Sheet processing apparatus and sheet processing method

A sheet processing apparatus includes a control unit and an attaching unit. The control unit determines a position along a surface of a sheet adjacent to an edge portion thereof, where a tag including a binding section for binding the sheet is to be attached. The attaching unit has a carrier for the tag and is moved to attach the tag to the position on the surface of the sheet determined by the control unit.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet processing method.

BACKGROUND

An image forming system including a sheet processing apparatus, which performs processing on sheets, and an image forming apparatus, is known. An image forming system capable of reusing sheets is also known. The sheet processing apparatus performs, for example, hole punching in the sheets and binding together two or more sheets with a stapler. The sheets having the holes punched therein and the sheets bound by the stapler are unsuitable for reusing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, a sheet processing apparatus includes a control unit and an attaching unit. The control unit determines a position along a surface of a sheet adjacent to an edge portion thereof, where a tag including a binding section for binding the sheet is to be attached. The attaching unit has a carrier for the tag and is moved to attach the tag to the position on the surface of the sheet determined by the control unit.

FIG. 1is a front view of a sheet processing apparatus1of an embodiment.FIG. 2is a diagram showing a system configuration of the sheet processing apparatus1of this embodiment. The sheet processing apparatus1of this embodiment is an apparatus that attaches a tag to an edge portion of a sheet. In this embodiment, an example is explained in which a tag is attached to one sheet.

The sheet processing apparatus1is disposed adjacent to an image forming apparatus2. The sheet processing apparatus1performs post-processing on a sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus2. Note that the sheet processing apparatus1is not limited to the example shown and may be an apparatus placed on, for example, a desk or a floor surface and used independently of the image forming apparatus2.

As shown inFIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus2includes an interface10, a control panel11, a scanner unit12, a printer unit13, a paper feeding unit14, a paper discharge unit15, and a control unit16.

The interface10is connected to an interface21of the sheet processing apparatus1by hardwire or wirelessly.

The control panel11includes various user selectable keys or touch panel selections and the like and receives operational inputs of a user. For example, when a tag is to be attached to a sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus2, the control panel11receives a user's operational inputs concerning the sheet S and an attachment position of the tag to the sheet S.

The control panel11receives, as the input by the user concerning the sheet S, for example, an input to select the thickness of the sheet S to be printed upon and an input to select a type of the sheet S to be printed upon. Note that “the type of the sheet S” in this embodiment includes a type classified by the material of the sheet S, the surface finish of the sheet S, or the like.

For example, the control panel11receives, as the input of the user concerning the attachment position of the tag, for example, an input for selecting one of a plurality of predetermined attachment location for one or more tags.

The image forming apparatus2sends information concerning the sheet S input by a user on the control panel11to the sheet processing apparatus1through the interface10.

The scanner unit12reads image information of an image on a target object. The printer unit13forms an image on the sheet S on the basis of the image information received from the scanner unit12or image information received from an external apparatus through the interface10. The paper feeding unit14supplies the sheet S to the printer unit13. The paper discharge unit15conveys the sheet S, which is discharged from the printer unit13, to the sheet processing apparatus1.

The control unit16controls various kinds of operation of the interface10, the control panel11, the scanner unit12, the printer unit13, the paper feeding unit14, and the paper discharge unit15.

As shown inFIG. 2, the sheet processing apparatus1includes the interface21, a sheet standby unit22, a tape processing unit24, a storing unit25, and a control unit26.

The control unit26comprises, for example, a control circuit including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM provided in the sheet processing apparatus1. For example, a processor such as the CPU executes a computer program, by which the control unit26controls the operation of the sheet processing apparatus1. For example, the control unit26controls various kinds of operation of the sheet standby unit22and the tape processing unit24.

The storing unit25is configured as, for example, a storage device provided in the sheet processing apparatus1. Various computer programs and the like are stored in the storing unit25.

The interface21acquires information concerning the sheet S by receiving the information from the image forming apparatus2as a part of a command. The interface21sends acquired various kinds of information to the control unit26.

For example, the interface21acquires, as information concerning a number of sheets S to be printed upon, information concerning the thickness and the type of the sheets S. “The information concerning the thickness of the sheets S” is, for example, information indicating the thickness of a single sheet S. “The information concerning the type of the sheets S” is, for example, information indicating the type of material forming the sheet S. The sheet standby unit22and the tape processing unit24are explained below.

FIG. 3is a front view partially showing the internal configuration of the sheet processing apparatus1.

As shown inFIG. 3, the sheet standby unit22causes a sheet which is subjected to the tag attaching process, stand by or be held until additional sheets to be subjected to the tag attachment process, if any, are likewise received in the sheet standby unit22. The sheet standby unit22includes a main guide31, a sub-guide32, a stop33, and a switching member34.

The main guide31guides the sheet S along a sheet conveying direction X1. A downstream side end portion of the main guide31in the sheet conveying direction X1includes an opening therein into which a portion of a first roller41may extend.

The sub-guide32is opposed to the main guide31in a thickness direction Z of the sheet S (hereinafter referred to as sheet thickness direction Z). A space, in which the sheet S is stacked, is provided between the main guide31and the sub-guide32. A downstream side end portion of the sub-guide32in the sheet conveying direction X1also includes an opening therein into which a portion of a second roller42may extend.

The stop33is provided at the downstream side end portion of the main guide31in the sheet conveying direction X1. The stop33is capable of moving between a sheet holding position (indicated by a solid line inFIG. 3) and a sheet releasing position (indicated by the dash-dot-dot line inFIG. 3) with a not-shown moving mechanism. In the sheet holding position, the stop33projects above the upper surface of the main guide31, and the downstream end portion in the sheet conveying direction X1of the sheet S comes into contact with the stop33whereby the stop33holds the sheet S against further movement off the main guide31. In the sheet releasing position, the stop33retracts below the upper surface of the main guide31, and the stop33moves out of the travel path of the sheet and the sheet S on the main guide31passes to the switching member34.

The switching member34switches the conveying path of the sheet S. In the following explanation, a direction in which the sheet S is conveyed toward the tape processing unit24(specifically, a tape attaching unit59explained below) is referred to as “first conveying direction”. On the other hand, a direction in which the sheet S is conveyed toward a position (e.g., below the sheet standby unit22) different from the tape attaching unit59is referred to as “second conveying direction”. The switching member34switches the conveying path of the sheet S between the first conveying direction and the second conveying direction.

The first roller41is attached to a first shaft43. The first roller41is a driving roller driven by a not-shown motor via the first shaft43. The first roller41is rotatably supported in place. The material of the first roller41is not particularly limited. For example, the first roller41is formed of ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM).

The second roller42is attached to a second shaft44. For example, the second roller42is a driven roller that rotates as a result of contact with the rotating first roller41or with a sheet therebetween. The second roller42is capable of moving, using a not-shown moving mechanism, in a direction toward the first roller41and a direction away from the first roller41. The second roller42is capable of moving toward the first roller41to come into contact with the sheet S on the side thereof opposite to the first roller41.

The tape processing unit24is explained below. The tape processing unit24includes an unwinding unit51, a tape conveying unit52, a separating member53, a winding unit54, a guide table55, a cutter56, a cutting-length changing unit57, a tape holding unit58, and the tape attaching unit59.

The unwinding unit51holds a web roll wound with a belt-like tape T (hereinafter simply referred to as “tape T”). The unwinding unit51unwinds the tape T from the web roll along the length direction of the tape T.

FIG. 4is a diagram showing the front surface of the tape T in this embodiment. The tape T is cut at a cutting position200by the cutter56(FIG. 10). Holes210are formed extending through the tape T. The holes210are an example of binding sections. Each segment of cut tape T serves as a tag having one hole210therethrough. The holes210allow a sheet to be bound or held in a filing holder or the like, for example a binder having one or more rings, whereby a ring extends through the hole210.

FIG. 5is a diagram showing the rear surface of the tape T in this embodiment. The sheet S is attached to the rear surface of the tape T. The tape T includes adhesive sections220for attaching tags to the sheet S. The adhesive sections220are not provided at a rectangular portion of the tape surrounding the holes210. The adhesive sections220are provided on substantially half of the rear surface of each tag. When applied to a sheet, the adhesive sections220adhere to the surface of the sheet S adjacent to, and inwardly of, the edge of the sheet (FIG. 14). The tags when attached to the sheet S by the adhesive sections220can be removed by being peeled off (detached).

FIG. 6is a diagram showing an example of the diameter of the hole. The size of the hole which enables the sheet to be bound is selectable depending upon the construct of the binding portion of a filing holder. Therefore, holes210of a plurality of predetermined diameters, which are different from each other, can be provided through the tag. That is, the size of the hole can be adjusted. For example, as shown inFIG. 6, holes having a diameter of 8 mm and a diameter of 6.5 mm can extend through the tag, and a web roll of tape will typically have tape having only one hole210size, so that multiple web rolls of tape T can be used to provide the different hole210opening sizes.

As shown inFIG. 3, the tape T includes an adhesive layer61, a protection film62, also known as a carrier film, and a peelable film63in the state in which the tape T is held by the unwinding unit51. The adhesive layer61is a layer which forms the adhesive sections220. As explained above, the adhesive sections220are not provided on the entire length tape T, rather the adhesive sections220are provided at spaced fixed intervals. The protection film62covers the adhesive layer61on one side thereof. The protection film62is maintained with the adhesive layer61during use of the tape T. On the other hand, the peelable film63covers the adhesive layer61on the side of the adhesive layer opposite to the protection film62. The peelable film63is peeled off from the adhesive layer61before the tape T is used. The peelable film63is separated from the adhesive layer61by the separating member53and is wound up by the winding unit54.

The tape T is attached to the unwinding unit51in a state in which the tape T is wound in a cartridge C. The tape conveying unit52conveys the tape T, which is supplied from the unwinding unit51, along the length direction of the tape T. For example, the length direction of the tape T is a direction substantially parallel to the sheet thickness direction Z. The guide table55guides the tape T from which the peelable film63was separated. The guide table55supports the tape T during holding and during cutting of the tape T.

The cutter56cuts the belt-like tape T supplied from the unwinding unit51and forms a tape T having a predetermined size. For example, the cutter56is a rotor cutter and includes a cutting blade56aand a supporting shaft56b. The supporting shaft56bis rotated by a not-shown motor, whereby the cutting blade56ais driven to rotate. Note that the configuration of the cutter56is not limited to the above example. The configuration of the cutter56may be any configuration as long as the cutter56can cut the tape T supplied from the unwinding unit51. The cutter56is capable of moving, with a not-shown moving mechanism, in a direction toward the tape T and a direction away from the tape T.

The cutting-length changing unit57changes the length of the tape T cut by the cutter56. Note that “the length of the tape” in this embodiment is the length of the tape T extending in the direction Z of the thickness of the sheet as positioned on the sub-guide32. The length of the tape T to be cut depends on the desired size of the tag.

The cutting-length changing unit57includes a moving mechanism71that changes the position of the cutter56relative to a leading end Te of the tape T supplied from the unwinding unit51. For example, the moving mechanism71moves the cutter56to change the position of the cutter56relative to the leading end Te of the tape T. For example, the moving mechanism71moves the cutter56in the direction Z ofFIG. 3. Note that “the position of the cutter56relative to the leading end Te of the tape T” is, for example, a position of the cutter56relative to the leading end Te of the tape T at the time when the tape T is cut by the cutter56.

In this embodiment, the moving mechanism71includes a supporting member72that supports the cutter56and a driving source73that moves the cutter56by moving the supporting member72. For example, the supporting member72is a ball screw engaged with not-shown female threads of the cutter56. The driving source73is a motor that rotates the ball screw to move the cutter56. Note that the configurations of the supporting member72and the driving source73are not limited to the above examples. For example, the supporting member72may be a cam or the like set in contact with the cutter56. The driving source73may be a solenoid or the like that moves the cutter56via the supporting member72. In that case, the supporting member72is a coupling member that couples together the cutter56and the solenoid.

The configuration of the moving mechanism71is not limited to the above example. For example, the moving mechanism71may change the relative position of the cutter56relative to the leading end Te of the tape T by, for example, changing the unwound length of the tape T with respect to a fixed in place cutter56. Note that a configuration in this case is explained below.

In this embodiment, the cutting-length changing unit57is controlled by the control unit26explained below. For example, the control unit26controls the driving source73of the cutting-length changing unit57to move the cutter56and change the length L of the tape T cut by the cutter56. For example, the cutting-length changing unit57is controlled by the control unit26, whereby the operation of the cutting-length changing unit57explained below is performed.

The tape holding unit58supports the tape T in a state in which the tape T is held substantially flat, in a planar disposition. The tape holding unit58is capable of moving along the length direction of the tape T by a not-shown moving mechanism. The tape holding unit58is capable of moving, with the not-shown moving mechanism, toward the tape T and away from the tape T.

The tape attaching unit59includes a first roller91, a second roller92, a first spring93, and a second spring94. The first spring93urges the first roller91toward the second roller92. The second spring94urges the second roller92toward the first roller91. The first roller91and the first spring93form an example of a “first urging unit” in cooperation with each other. The second roller92and the second spring94form an example of a “second urging unit” in cooperation with each other. When the tape T is attached to an edge portion5aof the sheet S, the edge portion5ais inserted between the first roller91and the second roller92together with the tape T. Consequently, the tape T is bent and wraps over the edge and portions of the sheet surface5aadjacent to the edge of the sheet S by the tape attaching unit59. The tape T is thus attached to the portion of the sheet surface5aof the sheet S on one side of the sheet S.

An operation example of the sheet processing apparatus1is explained.FIGS. 7 to 13are front views showing the operation example of the sheet processing apparatus1.

First, as shown inFIG. 3, the sheet processing apparatus1moves the stop33to the sheet holding position to stop the sheet S conveyed by the main guide31. Subsequently, the sheet processing apparatus1moves the stop33the sheet releasing position. The sheet processing apparatus1also switches the switching member34to direct the sheet S toward the second conveying direction.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 7, the sheet processing apparatus1moves the second roller42toward the first roller41. The sheet processing apparatus1switches the switching member34to switch the conveying path from the second conveying direction to the first conveying direction. The sheet processing apparatus1rotates the first roller41in the positive rotational direction of the arrow shown inFIG. 7and thus the second roller42to move the sheet S toward the tape attaching unit59.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 8, the sheet processing apparatus1brings the tape holding unit58into contact with the tape T to support the tape T in a state in which the posture of the tape T is retained. As shown inFIG. 9, the sheet processing apparatus1then moves the tape holding unit58to a location between the sheet S and the tape attaching unit59. For example, the tape holding unit58locates the tape T to span across the interface of the first roller91and the second roller92. As shown inFIG. 10, the sheet processing apparatus1cuts the belt-like tape T using the cutter56and forms the tape T having a predetermined size. Consequently, the tape T is cut into a necessary length.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 11, for example, the sheet processing apparatus1rotates the first roller41in the positive rotational direction of the arrow shown inFIG. 7and thus the second roller42to move the sheet S toward the tape attaching unit59. The sheet processing apparatus1abuts the leading end of the edge portion5aof the sheet S against the tape T. Consequently, the sheet processing apparatus1inserts the edge portion5aof the sheet S between the first roller91and the second roller92together with the tape T.

As shown inFIG. 12, the edge portion5aof the sheet S is inserted between the first roller91and the second roller92together with the tape T. The first roller91and the second roller92move along the external shape of the edge portion5aof the sheet S to thereby press the tape T against the edge portion5aof the sheet S. Consequently, processing for attaching the tape T to the edge portion5aof the sheet S is completed.

Subsequently, as shown inFIG. 13, the sheet processing apparatus1reversely rotates the first roller41and the second roller42to remove the sheet S from between the first roller91and the second roller92. The sheet processing apparatus1further reversely rotates the first roller41and the second roller42to discharge the sheet S to a discharge unit of the sheet processing apparatus1.

Consequently, the series of operations by the sheet processing apparatus1ends and the tape T (a tag) is attached to the sheet S.

FIG. 14is a diagram showing the tape T as attached to the sheet S by the sheet processing apparatus1. The tape T is attached to the sheet S by the adhesive section220. Since a region where a hole is present does not include an adhesive section, the region where the hole is present does not stick to the sheet S. The sheet S may thus be bound in a filing holder using the hole210in the tape T attached to the sheet S in this way.

FIGS. 15 to 18are diagrams showing attachment patterns of tags.FIG. 15is a diagram showing a two-hole attachment pattern.FIG. 16is a diagram showing a three-hole attachment pattern. Both ofFIGS. 17 and 18show four-hole attachment patterns. The attachment pattern shown inFIG. 17is an attachment pattern mainly used in France. The attachment pattern shown inFIG. 18is an attachment pattern mainly used in Sweden.

If a pattern is selected by the user on the control panel11, the control unit26determines, according to the pattern, positions of the sheet where the tags are to be attached. The sheet standby unit22and the tape processing unit24attach the tags to the predetermined positions of the sheet where tags are to be attached. As shown inFIGS. 15 to 18, the positions determined by the control unit26can be changed. Multiple tags may adhered to a sheet by providing a plurality of tape attaching units59, moving the edge of the sheet S, the tape attachment unit(s)59, or both, relative to one another and performing the insertion of the sheet S inwardly of the tape attachment unit to attach a tag, and removal of the sheet therefrom, multiple times.

The sheet processing apparatus1can flexibly attach the tags as shown in the attachment examples. In the above example, the attachment examples of the two to four tags are explained. However, the sheet processing apparatus1can also perform attachment of one tag or five or more tags.

In this embodiment, the tag is explained as an example of a binding section for a sheet to be bound in a binder, for example, a binder comprising one or more rings or other secure parts which extend through the holes to secure multiple sheets in a desired order. However, the binding sections are not limited to tags with holes210. The binding sections may be, for example, rectangular regions of tape forming tags without holes. In this case, it is possible to bind the sheet by stapling the rectangular regions to a separate element.

Further, in this embodiment, one tag is attached to one sheet S. However, the number of sheets attached to a single tag is not limited to one.FIG. 19is a diagram showing the tag attached to a plurality of sheets SS by the adhesive section220thereof. As shown inFIG. 19, by shifting the edges of the three sheets SS with respect to each other, the adhesive section220adheres to all three of the three sheets. In this way, the sheet processing apparatus1can attach one tag to a plurality of sheets.

By attaching the tag to the sheet, it is possible to bind the sheet without punching holes into the sheet or stapling the sheet. The tags attached to the sheet can be peeled off. Therefore, the sheet can be reused by peeling the tags off of the sheet.

Note that the configuration of the embodiment is not limited to the example explained above. For example, the sheet processing apparatus1may be an separate apparatus used independently of the image forming apparatus2. In this case, the sheet processing apparatus1may include an u receiving unit101instead of the interface21(seeFIGS. 1 and 2). The operation receiving unit101includes an operation panel and a switch and receives operational inputs of the user concerning the sheet S and the tape T. For example, the operation receiving unit101has a configuration and a function substantially the same as the configuration and the function of the control panel11of the image forming apparatus2.

In the embodiment, the example is explained in which the first roller41actively rotates and the second roller42as a result of contact with the rotating first roller41. However, the first roller41and the second roller42are not limited to this configuration. For example, both of the first roller41and the second roller42may rotate independently of each other.

According to the embodiment as explained above, by attaching the tags to the sheet, it is possible to bind the sheet and reuse the sheet. However, the embodiment is presented as an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. The embodiment can be implemented in other various forms. Various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and modifications of the embodiment are included in the scope and the gist of the invention and included in the inventions described in claims and the scope of equivalents of the inventions.