JP2000211802A - Sheet treating method and device and a recording medium - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet treating device capable of preventing the occurrence of any abnormal condition such as a jam originating from the punching motions. SOLUTION: When punching motion is to be conducted, a sheet end sensor 93 is in advance moved to a sheet end sensing standby position on the basis of the size information on the sheet width, and for sensing the sheet end, the sheet end sensor is moved from the sheet end sensing standby position in the direction across the sheet width at the timing of sheet transportation. If at this time, the actual size of sheet width differs from the given information about the sheet width, it may happen that the sheet end is not sensed before the punching motion is started, and therefore, the sliding motion of a punch is ended (step S8) when the timer counted up at the step S6 is judged that the specified time has elapsed (step S7) so as to prohibit the perforation of the sheet while the sheet end remains unsensed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and a sheet processing method for punching a discharged sheet.
The present invention also relates to a storage medium that is executed by a CPU that controls a sheet processing apparatus and stores a program for performing a punching operation on a discharged sheet.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a sheet processing apparatus for performing post-processing such as sorting, binding, stacking, and punching on an image-formed sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus.

[0003] As a punching method in such a sheet processing apparatus, a method of punching a sheet bundle stored in a processing tray is known. However, in order to punch a sheet bundle, the next sheet is punched during punching. It was difficult to increase the processing speed because the sheet could not be conveyed, and depending on the capability of the punching device, the sheet conveyance from the image forming apparatus was interrupted and the punching process had to be performed several times.

On the other hand, there has been known a method of perforating one sheet at a time at a constant interval from an image forming apparatus. In this method, a punch unit including a punch and a die is provided on a sheet conveying path, and a punching operation is performed without stopping a sheet being conveyed by synchronizing a sheet conveying speed and a punch speed, thereby performing a punching operation. Processing can be performed without increasing the sheet processing time.

As described above, in the sheet processing apparatus that performs the punching operation without stopping the sheet being conveyed, the leading end or the trailing end of the conveyed sheet is detected in the sheet conveying direction, and the detection result is obtained. There is known a method of adjusting the punch position by changing the timing of punching. Further, in the sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction, the edge of the conveyed sheet is detected, and based on the detection result, the punch unit is moved in the width direction of the conveyed sheet, so that the punching is performed. Methods for adjusting the position are known.

In this case, based on the length information of the sheet width,
The sheet edge detection sensor is moved to the sheet edge detection standby position in advance, and the sheet edge detection sensor is moved from the sheet edge detection standby position in synchronization with the sheet conveyance timing, thereby detecting the sheet edge. I do.

[0007]

However, when the sheet edge detection sensor is moved, if the length information of the sheet width is different from the actual length of the sheet width, the sheet is not detected by the time the punching operation is started. May not be detected. If the punching operation is performed without detecting the end of the sheet, it is not possible to know where the hole is opened in the sheet.
In some cases, there may be holes at the end of the sheet,
There has been a problem that holes formed in the end portion of the sheet in a later step may cause a jam or the like. Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus, a method, and a storage medium that can prevent occurrence of an abnormal state such as a jam caused by a punch operation.

[0008]

To achieve the above object, a sheet processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a punching means for punching a conveyed sheet, and the punching means comprising: Moving means for moving in the width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet, sheet edge detecting means for moving together with the perforating means and detecting an edge of the conveyed sheet in the width direction, and detecting the sheet edge. Determining means for determining whether or not the means has detected an edge in the width direction of the sheet within a predetermined moving range; and, if the means has not detected an edge in the width direction of the sheet, a punching operation by the punching means. Prohibition means for prohibiting the operation.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sheet processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the discriminating means includes a measuring means for measuring a time after moving the perforating means. If the end of the sheet in the width direction is not detected even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the prohibiting unit prohibits the punching operation.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided the sheet processing apparatus according to the first aspect, further comprising a return means for returning the punching means to a standby position when the punching operation is prohibited. And

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet processing apparatus according to the first aspect, the sheet processing apparatus further includes a second moving means for moving the sheet edge detecting means in the width direction with respect to the perforating means. The second moving means moves in advance to a position corresponding to the size of the conveyed sheet.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet processing apparatus of the first aspect, the moving means moves the sheet in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet.

A sheet processing method according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes the steps of: moving a punching device that performs a punching operation on a conveyed sheet in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet;
A step of determining whether or not a sheet edge detection sensor that moves together with the punching device detects an edge in the width direction of the sheet within a predetermined movement range; and a step of not detecting an edge in the width direction of the sheet. Prohibiting the piercing operation by the piercing device.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage medium which is executed by a CPU for controlling a sheet processing apparatus and stores a program for performing a punching operation on a conveyed sheet. Moving a punching device that performs a punching operation on the sheet in a width direction orthogonal to the conveying direction of the sheet, and a sheet edge detection sensor that moves together with the punching device detects the sheet within a predetermined moving range. A step of determining whether or not to detect an edge in the width direction, and a step of prohibiting a punching operation by the punching device when the edge in the width direction of the sheet is not detected. .

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the sheet processing apparatus, method and storage medium of the present invention will be described. FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system to which a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment is applied. The image forming system includes a reading and feeding device 101, an image forming device 102, and a sheet processing device 103.

The reading and feeding device 101 includes an automatic document feeding unit 5.
The automatic document feeder 51 feeds the document p set to 1 to a reading position on the document table glass 78, and then conveys the document p to a discharge position, and a lamp 79 that irradiates the document p fed to the reading position. A CCD line sensor (CCD) 76 for detecting an image, reflection mirrors 72, 73, and 74 for guiding light from the document p to the CCD 76, and a lens 75 for connecting the image of the document on the surface of the CCD 76.

The image forming apparatus 102 includes a plurality of recording paper storage units 53, 54 on which recording papers (sheets) S (S1, S2) of different sizes are stacked, and a recording paper feeding unit 5 for feeding recording papers.
5 and 56. The fed sheet S is transported to the sheet transport path 60 via the sheet transport path 57. 6
Reference numeral 1 denotes a laser scanner that scans a laser beam based on the image information read by the optical system 52 to form a latent image (toner image) on the photoconductor of the image forming unit 62.

Reference numeral 62 denotes an image forming unit for transferring the toner image formed on the photosensitive member to the sheet S. Image forming unit 62
The sheet S on which an image is formed by the transfer belt 6
3. The toner image on the recording paper is conveyed to the conveyance path of the sheet processing apparatus 103 by a fixing roller 64 for softening and fixing the toner image and fixing the toner image, and a conveyance roller 65.

Reference numeral 40 denotes an operation unit for confirming operation settings and setting contents of the image forming apparatus 102 and the sheet processing apparatus 103. The operation unit 40 includes a display unit for confirming setting contents, a touch panel key for performing detailed setting of an image forming operation and an operation setting of the sheet processing apparatus, and the like. The numeric keypad has a numeric keypad, a stop key for stopping the image forming operation, a reset key for returning to the initial setting, a start key for starting the image forming operation, and the like.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a sheet processing apparatus (finisher)
It is. Reference numeral 1 denotes an entrance roller of the finisher 103,
The sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus 102 is conveyed. Reference numerals 2 and 3 are conveying rollers for conveying the sheet S or the insert sheet I. Reference numeral 31 denotes a sheet detection sensor that detects the passage of the conveyed sheet S or the insert sheet I on the entrance side. A punch unit 50 punches a hole near the rear end of the conveyed sheet S or the insert sheet I.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of the punch unit 50 housed in the sheet processing apparatus 103. The punch unit 50 has a sheet edge detection sensor 93 for detecting a sheet edge in a sheet width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction A, and a perforated portion 90. The sheet edge detection sensor 93 is composed of a photocoupler having a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit, and detects a sheet edge by interposing a sheet between the light emitting unit and the light receiving unit and blocking light from the light emitting unit. .

The perforated portion 90 has a punch 91 projecting from the side surface of the rotating shaft 191 and a die 92 supported by a rotating shaft 192 provided in parallel with the rotating shaft 191 (FIG. 3).
reference). The rotation shaft 191 and the rotation shaft 192 are rotated in opposite directions by a punch drive motor (not shown) in synchronization.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a punching operation by the punch unit 50. Normally, the punch unit 50 is located at a punch home position (HP) shown in FIG. 7A, and is positioned by a punch position sensor 99 that detects a punch position flag 98 attached to the rotating shaft 191. After the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the trailing edge of the sheet, the punch 91 and the die 92 rotate by driving the punch drive motor at a predetermined timing, and the punch 9 is rotated.
1 engages with a dice hole 92a formed in the dice 92 to pierce the sheet being conveyed (see FIG. 1B). When the punching of the sheet being conveyed is completed, the punch 9
1 exits from the transport path (see FIG. 3C). At the time of this punching operation, the sheet can be punched during the conveyance by making the rotation speed of the punch 91 and the die 92 equal to the rotation speed of the conveyance roller pair 3.

The perforating section 90 has a sheet conveying direction A
A punch slide HP detection sensor 94 is provided which is movable in a sheet width direction (directions indicated by arrows DE in the drawing) perpendicular to the sheet processing apparatus, and the sheet processing apparatus is moved by moving the punch slide HP detection sensor 94 in the direction of arrow E. The punch slide HP defining unit 95 provided in the unit 103 is detected. Here, the punch slide HP is a few mm before the sheet reference position corresponding to the amount of deviation of the skew or lateral registration.

Further, the perforated portion 90 is provided with a sheet end detection sensor 93 and a lateral registration HP detection sensor 96, which are driven by a sensor slide motor (not shown). The registration HP detection sensor 96 is movable in the directions of arrows D and E. Side cash register H
By moving the P detection sensor 96 in the direction of arrow E,
The horizontal registration HP defining unit 97 is detected. Further, by moving the sheet edge detection sensor 93 in the direction of arrow D, the sheet edge detection sensor 93 is made to stand by at a position corresponding to the selected sheet size (sheet edge detection standby position). As described above, the sensor slide motor is driven before the sheet is conveyed, and the sheet edge detection sensor 93 is moved to a position (a sheet edge detection standby position) that is half the width of the sheet + α away from the center of the punch unit 50. Let it be.

After the sheet detecting sensor 31 detects the leading edge of the sheet, a punch slide motor (not shown) is driven at a predetermined timing to move the perforated portion 90 and the sheet end detecting sensor 93 in the direction of arrow D, The punch slide motor is stopped after the sheet edge is detected by blocking the sheet between the light emitting portion and the light receiving portion of the edge detection sensor 93. This makes it possible to align the punching position with the end of the sheet.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a relatively large-diameter roller (hereinafter, referred to as a buffer roller) disposed on the way of conveyance.
, Each pressing roller 12 arranged around its outer periphery,
The sheet is pressed against the roll surface by 13 and 14 to be conveyed.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a first switching flapper, which selectively switches between the non-sort pass 4 and the sort pass 8. Reference numeral 10 denotes a second switching flapper, which switches between a buffer path 23 for temporarily storing a sheet S or an insert sheet I and a sort path 8. 33 is a sheet detection sensor for detecting a sheet in the non-sort path 4;
Is a sheet detection sensor that detects a sheet in the sort path 8.

Reference numeral 6 denotes a transport roller provided on the path of the sort path 8. An intermediate tray (hereinafter referred to as a processing tray) 82 is provided for temporarily stacking the sheets, aligning the stacked sheets S or the insert sheets I, and performing staple processing by the staple unit 80.
And a processing tray unit including an alignment plate 88 for aligning the sheets S or the insert sheets I stacked on the processing tray 82.

On the discharge end side of the processing tray 82, one discharge roller constituting a bundle discharge roller, here, a lower discharge roller 83b as a fixed side is disposed.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a processing tray (first stacking tray) 8 which is disposed on a sort path 8 and which stores sheets S or insert sheets I.
6 is a first discharge roller for discharging onto the upper surface of the printer. Reference numeral 9 denotes a second discharge roller that is disposed on the non-sort path 4 and discharges the sheet S or the insert sheet I onto the sample tray 85.

The swing guide 81 is supported by a swing guide 81. When the swing guide 81 comes to the closed position, the lower discharge roller 8
3b is pressed against the sheet S on the processing tray 82.
Alternatively, it is an upper discharge roller for discharging the bundle of insert sheets I onto a stack tray (second stacking tray) 86.
A bundle stacking guide 87 abuts and supports the trailing edge (the trailing edge in the bundle discharging direction) of the bundle of sheets stacked on the stack tray 86 and the sample tray 85. Also serves as an exterior.

Reference numeral 20 denotes an insert paper storage section for setting an insert paper I to be inserted. Reference numeral 21 denotes a paper feed roller for feeding insert paper, and reference numeral 22 denotes a separation roller for separating the fed insert paper. Reference numeral 27 denotes an insert paper set detection sensor for detecting whether or not insert paper is set in the insert paper storage unit 20. The fed insert sheet is transported to the transport roller 2 by the transport rollers 23, 24, 25, and 26.

The automatic document feeder 51 of the reading and feeding device 101
The original is set in the operation unit 40, and the user makes desired settings from the operation unit 40 and designates the start of the operation, whereby the image forming operation starts. First, at the same time as the reading of the original by the reading and feeding device 101, the image forming device 102 starts feeding the recording paper from the set recording paper storage units 53 and 54, and the image forming unit 102 It is conveyed to 62. Then, the toner image formed based on the image information read by the reading and feeding device 101 is transferred to the fed sheet, passed through a fixing unit, and fixed on the sheet. In the sheet processing apparatus 103, the sheet is output after performing the processing of the insertion sheet conveyance, punching, sheet classification, and stapling.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the image forming system. The controller circuit unit 200
A central processing unit (hereinafter, referred to as a CPU) 2002, a memory 2001, an I / O control unit 2003, and the like are provided. CP
U2002 operates according to a predetermined program and controls the entire control. The memory 2001 includes a ROM for storing programs and predetermined data, a RAM for temporarily storing data according to signal processing, an IC card, a floppy disk, and the like, and reads and writes programs and data. The I / O control unit 2003 performs transmission and control of input / output signals. The I / O control unit 2003 includes the operation unit control unit 20
1. Recording paper feeding control unit 202, reading paper feeding device control unit 20
3. The image forming control unit 204 and the sheet processing device control unit 205 are connected. The memory 2001 and the I / O control unit 2003 are controlled by a control signal from the CPU 2002. Further, the controller circuit unit 20
0 is the operation unit control unit 2 via the I / O control unit 2003
01, recording paper feeding control unit 202, reading paper feeding device control unit 2
03: Operate the image forming control unit 204 and the sheet processing device control unit 205.

In the image forming system having the above configuration,
When the user sets a document on the automatic document feeder 51 of the reading and feeding device 101 and designates the setting of the operation mode and the start of copying with the operation unit 40 of the image forming apparatus, the automatic document feeder 51 The sheets are fed one by one to a reading position on the original platen glass 78, and reading using the optical system 52 is performed.

The original image exposed by the CCD line sensor 76 is photoelectrically converted and read as an image signal. After performing various types of image processing on the read image signal in accordance with user settings from the operation unit 40, the image signal is converted into an optical signal for exposing the photoconductor.

Then, the charging of the normal electrophotographic process,
An image is formed on the sheet S through exposure, latent image, transfer, separation, and fixing steps. The sheet S on which the image has been formed is transferred to the entrance roller 1 by the conveyance belt 63 and the conveyance roller 65.
Is conveyed to the conveyance path of the sheet processing apparatus 103 via the. The sheet processing apparatus 103 is controlled by the controller circuit unit 200 in accordance with settings from the operation unit 40.

The sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus 102 is transferred to a sheet processing apparatus 103. Operation unit 40
When the punching operation is selected in, the controller circuit unit 200 operates the sheet processing apparatus control unit 205,
By driving the sensor slide motor, the sheet edge detection sensor 93 is moved to a position (sheet edge detection standby position) suitable for the sheet size before the sheet conveyance is started.

When the sheet detection sensor 31 detects the leading edge of the sheet, the controller circuit section 200 operates the sheet processing apparatus control section 205 to drive a punch slide motor (not shown) to detect the perforated section 90 and the sheet end section. The sensor 93 is moved in the sheet width direction (the direction of arrow D in FIG. 2). When the sheet edge detection sensor 93 detects the sheet edge, the controller circuit unit 200 stops the punch slide motor and positions the perforation unit 90 and the sheet edge detection sensor 93.

After a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the rear end of the sheet by the sheet detection sensor 31, the controller circuit section 200 drives a punch drive motor (not shown) to drive the punch 91 and the die 92 of the punching section 90. Is rotated to perforate the sheet S. When the end of the punching operation (punch operation) is detected by the punch position sensor 99, the controller circuit unit 200 operates the sheet processing apparatus control unit 205, drives the punch slide motor, and drives the punching unit 90.
And the sheet edge detection sensor 93 with the punch slide HP
2 (in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 2).

When the punch slide HP defining section 95 is detected by the punch slide HP detection sensor 94, the controller circuit section 200 controls the sheet processing apparatus control section 205.
Is operated, the punch slide motor is stopped, and
0 and the sheet end detection sensor 93 are put on standby.

Here, the punch slide motor is driven,
When the sheet edge detection sensor 93 does not detect the sheet edge within a predetermined time after the movement of the perforated portion 90 and the sheet edge detection sensor 93 in the sheet width direction (the direction of arrow D in FIG. 2) is started. Then, the controller circuit 200 stops the punch slide motor, and terminates the movement of the perforated portion 90 and the sheet end detection sensor 93. After a lapse of a predetermined time from the detection of the trailing edge of the sheet by the sheet detection sensor 31, the controller circuit unit 200 operates the sheet processing device control unit 205, drives the punch slide motor, and drives the punching unit 90 and the sheet edge unit. The detection sensor 93 is moved to the punch slide HP located on the opposite side of the sheet (in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 2).

Further, the controller circuit 200 operates the sheet processing apparatus control unit 205 to drive the transport flapper 11 to switch the transport path. When stacked on the sample tray 85, the sheet S is discharged via the discharge roller 9. When stacking on the stack tray 86, the sheet S
Is discharged from the paper discharge roller 7 via the transport roller 6,
The sheet is discharged to the processing tray 82.

When the stapling operation is selected by the operation unit 40, the controller circuit unit 200 operates the sheet processing apparatus control unit 205, drives the staple unit 80, and performs the stapling process on the sheet bundle stacked on the processing tray 82. Do. Further, the controller circuit unit 200 operates the sheet processing apparatus control unit 205, operates the alignment plate 88, arranges the stack of sheets to be stacked, and controls the sorting direction of the stack to be stacked on the stack tray 86. Further, the controller circuit section 200 operates the sheet processing apparatus control section 205 to close the swinging guide 81, and then outputs the bundle discharge rollers (the upper discharge roller 83a and the lower discharge roller 83b).
Is driven to discharge the sheet bundle in the processing tray 82 to the stack tray 86 for stacking.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the procedure of the punching operation. This processing program is stored in the ROM in the memory 2001, and the CPU 2002
Performed by

The CPU 2002 operates the operation unit control unit 201 to receive inputs of a stacking operation, a stapling operation, and a punch operation, and based on an operation setting designated by a user input on the operation unit 40, a recording paper feed control unit. The control unit 202 operates the reading / feeding device control unit 203, the image forming control unit 204, and the sheet processing device control unit 205. When the user selects a punch operation, a copy start operation starts.

First, the CPU 2002 operates the sheet processing apparatus control unit 205 to drive the sensor slide motor to move the sheet end detection sensor 93 to a predetermined position (sheet end detection standby position) corresponding to the sheet size. (Step S1). Then, the process waits for the sheet detection sensor 31 to detect the leading edge of the sheet (step S2).
When the leading edge of the sheet is detected, the CPU 2002 operates the sheet processing apparatus control unit 205 to drive the punch slide motor, and the punch unit 90 and the sheet so that the sheet edge detection sensor 93 detects the edge of the sheet. The movement of the end detection sensor 93 in the sheet width direction (the direction of arrow D in FIG. 2) is started (step S3).

After clearing the timer 1 inside the CPU (step S4), the CPU 2002 determines whether or not the edge of the sheet is detected by the sheet edge detection sensor 93 (step S5), and detects the edge of the sheet. If not,
The timer 1 is counted up (step S6). Then, it is determined whether or not the timer 1 has reached a predetermined time (step S7). If it is determined that the predetermined time has been reached, the punch slide motor is stopped to stop the punching unit 90 and the sheet end detection sensor 93. End the movement (Step S
8). Here, the predetermined time is a movement time from the start of the movement to the time when the sheet edge detection sensor 93 detects the sheet edge, and is set to an appropriate value for each sheet size. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that the timer 1 has not reached the predetermined time, the CPU 2002 proceeds to step S7.
5 and step S6 are repeated.

After stopping the punch slide motor at step S8 and waiting for a predetermined time (step S9), the CPU 20
In step 02, the sheet processing apparatus control section 205 is operated to drive the punch slide motor to move the punching section 90 and the sheet end detection sensor 93 to the punch slide HP (step S10). Punch slide HP detection sensor 9
4 waits for the punch slide HP defining unit 95 to be detected (step S11). When the punch slide HP defining unit 95 is detected, the CPU 2002 stops the movement of the punching unit 90 and the sheet end detection sensor 93 (step S11). Step S12). Then, the process proceeds to the process of step S23 described later.

On the other hand, if the sheet edge detection sensor 93 detects the sheet edge in step S5, the CPU 2
002: The punch slide motor is stopped and the punching section 90 is stopped.
Then, the movement of the sheet edge detection sensor 93 ends (step S13). Then, it waits for the sheet detection sensor 31 to detect the rear end of the sheet (step S1).
4). When the trailing edge of the sheet is detected, the CPU 2002 waits for a predetermined time so as to reach a preset punch position in the sheet conveying direction (step S1).
5), the sheet processing apparatus control unit 205 is operated, and the punch driving motor is driven to punch a sheet being conveyed (step S16).

The CPU 2002 waits for the punch position detection sensor 99 to detect the end of the punching (step S17). When the end of the punching is detected, the CPU 2002 operates the sheet processing device control unit 205 to drive the punch slide motor,
The movement of the perforated portion 90 and the sheet end detection sensor 93 to the punch slide HP is started (step S18).

Waiting for the punch slide HP defining section 95 to be detected by the punch slide HP detecting sensor 94 (step S19), and when the punch slide HP defining section 95 is detected, the CPU 2002 detects the perforated section 90 and the sheet end section. The movement of the sensor 93 to the punch slide HP is stopped (Step S20). Then, it is determined whether or not the punch HP has been detected by the punch position detection sensor 99 (step S21). When the punch HP is detected, the CPU 2002 stops the rotation of the punch 91 and the die 92 (punch) (step S21). S22).

Thereafter, the CPU 2002 executes the job (JO)
It is determined whether or not B) has been completed (step S23).
If it is determined that OB has been completed, the sheet processing device control unit 205 is operated to drive the sensor slide motor,
The horizontal registration HP detection sensor 96 is moved to the horizontal registration HP position where the horizontal registration HP defining unit 97 is detected (step S2).
4), end the process.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the job is to be continued, the CPU 2002 determines whether the paper width of the next paper is the same as the paper width of the previous paper (step S25). If it is determined to be the same as before,
The process of step S2 is performed. On the other hand, step S25
If it is determined in step S1 that the width of the paper is different from that of the front, step S1
Execute the processing of

As described above, in the image forming apparatus of this embodiment, the sheet edge detection sensor 93 is moved to the sheet edge detection standby position based on the length information of the sheet width, and the edge of the sheet is detected. For this purpose, the sheet edge detection sensor 93 is moved from the sheet edge detection standby position in synchronization with the sheet conveyance timing. At this time, if the sheet width length information is different from the actual sheet width length, the sheet edge may not be detected until the punching operation is started. Therefore, the timer counted up in step S6 is used. When it is determined that the predetermined time has elapsed (step S
7), end the slide movement of the punch (step S)
8). Thereafter, the punch is returned to the punch slide HP, and the punching of the sheet without detecting the sheet edge is prohibited. Therefore, it is not possible to know where the hole is formed in the sheet by the punching operation, and it is possible to avoid that the hole formed in the end of the sheet in a later process causes a jam (JAM) or the like.

It is needless to say that the present invention can be applied to a case where the present invention is achieved by supplying a program to a system or an apparatus. In this case, by reading out a storage medium storing a program represented by software for achieving the present invention into a system or an apparatus, the system or the apparatus can enjoy the effects of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a memory map of a ROM in the memory 2001 as a storage medium. The ROM stores the program modules shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. The storage medium for supplying the program module is not limited to ROM, but may be, for example, a floppy disk, hard disk, optical disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R,
A VD, a magnetic tape, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used.

[0058]

According to the sheet processing apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the perforating means for perforating the conveyed sheet is moved by the moving means in the width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction. Moving together with the perforating means, and detecting whether or not the sheet edge detecting means for detecting the widthwise edge of the conveyed sheet has detected the widthwise edge of the sheet within a predetermined moving range. When the end of the sheet in the width direction is not detected by the determining unit, the perforating operation by the perforating unit is prohibited by the prohibiting unit. If the edge of the sheet cannot be detected in step 2, the punching operation is prohibited, and the punching operation is performed without detecting the edge of the sheet, resulting in a hole in the edge of the sheet. Part There were holes can be prevented occurrence of an abnormal condition such as a jam which may cause. Thereby, the reliability of the sheet processing apparatus can be improved. Note that the sheet processing method according to the sixth aspect and the storage medium according to the seventh aspect can also obtain the same effect.

According to the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, the discriminating means includes a measuring means for measuring a time after moving the perforating means, and the measured time exceeds a predetermined time. Even if the edge in the width direction of the sheet is not detected, the prohibiting means prohibits the punching operation. Therefore, if the edge in the width direction of the sheet is not detected within a predetermined time, the punching operation is performed. , The occurrence of an abnormal state such as a jam can be prevented, and the reliability can be improved.

According to the sheet processing apparatus of the third aspect, when the perforating operation is prohibited, the perforating means is returned to the standby position by the returning means, so that it is possible to prepare for continuous sheet discharge.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, the sheet processing apparatus further includes a second moving unit for moving the sheet edge detecting unit in the width direction with respect to the punching unit. Since the sheet is moved in advance to a position corresponding to the size of the conveyed sheet, it is possible to reliably detect the end of the sheet when sheets of different sizes are continuously discharged.

According to the sheet processing apparatus of the fifth aspect, since the moving means moves in synchronization with the conveyance of the sheet, the sheet edge detecting operation and the punching operation can be performed without interrupting the conveyance of the sheet. It can be performed.

According to the storage medium of the present invention, in the storage medium which is executed by the CPU for controlling the sheet processing apparatus and stores a program for performing a punching operation on the conveyed sheet, the program includes: A procedure in which a punching device that performs a punching operation on the conveyed sheet is moved in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet, and a sheet edge detection sensor that moves together with the punching device is moved within a predetermined moving range. The sheet includes a procedure for determining whether or not to detect an edge in the width direction of the sheet, and a procedure for prohibiting the punching operation by the punching device when the edge in the width direction of the sheet is not detected. The expandability and versatility of the processing device can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an overall configuration of an image forming system to which a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment is applied.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of a punch unit 50 housed in a sheet processing apparatus 103.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a punching operation by a punch unit 50;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit of the image forming system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a punch operation processing procedure;

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a punch operation processing procedure following FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a memory map of a ROM in a memory 2001 as a storage medium.

[Explanation of symbols]

 Reference Signs List 50 punch unit 90 punching section 91 punch 92 dice 93 sheet edge detection sensor 101 reading and feeding device 103 sheet processing device 2002 CPU 2001 memory

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Masatoshi Yaginuma 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Mitsushige Murata 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Kia Within Non Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Noriyoshi Miyake 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yasuo Fukatsu 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Riki Sato 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Manabu Yamauchi 3-30-2, Shimomaruko 3-chome, Ota-ku, Tokyo F-term in Canon Inc. Reference) 3F108 GA01 GB01 GB07 HA02 HA44 HA54

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. A punching means for performing a punching operation on a conveyed sheet; a moving means for moving the punching means in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet; Sheet edge detecting means for detecting an edge of the sheet in the width direction, and determining whether or not the sheet edge detecting means has detected the width edge of the sheet within a predetermined moving range. A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a unit; and a prohibiting unit that prohibits a punching operation by the punching unit when an end of the sheet in the width direction is not detected. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the determining unit includes a measuring unit configured to measure a time period after the punching unit is moved. 2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when no is detected, the prohibiting unit prohibits the punching operation. 3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a return unit that returns the punching unit to a standby position when the punching operation is prohibited. 4. A second moving means for moving the sheet end detecting means in the width direction with respect to the perforating means, wherein the second moving means is located at a position corresponding to a size of the conveyed sheet. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is moved in advance. 5. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the moving unit moves the sheet in synchronization with conveyance of the sheet. 6. A step of moving a punching device for performing a punching operation on a conveyed sheet in a width direction orthogonal to a conveying direction of the sheet, and wherein a sheet edge detection sensor that moves together with the punching device moves by a predetermined amount. A step of determining whether or not to detect an edge in the width direction of the sheet within the range; anda step of prohibiting a punching operation by the punching device if the edge in the width direction of the sheet is not detected. Sheet processing method. 7. A storage medium that is executed by a CPU that controls a sheet processing apparatus and stores a program for performing a punching operation on a conveyed sheet, wherein the program performs a punching operation on the conveyed sheet. A procedure for moving the punching device in a width direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction, and a sheet edge detection sensor that moves together with the punching device detects an edge in the width direction of the sheet within a predetermined moving range. A storage medium characterized by comprising a step of determining whether or not the sheet is in the width direction and a step of prohibiting the punching operation by the punching device when the end of the sheet in the width direction is not detected.