JP5515940B2 - Image forming system and post-processing apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an image forming system and a post-processing device.

  A post-processing apparatus may be connected to a subsequent stage of an image forming apparatus such as a printer that prints images or characters on paper. This post-processing device is equipped with a puncher that punches holes in the paper, a stapler that staples a stack of multiple sheets of paper with staples, and a paper folding machine that folds the paper, depending on the user's usage. Is done.

  Focusing on the stapler, a DC motor is mounted on the stapler, and a stapling operation is performed in which a staple is inserted into the sheet bundle and bent by a driving force generated by the rotation of the DC motor.

JP 2008-174382 A

  An object of the present invention is to realize a staple operation control according to an image forming apparatus.

The image forming system according to claim 1 comprises:
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium;
A post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing on a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus, which is connected to the image forming apparatus so as to be freely separable;
With
The post-processing device is
A bundle forming unit that receives the recording medium unloaded from the medium unloading unit and stacks a plurality of the recording media to form a bundle;
A stapler that includes a motor and performs a stapling operation as a kind of the post-processing, in which a staple is inserted into the bundle and bent by a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
A power supply unit that supplies power to the motor of the stapler,
The image forming apparatus is
An image forming unit for forming an image on the recording medium;
A medium unloading section for unloading the recording medium on which the image is formed to the post-processing device;
A power notification unit for notifying a power to be supplied to the motor to a post-processing device connected to the image forming apparatus,
The post-processing device further includes
A power storage unit for storing the power notified from the power notification unit;
An image forming system comprising: a power control unit that causes the power supply unit to supply power stored in the power storage unit toward the motor.

The image forming system according to claim 2 is the image forming system according to claim 1.
The motor is a DC motor;
The power supply unit supplies pulse-width modulated power to an output ratio based on an instruction from the power control unit toward the motor,
In the image forming system, the power notification unit notifies power expressed by an output ratio of pulse width modulation.

The image forming system according to claim 3 is the image forming system according to claim 1.
The power notification unit associates and notifies each process and power when the staple operation is divided into a plurality of processes,
The power storage unit stores each process and power in association with each other,
In the image forming system, the power control unit causes the power supply unit to supply power for each process toward the motor.

The image forming system according to claim 4 is the image forming system according to claim 1.
The power notification unit performs the stapling operation by starting a power supply to the motor when the stapler is in an initial state, inserting a staple into the bundle, bending and binding, and binding the bundle. After that, each process and power when divided into a return process that returns to the initial state is associated and notified,
The power storage unit stores each process and power in association with each other,
In the image forming system, the power control unit causes the power supply unit to supply power for each process toward the motor.

The image forming system according to claim 5 is the image forming system according to claim 1.
The power notification unit associates and notifies a plurality of groups into which the bundle formed by the bundle forming unit is classified and the power,
The power storage unit stores the group and power in association with each other,
In the image forming system, the power control unit causes the power supply unit to supply power corresponding to a group into which the bundles formed by the bundle forming unit are classified toward the motor.

The image forming system according to claim 6 is the image forming system according to claim 1.
The image forming apparatus includes a condition-corresponding power storage unit that stores a plurality of powers corresponding to different image forming conditions,
The power notification unit is an image forming system for notifying a power corresponding to an image forming condition in the image forming unit among a plurality of powers stored in the condition corresponding power storage unit.

The post-processing device according to claim 7 comprises:
A bundle forming unit that receives a recording medium from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium, and forms a bundle by stacking a plurality of the recording media;
A stapler that includes a motor and performs a stapling operation that is a kind of post-processing, in which a staple is inserted into the bundle and bent by the driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
A power supply for supplying power to the motor of the stapler;
A power storage unit for storing power notified from the image forming apparatus;
The power processing unit includes a power control unit configured to supply power stored in the power storage unit toward the motor.

  According to the image forming system of the first aspect, control of the stapling operation according to the image forming apparatus is realized.

  According to the image forming system of the second aspect, the power supplied to the motor can be controlled accurately and easily.

  According to the image forming system of the third aspect, the staple operation corresponding to each process is controlled in accordance with the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming system of the fourth aspect, similarly to the third aspect, the staple operation corresponding to each process is controlled in accordance with the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming system of the fifth aspect, the staple operation corresponding to the bundle is controlled in accordance with the image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming system of the sixth aspect, the staple operation corresponding to the image forming condition in the image forming apparatus is controlled.

  According to the post-processing apparatus of the seventh aspect, the staple operation control according to the image forming apparatus is realized.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a print system. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the mechanism around the stapler of the post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the guide member in which two rails were formed. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system in which a copying machine and a post-processing apparatus are connected. It is the schematic diagram which showed the driving force transmission mechanism and sensor of a stapler. It is explanatory drawing of the operation mechanism of the pressing member with which the stapler was equipped. It is the figure which showed the positional relationship of a light-shielding plate and HP sensor. It is the figure which showed the shape of the staple. It is a top view which shows the state by which the needle plate was abutted by the needle stopper. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which the staple needle is abutted against the needle stopper. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 1st step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 2nd step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 3rd step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 4th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 5th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 5th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 6th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 7th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 8th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 9th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is the figure which showed the operation | movement sound waveform in each process which comprises a series of staple operations. It is a block diagram of the control circuit which bears the operation control of the stapler in the post-processing device. It is a control conceptual diagram. It is a flowchart of staple control. It is a figure which shows the duty table corresponding to the 1st model of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the duty table corresponding to the 2nd model of an image forming apparatus. It is a figure which shows the duty table corresponding to the 3rd model of an image forming apparatus. It is a flowchart of staple control in another embodiment. It is a figure which shows a productivity table. It is a figure which shows a humidity table. It is a figure which shows the duty table corresponding to the humidity range higher than 30% of humidity. It is a figure which shows the duty table corresponding to the humidity range of the low humidity below 30% of humidity.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system.

  The printing system 1A shown in FIG. 1 includes a printer 10, a paper transport device 20, and a post-processing device 30.

  The printer 10 is an electrophotographic printer that receives an image signal from a host device (not shown) and forms an image based on the image signal on a sheet. An outline will be described.

  The printer 10 is provided with four paper storage units 111. Each paper storage unit 111 stores paper PP having a different paper type, size, and orientation (portrait and landscape). . A humidity sensor 126 that detects the humidity in the printer 10 is installed in the vicinity of the paper storage unit 111. Information on the paper type, size, and orientation of the paper stored in each paper storage unit 111 is set in advance and stored in the main body control unit 120. Further, the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 126 is sent to the main body control unit 120 and stored therein.

  When the main body control unit 120 receives a print command from the host apparatus, the paper PP is taken out by the take-out roll 112 from the paper storage unit 111 in which the paper corresponding to the command is stored, and the taken-out paper PP is supplied to the supply roll 113. The leading end of the sheet is conveyed by the conveying roll 114 and reaches the adjusting roll 115.

  On the other hand, the exposure device 121 exposes each photoconductor 122 arranged for each color of C, M, Y, and K, and forms an electrostatic latent image on each photoconductor 122. The electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductor 122 is developed with each color toner by a developing device (not shown) to form a toner image, and each color toner image is stretched by a tension roll 124 by the action of the transfer roll 125. The toner images of the respective colors are transferred so as to overlap each other on the intermediate transfer belt 123 that circulates in the direction of the arrow A in a suspended state.

  The paper PP having the leading end reaching the adjustment roll 115 is sent to the secondary transfer position T in accordance with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 123 and the time, and the secondary transfer roll 116 acts on the intermediate transfer belt 123. The toner image is transferred to the paper PP. The paper PP that has received the transfer of the toner image is further conveyed, heated and pressurized by the fixing roll 117, and the toner image on the paper is fixed to the paper PP, and a fixed image is formed on the paper PP. The fixed sheet PP is further conveyed by the conveyance roll 118, and is discharged onto the sheet discharge table 119 of the printer 10 when the sheet conveying apparatus 20 is not present.

  In this printing system 1A, since the paper transport device 20 is installed on the paper discharge table 119, the paper PP discharged from the printer 10 is inherited by the paper transport device 20, and the transport roll in the paper transport device 20 is used. 21 is further transported by the post-processing apparatus 30. The post-processing measure 30 will be described later.

  A command for each job is input to the printer 10 from the host device. Specifically, as an example, when the image signal for 10 sheets and the paper on which the image based on each image signal is formed are 1 to 10 pages, the paper of 1 to 10 pages is regarded as one sheet bundle, An instruction is issued such that ten sheets of paper bundles are created by binding with a staple needle for each paper bundle. For example, in the case of this example, the paper PP is sequentially taken out from the paper storage unit 111 that stores the paper according to the dimensions of the image, and the first page image and the second page are taken out to each paper PP taken out in order. ,..., The 10th page image, the 1st page image, the 2nd page image,..., The 10th page image are sequentially printed for a total of 10 bundles (100 sheets). . The printed paper is sequentially sent to the post-processing device 30 via the paper transport device 20.

  The main body control unit 120 is responsible not only for storing commands input from the host device and storing set information regarding paper, but also for overall control of the printer 10 and communication with the post-processing device 30. The main body control unit 120 is also responsible for adjustments in operation with the post-processing device 30.

  The post-processing device 30 includes a puncher 31 and a stapler 32, and a sheet processing control unit 35 that controls operation of the puncher 31 and communication with the printer 10. The paper taken into the post-processing device 30 is transported by the transport roll 131, and when it is instructed to form punch holes at the edges of the paper, the puncher 31 is activated, and the paper with punch holes is further formed. The paper is conveyed and discharged onto the paper tray 136. The paper tray 136 is movable up and down between a position indicated by a solid line and a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1, and descends in accordance with the total thickness of the sheets sequentially stacked on the paper tray 136.

  When the stapler 32 provided in the post-processing device 30 is instructed to bind the sheet bundle, the stapling operation by the stapler 32 is executed as follows.

  FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory view of a mechanism around the stapler of the post-processing device 30 shown in FIG.

  Here, a fixed plate 137 on which a sheet is placed and a movable plate 135 that can move forward and backward in the direction of arrow XX ′ are provided. In FIG. 2, the movable plate 135 has advanced in the direction of the arrow X. Further, here, a paper discharge roll 132 and a counter roll 133 are provided. The paper discharge roll 132 is movable up and down in the direction of arrow YY ′ shown in FIG. When the paper discharge roll 132 is lowered, the paper is sandwiched between the paper discharge roll 132 and the opposing roll 133, and is rotated to discharge the paper onto the paper tray 136 shown in FIG. Here, the paper discharge roll 132 is in a position raised in the arrow Y direction. Further, a paddle 134 and a lateral support plate 139 are provided here. The paddle 134 rotates in the direction of arrow B and plays a role of pushing the paper toward the stapler 32 side. The sheet pushed toward the stapler 32 is abutted against the abutting wall 138. Further, the lateral support plate 139 receives the contact of the paper struck in the horizontal direction by a striking plate (not shown) disposed so as to sandwich the paper from the left and right sides of the lateral support plate 139, and the paper It plays a role to align the horizontal position of.

  The paper that has passed through the arrangement area of the puncher 31 shown in FIG. 1 proceeds along the paper conveyance path P1 shown in FIG. At this time, the paper discharge roll 132 is in a position raised in the arrow Y direction, and the movable plate 135 is in the state of being advanced in the arrow X direction. The paper that has traveled along the paper transport path P1 is placed across the fixed plate 137 and the movable plate 135, and is abutted against the abutting wall 138 by the paddle 134 and at the same time the horizontal receiving plate 139 by a striking plate (not shown). In this way, positioning is performed both vertically and horizontally. The above operation is repeated while the number of sheets forming one sheet bundle (10 sheets in the above example) is sent, so that a plurality of sheets forming one sheet bundle are vertically and horizontally positioned. Are stacked together. The plurality of stacked sheets are bound by a stapler 32 into one sheet bundle. A staple 33 having two protrusions 331 is attached to the stapler 32, and the two protrusions 331 of the legs 33 are provided on the guide member 34 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Each of the rails 342 enters a groove 341 formed in the rail 342. The stapler 32 is guided by the two rails 342 and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Therefore, when the bundle of sheets is bound by the stapler 32, the sheet bundle is guided by the rail 342 and moved, for example, at a designated portion of the bundle of sheets such as two places near the center or one corner.

  The stapling operation itself by the stapler 32 will be described later.

  In synchronism with the binding of the sheet bundle by the stapler 32, the sheet discharge roll 132 descends in the direction of the arrow Y ′ and the sheet bundle is sandwiched between the opposing roll 133, and the movable plate 135 moves in the direction of the arrow X ′. Retreat to. When the binding operation to the sheet bundle is completed, the sheet bundle is discharged onto the sheet receiving plate 136 by the rotation of the sheet discharge roll 132.

  While the above binding operation is being performed, adjustment between the printer 10 and the post-processing device 30 prevents the next sheet from being further conveyed from the printer 10 (see FIG. 1). The printing operation is interrupted. If the interruption time is long, the productivity of printing and sheet bundles will be reduced. For this reason, it is desired to increase the speed of the stapling operation, but if the speed of the stapling operation is increased, a loud operation sound is generated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, control is performed to suppress both the decrease in productivity and the generation of operation sound with a good balance. This control method will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a guide member on which two rails are formed.

  Grooves 341 are respectively formed in the two rails 342 of the guide member 34, and the protrusion 331 of the foot 33 shown in FIG. 2 enters the groove 341 to guide the movement of the stapler 32. These rails 342 as a whole extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2 but have curved shapes near both ends. This is because when corners of the sheet bundle are bound, corners of the sheet are bound obliquely with respect to the sheet.

  Here, the post-processing device 30 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 can be connected not only to the printer having the form shown in FIG. 1 but also to another form of printer. Here, a copier including a configuration of another form of printer will be described.

  FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system in which a copying machine and a post-processing apparatus are connected.

  The print system 1B is composed of a copying machine 40 and a post-processing device 30. The post-processing device 30 is the same as the post-processing device 30 shown in FIG. 1, and here, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG.

  The copying machine 40 shown in FIG. 4 includes an image reading unit 41, an operation panel 42, and an image forming unit 43.

  The image reading unit 41 includes a transparent document table 411 that reads a document image, and a main body unit 412 that accommodates an optical scanning system including a lamp, a mirror, and the like (not shown). A document is placed on document platen 411 so that the document image is in contact with document platen 411. The document image is read by scanning with an optical scanning system, and an image signal representing the document image is generated. The generated image signal is stored in a memory in the main body control unit 450.

  The operation panel 42 accepts user operations. Here, various operations such as various settings, image reading and image formation start instructions are performed. Various instructions on the operation panel 42 are also stored in the main body control unit 450.

  The image forming unit 43 is an electrophotographic printer that forms an image on a sheet based on the image signal stored in the main body control unit 450.

  The image forming unit 43 is provided with three paper storage units 431. Each paper storage unit 431 stores paper PP having a different paper type, size, and orientation (vertical placement, horizontal placement). ing. A humidity sensor 443 that detects the humidity in the printer 10 is installed in the vicinity of the paper storage unit 431. Information on the paper type, dimensions, and orientation of the paper stored in the paper storage unit 431 is set in advance by operating the operation panel 42 and stored in the main body control unit 450. Further, the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 443 is sent to the main body control unit 450 and stored therein. When the main body control unit 450 receives a print command from the operation panel 42, the paper PP is taken out by the take-out roll 432 from the paper storage unit 431 in which paper corresponding to the command is stored, and the taken-out paper PP is supplied to the supply roll. 433 and the conveyance roll 434 are conveyed along the sheet conveyance path R1, and the leading edge of the sheet reaches the adjustment roll 435.

  On the other hand, the exposure device 435 exposes each photoconductor 436 arranged for each color of C, M, Y, and K, and forms an electrostatic latent image on each photoconductor 436. The electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductor 436 is developed with each color toner by a developing device (not shown) to form a toner image, and each color toner image is stretched by a tension roll 438 by the action of the transfer roll 437. The toner images of the respective colors are transferred so as to overlap each other on the intermediate transfer belt 439 that circulates in the direction of the arrow A in a suspended state.

  The paper PP having the leading end reaching the adjustment roll 435 is sent to the secondary transfer position T in accordance with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 439, and the secondary transfer roll 440 acts on the intermediate transfer belt 439. The toner image is transferred to the paper PP. The paper PP to which the toner image has been transferred is further transported by the transport belt 441, and the toner image on the paper is fixed to the paper PP by being heated and pressed by the fixing device 442 by the roll 442a and the belt 442b. A fixed image is formed on the PP. In the case of single-sided printing, the fixed sheet PP proceeds along the sheet conveyance path R2, the sheet correction unit 435 corrects the curve of the sheet, is further conveyed, and is discharged from the copying machine 40. The paper discharged from the copying machine 40 is passed on to the post-processing device 30 connected to the subsequent stage.

  When printing on both sides of the paper is designated, the paper after the image on the first side fixed by the fixing device 442 is conveyed along the paper conveyance path R3, and further reaches the paper conveyance path R4. Thereafter, the transport direction is reversed, and this time, the paper travels along the paper transport path R5 and further travels along the paper transport path R1. At this time, the paper is taken out of the paper storage unit 431 and is reversed from the front and back when the paper travels on the paper transport path R1. An image is formed on the second surface of the paper that has advanced to the paper conveyance paths R5 and R1 in the same manner as described above, and is discharged from the copier 40 through the paper conveyance path R2, and is then sent to the post-processing device 30. inherited.

  In this copying machine 40, designation is performed in units of one job by operating the operation panel 42. Specifically, as an example, an instruction is input to create 10 bundles of copy images in which 10 image images sequentially read by the image reading unit 41 are 1 to 10 pages. For example, in the case of this example, the paper PP is sequentially taken out from the paper storage unit 431 in which the paper according to the dimensions of the image is stored, and the first page image and the second page are taken out to each paper 3 taken out in order. , ..., 10th page image, 1st page image, 2nd page image, ..., 10th page image in total in the order of 10 bundles (100 sheets). It is done sequentially. However, one-sided printing is described here as an example. The printed sheets are sequentially sent to the post-processing device 30.

  The main body control unit 450 is responsible for storing image signals, storing commands by operating the operation panel 42, controlling the entire copying machine 40, and communicating with the post-processing device 30. The main body control unit 450 is also responsible for adjustments in operation with the post-processing device 30.

  The copier 40 can also receive an image signal in place of image reading by the image reading unit 41 and a command in place of operation of the operation panel 42 from the host device. In this case, an image is formed on the sheet in accordance with a command from the host device. The main body controller 450 is also responsible for communication with the host device.

  Here, the printer 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the copier 40 shown in FIG. 4 are shown as devices to which the post-processing device 30 is connected. However, the post-processing device 30 is not limited to the printer 10 or the copier 40, and The present invention is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may be configured to be connectable to a printer of another print method such as an ink jet printer.

  Next, the operation of the stapler itself will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a driving force transmission mechanism and a sensor of the stapler.

  The stapler 32 has a pressing member 328. The stapler 32 is provided with a DC motor 321. When the DC motor 321 rotates, the presser member 328 rotates in the direction of arrow DD ′.

  The driving force transmission mechanism from the DC motor 321 to the presser member 328 is as follows. When the DC motor 321 rotates, the driving force is transmitted in the order of the gear 322, the relay gear 323, and the driving gear 324, and the driving shaft 325 rotates. After the description of FIGS. 6 and 7, the description will return to FIG. 5 again.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mechanism of a pressing member provided in the stapler.

  The presser member 328 moves up and down between an upper position shown in FIG. 6A and a lower position shown in FIG. 6B by rotating around the rotation center 328a. Here, a drive cam 326 is attached to the drive shaft 325, and the presser member 328 moves up and down via a relay cam 327 that rotates about a rotation center 327a. When the drive shaft 325 rotates once, the presser member reciprocates once, and one stapling operation ends.

  Further, the light shielding plate 51 is attached to the drive shaft 325 at a position different from the drive cam 326 in the axial direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 6). The light shielding plate 51 is fixed to the drive shaft 325 and rotates by the same rotation angle at the same speed in synchronization with the rotation of the drive cam 326. An HP (home position) sensor 52 is provided in the vicinity of the light shielding plate 51.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the light shielding plate and the HP sensor.

  The HP sensor 52 is a photoelectric sensor that projects and receives light, and is fixed at a position where the rotating light-shielding plate 51 passes so as to block light projection and reception by the HP sensor 52. The HP sensor 52 outputs an L level signal while the light shielding plate 51 is passing, and outputs an H level signal when the light shielding plate 51 is separated from the HP sensor 52. Since the light shielding plate 51 rotates together with the rotation of the drive shaft 325, the rotation position of the drive shaft 325 is detected by the HP sensor 52. Here, this sensor is used to detect the initial position of the drive shaft 325.

  After the electric power is supplied to the DC motor 321 and the stapler 32 starts the stapling operation, the HP sensor 52 indicates that the drive shaft 325 rotates once and returns to the initial position even after a certain threshold time (for example, 500 msec) elapses. If it is not detected in step (3), it is considered that the stapling operation is defective, the rotation of the DC motor 321 is stopped, and the DC motor 321 is reversed. When the DC motor 321 is reversed, the HP sensor 52 monitors whether the drive shaft 325 returns to the initial position within a certain threshold time (for example, 200 msec). Although the processing contents differ depending on whether or not the HP sensor 52 detects that the drive shaft 325 has returned to the initial position within the threshold time due to the reverse rotation of the DC motor 321, error processing is performed in either case.

  Returning to FIG. 5, various sensors provided in the stapler 32 will be described.

  The stapler 32 is provided with a sensor 53 and a sensor 54 in addition to the HP sensor 52. The sensor 53 is a sensor that detects whether or not a staple needle (described later) is in a state in which a staple operation for binding a sheet bundle can be performed. The sensor 54 is a sensor that detects that the remaining number of staples has decreased.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the shape of the staple needle.

  The staple needle 61 has a linear shape, and as shown in FIG. 8A, the linear staple needles 61 are arranged in a single plate shape and bonded so that they do not easily fall apart. 60 is formed. Here, as for the staple needle 61 in use, only the leading two staple needles 61 a and 61 b are bent in a direction in which both end portions thereof are erected at right angles from the needle plate 60.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the left and right tip portions of the staple needle 61 are formed in a tapered shape so that the thickness becomes thinner toward the tip, facilitating insertion into the sheet bundle.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the needle plate is abutted against the needle stopper. The staple stopper 62 has a first stopper 62a against which both ends of the linear staple needle 61 before being bent are abutted, and a leading staple needle 61a among the two staple needles 61a and 61b which are bent. And a second stopper 62b to be applied. A guide member 63 is placed on the needle plate 60. The leading end portion of the guide member 63 has a size that enters the inside of the two staple needles 61a and 61b that are bent.

  FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the staple needle is abutted against the needle stopper.

  The guide member 63 is formed with an inclined surface 63a so as to cover the upper part of the bent staple needle 61a and expose the lower part. The guide member 63 is urged in the direction of arrow E shown in FIG.

  The stapler 32 further includes a needle push-up member 71 having a thickness substantially the same as the width of one staple needle 61 and a needle bending member 72 having a similar thickness. The needle push-up member 71 is disposed immediately below the folded leading staple needle 61a, and the needle bending member 72 is disposed directly below the third staple needle 61 from the leading end, that is, directly below the leading staple needle that has not yet been folded. Has been.

  When the DC motor 321 (see FIG. 5) provided in the stapler 32 rotates and the drive shaft 325 rotates, the needle push-up member 71 pushes up the staple needle 61a at the tip in the arrow G direction and inserts it into a sheet bundle (not shown). At the time of this push-up, the guide member 63 is pushed back by the thickness of one staple needle 61 in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. 10B against the spring bias. Then, by the needle bending member 72 that has been raised following the staple pushed up by the needle push-up member 71, the leading staple needle that has not been bent is bent with the leading end portion of the guide member 63 as a guide. The needle push-up member 71 and the needle bending member 72 are lowered to the initial position shown in FIG. 10A when the binding operation for one bundle of sheets by the staple needle 61a pushed up by the needle push-up member 71 is completed.

  FIG. 11 to FIG. 20 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the member in each step of the staple operation by the stapler. As described above, the stapler 32 is provided with the DC motor 321 (see FIG. 5), and the drive shaft 325 is rotated by the rotation of the DC motor 321. The rotation of the drive shaft 325 causes each of the operations related to the stapling operation. The members operate in coordination.

  FIG. 11 shows an initial state immediately after the needle plate 60 is loaded on the stapler. A plurality of needle plates 60 are accommodated in a stacked manner. Here, in addition to the needle stopper 62, the needle push-up member 71, the needle bending member 72, which are composed of the first stopper 62a and the second stopper 62b described with reference to FIGS. 73 is shown. The leaf spring 73 plays a role of feeding the lowermost needle plate 60a of the stacked needle plates 60 to the needle stopper 62 side. Also shown here are a needle bending member 74, a presser member 75, and an upper member 76, which are components constituting the presser member 328 shown in FIG. The needle folding member 74 plays a role of bending both ends of the staple needle penetrating the paper bundle and pressing them against the paper bundle, and the presser member 75 plays a role of pressing the needle folding member 74 from above. ing. The upper member 76 plays a role of pressing the sheet bundle from above.

  FIG. 12 shows the next step in the state shown in FIG.

  Here, the lowermost needle plate 60a is pushed and moved in the direction of arrow H by the leaf spring 73, both ends of the tip of the needle plate 60a are abutted against the first stopper 62a, and the upper member 76 is further bent. The member 74 and the presser member 75 are moved downward in the direction of arrow I while remaining on the top. The upper member 76 is formed with a groove 761 into which the needle bending member 74 is inserted. The lower part of the upper member 76 causes the needle bending member 74 to move relative to the upper member 76 so that the groove 761 is formed. It appears.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the needle push-up member 71 rises in the direction of arrow J. At this stage, there is no staple needle 61a (see FIG. 9) abutted against the second stopper 62b. Therefore, the needle push-up member 71 is idle. As the needle push-up member 71 is raised, the needle bending member 72 is also raised, and both ends of the leading staple needle 61 abutted against the first stopper 62a are bent at right angles to the needle plate 60a. At this time, the leaf spring 73 continues to urge the needle plate 60a in the arrow H direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the presser member 75 is lowered in the direction of the arrow K, and the needle folding member 74 is pushed into the groove 761. At this stage, there is no staple needle, and the punching is performed. The leaf spring 73 once moves backward.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper member 76 rises in the arrow L direction together with the needle bending member 74 and the pressing member 75, and the needle pushing up member 71 and the needle bending member 72 are lowered in the arrow M direction. The staple plate 61a is pushed by the leaf spring 73 and the first staple needle 61a that is bent rubs through the first stopper 62a, and the second staple needle 61b that is not yet bent from the first is the first staple needle 61b. The state is abutted against the stopper 62a.

  Next, when the steps of FIGS. 13 to 15 are repeated again, the leading two staple needles 61a and 61b are bent this time, and the leading staple needle 61a becomes the second stopper 62b as shown in FIG. It will be in a state of being hit.

  The sensor 53 shown in FIG. 5 is a sensor that detects that the leading staple needle 61a of the needle plate 60a bent as described above is in contact with the second stopper 62b. When this state is detected by the sensor 53, the actual stapling operation for binding the sheet bundle can be executed.

  Here, the idle driving operation shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 is repeated up to 13 times. This is because the feeding of the needle plate 60a by the leaf spring 73 may fail. If the sensor 53 does not detect the presence of the leading staple 61a even after repeating the steps of FIGS. 13 to 13 13 times, error processing is executed.

  FIG. 16 shows a state at the start of actual stapling operation.

  Here, the leading two staple needles 61a and 61b of the needle plate 60a are bent, and the leading staple needle 61a is abutted against the second stopper 62b. FIG. 16 also shows a sheet bundle PS scheduled to be stapled.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the leaf spring 73 pushes the needle plate 60a in the arrow N direction to push the needle plate 60a against the needle stopper 62, and the upper member 76 descends in the arrow O direction to raise the sheet bundle PS. It can be pressed from. At this time, a groove 761 is formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the needle push-up member 71 rises in the direction of the arrow P, and the sheet bundle PS is penetrated by the leading staple needle 61a. The needle bending member 72 is also raised, and the both side portions of the two adjacent straight leading staple needles 61 are bent upward.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19, the presser member 75 is lowered in the direction of the arrow Q, the needle bending member 74 is pushed into the groove 761, and both ends of the staple needle 61a are bent inward. The groove 761 is formed slightly obliquely so that both ends of the staple needle 61a bent inward do not collide with each other.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the upper member 76 rises in the direction of arrow R, and accordingly, the needle folding member 74 and the presser member 75 also rise together with the upper member 76. In addition, the needle push-up member 71 and the needle bending member 72 are lowered in the arrow S direction. The needle plate 60a is pushed by the leaf spring 73, and the next leading staple is abutted against the second stopper 62b.

  Thereafter, the sheet bundle PS bound by the staple needle is discharged to the outside of the post-processing device 30 as described with reference to FIG.

  The above steps of FIGS. 16 to 20 are repeated, and the sheet bundle PS bound by the staple needle 61 is sequentially formed.

  Another sensor 54 shown in FIG. 5 is a sensor that detects that the number of remaining staples 61 has decreased as a result of consuming the staples 61 as described above. When the remaining staple needles 61 are low, a warning is given to the user.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an operation sound waveform in each process constituting a series of stapling operations. FIG. 21 also shows the light shielding plate 51 and the HP sensor 52. In this figure, the rotation direction of the light shielding plate 51 is counterclockwise.

  Here, a series of stapling operations are divided into a starting step T1, a binding step T2, and a return step T3. In the present embodiment, the time length t1 of the starting process T1 is fixed at t1 = 50 msec. Further, the boundary between the binding process T2 and the return process T3 can be known from the change in the output of the HP sensor 52. Further, the end timing (that is, the initial state) of the return process T3 can be known from the output change of the HP sensor 52.

  The starting process T1 is a time of 50 msec from the time when the power supply to the DC motor 321 (see FIG. 5) is started in the initial state shown in FIG. The binding process T2 is a process that continues to the state of FIG. 19 following the start process T1. The return step T3 is a step for performing the operation described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the time length of the starting step T1 is t1, the time length of the binding step T2 is t2, the time length of the returning step T3 is t3, and a series of one stapling operation from the start of the starting step T1 to the end of the returning step T3. Is expressed as t123. The total time length t1 + t2 of the starting process T1 and the binding process T2 is represented by t12.

  Below, the control algorithm for reducing the operation sound in the binding process T2 and the return process T3 will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a control circuit responsible for operation control of the stapler in the post-processing apparatus.

  Here, it is assumed that the post-processing device 30 is connected to the printer 10 shown in FIG.

  Here, a CPU 351, a RAM 352, a motor driving unit 353, and an oscillator 354 are shown. These are some of the components in the sheet processing control unit 35 shown in FIG.

  Also shown here are the DC motor 321, the stapling mechanism 39 including the various mechanical elements described above, and the HP sensor 52 as components of the stapler 32.

  Various data stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) is transferred to the RAM 352 when the power of the post-processing device 30 is turned on, and a stapler operation control program that operates on the CPU 351 is also loaded on the RAM 352. Information such as the type of paper (paper type) used for the current job, the number of sheets per bundle, the number of sheets bundle, and the like is input from the printer 10 to the CPU 351. In addition, a duty table (to be described later) is also input from the printer 10 to the CPU 351. The CPU 351 also receives the output signal of the HP sensor 52, and the CPU 351 recognizes that the stapler 32 is in the initial state and that it is at the timing of switching from the binding process T2 to the return process T3. The CPU 351 determines the duty based on the recognized timing and the duty table, and instructs the motor drive unit 353.

  In the motor drive unit 353, the pulse width modulation power with the duty instructed by the CPU 351 is generated. The oscillator 354 generates a clock signal for generating pulse width modulation power (PWM power) in the motor driving unit 353.

  Here, PWM is a technique for modulating power into a periodic pulse-like waveform. The pulse height in the modulated waveform is equal to the rated voltage of the DC motor 321. The ratio of the pulse width to the pulse period in the modulated waveform is the ratio of the effective output to the rated output. This ratio is referred to as PWM power duty (output ratio). By adjusting this duty, the effective output of PWM power is adjusted between 0 and the rated power.

  The PWM power generated by the motor drive unit 353 is supplied to the DC motor 321, and the DC motor 321 rotates with the supplied PWM power. Here, the DC motor 321 rotates at a rotational speed approximately in accordance with the duty of the PWM power supplied to the DC motor 321, but depending on the individual difference of the stapler 32, the paper type and number of sheets to be bound, and the like. It varies greatly, and the duty and the rotational speed are not necessarily in a one-to-one relationship.

  FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram of control.

  The control to be performed here is to adjust the duty for each process. The starting step T1 is a step of starting the rotation of the DC motor 321 and requires a large amount of power, and is fixed at a duty of 100% here. The time length t1 of the starting process T1 is fixed at t1 = 50 msec as described above.

  In the next binding step T2, the duty is adjusted and the operation noise is suppressed. When the duty is lowered, the rotational speed of the DC motor 321 is reduced, but not only the rotational speed is lowered but also the driving force is lowered. If this is excessively reduced, the stapling operation may not be performed normally and a binding failure may occur. If too much emphasis is placed on the suppression of the operation sound, the productivity required by the image forming apparatus (that is, the printer 10 or the copying machine 40) to which the post-processing apparatus 30 is connected is satisfied even if the staple operation is normal. There is a risk of not. Therefore, the duty adjustment in the binding step T2 is performed according to the duty table input from the image forming apparatus.

  The duty is also adjusted in the next return step T3. Even in the return step T3, if the driving force is too low, the return operation may be defective, and if too much emphasis is placed on suppressing operation noise, the productivity required by the image forming apparatus may not be satisfied. Therefore, also in the return step T3, the duty is adjusted according to the duty table input from the image forming apparatus.

  When the duty is changed as shown by a solid line in FIG. 23, the actual rotational speed of the DC motor 321 follows the change of the duty with a time delay or the like as shown by a broken line here.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart of staple control. This flowchart represents the linking operation between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus.

  The staple control represented by the flowchart of FIG. 24 is executed for each job. At the start of the job, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus prepare for connection for wired communication via a cable and a connector (not shown) (step S101). When wired communication is established between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, in the image forming apparatus, the main body control units 120 and 450 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Is acquired (step S102). Here, once FIGS. 25 to 27 will be described, and then returning to FIG. 24 for description.

  25 to 27 are diagrams illustrating examples of duty tables acquired as internal information of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 25 shows a duty table corresponding to the first model of the image forming apparatus, FIG. 26 shows a duty table corresponding to the second model of the image forming apparatus, and FIG. A duty table corresponding to the third model of the image forming apparatus is shown. Each image forming apparatus stores one duty table corresponding to its model as internal information.

  In these duty tables, the sheet bundle to be bound is divided into three groups of A group, B group, and C group according to the paper type and the number of sheets. The load required for the stapling operation on the sheet bundle is a low load in the A group, a medium load in the B group, and a high load in the C group. In the duty table, the duty in each of the start process T1, the binding process T2, and the return process T3 is associated with each of the three groups of the A group, the B group, and the C group. D1, d2, and d3 shown in these duty tables represent the duties of the starting process T1, the binding process T2, and the return process T3, respectively.

  Regarding the starting process T1, the duty is fixed to 100% for all three groups of the A group, the B group, and the C group. The duty of each of the binding process T2 and the return process T3 is a duty corresponding to the group to which the sheet bundle belongs.

  In the duty table shown in FIG. 25, when looking at the binding process T2, 55% duty is associated with the A group, 65% duty is associated with the B group, and 75% duty is associated with the C group. Are associated. Looking at the return step T3, the A group is associated with a duty of 50%, the B group is associated with a duty of 40%, and the C group is associated with a duty of 25%. . As described above, in the binding process T2 that requires power, a larger duty d2 is associated with a group having a larger load required for the stapling operation. Further, in the return step T3 in which a large amount of sound is not required but a loud sound is generated, the lower the duty d2 in the binding step T2, the smaller the duty d2 in the binding step T2, in order to operate as slowly as possible within the allowable range of the stapling operation. The duty is d3. By driving the staples using such duties d1, d2, and d3, a balance between avoidance of staple failure due to insufficient driving force and reduction in staple operation sound can be maintained.

  In the duty table shown in FIG. 26, when looking at the binding step T2, the A group is associated with 75% duty, the B group is associated with 85% duty, and the C group is associated with duty. 95% is associated. Looking at the return step T3, the A group is associated with a duty of 50%, the B group is associated with a duty of 40%, and the C group is associated with a duty of 25%. . Thus, in the duty table shown in FIG. 26, a duty larger than the duty shown in the duty table shown in FIG. 25 is shown. This is because the productivity of the second model corresponding to the duty table shown in FIG. 26 is higher than the productivity of the first model corresponding to the duty table shown in FIG. This is because the duty is set larger.

  Further, in the duty table shown in FIG. 27, when the binding process T2 is viewed, the duty 90% is associated with any A group. Looking at the return step T3, the A group is associated with a duty of 50%, the B group is associated with a duty of 40%, and the C group is associated with a duty of 25%. . As described above, in the duty table shown in FIG. 27, a duty larger than the duty shown in the duty table shown in FIG. 26 is shown. This is because the productivity of the third model corresponding to the duty table shown in FIG. 27 is higher than the productivity of the second model corresponding to the duty table shown in FIG. This is because the duty is set to be larger according to the above.

  In step S101 in FIG. 24, internal information including one of these duty tables is acquired. The image forming apparatus outputs the duty table included in the acquired internal information to the post-processing apparatus (step S103), and the CPU 351 of the post-processing apparatus receives the duty table and stores it in the RAM 352 (step S104).

  Thereafter, the CPU 351 of the post-processing device determines the duty based on the duty table stored in the RAM 352, the paper type in the current job, and the like, and instructs the determined duty to the motor drive unit 353 (step S105). . As a result, the motor driving unit 353 drives the DC motor 321 with the instructed duty, and the stapling operation is executed.

  Thereafter, the stapling operation is repeatedly executed in step S105 until the job is finished (step S106; Yes), and when the job is finished, the staple control is also finished.

  With the staple control described above, a stapling operation commensurate with the image forming apparatus is realized. In particular, here, the stapling operation is commensurate with the productivity of the image forming apparatus. However, the duty tables shown in FIGS. 25 to 27 are not prepared only from the viewpoint of productivity. For example, the viewpoint of whether the image forming method of the image forming apparatus is an electrophotographic system or an inkjet system is used. The duty table based on any of various viewpoints such as whether the image forming apparatus is a monochrome apparatus or a color apparatus and what kind of toner the image forming apparatus uses for image formation May be prepared.

  Next, an embodiment different from the embodiments described so far will be described. This other embodiment has the same hardware configuration as the embodiments described so far, and the control content in the main body control unit of the image forming apparatus differs from the control content in the paper processing control unit of the post-processing device. Therefore, in the following description, the drawings referred to above are used as they are for the hardware configuration, and redundant description is omitted. However, the printer 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the copier 40 shown in FIG. 4 perform image formation with productivity based on instructions from the main body control units 120 and 450 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart of staple control in another embodiment. This flowchart also shows the linking operation between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus.

  The staple control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28 is also executed for each job. At the start of the job, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus prepare for connection for wired communication via a cable and a connector (not shown) (step S201). When wired communication is established between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, in the image forming apparatus, the main body control units 120 and 450 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. Is acquired (step S202). However, in this other embodiment, the internal information includes all the three duty tables shown in FIGS. The internal information also includes information indicating the productivity of the image forming apparatus in terms of the number of prints per minute, and further includes an internal productivity table in which productivity and a duty table are associated with each other. Included in the information. As described above, the productivity information included in the internal information is incorporated into the internal information by a setting by a system engineer or a setting by a user. The main body control units 120 and 450 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 instruct each unit of the image forming apparatus to form an image with the productivity set in this way. Here, after explaining FIG. 29, it returns to FIG. 28 and demonstrates.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a productivity table.

  The productivity table shown in FIG. 29 shows the productivity range and the duty table in association with each other. 'Table 1' shown in this productivity table represents the duty table shown in FIG. Further, 'Table 2' shown in the productivity table represents the duty table shown in FIG. 26, and 'Table 3' shown in the productivity table represents the duty table shown in FIG.

  In step S203 of FIG. 28, the productivity table of FIG. 29 is referred to based on the productivity information included in the internal information, so that one of the three duty tables shown in FIGS. Two duty tables are determined. The determined duty table is output to the post-processing device. Thereafter, the contents of steps S204 to S206 executed by the post-processing apparatus are exactly the same as the contents of steps S104 to S106 in FIG.

  In another embodiment described above, a stapling operation corresponding to the productivity set in the image forming apparatus is realized.

  Next, another example of internal information used for determining the duty table in another embodiment described above will be described.

  In this other example, the internal information acquired in step S202 of FIG. 28 includes a plurality of duties different from the humidity information obtained by the humidity sensors 126 and 443 shown in FIGS. 1 and 4 and the above-described duty table. The table includes a humidity table in which the humidity information and the duty table are associated with each other.

  FIG. 30 is a diagram illustrating a humidity table.

  In the humidity table shown in FIG. 30, a humidity range and a duty table are shown in association with each other. As the humidity range, two ranges with a humidity of 30% as a boundary are shown here. Then, a “table 1” is associated with a humidity range higher than 30% humidity, and a “table 2” is associated with a humidity range lower than 30% humidity.

  FIG. 31 is a diagram illustrating a duty table corresponding to a humidity range where the humidity is higher than 30%, and FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating a duty table corresponding to a humidity range where the humidity is 30% or less.

  Also in these duty tables, the bundle of sheets to be bound is divided into three groups of A group, B group, and C group according to the paper type and the number of sheets, and the start process T1 and the binding process T2 for each of the three groups. , And return duty T3 are associated with each other. D1, d2, and d3 shown in these duty tables represent the duties of the starting process T1, the binding process T2, and the return process T3, respectively.

  Regarding the starting process T1, the duty is fixed to 100% for all three groups of the A group, the B group, and the C group. The duty of each of the binding process T2 and the return process T3 is a duty corresponding to the group to which the sheet bundle belongs.

  In the duty table shown in FIG. 31, when looking at the binding step T2, 55% duty is associated with the A group, 65% duty is associated with the B group, and 75% duty is associated with the C group. Are associated. Looking at the return step T3, the A group is associated with a duty of 50%, the B group is associated with a duty of 40%, and the C group is associated with a duty of 25%. . As described above, in the binding process T2 that requires power, a larger duty d2 is associated with a group having a larger load required for the stapling operation. Further, in the return step T3 in which a large amount of sound is not required but a loud sound is generated, the lower the duty d2 in the binding step T2, the smaller the duty d2 in the binding step T2 in order to operate as slowly as possible within the allowable range of the stapling operation. The duty is d3. By driving the staples using such duties d1, d2, and d3, a balance between avoidance of staple failure due to insufficient driving force and reduction in staple operation sound can be maintained.

  On the other hand, in the duty table shown in FIG. 32, regarding the binding process T2, the A group is associated with 75% duty, the B group is associated with 85% duty, and the C group is associated with duty. 95% is associated. Looking at the return step T3, the A group is associated with a duty of 50%, the B group is associated with a duty of 40%, and the C group is associated with a duty of 25%. . Thus, in the duty table shown in FIG. 32, a duty larger than the duty shown in the duty table shown in FIG. 31 is shown. This is because, in the humidity range supported by the duty table shown in FIG. 32, the duty is set to be large in accordance with the fact that the paper is dry and the load required for the stapling operation is large.

  One of the duty tables shown in FIGS. 31 and 32 is determined in step S203 of FIG. 28 based on the humidity table shown in FIG. 30 and the humidity information included in the internal information, and is post-processed. It will be output to the device. As a result, in this other example, a stapling operation according to the humidity in the image forming apparatus is realized.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1A, 1B Print system 10 Printer 20 Paper conveyance apparatus 30 Post-processing apparatus 31 Puncher 32 Stapler 33 Foot part 34 Guide member 35 Paper processing control part 39 Staple mechanism 40 Copying machine 41 Image reading part 42 Operation panel 43 Image formation part 51 Light-shielding plate 52 HP (Home Position) Sensor 53, 53a, 54 Sensor 60, 60a Needle Plate 61, 61a, 61b Staple Needle 62, 62a, 62b Needle Stopper 63 Guide Member 71 Needle Push-Up Member 72 Needle Bending Member 73 Plate Spring 74 Needle Bending Member 75 Pressing member 76 Upper member 111,431 Paper storage part 112,432 Take-out roll 113,433 Supply roll 114,118,121,131,434 Transport roll 115,435 Adjustment roll 116,440 Secondary transfer roll 1 7 Fixing roll 119 Paper discharge table 120,450 Main body control unit 126,443 Humidity sensor 134 Padra 135 Movable plate 136 Paper receiving plate 137 Fixed plate 138 Abutting wall 139 Horizontal receiving plate 321 DC motor 322 Gear 323 Relay gear 324 Drive gear 325 Drive shaft 326 Drive cam 327 Relay cam 327a, 328a Center of rotation 328 Presser member 331 Projection 341, 761 Groove 342 Rail 351 CPU
352 RAM
353 Motor drive unit 354 Oscillator PP Paper PS Paper bundle R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 Paper transport path

Claims (6)

An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a recording medium;
A post-processing device for performing post-processing on a recording medium on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus, which is connected to the image forming apparatus so as to be separable;
With
The post-processing device is
A bundle forming unit that receives the recording medium carried out from the image forming apparatus and stacks a plurality of the recording media to form a bundle;
A stapler for performing a stapling operation, which is a kind of the post-processing, including a motor and inserting and bending a staple into the bundle with a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
An electric power supply unit for supplying electric power to the motor of the stapler , wherein the staple operation includes an activation step of starting electric power supply to the motor when the stapler is in an initial state; and a staple in the bundle In the binding process when the sheet is inserted and bent and the binding process is divided into the returning process of returning to the initial state after binding the bundle, the greater the load required for the stapling operation, the greater the electric power is supplied to the motor. In the return process, a power supply unit that supplies a smaller amount of power to the motor as the power in the binding process is larger;
An image forming system comprising:   The image forming apparatus includes:
  A power notification unit for notifying a power to be supplied to the motor to a post-processing device connected to the image forming apparatus;
  The post-processing device is
  A power storage unit for storing the power notified from the power notification unit;
  The image forming system according to claim 1, further comprising: a power control unit that causes the power supply unit to supply power stored in the power storage unit toward the motor.   The motor is a DC motor;
  The power supply unit supplies pulse-width-modulated power to an output ratio based on an instruction from the power control unit toward the motor,
  The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the power notification unit notifies power expressed by an output ratio of pulse width modulation.   The power notification unit is configured to notify a plurality of groups into which a bundle formed by the bundle forming unit is classified and power,
  The power storage unit stores the group and power in association with each other,
  The power control unit causes the power supply unit to supply power corresponding to a group into which the bundles formed by the bundle forming unit are classified toward the motor. The image forming system described.   The image forming apparatus includes a condition-corresponding power storage unit that stores a plurality of powers corresponding to different image forming conditions,
  The power notification unit notifies power corresponding to an image forming condition in the image forming unit among a plurality of powers stored in the condition-corresponding power storage unit. Image forming system.   A bundle forming unit that receives a recording medium from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium, and forms a bundle by stacking a plurality of the recording media;
  A stapler that includes a motor and performs a stapling operation, which is a kind of post-processing, in which a staple is inserted into the bundle and bent by a driving force generated by rotation of the motor;
  An electric power supply unit for supplying electric power to the motor of the stapler, wherein the staple operation includes an activation step of starting electric power supply to the motor when the stapler is in an initial state; and a staple in the bundle In the binding process when the sheet is inserted and bent and the binding process is divided into the returning process of returning to the initial state after binding the bundle, the greater the load required for the stapling operation, the greater the electric power is supplied to the motor. In the return process, a power supply unit that supplies a smaller power to the motor as the power in the binding process is larger
A post-processing apparatus comprising:

Images