JP6254931B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

Some image forming systems include a plurality of binding units that perform binding processing on a sheet bundle, for example, an adhesive application unit, a half-cut binding unit, a staple binding unit, and a temporary binding unit (see Patent Document 1).
Also, there is a paper post-processing system that selects a binding means from a plurality of binding means according to the difficulty of binding (see Patent Document 2).
Further, there is a document binding apparatus that forms a paper tongue piece of sheet paper and performs a binding process by inserting the paper tongue piece into a notch hole.

Japanese Patent No. 3885410 JP 2004-155537 A Japanese Patent No. 3546240

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses overlapping of a portion subjected to binding processing and a formed image.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, a stacking unit that stacks a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit, and a bundle of sheets stacked on the stacking unit. A stapleless binding means for performing a binding process by creating an embossed mark, and without moving the center of the image in a direction intersecting with the end of the bundle of sheets to be bound by the stapleless binding means. By reducing the image in the intersecting direction, the binding margin when the binding process is performed by the stapleless binding unit is widened compared to the binding margin when binding a bundle of sheets using a staple needle, and The image forming apparatus is characterized in that the image is not reduced in a direction along the edge of the bundle of sheets to be bound by the stapleless binding unit .

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that suppresses the overlap between the portion subjected to the binding process and the formed image, as compared with the case where the present configuration is not provided .

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an image forming system to which an embodiment of the present invention is applied. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the periphery of the compilation | stacking part. FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a periphery of a compilation stacking unit as viewed from the III direction in FIG. 2. It is explanatory drawing explaining the relationship between an end guide and a paper. It is explanatory drawing explaining the structure of a binding apparatus. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the part of the structure of a stapleless binding mechanism, and the stapleless binding process. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the part to which the binding process was performed by the stapler and the stapleless binding mechanism. 5 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a positional relationship between a first end portion Sa of a sheet S and an image formed on the sheet S. FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a positional relationship between a binding portion and an image formed on a sheet. It is a side view of the end guide periphery of another aspect. It is explanatory drawing for demonstrating the bundle | flux of the paper in which the stapleless binding process was performed by other embodiment.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.
<Image forming system 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming system 1 to which the exemplary embodiment is applied. An image forming system 1 shown in FIG. 1 performs post-processing on, for example, an image forming apparatus 2 such as a printer or a copier that forms an image by electrophotography, and a sheet S on which a toner image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2. And a sheet processing apparatus 3 to be applied.

<Image forming apparatus 2>
The image forming apparatus 2 includes a paper supply unit 6 that supplies a paper S on which an image is formed, and an image forming unit 5 that forms an image on the paper S supplied from the paper supply unit 6. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a sheet reversing device 7 that reverses the surface of the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 5 and a discharge roll 9 that discharges the sheet S on which the image is formed. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 2 includes a user interface 90 that receives information related to the binding process from the user.
Here, the image forming unit 5, which is an example of an image forming unit, is configured to be able to change the position of the image to be formed on the paper S. That is, the distance from the edge of the paper S to the image to be formed can be changed.
The sheet supply unit 6 includes a first sheet supply stacking unit 61 that stacks sheets S therein and supplies the sheet S to the image forming unit 5, and a second sheet supply stacking unit 62. The paper supply unit 6 includes a first paper supply sensor 63 that detects the presence or absence of the paper S provided in the first paper supply stacking unit 61, and a second paper supply stacking unit 62. And a second paper supply sensor 64 that detects the presence or absence of the paper S provided therein.

<Paper Processing Device 3>
The paper processing device 3 includes a transport device 10 that transports the paper S output from the image forming device 2 further downstream, a compile stacking unit 35 that collects and bundles the paper S, and a binding device that binds the ends of the paper S. And a post-processing apparatus 30 including 40 and the like. In addition, the sheet processing apparatus 3 includes a control unit 80 that controls the entire image forming system 1.
The conveyance device 10 of the paper processing device 3 is configured to apply an entrance roll 11 that is a pair of rolls that receive the paper S output via the discharge roll 9 of the image forming device 2 and the paper S received by the entrance roll 11. And a puncher 12 for drilling as necessary. Further, the transport device 10 further downstream of the puncher 12 includes a first transport roll 13 that is a pair of rolls for transporting the paper S to the downstream side, and a pair of transports the paper S toward the post-processing device 30. And a second transport roll 14 which is a roll.

The post-processing device 30 of the paper processing device 3 includes a receiving roll 31 that is a pair of rolls that receive the paper S from the transport device 10. The post-processing device 30 includes a compile stacking unit 35 that is provided on the downstream side of the receiving roll 31 and collects and stores a plurality of sheets S, and a pair of rolls that discharge the sheet S toward the compile stacking unit 35. An exit roll 34 is provided.
Further, the post-processing device 30 includes a paddle 37 that rotates so as to push the sheet S toward an end guide 35 b (described later) of the compiling stacking unit 35. Further, the post-processing device 30 includes a tamper 38 for aligning the edges of the paper S. Furthermore, the post-processing device 30 includes an eject roll 39 that conveys a bundle of bound sheets S by pressing and rotating the sheets S collected by the compile stacking unit 35. .

  Further, the post-processing device 30 includes a binding device 40 that binds the end of the bundle of sheets S collected on the compilation stacking unit 35. Furthermore, the post-processing device 30 includes an opening 69 for discharging the bundle of sheets S to the outside of the post-processing device 30 by the eject roll 39. A stacking unit 70 that stacks the bundle of sheets S discharged from the opening 69 so as to be easily taken by the user is provided.

<Structure around the binding means>
Next, the compiling stacking unit 35 and the binding device 40 provided around it will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the periphery of the compile stacking unit 35, and FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the periphery of the compile stacking unit 35 viewed from the direction of arrow III in FIG. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the relationship between the end guide 35b and the sheet S, FIG. 4 (a) is an explanatory diagram for explaining the operation of the end guide 35b, and FIG. 4 (b) is an illustration of the end guide 35b approaching. FIG. 4C is a schematic diagram illustrating the position of the binding portion when the end guide 35b is disposed on the side away from the end guide 35b.
In FIG. 2, some members such as the end guide spring 35c are not shown for the sake of simplicity. Further, the lower side in FIG. 3 shows the user side of the image forming system 1, and shows the front side of the paper in FIGS.

First, the compiling stacking unit 35, which is an example of a stacking unit, includes a bottom 35 a having a top surface on which sheets S are stacked.
And this bottom part 35a is inclined and provided so that the paper S may fall along the upper surface. In addition, the compiling stacking unit 35 includes an end guide 35b that is arranged so as to align the end of the sheet S falling along the bottom 35a in the traveling direction.

  As will be described in detail later, the movement of the sheet S around the compile stacking unit 35 is first supplied toward the compile stacking unit 35 (see the first traveling direction S1 in FIG. 2), and then the traveling direction is changed. It reverses and falls along the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking section 35 (see the second traveling direction S2 in FIG. 2). Thereafter, the end portions of the sheets S are aligned to form a bundle of sheets S. Then, the bundle of sheets S rises along the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking unit 35 with the traveling direction reversed (see the third traveling direction S3 in FIG. 2).

Here, as shown in FIG. 3, in the present embodiment, each end of the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stacking portion 35 is defined as follows. First, the end portion on the leading end side in the second traveling direction S2 indicating the direction in which the sheet S falls along the upper surface of the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stacking portion 35 is referred to as a leading end portion Ta. This tip side end portion Ta is an end portion in contact with the end guide 35b. Further, the end portion extending in the second traveling direction S2 and the end portion on the user side (lower side in FIG. 3) of the image forming system 1 is referred to as a side end portion Tb. Further, a portion sandwiched between the tip end portion Ta and the side end portion Tb is referred to as a corner portion Te.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, in the present embodiment, each part of the paper S arranged on the bottom part 35a of the compiling stacking part 35 is defined as follows. First, an end portion of the sheet S along the front end side end portion Ta, which is in contact with the end guide 35b, is referred to as a first end portion Sa. An end that intersects the first end Sa and extends along the side end Tb is referred to as a second end Sb. Further, the portion of the sheet S sandwiched between the first end portion Sa and the second end portion Sb is referred to as a corner portion Se.
Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the end portion on the first end portion Sa side of the image formed on the sheet S in the present embodiment is referred to as an image end portion Ia.

  As shown in FIG. 4A, the end guide 35b, which is an example of an alignment member, is provided so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking portion 35 (see arrows D1 and D2). Specifically, the end guide 35b is configured as follows.

  First, the end guide 35b is longer than the bottom 35a of the compile stacking unit 35 in the vertical direction in FIG. A pair of end guide springs 35c and solenoids 35d, which are examples of distance shortening means, are connected to both ends of the end guide 35b. The end guide spring 35c and the solenoid 35d are disposed on the same side (the right side in FIG. 3) with respect to the end guide 35b. The end guide spring 35c is compressed and arranged to press the end guide 35b (see arrow D2). The shaft portion of the solenoid 35d can be extended, and the tip of the shaft portion is connected to the end guide 35b.

Here, as shown in FIG. 4A, the end guide 35b is movable between a position Pex approaching the bottom 35a and a position Pey moving away from the bottom 35a. Note that the distance between the position Pex and the position Pey is d0.
When the solenoid 35d is not in operation, the end guide spring 35c is pressed by the compressed end guide spring 35c, and the end guide 35b is disposed at a position Pey that is a separated position. On the other hand, when the solenoid 35d is operating, the solenoid 35d pulls the end guide 35b, and the end guide 35b is disposed at a position Pex where the end guide 35b approaches.

Here, it will be described that the position of the binding portion of the sheet moves as the end guide 35b moves.
First, the case where the end guide 35b is arranged at the position Pex will be described. The end guide 35b is disposed at the position Pex, and then the sheet S is supplied to the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking unit 35 so that the first end Sa of the sheet S is in contact with the end guide 35b. When the binding process is performed in this state, the distance from the first end portion Sa to the portion to which the binding process is performed is shortened. On the other hand, when the end guide 35b is disposed at the position Pey, when the sheet is disposed on the bottom portion 35a of the compiling stacking unit 35 and the binding process is performed, the first end Sa to the portion to which the binding process is performed. The distance becomes longer. More detailed description is as follows.

That is, when the end guide 35b is disposed at the position Pex, when the binding process is performed by the stapleless binding mechanism 50, the first end Sa from the end of the binding portion on the side separated from the first end Sa. Is the distance d1 (see FIG. 4B). On the other hand, when the binding process is performed in the case where the end guide 35b is disposed at the position Pey, the distance from the end portion on the side separated from the first end portion Sa to the first end portion Sa is the distance d2. (See FIG. 4C). This distance d2 is longer than the distance d1. For example, the distance d2 is about 3 to 5 mm longer than the distance d1.
In FIG. 4, the case where the binding process is performed by the stapleless binding mechanism 50 (the stapleless binding part 51 is disposed. Details will be described later) is described, but the stapler 45 performs the binding process. (The staple needle 41 is disposed. Details will be described later). That is, the end guide 35b can change the distance from the first end portion Sa of the paper S to the binding portion, regardless of whether the staple processing is performed by the stapleless binding mechanism 50 or the stapler 45. It is.

  Each member of the image forming system 1 will be described again. The paddle 37 is provided above the compilation stacking unit 35 and downstream of the exit roll 34 in the first traveling direction S1 of the sheet S. Further, the paddle 37 is provided so that the distance from the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking portion 35 is changed by being driven by a motor or the like (not shown). Specifically, the paddle 37 is provided so as to be movable in the directions of arrows U1 and U2 in FIG. 2, and moves in the direction of the arrow U1 to approach the bottom 35a of the compile stacking unit 35 (drawn by a solid line). The position Pb) is moved away from the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking unit 35 by moving in the direction of the arrow U2 (position Pa drawn by a broken line). The paddle 37 rotates in the direction of the arrow R in FIG. 2, so that the sheet S conveyed along the first traveling direction S1 in FIG. It is configured to push in the direction S2.

The tamper 38 (see FIG. 1) includes a first tamper 38a and a second tamper 38b that face each other with the compilation stacking unit 35 interposed therebetween. Specifically, the first tamper 38a and the second tamper 38b are arranged to face each other in a direction (vertical direction in FIG. 3) intersecting the second traveling direction S2. The first tamper 38a and the second tamper 38b are provided such that the distance between the first tamper 38a and the second tamper 38b is changed by being driven by a motor or the like (not shown).
Here, the tamper 38 is configured to align the end portions along the traveling direction of the sheet S falling along the bottom portion 35a. Specifically, the first tamper 38a is located between a position approaching the compiling stacking unit 35 (a position Pax drawn with a solid line) and a position moving away from the compiling stacking unit 35 (a position Pay drawn with a broken line). They are arranged to move between them (arrows C1 and C2). On the other hand, the second tamper 38b moves between a position approaching the compiling stacking portion 35 (position Pbx drawn with a solid line) and a position moving away from the compiling stacking portion 35 (position Pby drawn with a broken line). (Arrows C3 and C4).
Note that the positions Pax, Pay, Pbx, and Pby of the first tamper 38a and the second tamper 38b in the present embodiment are respectively determined in accordance with the paper size and orientation of the paper S supplied to the compilation stacking unit 35. The position of can be changed.

The eject roll 39 includes a first eject roll 39a and a second eject roll 39b, and the first eject roll 39a and the second eject roll 39b sandwich the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking section 35, and the upper side of the bottom 35a. It is arranged to face the lower side.
The first eject roll 39a is provided on the bottom side 35a of the compiling stacking unit 35 on the surface side on which the sheets S are stacked. Further, the first eject roll 39a is provided so as to be capable of advancing and retreating with respect to the second eject roll 39b upon being driven by a motor or the like (not shown). That is, the distance between the first eject roll 39a and the sheet S stacked on the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking unit 35 is changed. On the other hand, the second eject roll 39b is disposed at the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking unit 35, and is disposed on the back side of the surface on which the sheets S are stacked. ing.
Specifically, the first eject roll 39a moves in the direction of the arrow Q1, and the first eject roll 39a approaches the bottom 35a of the compilation stacking section 35 (position P2 drawn with a broken line). On the other hand, the first eject roll 39a moves in the direction of the arrow Q2, and the first eject roll 39a moves away from the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking section 35 (position P1 drawn by a solid line).
The first eject roll 39a is driven by a motor (not shown) in contact with the sheet S and rotates in the T1 direction to raise the bundle of sheets S (the third traveling direction S3). It is comprised so that it may convey.
The positions P1 and P2 of the first eject roll 39a can be changed according to the number and thickness of the sheets S supplied to the compiling stacking unit 35.

<Binding device 40>
Next, the binding device 40 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 6. Here, FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram illustrating the structure of the binding device 40. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the configuration of the stapleless binding mechanism 50 and the portion subjected to the stapleless binding process, and FIG. 6A is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the stapleless binding mechanism 50. 6B is a diagram for explaining the slit 521 and the tongue 522 formed in the paper S, and FIG. 6C is a diagram for explaining the operation of inserting the tongue 522 into the slit 521. FIG. 6D is a view for explaining a portion subjected to the binding process by the stapleless binding mechanism 50.

  The binding device 40 includes a stapler 45 that is an example of a first binding unit and a needleless binding mechanism 50 that is an example of a second binding unit. The stapler 45 is configured to bind the end of the bundle of sheets S accommodated in the compilation stack 35 by pushing the staple needles 41 (described later) into the sheets S one by one. The stapleless binding mechanism 50 is configured to bind the end of the bundle of sheets S accommodated in the compilation stacking unit 35 by processing a part of the sheets S without using the staple needle 41. The stapler 45 and the stapleless binding mechanism 50 are connected via a joint 48 and are continuously provided in the direction along the distal end side end portion Ta.

The stapler 45 is disposed on the user side (lower side in FIG. 3) of the image forming system 1 with respect to the stapleless binding mechanism 50. By disposing the stapler 45 on the user side (the lower side in FIG. 3), maintenance work for the stapler 45 such as replenishment of the staple needle 41 can be easily performed.
Here, while the stapler 45 uses the staple needle 41, the stapleless binding mechanism 50 does not use a member that requires replenishment like the staple needle 41. That is, as the frequency of maintenance work for the stapler 45 and the stapleless binding mechanism 50, the frequency of work for the stapler 45 is higher. Therefore, it is preferable to perform the work on the stapler 45 more easily.

  The binding device 40 is disposed on the rail 44 and can be moved in a direction along the tip end portion Ta by a motor (not shown) (see arrow A). As a result, the stapler 45 and the stapleless binding mechanism 50 can perform the binding process at any position on the distal end side end Ta side of the bottom 35a.

<Stapler 45>
The stapler 45 is configured to perform a binding process at the corner Te of the bottom 35a in addition to the tip end Ta of the bottom 35a. This is different from the needleless binding mechanism 50 in which the binding process is performed only at the tip end side Ta of the bottom 35a.
Specifically, the stapler 45 is configured as follows.
First, the stapler 45 has a rotating shaft 47 on the side close to the stapleless binding mechanism 50 and on the tip end portion Ta side. The rotating shaft 47 is connected to a motor (not shown).
When the motor (not shown) is driven, the stapler 45 can rotate around the rotation shaft 47 (see arrow B). In other words, the stapler 45 swings its head. Here, the stapler 45 can rotate independently of the stapleless binding mechanism 50 while maintaining the connection with the stapleless binding mechanism 50 via the joint 48, and the rotation of the stapler 45 is rotated by the stapleless binding mechanism 50. Is not intended to move.

  The stapler 45 is configured to bind the end of the bundle of sheets S accommodated in the compilation stack 35 by pushing the staple needles 41 (described later) into the sheets S one by one. That is, a stapler motor (not shown) is driven, and the stapler 45 pushes one staple 41 (described later) into the bundle of sheets S. The staples 41 are pushed into the bundle of sheets S and the end of the staple needle 41 is bent on the opposite side of the bundle of sheets S, whereby the bundle of sheets S is bound. The staple needle 41 that has been pushed in is disposed at the corner Se of the paper S while being inclined with respect to the first end Sa of the paper S.

<Needleless binding mechanism 50>
The stapleless binding mechanism 50 is configured to bind the end of the bundle of sheets S accommodated in the compilation stacking unit 35 without using the staple needle 41. Specifically, the configuration is as follows.
The needleless binding mechanism 50 includes a base 501 and a base 503 that are arranged to face each other. Then, the bundle of sheets S is bound by bringing the base 503 close to the base 501 (F1 direction in the figure) in a state where the bundle of sheets S is sandwiched between the base 501 as shown in FIG. It is configured.

The base 501 is provided with a bottom member 502 disposed so as to be substantially parallel to the base 501 so that the sheet S can be sandwiched between the base 501 and the base 501. The base 501 has a protrusion 506 that extends toward the base 503 and is formed integrally with the base 501.
The base 503 includes a blade 504 that cuts the bundle of sheets S, and a punching member 505 that forms and bends a tongue 522 (described later) in the bundle of sheets S, and inserts the tongue 522 into the cut formed by the blade 504. And have.
The blade 504 is formed of a substantially rectangular plate-like member that extends toward a bundle of sheets S sandwiched between the base 501 and the bottom member 502. Specifically, the blade 504 has eye holes 504a on a substantially rectangular surface, and further has a leading end portion 504b whose width decreases as the sheet S approaches.

Next, the punching member 505 is a member having an L-shaped bent portion. One end of the punching member 505 is a main portion 505a, and the other end is a sub-portion 505b.
The punching member 505 has a main portion rotation shaft 505r provided at an L-shaped bent portion. The punching member 505 can rotate around the main portion rotation shaft 505r. More specifically, the main portion 505a can be inclined to the blade 504 side. Note that there is a gap between the sub-portion 505b and the base portion 503 so that the punching member 505 can rotate.
Here, the main portion 505 a extends toward the base 501. Further, the main portion 505a has a blade portion 505c on the side opposite to the side where the main portion rotating shaft 505r is provided, that is, on the side facing the base 501. The blade portion 505c is a blade that punches out the shape of the tongue portion 522. The blade portion 505c has no blade formed on the side facing the blade 504, and is configured such that the tongue portion 522 and the paper S are continuous by an end portion 522a described later. Further, the main portion 505 a has a protrusion 505 d extending toward the blade 504 on the side of the main portion 505 a, specifically on the side facing the blade 504.

Now, the operation of performing the binding process by the stapleless binding mechanism 50 is as follows.
That is, a needleless binding motor (not shown) is driven, the base portion 503 approaches the base 501, and the leading end portion 504 b of the blade 504 and the blade portion 505 c of the punching member 505 pass through the bundle of sheets S. Then, as shown in FIG. 6 (b), the bundle of sheets S that has been penetrated leaves a slit 521 that is an example of cut and one end portion 522 a that is an example of a half-cut sheet piece, as shown in FIG. A tongue portion 522 from which a bundle of sheets S is punched is formed.
When the base portion 503 is further pressed, the sub-portion 505b of the punching member 505 hits the protruding portion 506 formed integrally with the base 501, and the punching member 505 is centered on the main portion rotation shaft 505r as shown in FIG. ) Rotate clockwise. As a result, the main portion 505 a is inclined toward the blade 504, and the protrusion 505 d of the punching member 505 approaches the blade 504. Then, as shown in FIG. 6C, the protrusion 505d of the punching member 505 bends the tongue 522 and pushes it toward the eye hole 504a of the blade 504 in the direction F2. In FIG. 6C, the punching member 505 is not shown.
In this state, the base 503 is separated from the base 501. That is, when the base portion 503 is raised in the direction F3 in the drawing, the tongue portion 522 is raised while being caught in the eye hole 504a of the blade 504. Then, as illustrated in FIG. 6D, the bundle of sheets S is bound by inserting the tongue 522 into the slit 521. At this time, a binding hole 523 is formed in the bundle of sheets S where the tongue 522 is punched.

<Binding comparison>
Next, the parts bound by the stapler 45 and the stapleless binding mechanism 50 will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a portion subjected to the binding process by the stapler 45 and the stapleless binding mechanism 50.
First, the staple needle 41 is disposed at a portion bound by the stapler 45. On the other hand, a stapleless binding portion 51 is formed in the portion bound by the stapleless binding mechanism 50.
Note that both the staple needle 41 and the stapleless binding portion 51 are arranged so as not to overlap with the image formed on the paper S. This is to prevent the formed image from becoming invisible.

Further, the length in the width direction (length L2X) of the stapleless binding portion 51 is longer than the length in the width direction (length L1X) of the staple needle 41. Furthermore, the length in the longitudinal direction (length L2Y) of the stapleless binding portion 51 is longer than the length in the longitudinal direction (length L1Y) of the staple needle 41. Therefore, the area of the staple-free binding portion 51 is larger than that of the staple needle 41.
In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the staple needle 41 performs the binding process at the corner Te of the bottom portion 35a is because the length in the longitudinal direction of the staple needle 41 is shorter than the stapleless binding portion 51. It is. If the staple-less binding portion 51 having a long length in the longitudinal direction is disposed obliquely at the corner Te of the bottom portion 35a, the staple-less binding portion 51 is disposed closer to the center side of the sheet S. There is a high possibility of overlapping with the image formed on S.

Furthermore, the needleless binding portion 51 includes a binding hole 523 where the tongue 522 is punched. As a result, the portion from the binding hole 523 to the first end Sa of the paper S is easily broken. In particular, when the binding hole 523 formed in the paper S is used through another member for filing, the paper S is easily broken. Therefore, when the stapleless binding portion 51 is disposed, it is necessary to dispose the needle S 51 apart from the first end Sa of the paper S by a certain distance so as not to break the paper S.
In other words, the staple-free binding portion 51 requires a wider binding margin than the staple needle 41. Here, the binding margin refers to an edge portion on the paper S where no image is formed. For example, the binding margin in the vicinity of the first end Sa of the paper S refers to a portion from the image end Ia on the side close to the first end Sa of the paper S to the first end Sa.
In order not to tear the paper S, the required distance from the staple-free binding portion 51 to the first end Sa of the paper S varies depending on the strength of the material of the paper S to be bound and the number of sheets S to be bound. To do.

<Operation of Image Forming System 1>
Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Here, a case where the stapler 45 of the binding device 40 performs the binding process on the front end side end Ta side will be described.

  First, in the state before the toner image is formed on the first sheet S by the image forming unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 2, the respective members are arranged as follows. That is, the first eject roll 39a is disposed at the position P1, the paddle 37 is disposed at the position Pa, the first tamper 38a is disposed at the position Pay, and the second tamper 38b is disposed at the position Pbx. The end guide 35b is disposed at a position Pey that is separated from the bottom 35a.

Then, a toner image is formed on the first sheet S by the image forming unit 5 of the image forming apparatus 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the first sheet S on which the toner image is formed is reversed by the sheet reversing device 7 as necessary, and then is fed to the sheet processing device 3 one by one through the discharge roll 9. Supplied.
In the transport apparatus 10 of the sheet processing apparatus 3 to which the first sheet S is supplied, the first sheet S is received by the entrance roll 11, and the punching process is performed on the first sheet S by the puncher 12 as necessary. Applied. Thereafter, the first sheet S is conveyed toward the downstream post-processing device 30 via the first conveyance roll 13 and the second conveyance roll 14.

In the post-processing device 30, the first sheet S is received by the receiving roll 31. The first sheet S that has passed through the receiving roll 31 is conveyed by the exit roll 34 along the first traveling direction S1. At this time, the first sheet S is conveyed so as to pass between the compile stacking unit 35 and the first eject roll 39a and between the compile stacking unit 35 and the paddle 37.
After the leading edge of the first sheet S in the first advancing direction S1 passes between the compiling stacking unit 35 and the paddle 37, the paddle 37 descends from the position Pa (moves in the direction of arrow U1 in FIG. 2). It arrange | positions in the position Pb. As a result, the paddle 37 comes into contact with the first sheet S. Then, the first sheet S is pushed in the second traveling direction S2 in FIG. 2 by the rotation of the paddle 37 shown in FIG. 2 in the direction of arrow R, and the end of the first sheet S on the end guide 35b side is pushed. The portion comes into contact with the end guide 35b. Thereafter, the paddle 37 rises (moves in the direction of arrow U2 in FIG. 2), moves away from the first sheet S1, and is placed again at the position Pa.
Further, after the first sheet S is received by the compiling stacking unit 35 and the end on the end guide 35b side reaches the end guide 35b, the first tamper 38a approaches the compiling stacking unit 35 from the position Pay ( (Moved in the direction of the arrow C2 in FIG. 3) and arranged at the position Pax. At this time, the second tamper 38b remains disposed at the position Pbx. As a result, the first tamper 38a pushes the first sheet S, and the first sheet S contacts the second tamper 38b. After that, the first tamper 38a is separated from the compiling stacking unit 35 (moved in the direction of arrow C1 in FIG. 3), so that the first tamper 38a is separated from the first sheet S and placed again at the position Pay.

When the second and subsequent sheets S on which the toner image is formed by the image forming unit 5 following the first sheet S are supplied to the post-processing device 30 in order, the paddle 37 is similarly operated as described above. And the end of the paper S is aligned by the tamper 38. That is, the second sheet S is supplied in a state where the first sheet S is aligned, and the second sheet S is aligned with the first sheet S. The same applies to the case where the sheet S is supplied after the third sheet. In this way, a predetermined number of sheets S are stored in the compilation stacking unit 35, and the ends of the sheets S are aligned to form a bundle of sheets S.
Then, the first eject roll 39a descends from the position P1 (moves in the direction of the arrow Q1 in FIG. 2) and is disposed at the position P2. As a result, the bundle of sheets S in an aligned state is sandwiched and fixed between the first eject roll 39a and the second eject roll 39b.

  Next, the end of the bundle of sheets S stacked on the compiling stacking unit 35 is bound by the stapler 45. Specifically, the binding device 40 is moved along the rail 44 by a motor (not shown) (see arrow A), and the stapler 45 is disposed so as to face the portion to be bound. Then, a stapler motor (not shown) is driven to push the staple needle 41 into the paper S, thereby performing a binding process. At this time, the distance from the end of the staple needle 41 on the side away from the first end Sa to the first end Sa is the distance d2.

  The bundle of sheets S bound by the stapler 45 is discharged from the compiling stacking unit 35 when the first eject roll 39a rotates (arrow T1 in FIG. 2). The bundle of sheets S is discharged to the stacking unit 70 through the opening 69.

<Binding operation of corner Te>
Next, the operation when the stapler 45 performs the binding process at the corner Te of the bottom 35a will be described. Here, only operations different from the operations of the image forming system 1 described above will be described.
First, after the bundle of sheets S in an aligned state is sandwiched and fixed between the first eject roll 39a and the second eject roll 39b, the binding device 40 is driven by a motor (not shown), so that the rail 44 And approaches the corner Te of the bottom 35a.
At a position where the binding device 40 approaches the corner portion Te, a motor (not shown) rotates to rotate the stapler 45 (see arrow B). Specifically, the stapler 45 is drawn from a position (refer to the stapler 45 drawn by a broken line in FIG. 5) continuous with the stapleless binding mechanism 50 from a position (drawn by a solid line in FIG. 5) facing the corner portion Te of the bottom 35a. To the stapler 45). In other words, first, the stapler 45 and the stapleless binding mechanism 50 are integrated by being connected via the joint 48. Then, when the stapler 45 rotates around the rotation shaft 47, the stapler 45 moves away from the stapleless binding mechanism 50 while maintaining the connection via the joint 48.
The stapler 45 whose angle has been changed is driven by a stapler motor (not shown) at a position facing the corner portion Te. As a result, the staple needle 41 is pushed into the paper S.

  The rotation of the stapler 45 (see arrow B) can be performed without moving the position of the stapleless binding mechanism 50 (for example, rotating the stapleless binding mechanism 50). Here, for example, when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 is rotated together with the stapler 45 so that the stapler 45 is opposed to the corner portion Te, and when only the stapler 45 is rotated, the latter is used for compiling. The portion of the stacking portion 35 that protrudes in the outer peripheral direction is small. Therefore, in the present embodiment, only the stapler 45 is rotated. As a result, the paper processing device 3 can be reduced in size.

Here, as a means for changing the angle of the stapler 45, the description has been made using the rotation by driving the motor, but the invention is not limited to this.
For example, a configuration in which a hook-shaped member is provided on the stapler 45 side, and a protrusion that engages with the hook-shaped member on the rail 44 side near the corner portion Te may be provided. As the binding device 40 approaches the corner Te, the hook-shaped member and the protrusion are engaged with each other. The stapler 45 rotates around the rotation shaft 47 in response to the force generated by the engagement.
Furthermore, the structure which curves a part of rail 44 which has mounted the binding apparatus 40 may be sufficient. That is, the portion close to the corner portion Te of the rail 44 formed by a straight line is curved to approach the corner portion Te side. As the binding device 40 approaches the corner Te, the stapler 45 receives a force that pushes the stapler 45 toward the corner Te from the curved portion of the rail 44. In response to this force, the stapler 45 rotates around the rotation shaft 47.

<Binding Operation of Needleless Binding Mechanism 50>
Next, the operation when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process on the distal end side end Ta side will be described.
Here, as described above, the needleless binding portion 51 has a larger area than the staple needle 41. Therefore, for example, when there is a variation in the transport position of the paper S in the image forming system 1, there is a high possibility that the needleless binding portion 51 having a large area overlaps with the image. Therefore, when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process, it is necessary to take a distance from the image to the binding portion so as to reliably avoid overlap with the image.
In order to ensure the distance from the image to the binding portion so as to reliably avoid the overlap with the image, there is an aspect in which the end portion of the image formed on the paper S is moved. In other words, it is an aspect that widens the binding margin. Furthermore, as another aspect, there is an aspect in which the position of the binding portion on the paper S is moved in a direction away from the image.
By using either one of these two modes, it is possible to take the distance from the image to the binding portion so as to reliably avoid overlap with the image. In addition, the aspect which uses these two aspects together may be sufficient. Hereinafter, each aspect will be described.

<Move image>
First, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 8, an aspect in which the edge of the image formed on the paper S is moved will be described. Here, only an operation different from the operation of the image forming system 1 in the case where the above-described stapler 45 performs the binding process on the front end portion Ta side will be described.
FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the first end portion Sa of the paper S and the image formed on the paper S. FIG. 8A shows the paper when the stapler 45 performs the binding process. FIG. 8B shows the positional relationship between the sheet S and the image when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process.
When the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process, before the image forming unit 5 forms an image on the paper S, first, an example of the distance changing unit is used to change the position of the image formed by the image forming unit 5. A certain control unit 80 sends a control signal to the image forming unit 5. Upon receiving this signal, the image forming unit 5 sets the distance from the edge of the paper S to the image to be formed so that it is different from the case where the stapler 45 performs the binding process.

Specifically, it is as shown in FIG. That is, when the stapler 45 performs the binding process and when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process, from the image end Ia that is the end on the first end Sa side of the image to the first end Sa. The image forming unit 5 is controlled so that the distances are different.
When the stapler 45 performs the binding process, the distance from the image end Ia to the first end Sa is the distance ds. On the other hand, when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process, the distance from the image end Ia to the first end Sa is the distance dt. This distance dt is longer than the distance ds. For example, the distance dt is about 3 to 5 mm longer than the distance ds.
By changing the position of the image in this way, a wider binding margin is formed when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process. This makes it possible to more reliably avoid duplication with images.

Here, in the present embodiment, when the image forming unit 5 forms on the paper S, only the position of the image is changed without changing the dimensions of the image. In other words, the image formed on the paper S moves on the paper S.
However, the present invention is not limited to this, and any configuration that ensures a wider binding margin when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process may be used.
For example, the scale of the image to be formed may be changed between when the stapler 45 performs the binding process and when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process. Specifically, the configuration may be such that the entire image when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process is reduced without moving the center of the image, based on the image when the stapler 45 performs the binding process. .
Furthermore, the structure which processes an image may be sufficient. Specifically, the configuration may be such that the aspect ratio of the image when the stapleless binding mechanism 50 performs the binding process is changed on the basis of the image when the stapler 45 performs the binding process. In other words, only the direction intersecting the first end portion Sa of the sheet S of the image may be reduced without moving the center in this direction.
In addition, you may combine each above-mentioned aspect. In other words, the image may be reduced while moving the image formed on the paper S. Alternatively, the configuration may be such that the aspect ratio of the image is changed while moving the image formed on the paper S.

<Move the binding>
Next, an aspect in which the position of the binding portion on the paper S is moved will be described with reference to FIGS. 1, 4, and 9.
9 is an explanatory diagram for explaining the positional relationship between the binding portion and the image formed on the paper S. FIG. 9A shows the positional relationship between the staple needle 41 and the image. (B) shows the positional relationship between the stapleless binding portion 51 and the image.

First, a case where the binding process is performed by the stapler 45 to be compared will be described. First, before the image forming unit 5 forms an image on the paper S, the control unit 80 sends a control signal to the solenoid 35d so that the paper S arranges the position of the end guide 35b at a specified position.
When the binding process is performed by the stapler 45, the solenoid 35d is not operated, and the end guide 35b is disposed at the position Pey. When the sheet S is arranged on the bottom portion 35a of the stacking unit for compilation 35 and the binding process is performed, the first end portion Sa to the end portion on the image side of the portion to be bound (staple needle 41). The distance is the distance d2. Further, the distance from the image-side end of the part subjected to the binding process to the image end Ia of the image is the distance du.
On the other hand, when the binding process is performed by the stapleless binding mechanism 50, the solenoid 35d is operated and the end guide 35b is disposed at the position Pex. When the sheet S is arranged on the bottom 35a of the compiling stacking unit 35 and the binding process is performed, the end portion on the image side of the portion to which the binding process is performed from the first end portion Sa (needleless binding portion 51). Is the distance d1. Further, the distance from the image-side end portion of the part subjected to the binding process to the image end portion Ia of the image is a distance dv.

Here, the distance dv is equal to or longer than the distance du. For example, the distance dv is about 3 to 5 mm longer than the distance du.
By changing the position of the end guide 35b in this way, the distance dv is made longer than the distance du as a result. This makes it possible to reliably avoid duplication with images.

  The distance d1 is shorter than the distance d2 as described above. In relation to this, when the position of the stapleless binding portion 51 approaches the first end Sa of the paper S, the paper S tends to be easily torn. That is, when the distance from the first end Sa side of the staple-free binding portion 51 to the first end Sa of the paper S (see the distance dw) becomes short, the paper S is easily broken. Therefore, the distance dw needs to be greater than or equal to the width necessary for not breaking the paper S.

<Other aspects>
Now, another mode of moving the end guide 35b will be described with reference to FIG. Here, FIG. 10 is a side view of the periphery of the end guide 35b according to another aspect.
As shown in FIG. 10, an operation plate 35e is provided below the end guide 35b. The operating plate 35e is provided in a direction intersecting with the bottom 35a. And the end guide spring 35c is connected to the position which does not prevent operation | movement of the binding apparatus 40 on the one side of the action | operation board 35e. An end portion different from the end portion connected to the operation plate 35e of the end guide spring 35c is fixed to, for example, a housing (not shown) of the post-processing device 30. And the solenoid 35d is provided in the action | operation board 35e on the opposite side to the side by which this end guide spring 35c is arrange | positioned. The solenoid 35d is fixed to, for example, a housing (not shown) of the post-processing device 30. Then, by actuating the solenoid 35d, the end guide 35b is drawn, and the end guide 35b is arranged at the approaching position Pex. By not actuating the solenoid 35d, the end guide 35b is arranged at the separating position Pey.

  In the above-described embodiment, the position of the binding device 40 has been described as a configuration that does not move in the direction intersecting the first end Sa of the paper S (the direction along the second end Sb). Not. For example, the binding device 40 is provided on a stage that can move in a direction intersecting the rail 44. And the solenoid 35d which moves this stage to the direction which cross | intersects with respect to the rail 44 is connected. By driving the solenoid 35d, the binding device 40 can be moved in the direction intersecting the first end Sa of the paper S. By adopting this configuration, the distance from the first end Sa of the paper S to the binding portion may be changed.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the stapleless binding mechanism 50 is bound by the tongue 522 and the slit 521 is described, but the present invention is not limited to this.
Here, it will be described with reference to FIG. 11 that the needleless binding mechanism 50 may have another form. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a bundle of sheets that have undergone stapleless binding processing according to another embodiment, and FIG. 11A creates an arrow-shaped cut. FIG. 11B shows an example in which the binding process is performed by creating the embossed trace 512.
First, in the binding mode shown in FIG. 11A, an arrow-shaped cut 511 is formed in a part of a bundle of sheets S. This arrow-shaped notch 511 is punched so that the end on the handle side is continuous with the paper S. The arrow-shaped cut 511 is raised, and the bundle of sheets S is held by engaging the raised arrow-shaped cut 511 with the punched hole.
On the other hand, in the binding mode illustrated in FIG. 11B, the sheet S bundle is bound by forming an embossed trace 512 on a part of the sheet S bundle. That is, by pressing a member that forms the embossed trace 512 from the upper surface in the bundle of sheets S shown in FIG. 11B toward the opposite surface of the bundle of sheets S, FIG. ) To form a concave portion on the surface on the side where the bundle of sheets S can be observed (a convex portion is formed on the opposite surface), thereby performing a binding treatment.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, in the binding device 40, the stapler 45 and the stapleless binding mechanism 50 each have a head, and the head of the stapler 45 rotates (see arrow B in FIG. 5). Although the configuration has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a configuration in which only the member for driving the staple needle 41 of the stapler 45 is rotated by using the stapler 45 and the head of the stapleless binding mechanism 50 in common is also possible.

  Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the binding device 40 includes one stapler 45 and the stapleless binding mechanism 50 has been described, but the configuration is not limited thereto. For example, the binding device 40 may include two staplers 45 and the needleless binding mechanism 50 may be provided between the two staplers 45. With this configuration, the staple needle 41 can be disposed obliquely at the other corner of the paper S on the first end Sa side that is different from the corner Se.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Image forming system, 2 ... Image forming apparatus, 3 ... Paper processing apparatus, 10 ... Conveying apparatus, 30 ... Post-processing apparatus, 34 ... Exit roll, 35 ... Stacking part for compilation, 37 ... Paddle, 38 ... Tamper, 39 ... Eject roll, 45 ... Stapler, 50 ... Needleless binding mechanism, 69 ... Opening part, 70 ... Loading part, 80 ... Control part

Claims (1)

Image forming means for forming an image on paper;
A stacking unit that stacks sheets of paper on which images are formed by the image forming unit;
A bundle of sheets stacked on the stacking means, and needleless binding means for performing a binding process by creating embossed marks,
A bundle of sheets using a staple is obtained by reducing the image in the intersecting direction without moving the center of the image in the direction intersecting the end of the bundle of sheets to be bound by the stapleless binding means. In the direction along the end of the bundle of sheets to be bound by the stapleless binding means, and the binding margin when the binding processing is performed by the stapleless binding means is wider than the binding margin in the case of binding An image forming apparatus, wherein the image is not reduced.

Images