunt path that branches and extends downward from a branch portion where the end binding gate 29 is disposed.
In the end binding path 28 and the buffer path 31, as an example of a medium transport member, an end binding transport roller 33 and a buffer transport roller 34 that can rotate forward and backward are disposed. Further, on the downstream side of the end binding path 28 and the lower end portion of the buffer path 31, an end binding discharge sensor SN3 and a buffer sensor SN4 as examples of a medium detection member that detects the sheet S are arranged.

  Therefore, when the end binding is performed on the sheet S, the sheet S is discharged to the end binding device HTS disposed at the right end of the end binding path 28 by the normal rotation of the end binding conveying roller 33. When the buffer path 31 is used, if the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the edge binding gate 29 and is detected by the edge binding discharge sensor SN3, the reverse of the edge binding conveyance roller 33 and the buffer conveyance roller 34 is obtained. It rotates and is carried into the buffer path 31. Then, when overlapped with the succeeding sheet S, the end binding conveying roller 33 and the buffer conveying roller 34 rotate forward and are carried out from the buffer path 31 toward the end binding device HTS.

  The end binding device HTS includes an end binding compiler 35 as an example of an end binding storage unit in which sheets S are temporarily stored, and a tamper as an example of an alignment member that aligns sheets S stored in the end binding compiler 35. 36, a stapler 37 as an example of an end binding member that performs a binding process on the sheet S accommodated in the end binding compiler 35, a bundle of end bound sheets S, or a sheet that is just aligned without being bound. A stack of S is discharged, and an end binding stacker 38 as an example of an end binding stacking unit that moves up and down according to the stacking amount of sheets S is provided. The edge binding device HTS is conventionally known, and is described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open Nos. 2003-089462, 2003-089463, 2006-69746, and 2006-69749. Therefore, detailed description is omitted.

A saddle stitching device 40 is disposed at the downstream end of the saddle stitching path 24. The saddle stitching device 40 includes a saddle stitching compiler 41 as an example of a saddle stitching storage unit that is disposed downstream of the saddle stitching path 24 and accommodates a sheet S that is conveyed along the saddle stitching path 24. A saddle stitching end guide 42 is disposed at the lower end of the saddle stitching compiler 41 as an example of an aligning portion that is supported so as to be movable along the saddle stitching compiler 41 and aligns the downstream end of the sheet S in the saddle stitching compiler 41. ing.
A tamper TP, which is an example of an alignment member that aligns the sheet S, is supported on the upper portion of the saddle stitching compiler 41 so as to be in contact with the end portion of the accommodated sheet S in the width direction.

Above the saddle stitching end guide 42, a saddle stitching stapler 43 is disposed as an example of a saddle stitching member that strikes and stitches a binding needle against the sheet S accommodated in the saddle stitching compiler 41.
Therefore, when saddle stitching is set, the saddle stitching gate 26 moves to the saddle stitching guide position, the sheet S is conveyed to the saddle stitching compiler 41 by the post-processing conveyance roller 30, and the sheet S that has been carried in is conveyed. Thus, matching is performed by tamper TP. Then, the saddle stitching stapler 43 is actuated in a state where a preset number of sheets S are stored in the saddle stitching compiler 41, and the staples are ejected and stapled.

  Above the saddle stitching stapler 43, a saddle stitch folding roller 44 as an example of a folding member is disposed on the right side of the saddle stitching compiler 41. The saddle stitch folding roller 44 is disposed on the lower side, and is supported as a drive member 44a as an example of a drive member to which drive from a drive source (not shown) is transmitted, and is supported so as to be in contact with and away from the drive roller 44a and driven. And a driven roller 44b as an example of a driven member that rotates.

  On the left side of the saddle stitching compiler 41, a folding knife unit 46 as an example of an extrusion member is disposed at a position corresponding to the left side of the saddle stitching folding roller 44. The folding knife unit 46 has a folding case 47 as an example of a frame. The folding case 47 supports a knife support slider 48 as an example of a folding moving body supported so as to be able to appear and retract with respect to the saddle stitching compiler 41. A knife holder 49 as an example of a plate-like extrusion support extending in the front-rear direction is supported on the knife support slider 48, and a knife body 51 as an example of a contact portion is provided at the tip of the knife holder 49. It is supported. The knife body 51 of the first embodiment is configured by a leaf spring as an example of an elastic member that can be elastically deformed.

On the left side of the folding case 47, an eccentric cam 52 as an example of a push-out operating member that moves the knife support slider 48 in contact with the left side surface of the knife support slider 48 is disposed. In the folding case 47, a return spring 53 as an example of a biasing member that biases the knife holder 49 to the left is disposed.
Accordingly, the rotation of the eccentric cam 52 causes the knife support slider 48, the knife holder 49, and the knife body 51 to move to the retracted positions indicated by the solid lines in FIGS. 2 and 3 in which the knife body 51 is retracted to the left of the saddle stitching compiler 41. Then, the knife body 51 enters the saddle stitching compiler 41 and moves to an extrusion position indicated by a broken line that pushes the sheet S toward the saddle stitching folding roller 44 side. Then, when the eccentric cam 52 returns, the biasing force of the return spring 53 returns to the retracted position from the pushing position.

  In the first embodiment, the saddle stitching compiler 41 raises the saddle stitching end guide 42 with respect to a bundle of sheets S that have been stapled or a bundle of sheets S that have been aligned without being stapled, and the sheet S When the central portion of the bundle in the conveying direction rises to a position facing the saddle stitch folding roller 44, the eccentric cam 52 of the folding knife unit 46 is actuated to move the knife body 51 to the pushing position. Therefore, the central portion in the conveyance direction of the bundle of sheets S is sandwiched between the saddle stitch folding rollers 44, folded in half, and conveyed rightward.

  A saddle stitch discharge roller 54 that discharges a bundle of sheets S folded in two by the saddle stitch folding roller 44 is disposed on the right side of the saddle stitch folding roller 44 as an example of a medium conveying member. A damper 56 made of an elastic material is arranged on the right side of the saddle stitch discharge roller 54 as an example of a guide member for guiding the discharged sheet S downward. Below the damper 56, a saddle stitch stacker 57 that extends to the right is supported as an example of a saddle stitch stacking portion. A belt conveyor 57a as an example of a medium transport member is provided on the upper surface of the saddle stitching stacker 57, and a stopper 57b as an example of a medium stop member is supported at the right end. Therefore, the bundle of folded sheets S discharged from the saddle stitch discharge roller 54 is guided downward by the damper 56 and falls onto the belt conveyor 57a. Then, it is conveyed rightward by the belt conveyor 57a and stacked on the stopper 57b.

(Description of the control part of Example 1)
FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the functions of the control unit of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram subsequent to FIG.
4 and 5, the controller C stores an I / O: input / output interface for performing input / output of signals to / from the outside and adjustment of input / output signal levels, a program and data for performing necessary processing, and the like. ROM: Read-only memory, RAM for temporarily storing necessary data: Random access memory, CPU that performs processing according to the program stored in the ROM: Central processing unit, clock oscillator, etc. It is constituted by a microcomputer, and various functions can be realized by executing a program stored in the ROM.

(Signal input element connected to controller C)
The controller C is supplied with an output signal such as the next signal output element UI.
UI: User interface The user interface UI performs settings such as a display unit UI1, a copy start key UI2, a copy number input key UI3, a numeric keypad UI4, post-processing to be executed, that is, tri-fold, saddle stitching, end binding, no binding, etc. A post-processing setting key UI5 is provided.

SN1: Center-fold sheet sensor The center-fold sheet sensor SN1 detects the sheet S conveyed to the first center-fold tray 6.
SN2: Binding sheet sensor The binding sheet sensor SN2 detects the sheet S carried into the binding device U4b.
SN3: End binding discharge sensor The end binding discharge sensor SN3 detects the sheet S conveyed through the end binding path 28.
SN4: Buffer sensor The buffer sensor SN4 detects the sheet S conveyed in the buffer path 31.

(Controlled element connected to controller C)
The controller C outputs a control signal for the next controlled element.
DLy to DLk: Laser Drive Circuit The laser drive circuits DLy to DLk drive the latent image forming devices ROSy to ROSk to form electrostatic latent images on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums Py to Pk.
D0: Main motor drive circuit The main motor drive circuit D0 drives the main motor M0 to drive the photoconductive drums Py to Pk and the developing rollers Gy to Gk (not shown), the heating roller Fh, and the conveyance through a gear (not shown). The roller Ra, the registration roll Rr and the like are driven to rotate.

E: Power supply circuit The power supply circuit E has the following power supply circuit.
E1y to E1k: Developing power supply circuit The developing power supply circuits E1y to E1k apply a developing voltage to the developing rollers of the developing devices Gy to Gk.
E2y to E2k: Charging power supply circuit The charging power supply circuits E2y to E2k apply a charging voltage to the chargers CCy to CCk.
E3y to E3k: primary transfer power supply circuit The primary transfer power supply circuits E3y to E3k apply a primary transfer voltage to the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k.
E4: Secondary transfer power supply circuit The secondary transfer power supply circuit E4 applies a secondary transfer voltage to the contact roller T2c for secondary transfer.
E5: Fixing Power Supply Circuit The fixing power supply circuit E5 supplies heating power to the heating roller Fh.

D1: Cooling control circuit The cooling control circuit D1 drives a cooling fan F1 as an example of a cooling device, and cools the sheet S passing through the sheet discharge path SH3.
D2: Folding Conveyance Control Circuit The middle folding conveyance control circuit D2 is a paddle driving motor as an example of an auxiliary driving source for driving the auxiliary folding paddle 8 and a middle folding driving motor M2a that drives the middle folding conveying roller 3 and the conveying roller 13. M2b, the bending roller 9, and the bending driving motor M2c as an example of a bending driving source for driving the bending rollers 11 and 17 are controlled.
D3: Curve Contact / Separation Control Circuit The curve contact / separation control circuit D3 operates the curve contact / separation solenoid SL1 to move the curve driven roller 9b closer to and away from the curve drive roller 9a.

D4: Middle folding switching circuit The middle folding switching circuit D4 operates the middle folding gate 2 to switch the conveyance direction of the sheet S.
D5: Folding end moving circuit The middle folding end moving circuit D5 operates the middle folding end moving motor M5 to move the middle folding end guides 7 and 16.
D6: Post-processing Transport Control Circuit The post-processing transport control circuit D6 includes a post-processing drive motor M6a that drives the post-processing transport roller 30, and an end binding transport motor M6b that drives the end binding transport roller 33 and the buffer transport roller 34. The sheet S is transported by the binding device U4b under the control.

D7: Post-Processing Switching Circuit The post-processing switching circuit D7 controls the saddle stitching gate 26 and the end binding gate 29 to switch the transport paths 24, 27, and 28.
D8: Edge-binding device control circuit The edge-binding device control circuit D8 controls the edge-binding device HTS to perform alignment of bundles of sheets S and edge-binding such as stapling.
D9: Saddle Stitch End Moving Circuit The saddle stitching end moving circuit D9 drives the saddle stitching end moving motor M9 to move the saddle stitching end guide 42 along the saddle stitching compiler 41.

D10: Saddle Stitch Control Circuit The saddle stitch control circuit D10 drives the saddle stitching stapler operating motor M10 to operate the saddle stitching stapler 43 to perform saddle stitching.
D11: Saddle Stitch Extrusion Circuit The saddle stitch extruding circuit D11 drives the push motor M11 to operate the folding knife unit 46 to push out the bundle of sheets S.
D12: Saddle Stitch Transport Control Circuit The saddle stitch transport control circuit D12 drives the saddle stitch transport motor M12 to drive the saddle stitch folding roller 44, the discharge roller 54, the belt conveyor 57a, and the like.

(Function of the controller C)
The controller C has function realization means that is a program that realizes a function of executing a process according to an output signal from each signal output element and outputting a control signal to each control element. Next, function realizing means for realizing various functions of the controller C will be described.
C1: Main motor rotation control means The main motor rotation control means C1 as an example of the main drive source control means controls the main motor drive circuit D1, and develops the photosensitive drums Py to Pk and the developing rollers of the developing devices Gy to Gk. The rotation of the fixing device F or the like is controlled.
C2: Power supply circuit control means The power supply circuit control means C2 includes the following means C2a to C2e, and controls the power supply circuit E to control the developing voltage, charging voltage, transfer voltage, and heater of the heating roller Fh. Control on / off, etc.
C2ay to C2ak: Development voltage control means The development voltage control means C2ak to C2ak control operations of the development power supply circuits E1y to E1k to control the development voltage applied to the development rollers of the developing devices Gy to Gk.
C2by to C2bk: Charging voltage control means The charging voltage control means C2by to C2bk controls the operation of the charging power supply circuits E2y to E2k to control the charging voltage applied to the chargers CCy to CCk.

C2cy to C2ck: primary transfer voltage control means The primary transfer voltage control means C2cy to C2ck control the transfer voltage applied to the primary transfer rollers T1y to T1k by controlling the operation of the transfer power supply circuits E3y to E3k. .
C2d: Secondary transfer voltage control means The secondary transfer voltage control means C2d controls the operation of the transfer power supply circuit E4 to control the secondary transfer voltage applied to the contact roller T2c for secondary transfer.
C2e: Fixing power supply control means The fixing power supply control means C2e controls the operation of the fixing power supply circuit E5, controls the heater of the heating roller Fh on / off, and controls the fixing temperature.
C3: Job Control Unit The job control unit C3 as an example of the operation control unit includes the ROSy to ROSk, the photosensitive drums Py to Pk, the transfer rollers T1y to T1k, T2c, and the fixing device according to the input of the copy start key UI2. By controlling operations such as F, a job which is an image recording operation is executed.

C4: Center Fold Control Unit The center fold control unit C4 includes a center fold determination unit C4A, a center fold gate control unit C4B, a center fold conveyance control unit C4C, a center fold type determination unit C4D, and a center fold end moving unit C4E. And a sheet number discriminating means C4F, a bending member control means C4G, and an auxiliary paddle control means C4H, and controls the operation of the folding device U4a.
C4A: Middle Fold Determination Unit The middle fold determination unit C4A determines whether or not the three folding as an example of the middle folding using the middle folding device U4a is performed based on the input from the post-processing setting key UI5 of the user interface UI. Is determined.

C4B: Center Folding Gate Control Unit The center folding gate control unit C4B controls the center folding gate 2 based on the determination result in the center folding determination unit C4A. In the first embodiment, the middle folding gate control unit C4B controls the middle folding gate 2 when the middle folding determination unit C4A determines that the sheet passes through the middle folding device U4a and is conveyed to the binding device U4b. S is conveyed to the passage path SH6, and when it is determined that the sheet is folded in three, the middle folding gate 2 is controlled to convey the sheet S to the middle folding path SH7.
C4C: Middle folding conveyance control means The middle folding conveyance control means C4C controls the middle folding conveyance roller 3 and the conveyance roller 13 by controlling the driving of the middle folding drive motor M2a via the middle folding conveyance control circuit D2. The conveyance of the sheet S is controlled. When the image forming operation is started, the half-fold conveyance control unit C4C according to the first exemplary embodiment drives the rollers 3 and 13.

6A and 6B are explanatory views of tri-folding according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is an explanatory view of folding in the first middle folding tray when C-folding is performed. FIG. 6B is a second folding center in the case of C-folding. 6C is an explanatory diagram of the state of the C-folded sheet, FIG. 6D is an explanatory diagram of folding in the first middle folding tray when performing Z-folding, and FIG. 6E is a second diagram when performing Z-folding. FIG. 6F is an explanatory view of a state of a Z-folded sheet.
C4D: Middle fold type discriminating means The middle fold type discriminating means C4D discriminates the type of the middle fold performed by the middle folding device U4a based on the input from the post-processing setting key UI5. In the first embodiment, as the types of trifold that can be set, as shown in FIG. 6C, three folds are formed by overlapping both sides of the same fold on the same surface side, so-called “C fold”, and as shown in FIG. Three folds in which both sides of the fold are folded on opposite surfaces, so-called “Z fold”, can be set, and the middle fold type discriminating means C4D can set the set type as “C fold” or “Z fold”. Is determined.

C4E: Middle folding end moving means The middle folding end moving means C4E controls the driving of the middle folding end moving motor M5 via the middle folding end moving circuit D5 and controls the positions of the middle folding end guides 7 and 16. When the “C-folding” is performed, the middle folding end moving unit C4E of Embodiment 1 determines that the distance between the first folding roller 11 and the first middle folding end guide 7 is the sheet as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B. The first center folding end guide 7 is moved to a preset position that is approximately 2/3 of the length of S, and the distance between the second folding roller 17 and the second center folding end guide 16 is the length of the sheet S. The second half-fold end guide 16 is moved to a preset position that is approximately 1/3 of the height. When performing “Z-folding”, the distance between the first folding roller 11 and the first middle folding end guide 7 is approximately 1/3 of the length of the sheet S, as shown in FIGS. 6D and 6E. The first half-fold end guide 7 is moved to a preset position, and the distance between the second folding roller 17 and the second half-fold end guide 16 is set to be about 1/3 of the length of the sheet S. The second half-fold end guide 16 is moved to the set position. In the first embodiment, the position of the second half-fold end guide 16 is set to the same position for both the C-fold and the Z-fold, but damage to the end of the portion folded inward by the C-fold is prevented. Therefore, it is possible to shift a little.

C4F: Number-of-sheets discriminating means The number-of-sheets discriminating means C4F discriminates whether or not a predetermined number of sheets S are stored in the first folding tray 6. The sheet number discriminating means C4F of Embodiment 1 counts the number of sheets S carried into the first center folding tray 6 based on the output signal of the center folded sheet sensor SN1, and the number of sheets S accommodated is It is determined whether or not the number of sheets preset by the post-processing setting key UI5 has been reached.

C4G: Bending member control means The bending member control means C4G moves the bending driven roller 9b of the bending roller 9 to the separated position when the preset number of sheets S is not stored in the first folding tray 6. At the same time, when a preset number of sheets S are stored in the first folding tray 6, the curved driven roller 9b is moved to the curved position. The bending member control means C4G according to the first embodiment controls the bending contact / separation solenoid SL1 to be activated / deactivated, that is, turned on / off, via the bending contact / separation control circuit D3, so that the bending driven roller 9b is bent to the separated position. Move between positions. Further, the bending member control means C4G according to the first embodiment controls the bending roller 9 and the bending rollers 11 and 17 by controlling the driving of the bending driving motor M2c via the half-fold conveyance control circuit D2. The bending member control unit C4G according to the first exemplary embodiment stops the driving of the bending roller 9 and the bending rollers 11 and 17 until the number determination unit C4F determines that a preset number of sheets S have been received. When it is determined that the set number of sheets S has been accommodated, the bending roller 9 and the bending rollers 11 and 17 are started to be folded in three.

C4H: Auxiliary Paddle Control Unit The auxiliary paddle control unit C4H controls the paddle drive motor M2b via the half-fold conveyance control circuit D2 to rotate the auxiliary paddle 8. The auxiliary paddle control unit C4H according to the first exemplary embodiment drives the auxiliary paddle 8 until the predetermined number of sheets S are received by the sheet number determination unit C4F. If it is determined that it is contained, the drive is stopped.
C5: Post-processing conveyance control means The post-processing conveyance control means C5, which is a conveyance control means for the binding device U4b, includes a conveyance destination determination means C5A, a post-processing gate control means C5B as an example of a switching control means, and a special medium determination. Means C5C, retraction determination means C5D, overlay determination means C5E, and retraction conveyance control means C5F are provided to control the conveyance of the sheet S in the binding device U4b.

C5A: Transport destination determining means The transport destination determining means C5A determines whether the transport destination in the binding device U4b is the top tray TH0, the end binding stacker 38, or the saddle stitching based on the input to the post-processing setting key UI5. It is determined whether the stacker 57 is used.
C5B: Post-processing gate control means The post-processing gate control means C5B controls each of the gates 26 and 29 via the post-processing switching circuit D7 based on the determination of the transfer destination determination means C5A, according to the transfer destination. Move to position.

C5C: Special medium determination means The special medium determination means C5C determines whether or not the sheet S conveyed to the binding device U4b is a sheet S with a window frame in which a window-like opening is formed, so-called window frame paper. To do. The window frame medium discriminating means C5C according to the first embodiment allows the sheet S with a window frame to be fed to the end of the edge binding device HTS based on the type of the sheet S accommodated in the paper feed trays TR1 to TR3 that have been fed. It is determined whether or not the sheet is conveyed to the binding compiler 35.
C5D: Retraction determination unit C5D determines whether it is time to convey and retreat the sheet S to the buffer path 31 when the special medium determination unit C5C determines that the sheet S is window frame paper. Determine. When the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the end binding gate 29, the saving determination unit C5D according to the first embodiment determines that it is time to save, and in the first embodiment, the trailing edge of the sheet S in the conveyance direction is end bound. When it is detected by the discharge sensor SN3, it is determined that it is time to save.

C5E: Overlay Discriminating Unit The overlay discriminating unit C5E includes an overlay time storage unit C5E1 and an overlay timer TM1 as an example of an overlay time measuring unit, and a save sheet S that is saved in the buffer path 31. When the subsequent succeeding sheet S is discharged to the edge binding compiler 35 in a state where it is overlapped, it is determined whether or not the evacuation sheet S and the succeeding sheet S are overlapped. The overlay determination unit C5E according to the first exemplary embodiment determines whether or not the front end of the retractable sheet S on the end binding device HTS side and the front end of the subsequent sheet S in the transport direction are overlapped.

C5E1: Overlay time storage means The overlap time storage means C5E1 is overlapped with the front end of the retractable sheet S after the front end in the conveyance direction of the succeeding sheet S conveyed to the end binding device HTS passes through the binding sheet sensor SN2. The superposition time t1 that is the time until is stored. The overlay time t1 is measured and set in advance by experiments or the like.
TM1: Superposition timer The superposition timer TM1 measures the superposition time t1.

C5F: Retraction conveyance control means Retraction conveyance control means C5F controls the forward and reverse rotations of the end binding conveyance motor M6b via the post-processing conveyance control circuit D6 to control the rotation of the end binding conveyance roller 33 and the buffer conveyance roller 34. To do. Accordingly, the carry-in and carry-out of the sheet S to and from the buffer path 31 are controlled. When the window frame paper is conveyed to the edge binding device HTS, the evacuation conveyance control means C5F according to the first embodiment conveys the window frame paper conveyed to the edge binding path 28 to the buffer path 31 and the window frame paper. Next, the end binding transport roller 33 and the buffer transport roller 34 are set so as to be transported to the end binding compiler 35 of the end binding device HTS in a state where the succeeding sheet S transported to the end binding device HTS is overlapped with the window frame paper. Control. Further, in the evacuation conveyance control unit C5F according to the first exemplary embodiment, even when the next sheet S is conveyed during processing such as edge binding, the sheet S accommodated in the edge binding compiler 35 is conveyed. In order to make S stand by, it is carried into the buffer path 31 and further conveyed to the edge-binding compiler 35 in a superimposed manner with the subsequent sheet S that has been conveyed next.

C6: Saddle Stitch Control Means The saddle stitch control means C6 has a cooling control means C6A, a saddle stitch end moving means C6B, a saddle stitch staple means C6C, an extrusion control means C6D, and a saddle stitch conveyance control means C6E. Then, the saddle stitching device 40 is controlled.
C6A: Cooling control means The cooling control means C6A controls the cooling fan F1 via the cooling control circuit D1. When the sheet S is accommodated in the saddle stitching compiler 41, the cooling control unit C6A according to the first exemplary embodiment operates the cooling fan F1 to generate the folding of the sheet S, that is, so-called curl.

C6B: Saddle stitching end moving means The saddle stitching end moving means C6B controls the saddle stitching end moving motor M9 via the saddle stitching end moving circuit D9 to control the raising and lowering of the saddle stitching end guide 42. In the first embodiment, when the saddle stitching end moving unit C6B performs the saddle stitching on the bundle of sheets S, the center portion in the conveyance direction of the sheet S corresponds to the saddle stitching stapler 43 according to the size of the sheet S. The saddle stitching end guide 42 is moved to the opposing binding position. Further, when the sheet S is folded in half after the saddle stitching or without the saddle stitching, the center portion in the conveyance direction of the sheet S is in a folding position facing the knife body 51 according to the size of the sheet S. The position of the binding end guide 42 is moved.

C6C: Saddle Stapling Means The saddle stitching staple means C6C controls the saddle stitching stapler operating motor M10 via the saddle stitching control circuit D10, drives the staples from the saddle stitching stapler 43 to the sheet S, and binds the sheet S. When the number of sheets S set by the post-processing setting key UI5 is stored in the saddle stitching compiler 41, the saddle stitching staple unit C6C according to the first exemplary embodiment operates the saddle stitching stapler 43 to center the sheet S in the conveyance direction. Perform saddle stitching to bind the parts.
C6D: Extrusion Control Unit The extrusion control unit C6D controls the extrusion motor M11 via the saddle stitching extrusion circuit D11 to move the knife body 51 of the folding knife unit 46 between the extrusion position and the retracted position. The extrusion control unit C6D according to the first embodiment is configured to push the bundle of sheets S accommodated in the saddle stitching compiler 41 into the saddle stitching folding roller 44 by the knife body 51 and fold it in half. The knife body 51 is moved to the pushing position.

C6E: Saddle stitch conveyance control means The saddle stitch conveyance control means C6E controls the driving of the saddle stitch conveyance motor M12 via the saddle stitch conveyance control circuit D12 and controls the saddle stitch folding roller 44, the discharge roller 53, the belt conveyor 57a and the like. The sheet S is folded and transported is controlled.
C7: End Binding Control Unit The end binding control unit C7 performs post-processing by controlling each member of the end binding device HTS via the end binding device control circuit D8. In the end binding device HTS according to the first exemplary embodiment, only alignment of the bundle of sheets S, end binding of the bundle of sheets S, and the like are performed based on an input to the post-processing setting key UI5.

(Explanation of flowchart of Example 1)
Next, a processing flow of the image forming apparatus U according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to a flowchart, that is, a so-called flowchart.
(Explanation of the middle folding control process)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the control process of the middle folding device of the first embodiment.
7 is performed according to a program stored in the ROM of the controller C. This process is executed in a multitasking manner in parallel with other various processes of the image forming apparatus.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 is started when the power is turned on.

In ST1 of FIG. 7, it is determined whether or not a job that is an image forming operation is started. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST2. If no (N), ST1 is repeated.
In ST2, it is determined whether or not “center folding” is set. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST3, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST4.
In ST3, the center folding gate 2 is moved to the passing position. Then, the process proceeds to ST11. .
In ST4, the following processes (1) to (4) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST5.
(1) Move the folding gate 2 to the carry-in position.
(2) The rotation of the auxiliary paddle 8 is started.
(3) The curved driven roller 9b is moved to the separated position.
(4) When the curved drive roller 9a is driven, the drive is stopped.

In ST5, it is determined whether or not “C-folding” is set. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST6. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST7.
In ST6, the middle folding end guides 7 and 16 are moved to the C folding position. Then, the process proceeds to ST8.
In ST7, the middle folding end guides 7 and 16 are moved to the Z folding position. Then, the process proceeds to ST8.
In ST8, it is determined whether or not the set number of sheets S are stored in the first folding tray 6. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST9, and if no (N), ST8 is repeated.

In ST9, the following processes (1) to (3) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST10.
(1) The curved driven roller 9b is moved to the holding position.
(2) The drive of the bending drive roller 9a is started.
(3) The rotation of the auxiliary paddle 8 is stopped.
In ST10, it is determined whether or not the three-folded sheet S is carried out from the half-fold trays 6 and 14. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST11, and if no (N), ST10 is repeated.
In ST11, it is determined whether or not the job is accommodated. If yes (Y), the process returns to ST1, and if no (N), the process returns to ST2.

(Explanation of discharge control processing)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of sheet discharge control processing in the binding device according to the first exemplary embodiment.
The process of each ST: step in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is performed according to a program stored in the ROM of the controller C. This process is executed in a multitasking manner in parallel with other various processes of the image forming apparatus.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 8 is started when the power is turned on.

In ST21 of FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not a job that is an image forming operation is started. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST22, and if no (N), ST21 is repeated.
In ST22, it is determined whether or not the discharge to the top tray TH0 is set. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST23, and, if no (N), the process proceeds to ST24.
In ST23, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST37.
(1) The gates 26 and 29 are moved to positions for discharging to the top tray TH0. That is, the saddle stitching gate 26 is moved to the passing position, and the end stitching gate 29 is moved to the no-binding position.
(2) Start driving of the post-processing conveyance roller 30 of the binding device U4b.

In ST24, it is determined whether or not the setting for discharging to the saddle stitch stacker 57 is made. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST25, and, if no (N), the process proceeds to ST26.
In ST25, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST37.
(1) The gates 26 and 29 are moved to the position where they are discharged to the saddle stitch stacker 57. That is, the saddle stitching gate 26 is moved to the saddle stitching guide position.
(2) Start driving of the post-processing conveyance roller 30 of the binding device U4b.
In ST26, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST27.
(1) The gates 26 and 29 are moved to the positions where they are discharged to the edge binding stacker 38. That is, the saddle stitching gate 26 is moved to the passing position, and the end stitching gate 29 is moved to the end stitching guide position.
(2) The drive of the post-processing conveyance roller 30 and the end binding conveyance roller 33 of the binding device U4b is started.

In ST27, it is determined whether or not the type of the sheet S conveyed to the end binding path 28 is window frame paper. If no (N), the process proceeds to ST28, and if yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST29.
In ST28, the end binding compiler 35 determines whether an end binding operation such as stapling is being executed. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST29, and, if no (N), the process proceeds to ST37.
In ST29, it is determined whether or not the trailing edge of the sheet S is detected by the edge binding discharge sensor SN3. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST30, and if no (N), ST29 is repeated.
In ST30, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST31.
(1) The end binding gate 29 is moved to the retracted guide position, that is, the position without binding.
(2) Start reverse rotation driving of the end binding conveyance roller 33 and the buffer conveyance roller 34.

In ST31, it is determined whether or not the buffer sensor SN4 has detected the sheet S that is window frame paper. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST32. If no (N), ST31 is repeated.
In ST32, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST33.
(1) The end binding gate 29 is moved to the end binding guide position.
(2) Stop the edge-binding conveying roller 33 and the buffer conveying roller 34.
In ST33, it is determined whether or not the front end of the succeeding sheet S, which is the next sheet S, is detected by the binding sheet sensor SN2. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST34, and if no (N), ST33 is repeated.

In ST34, the superposition time t1 is set, that is, set in the superposition timer TM1. Then, the process proceeds to ST35.
In ST35, it is determined whether or not the overlay timer TM1 has timed up, that is, whether or not the overlay time t1 has elapsed. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST36, and if no (N), ST35 is repeated.
In ST36, the end binding conveyance roller 33 and the buffer conveyance roller 34 are rotated forward. Then, the process proceeds to ST37.
In ST37, it is determined whether or not the job is finished. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST38, and, if no (N), the process returns to ST22.
In ST38, the driving of the rollers 30, 33, 34 is stopped. Then, the process returns to ST21.

(Description of saddle stitching control processing)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the control process of the saddle stitching apparatus according to the first embodiment.
9 is performed according to a program stored in the ROM of the controller C. This process is executed in a multitasking manner in parallel with other various processes of the image forming apparatus.
The flowchart shown in FIG. 9 is started when the power is turned on.

In ST41 of FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not a job that is an image forming operation is started. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST42, and if no (N), ST41 is repeated.
In ST42, it is determined whether or not “saddle stitching” is set. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST43, and, if no (N), the process proceeds to ST52.
In ST43, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process proceeds to ST44.
(1) The cooling fan F1 is operated.
(2) The drive of the saddle stitch folding roller 44, the discharge roller 53, the belt conveyor 57a, etc. is started.

In ST44, it is determined whether or not “binding is present”, that is, whether or not stapling is set. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST45, and, if no (N), the process proceeds to ST49.
In ST45, the saddle stitching end guide 42 is moved to the lower binding position. Then, the process proceeds to ST46.
In ST46, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of sheets S are stored in the saddle stitching compiler 41. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST47, and if no (N), ST46 is repeated.
In ST47, the saddle stitching stapler 43 is operated to perform stapling. Then, the process proceeds to ST48.

In ST48, the saddle stitching end guide 42 is raised and moved to the folding position. Then, the process proceeds to ST51.
In ST49, the saddle stitching end guide 42 is raised and moved to the folding position. Then, the process proceeds to ST50.
In ST50, it is determined whether or not a predetermined number of sheets S are stored in the saddle stitching compiler 41. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST51, and if no (N), ST50 is repeated.

In ST51, the folding knife unit 46 is operated to move the knife body 51 to the pushing position. Then, the process proceeds to ST52.
In ST52, it is determined whether or not the job is finished. If yes (Y), the process proceeds to ST53, and, if no (N), the process returns to ST42.
In ST53, the following processes (1) and (2) are executed, and the process returns to ST41.
(1) Stop the operation of the cooling fan F1.
(2) The operations of the saddle stitch folding roller 44, the discharge roller 53, and the belt conveyor 57a are stopped.

(Operation of Example 1)
In the image forming apparatus U of the first embodiment having the above-described configuration, when a job as an example of an image forming operation is executed, the recording sheet S is fed from the paper feed trays TR1 to TR4, and the secondary transfer area Q4 is used. The toner image is transferred, fixed by the fixing device F, and conveyed to the post-processing device U4.
When the sheet S is folded in three, it is conveyed to the first middle folding tray 6 of the middle folding device U4a. In the conventional apparatus for performing the folding in three, the sheet S is folded three by one. In this case, when a part is constituted by a plurality of sheets S, the operator opens the sheet S that is folded in three and discharged to form a bundle by stacking the plurality of sheets S. It was folded in three again, and it took time and effort.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram when a plurality of sheets are folded in the middle folding apparatus of the first embodiment, FIG. 10A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the first sheet is accommodated, and FIG. 10B is a second sheet FIG. 10C is an explanatory view of a state in which the two sheets are overlapped, and FIG. 10D is conveyed while being bent while being sandwiched between folding rollers. It is explanatory drawing of the state which exists.
On the other hand, in the middle folding device U4a of the first embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the curved driven roller 9b and the curved driving roller 9a are moved until the set number of sheets S are loaded. The sheet S is carried in with the sheet S being separated and not curved. In FIG. 10C, when the set number of sheets S is carried in, the bundle of sheets S is sandwiched between the curved driven roller 9b and the curved driving roller 9a, and the curved driving roller 9a is driven. Therefore, a bundle of a plurality of sheets S held by the rollers 9a and 9b is curved. Then, as shown in FIG. 10D, the curved sheet S is sandwiched between the first folding rollers 11, bent, and conveyed downstream. The second folding roller 17 also folds the sheet S in a bundled state, and folds the plurality of sheets S in a bundled state.

In the conventional configuration in which the curved driven roller 9b and the curved driving roller 9a cannot be separated from each other, the sheets S may be bent one by one and bent by the folding roller 11, and a bundle of a plurality of sheets S may be bent at a time. In contrast, in the first embodiment, the sheet S can be folded in three with the sheets S being stacked, and the work of opening the sheets S and folding them over is unnecessary.
In addition, the configuration in which the sheets S are overlapped using the conventional bypass is a large scale, and each time the number of sheets S to be overlapped increases by one, a pair of bypasses and gates are required, resulting in an increase in size, complexity, and price. However, in the first embodiment, it is possible to fold three or more sheets S together into three with a configuration that is smaller, simpler, and less expensive than this configuration.
In the first embodiment, the sheet S is conveyed by the auxiliary paddle 8 in a state where the curved driven roller 9b is separated, and the downstream end of the sheet S is abutted and aligned while reducing the curvature of the sheet S. Therefore, folding of the sheet S in a state where the sheets S are not aligned is reduced.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a conventional window frame paper, FIG. 11A is an explanatory diagram of a state in which sheets are stacked after the window frame paper, and FIG. 11B is a conventional window frame member provided on the edge binding compiler. It is explanatory drawing of a structure.
In addition, when a sheet S with a window frame that may be used as a cover of an estimate sheet, an invoice, an invoice, or the like is used, as shown in FIG. 11A, a sheet S1 that is a window frame paper as a cover is used. When the succeeding sheet S2 on which the estimated contents are printed is overlapped, aligned and stapled, the window frame paper S1 and the subsequent sheet S2 are stacked on the edge binding compiler 35 in the same manner as usual, and the window frame paper S1 is loaded. The end of the subsequent sheet S2 may be caught on the window frame S1a, and the window frame paper S1 and the subsequent sheet S2 may be stacked in a shifted state. Therefore, in this state, the sheets S1 and S2 are stapled in a shifted state, and the bundle of the sheets S1 and S2 discharged to the end binding stacker 38 becomes a staple defect.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, the conventional post-processing apparatus prevents the trailing sheet stacker 38 from being fitted to the window frame S1a and the subsequent sheet S2 from being caught on the window frame S1a in order to prevent the window frame S1a from being caught. An anti-hanging member 01 is provided. In this conventional configuration, it is necessary to change the position of the anti-hanging member 01 in accordance with the window frame S1a of the window frame paper S1, and the window frame paper S1 to be used is limited, or the post-processing device U4 is shipped to the shipping destination. It was necessary to respond individually, and the cost was rising.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram when the window frame paper according to the first embodiment is conveyed to the edge binding device, FIG. 12A is an explanatory diagram of a state where the window frame paper is conveyed along the edge binding path, and FIG. 12B is a window frame. FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which paper switchback is started, FIG. 12C is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the window frame paper is retracted in the buffer path and the subsequent sheet starts to be carried in, and FIG. It is explanatory drawing of the state.
Compared to the conventional post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 11, in the binding apparatus U4b of the first embodiment, when the window frame paper S1 is carried in, as shown in FIG. When the rear edge of the window frame paper S1 passes through the end binding gate 29 as shown in FIG. 12B, the end binding gate 29 moves to the retracted guide position, and the end binding conveying roller 33 starts reverse rotation. To do. Therefore, the window frame paper S1 is conveyed in the reverse direction toward the buffer path 31, that is, is switched back, and is accommodated in the buffer path 31 as shown in FIG. 12C.

Then, as shown in FIG. 12D, the succeeding sheet S is loaded and overlapped with the window frame paper S1, and the buffer transport roller 34 and the end binding transport roller 33 are rotated forward and overlapped with the end binding compiler 35. Discharged and loaded. Therefore, the window frame paper S1 and the succeeding sheet S stacked on the edge binding compiler 35 are unlikely to be shifted from each other without providing the hanging prevention member 01 as in the conventional case, and the occurrence of stapling defects is reduced. In particular, when the window frame S1a is accommodated in the sheet feeding trays TR1 to TR3 so as to be on the rear side in the sheet conveying direction, the window frame S1a is easily retracted inside the buffer path 31, and the front frame of the succeeding sheet S2 It is easy to be surely prevented from getting caught.
Note that the window frame S1a is not formed on the succeeding sheet S, and even if the succeeding sheet S is further stacked on the succeeding sheet S, the sheet S is unlikely to be caught or shifted, resulting in stapling defects. Reduced.

13A and 13B are explanatory diagrams showing a state in which a bundle of sheets is pressed by the folding knife unit of the first embodiment, FIG. 13A is an explanatory diagram when the number of sheets is small, and FIG. 13B is an explanatory diagram when the number of sheets is large. It is.
Further, in the binding device U4b according to the first exemplary embodiment, the saddle stitching compiler 41 transports and accommodates the sheet S when the saddle stitching or folding is performed. When the set number of sheets S is stored, the folding knife unit 46 is operated to push the bundle of sheets S as shown in FIG. At this time, when the number of sheets S is small as shown in FIG. 13A and when the number of sheets S is large as shown in FIG. 13B, there is a gap between the driving roller 44a and the driven roller 44b of the saddle stitch folding roller 44. The thickness of the sandwiched sheet S is different, and the interval between the rollers 44a and 44b changes. Accordingly, the intermediate position between the rollers 44a and 44b varies.

  In the conventional folding knife unit, the knife body that contacts the sheet S is made of a highly rigid material, and pushes the same position of the sheet S regardless of the number of sheets. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 13A, when the number of sheets S is small and the roller 44a, 44b is set to be pressed into the contact position, so-called nip, the number of sheets S as shown in FIG. 13B. When the number increases, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. Therefore, in the conventional configuration, when the number of sheets S increases, the position where the sheet S is folded between the saddle stitch folding rollers 44 and the position pressed by the knife are shifted, and there is a possibility that a folding failure may occur.

  On the other hand, in the folding knife unit 46 of the first embodiment, the knife body 51 is configured to be elastically deformable, the number of sheets varies, the intermediate position of the rollers 44a, 44b varies, and the position where the rollers 44a and 44b are sandwiched and folded. 13B, as shown in FIG. 13B, the tip of the knife body 51 moves with the change, and the position where the knife body 51 pushes the sheet S is automatically set to an appropriate position. Therefore, the occurrence of poor folding is reduced.

  Further, in the first embodiment, when the saddle stitching device 40 is used, the cooling fan F1 is forcibly cooled immediately after fixing by the fixing device F. Therefore, wrinkles that are curved on the sheet S, so-called curl, are likely to occur. At this time, as shown in FIG. 13, in the state accommodated in the saddle stitching compiler 41, cooling is performed so that the curl curves in a convex shape toward the saddle stitching folding roller 44 side. Accordingly, when the sheet S is pushed by the folding knife unit 46, the sheet S is curled on the saddle stitch folding roller 44 side, and the number of sheets S is increased or curled in the opposite direction. The bundle of sheets S is easily sandwiched between the saddle stitch folding rollers 44. In other words, when the number of sheets S increases, it becomes difficult to fold the sheets S with the saddle stitch folding roller 44 and crease the sheet S, and it is necessary to increase the contact pressure between the driving roller 44a and the driven roller 44b, so-called nip pressure. However, in Example 1, the sheet S is forcibly cooled and curled to facilitate formation of a crease. Therefore, the occurrence of folding failure in the saddle stitching device 40 is reduced.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of a folding knife unit according to the second embodiment.
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the description of the second embodiment, components corresponding to the components of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the following points, but is configured in the same manner as the first embodiment in other points.
In FIG. 14, in the folding knife unit 46 ′ of the saddle stitching device 40 of the second embodiment, the folding case 47 of the folding knife unit 46 ′ is rotatably supported by the binding device U <b> 4 b around the rotation center 47 a in the lower left part. ing. Further, below the folding knife unit 46 ′, a link 61 as an example of an interlocking member is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation center 61 a at the lower left end. The link 61 is rotatably connected to the folding case 47 at the central portion 61b, and is connected to the rotation shaft of the driven roller 44b of the saddle stitch folding roller 44 at the distal end portion. Therefore, the folding case 47 is configured to move in conjunction with the movement of the driven roller 44b.

(Operation of Example 2)
In the saddle stitching device 40 having the above-described configuration, when the sheet S is sandwiched by the saddle stitch folding roller 44 and the driven roller 44b moves upward, the folding knife unit 46 is connected via the link 61 to be connected. ′ Moves upward in conjunction with it. Therefore, even if the position of the driven roller 44b changes according to the number of sheets S and the center position of the driving roller 44a and the driven roller 44b changes, the tip of the knife body 51 moves in conjunction with the movement of the knife body. The position where 51 presses the sheet S is automatically set to an appropriate position. Therefore, the occurrence of folding failure is further reduced.

(Example of change)
As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was explained in full detail, this invention is not limited to the said Example, A various change is made in the range of the summary of this invention described in the claim. Is possible. Modification examples (H01) to (H012) of the present invention are exemplified below.
(H01) In the above-described embodiment, the copying machine U is illustrated as an example of the image forming apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a printer, a FAX, or a multifunction machine having a plurality of these functions. Further, the present invention is not limited to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus, and can be applied to a post-processing apparatus of an image forming apparatus of an arbitrary image forming system such as an ink jet recording system, a thermal head system, or a lithographic printer. Further, the image forming apparatus is not limited to a multi-color developing image forming apparatus, and may be configured by a monochromatic, so-called monochrome image forming apparatus.

(H02) In the above-described embodiment, the shape and configuration of the auxiliary paddle 8 are not limited to the configurations illustrated in the embodiment. For example, a brush-like configuration or the number of paddles can be reduced. It is. Further, although it is desirable to provide the auxiliary paddle 8, it can be omitted.
(H03) In the above-described embodiment, the folding device U4a is exemplified as a three-fold configuration such as C-folding or Z-folding. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and is folded in two or folded in two at the center in the conveying direction. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that allows various folding methods such as quarter folding and folding at a quarter position and a half position in the sheet conveyance direction.

(H04) In the above-described embodiment, the cooling fan F1 as an example of the cooling device is used. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the conveyance path where the sheet S contacts with a so-called heat pipe that cools using a liquid refrigerant. Any cooling method such as cooling can be employed. The cooling fan F1 has exemplified the configuration for cooling the one surface side of the sheet S. However, the cooling fan F1 is not limited to this configuration, and a pair of opposing cooling fans F1 are provided, and the saddle stitching compiler 41 is provided according to the image to be printed. It is also possible to operate and cool the cooling fan F1 on the side where the desired curl is obtained.
(H05) In the above embodiment, the post-processing apparatus having the top tray TH0 is exemplified. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and the post-processing apparatus in which the top tray TH0 is omitted, and an apparatus for forming binding holes, so-called punch holes. It can be applied to a post-processing apparatus to which is added.

(H06) In the above-described embodiment, the shape of the buffer path 31 is not limited to the shape illustrated in the embodiment, and may be an arbitrary shape such as an arc shape for approximately one round.
(H07) In the above-described embodiment, the buffer path 31 is provided and the window frame paper S1 is retracted when transported to the edge binding device HTS. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. When S1 is saddle-stitched, it is also possible to provide a buffer path in the saddle-stitching path 24, retract the window frame paper S1, and store the succeeding sheet S2 in the saddle stitching compiler 41.
(H08) In the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the portions of the folding knife units 46 and 46 'that are in contact with the sheet S are movable is not limited to the illustrated configuration, and may be any configuration. For example, instead of the rotatable configuration shown in the second embodiment, it is possible to adopt an arbitrary configuration such as a configuration that slides in conjunction with the movement of the driven roller 44b. In the second embodiment, the knife body 51 may be made of a highly rigid material different from the elastic material.

(H09) In the above embodiment, the center folding device U4a may be omitted.
(H010) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to provide the cooling device F1, but it can be omitted.
(H011) In the above embodiment, it is desirable to provide a buffer path, but it may be omitted.
(H012) In the above embodiment, the window frame paper is exemplified as an example of the special medium, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and can be applied to a special medium in which an opening such as a hole, a groove, or a cut that may be caught is formed. It is.

41 ... accommodating part,
42 ... alignment section,
44: bending member,
44a ... Drive member,
44b ... driven member,
46 ... extruded member,
47a ... center of rotation,
49 ... Extruded support,
51 ... contact part,
61 ... interlocking member,
S ... medium
U: Image forming apparatus,
U3: Image forming apparatus main body,
U4: Post-processing device.

Claims (4)

A storage portion that has an aligning portion that contacts and aligns with the downstream end in the medium carrying-in direction;
A bending member that is disposed at a position shifted to the upstream side in the medium carry-in direction with respect to the aligning portion and that conveys the medium while being bent, and is in contact with the driving member that rotates and drives the driving member. A follower member that is supported in a separable manner and is driven to rotate.
An extruding member that is disposed opposite the bending member and is movable between a retracted position retracted from the accommodating portion and an extruding position that pushes the medium accommodated in the accommodating portion toward the bending member; The extruding member capable of moving a contact portion in contact with the medium in a direction intersecting a moving direction between the retracted position and the extruding position;
A post-processing device comprising: The extruding member comprising: an elastically deformable contact portion; and an extruding support that supports the contact portion and is movably supported between the retracted position and the extruding position;
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: The extruding member supported rotatably about a rotation center;
An interlocking member connected to the driven member and connected to the pushing member, and moving the pushing member in the moving direction of the driven member in conjunction with the movement of the driven member;
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: An image forming apparatus main body for recording an image on a medium;
A post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus main body and loaded with a medium on which an image is recorded;
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images