JP2021181360A - Post-processing device, image formation system and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device capable of preventing an operation from becoming instable.SOLUTION: A post-processing device includes: a first operation section which receives a sheet conveyed from an image formation device and executes a first operation section on the basis of a job relating to the sheet; a second operation section which receives the sheet inserted into the post-processing device by a manual feed and executes a second operation different from the first operation; and a control section which determines execution timing of the second operation according to the execution of the first operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

The present disclosure relates to post-processing devices, image forming systems, and control methods.

Conventionally, a post-processing device that performs various post-processing on a sheet sent from an image forming device is known. Such a post-processing device operates by supplying power from the image forming device.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-081696 (Patent Document 1) discloses an aftertreatment apparatus capable of performing an auto-staple process and a manual staple process by one stapler. In the post-processing device, when both the execution instructions of the auto staple and the manual staple overlap, it is possible to select which one has priority.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2017-081696

When the post-processing device attempts to execute a plurality of operations (processes) at the same time, it may require more power than the amount specified in the specifications. For example, if the execution timings of the punch processing and the manual staple processing overlap, the amount of electric power required for these processings exceeds the amount of electric power specified in the specifications. Therefore, the processing becomes unstable. For example, there is a problem that the stitching position of the needle of the manual tape is misaligned.

The present disclosure has been made in view of the above problems, and describes a post-processing device capable of preventing unstable operation, an image forming system provided with the post-processing device, and a control method for the post-processing device. offer.

According to certain aspects of the present disclosure, the post-processing apparatus receives a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus and performs the first operation based on the job related to the sheet, and the post-processing apparatus. The second operation unit that accepts the sheet to be manually inserted and executes the second operation different from the first operation, and the execution timing of the second operation are determined according to the execution status of the first operation. A control unit and a control unit are provided.

Preferably, the control unit gives priority to the first operation over the second operation by changing the execution timing of the second operation.

Preferably, the first operation unit executes the first operation on condition that the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus is detected. The second operation unit executes the second operation on condition that the sheet is manually inserted into the post-processing device. When the control unit determines that the execution timing of the first operation and the execution timing of the second operation coincide with each other at least partially, the control unit performs post-processing from the image forming apparatus following the sheet on which the first operation is executed. The execution timing of the second operation is changed based on the transport status of the sheet transported to the device.

Preferably, the first motion unit performs the first motion for each of the plurality of sheets based on the job. When the control unit changes the execution timing of the second operation, if it determines that the second operation cannot be executed by the time the first operation for a plurality of sheets is completed, the control unit increases the separation distance between the sheets. , By the time the first operation for the plurality of sheets is completed, the second operation unit is made to perform the second operation.

Preferably, the control unit gives priority to the second operation over the first operation by changing the execution timing of the first operation.

Preferably, the second action is for a sheet that is manually inserted. The second operating unit is movable on a predetermined route based on a command from the control unit, and is temporarily held at a predetermined position on the predetermined route when the second operation is performed. When the control unit executes the second operation when the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus are not operating, the control unit exerts a holding force for holding the second operating unit in a predetermined position on the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus. Control is performed to be stronger than when the processing device is operating.

Preferably, the first operation is post-processing on the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus.

Preferably, the post-processing is a punching operation for punching a sheet transported from the image forming apparatus, an auto-staple operation for automatically stapling the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus, or being conveyed from the image forming apparatus. It is a middle folding operation to fold the sheet.

Preferably, when the first operation is an operation different from the post-processing for the sheet, the control unit determines that the execution timing of the first operation and the execution timing of the second operation coincide with each other at least partially. The execution timing of the first operation is changed.

Preferably, when the execution timing of the first operation is changed and the second operation cannot be completed due to the occurrence of an error related to the second operation, the control unit waits for the completion of the second operation. Instead, let the first motion unit perform the first motion.

Preferably, the post-processing apparatus further comprises a discharge tray from which the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus is ejected. The first operation is an operation of raising and lowering the discharge tray.

Preferably, the second operation is a manual staple process.
Preferably, when the control unit determines that the total value of the electric power for driving the first operating unit and the electric power for driving the second operating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the total value Is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the operation timing of the first operation unit or the operation timing of the second operation unit is determined.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, the image forming system comprises the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

According to still another aspect of the present disclosure, the control method of the post-processing apparatus includes a step in which the first moving unit receives a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus and executes a designated first operation. The second operation unit receives a sheet manually inserted into the post-processing device and executes a second operation different from the first operation, and a first operation is performed according to the execution status of the first operation. A step of determining the execution timing of the operation of 2 is provided.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to prevent the operation of the aftertreatment device from becoming unstable.

It is a figure which shows the whole structure of an image formation system. It is a figure which shows the staple processing apparatus provided in the post-processing apparatus. It is a schematic sectional drawing of a post-processing apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the structure of the staple part. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the hardware composition of a post-processing apparatus. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the functional configuration of a post-processing apparatus. It is a timing diagram which showed the example which the drive timing of a punch drive motor and the drive timing of a stapler drive motor overlap when the insertion of a sheet into a sheet insertion slot is detected during the execution of a punch job. It is a timing diagram when the execution timing of a punch process is delayed in order to avoid overlapping of a punch process and a manual staple process. It is a timing diagram when the execution timing of a manual staple process is delayed in order to avoid overlapping a punch process and a manual staple process. It is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple process is delayed so as to be different from FIG. 7C in order to avoid overlapping the punch process and the manual staple process. An example in which the drive timing of the tray drive motor and the drive timing of the stapler drive motor overlap when the manual staple processing is executed based on the seat being inserted into the seat insertion slot during the elevating operation of the discharge tray. It is a timing diagram shown. It is a timing diagram at the time of delaying the timing of raising the discharge tray in order to avoid overlapping the raising / lowering operation of the discharge tray and the manual staple processing. It is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple processing is delayed in order to avoid overlapping the ascending timing of the discharge tray and the manual staple processing. It is a timing diagram which showed the example that the drive timing of the folding roller drive motor and the drive timing of the stapler drive motor overlap during the middle folding operation. It is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the middle fold process is delayed in order to avoid overlapping the middle fold process and the manual staple process. It is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple process is delayed in order to avoid overlapping the middle folding process and the manual staple process. It is a timing chart which showed the example which the drive timing of a tray drive motor and the drive timing of a stapler drive motor overlap when the insertion of the sheet for manual staples is detected during the ascending operation of the discharge tray. It is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the elevating operation of the discharge tray is delayed in order to avoid overlapping the elevating operation of the discharge tray and the manual staple processing. It is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple process is delayed in order to avoid overlapping the raising / lowering operation of the discharge tray and the manual staple process. It shows the operation when the sheet bundle for manual staples is removed from the sheet insertion slot immediately before the manual staple process when trying to execute the process. It shows the operation when a needle jam occurs in the manual staple processing and the phenomenon that the staple portion inside the staple processing device 21 does not return to the home position occurs. It is a timing diagram which shows the operation timing when the manual staple processing is executed when the sheet is not conveyed by the image forming apparatus. It is a flow diagram for demonstrating the flow of processing executed by a post-processing apparatus. It is a flow diagram for demonstrating the details of the process of step S3 of FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, it is a figure which showed the measured waveform when the execution timing of a punch process and a manual staple process overlap. As shown in FIG. 7C, it is a figure which showed the measured waveform when the manual staple processing was delayed.

The image forming system according to the embodiment will be described below with reference to the drawings. When the number, quantity, etc. are referred to in the embodiments described below, the scope of the present disclosure is not necessarily limited to the number, quantity, etc., unless otherwise specified. The same reference number may be assigned to the same part or equivalent part, and duplicate explanations may not be repeated.

In the drawings, some parts are not shown according to the actual dimensional ratios, and some parts are shown by changing the ratios so that the structure becomes clear in order to facilitate understanding of the structure. In addition, each modification described below may be selectively combined as appropriate.

In the following, a configuration including an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus will be referred to as an “image forming system”. In the image forming system, the image forming apparatus may include a post-processing apparatus.

<A. Image formation system>
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of the image forming system 1000.

With reference to FIG. 1, the image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 10 and a post-processing apparatus 20. In the present embodiment, as a typical example of the image forming apparatus 10, a multifunction device (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) equipped with a plurality of functions such as a scanner function, a copy function, a facsimile function, a network function, and a BOX function is shown. ..

The image forming apparatus 10 includes a controller 31, an operation panel 34, an automatic document feeder (ADF: Auto Document Feeder) 13, an image reading device (scanner) 12, paper feeding units 14A and 14B, and an image forming unit 11. And have. The automatic document feeder 13 includes an image scanning device (scanner) 131, a tray 132 for supplying documents into the device, and a tray 133 for ejecting documents from the device.

The image forming system 1000 (specifically, the image forming apparatus 10) is typically connected to various information processing devices (for example, a server device, a personal computer, a tablet terminal) via a network so as to be communicable. .. When the image forming system 1000 receives a job from a personal computer and a tablet terminal, the image forming system 1000 executes the job.

The operation panel 34 accepts user operations. The image forming system 1000 executes the instructed job using the operation panel 34.

The controller 31 controls the overall operation of the image forming system 1000. Specifically, each part of the image forming system 1000 is operated based on the contents set by the operation panel 34.

The image reading device 12 is a platen-type device that reads documents one by one using platen glass.

The automatic document feeder 13 is a sheet-through type device capable of automatically reading a plurality of original sheets. When the automatic document feeder 13 is used to read both sides of the document, the image reader 131 of the automatic document feeder 13 reads the back surface of the document, and the image reader 12 reads the front surface of the document. In addition, instead of the configuration in which both sides are read at the same time, a configuration in which the original is automatically inverted and both sides are sequentially read may be used. In the latter case of the automatic inversion configuration, the image reading device 131 of the automatic document feeder 13 is not required.

Sheets are housed in the paper feed units 14A and 14B. The paper feed units 14A and 14B supply the accommodated sheets to the image forming unit 11.

The image forming unit 11 forms a toner image according to an image pattern to be printed, and prints the toner image on a sheet. The timing roller adjusts the sheet transfer according to the position of the toner image transferred in the image forming unit based on the sheet detection result by the timing sensor. As a result, the toner image formed by the image forming unit is printed at an appropriate position on the sheet.

The post-treatment device 20 has a staple processing device 21 and a plurality of discharge trays 22 (22a, 22b, 22c). A sheet for which printing processing has been completed is sent from the image forming apparatus 10 to the post-processing apparatus 20. The post-processing device 20 applies processing (post-processing) to the sheet for which the printing process has been completed, and discharges the sheet to the discharge tray 22.

The staple processing device 21 (staple mechanism, staple unit) can execute the automatic staple processing and the manual staple processing. The staple processing device 21 operates when the user sets the auto staple processing or when the user inserts the sheet into the sheet insertion slot 21a to execute the manual staple processing. In the case of the auto-staple processing, the staple processing device 21 staples the discharged sheet bundle before discharging the sheet bundle to the discharge tray 22.

<B. Manual staples>
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a staple processing device 21 provided in the post-processing device 20. FIG. 2A shows an overall perspective view of the post-processing device 20 provided with the staple processing device 21. FIG. 2B shows a schematic diagram for explaining the manual staple processing performed by the staple processing device 21.

With reference to FIG. 2, the staple processing device 21 is a device for executing a staple processing for binding a plurality of sheets. The staple processing device 21 is provided with a slit-shaped sheet insertion port 21a on the front surface of the post-processing device 20 into which a plurality of sheets can be inserted.

The sheet insertion port 21a is provided with a sheet detection sensor 511 (see FIG. 5) for detecting the insertion of the sheet. The sheet detection sensor 511 is typically a transmissive optical sensor. The sheet detection sensor 511 may be an ultrasonic sensor, a reflection type sensor, or a touch sensor. A button (hard button, software button) may be provided instead of the sheet detection sensor 511 so that the user can press the button. The configuration may be such that the post-processing device 20 can detect that the sheet has been inserted into the sheet insertion port 21a.

Inside the staple processing device 21, a staple portion 71 (see FIG. 3) is provided, in which a needle is driven into the sheet in order to bind a plurality of sheets, and the driven needle is bent. The staple portion 71 performs edge binding (also referred to as “flat binding”). The staple unit 71 is also referred to as an edge binding processing unit or a flat binding processing unit.

The staple portion 71 can be commonly used in the auto staple process and the manual staple process. That is, the staple portion 71 inside the staple processing device 21 performs the staple processing at a position where it comes into contact with the sheet bundle before being discharged to the discharge tray 22 during the automatic staple processing, and is inserted into the sheet insertion port 21a during the manual staple processing. Staple processing is performed at the position where it comes into contact with the sheet bundle. The staple section stands by at a position where manual staple processing can be performed immediately after inserting the sheet, except during auto-staple processing.

Further, the staple processing device 21 includes a light emitting unit 21b composed of an LED or the like on the upper portion of the sheet insertion port 21a. The light emitting unit 21b lights in green when the manual staple processing can be executed in the staple processing device 21, and lights in red when the manual staple processing cannot be executed, so that the user can execute the manual staple processing. Tell if it is possible.

As shown in FIG. (2) b, the sheet bundle P is inserted by the user in accordance with the slit shape of the sheet insertion port 21a. The region C is a corner portion of the sheet bundle P to be stapled. The region C is inserted in a direction of contacting the staple portion inside the staple processing device 21. When the sheet detection sensor detects that the sheet has been inserted into the insertion slot, the light emitting portion 21b lights up in red, and the staple portion drives the needle S into the region C. When the sheet detection sensor detects that the manual staple processing is completed and the sheet is pulled out from the insertion slot, the light emitting unit 21b lights up in green.

<C. Internal configuration of aftertreatment device>
FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the aftertreatment device 20.

With reference to FIG. 3, the post-processing device 20 has a sheet carrying unit 60 for transporting sheets in the post-processing device 20 and a plurality of post-processing units. The post-processing device 20 discharges the punch (hole punching) processing unit 90, the folding unit 50, the staple unit 71 for performing the above-mentioned end binding, the saddle stitching processing unit 72, and the sheet to the loading tray as post-processing units. It has a paper ejection part for.

The sheet after image formation sent from the paper ejection roller (not shown) of the image forming apparatus 10 to the post-processing apparatus 20 is a resist roller arranged near the entrance of the after-processing apparatus 20 in the sheet carrying section 60. It is conveyed to the inside of the aftertreatment device 20 by the 61 and the intermediate roller 62 arranged on the downstream side on the left hand side thereof.

The punch processing unit 90 is arranged between the resist roller 61 and the intermediate roller 62 to punch holes in the sheet. Specifically, the pre-resist sensor 68 is provided on the upstream side on the right hand side of the resist roller 61 near the entrance of the post-processing device 20, and when the sheet is carried into the post-processing device 20, the pre-resist sensor 68 is used for the sheet. Detects carry-in. Then, the sheet transfer is stopped after a predetermined time after detecting the loading of the sheet, and the punch processing unit 90 punches a punch hole in the sheet (punch processing).

From the downstream of the punch processing unit 90, it is branched into three transport paths H0, H1 and H2. The transfer path H0, H1 and H2 are switched by the transfer path switching member 91. The downwardly branched transport path H1 is connected to the saddle 100 via the saddle carry-in roller 63. Although the saddle 100 will be described later, the saddle stitching processing portion 72 and the folding portion 50 are arranged, and the details will be described later.

A saddle loading unit sensor 84 for detecting the loading of the seat into the saddle 100 is provided between the saddle loading roller 63 and the saddle 100. A saddle processing tray sensor 85 is provided between the saddle stitching processing unit 72 and the folding knife 86.

The transport path H0 is discharged from the sheet discharge roller 81 to the discharge tray 22a provided at the upper left outlet of the aftertreatment device 20 via the transport roller 64. The discharge tray 22a is a tray (elevate tray) that can be raised and lowered. The discharge tray 22a moves downward so that the uppermost surface of the sheet to be discharged always has a constant height. The discharge tray 22a is also referred to as a main tray.

Further, the transport path H2 is discharged from the sheet discharge roller 82 to the discharge tray 22b provided at the upper outlet of the aftertreatment device 20.

In these transport paths, the upper route sensor 66A for detecting the passage of the sheet of the transport path H0, the lower route sensor 66B for detecting the passage of the sheet of the transport path H1, and the passage of the sheet of the transport path H2 are passed through these transport paths. A second tray path sensor 66C for detection is arranged, and timing control of driving of each transport roller is executed based on these detections.

Further, the sheet discharge roller 81 is configured to be movable in a state of being in pressure contact and a state of being separated from each other. When the sheet discharge roller 81 is in a pressure contact state, the sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 22a as described above. On the other hand, when the sheet discharge roller 81 is in a separated state, the sheet is not immediately discharged to the discharge tray 22a, and after the sheet reaches the sheet discharge roller 81, the rear end of the sheet falls on the accommodating belt 70.

The accommodating belt 70 and the rear end paddle 74 rotate to convey the sheet in the direction in which the staple portion 71 is provided. The process is executed a plurality of times for a plurality of sheets, the processing tray sheet detection sensor 77 detects that a predetermined number of sheets are stored in the staple portion 71, and the edge binding process is executed. After that, the accommodating belt 70 and the rear end paddle 74 convey the sheet bundle end-stitched in the direction of the sheet discharge roller 81, and the sheet bundle is discharged from the sheet discharge roller 81 to the discharge tray 22c.

Specifically, the processing tray sheet detection sensor 77 uses the sheets housed in the processing tray to temporarily store the sheets in order to perform the matching process and / or the online staple processing on the sheet bundle (plurality of sheets). Detect.

The saddle 100 is arranged diagonally with respect to the horizontal direction downstream of the saddle carrying roller 63, and has a plurality of guide members and tip stoppers for guiding the seat, a saddle stitching processing portion 72, a folding portion 50, and a seat width. It has a matching portion, and one or more sheets are saddle-stitched and discharged to the discharge tray 22c. The sheet discharged to the discharge tray 22c is detected by the discharge sensor 83.

FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the staple portion 71.
With reference to FIG. 4, the stapler portion 71 includes a stapler unit 210, a belt 220, a shaft 230, and a stapler unit moving motor 548. The stapler unit 210 includes a main body portion 211 and a holder 212.

The main body 211 houses the needle. The main body portion 211 drives a needle into the sheet and bends the driven needle. The main body 211 is rotatably supported by the holder 212. The main body 211 can rotate in the direction indicated by the arrow 920.

The belt 220 rotates according to the rotation drive of the stapler unit moving motor 548. The holder 212 is guided by the shaft 230 and moves in the direction of the arrow 910 according to the rotation of the belt 220.

<D. Hardware configuration of post-processing device>
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining the hardware configuration of the post-processing device 20.

With reference to FIG. 5, the post-processing device 20 includes a control device 500, a sensor group 510, a drive circuit 521 to 531, a tray drive motor 541, a resist roller drive motor 542, a sheet discharge roller 81, and a rear. The end paddle 74, the matching motor 545, the punch drive motor 546, the folding knife drive motor 547, the stapler unit moving motor 548, the stapler drive motor 549, the folding roller drive motor 550, and the center binding drive motor 551. , With a light emitting unit 21b.

The drive circuits 521, 522, 525 and 531 drive the motors 541, 542, 545 and 551, respectively. The drive circuit 523 drives the seat discharge roller 81. The drive circuit 524 drives the rear end paddle 74.

The sensor group 510 is provided in the sheet insertion slot 21a (see FIG. 2), and includes a sheet detection sensor 511 for detecting the insertion of the sheet. The sensor group 510 further includes a tray top surface detection sensor 512. The tray top surface detection sensor 512 detects the top surface of the discharge tray 22a and the discharge tray 22a in a state where a sheet or a bundle of sheets is loaded.

The control device 500 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 501, which is an example of a processor, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 502, and a RAM (Random Access Memory) 503. The control device 500 controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 20. The CPU 501 controls the input / output in the post-processing device 20 by executing the firmware (program). In the firmware, a processing routine is set for each load. The firmware is stored in advance in ROM 502 or the like.

By driving the tray drive motor 541, the discharge tray 22a moves up and down. The seat is aligned by driving the matching motor 545. The punch processing is performed by driving the punch drive motor 546. The folding process is performed by driving the folding knife drive motor 547.

By driving the stapler unit moving motor 548 (see FIG. 4), the stapler unit 210 moves in the direction of arrow 910.

By driving the stapler drive motor 549, the needle is driven into the seat and the driven needle is bent. That is, the stapler processing is performed by driving the stapler drive motor 549.

<E. Functional configuration of post-processing equipment>
FIG. 6 is a block diagram for explaining the functional configuration of the post-processing device 20.

With reference to FIG. 6, the post-processing device 20 includes a control device 500, a drive circuit 521, 526,527,529, a tray drive motor 541, a punch drive motor 546, a folding knife drive motor 547, and a stapler drive. It is equipped with a motor 549.

The control device 500 includes an operation control unit 600. The motion control unit 600 controls the motion of each member. The operation control unit 600 is realized by the CPU 501 executing a program such as firmware.

The operation control unit 600 includes a tray elevating timing control unit 601, a punch timing control unit 602, a center folding timing control unit 603, and a manual staple timing control unit 604.

The tray elevating timing control unit 601 controls the elevating timing of the discharge tray 22a by issuing a command to the drive circuit 521. The punch timing control unit 602 controls the execution timing of the punch process by issuing a command to the drive circuit 526. The middle fold timing control unit 603 controls the execution timing of the middle fold process by issuing a command to the drive circuit 527.

The manual staple timing control unit 604 controls the execution timing of the manual staple process by issuing a command to the drive circuit 529. Specifically, the manual staple timing control unit 604 controls the timing at which the needle is driven into the seat.

<F. Timing control>
Next, the above timing control will be described with reference to a plurality of specific examples. Hereinafter, an example of shifting (typically delaying) the execution timing of one of the two processes (operations) will be described. The reason for shifting the execution timing is to prevent the peaks of the currents generated by the two processes from overlapping each other. Specifically, this is to prevent the timing at which the current value peaks from matching between the two.

(F1. First example)
The manual staple processing during the punch processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 7A to 7D.

The signals shown in FIGS. 7A to 7D are excerpts of the main inputs and outputs related to the punch processing (operation) and the manual staple processing (operation).

As input signals, the signal (a) of the pre-resist sensor 68 that detects the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 to determine the timing of the punch operation, and the sheet detection sensor that detects the insertion of the sheet for manual staples. The signal (d) of 511 is described.

As output signals, the signal (b) of the resist roller drive motor 542 that drives the resist roller 61 that conveys the sheet in the punch processing unit 90, the signal (c) of the punch drive motor 546 that performs the punch drilling operation, and the stapler are operated. The signal (e) of the stapler drive motor 549 to be caused is described. In addition, "operating the stapler" means driving the needle into the seat.

In FIG. 7A, when the insertion of the sheet into the sheet insertion slot 21a (see FIG. 2) is detected during the execution of the punch job, the drive timing of the punch drive motor 546 and the drive timing of the stapler drive motor 549 overlap. It is a timing diagram which showed an example.

When the pre-resist sensor 68 detects the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 (time t = a1), the punch processing unit 90 also refers to the length of the conveyed sheet in the paper-passing direction (hereinafter, also referred to as “FD length”). ) After a predetermined time (time t = b1) determined according to), the punch drilling operation is executed. The punch processing unit 90 stops the resist roller drive motor 542 (time t = b1) in order to temporarily stop the transport sheet, and starts driving the punch drive motor 546 (time t = c1).

When the punching operation is completed, the punch processing unit 90 stops driving the punch drive motor 546 (time t = c2) and starts driving the resist roller drive motor 542. As a result, the sheet transfer is restarted.

On the other hand, when the sheet detection sensor 511 detects the insertion of the sheet for manual staples (time t = d1), the control device 500 drives the stapler drive motor 549 after a predetermined time (time t = e1) to drive the manual staples. To execute.

Sheets are conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 at a speed and a sheet interval according to various conditions such as a sheet size and a printing mode. However, the sheet for manual staples is inserted in front of the post-processing device 20 by the user who tried to perform manual staples. Therefore, the manual staple processing is performed at a timing irrelevant to the punch processing timing. Therefore, the punch processing (time t = c3) and the manual staple processing (time t = e1) overlap. As a result, the peak value of the current consumption at this time exceeds the predetermined specification value.

FIG. 7B is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the punch processing is delayed in order to avoid overlapping of the punch processing and the manual staple processing in the description of FIG. 7A.

When the punch processing is executed at the normal timing (time t = b3 = c3) with reference to FIG. 7B, the execution timing of the punch processing and the execution timing of the manual staple processing overlap. Therefore, the control device 500 of the post-processing device 20 delays the execution timing of the punch processing so that the punch processing is executed after the manual staple processing is completed (time t = b5 = c5).

By the way, the sheets sent from the image forming apparatus 10 are conveyed at predetermined intervals. Therefore, if the execution timing of the punch process is delayed, the next sheet is conveyed while the resist roller drive motor 542 is stopped (time t = a5). As a result, paper jams and the like may occur. For this reason, the control device 500 does not delay the execution timing of the punch processing, but delays the execution timing of the manual staple processing (see FIG. 7C).

FIG. 7C is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple process is delayed in order to prevent the punch process and the manual staple process from overlapping in the description of FIG. 7A.

With reference to FIG. 7C, when the manual staple processing is executed after a predetermined time has elapsed (time t = e1) from the time when the sheet detection sensor 511 detects the insertion of the sheet for manual staple (time t = d1). It overlaps with the punch processing. Therefore, the control device 500 delays the execution timing of the manual staple processing by the time when the punch processing is completed. In the case of the example of FIG. 7C, the control device 500 delays the execution timing of the manual staple processing from the time t = e1 to the time t = e3.

In this example, the execution timing of the manual staple processing is delayed after the punch processing. However, if the control device 500 determines that the manual staple processing can be performed before the punch processing, the manual staple processing may be accelerated by shortening the predetermined time described above.

FIG. 7D is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple process is delayed so as to be different from that of FIG. 7C in order to avoid overlapping of the punch process and the manual staple process in the description of FIG. 7A.

With reference to FIG. 7D, for example, when a punch job (a job of punching each of a plurality of sheets) is executed on a sheet having a short FD length, the punch processing time interval is compared with that of a sheet having a long FD length. (Punch processing cycle) becomes short. Even if the manual staple process is executed while the job having a short punch process time interval is being executed, there is no timing that does not overlap with the punch operation timing. Therefore, the manual staple process cannot be executed until the punch job is completed.

In such a case, the control device 500 instructs the image forming apparatus 10 to temporarily increase the sheet spacing (paper spacing) in order to create a time during which the manual staple processing can be executed. The post-processing device 20 executed the punch processing (time t = b8 = c8) after the timing (time t = a9) when the sheets whose staple intervals were widened based on the instruction were conveyed. Later, manual staple processing is executed (time t = e5). The operation of expanding the sheet spacing according to the instruction from the post-processing device 20 may be continued for a predetermined period or may be limited to only once. If it continues for a predetermined period, the manual staple processing can be continuously executed.

(F2. Second example)
A manual staple process during the raising / lowering operation of the discharge tray 22a will be described with reference to FIGS. 8A to 8C.

The signals shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C are excerpts of main inputs and outputs related to the elevating process (operation) and the manual staple process (operation) of the discharge tray 22a.

As input signals, a signal (g) of the processing tray sheet detection sensor 77 (see FIG. 3), a signal (h) of the tray top surface detection sensor 512 (see FIG. 5), and a signal (d) of the sheet detection sensor 511 are used. It is described. As output signals, a signal (i) of the tray drive motor 541 for raising and lowering the discharge tray 22a and a signal (e) of the stapler drive motor 549 for operating the stapler are described.

FIG. 8A shows the drive timing of the tray drive motor 541 when the manual stapler process is executed based on the fact that the sheet is inserted into the seat insertion slot 21a (see FIG. 2) while the discharge tray 22a is being raised and lowered. It is a timing diagram which showed the example which overlaps with the drive timing of the stapler drive motor 549. This example shows an example of the raising / lowering operation of the discharge tray 22a, which is executed when the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 22a after the post-processing of the sheet bundle housed in the processing tray is completed.

With reference to FIG. 8A, when the post-processing of the sheet bundle housed in the processing tray is completed and the sheet bundle is discharged onto the discharge tray 22a, the sheet bundle is discharged at a predetermined timing from the start of the sheet bundle discharge operation. The processing tray sheet detection sensor 77 is turned off (time t = g1). After a predetermined time from the off timing, the discharge of the sheet bundle to the discharge tray 22a is completed. Therefore, the control device 500 starts the control to drive the tray drive motor 541 in the downward direction in accordance with the timing (time t = i1).

When the lowering operation of the discharge tray 22a is continued, the tray top surface detection sensor 512 that detects the top surface of the sheet bundle discharged on the discharge tray 22a is turned off (time t = h1). Therefore, the control device 500 stops the lowering operation of the discharge tray 22a (time t = i2).

Next, the control device 500 drives the tray drive motor 541 so that the discharge tray 22a rises. The control device 500 stops the tray drive motor 541 when the tray top surface detection sensor 512 is turned on again (time t = i3). By stopping the discharge tray 22a at the position where the tray top surface detection sensor 512 is turned on again, the tip of the sheet accommodated in the processing tray hangs down, resulting in deterioration of the alignment state in the paper passing direction in the processing tray. Can be prevented.

On the other hand, when the sheet detection sensor 511 detects the insertion of the sheet for manual staples (time t = d1), the control device 500 drives the stapler drive motor 549 after a predetermined time has elapsed (time t = e1). As a result, manual staples are executed.

Sheets are conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 to the post-processing apparatus 20 at a speed and a sheet interval (between papers) according to various conditions such as a sheet size and a printing mode. However, when the user performs manual staples, the user comes in front of the post-processing device 20 and inserts the sheet into the sheet insertion slot 21a. Therefore, the manual staple process is executed at a timing irrelevant to the elevating operation timing of the discharge tray 22a. Therefore, the elevating operation of the discharge tray 22a (time t = i1 to i3) and the execution timing of the manual staple processing (time t = e1) overlap. As a result, the peak value of the current consumption at this time exceeds the predetermined specification value.

FIG. 8B is a timing diagram when the timing for raising the discharge tray 22a is delayed in order to avoid overlapping the raising / lowering operation of the discharge tray 22a and the manual staple processing in the description of FIG. 8A.

With reference to FIG. 8B, the sheets are conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 to the post-processing apparatus 20 at predetermined intervals. Therefore, if the timing of starting the ascent of the discharge tray 22a is delayed (time t = i4), the tip of the sheet accommodated in the processing tray hangs down on the upper surface of the discharge tray 22a. As a result, the alignment state in the paper passing direction in the processing tray may deteriorate. For this reason, the control device 500 does not delay the ascending timing of the discharge tray 22a, but delays the execution timing of the manual staple processing (see FIG. 8C).

FIG. 8C is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple processing is delayed in order to prevent the ascending timing of the discharge tray 22a and the manual staple processing from overlapping in the description of FIG. 8A.

With reference to FIG. 8C, when the manual staple processing is started after a predetermined time has elapsed (time t = e1) from the time when the sheet detection sensor 511 detects the insertion of the sheet for manual staple (time t = d1). It overlaps with the ascending operation of the discharge tray 22a. Therefore, the control device 500 delays the execution timing of the manual staple processing by a predetermined time after the start of ascending of the discharge tray 22a (time t = i2). During the predetermined time, a large amount of current flows when the tray drive motor 541 is started or during the rise after the start, and the current consumption decreases when the rise is completed. Therefore, the manual staple processing does not overlap only during the rise period. Is. In the case of the example of FIG. 8C, the control device 500 delays the execution timing of the manual staple processing until the time t = e5.

(F3. Third example)
The relationship between saddle stitching and saddle stitching and manual staple processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 9A to 9C.

The signals shown in FIGS. 9A to 9C are excerpts of the main inputs and outputs related to saddle stitching and saddle stitching (operation) and manual staple processing (operation).

As input signals, a signal (j) of the saddle loading unit sensor 84, a signal (k) of the saddle processing tray sensor 85, a signal (l) of the discharge sensor 83, and a signal (d) of the sheet detection sensor 511 are described. doing. As output signals, the signal (m) of the saddle stitch drive motor 551, the signal (n) of the folding knife drive motor 547, the signal (o) of the folding roller drive motor 550, and the signal (e) of the stapler drive motor 549. Is described.

FIG. 9A is a timing diagram showing an example in which the drive timing of the folding roller drive motor 550 and the drive timing of the stapler drive motor 549 overlap during the middle folding operation.

With reference to FIG. 9A, the drive timing of the folding roller drive motor 550 (time t = o1 to o2) and the drive timing of the stapler drive motor 549 (time t = e1 to e2) overlap. In such a case, the peak value of the current consumption at this time exceeds a predetermined specification value. Since the overall operation is the same as that of FIGS. 7A and 8A except that the post-processing is a middle folding operation, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 9B is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the center folding process is delayed in order to prevent the center folding process and the manual staple process from overlapping in the description of FIG. 9A.

With reference to FIG. 9B, the control device 500 delays the execution timing of the middle fold process so that the middle fold process is executed after the start of the execution of the manual staple process. In the case of the example of FIG. 9B, the control device 500 delays the execution timing of the middle folding process until the time t = o3. For example, the control device 500 simultaneously drives the folding knife drive motor 547 and the folding roller drive motor 550 immediately after the manual staple processing is completed (time t = e2 = n3 = o3), so that the execution timing of the middle folding processing is executed. To delay. Since the overall operation is the same as that of FIGS. 7B and 8B except that the post-processing is a middle folding operation, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. In this way, even when the execution timing of the middle folding process is delayed, there is a possibility that a paper jam, a problem in the alignment state, or the like may occur.

FIG. 9C is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple process is delayed in order to prevent the middle folding process and the manual staple process from overlapping in the description of FIG. 9A.

With reference to FIG. 9C, the control device 500 sets the start time of the manual staple processing to the same time (time t = e7) as the drive end time (time t = o2) of the folding roller drive motor 550. That is, the execution timing of the manual staple process is delayed from the time e1 to e2 to the time e7 to e8. By delaying the timing of the manual staple processing in this way, the occurrence of the above-mentioned problems can be suppressed. Since the overall operation is the same as that of FIGS. 7C and 8C except that the post-processing is a middle folding operation, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(F4. Fourth example)
In the first example, the second example, and the third example, when the manual staple operation overlaps with the execution timing (operation timing) of other loads of the post-processing device, the execution timing of the manual staple processing is shifted. rice field. However, in the following, a case where the execution timing of the manual staple processing does not necessarily have to be shifted will be described.

Based on FIGS. 10A to 10E, a manual staple process during the raising / lowering operation of the discharge tray 22a when the image forming apparatus 10 is not operating will be described. More specifically, a case where the discharge tray 22a performs an elevating operation based on the user removing the sheet bundle loaded on the discharge tray 22a when the image forming apparatus 10 is not operating will be described.

The signals shown in FIGS. 10A to 10E are excerpts of the main inputs and outputs related to the elevating operation of the discharge tray 22a and the manual staple processing in the above case.

As input signals, a signal (h) of the tray top surface detection sensor 512 (see FIG. 5) and a signal (d) of the sheet detection sensor 511 are described. As output signals, a signal (i) of the tray drive motor 541 for raising and lowering the discharge tray 22a and a signal (e) of the stapler drive motor 549 for operating the stapler are described.

The control device 500 controls to automatically raise the discharge tray 22a to a predetermined position when the sheet (seat bundle) loaded on the discharge tray 22a is removed. In FIG. 10A, when the insertion of the sheet for manual staples is detected during the ascending operation of the discharge tray 22a, the drive timing of the tray drive motor 541 and the drive timing of the stapler drive motor 549 overlap. It is a timing chart showing an example of such a situation.

When the sheet bundle loaded on the discharge tray 22a is removed, the tray top surface detection sensor 512 is turned off (time t = h1). When the tray top surface detection sensor 512 is turned off, the control device 500 starts control to raise the discharge tray 22a to a position where the tray top surface detection sensor 512 is turned on. Specifically, the control device 500 starts driving the tray drive motor 541 in the direction in which the discharge tray 22a rises (time t = i1).

On the other hand, when the sheet detection sensor 511 detects the insertion of the sheet bundle for manual staples (time t = d1), after a predetermined time has elapsed (time t = e1), the control device 500 drives the stapler drive motor 549. .. As a result, manual staples are executed. The removal of the sheet bundle on the discharge tray 22a and the insertion of the sheet for manual staples are carried out by the user who came in front of the post-processing device 20. Therefore, the drive timing of the tray drive motor 541 (time t = i1) and the drive timing of the manual staple processing (time t = e1) overlap. As a result, the peak value of the current consumption at this time exceeds the predetermined specification value.

FIG. 10B is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the elevating operation of the discharge tray 22a is delayed in order to prevent the elevating operation of the discharge tray 22a and the manual staple processing from overlapping in the description of FIG. 10A.

FIG. 10C is a timing diagram when the execution timing of the manual staple processing is delayed in order to prevent the elevating operation of the discharge tray 22a from overlapping with the manual staple processing.

In the case of FIG. 10A, when the discharge tray 22a is raised and lowered, there is no sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10B, the manual staple processing may be prioritized rather than delaying the drive timing of the tray drive motor 541. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10C, the elevating operation of the discharge tray 22a may be prioritized by delaying the drive timing of the stapler drive motor 549. Any process (operation) may be prioritized. For example, a mode for setting whether or not to prioritize the manual staple processing may be provided, and the control device 500 may determine which drive timing is to be changed according to the setting of the mode.

10D and 10E are timing charts showing an operation example when an error related to the manual staple processing occurs when the manual staple processing is prioritized over the elevating operation of the discharge tray 22a.

FIG. 10D shows an operation when the sheet bundle for manual staples is removed from the sheet insertion slot 21a immediately before the manual staple process in an attempt to execute the process. As shown in FIG. 10D, when it is detected that the sheet bundle for manual staples has been removed (time t = d2), the manual staple process is not executed (time t = e1 to e2), so that the control device 500 Starts driving the tray drive motor 541.

FIG. 10E shows an operation when a needle jam occurs in the manual staple processing and a phenomenon that the staple portion 71 inside the staple processing device 21 does not return to the home position occurs. The home position is not the position of the staple portion 71 (position in the direction of arrow 910) described with reference to FIG. 4, but the state before the staple portion 71 sandwiches the sheet bundle at the position of the position of FIG. 4 (solid line). This is the position of the operating device (member for driving the needle) in the staple portion when it is in the (open state). Further, the home position is the position of the operating device in the staple portion when the staple portion 71 is not performing the operation of driving the needle.

As shown in FIG. 10E, when the stapler drive motor 549 is started to be driven, the stapler home sensor is turned off (s1). When the stapler home sensor does not turn on even if the stapler drive motor 549 is continued to be driven for a predetermined time, the control device 500 determines that a needle jam has occurred. As a result, the control device 500 starts driving the tray drive motor 541 in order to start the elevating operation of the delayed discharge tray 22a.

(F5. Fifth example)
FIG. 11 is a timing diagram showing an operation timing when the manual staple process is executed when the sheet is not conveyed by the image forming apparatus 10.

As the input signal, the signal (d) of the sheet detection sensor 511 is described. As output signals, the signal (e) of the stapler drive motor 549, the stapler moving motor enable signal (t) for energizing the stapler unit moving motor 548 shown in FIG. 4, and the current energizing the stapler unit moving motor 548. The stapler moving motor current signal (u) for setting the magnitude is described. The stapler unit moving motor 548 moves the stapler unit 210 (see FIG. 4) in the direction of arrow 910.

When the post-processing device 20 continuously executes the manual staple processing, the position where the stapler unit 210 (FIG. 4) executes the manual staple due to the vibration during the execution of the manual staple processing (the position of the stapler unit 210 shown by the solid line in FIG. 4). ) May deviate from.

In order to prevent this phenomenon, the control device 500 increases the holding power of the stapler unit moving motor 548 that moves the stapler unit 210. As a result, the control device 500 can suppress the occurrence of misalignment of the stapler unit 210 even with respect to vibration during execution of the manual staple processing.

Specifically, the control device 500 is set in the direction of increasing the signal for setting the magnitude of the current energized in the stapler unit moving motor 548 (time t = u1). After that, the control device 500 turns on the stapler moving motor enable signal (time t = t1). As a result, the holding torque of the stapler unit moving motor 548 increases. When the stapler unit moving motor 548 is driven in this state (time t = e1 to e2), even if vibration is generated due to the execution of the manual staple processing, the positional deviation of the stapler unit 210 can be suppressed.

(F6. Summary)
In the above, a specific example of timing control has been described. In the following, the processing of the post-processing apparatus 20 will be summarized while making a concrete example into a higher-level concept.

(1) First Operation The post-processing device 20 receives a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 and executes an operation (hereinafter, also referred to as “first operation”) based on a job related to the sheet (hereinafter, also referred to as “first operation”). Hereinafter, it is also referred to as a “first moving unit”). The first operation unit receives the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 and executes the first operation designated by the image forming apparatus 10.

In a certain aspect, the first operation unit executes the first operation on condition that the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 is detected. In a certain aspect, the first operation unit executes the first operation for each of the plurality of sheets based on the job.

The first operation is, for example, post-processing on the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10. The post-processing may be, for example, a punching operation for punching a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10, an auto-staple operation for automatically stapling the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10, or an image forming apparatus 10. This is a middle folding operation for folding the conveyed sheet. Alternatively, the first operation is an operation of raising and lowering the discharge tray 22a.

(2) Second operation The post-processing device 20 receives a sheet manually inserted into the post-processing device 20 and performs an operation different from the first operation (hereinafter, also referred to as “second operation”). It is provided with an operating unit (hereinafter, also referred to as a “second operating unit”) to be executed. The second operation unit executes the second operation on condition that the sheet is manually inserted into the post-processing device 20. The second operation is, for example, an operation for a sheet inserted manually. The second operation is, for example, manual staple processing.

Further, the second operating unit is movable on a predetermined route based on a command from the control device 500, and is temporarily held at a predetermined position on the predetermined route when performing the second operation. Can be done.

(3) Timing Control by Control Device 500 The post-processing device 20 includes a control device 500 that determines the execution timing of the second operation according to the execution status of the first operation. The control device 500 gives priority to the first operation over the second operation by changing the execution timing of the second operation in a certain aspect (FIGS. 7C, 7D, 8C, 9C, 10C). reference). Further, in a certain aspect, the control device 500 gives priority to the second operation over the first operation by changing the execution timing of the first operation (see FIG. 10B).

When the control device 500 determines that the execution timing of the first operation and the execution timing of the second operation at least partially match (see FIGS. 7A, 8A, and 9A), the execution target of the first operation is executed. The execution timing of the second operation is changed based on the transfer status of the sheet transferred from the image forming apparatus 10 to the post-processing apparatus 20 following the sheet (see FIGS. 7C, 7D, 8C, and 9C). ).

When the control device 500 determines that the second operation cannot be executed until the first operation for a plurality of seats is completed when the execution timing of the second operation is changed, the control device 500 increases the separation distance between the sheets. By the time the first operation for the plurality of sheets is completed, the second operation unit is made to execute the second operation (see FIG. 7D).

When the control device 500 executes the second operation when the image forming apparatus 10 and the post-processing apparatus 20 are not operating, the control device 500 obtains an image of the holding force for holding the second operating unit at the predetermined position. Control is performed to be stronger than when the forming device 10 and the post-processing device 20 are operating (see FIG. 11).

When the first operation is an operation different from the post-processing for the sheet (see FIG. 10A), the control device 500 determines that the execution timing of the first operation and the execution timing of the second operation coincide with each other at least partially. If it is determined, the execution timing of the first operation is changed (see FIG. 10B).

If the execution timing of the first operation is changed and the second operation cannot be completed due to the occurrence of an error related to the second operation, the control device 500 does not wait for the completion of the second operation. , The first operation unit is made to execute the first operation (see FIGS. 10D and 10E).

When the control device 500 determines that the total value of the electric power for driving the first operating unit and the electric power for driving the second operating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the total value is determined. The operation timing of the first operation unit or the operation timing of the second operation unit is determined so as to be equal to or less than the predetermined value.

<G. Control structure>
FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the flow of processing executed by the post-processing apparatus 20 in a certain aspect.

With reference to FIG. 12, in step S1, the post-processing apparatus 20 executes the operation designated by the image forming apparatus 10. In step S2, the control device 500 determines whether or not the sheet for manual staples has been detected by the sheet detection sensor 511.

When the seat is detected (YES in step S2), the control device 500 determines the execution timing of the manual staple in step S3 according to the execution status of the designated operation. If the sheet is not detected (NO in step S2), the control device 500 advances the process to step S1.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining the details of the process of step S3 of FIG.
With reference to FIG. 13, in step S31, the control device 500 determines whether or not the designated operation has priority over the manual staples based on a predetermined setting. When the control device 500 gives priority to the designated operation (YES in step S31), the control device 500 delays the execution timing of the manual staple process in step S32. When the manual staple processing is prioritized (NO in step S31), the control device 500 delays the execution timing of the designated operation in step S33.

<H. Advantages>
As described above, when the post-processing device 20 tries to execute a plurality of operations (processes) at the same time, electric power exceeding the electric energy specified in the specifications may be required. However, by performing the timing control as described above, it is possible to prevent the post-processing device 20 from exceeding the electric energy specified in the specifications. Therefore, the processing executed by the post-processing apparatus 20 is stabilized. For example, it is possible to prevent a problem that the stitching position of the needle of the manual tape is misaligned.

Hereinafter, the above advantages will be specifically described based on the measurement results.
The post-processing device 20 operates by receiving a supply of a predetermined voltage (for example, 24V) from the image forming device 10. Therefore, an agreement has been made on the upper limit of the current consumption used in the aftertreatment device 20. Further, regarding the peak current of the consumption current, it is agreed that the effective value (RMS) in the 10 ms section is 12 A (ampere) or less, for example.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a measurement waveform (current waveform) when the execution timings of the punch process and the manual staple process overlap as shown in FIG. 7A. With reference to FIG. 14, in the measured waveform, the maximum value (MAX) of the current in the 10 ms section is 14.0 A, the minimum value (min) of the current in the section is 10.9 A, and the effective value (RMS) of the current in the section is Is 12.7A. In this way, both the maximum value and the effective value exceed the current value (upper limit value) of 12A defined in the specifications.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a measured waveform (current waveform) when the manual staple processing is delayed, as shown in FIG. 7C.

With reference to FIG. 15, the maximum value (MAX) of the current in the 10 ms section is 10.7 A, the minimum value (min) of the current in the section is 7.72 A, and the effective value (RMS) of the current in the section is 9.50 A. It has become. By delaying the manual staple processing in this way, it is possible to prevent not only the effective value but also the maximum value from exceeding the current value (upper limit value) of 12A specified in the specifications. Therefore, the manual staple processing can be stabilized.

The program that executes the timing control described above can be stored in a non-temporary recording medium and distributed.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims, not the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

10 image forming device, 11 image forming unit, 13 automatic document feeder, 14A, 14B feeding unit, 20 post-processing device, 21 staple processing device, 21a sheet insertion slot, 21b light emitting unit, 22a, 22b, 22c discharge tray, 31 Controller, 34 Operation panel, 60 Sheet carry-in section, 61 Staple roller, 62 Intermediate roller, 63 Saddle carry-in roller, 64 Conveyor roller, 66A, 66B Path sensor, 66C 2nd tray path sensor, 68 Pre-staple sensor, 70 Storage belt , 71 stapler, 72 stapler, 74 rear end paddle, 77 processing tray sheet detection sensor, 81, 82 sheet ejection roller, 83 ejection sensor, 84 saddle loading sensor, 85 saddle processing tray sensor, 86 knife, 90 Punch processing unit, 91 transport path switching member, 100 saddle, 210 stapler unit, 211 main body unit, 212 holder, 220 belt, 230 shaft, 500 controller, 511 sheet detection sensor, 512 tray top surface detection sensor, 541 tray drive motor, 542 Resist roller drive motor, 545 Matching motor, 546 punch drive motor, 547 knife drive motor, 548 stapler unit moving motor, 549 stapler drive motor, 550 roller drive motor, 551 stapler drive motor, 600 motion control unit, 601 tray Elevating timing control unit, 602 punch timing control unit, 603 timing control unit, 604 manual staple timing control unit, 1000 image formation system, H0, H1, H2 transport path.

Claims (15)

It is a post-processing device
A first operation unit that receives a sheet conveyed from an image forming apparatus and executes a first operation based on a job related to the sheet, and a first operation unit.
A second operation unit that accepts a sheet manually inserted into the post-processing device and executes a second operation different from the first operation, and a second operation unit.
A post-processing device including a control unit that determines the execution timing of the second operation according to the execution status of the first operation. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit gives priority to the first operation over the second operation by changing the execution timing of the second operation. The first operation unit executes the first operation on condition that the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus is detected.
The second operation unit executes the second operation on condition that the sheet is manually inserted into the post-processing device.
When the control unit determines that the execution timing of the first operation and the execution timing of the second operation coincide with each other at least partially, the image following the sheet to be executed of the first operation. The post-processing device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the execution timing of the second operation is changed based on the transfer status of the sheet transferred from the forming device to the post-processing device. The first operation unit executes the first operation for each of the plurality of sheets based on the job.
When the control unit changes the execution timing of the second operation, if it determines that the second operation cannot be executed by the time the first operation for the plurality of sheets is completed, the control unit separates the sheets from each other. According to any one of claims 1 to 3, the second operation unit is made to perform the second operation by the time when the first operation with respect to the plurality of sheets is completed by increasing the distance. The post-processing device described. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit gives priority to the second operation over the first operation by changing the execution timing of the first operation. The second operation is an operation for the sheet inserted by hand.
The second operating unit is movable on a predetermined route based on a command from the control unit, and when the second operation is performed, the second operating unit temporarily moves to a predetermined position on the predetermined route. Retained,
When the second operation is executed when the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus are not operating, the control unit has a holding force for holding the second operating unit at the predetermined position. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus are controlled to be stronger than when they are operating. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first operation is post-processing for a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus. The post-processing includes a punching operation for punching a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus, an auto-staple operation for automatically stapling the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus, or an operation for conveying from the image forming apparatus. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7, which is a middle-folding operation for folding a sheet. When the first operation is an operation different from the post-processing for the sheet, the control unit determines that the execution timing of the first operation and the execution timing of the second operation at least partially match. Then, the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 5, which changes the execution timing of the first operation. When the execution timing of the first operation is changed and the second operation cannot be completed due to the occurrence of an error related to the second operation, the control unit completes the second operation. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the first operating unit is made to execute the first operation without waiting for. The post-processing device further comprises a discharge tray from which the sheet conveyed from the image forming device is discharged.
The post-processing device according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first operation is an operation of raising and lowering the discharge tray. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the second operation is manual staple processing. When the control unit determines that the total value of the electric power for driving the first operating unit and the electric power for driving the second operating unit exceeds a predetermined value, the total is said. The item according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the operation timing of the first operating unit or the operation timing of the second operating unit is determined so that the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value. Post-processing device. An image forming system comprising the post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 and the image forming apparatus. It is a control method for post-processing equipment.
A step in which the first moving unit receives the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus and executes the designated first movement, and
A step in which the second operating unit receives a sheet manually inserted into the post-processing device and executes a second operation different from the first operation.
A control method comprising a step of determining an execution timing of the second operation according to an execution state of the first operation.

Images