JP2008187592A - Paper sheet overlapping apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a paper sheet overlapping apparatus and an image forming system which are high in productivity capable of starting paper sheet overlapping processing and post-processing even in a state that the number of component sheets of a post-processing unit is unknown. <P>SOLUTION: The paper sheet overlapping apparatus which overlaps paper sheets fed from an image forming device and ejects the overlapped paper sheets to a succeeding post-processing device is characterized by comprising: a paper sheet overlapping means for overlapping paper sheets; and an overlap determining means for determining whether an arbitrary paper sheet and a succeeding paper sheet can be overlapped or not on the basis of the number of overlapped paper sheets, the paper feeding information of a further succeeding paper sheet and overlap information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet superimposing apparatus and an image forming system.

  In an image forming system, when updating the system, it is expensive to update all the devices at the same time. Therefore, some devices are generally updated sequentially.

  For example, a conventional low-productivity post-processing apparatus combined with a conventional low-productivity image forming apparatus may be updated to a new high-productivity image forming apparatus.

  In such a case, if the paper is supplied from the new image forming apparatus to the conventional paper post-processing apparatus, the processing of the paper post-processing apparatus will not be in time, so the productivity of the new image forming apparatus is conventionally increased to maintain production. You have to drop it on the street.

  In order to solve such problems and improve productivity, a method of providing a sheet superimposing apparatus between a new image forming apparatus and a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus and supplying a plurality of sheets to the sheet post-processing apparatus It has been known.

  For example, the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus are stacked two by two by the sheet superimposing apparatus and supplied to the post-processing apparatus, so that the substantial productivity of the image forming apparatus viewed from the sheet post-processing apparatus is not lowered. The paper supply interval can be doubled.

  In other words, even if the productivity of the image forming apparatus is doubled, the sheet post-processing apparatus can perform processing at a conventional interval by the sheet superposing apparatus.

However, when a paper superimposing device is provided between the image forming apparatus and the paper post-processing device, and two sheets are superposed on the paper superimposing device and supplied to the post-processing device,
If the number of components (units for performing post-processing) is an odd number, if two sheets are stacked one by one, the last one becomes half-finished, and only that one piece is processed, so productivity is not reduced. It must not be.

In order to prevent the occurrence of one half edge and not to reduce the productivity, the number of components is determined in advance (up to the first three), and in the case of an odd number of sheets, 3 at the beginning of the copy. There is known a technique in which two sheets are stacked so that the tail is two sheets (for example, see Patent Document 1).
JP 2005-172890 A

  However, in the paper superimposing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the configuration of the part (for example, the number of constituent parts) is not known unless all the page data constituting the part is completely read. There was a problem that post-processing and the like could not be started, and the start of the sheet overlaying process was delayed, resulting in reduced productivity.

  SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above problems, the present invention provides a highly productive paper superimposing apparatus and image forming system capable of starting paper superimposing processing and post processing even when the number of components is unknown. With the goal.

1. In a paper superimposing apparatus that superimposes paper supplied from an image forming apparatus and discharges the superposed paper on a subsequent post-processing apparatus,
Superposition for determining the superposition of a paper superimposing unit for superimposing paper and whether or not to superimpose an arbitrary paper on the succeeding paper based on the number of superposed sheets and the feeding information and superposition information on the succeeding paper A sheet superimposing apparatus comprising: a determination unit;

  2. The sheet superimposing apparatus according to item 1, wherein the further succeeding sheet is a sheet two sheets after the succeeding sheet.

  3. Communication means for receiving paper feed information indicating the supply of paper, paper feed number counter for counting the number of the paper feed information received by the communication means, and the number of sheets superposed by the paper superposition means and a predetermined number When the count value of the paper feed number counter reaches the value obtained by adding the above, the overlay determining means for outputting the final overlap sheet information indicating that the subsequent sheet is the final overlap sheet. 3. The sheet superimposing apparatus according to 1 or 2 above.

  4. The sheet superimposing apparatus according to item 3, wherein the predetermined number is two.

5. a paper superimposing device control means for performing control related to the paper superimposing processing, and a superposition information shift unit having a predetermined number of stages,
The overlay information shift unit shifts the overlay final paper information and the overlay information stored in each stage according to the paper feed information,
When the paper feed information is input in a number corresponding to the predetermined number, the superposition final paper information and the superposition information are output to the paper superposition device control means. The sheet superimposing apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4 above.

  6. The paper for discharging the paper superposed by the paper superimposing means to the post-processing device based on the final superposition paper information and the superposition information output from the superposition information shift unit. 6. The paper superimposing apparatus according to item 5, further comprising a superimposing apparatus control unit.

  7. The superimposition information includes post-processing type information, copy delimiter information, job end information, paper size information, paper type information, paper weight information, paper weight information of the paper fed in the image forming apparatus. 7. The apparatus according to any one of 1 to 6, further including at least one of paper discharge tray information, paper discharge position information in the paper discharge tray, and paper feed speed information of the image forming apparatus. Paper stacking device.

  8. An image forming system comprising the sheet superimposing device according to any one of 1 to 7 above.

  In the paper superimposing process, whether or not to superimpose on the succeeding paper is determined, and whether or not to superimpose an arbitrary paper on the succeeding paper is determined based on the feeding information and superimposition information on the subsequent succeeding paper, and the determination result Paper superimposition processing based on the paper superimposition processing, especially in a state where the number of jobs or copies is unknown, that is, even before the paper superposition device grasps the number of jobs or copies. Thus, it is possible to provide a highly productive sheet superimposing apparatus and an image forming system that can supply the superimposing sheet at the head of a job or a copy to the post-processing apparatus from an earlier time than before.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the structure of this invention is not limited to the following embodiment, It can change suitably in the technical scope of this invention.

  The present invention avoids the one-sided superimposing process with respect to the above-mentioned conventional problems, and all information (for example, the number of parts constituting a page) constituting page parts from the image forming apparatus is obtained. The paper superposing process can be started by the paper superposing device even if it does not come.

  For this reason, on the premise that it is unknown whether there is a sheet to be fed next to a certain sheet, whether or not an arbitrary sheet can be superposed on its succeeding sheet is determined based on whether or not a subsequent sheet is fed. The determination is based on the overlay information.

  Based on this determination, for example, two sheets are overlapped (the last is two or three sheets as a result).

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a sheet superposing device and an image forming system.

  The image forming system includes an image forming apparatus 1, a sheet superimposing apparatus 2, and a post-processing apparatus 3.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes an automatic document feeder 101 and an image reading device 102 in the upper part, and the lower part is configured by a printer unit.

  In the printer unit, reference numerals 103 and 104 denote paper feeding units that store paper P. An image is formed on the paper P in the image forming unit 105 that includes the photoconductor 106 and forms an image on the paper P by an electrophotographic process, and the formed image is fixed in the fixing device 107.

  An image is formed on the paper P supplied from the paper supply unit 103 or 104, and the paper P on which the image is formed is discharged from a paper discharge port 113 by a paper discharge roller 110.

  The paper transport path includes a paper feed path 108 from the paper feed units 103 and 104 to the image forming unit 105, a transport path 109 from the image forming unit 105 to the fixing device 107 and the paper discharge roller 110 to the paper discharge port 113, and A back surface conveyance path 112 that performs reverse conveyance is provided.

  As the image forming mode, there are a single-side face-down paper discharge mode, a single-side face-up paper discharge mode, and a double-sided mode. In the single-side face-down paper discharge mode, an image is formed on one side and the paper P that has passed through the fixing device 107 is After the front and back are reversed by the reversing process, the paper is conveyed by the paper discharge roller 110 and discharged.

  In the paper discharge roller single-sided face-up paper discharge mode, the paper P on which an image is formed on one side and conveyed through the conveyance path 109 is conveyed and discharged by the paper discharge roller 110 as it is.

  In the double-sided mode, the sheet P on which an image is formed on one side and has passed through the fixing device 107 travels downward and proceeds to the back surface conveyance path 112, and is re-fed to the sheet feeding path 108 after being turned upside down. .

  Then, a back image is formed in the image forming unit 106 on the back surface of the re-feed paper P, and the paper P on which the back image is formed passes through the fixing device 107 and is conveyed and discharged by the paper discharge roller 110.

  Reference numeral 130 denotes an operation unit that can perform various displays and settings such as various modes in the image forming apparatus 1, output modes using the post-processing apparatus 3, and conditions relating to sheet superposition.

  Reference numeral 140 denotes a communication unit that performs serial communication, and exchanges information relating to superimposition including paper superposition information with a pre-stage communication unit 241 of the paper superposition device 2 described later.

  The image forming apparatus control unit 150 controls the various apparatuses, units, members, and the like described above.

  The sheet superposing apparatus 2 is an apparatus that superimposes a plurality of sheets P carried from the receiving port 201 and discharges them to the post-processing apparatus 3.

  The paper superimposing device 2 includes a superimposing unit 205 serving as a paper superimposing unit, a transport path 213 that transports the paper P to the paper discharge port 212 without superimposing, and a path of the paper P in the superimposing unit 205 direction or transport. A conveyance switching gate 203 that switches in the direction of the path 213 and an alignment plate 210 that aligns the paper P are provided.

  First, the case of overlapping sheets will be described.

  The paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus is made to enter the receiving port 201, and the roller 202 is rotated at the same speed as the discharge linear speed of the image forming apparatus to receive the paper. The transfer switching gate 203 and the stack switching gate 204 is switched, and the sheets are stacked on the overlapping unit 205.

  The stack switching gate 204 is switched to the opposite side, and the alignment plate 207 that moves in the vertical direction along the guide shaft 206 is raised, the lower end of the paper that has entered along the guide shaft 206 is abutted, and the upper end of the paper is conveyed Enter in the direction of the path 208.

  Next, the paper ejected from the image forming apparatus is received in the same manner, and superimposed on the previous paper in the superposition unit 205.

  At this time, the alignment plate 207 is lowered at the timing when the leading end (lower end) passes through the stack switching gate 204 so that the upper end of the stacked sheet bundle comes below the stack switching gate 204.

  While switching the stack switching gate 204 to the opposite side, the alignment plate 207 is raised to abut the lower end of the sheet bundle, and the upper end of the sheet bundle enters the direction of the conveyance path 208.

  The above operation is repeated until the final sheet of superimposition comes.

  If the stacked sheets are the final stacked sheets, the sheets are moved in the horizontal direction along the guide shaft 209 and aligned with the sheet width by the alignment plate 210 that aligns the sheet bundle from both sides.

  When the horizontal alignment is completed, the alignment plate 207 is raised so that the upper end of the sheet bundle reaches the roller 211.

  When the upper end of the sheet bundle reaches the roller 211, the roller 211 is rotated at the same speed as the receiving linear speed of the sheet post-processing apparatus, and the sheet bundle is discharged from the sheet discharge port 212 to the sheet post-processing apparatus. At this time, information on the receiving linear speed of the sheet post-processing apparatus is received in advance from the sheet post-processing apparatus by the post-stage communication means.

  Next, a case where superposition is not performed will be described.

  The paper discharged from the image forming apparatus is made to enter the receiving port 201, and the rollers 202 and 211 are rotated at the same speed as the discharge linear speed of the image forming apparatus to receive the paper. To enter the transport path 213.

  At the timing when the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the sheet discharge roller 110 of the image forming apparatus, the rollers 202 and 211 are shifted to the same speed as the receiving linear speed of the sheet post-processing apparatus, and the sheet is processed from the sheet discharge port 212 to the sheet post-processing. Drain to the device.

  Reference numeral 240 denotes a communication unit that performs serial communication, and includes a front-stage communication unit 241 and a rear-stage communication unit 242. The front-stage communication unit 241 exchanges information related to sheet superposition with the communication unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 1. The communication unit 242 exchanges information related to sheet superposition with a communication unit 340 of the post-processing device 3 described later.

  The sheet superposing device control unit 250 controls the various devices, units, members, and the like described above.

  The post-processing device 3 is a post-processing device that performs at least one of punching (punching) processing, folding processing, stack processing, sorting processing, and stapling processing.

  In the example shown in the figure, a stapling unit 302 and a stacker 303 are provided, and the stacked paper P1 introduced from the paper receiving roller 301 is subjected to a stapling process or a shift process and discharged to the lifting / lowering sheet tray 310.

  The post-processing device 3 has a fixed paper discharge tray 311, and for a small amount of image forming jobs, the paper is transported to the transport path 305 and the paper P is discharged to the fixed paper discharge tray 311.

  In the punching (punching) process, a sheet is conveyed to the conveying path 306, a set number of sheets are accumulated in the stacker 303, and then a punching unit (not shown) performs a punching process, and the bundle of processed sheets P is placed on the stacker 303. Is raised and discharged to the lifting / lowering tray 310.

  In the folding process, a sheet is conveyed to the conveyance path 306, a set number of sheets are stacked on the stacker 303, and then folded by a folding processing unit (not shown), and the bundle of processed sheets P is raised on the stacker 303. Then, it is discharged to the lifting / lowering tray 310.

  In the stacking process, a sheet is conveyed to the conveyance path 306 and a set number of sheets are stacked on the stacker 303, and then a stack of stacked sheets P is raised on the stacker 303 and discharged to the lift sheet tray 310.

  In the sorting process, the paper is transported to the transport path 306, transported to the stacker 303, stopped, and then the stacker 303 adjusts the position for each part, and the stacking position is shifted for each part on the lifting / lowering tray 310.

  In the stapling process, a sheet is conveyed to the conveying path 306, a set number of sheets are stacked on the stacker 303, and then stapled by the staple processing unit 302. The bundle of processed sheets P is raised on the stacker 303. It is discharged to the lifting / lowering tray 310.

  For a small amount of image forming job, the conveyance path 305 is selected, and the paper P is discharged to the fixed paper discharge tray 311.

  Even in a mode in which post-processing such as stapling and shift processing is not performed, when a large amount of image formation is to be performed, the sheet is discharged to the lifting / discharging tray 310 via the conveyance path 306.

  That is, in a large amount of image formation without post-processing, the paper P is transported through the transport path 306, travels straight without passing through the stacker 303, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 310.

  Reference numeral 340 denotes a communication unit that performs serial communication, and exchanges information (particularly, post-processing type information) related to sheet superposition with the image forming apparatus 1 via the communication unit 240 of the sheet superposing apparatus 2.

  The post-processing device control unit 350 controls the various devices, units, members, and the like described above.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the control system of the sheet superposing apparatus 2 and the image forming system.

  The image forming apparatus control unit 150 that controls the image forming apparatus 1 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, and a RAM 153.

  A program for executing the image formation described with reference to FIG. 2 is stored in the ROM 152, and is expanded in the RAM 153 by the CPU 151 and executed.

  The operation unit 130 includes an operation panel having a touch panel and the like, and displays an operation screen (to be described later) related to sheet superimposition processing on the operation panel under the control of the image forming apparatus control unit 150 and is displayed on the operation panel. Operation information such as various keys is input to the image forming apparatus control unit 150.

  The HDD 154 stores image information and the like of the document read by the image reading unit having the image reading device 102 under the control of the image forming apparatus control unit 150.

  The image forming apparatus control unit 150 outputs overlay information, which will be described later, to the sheet overlaying device 2 via the communication unit 140 based on operation information such as various keys.

  A paper superimposing device control unit 250 that controls the paper superposing device 2 includes a CPU 251, a ROM 252, a RAM 253, and an HDD 154.

  A program for executing sheet superposition described with reference to FIG. 2 and a program for superimposing sheets are stored in the ROM 252 and are expanded in the RAM 253 by the CPU 251 and executed.

  The paper superimposing device control unit 250 controls the paper receiving unit 220 having the roller 202, the superimposing unit 205, the paper discharge unit 230 having the roller 211, and the like described with reference to FIG. Control is in progress.

  The communication unit 240 includes a pre-stage communication unit 241 and a post-stage communication unit 242, the pre-stage communication unit 241 exchanges information related to sheet superposition with the communication unit 140 of the image forming apparatus 1, and the post-stage communication unit 242 will be described later. The communication unit 340 of the post-processing device 3 exchanges information related to sheet superposition.

  In addition, the RAM 253 stores information related to sheet superposition received by the upstream communication unit 241.

  Under the control of the paper superimposing device control unit 250, the superimposition determination unit 26, which is a superimposition determination unit, determines whether or not an arbitrary sheet and its subsequent sheet can be overlapped, and further, the subsequent sheet feed information. The determination is based on the overlay information.

  Under the control of the paper superimposing device control unit 250, the superimposing information shift unit 28 supplies information on whether or not an arbitrary paper fed by the paper feeding unit and its succeeding paper can be superposed on the image forming apparatus 1. Shift from the paper sections 103 and 104 to the superimposing section 205 of the paper superposing apparatus 2 is performed.

  A post-processing device control unit 350 that controls the post-processing device 3 includes a CPU 351, a ROM 352, and a RAM 353.

  A program for executing the post-processing described with reference to FIG. 2 is stored in the ROM 352, and is expanded in the RAM 353 by the CPU 351 and executed.

  The post-processing device control unit 350 includes the sheet receiving unit 320 having the sheet receiving roller 301 (FIG. 2), the staple processing unit 302 (FIG. 2), and the stacker 303 (FIG. 2) described with reference to FIG. The control unit 330 controls the paper discharge unit 304, the communication unit 340, and the like having the processing unit 330, the lift paper discharge tray 310 (FIG. 2), and the fixed paper discharge tray 311 (FIG. 2).

  The paper discharge unit 304 performs paper discharge control to the lift paper tray 310 and lift control of the lift paper tray 310.

  The post-processing device control unit 350 performs a stapling process or the like by collecting a predetermined number of sheets superposed by the paper superposing apparatus 2.

  FIG. 3 is an example of a first operation screen related to sheet superimposition processing displayed on the operation unit 130 of the image forming apparatus.

  The basic screen 131 (FIG. 3) displayed when the power is turned on has a setting frame 132 having a key for selecting the type of post-processing, a detailed setting key 134 and the like, a paper feed tray selection key and a paper size selection key. When a paper size selection frame 133 or the like is displayed and an arbitrary key is selected, information corresponding to the key is input to the image forming apparatus control unit 150.

  FIG. 4 is an example of a second operation screen related to the sheet superimposition process displayed on the operation unit 130 of the image forming apparatus.

  On the screen 135 (FIG. 4) displayed by selecting the detail setting key 134 on the basic screen 131, the type of post-processing such as a paper discharge tray frame 136 having a paper discharge tray key for selecting a paper discharge tray and stapling is selected. A finishing frame 137 having keys is displayed. When an arbitrary key is selected, information corresponding to the key is input to the image forming apparatus control unit 150.

  In the following, a description will be given of the control related to the sheet overlapping process of the sheet overlapping apparatus 2 and the image forming apparatus 1.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart relating to the sheet superimposition processing of the image forming apparatus 1.

  The following control is performed by the image forming apparatus control unit 150 of the image forming apparatus 1.

  Read overlay information for subsequent sheets.

  Post-processing type information, paper size information, paper type information, paper weight information, paper discharge tray information, paper discharge relating to paper fed by the image forming apparatus 1, which is part of the superposition information Paper discharge position information in the tray (for example, front / rear) and paper feed speed information of the image forming apparatus are set.

  Therefore, the following control is performed.

  The basic screen 131 (FIG. 3) is displayed on the operation unit 130.

  Then, one of post-processing type keys such as stapling and punching displayed in the setting frame 132 and one of paper size keys such as A4 and A3 displayed in the paper size selection frame 133 are selected. And the information corresponding to the selected key are stored in the RAM 153 by the image forming apparatus control unit 150.

  Next, a detailed setting screen 135 (FIG. 4) is displayed by selecting a detailed setting key displayed in the setting frame 132.

  Then, any one of the discharge tray keys such as the discharge tray 1 and the discharge tray 2 displayed on the discharge tray frame 136 and the finishing key such as the half-fold displayed on the finishing frame 137 are selected. Then, information corresponding to the selected key is stored in the RAM 153 by the image forming apparatus control unit 150.

  Next, when a paper type, a paper amount, a paper discharge position in the paper discharge tray, a paper feed speed of the image forming apparatus, and the like are selected from a predetermined screen, each information corresponding to the selected key is controlled by the image forming apparatus. The data is stored in the RAM 153 by the unit 150 (step S101).

  In response to an image formation start instruction, the image reading apparatus 102 is caused to read a document image of one job (step S102).

  Based on the read image information, the image forming unit 105 sequentially forms toner images on the photoreceptor 106 (step S103).

  A predetermined sheet is sequentially fed from the sheet feeding unit 103 or 104 based on the sheet feeding tray information of the sheet selected by the 1-4 key of the sheet size selection frame 133 on the basic screen 131, and a toner image is displayed by the transfer unit. The image is transferred onto a sheet and fixed by the fixing device 107 (step S104).

  Each time the image forming apparatus 1 feeds paper from the paper feed unit 103 or 104, a paper feed signal (hereinafter referred to as paper feed signal), which is paper feed information, is sent by the communication unit 140 via the upstream communication unit 241. Then, the data is transmitted to the sheet superimposing device control unit 250 (step S105).

  Post-processing type information of superposition information stored in the RAM 153, paper size information, paper type information, paper weight information, paper discharge tray information, paper discharge position information in the paper discharge tray, supply of the image forming apparatus Paper speed information and the like are read each time paper is fed, and transmitted to the paper superimposing apparatus control unit 250 via the pre-communication unit 241 by the communication unit 140 (step S106).

  The sheets on which the toner images are fixed are sequentially discharged from the sheet discharge port 113 (step S107).

  It is determined whether or not the fed paper is the final paper of the set. If the final paper of the set (yes), the process proceeds to the next step. If the final paper is not the final paper (no), step S103 is performed until the copy is completed. (Step S108).

  Here, the term “unit” refers to a unit of executing post-processing based on the same overlay information, for example, a bundle of sheets on which stapling is performed.

  The section separation information indicating the final sheet of the set is transmitted to the sheet superimposing apparatus control section 250 via the preceding communication section 241 by the communication section 140 at the section break (intermediate sheet feeding timing) (step S109). .

  For example, in the case of staple processing, the middle of the feeding timing of the last sheet of the first bundle and the first sheet of the second bundle, which corresponds to the boundary between the first bundle to be stapled and the second bundle to be stapled next. To send the final paper information of the copy.

  Also, for example, in the case of sort processing, information on switching of paper discharge trays (currently used paper discharge tray and next use paper discharge tray) is transmitted by the switching unit between the currently used paper discharge tray and the next use paper discharge tray.

  It is determined whether or not the fed sheet is the final sheet of the job. If the final sheet of the job, the process proceeds to the next step. If not, the process jumps to step S103 until the job is completed (step S110). ).

  Here, the job refers to a unit composed of one or a plurality of units that execute post-processing based on the same overlay information.

  Job end information indicating the last paper of the job, post-processing type information of the next job, paper size information, paper type information, paper weight information, paper discharge tray information, and discharge position information in the discharge tray And the sheet feeding speed information of the image forming apparatus are controlled by the communication unit 140 via the preceding communication unit 241 at the job break (between the last sheet of the previous job and the first sheet of the subsequent job). It transmits to the part 250 (step S111).

The paper superposition control of the paper superposition apparatus 2 described below is performed by the paper superposition apparatus control unit 250 of the paper superposition apparatus 2.
FIG. 6 is a first explanatory diagram regarding the paper superimposing process of the paper superposing device 2.

  The sheet superposing device 2 is used when the superposition determining unit 26 that determines which paper is the final superposed sheet and a predetermined number, that is, when the image forming apparatus 1 is continuously performing normal image formation. A superposition information shift unit having a number of data areas 281 corresponding to the number of sheets included in the path from the image forming apparatus 1 to the paper superimposing means 2.

  First, the configuration of the overlay determination unit 26 will be described.

  The overlay determination unit 26 includes a paper feed number counter 261 that counts paper feed signals received by the upstream communication unit 241.

  The paper feed counter 261 counts paper feed signals and obtains count values 263 (1 ′, 2 ′,...) Corresponding to the paper numbers 262 (1, 2, 3,...).

  Based on the count value 263, the overlay determination unit 26 outputs the final overlap sheet information 2641 to 2644,... Indicating the last sheet to be superimposed to the shift unit 28 at a predetermined timing.

  Next, the configuration of the shift means 28 will be described.

  The overlay information shift unit 28 includes data areas 2811 to 281Z corresponding to the number of sheets included in the path from the paper feed units 103 and 104 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the overlay unit 205 of the sheet overlaying device. ing.

  In each of the data areas 2811 to 281Z, a paper number part 282 for storing the paper number 262 of the superimposition determination unit 26, a superposition final paper information part 284 for storing the superposition final paper information 264, respectively. A post-processing type information unit 285 that stores post-processing type information, a paper size information unit 286 that stores paper size information, a paper type information unit 287 that stores paper type information, and a paper type that stores paper amount information A paper volume information section 288, a paper discharge tray information section 289 for storing paper discharge tray information, a discharge position information section 290 in the discharge tray for storing discharge position information in the discharge tray, A paper feed speed information section 291 for storing paper speed information, a section information section 292 for storing section section information, a job end information section 293 for storing job end information, It has.

  The section separation information, the job end information, the final overlap sheet information, and the post-processing type information to the sheet feed speed information are stored in the corresponding section of the data area 2811. The stored information is stored in the data area 2811 by a sheet feed signal. Sequentially (upward in the figure) is shifted to ˜281Z.

  Note that a plurality of data areas corresponding to the distance from the paper feeding units 103 and 104 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the superimposing unit 205 of the paper superimposing unit 2 may be provided. In this case, information is shifted by a pulse corresponding to the unit conveyance distance of the paper (for example, a pulse encoder output of the paper conveyance unit).

  When the section separation information, job end information, final overlap sheet information, and post-processing type information to paper feed speed information are shifted to the data area 281Z, the information stored in the data area 281Z is transferred to the sheet overlap device. It is read by the control unit 250.

  Then, under the control of the paper superimposing device control unit 250, the superimposing unit 205 discharges the superposed paper toward the post-processing device 3 based on the information stored in the data area 281Z.

  In FIG. 6, for example, the final overlay paper information (2641, 2642, 2643, 2644) sequentially input to the final overlay paper information section 284 in the data area (2811) is sequentially shifted by the input of the paper feed signal. The state shifted to the area (28110, 2818, 2816, 2814, 2812) is shown.

  In addition, the section information (265) input to the section information section 292 is sequentially shifted by the input of the paper feed signal and shifted to the data area (28110).

  Further, for example, only the punch information input to the post-processing type information section 285 and the A4 information input to the paper size information section 286 in the data area (2811) are sequentially shifted by the input of the paper feed signal, and the data area ( 28110).

  The information is also input to the paper type information portion 287, the paper weight information portion 288, the paper discharge tray information portion 289, the paper discharge position information portion 290 in the paper discharge tray, and the paper feed speed information portion 291. Each input information (not shown) is shifted by the input of the paper feed signal and shifted to the data area (28110).

  In the following, regarding the “method for determining whether or not an arbitrary sheet and its succeeding sheet can be superimposed based on the feeding information of the succeeding subsequent sheet and the overlay information” in the sheet superimposing apparatus 2, As a result, the case where the number is an even number will be described.

  The number of sheets to be superimposed may be any number. For example, the number of sheets may be two. For example, the division information 265 is input from the image forming apparatus control unit 150 between the ninth and tenth sheets. explain.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the overlay determination unit 26 will be described in detail.

  1, the paper feed counter 261 counts the paper feed signal, the paper number 262 (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,...) A count value 263 (1 ′, 2 ′,...) Of the printed paper is obtained.

  2. When the first sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (1 '), one sheet cannot be discharged, so nothing is done.

  3. When the second sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (2) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (2 ′), the third and subsequent sheets are not fed. It is unclear whether or not two sheets corresponding to the number 262 (1, 2) can be discharged.

  That is, if the third and fourth sheets are fed, the third sheet does not become half-end, so that two sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2) can be stacked and discharged.

  However, if the 3rd sheet is fed and the 4th sheet is not fed, the 3rd sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2, 3) is discharged in an overlapped manner so that the third sheet is not half-finished. Must.

  For the above reason, when the second sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (2) is fed, the third and subsequent sheets must be fed.

  4. When the third sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (3) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (3 ′), the fourth and subsequent sheets are not fed. The processing of the three sheets corresponding to the number 262 (1, 2, 3) is unknown.

  In other words, if the fifth sheet is fed, the fourth sheet does not become half-end, so that two sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2) can be overlaid and discharged.

  However, if the fifth sheet is not fed, the third sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2, 3) must be stacked and ejected in order to prevent the fourth sheet from being half-finished.

  For the above reason, when the third sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (3) is fed, the fourth and subsequent sheets must be fed.

  5. When the fourth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (4) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (4 ′), the third sheet is not half-finished, that is, the third sheet Is determined not to be the last sheet in the stack.

  As a result, when the fourth sheet is fed, the sheet number 262 (1, 2) is not used instead of the third, third, and third sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2, 3). ), It is determined that the first and second sheets corresponding to (2) are to be ejected in a stack.

  That is, the first and second sheets are ejected in a stack of two sheets, that is, an arbitrary sheet {for example, sheet number 262 (1)} and a subsequent sheet {for example, sheet number 262 (2)} are overlapped. Whether or not alignment is possible is determined based on the sheet feeding information of the subsequent sheet {for example, the sheet feeding information of the second sheet after the sheet number 262 (2), for example, the fourth sheet sheet number 262 (4)}. The

  Based on both determination results, the overlay determination unit 26 will be described later when the count value 263 becomes a count value 263 (4 ′) that is the sum of the overlap number (for example, 2) and a predetermined value (2). The superposition information shift unit 28 outputs the superposition final paper information 2641 corresponding to the paper number 262 (2).

  Note that the fourth sheet is a number obtained by adding the number of overlapping sheets (for example, two sheets) stored in the sheet overlapping means and two predetermined sheets.

  The predetermined number of two sheets means that the fourth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (4) described above is fed, and the final overlapped sheet information 2641 corresponding to the sheet number 262 (2) can be output for the first time. As described above, this is because it is determined whether or not an arbitrary sheet can be overlapped with the succeeding sheet when the succeeding sheet is fed two sheets after the arbitrary sheet.

  6. Since the count value 263 (3 ′) is changed to the count value 263 (1 ′) by the output of the overlapped final sheet information 2641, the sheet feed number counter 261 sets the count value 263 (4 ′) to the count value 263 (2). Update to ').

  7. Based on the same idea for sheet number 262 (3, 4), the sixth sheet corresponding to sheet number 262 (6) is fed and the sixth sheet feed signal is input. Since the count value becomes the count value 263 (4 ′) at the time, the overlapped final sheet information 2642 is output.

  Further, based on the same idea for the paper number 262 (5, 6), the eighth paper corresponding to the paper number 262 (8) is fed and the eighth paper feed signal is input. Since the count value becomes the count value 263 (4 ′) at the time, the superimposed final sheet information 2643 is output.

  8. When the ninth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (9) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (3 ′), the tenth and subsequent sheets are not fed. The processing of the three sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7, 8, 9) is unknown.

  In other words, if the 10th sheet is fed, the 9th sheet is not half-finished, so two sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7, 8) can be stacked and discharged.

  However, if the tenth sheet is not fed, the third sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7, 8, 9) must be stacked and ejected in order to prevent the ninth sheet from being half-finished.

  For the above reason, when the ninth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (9) is fed, it is necessary to wait for the tenth and subsequent sheets.

  9. When the tenth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (10) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (4 ′), the ninth sheet is not half-finished, that is, nine sheets. It is determined that the eyes are not the last one in the stack.

  By feeding the 10th sheet, it corresponds to the sheet number 262 (7, 8), not the 7th, 8th and 9th sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7, 8, 9). It is determined that the seventh and eighth sheets are discharged in a two-layered manner.

  That is, whether or not an arbitrary sheet {sheet number 262 (7)} and its succeeding sheet {sheet number 262 (8)} can be superposed is determined by further subsequent sheet feeding information {sheet number 262 (8 ), The second sheet, and the 10th sheet feed information of sheet number 262 (10)}.

  9. The overlay determination unit 26 outputs the final overlap sheet information 2644 corresponding to the sheet number 262 (8) to the overlay information shift unit 28 based on the above determination.

  As described above, it is possible to determine whether or not an arbitrary sheet can be overlapped with the succeeding sheet based on the sheet feeding information and the overlapping information of the subsequent sheet. For this reason, even if the number of copies of a set is unknown (for example, even if the number of copies is an even number as a result), it is possible to start sheet superimposition processing and post-processing before reading all the configurations of copies .

  Hereinafter, the case where the division information is input will be described.

  10. When the division information 265 is input from the image forming apparatus control unit 150 between the ninth sheet and the tenth sheet, the overlay determination unit 26 corresponds to the sheet number 262 (10). The delimiter information 265 that is also the final alignment paper information 2645 is output to the overlay information shift unit 28 described later.

  As a result, the ninth and tenth sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (9, 10) are overlapped.

  11 and the count value 263 of the sheet feed counter 261 is updated to 0 when the 10th sheet feed signal is input according to the division information 265 of the copy.

  As described above, even when the number of copies is unknown (for example, even if the number of copies is an even number as a result), it is possible to start the sheet superposition processing and post-processing according to the division information of the copies.

  FIG. 7 is a second explanatory diagram regarding the paper superimposing process of the paper superposing device 2.

  The case where the number of constituent parts is an odd number as a result will be described below.

  Since the paper numbers 262 (1 to 8) are controlled in the same manner as described in the first explanatory diagram, the description thereof is omitted.

  1. When the ninth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (9) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (3 ′), the tenth and subsequent sheets are not fed. The processing of the three sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7, 8, 9) is unknown.

  In other words, if the 10th sheet is fed, the 9th sheet is not half-finished, so two sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7, 8) can be stacked and discharged.

  However, if the tenth sheet is not fed, the third sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7, 8, 9) must be stacked and ejected in order to prevent the ninth sheet from being half-finished.

  For the above reason, when the ninth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (9) is fed, it is necessary to wait for the tenth and subsequent sheets.

  2. When the tenth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (10) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (4 ′), the ninth sheet is not half-finished, that is, nine sheets. It is determined that the eyes are not the last one in the stack.

  By feeding the 10th sheet, it corresponds to the sheet number 262 (7, 8), not the 7th, 8th and 9th sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7, 8, 9). It is determined that the seventh and eighth sheets are discharged in a two-layered manner.

  3. The overlay determination unit 26 outputs the overlay final sheet information 2644 corresponding to the sheet number 262 (8) to the overlay information shift unit 28 based on the above determination.

  4 and the count value 263 of the sheet feed counter 261 is updated from the count value 263 (4 ') to the count value 263 (2') when the 10th sheet feed signal is input.

  5. In the same manner, when the count value 263 of the sheet feed counter 261 reaches the count value 263 (4 '), the final overlap sheet information is output.

  As described above, even if the number of constituent parts is unknown (for example, even if the number of constituent parts is an odd number as a result), all the constituent parts of the part are not formed in the superimposition of the rear part of the parts. It is possible to start the paper superimposing process and the post-processing before reading the data.

  Hereinafter, the case where the division information is input will be described.

  6. When, for example, the sheet separation information 265 is input from the image forming apparatus control unit 150 between the 10th sheet and the 11th sheet, the overlay determination unit 26 overlaps the sheet number 262 (11). The delimiter information 265 that is also the final alignment paper information 2645 is output to the overlay information shift unit 28 described later.

  As a result, the ninth, tenth, and eleventh sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (9, 10, 11) are overlapped.

  6. Then, the count value 263 of the sheet feed counter 261 is updated from the count value 263 (3 ') to the count value 263 (0') when the eleventh sheet feed signal is input.

  As described above, even when the number of copies of a set is unknown (for example, even if the number of copies is an odd number as a result), it is possible to start the sheet superimposition processing and post-processing according to the division information of the copies.

  The overlay process described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 can be applied when only the punch process is selected as the post-process.

  Next, the overlay information shift unit 28 will be described in detail.

  1. The paper superimposing device control unit 250 outputs post-processing type information, paper size information, paper type information, paper weight information, paper discharge tray information, and paper discharge tray information output from the overlap determination unit 26. Paper discharge position information, paper feed speed information of the image forming apparatus, copy separator information 265, job end information, and superposition final paper information are received.

  2. Then, each piece of information is stored in the corresponding section (overlapping final sheet information section 284 to job end information section 293) of the data area (2811).

  3. The overlay information shift unit 28 shifts information stored in each data area (2811, 2812, 2813,..., 281Z) in response to a paper feed signal input.

  4. When a number of paper feed signals equal to the number Z of sheets included in the path from the paper feed units 103 and 104 of the image forming apparatus 1 to the superimposing unit 205 of the paper superimposing unit 2 is input The superimposed information (partition information, job end information, final overlap sheet information, post-processing type information to paper feed speed information, etc.) is shifted to the data area (281Z), and the data area (281Z) The sheet superimposing apparatus control unit 250 reads each piece of information shifted to (information such as section delimiter information, job end information, superposition final paper information, post-processing type information to paper feed speed information).

  5. The paper superimposing device control unit 250 superimposes the superposed papers based on information such as read section separation information, job end information, superposition final paper information, post-processing type information to paper feed speed information, and the like. The sheet is discharged from the mating unit 205 toward the post-processing device 3.

  As described above, when the paper fed by the paper feeding units 103 and 104 of the image forming apparatus 1 reaches the superimposing unit 205 of the paper superposing device 2, it is possible to output the superposition information related to the paper. .

  Further, by outputting superposition information such as copy delimiter information, job end information, and superposition final paper information, it is possible to discharge paper to the post-processing apparatus for each desired number of superpositions.

  FIG. 8 is a third explanatory diagram regarding the paper superimposing process of the paper superposing device 2.

  Hereinafter, the control of the overlay determination unit 26 will be described in the case where sort processing (change of the discharge position in the discharge tray (for example, front / rear)) is selected as the type of post-processing.

  For example, a case will be described in which the paper discharge position in the paper discharge tray is changed between the fifth and sixth sheets fed from the image forming apparatus.

  Since the paper numbers 262 (1 to 4) are controlled in the same manner as described in the first explanatory diagram, description thereof is omitted.

  1. When the fifth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (5) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (3 ′), the sixth and subsequent sheets are not fed. The processing of the three sheets corresponding to the number 262 (3, 4, 5) is unknown.

  In other words, if the sixth sheet is fed, the fifth sheet does not become half-edge, so that two sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (3, 4) can be overlapped and discharged.

  However, if the sixth sheet is not fed, the third sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (3, 4, 5) must be stacked and ejected in order to prevent the fifth sheet from being half-finished.

  For the above reason, when the fifth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (5) is fed, the sixth and subsequent sheets must be fed.

  2. When the sixth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (6) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (4 ′), the discharge position information in the discharge tray is output. Therefore, the discharge position information 266 in the discharge tray is output to the overlay information shift unit 28 when the sixth sheet feed signal corresponding to the sheet number 262 (6) is input.

  Even if the count value 263 (4 ') is reached, the final paper information 2642 is not output.

  5 and the count value 263 is updated from (4 ') to (1').

  6. In the same manner, the superimposed final paper information 2643 and the like are output.

  As described above, even when there is paper discharge position information in the paper discharge tray, even when the number of copies is unknown, the paper superposition process can be started.

  FIG. 9 is a fourth explanatory diagram regarding the paper superimposing process of the paper superposing device 2.

  The control of the overlay determination unit 26 when the staple process is selected as the post-processing type will be described.

  The stapling process requires some time until preparation for the stapling process is completed.

  1. When the first sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (1 '), the top three sheets are overlapped, so nothing is done.

  2. When the second sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (2) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (2 '), the top three sheets are overlapped, so nothing is done.

3. Since the third sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (3) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (3 ′), the fourth and subsequent sheets are not fed. If the 4th sheet is fed and the 5th sheet is not fed, the 4th sheet will be half-finished, so the 4 sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2, 3, 4) are overlapped. Must be discharged,
When the fourth and fifth sheets are fed, three sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2, 3) can be stacked, so that the fifth and subsequent sheets are awaited.

  4. Since the fourth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (4) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (4 ′), the fifth and subsequent sheets are not fed. If the fifth sheet is fed, three sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2, 3) can be stacked.

  However, if the fifth sheet is not fed, the fourth sheet becomes half-finished, so four sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2, 3, 4) must be stacked and discharged. Wait for the fifth and subsequent sheets.

  5. When the fifth sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (5) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (5 ′), the fifth sheet is fed, and the sheet At least three sheets corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1, 2, 3) are stacked, not the first, second, third, and fourth sheets corresponding to the number 262 (1, 2, 3, 4). It is determined that it can be discharged.

  6. Based on the above determination, the overlay final sheet information 2641 corresponding to the sheet number 262 (3) is output to the overlay information shift unit 28, and the count value 263 (5 ′) is updated to the count value 263 (2 ′). .

  7. When the seventh sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (7) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (4 ′), the seventh sheet is fed to overlap. The alignment final sheet information 2642 is output, and the count value 263 (4 ′) is updated to the count value 263 (2 ′).

  8 and so forth, and output the final overlap sheet information 2643,.

  As described above, when the staple process is selected, it is possible to superimpose at least three sheets at the beginning, and the sheet superimposition process can be started even when the number of copies is unknown.

  FIG. 10 is a fifth explanatory diagram regarding the paper superimposing process of the paper superposing device 2.

  The control of the overlay determination unit 26 will be described for the case where folding is selected as the type of post-processing.

  1. When the first sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (1) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (1 ′), the sheet number 262 is input to the overlay information shift unit 28. The overlapped final sheet information 2641 corresponding to (1) is output, and the count value 263 (1 ′) is updated to the count value 263 (0 ′).

  2. When the second sheet corresponding to the sheet number 262 (2) is fed and the count value 263 reaches the count value 263 (1 ′), the sheet number 262 ( The overlapped final sheet information 2642 corresponding to 2) is output, and the count value 263 (1 ′) is updated to the count value 263 (0 ′).

  3. In the same manner, the final overlap sheet information is output to the overlap information shift unit 28, and the count value 263 (1 ') is updated to the count value 263 (0').

  As described above, even when the folding process is selected, the sheet superimposing process can be started even when the number of components is unknown.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet superposing device and an image forming system. 3 is a block diagram of a control system of the sheet superposing device 2 and the image forming system. FIG. FIG. 6 is an example of a first operation screen related to sheet superimposition processing displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. FIG. 6 is an example of a second operation screen related to sheet superimposition processing displayed on the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. FIG. 3 is a flowchart relating to sheet superimposition processing of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 6 is a first explanatory diagram relating to a paper superposition process of the paper superposition device 2. FIG. FIG. 10 is a second explanatory diagram relating to the paper superimposing process of the paper superimposing device 2. FIG. 10 is a third explanatory diagram relating to the paper superimposing process of the paper superposing device 2. FIG. 10 is a fourth explanatory diagram relating to a paper superimposing process of the paper superposing device 2. FIG. 10 is a fifth explanatory diagram relating to paper superposition processing of the paper superposition device 2.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Paper superimposing apparatus 3 Post-processing apparatus 26 Overlay determination part 28 Overlay information shift part 103,104 Paper feed part 130 Operation part 140 Communication part 150 Image forming apparatus control part 205 Overlay part 240 Communication part 241 Pre-stage communication unit 242 Post-stage communication unit 250 Paper superposition device control unit 261 Paper feed number counter 302 Staple processing unit 350 Post-processing device control unit 281 Data area P Paper

Claims (8)

In a paper superimposing apparatus that superimposes paper supplied from an image forming apparatus and discharges the superposed paper on a subsequent post-processing apparatus,
Superposition for determining the superposition of a paper superimposing unit for superimposing paper and whether or not to superimpose an arbitrary paper on the succeeding paper based on the number of superposed sheets and the feeding information and superposition information on the succeeding paper A sheet superimposing apparatus comprising: a determination unit; The sheet superimposing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the further succeeding sheet is a sheet that is two sheets after the succeeding sheet. A communication means for receiving paper feed information indicating paper supply, a paper feed number counter for counting the number of the paper feed information received by the communication means, and a superposition number and a predetermined number of sheets of the paper superposition means. And a superimposition determination unit that outputs superposition final paper information indicating that the succeeding paper is the final superposition paper when the count value of the paper feed counter reaches the added value. The sheet superposing device according to claim 1 or 2. The sheet superposing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined number is two. A sheet superimposing apparatus control means for performing control related to the sheet superimposing process, and an overlay information shift unit having a predetermined number of stages,
The overlay information shift unit shifts the overlay final paper information and the overlay information stored in each stage according to the paper feed information,
When the paper feed information is input in a number corresponding to the predetermined number, the superposition final paper information and the superposition information are output to the paper superposition device control means. The sheet superimposing device according to claim 1. The paper superposition that discharges the paper superposed by the paper superposition means to the post-processing device based on the final superposition paper information and the superposition information output by the superposition information shift unit. 6. The sheet superposing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising an apparatus control unit. The superposition information includes post-processing type information, copy separation information, job end information, paper size information, paper type information, paper weight information, and paper discharge of the paper fed in the image forming apparatus. The paper according to claim 1, comprising at least one of tray information, paper discharge position information in the paper discharge tray, and paper feed speed information of the image forming apparatus. Overlay device. An image forming system comprising the sheet superimposing device according to claim 1.

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