JP2018118804A - Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention improves the usability of a sheet processing apparatus by performing a stapling process with a simple operation regardless of the area of a sheet bundle.
An insertion slot into which a sheet bundle is inserted, a processing unit for performing a stapling process on a binding side of the sheet bundle inserted into the insertion slot, a binding side of the sheet bundle that is movable in a direction along the binding side, and A sheet guide unit that guides adjacent sides; and a control unit, the processing unit is disposed inside the insertion opening so as to be movable along the binding side, and the control unit has a length of the binding side. Based on the above, the guide position that is the position of the sheet guide portion and the staple processing position that is the position of the processing unit are determined, and the controller moves the sheet guide portion to the guide position before performing the staple processing, A sheet processing apparatus that moves a processing unit to a stapling position.
[Selection] Figure 7

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus that performs a stapling process on a sheet on which an image is formed, and to an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus.

  There is a sheet post-processing apparatus that binds sheets on which images are formed by an image forming apparatus or the like and binds the sheets by stapling (for example, Patent Document 1). In the sheet post-processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, in addition to the automatic stapling process that bundles the printed sheets and automatically performs the stapling process, it is possible to execute a manual stapling for binding the sheet bundle by a user operation.

  In the manual stapling process, the user places the sheet bundle on the stack tray, and the staple start switch is operated by the user, whereby the staple process of the sheet bundle placed on the stack tray is performed. When performing such a manual stapling process, a pair of alignment plates that come into contact with the side portions of the sheet bundle are provided in order to align the position of the sheet bundle. One of the alignment plates is fixed, and the other is moved using a dial or the like to align the sheets of the sheet bundle.

JP 2005-206298 A

  However, in the sheet post-processing apparatus of Patent Document 1, since one of the alignment plates is fixed, it is difficult to change the size (area) of the sheet that can be post-processed. In some cases, stapling is difficult or setting is complicated.

  Further, each time manual stapling is performed, the alignment plate needs to be moved, which is troublesome.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing a stapling process with a simple operation regardless of the area of a sheet bundle.

  In order to achieve the above object, a sheet processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention includes an insertion port into which a sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheets are stacked is inserted, and a staple in the binding side of the sheet bundle inserted into the insertion port. A processing unit that performs stapling processing to be bound at the sheet, a sheet guide unit that is movable in a direction along the binding side and guides a side adjacent to the binding side of the sheet bundle, and a control unit, and The unit is disposed inside the insertion port so as to be movable along the binding side, and the control unit is based on a length of the binding side, and a guide position that is a position of the sheet guide unit; A stapling processing position that is a position of the processing unit is determined, and the control unit moves the sheet guide unit to the guide position and moves the processing unit to the stapling processing position. By dynamic and performing stapling.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of performing the stapling process with a simple operation regardless of the area of the sheet bundle.

FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a main configuration of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a multifunction peripheral. The arrangement of each component of the post-processing unit is viewed from the front side. It is the layout which looked at each structure of the post-processing part from the upper part. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of the post-processing part which concerns on embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of an operation part. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure which performs the staple process in a post-processing part. It is a figure which shows an example of the binding side length setting screen which sets the length of a binding side. It is a figure which shows each value of the sheet | seat in the case of performing a staple process. It is a figure which shows the position of a staple unit and a guide part. It is a table | surface which shows the length of a binding side, the length between staples, and the length from the edge of a binding side to a staple. It is a figure which shows the position of a staple unit and a guide part.

  Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, taking an MFP 100 as an example of an image forming apparatus. Each element such as the configuration and arrangement described in the present embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

  FIG. 1 is a functional block diagram showing the main configuration of a multifunction machine according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an example of a multifunction peripheral. In the following description, up and down and left and right are defined with reference to the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG. Further, the front (front side) or the rear (back side) is also based on the multifunction peripheral 100 shown in FIG.

(Multifunction machine 100)
The multi-function device 100 is a multi-function device having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scanner function, and a FAX function. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and an image forming apparatus including at least a post-processing unit that performs stapling (post-processing) on the bundled sheets can be widely used.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the multifunction device 100 includes a control unit 1, a printing unit 2, and a storage unit 3. The multi-function device 100 includes an image reading unit 4, a document conveying unit 5, an operation panel 6, a communication unit 7, and a post-processing unit 8 (sheet processing apparatus).

  The control unit 1 governs overall control of the multifunction peripheral 100. The control unit 1 includes a CPU 11. The storage unit 3 stores programs and data related to control. The storage unit 3 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, an HDD, and a flash ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The control unit 1 controls each unit using programs and data stored in the storage unit 3. The control unit 1 controls scanning, printing, transmission, and storage of image data performed during a job such as copying or transmission.

(Printer 2)
The printing unit 2 includes a paper feed unit 2a, a conveyance unit 2b, an image forming unit 2c, a fixing unit 2d, and a paper discharge unit 2e. The paper supply unit 2a supplies paper. The transport unit 2b transports the paper and discharges the printed paper out of the apparatus. The image forming unit 2c forms a toner image based on the image data, and transfers the toner image to the conveyed paper. The fixing unit 2d fixes the transferred toner image on the paper. The control unit 1 controls the operation of the printing unit 2.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feed unit 2 a includes a plurality of paper feed cassettes 21. A plurality of paper feed cassettes 21 contain paper. The sheets accommodated in each of the plurality of sheet feeding cassettes 21 are different in at least one of size and direction. The control unit 1 selects an appropriate size, direction, and the like of the sheet based on a user instruction. Then, the paper feed cassette 21 in which appropriate paper is stored is selected. Then, the paper feed unit 2 a feeds out the paper from the selected paper feed cassette 21 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, a paper discharge tray 22 disposed in a gap provided between the printing unit 2 and the image reading unit 4 is provided, and the paper on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 2d is a paper discharge unit. 2e is discharged to the discharge tray 22.

(Image reading unit 4)
Based on the control of the control unit 1, the image reading unit 4 reads an image of a document mounted on the upper surface of the image reading unit housing, and generates image data. As shown in FIG. 2, the image reading unit 4 includes a contact glass 41 (document table) for placing a document. The image reading unit 4 further includes an openable / closable document pressing cover 42 for pressing a document placed on the contact glass 41, and each image of the document placed on the contact glass 41 or conveyed to the contact glass 41. And a reading mechanism 43 for reading.

(Document Feeder 5)
The document transport unit 5 transports the document to the contact glass 41 of the image reading unit 4 based on the control of the control unit 1. The document transport unit 5 includes a document placing table 51 on which a document is placed, a document discharge unit 52 from which an image-read document is discharged, and a document transport mechanism 53 (see FIG. 2). The document transport mechanism 53 includes an unillustrated paper feed roller and transport roller. The document conveying mechanism 53 feeds the documents placed on the document placing table 51 one by one and conveys them to the contact glass 41 by driving the paper feed roller and the conveying roller. The document conveyed to the contact glass 41 is read by the reading mechanism 43 and then discharged to the document discharge unit 52.

  Further, the document conveying section 5 is provided with a hinge (not shown) on the back side in FIG. The document transport unit 5 rotates around the hinge so that the front approaches or separates from the contact glass 41. The user can place a document on the top surface of the contact glass 41 by moving the front side of the document transport unit 5 upward to open the top surface of the contact glass 41. Further, the front side of the document conveying portion 5 is brought close to the contact glass 41 with the document placed on the upper surface of the contact glass 41. Thereby, the document can be pressed against the contact glass 41, and the image reading unit 4 can accurately read the document.

  In the multifunction peripheral 100, the image reading unit 4 optically reads the document conveyed by the document conveying unit 5 or the document placed on the contact glass 41, and generates image data. The image data generated by the image reading unit 4 is stored in the built-in storage unit 3 or a network-connected computer.

(Operation panel 6)
The operation panel 6 includes a display panel 61, a touch panel 62, and hard keys 63. The touch panel 62 is for detecting the touch position of the user. Based on the output of the touch panel 62, the control unit 1 recognizes an operated image such as keys and buttons displayed on the display panel 61. The hard key 63 includes a start key for instructing start of job execution and a numeric keypad for inputting numbers. The control unit 1 causes the display panel 61 to display the state of the operation panel 6, various messages, and a setting screen. The operation panel 6 accepts a setting operation for the touch panel 62 and the hard key 63 regarding a job such as scanning or copying. Although details will be described later, when the post-processing unit 8 is connected, the setting and operation of the post-processing unit 8 may be enabled on the operation panel 6.

(Communication unit 7)
The communication unit 7 is communicably connected to a computer 200 such as a PC, a server 300, a FAX apparatus 400, and the like via a wired and / or wireless network, a public line, and the like. In addition, devices other than these devices that exchange image data may be connected.

(Post-processing unit 8)
The post-processing unit will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. FIG. 3 is a layout view of each component of the post-processing unit viewed from the front side, and FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of each component of the post-processing unit viewed from above. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of the post-processing unit according to the embodiment.

  The post-processing unit 8 performs a stapling process in which a plurality of sheets are stacked and bound, and the sheet bundle St is bound by a stapler. As shown in FIG. 3, the post-processing unit 8 includes an insertion port 801, a sheet tray 802, and a processing recess 803. A binding side St1 for stapling the sheet bundle St is inserted into the insertion port 801. The processing recess 803 is a recess that is recessed inward from the insertion port 801. The post-processing unit 8 performs a stapling process on the binding side St1 inserted into the processing recess 803. The sheet tray 802 protrudes outward from the edge of the insertion slot 801, and is a tray for setting the sheet bundle St when performing a stapling process on the sheet bundle St. In the embodiment, since it is assumed that the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle after printing, the “post-processing” is performed after the printing process. However, the embodiment is not limited thereto, and printing is not performed. In some cases, only the sheet bundle stapling process is performed.

  3, 4, and 5, the post-processing unit 8 includes a post-processing control unit 81, an operation unit 82, a staple unit 83, a unit driving unit 84, a sheet guide unit 85, A post-processing roller 86 and a sheet set sensor 87 are provided.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the post-processing control unit 81 controls the post-processing unit 8. The post-processing control unit 81 includes a CPU 811 and a storage unit 812. The storage unit 812 stores programs and data related to the control of the post-processing unit 8. The storage unit 812 includes a nonvolatile memory such as a ROM, an HDD, and a flash ROM, and a volatile memory such as a RAM. The control unit 811 controls each unit using programs and data stored in the storage unit 812. The control unit 811 controls the stapling process of the sheet bundle St performed by the post-processing unit 8.

  The staple unit 83 is an example of a processing unit, and performs a stapling process in which the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St is bound with a staple formed by an aluminum wire, a steel wire, or the like. The staple unit 83 stores the staples therein, pushes out the staples using a solenoid 831 (see FIG. 5), and penetrates the sheet bundle with the staples. The staple unit 83 also includes a mold part (not shown) that bends the tip of the staple needle that penetrates the sheet bundle. The staple unit 83 executes a staple process in accordance with an instruction from the post-processing control unit 81.

  The unit drive unit 84 includes a rail 841, a wire 842, and a unit drive motor 843. The rail 841 is disposed in the processing recess 803 and guides the movement of the staple unit 83. As shown in FIG. 4, the rail 841 extends in a direction orthogonal to the insertion direction of the sheet bundle St, that is, a direction along the binding side St1. A straight portion 8411 is provided at an intermediate portion of the rail 841. Further, curved portions 8412 and 8413 that are curved toward the sheet tray 802 are provided at both ends of the straight portion 8411. The straight portion 8411 and the curved portions 8412 and 8413 are continuous. When the staple unit 83 moves along the rail 841 and is at the straight portion 8411, the staple unit 83 binds the binding side St1 with a staple in the direction along the binding side St1. Further, when in the curved portions 8412 and 8413, the staple is inclined at a predetermined angle (for example, 45 °) with respect to the binding side St1, and the end of the binding side St1 is bound. That is, the rail 841 limits the position (referred to as the binding position) for performing the stapling process on the binding side St1.

  The wire 842 is wound around the two pulleys 844 and 845 in a loop shape, and both ends thereof are fixed to the staple unit 83. A unit drive motor 843 is attached to the pulley 845, and the pulley 845 is rotated by the driving force of the unit drive motor 843, so that the wire 842 is rotated. The staple unit 83 is pulled by the wire 842, and the staple unit 83 moves along the rail 841.

  Two sheet guide portions 85 are provided in the sheet tray 802. The sheet guide portion 85 is movable in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the sheet bundle St is inserted into the insertion port 801. The sheet guide portion 85 is in contact with each of two sides adjacent to the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St. The sheet bundle St is positioned on the sheet tray 802 by the sheet guide portion 85. Since the sheet tray 802 is always in a fixed positional relationship with the processing recess 803, the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St is positioned with respect to the rail 841 by positioning the sheet bundle St on the sheet tray 802. . As a result, the stapling process can be performed at the correct binding position of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St. Details of the binding position determination will be described later. The sheet guide portion 85 is moved by a guide portion drive motor 851 (see FIG. 4). The guide unit drive motor 851 is driven and controlled by the post-processing control unit 81.

  The post-processing roller 86 pushes the leading end of the sheet bundle St set on the sheet tray 802, that is, the binding side St1, into the back of the processing recess 803. In other words, the post-processing roller 86 pushes the sheet bundle St set on the sheet tray 802 into the processing recess 803 and positions it in the insertion direction. The post-processing roller 86 is provided with a pair of two rollers, and is pushed into the back side of the processing recess 803 with the sheet bundle St interposed therebetween. Note that the post-processing roller 86 does not need to include two pairs of rollers, and is not limited to the roller pair as long as the sheet bundle St can be pushed into the back side of the processing recess 803. The post-processing roller 86 is rotated by a roller drive motor 861 (see FIG. 4). The roller drive motor 861 is driven and controlled by the post-processing control unit 81.

  The sheet set sensor 87 is disposed behind the processing recess 803. The sheet set sensor 87 is a sensor whose output changes according to the presence or absence of the sheet bundle St, such as a transmissive optical sensor or a reflective optical sensor. The post-processing control unit 81 recognizes whether there is a sheet bundle St set in the processing recess 803 based on the output of the sheet set sensor 87.

  The operation unit 82 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the operation unit 82. The operation unit 82 performs setting input, operation instruction, and the like in the post-processing unit 8. As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 82 includes a first lamp 821, a second lamp 822, a third lamp 823, a switching button 824, and a process start button 825.

  The first lamp 821, the second lamp 822, and the third lamp 823 are lamps that indicate the binding position to the user on the binding side St1. Note that the binding position is information that roughly indicates the position at which stapling processing is performed, such as the number of staple processing and the location (front side, intermediate portion, rear side of the binding side).

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the operation unit 82, the first lamp 821, the second lamp 822, and the third lamp 823 are arranged side by side. Examples of the first lamp 821, the second lamp 822, and the third lamp 823 include LEDs, but are not limited thereto. In the post-processing unit 8, two binding positions are provided in the middle portion of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St, and one is provided at an end of one side of the binding side St1 (front side when the sheet bundle St is set on the sheet tray 802). The stapling process is performed at any one of the binding position and the other end (the rear when the sheet bundle St is set on the sheet tray 802) at one binding position.

  The first lamp 821 is lit when the stapling process is performed at two places in the middle portion of the binding side St1. In order for the user to intuitively understand the binding position, a schematic diagram 826 of the sheet bundle and the binding position is displayed on the operation unit 82 above the first lamp 821 in FIG. Similarly, when the sheet bundle St is set on the sheet tray 802, the second lamp 822 is turned on when stapling is performed at one place on the front side of the binding side St1. In the operation unit 82, a schematic diagram 827 of the sheet bundle and the binding position is displayed above the second lamp 822 in FIG. Further, the third lamp 823 is turned on when the sheet bundle St is set on the sheet tray 802 and the stapling process is performed at one position on the rear side of the binding side St1. In the operation unit 82, a schematic diagram 828 of the sheet bundle and the binding position is displayed above the third lamp 823 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the operation unit 82, the switching button 824 is provided on the right side of the third lamp 823. The switch button 824 is a hard key and can be operated by the user. By pressing (operating) the switching button 824, one of the binding positions described above is selected. Note that each time the switching button 824 is operated in the operation unit 82, the first lamp 821 is turned off and the second lamp 822 is turned on, or the second lamp 822 is turned off and the third lamp 823 is turned on. When the switch button 824 is operated while the third lamp 823 is lit, the third lamp 823 is turned off and the first lamp 821 is lit. By the user's operation of the switch button 824, the binding position is determined at the position associated with the lit lamp.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in the operation unit 82, the process start button 825 is provided on the right side of the switching button 824. The process start button 825 is a hard key and can be operated by the user. By pressing (operating) the process start button 825, the stapling process is started.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the post-processing unit 8 can be connected to the printing unit 2. The post-processing unit 8 is provided with a connected conveyance path 88. The conveyance unit 2b of the printing unit 2 can convey the sheet on which the image has been fixed by the fixing unit 2d to a branch conveyance path (not shown) different from the discharge tray 22 and then convey the sheet to the connection conveyance path 88. . The connection conveyance path 88 is connected to the back side of the processing recess 803, and the paper that has passed through the connection conveyance path 88 is discharged to the sheet tray 802. In the post-processing unit 8, a plurality of sheets are stacked on the sheet tray 802. Then, after the sheet bundle St in which a plurality of sheets are stacked is positioned in the processing recess 803 by the post-processing roller 86, a stapling process is performed. At this time, the post-processing control unit 81 of the post-processing unit 8 controls the post-processing unit 8 in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 1.

(Staple processing)
A stapling process (post-processing) using the above-described post-processing unit 8 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a procedure for performing the stapling process in the post-processing unit 8. Note that the stapling process shown in FIG. 7 is a manual stapling process in which the stapling process is performed on the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St inserted into the insertion slot 801 by the user. That is, in FIG. 7, this is a process different from the process of performing stapling processing automatically in units of copies after printing by the printing unit 2 (so-called automatic stapling processing).

  The post-processing control unit 81 waits until the user performs a button operation and confirms the operation (step S101). The post-processing unit 8 determines that the user performs post-processing when the switch button 824 or the process start button 825 is operated (pressed). Therefore, in step S101, at least one of the switching button 824 and the processing start button 825 is confirmed.

  When the button operation is confirmed (Yes in step S101), the post-processing control unit 81 acquires information on the length of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St (step S102). The length of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St is stored in the storage unit 812 in advance. The post-processing control unit 81 acquires information on the length of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St from the storage unit 812. When there is no information on the length of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St in the storage unit 812, or when the user inputs a change in the size of the sheet bundle St, the length of the binding side is newly added. St1 is set.

  Here, a method for setting the length of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St will be described. In many cases, the post-processing unit 8 is provided as a part of the multifunction peripheral 100. In this case, the length of the binding side St1 is set using the operation panel 6. Here, a setting screen for setting the length of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St displayed on the operation panel 6 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a binding side length setting screen for setting the length of the binding side.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the binding side length setting screen 91 includes a title 911, a size selection unit 912, a custom size setting unit 913, a numeric keypad 914, an OK key K1, and a cancel key K2. . A title 911 indicates an operation that can be performed on the screen displayed on the display panel 61. Here, “sheet width setting” is set as the title 911, but the length of the binding side St1 is set. The size selection unit 912 displays an image for the user to select from a predetermined size.

  In the size selection unit 912, “vertical” and “horizontal” indicate the insertion direction when inserting into the insertion slot 801. As shown in the binding edge length setting screen 91 shown in FIG. 8, icons indicating “vertical” and “horizontal” may be displayed. The size selection unit 912 is provided with two “presets”. The “preset” can be arbitrarily set and stored by the user in a size other than a predetermined size. The size is selected by touching a rectangular check box provided on the right side of the size selection unit 912 for checking.

  Since the paper used for printing has a predetermined size in many cases, the size selection unit 912 can set the length of the binding side St1. On the other hand, there is a case where the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle St obtained by bundling unspecified size sheets. In this case, the custom size setting unit 913 is used to set the length of the binding side. The input box of the custom size setting unit 913 is touched and a numerical value is directly input using the numeric keypad 914. Note that the numeric keypad 914 may be usable (appears or becomes active) only when the custom size setting unit 913 is used. In the state where the numeric keypad 914 is always displayed, the input may be performed with the numeric keypad 914 to automatically shift to the custom size setting.

  By operating the OK key K1, the setting of the length of the binding side St1 set on the binding side length setting screen 91 is validated. The setting is invalidated by operating the cancel key K2. At the same time, the length setting of the binding side St1 may be ended.

  In the present embodiment, the length of the binding side St1 is set using the operation panel 6 of the multifunction peripheral 100, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a display panel and a touch panel are provided in the operation unit 82 of the post-processing unit 8 in the same manner as the operation panel 6 to display a binding side length setting screen 91 as shown in FIG. Good.

  The above-described method for setting the length of the binding side St1 is an example. In addition to this, for example, the user sets the sheet bundle St on the sheet tray 802 and makes the sheet guide portion 85 contact the sheet bundle St. The length of the binding side St1 may be stored in the storage unit 812 from the position of the sheet guide unit 85 when it is brought into contact with the sheet bundle St, and the information may be called from the storage unit 812. At this time, the sheet guide portion 85 may be moved manually by the user or may be automatically moved by the guide portion drive motor 851. As described above, when the length of the binding side St1 is set using the sheet guide portion 85, the user does not need to measure the length of the binding side St1, and the user can save time. Further, once measured and stored in the storage unit 812, measurement by the guide unit is unnecessary from the second time onward, unless the size of the sheet bundle St is changed. In this respect as well, the user can save time.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the description of the stapling process will be continued. In step S102, the post-processing control unit 81 acquires information on the length of the binding side St1, and then receives a user operation on the operation unit 82 to acquire binding position information (step S103). As shown in FIG. 6, the operation unit 82 can select any one of two-point binding, front one-point binding, and rear one-point binding by operating the switching button 824. The post-processing control unit 81 acquires which of the two-point binding, front one-point binding, and rear one-point binding has been selected based on a user operation on the operation unit 82. In the post-processing unit 8, the binding position may be fixed (for example, one front point or two intermediate points). In this case, acquisition of binding position information is omitted. In FIG. 7, the binding position information is acquired after the binding side St1 length is acquired. However, the binding side St1 length and binding position information may be acquired first. . Furthermore, as described above, when the operation unit 82 is configured to include a display panel and a touch panel, the operation unit 82 illustrated in FIG. 6 can be executed using the display panel and the touch panel. In this case, it is also possible to set the length of the binding side St1 and the information of the binding position at the same time (executed by one operation of the OK key K1).

  The post-processing control unit 81 acquires information on the length and binding position of the binding side St1, and then determines a staple processing position for performing the stapling process on the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St (step S104), and the sheet guide unit 85. The guide position that is the position of is determined (step S105).

  A method for determining the staple processing position and a method for determining the guide position of the sheet guide portion 85 will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating each value of the sheet when the stapling process is performed. In FIG. 9, C <b> 1 is the center line of the rail 841 of the unit driving unit 84. The center line C1 is an origin of movement of the staple unit 83 and the sheet guide portion 85. Ls is the length of the staple needle Ns. The length Ls is a fixed value. Lt is the length of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St. L1 is a distance between the staples Ns when the staple process is performed on the two intermediate portions. L2 is the length of the staple needle Ns and the side part of the sheet bundle St when stapling is performed on two intermediate portions. L3 is the length of the side portion closer to the staple needle Ns when stapling is performed at one front point or one rear point. L3 is a constant length regardless of the length of the sheet bundle St. P1 is the length from the center line C1 to the staple unit 83, and P2 is the length from the center line C1 to the sheet guide portion 85. That is, P1 and P2 indicate a staple processing position and a guide position, respectively.

  First, a case where stapling processing is performed at two intermediate points will be described as an example. The post-processing control unit 1 determines to align the center of the binding side St1 with the center line C1 based on the length Lt of the binding side St1 and the information on the binding position (two intermediate points). Then, by aligning the center of the binding side St1 with the center line C1, the guide position P2 is determined to be half of the length Lt of the binding side St1 (see FIG. 10). That is, P2 = Lt / 2. In order to facilitate attachment / detachment of the sheet bundle St, P2 may be set longer by about 2 to 3 mm than Lt / 2.

  When the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle St, it is preferable to perform the stapling process at a predetermined length (length, Lmin) from the side of the sheet bundle St in order to suppress sheet breakage and the like. That is, it is preferable that the staple processing position is executed in a range that is a predetermined length or more away from both ends of the binding side St1. Further, when the post-processing unit 8 performs stapling processing at two intermediate portions, a predetermined length (in this case, Lavg) is selected as the length L1 between the staples. Depending on the length of the binding side St1, it may be difficult to perform the stapling process at the stapling position where Lmin is secured and the interval of Lavg is spaced.

  Therefore, the post-processing control unit 81 adjusts L1 and L2 according to the length Lt of the binding side St1. Hereinafter, adjustment of L1 and L2 will be described.

(1) When Lt ≧ Lavg + 2 × Ls + 2 × Lmin.
As L1 and Lavg, L2 can be set larger than Lmin. Therefore, in this case, L1 = Lavg and L2 = (Lt−Lavg−2 × Ls) / 2. At this time, the staple processing position P1 = Lavg / 2.

(2) When Lt <Lavg + 2 × Ls + 2 × Lmin.
Assuming that L1 is Lavg, L2 will be smaller than Lmin. Therefore, in this case, L2 = Lmin and L1 = Lt−2 × Ls−2 × Lmin. At this time, the staple processing position P1 = (Lt−2 × Ls−2 × Lmin) / 2.

  For these conditions, A3 (Lt = 297 mm), B4 length (Lt = 257 mm), B4 length (Lt = 210 mm), B5 length (Lt = 182 mm), and A5 length (Lt = 148 mm) sheets. , L1 and L2 values were calculated. The result is shown in FIG. FIG. 11 shows the length Lt of the binding side, the length L1 between the staples, and the length L2 from the end of the binding side to the staples. The staple needle length Ls = 11 (mm), Lavg = 150 (mm), and Lmin = 6 (mm).

  As shown in FIG. 11, A3, B4 length, and A4 length correspond to the above (1). Therefore, L1 is 150 mm, and L2 is a value calculated by the above formula. On the other hand, B5 length and A5 length correspond to the above condition (2). Therefore, L1 = 148 (mm) when B5 is vertical, and L1 = 114 (mm) when A5 is vertical. Note that P1 and P2 are also obtained by calculation.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12, when the binding position is one at either end of the binding side St1, the staple unit 83 moves along the rail 841, so the movable position is determined. Yes. Therefore, the guide position of the sheet guide portion 85 is moved to P21 and P22. P21 is a length from the sheet guide portion 85 that guides the side adjacent to the end portion on the side where the stapling process of the binding side St1 is performed to the central axis C1, and P22 is the opposite sheet guide portion 85. To the central axis C1.

  As described above, the post-processing unit 8 changes the position between the staples Ns when the staple process is performed on the binding side St1 at the two intermediate points, so that the position between the staples St1 and the staples Ns is changed. A certain gap is provided, and damage to the sheet can be suppressed.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the description of the stapling process will be continued. After P1, P2, P21, or P22 is determined as described above, the sheet guide unit 85 is moved to the position of the post-processing guide unit (step S106).

  The post-processing control unit 81 waits for the processing start button 825 to be operated (pressed) (step S107). When the process start button 825 is operated (Yes in step S107), the post-processing control unit 81 checks whether the sheet bundle St is set on the sheet tray 802 (step S108). The post-processing control unit 81 checks whether the sheet bundle St is set on the sheet tray 802 based on a signal from the sheet set sensor 87.

  When the sheet bundle St is not set on the sheet tray 802 (No in step S108), the post-processing control unit 81 confirms the operation of the processing start button 825 (returns to step S107). At this time, the post-processing control unit 81 may notify the user that the sheet bundle St is not set by using a notification unit (not shown).

  When the sheet bundle St is set on the sheet tray 802 (Yes in Step S108), the post-processing control unit 81 moves the staple unit 83 to the staple processing position (Step S109). At this time, the post-processing control unit 81 may perform positioning by driving the roller drive motor 861 and moving the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St to the back of the processing recess 803.

  After the staple unit 83 has moved to the determined staple processing position, the post-processing control unit 81 drives the solenoid 831 to execute the staple processing (step S110). The post-processing control unit 81 confirms whether stapling processing has been performed on all the binding positions (step S111). When the binding position for performing the stapling process remains (No in step S111), the post-processing control unit 81 returns to step S109, moves the stapling unit 83, and repeats the stapling process. When the stapling process is executed for all the binding positions (Yes in step S111), the post-processing control unit 81 drives the roller drive motor 861 and discharges the sheet bundle Sr by the post-processing roller 86 (step S112). .

  As described above, in the post-processing unit 8, the post-processing control unit 81 moves the sheet guide unit 85 and the staple unit 83 based on the length of the binding side St1 of the sheet bundle St given in advance. Move it to perform stapling. Therefore, it is not necessary for the user to move the sheet guide portion 85 each time the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle St, so that the convenience for the user can be improved.

  Further, when stapling is performed on two intermediate points of the binding side St1, the length between the stapling processing positions is changed, so that the sheet bundle St having a short length of the binding side St1 is also set to two points. Staple processing can be performed. Furthermore, since the length of the binding side St1 can be arbitrarily set, the stapling process can be easily performed on the sheet bundle St having a size other than a predetermined size.

  Further, two sheets of staple processing are performed even on a sheet bundle (for example, B5 length and A5 length shown in FIG. 11) that cannot be stapled by a device such as a conventional post-processing device in which the staple needle interval is constant. Is possible. That is, in the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, even if the length of the binding side of the sheet bundle is changed, the sheet processing apparatus 2 is within an appropriate range (for example, within a range within a certain length from the end of the binding side). It is possible to execute a stapling process at a location.

  In the post-processing section described above, when the length of the binding side is longer than the predetermined length, the interval between the staples is constant regardless of the length of the binding side, but is not limited thereto. For example, the position of the staple needle may be determined so that the length from the end of the binding side to the staple needle is constant. In addition, the user may set the length between the staples or the length from the end to the staple, and each length may be determined according to the setting. In addition, the post-processing unit 8 has three types of binding positions, that is, one point at the front, one point at the rear, and two points at the middle, but is not limited thereto. For example, the stapling process may be performed at three or more binding positions. Further, the user may input the number of binding positions.

  An example of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention includes an insertion port into which a sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheets are stacked is inserted, a processing unit that performs a stapling process on a binding side of the sheet bundle inserted into the insertion port, and A sheet guide unit that is movable in a direction along the binding side, guides a side adjacent to the binding side of the sheet bundle, and a control unit; and the processing unit is movable along the binding side Arranged inside the insertion slot, the control unit determines a guide position that is the position of the sheet guide unit and a staple processing position that is the position of the processing unit based on the length of the binding side. The control unit moves the sheet guide unit to the guide position and moves the processing unit to the staple processing position before the stapling process is performed. It is characterized in.

   With such a configuration, when the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle, it is not necessary to operate the sheet guide unit every time the user performs the stapling process. Therefore, it is possible to improve user convenience.

  The said structure WHEREIN: You may provide the setting part which sets the length and the binding position of the said binding edge of the sheet bundle inserted in the said insertion port based on a user's operation. With this configuration, it is possible to perform the stapling process even on a sheet bundle having a size that is not provided in advance, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said setting part may be provided with the operation input part which inputs the information of the length of the said binding edge, and the said binding position. Since operation input can be simplified, user convenience can be improved.

  The above configuration further includes a storage unit for storing information, and the storage unit stores a guide position and a staple processing position determined based on the length of the binding side along with the length of the binding side. The control unit may call the guide position and the staple processing position from the storage unit based on the length of the binding side. In this way, even when the size of the sheet bundle to be stapled is changed, the operation of the sheet guide unit is unnecessary.

  In the configuration described above, the control unit may store the guide position and the stapling process position in association with the length of the binding side on which the stapling process has been performed after the stapling process is completed.

  In the above configuration, when the processing unit performs a stapling process on a plurality of locations on the binding side, the control unit performs the stapling process in a region that is more than a predetermined length from both ends of the binding side. The position may be determined. In this way, the conventional processing apparatus that performs the stapling process with the determined width can perform the two-point stapling process even on a sheet bundle having a size in which the two-point stapling process is difficult. is there.

  An example of a sheet processing method according to the present invention uses a processing unit on a binding side inserted into the insertion port of a sheet bundle in which a plurality of rectangular sheets guided by a sheet guide unit and inserted into an insertion port are stacked. And a stapling process for determining a stapling process position at which the processing unit performs the stapling process. A position determining step, and a stapling process step of moving the processing unit to the stapling position and performing a stapling process.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The condition acquisition process which acquires the length of the said binding edge is further included before the said guide position determination process.

  The said structure WHEREIN: The said condition acquisition process acquires the information of the said binding position.

  In the above configuration, the stapling processing position determination step determines the stapling processing position in an area inside a predetermined length from both ends of the binding side.

  In the embodiment described above, the post-processing unit included in the multifunction peripheral 100 is described as an example of the sheet processing apparatus. However, only the post-processing unit may be independently used as the sheet processing apparatus.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention is applicable to a sheet processing apparatus that binds a sheet bundle and an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 MFP (image forming apparatus) 1 Control part 2 Printing part 4 Image reading part 41 Feeding contact glass 42 Placement reading contact glass 5 Document conveying part 6 Operation panel 61 Display panel 62 Touch panel 7 Communication part 8 Post-processing part 81 Post-processing control unit 82 Operation unit 83 Staple unit 84 Unit drive unit 841 Rail 842 Wire 843 Unit drive motor 844 Pulley 845 Pulley 85 Sheet guide unit 851 Guide unit drive motor 86 Post-processing roller 861 Roller drive motor 87 Sheet set sensor

Claims (11)

An insertion slot into which a sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheets are stacked is inserted;
A processing unit for performing a stapling process on the binding side of the sheet bundle inserted into the insertion port;
A sheet guide part that is movable in a direction along the binding side and guides a side adjacent to the binding side of the sheet bundle;
A control unit,
The processing unit is arranged inside the insertion opening so as to be movable along the binding side,
The control unit determines a guide position that is a position of the sheet guide unit and a stapling process position that is a position of the processing unit based on the length of the binding side,
The control section moves the sheet guide section to the guide position and moves the processing unit to the staple processing position before the stapling process is performed.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising: a setting unit configured to set a length and a binding position of the binding side of the sheet bundle inserted into the insertion port based on a user operation.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the setting unit includes an operation input unit that inputs information on a length of the binding side and the binding position. A storage unit for storing information;
In the storage unit, a guide position and a stapling position determined based on the length of the binding side are stored together with the length of the binding side,
4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit calls the guide position and the stapling processing position from the storage unit based on a length of the binding side. 5.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control unit stores the guide position and the stapling processing position in association with the length of the binding side on which the stapling process is performed after the stapling process is completed. In the case where the processing unit performs stapling processing on a plurality of locations on the binding side,
6. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit determines the stapling position within a region that is more than a predetermined length from both ends of the binding side. The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image on the sheet. A sheet processing method for performing a stapling process using a processing unit on a binding side inserted into the insertion port of a sheet bundle in which a plurality of rectangular sheets guided by a sheet guide unit and inserted into an insertion port are stacked. ,
A guide position determining step for determining the position of the sheet guide portion based on the length of the binding side;
A stapling processing position determining step for determining a stapling processing position at which the processing unit performs stapling;
And a stapling process step of performing stapling by moving the processing unit to the stapling position.   The sheet processing method according to claim 8, further comprising a condition acquisition step of acquiring a length of the binding side before the guide position determination step.   The sheet processing method according to claim 8, wherein the condition acquisition step acquires information on the binding position.   11. The sheet processing method according to claim 8, wherein the stapling processing position determination step determines the stapling processing position in a region inside a predetermined length from both ends of the binding side.

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