JP2016069110A - Post-processing device of image forming device and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a post-processing device which can solve a problem that a paper bundle becomes irregular in alignment during a paper discharge operation of remaining paper to a paper discharge tray when a job for performing staple processing is interrupted, and a large number of sheets of paper remain in an alignment tray.SOLUTION: When execution of a job for performing staple processing is interrupted, the number of sheets of paper on an alignment tray is determined, and when the number of sheets of the places paper is not larger than a prescribed number, a paper bundle of the alignment tray is moved to a paper discharge tray without performing the staple processing by a staple processing part, and first control for discharging paper is performed. When the number exceeds the prescribed number, second control for discharging the paper is performed by delaying a moving speed without performing the staple processing by the staple processing part, and also without discharging the paper to the paper discharge tray.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 11

Description

  The present invention, for example, staples paper discharged from an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripherals) which is a multi-function digital multi-function peripheral having a plurality of functions such as a copy function, a printer function, a scan function, and a facsimile function. The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus that can implement the image processing apparatus, and an image forming apparatus that includes the post-processing apparatus.

  As a post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus as described above, a plurality of sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus are accommodated in the alignment tray, and after alignment with the alignment tray, the sheet bundle is moved to the staple processing unit. A configuration in which the paper is moved to a paper discharge tray and discharged is known.

  In such a post-processing apparatus, there is a case where the user cancels the job and interrupts the execution of the job while receiving the paper on the alignment tray. Also, the job may be interrupted when the number of sheets that can be stapled is exceeded, or when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus or the post-processing apparatus.

  Conventionally, when such a job for performing stapling processing is interrupted, discharge control is performed without performing stapling processing (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).

JP 2007-197189 A JP 2007-055792 A

  By the way, when a job is interrupted, there is residual paper on the alignment tray until the middle of the job or paper that exceeds the number of staples processed. However, considering the user operability, the residual paper is discharged as much as possible. There is a request to move to the paper discharge tray.

  However, if a paper bundle that has not been stapled uniformly is ejected when the job is interrupted, if there are a large number of remaining sheets, the alignment of the paper bundle is disturbed during the paper ejection operation, and the paper is scattered. There is a problem that it is not preferable for this.

  The present invention has been made in view of such a technical background, and when a job for stapling is interrupted halfway and a large number of residual sheets exist on the alignment tray, the residual sheets are uniformly discharged. It is an object of the present invention to provide a post-processing apparatus for an image forming apparatus that can solve the problem that alignment of a sheet bundle may be disturbed when paper is discharged to a paper tray, and an image forming apparatus including the post-processing apparatus.

The above problem is solved by the following means.
(1) An alignment tray that accommodates a sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus that executes a job for performing a staple process, an alignment member that aligns the sheet bundle on the alignment tray, and the sheet bundle A paper discharge tray for storing the paper, a moving means for moving the paper bundle on the alignment tray aligned by the alignment member to the paper discharge tray, and discharging the paper bundle by the moving means. Until the sheet bundle is discharged, a staple processing unit that staples the bundle of sheets, an interruption unit that interrupts execution of the job, and the alignment when the job execution is interrupted by the interruption unit. A number-of-sheets determining unit for determining the number of sheets to be loaded on the tray, and a number of sheets to be loaded on the alignment tray determined by the number-of-sheets determining unit described above is a predetermined number or less. If there is, the first control is performed to move the sheet bundle to the discharge tray by the moving means without performing the stapling process by the stapling unit and discharge the sheet bundle. Control means for executing a second control for discharging the paper without performing a stapling operation by the processing unit and discharging the paper to the paper discharge tray or by reducing the moving speed. Post-processing device for image forming apparatus.
(2) The moving unit moves the aligned sheet bundle forward to the staple processing unit in the same direction as the transport direction when ejecting from the image forming apparatus, and is orthogonal to the transport direction after the staple processing by the staple processing unit. The control unit is configured to perform the first control as long as the number of sheets placed on the alignment tray is equal to or less than the predetermined number set in advance. After transporting the sheet bundle forward in the same direction as the transport direction when discharging from the image forming apparatus, the sheet bundle is moved in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction without performing stapling processing by the staple processing unit, and is moved to the discharge tray. When the discharge control is executed and the predetermined number of sheets is exceeded, as the second control, the sheet bundle is conveyed forward in the same direction as the conveyance direction at the time of discharge from the image forming apparatus, and then the front 2. The image formation according to 1, wherein control for discharging the paper onto the paper discharge tray is performed without performing stapling processing by the staple processing unit and without moving in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction or by slowing the moving speed. Equipment post-processing equipment.
(3) When the number of sheets placed on the alignment tray exceeds the predetermined number, a warning prompting removal of the sheet bundle on the alignment tray is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. 3. A post-processing apparatus according to item 1 or 2 above.
(4) A paper size determining means for determining the size of the paper on the alignment tray is provided, and the predetermined number of sheets differs depending on the size of the paper determined by the paper size determining means, and the large size exceeds the predetermined size. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined number of sheets is set to a value larger than the predetermined number of sheets when the size is smaller than a predetermined size.
(5) When it is possible to set whether or not stapling can be performed when canceling the job, and prohibition of stapling when canceling the job is set, the number of sheets loaded on the alignment tray is the predetermined number The post-processing device according to any one of the preceding items 1 to 4, wherein the second control is executed even in the following cases.
(6) When the sheet bundle is moved to the staple processing unit by the moving means, the front alignment member in the moving direction is brought into contact with the leading end of the sheet bundle, and the rear alignment member is brought into contact with the trailing end of the sheet bundle. The front alignment member and the rear alignment member are moved in contact with each other, and the front alignment member is in contact with the sheet bundle after the sheet bundle is moved to the staple processing unit. 6. The post-processing device according to any one of items 2 to 5, wherein the image forming device moves in a direction in which the contact is released.
(7) An image forming apparatus comprising the post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

  According to the invention described in item (1) above, when execution of a job for performing stapling processing is interrupted, the number of sheets to be loaded on the alignment tray is determined, and the number of sheets to be loaded is set in advance. If the number is equal to or less than the number of sheets, the first control is executed to move the sheet bundle on the alignment tray to the discharge tray without discharging the staple processing by the staple processing unit. When the predetermined number of sheets is exceeded, the second control is executed to discharge the paper without performing the stapling process by the stapling processing unit and discharging the paper to the paper discharge tray or by reducing the moving speed.

  In other words, as the threshold value for the predetermined number of sheets, the number of sheets that may disturb the alignment of the sheet bundle when the sheet bundle is ejected without stapling is set. In this case, the sheet bundle is discharged without being discharged and discharged to the discharge tray or at a slower moving speed, so that there is no inconvenience that the alignment of the sheet bundle is disturbed by the discharge operation to the discharge tray. If the number of loaded sheets is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the sheet bundle on the alignment tray is moved to the sheet discharge tray and discharged without performing the stapling process by the staple processing unit. If the number of loaded sheets is equal to or less than the predetermined number, the sheet bundle is not disturbed even if it is moved to the sheet discharge tray.

  According to the invention described in the above item (2), as the first control, the sheet bundle is conveyed forward in the same direction as the conveying direction when ejected from the image forming apparatus, and then the staple processing by the staple processing unit is not performed. When the sheet is moved in the direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction and discharged to the sheet discharge tray, and the number exceeds the predetermined number, the second control is the same as the conveyance direction when discharging the sheet bundle from the image forming apparatus. After transporting forward in the direction, control is performed so that the staple processing unit does not perform stapling and does not move in the direction perpendicular to the direction or slows the moving speed and discharges to the paper discharge tray. .

  According to the invention described in (3) above, when the number of sheets loaded on the alignment tray exceeds a predetermined number, a warning prompting removal of the sheet bundle on the alignment tray is displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus. To notify the user.

  According to the invention described in item (4) above, optimal control according to the number of remaining sheets and the sheet size can be performed by changing the value of the predetermined number of sheets depending on whether the sheet size is large or small. .

  According to the invention described in item (5) above, when prohibition of stapling at the time of job cancellation is set, even if the number of sheets loaded on the alignment tray is equal to or less than the predetermined number, 2 control is executed.

  According to the invention described in item (6) above, the movement of the sheet bundle to the staple processing unit is performed by bringing the front alignment member in the moving direction into contact with the leading end of the sheet bundle and causing the rear alignment member to follow the sheet bundle. This is done by moving the front alignment member and the rear alignment member in contact with the end, and the front alignment member contacts the sheet bundle after moving to the staple processing section of the sheet bundle. Therefore, when the sheet bundle is removed, the front alignment member does not get in the way and the removal operation can be performed smoothly.

  According to the invention described in item (7) above, when the number of loaded sheets exceeds a predetermined number, the staple processing unit does not perform stapling and the sheet is not discharged to the discharge tray, or the moving speed is decreased. The image forming apparatus includes a post-processing device that discharges paper to a paper discharge tray.

1 is a perspective view illustrating an appearance of an image forming apparatus including a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the principal part of the post-processing apparatus in the state where the alignment tray lowered. It is a perspective view which shows the structure of the principal part of the post-processing apparatus with the alignment tray raised similarly. It is a front view which shows the structure of the principal part of the post-processing apparatus main body with the alignment tray lowered. It is a front view which shows the structure of the principal part of the post-processing apparatus main body in the state in which the alignment tray is rising. It is a front view which shows the structure of the principal part of the post-processing apparatus main body with the alignment tray raised. It is a figure which shows the structure of a back side alignment member. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an outline of an operation from when a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is accommodated in an alignment tray and staple processing is performed to when the sheet is discharged to a discharge tray. It is a continuation of FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus 1. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when a staple job is interrupted. 12 is a flowchart illustrating another example of an operation when a staple job is interrupted. 12 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of an operation when a staple job is interrupted. 12 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of an operation when a staple job is interrupted. 12 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of an operation when a staple job is interrupted. 12 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of an operation when a staple job is interrupted. 12 is a flowchart illustrating still another example of an operation when a staple job is interrupted.

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

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of an image forming apparatus 1 provided with a post-processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  The image forming apparatus 1 includes a document reading unit 2 provided with an automatic document feeder 21 at the top, and an image data of a document read by the document reading unit 2 or an external device at the center in the height direction. A printing unit 3 for printing the transmitted print data and the like is provided. Further, the lower portion is provided with a paper feed portion 4 having a paper feed tray, and the front upper portion is provided with an operation panel 6 having a display portion 61 such as a liquid crystal touch panel.

  In addition, a space portion 5 having a front side and one side surface opened is formed below the document reading portion 2, and a post-processing device 9 having a post-processing device main body 7 and a paper discharge tray 8 is formed in the space portion 5. Is provided. The post-processing device 9 performs a stapling process for stapling the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 as post-processing, and discharges the paper to the paper discharge tray 8.

  In the image forming apparatus 1 described above, the image data of the document read by the document reading unit 2 or the print data transmitted from the outside is printed on the sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit 4 according to the instructed print settings. After printing by the unit 3, the paper is discharged to the post-processing apparatus main body 7. The sheet discharged to the post-processing apparatus main body 7 is stapled and then discharged to the discharge tray 8.

  2 and 3 are perspective views showing the configuration of the main part of the post-processing device 9, and FIGS. 4 to 6 show the main components of the main body of the post-processing device in the state where the alignment tray is lowered, in the middle of rising, and in the state after being raised. It is a front view which shows the structure of a part. As described above, the post-processing device 9 includes the post-processing device main body 7 and the paper discharge tray 8.

  The post-processing apparatus main body 7 is arranged from the front end to the rear end in an arrangement in which the front end in the transport direction (indicated by arrow A) of the printed paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is the upper position and the rear end is the lower position. Are arranged obliquely downward (see FIGS. 4 to 6).

  The post-processing apparatus main body 7 includes an alignment tray 71. The alignment tray 71 accommodates and places printed sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 and can be rotated in the vertical direction by a driving mechanism (not shown) with the front end portion of the post-processing apparatus main body 7 as a fulcrum. Is provided. When the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 are accommodated, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the alignment tray 71 has the front end portion in the upper position and the rear end portion in the lower position as in the post-processing apparatus body 7. When the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 8, the rear end portion passes through the state of rising in FIG. 5 until the upper surface becomes horizontal as shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a stapling processing unit 72 for performing stapling processing on a sheet bundle on the aligning tray 71 is fixed to the back side of the front end portion of the aligning tray 71. 72 is raised and lowered together with the raising and lowering of the alignment tray 71.

  The post-processing apparatus main body 7 is further provided with four alignment members, that is, a front alignment member 73, a rear alignment member 74, a front alignment member 75, and a back alignment member 76. These alignment members 73 to 76 are provided at the edges in the transport direction (length direction) of the paper ejected from the image forming apparatus 1 and placed on the alignment tray 71 and in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction (paper width direction). By abutting, it plays the role of aligning the edges of each sheet.

  The front-side alignment member 73 is provided on the alignment tray 71, has a tip that protrudes upward from the upper surface of the alignment tray 71, and is movable along a longitudinal groove 77a by a driving member (not shown). ing.

  The rear alignment member 74 is provided in the post-processing apparatus main body 7 independently of the alignment tray 71. When the alignment tray 71 is at the lowest position, the leading end protrudes upward from the upper surface of the alignment tray. When it is at the highest position, it is formed so as not to protrude from the upper surface of the alignment tray 71, and can be moved along a longitudinal groove 77b by a driving member (not shown).

  The front side alignment member 75 is formed of a horizontally long plate-like member, and is provided in the post-processing apparatus main body 7 independently of the alignment tray 71. When the alignment tray 71 is at the lowest position, the front side alignment member 75 is formed from the upper surface of the alignment tray 71. It protrudes upward and does not protrude from the upper surface of the alignment tray when it is at the highest position. When the alignment tray 71 is at the lowest position, it can be moved in the depth direction perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction by a driving member (not shown). ing.

  The back side alignment member 76 includes a horizontally long first plate member 76a and a second member 76b. The first member 76a is provided integrally with the alignment tray 71, and is movable along a groove 77c in the depth direction by a driving member (not shown). On the other hand, the second member 76b is provided in the post-processing apparatus main body 7 independently of the alignment tray 71. When the alignment tray 71 is at the lowest position, the second member 76b protrudes upward from the upper surface of the alignment tray 71 and is at the highest position. In some cases, it does not protrude from the upper surface of the alignment tray 71 and is movable in the depth direction when the alignment tray 71 is at the lowest position.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, the back surface of the first member 76a is provided with a pin member 76c having a proximal end portion fixed to the first member 76a and a distal end portion protruding toward the second member 76b. ing. When the alignment tray 71 is in the lowest lowered position, the tip of the pin member 76c engages with the back surface of the second member 76b. When the first member 76a is driven to the near side in this state, the first member 76a moves to the near side along the groove 77c, and the back surface of the second member 76b is driven by the pin member 76c, so that the second member 76b also moves to the near side. The second member 76b is given a return force to the back side by a spring (not shown). When the first member 76a is driven to the back side, the second member 76b follows the first member 76a by the spring force. It is configured to move back to the back side.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 7C, when the alignment tray 71 is raised, the first member 76a is also raised, but the second member 76b is not raised, so that the pin member 76c of the first member 76a is separated from the second member 76b. Come off. At the highest position of the alignment tray 71, the first member 76a is driven to the front side, thereby moving the sheet bundle placed and accommodated on the alignment tray 71 to the discharge tray 8 and discharging it. When the alignment tray 71 is lowered to the lowest position, the pin member 76c of the first member 76a is engaged with the back surface of the second member 76b again. That is, the first member 76a functions as an alignment member for aligning sheets in cooperation with the second member 76b at the lowest position of the alignment tray 71, and at the highest position of the alignment tray 71. Functions as a sheet bundle conveying member for pushing the sheet to the sheet discharge tray 8 and discharging the sheet.

  As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, at the rear end portion of the post-processing apparatus main body 7, the front end portion rotates and rises as the alignment tray 71 rises, and the prestack paper holding member 78 rises obliquely forward. Is provided. The pre-stack paper holding member 78 allows the next sheet of paper to be loaded while the alignment tray 71 is raised to the highest position and one sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is discharged to the discharge tray 8. The sheet is loaded and held on the front end portion of the pre-stacked sheet holding member 78 so as not to be placed and accommodated on the alignment tray 71. When the alignment tray 71 is lowered to the lowest position, the front end portion of the pre-stack paper holding member 78 is also rotated down to the original position, and the next paper stacked and held on the pre-stack paper holding member 78 is aligned. It is supposed to be placed on top.

  A pressing member 79 is provided at a position where the front end portion of the prestack paper holding member 78 is lightly pressed against the front end portion of the prestack paper holding member 78 when the alignment tray 71 is raised. The presser member 79 presses the next paper stacked and held on the prestack paper holding member 78 at the highest position of the prestack paper holding member 78 so that the paper is not displaced. .

  The prestack paper holding member 78 is pivotally connected to the rear end portion of the alignment tray 71 so that the front end portion of the prestack paper holding member 78 is held in accordance with the rotation of the rear end portion when the alignment tray 71 is raised. The front end portion of the member 78 may be rotated and raised, or a drive mechanism independent of the alignment tray 71 may be provided, and the prestack paper holding member 78 may be driven at a timing that matches the lifting operation of the alignment tray. .

  Next, in the post-processing device 9 shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, after the paper discharged from the image forming device 1 is stored in the alignment tray 71 and stapled, the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 8. An outline of the operation will be described with reference to FIGS.

  When the sheet is not discharged from the image forming apparatus 1, the alignment tray 71 is at the lowest position, and the upper surface of the alignment tray 71 is an inclined surface whose rear end side is lower than the front end side. It is easy to accommodate the discharged paper.

  As shown in FIG. 8A, the first sheet printed from the image forming apparatus 1 is discharged and placed on the alignment tray 71 with the front alignment member 73 moved according to the sheet length. Then, the second sheet is discharged and placed on the alignment tray 71. As shown in FIG. 8B, each time a sheet is discharged, the front alignment member 73, the rear alignment member 74, the front alignment member 75, and the rear alignment member 76 are moved in the approaching direction. The paper is brought into contact with each edge of the paper, and the front and rear direction and the width direction of the paper are aligned.

  When not in the stapling mode, the last sheet (second sheet in FIG. 8) out of the expected number of sheets (two sheets in the example of FIG. 8) is discharged to the alignment tray 71, and 73- After the alignment at 76, as shown in FIG. 8 (C), the front alignment member 73 is moved forward while the rear alignment member 74 is driven forward, whereby the sheet bundle is stapled by the staple processing unit 72. Is transported to a predetermined position. However, stapling is not performed because the mode is not staple mode.

  Next, the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum rising position whose upper surface is horizontal. At this time, if the second and subsequent sheets are present, the first sheet of the next section is ejected from the image forming apparatus 1 as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the leading end of the prestack paper holding member 78 that rises with the ascending operation of the alignment tray 71 is stacked and held, and lightly pressed by the pressing member 79 so as not to be displaced. Therefore, the first sheet of the next section is not mixed with the first sheet of paper that is accommodated on the alignment tray 71 and already exists on the alignment tray 71.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9A, the first member 76a of the back side alignment member 76 is moved to the near side along the groove 77c, whereby the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is discharged. The sheet bundle is moved by pushing in the direction of, and discharged to the discharge tray 8. After the paper discharge, the first member 76a of the back side alignment member 76 moves back to the original position as shown by the arrow in FIG. When the first member 76a returns to the original position, the alignment tray 71 is lowered to the lowest position. During this time, the post-processing apparatus main body 7 receives the next second sheet into the prestack sheet holding member 78, and when the alignment tray 71 is lowered to the lowest position, the next sheet stacked on the prestack sheet holding member 78 is received. As shown in FIG. 9C, the two sheets are placed and accommodated on the alignment tray 71.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 9D, the four alignment members 73 to 76 push each edge of the sheet to align. Thereafter, the sheet bundle is moved forward in the same manner as the first sheet bundle, and then the alignment tray 71 is raised, and the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 8. If there is a next part, the same operation as described above is repeated.

  In the staple mode, the first sheet of the next copy is in a standby state until the stapling process is completed, and the receiving operation to the prestack sheet holding member 78 is not performed. That is, as shown in FIGS. 8C and 8D, after the sheet bundle is fed forward and staple processing is performed by the staple processing unit 72, the alignment tray 71 is raised to the highest position, but the next sheet As shown in FIG. 9B, the sheet-sheet bundle is discharged and the first member 76a of the back-side alignment member 76 returns to the original position. After that, while the alignment tray 71 is lowered to the lowest position, the next first sheet is received. Other operations are the same as those in the non-staple mode.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus 1. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a post-processing control unit 11 that controls the post-processing device 9, an image formation control unit 12 that performs control related to image formation, and an image processing control unit 13 that performs control related to image processing.

  The post-processing control unit 11 includes a CPU 111, a staple processing unit 112, a drive mechanism unit 113, and a communication unit 114. The CPU 111 controls the entire post-processing device 9 in an integrated manner. The staple processing unit 112 is an electrical component of the staple processing unit 72. The drive mechanism unit 113 includes a motor that is a drive mechanism such as the alignment tray 71 and the alignment members 73 to 76. The communication unit 114 communicates with the image formation control unit 12 and the image processing control unit 13.

  The image formation control unit 12 includes a CPU 121, an image formation unit 122, a paper transport unit 123, and a communication unit 124. The CPU 121 controls the printing unit 3 as a whole. The image forming unit 122 forms an image on a sheet, and the sheet conveying unit 123 includes a motor, a roller, and the like for conveying the sheet. The communication unit 124 communicates with the post-processing control unit 11 and the image processing control unit 13.

  The image processing control unit 13 includes a CPU 131, a reading unit 132, an operation panel control unit 133, and a communication unit 134. The CPU 131 governs overall control relating to image processing. The reading unit 132 is an electrical component of the document reading device 2. The operation panel control unit 133 performs control related to the operation panel 6. The communication unit 134 communicates with the post-processing control unit 11 and the image formation control unit 12.

  By the way, the maximum number of sheets that can be stapled varies depending on the staple processing unit 72 installed, but is set to, for example, 50 sheets in this embodiment. On the other hand, when the mode is not the staple mode, only a predetermined number of sheets N1 or less can be discharged. The predetermined number N1 set in advance is called a subdivided discharge number. In this embodiment, the subdivided discharge number N1 is set to 12, for example, which is smaller than the maximum number of sheets that can be stapled.

  When performing printing in which the number of copies in one copy exceeds the subdivided discharge number N1, when the number of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 reaches the subdivided discharge number N1, the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 8. .

  As described above, the subdivided discharge number N1 in the staple mode is smaller than the maximum number of sheets that can be stapled in the staple mode for the following reason.

  In other words, the sheet bundle moved to the staple position is moved to the discharge tray 8 by the first member 76a of the back side alignment member 76 and discharged, but at this time the first member 76a is used to increase productivity. Is moving at high speed. However, since the first member 76a does not have a mechanism for gripping the sheet bundle, and in the case of the sheet bundle that is not stapled, the sheet bundle is likely to be scattered before being ejected to the ejection tray 8. N1 is set to a small value.

  Even when the paper size is small, the paper bundle tends to be scattered before being discharged to the paper discharge tray 8.

  Next, an operation when a staple job is interrupted will be described.

  When the user gives an instruction to interrupt reading of the original image by the original reading unit 2 or when the number of copies per copy exceeds the stapling possible number, the staple processing is interrupted. The staple process is also interrupted when an error occurs in the image forming apparatus 1 or the post-processing apparatus 9.

  When such a staple job interruption occurs, it is necessary to discharge the paper stored on the alignment tray 71 without performing the stapling process. However, when the number of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the subdivided discharge number N1, this is moved at a high speed in the direction of the discharge tray 8 by the first member 76a of the rear alignment member 76 as in the normal operation. If the paper is discharged, the paper bundle may be scattered and discharged. Therefore, in this embodiment, the following processing is performed.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation when a staple job is interrupted. Note that the operations shown in the flowchart in FIG. 11 and the following are executed by the CPU 111 of the post-processing control unit 11 operating according to an operation program stored in a storage medium (not shown).

  In step S01, the alignment operation of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is performed, and in step S02, it is determined whether or not the staple job is interrupted. If no interruption has occurred (NO in step S02), it is determined in step S06 whether or not it is the timing of post-processing (staple processing). If it is not the timing for post-processing (NO in step S06), the process returns to step S01.

  If it is the post-processing timing (YES in step S06), the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is moved forward in step S07, and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the stapling process is performed in step S08. The stapling process by the unit 72 is executed. Next, the process proceeds to step S 05, and the staple-processed sheet bundle is moved toward the sheet discharge tray 8 by the first member 76 a of the back side alignment member 76 and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 8.

  If the staple job is interrupted in step S02 (YES in step S02), the sheet bundle is moved forward in step S03 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then alignment is performed in step S04. It is determined whether or not the number N of sheets placed on the tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1 (whether N> N1). If N> N1 is not satisfied (NO in step S04), there is little possibility that the sheet bundle will vary even if the sheet is discharged as it is, and the process proceeds to step S05, where the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 8 without stapling.

  If N> N1 (YES in step S04), there is a possibility that the sheet bundle may vary if the sheet is discharged as it is. Therefore, the sheet processing on the alignment tray 71 is removed in step S09 without performing the sheet discharging operation. Is displayed on the display unit 61 of the operation panel 6.

  As described above, when the sheet bundle is discharged without stapling, the sub-sheet discharge number N1 that may disturb the alignment of the sheet bundle is set, and when the number of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 exceeds this, the stapling process is performed. Therefore, the sheet bundle alignment can be prevented from being disturbed by the sheet discharge operation to the sheet discharge tray 8.

  In the example of FIG. 11, after the sheet bundle is moved forward, it is determined whether or not the number N of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the subdivided discharge number N1, but this determination is first made and N> N1. If not, the sheet bundle may be moved forward.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation when it is first determined whether or not the number N of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1.

  In step S11, the alignment operation of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is performed. In step S12, it is determined whether or not the staple job is interrupted. If no interruption has occurred (NO in step S12), it is determined in step S16 whether it is the timing of post-processing (staple processing). If the post-processing timing is not reached (NO in step S16), the process returns to step S11.

  If it is the post-processing timing (YES in step S16), the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is moved forward in step S17 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum ascending position, and then the stapling process is performed in step S18. The stapling process by the unit 72 is executed. Next, the process proceeds to step S 15, and the staple-processed sheet bundle is moved toward the sheet discharge tray 8 by the first member 76 a of the back side alignment member 76 and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 8.

  If the staple job is interrupted in step S12 (YES in step S12), whether or not the number N of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1 in step S13 (N> N1). Please). If N> N1 is not satisfied (NO in step S13), the sheet bundle is moved forward in step S14 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the sheet bundle is not stapled in step S15. Paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 8.

  In step S13, if N> N1 (YES in step S13), the stapling process also does not perform the paper discharge operation, and in step S19, a warning prompting removal of the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is given on the operation panel 6. It is displayed on the display unit 61.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating another operation example when the staple job is interrupted. In this example, whether or not to eject paper is determined in consideration of the size of the paper placed on the alignment tray 71.

  In step S21, the alignment operation of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is performed. In step S22, it is determined whether or not the staple job is interrupted. If no interruption has occurred (NO in step S22), it is determined in step S27 whether it is the timing of post-processing (staple processing). If it is not the post-processing timing (NO in step S27), the process returns to step S21.

  If it is the post-processing timing (YES in step S27), the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is moved forward in step S28, and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the stapling process is performed in step S29. The stapling process by the unit 72 is executed. Next, the process proceeds to step S <b> 26, and the staple-processed sheet bundle is moved toward the sheet discharge tray 8 by the first member 76 a of the back side alignment member 76 and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 8.

  If the staple job is interrupted in step S22 (YES in step S22), it is determined in step S23 whether the sheet on the alignment tray 71 is a large size. The type of large size paper is preset.

  If it is a large size sheet (YES in step S23), in step S24, whether or not the number N of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N2 in the case of the large size (N> N2). Please). In the case of a large size paper, it is less likely to be separated than in the case of a small size paper. Therefore, the subdivided discharge number N2 for a large size is set separately from N1. For example, 15 sheets are set as N2.

  If N> N2 is not satisfied (NO in step S24), the sheet bundle is moved forward in step S25 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the sheet bundle is not stapled in step S26. Paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 8.

  If N> N2 in step S24 (YES in step S24), the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S23, if the size of the loaded paper is small (NO in step S23), the process proceeds to step S30, and whether or not the number of loaded paper N on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1 (N > N1). If N> N1 is not satisfied (NO in step S30), the process proceeds to step S25, the sheet bundle is moved forward and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the sheet bundle is stapled in step S26. The sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 8 without being used.

  If N> N1 in step S30 (YES in step S30), the process proceeds to step S31.

  In step S31, the paper discharge operation is not performed in the stapling process, and a warning that prompts the user to remove the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the operation panel 6.

As described above, by changing the value of the number of subdivided discharged sheets depending on whether the paper size is large or small, it is possible to perform optimal control according to the number of remaining sheets and the sheet size.

Even if the number N of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is equal to or smaller than the subdivided discharge number N1, if the sheet size exceeds a predetermined size, the sheet bundle alignment may be disturbed by the sheet discharge operation to the sheet discharge tray 8. Therefore, it is possible to prevent sheet misalignment by not performing the stapling process and not discharging the sheet to the discharge tray 8.

  In the example of FIG. 13, after determining whether the paper size is large and whether N> N2, the paper bundle is moved forward when the paper size is not large and N> N2. However, after the sheet bundle is first moved forward, it may be determined whether the sheet size is large and whether N> N2.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation when the sheet bundle is first moved forward.

  In step S41, the alignment operation of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is performed, and in step S42, it is determined whether or not the staple job is interrupted. If no interruption has occurred (NO in step S42), it is determined in step S47 whether it is the timing of post-processing (staple processing). If it is not the post-processing timing (NO in step S47), the process returns to step S41.

  If it is the post-processing timing (YES in step S47), the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is moved forward in step S48 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the stapling process is performed in step S49. The stapling process by the unit 72 is executed. Next, the process proceeds to step S <b> 46, and the staple-processed sheet bundle is moved toward the sheet discharge tray 8 by the first member 76 a of the back side alignment member 76 and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 8.

  If the staple job is interrupted in step S42 (YES in step S42), the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is moved forward in step S43, and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum lift position. In step S44, it is determined whether the sheet on the alignment tray 71 is a large size.

  If it is a large size sheet (YES in step S44), whether or not the number N of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N2 in the case of a large size (N> N2) in step S45. Please).

  If N> N2 is not satisfied (NO in step S45), in step S46, the sheet bundle is discharged onto the discharge tray 8 without being stapled.

  If N> N2 in step S45 (YES in step S45), the process proceeds to step S51.

  If it is determined in step S44 that the size of the loaded paper is not large (NO in step S44), the process proceeds to step S50, and whether or not the number of loaded paper N on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1 (N > N1). If N> N1 is not satisfied (NO in step S50), in step S46, the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 8 without stapling.

  If N> N1 in step S50 (YES in step S50), the process proceeds to step S51.

  In step S 51, the stapling process does not perform the paper discharge operation, and a warning that prompts the user to remove the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the operation panel 6.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating still another operation example when the staple job is interrupted. In this example, when the prohibition of stapling processing at the time of canceling a staple job is set, even if the number of sheets N loaded on the alignment tray 71 is equal to or smaller than the subdivided discharge number N1, the discharge tray 8 The paper discharge operation is not performed.

  In step S61, the alignment operation of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is performed. In step S62, it is determined whether or not the staple job is interrupted. If no interruption has occurred (NO in step S62), it is determined in step S66 whether or not it is the timing of post-processing (staple processing). If it is not the post-processing timing (NO in step S66), the process returns to step S61.

  If it is the post-processing timing (YES in step S66), the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is moved forward in step S67 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the stapling process is performed in step S68. The stapling process by the unit 72 is executed. Next, the process proceeds to step S 65, where the staple-processed sheet bundle is moved toward the sheet discharge tray 8 by the first member 76 a of the back side alignment member 76 and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 8.

  If the stapling job is interrupted in step S62 (YES in step S62), the sheet bundle is moved forward in step S63 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the stapling is performed in step S64. It is determined whether prohibition of stapling at the time of job cancellation is set, or whether the number N of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1 (N> N1). If prohibition of stapling at the time of canceling a staple job is not set and N> N1 is not satisfied (NO in step S64), the process proceeds to step S65, and the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray 8 without stapling. To do.

  If prohibition of stapling at the time of canceling the staple job is set or if N> N1 (YES in step S64), the stapling process also does not perform the paper discharge operation, and the sheet on the alignment tray 71 is determined in step S69. A warning prompting the removal of the bundle is displayed on the display unit 61 of the operation panel 6.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating still another operation example when the staple job is interrupted. In this example, when the number N of sheets placed on the alignment tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1, the sheet bundle is not discharged to the sheet discharge tray 8 but moved at a low speed. And is configured to be discharged.

  In step S71, an alignment operation for the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is performed. In step S72, it is determined whether or not the staple job is interrupted. If no interruption has occurred (NO in step S72), it is determined in step S76 whether or not it is the timing of post-processing (staple processing). If it is not the post-processing timing (NO in step S76), the process returns to step S71.

  If it is the post-processing timing (YES in step S76), the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is moved forward in step S77, and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the stapling process is performed in step S78. The stapling process by the unit 72 is executed. Next, the process proceeds to step S75, and the staple-processed sheet bundle is moved toward the sheet discharge tray 8 at a normal high speed by the first member 76a of the back side alignment member 76 and discharged to the sheet discharge tray 8.

  If the staple job is interrupted in step S72 (YES in step S72), the sheet bundle is moved forward in step S73 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then alignment is performed in step S74. It is determined whether or not the number N of sheets placed on the tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1 (whether N> N1). If N> N1 is not satisfied (NO in step S74), the process proceeds to step S75, and the sheet bundle is discharged onto the discharge tray 8 without being stapled.

  If N> N1 (YES in step S74), the stapling process also does not perform the paper discharge operation, and in step S79, the first member 76a of the back side alignment member 76 causes the sheet bundle to move toward the paper discharge tray 8 at a low speed. The paper is moved and discharged onto the paper discharge tray 8.

  In this way, by discharging the sheet bundle at a low speed, it is possible to eliminate the operation of removing the sheet bundle from the alignment tray 71 by the user while suppressing the alignment disturbance of the sheet bundle as much as possible.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating still another operation example when the staple job is interrupted. In this example, the front alignment member 73 is moved to the home position and separated from the sheet bundle so that the user can easily remove the remaining sheets on the alignment tray 71.

  In step S81, the alignment operation of the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 is performed, and in step S82, it is determined whether or not the staple job is interrupted. If no interruption has occurred (NO in step S82), it is determined in step S88 whether it is the timing of post-processing (staple processing). If it is not the post-processing timing (NO in step S88), the process returns to step S81.

  If it is the post-processing timing (YES in step S88), the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is moved forward in step S89, and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the stapling process is performed in step S90. The stapling process by the unit 72 is executed. Next, the process proceeds to step S 87, and the stapled paper bundle is moved toward the paper discharge tray 8 by the first member 76 a of the back side alignment member 76 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 8.

  If the staple job is interrupted in step S82 (YES in step S82), the sheet bundle is moved forward in step S84 and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then alignment is performed in step S85. It is determined whether or not the number N of sheets placed on the tray 71 is larger than the divided discharge number N1 (whether N> N1). If N> N1 is not satisfied (NO in step S85), the front alignment member 73 is moved to the home position and separated from the sheet bundle in step S86, and then the process proceeds to step S87, where the sheet bundle is discharged without stapling. The paper is discharged to the paper tray 8.

  If N> N1 (YES in step S85), the stapling process does not perform the paper discharge operation, and in step S91, a warning prompting removal of the sheet bundle on the alignment tray 71 is displayed on the display unit 61 of the operation panel 6. After the display, in step S92, the front alignment member 73 is moved to the home position to be separated from the sheet bundle.

  Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

  For example, in the example of FIGS. 15 to 17, when the staple job is interrupted, the sheet bundle is moved forward and the alignment tray 71 is raised to the maximum raised position, and then the sheets on the alignment tray 71 are moved. Although it is determined whether or not the loaded number N is larger than the subdivided discharged number N1, etc., as in the examples of FIGS. 12 and 13, the sheet bundle is moved forward after this determination is first made. good.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus 11 Post-processing control part 111 CPU
7 Post-Processing Device Main Body 8 Discharge Tray 9 Post-Processing Device 61 Display Unit 71 Alignment Tray 72 Staple Processing Units 73 to 76 Alignment Member 78 Prestack Paper Holding Member 79 Pressing Member

Claims (7)

An alignment tray for storing a bundle of sheets made up of a plurality of sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus that executes a job for performing stapling;
An alignment member for aligning the sheet bundle on the alignment tray;
A paper discharge tray for storing the paper bundle;
Moving means for moving the sheet bundle on the alignment tray aligned by the alignment member to the discharge tray and discharging the sheet bundle;
A staple processing unit that staples the sheet bundle before the sheet bundle is discharged to the discharge tray by the moving unit;
Interruption means for interrupting execution of the job;
A loaded number determination unit that determines the number of sheets to be loaded on the alignment tray when execution of the job is interrupted by the interruption unit;
If the number of sheets loaded on the alignment tray determined by the number-of-sheets determining unit is equal to or less than a predetermined number set in advance, the sheet bundle is moved by the moving unit without performing the staple processing by the staple processing unit. The first control for discharging the sheet to the discharge tray is executed, and when the predetermined number of sheets is exceeded, the staple processing operation by the staple processing unit is not performed and the discharge to the discharge tray is also performed. Control means for executing the second control for discharging the paper at a slower or slower moving speed;
A post-processing device comprising an image forming apparatus. The moving unit moves the aligned sheet bundle to the staple processing unit forward in the same direction as the conveyance direction when discharging from the image forming apparatus, and in a direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction after the staple processing by the staple processing unit. Move it to the output tray,
If the number of sheets loaded on the alignment tray is equal to or less than the predetermined number set in advance, the control means sets the sheet bundle as the transport direction when discharging from the image forming apparatus as the first control. After carrying forward in the same direction, execute control to move the paper in the direction perpendicular to the carrying direction without performing stapling processing by the staple processing unit and discharge the paper to the paper discharge tray. As the second control, the sheet bundle is transported forward in the same direction as the transport direction at the time of ejection from the image forming apparatus, and then stapled by the staple processing unit and not in the direction orthogonal to the transport direction. 2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein control for discharging the sheet to the sheet discharge tray with the movement speed slowed or slowed is performed.   The display device of the image forming apparatus displays a warning prompting the removal of the sheet bundle on the alignment tray when the number of sheets loaded on the alignment tray exceeds the predetermined number. A post-processing device according to 1 or 2. Comprising paper size judging means for judging the size of the paper on the alignment tray;
The predetermined number differs depending on the size of the paper determined by the paper size determining means, and the predetermined number when the paper size is larger than the predetermined size is larger than the predetermined number when the paper size is smaller than the predetermined size. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing apparatus is set to a large value. Enable / disable stapling when canceling the job,
The second control is executed when the prohibition of stapling at the time of canceling the job is set, even if the number of sheets placed on the alignment tray is equal to or less than the predetermined number. The post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus in any one of 1-4. In the movement of the sheet bundle to the staple processing unit by the moving means, the front alignment member in the moving direction is brought into contact with the leading end of the sheet bundle, and the rear alignment member is brought into contact with the trailing end of the sheet bundle. In the state, by moving the front alignment member and the rear alignment member,
6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the front side alignment member moves in a direction in which the contact with the sheet bundle is released after the sheet bundle moves to the staple processing unit. Post-processing device.   An image forming apparatus comprising the post-processing device according to claim 1.

Images