WO2021188175A1

WO2021188175A1 - Structure to integrally moving staple binder and stapleless binder

Info

Publication number: WO2021188175A1
Application number: PCT/US2020/065236
Authority: WO
Inventors: Eiji Fukasawa; JoongHyun Kim; Taejin BAEK; Jeongyeon Park
Original assignee: Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P.
Priority date: 2020-03-18
Filing date: 2020-12-16
Publication date: 2021-09-23
Also published as: KR20210116976A

Abstract

An example post-processing device includes a paper aligning tray to align a paper stack, a first binder equipped with a staple binding unit, a second binder equipped with a stapleless binding unit, a first driving unit to move the first binder and the second binder together along an edge of the paper stack in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction, and a second driving unit to move the second binder between a stapleless binding position and a retreat position.

Description

STRUCTURE TO INTEGRALLY MOVING STAPLE BINDER AND

STAPLELESS BINDER

BACKGROUND

[0001] Post-processing devices perform a post-processing operation on a printing medium, for example, paper. Such a post-processing device may be a stand-alone device. The post-processing device may be connected to an image forming device to constitute an image forming apparatus, and may perform a post processing operation on a printing medium on which printing is completed, as a subsequent process of a printing job performed in the printing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG. 1 is a schematic side diagram of a post-processing device according to an example.

[0003] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan diagram of a post-processing device of FIG. 1 according to an example.

[0004] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second binder of FIG. 1 according to an example.

[0005] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan diagram of a first driving unit according to an example.

[0006] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of a second driving unit showing a state in which a second binder is at a stapleless binding position according to an example.

[0007] FIG. 6 is a schematic side view of a second driving unit showing a state in which a second binder is at a retreat position according to an example. [0008] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a second driving unit according to an example.

[0009] FIG. 8 shows a state in which a second binder is moved in a first direction along a second guide rail of FIG. 7 according to an example. [0010] FIG. 9 shows a state in which a second binder is moved in a second direction along a second guide rail of FIG. 7 according to an example.

[0011] FIG. 10 is a view showing a process of performing staple binding according to an example.

[0012] FIG. 11 is a view showing a process of performing stapleless binding on two corners of a stack of papers according to an example.

[0013] FIG. 12 is a view showing a process of performing stapleless binding on two positions between two corners of a stack of papers according to an example.

[0014] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a first driving unit showing a state in which a first moving base is separated from a second moving base according to an example.

[0015] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view of a first driving unit showing a state in which a first moving base is connected to a second moving base according to an example.

[0016] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a selective connection structure according to an example.

[0017] FIGS. 16A to 16D show a process in which a first moving base is connected to a second moving base according to an example.

[0018] FIGS. 17A to 17D show a process in which a first moving base is separated from a second moving base according to an example.

[0019] FIG. 18 is a schematic plan view of a selective connection structure showing a state in which a first moving base is separated from a second moving base according to an example.

[0020] FIG. 19 is a schematic plan view of a selective connection structure showing a state in which a first moving base is connected to a second moving base according to an example.

[0021] FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a second moving base is moved away from a standby position according to an example. [0022] FIG. 21 is a schematic plan view of a post-processing device showing a state in which a second binder is at a retreat position according to an example. [0023] FIG. 22 is a schematic plan view of a post-processing device showing a state in which a second binder is at a stapleless binding position according to an example.

[0024] FIG. 23 is a schematic external perspective view of a post processing device according to an example.

[0025] FIG. 24 is a side view showing an opening gap of a manual insertion opening according to an example.

[0026] FIG. 25 is a schematic plan view of a post-processing device of FIG. 23 showing a state in which a first binder is at a first manual binding position according to an example.

[0027] FIG. 26 is a schematic plan view of a post-processing device of FIG. 23 showing a state in which a second binder is at a second manual binding position according to an example.

[0028] FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing a structure for adjusting an opening gap of a manual insertion opening in a state in which a gap adjusting lever is at a second position according to an example.

[0029] FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing a structure for adjusting an opening gap of a manual insertion opening in a state in which the gap adjusting lever is at a first position according to an example.

[0030] FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of an opening gap adjusting structure and shows a state in which a gap adjusting lever is at a second position according to an example.

[0031] FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of an opening gap adjusting structure and shows a state in which a gap adjusting lever is at a second position according to an example.

[0032] FIG. 31 is a schematic side view of a post-processing device and shows a manual insertion opening according to an example.

[0033] FIG. 32 is a schematic plan view of a post-processing device of FIG. 31 showing a state in which a first binder is at a first manual binding position according to an example, and

[0034] FIG. 33 is a schematic plan view of a post-processing device of FIG. 31 showing a state in which a second binder is at a second manual binding position according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLES

[0035] Hereinafter, examples of a post-processing device will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers refer to like elements, and the size and thickness of each element may be exaggerated for clarity of illustration.

[0036] A post-processing device performs a post-processing operation on a printing medium such as paper. A post-processing device may be a stand-alone device or may be connected to an image forming device to constitute an image forming apparatus and may perform a post-processing operation on a printing medium on which printing is completed.

[0037] The post-processing device may be equipped with a staple binder to drive staples into a stack of printing medium (e.g., papers) in which sheets of paper are aligned. The post-processing device may be equipped with a stapleless binder that does not use staples. In the stapleless binder, a stack of papers is positioned between a pair of pressing tooth portions facing each other in an up and down direction, and a portion of the stack of papers is pressed by the pair of pressing tooth portions. Accordingly, the stack of papers is bounded.

[0038] FIG. 1 is a schematic side diagram of a post-processing device according to an example. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan diagram of a post-processing device of FIG. 1 according to an example. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a second binder of FIG. 1 according to an example. In the following examples, the term “paper” may be used as an example of a printing medium to which post processing may be applied. However, it is understood that this is not to limit application of the examples to other types of printing medium.

[0039] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 3, a post-processing device includes a paper aligning tray 40 in which a stack of papers (hereinafter, referred to as a paper stack PS) is aligned, a first binder 20 including a staple binding unit 21 to drive a staple into the paper stack PS, and a second binder 30 including a stapleless binding unit 31 to press and bind the paper stack PS. [0040] The paper aligning tray 40 may include a loading plate 41 on which the paper stack PS is loaded. The paper aligning tray 40 may also include a side portion guide 42 and an end portion guide 43 which respectively align edges of the paper stack PS in a width direction W and a longitudinal direction L. The side portion guide 42 may include a pair of side portion guides 42-1 and 42-2 which guide side edges of the paper stack PS in the width direction W. The post processing device may include a plurality of end portion guides 43 which are spaced apart from each other in the width direction W.

[0041] The post-processing device may include a feed structure for feeding paper P and the paper stack PS. In an example, the feed structure may include feeding rollers 11 and 12, a first roller 13, and a second roller 14. Each of the feed rollers 11 and 12 may include a pair of rollers that are engaged with each other to rotate and feed paper P that is introduced through an inlet 91. The first roller 13 may be above the loading plate 41 , and the second roller 14 may be below the loading plate 41 . For example, the second roller 14 may be at a position to be in contact with a sheet on the loading plate 41 , for example, the bottom surface of the paper P. The first roller 13 is to face the second roller 14. The first roller 13 may be switched between a retreat position (shown with a solid line in FIG. 1 ) at which the first roller 13 is spaced apart from the second roller 14 and a feed position (shown with a two-dot chain line in FIG. 1) at which the first roller 13 is engaged with the second roller 14 to feed the paper P or the paper stack PS. For example, the first roller 13 may be mounted on a pivot lever 15. As the pivot lever 15 is pivoted by an actuator such as a solenoid, a linear motor, a rotary motor, or the like, the first roller 13 is switched between the retreat position and the feed position. At the feed position, the first roller 13 may be pressed toward the second roller 14 by the weight of the first roller 13 or an elastic force of a spring (not shown). The first roller 13 and the second roller 14 may transport the paper P in a forward direction and discharge the paper P to an exit tray 50. For a binding process, the first roller 13 and the second roller 14 may transport the paper P in a reverse direction and align the paper P on the loading plate 41 . The first roller 13 and the second roller 14 may transport the bounded paper stack PS in the forward direction and discharge the same to the exit tray 50 through an outlet 92. The feed rollers 11 and 12 and first and second rollers 13 and 14 may be driven by one or more motors.

[0042] The first binder 20 may drive a staple into the paper stack PS. The first binder 20 may move along an edge E1 of the paper stack PS in the width direction W.

[0043] The second binder 30 is a stapleless binder to binding the paper stack PS in a stapleless method without using a staple. For example, the second binder 30 may be equipped with the stapleless binding unit 31. The stapleless binding unit 31 includes a pair of pressing tooth portions 31-1 and 31-2 facing each other in an up and down direction with the paper stack PS therebetween. Each of the pressing tooth portions 31-1 and 31-2 may include a plurality of recesses and a plurality of protrusions which are alternately arranged. The recesses and protrusions of the pressing tooth portion 31-1 face the protrusions and recesses of the pressing tooth portion 31 -2, respectively. In a state in which the paper stack PS is placed between the pair of pressing tooth portions 31 -1 and 31-2, the pair of pressing tooth portions 31-1 and 31-2 may approach each other and press the paper stack PS. Accordingly, the paper stack PS may be bound. [0044] In an example, the second binder 30 may be equipped with a fixed frame 32 and a movable frame 33. The movable frame 33 may be supported by the fixed frame 32 to be pivotable around a hinge 36. The pressing tooth portion 31-2 may be provided in the fixed frame 32, and the pressing tooth portion 31-1 may be provided in the movable frame 33. The second binder 30 may be equipped with a cam member 34 including a pressing cam portion 34a and a cam driving motor (not shown) for rotating the cam member 34. When the cam member 34 is rotated in a forward direction by the cam driving motor, the pressing cam portion 34a pushes the movable frame 33, and the movable frame 33 is pivoted so that the pressing tooth portion 31-1 approaches the pressing tooth portion 31-2. Thus, the paper stack PS is pressed between the pressing tooth portion 31-1 and the pressing tooth portion 31-2 and stapleless binding is completed. When the cam member 34 is rotated in a reverse direction by the cam driving motor, the movable frame 33 is pivoted due to an elastic force of a spring 35 in a direction in which the pressing tooth portion 31-1 moves away from the pressing tooth portion 31-2. As described above, a stapleless binding operation may be performed by rotating the cam member 34 in the forward/reverse directions.

[0045] Each of the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may perform binding operations at one or more positions of the paper stack PS. For example, along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS, the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may perform binding operations at one corner, the other corner, and one or more positions between the two corners. To this end, the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may move in the width direction W along one side edge E1 of the paper stack PS in the longitudinal direction L.

[0046] In an example post-processing device, a structure of moving the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 together along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS may be employed to simplify a driving structure. The first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may move in the width direction W in a state in which the first binder 20 is at a position (i.e. , a staple binding position) enabling a staple to be driven into the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. The amount of paper P that may be bound by the second binder 30 may be generally less than the amount of paper P that may be bound by the first binder 20. For example, the amount of paper P that may be bound by the second binder 30 may be about 5 sheets or less, and the amount of paper P that may be bound by the first binder 20 may be about 50 sheets or less. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , an opening gap G2 of the stapleless binding unit 31 may be smaller than an opening gap G1 of the staple binding unit 21 . Manufacturing costs may be reduced by reducing the size of the second binder 30 including the stapleless binding unit 31 .

[0047] The first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may move in the width direction W in a state in which the first binder 20 is at a position (i.e., a staple binding position) enabling a staple to be driven into the edge E1 of the paper stack PS, that is, in a state in which the edge E1 of the paper stack PS is inserted into the staple binding unit 21 . In a state in which more than 5 sheets of paper P are loaded on the paper aligning tray 40, the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may move in the width direction W for the staple binding. Flere, in a state in which the second binder 30 is at a position enabling a stapleless binding in the edge E1 of the paper stack PS (a position shown with a solid line in FIG. 2, i.e. , the stapleless binding position), the paper stack PS may not be inserted into the stapleless binding unit 31 . Thus, the paper stack PS may be misaligned, and the second binder 30 may interfere with the paper stack PS. Also, the opening gap G2 of the stapleless binding unit 31 may be smaller than the thickness of the end portion guide 43. In a case in which the second binder 30 moves in the width direction W while being at the stapleless binding position in the edge E1 of the paper stack PS, the stapleless binding unit 31 may interfere with the end portion guide 43. Thus, when the staple binding is performed, the second binder 30 may be moved from the stapleless binding position close to the edge E1 of the paper stack PS for the stapleless binding to the retreat position (e.g., a position shown by a dotted line in FIG. 2) spaced apart from the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. [0048] hereinafter, examples of the first driving unit and the second driving unit will be described.

[0049] FIG. 4 is a schematic plan diagram of a first driving unit according to an example. Referring to FIG. 4, an example of the first driving unit includes a first guide rail 110 extending in a width direction W along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS, and a moving base 210 on which the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 are mounted. The moving base 210 may be guided on the first guide rail 110 and movable in a first direction W1 and a second direction W2. The second binder 30 may be supported by the moving base 210 to be movable to a stapleless binding position or a retreat position.

[0050] In an example, the moving base 210 may be moved in the width direction W by a belt driving structure. The first binder 20 may be mounted on the moving base 210. The moving base 210 may be coupled to a driving belt 211 that travels in the width direction W. A motor M1 may be connected to a pulley 212 that couples to the driving belt 211 , and may cause the driving belt 211 to travel in the width direction W. The driving belt 211 may be a timing belt or a flat belt. Instead of the driving belt 211 , a wire may be employed. The first guide rail 110 extends in the width direction W. A guide roller 213, inserted into the first guide rail 110, may be provided in the moving base 210. One or more support rollers 214, which are supported by a frame (not shown) and rotate, may be provided below the moving base 210.

[0051] The motor M1 rotates in forward/reverse directions to move the moving base 210 in the width direction W, that is, in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2. The staple binding unit 21 or the stapleless binding unit 31 may be at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners, along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. Since the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may be moved along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS by using the first driving unit that is shared and includes the single motor M1 , a structure of the post-processing device may be simplified, and manufacturing costs may be reduced.

[0052] FIGS. 5 and 6 are schematic side views of a second driving unit according to an example. FIG. 5 shows an example in which a second binder is at a stapleless binding position, and FIG. 6 shows an example in which a second binder is at a retreat position.

[0053] Referring to FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the second binder 30 may be mounted on the moving base 210 and movable between the stapleless binding position and the retreat position. In an example, the second binder 30 may be supported by the moving base 210 and movable by a roller 215 between the stapleless binding position and the retreat position.

[0054] An example of the second driving unit may include a first elastic member 216 to apply an elastic force to the second binder 30 in a direction toward the stapleless binding position, a cam contact unit 217 provided on the moving base 210, and a cam member 34 provided in the second binder 30 and equipped with a switching cam portion 34b that pushes the cam contact unit 217 to switch the second binder 30 to the retreat position. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the cam member 34 may be equipped with a pressing cam portion 34a to drive the stapleless binding unit 31.

[0055] The first elastic member 216 may be realized, for example, by a compression coil spring having one end and the other end which are respectively supported by the second binder 30 and the moving base 210. In an example, the cam member 34 may include the pressing cam portion 34a and drive the stapleless binding unit 31. [0056] Referring to FIG. 3, the second binder 30 is at the stapleless binding position by the elastic force of the first elastic member 216. In this state, when the cam member 34 is rotated in the forward direction, the pressing cam portion 34a pushes the movable frame 33, and the movable frame 33 is pivoted so that the pressing tooth portion 31-1 approaches the pressing tooth portion 31-2. The switching cam portion 34b is spaced apart from the cam contact unit 217. The second binder 30 is maintained at the stapleless binding position. The paper stack PS is pressed between the pressing tooth portion 31-1 and the pressing tooth portion 31-2 and the stapleless binding is completed.

[0057] When the cam member 34 is rotated in the reverse direction, the movable frame 33 is pivoted due to the elastic force of the spring 35 in the direction in which the pressing tooth portion 31-1 moves away from the pressing tooth portion 31-2. When the cam member 34 continues to rotate in the reverse direction, the switching cam portion 34b comes into contact with the cam contact unit 217 as illustrated in FIG. 5. When the cam member 34 further continues to rotate in the reverse direction, the switching cam portion 34b pushes the cam contact unit 217. Accordingly, the second binder 30 moves in a direction opposite to the elastic force of the first elastic member 216 and is at the retreat position as illustrated in FIG. 6. In this state, when the cam member 34 rotates in the forward direction, the switching cam portion 34b moves in a direction away from the cam contact unit 217, and the second binder 30 may be moved to the stapleless binding position by the elastic force of the first elastic member 216 as illustrated in FIG. 5.

[0058] According to the post-processing device of the example, since the second binder 30 is moved to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position by using the cam member 34 that drives the stapleless binding unit 31 , a separate driving motor to drive the second driving unit is not required to be prepared. Thus, the manufacturing costs for the post-processing device may be reduced.

[0059] An example binding operation by the example of the post processing device illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 6 will be briefly described.

[0060] In a case in which the staple binding is performed, the cam member 34 is rotated in the reverse direction by using the cam driving motor. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the second binder 30 is moved to the retreat position where the second binder 30 is spaced apart from the edge E1 of the paper stack PS in the longitudinal direction L. Subsequently, the motor M1 is driven to move the moving base 210 in the width direction W, that is, in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2. Accordingly, the staple binding unit 21 is at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners, along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. Thus, the staple binding operation may be performed. [0061] In a case in which the stapleless binding is performed, the cam member 34 is rotated in the reverse direction by using the cam driving motor. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the second binder 30 is moved to the retreat position where the second binder 30 is spaced apart from the edge E1 of the paper stack PS in the longitudinal direction L. Subsequently, the motor M1 is driven to move the moving base 210 in the width direction W. Accordingly, the stapleless binding unit 31 is at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners, along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. The cam member 34 is rotated in the forward direction by using the cam driving motor, and as illustrated in FIG. 5, the second binder 30 is at the stapleless binding position where the edge E1 of the paper stack PS is inserted into the stapleless binding unit 31. Accordingly, the stapleless binding operation may be performed. The stapleless binding operation may be performed by locating the stapleless binding unit 31 at two or more positions among one corner, the other corner, and a position between the two corners, along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. Flere, when the second binder 30 passes through positions of the plurality of end portion guides 43, the second binder 30 may be switched to the retreat position, move in the width direction W, and be switched to the stapleless binding position, repeatedly so that the stapleless binding unit 31 does not interfere with the plurality of end portion guides 43.

[0062] FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view of a second driving unit according to an example. The structure of the first driving unit that moves the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS is substantially the same as that illustrated in FIG. 4. Thus, in FIG. 7, an example of the second driving unit will be described. FIG. 8 shows a state in which a second binder is moved in a first direction W1 along a second guide rail of FIG. 7 according to an example. FIG. 9 shows a state in which a second binder is moved in a second direction W2 along a second guide rail of FIG. 7 according to an example.

[0063] Referring to FIGS. 7 to 9, the second driving unit may include a guide protrusion 130, provided in the second binder 30, and the second guide rail

120 into which the guide protrusion 130 may be inserted. The second binder 30 may be moved on the second guide rail 120 to the retreat position or one or more stapleless binding positions when the second binder 30 is moved along the edge of the paper stack PS.

[0064] The second guide rail 120 may include a spacing rail 121 that extends in the first direction W1 along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS and positions the second binder 30 to the retreat position. The second guide rail 120 may also include one or more binding rails 122 that extend from the spacing rail

121 toward the edge E1 of the paper stack PS and guide the second binder to the stapleless binding positions. The one or more binding rails 122 may be provided at positions where the stapleless binding unit 31 does not overlap the plurality of the end portion guides 43.

[0065] The second driving unit may include gate members which are provided at connection portions between the spacing rail 121 and the binding rails

122 to selectively allow the guide protrusion 130 to enter the binding rails 122 from the spacing rail 121. Depending on the directions in which the moving base 210 is moved, the gate members selectively allow the guide protrusion 130 to enter the binding rails 122 from the spacing rail 121. When the moving base 210 moves in the first direction W1 , the gate members prevent the guide protrusion 130 from entering the binding rails 122 from the spacing rail 121. When the moving base 210 moves in the second direction W2, the gate members allow the guide protrusion 130 to enter the binding rails 122 from the spacing rail 121 or the spacing rail 121 from the binding rails 122. The gate members may include first gate members 141 and the second gate members 142 which will be described later. The gate member may include a standby gate member 140 which will be described later.

[0066] In an example, the guide protrusion 130 may include a roller that is rotatably supported by a post (not shown) mounted below the second binder 30. To allow the second binder 30 to move to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position, a slot 218 through which the guide protrusion 130 passes may be provided in the moving base 210. For example, the slot 218 may have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction L.

[0067] The spacing rail 121 may maintain the second binder 30 to be at the retreat position when the staple binding is performed by using the first binder 20. That is, while the moving base 210 moves in the first direction W1 , the guide protrusion 130 is guided on the spacing rail 121 and the second binder 30 is maintained at the retreat position. Thus, the moving base 210 is moved in the first direction W1 , and accordingly, the staple binding unit 21 is at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners, along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. Thus, the staple binding operation may be performed.

[0068] In an example, the binding rails 122 may include first and second rails 122-1 and 122-2 which respectively correspond to the one corner and the other corner of the paper stack PS. The first and second rails 122-1 and 122-2 may respectively extend from a second direction W2-side end portion 121-2 and a first direction W1 -side end portion 121-1 of the spacing rail 121 toward the edge E1 of the paper stack PS.

[0069] In an example, the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may have a standby position (or a home position). The standby position may be a position at which the first binder 20 may perform the staple binding on the one corner of the paper stack PS or a position at which the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 are moved away from the one corner of the paper stack PS. In an example, the standby position may be a position at which the first binder 20 may perform the staple binding on the one corner of the paper stack PS. The second guide rail 120 may include a standby rail 123 extending from the first rail 122-1 to guide the second binder 30 to the standby position, and a connection rail 124 connecting the standby rail 123 to the spacing rail 121. The standby gate member 140 may be provided between the standby rail 123 and the connection rail 124. As illustrated in FIG. 8, when the second binder 30 moves in the first direction W1 from the standby position, the standby gate member 140 prevents the guide protrusion 130 from entering the standby rail 123 and guides the guide protrusion 130 to the connection rail 124. As illustrated in FIG. 9, when the second binder 30 moves in the second direction W2 along the standby rail 123, that is, moves to the standby position, the standby gate member 140 allows the guide protrusion 130 to enter the connection rail 124 from the standby rail 123. The standby gate member 140 may be a one-directional gate member which is elastically opened by the guide protrusion 130 that moves in the second direction W2 along the standby rail 123.

[0070] In an example, the binding rails 122 may include one or more third rails 122-3 that correspond to arbitrary positions between the two corners of the paper stack PS and guides the second binder 30 to the stapleless binding position. The binding rails 122 may also include one or more fourth rails 122-4 that extend from the third rails 122-3 to the spacing rail 121 and guide the second binder 30, which moves in the second direction along the third rails 122-3, to the retreat position. Each of the third rail 122-3 extends in the second direction W2 from the spacing rail 121 , and each of the fourth rail 122-4 extends in the second direction W2 from the third rail 122-3.

[0071] The first gate member 141 may be provided in each of first connection portions 125-1 in which the spacing rail 121 is connected to the third rails 122-3. The second gate member 142 may be provided in each of second connection portions 125-2 in which the fourth rails 122-4 are connected to the spacing rail 121. The first gate member 141 prevents the guide protrusion 130 from entering the third rail 122-3 when the second binder 30 moves in the first direction W1 along the spacing rail 121 as illustrated in FIG. 8, and guides the guide protrusion 130 to the third rail 122-3 when the second binder 30 moves in the second direction W2 along the spacing rail 121 as illustrated in FIG. 9. The second gate member 142 prevents the guide protrusion 130 from entering the fourth rail 122-4 when the second binder 30 moves in the first direction W1 along the spacing rail 121 as illustrated in FIG. 8, and guides the guide protrusion 130 to the spacing rail 121 when the second binder 30 moves in the second direction W2 along the fourth rail 122-4 as illustrated in FIG. 9.

[0072] FIG. 10 is a view showing a process of performing staple binding according to an example. FIG. 11 is a view showing a process of performing stapleless binding on two corners of a stack of paper according to an example. FIG. 12 is a view showing a process of performing stapleless binding on two positions between two corners of a stack of paper according to an example. With reference to FIGS. 10 to 12, an example binding operation using the example of the post-processing device illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 9 will be briefly described. [0073] First, an example process of performing a staple binding will be described.

[0074] As illustrated with a solid line in FIG. 10, the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 are at the standby position. The second binder 30 is at the stapleless binding position. In an example, the standby position may be a position at which the first binder 20 may perform the staple binding on the one corner of the paper stack PS. Thus, in a state in which the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 are at the standby position, the staple binding may be performed on the one corner of the paper stack PS by using the first binder 20.

[0075] To perform the staple binding on another position of the paper stack PS, the moving base 210 moves in the first direction W1. The guide protrusion 130 is guided by the standby gate member 140 and enters the spacing rail 121 through the connection rail 124. The second binder 30 is switched from the stapleless binding position to the retreat position. While the guide protrusion 130 is guided to the spacing rail 121 and moves in the first direction W1 , the first gate member 141 and the second gate member 142 prevent the guide protrusion 130 from entering the third rail 122-3 and the fourth rail 122-4. Thus, the guide protrusion 130 is guided to the spacing rail 121 , and the second binder 30 is maintained at the retreat position. While the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 move along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS, the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 stop at a certain position between the one corner and the other corner. The staple binding may be performed on this certain position by using the first binder 20. As illustrated as a dotted line in FIG. 10, when the first binder 20 is aligned with the other corner of the paper stack PS, the staple binding operation may be performed on the other corner of the paper stack PS by using the first binder 20. When the staple binding operation is completed, the paper stack PS is discharged to the exit tray 50 by the first and second rollers 13 and 14.

[0076] The process in which the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 return to the standby position is substantially the same as the process described in FIG. 9. When the moving base 210 moves in the second direction W2 from a position shown by a dotted line in FIG. 10, the guide protrusion 130 sequentially goes through the spacing rail 121 , the third rail 122-3, the fourth rail 122-4, the spacing rail 121 , and the first rail 122-1 , and enters the standby rail 123. When the guide protrusion 130 moves in the second direction W2 along the standby rail 123, the standby gate member 140 allows the guide protrusion 130 to enter the connection rail 124 and reach the standby position.

[0077] Next, an example process of performing a stapleless binding will be described.

[0078] As shown by a solid line in FIG. 10, the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 are at the standby position. In this state, the moving base 210 moves in the first direction W1. Referring to FIG. 11 , the guide protrusion 130 enters the spacing rail 121 through the connection rail 124 by the standby gate member 140. The second binder 30 is switched from the stapleless binding position to the retreat position. After the guide protrusion 130 reaches the first connection portion 125-1 between the first rail 122-1 and the spacing rail 121 and passes through the first gate member 141 , the moving base 210 moves in the second direction W2. The guide protrusion 130 is guided by the first gate member 141 and enters the first rail 122-1 , and the second binder 30 is switched from the retreat position to the stapleless binding position. As shown by a solid line in FIG. 11 , when the first binder 20 is aligned with the one corner of the paper stack PS, the moving base 210 is stopped, and the stapleless binding operation may be performed on the one corner of the paper stack PS.

[0079] To perform the staple binding on another position of the paper stack PS, the moving base 210 moves in the first direction W1. The guide protrusion 130 enters the spacing rail 121 through the connection rail 124 by the standby gate member 140. The second binder 30 is switched from the stapleless binding position to the retreat position. While the guide protrusion 130 is guided to the spacing rail 121 and moves in the first direction W1 , the first gate member 141 and the second gate member 142 prevent the guide protrusion 130 from entering the third rail 122-3 and the fourth rail 122-4. Thus, the guide protrusion 130 is guided to the spacing rail 121 , and the second binder 30 is maintained at the retreat position. The guide protrusion 130 passes through the end portion 121-1 of the spacing rail 121 and enters the second rail 122-2, and the second binder 30 is switched from the retreat position to the stapleless binding position. As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 11 , when the first binder 20 is aligned with the other corner of the paper stack PS, the moving base 210 is stopped, and the stapleless binding operation may be performed on the other corner of the paper stack PS. [0080] An example process in which the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 return to the standby position is substantially the same as the process described in FIG. 9.

[0081] In a case in which the stapleless binding is performed on a certain position between the two corners, the moving base 210 moves in the first direction W1 . The guide protrusion 130 enters the spacing rail 121 through the connection rail 124 by the standby gate member 140. The second binder 30 is switched from the stapleless binding position to the retreat position. While the guide protrusion 130 is guided to the spacing rail 121 and moves in the first direction W1 , the first gate member 141 and the second gate member 142 prevent the guide protrusion 130 from entering the third rail 122-3 and the fourth rail 122-4. After the guide protrusion 130 passes through the first connection portion 125-1 in the first direction W1 along the spacing rail 121 , the moving base 210 moves again in the second direction W2. The guide protrusion 130 is guided by the first gate member 141 and enters the third rail 122-3, and the second binder 30 is switched from the retreat position to the stapleless binding position. As shown by a solid line or a dotted line in FIG. 12, when the first binder 20 is aligned with a certain position between the two corers of the paper stack PS, the moving base 210 is stopped, and the stapleless binding operation may be performed on the certain position between the two corners of the paper stack PS.

[0082] FIGS. 13 and 14 are schematic plan views of a first driving unit according to an example. FIG. 13 shows a state in which a first moving base of a first driving unit is separated from a second moving base according to an example, and FIG. 14 shows a state in which a first moving base of a first driving unit is connected to a second moving base according to an example.

[0083] Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, an example of the first driving unit may include a first guide rail 310, a first moving base 301 , a second moving base 302, and a selective connection structure. The first guide rail 310 may extend along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. The first moving base 301 , on which the first binder 20 is mounted, is guided on the first guide rail 310 and movable in a first direction W1 and a second direction W2. The second moving base 302, on which a second binder 30 is mounted to be movable to a stapleless binding position or a retreat position, is guided and movable on the first guide rail 310 from a standby position. The selective connection structure is provided to selectively connect the first moving base 301 to the second moving base 302. [0084] In an example, the first moving base 301 may be moved in the width direction W by a belt driving structure. The first binder 20 may be mounted on the first moving base 301 . The first moving base 301 may be coupled to the driving belt 211 that travels in the width direction W. The motor M1 may be connected to the pulley 212 that supports the driving belt 211 , and may cause the driving belt 211 to travel in the width direction W. The first guide rail 310 extends in the width direction W. A guide roller 303, inserted into the first guide rail 310, may be provided in the first moving base 301. One or more support rollers, which are in contact with a frame (not shown) and rotate, may be provided below the first moving base 301 . The second binder 30 may be mounted on the second moving base 302 to be switchable between the stapleless binding position and the retreat position. A guide roller 305, insertable into the first guide rail 310, may be provided in the second moving base 302. One or more support rollers, which are in contact with a frame (not shown) and rotate, may be provided below the second moving base 302.

[0085] Referring to FIG. 13, the second moving base 302 is at the standby position. The first moving base 301 is separated from the second moving base 302. In this state, the motor M1 rotates in forward/reverse directions to move the first moving base 301 in the width direction W, that is, in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2. Referring to FIG. 14, when the first moving base 301 approaches the second moving base 302 located at the standby position, the first moving base 301 is connected to the second moving base 302 by the selective connection structure. The first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 may be moved together in the width direction W. The motor M1 rotates in forward/reverse directions to move the first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 in the width direction W, that is, in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2.

[0086] Since the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may be moved along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS by using the first driving unit that is shared and includes the single motor M1 , a structure of the post-processing device may be simplified, and manufacturing costs may be reduced.

[0087] The selective connection structure may be realized in various forms. The selective connection structure may connect the first moving base 301 to the second moving base 302 when the first moving base 301 approaches the second moving base 302 positioned at the standby position, and may separate the first moving base 301 from the second moving base 302 when the first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 approach the standby position while being connected to each other.

[0088] FIG. 15 is a schematic plan view of a selective connection structure according to an example. Referring to FIG. 15, the selective connection structure may include a connection pin 320, a connection lever 330, a second elastic member 334, a lever guide pin 340, and a lever guide rail 350. The connection pin 320 may be provided in the second moving base 302. The connection lever 330 is provided in the first moving base 301 and switchable between a connection position, at which the connection lever 330 is connected to the connection pin 320, and a release position, at which the connection lever 330 is released from the connection pin 320. The second elastic member 334 may apply an elastic force to the connection lever 330 so that the connection lever 330 is switched to the connection position. The lever guide pin 340 is provided in the connection lever 330. The lever guide rail 350, into which the lever guide pin 340 is inserted, is to guide the connection lever 330 to the connection position or the release position. The lever guide rail 350 may include a first switching rail 351 to switch the connection lever 330 to the connection position when the first moving base 301 approaches the second moving base 302 positioned at the standby position, and a second switching rail 352 to switch the connection lever 330 to the release position when the first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 approach the standby position while being connected to each other.

[0089] The connection pin 320 may protrude downward from a lower portion of the second moving base 302. In an example, the connection pin 320 may be a rotary shaft of a guide roller 305. The connection lever 330 may be mounted below the first moving base 301 such that the connection lever 330 is pivotable around a hinge 331 between the connection position and the release position. The connection lever 330 includes a hook 332 which is locked to the connection pin 320. The lever guide pin 340 protrudes downward from the connection lever 330 and is inserted into the lever guide rail 350. The second elastic member 334 may provide an elastic force in a direction to pivot the connection lever 330 to the connection position. In an example, the second elastic member 334 may be realized by a tension coil spring having one end connected to the connection lever 330 and the other end connected to the first moving base 301.

[0090] The lever guide rail 350 may include a main rail 353 extending in the width direction W. The first switching rail 351 may have a loop shape in which the first switching rail 351 is branched from the main rail 353, extends toward the standby position, that is, in the second direction W2, extends again in the first direction W1 , and is connected to the main rail 353. In a first switching connection portion 354-1 in which the first switching rail 351 is branched from and connected to the main rail 353, a first switching gate member 355-1 to guide the guide pin 340, approaching the standby position along the main rail 353, to the first switching rail 351 may be provided. The first switching gate member 355-1 allows the lever guide pin 340, moving in the first direction W1 along the first switching rail 351 , to enter the main rail 353. The second switching rail 352 may have a loop shape in which the second switching rail 352 is branched from the main rail 353 at the first switching connection portion 354-1 , extends in a direction away from the standby position, that is, in the first direction W1 , and is connected to the main rail 353 again. In a second switching connection portion 354-2 in which the second switching rail 352 is connected to the main rail 353, a second switching gate member 355-2 to guide the guide pin 340, approaching the standby position along the main rail 353, to the second switching rail 352 may be provided. The second switching gate member 355-2 allows the lever guide pin 340, moving in the first direction W1 along the second switching rail 352, to enter the main rail 353. In an example, the first switching rail 351 and the second switching rail 352 may be branched from the main rail 353 at the first switching connection portion 354-1 . In this case, a third switching gate member 355-3 prevents the lever guide pin 340, which has entered the first switching rail 351 from the main rail 353 through the first switching connection portion 354-1 , from moving again toward the first switching connection portion 354-1 when moving in the first direction W1 . The third switching gate member 355-3 guides the lever guide pin 340, which has entered the first switching rail 351 from the main rail 353 through the first switching connection portion 354-1 , toward the second switching connection portion 354-2 when moving in the first direction W1 .

[0091] The second moving base 302 may be elastically locked in the standby position by a locking member 307. In an example, the locking member

307 may be realized by a plate spring which may be elastically locked to the guide roller 305 when the second moving base 302 is at the standby position. A spring

308 may apply an elastic force to the second moving base 302, which is at the standby position, in a direction away from the standby position, that is, may apply the elastic force in the first direction W1 . For example, the spring 308 may be realized by a compression coil spring that pushes the guide roller 305 in the first direction W1 .

[0092] FIGS. 16A to 16D show a process in which a first moving base is connected to a second moving base according to an example. Referring to FIG. 16A, the second moving base 302 is at the standby position, and is locked in the standby position by the locking member 307. The first moving base 301 moves in the second direction W2 and approaches the second moving base 302. The lever guide pin 340 is guided by the main rail 353. The lever guide pin 340 is guided by the second switching gate member 355-2 and does not enter the second switching rail 352 but approaches the first switching connection portion 354-1 . [0093] Referring to FIG. 16B, in the first switching connection portion 354- 1 , the lever guide pin 340 is guided by the first switching gate member 355-1 and enters the first switching rail 351 . Here, the connection lever 330 is pivoted in a direction opposite to the elastic force of the second elastic member 334 and switched to the release position.

[0094] Referring to FIG. 16C, while the lever guide pin 340 is guided to the first switching rail 351 having the loop shape, the connection lever 330 is switched to the connection position by the elastic force of the second elastic member 334, and the hook 332 of the connection lever 330 is locked to the connection pin 320 provided in the second moving base 302. The first moving base 301 is connected to the second moving base 302 by the connection lever 330 and the connection pin 320. During the above process, the spring 308 is slightly pressed in the second direction W2 and returns to the original state. The lever guide pin 340 is slightly pushed in the first direction W1 by a restoring force of the spring 308. [0095] The first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 may be moved together in the first direction W1 while being connected to each other. As the first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 move in the first direction W1 , the locking member 307 is elastically deformed, and accordingly, the second moving base 302 is moved away from the standby position. As illustrated in FIG. 16D, the lever guide pin 340 passes through the first switching gate member 355-1 and the second switching gate member 355-2, and enters the main rail 353. While the lever guide pin 340 is guided to the main rail 353, the connection lever 330 is maintained at the connection position.

[0096] FIGS. 17A to 17D show a process in which a first moving base is separated from a second moving base according to an example. Referring to FIG. 17A, the first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 are moved in the second direction W2 while being connected to each other. The connection lever 330 is at the connection position. The lever guide pin 340 is guided by the main rail 353. The first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 approach the standby position. The lever guide pin 340 is prevented from entering the second switching rail 352 by the second switching gate member 355-2 and approaches the first switching connection portion 354-1 along the main rail 353. [0097] Referring to FIG. 17B, in the first switching connection portion 354- 1 , the lever guide pin 340 is guided by the first switching gate member 355-1 and enters the first switching rail 351. Here, the connection lever 330 is pivoted in a direction opposite to the elastic force of the second elastic member 334 and switched to the release position. The hook 332 of the connection lever 330 is released from the connection pin 320. When the lever guide pin 340 passes through the third switching gate member 355-3, the second moving base 302 reaches the standby position and is separated from the first moving base 301. The second moving base 302 is elastically locked in the standby position by the locking member 307, and the first moving base 301 is in a movable state.

[0098] Referring to FIG. 17C, after the lever guide pin 340 passes through the third switching gate member 355-3, the first moving base 301 moves again in the first direction W1. The lever guide pin 340 is guided to the second switching rail 352 by the third switching gate member 355-3.

[0099] As illustrated in FIG. 17D, when the first moving base 301 continues to move in the first direction W1, the lever guide pin 340 passes through the second switching gate member 355-2 and enters the main rail 353. The connection lever 330 is switched to the connection position by the elastic force of the second elastic member 334, but is not connected to the connection pin 320 because the first moving base 301 is separated from the second moving base 302. Thus, while the first moving base 301 moves in the first direction W1 , the staple binding operation may be performed.

[00100] Referring again to FIGS. 13 and 14, various types of second driving units may be applied to the example of the first driving unit. For example, the second driving unit may be realized by a structure similar to a combination of the guide protrusion 130 and the second guide rail 120 which are described in FIG. 7. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, the second binder 30 may be supported by the second moving base 302 and movable to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position. An example of the second driving unit may include a guide protrusion 130a provided in the second binder 30, and a second guide rail 120a into which the guide protrusion 130a is inserted and on which the second binder 30 is moved to the retreat position or one or more stapleless binding positions when the second binder 30 is moved along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. [00101] An example second guide rail 120a has a shape extending in the width direction W as a whole and has a configuration in which a spacing rail 121a that corresponds to the retreat position of the second binder 30 and a binding rail 122a that extends from the spacing rail 121a toward the edge E1 of the paper stack PS and guides the second binder 30 to the stapleless binding position are arranged repeatedly. In an example, the guide protrusion 130a may include a roller that is rotatably supported by a post (not shown) mounted below the second binder 30. To allow the second binder 30 to move to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position, a slot 309 through which the guide protrusion 130a passes may be provided in the second moving base 302. For example, the slot 309 may have a shape extending in the longitudinal direction L.

[00102] An example binding operation by the example post-processing device illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 17D will be briefly described.

[00103] Referring to FIG. 13, the second moving base 302 is locked in the standby position by the locking member 307. The first moving base 301 is separated from the second moving base 302. If the first moving base 301 is connected to the second moving base 302, the first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 are moved to the standby position, and the first moving base 301 is separated from the second moving base 302 as illustrated in FIG. 17. Thus, the first moving base 301 is in a movable state in the width direction W. [00104] In this state, the motor M1 is driven to move the first moving base 301 in the first direction W1 or second direction W2. Accordingly, the staple binding unit 21 of the first binder 20 is at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners of the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. Thus, the staple binding operation may be performed.

[00105] In a case in which the stapleless binding is performed, the first moving base 301 is connected to the second moving base 302. As illustrated in FIGS. 16A to D, the first moving base 301 is moved in the second direction W2 and approaches the second moving base 302 located at the standby position. The first moving base 301 is connected to the second moving base 302. Subsequently, the motor M1 is driven to move the first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 together in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the second binder 30 is guided to the second guide rail 120a and switched to the retreat position or the stapleless binding position. The stapleless binding unit 31 is at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners, along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. The stapleless binding operation may be performed.

[00106] In an example of the post-processing device illustrated in FIGS. 13 to 14, the second driving unit to switch the second binder 30 to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position may also be realized by the first elastic member 216, the cam contact unit 217, and the cam member 34 including the switching cam portion 34b illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. In this case, since the moving base 210 in FIGS. 5 and 6 may be regarded as the second moving base 302, duplicated descriptions for the second driving unit will be omitted.

[00107] An example of the selective connection structure may selectively connect the first moving base 301 to the second moving base 302, in conjunction with the movement of the second binder 30 to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position in a state in which the second moving base 302 is at the standby position. As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 5, and 6, the second driving unit may be realized by the first elastic member 216 to apply an elastic force to the second binder 30 in a direction toward the stapleless binding position, the cam contact unit 217 provided on the second moving base 302, and the cam member 34 provided in the second binder 30 and equipped with the switching cam portion 34b that pushes the cam contact unit 217 to switch the second binder 30 to the retreat position. The cam member 34 may be equipped with the pressing cam portion 34a to drive the stapleless binding unit 31 .

[00108] FIGS. 18 and 19 are schematic plan views of a selective connection structure according to an example. FIG. 18 shows a state of a selective connection structure in which a first moving base is separated from a second moving base according to an example, and FIG. 19 shows a state of a selective connection structure in which a first moving base is connected to a second moving base according to an example. A first driving unit may be same as that illustrated in FIGS. 13 and 14.

[00109] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, an example of a selective connection structure may include a switching pin 410, a connection pin 420, a connection lever 430, and a third elastic member 434. The switching pin 410 may be provided in the second binder 30. The connection pin 420 may be provided in the first moving base 301. The connection lever 430 may be provided in the second moving base 302 and may be switchable between a connection position, in which the connection lever 430 interferes with the switching pin 410 and is connected to the connection pin 420, and a release position, in which the connection lever 430 is released from the connection pin 420 as the second binder 30 at the standby position moves to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position. The third elastic member 434 may apply an elastic force to the connection lever 430 so that the connection lever 430 is switched to the release position.

[00110] The switching pin 410 is provided below the second binder 30 and may pass through a slot 309a provided in the second moving base 302 and protrude downward from the second moving base 302. The slot 309a may extend in a longitudinal direction L. When the second binder 30 is moved to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position by the rotation of the cam member 34 described above, the switching pin 410 moves in the longitudinal direction L together with the second binder 30.

[00111] The connection pin 420 may protrude downward from a lower portion of the first moving base 301 . In an example, the connection pin 420 may be a rotary shaft of the guide roller 303. The connection lever 430 may be mounted below the second moving base 302 such that the connection lever 430 is pivotable around a hinge between the connection position and the release position. In an example, the hinge includes a rotary shaft of a guide roller 305. The connection lever 430 includes a hook 432 which is locked to the connection pin 420. The third elastic member 434 may provide an elastic force in a direction of pivoting the connection lever 430 to the release position. In an example, the third elastic member 434 may be realized by a tension coil spring having one end connected to the connection lever 430 and the other end connected to the second moving base 302. [00112] Referring to FIG. 18, the second moving base 302 is at the standby position. The second moving base 302 is elastically locked in the standby position by a locking member 307. As illustrated in FIG. 6, the switching cam portion 34b is in contact with the cam contact unit 217, and the second binder 30 is at the retreat position. The connection lever 430 is in contact with the switching pin 410 by the elastic force of the third elastic member 434 and is at the release position. The hook 432 of the connection lever 430 is apart from the connection pin 420. [00113] In this state, the motor M1 is driven to move the first moving base 301 in the first direction W1 or second direction W2. Accordingly, the staple binding unit 21 of the first binder 20 is at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners of the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. Thus, the staple binding operation may be performed.

[00114] To perform the stapleless binding operation, the first moving base 301 is connected to the second moving base 302. To this end, the first moving base 301 approaches the second moving base 302 located at the standby position. When the cam member 34 rotates in the forward direction, the switching cam portion 34b moves in a direction away from the cam contact unit 217, and the second binder 30 is moved to the stapleless binding position by the elastic force of the first elastic member 216 as illustrated in FIG. 5. While moving together with the second binder 30, the switching pin 410 pivots the connection lever 430 in a direction opposite to the elastic force of the third elastic member 434. As illustrated in FIG. 19, the connection lever 430 is switched to the connection position. The hook 432 of the connection lever 430 is locked to the connection pin 420 provided in the first moving base 301. The first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 are connected to each other by the connection lever 430 and the connection pin 420, and may move together in the width direction W. [00115] In this state, the motor M1 may be driven to move the second moving base 302 together with the first moving base 301 in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2. The second binder 30 is at the stapleless binding position. Thus, the stapleless binding unit 31 of the second binder 30 is at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners of the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. The stapleless binding operation may be performed. [00116] As described above, the opening gap G2 of the stapleless binding unit 31 is smaller than the opening gap G1 for the staple binding. Thus, while the second binder 30 moves in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2 in a state in which the second binder 30 is at the stapleless binding position, the stapleless binding unit 31 may interfere with the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. While the second moving base 302 moves in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2, the second binder 30 may be at the retreat position. When the second moving base 302 is stopped for the stapleless binding, the cam member 34 is rotated in the forward direction to switch the second binder 30 to the stapleless binding position, and the stapleless binding operation may be performed on one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners of the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. However, when the second binder 30 is switched from the stapleless binding position to the retreat position, the connection lever 430 may be switched to the release position by the third elastic member 434.

[00117] Taking into consideration the above, an example of a selective connection structure may include a switching restriction structure that maintains the connection between the first moving base 301 and the second moving base 302 when the second moving base 302 is moved away from the standby position. The switching restriction structure may maintain the connection lever 430 at the connection position when the second moving base 302 is moved away from the standby position.

[00118] Referring to FIGS. 18 and 19, an example of the switching restriction structure may include a switching restriction protrusion 440 provided in the connection lever 430, a switching restriction rail which extends along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS and into which the switching restriction protrusion 440 is inserted when the connection lever 430 is at the connection position, and an opening which is provided in a switching restriction rail so that the switching restriction protrusion 440 may enter the switching restriction rail when the second moving base 302 is at the standby position.

[00119] In an example, the first guide rail 310 may serve as the switching restriction rail. The switching restriction protrusion 440 is inserted into the first guide rail 310 when the connection lever 430 is at the connection position. To this end, an opening 311 is provided in the first guide rail 310 so that the switching restriction protrusion 440 may enter the first guide rail 310 when the second moving base 302 is at the standby position. When the second moving base 302 is at the standby position, the switching restriction protrusion 440 is aligned with the opening 311. Thus, the connection lever 430 may be switched to the connection position or the release position, in a state in which the second moving base 302 is at the standby position.

[00120] FIG. 20 is a schematic plan view showing a state in which a second moving base is moved away from a standby position according to an example. When the first moving base 301 moves in the first direction W1 in a state illustrated in FIG. 19, that is, in a state in which the connection lever 430 is at the connection position, the second moving base 302 is also moved together in the first direction W1 and moved away from the standby position as illustrated in FIG. 20. The opening 311 is misaligned with the switching restriction protrusion 440. In this state, the cam member 34 is rotated in the reverse direction to switch the second binder 30 to the retreat position. The switching pin 410 is spaced apart from the connection lever 430, and the third elastic member 434 applies to the connection lever 430 the elastic force in a direction of rotating the connection lever 430 to the release position. Flowever, since the switching restriction protrusion 440 is misaligned with the opening 311 , the switching restriction protrusion 440 may not be moved away from first guide rail 310. Therefore, when the second moving base 302 is moved away from the standby position, the connection lever 430 may be maintained at the connection position even though the second binder 30 is switched to the stapleless binding position or the retreat position.

[00121] FIGS. 21 and 22 are schematic plan views of a post-processing device according to an example. FIG. 21 shows a state of a post-processing device in which a second binder is at a retreat position according to an example, and FIG. 22 shows a state of a post-processing device in which a second binder is at a stapleless binding position according to an example.

[00122] Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, a first driving unit may include a first guide rail 110 extending along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS, and a moving base 401 which is guided on the first guide rail 110 and movable in a first direction W1 and a second direction W2. An example of a second driving unit may include a rotary base 402 on which a first binder 20 and a second binder 30 are mounted in different rotation phases, and which is supported by the moving base 401 to be rotatable to a first rotation position (e.g., FIG. 21 ) at which the first binder 20 faces the edge E1 of the paper stack PS or a second rotation position (e.g., FIG. 22) at which the second binder 30 faces the edge E1 of the paper stack PS.

[00123] In an example, the moving base 401 may be moved in a width direction W by a belt driving structure. The moving base 401 may be coupled to a driving belt 211 that travels in the width direction W. A motor M1 may be connected to a pulley 212 that couples to the driving belt 211 , and may cause the driving belt 211 to travel in the width direction W. The first guide rail 110 extends in the width direction W. A guide roller 213, inserted into the first guide rail 110, may be provided in the moving base 401 . One or more support rollers, which are in contact with a frame (not shown) and rotate, may be provided below the moving base 401. The motor M1 rotates in forward/reverse directions to move the moving base 401 in the width direction W, that is, in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2.

[00124] The first binder 20 and the second binder 30 are mounted on the rotary base 402. The first binder 20 and the second binder 30 are arranged such that a staple binding unit 21 and a stapleless binding unit 31 have different rotation phases. For example, the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 may be arranged such that the staple binding unit 21 and the stapleless binding unit 31 are oriented in different directions with respect to a longitudinal direction L. In this case, a difference in rotation phases between the first binder 20 and the second binder 30, that is, a phase difference between the first rotation position and the second rotation position is about 180 degree. The rotary base 402 may be rotatably supported by the moving base 401. In an example, a motor M2 is mounted on the moving base 401. A pulley 403 is mounted on the rotary base 402. The motor M2 is connected to the pulley 403 through a belt 404. The motor M2 may be driven to rotate the rotary base 402 to the first rotation position and the second rotation position.

[00125] Referring to FIG. 21 , the rotary base 402 is at the first rotation position. The staple binding unit 21 of the first binder 20 faces the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. The stapleless binding unit 31 of the second binder 30 is at a retreat position away from the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. In this state, the motor M1 may be driven to move the moving base 401 in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2. The staple binding unit 21 of the first binder 20 may be at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners of the edge E1 of the paper stack PS and the staple binding operation may be performed.

[00126] In a state illustrated in FIG. 21 , the motor M2 is driven to rotate the rotary base 402, for example, 180 degrees. As illustrated in FIG. 22, the rotary base 402 is positioned at the second rotation position. The staple binding unit 21 of the first binder 20 is away from the edge of the paper stack PS. The stapleless binding unit 31 of the second binder 30 is at the stapleless binding position aligned with the edge E1 of the paper stack PS. In this state, the motor M1 may be driven to move the moving base 401 in the first direction W1 or the second direction W2. The stapleless binding unit 31 of the second binder 30 may be at one corner, the other corner, or a certain position between the two corners of the edge E1 of the paper stack PS and the stapleless binding operation may be performed.

[00127] FIG. 23 is a schematic external perspective view of a post processing device according to an example. FIG. 24 is a side view showing an opening gap of a manual insertion opening according to an example. FIGS. 25 and 26 are schematic plan views of a post-processing device of FIG. 23 according to an example. FIG. 25 shows a state of a post-processing device of FIG. 23 in which a first binder is at a first manual binding position according to an example, and FIG. 26 shows a state of a post-processing device of FIG. 23 in which a second binder is at a second manual binding position according to an example. In an example, the post-processing device includes the manual insertion opening 501 , as compared to the example of the post-processing device illustrated in FIG. 1.

[00128] Referring to FIGS. 23 to 26, a post-processing device may include a manual insertion opening 501 into which a paper stack PS-1 is manually inserted, a first binder 20 which is movable to a first manual binding position 20- 2 to perform staple binding on the paper stack PS-1 that is inserted into the manual insertion opening 501 , a second binder 30 which is movable to a second manual binding position 30-2 to apply pressure and perform stapleless binding on the paper stack PS-1 that is inserted into the manual insertion opening 501 , and a gap adjusting lever 502 to adjust an opening gap of the manual insertion opening 501 to a first opening gap MG1 for the staple binding or a second opening gap MG2 for the stapleless binding.

[00129] The manual insertion opening 501 may be provided in one side portion of the post-processing device. The paper stack PS-1 is inserted through the manual insertion opening 501 , and the staple binding or the stapleless binding may be performed on one corner of the paper stack PS-1 .

[00130] Referring to FIG. 25, the first binder 20 may move along an edge E1 of a paper stack PS in a width direction W. The belt driving structure described above may be employed as a structure of moving the first binder 20 in a width direction W. For example, the first binder 20 may be mounted on a first moving base 510, and may be moved to a first standby position shown by a dotted line in FIG. 25, an in-line binding position 20-1 for performing the staple binding on the paper stack PS stacked on the paper aligning tray 40 (FIG. 1 ), and the first manual binding position 20-2 for performing the staple binding on the paper stack PS-1 inserted through the manual insertion opening 501. The first moving base 510 may be guided on a first guide rail 530 extending in the width direction W. The first manual binding position 20-2 may be spaced outward from the edge of the paper stack PS in the width direction W. The edge E1 of the paper stack PS and the edge E2 of the paper stack PS-1 in a longitudinal direction L may be parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction L. When the paper stack PS-1 is inserted through the manual insertion opening 501 in a state in which the first binder 20 is at the first manual binding position 20-2, one corner of the paper stack PS-1 is aligned with the staple binding unit 21 and the staple binding may be possible. [00131] Referring to FIG. 26, the second binder 30 may move along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS in the width direction W. The belt driving structure described above may be employed as a structure of moving the second binder 30 in the width direction W. For example, the second binder 30 may be mounted on a second moving base 520, and may be moved to a second standby position shown by a dotted line in FIG. 26, an in-line binding position 30-1 for performing the stapleless binding on the paper stack PS stacked on the paper aligning tray 40 (FIG. 1 ), and a second manual binding position 30-2 for performing the stapleless binding on the paper stack PS-1 inserted through the manual insertion opening 501 . To avoid interference with the end portion guides 43 (FIG. 1 ) in the in-line binding position 30-1 , for example, the second moving base 520 may be switched to the retreat position or the stapleless binding position according to the example of the second driving unit illustrated in FIGS. 5 and 6. The second moving base 520 may be guided on a second guide rail 540. The second standby position may be a position that reduces interference with the first binder 20 at the first standby position. The second guide rail 540 may include a first rail 541 that corresponds to the in-line binding position 30-1 and the second manual binding position 30-2, and a second rail 542 that is offset from the first rail 541 in the longitudinal direction L and corresponds to the second standby position. The second manual binding position 30-2 may be spaced outward from the edge of the paper stack PS in the width direction W. The edge E1 of the paper stack PS and the edge E2 of the paper stack PS-1 in the longitudinal direction L may be parallel to each other. When the paper stack PS-1 is inserted through the manual insertion opening 501 in a state in which the second binder 30 is at the second manual binding position 30-2, one corner of the paper stack PS-1 is aligned with the stapleless binding unit 31 and the stapleless binding may be possible. [00132] As described above, the amount of paper P that may be bound by the second binder 30 may be generally less than the amount of paper P that may be bound by the first binder 20. For example, the amount of paper P that may be bound by the second binder 30 is about 5 sheets or less, and the amount of paper P that may be bound by the first binder 20 is about 50 sheets or less. Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 1 , the opening gap G2 of the stapleless binding unit 31 may be smaller than the opening gap G1 of the staple binding unit 21. When more than 5 sheets of paper P are inserted into the manual insertion opening 501 in a state in which the second binder 30 is at the second manual binding position 30-2, one corner of the paper stack PS-1 may not be inserted into the stapleless binding unit 31 , or a corner of the paper stack PS-1 may be folded or damaged.

[00133] Taking into consideration the above, the post-processing device may include the gap adjusting lever 502 to adjust the opening gap of the manual insertion opening 501 . In an example, referring to FIG. 24, the gap adjusting lever 502 may be pivoted around a hinge 503. The gap adjusting lever 502 may be pivoted to a first position (a dotted line in FIG. 24) to adjust the opening gap of the manual insertion opening 501 to the first opening gap MG1 for staple binding, or a second position (a solid line in FIG. 24) to adjust the opening gap of the manual insertion opening 501 to a second opening gap MG2 for stapleless binding.

[00134] The gap adjusting lever 502 may be pivoted between the first position and the second position by an actuator (not shown) such as a solenoid. For example, when a manual staple binding operation is selected, a control unit (not shown) may drive the actuator to position the gap adjusting lever 502 to the first position. When a manual stapleless binding operation is selected, the control unit (not shown) may drive the actuator to position the gap adjusting lever 502 to the second position.

[00135] The gap adjusting lever 502 adjusts the opening gap to the first opening gap MG1 or the second opening gap MG2, in conjunction with an operation in which at least one of the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 is moved to at least one of the first manual binding position 20-2 and the second manual binding position 30-2.

[00136] FIGS. 27 and 28 are schematic diagrams showing a structure for adjusting an opening gap of a manual insertion opening according to an example. FIG. 27 shows a state in which a gap adjusting lever is at a second position according to an example, and FIG. 28 shows a state in which a gap adjusting lever is at a first position according to an example. According to an example opening gap adjusting structure, a basic position of the gap adjusting lever 502 is the second position, and the gap adjusting lever 502 is pivoted to the first position in conjunction with movement of the first binder 20 to the first manual binding position 20-2.

[00137] Referring to FIG. 27, an opening gap adjusting structure may include a rail 550, a first link 551 , a second link 552, a connection member 553, and a first protrusion 554. The first link 551 is pivotable around one end 551a. The second link 552 includes one end 552a that is pivotable with the other end 551 b of the first link 551 and another end 552b that is guided on the rail 550. The connection member 553 connects the second link 552 to a pin 504 of the gap adjusting lever 502. The first protrusion 554 is provided in a first moving base 510 on which the first binder 20 is mounted, and is to interfere with the first link 551 to pivot the first link 551 when the first binder 20 is at the first manual binding position 20 2

[00138] Referring to FIG. 27, the gap adjusting lever 502 is maintained at the second position by the weight of the gap adjusting lever 502 or an elastic member (not shown). A second opening gap MG2 may be formed in the manual insertion opening 501 . The second binder 30 is at the manual binding position 30- 2. The second moving base 520 on which the second binder 30 is mounted does not interfere with the first link 551 . Thus, the gap adjusting lever 502 is maintained at the second position, and the second opening gap MG2 may be formed in the manual insertion opening 501. Thus, the second binder 30 is at the second manual binding position 30-2 and the stapleless binding may be performed on the paper stack PS-1 .

[00139] When the first binder 20 moves to the first manual binding position 20-2, the first protrusion 554 pushes and pivots the first link 551 as illustrated in FIG. 28. The other end 552b of the second link 552 is raised along the rail 550, and the connection member 553 is also raised. The gap adjusting lever 502 is pivoted around the hinge 503 and switched to the first position. The first opening gap MG1 may be formed in the manual insertion opening 501. In this state, the staple binding may be performed on the paper stack PS-1 by using the first binder 20.

[00140] A basic position of the gap adjusting lever 502 may be a position shown by an alternate long and short dash line at which the paper stack PS-1 is not inserted into the manual insertion opening 501. The gap adjusting lever 502 may be pivoted between the first position and the second position, in conjunction with the first binder 20 and the second binder 30 which are respectively moved to the first manual binding position 20-2 and the second manual binding position 30- 2.

[00141] A structure in which the gap adjusting lever 502 is pivoted to the first position in conjunction with the movement of the first binder 20 to the first manual binding position 20-2 is substantially the same as that described with reference to FIGS. 27 and 28. FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of an opening gap adjusting structure and shows a state in which a gap adjusting lever 502 is at a second position according to an example.

[00142] Referring to FIG. 29, a second protrusion 555 may be provided in a second moving base 520 on which a second binder 30 is mounted, and may interfere with the first link 551 to pivot the first link 551 when the second binder 30 is at the second manual binding position 30-2. A protrusion amount of the second protrusion 555 may be less than a protrusion amount of the first protrusion 554.

[00143] When the second binder 30 moves to the second manual binding position 30-2, the second protrusion 555 pushes and pivots the first link 551 . The other end 552b of the second link 552 is raised along the rail 550, and the connection member 553 is also raised. Since the protrusion amount of the second protrusion 555 is less than the protrusion amount of the first protrusion 554, a pivot amount of the gap adjusting lever 502 is small. Thus, the gap adjusting lever 502 is switched to the second position. A second opening gap MG2 may be formed in the manual insertion opening 501. In this state, the stapleless binding may be performed on the paper stack PS-1 by using the second binder 30. [00144] In a case in which sheets of paper P thicker than the second opening gap MG2 are forcibly inserted into the manual insertion opening 501 in a state in which the second opening gap MG2 is formed in the manual insertion opening 501 , the gap adjusting lever 502 is pushed by the sheets of paper P and may be further pivoted toward the first position. The post-processing device may include a stopper that prevents the gap adjusting lever 502 from exceeding the second position at which the second opening gap MG2 is formed. In an example, the stopper may include a third protrusion 570 which is provided in the second moving base 520 on which the second binder 30 is mounted, and limits the movement of the other end 552b of the second link 552 due to the second protrusion 555 when the second binder 30 is at the second manual binding position 30-2.

[00145] As described above, when the second binder 30 is at the second manual binding position 30-2, the second protrusion 555 pushes and pivots the first link 551 , and the other end 552b of the second link 552 is raised along the rail 550. Also, the connection member 553 connected to the second link 552 is raised, and the gap adjusting lever 502 is switched to the second position. When the gap adjusting lever 502 is at the second position, the other end 552b of the second link 552 is locked to the third protrusion 570 and the other end 552b may not be raised any further. Thus, the gap adjusting lever 502 may be maintained at the second position.

[00146] A basic position of the gap adjusting lever 502 may be the first position, and the gap adjusting lever 502 may be pivoted from the first position to the second position in conjunction with the movement of the second binder 30 to the second manual binding position 30-2. FIG. 30 is a schematic diagram of an opening gap adjusting structure and shows a state in which a gap adjusting lever is at a second position according to an example.

[00147] Referring to FIG. 30, an opening gap adjusting structure may include a rail 556, a connection member 557, and a protrusion 558. The rail 556 may extend in a pivot direction of the gap adjusting lever 502. The connection member 557 may be guided on the rail 556 and connected to the gap adjusting lever 502. The protrusion 558, which is provided in a second moving base 560 on which a second binder 30 is mounted, is to interfere with the connection member 557 to lower the connection member 557 along the rail 556 when the second binder 30 is at the second manual binding position 30-2.

[00148] The gap adjusting lever 502 is maintained at the first position as illustrated by a dotted line in FIG. 24 by a fourth elastic member 559. The first opening gap MG1 may be formed in the manual insertion opening 501. In this state, the first binder 20 is at the first manual binding position 20-2 and the staple binding may be performed on the paper stack PS-1 .

[00149] When the second binder 30 moves to the second manual binding position 30-2 for the stapleless binding, the protrusion 558 interferes with the connection member 557 and lowers the connection member 557. Thus, as shown by a solid line in FIG. 30, the gap adjusting lever 502 is switched to the second position. A second opening gap MG2 may be formed in the manual insertion opening 501 . In this state, the stapleless binding may be performed on the paper stack PS-1 by using the second binder 30.

[00150] When the second binder 30 is away from the second manual binding position 30-2, the interference between the protrusion 558 and the connection member 557 ends. As shown by a dotted line in FIG. 28, the gap adjusting lever 502 returns to the first position due to an elastic force of the fourth elastic member 559. The first opening gap MG1 is formed again in the manual insertion opening 501 , and the staple binding may be performed on the paper stack PS-1 by using the first binder 20.

[00151] FIG. 31 is a schematic side view of a post-processing device and shows a manual insertion opening according to an example. FIGS. 32 and 33 are schematic plan views of the example of a post-processing device of FIG. 31 . FIG. 32 shows a state of a post-processing device of FIG. 31 in which a first binder is at a first manual binding position according to an example, and FIG. 33 shows a state of a post-processing device of FIG. 31 in which a second binder is at a second manual binding position according to an example. In an example, the manual insertion opening 600 is provided to manually insert the paper stack PS- 1.

[00152] Referring to FIGS. 31 to 33, an example of the post-processing device may include a manual insertion opening 600, a first binder 20, and a second binder 30. A paper stack PS-1 may be inserted into the manual insertion opening 600 to be manually bound. The manual insertion opening 600 may include a first opening portion 601 that has a first opening gap MG1 for staple binding and a second opening portion 602 that has a second opening gap MG2 for stapleless binding. The first binder 20 is equipped with a staple binding unit 21 to drive a staple into the paper stack PS-1 and has a first manual binding position 20-2 aligned with the first opening portion 601. The second binder 30 is equipped with a stapleless binding unit 31 to press and bind the paper stack PS- 1 and has a second manual binding position 30-2 aligned with the second opening portion 602.

[00153] Referring to FIG. 31 , the manual insertion opening 600 may be provided in one side portion of the post-processing device and may extend in a longitudinal direction L. The manual insertion opening 600 includes the first opening portion 601 which has the first opening gap MG1 for the staple binding, and the second opening portion 602 which is offset from the first opening portion 601 and has the second opening gap MG2 for the stapleless binding. The first opening gap MG1 is greater than the section opening gap MG2. The second opening portion 602 is offset from the first opening portion 601 and extends in the longitudinal direction L. Thus, when a paper stack PS-1 having a greater thickness than the second opening gap MG2 is inserted into the manual insertion opening 600, the paper stack PS-1 is inserted to a boundary 603 between the first opening portion 601 and the second opening portion 602, but is not inserted into the second opening portion 602. When a paper stack PS-1 having a thickness less than or equal to that of the second opening gap MG2 is inserted into the manual insertion opening 600, the paper stack PS-1 may pass through the first opening portion 601 and be inserted into the second opening portion 602. Thus, the paper stack PS-1 is inserted into the first opening portion 601 or the second opening portion 602 through the manual insertion opening 600 and the staple binding or the stapleless binding may be performed on one corner of the paper stack PS-1 .

[00154] Referring to FIG. 32, a first binder 20 may move along an edge of a paper stack PS in a width direction W. The belt driving structure described above may be employed as a structure of moving the first binder 20 in the width direction W. The first binder 20 may be moved to a first standby position shown by a dotted line in FIG. 32, an in-line binding position 20-1 for performing staple binding on a paper stack PS stacked on the paper aligning tray 40 (FIG. 1), and a first manual binding position 20-2 for performing the staple binding on a paper stack PS-1 inserted into a first opening portion 601 of a manual insertion opening 600. The first binder 20 may be guided on a first guide rail 610 extending in the width direction W. The first manual binding position 20-2 may be spaced outward from an edge of the paper stack PS in the width direction W. Edges E1 and E2 of the paper stacks PS and PS-1 in a longitudinal direction L may be parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction L. When the first binder 20 is at the first manual binding position 20-2, a staple binding unit 21 is aligned with one corner of the paper stack PS-1 inserted into the first opening portion 601 of the manual insertion opening 600 and the staple binding may be possible.

[00155] Referring to FIG. 33, the second binder 30 may move along the edge E1 of the paper stack PS in the width direction W. The belt driving structure described above may be employed as a structure of moving the second binder 30 in the width direction W. For example, the second binder 30 may be moved to a second standby position shown by a dotted line in FIG. 33, an in-line binding position 30-1 for performing stapleless binding on a paper stack PS stacked on the paper aligning tray 40 (FIG. 1 ), and a second manual binding position 30-2 for performing the stapleless binding on a paper stack PS-1 inserted into a second opening portion 602 of a manual insertion opening 600. The second manual binding position 30-2 may be spaced outward from the edge of the paper stack PS in the width direction W. The second binder 30 may be guided on a second guide rail 620. The second standby position may be a position not interfering with the first binder 20 at the first standby position. The second guide rail 620 may include a first rail 621 that corresponds to the second standby position, a second rail 622 that is offset from the first rail 621 in a longitudinal direction L and corresponds to the in-line binding position 30-1 , and a third rail 623 that corresponds to the second manual binding position 30-2. Since the second opening portion 602 extends from the first opening portion 601 in the longitudinal direction L, an edge E2 of the paper stack PS-1 in the longitudinal direction L is offset in the longitudinal direction L1 from an edge E1 of the paper stack PS in the longitudinal direction L when the paper stack PS-1 is inserted into the second opening portion 602. Thus, the third rail 623 is offset and extends from the second rail 622 in the longitudinal direction L. When the second binder 30 is guided on the third rail 623 and positioned at the second manual binding position 30-2, a stapleless binding unit 31 is aligned with one corner of the paper stack PS-1 inserted into the second opening portion 602 of the manual insertion opening 600 and the stapleless binding may be possible.

[00156] It should be understood that embodiments described herein should be considered in a descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. Descriptions of features or aspects within each embodiment should typically be considered as available for other similar features or aspects in other embodiments. While one or more embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that various changes in form and details may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope as defined by the following claims.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1 . A post-processing device comprising: a paper aligning tray to align a stack of papers; a first binder equipped with a staple binding unit; a second binder equipped with a stapleless binding unit; a first driving unit to move the first binder and the second binder together in a first direction or a second direction opposite to the first direction; and a second driving unit to move the second binder between a stapleless binding position and a retreat position.

2. The post-processing device of claim 1 , wherein an opening gap of the staple binding unit is greater than an opening gap of the stapleless binding unit.

3. The post-processing device of claim 1 , wherein the first driving unit comprises: a first guide rail; and a moving base on which the first binder and the second binder are mounted, and which is guided on the first guide rail and movable in the first direction and the second direction, wherein the second binder is supported by the moving base to be movable between the stapleless binding position and the retreat position.

4. The post-processing device of claim 3, wherein the second driving unit comprises: a first elastic member to apply an elastic force to the second binder in a direction toward the stapleless binding position; a cam contact unit provided on the moving base; and a cam member provided in the second binder and equipped with a switching cam portion that pushes the cam contact unit to move the second binder to the retreat position, wherein the cam member is equipped with a pressing cam portion to drive the stapleless binding unit.

5. The post-processing device of claim 3, wherein the second driving unit comprises: a guide protrusion provided in the second binder; and a second guide rail into which the guide protrusion is insertable and on which the second binder is movable to the retreat position or one or more stapleless binding positions.

6. The post-processing device of claim 5, wherein the second guide rail comprises: a spacing rail that extends in the first direction to position the second binder to the retreat position; and a binding rail that extends from the spacing rail to guide the second binder to the stapleless binding positions, and wherein the second driving unit comprises a gate member that is provided at a connection portion between the spacing rail and the binding rail to selectively allow the guide protrusion to enter the binding rail from the spacing rail.

7. The post-processing device of claim 6, wherein the gate member selectively allows the guide protrusion to enter the binding rail from the spacing rail depending on a direction in which the moving base is moved.

8. The post-processing device of claim 1 , wherein the first driving unit comprises: a first guide rail; a first moving base on which the first binder is mounted, and which is guided on the first guide rail and movable in the first direction and the second direction; a second moving base on which the second binder is mounted to be movable between the stapleless binding position and the retreat position, and which is guided and movable on the first guide rail from a standby position; and a selective connection structure to selectively connect the first moving base to the second moving base.

9. The post-processing device of claim 8, wherein the selective connection structure connects the first moving base to the second moving base in a case in which the first moving base approaches the second moving base positioned at the standby position, and separates the first moving base from the second moving base in a case in which the first moving base and the second moving base approach the standby position while being connected to each other.

10. The post-processing device of claim 8, wherein the selective connection structure selectively connects the first moving base to the second moving base in conjunction with movement of the second binder from the standby position to the stapleless binding position or to the retreat position.

11. The post-processing device of claim 10, wherein the selective connection structure comprises a switching restriction structure that maintains the connection between the first moving base and the second moving base in a case in which the second moving base is moved away from the standby position.

12. The post-processing device of claim 1 , wherein the first driving unit comprises: a first guide rail; and a moving base which is guided on the first guide rail and movable in the first direction and the second direction, wherein the second driving unit comprises a rotary base on which the first binder and the second binder are mounted in opposite directions, and which is supported by the moving base to be rotatable between a first rotation position and a second rotation position.

13. A post-processing device comprising: a manual insertion opening to receive a stack of papers; a first binder which is movable to a first manual binding position; a second binder which is movable to a second manual binding position; and a gap adjusting lever to adjust an opening gap of the manual insertion opening to a first opening gap corresponding to the first binder or a second opening gap corresponding to the second binder.

14. The post-processing device of claim 13, wherein the gap adjusting lever adjusts the opening gap to the first opening gap or the second opening gap, in conjunction with an operation in which at least one of the first binder and the second binder is moved to at least one of the first manual binding position and the second manual binding position.

15. A post-processing device comprising: a manual insertion opening to receive a stack of papers and which comprises a first opening portion that has a first opening gap and a second opening portion that extends from the first opening portion in a longitudinal direction and has a second opening gap; a first binder having a first manual binding position aligned with the first opening portion; and a second binder having a second manual binding position aligned with the second opening portion.