JP2014105071A - Sheet processing device, image formation apparatus, and image formation system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet processing device, an image formation apparatus, and an image formation system capable of changing a binding strength of a sheet bundle with a simple configuration.SOLUTION: A sheet processing device includes: binding means for binding a sheet bundle of a plurality of sheets; driving means for driving the binding means; and a power supply supplying electric power to the driving means. The binding means further includes control means configured to be able to change a binding force applied to the sheet bundle in proportion to a magnitude of the electric power supplied from the power supply, and controlling the electric power supplied from the power supply to the binding means so as to change the binding force applied from the binding means. The control means controls, for example, a current supplied from a power supply 940 to a drive motor 265 of the binding means.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus that processes sheets such as paper, and an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that include the sheet processing apparatus.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a sheet processing apparatus including a binding unit that performs a binding process on a sheet bundle including a plurality of sheets such as sheets, an image forming apparatus and an image forming system including the sheet processing apparatus are known.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus, a plurality of binding units that perform binding processing on a sheet bundle discharged from the image forming apparatus, and a selection unit that selects at least one of the plurality of binding units. An image forming system including an operation display unit provided is disclosed. In this image forming system, an adhesive application unit, a half-cut binding unit, a staple binding unit, and a temporary binding unit are provided as a plurality of binding units, and the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle by the binding unit selected by the selection unit. To control. Among the plurality of binding means, the adhesive application means is means for applying glue one by one along the edge of the sheet and sequentially stacking them, and the half-cut binding means half-stitching the sheet bundle. It is a means for pulling up and half-cutting and binding by the friction between the rising piece and the punched hole. Further, the staple binding means is means for binding both ends of the staple needles driven into the sheet bundle in a loop shape, and the temporary binding means is means for bending both ends of the staple needles driven into the sheet bundle in a reverse direction. is there.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, a paper bundle composed of a plurality of sheets is formed with a coupling portion such as a cut portion or a recess having a predetermined shape, and the paper bundles are coupled with each other in the paper bundle by the coupling portion. A sheet post-processing apparatus including a sheet binding unit that binds a sheet is disclosed. In this sheet post-processing apparatus, it is possible to perform a binding process for binding an image-formed sheet without using a binding needle.

In the sheet processing apparatus provided with the binding means, there are cases where it is desired to change the binding strength of the sheet bundle according to the user's desire, the type of the sheet bundle, and the like. For example, there is a case where it is desired to selectively execute a main binding process and a temporary binding process in which the binding strength of the sheet bundle is different. In the main binding process, the sheet bundle is bound with a strong binding strength so that the sheet bundle after binding cannot be easily separated into sheets. Further, in the temporary binding process, the binding is performed with a binding strength weaker than that of the main binding process so that the bound sheet bundle can be separated into each sheet as necessary.
The image forming system disclosed in the above cited document 1 includes a staple binding unit and a temporary binding unit that are different from each other in how the staple needles are bent. Therefore, it is considered that a binding process having different binding strengths can be performed. However, since a plurality of types of binding means are provided, the apparatus configuration becomes complicated.
Further, in the paper post-processing apparatus of the above cited reference 2, it is not possible to change the binding force when binding the sheets at the sheet binding unit, that is, the binding strength of the sheet bundle (sheet bundle).

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and an image forming system capable of changing the binding strength of a sheet bundle with a simple configuration. is there.

  In order to achieve the above object, the invention of claim 1 is a sheet processing apparatus comprising: a binding unit that binds a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets; and a driving unit that drives the binding unit. The means is configured to be able to change the binding force for the sheet bundle according to the magnitude of the electric power supplied from the power source, and to supply the electric power supplied from the power source to the binding means so as to change the binding force by the binding means. Control means for controlling is further provided.

  According to the present invention, the binding force by the binding means can be changed by controlling the power supplied from the power source to the binding means without providing a plurality of types of binding means. Therefore, the binding strength of the sheet bundle can be changed with a simple configuration.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are schematic configuration diagrams illustrating an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of a sheet post-processing apparatus of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. The front view of the paper post-processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing a home position of a branching claw that branches a sheet received by the sheet post-processing apparatus. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a position of a branching claw when a sheet received by a sheet post-processing device is branched into a branch path. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the binding tool in the state where the tooth type was opened, and its drive mechanism. Explanatory drawing which shows an example of the binding tool of the state with which the tooth type | mold was closed, and its drive mechanism. (A) And (b) is the top view and front view which respectively show the mode of the inside of the paper post-processing apparatus in which the initialization process was completed. (A) And (b) is the top view and front view which respectively show the mode of the inside of a paper post-processing apparatus when the paper is received. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a front view showing an internal state of the sheet post-processing apparatus when a position in the width direction of the sheet is positioned, respectively. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a front view showing an internal state of the sheet post-processing apparatus when the position of the trailing end of the sheet is positioned, respectively. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a front view showing an internal state of the sheet post-processing apparatus when a subsequent sheet is received, respectively. (A) And (b) is the top view and front view which respectively show the mode of the inside of a paper post-processing apparatus when the subsequent paper is received further. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a front view showing an internal state of the sheet post-processing apparatus before the sheet bundle alignment process is completed and the binding process is started, respectively. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a front view illustrating an internal state of the sheet post-processing apparatus when the discharge of the sheet bundle after the binding process is completed, respectively. FIGS. 7A and 7B are a plan view and a front view illustrating an internal state of the sheet post-processing apparatus when a bundle of sheets for which binding processing has been completed is being discharged, respectively. The graph which shows an example of the binding characteristic which is a relationship between a binding force and a number of sheets for every sheet thickness (basis weight) when the drive motor of a binding tool is rotationally driven without control. The graph which shows an example of the relationship between the binding force of a binding tool in case the thickness (basis weight) of paper is the same, and the crimping force of a paper. The graph which shows an example of the relationship between the crimping | compression-bonding force of a paper and motor current when the thickness (basis weight) of paper is the same. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control system that controls electric power supplied to a binding tool in the paper post-processing apparatus of the present embodiment. (A) And (b) is a timing chart which shows an example of the current control of the drive motor which drives a binding tool, respectively. 1 is a front view illustrating an example of an appearance of an image forming system according to an embodiment. (A)-(e) is explanatory drawing which shows the change of the display screen (operation screen) of the display operation part in the example of control of the image formation operation | movement accompanying the binding process in the image forming system of this embodiment, respectively. The flowchart which shows an example of control when selecting and setting a binding mode. The flowchart which shows an example of binding drive control. The front view which shows the structural example of the paper post-processing apparatus which concerns on other embodiment of this invention. (A)-(d) is explanatory drawing which shows an example of a process when producing the paper bundle of 2 or more copies with the paper post-processing apparatus of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
1A and 1B are schematic configuration diagrams showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 100 in FIG. 1A includes a sheet post-processing as a sheet processing unit (sheet post-processing unit) in an image forming apparatus 101 as an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet as a sheet based on an input image. This is a configuration example in which the apparatus 201 is incorporated. The image forming system 100 in FIG. 1B is a configuration example in which a sheet post-processing apparatus 201 is connected to the image forming apparatus 101.

  The image forming apparatus 101 according to the present embodiment forms an image composed of a toner image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method, but may form an image by another method such as an ink jet method. . In this embodiment, an image forming system in which the image forming apparatus 101 and the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 are combined will be described. However, the present invention can also be applied to the image forming apparatus 101 including the sheet post-processing apparatus 201.

  The sheet post-processing apparatus 201 according to the present embodiment includes a conveyance path binding mechanism as a sheet binding unit that binds a sheet bundle as a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets as post-processing of a plurality of sheets including a sheet on which an image is formed. I have. This transport path binding mechanism has a configuration in which sheets are superposed and aligned in the paper transport path, and a binding tool as a binding means for binding the superposed sheets in the paper transport path.

2 and 3 are a plan view and a front view, respectively, showing a configuration example of a sheet post-processing apparatus 201 having a conveyance path binding mechanism provided in the image forming system of the present embodiment.
The sheet post-processing device 201 includes an inlet sensor 202, an inlet roller 203, a branch claw (switching claw) 204, a paper discharge roller 205, a shift link 206, a shift cam 207, a shift cam stud 208, a shift home position sensor 209, and a binding tool 210. Prepare.

The entrance sensor 202 detects the leading edge, the trailing edge, and the presence / absence of the sheet carried into the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 from the sheet discharge roller 102 of the image forming apparatus 101.
The entrance roller 203 is located at the entrance of the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 and has a function of carrying the sheet into the sheet post-processing apparatus 201. By using the roller nip of the entrance roller 203, it is possible to correct a paper abutting skew. The entrance roller 203 is driven by a controllable drive source (not shown). This driving source is controlled by a control means described later, and thereby, the rotational driving and stopping of the inlet roller 203 by the driving source, and the sheet conveyance amount by the inlet roller 203 are controlled. Note that the control unit may be provided in the image forming apparatus 101.

  The branch claw 204 is a rotatable claw that switches a conveyance path provided to guide the rear end of the sheet to the branch path 241. Further, the branching claw 204 is configured to be able to press the paper against the branch path conveyance surface, and the paper can be fixed by this pressing.

  The paper discharge roller 205 is located at the exit of the paper post-processing device 201 and has a function of conveying, shifting, and discharging the paper. The paper discharge roller 205 is driven by a controllable drive source (not shown). This drive source is controlled by a control unit described later, and thereby, the rotation driving and stopping of the discharge roller 205 by the drive source, and the conveyance amount of the sheet by the discharge roller 205 are controlled.

The shift link 206 is provided at the shaft end of the paper discharge roller 205 and is a part that receives the shift moving force.
The shift cam 207 has a shift cam stud 208 and is a rotating disk-shaped component. The discharge roller 205 connected to the elongated hole portion of the shift link 206 via the shift cam stud 208 is shifted by the rotation of this component.
The shift cam stud 208 is interlocked with the elongated hole portion of the shift link 206 to change the rotational motion of the shift cam 207 to the linear motion of the paper discharge roller 205 in the axial direction.

  The shift home position sensor 209 detects the position of the shift link 206 and sets the detected position as the home position (standby position).

  The binding tool 210 is a tool for binding a bundle of sheets without using a metal needle. In this embodiment, a binding tool 210 is used that deforms a sheet and entangles the fiber by sandwiching the sheet bundle with a pair of teeth having an uneven surface. As this type of binding tool 210, for example, a known binding tool as disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 36-013206 can be used. In addition, the paper bundle is subjected to U-shaped cutting and bending, and a slit is simultaneously opened in the vicinity of the bending source so that the cut and bent leading end portion cannot be unwound through the slit so that the paper is not used. A binding tool for binding a bundle may be used (see, for example, Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 37-007208). Note that the binding means for binding the sheet bundle is not limited to the binding tool of the present embodiment, and may have a function of binding like a widely known binding tool.

  A paper edge sensor 220 as a paper edge detection unit is a sensor that detects a side edge of the paper. When aligning the sheets, the sheets are aligned based on the detection position detected by this sensor.

  The binding tool home position sensor 221 is a sensor that detects the position of the binding tool 210 that is movable in the width direction intersecting the sheet conveyance direction. A position where the binding tool 210 is located at a position that does not interfere even when the maximum size sheet is conveyed is set as a home position (standby position), and this position is detected by the binding tool home position sensor 221.

  The binding tool movement guide rail 230 is a rail that guides the movement of the binding tool 210 so that the binding tool 210 can stably move in the paper width direction.

  The conveyance path 240 is a normal path for conveying and discharging the received paper. The branch path 241 is a conveyance path that is provided for stacking and aligning sheets, and is carried in from the rear end side by switching back the sheets.

  The abutting surface 242 is a reference surface that abuts and aligns the trailing edge of the sheet. For example, in the present embodiment, the tooth mold 261 is a tooth mold having a shape in which a pair of concavities and convexities mesh with each other, and by sandwiching the paper, the paper is deformed and the fibers are entangled.

  4 and 5 are explanatory views showing detailed configuration examples of the branching claw 204 for branching the sheet received by the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 and the periphery thereof. FIG. 4 is an explanatory view showing the home position of the branching claw 204. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the position of the branching claw when the sheet received by the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 is branched to the branch path 241.

  The branch claw 204 is configured to be rotatable in order to switch between the conveyance path 240 and the branch path 241. As shown in FIG. 4, the rotation position where the paper received from the right side in the drawing can be conveyed without resistance is the home position of the branching claw 204. The branch claw 204 is constantly pressurized by a spring 251 as shown in FIG. The spring 251 is hung on the branch claw movable lever portion 204a. A branch solenoid 250 is also connected to the branch claw movable lever portion 204a via a link. Further, the conveyance surface of the branch path 241 and the branch claw 204 are configured to be able to pinch the paper in the conveyance path. The conveyance path is switched by turning on the branch solenoid 250 so that the branch claw 204 rotates in the direction of arrow A1 in FIG. 5, closes the conveyance path 240, and guides the paper to the branch path 241.

  6 and 7 are explanatory diagrams showing an example of the configuration and operation of the binding tool 210, respectively. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the binding tool 210 and its driving mechanism with the tooth mold 261 open, and FIG. 7 shows an example of the binding tool 210 and its driving mechanism with the tooth mold 261 closed. It is explanatory drawing shown. In addition, the structure of the binding tool 210 is not limited to the structure of FIG.6 and FIG.7.

  In FIG. 6, the tooth mold 261 has a shape in which the upper and lower pairs are engaged with each other. The tooth molds 261 are installed at the ends of a plurality of link groups, and are configured to contact and separate from each other by the rotation of the pressure lever 262. The pressure lever 262 is rotated in the direction of arrow A3 in FIG. 7 by a cam 266 that rotates in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. The cam 266 is rotated by being applied with a driving force from the drive motor 265, and is controlled to be located at the detection position based on detection information of the cam home position sensor 267. The detection position of the cam home position sensor 267 is the home position (standby position) of the cam 266, and the tooth mold 261 is open at this position.

  When binding sheets, the operation is performed as shown in FIG. With the pair of teeth 261 open, the paper P is inserted between them, and the cam 266 is rotated in the direction of arrow A2 in FIG. Due to the displacement of the cam surface, the pressure lever 262 rotates in the direction of arrow A3 in the figure. The rotational force increases through the link group using the lever and is transmitted to the tooth mold 261 at the end. When the cam 266 rotates by a certain amount, the tooth mold 261 is engaged and the paper P is held. By this clamping, the paper P is deformed and pressed, and the fibers of adjacent papers are entangled and bound. Thereafter, the drive motor 265 rotates in the reverse direction and stops at the detection position of the cam home position sensor 267. Further, the pressure lever 262 has a spring property, and is bent when an overload is applied, so that the overload is released.

  In the binding tool 210 having the configuration shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, a binding force described later, which is a force with which the tooth mold 261 that holds the paper P so as to deform and press the paper P changes, and the fibers of the papers are entangled with each other. The binding strength at the time of binding is changed. The binding force when the tooth molds 261 mesh with each other varies depending on the rotational force (torque) when the pressure lever 262 is rotated via the cam 266, that is, the torque (moment of force) generated by the drive motor 265. The torque generated by the drive motor 265 changes according to the motor current supplied to the drive motor 265. Therefore, as described later, by controlling the motor current supplied to the drive motor 265, the binding force of the binding tool 210 is changed according to the binding mode such as the main binding mode and the temporary binding mode, and the sheet bundle The binding strength can be changed.

Next, an example of the binding operation of the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 will be described.
8 to 16 are a plan view and a front view of the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 when the binding operation of this example is executed. In each of FIGS. 8 to 15, a part (a) is a plan view of the sheet post-processing apparatus 201, and a part (b) is a front view of the sheet post-processing apparatus 201.

  First, in FIG. 8A and FIG. 8B, when sheet output is started from the image forming apparatus 101, each unit moves to the home position, and the initialization process (initial process) is completed.

  Next, in FIGS. 9A and 9B, before the paper P output from the image forming apparatus 101 is carried into the paper post-processing device 201, the paper post-processing device 201 displays the operation mode information and the paper. The information of P is received, and it will be in an acceptance waiting state based on those information. In addition, although the operation mode in this embodiment is straight mode, shift mode, and binding mode, it is not limited to this.

  In the straight mode receiving standby state, the paper discharge roller 102 of the image forming apparatus 101 rotates in the direction of arrow A4 in the drawing, whereby the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus 101 is sent to the paper post-processing apparatus 201. In the sheet post-processing apparatus 201, the entrance roller 203 and the paper discharge roller 205 are respectively rotated in a predetermined rotation direction (A5 direction in the figure and A5 direction so that the received paper P is conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction (left direction in the figure). A6 direction rotation is started. When the plurality of sheets P are sequentially conveyed and discharged and the final sheet is discharged, the rollers 203 and 205 are stopped.

  In the shift mode acceptance standby state, first, similarly to the straight mode, the entrance roller 203 and the discharge roller 205 are respectively set in a predetermined direction so as to transport the received paper P in a predetermined transport direction (left direction in the figure). Start rotating in the direction of rotation. In the shift paper discharge operation, the paper P is received and conveyed, and when the rear end of the paper P passes through the entrance roller 203, the shift cam 207 rotates by a certain amount, and the paper discharge roller 205 moves in the axial direction. At this time, the paper P also moves as the paper discharge roller 205 moves. When the paper P is discharged, the shift cam 207 rotates to return to the home position and prepares for the next paper. The operation of the paper discharge roller 205 is repeated until the same “part” paper is discharged. When the next “part” sheet is carried in, the shift cam 207 rotates in the direction opposite to the previous rotation, and the sheet moves to the opposite side and is discharged.

  In the standby state for accepting the binding mode, the entrance roller 203 stops and the paper discharge roller 205 rotates in the direction of arrow A6 in the figure so that the received paper P is conveyed in a predetermined conveyance direction (left direction in the figure). Start. In addition, the binding tool 210 moves to a standby position (home position) that is retracted a certain amount from the end in the width direction of the paper P and stands by.

  Thereafter, when the paper P is carried into the paper post-processing apparatus 201, the leading edge of the paper P is detected by the entrance sensor 202. From this detected timing, the sheet P is conveyed by a certain distance (a distance that causes the leading end of the sheet P to abut the nip of the entrance roller 203 to cause a certain amount of bending). After the conveyance, the entrance roller 203 starts to rotate. Thereby, the skew of the paper P is corrected.

  Next, in FIGS. 10A and 10B, the transport amount of the paper P is counted based on the detection information of the entrance sensor 202 that detects the trailing edge of the paper P, and the positional information of the paper P is grasped. ing. When the trailing edge of the paper P passes through the nip of the entrance roller 203, the entrance roller 203 stops for receiving the next paper. At the same time, the shift cam 207 rotates in the direction of arrow A7 (clockwise) in FIG. 10A, and the paper discharge roller 205 starts moving in the axial direction together with the paper P. Then, the paper P is conveyed while being skewed in the direction of arrow A8 in FIG. After that, when the paper end sensor 220 installed or incorporated in the binding tool 210 detects the paper P, the shift cam 207 stops and then reverses. The reverse rotation of the shift cam 207 stops when the paper end sensor 220 is in a non-detection state. The above operation is completed, and the rotation of the paper discharge roller 205 in the direction of the arrow A9 stops at a predetermined position where the rear end of the paper P passes the front end of the branching claw 204.

  Next, in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the branching claw 204 rotates in the direction of arrow A10 (clockwise) in FIG. 11B, and the conveyance path is switched. Thereafter, the paper discharge roller 205 rotates reversely in the direction of arrow A11 (counterclockwise) in the figure, and the paper P is conveyed in the direction of arrow A12 so that the rear end of the paper P is carried into the branch path 241. By this conveyance, the paper P is abutted against the abutting surface 242 and aligned, and the paper discharge roller 205 stops. Here, the paper discharge roller 205 is set to have a weak conveying force so that it slips when the paper P hits.

  Next, in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the branch claw 204 rotates in the direction of arrow A13 (counterclockwise) in FIG. 12B, and the rear end of the paper P in the branch path 241 is the branch claw. It is strongly pressed by the contact surface 204 and waits. When the succeeding paper P ′ is output from the image forming apparatus 101, similarly to the first paper P, an operation of correcting the skew of the paper P ′ by the entrance roller 203 is performed. Further, at the same time as the rotation of the entrance roller 203 starts, the paper discharge roller 205 also starts to rotate in the rotation direction (A6 direction in the figure) for conveying the paper.

  Next, in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the operations of FIGS. 10 and 11 described above are performed on the second and subsequent sheets of paper P ″,... The aligned sheet bundle Ps is stacked in the transport path by moving and overlapping.

  Next, in FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B, when the operation of superimposing the final sheet on the aligned sheet bundle Ps is completed, the paper discharge roller 205 is moved so that the sheet bundle Ps is conveyed by a certain amount. b) Rotate in the direction of arrow A14 (clockwise) and stop. By the operation of the paper discharge roller 205, it is possible to eliminate the bending that occurs when the rear end of the paper is abutted against the abutting surface 242. Thereafter, the branching claw 204 rotates in the direction of arrow A15 (clockwise) in FIG. 14B to switch the direction of the leading end, and the pressing force applied to the sheet bundle Ps is released.

  Next, in FIGS. 15A and 15B, the paper discharge roller 205 rotates in the direction of the arrow A16, so that the position of the tooth mold 261 of the binding tool 210 matches the processing position (binding position) of the paper. The sheet bundle Ps is transported by the distance to be stopped and stopped. As a result, the position of the tooth mold 261 of the binding tool 210 in the paper transport direction is matched with the paper processing position (binding position). Further, the binding tool 210 moves in the direction of arrow A17 in FIG. 15A and stops by the distance that the position of the tooth mold 261 of the binding tool 210 matches the processing position of the paper. Thereby, the position of the tooth mold 261 of the binding tool 210 in the paper width direction and the processing position (binding position) of the paper are matched. At this time, the branching claw 204 rotates in the direction of arrow A18 (counterclockwise) in FIG. 15B to switch the direction of the leading edge, and returns to the paper receiving state. Thereafter, the drive motor 265 of the binding tool 210 is turned on, and the sheet bundle Ps is pressurized by the tooth mold 261 to perform the squeezing, whereby the fibers of the respective sheets P are entangled with each other and the sheets are coupled to each other. Is bound.

  Next, in FIGS. 16A and 16B, when the paper discharge roller 205 further rotates in the direction of arrow A16 in the figure, the bound paper bundle Ps is discharged. Then, after the sheet bundle Ps is discharged, the shift cam 207 rotates in the A19 direction in the drawing and returns to the home position, and the binding tool 210 moves in the arrow A20 direction in the drawing and returns to the home position. Thus, the operation of the binding process for the sheet bundle Ps is completed.

  8 to 16, the case where the binding unit (post-processing unit) is the binding tool 210 that performs binding and narrows the sheet bundle has been described, but a binding tool having another configuration may be used. For example, a binding tool that performs half punching, cutting and bending, cutting and bending, and passing through a hole, and the binding tool that can change the binding force on the sheet bundle according to the amount of power supplied from the power source. May be used.

Next, control of the binding force of the binding tool 210 for changing the binding strength of the sheet bundle in the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 having the above configuration will be described.
FIG. 17 shows the binding force and the number of sheets for each sheet thickness (basis weight) when the drive motor 265 that is a drive source of the drive unit that drives the binding tool 210 of the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 is rotated without control. It is a graph which shows an example of the binding characteristic which is a relationship. Here, the binding force is a force [N] applied to the sheet bundle from the binding tool 210 during the binding operation of the sheet bundle. The basis weight is a value corresponding to the thickness of the sheets constituting the sheet bundle, and is the mass [g / m ² ] per unit area of the sheets. In FIG. 17, there are three types of paper, that is, three types of paper (plain paper, medium paper having basis weights of 50 [g / m ² ], 70 [g / m ² ] and 90 [g / m ² ], respectively. The relationship between the binding force and the number of sheets in the case of thick paper and thick paper) is shown.

  FIG. 17 shows that the binding force of the sheet bundle decreases as the thickness (basis weight) of the sheets included in the sheet bundle increases and as the number of sheets increases. In general, it has been found that a binding force that feels that the sheet bundle is firmly fastened is 2 [N]. Hereinafter, 2 [N] is defined as a lower limit of the binding force necessary for the main binding (hereinafter, referred to as “main binding lower limit” as appropriate). If the sheet bundle is fastened with a weak force and the sheets constituting the sheet bundle can be peeled off, there is no sense of incongruity, and the lower limit of the magnetic force can be set to 1 [N], for example. Hereinafter, 1 [N] is defined as a lower limit of the binding force necessary for temporary binding (hereinafter, referred to as “temporary binding lower limit” as appropriate). Here, the main binding is a binding process in which the bundle of sheets is bound with a strong binding force so that the bundle of sheets after binding cannot be easily separated into each sheet. In addition, the temporary binding is a binding process in which the bound sheet bundle is bound with a binding force weaker than that of the main binding so that the sheets can be separated into each sheet as necessary.

According to the graph of FIG. 17, in the case of plain paper having a basis weight of 50 [g / m ² ] in the drive motor 265 and the drive mechanism as drive means for driving the binding tool 210 of the present embodiment, 9 sheets or more are bound. It is understood that temporary binding cannot be performed with 10 sheets or more. Similarly, in the case of medium-thick paper having a basis weight of 70 [g / m ² ], it can be seen that seven or more sheets cannot be stapled, and nine or more sheets cannot be temporarily bound. Further, in the case of thick paper having a basis weight of 90 [g / m ² ], it can be seen that even two sheets cannot be stapled and six sheets or more cannot be provisionally bound.

  FIG. 18 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the binding force [N] of the binding tool 210 and the crimping force [N] as the binding strength of the paper when the thickness (basis weight) of the paper is the same. In FIG. 18, “n”, “n +”, and “n + 2” are the number of sheets [sheets] included in the sheet bundle, and “n” is an arbitrary number. Here, the sheet pressing force is a force with which adjacent sheets of the sheet bundle after the binding process are pressed together, and is a force [N] corresponding to a force necessary for peeling the sheets.

  From FIG. 18, it can be seen that the binding force [N] of the binding tool 210 and the pressure bonding force [N] of the paper are in a substantially proportional relationship. The proportional relationship is the same when the number of sheets in the sheet bundle changes, and it can be seen that the characteristic line indicating the proportional relationship moves in parallel according to the number of sheets.

  FIG. 19 is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the sheet pressing force [N] and the motor current [A] when the sheet thickness (basis weight) is the same. Here, the motor current is a control target value [A] of a current supplied from the power source to the drive motor 265 as a drive unit for driving the binding tool 210. Further, “n”, “n +”, and “n + 2” in FIG. 19 are the number of sheets [sheets] included in the sheet bundle, and “n” is an arbitrary number.

  From FIG. 19, it can be seen that the pressure bonding force [N] of the paper and the motor current [A] are in a substantially proportional relationship. The proportional relationship is the same when the number of sheets in the sheet bundle changes, and it can be seen that the characteristic line indicating the proportional relationship moves in parallel according to the number of sheets. Here, since the torque generated by the drive motor 265 (hereinafter referred to as “motor torque”) is proportional to the motor current flowing through the motor, the motor torque is proportional to the pressure of the sheet. Further, from the graph of FIG. 18 described above, the motor torque and the binding force are proportional to each other as a result. In other words, when the number of sheets is n + 1 and the motor current is supplied to A (A), 1 [N] is obtained as the binding force.

  In the above description of FIGS. 17 to 19, the paper thickness (basis weight) is one of the parameters. However, the binding characteristics may differ depending on the paper type (paper type). know. For example, although detailed description is omitted, it is difficult to obtain binding strength (fastening force between sheets) for coated paper or the like compared to plain paper.

  FIG. 20 illustrates a control system as a control unit that controls power as supply energy supplied from the power source 940 to the binding tool 210 so as to change the binding force of the binding tool 210 in the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 of the present embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows an example. This control system includes a microcomputer 930, a PWM (pulse width modulation) control circuit 931, a DAC 932, comparators 933 and 934, an LPF 935, a detection resistor (R), and the like. In this control system, the motor that supplies the drive motor 265 that drives the binding tool 210 so as to change the power (supply energy) supplied from the power source 940 as the power supply means (energy supply means) to the binding tool 210. The current is controlled. As the drive motor 265, for example, a DC motor can be used.

  In FIG. 20, a paper post-processing device (paper bundle binding device) 201 is controlled by a one-chip microcomputer 930 as main control means. The microcomputer 930 functions as a controller that performs various types of control and data processing by executing a predetermined control program.

  Power supply for supplying a motor current to the drive motor 265 is performed via a transistor (Tr). The transistor (Tr) is switching-controlled by a PWM control circuit 931. The motor current i supplied to the drive motor 265 flows through the detection resistor (R). A detection voltage Vin (= i × R) generated in the detection resistor (R) is input to two comparators (comp) 933 and 934 as voltage comparison means via a low-pass filter (LPF) 935. The predetermined threshold voltage Vth used as the reference voltage of the comparators 933 and 934 is obtained by converting digital data from the microcomputer 930 into an analog voltage by a digital-analog converter (DAC) 932, and can be freely set by the control of the microcomputer 930. It is.

  The threshold voltage Vth output from the DA converter (DAC) 932 is input as the reference voltage of one of the two comparators 933. As the reference voltage of the other comparator 934, Vth−v1 (v1 is an appropriate voltage) lower than the threshold voltage Vth is input.

  The PWM control circuit 931 turns on the transistor Tr when the motor on / off signal from the microcomputer 930 is “on”, and enables switching control of the transistor Tr when the PWM enable signal is in the enable state logic. Further, the PWM control circuit 931 turns off the transistor Tr when the detection voltage Vin corresponding to the motor current exceeds the threshold voltage Vth (when the motor current increases). When the transistor Tr is turned off, the motor current flowing in the drive motor 265 becomes a loop that flows through the diode D as regenerative energy and gradually decreases. As a result, when the detection voltage Vin corresponding to the motor current i falls below Vth−v1, the transistor Tr is turned on and current is supplied to the drive motor 265 again. Therefore, the current I flowing through the drive motor 265 is approximately I = (Vth− (1/2) · V1) / R as an average current.

  When the drive motor 265 is started, a high torque is required because the drive motor 265 is started from a stopped state. For this reason, during a predetermined time (Ton) from the start of activation of the drive motor 265, the PWM enable signal from the microcomputer 930 is set as a disenable logic, and the drive motor 265 is activated with full energization.

  A signal from the cam home position sensor 267 that drives the drive motor 265 and detects that the binding tool 210 has returned to the home position (standby position) after one cycle of operation is input to a predetermined port of the microcomputer 930. The The signal from the cam home position sensor 267 is used as a stop control trigger for stopping the drive motor 265 so as to stop the binding tool 210 at the home position.

  Further, as a control system for the drive motor 265, a circuit for making the power supply voltage of the drive motor 265 variable and applying it to the drive motor 265 may be used, and the same effect as the control system of FIG. 20 can be obtained. In addition, a part or the whole configuration of the control system may be configured by a device or an electronic component configured to realize a predetermined function. For example, you may comprise with electronic circuit elements (electronic components), such as ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a programmable logic device, and FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array).

  FIGS. 21A and 21B are timing charts showing an example of current control of the drive motor 265 that can be performed using the control system of FIG. In each of FIGS. 21A and 21B, the first waveform from the top is the motor current waveform, and the second waveform is the voltage waveform (Vin) detected by the detection resistor (R). The third waveform is a waveform indicating the ON / OFF state of the transistor (Tr), and the bottom waveform is an output waveform of the cam home position sensor 267 that notifies the home position of the binding tool 210. FIG. 21A is an example of a timing chart when the control target value of the motor current is set to B [A]. FIG. 21B is an example of a timing chart when the control target value of the motor current is set to A [A] having a smaller current than B [A] in FIG.

  In the current control of FIGS. 21A and 21B, the threshold voltage Vth is set from the microcomputer 930 so that the average currents are B [A] and A [A], respectively. When the drive motor 265 is activated, the maximum current that can be supplied to the drive motor 265 is supplied without performing PWM control during the time (Ton) required for activation in both cases of FIGS. 21A and 21B. Fully energize. Thereafter, the transistor (Tr) is switched based on the reference voltage (Vth, Vth−v1) based on the threshold voltage Vth set by the microcomputer 930. Then, when the cam home position sensor 267 detects that the binding tool 210 has returned to the home position, the drive of the drive motor 265 is stopped.

  FIG. 22 is a front view showing an example of the appearance of the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment. The example in FIG. 22 is a configuration example in which a sheet post-processing device 201 is connected as a separate device to the side of the image forming apparatus 101 on the paper discharge side. It may be integrated in the device 101.

  In FIG. 22, an image forming apparatus 101 includes a display operation unit 300 that can be operated by a user and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 301 that supplies a document to be scanned. The display operation unit 300 includes a display unit including, for example, a liquid crystal display (LCD) as a display unit, and a key operation unit (for example, a numeric keypad) as an operation unit. Note that the display unit of this example has a touch panel function and can detect the contact position of the user along with various displays. That is, the display unit of this example also has a function as an operation unit.

Next, a control example of an image forming operation accompanied by a binding process in the image forming system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIGS. 23A to 23E are explanatory diagrams illustrating changes in the display screen (operation screen) of the display operation unit 300 in the present control example. FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing an example of control when selecting and setting an operation mode of binding processing (hereinafter referred to as “binding mode”) in the image forming system of the present embodiment.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 101 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes a plurality of stages of paper feed trays as paper storage units. Then, according to the paper set in the paper feed tray, the user can set the paper size, orientation, thickness, paper type, and the like by operating the display operation unit 300. The information on the paper set in each paper feed tray is displayed on the display / operation unit 300 and is used for control of setting conditions of the image forming process.

  In addition, the binding mode that can be set in the control flow of FIG. 24 can be selected from two types, a main binding mode and a temporary binding mode, according to the type of paper. Here, temporary binding means that when actually using paper, the paper is removed from the paper bundle and used one by one. Until then, the paper is used so that it can be used if it is to be bundled. This is a binding process. Since the paper bundle bound by the temporary binding has a weak fastening force between the sheets, the paper can be easily peeled off from the paper bundle.

  In FIG. 24, first, the user selects a binding function on a display screen (not shown) (S101). When the binding function is selected, a screen for allowing the user to select a paper feed tray is displayed as in the display screen of FIG. 23A (S102). On this display screen, the size of the paper set in each paper feed tray and the paper thickness (plain paper, medium thick paper, thick paper) are displayed.

  Next, when a paper feed tray is selected by the user (YES in S103), as shown in the display screen of FIG. 23B, a document is set on the ADF 301 and the start key is pressed, or the number of documents is directly input. A screen prompting the user is displayed (S104). When a document bundle is set in the ADF 301 and the start key is pressed, the document is separated from the document bundle, conveyed one by one, the document surface is optically scanned, and the number of documents is automatically counted and recognized. (S105).

  When the number of originals is recognized (YES in S105), a binding mode selection screen for selecting either the temporary binding mode or the main binding mode is displayed as shown in the display screen of FIG. S106). When the binding mode is input (YES in S107), the process proceeds to control for determining whether or not the binding mode is possible.

  The binding ability of the paper post-processing apparatus 201 of the present embodiment varies depending on the thickness and number of sheets as shown in FIG. When the user selects the main binding mode (“Final Binding” in S108), the process proceeds to step S109, and when the user selects the temporary binding mode (“provisional binding” in S108), the process proceeds to C.

When the main binding mode is selected, it is determined whether or not the sheet is thick (S109). In this control example, a sheet having a basis weight of 90 [g / m ² ] is a thick sheet. If the paper is thick, it is determined whether the number is greater than 5 (S110). Here, as shown in FIG. 17 described above, up to five thick paper sheets can be fastened with a binding force at the lower limit of the temporary binding, and the quality of temporary binding cannot be guaranteed with six sheets or more. Therefore, when the number of sheets is not more than 5, the process proceeds to the process A, and when the number is greater than 5, the process proceeds to the process B.

  In step A, as shown in the display screen of FIG. 23 (e), the user is informed that the booklet cannot be stapled (S111), and is selected to change the operation mode to the temporary binding mode or cancel the binding function ( S112). When any key is pressed (YES in S112), the binding mode is determined.

  If there are more than 5 sheets in step S110, the process proceeds to step B. In step B, as shown in the display screen of FIG. 23D, the user is informed that the binding function cannot be used (S113), and cancels the binding function (S114). When the cancel key is pressed (YES in S114), the binding function is canceled.

If it is determined in step S109 that the sheet is not thick (NO in S109), it is determined whether the sheet is medium thickness (S115). In this control example, a sheet having a basis weight of 70 [g / m ² ] is a medium thick sheet. If the sheet is medium-thick, it is first determined whether or not the number of sheets is greater than 6 (S116). Here, as shown in FIG. 17 described above, up to eight medium-thick paper sheets can be fastened with a binding force at the lower limit of temporary binding, and up to six sheets can be fastened with a binding force at the lower limit of main binding. With nine or more sheets, the quality of temporary binding cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, when the number of sheets is not more than 6 in the determination in step S116 (NO in S116), there is no problem as the main binding mode, and the operation mode is determined here. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S112 that the number of sheets is greater than 6 (YES in S116), it is further determined whether or not the number of sheets is greater than 8 (S117). If the number of sheets is greater than 8 (YES in S117), the process proceeds to the process B described above, and if the number of sheets is 8 or less (NO in S117), the process proceeds to the process A described above. .

Similarly, in steps S118 and S119, the number of sheets of plain paper is determined. In this control example, a paper having a basis weight of 50 [g / m ² ] is used as a plain paper. Further, the threshold values of the numbers in the determination steps of S118 and S119 are 8 and 9 as shown in FIG. If the number of sheets is not more than 8 (NO in S118), there is no problem as the main binding mode, and the operation mode is determined here. If the number of sheets is greater than 9 (YES in S119), the process proceeds to the process B described above. If the number of sheets is 9 or less (NO in S119), the process proceeds to the process A described above. To do.

In the case of the temporary binding mode, in step C, it is determined whether or not the sheet is thick paper (S120), and further whether or not the sheet is medium thick paper is determined (S121). Here, the threshold number of sheets for guaranteeing temporary binding quality in the case of thick paper, medium thick paper, and plain paper is 5, 8, and 9. Accordingly, when the number of sheets is greater than the threshold number in the case of each of thick paper, medium thick paper, and plain paper (YES in S122, S123, and S124), the process proceeds to the process B described above. Then, the user is notified that the binding function cannot be used (S113), and cancels the binding function (S114).
As described above, the binding mode is determined by a series of control flows, and then the copy operation is executed.

  FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating an example of binding drive control in the image forming system of the present embodiment. This control example shows an example in which the drive motor 265 that drives the binding tool 210 is controlled based on the binding mode selected and confirmed in FIG. Hereinafter, description will be made with reference to the control system block diagram of FIG. 20 and the timing chart of FIG.

  In FIG. 25, first, it is determined whether or not the binding mode that is the operation mode of the binding process in the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 is the main binding mode (S201). When the binding mode is the main binding mode (YES in S201), the setting of the threshold voltage Vth used in the control system of FIG. 20 described above can satisfy the binding force of the main binding of the sheet bundle. The data is set so that the motor current becomes (S202). Specifically, the threshold voltage Vth data is set so as to be the average current B [A] in FIG. On the other hand, when the binding mode is the temporary binding mode (NO in S201), data is set so that the above-described threshold voltage Vth is set to the motor current of the drive motor 265 that can satisfy the fastening force of the temporary binding of the sheet bundle. (S203). Specifically, the threshold voltage Vth data is set so that the average current A [A] is lower than B [A] in FIG. The setting data of the threshold voltage Vth set as described above is output to the Vth setting port of the microcomputer 930 in FIG. 20 and converted into an analog signal by the DAC 932. At this time, the drive motor 265 is not rotated and only the threshold voltage Vth is set. Further, the motor current of the drive motor 265 required in each binding mode differs depending on the thickness and number of sheets to be bound.

  Next, the PWM enable port in the aforementioned microcomputer 930 in FIG. 20 is disabled, and preset so that the PWM control by the PWM control circuit 931 is not performed when the motor is started (S204). Then, a motor start timer for measuring the drive motor start time, which is a time during which PWM control is not performed, is started (S205).

  Next, the motor on / off port for controlling on / off of the drive motor 265 in the microcomputer 930 is turned on, and the drive drive of the drive motor 265 is started (S206). After the rotation drive is started, it is determined whether or not the motor start timer has passed a predetermined time Ton (S207). When the predetermined time Ton has elapsed (YES in S207), the PWM enable port of the microcomputer 930 is enabled to control the motor current of the drive motor 265, and PWM control by the PWM control circuit 931 is started (S208). By this PWM control, the motor current set in S202 or S203 is caused to flow to the drive motor 265, and a necessary torque can be obtained.

  Next, when the sheet bundle binding process is completed, the stop of the rotational drive of the drive motor 265 is controlled as follows. For example, after the binding process is completed, it is determined whether or not the binding tool 210 that has returned to a predetermined home position (standby position) is detected by the cam home position sensor 267 (S209). When the binding device 210 that has returned to the home position (standby position) is detected by the cam home position sensor 267 (YES in S209), the motor on / off port of the microcomputer 930 is turned off and the drive motor 265 is driven to rotate. Is controlled to stop. Thus, the operation of the sheet bundle binding process is completed.

  In the control example of the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the number of sheets and the thickness (for example, basis weight) are taken into consideration as to whether or not the necessary fastening force (binding strength) is obtained in the binding process of the sheet bundle. The above conditions may vary depending on the type of paper (paper type) and brand. For example, in the case of a coated paper in which the surface of the paper is coated, it is difficult to obtain a fastening force (binding strength) necessary for the binding process of the paper bundle. Therefore, in addition to the number of sheets and thickness (for example, basis weight), the type of paper (paper type), brand, etc., as a condition for whether or not the necessary fastening force (binding strength) can be obtained in the binding process of the paper bundle. You may consider it. In this case, it is possible to perform more accurate control for obtaining a predetermined fastening force (binding strength) in the binding process of the sheet bundle.

  In the control example of the above embodiment, the case where the image forming operation is a copying operation, that is, the case where the image forming apparatus 101 is used as a copying machine has been described. However, the present invention uses the image forming apparatus 101 as a printer. The same applies to the above. In this case, for example, the image forming system of the present embodiment is connected to an external device operated by a user such as a computer device via a communication network such as a LAN or a WAN. The display screen shown in FIG. 23 is displayed on the printer driver screen in the display unit of an external device such as a computer device.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the sheets are bound in the conveyance path for conveying the sheets in the horizontal direction has been described. However, the present invention is configured as shown in FIGS. It can apply without being limited to the position to perform.

  FIG. 26 is a front view showing a configuration example of a sheet post-processing apparatus 201 'according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 26, the sheet output from the image forming apparatus 101 enters the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 ′ and is conveyed by the conveying roller 270 and the conveying roller 271. The switching claw 272 is rotated by the moving force of the sheet being conveyed. The sheet passes through the conveyance path secured by the rotation of the switching claw 272 and is conveyed to the processing tray 278 in the alignment unit 275 by the conveyance roller 273 and the conveyance roller 274. The conveyed paper falls by its own weight in the direction of arrow B in the figure, and the conveyance direction is aligned by the rear end fence 276. After the time when the trailing edge of the sheet is detected in advance by the sensor 277 and the sheet conveying direction can be aligned, the width direction (direction perpendicular to the conveying direction) is aligned by the alignment fence of the processing tray 278. By repeating this operation, a large number of sheets are aligned one by one.

  When the final sheets are aligned, the aligned sheet bundle is bound by a binding tool (stapler) 210 '. Thereafter, the discharge belt 279 in the aligning unit 275 rotates in the direction of arrow C in the drawing, and the sheet bundle is discharged from the processing tray 278 in the direction of arrow D in the drawing by the discharge claw 280 attached to the discharge belt 279. . The sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 283 by the discharge roller 281 and the driven roller 282 and stacked.

  The paper discharge tray 283 has a mechanism that moves up and down according to the number of sheets stacked. Further, the conveyance guide plate 284 to which the driven roller 282 is attached is configured to be rotatable around the fulcrum 284a so that the same conveyance force can be obtained even if the thickness of the sheet bundle to be conveyed changes. Yes. The driven roller 282 presses the discharge roller 281 by the weight of the conveyance guide plate 284.

  The above operation is an operation for a sheet bundle of a plurality of sheets. In the case of a bundle of two or more sheets, the image forming apparatus 101 uses the same interval (between sheets) for the last sheet of the preceding section and the first sheet of the succeeding next section as for other consecutive sheets. Then, the copying is continuously executed and sent to the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 ′.

  FIGS. 27A to 27D are explanatory diagrams illustrating an example of processing when two or more sheet bundles are created by the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 ′ illustrated in FIG. 26. First, as shown in FIG. 27A, the conveyance rollers 270, 271, 273, 274, and 285 rotate in the direction of the arrow in the drawing, and the second sheet of the first sheet P is conveyed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27B, when the sensor 277 detects the trailing edge of the paper P and it is determined that the alignment unit 275 is not in a state of accepting the paper P, the conveying roller 285 is moved in the direction of the arrow in the figure. , 273, 274 are reversed, and the sheet P is conveyed by the switching claw 272 as shown. The conveyance of the paper is stopped when the paper edge (rear edge) of the paper P is detected by the sensor 277.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 27C, when the second sheet P is conveyed by the conveying rollers 270 and 271 and the leading edge of the sheet P is detected by the sensor 277, the direction of the arrow in FIG. The transport rollers 285, 273, and 274 rotate to transport the two sheets in a stacked state. When the trailing edge of the two sheets of paper P that are being conveyed in this way is detected by the sensor 277, if the processing tray 278 is in a state of accepting the paper P, the paper P is discharged as it is. On the other hand, when the processing tray 278 is not in a state of accepting paper, the same operation as that for the first paper P is repeated. Further, after repeating until the processing tray 278 is in a state of receiving the paper P, the paper bundle is discharged in a state where two or more papers P are stacked.

  With the above operation, post-processing can be performed efficiently without reducing productivity during the binding process (stapling process) for a bundle of two or more sheets.

  In each of the embodiments described above, the case where the target of the binding process is a sheet has been described. However, the present invention is also applicable to a case where a sheet other than the sheet is bound as long as the binding strength by the binding unit may change. The same can be applied.

What has been described above is merely an example, and the present invention has a specific effect for each of the following modes.
(Aspect A)
A sheet processing apparatus such as a sheet post-processing apparatus 201 including a binding unit such as a binding tool 210 that binds a sheet bundle Ps composed of a plurality of sheets P and a driving unit such as a drive motor 265 that drives the binding unit. The binding means is configured to be able to change the binding strength for the sheet bundle in accordance with the magnitude of the power supplied from the power source 940, and from the power source 940 to the binding means so as to change the binding strength by the binding means. Control means such as a microcomputer 930 for controlling the supplied power is further provided.
According to this, as described in the above embodiment, the binding force by the binding means can be changed by controlling the power supplied from the power source 940 to the binding means without providing a plurality of types of binding means. . Therefore, the binding strength of the sheet bundle can be changed with a simple configuration.
(Aspect B)
In aspect A, the control unit controls the power based on at least one of the number of sheets and the thickness of the sheets included in the sheet bundle to be bound.
According to this, as described in the above embodiment, the binding strength of the sheet bundle can be appropriately changed according to at least one of the number and thickness of sheets included in the sheet bundle to be bound.
(Aspect C)
In aspect A or aspect B, the apparatus further includes an input unit such as a display operation unit 300 capable of inputting information corresponding to a plurality of stages of binding strength such as the main binding mode and the temporary binding mode, and the control unit is the input unit. The power is controlled based on information such as the main binding mode and the temporary binding mode corresponding to the input binding strength.
According to this, as described in the above embodiment, the binding strength of the sheet bundle can be appropriately changed in accordance with each piece of information corresponding to the input multi-step binding strength.
(Aspect D)
In any of the above aspects A to C, when the control means determines that the target binding strength cannot be obtained, the control means performs control so as to notify the user to that effect.
According to this, as described in the above embodiment, when the target binding strength is not obtained, the user can be prompted to cancel the binding processing or to perform the binding processing with a lower binding strength. .
(Aspect E)
In any one of the aspects A to D, the driving unit includes a motor 265, and the control unit controls a current supplied from the power source 940 to the motor 265.
According to this, as described in the above embodiment, the binding force by the binding unit can be changed by controlling the current supplied from the power source 940 to the motor of the binding unit.
(Aspect F)
An image forming system 100 comprising: an image forming apparatus 101 that forms an image on a sheet such as a sheet; and a sheet processing unit that processes a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 101, wherein the sheet processing unit A sheet processing apparatus such as the sheet post-processing apparatus 201 according to any one of the above aspects A to E is provided.
According to this, as described in the above embodiment, the binding strength when binding a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets including a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 101 can be changed with a simple configuration. it can.
(Aspect G)
An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet such as a sheet, and includes a sheet processing apparatus such as the post-processing apparatus according to any one of the above-described aspects A to E as a sheet processing unit that processes a sheet on which an image is formed.
According to this, as described in the above embodiment, the binding strength when binding a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets including a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus can be changed with a simple configuration. .

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Image forming system 101 Image forming apparatus 102 Paper discharge roller 201, 201 'Paper post-processing apparatus 202 Entrance sensor 203 Entrance roller 204 Branch claw 205 Paper discharge roller 206 Shift link 207 Shift cam 208 Shift cam stud 209 Shift home position sensor 210, 210' Binding tool 220 Paper edge sensor 221 Binding tool home position sensor 230 Binding tool movement guide rail 240 Transport path 241 Branch path 242 Abutting surface 261 Tooth type 262 Pressure lever 265 Drive motor 266 Cam 267 Cam home position sensor 300 Display operation unit 301 Automatic document feeder (ADF)
930 Microcomputer 931 PWM control circuit 932 Digital analog converter (DAC)
933, 934 Comparator 935 Low-pass filter (LPF)
940 Power supply P, P ', P''Paper Ps Paper bundle

Japanese Patent No. 3885410 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2005-74858

Claims (7)

A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a binding unit that binds a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets; and a driving unit that drives the binding unit,
The binding means is configured to be able to change the binding strength for the sheet bundle according to the magnitude of power supplied from a power source,
A sheet processing apparatus, further comprising: a control unit that controls electric power supplied from the power source to the binding unit so as to change a binding strength of the binding unit. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein
The sheet processing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the power based on information on at least one of the number of sheets and the thickness of sheets included in a sheet bundle to be bound. In the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2,
It further comprises an input means capable of inputting information corresponding to a plurality of stages of binding strength,
The sheet processing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls the power based on information corresponding to a binding strength input by the input unit. In the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
When the control unit determines that the target binding strength cannot be obtained, the sheet processing apparatus performs control so as to notify the user to that effect. In the sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The driving means has a motor;
The sheet processing apparatus, wherein the control unit controls a current supplied from the power source to the motor. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet; and a sheet processing unit that processes a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus,
An image forming system comprising the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 as the sheet processing unit. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet,
An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 as sheet processing means for processing a sheet on which an image is formed.

Images