JP2009166976A - Post-processor and post-processing system for image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a post-processor for an image forming device, which can perform post-processing in sections at a proper speed. <P>SOLUTION: This post-processing system comprises the image forming device A and the post-processor B. The image forming device A controls paper to be discharged to the side of the post-processor B at a timing for paper discharge between sections, based on a control value for paper discharge, given from the post-processor B. The post-processor B has a first detection part 21 for detecting that the paper is carried into a combined machine A, a second detection part 25 for detecting that post-processing is completed in sections, a count part 27 for outputting a count value for a time from carrying leading-page paper in sections to completing post-processing in accordance with the detection by the first and second detection parts 21, 23, and an output part 29 using an initial value preset as a control value for paper discharge between first and second sections, as an interval period for paper discharge into the second section or later, for outputting the control value for paper discharge, based on the count value, to the image forming device A. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus and a post-processing system for an image forming apparatus. For example, a post-processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, or a multi-function peripheral (MFP), and the like. It relates to the improvement of the used post-processing system.

  In recent years, in multi-function machines, post-processing devices are connected, and post-processing such as stapling, punching, or half-folding is performed in units of a set of a plurality of sheets printed and discharged from the multi-function machine ( Finisher processing) can be applied.

  In this way, when post-processing the paper by the post-processing device, for example, as shown in FIG. 4, in the individual unit, the paper is controlled to be transferred to the post-processing device at a short paper-feeding interval t from the multifunction peripheral. On the other hand, in order to ensure a reliable repetition of the post-processing operation, a section interval T that is relatively longer than the sheet carry-in interval t is between the bundle last page sheet in a certain section and the bundle first page sheet in the next section. It is common to carry-in control.

  In addition, the interval T needs to be changed according to the paper size to be post-processed and the type of post-processing, that is, stapling, punching, or half-folding.

  Therefore, conventionally, the data of the interval T according to the paper size to be post-processed and the type of post-processing is created in a table and stored, for example, in the post-processing device side, and the paper size or the type of post-processing is set. The corresponding part interval T is output to the multifunction device side to control the paper discharge from the multifunction device.

  However, in such a configuration, if it is attempted to increase the productivity by increasing the processing speed of the post-processing, it is necessary to update and set the interval T according to the type of the post-processing, and the setting work is complicated. It becomes.

  In addition, in the post-processing apparatus, it is necessary to set and vary the paper conveyance speed in conjunction with the paper discharge speed from the multifunction peripheral. From this point of view, the creation of the copy interval T is troublesome, and It is difficult to cope with an increase in processing modes.

  However, in order to cope with this, a paper feed control method in an image forming apparatus disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-154585 (Patent Document 1) has been proposed.

This patent document 1 has a configuration in which a copy interval is set by a logical product of a paper feed condition in an image forming apparatus main body and a paper feed condition generated by a post-processing device, and a control logic with a very simple copy interval considering post-processing. Thus, various part interval controls can be performed in consideration of the time required for post-processing.
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-154685

  However, in Patent Document 1 described above, the discharge timing between the sections is determined in consideration of the processing time in the post-processing apparatus. However, from the start of conveyance of the first page paper in a certain section, the next section is also started. The time until the start of the conveyance of the first page paper is stored in advance in a memory and used, and there is still room for improvement in order to improve the post-processing speed.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides a post-processing apparatus and a post-processing system for an image forming apparatus that can easily obtain an appropriate high post-processing speed in units of copies.

  In order to solve such a problem, a post-processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a first detection unit that detects the carry-in of a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus, and a unit for the sheet that has passed through the first detection unit. Based on the detection of the first detection unit and the second detection unit that detects the completion of each post-processing, and counts the period from the last page paper loading to the completion of the post-processing for each unit A count unit that outputs a count value and an image forming apparatus that outputs an initial value set in advance as a paper discharge interval period between the first and second copies of the paper, and the second And an output unit that outputs a paper discharge control value based on the count value as a paper discharge interval period between the second and subsequent copies.

  In the post-processing apparatus of the present invention, the output unit may add a predetermined additional period to the count value and output the paper discharge control value.

  In the post-processing apparatus of the present invention, a configuration in which the second detection unit detects completion of the post-processing from a sheet discharged to a predetermined position is also possible.

  In the post-processing apparatus of the present invention, the output unit may output the paper discharge control value for each part of the paper.

  The post-processing system according to the present invention includes an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and discharges the sheet, and a post-processing apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and performs post-processing on each sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes a sheet discharge control unit that controls sheet discharge to the post-processing apparatus side for each sheet during a sheet discharge interval period based on a sheet discharge control value from the processing apparatus. The post-processing device includes a first detection unit that detects the carry-in of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus, and a post-processing unit for each of the paper that has passed through the first detection unit. Based on the detection of the second detection unit that detects completion, and the detection of the first and second detection units, the count period is output by counting the period from the loading of the final page paper for each unit to the completion of post-processing. For the count unit and the image forming apparatus, the first An output unit that outputs a preset initial value as a paper discharge control value between the second part and the second part and outputs a paper discharge control value based on the count value as a paper discharge interval period after the second part; have.

  In the post-processing system of the present invention, the output unit may add a predetermined additional period to the count value and output the paper discharge control value.

  In the post-processing system of the present invention, a configuration in which the second detection unit detects completion of the post-processing from the paper discharged to a predetermined position is also possible.

  In the post-processing system of the present invention, the output unit may output the paper discharge control value for each part of the paper.

  In such a post-processing apparatus according to the present invention, the first detection unit detects the carry-in of the paper ejected from the image forming apparatus, and the completion of post-processing for each sheet for the paper that has passed through the first detection unit. Is detected by the second detection unit, and based on the detection of the first and second detection units, the period from the last page paper loading for each unit to the completion of post-processing is counted by the counting unit, and the image formation is performed. The output unit outputs an initial value preset as a discharge interval period between the first part and the second part from the output unit, and counts as a discharge interval period between the second and subsequent parts. Since the paper discharge control value based on the value is output, the post-processing apparatus counts the period required for post-processing, and notifies this to the image forming apparatus on the main body side to perform appropriate and fast post-processing in units of copies. Easy.

  In the post-processing apparatus of the present invention, when the output unit adds a predetermined additional period to the count value and outputs the paper discharge control value, reliable post-processing can be ensured.

  In the post-processing device of the present invention, in the configuration in which the second detection unit detects the completion of the post-processing from the paper discharged to a predetermined position, the detection of the paper in units of copies reaching the paper discharge position is performed. Completion of reliable post-processing can be detected.

  In the post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, in the configuration in which the output unit outputs the discharge control value for each part of the paper, even if there is a difference in the post-processing period for each part, the output unit automatically An appropriate paper discharge interval period is set for each copy, and post-processing can be automatically performed at an appropriate and short copy timing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The post-processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in the process of describing the post-processing system according to the present invention.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram showing an embodiment of a post-processing system according to the present invention. The post-processing system includes a multi-function device A and a post-processing device B.

  In FIG. 1, a multifunction peripheral A is an image forming apparatus having an image reading unit 3, a communication unit 5, a storage unit 7, an operation panel unit 9, and a printing unit 11 with a main control unit 1 as a center.

  The main control unit 1 controls the image reading unit 3, the communication unit 5, the storage unit 7, the operation panel unit 9, and the printing unit 11, and also functions as a paper discharge control unit 13, which will be described later. To do.

  The image reading unit 3 is, for example, arranged in the upper part of the main body case 15 in the multi-function device A of FIG. 2, and optically reads an image from, for example, a plurality of printed originals under the control of the main control unit 1. This is a known scanner or the like that generates electronic print data that has undergone processing, scaling, and gradation processing as a print job, and the generated print data is sequentially stored in the storage unit 7 for each page of the document. ing. The internal configuration of the multifunction peripheral A shown in FIG. 2 will be described later.

  A communication unit 5 in FIG. 1 is an interface unit that performs, for example, facsimile communication or e-mail communication using a predetermined protocol via a network (not shown) under the control of the main control unit 1. Facsimile communication and e-mail communication are not the main part of the present invention, and thus description and illustration thereof are omitted.

  The storage unit 7 is, for example, a hard disk (HDD) that stores print data from the image reading unit 3 and the communication unit 5 and also stores an operation program of the main control unit 1. Functions as a storage unit.

  The operation panel unit 9 includes, for example, a liquid crystal display panel disposed at the upper part of the main body case 15 of the multifunction peripheral A in FIG. 2 and a liquid crystal operation panel that also serves as a touch switch input unit. The operation panel unit 9 is capable of instructing selection of printing number of sheets, post-processing for printed sheets, for example, stapling processing, punching processing or half-folding processing, in addition to printing execution instructions. 1 is controlled.

  The printing unit 11 is arranged in the main body case 15 of the image forming apparatus A shown in FIG. 2 and prints the number of copies designated by the operation panel unit 9 on the fed paper. Is possible. Details will be described later.

  The main control unit 1 includes a CPU, a memory unit that stores a startup program for the CPU, and an input / output interface (none of which is shown), and the image reading unit 3, the communication unit 5, the storage unit 7, and the operation described above. The panel unit 9 and the printing unit 11 are controlled.

  The main control unit 1 has a function of outputting the number of pages of the print job to the post-processing control unit 33 described later of the post-processing apparatus B, for example.

  The main control unit 1 serves as a discharge control unit 13 that controls discharge of printed paper from a discharge port 17 (described later) formed in the main body case 15 based on a discharge control value (described later) transmitted from the post-processing apparatus B. Also works.

  The paper discharge control by the paper discharge control unit 13 is performed by a line speed of a paper transport roller or the like (not shown) and driving on / off control.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the post-processing device B is provided in the multi-function peripheral A so as to connect a later-described transport unit 19 to a paper discharge port 17, and includes a transport unit 19, a first detection unit 21, The staple processing unit 23, the second detection unit 25, the count unit 27, the output unit 29, the storage unit 31, and the post-processing control unit 33 are formed.

  The transport unit 19 carries in the paper discharged from the paper discharge port 17 of the multifunction peripheral A, and transports and discharges the paper in the post-processing apparatus B, and a motor for rotating these (whichever (Not shown) and the like, and forms a paper conveyance path.

  That is, the transport unit 19 carries in and transports the paper ejected from the multifunction device A in the post-processing apparatus B, and sequentially stacks a set number of sheets on the staple processing unit 23 disposed in the middle of the transport path. Thus, it has a function of transporting and discharging the paper after being stored and stapled to a paper discharge tray 41 or the like which will be described later.

  Note that the number of sheets stacked on the staple processing unit 23 is set from the main control unit 1 of the multifunction peripheral A via the post-processing control unit 33 as the number of pages of the print job as described above.

  The first detection unit 21 is disposed in the transport unit 19 in the vicinity of the carry-in entrance where the paper discharged from the multifunction device A is carried in, detects the passage of the paper discharged from the multifunction device A, This is a sensor that outputs a detection signal with the detection of the leading edge of the paper as a switching timing to the count unit 27. The paper carry-in interval t in FIG. 3 corresponds to the detection signal.

  The staple processing unit 23 has an intermediate stack unit (not shown) that sequentially stacks and stores the number of sheets corresponding to the number of pages, and is disposed in the middle of the conveyance path. The staple processing unit 23 staples a plurality of stacked sheets. It has a function of processing and batching.

  The second detection unit 25 is disposed on the downstream side of the staple processing unit 23 in the conveyance path, detects the passage of the paper that has been stapled and discharged, and generates a detection signal with the leading edge detection of the paper as a switching timing. It is a sensor that outputs to the counting unit 27.

  Note that the paper carry-in interval t in FIG. 3 corresponds to the detection signal, and in the present invention, the detection signal from the second detection unit 25 indicates the completion of post-processing.

  The counting unit 27 counts the period from the last page paper loading for each individual unit to the completion of post-processing based on the output timing of the detection signals of the first and second detection units 21 and 25, and calculates the count value. A function of outputting to the output unit 29 is provided. The final page paper for each copy is determined from the number of pages of the above-described print job obtained from the multifunction device A, for example.

  Based on the staple processing instruction from the multifunction device A, the output unit 29 reads an initial value, which will be described later, preset as a paper discharge interval period between the first and second copies from the storage unit 31, and And a paper discharge control value based on the count value described above as a paper discharge interval period for the second and subsequent copies.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the initial value is a value from the time when the first page of the first page of the first page is carried in until the time when the second page of the first page is carried in. This is, for example, the maximum value of the period required for the stapling process corresponding to the pin type, and is stored in the storage unit 31 in advance.

  The multiple paper discharge control value output from the output unit 29 is a value obtained by adding a slight additional period P as an idle period to the count value from the count unit 27.

  The storage unit 31 is, for example, a non-volatile memory that stores the operation value of the post-processing control unit 33 in addition to storing the above-described initial value, and functions as a second storage unit in relation to the multifunction peripheral A.

  The post-processing control unit 33 includes a CPU, a memory unit that stores a startup program for the CPU, and an input / output interface (none of which is shown), and includes a conveyance unit 19, a staple processing unit 23, a count unit 27, and an output unit. 29 and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal configuration of the multifunction peripheral A and the post-processing apparatus B described above.

  In FIG. 2, in the lower part of the main body case 15 of the multi-function apparatus A, in addition to the paper feed cassette 35, the print job image is displayed while the paper fed primary from the paper feed cassette 35 is secondarily fed. The above-described monochrome and color printing unit 11 including the transfer fixing unit 37 for transferring and fixing is disposed.

  Reference numeral 39 in FIG. 2 denotes a reversing conveyance unit that reverses the front and back of the printing paper on which an image is transferred and fixed on one side and returns it to the transfer fixing unit 37.

  Above the main body case 15, the image reading unit 3 and the operation panel unit 9 described above are arranged, and the main control unit 1, the communication unit 5, the storage unit 7, and the paper discharge control unit 13 are arranged inside the main body case 15. Electronic circuits are formed and arranged at various positions.

  As described above, the paper discharge port 17 is disposed on the downstream side of the printing unit 11.

  The post-processing apparatus B includes a transport unit 19 that transports the printing paper discharged from the paper discharge port 17 of the multifunction peripheral A, a first detection unit 21 that detects the leading edge of the printing paper to be transported, a staple processing unit 23, 2 detection unit 25, count unit 27, output unit 29, storage unit 31, paper feed control unit 33, paper discharge tray 41, and the like.

  In the post-processing apparatus B in FIG. 2, reference numerals 43 and 45 denote a half-fold processing unit as a post-processing unit and a paper discharge tray from now on. In FIG. 2, for convenience, the count unit 27, the output unit 29, the storage unit 31, and the paper feed control unit 33 are illustrated outside the post-processing apparatus B.

  Next, the operation of the post-processing system according to the present invention will be described.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 3, in the case of performing the unit printing such as the first part, the second part,..., The discharged paper is controlled to be discharged from the multifunction device A at a constant short paper interval t. The case where this is carried into the post-processing apparatus B and conveyed will be described.

  When printing for each copy is instructed from the operation panel unit 9, the multi-function peripheral A discharges paper to the post-processing device B at individual sheet intervals t in individual unit printing.

  In the post-processing apparatus B, while the paper carried from the multi-function peripheral A is being transported by the transport unit 19, sheets of a predetermined number of pages are sequentially stacked and stored in the intermediate stack unit, stapled, and then the collected paper is collected. Each set is conveyed to the paper discharge tray 41 and discharged.

  In this case, in the post-processing apparatus B, in the printing of the first copy, the first detection unit 21 detects the head of each sheet and outputs a detection signal to the count unit 27 and the second detection unit 23. Detects the top of a group of sheets in each copy unit, and outputs a detection signal to the count unit 27.

  The counting unit 27 counts the period from the last page paper loading for each individual unit to the completion of post-processing based on the output timing of the detection signals from the first and second detection units 21 and 25, and the count value Is output to the output unit 29.

  If the unit printing is the first copy, the output unit 29 receives the detection signal from the second detection unit 23, reads the initial value from the storage unit 31, and reads out the initial value from the storage unit 31. The value is output to the paper discharge control unit 13 of the multifunction device A as a value.

  Based on the initial value, the multi-function device A causes the paper discharge control unit 13 to discharge the second unit of paper to the post-processing apparatus B side.

  In the post-processing apparatus B, after the second part, the counting unit 27 outputs the count value until the post-processing completion time to the output unit 29 based on the detection signals from the first and second detection units 21 and 23, The output unit 29 calculates a paper discharge control value obtained by adding a predetermined additional period to the count value as a paper discharge interval period between the units, and outputs the paper discharge control value to the paper discharge control unit 13 of the multifunction peripheral A.

  Therefore, as shown in FIG. 3, the multi-function peripheral A performs the inter-part discharge control of the third part based on the discharge control value that is shorter than the initial value and corresponds to the actual stapling process.

  As described above, the post-processing system according to the present invention includes the multifunction peripheral (image forming apparatus) A and the post-processing apparatus B connected thereto.

  In addition, the multi-function device A has a paper discharge control unit 13 that controls paper discharge to the post-processing device B side at a paper discharge timing between the units based on a paper discharge control value from the processing device B.

  On the other hand, the post-processing apparatus B completes the first detection unit 21 that detects the carry-in of the paper discharged from the multifunction peripheral A, and the completion of the stapling process for each sheet that has passed through the first detection unit 21. Based on the detection of the second detection unit 25 to be detected and the first and second detection units 21 and 23, the period from the loading of the first page paper to the completion of the post-processing for each copy is counted and the count value is calculated. Outputs an initial value set in advance as a discharge control value between the first and second parts to the counting unit 27 and the multifunction peripheral A, and discharges the second and subsequent parts. And an output unit 29 that outputs a paper discharge control value based on the count value as an interval period.

  For this reason, in the post-processing of each unit, the period until the actual post-processing is completed is calculated, and this is notified to the MFP A that is the main body, and the printed paper is discharged to the post-processing apparatus B side. It is possible to automatically set an appropriate paper discharge interval interval between copies according to the type of paper, and it is easy to increase the processing speed of post-processing.

  Therefore, in order to ensure reliable post-processing for each copy, it is not necessary to set a long period with a margin, simplifying the discharge interval interval setting work, and increasing the post-processing speed Post-processing productivity can be improved.

  In addition, the paper discharge speed between the post-processing apparatus B and the multi-function peripheral A can be easily linked, and can easily cope with various post-processing, and can easily cope with a combination of a plurality of post-processing. .

  Further, since an additional period is added to the count value from the second detection unit 23 and a paper discharge control value is output, even if there is some variation in the post-processing period, it is possible to ensure reliable post-processing. In addition, since the sheet discharged after the completion of the process and discharged to a predetermined position is detected, for example, the completion of the reliable post-processing can be detected through the detection of the sheet of the unit that has reached the discharge position.

  Furthermore, since the paper discharge control value is output for each copy of the paper, even if there is a difference in the individual post-processing period in individual copy printing, an appropriate interval period between the copies is automatically set and automatically Therefore, there is an advantage that post-processing can be performed with appropriate and short inter-part timing.

  By the way, the above-described configuration is a post-processing system including the multifunction peripheral A and the post-processing apparatus B. However, the post-processing apparatus B described above includes the transport unit 19, the counting unit 27, the paper feeding unit 21, and the post-processing control unit 33. The present invention can be configured independently, and it becomes easy to speed up the post-processing of each unit more appropriately and easily, and secure post-processing can be ensured.

  In the present invention, post-processing is not limited to the above-described staple processing for each copy, and can be implemented by punch processing or half-fold processing, or a combination thereof.

1 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an embodiment of a post-processing system including a post-processing device of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating the post-processing system of FIG. 1 together with the post-processing device of the image forming apparatus. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement of the unit printing which concerns on this invention. It is a figure explaining the operation | movement of the conventional copy printing.

Explanation of symbols

1 main control unit 3 image reading unit 5 communication unit 7 storage unit (first storage unit)
9 Operation panel unit 11 Printing unit 13 Paper discharge control unit 15 Main body case 17 Paper discharge port 19 Transport unit 21 First detection unit 23 Staple processing unit (post-processing unit)
25 Second detection unit 27 Count unit 29 Output unit 31 Storage unit (second storage unit)
33 Post-processing control unit 35 Paper feed cassette 37 Transfer fixing unit 39 Reverse conveyance unit 41, 45 Paper discharge tray 43 Middle folding processing unit (post-processing unit)
A MFP (image forming device)
B Post-processing device

Claims (8)

A first detection unit for detecting the carry-in of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus;
A second detection unit that detects completion of post-processing for each copy of the paper that has passed through the first detection unit;
A counting unit that counts a period from carry-in of the last page paper to completion of post-processing and outputs a count value based on detection of the first and second detection units;
The image forming apparatus outputs an initial value set in advance as a paper discharge interval period between the first part and the second part of the paper, and paper discharge intervals between the second and subsequent parts. An output unit for outputting a paper discharge control value based on the count value as a period;
A post-processing apparatus comprising an image forming apparatus. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the discharge control value by adding a predetermined additional period to the count value. 3. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second detection unit detects completion of the post-processing from the paper discharged to a predetermined position. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the output unit outputs the discharge control value for each unit of the paper. A post-processing system having an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and discharges the sheet, and a post-processing apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and performs post-processing on each sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus. ,
The image forming apparatus includes:
A paper discharge control unit that controls the paper discharge to the post-processing device side for each of the paper in a paper discharge interval period between the units based on a paper discharge control value from the post-processing device;
The post-processing device includes:
A first detection unit for detecting the carry-in of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus;
A second detection unit that detects completion of the post-processing for each of the copies on the paper that has passed through the first detection unit;
A counting unit that counts a period from carry-in of the last page paper to completion of post-processing and outputs a count value based on detection of the first and second detection units;
The image forming apparatus outputs an initial value set in advance as the discharge control value between the first part and the second part of the sheet, and the discharge interval period after the second part. An output unit that outputs the discharge control value based on the count value as
A post-processing system characterized by that. The post-processing system according to claim 5, wherein the output unit adds the predetermined additional period to the count value from the second detection unit and outputs the paper discharge control value. The post-processing system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the second detection unit detects completion of the post-processing from the paper discharged to a predetermined position. The post-processing system according to claim 5, wherein the output unit outputs the discharge control value for each unit of the paper.

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