BINDING PROCESSING DEVICE AND IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM

Abstract

A binding processing device includes: a binding processing unit that performs binding processing by moving binding teeth toward a paper bundle to apply pressure to the paper bundle; and a control unit that controls a movement of the binding processing unit, in which the control unit increases a pressure-applying force of the binding teeth in a case where movement of the binding teeth in the binding processing of the paper bundle does not reach a predetermined amount of movement.

Claims

1. A binding processing device comprising: a binding processing unit that performs binding processing by moving binding teeth toward a paper bundle to apply pressure to the paper bundle; and a control unit that controls a movement of the binding processing unit, wherein the control unit increases a pressure-applying force of the binding teeth in a case where movement of the binding teeth in the binding processing of the paper bundle does not reach a predetermined amount of movement.

2. The binding processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit increases the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth in a case where the movement of the binding teeth does not reach a predetermined amount of movement in a predetermined time setting.

3. The binding processing device according to claim 2, wherein the control unit performs control to end the binding processing in a case where the movement of the binding teeth does not reach a predetermined amount of movement in a predetermined time setting, and increases the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth in a case where the control is performed a predetermined number of times.

4. The binding processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sequentially increases the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth until a predetermined upper limit value is reached, and determines whether the movement of the binding teeth has reached the predetermined amount of movement.

5. The binding processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit controls the binding processing unit to perform the binding processing using the increased pressure-applying force as a new setting value in a case where the movement of the binding teeth has reached the predetermined amount of movement.

6. The binding processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit sets an amount of movement of the binding teeth based on information regarding the number of sheets to be bound in the paper bundle and a location where the binding processing is to be performed on the paper bundle, and the pressure-applying force is increased by a predetermined amount of increase.

7. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper; and the binding processing device according to claim 1 that binds the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

8. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper; and the binding processing device according to claim 2 that binds the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

9. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper; and the binding processing device according to claim 3 that binds the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

10. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper; and the binding processing device according to claim 4 that binds the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

11. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper; and the binding processing device according to claim 5 that binds the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

12. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper; and the binding processing device according to claim 6 that binds the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0008] Exemplary embodiment(s) of the present invention will be described in detail based on the following figures, wherein:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system in the present exemplary embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating a first post-processing device;

[0011] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating a binding processing unit;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a view of a paper accumulation unit as viewed from above;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of an information processing unit;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting information used for binding processing;

[0015] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of timer control, in which a part (a) in FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the binding processing has ended with pulse control, and a part (b) in FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the binding processing has ended with the timer control;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a setting condition in a case where the setting information of the binding processing is changed; and

[0017] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of changing the setting information of the binding processing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Configuration of Image Forming System

[0019] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of an image forming system 1 in the present exemplary embodiment.

[0020] The image forming system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on paper, and a paper processing apparatus 3 that performs predetermined processing on the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2.

[0021] The image forming apparatus 2 includes an image forming unit 19 that forms an image on a paper P using an electrophotographic method or an ink jet method. The paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 19 of the image forming apparatus 2 is transported toward the paper processing apparatus 3 that is a post-processing apparatus.

[0022] The paper processing apparatus 3 includes a transport device 10 that transports the paper output from the image forming apparatus 2 to the downstream side, and a laminated sheet feed device 20 that feeds laminated sheets such as thick sheets or windowed sheets to the paper transported by the transport device 10.

[0023] Additionally, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes a folding device 30 that performs folding processing such as inward tri-fold (C-fold) or outward tri-fold (Z-fold) on the paper transported from the transport device 10.

[0024] In addition, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes a first post-processing device 40 that is provided downstream of the folding device 30 and that performs hole punching, end binding, saddle binding, or the like on the paper.

[0025] That is, the first post-processing device 40 that performs processing on a paper bundle consisting of a plurality of sheets of paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2 or that performs processing on the paper for each sheet of paper is provided downstream of the folding device 30.

[0026] Additionally, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes a second post-processing device 590 that is provided downstream of the first post-processing device 40 and that further performs processing on the paper bundle that is saddle-folded or saddle-bounded. Further, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes an information processing unit 100 that includes a central processing unit (CPU) executing a program and that controls the entire paper processing apparatus 3. The information processing unit 100 is an example of a control unit. In addition, the paper processing apparatus 3 includes an information display unit 915 that is configured as a liquid crystal monitor or the like and that displays information to a user.

[0027] The first post-processing device 40 includes a perforation unit 41 that performs hole punching (punching) on the paper and an end binding unit 42 that binds an end of the paper bundle. Additionally, the first post-processing device 40 includes a first stacking portion 43 on which the paper bundle subjected to the processing by the end binding unit 42 is stacked. Further, the first post-processing device 40 includes a second stacking portion 45 on which the paper that is not processed by the first post-processing device 40 or the paper that has only been hole-punched is stacked. Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 includes a saddle binding unit 44 that performs saddle folding/saddle binding on the paper bundle to create a spread-format booklet.

First Post-processing Device

[0028] FIG. 2 is an explanatory view illustrating the first post-processing device 40.

[0029] The first post-processing device 40 includes a receiving inlet 49 for receiving the paper transported from the folding device 30. Additionally, the first post-processing device 40 includes the perforation unit 41 immediately after the receiving inlet 49. The perforation unit 41 performs hole punching (punching) such as two-hole or four-hole punching on the paper transported to the first post-processing device 40.

[0030] In addition, the first post-processing device 40 includes a first paper transport path R11 from the receiving inlet 49 to the end binding unit 42. The first paper transport path R11 is used to transport the paper received by the receiving inlet 49 to the end binding unit 42. Further, the first post-processing device 40 includes a second paper transport path R12 that branches from the first paper transport path R11 at a first branch portion B1. The second paper transport path R12 is used to transport the paper to the second stacking portion 45.

[0031] Furthermore, the first post-processing device 40 includes a third paper transport path R13 that branches from the first paper transport path R11 at a second branch portion B2. The third paper transport path R13 is used to transport the paper to the saddle binding unit 44. Additionally, the first post-processing device 40 includes a switching gate 70 that switches a transport destination of the paper P to any of the first paper transport path R11 to the third paper transport path R13.

[0032] The end binding unit 42 is provided with a paper accumulation unit 60 that accumulates a required number of sheets of paper to generate the paper bundle. The paper accumulation unit 60 includes a support plate 67 that is disposed to be inclined with respect to a horizontal direction and that supports the transported paper from below. In the present exemplary embodiment, the paper bundle is generated on the support plate 67.

[0033] In addition, the support plate 67 includes an end guide 64 that aligns the position of an end portion of the paper in a transport direction. More specifically, the end guide 64 includes a restricting portion 641 and a facing piece 642 (refer to FIG. 4).

[0034] The restricting portions 641 (641-1, 641-2, and 641-3) are disposed to be orthogonal to the support plate 67. The end portion of the paper in the transport direction abuts against the restricting portion 641, thereby restricting the movement of the paper.

[0035] Further, the facing pieces 642 (642-1, 642-2, and 642-3) are connected to the restricting portions 641 and are disposed to face the support plate 67. In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the paper is placed on the support plate 67, the end portion of the paper in the transport direction enters between the facing piece 642 and the support plate 67.

[0036] Additionally, the end binding unit 42 is provided with a paper alignment member 65 that aligns the position of the paper in a width direction of the paper. Here, the width direction of the paper refers to a width of the paper in a direction intersecting a direction in which the paper is transported in the paper accumulation unit 60.

[0037] In the present exemplary embodiment, two paper alignment members 65 are provided, one paper alignment member 65 is disposed on one side of the paper bundle in the width direction, and the other paper alignment member 65 is disposed on the other side of the paper bundle in the width direction. The paper alignment member 65 includes, for example, a drive source such as a motor, and can move in the width direction of the paper (paper bundle).

[0038] In the present exemplary embodiment, each time the paper P is supplied onto the support plate 67, end portions of the paper in the width direction are pressed by the paper alignment members 65, and the position of the paper (paper bundle) in the width direction is aligned.

[0039] Further, the end binding unit 42 is provided with a binding processing unit 52 that performs the binding processing by moving the binding teeth with respect to the paper bundle generated in the paper accumulation unit 60 to apply pressure to the paper bundle. In the present exemplary embodiment, the binding processing unit 52 performs binding processing without using a staple needle. The binding processing unit 52 is an example of a binding processing unit. Details of the binding processing unit 52 will be described below.

[0040] Furthermore, the end binding unit 42 is provided with a transport roller 61 that performs rotational drive to send the paper bundle generated in the paper accumulation unit 60 to the first stacking portion 43.

[0041] Additionally, the end binding unit 42 is provided with a movable roller 62 that is movable to a position in pressure contact with the transport roller 61 or a position retracted from the transport roller 61.

[0042] Next, the processing by the end binding unit 42 will be described.

[0043] In a case where the processing by the end binding unit 42 is performed, first, the transported paper is received by the receiving inlet 49. The paper is then transported along the first paper transport path R11 and reaches the end binding unit 42.

[0044] Then, the paper is transported up to above the support plate 67 and then falls onto the support plate 67. Additionally, the paper is supported from below by the support plate 67 and slides on the support plate 67 due to the inclination of the support plate 67 and a rotating member 63.

[0045] The paper then abuts against the end guide 64 attached to an end portion of the support plate 67. Consequently, the movement of the paper is stopped. Subsequently, this operation is performed each time the paper is transported from the upstream side, and the paper bundle in which a plurality of sheets of paper are aligned is generated on the support plate 67.

[0046] In a case where a predetermined number of sheets of paper are stacked on the support plate 67, the binding processing unit 52 executes binding on the end portion of the paper bundle. The binding processing unit 52 executes binding by clamping the paper bundle between two binding teeth and pressure-bonding the sheets of paper that constitute the paper bundle.

[0047] The movable roller 62 then advances toward the transport roller 61, and the paper bundle is clamped between the movable roller 62 and the transport roller 61. Then, the transport roller 61 performs rotational drive, and the paper bundle is transported to the first stacking portion 43.

Binding Processing Unit

[0048] FIG. 3 is an explanatory view illustrating the binding processing unit 52.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 3, the binding processing unit 52 includes first binding teeth 71 used for the binding processing of the paper bundle. In addition, the binding processing unit 52 includes second binding teeth 72 above the first binding teeth 71. Hereinafter, in a case where the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 are not distinguished, the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 may be referred to as binding teeth.

[0050] The first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 each include a protrusion and recess portion. More specifically, the first binding teeth 71 include a protrusion and recess portion in which protrusion portions and recess portions are alternately arranged in a direction indicated by an arrow 3X in the drawing on a surface positioned on a second binding teeth 72 side. Additionally, the second binding teeth 72 include a protrusion and recess portion in which protrusion portions and recess portions are alternately arranged in the direction indicated by the arrow 3X in the drawing on a surface positioned on a first binding teeth 71 side. In other words, the first binding teeth 71 include the protrusion and recess portion in which the protrusion portions and the recess portions are alternately arranged in a longitudinal direction on the surface positioned on the second binding teeth 72 side. Further, the second binding teeth 72 include the protrusion and recess portion in which the protrusion portions and the recess portions are alternately arranged in the longitudinal direction on the surface positioned on the first binding teeth 71 side. In the present exemplary embodiment, the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 are each configured such that the protrusion portions and the recess portions are alternately arranged, but the protrusion portions and the recess portions may be arranged in other configurations.

[0051] In addition, the binding processing unit 52 includes an interlocking portion 600 that moves in conjunction with the second binding teeth 72. Further, the binding processing unit 52 includes a moving mechanism 500 that moves the second binding teeth 72 toward the first binding teeth 71. The moving mechanism 500 includes a rod-shaped screw member 510 extending along the vertical direction in the drawing. An outer peripheral surface of the screw member 510 is provided with a male thread with protrusion portions and groove portions arranged at predetermined constant intervals in an axial direction of the screw member 510. Additionally, the interlocking portion 600 is provided with a female threaded portion 610, and the screw member 510 that is a male thread meshes with a portion of the interlocking portion 600 where the female threaded portion 610 is provided.

[0052] The moving mechanism 500 rotates the screw member 510 that meshes with the interlocking portion 600 in a circumferential direction to move the second binding teeth 72 toward the first binding teeth 71.

[0053] More specifically, the binding processing unit 52 in the present exemplary embodiment includes a drive motor (not shown), and in a case where the drive motor is rotated in a forward direction, the screw member 510 is rotated in the circumferential direction and in one direction. Consequently, the interlocking portion 600 and the second binding teeth 72 move downward along a linear path indicated by an arrow 3Y in the drawing and move toward the first binding teeth 71. As a result, the binding processing is performed.

[0054] In addition, in a case where the drive motor is reversed, the screw member 510 rotates in an opposite direction. Consequently, the interlocking portion 600 and the second binding teeth 72 move upward. In a case where the second binding teeth 72 move upward, the second binding teeth 72 are separated from the first binding teeth 71.

[0055] Further, the binding processing unit 52 in the present exemplary embodiment includes an initial position detection sensor (not shown) that detects the initial position of the interlocking portion 600.

[0056] Furthermore, the binding processing unit 52 includes an encoder (not shown) that detects rotation of the drive motor and outputs a pulse signal in a case where the interlocking portion 600 moves out of the initial position.

[0057] In the present exemplary embodiment, a configuration has been employed in which the screw member 510 is used to move the second binding teeth 72, but a mechanism that moves the second binding teeth 72 is not particularly limited. Other mechanisms such as a cam mechanism or a jack mechanism may be used. In addition, in the present exemplary embodiment, the second binding teeth 72 are moved, but the first binding teeth 71 may also be moved, or both the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 may be moved.

[0058] FIG. 4 is a view of the paper accumulation unit 60 as viewed from above.

[0059] Next, the movement of the binding processing unit 52 on the paper accumulation unit 60 will be described.

[0060] The binding processing unit 52 in the present exemplary embodiment is provided to be movable with respect to the paper accumulation unit 60. The binding processing unit 52 moves in a direction intersecting the transport direction of the paper. The binding processing unit 52 can also be said to move along a depth direction (direction from a back side and a front side) of the first post-processing device 40. As a result, the binding processing unit 52 can perform the binding processing on the paper bundle at a plurality of locations.

[0061] The binding processing unit 52 stops at, for example, two points (an (A) position and a (B) position in FIG. 4) that are positioned at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40 and performs the binding processing at the two points. Additionally, the binding processing unit 52 stops at, for example, one end of the paper bundle (one corner portion of the paper bundle) shown at a (C) position in FIG. 4 and performs the binding processing at the one point. Further, the binding processing unit 52 stops at, for example, the other end of the paper bundle (the other corner portion of the paper bundle) shown at a (D) position in FIG. 4 and performs the binding processing at the one point.

[0062] The binding positions shown above, that is, the (A) position to the (D) position, are examples of the binding position, and the binding position is not limited thereto.

[0063] The binding processing unit 52 in the present exemplary embodiment performs linear movement between the (A) position and the (B) position. In addition, the binding processing unit 52 moves between the (A) position and the (C) position and between the (B) position and the (D) position while, for example, rotating by 45.

[0064] The binding processing unit 52 in the present exemplary embodiment includes, for example, a drive source such as a motor and can perform the movement mentioned above. Further, for example, a configuration may also be employed in which a movable belt member is provided, the binding processing unit 52 is attached to the belt member, and the binding processing unit 52 is moved in accordance with the movement of the belt member.

[0065] In the present exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, the paper accumulation unit 60 includes a plurality of end guides 64. The end guides 64 are disposed at different locations in the depth direction of the first post-processing device 40. The number of end guides 64 shown in FIG. 4 is an example and is not limited thereto.

[0066] First, in a case where the binding processing is performed at the (A) position of FIG. 4, the binding processing is performed through a gap formed between the facing piece 642-1 positioned on the front side and the facing piece 642-2 positioned at a center portion. Additionally, in a case where the binding processing is performed at the (B) position of FIG. 4, the binding processing is performed through a gap formed between the facing piece 642-2 positioned on a center side and the facing piece 642-3 positioned on the back side.

[0067] In the present exemplary embodiment, a case where the binding processing unit 52 that does not use a binding member such as a staple is used as the binding processing unit 52 has been described as an example, but an additional binding processing unit that uses the binding member such as the staple may be provided.

[0068] In a case where the additional binding processing unit that uses the binding member is provided, for example, the binding processing unit to be used for the binding is switched in response to an instruction from the user. In this case, both binding processing without using the binding member and binding processing using the binding member can be performed.

[0069] In the present exemplary embodiment, a maximum distance between the first binding teeth 71 and the second binding teeth 72 is larger than a height dimension of the end guide 64. As a result, the binding processing unit 52 can pass through the end guide 64.

Hardware Configuration of Information Processing Unit

[0070] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the information processing unit 100.

[0071] The information processing unit 100 is provided with a processing unit 201, an information storage device 202 that stores information, and a network interface 203 that implements communication via a local area network (LAN) cable or the like.

[0072] The processing unit 201 is configured with a computer. The processing unit 201 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 211 as an example of a processor that executes various types of processing to be described below. In addition, the processing unit 201 includes a read only memory (ROM) 212 in which software is stored and a random access memory (RAM) 213 used as a work area. The information storage device 202 is implemented using existing devices such as a hard disk drive, a semiconductor memory, and a magnetic tape. The processing unit 201, the information storage device 202, and the network interface 203 are connected through a bus 206 or a signal line (not shown).

[0073] A program to be executed by the CPU 211 may be provided to the information processing unit 100 in a state of being stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a magnetic recording medium (magnetic tape, magnetic disk, or the like), an optical recording medium (optical disk or the like), a magneto-optical recording medium, or a semiconductor memory. Alternatively, the program to be executed by the CPU 211 may be provided to the information processing unit 100 by using communication means such as the Internet.

[0074] In the present exemplary embodiment, the CPU 211 as an example of the processor executes the program stored in the ROM 212 or the information storage device 202 to implement various functions of the information processing unit 100.

[0075] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of setting information used for the binding processing.

[0076] In the present exemplary embodiment, information required for performing the binding processing is stored in the information storage device 202 in advance. More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, the number of pulses for determining the amount of movement and a current value to be supplied to the drive motor are set in advance according to the type of binding processing and the number of sheets to be bound. Here, information on one-location binding and two-location binding is stored as the type of binding processing. In addition, in the example shown in FIG. 6, the number of sheets to be bound is distinguished into, for example, five stages from 2 sheets to 10 sheets. The number of pulses and the current value are set for each stage. In FIG. 6, the number of pulses and the current value are represented as pulse settings 1 to 10 and current value settings 1 to 10, instead of specific numerical values. The setting values are optionally determined, for example, according to the functions of the binding processing unit 52.

[0077] More specifically, in the example shown in FIG. 6, for example, in a case where the number of sheets to be bound is two in one-location binding, the pulse setting 1 and the current value setting 1 are set. Additionally, for example, in a case where the number of sheets to be bound is three to four in two-location binding, the pulse setting 7 and the current value setting 7 are set.

[0078] In a case where an instruction for the binding processing is accepted, the information processing unit 100 performs the binding processing based on the type of binding processing and the setting value corresponding to the number of sheets to be bound as instructed.

[0079] Here, for example, in a case where an increase in rigidity of the paper, a decrease in the pressure-applying force to the paper bundle due to a change over time, or the like occurs when the binding processing is performed based on a predetermined setting value shown in FIG. 6, the number of pulses determined by the setting may not be counted. In this case, the movement of the second binding teeth 72 does not reach the predetermined amount of movement. Since the operation is not completed as is, control is also performed to regard the binding processing as complete once the predetermined time setting has elapsed, even in a case where the number of pulses determined by the setting cannot be counted.

[0080] Hereinafter, control to regard the binding processing as complete once the predetermined time setting has elapsed may be referred to as timer control.

[0081] FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of the timer control, in which a part (a) in FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the binding processing has ended with pulse control, and a part (b) in FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example in which the binding processing has ended with the timer control. Here, a waveform L shown in FIG. 7 indicates a waveform output by the initial position detection sensor, and a waveform M indicates a pulse signal output by the encoder. In addition, a waveform N indicates a current value to be supplied to the drive motor. The horizontal axis shown in the parts (a) and (b) in FIG. 7 is a time axis, and time point P indicates a start point at which measurement of the predetermined time setting is started. Further, time point Q indicates when the second binding teeth 72 come into contact with the paper bundle.

[0082] In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where a current is supplied to the drive motor, the drive motor rotates, and a drive force of the drive motor is transmitted to the interlocking portion 600 (refer to FIG. 3). Consequently, the interlocking portion 600 and the second binding teeth 72 start to move. Then, the initial position detection sensor detects that the interlocking portion 600 has moved from the initial position, and outputs a signal to the information processing unit 100. In a case where a current is supplied to the drive motor, the drive motor rotates, and the encoder detects the rotation of the drive motor and outputs a pulse signal.

[0083] At time point P shown in FIG. 7, in a case where the initial position detection sensor detects the movement of the interlocking portion 600 from the initial position, the information processing unit 100 starts measuring the predetermined time setting.

[0084] Thereafter, in a case where the second binding teeth 72 advance toward the paper bundle, the second binding teeth 72 come into contact with the paper bundle at time point Q shown in FIG. 7. Then, in a case where the rotation of the drive motor continues, the pressure-applying force to the paper bundle by the second binding teeth 72 increases, and the current supplied to the drive motor increases.

[0085] In the example shown in the part (a) in FIG. 7, a state in which the set and determined number of pulses can be counted, and the second binding teeth 72 are lowered to a required position, that is, pressure is applied to the paper bundle by a required amount, is shown. In the case of the example shown in the part (a) in FIG. 7, the information processing unit 100 determines that the movement of the second binding teeth 72 has reached a predetermined amount of movement, and completes the binding processing.

[0086] On the other hand, in the example shown in the part (b) in FIG. 7, the determined number of pulses cannot be counted because the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth is insufficient, and the pulse signal is stopped at time point R. In this case, the information processing unit 100 determines that the movement of the second binding teeth 72 has not reached the predetermined amount of movement. In the example shown in the part (b) in FIG. 7, even in a case where the pulse signal is stopped, the pressing of the paper bundle continues until the predetermined time setting indicated by time point S has elapsed, and then the binding processing is regarded as complete.

[0087] In this way, by continuing the pressure applied by the binding teeth until the predetermined time setting has elapsed, a certain level of binding function for the paper bundle is ensured; however, in the present exemplary embodiment, the setting information used for the binding processing is changed in order to achieve more stable binding processing.

[0088] More specifically, in the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the determined number of pulses cannot be counted and a binding processing operation is regarded to end through the timer control, determination is made that the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth is insufficient, and the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth is increased.

[0089] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a setting condition in a case where the setting information of the binding processing is changed.

[0090] FIG. 8 shows setting examples of a condition for performing control of current value adjustment and a specific adjustment method in a case where the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth is increased by increasing the current value to the drive motor. As the condition for performing the control of current value adjustment, a trigger as an event in a case of performing the adjustment is set. The current value adjustment trigger is set here as the number of timer control detections of two times, and the control of current value adjustment is set to be performed in a case where the timer control as shown in the part (b) in FIG. 7 is performed two times. The number of timer control detections of two times means that, in a case where the timer control is consecutively performed at the first binding position and the second binding position when two-location binding is performed on the paper bundle, the current value adjustment is performed in the next binding processing. However, the number of timer control detections may be set to a single detection, that is, once, or may be set to a plurality of detections, that is, three or more times.

[0091] Additionally, as the specific adjustment method, in the example shown in FIG. 8, a current value adjustment range and a current value adjustment upper limit are set. The current value adjustment range is an amount of increase per time for the current value to sequentially increase the current value to be supplied to the drive motor. In addition, the current value adjustment upper limit is a predetermined current value as a maximum value of the current value to be supplied to the drive motor.

[0092] In the example shown in FIG. 8, the current value adjustment range is set to 0.1 A, and the current value adjustment upper limit is set to 3.5 A. The 0.1 A of the current value adjustment range is a value employed to gradually increase the current value to the drive motor. By gradually increasing the current value, the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth is sequentially increased, and the impact on the binding processing unit 52 is minimized. Further, the current value adjustment upper limit of 3.5 A is a value employed by taking into consideration the durability of the binding processing unit 52. Stable binding is intended while minimizing the impact on the durability of the body of the binding processing unit 52. Note that these values are not limited to the example shown in FIG. 8 and can be determined with consideration given to the durability of the binding processing unit 52 and the like.

[0093] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a flow of processing of changing the setting information of the binding processing.

[0094] First, the CPU 211 of the information processing unit 100 waits for the binding processing (step S101) and confirms that the binding processing has been selected (step S102). Next, the CPU 211 confirms whether or not the operation has ended by performing pressing by the required number of pulses during pressure application (step S103). The CPU 211 acquires a setting value corresponding to the type of binding processing and the number of sheets to be bound from the setting information (refer to FIG. 6) stored in the information storage device 202. Then, the binding processing operation is executed, and determination is made whether or not the operation has ended by performing pressing by the required number of pulses corresponding to the setting value.

[0095] In a case where the operation has ended by performing pressing by the required number of pulses during pressure application (YES in step S103), the count of the number of timer control detections is reset (step S104), and the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, in a case where the operation has not ended by performing pressing by the required number of pulses during pressure application (NO in step S103), the count of the number of timer control detections is increased by 1 (step S105).

[0096] Next, the CPU 211 of the information processing unit 100 confirms whether or not the number of timer control detections is less than a predetermined number of times (step S106). The predetermined number of times is stored as the setting condition as shown in FIG. 8 and is determined from the setting condition. In a case where the current value adjustment trigger is set as the number of timer control detections of two times, determination is made whether or not the number of timer control detections is less than two times.

[0097] In a case where the number of timer control detections is less than the predetermined number of times (YES in step S106), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, in a case where the number of timer control detections is equal to or greater than the predetermined number of times (NO in step S106), the CPU 211 determines whether or not the current value setting is greater than the current value adjustment upper limit (step S107). Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the current value adjustment upper limit is set to, for example, 3.5 A.

[0098] In a case where the current value setting is greater than the current value adjustment upper limit (YES in step S107), the process returns to step S101. On the other hand, in a case where the current value setting is not greater than the current value adjustment upper limit (NO in step S107), the current value adjustment range is added to the current value setting (step S108), and the process ends. Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the current value adjustment range is set to, for example, 0.1 A, and the current value adjustment range 0.1 A is added to the current value setting. As a result, the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth is increased.

[0099] In the present exemplary embodiment, in a case where the current value adjustment range is added to the current value setting, the new current value setting is stored in the information storage device 202 (refer to FIG. 5) as the setting information shown in FIG. 6. From the next binding processing, the binding processing is performed based on the new current value setting. In this way, by gradually and sequentially increasing the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth, stable binding is achieved while minimizing the impact on the durability of the unit body.

[0100] Although the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, a technical scope of the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments. Other various modifications and alternative configurations that do not deviate from the scope of the technical concept of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are included in the present disclosure.

[0101] Supplementary Note

(((1)))

[0102] A binding processing device comprising: [0103] a binding processing unit that performs binding processing by moving binding teeth toward a paper bundle to apply pressure to the paper bundle; and [0104] a control unit that controls a movement of the binding processing unit, [0105] wherein the control unit increases a pressure-applying force of the binding teeth in a case where movement of the binding teeth in the binding processing of the paper bundle does not reach a predetermined amount of movement.
(((2)))

[0106] The binding processing device according to (((1))), [0107] wherein the control unit increases the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth in a case where the movement of the binding teeth does not reach a predetermined amount of movement in a predetermined time setting.
(((3)))

[0108] The binding processing device according to (((1))) or (((2))), [0109] wherein the control unit performs control to end the binding processing in a case where the movement of the binding teeth does not reach a predetermined amount of movement in a predetermined time setting, and increases the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth in a case where the control is performed a predetermined number of times.
(((4)))

[0110] The binding processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((3))), [0111] wherein the control unit sequentially increases the pressure-applying force of the binding teeth until a predetermined upper limit value is reached, and determines whether the movement of the binding teeth has reached the predetermined amount of movement.
(((5)))

[0112] The binding processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((4))), [0113] wherein the control unit controls the binding processing unit to perform the binding processing using the increased pressure-applying force as a new setting value in a case where the movement of the binding teeth has reached the predetermined amount of movement.
(((6)))

[0114] The binding processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((5))), [0115] wherein the control unit sets an amount of movement of the binding teeth based on information regarding the number of sheets to be bound in the paper bundle and a location where the binding processing is to be performed on the paper bundle, and [0116] the pressure-applying force is increased by a predetermined amount of increase.
(((7)))

[0117] An image forming system comprising: [0118] an image forming apparatus that forms an image on paper; and [0119] the binding processing device according to any one of (((1))) to (((6))) that binds the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

[0120] The foregoing description of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention has been provided for the purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Obviously, many modifications and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in the art. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to understand the invention for various embodiments and with the various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the following claims and their equivalents.