JP6179764B2 - Binding apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a binding device that performs a binding process on a sheet bundle, and an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a composite machine including the binding device.

  Conventionally, in a binding device installed in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, for the purpose of performing a binding process without using a metal needle, a tooth-shaped shape is applied to a sheet bundle of a plurality of sheets. There is known a method in which a concave and convex portion is pressed against a bundle of sheets to form a concave and convex portion in the thickness direction in the bundle of sheets and the sheets are engaged with each other to perform binding processing (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3). ).

  On the other hand, in Patent Document 3, in a state in which a sheet bundle (sheet bundle) is sandwiched between two rotating members each having a tooth-shaped uneven portion (uneven embossed shape) formed on the outer peripheral surface, the unevenness is formed on the sheet bundle. By moving the two rotating members from one end in the width direction toward the other end in the width direction while rotating the two rotating members, the binding processing operation with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle as the binding area is performed in the width direction. A continuous technique is disclosed.

  In a conventional binding device, when a binding process is performed on a sheet bundle using a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle as a binding area, the tooth-shaped uneven portion is changed from one end in the width direction to the other end in the width direction. Since the binding processing operation was performed by moving the sheet toward the end of the sheet, each time the uneven part moves in the width direction, the sheets in the sheet bundle receive a force that shifts in the width direction, and the sheets in the sheet bundle eventually shift. There was a case where the binding process was performed in a poor-looking state.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the above-described problem, and even when a binding process is performed on a sheet bundle with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle as a binding area, It is an object of the present invention to provide a binding device and an image forming apparatus that are less likely to cause a problem that binding processing is performed in a state in which a bundle of sheets are shifted in the width direction and poor in appearance.

  A binding device according to a first aspect of the present invention is a binding device that performs a binding process on a sheet bundle with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle as a binding area, and has a tooth-like shape. A binding device main body that continuously or intermittently moves a width in a binding processing operation in which the uneven portions are pressed against the sheet bundle to form unevenness in the thickness direction and the sheets are engaged with each other; The apparatus main body is controlled to start the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and perform the binding processing operation while moving toward the end in the width direction.

  According to the present invention, even when a binding process is performed on a sheet bundle using a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle as a binding area, the sheets of the sheet bundle are shifted in the width direction and poor in appearance. It is possible to provide a binding device and an image forming apparatus that are unlikely to cause a problem that the binding process is performed in the state.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows a post-processing apparatus. (A) The schematic which shows a binding apparatus, (B) The enlarged view which shows the state which the uneven | corrugated | grooved part meshed | engaged. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet bundle that has been bound. It is the schematic which shows operation | movement of the binding apparatus in Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet bundle that has been bound by the binding device of FIG. 5. It is the schematic which shows operation | movement of the binding apparatus in Embodiment 3 of this invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet bundle that is bound by the binding device of FIG. 7. It is the schematic which shows the sheet | seat bundle bound by the binding apparatus in Embodiment 4 of this invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet bundle that has been bound by a binding device as a modified example. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram sequentially illustrating operations in which a binding process is performed on a sheet bundle by a binding device as still another modified example. It is the schematic which shows in order the operation | movement by which a binding process is performed to a paper bundle by the binding apparatus in Embodiment 5 of this invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet bundle that is bound by the binding device as a modification of FIG. 12. It is the schematic which shows the sheet | seat bundle bound by the binding apparatus in Embodiment 5 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
The first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
First, the configuration and operation of the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 1, 1 is a copying machine as an image forming apparatus, 2 is a document reading unit that optically reads image information of a document D, and 3 is a photosensitive member that exposes light L based on the image information read by the document reading unit 2. An exposure unit for irradiating on the drum 5, 4 an image forming unit for forming a toner image (image) on the photosensitive drum 5, and 7 for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 to the paper P (paper) A transfer unit (image forming unit), 10 is a document transport unit that transports a set document D to the document reading unit 2, 12 to 14 are paper feed units that store paper P such as transfer paper, and 17 and 18 are A registration roller (timing roller) that conveys the paper P toward the transfer unit 7, a fixing device 20 that fixes an unfixed image on the paper P, a fixing roller 21 installed in the fixing device 20, and a fixing device 20. The pressure roller installed on the 30 is the image on the front side It inverts the paper P after being formed shows a two-sided conveyance unit, which transported toward the image forming unit.
Reference numeral 50 denotes a post-processing device that performs post-processing on the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1 and carried in. Reference numeral 61 denotes a stacking unit (internal tray) installed in the post-processing device 50. Denotes a tray (paper discharge tray) on which the post-processed paper P (or paper bundle) is discharged and stacked, and 90 denotes a binding device installed inside the post-processing device 50. The post-processing device 50 is detachably installed on the image forming apparatus main body 1.

With reference to FIG. 1, an operation during normal image formation in the image forming apparatus main body 1 will be described.
First, the document D is conveyed from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the conveyance roller of the document conveyance unit 10 and passes over the document reading unit 2. At this time, the document reading unit 2 optically reads the image information of the document D passing above.
Then, the optical image information read by the document reading unit 2 is converted into an electric signal and then transmitted to the exposure unit 3 (writing unit). Then, exposure light L such as laser light based on the image information of the electrical signal is emitted from the exposure unit 3 toward the photosensitive drum 5 of the image forming unit 4.

On the other hand, in the image forming unit 4, the photosensitive drum 5 is rotated in the clockwise direction in the drawing, and image information is transferred onto the photosensitive drum 5 through a predetermined image forming process (charging process, exposure process, development process). An image (toner image) corresponding to is formed.
Thereafter, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred onto the paper P conveyed by the registration rollers 17 and 18 in the transfer unit 7 as an image forming unit.

On the other hand, the sheet P conveyed to the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) operates as follows.
First, one of the plurality of paper feeding units 12, 13, and 14 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is automatically or manually selected (for example, the uppermost paper feeding unit 12 is selected). To do.)
Then, the uppermost sheet P of the paper P stored in the paper feeding unit 12 is transported toward the position of the transport path K1.

  Thereafter, the sheet P passes through a conveyance path K1 in which a plurality of conveyance rollers are arranged, and reaches the position of the registration rollers 17 and 18. Then, the sheet P that has reached the position of the registration rollers 17 and 18 is conveyed toward the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) at the same timing in order to align with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5. Is done.

  Then, after the transfer process, the sheet P passes through the position of the transfer unit 7 and then reaches the fixing device 20 through the conveyance path. The sheet P that has reached the fixing device 20 is fed between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22, and the image is fixed by the heat received from the fixing roller 21 and the pressure received from both members 21 and 22. . The sheet P on which the image is fixed is delivered from between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 (a nip portion), and then discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1.

  Note that when the “double-sided printing mode” for performing printing on both sides of the paper P (the front side and the back side) is selected, the paper P that has undergone the fixing process on the front side is described above. The paper is not discharged as it is when the “single-sided printing mode” is selected, but is guided to the double-sided conveyance path K2, and the conveyance direction is reversed by the double-sided conveyance unit 30, and then the transfer unit 7 ( It is conveyed toward the position of the image forming unit. Then, an image is formed on the back surface of the sheet P by the same image forming process as described above at the position of the transfer unit 7, and then passes through the conveyance path through a fixing process in the fixing device 20. And discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1.

Here, in the first exemplary embodiment, the post-processing device 50 is installed in the image forming apparatus 1, and the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is transported to the post-processing device 50 and transported paper. Post-processing is performed on P.
Referring to FIG. 1, post-processing device 50 according to the first embodiment transports paper P transported from apparatus main body 1 to one of three transport paths K3 to K5, and performs different post-processing. It is comprised so that processing can be performed. The first transport path K3 is a transport path for discharging the paper P transported from the image forming apparatus main body 1 to the first paper discharge tray 71 as it is without performing post-processing. In the second transport path K4, the paper P transported from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is stacked on the stacking unit 61 (inner tray), and the binding process to the rear end of the paper by the binding device 90 (first binding device) is performed. This is a conveyance path for discharging the processed paper P (sheet bundle PT) from the paper discharge port 50b toward the external tray 72 (second paper discharge tray) by the paper discharge roller 55. In the third transport path K5, the sheet P transported from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is transported to the second transport path K4 and switched back to the center of the sheet by the binding device 83 (second binding device). This is a conveyance path for performing the binding process and the folding process by the sheet folding blade 84 and the like, and discharging the sheet to the third sheet discharge tray 73 (see also FIG. 2).
The above-described switching of the three transport paths K3 to K5 is performed by a switching operation (rotation) of the branch claw 81.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, a first transport roller 51 and a paper detection sensor are installed in the vicinity of the carry-in port 50a of the post-processing apparatus 50, and the paper P detected by the paper detection sensor is the first. 1, and transported into the apparatus 50 by the second transport rollers 51 and 52. Then, based on the post-processing mode selected in advance by the user, the branching claw 81 rotates so that the paper P is guided to the desired transport paths K3 to K5.
When the mode in which no post-processing is performed is selected, the paper P transported to the first transport path K3 is discharged by the third transport roller 53 and is discharged onto the first paper discharge tray 71.

  When the “sort mode (sorting processing mode)” is selected, the paper P transported to the second transport path K4 is configured to be movable in the width direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 2). Each paper P is transported while being shifted in the width direction by a predetermined amount by the fourth transport roller 54, transported by the paper discharge roller 55 (fifth transport roller), and onto the external tray 72 (second paper discharge tray). It is loaded sequentially.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a filler 82 is provided above the external tray 72 so as to be rotatable about a support shaft at the upper end, and the external tray 72 is configured to be movable up and down by a moving mechanism (not shown). ing. Then, a state in which the central portion in the transport direction of the sheets P sequentially stacked on the external tray 72 is in contact with the filler 82 is detected by a sensor installed in the vicinity of the support shaft of the filler 82, thereby The height of the stacked paper P is recognized. Then, the vertical position of the external tray 72 is adjusted according to the increase or decrease of the number of sheets P stacked on the external tray 72. Further, when the vertical position of the external tray 72 reaches the lower limit position, it is assumed that the number of sheets P stacked on the external tray 72 has reached the upper limit (full) and the post-processing device 50 to the image forming apparatus 1. A stop signal is transmitted to stop the image forming operation.

  When the “binding processing mode (staple mode)” is selected, the paper P transported to the second transport path K4 is transported by the fourth transport roller 54 without being shifted, and the stacking unit 61 ( It is sequentially stacked on the internal tray. When a desired number of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) are stacked on the loading surface 62 of the stacking unit 61, the tapping roller 64 disposed above the sheet P moves to a position where it abuts on the uppermost sheet P. Then, the tapping roller 64 is driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 2, whereby a plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) is conveyed (moved) toward the fence section 66. As a result, the rear ends (rear ends in the transport direction) of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) abut against the fence portion 66, and the positions in the transport direction of the plurality of sheets P are aligned.

At this time, referring to FIG. 2, jogger fences 68 installed at both ends in the width direction of stacking unit 61 move in the width direction so as to sandwich a plurality of sheets P stacked on stacking unit 61. Thus, the positions in the width direction of the plurality of sheets P are aligned. Then, the binding process is performed by the binding device 90 (first binding device) on the rear end of the paper P (paper bundle) in which the transport direction and the width direction are aligned.
Thereafter, the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) subjected to the binding process moves obliquely upward along the inclination of the placement surface 62 by the movement of the discharge claw 67 in the sheet discharge direction, and is conveyed by the sheet discharge roller 55. The paper is discharged onto the external tray 72.

When the “folding processing mode” is selected, the sheet P is first transported to the second transport path K4 and the fourth transport roller 54 is moved in a state where the rear end portion is sandwiched between the fourth transport rollers 54. The reverse rotation causes the switchback to be transferred to the third transfer path K5. Then, the paper P transported to the third transport path K5 is transported by the sixth to eighth transport rollers 56 to 58 to a position where the central portion of the paper P faces the second binding device 83. Then, after a desired number of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) is stacked at that position, the second binding device 83 performs a binding process on the central portion of the sheet bundle. Thereafter, the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) on which the binding process has been performed has the central portion of the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) opposed to the sheet folding blade 84 by the seventh and eighth transport rollers 57 and 58. It is transported to the position. At this time, the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is in a state where the leading end of the sheet P abuts against a stopper portion 85 (configured to be movable in the transport direction by a moving mechanism (not shown)).
Then, the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is folded by the folded portion being pressed by the sheet folding plate 86 in a state where the central portion is folded by the sheet folding blade 84 moving to the left in FIG. Will be. Thereafter, the folded paper P (paper bundle PT) is transported by the ninth transport roller 59 and discharged onto the third paper discharge tray 73.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration and operation of the binding device 90 according to the first embodiment will be described in detail.
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 and the like, the post-processing device 50 according to the first embodiment has a sheet bundle PT loaded on the stacking unit 61 (inner tray) in the interior thereof. A binding device 90 for performing binding processing is installed. Specifically, the loading portion 61 is formed such that the placement surface 62 is inclined upward from one end side (right side in FIG. 2) to the other end side (left side in FIG. 2). Has been. A binding device 90 (first binding device) is provided below the inclined surface of the stacking unit 61 away from the paper discharge port 50b.

The binding device 90 has a width direction of the sheet bundle PT (in this embodiment, a direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction and a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. The binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT with a predetermined range along the direction as a binding region.
3A and 3B, in the binding device 90, the tooth-shaped uneven portions 92a and 93a are pressed against the sheet bundle PT to form unevenness in the thickness direction on the sheet bundle PT. Thus, a binding device main body 91 is provided that performs the binding processing operation for engaging the sheets P intermittently while moving in the width direction.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the binding device main body 91 is provided with a first rotating member 92 and a second rotating member 93 in a substantially vertical direction. The first rotating member 92 has a tooth-shaped uneven portion 92 a formed on the outer peripheral surface. The second rotating member 93 is formed with a tooth-shaped uneven portion 93 a meshing with the tooth-shaped uneven portion 92 a of the first rotating member 92 over the outer peripheral surface. It is configured to be movable relative to the first rotating member 92 so as to sandwich the bundle PT. Then, the binding processing operation is performed by moving the first rotating member 92 and the second rotating member 93 in the width direction while rotating with the sheet bundle PT interposed therebetween.

  Specifically, in the binding device main body 91 that rotatably supports the first rotating member 92 and the second rotating member 93, the feed screw 94 connected to the first motor 96 is screwed and the shaft 95 passes therethrough. It is held by the casing of the post-processing apparatus 50 via these members 94 and 95. When the feed screw 94 is rotated in the forward and reverse directions by driving by the first motor 96, the binding device main body 91 (the first rotating member 92 and the second rotating member 93) is moved in the width direction (left and right in FIG. 3A). In the direction of the black arrow).

Here, the second drive motor 97 that rotationally drives the first rotation member 92 in the forward and reverse directions and the third drive motor 98 that rotationally drives the second rotation member 93 in the forward and reverse directions are both binding device main bodies. 91, and is moved in the width direction together with the binding device main body 91. Then, the two drive motors 97 and 98 are driven and controlled so that the two rotation members 92 and 93 rotate in accordance with the moving direction of the binding device main body 91. Specifically, when the binding device main body 91 moves to the left in FIG. 3, the second drive motor 97 is driven and controlled so that the first rotation member 92 rotates clockwise, and the second rotation member 93 is counterclockwise. The third drive motor 98 is driven and controlled to rotate in the direction. On the other hand, when the binding device body 91 moves to the right in FIG. 3, the second drive motor 97 is driven and controlled so that the first rotation member 92 rotates counterclockwise, and the second rotation member 93. The third drive motor 98 is driven and controlled so as to rotate clockwise. Further, the rotational speeds of the rotating members 92 and 93 at this time are controlled so as not to cause a linear speed difference between them according to the moving speed of the binding apparatus main body 91.
In the present embodiment, the drive motors 97 and 98 that actively rotate the rotating members 92 and 93 are provided. However, the drive motors 97 and 98 are not provided, and the rotation is performed by the movement of the binding device main body 91 in the width direction. The members 92 and 93 can be driven to rotate.

The second rotating member 93 is held by the binding device main body 91 so that the second rotating member 93 can move toward and away from the first rotating member 92. Specifically, the second rotating member 93 is connected to a cam mechanism (not shown), and moves in the direction of the white arrow in FIG. 3A by driving of a lifting drive motor 99 that drives the cam mechanism. Specifically, when the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT, the uneven portion 93a (tooth portion) of the second rotating member 93 is engaged with the uneven portion 92a (tooth portion) of the first rotating member 92. In addition, the second rotating member 93 moves downward in FIG. 3 (the state in FIG. 3). On the other hand, when the binding process is not performed on the sheet bundle PT, the uneven portion 93a (tooth portion) of the second rotating member 93 with respect to the uneven portion 92a (tooth portion) of the first rotating member 92. The second rotating member 93 moves upward in FIG.
Here, the lifting drive motor 99 and the cam mechanism are fixed to the binding apparatus main body 91 and move in the width direction together with the binding apparatus main body 91.
Referring to FIG. 3B, in the first embodiment, the convex portions of the concavo-convex portions 92a and 93a of the two rotating members 92 and 93 are both formed in an R shape. . Thereby, it is possible to prevent a problem that the sheet bundle PT sandwiched between both the uneven portions 92a and 93a is sheared by the uneven portions 92a and 93a during the binding process.

In the first embodiment, in the binding device 90 configured as described above, the binding device main body 91 starts the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and moves toward the end in the width direction. It is controlled to perform the operation.
Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, in the first embodiment, the end in the transport direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 4) with respect to the sheet bundle PT whose position in the width direction is determined by the jogger fence 68. The binding area M is divided into five binding portions M1 to M5, and the binding process is performed.
In the first embodiment, the binding device main body 91 is first moved to the position of the first binding portion M1 located at the center (the center in the width direction) with respect to the five binding portions M1 to M5. Then, the binding process to the first binding unit M1 is performed. Next, the binding device main body 91 is moved in the black arrow direction toward the position of the second binding portion M2 adjacent to the right side, and the binding processing to the second binding portion M2 is performed. Further, after the binding device main body 91 is moved to the position of the third binding portion M3 adjacent to the right and the binding processing to the third binding portion M3 is performed, the binding device main body 91 is directed toward the position of the fourth binding portion M4. Is moved in the direction of the white arrow, and the binding process to the fourth binding portion M4 is performed. Finally, the binding device main body 91 is moved toward the position of the fifth binding portion M5, and the binding processing to the fifth binding portion M5 is performed.
Note that the binding device main body 91 is in a state where the two rotating members 92 and 93 are in contact with each other when binding processing is performed in one binding portion, and when the binding device main body 91 moves to the next binding portion, two rotating members. Control is performed so that 92 and 93 are in a separated state.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the binding device main body 91 starts the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and performs the binding processing operation while moving toward the end in the width direction. Compared with the case where the binding processing operation is performed while starting the binding processing from one end side and moving toward the other end in the width direction, the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are less likely to be displaced in the width direction. Even if the force that is shifted is received, the force is easily canceled, and it is possible to reduce the problem that the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are shifted in the width direction and the binding process is performed in a poor-looking state.
In particular, when the sheet bundle PT is sandwiched between two substantially gear-shaped rotating members 92 and 93 having concave and convex portions 92a and 93a formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the binding processing is performed while rotating the two rotating members 92 and 93. Since the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are easily subjected to a force that shifts in the width direction, the configuration of the present invention is useful.

In the first embodiment, the binding process is performed in the order of the first binding unit M1 to the fifth binding unit M5. However, the first binding unit M1, the second binding unit M2, the fourth binding unit M4, and the third binding unit are performed. The binding process can be performed in the order of the part M3 and the fifth binding part M5. Even in such a case, substantially the same effect as described above can be obtained.
In the first embodiment, the sheet bundle PT is sandwiched between the two substantially gear-shaped rotating members 92 and 93 having the concave and convex portions 92a and 93a formed on the outer peripheral surface, and the binding process is performed. The sheet bundle PT may be sandwiched between two flat plates (non-rotating members) on which mold-shaped uneven portions are formed, and the binding process may be performed.

  As described above, in the first embodiment, the binding device main body 91 that performs the binding processing operation of pressing the tooth-shaped uneven portions 92a and 93a against the sheet bundle PT and meshing the sheets P is provided. The binding device main body 91 is controlled to start the binding processing operation from the center in the direction and perform the binding processing operation while moving toward the end in the width direction. Accordingly, even when the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle PT as a binding area, the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are shifted in the width direction and look good. It is possible to make it difficult to cause a problem that the binding process is performed in a bad state.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
5 and 6, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the binding device 90 according to the second embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the sheet bundle PT that has been bound by the binding device 90.
The binding device according to the second embodiment performs the binding processing operation intermittently while moving the binding device main body 91 in the width direction. This is different from that of the first embodiment.

The binding device 90 according to the second embodiment is also provided with a binding device main body 91 in which a first rotating member 92 and a second rotating member 93 are installed, as in the first embodiment.
Here, in the second embodiment, the binding processing operation is continuously performed while moving the binding device main body 91 in the width direction. Then, the binding device main body 91 starts the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction, performs the binding processing operation while moving toward the one end side in the width direction (right side in FIG. 5), and thereafter Control is performed so that the binding processing operation is resumed while moving toward the other end in the width direction (leftward in FIG. 5) after returning to the center in the direction.

Specifically, first, as shown in FIG. 5A, the second rotating member 93 that has been separated in the center in the width direction of the sheet bundle PT moves in the direction of the white arrow, and the two rotating members 92, 93, the central portion in the width direction of the sheet bundle PT is sandwiched. In this way, the binding processing operation is started.
Then, as shown in FIG. 5B, the two rotating members 92 and 93 (binding device main body 91) move to one end in the width direction (black arrow direction) while rotating while sandwiching the sheet bundle PT. Thus, the first binding area MA is formed. And after forming the 1st binding area | region MA, the 2nd rotation member 93 moves to the separation position shown with the broken line of the figure.
After that, as shown in FIG. 5C, after the two rotating members 92 and 93 (binding device main body 91) move to the other end in the width direction (black arrow direction) without holding the sheet bundle PT. The second rotating member 93 in the separated state moves in the direction of the white arrow, and the two rotating members 92, 93 move the central portion in the width direction of the sheet bundle PT (substantially the same position as when the binding processing operation is started). Is sandwiched.
Then, as shown in FIG. 5D, the two rotating members 92 and 93 (binding device main body 91) move to the other end in the width direction (black arrow direction) while rotating while sandwiching the sheet bundle PT. Thus, the second binding area MB is formed.

In this way, finally, as shown in FIG. 6, the binding process is completed with the first binding area MA and the second binding area MB connected to each other at the center in the width direction with respect to the sheet bundle PT. It will be.
As described above, in the second embodiment, the binding processing operation by the binding device main body 91 is started from the central portion in the width direction, and the contacting and separating operations of the two rotating members 92 and 93 are combined to perform the width direction of the sheet bundle PT. Since almost the entire area is a binding area, there is no sheet misalignment of the sheet bundle PT, and a strong binding process with a high binding force can be performed.

  As described above, also in the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the binding processing operation is performed in which the tooth-shaped uneven portions 92a and 93a are pressed against the sheet bundle PT and the sheets P are engaged with each other. A binding device main body 91 is provided, and the binding device main body 91 is controlled so as to start the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction and perform the binding processing operation while moving toward the end in the width direction. Accordingly, even when the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle PT as a binding area, the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are shifted in the width direction and look good. It is possible to make it difficult to cause a problem that the binding process is performed in a bad state.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
7 and 8, the third embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.
FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the binding device 90 according to the third embodiment. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the sheet bundle PT that has been bound by the binding device 90.
The binding device according to the third embodiment moves the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B in the width direction to perform the binding processing operation, and moves the single binding device main body 91 in the width direction to perform the binding processing operation. This is different from the second embodiment that performs the above.

The binding device 90 according to the third embodiment is also provided with binding device main bodies 91A and 91B in which a first rotating member 92 and a second rotating member 93 are installed, as in the second embodiment. .
Here, as shown in FIG. 7, the third embodiment is different from the second embodiment in that there are two binding device main bodies (first binding device main body 91A and second binding device main body 91B). Is installed). The two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are both configured in substantially the same manner as the binding device main body 91 described in the first embodiment. Then, the first binding device main body 91A is controlled to perform the binding processing operation while starting the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction and moving toward the one end side in the width direction (right side in FIG. 7). The second binding device main body 91B is controlled to perform the binding processing operation while starting the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction and moving toward the other end in the width direction (the left side in FIG. 7). Will be.

Specifically, referring to FIG. 7, first, in the central portion in the width direction of the sheet bundle PT, the second rotation members 93 of the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B that are in the separated state are respectively in the directions of white arrows at substantially the same timing. And the center portion in the width direction of the sheet bundle PT is sandwiched between the two sets of rotating members 92 and 93, respectively. In this way, the binding processing operation is started.
Then, the first binding processing device 91A moves to one end side in the width direction (on the right side in FIG. 7) while rotating in a state where the two rotating members 92 and 93 sandwich the sheet bundle PT. A binding area MA is formed. At the same time, the second binding processing device 91B moves to the other end in the width direction (to the left in FIG. 7) while rotating with the two rotating members 92 and 93 sandwiching the sheet bundle PT. The second binding area MB is formed.

In this way, finally, as shown in FIG. 8, the binding process is completed with the first binding area MA and the second binding area MB slightly separated from each other in the center in the width direction with respect to the sheet bundle PT. Will do.
As described above, in the third embodiment, the binding operation is started from the central portion in the width direction by the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B, and the sheet bundle PT is performed without performing the contact / separation operation of the rotating members 92 and 93. Since almost the entire area in the width direction is the binding area, there is no sheet misalignment of the sheet bundle PT, and the processing speed of the binding process can be increased.

In the third embodiment, the length in the width direction of the binding area MA (first binding area) to be bound by the first binding apparatus body 91A and the binding area MB to be bound by the second binding apparatus body 91B. It is formed so that the length in the width direction of the (second binding region) is equal.
Thereby, since the timing can be aligned from the start to the end of the binding process by the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B, the above-described effect is ensured.

  As described above, in the third embodiment, the two binding apparatus main bodies 91A and 91B that perform the binding processing operation of pressing the tooth-shaped uneven portions 92a and 93a against the sheet bundle PT and meshing the sheets P are provided. The two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are controlled so that the binding processing operation is performed while starting the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and moving toward the end in the width direction. Accordingly, even when the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle PT as a binding area, the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are shifted in the width direction and look good. It is possible to make it difficult to cause a problem that the binding process is performed in a bad state.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating the sheet bundle PT that has been bound by the binding device 90 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing a sheet bundle PT that has been bound by a binding device 90 as a modified example. FIG. 11 shows a binding process applied to the sheet bundle PT by a binding device 90 as yet another modified example. FIG.
In the binding device according to the fourth embodiment, the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are juxtaposed in the width direction, and the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are juxtaposed in the width direction. This is different from the third embodiment.

The binding device 90 according to the fourth embodiment is also provided with two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B in which the first rotation member 92 and the second rotation member 93 are installed, as in the third embodiment. ing.
Here, referring to FIG. 9, in the fourth embodiment, the first binding device main body 91A and the second binding device main body 91B are juxtaposed in the direction perpendicular to the width direction (the transport direction). Has been. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, the position of the central portion in the width direction where the binding processing operation is started by the first binding device main body 91A and the central portion of the width direction where the binding processing operation is started by the second binding device main body 91B. The position is formed so as to overlap with the conveyance direction. As in the third embodiment, the first binding device main body 91A starts the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and moves toward one end in the width direction (right side in FIG. 9). The second binding apparatus main body 91B starts the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and moves toward the other end in the width direction (the left side in FIG. 9). However, it is controlled to perform the binding processing operation.

In this way, finally, as shown in FIG. 9, the first binding area MA and the second binding area MB are shifted in the transport direction with respect to the sheet bundle PT, and at the center in the width direction. The binding process is completed in a state where the sections are connected.
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, the binding processing operation is started from the center in the width direction by the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B, and the sheet bundle PT is performed without performing the contact / separation operation of the rotating members 92 and 93. Since almost the entire region in the width direction is the binding region, there is no sheet deviation of the sheet bundle PT, the binding force is high, and the processing speed of the binding process can be increased.
Also in the fourth embodiment, the length in the width direction of the binding area MA (first binding area) to be bound by the first binding apparatus body 91A and the binding area MB to be bound by the second binding apparatus body 91B. It is formed so that the length in the width direction of the (second binding region) is equal.

In the fourth embodiment, the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are configured to be arranged on the center line in the width direction (shown by a one-dot chain line). However, as shown in FIG. The binding device main bodies 91A and 91B may be arranged so as to be slightly shifted in the width direction. Specifically, the first binding device main body 91A is disposed slightly on the other end in the width direction (to the left) with respect to the center line in the width direction, and the second binding device main body 91B is positioned on the center line in the width direction. On the other hand, it is arranged slightly on the one end side (right side) in the width direction.
In such a case, as shown in FIG. 10, the first binding area MA and the second binding area MB are shifted in the transport direction with respect to the sheet bundle PT, and at the center in the width direction as shown in FIG. The binding process is completed in a state of being connected in a wider range than that of the above. Therefore, a higher binding force can be ensured.

Further, when the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are arranged side by side in the transport direction as in the fourth embodiment, after the binding processing operation by the second binding device main body 91B is completed, the second binding device main body 91A is connected to the sheet bundle PT. The first binding device main body 91A is moved relative to the transport direction (the direction perpendicular to the width direction), and the position of the central portion in the width direction and the first binding are started by the second binding device main body 91B. It is also possible to control to match the position of the central portion in the width direction where the binding processing operation is started by the apparatus main body 91A and then start the binding processing operation by the first binding apparatus main body 91A.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 11A, the second binding device main body 91B is moved to the left as shown in FIG. 11B from the state in which the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are arranged in parallel in the transport direction. The second binding area MB is formed. Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 11C, the first binding device body 91A is moved downward (or the sheet bundle PT is moved upward), and as shown in FIG. The binding device body 91A is moved rightward to form the first binding area MA.
In such a case, as shown in FIG. 11D, the first binding area MA and the second binding area MB are connected to the sheet bundle PT at the center in the width direction without being shifted in the transport direction. In this state, the binding process is completed.

  As described above, in the fourth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the binding processing operation of pressing the tooth-shaped uneven portions 92a and 93a against the sheet bundle PT and meshing the sheets P is performed. Two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are provided, and the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are arranged so as to start the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and perform the binding processing operation while moving toward the end in the width direction. I have control. Accordingly, even when the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle PT as a binding area, the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are shifted in the width direction and look good. It is possible to make it difficult to cause a problem that the binding process is performed in a bad state.

Embodiment 5. FIG.
A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram sequentially illustrating operations in which the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT by the binding device 90 according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a sheet bundle PT that has been bound by the binding device 90 as a modification thereof.
In the binding device according to the fifth embodiment, the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B start the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and move to the end in the width direction. This is different from that of the third embodiment in that the binding processing operation is finished after returning to step S2.

The binding device 90 according to the fifth embodiment is also provided with two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B in which the first rotating member 92 and the second rotating member 93 are installed, as in the third embodiment. ing.
Here, referring to FIG. 12A, in the fifth embodiment, the first binding device main body 91A and the second binding device main body 91B are juxtaposed in the width direction at the center in the width direction. . Then, as shown in FIG. 12A, the first binding device main body 91A starts the binding processing operation from the center portion in the width direction and binds while moving toward the one end side in the width direction (right side). After performing the processing operation, as shown in FIG. 12B, the first binding device main body 91A is moved relative to the sheet bundle PT in the transport direction (direction perpendicular to the width direction) in a separated state. As shown in FIG. 12C, control is performed so as to return to the contact state, resume the binding processing operation from one end in the width direction, move toward the center in the width direction, and end the binding processing operation. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 12A, the second binding device main body 91B starts the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and moves toward the other end in the width direction (to the left). Then, after performing the binding processing operation, as shown in FIG. 12B, the second binding device main body 91B is moved relative to the sheet bundle PT in the separation direction relative to the sheet bundle PT. As shown in FIG. 4, the control is performed so that the binding processing operation is resumed from the other end side in the width direction and moved toward the center in the width direction to end the binding processing operation after returning to the contact state. The operations of the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are performed at the same timing as shown in FIGS.

Thus, finally, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first binding area MA1 formed by reciprocating between the width direction center and the width direction end with respect to the sheet bundle PT. , MA2 and the second binding areas MB1 and MB2 are completed in a state where they are slightly separated from each other in the center in the width direction.
As described above, in the fifth embodiment, the binding processing operation is started from the central portion in the width direction by the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B, and the almost entire area in the width direction of the sheet bundle PT is a relatively wide range in the transport direction. Therefore, the sheet bundle PT is not misaligned, the binding force is high, and the processing speed of the binding process can be increased.

In the fifth embodiment, the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are arranged so as to straddle the position of the center line in the width direction (indicated by the alternate long and short dash line). However, as shown in FIG. Two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B may be arranged at positions shifted from the line. That is, the position of the central portion in the width direction where the binding processing operation is started by the first binding device main body 91A and the second binding device main body 91B, and the binding processing operation by the first binding device main body 91A and the second binding device main body 91B. The position of the center in the width direction where the process is finished can be formed so as to be shifted in the width direction.
In such a case, the timing of contacting / separating the second rotating member 93 is shifted while the two binding device main bodies 91A, 91B are moving, but finally, as shown in FIG. Thus, the binding process is completed when the first binding areas MA1 and MA2 and the second binding areas MB1 and MB2 overlap each other when viewed from the transport direction. Therefore, the binding force for the sheet bundle PT can be further increased.

  As described above, also in the fifth embodiment, similarly to the third embodiment, the binding processing operation is performed in which the tooth-shaped uneven portions 92a and 93a are pressed against the sheet bundle PT and the sheets P are engaged with each other. Two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are provided, and the two binding device main bodies 91A and 91B are arranged so as to start the binding processing operation from the center in the width direction and perform the binding processing operation while moving toward the end in the width direction. I have control. Accordingly, even when the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle PT as a binding area, the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are shifted in the width direction and look good. It is possible to make it difficult to cause a problem that the binding process is performed in a bad state.

Embodiment 6 FIG.
A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG.
FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram illustrating a sheet bundle PT that has been bound by the binding device 83 (second binding device) according to the fifth embodiment.
The binding device according to the sixth embodiment is different from the above-described embodiments in that the binding processing is performed on the sheet bundle PT subjected to the folding processing.

The binding device according to the sixth embodiment is a second binding device 83 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) installed in the third transport path K5 where the folding process is performed. This is different from the first binding device 90 in FIG. That is, in the sixth embodiment, after the binding process is performed by the binding device 83 (second binding device), the sheet bundle PT has a crease across the width direction at the center in the transport direction (direction perpendicular to the width direction). A folding process for forming X is performed (see FIG. 14).
The binding device 83 according to the sixth embodiment is also provided with two binding device main bodies in which the first rotation member and the second rotation member are installed, similarly to the binding device 90 according to the third to fifth embodiments. Then, the binding device operation is performed by moving the two binding device main bodies from the central portion in the width direction to the end portions in the width direction.

  In that case, as shown in FIG. 14 (A) or FIG. 14 (B), the first on one side PB with respect to the transport direction so as to straddle the crease X (the crease formed after the binding process). The binding process by the binding device main body is started, and the binding process by the second binding device main body is started on the other side PA in the transport direction. That is, as shown in FIG. 14A or FIG. 14B, the first binding region MA is finally formed on one side PB with respect to the transport direction so as to straddle the fold line X, and the transport direction On the other hand, the second binding area MB is formed on the other side PA.

  Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 14C, compared to the case where the two first binding areas MA and MB are formed on one side PA with respect to the transport direction without straddling the fold line X, the two binding areas MA, MBs can be arranged in a well-balanced manner without biasing an area other than the binding area in the entire sheet bundle PT to one side of both sides PA and PB.

  As described above, in the sixth embodiment, two binding device main bodies that perform the binding processing operation for pressing the tooth-shaped uneven portions against the sheet bundle PT and meshing the sheets P are provided, and the center in the width direction is provided. The two binding device main bodies are controlled so as to perform the binding processing operation while starting the binding processing operation from the first part and moving toward the end in the width direction. Accordingly, even when the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle PT as a binding area, the sheets P of the sheet bundle PT are shifted in the width direction and look good. It is possible to make it difficult to cause a problem that the binding process is performed in a bad state.

In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the binding device 90 (83) installed in the post-processing device 50 in the monochrome image forming apparatus 1. However, the present invention is applied to the post-processing device in the color image forming apparatus. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to the binding device installed.
In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the binding device 90 (83) installed in the post-processing device 50 in the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Of course, the present invention is also applied to a binding device installed in a post-processing device in another type of image forming apparatus (for example, an ink jet type image forming apparatus or a stencil printing apparatus). Can be applied.
Furthermore, instead of the binding device 90 (83) installed in the post-processing device 50, the binding device as a single device (for example, a paper feed cassette is set in the transport port 50a, and the processing mode or the like is set in the binding device itself). The present invention can also be applied to a case where an operation panel for inputting is installed.
Even in those cases, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiments can be obtained.

In each of the above embodiments, another post-processing device (for example, a device that performs Z-folding processing on the paper P) is installed between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the post-processing device 50. You can also.
In each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the post-processing device 50 that can perform the binding process, the sorting process, and the folding process. However, the application of the present invention is not limited to this, Naturally, the present invention is applied to a post-processing device that also performs punching processing (punching processing), a post-processing device that performs only binding processing among the above-described plural processing, and a post-processing device that performs processing in another combination. Can be applied.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the present invention is applied to the binding device in which the “width direction” for performing the binding process is set to “the direction substantially orthogonal to the transport direction of the sheets constituting the sheet bundle”. The present invention can also be applied to a binding device in which the “width direction” in which the binding process is performed is “the transport direction of the sheets constituting the sheet bundle”.
Even in such a case, it is possible to obtain substantially the same effects as in the above embodiments.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, the embodiments can be modified as appropriate in addition to those suggested in the embodiments. Is clear. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the above embodiments, and can be set to a number, position, shape, and the like that are suitable for carrying out the present invention.

1 image forming apparatus body (apparatus body),
50 aftertreatment devices,
83 Binding device (second binding device),
90 Binding device (first binding device),
91 Binding device body,
91A 1st binding device body,
91B 2nd binding device body,
92 first rotating member, 92a uneven portion,
93 second rotating member, 93a uneven portion,
M binding area,
MA, MA1, MA2 first binding area,
MB, MB1, MB2 second binding area,
M1-M5 binding part,
P paper (sheet), PT paper bundle, X fold.

JP-A-7-165365 JP 2010-208854 A Japanese Patent No. 5253453

Claims (12)

A binding device that performs a binding process on a sheet bundle with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle as a binding area,
A binding device main body that continuously or intermittently performs a binding operation of pressing a tooth-shaped uneven portion against the sheet bundle to form unevenness in the thickness direction and meshing the sheets, while moving in the width direction. Prepared,
The binding device main body is controlled to perform a binding processing operation while starting a binding processing operation from a central portion in the width direction and moving toward the end portion in the width direction.   The binding device main body starts the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction, performs the binding processing operation while moving toward the one end side in the width direction, and then returns to the central portion in the width direction and then the other end side in the width direction. The binding device according to claim 1, wherein the binding device is controlled to resume the binding processing operation while moving toward the head. Comprising the two binding device bodies;
The two binding device main bodies are controlled such that the first binding device main body starts the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction and performs the binding processing operation while moving toward the one end side in the width direction. The binding device according to claim 1, wherein the main body is controlled to perform the binding processing operation while starting the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction and moving toward the other end in the width direction.   The width in the width direction of the binding area to be bound by the first binding apparatus main body and the length in the width direction of the binding area to be bound by the second binding apparatus main body are formed to be equal. The binding device according to claim 3, wherein the binding device is characterized in that: The first binding device body and the second binding device body are arranged side by side in a direction orthogonal to the width direction,
The position of the central portion in the width direction where the binding processing operation is started by the first binding device body and the position of the central portion in the width direction where the binding processing operation is started by the second binding device body are from the orthogonal direction. The binding device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the binding device is formed so as to overlap with each other.   After the binding processing operation by the second binding device main body is completed, the first binding device is moved relative to the sheet bundle in the orthogonal direction, and the binding processing operation is started by the second binding device main body. The position of the center portion in the width direction and the position of the center portion in the width direction where the binding processing operation is started by the first binding device body are matched, and then the binding processing operation by the first binding device body is started. The binding device according to claim 5, wherein control is performed as follows. The first binding device main body starts the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction, performs the binding processing operation while moving toward the one end in the width direction, and then moves the first binding device to the sheet bundle. It is controlled to move relative to the direction orthogonal to the width direction, resume the binding processing operation from one end in the width direction and move toward the center in the width direction to end the binding processing operation,
The second binding device main body starts the binding processing operation from the central portion in the width direction, performs the binding processing operation while moving toward the other end in the width direction, and then performs the second binding device on the sheet bundle. Is moved relative to the direction orthogonal to the width direction to resume the binding processing operation from the other end in the width direction and move toward the center in the width direction to finish the binding processing operation. The binding device according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the binding device is characterized in that:   The binding processing operation is completed by the position of the central portion in the width direction where the binding processing operation is started by the first binding device main body and the second binding device main body, and the first binding device main body and the second binding device main body. The binding device according to claim 7, wherein a position of the center portion in the width direction is formed to be shifted in the width direction.   When a folding process is performed in which a crease is formed across the width direction at the center of the sheet bundle in a direction orthogonal to the width direction, the first side is formed on one side with respect to the direction orthogonal to the fold line. The binding process by the first binding apparatus body is started, and the binding process by the second binding apparatus body is started on the other side with respect to the orthogonal direction. The binding device according to 1. The binding device body is:
A first rotating member in which the tooth-shaped irregularities are formed over the outer peripheral surface;
The tooth-shaped concavo-convex portion that meshes with the tooth-shaped concavo-convex portion of the first rotating member is formed over an outer peripheral surface, and the first bundle so as to sandwich the sheet bundle with the first rotating member. A second rotating member configured to move relative to the rotating member;
Comprising
The binding processing operation is performed by moving the first rotating member and the second rotating member in the width direction while rotating with the sheet bundle being sandwiched. A binding device according to claim 1.   The binding device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the width direction is a direction substantially orthogonal to a conveyance direction of sheets constituting the sheet bundle.   An image forming apparatus comprising the binding device according to claim 1.

Images