JP2016008094A - Sheet processing device and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve productivity of binding in a sheet processing device including a plurality of binding units for which the numbers of sheets to be accepted are different from each other.SOLUTION: The sheet processing device includes a plurality of binding sections and a movement control section. The binding sections move from a predetermined position to a binding position in order to collectively bind a plurality of sheets, thereby binding a plurality of sheets loaded on a sheet loading section where the sheets are loaded until a plurality of sheets subjected to binding are prepared, at the binding position. For the plurality of binding sections, the upper limit numbers of sheets which can be accepted for binding the plurality of sheets, are different from each other. The movement control section individually controls the movement of the plurality of binding sections, respectively. Only in the case where the upper limit number of a binding section at an accepting position among the plurality of binding section is less than the number of a plurality of sheets subjected to binding, the movement control section moves the binding section at the accepting position to the outside of the accepting position until sheets are loaded just for the predetermined number on the sheet loading section.

Description

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

  In recent years, there has been a tendency to digitize information, and image processing apparatuses such as printers and facsimiles used for outputting digitized information and scanners used for digitizing documents have become indispensable devices. Such an image processing apparatus is often configured as a multifunction machine that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, or a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like.

  Also, as such a multi-function machine, a multi-function machine equipped with a binding processing device that forms an image on a plurality of sheets and then binds a bundle of sheets made up of the plurality of image-formed sheets is known. Yes. In such a binding processing apparatus, a method of binding a sheet bundle includes a method using a metal needle (hereinafter referred to as “needle binding”) and a method not using a metal needle (hereinafter referred to as “needleless binding”). ) Therefore, as such a binding processing device, a binding processing device capable of performing both needle-bound binding and needle-less binding has been proposed and already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  As described above, the binding processing apparatus capable of performing both of them performs the binding process because at least part of the movement range of the needle-bound binding unit that performs needle-bound binding and the needle-less binding unit that performs needleless binding overlaps. When performing, first, it is necessary to move both units to the home position in order to prevent collision between the stapled binding unit and the needleless binding unit. Then, when the sheets to be bound are aligned, the binding processing apparatus moves the selected binding unit from the home position to the binding position, and receives and accepts the sheet bundle at the binding port of the moved binding unit. The sheet bundle is bound by sandwiching from above and below the sheet surface.

  As described above, the binding processing apparatus capable of performing both needle-bound binding and needle-less binding moves the selected binding unit from the home position to the binding position when the sheets to be bound are aligned. Therefore, there is a problem that productivity is lowered by the travel time.

  Therefore, the binding processing apparatus capable of performing both needle-bound binding and needle-less binding does not move both units to the home position when the needle-bound binding unit and the needle-less binding unit do not collide. If the binding unit is kept at or near the binding position, the time required to move the binding unit to the binding position can be shortened, and the productivity can be improved.

  However, in a binding processing apparatus capable of performing both in this way, the upper limit number of sheets that can be bound at one time by the needle-bound binding unit and the needle-less binding unit (hereinafter referred to as “the number of sheets that can be bound”). ) Are different, and the upper limit number of sheets that can be accepted (hereinafter referred to as “acceptable number of sheets”) is also different. Therefore, when the binding process is performed by the binding unit having the larger number of sheets that can be bound, binding is performed. In some cases, the number of target sheet bundles exceeds the acceptable number of sheets that can be bound.

  For this reason, a binding processing apparatus capable of performing both needle-bound binding and needle-less binding is not allowed to move both units to the home position but remain in the binding position or the vicinity of the binding position for the purpose of improving productivity. In other words, even if it is necessary to accept sheets up to the acceptable number of sheets in the binding unit with the larger number of sheets to be bound, when the number of received sheets reaches the acceptable number of sheets in the binding unit with the smaller number of sheets that can be bound. There is a problem that the sheet cannot be accepted any more.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to improve the productivity of binding processing in a sheet processing apparatus including a plurality of binding units each having a different number of received sheets.

  In order to solve the above problems, a sheet processing apparatus that binds a plurality of sheets together, a sheet stacking unit that stacks the sheets until the sheets to be bound are aligned, and a binding from a predetermined position A binding unit that binds the plurality of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit at the binding position by moving to a position, and the upper limit number of sheets that can be received for binding the plurality of sheets is A plurality of different binding sections, and a movement control section that individually controls movement of the plurality of binding sections, and the movement control section includes a binding section at the receiving position among the plurality of binding sections. Only when the upper limit number is less than the number of sheets to be bound, the binding portion at the receiving position is set to the sheet stacking portion with the sheet being predetermined. Before being stacked number of sheets, and wherein the moving out of the receiving position.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to improve the productivity of the binding process in a sheet processing apparatus including a plurality of binding units each having a different number of received sheets.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of a binding processing engine. It is a side view from the main scanning direction of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the magnitude relationship of the height of the stack part which concerns on embodiment of this invention, the acceptance width of a needle bound unit, and the acceptance width of a needleless binding unit. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view from the sub-scanning direction of the sheet bundle bound by the stapled binding unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a side view from the main scanning direction of the stapleless binding unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a side view from the sub-scanning direction of the sheet bundle bound by the stapled binding unit according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a top view of the binding processing engine which concerns on embodiment of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, an image forming apparatus including a binding processing unit that binds a plurality of sheets such as sheets together will be described as an example.

  The binding processing unit according to the present embodiment uses a method using a metal needle (hereinafter referred to as “needle binding”) and a method using no metal needle (hereinafter referred to as “needleless”) as a method of binding a plurality of sheets together. And “binding”).

  When the binding processing device is configured in this way, at least a part of the movement range of the needle-bound binding unit that performs needle-bound binding and the needle-less binding unit that performs needleless binding overlaps, First, it is necessary to move both units to the home position in order to prevent a collision between the stapled binding unit and the needleless binding unit. Then, such a binding processing apparatus moves the selected binding unit from the home position to the binding position when the sheets to be bound are aligned, and accepts the sheet bundle at the binding opening of the moved binding unit. The received sheet bundle is bound by sandwiching it from above and below the sheet surface.

  As described above, the binding processing apparatus capable of performing both needle-bound binding and needle-less binding moves the selected binding unit from the home position to the binding position when the sheets to be bound are aligned. Therefore, there is a problem that productivity is lowered by the travel time.

  Therefore, the binding processing apparatus capable of performing both needle-bound binding and needle-less binding does not move both units to the home position when the needle-bound binding unit and the needle-less binding unit do not collide. If the binding unit is kept at or near the binding position, the time required to move the binding unit to the binding position can be shortened, and the productivity can be improved.

  However, in a binding processing apparatus capable of performing both in this way, the upper limit number of sheets that can be bound at one time by the needle-bound binding unit and the needle-less binding unit (hereinafter referred to as “the number of sheets that can be bound”). ) Are different, and the upper limit number of sheets that can be accepted (hereinafter referred to as “acceptable number of sheets”) is also different. Therefore, when the binding process is performed by the binding unit having the larger number of sheets that can be bound, binding is performed. In some cases, the number of target sheet bundles exceeds the acceptable number of sheets that can be bound.

  For this reason, a binding processing apparatus capable of performing both needle-bound binding and needle-less binding is not allowed to move both units to the home position but remain in the binding position or the vicinity of the binding position for the purpose of improving productivity. In other words, even if it is necessary to accept sheets up to the acceptable number of sheets in the binding unit with the larger number of sheets to be bound, when the number of received sheets reaches the acceptable number of sheets in the binding unit with the smaller number of sheets that can be bound. There is a problem that the sheet cannot be accepted any more.

  Therefore, when the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment performs the binding process using the binding unit with the larger number of sheets that can be bound, the binding unit with the smaller number of sheets that can be bound is used so as not to interfere with sheet reception. It is configured to move to the home position. Regardless of which binding unit is used for binding, the binding unit with the larger number of sheets that can be bound is placed in the sheet receiving position. In order not to obstruct the acceptance, it is configured not to move to the home position but to stand by at the same position.

  For this reason, the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment can reduce the time required to move the binding unit to the binding position when performing the binding process with the binding unit having the larger number of sheets that can be bound. It becomes possible to improve the property.

  However, in such a case, the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the binding unit having the smaller number of sheets after performing the binding process with the binding unit with the larger number of possible binding sheets, Since the binding unit is at the home position, the binding unit must be moved from the home position to the binding position, and there is a problem in that productivity is reduced by the moving time.

  Therefore, even when the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the binding unit having the larger number of sheets that can be bound, the number of sheets that are the targets of the binding process is smaller. When the number is less than the number of sheets that can be accepted by the binding unit, the binding unit with the smaller number of sheets that can be bound is also configured to wait at the position without moving to the home position. When the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, the binding processing unit performs the binding process using the binding unit having the smaller number of sheets after performing the binding process using the binding unit having the larger number of sheets that can be bound. Even if it exists, it becomes possible to shorten the time required to move the binding unit to the binding position, and it is possible to improve productivity.

  Alternatively, when the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the binding unit with the smaller number of sheets that can be bound after performing the binding process with the binding unit with the larger number of sheets that can be bound, while the sheet is being received. In addition, the binding unit may be configured to start moving from the home position to the binding position. When the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, the binding processing unit performs the binding process using the binding unit having the smaller number of sheets after performing the binding process using the binding unit having the larger number of sheets that can be bound. Even if it exists, it becomes possible to shorten the time required to move the binding unit to the binding position, and it is possible to improve productivity.

  The binding processing unit according to the present embodiment also moves the binding unit with the larger number of sheets that can be bound to the home position, and moves the binding unit from the home position to the binding position while receiving the sheet. It may be configured to start. Even when the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to reduce the time required to move the binding unit having the larger number of sheets that can be bound to the binding position. It becomes possible to improve the property.

  However, the binding processing unit according to the present embodiment keeps the binding unit with a larger number of sheets that can be bound and the binding unit with a smaller number of sheets that can be bound without moving to the home position. Since the power configured to move the binding unit is not necessary, the power consumption can be reduced.

  First, the overall configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a simplified overall configuration of an image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming unit 2, a paper feeding unit 3, a binding processing unit 4, and a scanner unit 5.

  The image forming unit 2 generates drawing information of CMYK (Cyan Magenta Yellow Key Plate) based on the input image data, and applies the paper fed from the paper feeding unit 3 based on the generated drawing information. To execute image forming output. The paper feed unit 3 feeds paper to the image forming unit 2.

  The binding processing unit 4 performs a binding process on a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed conveyed from the image forming unit 2. In the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, as a method of binding a plurality of sheets together, a method using a metal needle (hereinafter referred to as “needle-bound”) and a method not using a metal needle (hereinafter referred to as “needle”). And “unbound”).

  Further, when performing the binding process, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment selects a binding unit that is selected from the needled binding unit that performs needle binding and the needleless binding unit that performs needleless binding. Is moved to the binding position, the sheet bundle is received at the binding opening of the moved binding unit, and the received sheet bundle is pinched from above and below the sheet surface.

  In the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, the number of sheets that can be bound at one time (hereinafter referred to as “the number of sheets that can be bound”) is different between the stapled binding and the needleless binding. However, it is possible to bind more sheets at a time than needleless binding. In the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, the upper limit number of sheets that can be accepted (hereinafter referred to as “acceptable number”) differs depending on the number of sheets that can be bound, and needle-bound binding is more needle-free. It is possible to accept more sheets than binding. The configuration of the binding processing mechanism included in the binding processing unit 4 is one of the gist according to the present embodiment. That is, in the present embodiment, the binding processing unit 4 functions as a sheet processing apparatus.

  The scanner unit 5 reads a document by a linear image sensor in which a plurality of photodiodes are arranged in a line and a light receiving element such as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) or a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) image sensor is arranged in parallel. This will digitize the manuscript. The image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral) that can be used as a printer, a facsimile, a scanner, and a copier by providing an imaging function, an image forming function, a communication function, and the like. .

  Next, a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In addition to the hardware configuration shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 1 includes an engine for realizing a scanner, a printer, a folding process, a binding process, and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes the same configuration as a general server, a PC (Personal Computer), or the like. That is, the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 10, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 20, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 30, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 40, and an I / F 50. 90 is connected. Further, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 60, an operation unit 70, and a dedicated device 80 are connected to the I / F 50.

  The CPU 10 is a calculation unit and controls the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 1. The RAM 20 is a volatile storage medium capable of reading and writing information at high speed, and is used as a work area when the CPU 10 processes information. The ROM 30 is a read-only nonvolatile storage medium and stores a program such as firmware. The HDD 40 is a non-volatile storage medium that can read and write information, and stores an OS (Operating System), various control programs, application programs, and the like.

  The I / F 50 connects and controls the bus 90 and various hardware and networks. The LCD 60 is a visual user interface for the user to check the state of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation unit 70 is a user interface such as a keyboard and a mouse for the user to input information to the image forming apparatus 1.

  The dedicated device 80 is hardware for realizing a dedicated function in the image forming unit 2, the paper feeding unit 3, the binding processing unit 4, and the scanner unit 5. In the image forming unit 2, image forming output is performed on the paper surface. Is a plotter device for executing The paper feed unit 3 is a paper feed mechanism that feeds paper to the image forming unit 2.

  The binding processing unit 4 is a binding processing mechanism that executes a binding process on a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed by the image forming unit 2. The configuration of the binding processing mechanism included in the binding processing unit 4 is one of the gist according to the present embodiment. The scanner unit 5 is a reading device that reads an image displayed on a sheet.

  In such a hardware configuration, a program stored in a storage medium such as the ROM 30, the HDD 40, or an optical disk (not shown) is read into the RAM 20, and the CPU 10 performs an operation according to the program loaded into the RAM 20, whereby the software control unit Is configured. A functional block that realizes the functions of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment is configured by a combination of the software control unit configured as described above and hardware.

  Next, the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram schematically illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 4, the electrical connection is indicated by a solid arrow, and the flow of a sheet or document bundle is indicated by a broken arrow.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 1 according to this embodiment includes a controller 100, a print engine 200, a paper feed table 300, a binding processing engine 400, a scanner engine 500, and an ADF (Auto Document Feeder). 600, a paper discharge tray 700, a display panel 800, and a network I / F 900. The controller 100 includes a main control unit 101, an engine control unit 102, an input / output control unit 103, an image processing unit 104, and an operation display control unit 105.

  The print engine 200 is an image forming unit provided in the image forming unit 2, and draws an image by executing an image forming output on the paper conveyed from the paper feed table 300. As a specific aspect of the print engine 200, an image forming mechanism using an ink jet method, an image forming mechanism using an electrophotographic method, or the like can be used. The image-formed paper on which an image is drawn by the print engine 200 is conveyed to the binding processing unit 4 or discharged to the paper discharge tray 700. The paper feed table 300 is a paper feed unit provided in the paper feed unit 3 and feeds paper to the print engine 200 that is an image forming unit.

  The binding processing engine 400 is provided in the binding processing unit 4 and performs binding processing on the image-formed paper conveyed from the print engine 200. The binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment is configured to be able to perform both needle-bound and needleless binding. In the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment, the number of sheets that can be bound at one time (the number of sheets that can be bound) is different between needle-bound binding and needle-less binding, and needle-bound binding is more preferable than needleless binding. Many sheets can be bound at once. The paper subjected to the binding processing by the binding processing engine 400 is discharged to the paper discharge tray 700. The configuration of the binding processing mechanism in the binding processing engine 400 is one of the gist according to the present embodiment.

  The ADF 600 is provided in the scanner unit 5 and automatically conveys a document to a scanner engine 500 serving as a document reading unit. The scanner engine 500 is a document reading unit that is provided in the scanner unit 5 and includes a photoelectric conversion element that converts optical information into an electrical signal. The scanner engine 500 is set on a document that is automatically conveyed by the ADF 600 or a document table glass (not shown). The original is optically scanned and read to generate image information. A document automatically conveyed by the ADF 600 and read by the scanner engine 500 is discharged to a discharge tray built in the ADF 600.

  The display panel 800 is an output interface that visually displays the state of the image forming apparatus 1 and is an input when the user directly operates the image forming apparatus 1 or inputs information to the image forming apparatus 1 as a touch panel. It is also an interface. That is, the display panel 800 includes a function for displaying an image for receiving an operation by the user. The display panel 800 is realized by the LCD 60 and the operation unit 70 shown in FIG.

  The network I / F 900 is an interface for the image forming apparatus 1 to communicate with other devices such as an administrator terminal via the network. The network I / F 900 is an Ethernet (registered trademark), a USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface, or a Bluetooth (registered). Trademarks), Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), FeliCa (registered trademark), and other interfaces are used. The network I / F 900 is realized by the I / F 50 shown in FIG.

  The controller 100 is configured by a combination of software and hardware. Specifically, a software control unit and an integrated circuit configured by loading a control program such as firmware stored in a non-volatile storage medium such as the ROM 30 or the HDD 40 into the RAM 20 and performing an operation by the CPU 10 according to the program. The controller 100 is configured by hardware such as the above. The controller 100 functions as a control unit that controls the entire image forming apparatus 1.

  The main control unit 101 plays a role of controlling each unit included in the controller 100, and gives a command to each unit of the controller 100. The main control unit 101 also controls the input / output control unit 103 to access other devices via the network I / F 900 and the network. The engine control unit 102 controls or drives driving units such as the print engine 200, the paper feed table 300, the binding processing engine 400, and the scanner engine 500. The input / output control unit 103 inputs signals and commands input via the network I / F 900 and the network to the main control unit 101.

  The image processing unit 104 generates drawing information based on document data or image data included in the input print job in accordance with control of the main control unit 101. The drawing information is data such as CMYK bitmap data, and is information for drawing an image to be formed in the image forming operation by the print engine 200 as an image forming unit. Further, the image processing unit 104 processes image data input from the scanner engine 500 to generate image data. The image data is information stored in the image forming apparatus 1 as a result of the scanner operation or transmitted to another device via the network I / F 900 and the network. The operation display control unit 105 displays information on the display panel 800 or notifies the main control unit 101 of information input via the display panel 800.

  Next, the configuration of the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 5 is a top view of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a side view of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment from the main scanning direction.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 to 6, the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment includes a stack unit 410, a needled binding unit 420, a needled binding unit moving guide rail 421, a needled binding unit detection sensor 422, a needleless A binding unit 430, a stapleless binding unit moving guide rail 431, a stapleless binding unit detection sensor 432, a paper support plate 440, and a registration correction guide 450 are provided.

  The stacking unit 410 stacks and stacks the sheets until all the sheets to be bound are collected. In other words, the stacking unit 410 stacks sheets until the sheets to be bound are aligned, with the maximum number of sheets that can be stapled of the stapled binding unit 420 and the stapleless binding unit 430 as the maximum number. To do. That is, in the present embodiment, the stack unit 410 functions as a sheet stacking unit.

Note that the stack unit 410 according to the present embodiment has a height H in the sheet thickness direction that is designed in accordance with the stapled binding and the stapleless binding, that is, the one with the maximum number of sheets that can be bound, that is, the stapled binding. ing. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 7, the height H in the thickness direction of the sheet stack unit 410 is configured to be the same as the acceptance width L ₁ in binding port needle organic binding unit 420.

That is, in the present embodiment, the height H of the stack portion 410 in the sheet thickness direction = the receiving width L _{1 at} the binding opening of the staple binding unit 420> the receiving width L ₂ at the binding opening of the stapleless binding unit 430. is there. FIG. 7 shows the height H in the sheet thickness direction of the stack unit 410 according to the present embodiment, the receiving width L _{1 at} the binding opening of the needle-bound binding unit 420, and the receiving width L _{2 at} the binding opening of the needleless binding unit 430. It is a figure which shows the magnitude relationship of.

  The needle-bound binding unit 420 stands by at the home position before the binding process, and moves from the home position to the binding position along the needle-bound binding unit moving guide rail 421 at the binding process stage. Then, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the needle-bound binding unit 420 passes the needle A through the sheet bundle 6 as shown in FIGS. 8 to 10 while sandwiching the sheet bundle 6 from above and below the sheet surface at the binding positions at a plurality of binding positions. Thus, the sheet bundle 6 is bound. The movement range of the needle-bound binding unit 420 corresponds to a receiving position for receiving paper. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 9 is a top view of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 10 is a side view from the sub-scanning direction of the sheet bundle 6 bound by the needle-bound binding unit 420 according to the present embodiment.

  After completing the binding process, the needle-bound binding unit 420 returns to the home position along the needle-bound binding unit moving guide rail 421. At this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment detects that the needle-bound binding unit 420 is waiting at the home position by detecting the needle-bound binding unit 420 by the needle-bound binding unit detection sensor 422. Alternatively, it is detected that the needle-bound binding unit 420 has returned to the home position.

  The stapleless binding unit 430 waits at the home position before the binding process, and moves from the home position to the binding position along the stapleless binding unit moving guide rail 431 at the binding process stage. The movement range of the stapleless binding unit 430 corresponds to a receiving position for receiving a sheet. Then, as shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, the stapleless binding unit 430 presses the sheet bundle 6 from above and below the sheet surface with a binding opening having a concave and convex shape that meshes vertically. The sheet bundle 6 is bound. As shown in FIGS. 12 to 14, the pressed sheet bundle 6 is bound by binding the fibers between the sheets at the binding position B. FIGS. 11A and 11B are side views from the main scanning direction of the stapleless binding unit 430 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. FIG. 14 is a side view from the sub-scanning direction of the sheet bundle 6 bound by the needle-bound binding unit 420 according to the present embodiment.

  The stapleless binding unit 430 returns to the home position along the stapleless binding unit moving guide rail 431 after finishing the binding process. At this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment detects that the stapleless binding unit 430 is waiting at the home position by detecting the stapleless binding unit 430 with the stapleless binding unit detection sensor 432. Alternatively, it is detected that the stapleless binding unit 430 has returned to the home position. In other words, in the present embodiment, the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 function as a plurality of binding portions that differ from each other in the upper limit number of sheets that can be bound together.

  The sheet support plate 440 supports the sheet bundle 6 stacked on the stack unit 410 from the sheet surface. The registration correction guide 450 aligns the position of the sheet bundle 6 stacked on the stack unit 410 in the main scanning direction.

  In the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, at least a part of the movement range of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 is configured to overlap. ing. Further, in the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment, the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430 use a common guide rail as a needle-bound binding unit moving guide rail 421 and a needle-less binding unit moving guide rail 431, respectively. Configured to move as.

  In the binding processing unit 4 according to this embodiment, the engine control unit 102 individually controls the movement of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430. That is, in the present embodiment, the engine control unit 102 functions as a movement control unit, and the home position corresponds to a predetermined standby position.

  Next, an operation example when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process by the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound will be described with reference to FIGS. 15 to 18. 15 and 17 are perspective views of the binding processing engine 400 according to this embodiment. 16 and 18 are top views of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. 15 to 18 show a case where the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound. 15 to 18 show a case where the number of sheets to be bound is larger than the acceptable number of sheets in the stapleless binding unit 430 having the smaller number of sheets that can be bound.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound, first, the stapleless binding unit having a small number of sheets that can be bound is used. 430 is moved to the home position. Then, after the stapleless binding unit 430 moves to the home position, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment stacks the sheets by the stack unit 410, and when all the sheets to be bound are gathered, FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the needle-bound binding unit 420 is moved to the binding position, and the needle-bound binding is performed on the sheet bundle 6.

  As described above, when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound, the needle-bound binding unit 420 is not moved to the home position and remains in the same position. It is configured to keep waiting. This is because the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound does not interfere with the reception of the paper even if it is in a position for receiving the paper. For this reason, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment reduces the time required to move the stapled binding unit 420 to the binding position when the binding process is performed by the stapled binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound. It becomes possible to improve productivity. Further, at this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment does not need to move the stapled binding unit 420 to the home position, so that it is possible to reduce power consumption.

  Next, another operation example when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process by the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound will be described with reference to FIGS. 19 to 22. 19 and 21 are perspective views of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. 20 and 22 are top views of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. 19 to 22 show a case where the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound. FIGS. 19 to 22 show a case where the number of sheets to be bound is equal to or less than the acceptable number of sheets in the stapleless binding unit 430 having the smaller number of sheets that can be bound.

  As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs binding processing with the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound, first, the staple-less binding unit 430 performs the needle-bound binding unit 430. If the unit 420 is in a position that does not interfere with the movement of the unit 420, the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430 are not moved to the home position, but are kept on standby as they are. However, at this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment moves the needleless binding unit 430 to the home position or the needle when the needleless binding unit 430 is in a position that interferes with the movement of the needled binding unit 420. The binding unit 420 is moved to a position that does not interfere with the movement. Then, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment stacks the sheets by the stack unit 410, and when all the sheets to be bound are gathered, as shown in FIG. 21 and FIG. It is moved to the binding position and stapleless binding is performed on the sheet bundle 6.

  As described above, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is configured so that the number of sheets to be bound is equal to the number of sheets that can be bound, even when the binding processing is performed by the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of possible bindings. If the number is less than the acceptable number of sheets in the needleless binding unit 430 with the smaller number of needles, the needleless binding unit 430 is not moved to the home position and is kept in the standby position as in the needled binding unit 420. It is configured. This is because neither the needle-bound binding unit 420 nor the needle-less binding unit 430 is in the way of receiving paper even if it is in a position for receiving paper. For this reason, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment reduces the time required to move the stapled binding unit 420 to the binding position when the binding process is performed by the stapled binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound. It becomes possible to improve productivity. At this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment does not need to move the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430 to the home position, so that it is possible to reduce power consumption.

  Next, an operation example when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the stapleless binding unit 430 having a small number of sheets that can be bound will be described with reference to FIGS. 23 to 26. 23 and 25 are perspective views of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. 24 and 26 are top views of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment. 23 to 26 show operations when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process by the stapleless binding unit 430 having a small number of sheets that can be bound.

  As shown in FIGS. 23 and 24, when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a small number of sheets that can be bound, first, the needle-bound binding unit 420 performs the needleless binding. If it is at a position that does not interfere with the movement of the unit 430, the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430 are kept waiting at their positions without moving to the home position. However, at this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment moves the needle-bound binding unit 420 to the home position or the needle when the needle-bound binding unit 420 is in a position that hinders the movement of the needleless binding unit 430. It is moved to a position that does not interfere with the movement of the bindingless unit 430. Then, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment stacks the sheets by the stacking unit 410, and when all the sheets to be bound are gathered, as shown in FIG. 25 and FIG. It is moved to the binding position and stapleless binding is performed on the sheet bundle 6.

  As described above, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment does not move the stapled binding unit 420 and the stapleless binding unit 430 to the home position when the binding processing is performed by the stapleless binding unit 430 having a small number of sheets that can be bound. It is configured to stand by at the same position. This is because neither the needle-bound binding unit 420 nor the needle-less binding unit 430 is in the way of receiving paper even if it is in a position for receiving paper. Therefore, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment reduces the time required to move the stapleless binding unit 430 to the binding position when the binding processing is performed by the stapleless binding unit 430 having a small number of sheets that can be bound. It becomes possible to improve productivity. At this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment does not need to move the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430 to the home position, so that it is possible to reduce power consumption.

  As described above, when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound, the number of sheets that can be bound is not disturbed. The stapleless binding unit 430 with a small number of staples is moved to the home position. However, regardless of which binding unit performs the binding process, the stapled binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound is One of the gist is that it is configured not to move to the home position but to stand by in the position as it is, even if it is in the position to receive the paper.

  For this reason, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment reduces the time required to move the stapled binding unit 420 to the binding position when the binding process is performed by the stapled binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound. It becomes possible to improve productivity.

  However, in such a case, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the stapleless binding unit 430 with a small number of possible bindings after performing the binding process with the stapled binding unit 420 with a large number of possible bindings. When performing, since the stapleless binding unit 430 is at the home position, the stapleless binding unit 430 must be moved from the home position to the binding position, and productivity is reduced by the movement time. There's a problem.

  Therefore, even when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment performs the binding process with the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound, the number of sheets to be bound is small. When the number of stapleless binding units 430 is less than the acceptable number of sheets, the stapleless binding unit 430 having a small number of stapled sheets is also configured to wait at the position without moving to the home position. The binding processing unit according to the present embodiment is configured in this manner. When the binding processing unit is configured in this manner, the binding processing is performed by the needleless binding unit 430 having a small number of sheets that can be bound after performing the binding processing by the needle-bound binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound. Even when it is performed, the time required to move the stapleless binding unit 430 to the binding position can be shortened, and productivity can be improved.

  Alternatively, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment accepts a sheet when the binding process is performed by the stapleless binding unit 430 having a small number of sheets that can be bound after the binding process is performed by the stapled binding unit 420 having a large number of sheets that can be bound. The needleless binding unit 430 may be configured to start moving from the home position to the binding position. When the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, the binding processing is performed by the stapleless binding unit 430 having a small number of possible bindings after performing the binding processing by the needled binding unit 420 having a large number of possible bindings. Even when it is performed, the time required to move the stapleless binding unit 430 to the binding position can be shortened, and productivity can be improved.

  The binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment moves the stapled binding unit 420 having a large number of stapled sheets to the home position when the binding process is performed by the stapled binding unit 420 having a large number of stapled sheets. While receiving, the needle-bound binding unit 420 may be configured to start moving from the home position to the binding position. Even in the case where the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is configured as described above, it is possible to shorten the time required to move the needle-bound binding unit 420 to the binding position, thereby improving productivity. It becomes possible to make it.

  However, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment does not move the stapled binding unit 420 having a large number of stapled sheets and the stapleless binding unit 430 having a small number of stapled sheets to the home position without waiting. Since it is not necessary to use electric power for moving the binding unit, it is possible to reduce power consumption.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the image forming unit 2, the paper feeding unit 3, the binding processing unit 4, and the scanner unit 5 are provided in the image forming apparatus 1 has been described. The image forming system may be configured by connecting these devices.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, when binding processing is performed in the binding processing unit 4 including both the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit, when it does not interfere with paper reception, the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle An example has been described in which the non-binding unit 430 is kept at the home position without being moved to the home position, and one of the binding units is moved from the position to the binding position. In this case, the binding processing unit 4 according to Embodiment 1 can improve productivity and reduce power consumption.

  However, since the binding processing unit 4 according to the first embodiment is configured such that at least a part of the movement range of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 overlaps, at least one of them is When it is not in the home position, there is a problem that the stapled binding unit 420 and the stapleless binding unit 430 collide with each other, or one of them becomes an obstacle to the other movement.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, by detecting the relative positions of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430, they collide, or one of them becomes an obstacle to the other movement. An example for avoiding this will be described.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure which attaches | subjects the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1, it shall show the same or an equivalent part, and abbreviate | omits detailed description.

  First, the configuration of the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 27 is a top view of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 27, the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment includes a stack unit 410, a needle-bound binding unit 420, a needle-bound binding unit moving guide rail 421, a needle-bound binding unit detection sensor 422, and a needleless binding unit 430. In addition to the stapleless binding unit moving guide rail 431, the stapleless binding unit detection sensor 432, the paper support plate 440, and the registration correction guide 450, a relative position detection sensor 423 and a relative position detection sensor filler 433 are provided.

  The relative position detection sensor 423 is provided in the needle-bound binding unit 420 and includes an infrared irradiation unit that irradiates infrared rays and an infrared light reception unit that receives the infrared rays. The relative position detection sensor 423 is irradiated from the infrared irradiation unit toward the infrared light reception unit. When infrared rays are shielded by the relative position detection sensor filler 433, a detection signal is output to the engine control unit 102. The relative position detection sensor filler 433 is provided in the stapleless binding unit 430, and shields the infrared rays irradiated from the infrared irradiation unit to the infrared light receiving unit in the relative position detection sensor 423.

  The binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment detects the relative positions of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 by the relative position detection sensor 423. That is, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment detects that the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430 are at a predetermined distance by the relative position detection sensor 423, and their relative positions are defined. Judged that approached above.

  Next, an operation example when the binding processing unit 4 according to this embodiment controls the movement of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 will be described with reference to FIGS. 28 and 29. FIG. 28 and 29 are top views of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment.

  As shown in FIGS. 28 and 29, when the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment receives the detection signal output from the relative position detection sensor 423, the binding processing unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 are immediately stopped. And move them to the home position for initialization. At this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment does not have to move to the home position if the relative position detection sensor 423 remains in the detection state even after a predetermined period has elapsed. An error is detected on the assumption that some malfunction has occurred in the moving mechanism of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430. When the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment detects an error, the binding processing unit 4 displays an error screen on the display panel 800 to notify that a malfunction has occurred in the moving mechanism.

  As described above, the binding processing unit 4 according to this embodiment is configured to detect the relative positions of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430. It is said. Therefore, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can avoid that the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 collide with each other, or one of them becomes an obstacle to the other movement. It becomes.

  Note that the relative position detection sensor 423 according to the present embodiment has been described by taking a photo sensor as an example, but in addition to this, a relative relationship between the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430, such as a push-type switch or a distance measuring sensor. Any device can be used as long as it can detect a correct position.

  Moreover, although the relative position detection sensor 423 according to the present embodiment has been described with respect to the example provided in the needle-bound binding unit 420, it is provided in at least one of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430. It should be.

  Moreover, although the relative position detection sensor 423 according to the present embodiment has been described with respect to the example provided in the needle-bound binding unit 420, the relative position detection sensor 423 detects the relative position between the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430. As long as it is possible, it is not necessary to be provided in at least one of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430, and it may be provided anywhere.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the second embodiment, by detecting the relative positions of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430, they collide with each other, or one of them becomes an obstacle to the other movement. An example of avoiding the above has been described.

  In the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, it is possible to avoid that the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 collide with each other, or one of them becomes an obstacle to the other movement. The purpose is different. In other words, in the present embodiment, whether or not the binding unit to be moved can be moved is determined based on the position of the other binding unit. An example of avoiding that one of the other movements becomes an obstacle will be described.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, about the structure which attaches | subjects the code | symbol similar to Embodiment 1, it shall show the same or an equivalent part, and abbreviate | omits detailed description.

  First, an operation example when the binding processing unit 4 according to this embodiment controls the movement of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 will be described with reference to FIGS. 30 to 33. 30 to 33 are top views of the binding processing engine 400 according to the present embodiment.

  As illustrated in FIGS. 30 and 31, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment determines that the needleless binding unit 430 cannot move when the needle-bound binding unit 420 is not in the home position. On the other hand, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment determines that the needleless binding unit 430 can move when the needled binding unit 420 is in the home position. Thereby, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can avoid that the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 collide with each other, or one of them becomes an obstacle to the other movement. It becomes possible.

  32 and 33, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment determines that the needle-bound binding unit 420 cannot move when the needleless binding unit 430 is not at the home position. On the other hand, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment determines that the stapled binding unit 420 can move when the stapleless binding unit 430 is in the home position. Thereby, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment can avoid that the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 collide with each other, or one of them becomes an obstacle to the other movement. It becomes possible.

  At this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the binding unit to be moved can be moved by the main control unit 101 based on the position of the other binding unit. To do. That is, in the present embodiment, the main control unit 101 functions as a movement determination unit.

  30 to 33, an example is described in which it is determined that the other binding unit can move when one of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 is in the home position. However, when one of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430 is not within the movement range of the other binding unit, it is determined that the other binding unit can move. It may be configured.

  At this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment is moved by a position detection sensor (not shown) provided in a range where the movement ranges of the needled binding unit 420 and the needleless binding unit 430 overlap. In contrast, it is determined whether the other binding unit is within the movement range. Thus, the binding unit 4 according to the present embodiment can move the binding unit depending on whether or not the binding unit is at the home position when the position detection sensor determines whether the binding unit is movable. Rather than determining whether or not the area is determined to be movable, the productivity can be improved. However, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment determines whether or not the binding unit can be moved depending on whether or not the binding unit is at the home position, rather than determining whether or not the binding unit can be moved by the position detection sensor. Since it is not necessary to provide a position detection sensor, it can be manufactured at a low cost and can have a simple configuration.

  At this time, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment includes the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle according to the number of drive pulses of a stepping motor (not shown) that individually drives the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430. The position of the non-binding unit 430 may be detected, and it may be configured to determine whether the other binding unit is within the movement range with respect to the binding unit to be moved. However, the binding processing unit 4 according to the present embodiment includes a position detection sensor that is configured to detect the positions of the needle-bound binding unit 420 and the needle-less binding unit 430 based on the number of drive pulses of the stepping motor. Since it is not necessary, it can be manufactured at a low cost and can have a simple configuration.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Image forming unit 3 Paper feed unit 4 Binding processing unit 5 Scanner unit 6 Paper bundle 10 CPU
20 RAM
30 ROM
40 HDD
50 I / F
60 LCD
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 70 Operation part 80 Dedicated device 90 Bus 100 Controller 101 Main control part 102 Engine control part 103 Input / output control part 104 Image processing part 105 Operation display control part 200 Print engine 300 Paper feed table 400 Binding process engine 410 Stack part 420 Stitched binding Unit 421 Needle-binding unit moving guide rail 430 Needle-free binding unit 431 Needle-less binding unit moving guide rail 440 Paper support plate 450 Registration correction guide 500 Scanner engine 600 ADF
700 Output tray 800 Display panel 900 Network I / F

JP 2012-148505 A

Claims (10)

A sheet processing apparatus for binding a plurality of sheets together,
A sheet stacking unit that stacks the sheets until the plurality of sheets to be bound are aligned;
By moving from a predetermined position to a binding position, the binding unit binds the plurality of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit at the binding position, and can accept the binding to bind the plurality of sheets. A plurality of binding portions each having an upper limit number of sheets,
A movement control unit that individually controls movement of the plurality of binding units;
With
The movement control unit is configured to bind the binding at the receiving position only when the upper limit number of the binding units at the receiving position among the plurality of binding units is less than the number of the plurality of sheets to be bound. A sheet processing apparatus, wherein the sheet is moved out of the receiving position until a predetermined number of sheets are stacked on the sheet stacking unit.   The movement control unit includes the plurality of sheets stacked on the sheet stacking unit by a binding unit in which the upper limit number is equal to or greater than the number of sheets to be bound, among the plurality of binding units. 2. The binding according to claim 1, wherein when the sheets are bound, movement of the binding unit to the binding position is started before all the plurality of sheets to be bound are stacked on the sheet stacking unit. Sheet processing device.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the movement control unit individually controls movement of the plurality of binding units based on a relative position of the plurality of binding units.   The movement control unit stops the binding unit being moved when a relative position between the binding unit being moved and the other binding unit is closer than a predetermined value among the plurality of binding units. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The movement control unit, when the relative position between the binding unit to be moved and the other binding unit of the plurality of binding units approaches more than a specified value, after stopping the binding unit to be moved, 5. The binding part that is not located at a predetermined standby position defined for each of the plurality of binding parts among the plurality of binding parts is moved to the predetermined standby position. 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.   The movement control unit is configured to move the binding unit that is not in the predetermined standby position to the predetermined standby position even after a predetermined period has elapsed since the binding unit is moved to the predetermined standby position. 6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein an error is generated when the movement of at least one of the binding portions to the predetermined standby position is not completed.   The movement determination unit for determining whether or not the binding unit to be moved can be moved based on the position of the other binding unit. The sheet processing apparatus according to 1.   The movement determination unit determines whether or not the binding unit to be moved can be moved, and whether or not the other binding unit is in the movement range of the binding unit to be moved. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the determination is based on the determination.   The movement determination unit determines whether or not the binding unit to be moved can be moved, and the other binding unit is in a predetermined standby position determined for each of the plurality of binding units. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the determination is based on whether or not. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on the sheet;
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein a plurality of the sheets on which images are formed are bound together.
An image forming system comprising: