JP2017210359A - Image formation apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image formation apparatus which requests maintenance before abnormality occurs in an apparatus body.SOLUTION: An image formation apparatus 100 includes an apparatus body 1 and a post-processing device 2 attached to the apparatus body 1. The apparatus body 1 includes a communication unit 18 which communicates with the outside, and a first control unit 19. The post-processing device 2 includes a first detection unit 223 and a second control unit 28. The first detection unit 223 detects a first sheet end of a sheet by moving in a second direction to a position where the first sheet end can be detected. The second control unit 28 acquires the movement distance of the movement of the first detection unit 223. The first control unit 19 or second control unit 28 determines whether or not maintenance is needed to the apparatus body 1 on the basis of the movement distance. The first control unit 19 transmits a request of maintenance to an external device 200 via the communication unit 18 when it is determined that maintenance is needed by the first control unit 19 or second control unit 28.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  An image forming apparatus such as a multifunction peripheral may include a post-processing device. The image forming apparatus main body includes an image forming unit, a transport unit, and the like. The image forming unit forms an image on the sheet. The conveyance unit includes a roller and conveys the sheet toward the post-processing apparatus via the image forming unit. The post-processing device performs post-processing such as punching processing on the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit.

  By the way, the roller is worn by repeatedly conveying the sheet. Also, the roller deteriorates with time. When the roller is worn or deteriorated, the sheet becomes slippery with respect to the roller. As a result, the sheet may be conveyed in a state shifted in the width direction (direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction). Alternatively, the posture of the sheet may be inclined with respect to the conveyance direction. When a sheet shifted in the width direction or a sheet in an inclined posture is conveyed to the post-processing apparatus and punched, jamming (sheet jamming) is likely to occur. In order to solve this problem, various techniques for suppressing the occurrence of jam have been proposed. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a sheet processing apparatus that prohibits punching processing when the edge of a sheet cannot be detected within a predetermined time. In this sheet processing apparatus, the punching process is prohibited when the sheet is shifted in the width direction so as to cause a jam or is inclined with respect to the transport direction.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-211802

  However, in the sheet processing apparatus described in Patent Document 1, the user cannot know the abnormality of the apparatus main body until after the abnormality has occurred in the apparatus main body. Specifically, the user cannot know the abnormality of the apparatus main body unless the roller is deteriorated or worn so as to cause a jam and the perforation process is prohibited. As a result, the user requests maintenance after an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body.

  SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is that it provides an image forming apparatus that requires maintenance before an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes an apparatus main body and a post-processing apparatus attached to the apparatus main body. The apparatus main body includes a communication unit, an image forming unit, and a first control unit. The communication unit communicates with an external device. The image forming unit forms an image on a sheet. The first control unit controls the operation of the image forming unit. The post-processing device includes a transport unit, a first detection unit, a drive unit, and a second control unit. The conveyance unit conveys the sheet in the first direction. The first detection unit detects a first sheet edge of the sheet in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction. The drive unit moves the first detection unit along the second direction to a position where the end of the first sheet can be detected. The second control unit controls driving of the driving unit. The second control unit acquires a movement distance moved by the first detection unit. The first control unit or the second control unit determines whether maintenance on the apparatus main body is necessary based on the movement distance. When the first control unit or the second control unit determines that the maintenance is necessary, the first control unit transmits the maintenance request to the external device via the communication unit.

  According to the present invention, maintenance can be requested before an abnormality occurs in the apparatus main body.

1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus main body according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the post-processing apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the punching apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows the maintenance necessity determination process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the punch position shift generation | occurrence | production determination process which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the screen displayed on the liquid crystal display which concerns on Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure which shows the structure of the punching apparatus which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the punching position shift generation | occurrence | production determination process which concerns on Embodiment 2 of this invention.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the drawings, the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is not repeated.

[Embodiment 1]
First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 100 includes an image forming apparatus main body 1 and a post-processing apparatus 2 attached to the image forming apparatus main body 1. Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus main body 1 is referred to as “apparatus main body 1”.

  The apparatus main body 1 forms an image on the sheet S. The post-processing device 2 executes post-processing such as punching processing, stapling processing, and shift processing on the sheet S on which an image is formed by the apparatus main body 1.

  Next, the configuration of the apparatus main body 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the apparatus main body 1. The apparatus main body 1 includes an operation unit 11, a reading unit 12, a main body conveyance unit 13, a paper feeding unit 14, an image forming unit 15, a fixing device 16, a main body discharge unit 17, and a main body control unit 19. The operation unit 11 is an example of a notification unit. The main body control unit 19 is an example of a control unit (first control unit) that controls the operation of the image forming unit 15.

  The operation unit 11 receives an instruction from the user. When the operation unit 11 receives an instruction from the user, the operation unit 11 transmits a signal indicating the instruction from the user to the main body control unit 19. The operation unit 11 includes a liquid crystal display 111 and a plurality of operation keys 112. The liquid crystal display 111 displays, for example, various messages and various processing results. The operation keys 112 include, for example, a numeric keypad and a start key. The apparatus main body 1 executes an image forming operation when an instruction indicating execution of the image forming process is input. The post-processing device 2 executes post-processing when an instruction indicating execution of post-processing is input. In the present embodiment, the user can instruct execution of the punching process by operating the operation unit 11.

  The reading unit 12 reads an image of a document placed on a document table and generates image data. The generated image data is transmitted to the main body control unit 19. The reading unit 12 is, for example, a scanner.

  The main body transport unit 13 includes a roller and a guide member. The main body conveyance unit 13 extends from the paper supply unit 14 to the main body discharge unit 17 and conveys the sheet S.

  The paper feeding unit 14 feeds the sheets S to the main body transport unit 13 one by one. The paper feed unit 14 includes a first paper feed unit 141 and a second paper feed unit 142.

  The first paper feed unit 141 includes four first paper feed roller groups 141b and four paper feed cassettes 141a. Each paper feed cassette 141a can accommodate a plurality of sheets S. Each first paper feed roller group 141b is provided in a corresponding paper feed cassette 141a. Each first paper feed roller group 141 b feeds the sheets S stored in the corresponding paper feed cassette 141 a one by one to the main body transport unit 13.

  The second paper feed unit 142 includes a second paper feed roller group 142b and a manual feed tray 142a. A plurality of sheets S can be placed on the manual feed tray 142a. The second paper feed roller group 142b feeds the sheets S placed on the manual feed tray 142a one by one to the main body transport unit 13.

  The image forming unit 15 forms an image on the sheet S fed from the sheet feeding unit 14 based on the image data. For example, the image data is generated by the reading unit 12.

  The image forming unit 15 includes an exposure device 151, a developing device 152, a photosensitive drum 153, and a transfer device 154. The exposure device 151 irradiates the photosensitive drum 153 based on the image data. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 153. The developing device 152 supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 153 to develop the electrostatic latent image. As a result, a toner image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 153.

  The transfer device 154 transfers the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 153 to the sheet S. The sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed toward the fixing device 16 by the main body conveyance unit 13.

  The fixing device 16 includes a heating member 161 and a pressure member 162. The heating member 161 and the pressure member 162 are arranged to face each other and form a fixing nip. The sheet S conveyed from the image forming unit 15 is heated and pressurized by passing through the fixing nip. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the sheet S. The sheet S is conveyed from the fixing device 16 toward the main body discharge unit 17 by the main body conveyance unit 13.

  The main body discharge unit 17 includes a main body discharge roller pair 171. The main body discharge roller pair 171 conveys the sheet S toward the post-processing apparatus 2 through the discharge port 10a. The discharge port 10 a is formed on the side surface of the casing of the apparatus main body 1.

  The main body control unit 19 controls the operation of each unit included in the apparatus main body 1.

  Next, the configuration of the post-processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the post-processing device 2.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the post-processing apparatus 2 includes a sheet detection sensor 20, a post-processing conveyance unit 21, a punching device 22, a retracting unit 23, a staple processing unit 24, a first post-processing discharge unit 25, and a second post-processing discharge. Unit 26 and post-processing control unit 28.

  The sheet detection sensor 20 detects the leading edge of the sheet S, for example. In the present embodiment, the sheet detection sensor 20 is a transmissive sensor. The sheet detection sensor 20 includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit that faces the light emitting unit. When the emitted light emitted from the light emitting unit is blocked by the sheet S, the light receiving unit cannot receive the emitted light. Thereby, the sheet detection sensor 20 detects the leading edge of the sheet S. When detecting the leading edge of the sheet S, the sheet detection sensor 20 transmits a signal indicating that the leading edge of the sheet S has been detected to the post-processing control unit 28.

  The post-processing transport unit 21 transports the sheet S transported from the apparatus main body 1 toward the first post-processing discharge unit 25 or the second post-processing discharge unit 26 via the punching device 22. In the present embodiment, the post-processing transport unit 21 transports a sheet S that is not scheduled to be stapled by the staple processing unit 24 toward the first post-processing discharge unit 25. Further, the post-processing transport unit 21 transports the sheet S on which the staple processing by the staple processing unit 24 is scheduled to be performed toward the second post-processing discharge unit 26.

  The post-processing transport unit 21 includes a transport roller pair 211. The conveyance roller pair 211 intermittently conveys the sheet S conveyed from the apparatus main body 1 to the punching device 22. The transport roller pair 211 is an example of a transport unit.

  The punching device 22 punches the sheet S according to the intermittent transport of the sheet S by the transport roller pair 211. The punching device 22 performs a punching process on one sheet S according to the punching pattern. The perforation pattern indicates the number of punch holes formed on one sheet S. The drilling pattern is determined by operating the operation unit 11. In the present embodiment, a case where three punch holes are formed in the sheet S will be described as an example. The number of punch holes formed in the sheet S is not limited to three. For example, one or two punch holes may be formed in the sheet S. Alternatively, four or more punch holes may be formed in the sheet S.

  The saving unit 23 temporarily saves the sheet S on which the staple process is to be executed. The evacuation unit 23 controls the conveyance timing of the sheet S to the staple processing unit 24.

  The staple processing unit 24 performs a staple process on a bundle of a plurality of sheets S conveyed from the retracting unit 23.

  The first post-processing discharge unit 25 includes a first discharge roller pair 251 and a first discharge tray 252. The first discharge roller pair 251 discharges the sheet S to the first discharge tray 252.

  The second post-processing discharge unit 26 includes a second discharge roller pair 261 and a second discharge tray 262. The second discharge roller pair 261 discharges a bundle of a plurality of sheets S on which the staple processing has been executed by the staple processing unit 24 to the second discharge tray 262.

  The post-processing control unit 28 controls the operation of each unit of the post-processing device 2.

  Next, the configuration of the punching device 22 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a configuration of the punching device 22.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the drilling device 22 includes a motor 221, a support member 222, a first end detection sensor 223, and a first drilling blade 224. The motor 221 is an example of a drive unit. The first end detection sensor 223 is an example of a first detection unit. The first perforation blade 224 is an example of a first perforation part.

  In the example shown in FIG. 4, the punching device 22 is in a standby state. In the standby state, the first end detection sensor 223 is positioned at the first sensor standby position SB1, and the first drilling blade 224 is positioned at the first drilling standby position HB1. The first sensor standby position SB1 and the first punching standby position HB1 can be changed according to the size of the sheet S.

  The sheet S is intermittently conveyed in the conveyance direction D1 by the conveyance roller pair 211. The transport direction D1 is an example of a first direction. The sheet S stops at a predetermined position a number of times according to the selected perforation pattern. In the example illustrated in FIG. 4, an image indicating the letter A is formed on the sheet S.

  The support member 222 moves in the second direction D2 and the third direction D3 according to forward and reverse rotation of the motor 221. The second direction D2 is a direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1. The third direction D3 is a direction opposite to the second direction D2. In the present embodiment, the support member 222 supports the first end detection sensor 223 and the first drilling blade 224.

  The first end detection sensor 223 detects the end of the sheet S in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1. When detecting the end of the sheet S, the first end detection sensor 223 transmits a signal indicating that the end of the sheet S has been detected to the post-processing control unit 28. The first end detection sensor 223 is, for example, a transmissive sensor.

  The first edge detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet edge E1 of the sheet S. Hereinafter, the position SP1 at which the first edge detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet edge E1 may be referred to as “first detection position SP1”. In addition, the distance R that the first end detection sensor 223 has moved from the first sensor standby position SB1 to the first detection position SP1 may be referred to as “movement distance R”. Furthermore, an operation in which the first sheet end E1 is detected by the first end detection sensor 223 may be referred to as a “first detection operation”.

  The first perforating blade 224 perforates a predetermined position of the sheet S by moving up and down. Specifically, the first perforation blade 224 perforates a position separated from the first sheet end E1 detected by the first end detection sensor 223 by a predetermined distance in the second direction D2. When the first punching blade 224 is moved up and down once, one punch hole H1 is formed in the sheet S. Hereinafter, the drilling operation by the first drilling blade 224 may be referred to as “first drilling operation”. Further, the first detection operation and the first drilling operation may be collectively referred to as “first drilling process”.

  Then, the 1st punching process by the punching apparatus 22 is demonstrated. The conveyance roller pair 211 conveys the sheet S intermittently when the leading edge of the sheet S is detected by the sheet detection sensor 20. In the present embodiment, the conveyance roller pair 211 stops the sheet S three times. When the sheet S is stopped for the first time, the post-processing control unit 28 starts the first detection operation by the first end detection sensor 223. Specifically, the post-processing control unit 28 drives the motor 221 to move the support member 222 in the second direction D2. As a result, the first edge detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet edge E1.

  When the first end detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet end E1, the post-processing control unit 28 further moves the support member 222 in the second direction D2. Specifically, the post-processing control unit 28 moves the support member 222 in the second direction D2 until the first drilling blade 224 reaches a position separated from the first detection position SP1 by a predetermined distance. When the first drilling blade 224 reaches a position separated from the first detection position SP1 by a predetermined distance, the post-processing control unit 28 raises and lowers the first drilling blade 224. As a result, the first punch hole H1 is formed in the sheet S. Thereafter, the post-processing control unit 28 raises and lowers the first punching blade 224 twice according to the intermittent conveyance of the sheet S. As a result, the second punch hole H1 and the third punch hole H1 are formed in the sheet S in the same manner as the first punch hole H1. When the three punch holes H1 are formed in the sheet S, the post-processing control unit 28 moves the support member 222 in the third direction D3. As a result, the first end detection sensor 223 moves to the first sensor standby position SB1. The first end detection sensor 223 may execute the first detection operation every time the punch hole H1 is formed in the sheet S.

  In the first punching process, the sheet S is transported to the punching device 22 in a state in which the sheet S is shifted in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1 (hereinafter referred to as the width direction) or in a posture inclined with respect to the transport direction D1. Then, the first edge detection sensor 223 may detect the first sheet edge E1 at a position beyond the first sensor standby position SB1 or position K. When the first end detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet end E1 at the first sensor standby position SB1, the position where the sheet S is punched may be shifted from a desired position. Further, when the first edge detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet edge E1 at a position beyond the position K, the position where the sheet S is punched may be shifted from a desired position. Hereinafter, the drilling position may be referred to as “piercing position”, and the deviation of the drilling position from a desired position may be referred to as “piercing position deviation”.

  Next, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image forming apparatus 100.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the apparatus main body 1 further includes a communication unit 18 and a main body storage device 19a.

  The communication unit 18 is a network interface configured by, for example, a LAN (Local Area Network) board. The communication unit 18 is connected to the management server 200 so as to be communicable via the network NW. The management server 200 is an example of an external device. The management server 200 is installed in a service center, for example. In the service center, the operator monitors the status of a plurality of image forming apparatuses connected to the management server 200. The operator instructs a service person to perform repair work on the image forming apparatus according to the state of each image forming apparatus.

  The main body storage device 19a is configured by an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The main body storage device 19a stores a main body control program for controlling the operation of each part of the device main body 1.

  The main body control unit 19 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), and the like. The main body control unit 19 controls the operation of each unit of the apparatus main body 1 by executing a main body control program.

  When the operation unit 11 receives an instruction indicating execution of the drilling process, the main body control unit 19 transmits a drilling command to the post-processing control unit 28. The punching command includes information indicating a punching pattern and information indicating the number of sheets S on which the punching process is executed.

  The post-processing device 2 further includes a post-processing storage device 28a. The post-processing storage device 28a includes an HDD, a RAM, and a ROM. The post-processing storage device 28 a stores a post-processing control program for controlling the post-processing device 2. In the present embodiment, the post-processing storage device 28a stores a first threshold value 281 and a second threshold value 282.

  The first threshold value 281 and the second threshold value 282 are threshold values set for the moving distance R of the first end detection sensor 223. In the present embodiment, the first threshold value 281 indicates a value of “0”. That is, the first threshold value 281 corresponds to the first sensor standby position SB1. The second threshold value 282 indicates a value of 30 mm, for example. The second threshold value 282 indicates the value of the distance between the position K and the first sensor standby position SB1. That is, the second threshold value 282 corresponds to the position K.

  Note that the first threshold value 281 and the second threshold value 282 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the first threshold 281 is set to a value corresponding to a position between the first sensor standby position SB1 and the abnormal position in the third direction D3. Similarly, the second threshold 282 is set to a value corresponding to a position between the first sensor standby position SB1 and the abnormal position in the second direction D2, for example. The abnormal position is a position where there is a high possibility that a jam will occur. That is, if the first sheet end E1 is detected at the abnormal position, a jam may occur. The abnormal position indicates a movement limit position (mechanical lock position) of the first end detection sensor 223, for example.

  The post-processing control unit 28 is configured by a CPU or the like. The post-processing control unit 28 controls the operation of each unit of the post-processing device 2 by executing a post-processing control program. The post-processing control unit 28 is an example of a control unit (second control unit) that controls driving of the motor 221.

  In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 executes “maintenance necessity determination processing” and “perforation position deviation occurrence determination processing”. The maintenance necessity determination process includes a process for determining whether or not the image forming apparatus 100 needs to be maintained based on the movement distance R. In the maintenance necessity determination process, the post-processing control unit 28 acquires the movement distance R during the execution of the first drilling process. The moving distance R is calculated based on, for example, the driving time of the motor 221 until the first end detection sensor 223 moves from the first sensor standby position SB1 to the first detection position SP1.

  Next, maintenance necessity determination processing by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a maintenance necessity determination process.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, when the first end detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet end E1, the post-processing control unit 28 acquires the movement distance R (step S102). After acquiring the movement distance R, the post-processing control unit 28 determines whether maintenance is necessary based on the acquired movement distance R. Specifically, the post-processing control unit 28 determines whether or not the movement distance R is equal to or less than the first threshold value 281 or the second threshold value 282 (step S104). When the first edge detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet edge E1 at the first sensor standby position SB1, the post-processing control unit 28 determines that the movement distance R is equal to or less than the first threshold value 281. When the first edge detection sensor 223 detects the first sheet edge E1 at a position beyond the position K, the post-processing control unit 28 determines that the movement distance R is equal to or greater than the second threshold value 282. When the movement distance R is equal to or less than the first threshold value 281 or the second threshold value 282, the post-processing control unit 28 shifts the position of the punch hole H1 formed by the first punching process from the desired position (the punching position deviation is It is determined that it may occur. That is, the post-processing control unit 28 determines that maintenance for the image forming apparatus 100 is necessary.

  If the post-processing control unit 28 determines that maintenance is required for the image forming apparatus 100 (step S104: Yes), the post-processing control unit 28 transmits a maintenance request command to the main body control unit 19 (step S106). At this time, the post-processing control unit 28 turns on the first flag indicating that maintenance is necessary and stores the first flag in the post-processing storage device 28a. When receiving the maintenance request command, the main body control unit 19 transmits a maintenance request to the management server 200 via the communication unit 18 (step S108). Further, the main body control unit 19 transmits a transmission completion notification indicating that a maintenance request has been transmitted to the management server 200 to the post-processing control unit 28. When the post-processing control unit 28 receives the transmission completion notification from the main body control unit 19 (step S110), the post-processing control unit 28 turns on the second flag indicating that the maintenance has been requested and stores it in the post-processing storage device 28a (step S112). . Thereby, the maintenance necessity determination process ends.

  In the present embodiment, the main body control unit 19 transmits a maintenance request for the rollers (for example, the first paper feed roller group 141b or the second paper feed roller group 142b) as a maintenance request for the image forming apparatus 100.

  On the other hand, when the post-processing control unit 28 determines that the moving distance R is not equal to or less than the first threshold value 281 or the second threshold value 282, that is, no maintenance is required for the image forming apparatus 100 (step S104: No). The maintenance necessity determination process ends.

  The maintenance necessity determination process is executed every time the first punching process is executed until the first flag and the second flag are turned ON. The first flag and the second flag are turned OFF after the maintenance by the service person is completed.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 4 to 8, the punching position deviation occurrence determination process by the image forming apparatus 100 will be described. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a punching position deviation occurrence determination process. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen M displayed on the liquid crystal display 111.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, when the post-processing control unit 28 receives a punching command from the main body control unit 19, the post-processing control unit 28 determines whether or not the first flag stored in the post-processing storage device 28a is ON (step S202). ). That is, the post-processing control unit 28 determines whether there is a possibility that the punching position shift occurs. When the post-processing control unit 28 determines that the first flag is not ON, that is, there is no possibility that the punching position shift occurs (step S202: No), the first punching process by the punching device 22 is executed. (Step S204). On the other hand, when the post-processing control unit 28 determines that the first flag is ON, that is, there is a possibility that the punching position shift may occur (step S202: Yes), the screen M shown in FIG. (Step S206).

  As shown in FIG. 8, the screen M includes a message indicating that the drilling position may be shifted (the position to be drilled may be shifted from a desired position). Further, the screen M includes selection buttons (“Yes” and “No”) that allow the user to select whether or not to execute the punching process.

  When the user selects “Yes” (step S208: Yes), a drilling execution command is transmitted from the main body control unit 19 to the post-processing control unit. When the post-processing control unit 28 receives the drilling execution command, the first drilling process is executed (step S204). On the other hand, when the user selects “No” (step S208: No), the punching position deviation occurrence determination process ends. As a result, the sheet S is conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 211 toward the first post-processing discharge unit 25 described with reference to FIG. 3 without performing the punching process. Thereafter, the sheet S is discharged to the first discharge tray 252 by the first discharge roller pair 251.

  The first embodiment has been described above. According to the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 100 determines whether maintenance is required for the image forming apparatus 100 based on the first detection position SP1. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 100 determines that maintenance is necessary when the moving distance R of the first end detection sensor 223 is equal to or less than the first threshold value 281 or the second threshold value 282. The first threshold 281 is set to a value smaller than the distance from the first sensor standby position SB1 to the abnormal position in the third direction D3. The second threshold 282 is set to a value smaller than the distance from the first sensor standby position SB1 to the abnormal position in the second direction D2. In other words, the first threshold value 281 and the second threshold value 282 are set to values that can determine a sign that an abnormality will occur in the image forming apparatus 100. Therefore, according to this embodiment, maintenance can be requested before a jam occurs. Therefore, the occurrence of jam can be suppressed.

  In addition, the first threshold value 281 and the second threshold value 282 are set corresponding to positions where there is a possibility that the punching position deviation occurs. Therefore, the image forming apparatus 100 can notify the user that the punching position may be shifted. Therefore, the user can select whether or not to execute the punching process after recognizing that the punching position may be shifted. As a result, user convenience is improved.

  In general, when the roller is deteriorated or worn, the sheet S is conveyed in the image forming apparatus 100 in a state shifted in the width direction or in an attitude inclined with respect to the conveyance direction. In particular, when the first paper feed roller group 141b or the second paper feed roller group 142b deteriorates or wears, the sheet S shifts in the width direction when picked up (when fed) or the sheet S moves in the transport direction. There is a high possibility of tilting. However, according to the present embodiment, the post-processing control unit 28 determines that the first paper feed roller group 141b or the second paper feed roller group when the movement distance R is equal to or greater than the first threshold value 281 or the second threshold value 282. It is determined that the maintenance for 142b is necessary. Therefore, the occurrence of jam can be further suppressed.

  In the present embodiment, the post-processing control unit 28 acquires the movement distance R during execution of the first drilling process, and determines whether maintenance is necessary based on the acquired movement distance R. The post-processing control unit 28 may determine whether maintenance is necessary after the execution of the first drilling process.

  In the present embodiment, the post-processing control unit 28 determines whether maintenance is necessary, but the main body control unit 19 may determine whether maintenance is necessary.

  In the present embodiment, the support member 222 supports one first drilling blade 224, but the support member 222 can support two or more drilling blades.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the support member 222 supports one first end detection sensor 223 has been described as an example, but the number of end detection sensors supported by the support member 222 is not limited to one. For example, the support member 222 may support two or more end detection sensors.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the sheet detection sensor 20 and the first end detection sensor 223 are transmissive sensors has been described as an example. However, the sheet detection sensor 20 and the first end detection sensor 223 are reflective sensors. It may be.

[Embodiment 2]
Next, an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 9 and 10. In the second embodiment, when the post-processing control unit 28 receives a drilling command after determining that maintenance is necessary, the post-processing control unit 28 causes the drilling device 22 to execute the second drilling process. Hereinafter, matters different from the first embodiment will be described with respect to the second embodiment, and descriptions of matters overlapping with the first embodiment will be omitted. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the punching device 22 according to the second embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 9, the image indicating the character A described with reference to FIG. 4 is formed on the sheet S by rotating 180 degrees.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the perforation apparatus 22 includes a second end detection sensor 225 and a second perforation blade 226 in addition to the motor 221, the support member 222, the first end detection sensor 223, and the first perforation blade 224. . The second end detection sensor 225 is an example of a second detection unit. The second drilling blade 226 is an example of a second drilling part.

  In the example shown in FIG. 9, the punching device 22 is in a standby state. In the standby state, the second end detection sensor 225 is positioned at the second sensor standby position SB2, and the second drilling blade 226 is positioned at the second drilling standby position HB2. The second sensor standby position SB2 and the second punching standby position HB2 can be changed according to the size of the sheet S.

  The support member 222 supports the second end detection sensor 225 and the second drilling blade 226 in addition to the first end detection sensor 223 and the first drilling blade 224.

  The second end detection sensor 225 detects the end of the sheet S in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1. When detecting the end of the sheet S, the second end detection sensor 225 transmits a signal indicating that the end of the sheet S has been detected to the post-processing control unit 28. The second end detection sensor 225 is, for example, a transmissive sensor or a reflective sensor.

  The second end detection sensor 225 detects the second sheet end E2 of the sheet S. The second sheet end E2 faces the first sheet end E1 in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction D1. A position SP2 at which the second end detection sensor 225 detects the second sheet end E2 is referred to as a “second detection position SP2”. Hereinafter, the operation in which the second sheet end E2 is detected by the second end detection sensor 225 may be referred to as “second detection operation”.

  The second punching blade 226 punches a predetermined position of the sheet S by moving up and down. Specifically, the second punching blade 226 punches a position that is separated from the second sheet end E2 detected by the second end detection sensor 225 by a predetermined distance in the third direction D3. When the second punching blade 226 moves up and down once, one punch hole H2 is formed in the sheet S. Hereinafter, the drilling operation by the second drilling blade 226 may be referred to as “second drilling operation”. Further, the second detection operation and the second drilling operation may be collectively referred to as “second drilling process”.

  As illustrated in FIG. 9, the conveyance roller pair 211 intermittently conveys the sheet S when the leading edge of the sheet S is detected by the sheet detection sensor 20. In the present embodiment, the conveyance roller pair 211 stops the sheet S three times. When the sheet S is stopped for the first time, the post-processing control unit 28 starts the second detection operation by the second end detection sensor 225. Specifically, the post-processing control unit 28 drives the motor 221 to move the support member 222 in the third direction D3. As a result, the second end detection sensor 225 detects the second sheet end E2.

  When the second end detection sensor 225 detects the second sheet end E2, the post-processing control unit 28 further moves the support member 222 in the third direction D3. Specifically, the post-processing control unit 28 moves the support member 222 in the third direction D3 until the second drilling blade 226 reaches a position separated from the second detection position SP2 by a predetermined distance. When the second drilling blade 226 reaches a position separated from the second detection position SP2 by a predetermined distance, the post-processing control unit 28 moves the second drilling blade 226 up and down. As a result, the first punch hole H2 is formed in the sheet S. Thereafter, the post-processing control unit 28 raises and lowers the second punching blade 226 twice according to the intermittent conveyance of the sheet S. As a result, similarly to the first punch hole H2, the second punch hole H2 and the third punch hole H2 are formed in the sheet S. When the three punch holes H2 are formed in the sheet S, the post-processing control unit 28 moves the support member 222 in the second direction D2. As a result, the second end detection sensor 225 moves to the second sensor standby position SB2. The second end detection sensor 225 may execute the second detection operation every time the punch hole H2 is formed in the sheet S.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a punching position deviation occurrence determination process according to the second embodiment. Note that steps S202 and S204 illustrated in FIG. 10 are the same as the processes described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, when the post-processing control unit 28 determines that the first flag is not ON (step S202: No), the first punching process by the punching device 22 is executed (step S204). On the other hand, when the post-processing control unit 28 determines that the first flag is ON (step S202: Yes), the main body control unit 19 causes the image rotated by 180 degrees to be formed on the sheet S in FIG. The operation of the image forming unit 15 described with reference to FIG. 6 is controlled (step S302). Specifically, the main body control unit 19 rotates the image data 180 degrees on the memory. Thereby, an electrostatic latent image rotated by 180 degrees is formed on the photosensitive drum 153 by the exposure device 151. As a result, an image rotated by 180 degrees is formed on the sheet S. The post-processing control unit 28 causes the punching device 22 to execute the second punching process (step S304).

  The second embodiment has been described above. According to the present embodiment, when there is a possibility that the drilling position may deviate from the desired position in the first drilling process, the second drilling process can be executed to form a punch hole at the desired position. As a result, user convenience is improved.

  Note that the image forming apparatus 100 may display the screen M described with reference to FIG. 8 on the liquid crystal display 111 in addition to the execution of the second punching process.

  In the present embodiment, the first end detection sensor 223, the first perforation blade 224, the second end detection sensor 225, and the second perforation blade 226 are described as being supported by the support member 222. The detection sensor 223, the first perforation blade 224, the second end detection sensor 225, and the second perforation blade 226 may be supported by different support members. In this case, the motors that drive different support members may be the same or different.

  In the present embodiment, the support member 222 supports two drilling blades, but the support member 222 can support three or more drilling blades.

  In the present embodiment, the configuration in which the support member 222 supports the two end detection sensors has been described as an example, but the number of end detection sensors supported by the support member 222 is not limited to two. For example, the support member 222 may support three or more end detection sensors.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the drawings (FIGS. 1 to 10). However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be implemented in various modes without departing from the gist thereof.

  For example, in the embodiment of the present invention, the case where the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the sheet S by an electrophotographic method has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the present invention is also applicable to an inkjet image forming apparatus.

  The present invention is useful for an image forming apparatus including a punching device.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming apparatus main body 2 Post-processing apparatus 15 Image forming part 18 Communication part 19 Main body control part 21 Post-processing conveyance part 28 Post-processing control part 100 Image forming apparatus 211 Pair of conveyance rollers 221 Motor 223 First end detection sensor 224 First perforation Blade 225 Second end detection sensor 226 Second drilling blade R Travel distance

Claims (6)

An apparatus main body, and a post-processing apparatus attached to the apparatus main body,
The apparatus main body is
A communication unit that communicates with an external device;
An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet;
A first control unit that controls the operation of the image forming unit,
The post-processing device includes:
A transport unit for transporting the sheet in the first direction;
A first detector that detects a first sheet edge of the sheet in a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
A drive unit that moves the first detection unit along the second direction to a position where the first sheet edge can be detected;
A second control unit for controlling the driving of the driving unit,
The second controller is
Obtaining the travel distance traveled by the first detector;
The first control unit or the second control unit determines whether or not maintenance is required for the apparatus main body based on the moving distance,
The first control unit transmits the maintenance request to the external device via the communication unit when the first control unit or the second control unit determines that the maintenance is necessary. Image forming apparatus.
The first control unit or the second control unit requires the maintenance on the apparatus main body when the moving distance is equal to or less than a first threshold value or when the moving distance is equal to or greater than a second threshold value that is larger than the first threshold value. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is determined as follows.
The post-processing device includes a first punching unit that punches a position away from the first sheet end by a predetermined distance in the second direction;
A support member for supporting the first perforation part and the first detection part;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the driving unit moves the support member along the second direction.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the apparatus main body further includes a notification unit that notifies that a position to be punched is shifted.
The post-processing device includes:
A second detection unit that detects a second sheet end facing the first sheet end in a direction orthogonal to the first direction;
A second punching portion for punching a position separated from the second sheet end by a predetermined distance in a third direction opposite to the second direction;
When the first control unit or the second control unit determines that the maintenance of the apparatus main body is necessary,
The image forming unit forms the rotated image on the sheet,
5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the second control unit controls the operation of the driving unit so that the sheet is punched by the second punching unit.
The apparatus main body further includes a paper feeding unit that feeds the sheet toward the image forming unit,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the maintenance request includes a maintenance request for the sheet feeding unit.

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