JP2000246668A - Stapling member eliminating device, automatic document carrying device using the same, image reading device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect the elimination error of a stapling member by detecting size of a projection shape of paper sheets projected in the thickness direction before operating a removing means and after operating the removing means, and discriminating whether the stapling member is removed from a paper sheet bundle or not on the basis of a result of the detection. SOLUTION: A paper sheet bundle size detecting sensor 475 for detecting size of a document bundle placed on a tray and a document size detecting sensor 476 for detecting size of the document during the carrying are connected to a CPU 310. The CPU 310 detects cross dimension and longitudinal dimension of the document placed on the tray and the document during the carrying with these sensors. In the case where staples are not eliminated, the document at the uppermost position is moved excessively in the carrying direction and displacement is generated. When the CPU 310 discriminates that size of the document during the carrying is larger than the initial size thereof, the CPU 310 prohibits the carrying of the document. With this structure, after eliminating the staple, discrimination whether the document bundle is separated one by one or not can be performed for recognition.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a binding member removing device for removing a binding member such as staples from a sheet bundle, and an automatic document feeder, an image reading device and an image forming device using the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art When a sheet bundle is bound by a staple as a binding member, both ends of the staple needle bent in a U-shape are passed through the sheet bundle,
The sheet bundle is bound by bending both the front ends inward.

[0003] The binding member removing device removes the staples from the sheet bundle bound by the staples as described above. Conventionally, when a sheet bundle bound by staples is used, for example, as a document for copying, it has usually been necessary to manually remove the staples in advance.

However, when copying a bundle of sheets stapled by staples as an original using an automatic document feeder, it is troublesome to manually remove the staples one by one and it is troublesome. In particular, when there are many bundles of documents, there is a problem that the work efficiency is significantly reduced.

On the other hand, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No.
7, JP-A-6-18608, Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. 62-1544.
No. 45, JP-A-8-15927, an automatic document feeder equipped with a binding member removing device for automatically removing staples from a bundle of sheets bound by staples has been developed. ing. Among them, for example, in an apparatus disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Laid-Open No. Sho 62-154445, a technique for removing a staple by pulling out the staple has been proposed. This device is provided with a pair of bevel removing pawls that can be opened and closed, and when removing staples from the sheet bundle, the bevel removing claw is inserted between the sheet bundle and the staples that bind the sheet bundle. Then, the beveling claw is closed. In this way, the staples are automatically separated from the sheet bundle by being gradually separated from the sheet bundle while sliding on the slant surface of the oblique removal claw.

[0006]

However, in the conventional apparatuses described in the above publications, the binding member is simply removed from the bundle of sheets placed on the tray, but the binding member is actually removed. No consideration is given to what to do if it cannot be done.

Therefore, in the conventional apparatus having a binding member removing device in an automatic document feeder as described in the above-mentioned publication, there is a problem if the binding member can be removed normally. However, if the binding member could not be removed for some reason, and the apparatus proceeds to the next operation, the sheet bundle is not separated and the sheets are forcibly transported in a connected state. There is a possibility that the apparatus itself or the paper may be damaged. Further, the sheets are conveyed to the downstream image reading section in a state where they are connected to each other, and subsequent processing such as image reading is performed in an improper state. However, there is a problem that the processing cannot be executed reliably.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to detect a mistake in removing a binding member immediately after a binding member removing operation, thereby enabling the apparatus itself to be detected. And to prevent breakage of the sheet bundle beforehand, and appropriately execute the subsequent processing for the separated sheets.

[0009]

The object of the present invention is achieved by the following means.

(1) In a binding member removing device for removing a binding member from a sheet bundle in order to separate a sheet bundle bound by the binding member into a plurality of independent sheets, removing means for removing the binding member from the sheet bundle; A first detection unit that detects the size of a projected shape of the sheet bundle before the operation of the removing unit in the thickness direction, and a conveying unit that conveys the sheet after the operation of the removing unit; A second detecting unit that detects a size of a projection shape of the sheet conveyed by the conveying unit in a thickness direction after the detaching unit is operated, and a sheet that is detected by the first and second detecting units. Determining whether or not the binding member is removed from the sheet bundle by the removing unit and separated into sheets one by one based on the result. apparatus.

(2) The binding member removing apparatus according to the above (1), further comprising control means for controlling the operation of the apparatus based on a result of the determination by the determination means.

(3) When the size of the projected shape of the sheet detected by the second detecting means is larger than the size of the projected shape of the sheet bundle detected by the first detecting means, The binding member removing device according to the above (2), wherein the operation of the detaching means from the next time onward and the operation of at least a part of the transporting means are prohibited.

(4) The binding member removing device according to (1), further comprising control means for controlling an operator to give a predetermined warning based on a result of the determination by the determination means. .

(5) The first and second detecting means are:
The binding member removing device according to (1), wherein at least one of a length direction and a width direction of the projected shape of the sheet bundle is detected.

(6) An automatic document feeder comprising the binding member removing device according to any one of (1) to (5).

(7) An image reading apparatus comprising: the automatic document feeder according to (6); and an image reading section for reading an image of a sheet conveyed by the conveying means.

(8) An image forming apparatus comprising the automatic document feeder according to (6), wherein the image of the sheet conveyed by the conveying means is transferred to a recording medium to obtain a recorded image. .

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In this embodiment, an automatic document feeder provided with a binding member removing device to which the present invention is applied is provided in a copying machine.

<< Copier >> First, the schematic configuration and operation of the copier will be described.

FIG. 1 is a side view of a copying machine having an automatic document feeder.

The copying machine shown in FIG. 1 has an automatic document feeder (ADF) 20 on the top of the copying machine body 10. ADF
Numeral 20 conveys originals one by one from the placed original bundle onto a platen glass at the top of the main body of the copying machine. Copying machine body 10
Reads an original conveyed by the ADF 20 by an image reader (not shown) in the copying machine main body, temporarily stores the read image in a memory, performs various image editing processes as necessary, and then executes a known electrophotographic method. A so-called digital copier is used to form an image on a sheet. The configuration of the copier body (digital copier) itself is well known, and a description thereof will be omitted.

<< Automatic Document Feeder >> FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the automatic document feeder (ADF).

As shown in FIG. 2, the ADF 20 is provided with a tray 30 as a placing portion for placing a document bundle as a sheet bundle.
A pickup roller 201 for pulling out documents one by one; a pair of registration rollers 205 and a transport belt 206 for transporting the separated documents; a reversing roller 207 for reversing the front and back surfaces of the documents; And a discharge roller pair 208 for performing the operation. The document discharged by the discharge roller pair 208 is stored in the discharge tray 20.
9 (see FIG. 1). Also, the transport belt 206
Is to cover the entire surface of the platen glass of the copier,
It is stretched endlessly between the driving roller 212 and the driven roller 213. A number of backup rollers 214 are rotatably installed inside the transport belt 206 to press the transport belt 206 against the platen glass.

The ADF 20 has a tray 30
A stapling member removing device 300 for removing the staples from the original bundle with the original bundle bound by the staples placed thereon is provided. The binding member removing apparatus 300 generally includes a removing unit 400 for removing staples, which are binding members, from a bundle of originals, and a collecting unit 500 for removing the removed staples from the vicinity of the original.
And are provided. The binding member removing device 300 is provided in the vicinity of the document setting surface of the tray 30 on which the document bundle is placed, for example, in the vicinity of the downstream end portion in the document transport direction, and therefore hinders the layout of the document transport mechanism and the like. Therefore, the ADF as a whole has a compact configuration, and maintenance is easy.

A document bundle size detecting sensor for detecting the document size of the document bundle placed on the tray 30 is provided at a plurality of predetermined positions in the document transport direction and the document width direction along the lower surface of the tray 30. 475 are provided respectively. That is, the size of the document bundle D, for example, A4 size or B5 size, can be detected based on which of the plurality of document bundle size detection sensors 475 detects the document bundle D. The document bundle size detecting sensor 475 also has a function of detecting the presence or absence of a document bundle in the tray 30.

A plurality of original size detecting sensors 476 for detecting the size of the original being conveyed, which are separated one by one, are provided in the original conveying direction on the downstream side of the pickup roller 201. This original size detecting sensor 4
76 can detect the length dimension of the document being transported in the transport direction based on the time from when the leading edge of the transported document is detected to when the trailing edge is detected. The width of the document being conveyed can be detected based on which of the detected document size detection sensors 476 has detected the document.

<< Removing Means >> FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a schematic configuration of the removing means of the binding member removing device, and FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining the removal of the staple.

As shown in FIG. 3, a removing unit 400 includes a removing unit 410 having an insertion member 411 inserted between a document bundle and a staple for binding the document bundle, and the removing unit 410 is provided inside the removing unit. A support member 430 slidably supporting the removing unit 410;
There is provided a removing unit moving means 440 for moving in a direction perpendicular to the document conveying direction within 0, that is, a document width direction, and a supporting member moving means 450 for moving the entire supporting member 430 in the document conveying direction.

As shown in FIG. 4, the removing unit 410
The insertion member 411 as a removing means for removing the staple from the original bundle by inserting the staple from the original bundle by inserting the original between the original bundle and the staple for binding the original bundle as described above. Drive means (not shown) for moving the bundle of originals to the staple S for binding. The power from the drive means is inserted into the insertion member 41.
For transmission to the rack 1, for example, a rack (not shown) is formed on the rear end side of the insertion member 411, and a pinion (not shown) rotatably driven by driving means is engaged with the rack.
As the driving means, for example, an electric actuator, specifically, an electric motor 415 for driving the insertion member (see FIG. 11) is used from the viewpoint of compactness.

The insertion member 411 is formed in a slope shape such that the thickness in the thickness direction of the original bundle decreases toward the leading end. Accordingly, the insertion member 411 can be more easily inserted, and the staples S can be smoothly removed from the document bundle D. Insertion member 41
Although the slope shape at the tip of 1 may be an inclined plane, the lower surface is formed as a flat surface and the upper surface is formed as a concave arcuate surface. It is more preferable from the viewpoint that the staple S is moved more securely and the staple S is moved smoothly.

The insertion member 411 is formed such that its width dimension becomes thinner toward the tip. Here, as shown in the figure, the distal end of the insertion member 411 has a round shape. By doing so, the insertion member 411 can be more easily inserted between the two legs of the staple. Note that the tip shape of the insertion member 411 is
Instead of rounding, chamfering may be performed.

The insertion member 411 is formed of, for example, an aluminum alloy. It is to be noted that the material is not limited to this, and it is also possible to use a resin or a ceramic material in addition to various metal materials. Further, the surface may be coated with an anti-friction material such as a fluororesin to reduce frictional resistance.

The removing unit 410 further includes a document bundle D
Is provided on the tray 30. The holding means 420 has a substantially U-shaped contact portion 421 that is brought into contact with the upper surface of the document bundle D. A space 422 is formed inside the substantially U-shaped portion of the contact portion 421, and the contact portion 421 is set so as to be able to straddle the staple S without contacting the staple S.
Therefore, the contact portion 421 of the pressing means 420 can press the document bundle D near the staple S, and the document bundle D can be reliably held.

The contact portion 421 is attached to the front end of the arm 423, and the rear end of the arm 423 is connected to the shaft 42.
4 is fixed. The shaft 424 is connected via a spring member 429 having a predetermined torsional elasticity to a shaft 428 to which a fan-shaped worm wheel 425 viewed from the axial direction is fixed to one end. The worm wheel 425 meshes with the worm 426, and the worm 426 is connected to a main shaft of an electric motor 427 for driving a contact portion as driving means. Accordingly, with a simple configuration, the contact portion 421 can be reliably pressed against the document bundle D with a predetermined pressing force. For example, the contact portion 421 is set to be constantly biased toward the document bundle D by a spring member such as a torsion coil spring, and the biasing force is reduced by driving the contact portion drive electric motor 427. A configuration may be adopted in which the contact portion 421 is moved by applying an opposing force. Further, the driving means for driving the contact portion 421 of the pressing means 420 is not limited to an electric motor, and another electric actuator such as a solenoid can be used.

The method for removing the staple from the bundle of originals is not limited to the method using the insertion member 411 shown in FIG.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining the removal of the staples by another example of the removal method.
Indicates before removal, and (B) indicates after removal. In this example, a plurality of comb-shaped extension portions 412 extending in the insertion direction are formed on the distal end side of the insertion member 411a.

The width dimension of the plurality of extension portions 412 of the insertion member 411a and the distance between adjacent extension portions 412 are set to, for example, about 1 mm, but can be changed as appropriate. However, it is a matter of course that each extension portion 412 has a predetermined strength, but it is preferable to set a material, a width dimension, and the like so as to have more appropriate elasticity. With this configuration, even when the extension portion 412 contacts the leg portions Sa and Sb of the staple S when the insertion member 411a is inserted between the document bundle D and the staple S, the extension portion 412 is conveniently provided. Can be resiliently deformed to avoid the legs Sa and Sb of the staple S, so that there is no need to change the position of the insertion member 411a even if the position of the staple S is uneven.

The overall width of the insertion member 411a is determined according to the size of the staple S to be used. For example, as shown in FIG. 5B, in both the case of the largest size having the legs Sa and Sb and the case of the smallest size having the legs Sa and Sc (indicated by a broken line in the figure), The entire width of the insertion member 411a is set so that the insertion member 411a can be inserted between the document bundle D and the staple S in a good condition.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining removal of a staple according to still another example of a removing method. In this example, the removal unit 410 includes a pull-out member 413. The pull-out member 413 has a pair of arms 415 and 416 that are rotatably connected to each other by a pin 414 positioned above the document bundle D. The tips of the arms are curved in a substantially L-shape in a direction approaching each other. In this example, the distal end of each arm of the pull-out member 413 enters between the staple S and the document bundle D such that the staple S is sandwiched from above by the pull-out member 413. Then, the staple S is pulled out of the bundle of originals D and removed by raising the pulling member 413.

FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining the detection of a staple.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the removing unit 410 is provided with a staple staple detecting sensor 470 for detecting a staple S for binding the bundle of originals D.
By doing so, the insertion member 411 is moved together with the staple needle detection sensor 470, so that the moving means can be shared, and the staple S can be detected and immediately removed.

As the staple detecting sensor 470, an image sensor such as a CCD line sensor capable of optically reading an image on the surface of the document bundle D is used.
Thus, using the image data read by the inexpensive and compact staple detecting sensor 470, as shown in FIG. It is possible to grasp the angle. Note that the staple detection sensor 470 is not limited to a sensor using an image sensor, but may be a magnetic sensor that detects a metal staple S, or a staple S that is pressed against the surface of a document bundle and is contacted by the contact pressure. May be detected by using a contact pressure sensor that detects the pressure. Further, after the position of the staple S is limited to a predetermined area, the staple detecting sensor 470 can be omitted by using, for example, an insertion member 411a as shown in FIG.

The support member 430 is, as shown in FIG.
It is formed of an elongated box with a predetermined portion opened downward, and the removal unit 410 is housed inside. Near the lower end of the support member 430,
Wheels 431 are rotatably mounted, AD
It is movable in the document transport direction on a rail 432 installed on the main body side of F20.

The removing unit moving means 440 has a feed screw shaft 441 screwed to a nut (not shown) provided in the removing unit 410, and a female screw is formed in the nut. By the rotation of the feed screw shaft 441,
The removal unit 410 is configured to be able to move in the document width direction within the support member 430. The removal unit 41
For example, a guide rod (not shown) is arranged in parallel with the feed screw shaft 441 so that 0 can move smoothly along the longitudinal direction in the support member 430. A gear 442 is fixed to one end of the feed screw shaft 441, and the rotational driving force from the gear 444 fixed to the main shaft of the electric motor for movement 445 is transmitted through the idler gear 443.
It is configured to be transmitted to.

The supporting member moving means 450
0, a drive belt 451 fixed to a connecting portion 431 connected to one end, pulleys 452 and 452 around which the drive belt 451 is wound, and one end of a shaft on which one pulley 452 is fixed to one end. Gear 453 to be fixed and gear 4
An idler gear 454 meshing with the idle gear 53; a driving gear 455 meshing with the idler gear 454;
And a moving electric motor 456 for connecting the main shaft and driving the main shaft to rotate. Therefore, by rotating the moving electric motor 456 forward and reverse, the supporting member 4
30 is movable by a predetermined distance in the document conveying direction.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a thickness detecting means for detecting the thickness of the document bundle. FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams for explaining the detection of the thickness of the document bundle. FIG.

As shown in FIG. 8, the binding member removing device 300 of the present embodiment includes a bundle of originals D placed on the tray 30.
Thickness detecting means 480 for detecting the thickness of the sheet is provided. Here, as the thickness of the document bundle D increases, the load of driving the staples into the document bundle D increases. Similarly, as the thickness of the document bundle D increases, the resistance when pulling out the staples from the document bundle D increases. , Can be said to be difficult to remove. Therefore, by detecting the thickness of the document bundle D, the possibility of removing the staples can be known in advance.

The thickness detecting means 480 is provided with the pickup roller 20 as a contact portion which comes into contact with the surface of the original bundle D.
1 and a swingable pickup arm 202 that rotatably supports the pickup roller 201 at the tip.
The thickness of the document bundle D is detected based on the swing angle of the pickup arm 202. The pickup roller 201 and the pickup arm 202
As described above, the document is fed one by one toward the downstream side. In this embodiment, the document is also used for detecting the thickness of the document bundle.

As a specific configuration for grasping the swing angle of the pickup arm 202, the thickness detecting means 480 further includes a rotatable shaft 203 fixed near the base of the pickup arm 202 and a home mounted on the shaft 203. It has a position detection plate 482 and a pulse disk 484. The home position detection plate 482 is
3 by optically detecting the notch 483 with the home position detection sensor 486,
As shown in FIG. 9A, the pickup arm 20
It is possible to recognize the home position H where the pickup roller 201 pivotally supported at the front end of the second H is located above. Further, the pulse disk 484 has a plurality of slits 485 arranged radially, and the slits 485 are optically detected by a pulse detection sensor 487 and counted, whereby the relative position of the pickup arm 202 is reduced. The swing angle can be known. In addition, the slit 485
Are drawn in a smaller number than the actual number for ease of drawing.

Therefore, the pickup roller 201 supported by the tip of the pickup arm 202 as shown in FIG. 9B or 9C is lowered from the home position H shown in FIG. The thickness of the document bundle D can be indirectly detected by detecting the swing angle up to a contact position where the document bundle D contacts the surface of the document D. For example, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 9B, when the swing angle A from the home position H to the contact position is large, it indicates that the thickness of the document bundle D is small, and as shown in FIG. When the swing angle A from the contact position to the contact position is small, it indicates that the thickness of the document bundle D is large.

Reference numeral 204 in the drawing denotes a separating roller rotatably supported on the shaft 203, and is rotated via gears 221 and 222 by driving means (not shown). Further, the rotation of the separating roller 204 is configured to be transmitted to the pickup roller 201 via the belt 223.

Incidentally, the thickness detecting means 480 is not limited to the above configuration. For example, instead of detecting the thickness of the document bundle by the vertical movement of the pickup roller 201, the thickness of the document bundle may be detected by the vertical movement of the tray 30. In this case, the tray 30 is raised until it is detected that the upper surface of the document bundle has reached a predetermined height based on the lowermost position of the tray 30, and the thickness of the document bundle is determined based on the amount of rise at that time and the required time. Can be detected. Also,
An ultrasonic sensor or the like may be arranged above the tray 30 to measure the distance to the surface of the document bundle D to detect the thickness of the document bundle. Further, the result of detection by the thickness detecting unit 480 can be used for determining whether or not the ADF 20 can perform a document conveying operation.

<Recovery Means> As shown in FIG. 2, the recovery means 500 covers the entire original in the document width direction above the original at the downstream end in the transport direction of the original when the original is placed in the ADF 20. As described above,
00, the removing means 400
The staple S removed by the above is moved from above the document surface to remove it from the vicinity of the document bundle D.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining the collecting means of the binding member removing device.

The collecting means 500 is provided in the supporting case 501.
A moving belt 502 arranged along the document width direction to move the removed staples S;
02, a driving roller 504 connected to driving means such as an electric motor (not shown) for moving the moving belt 502, and a moving belt 5
02, a collection box 505 for collecting the staples S carried by the transport belt 502, and the staples S from the moving belt 502.
Blade 5 for removing and dropping into the collection box 505
06.

A drive unit (not shown) for moving the collection unit 500 itself up and down is provided, and the position near the tray 30 where the lower surface of the moving belt 502 substantially contacts the original bundle D, and the staples S are removed. After being removed by the means 400, the staple S is moved to an upper position for moving.

Here, the moving belt 502 itself is a magnetic body, for example, a magnetic belt formed by coating the surface of a rubber belt with a magnetic body. Note that the recovery unit 500 is not limited to such a configuration.
For example, the moving belt itself is not a magnetic body, and a permanent magnet may be provided inside the moving belt instead.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram showing a control system for controlling the binding member removing device. The CPU 310 is connected to a staple detection sensor 470 for detecting the staple S, and a document bundle detection sensor 475 for detecting the size of the document bundle placed on the tray 30.
And a document size detection sensor 476 that detects the width dimension of the document being transported and the length dimension in the transport direction. Further, the CPU 310 is connected to a thickness detecting means 480 so that a signal indicating the thickness of the document bundle D placed on the tray 30 is input.

Then, the CPU 310 controls the electric motor 415 for driving the insertion member, the electric motor 427 for driving the contact portion, and the electric motor 445 for movement via the drive circuit (not shown).
456 as well as the collection means 500 and the display means 600. Also, the CPU 31
0 is the pickup roller 201, the registration roller pair 2
And a transport unit 200 including a transport belt 206 and the like, and an AD on which a binding member removing device is mounted.
It controls the entire F20.

The display means 600 is an operation panel capable of inputting, for example, the number of copies, size, etc., and outputting an error message, etc., and is provided in a part of the operation section of the copying machine body 10. The display means 600 includes
When any trouble occurs in the binding member removing device 300, a display for giving a predetermined warning to the operator is displayed. The display means 600 is, for example, an ADF 20
May be provided.

Next, the operation will be described.

FIG. 12 is a main flowchart showing the operation of the binding member removing device and the ADF, FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing the detection of the original bundle size, and FIG.
4 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing the detection of the thickness of the document bundle, FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing the first trouble process, FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing the detection of the size of the document being conveyed, and FIG.
9 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing a second trouble process.

As shown in FIG. 12, first, initial settings such as resetting of various flags and counters are performed (S1). Next, the size of the document bundle D on the tray 30 of the ADF 20 is detected (S2).

In the step of detecting the size of the original bundle,
As shown in FIG. 13, first, it is determined whether or not there is a document on the tray 30 (S201). This is performed using a part of the plurality of original bundle size detecting sensors 475. If there is a document on the tray 30, it is determined whether or not there is document bundle size data in a memory (not shown) (S202). If there is no document bundle size data, that is, immediately after the document bundle D is placed on the tray 30, the size of the document bundle D is determined by the document bundle size detection sensor 475 and stored in the memory (S203). Return to the flowchart. If there is data of the document bundle size (NO in S202), the data is not changed while it is kept. On the other hand, when there are no more documents on the tray 30 (NO in S201), for example, when the staples of the document bundle D are removed and separated one by one and all the documents are conveyed, the data of the document bundle size Is reset (S204) to prepare for the next document bundle.

Next, the original bundle thickness is detected (S
3). In the step of detecting the document bundle thickness, as shown in FIG. 14, when there is a document on the tray 30 (S301).
(YES at S30), it is determined whether the ADF 20 or the optical scanning system of the copying machine main body 10 is inactive (S30).
2). Here, it is confirmed that the original conveyed earlier is not being operated. When the ADF 20 or the optical scanning system of the copying machine main body 10 is not operating, the pickup roller 201 is brought into contact with the surface of the document bundle D,
The tip of the pickup arm 202 is driven to swing downward (S303). When the drive of the pickup arm 202 is completed (YES in S304), the CPU 310 determines the number of pulses counted by the pulse detection sensor 487 from the home position to the completion of the drive of the pickup arm 202, and stores it in the memory (S305). When the number of pulses is larger than a preset reference value, that is, when the thickness of the document bundle D is smaller than a predetermined value (YE in S306).
S), a staple removal permission flag for permitting the operation for removing the staple is set (S307), and the process returns to the main flowchart.

If the number of pulses is not larger than the preset reference value, that is, if the thickness of the document bundle D is equal to or larger than the predetermined value (NO in S306), the display means 6
At 00, a warning flag for giving a predetermined warning is set (S308). The reference value of the number of pulses is set according to the binding member removing ability of the apparatus, but may be appropriately adjusted as needed.

On the other hand, when there is no document on the tray 30 (NO in S301), for example, when the document bundle D is too thick and the operator lifts it from the tray 30, the data of the pulse number is reset (S309). ), The warning flag and the needle removal permission flag are reset (S310, S31).
1) Prepare for the next document bundle.

Next, a first trouble process is performed (S
4). In this first trouble processing step, FIG.
As shown in (3), only when the warning flag is set (YES in S401), the display means 6
At 00, a warning is displayed, for example, stating staples cannot be removed because the document bundle is too thick (S40).
2) The staple removal flag is reset to prohibit the operation for removing the staple (S403). It should be noted that the warning can also be performed by, for example, a warning sound or lighting of a warning lamp. On the other hand, if the warning flag has not been set (NO in S401), the process returns to the main flowchart and proceeds to the next step.

Next, detection and removal of the staple are performed (S5). Here, the CPU 310 performs the operation of the steps described below only when the staple removal permission flag is set, and when the staple removal permission flag is in the reset state, the CPU 310 performs The removal operation is prohibited.

Here, the CPU 310 operates the thickness detecting means 4.
As a determining means for determining whether or not the staple S can be removed by the inserting member 411 based on the thickness of the document bundle D detected by the detecting member 80, the inserting member 411 is determined based on the determination result by the determining means. Function as control means for controlling the insertion member driving electric motor 415 for driving the motor.

As described above, the binding member removing device 300
According to the method, the thickness of the document bundle D placed on the tray 30 is detected, and therefore, it is determined in advance whether the staples can be removed from the document bundle D by the binding member removing device 300. Can be recognized. Thus, it is possible to prevent the operator or the apparatus itself from performing the processing on the document bundle D. In addition, since the staple removing operation is prohibited based on the above determination result, the binding member removing device itself attempts to forcibly remove the staples from the document bundle having a thickness greater than the binding member removing capability. In addition, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the document bundle is damaged, and to prevent the staple staple from being removed more reliably. Further, when the thickness of the document bundle is greater than the binding member removing capability, the operator is warned to that effect, so that the operator does not use the binding member removing device for the document bundle. Can be clearly encouraged.

When the staple removal permission flag is set, the following staple detection and removal operations are specifically performed. That is, first, the removing unit 410 is moved within a predetermined range by the removing unit moving means 440 and the support member moving means 450, and the staple S detection by the staple detecting sensor 470 is performed. Here, the original bundle D is placed on the tray 3
In the case where the staple S is placed on the staple S, the side bound by the staple S is limited to be located on the downstream side in the document conveying direction. This is performed in a predetermined area near the front end in the transport direction of D.

The side of the original bundle D bound by the staples S is located at either the leading end on the downstream side in the original transport direction or one end in the direction (original width direction) perpendicular to the original transport direction. In such a case, the detection of the staple S is performed in a predetermined L-shaped region near the downstream end in the document conveying direction and near the end in the document width direction. In this case, it is necessary to dispose another collection unit 500 at the end in the document width direction. In this case, it is preferable to dispose the insertion member 411 such that the tip thereof is inclined approximately 45 ° to the left toward the downstream side in the transport direction in FIG. 3 (this is the case in FIGS. 4 and 5). It is drawn in a different arrangement). In this way, it is possible to ensure a good insertion operation of the insertion member 411 without depending on the direction of the staples S after binding the original bundle D. Of course, although the structure is slightly complicated, the orientation of the insertion member 411 can be configured to be variable. Further, it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which the side of the document bundle D bound by the staples S is positioned at one end in the direction perpendicular to the document transport direction.

If the staple detecting sensor 470 detects that the staple S is present, the CPU 31
In the case of “0”, the position and the angle of the staple S are determined by analyzing the image data and stored, and the removing unit 410 is moved so that the tip of the insertion member 411 faces the staple S. When the direction of the insertion member 411 is variable, the insertion member 41 is adjusted to fit the angle of the staple S.
Change the direction of 1.

When the removal unit 410 completes its movement to the position where the staple S has been detected, the contact unit driving electric motor 427 is driven to rotate so that the contact unit 421 of the holding means 420 is rotated by the shaft 424. , And presses the document bundle D near the staple S. As a result, the original bundle D can be securely held.

Next, the electric motor 415 for driving the insertion member
Is rotated to move the insertion member 411 toward the staple S. Then, since the insertion member 411 is accurately moved based on the detected position and angle of the staple S, the insertion member 411 is reliably inserted between the document bundle D and the staple S. In addition, since the insertion member 411 is formed such that the thickness in the document bundle thickness direction becomes thinner toward the leading end, the insertion member 411 can be easily inserted. Further, with the insertion of the insertion member 411, the staple S
Is separated from the document bundle D, the staples S can be removed smoothly, and damage to the document can be prevented.

The operation of detecting and removing the staples described above is repeated in a predetermined area near the leading end of the document bundle D in the transport direction.

When the staple S is to be removed, the vicinity of the leading end of the document bundle D is raised to a predetermined height by an elevating member (not shown) in advance, and the insertion member 411 and the pressing means 420 and the staple S are connected. Positioning in the height direction is performed. Alternatively, the insertion member 411 and the pressing means 420 may be lowered by a predetermined distance.

Next, the removed staple S is removed from the vicinity of the original by the collecting means 500 and collected (S6). Next, when the copy start key of the copier body is pressed, the originals are separated and fed one by one from the original bundle and are conveyed toward the platen glass (S7). After the staple S is removed, the document may be automatically separated and fed.

Next, the document size is detected (S
8). In this document size detection step, first, FIG.
As shown in FIG. 6, it is determined whether a document is being fed and being conveyed (S801). If the document is being conveyed (YES in S801), the document size detection sensor 476 is used.
, The width of the original being transported is detected (S80).
2). When the staples are completely removed from the bundle of originals and the originals are separated one by one, as shown in FIG. 18A, the width B of the original being transported is set to the tray obtained in S203. If sheets of the same or smaller size as the width of the document bundle in the state of being placed on the sheet 30 are mixed, it is determined to be smaller (YES in S803), and the process directly proceeds to the next step. . However, if the staples cannot be removed from the bundle of originals and are to be conveyed despite being stapled, FIG.
As shown in (1), since the uppermost document is further sent in the transport direction and is shifted from the lower document, it is determined that the width B of the document being transported is larger than the width of the first document bundle ( (NO in S803), CPU 310 sets a conveyance prohibition flag for prohibiting the conveyance of the document or the like (S8).
06). The transport prohibition flag is reset by a service person or the like operating a reset switch (not shown). As described above, the detection of the document size is performed based on the size of the projected shape when the conveyed documents are connected while being bound.

Similarly, the original size detecting sensor 47
6, the length of the original being transported is also detected (S804). When the staples are completely removed from the original bundle, as shown in FIG. 18A, whether the length C of the original being transported is the same as the length of the original bundle in the loaded state. Or less than that (S805).
YES), and proceed directly to the next step. However, if the staples are to be conveyed even though the staples could not be removed from the bundle of originals, as shown in FIG. Occurs, it is determined that the length C of the document being transported is larger than the length of the first document bundle (S
(NO in 805), the CPU 310 sets a conveyance prohibition flag for prohibiting the conveyance of the document or the like (S80).
6). The transport prohibition flag is reset by a service person or the like operating a reset switch (not shown).

Next, a second trouble process is performed (S
9). In this second trouble processing step, FIG.
As shown in (2), the CPU 310 immediately stops the operation of each element of the ADF 20 including the binding member removal device 300 upstream of the image reading unit only when the conveyance prohibition flag is set (YES in S901). The control is performed (S902). Note that elements downstream of the image reading unit,
For example, the operation of the discharge roller pair 208 of the ADF 20 and the operation of the copying machine main body 10 are not prohibited.

The CPU 310 resets the staple removal permission flag (S903), and prohibits the staple removal operation from the next time on. Further, the CPU 310 causes the display means 600 to display, for example, “remover unit operation failure” (S904). The reset of the staple removal permission flag and the display of the “remover unit malfunction” may be performed after the transport prohibition flag is set a plurality of predetermined times.

Here, the CPU 310 serves as a discriminating means for discriminating whether or not the document is separated into individual documents based on the results detected by the document bundle size detecting sensor 475 and the document size detecting sensor 476. In addition, based on the result of the determination by the determination unit, it functions as a control unit that controls an insertion member driving electric motor 415 that drives the insertion member 411.

As described above, the binding member removing device 300
According to the above, the size of the bundle of documents placed on the tray 30 and
Since the size of the projected shape of the document conveyed after the staple removing operation is projected in the thickness direction, the staple removing operation is performed to completely remove the staple after the staple removing operation. It can be discriminated and recognized whether or not the original is separated into individual documents. As a result, it is possible to prevent the operator or the apparatus itself from further processing the document bundle D, for example.

Then, based on the above determination result, the operation of the elements upstream of the image reading section including the staple removing operation from the next time onward is prohibited. Therefore, even if the staple removing operation is executed. Regardless, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the original bundle is not separated and the originals are forcibly conveyed in a connected state and the apparatus itself or the originals are damaged. Further, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the originals are conveyed to a downstream image reading unit in a state where the originals are connected to each other and subjected to subsequent processing, and appropriately execute the subsequent processing such as image reading. Can be. Furthermore, the operation defect of the binding member removing device 300 is found at an early stage based on the discrimination result, and the operator is warned of the fact, so that the operator can be clearly urged to perform inspection and repair work.

As described above, the original bundle D is set on the tray 30 while being bound by the staples S, and the staples S are automatically removed while ensuring a more reliable and reliable staple removal operation. The document can be conveyed after removing the staples and while confirming whether the staples are actually removed.

Thereafter, subsequent processing such as image reading is appropriately executed by the copying machine main body, and copying is performed. Therefore, it is possible to reliably perform a good image reading without waste and transfer to a recording medium of a document separated for each sheet while performing a highly reliable binding member removing operation.

Although the embodiments to which the present invention is applied have been described above, the present invention is not limited to such embodiments, and it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can variously modify the present invention within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention. Nor. For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the binding member removing device is applied to the ADF 20 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and can be used as a dedicated binding member removing device. Further, in the above-described embodiment, the copier that obtains a recorded image has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention is also applicable to an image reading apparatus that obtains image data by reading an image.

[0091]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the size of the sheet bundle and the size of the projected shape of the sheet conveyed after the operation of removing the binding member are projected in the thickness direction. Is detected, an erroneous removal of the binding member can be immediately known after the binding member removing operation. As a result, it is possible for the operator or the apparatus itself to prevent the subsequent processing of the sheet bundle from being performed any more.

According to the invention described in claim 2, according to claim 1
In addition to the effects of the invention described in the above, even though the operation of removing the binding member is executed, the sheet bundle is not separated, and the sheet itself is forcibly transported in a connected state, and the apparatus itself and the sheet may be damaged. It can be prevented beforehand and surely. Also,
It is possible to reliably prevent a situation in which the sheets are conveyed to the downstream side in a connected state and are subjected to subsequent processing,
The subsequent processing can be appropriately executed.

According to the invention set forth in claim 3, according to claim 2
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), simple and reliable control can be achieved.

According to the invention set forth in claim 4, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), it is possible to clearly prompt the operator to perform inspection and repair work.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), the size of a sheet bundle or a sheet can be easily detected.

According to the invention described in claim 6, according to claim 1,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in any one of the above-described embodiments, the sheet bundle is set in the automatic document feeder while being bound by the binding member, and is automatically bound based on a highly reliable binding member removing operation. After the members are removed, the sheet can be transported while checking whether the binding members have actually been removed.

According to the invention of claim 7, according to claim 6,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), it is possible to perform good image reading without waste on the conveyed paper while performing a highly reliable binding member removing operation.

According to the invention described in claim 8, according to claim 6,
In addition to the effects of the invention described in (1), it is possible to transfer the image of the conveyed sheet to the recording medium without waste and obtain a recorded image while performing the operation of removing the binding member with high reliability.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side view of a copying machine including an automatic document feeder.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an internal structure of the automatic document feeder.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view illustrating a schematic configuration of a removing unit of the binding member removing device.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view for explaining removal of a staple.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view for explaining removal of a staple needle by another example of a removing method, wherein FIG.
(B) shows the state after the removal.

FIG. 6 is a view for explaining removal of a staple needle by a removal method according to still another example.

FIG. 7 is a side view for explaining detection of a staple.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view schematically showing a thickness detecting means for detecting the thickness of the bundle of originals.

FIGS. 9A to 9C are diagrams for explaining detection of the thickness of a bundle of originals;

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram for explaining a collecting unit.

FIG. 11 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a control system that controls a binding member removing device.

FIG. 12 is a main flowchart showing operations of the binding member removing device and the ADF.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing detection of a document bundle size.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing detection of a thickness of a document bundle.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing a first trouble process.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing detection of a size of a document being conveyed.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of a subroutine showing a second trouble process.

FIGS. 18A and 18B are diagrams for explaining detection of the size of a document being conveyed;

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Copy machine main body, 20 ... ADF (automatic document feeder), 200 ... Transport means, 30 ... Tray, 300 ... Binding member removal apparatus, 310 ... CPU (discrimination means, control means), 400 ... Removal means, 411, 411a: Insertion member (removal means), 413: Pullout member (removal means), 470: Sensor for detecting staples, 475: Sensor for detecting bundle size of originals (first detecting means), 476: Sensor for detecting original size ( Second detection means), 500: collection means, 600: display means, D: original bundle (sheet bundle), S: staple staple (binding member).

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A binding member removing device for removing a binding member from a sheet bundle in order to separate a sheet bundle bound by the binding member into a plurality of independent sheets, removing means for removing the binding member from the sheet bundle; First detecting means for detecting the size of a projection shape of the sheet bundle before operating the removing means in the thickness direction, conveying means for conveying the sheet after operating the removing means, A second detecting unit for detecting a size of a projection shape in which a sheet conveyed by the conveying unit is projected in a thickness direction after operating the removing unit; and a detecting unit configured to detect the size of the projection shape obtained by the first and second detecting units. Determination means for determining whether or not the binding member has been removed from the sheet bundle by the removal means and separated into sheets one by one based on the result. Place. 2. The binding member removing device according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls an operation of the device based on a result of the determination by the determination unit. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to determine whether the size of the projected shape of the sheet detected by the second detecting unit is larger than the size of the projected shape of the sheet bundle detected by the first detecting unit. 3. The binding member removing device according to claim 2, wherein the operation of the detaching unit and the operation of at least a part of the transport unit after the next time are prohibited. 4. The binding member removing device according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling an operator to give a predetermined warning based on a result of the discrimination by said discriminating means. 5. The binding member according to claim 1, wherein the first and second detection units detect at least one dimension in a length direction or a width direction of a projection shape of the sheet bundle. Removal device. 6. An automatic document feeder comprising the binding member removing device according to claim 1. 7. An image reading apparatus, comprising: the automatic document feeder according to claim 6; and an image reading unit that reads an image of a sheet conveyed by the conveyance unit. 8. An image forming apparatus comprising the automatic document feeder according to claim 6, wherein the image of a sheet conveyed by the conveying means is transferred to a recording medium to obtain a recorded image.