JP2013126903A - Paper sheet processing apparatus, image forming system, and method for binding paper sheet bundle - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent an increase in thickness of a bound part of a paper sheet bundle when part of a paper sheet is used to bind the paper sheet bundle.SOLUTION: In a paper sheet processing apparatus, a first hole 5a and a second hole 5b are formed on each of a plurality of paper sheets 5, and engaging pieces 5d are provided on one or more sheets of the paper sheets 5. An engaging part 5f formed of one or two or more stacked engaging pieces 5d of the plurality of stacked paper sheets 5 passes through the second hole 5b after passing through the first hole 5a, to bind the paper sheet bundle 6 formed of the plurality of paper sheets 5. The number of engaging pieces 5d of the engaging part 5f is smaller than that of the paper sheets 5 forming the paper sheet bundle 6.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus, an image forming system, and a sheet bundle binding method.

  Conventionally, a method of binding a bundle of sheets with a tongue-shaped piece provided on each sheet is known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of binding a sheet bundle in which a tongue-like piece is pulled out from a paper bundle with a first punch, and the tongue-like piece bundle is folded and inserted into a latching portion pulled out by a second punch. Has been.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a post-processing device for an image device that selectively controls a binding method using tongue-shaped pieces and a binding method using metal staples.

  However, in the prior art, a tongue-shaped piece is provided on each sheet constituting the sheet bundle, and the sheet bundle is bound in a state where all the tongue-shaped pieces are overlapped. Therefore, the thickness of the binding portion in the bound sheet bundle There is a problem that becomes thick.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the binding portion of the sheet bundle when binding the sheet bundle using a part of the sheet. For the purpose.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the paper processing apparatus of the present invention provides a first hole in the paper, a second hole in the paper, and a cut in the paper. A processing unit capable of providing the engaging piece on the paper by inserting, and controlling the processing unit to provide the first hole and the second hole in each of the plurality of paper, A control unit that provides the engaging piece on one or more of the sheets, a bundling unit that stacks the plurality of sheets to form a sheet bundle, and one or two or more of the sheet bundles stacked on each other A paper binding portion for binding the paper bundle through the first hole, passing the engaging portion through the first hole through the second hole, and binding the paper bundle; The control unit is configured to reduce the number of the engagement pieces in the engagement portion more than the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle. Controlling the processing unit such that less.

  Further, the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention has a plurality of sheets stacked on one another, and an engagement piece is provided on one or more of the plurality of sheets, and one or two or more of the above stacked two or more An engaging portion made of engaging pieces passes through the plurality of sheets and binds the plurality of sheets to manufacture a sheet bundle in which the number of engaging pieces in the engaging portion is smaller than the number of the plurality of sheets.

  The image forming system of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, and the sheet processing apparatus that receives the sheet from the image forming apparatus.

  In the sheet bundle binding method of the present invention, a plurality of sheets are provided with a first hole and a second hole, respectively, an engagement piece is provided on one or more of the plurality of sheets, and the plurality of sheets are stacked. A sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets is obtained by passing an engaging portion made of one or two or more engaging pieces stacked in a stacked state through the first hole and then through the second hole. The number of engagement pieces in the engagement portion is smaller than the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle.

  According to the present invention, since the number of engagement pieces in the engagement portion is smaller than the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the binding portion of the sheet bundle.

FIG. 1 is a side view illustrating a schematic configuration of the image forming system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the electrical connection of each unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3A is a plan view of the second sheet according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3-2 is a plan view illustrating the first sheet according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3C is a perspective view of the first sheet according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of the edge binding process executed by the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view showing the sheet bundle according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view of the sheet bundle and the binding member in the first stage of the folding process in the binding process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the sheet bundle and the binding member at the second stage of the folding process in the binding process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the sheet bundle and the binding member in the second hole passing process in the binding process according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6-4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sheet bundle and the binding member in the first stage of the pressing process in the binding process according to the first embodiment. FIGS. 6-5 is sectional drawing which shows the sheet | seat bundle and binding member in the 2nd step of the pressing process in the binding process concerning 1st Embodiment. FIG. 7A is a bottom view of the sheet bundle in a state in which the end binding according to the first embodiment is performed. FIG. 7B is a plan view of the sheet bundle in a state in which the end binding according to the first embodiment is performed. FIG. 7-3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line A1-A1 of FIG. 7-2. FIG. 8 is a plan view showing the sheet bundle and the binding member in the middle of the binding process. FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the third sheet according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the fourth sheet according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9C is a plan view of the fifth sheet according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view showing a sheet bundle according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the sheet bundle and the binding member in the first stage of the folding process in the binding process according to the second embodiment. FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state in which the end binding according to the second embodiment is performed as viewed from one side. FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state where the end binding according to the second embodiment is performed as viewed from the other side. 12-3 is a cross-sectional perspective view taken along line A2-A2 of FIG. 12-1. FIG. 13A is an exploded perspective view illustrating a sheet bundle according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13-2 is a cross-sectional perspective view illustrating the sheet bundle according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the sheet bundle after the folding process in the binding process according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14B is a diagram for explaining a first hole passing process for one engaging portion in the binding process according to the third embodiment. 14-3 is a figure for demonstrating the 1st hole penetration process with respect to the other engaging part in the binding process concerning 3rd Embodiment. 14-4 is a figure for demonstrating the pressing process with respect to one engaging part in the binding process concerning 3rd Embodiment. 14-5 is a figure for demonstrating the pressing process with respect to the other engaging part in the binding process concerning 3rd Embodiment. FIG. 15A is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state where the end binding according to the third embodiment is performed as viewed from one side. FIG. 15B is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state where the end binding according to the third embodiment is performed as viewed from the other side. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing a sheet bundle in a state where end binding is performed according to a modification of the third embodiment. FIG. 17A is a perspective view of the eighth sheet according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17B is a perspective view of the ninth sheet according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17C is a perspective view of the tenth sheet according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is an exploded perspective view showing a sheet bundle according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 19A is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state in which the end binding according to the fourth embodiment is performed as viewed from one side. FIG. 19B is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state in which the end binding according to the fourth embodiment is performed as viewed from the other side. FIG. 20A is a cross-sectional view illustrating the periphery of the first engaging portion of the sheet in a state where the end binding according to the fourth embodiment is performed. FIG. 20B is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of the second engaging portion of the sheet in a state where the end binding according to the fourth embodiment is performed. FIG. 20C is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of the third engaging portion of the sheet in a state where the end portion binding is performed according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20D is a cross-sectional view of the vicinity of the fourth engaging portion of the sheet in a state where the end portion binding is performed according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 20-5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the periphery of the fifth engagement portion of the sheet in a state where the end binding according to the fourth embodiment is performed. FIG. 20-6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the periphery of the sixth engaging portion of the sheet in a state where the end portion binding is performed according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 21A is a plan view illustrating an eleventh sheet according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21B is a perspective view of the twelfth sheet according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21C is a perspective view of the thirteenth sheet according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 21D is a perspective view of the fourteenth paper according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 22-1 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a sheet bundle according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 22-2 is a plan view showing a sheet bundle according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 23A is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state in which the end binding according to the fifth embodiment is performed as viewed from one side. FIG. 23B is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state where the end binding according to the fifth embodiment is performed as viewed from the other side. FIG. 24-1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the periphery of a seventh engagement portion of a sheet in a state where end binding according to the fifth embodiment is performed. FIG. 24-2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the vicinity of the eighth engaging portion of the sheet in a state where the end binding according to the fifth embodiment is performed. FIG. 24-3 is a cross-sectional view showing the vicinity of the ninth engagement portion of the sheet in a state where the end binding according to the fifth embodiment is performed. FIG. 25 is an exploded perspective view showing a sheet bundle according to a modification of the fifth embodiment. FIG. 26A is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state in which the end binding is performed according to a modification of the fifth embodiment when viewed from one side. FIG. 26B is a perspective view of the sheet bundle in a state in which the end binding is performed according to the modified example of the fifth embodiment when viewed from the other side.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a sheet processing apparatus, an image forming system, and a sheet bundle binding method will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

(First embodiment)
As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a sheet post-processing apparatus 3 as a sheet processing apparatus. The image forming apparatus 2 and the sheet post-processing apparatus 3 are connected so as to communicate with each other. In the image forming system 1, the image forming apparatus 2 forms an image on a sheet 5 (see FIG. 3A), the sheet post-processing apparatus 3 receives the sheet 5 from the image forming apparatus 2, and various kinds of paper are received on the received sheet 5. Post-processing is performed. The various post-processing includes, for example, end binding processing, center folding processing, and the like. The half-folding process includes a saddle stitching process. In the present embodiment, in the edge binding process and the saddle stitching process, the sheet post-processing device 3 uses the sheet bundle 6 (see FIG. 5) by using a part of the sheet bundle 6 (sheet 5) without using a needle. Bind. The sheet post-processing apparatus 3 that performs such various post-processing has a discharge mode, an end binding mode, and a middle folding mode as operation modes.

  The image forming apparatus 2 has a known configuration. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 can be configured as an electrophotographic color image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus 2 includes, for example, a control unit, an image forming unit, an optical writing unit, a paper feed unit, a paper feed conveyance path, an image reading unit, an intermediate transfer unit, a fixing unit, a paper discharge conveyance path, a double-side conveyance path, and the like ( Neither is shown), and an image is formed on both sides or one side of the paper 5.

  The sheet post-processing apparatus 3 receives a sheet 5 discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 and discharges the sheet 5 to the first sheet discharge tray 10 and a first transfer path. A second conveyance path Pt2 for branching from Pt1 to perform edge binding processing and the like on the sheet bundle 6 and a second conveyance path Pt2 connected to the second conveyance path Pt2 for performing saddle stitching and middle folding processing on the sheet bundle 6. A third transport path Pt3 is provided. Each of the transport paths Pt1 to Pt3 is formed by, for example, a guide member (not shown).

  In the first transport path Pt1, the entrance roller 11, the transport rollers 12, 13, and the paper discharge roller 14 are arranged in order from the upstream portion to the downstream portion of the first transport path Pt1. The entrance roller 11, the transport rollers 12 and 13, and the paper discharge roller 14 are rotationally driven by a motor to transport the paper 5. An inlet sensor 15 is disposed upstream of the inlet roller 11. The entrance sensor 15 detects that the sheet 5 has been carried into the sheet post-processing device 3. A processing portion 16 that forms a hole or the like in the paper 5 is disposed downstream of the entrance roller 11. The process part 16 is a press apparatus which performs a punching process as an example. The processing part 16 has a punch part 16a and a die part 16b, and punches the paper 5 by the punch part 16a. Further, a branch claw 17 is disposed downstream of the conveying roller 12. The branch claw 17 rotates and switches its position, thereby selecting the paper 5 to be either the downstream portion of the branch claw 17 in the first transport path Pt1 or the second transport path Pt2. To guide you. The branch claw 17 is driven by, for example, a motor or a solenoid.

  In the discharge mode, the paper 5 carried into the first transport path Pt1 from the image forming apparatus 2 is transported by the entrance roller 11, the transport rollers 12, 13 and the paper discharge roller 14 and is transferred to the first paper discharge tray 10. Discharged. On the other hand, in the end binding mode and the middle folding mode, the paper 5 carried into the first transport path Pt1 is transported by the entrance roller 11 and the transport roller 12, and the traveling direction is changed by the branching claw 17, so that the first 2 is conveyed to the second conveyance path Pt2.

  Conveying rollers 20, 21, 22, a paper stacking tray 23, a first jogger fence 24, and an end binding portion (first binding portion) 25 are arranged in the second transport path Pt 2. . The end binding unit 25 is an example of a sheet binding unit. The conveyance rollers 20, 21, and 22 are driven by a motor to convey the paper 5. The first jogger fence 24 is driven by a motor. In addition, branch claws 26 and 27 are arranged downstream of the paper stacking tray 23. The branching claws 26 and 27 are rotated to switch their positions, so that the paper 5 is transferred to either the downstream portion of the branching claw 17 in the first transport path Pt1 or the third transport path Pt3. Selectively guide to. The branch claws 26 and 27 are driven by, for example, a motor or a solenoid.

  In the edge binding mode, the sheets 5 conveyed to the second conveyance path Pt2 are sequentially accumulated on the sheet accumulation tray 23 by the conveyance rollers 20, 21, and 22. Thereby, a sheet bundle 6 in which a plurality of sheets 5 are laminated is formed. At this time, the rear end of the paper 5 comes into contact with a first movable reference fence (not shown) provided on the paper stacking tray 23, the paper transport direction position is aligned, and the first jogger fence 24 has a width. The direction position is aligned. The first movable reference fence is driven by a motor. Here, the paper stacking tray 23, the first jogger fence 24, and the first movable reference fence constitute a first bundling unit 28 as a bundling unit that stacks a plurality of papers 5 to form a paper bundle 6. ing. The first bundling unit 28 includes a motor that drives the first jogger fence 24 and a motor that drives the first movable reference fence. Then, the sheet bundle 6 is conveyed to the end binding portion 25 by the first movable reference fence, and the end portion is bound by the end binding portion 25. The sheet bundle 6 with the edge bound is conveyed to the first conveyance path Pt1 by the first movable reference fence, and then conveyed by the conveyance roller 13 and the discharge roller 14 to the first discharge tray 10. Discharged. Here, the paper discharge roller 14 is an example of a paper discharge unit that discharges the sheet bundle 6 bound by the end binding unit (paper binding unit) 25. On the other hand, in the middle folding mode, the paper 5 conveyed to the second conveyance path Pt2 is conveyed to the third conveyance path Pt3 by the conveyance rollers 20, 21, 22 and the first movable reference fence.

  Conveying rollers 31 and 32 and a saddle stitch folding part 33 are arranged in the third conveying path Pt3. The transport rollers 31 and 32 are driven by a motor to transport the paper 5. The saddle stitch folding part 33 includes a center folding part 34, a saddle stitching part 35, and a second bundling part 36. The saddle stitching portion 35 is an example of a sheet binding portion. The sheets 5 conveyed to the third conveyance path Pt3 are sequentially accumulated in the second bundling unit 36 by the conveyance rollers 31 and 32. Thereby, a sheet bundle 6 in which a plurality of sheets 5 are laminated is formed. At this time, the front end of the paper 5 comes into contact with the second movable reference fence 37, the paper transport direction position is aligned, and the width direction position is aligned by a second jogger fence (not shown). The sheet bundle 6 is bound (saddle-stitched) by the saddle stitching section 35 at the center in the sheet transport direction. The saddle-stitched sheet bundle 6 is returned to the center folding position by the second movable reference fence 37. The second movable reference fence 37 is driven by a motor.

  The sheet bundle 6 positioned at the center folding position is folded (center folded) by the center folding section 34 at the center in the sheet transport direction. In the middle folding portion 34, the blade 38 facing the central portion in the paper conveyance direction of the paper bundle 6 located at the middle folding position moves from the right to the left in FIG. 1 to bend the central portion in the paper conveyance direction of the paper bundle 6. However, it is pushed between the pair of pressing rollers 39 and 40. The blade 38 is driven by a motor. The folded sheet bundle 6 is pressed from above and below by a pair of pressing rollers 39 and 40. The pair of pressing rollers 39 and 40 are driven by a motor. The sheet bundle 6 bent in this manner is discharged onto the second discharge tray 42 by the pressing rollers 39 and 40 and the discharge roller 41. The paper discharge roller 41 is driven by a motor. Here, the paper discharge roller 41 is an example of a paper discharge unit that discharges the sheet bundle 6 bound by the saddle stitching unit (paper binding unit) 35.

  Here, the entrance roller 11, the transport rollers 12, 13, 20, 21, 22, 31, 32 and the paper discharge rollers 14, 41 constitute a transport unit 51 together with a motor that drives them. Further, the branch claws 17, 26, 27 constitute a path switching unit 52 together with a motor or a solenoid for driving them.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet post-processing device 3 includes a control unit 61. The control unit 61 is a computer having a CPU, a storage unit, a communication interface, and the like. The storage unit of the control unit 61 is configured by a ROM, a RAM, and the like, and stores a program executed by the CPU. The control unit 61 is connected to the inlet sensor 15, the processing unit 16, the first bundling unit 28, the saddle stitch folding unit 33, the transport unit 51, the path switching unit 52, and the like. The control unit 61 (CPU) drives and controls each unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus 3 according to a program stored in the storage unit. The control unit 61 is connected to the control unit of the image forming apparatus 2 so that data communication is possible.

  Next, end binding processing that is an example of binding processing will be described in detail.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the processing unit 16 that processes the paper 5 in the edge binding processing includes providing the first hole 5 a in the paper 5 and providing the second hole 5 b in the paper 5. Is possible. Specifically, the punch portion 16a has a punch for punching and forming the first hole 5a and a punch for punching and forming the second hole 5b, and the first hole 5a and the second hole 5b are punched by these punches. 2 holes 5b are formed. The first hole 5a and the second hole 5b are provided at one corner of the rectangular paper 5 as an example. The second hole 5b is provided between the first hole 5a and the outer edge of the paper 5, and is separated from one edge of the first hole 5a by a predetermined distance. The second hole 5b is a smaller hole than the first hole 5a. The second hole 5b is formed in a slit shape. In other words, the first hole 5a and the second hole 5b are, for example, an insertion hole and a locking hole. For example, the processing unit 16 processes the sheets 5 one by one (in units of one sheet).

  Further, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the processing unit 16 can provide the engagement piece 5 d on the paper 5 by making a cut 5 c (half cut) in the paper 5. Specifically, the punch portion 16a has a punch for punching and forming the cut 5c, and the engaging piece 5d is provided by forming the cut 5c with this punch. The engaging piece 5d is a tongue-like piece having a tip provided in an arc shape. The cut 5 c and the engagement piece 5 d are provided at one corner of the paper 5. In this case, the second hole 5b is provided between the engaging piece 5d and the outer edge of the paper 5, and is separated from one edge of the first hole 5a by a predetermined distance. Also, as shown in FIG. 3C, the first hole 5 a is formed in the paper 5 by providing the notch 5 c. When the engaging piece 5d is bent at the base end portion 5e, the entire first hole 5a is opened. That is, the processing unit 16 forms the first hole 5a in the paper 5 as the engaging piece 5d is formed. The first hole 5a shown in FIG. 3-3 and the first hole 5a shown in FIG. 3-1 are different in shape, but both are the first holes. The engaging piece 5d extends from the edge of the first hole 5a, specifically from the edge of the first hole 5a on the second hole 5b side.

  For convenience, the paper 5 provided with the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, and the engagement piece 5d shown in FIG. 3-3 is referred to as the first paper 5A, and the first hole 5a shown in FIG. The paper 5 provided with the second hole 5b and not the engaging piece 5d is also referred to as a second paper 5B. Here, the first hole 5a shown in FIGS. 3-1 and 3-3 may have a size necessary for the engagement piece 5d to pass therethrough. Therefore, it is preferable to make the first hole 5a as small as possible in consideration of effective use of the image forming area. Here, the positions of the second holes 5b of the first sheet 5A and the second sheet B are the same, and one edge of the first hole 5a of the second sheet 5B (the second hole 5b). The position of the side edge) coincides with the position of the base end portion 5e of the engaging piece 5d of the first sheet 5A. The process part 16 of this embodiment forms the 1st hole 5a, the 2nd hole 5b, and the engagement piece 5d simultaneously as an example.

  Next, the flow of the edge binding process will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the entrance sensor 15 detects the carry-in of the paper 5 from the image forming apparatus 2, the processing unit 16 controlled by the control unit 61 punches the paper 5 (step S1). The punched paper 5 is transported to the paper stacking tray 23 by the transport unit 51 and stacked on the paper stacking tray 23 (step S2). As a result, a sheet bundle 6 is formed. Note that the processing in steps S1 and S2 is repeated for a predetermined number of sheets 5 instructed from the image forming apparatus 2. The control unit 61 counts the number of sheets 5 processed in steps S1 and S2 using the output of the inlet sensor 15.

  In step S1, as shown in FIG. 5, for example, the control unit 61 controls the processing unit 16 to provide the first hole 5a and the second hole 5b in each of the plurality of sheets 5, An engaging piece 5 d is provided on one or more of the sheets 5. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sheet 5 on which the engagement pieces 5d are formed is carried into the first bundling unit 28. Here, the first hole 5a provided in the paper 5 is either one without the engaging piece 5d shown in FIG. 3A or one having the engaging piece 5d shown in FIG. At this time, the control unit 61 sets the processing unit 16 so that at least one of the pair of sheets 5 located at both ends of the sheet bundle 6 in the overlapping direction of the sheet bundle 6 has the engagement piece 5d. Control. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the control unit 61 causes the one sheet 5 of the pair of sheets 5 located at both ends of the sheet bundle 6 in the overlapping direction of the sheet bundle 6 to have the engagement piece 5d. The processing unit 16 is controlled. In the example of FIG. 5, the engagement piece 5 d is formed on the sheet 5 (the lowermost sheet 5 in FIG. 5) that is first processed by the processing unit 16 among the sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6. Yes. That is, in the present embodiment, the control unit 61 does not provide the engaging piece 5 d for some of the sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6. That is, the sheet bundle 6 of the present embodiment is configured by stacking the first sheet 5A, the second sheet 5B, the second sheet 5B, the second sheet 5B, and the second sheet 5B from the bottom to the top. Has been.

  Here, the engaging piece 5d of the sheet bundle 6 constitutes an engaging portion 5f. In the present embodiment, the engaging portion 5f is configured by one engaging piece 5d. The engaging pieces 5d may be provided on a plurality of sheets 5, and the engaging portion 5f may be composed of two or more engaging pieces 5d stacked on each other in the sheet bundle 6. The control unit 61 controls the processing unit 16 so that the number of engaging pieces 5d in the engaging portion 5f is smaller than the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6.

  Next, the end binding unit 25 controlled by the control unit 61 performs binding (steps S3 to S5). First, the end binding part 25 performs folding of the engaging part 5f as a folding process (step S3). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6A, the end binding unit 25 folds the engagement unit 5f by using the first binding member 25a as the first stage of the folding process, and the engagement unit 5f becomes a plurality of sheets 5 of paper. Through the first hole 5a. Here, the first binding member 25a is formed in a shape that can be inserted into the first hole 5a. At this time, it is possible to improve the binding strength and the binding position accuracy by folding the first hole 5a so that one edge portion on the second hole 5b side is wound (a gap is eliminated as much as possible). Here, the first binding member 25a is an example of a first pressing member that pushes the engaging portion 5f and passes the engaging portion 5f through the first hole 5a. Next, as shown in FIG. 6B, the end binding portion 25 is arranged in the second stage of the folding process so that the engaging portion 5f is along one surface of the sheet bundle 6 by the second binding member 25b. Fold the engaging part 5f.

  In step S4, the end binding portion 25 passes the engaging portion 5f through the second hole 5b as shown in FIG. 6-3 as the second hole passing step. Specifically, the end binding portion 25 pushes the engaging portion 5 f by the third binding member 25 c and passes the engaging portion 5 f through the second holes 5 b of the plurality of sheets 5. Here, the third binding member 25c is formed in a shape that can be inserted into the second hole 5b. It is an example of the 2nd pushing member which pushes the engaging part 5f passed through the 1st hole 5a, and passes it through the 2nd hole 5b.

  In step S <b> 5, the end binding portion 25, as a pressing step, places the leading end side of the engagement portion 5 f along the other surface of the sheet bundle 6 as shown in FIGS. 6-4 and 6-5. Specifically, the end binding portion 25 pushes the engaging portion 5f by the fourth binding member 25d while rotating the fourth binding member 25d, and the leading end side of the engaging portion 5f is aligned with the other surface of the sheet bundle 6. The Thereby, the sheet bundle 6 is bound by the engaging portion 5f. Here, in the present embodiment, the end binding portion 25 presses the engagement portion 5f in a state in which the sheet bundle 6 is bound by the fourth binding member 25d and the second binding member 25b. Thereby, the binding by the engaging portion 5f is strengthened. A sheet bundle 6 bound by the engaging portion 5f is shown in FIGS. 7-1, 7-2, and 7-3.

  As described above, the end binding portion 25 of the present embodiment passes the engaging portion 5f including one engaging portion 5d in the sheet bundle 6 or two or more engaging pieces 5d, and passes through the first hole 5a. The engaging portion 5f passed through the hole 5a is passed through the second hole 5b, and the sheet bundle 6 is bound.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the width of the second hole 5b in the short direction is W1, and the second hole 5b is short in the third binding member (second pressing member) 25c. When the width along the hand direction is W2, the thickness of the paper 5 is T, and the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is N, W1 is substantially the same as the value obtained by W2 + T × N × 2. Thereby, the fastening property of the engaging piece 5d and the second hole 5b can be improved. Further, the width W3 of the engagement piece 5d in the width direction of the engagement piece 5d orthogonal to the extending direction of the engagement piece 5d, the width W4 in the longitudinal direction of the second hole 5b, and a third binding member (first binding member) The width W5 along the longitudinal direction of the second hole 5b in the second pressing member 25c is substantially the same. Thereby, each paper 5 becomes difficult to shift.

  Returning to the flowchart of FIG. 4, when the binding in steps S <b> 3 to S <b> 5 is completed, the sheet bundle 6 bound by the conveyance unit 51 controlled by the control unit 61 is discharged to the first paper discharge tray 10 (step S <b> 6). .

  As described above, the sheet post-processing apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment is provided with the first hole 5a and the second hole 5b in each of the plurality of sheets 5, and the engaging piece 5d is provided on one or more of the plurality of sheets 5. By providing the engaging portion 5f formed of one or two or more engaging pieces 5d overlapped with each other in a state where a plurality of sheets 5 are stacked, the first engaging portion 5f passes through the first hole 5a and then passes through the second hole 5b. A sheet bundle 6 composed of a plurality of sheets 5 is bound. The number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6. In the present embodiment, as an example, the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6 is five, whereas the number of engagement pieces 5d constituting the engagement portion 5f is one.

  Thus, the manufactured sheet bundle 6 has a plurality of sheets 5 stacked on each other, and the engagement pieces 5d are provided on one or more of the plurality of sheets 5 and are stacked one on top of each other. An engaging portion 5 f including two or more engaging pieces 5 d passes through the plurality of sheets 5 and binds the plurality of sheets 5. The number of engaging pieces 5d in the engaging portion 5f is smaller than the number of sheets of the plurality of sheets 5.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, since the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6, the thickness of the binding portion of the sheet bundle 6 is increased. Can be suppressed. Therefore, an increase in the thickness of the stack of the sheet bundles 6 can be reduced when the sheets are stacked on the first discharge tray 10. Further, in the present embodiment, since the engaging portion 5f is configured by one engaging piece 5d, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the sheet bundle 6 more.

  Although an example of edge binding has been mainly described, the same binding process as that for edge binding is performed in the case of saddle stitching.

(Second Embodiment)
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the processing and binding structure for the paper 5. As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C, the processing unit 16 according to the present embodiment is provided with the engagement piece 5d on the paper 5 by making a cut 5c in the paper 5, as shown in FIGS. It is possible to provide the second hole 5 b in the paper 5 and provide the third hole 5 g in the paper 5. By providing the notch 5 c in the sheet 5, the first hole 5 a is formed in the sheet 5.

  The engaging piece 5d, the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, and the third hole 5g are provided at one edge of the paper 5 as an example. The longitudinal center line L1 of the first hole 5a coincides with the longitudinal center position of the paper 5. The first hole 5 a of the present embodiment has a rectangular shape whose longitudinal direction is along one edge of the paper 5. And the 2nd hole 5b and the 3rd hole 5g are located in line symmetry about the center line L1 of the longitudinal direction of the 1st hole 5a. That is, the distance between one second hole 5b of the pair of second holes 5b and one edge of the first hole 5a, and the other second hole 5b and the other of the first holes 5a. The distance to the edge of is the same. Here, the third hole 5g is a hole through which the engaging piece 5d is not passed, and is a hole used for positioning or file binding, for example. As an example, a positioning pin is passed through the third hole 5g, and positioning is performed by folding or binding the engaging pieces 5d, thereby ensuring the positional accuracy of each sheet 5 and improving the degree of sheet alignment during binding. Can do.

  The sheet 5 shown in FIG. 9A is a sheet provided with the engagement piece 5d, the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, and the third hole 5g, and is also referred to as a third sheet 5C for convenience. Further, the sheet 5 shown in FIG. 9B is a sheet provided with the engaging piece 5d, the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, and the third hole 5g, and the direction of the engaging piece 5d is the third. This paper is the reverse of the paper 5C and is also referred to as a fourth paper 5D for convenience. Further, the sheet 5 shown in FIG. 9C is a sheet in which the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, and the third hole 5g are provided and the engagement piece 5d is not provided. Also called paper 5E.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the engaging pieces 5d having different orientations may be provided by two punches having different orientations, or may be provided by changing the orientation of one punch. Further, the two second holes 5b may be provided by two punches, or may be provided by moving one punch. As an example, this is realized by making the processing unit 16 movable with respect to the paper surface of the paper 5. Similarly, the two third holes 5g may be provided by two punches or may be provided by moving one punch. This is also realized by making the processing unit 16 movable with respect to the paper surface of the paper as an example. Further, the processing unit 16 may have a drive mechanism for punching the punch for each punch, or may have one drive mechanism for a plurality of punches. In the case where a plurality of punches have a single drive mechanism, a mechanism that allows the punch to be replaced with the drive mechanism may be provided. As another example, a reversing mechanism for reversing the front and back of the paper 5 may be provided, and the fourth paper 5D may be obtained by reversing the third paper 5C after formation. In this case, the reversing mechanism is included in the first bundling unit 28. That is, the first bundling unit 28 may superpose a part of the plurality of sheets 5 with the front and back reversed. Thereby, a punch structure can be simplified.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 61 controls the processing unit 16 to provide a plurality of second holes 5b corresponding to one first hole 5a in each sheet 5, and each of the second holes 5b is a second one. A plurality of engagement pieces 5 d corresponding to the holes 5 b are provided on the plurality of sheets 5. The control unit 61 does not provide the engaging piece 5 d for some of the sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the control unit 61 includes the engagement pieces 5d in which the pair of sheets 5 positioned at both ends of the sheet bundle 6 in the overlapping direction of the sheet bundle 6 are opposite to each other. The processing unit 16 is controlled. That is, the sheet bundle 6 of the present embodiment is configured by stacking the third sheet 5C, the fifth sheet 5E, the fifth sheet 5E, the fifth sheet 5E, and the fourth sheet 5D from the bottom to the top. Has been. Thereby, in this embodiment, the several engaging part 5f (specifically two) is formed with respect to one 1st hole 5a. The mutual engaging portions 5f are opposite to each other and overlap each other. At this time, the base end portion 5e of the engagement piece 5d of the third sheet 5C overlaps with one edge of the first hole 5a of the fifth sheet 5E and the fourth sheet 5D, and the engagement of the fourth sheet 5D. The base end portion 5e of the piece 5d overlaps the other edge portion of the first hole 5a of the fifth paper 5E and the third paper 5C.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the end binding portion 25 passes a plurality of engaging portions 5 f (two in the present embodiment) through one first hole 5 a in the sheet 5, and connects the plurality of engaging portions 5 f. Each passes through a different second hole 5b. Specifically, one engaging portion 5f is pushed in one direction (upward in FIG. 11) by the first binding member 25a and passed through the first hole 5a, and the other engaging portion 5f is pushed in the other direction by the fifth binding member 25e. Push it down (downward in FIG. 11) to pass through the first hole 5a. Then, one engaging portion 5f is bent through one (left side in FIG. 11) second hole 5b, and the other engaging portion 5f is bent through the other (right side in FIG. 11) second hole 5b. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 12-1, 12-2, and 12-3, the sheet bundle 6 is bound by a plurality (specifically, two) of the engaging portions 5f. Also in this case, as in the first embodiment, the number of engaging pieces 5d in the engaging portion 5f is smaller than the number of sheets 5. In the present embodiment, as an example, the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6 is five, whereas the number of engagement pieces 5d forming each engagement portion 5f is one.

  As described above, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of the plurality of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6, so that the binding of the sheet bundle 6 is performed. It can suppress that the thickness of a part becomes thick. Further, in the present embodiment, since there is no engaging piece 5d in the intermediate sheet 5 of the sheet bundle 6, it is possible to reduce the thickness of the binding portion and to reduce the stacking thickness of the sheet bundle 6 at the time of stacking.

  In the present embodiment, since the engaging portions 5f are provided in a distributed manner, it is possible to suppress an increase in the thickness of the sheet bundle 6 while increasing the binding strength.

  The processing of each sheet 5 may be performed in a state where the sheets 5 are stacked on the sheet stacking tray 23. At this time, it is preferable to use the third hole 5g for positioning.

(Third embodiment)
This embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that the sheet bundle 6 is composed of only the third sheet 5C and the fourth sheet 5D as shown in FIGS. 13-1 and 13-2. Different.

  The sheet bundle 6 of the present embodiment is configured by alternately stacking third sheets 5C and fourth sheets 5D.

  As shown in FIG. 14A, the end binding portion 25 is bent through a plurality of engaging portions 5 f (two in the present embodiment) with respect to one first hole 5 a in the paper 5. Next, as shown in FIGS. 14-2, 14-3, 14-4, and 14-5, the plurality of engaging portions 5f are bent through different second holes 5b, and then the engaging portions are engaged. The part 5f is pressed. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the sheet bundle 6 is bound by a plurality (specifically, two) of the engaging portions 5f. Also in this case, as in the first and second embodiments, the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6. In the present embodiment, as an example, the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6 is five, whereas the number of engagement pieces 5d constituting one engagement portion 5f is three, and the other engagement is performed. The number of engaging pieces 5d constituting the part 5f is two.

  As described above, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of the plurality of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6, so that the binding of the sheet bundle 6 is performed. It can suppress that the thickness of a part becomes thick.

  Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 16, the sixth sheet 5F and the seventh sheet 5G, which are the sheets 5 of the present modification, include a plurality of (specifically, two) second sheets for one engaging portion 5f. A hole 5b is provided. The engaging portion 5f passes through the first hole 5a, then passes through one second hole 5b, and further passes through the other second hole 5b. Thereby, the binding strength can be further improved.

(Fourth embodiment)
This embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the processing and binding structure for the paper 5. As shown in FIGS. 17-1, 17-2, and 17-3, the processing unit 16 of the present embodiment is provided with the engagement piece 5d on the paper 5 by making a cut 5c in the paper 5 as shown in FIGS. It is possible to provide the second hole 5 b in the paper 5 and provide the third hole 5 g in the paper 5. By providing the notch 5 c in the sheet 5, the first hole 5 a is formed in the sheet 5. The engaging piece 5d, the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, and the third hole 5g are provided at one edge of the paper 5 as an example. The first hole 5 a of the present embodiment has a rectangular shape whose longitudinal direction is along one edge of the paper 5. And the 2nd hole 5b and the 3rd hole 5g are located in line symmetry about the center line L1 of the longitudinal direction of the 1st hole 5a. The second hole 5b is formed in a substantially H shape.

  The sheet 5 is provided with three first holes 5a, and a pair of second holes 5b is provided for each first hole 5a. In addition, a pair of third holes 5g is provided at a position sandwiching a pair of second holes 5b provided with respect to the first hole 5a located in the middle of the three first holes 5a.

  The sheet 5 shown in FIG. 17A is provided with an engagement piece 5d at one edge of the first hole 5a located at one end (the left side in FIG. 17A) of the three first holes 5a. An engaging piece 5d is provided on the other edge of the first hole 5a located in the middle of the three first holes 5a. This sheet 5 is also referred to as an eighth sheet 5H for convenience.

  In addition, the sheet 5 shown in FIG. 17-2 is provided with an engagement piece 5d at the other edge of the first hole 5a located at one end (left side in FIG. 17-2) of the three first holes 5a. An engagement piece 5d is provided on one edge of the first hole 5a located at the other end (the right side in FIG. 17-2) of the three first holes 5a. This sheet 5 is also referred to as a ninth sheet 5I for convenience.

  Further, the sheet 5 shown in FIG. 17C is provided with an engaging piece 5d at one edge portion of the first hole 5a located in the middle of the three first holes 5a, and the three first holes 5a. An engaging piece 5d is provided at the other edge of the first hole 5a located at the other end (right side in FIG. 17-3). This paper 5 is also referred to as a tenth paper 5J for convenience.

  As an example, the processing unit 16 that performs such processing is provided so as to be movable along the surface of the paper 5, and the engagement piece 5 d, the first hole 5 a, and the second hole are provided at different positions on the paper 5. 5b and a third hole 5g can be formed. As another example, the processing unit 16 includes a punch that provides the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b corresponding to the first hole 5a, and the engagement piece 5d as one block. The punch may be moved to the processing position of the paper 5. Accordingly, it is possible to freely select the combination of the engagement piece 5d, the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, and the third hole 5g in the sheet 5 and the combination of the sheets 5 of the sheet bundle 6. .

  As shown in FIG. 18, the control unit 61 controls the processing unit 16 to provide each sheet 5 with a plurality of second holes 5b corresponding to one first hole 5a. A plurality of engagement pieces 5 d corresponding to the holes 5 b are provided on the plurality of sheets 5. The control unit 61 provides the engaging pieces 5 d for all the sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6. Thereby, in this embodiment, the several engaging part 5f (specifically two) is formed with respect to one 1st hole 5a. The mutual engaging portions 5f overlap each other.

  The engaging portions 5f are passed through the first holes 5a and the second holes 5b in the same manner as in the second and third embodiments. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 19A and 19B, the sheet bundle 6 is bound by a plurality (specifically, six) of the engaging portions 5f. Here, for the sake of convenience, the engaging portions 5f shown in FIG. 19-1 are sequentially arranged from the right in the order of the first engaging portion 5f, the second engaging portion 5f, the third engaging portion 5f, the fourth engaging portion 5f, and the fifth engaging portion. It is also referred to as an engaging portion 5f and a sixth engaging portion 5f. Also in the present embodiment, the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of sheets 5 as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, as an example, the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6 is six, whereas the first engagement section 5f, the second engagement section 5f, the third engagement section 5f, The number of engagement pieces 5d constituting the four engagement portions 5f, the fifth engagement portion 5f, and the sixth engagement portion 5f is four. 20-1, FIG. 20-2, FIG. 20-3, FIG. 20-4, FIG. 20-5, and FIG. 20-6, the first engaging portion 5f, the second engaging portion 5f, and the third The binding states of the engagement portion 5f, the fourth engagement portion 5f, the fifth engagement portion 5f, and the sixth engagement portion 5f are shown. In the present embodiment, the first engaging portion 5f, the second engaging portion 5f, the third engaging portion 5f, the fourth engaging portion 5f, the fifth engaging portion 5f, and the sixth engaging portion 5f, Although the direction of passage to the first hole 5a and the second hole 5b is the same, the direction of passage to the first hole 5a and the second hole 5b may be selected for each engagement portion.

  As described above, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of the plurality of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6, so that the binding of the sheet bundle 6 is performed. It can suppress that the thickness of a part becomes thick.

  In the present embodiment, the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, and the engagement piece 5d are formed in the paper 5, and then the paper 5 is stacked to form the paper bundle 6, and then the paper bundle 6 is bound and discharged. Therefore, the degree of freedom such as the direction of the engagement piece and the arrangement of the binding portion is increased, the variation of the binding form is increased, the productivity is improved, the binding performance is optimized, and a convenient binding structure can be provided.

  Note that the form of the binding portion and the increase / decrease in the number of the first holes 5a of each sheet 5 may be selected by increasing / decreasing the number of sheets 5 to improve productivity and optimize the binding force. In the present embodiment, the first hole 5a, the second hole 5b, the third hole 5g, and the engaging piece 5d are arranged in a line at the end of the sheet 5, but the engaging piece 5d and the second piece 5d are arranged. Needless to say, the direction of the engaging piece 5d is not particularly limited as long as the configuration of the hole 5b can be maintained.

(Fifth embodiment)
This embodiment is different from the first embodiment in the processing and binding structure for the paper 5. As shown in FIGS. 21-1, 21-2, 21-3, and 21-4, the processing unit 16 of the present embodiment is engaged with the paper 5 by making a cut 5c in the paper 5, as shown in FIGS. It is possible to provide 5 d and to provide the second hole 5 b in the paper 5. By providing the notch 5 c in the sheet 5, the first hole 5 a is formed in the sheet 5. The engaging piece 5d, the first hole 5a, and the second hole 5b are provided at corners of the paper 5 as an example. The first hole 5a of the present embodiment is formed in a substantially heptagon shape. The sheet 5 is provided with one first hole 5a, and three second holes 5b are provided with respect to the first hole 5a.

  Further, the paper 5 shown in FIG. 21A is provided with an engaging piece 5d at the first edge of the first hole 5a. The paper 5 is also referred to as an eleventh paper 5K for convenience. Further, the sheet 5 shown in FIG. 21-2 is not provided with the engaging piece 5d. This paper 5 is also referred to as a twelfth paper 5L for convenience. Further, the paper 5 shown in FIG. 21-3 is provided with an engaging piece 5d on the second edge of the first hole 5a. The paper 5 is also referred to as a thirteenth paper 5M for convenience. The sheet 5 shown in FIG. 21-4 is provided with an engaging piece 5d at the third edge of the first hole 5a. The sheet 5 is also referred to as a fourteenth sheet 5N for convenience.

  As an example, the processing unit 16 that performs such processing is provided so as to be movable along the surface of the paper 5, and the engagement piece 5 d, the first hole 5 a, and the second hole are provided at different positions on the paper 5. 5b can be formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 22-1 and 22-2, the control unit 61 controls the processing unit 16 so that each sheet 5 has a plurality of second holes 5b corresponding to one first hole 5a. At the same time, a plurality of engagement pieces 5 d corresponding to the second holes 5 b are provided on the plurality of sheets 5. Thereby, in this embodiment, the several engaging part 5f (specifically three) is formed with respect to one 1st hole 5a. The mutual engaging portions 5f are oriented perpendicular to each other and overlap each other. The sheet bundle 6 of the present embodiment is configured by stacking an eleventh sheet 5K, a twelfth sheet 5L, a thirteenth sheet 5M, a twelfth sheet 5L, and a fourteenth sheet 5N from the bottom to the top. Yes.

  These engaging pieces 5d are passed through the second hole 5b after the end binding portion 25 has passed through the first hole 5a. Thereby, as shown in FIGS. 23A and 23B, the sheet bundle 6 is bound by a plurality (specifically, six) of the engaging portions 5f. Here, for the sake of convenience, the engaging portion 5f illustrated in FIG. 23A is also referred to as a seventh engaging portion 5f, an eighth engaging portion 5f, and a ninth engaging portion 5f in order from the top. Also in the present embodiment, the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of sheets 5 as in the first embodiment. In the present embodiment, as an example, the number of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6 is five, whereas the seventh engagement part 5f, the eighth engagement part 5f, and the ninth engagement part 5f are configured. The number of engaging pieces 5d to be used is one. Here, FIGS. 24-1, 24-2, and 24-3 show the binding states of the seventh engaging portion 5f, the eighth engaging portion 5f, and the ninth engaging portion 5f. In the present embodiment, all the engagement pieces 5d are once bent downward and the seventh engagement portion 5f and the eighth engagement portion 5f are passed through the first hole 5a, and then the seventh engagement portion 5f, The eight engaging portions 5f are passed through the second hole 5b. Then, the ninth engaging portion 5f is bent upward and passed through the first hole 5a, and then the ninth engaging portion 5f is passed through the second hole 5b.

  As described above, in this embodiment as well, as in the first embodiment, the number of engagement pieces 5d in the engagement portion 5f is smaller than the number of the plurality of sheets 5 constituting the sheet bundle 6, so that the binding of the sheet bundle 6 is performed. It can suppress that the thickness of a part becomes thick.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the plurality of engaging portions 5f are provided at the corners of the sheet bundle 6, the space of the sheet bundle 6 can be used effectively.

  Next, a modification of this embodiment will be described. As shown in FIG. 25, the sheet bundle 6 of the present modification includes, from bottom to top, the twelfth sheet 5L, the eleventh sheet 5K, the twelfth sheet 5L, the thirteenth sheet 5M, and the twelfth sheet 5L. The fourteenth sheets 5N are superposed. That is, the sheet bundle 6 of this modification is different from the sheet bundle 6 of FIG. 22-1 in that the twelfth sheet 5L is provided at the bottom. As shown in FIGS. 26A and 16B, the sheet bundle 6 is bound by a plurality of engaging portions 5f. The through-directions of the engaging portions 5f with respect to the first hole 5a and the second hole 5b are the same. In this case, once all the engaging pieces 5d are bent downward and passed through the first hole 5a, each engaging part 5f is passed through the second hole 5b.

  The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming system, 2 ... Image forming apparatus, 3 ... Paper post-processing apparatus, 5 ... Paper, 5a ... 1st hole, 5b ... 2nd hole, 5c ... Notch, 5d ... Engagement piece, 5e ... Base end Part, 5f ... engagement part, 5g ... third hole, 6 ... paper bundle, 16 ... processing part, 16a ... punch part, 25 ... end binding part (binding part), 25a ... first binding member (first ), 25c... 3rd binding member (second pressing member), 28... 1st bundling portion, 35... Saddle binding portion (binding portion), 36. Transport unit, 61... Control unit.

JP-A-8-300847 JP 2005-74787 A

Claims (15)

A processing unit capable of providing a first hole in the paper, providing a second hole in the paper, and providing a engagement piece in the paper by cutting the paper;
A control unit that controls the processing unit to provide the first hole and the second hole in each of a plurality of sheets, and to provide the engagement piece in one or more of the plurality of sheets;
A bundling unit that stacks the plurality of sheets to form a sheet bundle;
The engaging portion composed of one or two or more engaging pieces stacked on each other in the sheet bundle is passed through the first hole, and the engaging portion passed through the first hole is used as the second hole. A sheet binding portion for binding the sheet bundle;
With
The sheet processing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the processing unit such that the number of the engagement pieces in the engagement unit is smaller than the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle.   The control unit controls the processing unit so that at least one of the pair of sheets positioned at both ends of the sheet bundle in the overlapping direction of the sheet bundle has the engagement piece. The sheet processing apparatus according to 1. The control unit controls the processing unit to provide a plurality of second holes corresponding to one first hole in each sheet, and each of the plurality corresponds to the second hole. The engaging piece is provided on the plurality of sheets,
3. The sheet according to claim 1, wherein the sheet binding unit passes a plurality of engaging portions through one of the first holes in the sheet, and passes the plurality of engaging portions through different second holes. Processing equipment.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the processing unit to provide the engaging pieces on all the sheets constituting the sheet bundle.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the control unit does not provide the engaging piece on a part of the sheets constituting the sheet bundle. A paper discharge unit for discharging the sheet bundle bound by the paper binding unit;
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet on which the engagement piece is formed is carried into the bundling unit.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet binding unit pressurizes the engagement unit in a state where the sheet bundle is bound.   The paper processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit is provided so as to be movable along a paper surface of the paper.   The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the processing unit includes a punch unit that provides the first hole, the second hole, and the engagement piece on the sheet. The control unit controls the processing unit to form the first hole and the second hole so as to have a symmetrical shape with respect to a center line of the sheet connecting the centers of a pair of opposite sides of the sheet. Providing each one or more, and providing the engaging piece in at least one of the one or more first holes,
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the bundling unit stacks a part of the plurality of sheets by reversing the front and back. The processed portion can be provided with a third hole through which the engaging piece is not passed,
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the processing unit to provide the third hole in each sheet. The engaging piece extends from an edge of the first hole;
The second hole is formed in a slit shape,
The sheet binding portion pushes the engagement portion to pass the engagement portion through the first hole, and pushes the engagement portion passed through the first hole to pass through the second hole. A second pressing member,
The second pressing member is formed in a shape that can be inserted into the second hole,
The width of the engaging piece in the width direction of the engaging piece perpendicular to the extending direction of the engaging piece, the width in the longitudinal direction of the second hole, and the second hole in the second pressing member The width along the longitudinal direction is substantially the same,
The width in the short direction of the second hole is W1, the width along the short direction of the second hole in the second pressing member is W2, the thickness of the sheet is T, and the thickness at the engaging portion is The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein when N is the number of engaging pieces, W1 is substantially the same as a value obtained by W2 + T × N × 2.   A plurality of sheets stacked on each other, one or more of the plurality of sheets are provided with engagement pieces, and one or more engagement portions composed of two or more engagement pieces stacked on each other A sheet processing apparatus that binds the plurality of sheets through a sheet and manufactures a sheet bundle in which the number of the engagement pieces in the engagement portion is smaller than the number of the plurality of sheets. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper;
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, which receives the sheet from the image forming apparatus.
An image forming system.   Each of the plurality of sheets is provided with a first hole and a second hole, one or more of the plurality of sheets are provided with engagement pieces, and the plurality of sheets are stacked one on top of each other. Passing the engaging portion composed of two or more engaging pieces through the first hole and then passing through the second hole, thereby binding the sheet bundle composed of the plurality of sheets, so that the sheets constituting the sheet bundle A sheet bundle binding method in which the number of engagement pieces in the engagement portion is smaller than the number of sheets.

Images