JP2020146844A - Printing system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a printing system in which a plurality of medium sheets subjected to image inspection are temporarily retreated according to a simple constitution.SOLUTION: A printing system 1 includes: a first printing part 22 and a second printing part 42 being one example of a printing part that prints on a paper P being one example of a medium; a first inspection part 53 and a second inspection part 54 being one example of an inspection part conducting image inspection of an image printed on the paper P using the first printing part 22 and the second printing part 42; a first storage part 61 storing the paper P for which an inspection result of the image inspection is normal; a second storage part 62 storing the paper P for which an inspection result is abnormal; and a third storage part 63 temporarily storing the paper P that has been printed subsequently to the paper P stored in the second storage part 62, and that has been subjected to image inspection.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

The present invention relates to a printing system including an inspection unit that performs image inspection.

Conventionally, an inspection unit that determines whether the image of each page formed by the image forming unit is a normal image or an abnormal image, and a page of pages determined to be a normal image by this inspection unit are conveyed to the first tray and the abnormal image is transferred. An image forming system including a transport mechanism for transporting the paper of the page determined to be to the second tray and a detour for holding a normal image formed after the page determined to be an abnormal image has been proposed. (See, for example, Patent Document 1).

In this image forming system, the image forming unit reforms the page determined to be an abnormal image, and the conveying mechanism conveys the paper of the page determined to be a normal image after being reformed to the first tray. Control is performed so that the paper of the page determined to be a normal image held in the detour is conveyed to the first tray.

JP-A-2017-58564

By the way, there is a printing system that doubles the productivity of double-sided printing by connecting a plurality of printing devices and printing one side at a time. When image inspection is performed with such a printing system and normal images and abnormal images are separated in-line, when an abnormal image is found on a certain page, the paper that has already been printed or is being printed is a single machine. It is assumed that the connecting machine (the above printing system) is more than twice as large as the (single printing device). In addition, since the transfer path of the paper front / back reversal section that relays the plurality of connected printing devices is added, it must be assumed that the number of sheets being transferred in the machine will be further increased.

In such a configuration, if an attempt is made to temporarily save the expected maximum number of normal images in the detour, the length of the detour is required to be more than twice that of the single unit in the connected unit. However, this would increase the size of the device and also require a large amount of drive sources for paper transfer rollers.

In addition, since the provision of the detour itself itself provides a transport path for retracting a plurality of sheets of paper, the size of the device is increased. Therefore, not only in the coupling machine but also in the single machine, providing a detour causes an increase in the size of the device.

An object of the present invention is to provide a printing system capable of retracting a medium on which an image inspection has been performed with a simple configuration.

In one embodiment, the printing system includes a printing unit that prints on a medium, an inspection unit that inspects an image printed on the medium by the printing unit, and the medium in which the inspection result of the image inspection is normal. The first storage unit for storing the media, the second storage unit for storing the medium whose inspection result is abnormal, and the medium and subsequent media stored in the second storage unit are printed and the image inspection is performed. A third storage unit for temporarily storing the medium is provided.

According to the above aspect, the medium on which the image inspection has been performed can be temporarily retracted with a simple configuration.

It is a block diagram which shows the printing system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the main control composition of the printing system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows in detail the paper ejection device in one Embodiment. It is a top view which shows the tray and the discharge part of the 3rd storage part in one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) for demonstrating the avoidance of the interference between the tray of the 3rd storage part and the discharge part in one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) for demonstrating the avoidance of the interference between the tray of the 3rd storage part and the discharge part in one Embodiment. It is a flowchart for demonstrating operation of the printing system which concerns on one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 1) for demonstrating the operation of the paper ejection device in one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 2) for demonstrating operation of a paper ejection device in one Embodiment. It is explanatory drawing (the 3) for demonstrating operation of a paper ejection device in one Embodiment.

Hereinafter, the printing system according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a printing system 1 according to an embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 1, the printing system 1 includes a paper feeding device 10, a first printing device 20, an intermediate device 30, a second printing device 40, an inspection device 50, and a paper ejection device 60.

The paper feed device 10, the first printing device 20, the intermediate device 30, the second printing device 40, the inspection device 50, and the paper ejection device 60 are in series with the transport path (transport direction D) of the paper P, which is an example of the medium. Have been placed. Even if a plurality of the paper feeding device 10, the first printing device 20, the intermediate device 30, the second printing device 40, the inspection device 50, and the paper ejection device 60 are integrally arranged in a common housing. Good.

In FIG. 1, the first printing device 20, the intermediate device 30, the second printing device 40, and the paper ejection device 60 are connected to the straight line transport paths R1, R4-1, R5, R8-1, R9, R11- of the paper P. 1, R11-2 are shown by solid lines, circulation transport paths R2, R6 and temporary storage transport paths R10 are shown by two-dot chain lines, and inverted transport paths R3, R4-2, R7, and R8-2 are shown by broken lines.

The paper feed device 10 is an example of a medium supply unit. The paper feed device 10 has a paper feed table 11 on which the paper P before printing is loaded. Although not shown, the paper feed device 10 includes a supply roller that feeds out and conveys the paper P located at the highest position among the plurality of sheets P loaded on the paper feed table 11, and a motor that drives the supply roller. Etc. are arranged as supply driving means (actuator).

The first printing apparatus 20 includes a plurality of transfer roller pairs 21, a first printing unit 22, a suction transfer unit 23, transfer path switching units 24 and 25, a switchback roller pair 26, and a paper ejection board 27. Have.

A plurality of pairs of transfer rollers 21 are arranged in the first printing apparatus 20, and the sheets P are conveyed while niping them.

The first printing unit 22 prints on the paper P using ink of a basic color such as CMYK or gray color. The first printing unit 22 is an example of a printing unit that prints on paper P. The first printing unit 22 has, for example, a line head type inkjet head (not shown) for each color used for printing. The printing method of the first printing unit 22 may be a printing method other than the inkjet printing method.

The suction transport unit 23 is arranged so as to face the first printing unit 22. The suction transport unit 23 transports the paper P by the belt while sucking the paper P.

On the other hand, the transfer path switching unit 24 circulates the transfer path of the paper P printed by the first printing unit 22 to the straight transfer path R1 leading to the intermediate device 30 and to the paper discharge table 27 and the reverse transfer path R3. Switch to the transport path R2.

The other transfer path switching unit 25 uses the circulation transfer path R2 of the paper P as a transfer path that continues to the paper discharge table 27 and a transfer path that continues to the reverse transfer path R3 that reverses the front and back of the paper P by the switchback roller pair 26. Switch to. The paper P whose front and back sides are reversed in the reverse transfer path R3 is transferred to the first printing unit 22 again.

Paper P that is not discharged to the paper ejection device 60 is loaded on the paper ejection table 27.
The intermediate device 30 has a plurality of transfer roller pairs 31, a switchback roller pair 32, and a transfer path switching unit 33.

The transport roller pair 31 transports the paper P discharged from the first printing apparatus 20 while niping the paper P.

The transport path switching unit 33 reverses the front and back of the paper P by means of a straight transport path R4-1 that transports the paper P discharged from the first printing device 20 as it is to the second printing device 40 and a switchback roller pair 32. The transport route is switched to and from the transport path R4-2. The intermediate device 30 may be omitted, and the paper P may be directly conveyed from the first printing device 20 to the second printing device 40.

The configuration of the second printing device 40 can be the same as the configuration of the first printing device 20. For example, the second printing device 40 includes a transfer roller pair 41, a second printing unit 42, a suction transfer unit 43, a transfer path switching unit 44, and a switchback roller pair 45, similarly to the first printing device 20. Has. Unlike the first printing device 20, the second printing device 40 does not have a paper ejection table 27 and a conveying path switching unit 25 for switching the conveying path to the paper ejection table 27, but the first printing device 20 Similarly, the paper output stand 27 and the transport path switching unit 25 may be provided.

Further, the printing system 1 includes a total of two printing units, a first printing unit 22 of the first printing device 20 and a second printing unit 42 of the second printing device 40, but only one printing unit or three printing units. The above printing unit may be provided.

A plurality of pairs of transfer rollers 41 are arranged in the second printing apparatus 40, and the sheets P are conveyed while niping them.

The second printing unit 42 prints on the paper P. The second printing unit 42 prints on the paper P using ink of a basic color such as CMYK or gray color. The second printing unit 42 is an example of a printing unit that prints on paper P in the same manner as the first printing unit 22. The second printing unit 42 may print using special ink. This special ink is, for example, a magnetic ink such as MICR (Magnetic ink character recognition) ink. Alternatively, the special ink may be an ink of a color other than the basic color such as a transparent color ink, a UV ink, or the like.

Further, although the second printing unit 42 has, for example, a line head type inkjet head (not shown), the printing method of the second printing unit 42 may be a printing method other than the inkjet printing method.

The suction transport unit 43 is arranged so as to face the second printing unit 42. The suction transport unit 43 transports the paper P by the belt while sucking the paper P.

The transport path switching unit 44 switches the transport path of the paper P printed by the second printing unit 42 between a straight transport path R5 that continues to the inspection device 50 and a circulation transport path R6 that continues to the reverse transport path R7.

The switchback roller pair 45 reverses the front and back of the paper P in the reverse transfer path R7. The paper P whose front and back sides are reversed in the reverse transfer path R7 is again conveyed to the second printing unit 42.

The inspection device 50 includes a first transport unit 51, a second transport unit 52, a first inspection unit 53, a second inspection unit 54, a paper detection sensor 55, an introduction guide plate pair 56a, and an intermediate guide plate pair. It includes 56b, a discharge guide plate pair 56c, and holding rollers 56d and 56e.

The first transport unit 51 is arranged on the lower surface side (an example of the first surface side) of the paper P and transports the paper P. The first transport unit 51 is, for example, a suction transport unit that transports the paper P by the belt while sucking the paper P.

The second transport unit 52 is arranged on the upper surface side (an example of the second surface side) of the paper P on the downstream side in the transport direction D from the first transport unit 51, adjacent to the first transport unit 51, and the paper P is arranged. To carry. The second transport unit 52 may have the orientation of the first transport unit 51 turned upside down. For example, the second transport unit 52 is a suction transport unit that transports the paper P by the belt while sucking the paper P, similarly to the first transport unit 51.

The first inspection unit 53 is arranged above the first transport unit 51, and inspects the image printed on the upper surface (an example of the second surface) of the paper P transported by the first transport unit 51. The first inspection unit 53 has an image pickup unit such as a CIS (Contact Image Sensor) that captures an image printed on the paper P. The first inspection unit 53 is an example of an inspection unit that inspects an image printed on paper P by the first printing unit 22 and the second printing unit 42.

The second inspection unit 54 is arranged below the second transfer unit 52, and inspects the lower surface (an example of the first surface) of the paper P conveyed by the second transfer unit 52. The second inspection unit 54 has an image pickup unit such as CIS that captures an image printed on the paper P. Similar to the first inspection unit 53, the second inspection unit 54 is an example of an inspection unit that inspects the image printed on the paper P by the first printing unit 22 and the second printing unit 42.

The images captured by the imaging units of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 are the control unit 71, which will be described later, or the first inspection unit shown in FIG. 2 (a diagram showing the main control configuration of the printing system 1). Image processing is performed by the control unit in 53 or the second inspection unit 54, and it is determined whether the image printed on the paper P is normal or abnormal. Whether the image is normal or abnormal may be determined based on, for example, the printing accuracy and the presence or absence of errors in the printed content as compared with the original data for printing. Further, each of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 may have a plurality of types of imaging units different from each other in the imaging method. When printing is performed on only one side of the paper P, or when only one side is inspected even if double-sided printing is performed on the paper P, one of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is used. It can be omitted.

The paper detection sensor 55 is arranged on the upstream side of the transport direction D with respect to the first inspection unit 53, and detects the paper P. For example, the paper detection sensor 55 detects the paper P immediately before reaching the first transport unit 51. The paper detection sensor 55 is an example of a medium detection sensor.

The first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 inspect the image printed on the paper P, for example, based on the detection result by the paper detection sensor 55 and the detection result of the transport speed detection sensor (not shown). The transport speed detection sensor is, for example, an encoder arranged on the rotation shaft of the drive pulley over which the belt of the first transport unit 51 or the second transport unit 52 is hung.

The introduction guide plate pair 56a guides the paper P conveyed from the second printing apparatus 40 toward the first transfer unit 51. The introduction guide plate pair 56a becomes larger as the vertical distance becomes closer to the upstream end in a part of the upstream side in the transport direction D.

The intermediate guide plate pair 56b guides the paper P conveyed by the first transfer unit 51 toward the second transfer unit 52. The upper plate of the intermediate guide plate pair 56b is inclined upward in a part of the upstream side in the transport direction D.

The discharge guide plate pair 56c guides the paper P transported by the second transport unit 52 toward the paper discharge device 60. The lower plate of the discharge guide plate vs. 56c is inclined downward in a part of the upstream side in the transport direction D.

The pressing roller 56d presses the paper P downward to the first conveying portion 51 in order to prevent the tip of the paper P conveyed to the first conveying portion 51 from rising. For example, the pressing roller 56d rotates with the rotation of the belt 51a of the first conveying portion 51.

The pressing roller 56e presses the paper P upward against the second conveying portion 52 in order to prevent the tip of the paper P conveyed to the second conveying portion 51 from hanging down. For example, the pressing roller 56e rotates with the rotation of the belt 52a of the second conveying portion 52.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram showing the paper ejection device 60 in detail.
The paper ejection device 60 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 includes a first storage unit 61, a second storage unit 62, a third storage unit 63, a plurality of transfer roller pairs 64, and transfer path switching units 65, 66. It has 67, a switchback roller pair 69, and a transport drive unit 68 shown in FIG. The paper ejection device 60 is an example of a medium ejection unit from which the paper P inspected by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is discharged.

The first storage unit 61 stores the paper P for which the inspection result of the image inspection by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is normal. The first storage unit 61 has, for example, an elevating tray on which the paper P is loaded.

The second storage unit 62 stores the paper P whose inspection result of the image inspection by at least one of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is abnormal. The second storage unit 62 has, for example, an elevating tray on which the paper P is loaded.

The third storage unit 63 temporarily stores the paper P printed after the paper P stored in the second storage unit 62 and subjected to the image inspection by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54. For example, the third storage unit 63 is arranged in parallel in the transport path between the inspection device 50 and the first storage unit 61, and the image inspection is performed after the paper P whose inspection result is abnormal, and the inspection result is performed. Temporarily stores the paper P, which is normal.

As shown in FIG. 3, the third storage unit 63 has a plurality of trays 63a, an elevating drive unit 63b, and a discharge unit 63c.

Each of the plurality of trays 63a stores, for example, one sheet of paper P. The upper part of each tray 63a functions as an individual storage unit (bin) for storing the paper P. It is desirable that the number of trays 63a arranged is the maximum number (or more) of sheets P that can be simultaneously conveyed in the transfer path between the paper feed device 10 and the inspection device 50. The tray 63a is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane so that the discharge side (right side in FIG. 3) is located below the receiving side (left side in FIG. 3) of the paper P. The tray 63a is not limited to the one on which the entire bottom surface of the paper P is placed, and may be the one on which only a part of the bottom surface of the paper P is placed.

The elevating drive unit 63b raises and lowers a plurality of trays 63a. For example, the elevating drive unit 63b has a position in which the tray 63a not storing the paper P receives the paper P (see FIG. 7C) and a position in which the paper P stored in the tray 63a is discharged (see FIGS. 7A and 7B). The plurality of trays 63a are moved up and down. For example, when the elevating drive unit 63b receives the paper P or ejects the paper P, the elevating drive unit 63b lowers the plurality of trays 63a at intervals of arrangement of the trays 63a.

As an example, the elevating drive unit 63b includes a motor 63b-1, a belt 63b-2, a drive pulley 63b-3, and a driven pulley 63b-4.

The motor 63b-1 is an example of a drive source (actuator) that drives the drive pulley 63b-3.

The belt 63b-2 is hung on the drive pulley 63b-3 and the driven pulley 63b-4. The belt 63b-2 is fixed to each tray 63a. As a result, the plurality of trays 63a move up and down as the belt 63b-2 rotates in both directions. In this way, the belt 63b-2 functions as a transmission belt that transmits the power of the motor 63b-1.

The discharge unit 63c has a motor 63c-1, a belt 63c-2, a drive pulley 63c-3, a driven pulley 63c-4, a suction fan 63c-5, and a discharge roller 63c-6. Paper P is ejected from the inside of the storage portion 63 (tray 63a).

The motor 63c-1 is an example of a drive source (actuator) that drives the drive pulley 63c-3.

The belt 63c-2 is hung on the drive pulley 63c-3 and the driven pulley 63c-4. The belt 63c-2 functions as a transport belt for transporting the paper P. The belt 63c-2 of the discharge portion 63c is formed with a plurality of through holes 63c-7 shown in FIG. The through hole 63c-7 is for sucking air by the suction fan 63c-5.

The suction fan 63c-5 is arranged in a region surrounded by the belt 63c-2, and sucks air to attract the paper P onto the belt 63c-2. The ejection unit 63c is not limited to the one that ejects the paper P adsorbed on the belt 63c-2 by suction, the one that ejects the electrostatically adsorbed paper P, the one that ejects the paper P without adsorbing, and the like. It may be.

The discharge roller 63c-6 is arranged outside the third storage unit 63, sandwiches the paper P with the belt 63c-2, and conveys the paper P.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing the tray 63a and the discharge portion 63c of the third storage portion 63.
5A and 5B are explanatory views for explaining avoidance of interference between the tray 63a of the third storage unit 63 and the discharge unit 63c.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the plurality of trays 63a is formed with a notch 63a-1 on the discharge portion 63c side in order to avoid interference with the discharge portion 63c during ascending / descending. The tray 63a has a U-shape in a plan view due to the formation of the notch 63a-1.

As shown in FIG. 5A, when the tray 63a for storing the paper P is lowered when the paper P is ejected, the tray 63a may be lowered to the same height as the ejection portion 63c due to the formation of the notch 63a-1. it can. Therefore, the paper P can be delivered from the tray 63a to the discharge unit 63c by lowering the tray 63a without requiring a complicated configuration for delivering the paper P.

If the tray 63a does not have a portion located vertically above (or vertically below) the discharge portion 63c, interference with the discharge portion 63c during ascending / descending can be avoided. Therefore, instead of forming the notch 63a-1, the tray 63a has, for example, 2 in the width direction (depth direction in FIGS. 5A and 5B) of the paper P with the region vertically above the ejection portion 63c interposed therebetween. It may be separated into one (or three or more). In this case, the widthwise end portion of the paper P is placed on each of the separated portions of the tray 63a.

Further, in the example of FIG. 3, since the position where the paper P is ejected is lower than the position where the paper P is received, the tray 63a is lowered when the paper P is ejected, but the position where the paper P is ejected is the position where the paper P is ejected. If it is above the receiving position, it will rise when the paper P is ejected.

A plurality of pairs of transfer rollers 64 shown in FIG. 3 are arranged in the paper ejection device 60, and the sheets P are conveyed while being nipated.

The transport path switching unit 65 reverses the transport path of the paper P transported from the inspection device 50 by the straight transport path R8-1 leading to the first storage unit 61 and the switchback roller pair 69 to reverse the front and back of the paper P. Switch to the transport path R8-2.

The transport path switching unit 66 connects the transport path where the straight transport path R8-1 and the reverse transport path R8-2 merge to the first storage section 61 and the second storage section 62 with the straight transfer path R9 and the third storage. It is switched to the temporary storage transport path R10 that continues to the first storage section 61 through the section 63.

The transport path switching unit 67 switches the straight transport path R9 into a straight transport path R11-1 that continues to the first storage section 61 and a straight transport path R11-2 that continues to the second storage section 62.

The transport drive unit 68 drives the drive rollers of the transport roller pair 64. Only the motor arranged in the temporary storage transfer path R10 is shown, but in the temporary storage transfer path R10, the motor 68a for driving the transfer roller pair 64 arranged between the transfer path switching unit 66 and the third storage unit 63 a. And a motor 68b for driving a transport roller pair 64 arranged between the third storage unit 63 and the first storage unit 61. Although not shown, the transport drive unit 68 also includes a plurality of motors that drive drive rollers of another transport roller pair 64 in the paper ejection device 60. The motors 68a and 68b of the transport drive unit 68 are examples of drive sources (actuators).

The plurality of transfer roller pairs 64, the transfer path switching units 66, 67, and the transfer drive unit 68 described the image-inspected paper P in the first storage unit 61, the second storage unit 62, or the third storage unit 68. This is an example of a transport mechanism for transporting to the unit 63.

The control unit 71 shown in FIG. 2 has a processor (for example, a CPU: Central Processing Unit) that functions as an arithmetic processing unit that controls the operation of the entire printing system 1. The control unit 71 includes a first printing unit 22, a second printing unit 42 (printing unit), an elevating drive unit 63b of the third storage unit 63, and a transfer mechanism (transfer path switching units 66, 67 and transfer drive unit 68). This is an example of a control unit that controls.

The storage unit 72 is, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) which is a read-only semiconductor memory in which a predetermined control program is recorded in advance, or as a work storage area as necessary when the processor executes various control programs. RAM (Random Access Memory), which is a semiconductor memory that can be written and read at any time, is used.

Hereinafter, the operation of the printing system 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7A to 7C.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the printing system 1.
7A to 7C are explanatory views for explaining the operation of the paper ejection device 60.

The process shown in FIG. 6 is performed by the control unit 71 shown in FIG. The operation of the paper ejection device 60 shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C is an example in which double-sided or single-sided printing corresponding to the first job (printing job) is performed on the papers P1 to P13, and the images of the papers P4 and P9. The inspection result of the inspection is abnormal, and after printing on the 13 sheets of paper P, the same image as the sheets P4 and P9 is reprinted on the other sheets P4-1 and P9-1. 7A to 7C show the paper ejection device 60 more simply than FIG. 3, and the elevating drive unit 63b, the motors 68a, 68b, and the ejection unit 63c of the paper ejection device 60 shown in FIG. 3 are shown. Illustration with a part is omitted.

When the control unit 71 receives an instruction to print a job from the user terminal via the network or based on a user operation in an operation unit such as a display panel of the printing system 1, the control unit 71 starts the process shown in FIG. To do.

First, the control unit 71 controls the paper feed device 10, the first printing unit 22 of the first printing device 20, the second printing unit 42 of the second printing device 40, and the like so as to print on the paper P based on the job. (Step S1).

Next, the control unit 71 controls the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 of the inspection device 50 so as to perform an image inspection of the image printed on the paper P (step S2).

Next, the control unit 71 determines whether the abnormality flag is “0” (step S3). The initial value of this abnormality flag is "0".

When the control unit 71 determines that the abnormality flag is "0" (step S3: YES), the inspection result of the paper P subjected to the image inspection by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 of the inspection device 50 is the first. It is determined whether both the 1st inspection unit 53 and the 2nd inspection unit 54 are normal (step S4).

When the control unit 71 determines that the inspection results of the image inspections by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 are both normal (step S4: YES), the control unit 71 determines that the paper P (for example, the paper shown in FIG. 7A). The transfer mechanism (for example, the transfer roller pair 64, the transfer path switching units 66 and 67, and the transfer drive unit 68) is controlled so as to transfer P1 to P3) to the first storage unit 61 (step S5).

Next, the control unit 71 determines whether or not there is a next job (a "next job" in FIG. 6, for example, a job corresponding to printing on papers P14 to P16 shown in FIG. 7C) (step S6). ..

When the control unit 71 determines that there is no next job (step S6: NO), the process shown in FIG. 6 is completed, and when it is determined that there is a next job (step S6: YES), the control unit 71 returns to step S1 described above. To process.

When the control unit 71 determines in the determination process of step S4 described above that the inspection result of the image inspection by at least one of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is abnormal (step S4: NO), the abnormality The flag is set to "1" (step S7).

Next, the control unit 71 stops the transmission (job transmission) of the operation instruction signal corresponding to the job to the first printing unit 22, the second printing unit 42, the paper feeding device 10, and the like (step S8).

Next, the control unit 71 stores the page of the abnormal image (for example, the page of one side or both sides of the paper P4 shown in FIG. 7A) in the storage unit 72 (step S9).

Next, the control unit 71 controls the transport mechanism so as to transport the paper P whose inspection result is abnormal (for example, the paper P4 shown in FIG. 7A) to the second storage unit 62 (step S10).

Next, the control unit 71 determines whether there is a remaining job (a "remaining job" in FIG. 6, for example, a job corresponding to printing on papers P5 to P13 shown in FIG. 7A) (step S11). ..

When the control unit 71 determines that there are no remaining jobs (step S11: NO), the determination process of step S23 described later is performed, and when it is determined that there are remaining jobs (step S11: YES), the above-mentioned step S1 Return to processing and perform processing.

When the control unit 71 determines that the abnormality flag is not "0", that is, "1" in the determination process of step S3 described above (step S3: NO), the paper P on which the remaining jobs are printed (step S3: NO). For example, it is determined whether the paper is P5 to P13) shown in FIG. 7A (step S12).

When the control unit 71 determines that the paper P has been printed with the remaining jobs (step S12: YES), the inspection results of the image inspections by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 are both normal. It is determined whether or not it was (step S13).

When the control unit 71 determines that the inspection results of the image inspections by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 are both normal (step S13: YES), the paper P (for example, the paper P5 shown in FIG. 7A). The transport mechanism is controlled so as to transport ~ P8) to the third storage unit 63 (step S14). In this way, the third storage unit 63 is printed on or after the paper P (for example, the paper P4 shown in FIG. 7A) whose inspection result is abnormal, which is stored in the second storage unit 62, and the image is inspected. P (for example, papers P5 to P8 shown in FIG. 7A in which the inspection results of the image inspection by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 are both normal) is temporarily stored.

Next, the control unit 71 performs the above-mentioned determination process (step S11) as to whether or not there is a remaining job (for example, a job corresponding to printing on the sheets P5 to P13 shown in FIG. 7A).

When the control unit 71 determines in the determination process of step S13 above that the inspection result of the image inspection by at least one of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is abnormal (step S13: NO), the abnormality An image page (for example, a page on one side or both sides of the paper P9 shown in FIG. 7A) is stored in the storage unit 72 (step S15).

Next, the control unit 71 controls the transport mechanism so as to transport the paper P having an abnormal inspection result (for example, the paper P9 shown in FIG. 7A) to the second storage unit 62 (step S16).

Further, the control unit 71 performs the above-mentioned determination process (step S11) as to whether or not there is a remaining job (for example, a job corresponding to printing on the sheets P5 to P13 or P10 to P13 shown in FIG. 7A).

In the determination process of step S12 described above, the control unit 71 prints on the jobs corresponding to reprinting (for example, printing on paper P4-1 shown in FIG. 7A and P9-1 shown in FIG. 7B) instead of printing the remaining jobs. (Step S12: NO), it is determined whether the inspection results of the paper P subjected to the image inspection by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 are normal in both cases. Determine (step S17).

When the control unit 71 determines that the inspection results of the image inspections by the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 are both normal (step S17: YES), the paper P (for example, the paper P4 shown in FIG. 7A). The transport mechanism is controlled so as to transport -1 or the paper P9-1) shown in FIG. 7B to the first storage unit 61 (step S18).

Next, the control unit 71 determines whether the paper P (for example, the papers P5 to P8 shown in FIG. 7A or the papers P10 to P13 shown in FIG. 7B) is stored in the third storage unit 63 (step S19).

When the control unit 71 determines that there is paper P stored in the third storage unit 63 (step S19: NO), the control unit 71 conveys the paper P from the third storage unit 63 to the first storage unit 61 (steps S20, S18). If there is paper P to be reprinted after that (for example, paper P9-1 shown in FIG. 7B), the control unit 71 may use paper P (for example, paper P9-1 shown in FIG. 7B) whose page order is earlier than the page of paper P to be reprinted. For example, only the papers P5 to P8) shown in FIG. 7A are conveyed from the third storage unit 63 to the first storage unit 61.

When the control unit 71 determines that there is no paper P stored in the third storage unit 63 (step S19: YES), the control unit 71 performs the determination process of step S23, which will be described later.

When the control unit 71 determines in the determination process of step S17 described above that the inspection result of the image inspection by at least one of the first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54 is abnormal (step S17: NO), the abnormality The image page (one-sided or double-sided page when the inspection result of the reprinted papers P4-1 and P9-1 is abnormal again, which is not shown in FIGS. 7A to 7C) is stored in the storage unit 72. (Step S21).

Further, the control unit 71 controls the transport mechanism so as to transport the paper P whose inspection result is abnormal to the second storage unit 62 (step S22).

After that, the control unit 71 determines whether the abnormal page (for example, one side or both sides of the paper P4-1 shown in FIG. 7A and P9-1 shown in FIG. 7B) has been reprinted (step S23).

When the control unit 71 determines that the abnormal page has been reprinted (step S23: YES), the control unit 71 sets the abnormal flag to “0” (step S24).

Further, the control unit 71 resumes the job from the next job (for example, the job corresponding to printing on the sheets P14 to P16 shown in FIG. 7C) (step S25), and returns to the above-mentioned step S1 to perform the process. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7C, the control unit 71 may control the elevating drive unit 63b so as to raise the plurality of trays 63a to a position where the lowermost tray 63a receives the paper P.

When the control unit 71 determines in the determination process of step S23 described above that the abnormal page has not been printed (step S23: NO), the control unit 71 prints the abnormal page (for example, one side or both sides of the paper P9-1 shown in FIG. 7B). The first printing unit 22 and the second printing unit 42 are controlled so as to perform the above steps (steps S26 and S1), and the process returns to the above-mentioned step S1 to perform the process.

In the present embodiment, the paper P conveyed from the inspection device 50 is finally conveyed to the first storage unit 61 or the second storage unit 62, but the paper P stored in the first storage unit 61 is , Sorting, staples, insertion into envelopes, and other post-processing may be carried to a post-processing device.

In the present embodiment described above, the printing system 1 includes a first printing unit 22 and a second printing unit 42, which are examples of printing units that print on paper P, which is an example of a medium, and a first printing unit thereof. The first inspection unit 53 and the second inspection unit 54, which are examples of inspection units that perform image inspection of the image printed on the paper P by the 22 and the second printing unit 42, and the paper P in which the inspection result of the image inspection is normal. The first storage unit 61 for storing the paper P, the second storage unit 62 for storing the paper P whose inspection result is abnormal, and the paper P and subsequent sheets stored in the second storage unit 62 are printed and image inspection is performed. A third storage unit 63 for temporarily storing the printed paper P is provided.

As a result, the paper P (for example, the paper P 4 and P9 shown in FIG. 7A) that has been determined to be abnormal as a result of the image inspection has already been fed until the image is reprinted. , P5 to P8, P10 to P13) shown in FIG. 7A can be temporarily retracted in the third storage unit 63. Therefore, for example, the paper P that has already been fed is saved in the detour provided in the printing system 1 until the paper P whose inspection result of the image inspection is determined to be abnormal is reprinted. Compared with the embodiment (Comparative Example 1), the temporary storage transport path R10 requires a shorter transport path, and the mechanism (part of the transport mechanism) for transporting the paper P in the temporary storage transport path R10 has a smaller number of drive sources. Since (motors 68a and 68b) and a small number of transfer roller pairs 64 are sufficient, it is possible to avoid an increase in the size of the printing system 1.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the paper P on which the image inspection has been performed can be retracted with a simple configuration. When the printing system 1 includes a plurality of printing units such as the first printing unit 22 and the second printing unit 42 as in the present embodiment, the image of the paper P whose image inspection result is determined to be abnormal Until reprinting, the number of sheets of paper P that has already been fed is larger than that of a printing system having a single printing unit. Therefore, in the mode in which a plurality of sheets of paper P are retracted to the detour as described above (Comparative Example 1), the detour becomes significantly larger, but in the present embodiment, the third storage unit 63 stores the paper P. Therefore, it is unlikely to cause an increase in size.

Further, in the present embodiment, the third storage unit 63 has a plurality of trays 63a for storing the paper P and an elevating drive unit 63b for raising and lowering the plurality of trays 63a, and the elevating drive unit 63b. Moves the plurality of trays 63a up and down between the position where the tray 63a not storing the paper P receives the paper P and the position where the paper P stored in the tray 63a is discharged. As a result, since each of the third storage unit 63 has a plurality of trays 63a for storing the paper P, the plurality of paper P can be stored in a small space. Further, since the paper P is stored in each of the plurality of trays 63a, the third storage unit 63 performs double feeding as compared with the mode in which the storage unit that collectively stores the paper P is used (Comparative Example 2). The paper P can be ejected without causing it. Therefore, it is possible to avoid adopting a complicated configuration for avoiding double feeding. Further, the third storage unit 63 can receive the paper P into the tray 63a and discharge the paper P from the tray 63a with a simple configuration in which the plurality of trays 63a are moved up and down.

Further, in the present embodiment, the printing system 1 conveys the image-inspected paper P to the first storage unit 61, the second storage unit 62, or the third storage unit 63 (for example, a plurality of transfer mechanisms). The transfer roller pair 64, the transfer path switching units 66 and 67, and the transfer drive unit 68), the first printing unit 22, the second printing unit 42, the elevating drive unit 63b, and the control unit 71 that controls the transfer mechanism. Further prepare. The control unit 71 controls the elevating drive unit 63b so that the tray 63a that does not store the paper P raises (or lowers) a plurality of trays at a position (see FIG. 7C) that receives the paper P. The image inspection is performed after the abnormal paper P (for example, papers P4 and P9), and the paper P (for example, papers P5 to P8 and P10 to P13) whose inspection result is normal is placed in the third storage unit 63. The first printing unit controls the transport mechanism so as to transport the image, and causes another sheet P (for example, sheets P4-1 and P9-1) to reprint the same image as the sheet P whose inspection result is abnormal. 22 and the second printing unit 42 are controlled, the transport mechanism is controlled so that the paper P on which the image is reprinted is stored in the first storage unit 61, and the position where the paper P stored in the tray 63a is discharged. The elevating drive unit 63b is controlled so as to lower (or raise) the plurality of trays 63a, and the transfer mechanism is controlled so as to transfer the paper P stored in the third storage unit 63 to the first storage unit 61. Do that. As a result, the paper P is retracted with a simple configuration using the third storage unit 63 until the image of the paper P determined to be abnormal (for example, the papers P4 and P9 shown in FIG. 7A) is reprinted. However, the paper P can be stored in the first storage unit 61 in a desired page order.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment as it is, and the components can be modified and embodied within a range that does not deviate from the gist at the implementation stage. In addition, various inventions can be formed by an appropriate combination of the plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiment. For example, all the components shown in the embodiments may be combined as appropriate. It goes without saying that various modifications and applications are possible within the range that does not deviate from the gist of the invention. Hereinafter, the inventions described in the scope of claims at the time of filing the application of the present application will be added.

[Appendix 1]
A printing unit that prints on media and
An inspection unit that inspects an image printed on the medium by the printing unit, and an inspection unit.
A first storage unit for storing the medium in which the inspection result of the image inspection is normal, and
A second storage unit for storing the medium whose inspection result is abnormal, and
A printing system including a third storage unit that temporarily stores the medium that has been printed after the medium stored in the second storage unit and has undergone the image inspection.

[Appendix 2]
The third storage unit has a plurality of trays for storing the medium and an elevating drive unit for raising and lowering the plurality of trays.
The elevating drive unit is characterized in that the plurality of trays are moved up and down at a position where the tray that does not contain the medium receives the medium and a position where the medium stored in the tray is discharged. The printing system described in Appendix 1.

[Appendix 3]
A transport mechanism for transporting the medium subjected to the image inspection to the first storage unit, the second storage unit, or the third storage unit.
Further provided with the printing unit, the elevating drive unit, and a control unit for controlling the transport mechanism.
The control unit
The elevating drive unit is controlled so that the plurality of trays are raised or lowered to a position where the tray that does not contain the medium receives the medium.
The image inspection is performed after the medium whose inspection result is abnormal, and the transport mechanism is controlled so that the medium whose inspection result is normal is transported to the third storage unit.
The printing unit is controlled so that the same image as the medium whose inspection result is abnormal is reprinted on another medium.
The transport mechanism is controlled so that the medium on which the image is reprinted is stored in the first storage unit.
The elevating drive unit is controlled so as to lower or raise the plurality of trays at a position where the medium stored in the tray is discharged.
The printing system according to Appendix 2, wherein the transport mechanism is controlled so as to transport the medium stored in the third storage unit to the first storage unit.

1 Printing system 10 Paper feeding device 20 1st printing device 30 Intermediate device 40 2nd printing device 50 Inspection device 51 1st transport unit 52 2nd transport unit 53 1st inspection unit 54 2nd inspection unit 55 Paper detection sensor 56a Introduction guide Plate pair 56b Intermediate guide plate pair 56c Discharge guide plate pair 56d, 56e Press roller 60 Paper ejection device 61 1st storage unit 62 2nd storage unit 63 3rd storage unit 63a Tray 63a-1 Notch 63b Lifting drive unit 63b-1 Motor 63b-2 Belt 63b-3 Drive pulley 63b-4 Driven pulley 63c Discharge part 63c-1 Motor 63c-2 Belt 63c-3 Drive pulley 63c-4 Driven pulley 63c-5 Suction fan 63c-6 Discharge roller 63c-7 Penetration Hole 64 Transport roller pair 65, 66, 67 Transport path switching unit 68 Transport drive unit 68a, 68b Motor 69 Switchback roller pair 71 Control unit 72 Storage unit P paper

Claims (3)

A printing unit that prints on media and
An inspection unit that inspects an image printed on the medium by the printing unit, and an inspection unit.
A first storage unit for storing the medium in which the inspection result of the image inspection is normal, and
A second storage unit for storing the medium whose inspection result is abnormal, and
A printing system including a third storage unit that temporarily stores the medium that has been printed after the medium stored in the second storage unit and has undergone the image inspection. The third storage unit has a plurality of trays for storing the medium and an elevating drive unit for raising and lowering the plurality of trays.
The elevating drive unit is characterized in that the plurality of trays are moved up and down at a position where the tray that does not store the medium receives the medium and a position where the medium stored in the tray is discharged. The printing system according to claim 1. A transport mechanism for transporting the medium subjected to the image inspection to the first storage unit, the second storage unit, or the third storage unit.
Further provided with the printing unit, the elevating drive unit, and a control unit for controlling the transport mechanism.
The control unit
The elevating drive unit is controlled so that the plurality of trays are raised or lowered to a position where the tray that does not contain the medium receives the medium.
The image inspection is performed after the medium whose inspection result is abnormal, and the transport mechanism is controlled so that the medium whose inspection result is normal is transported to the third storage unit.
The printing unit is controlled so that the same image as the medium whose inspection result is abnormal is reprinted on another medium.
The transport mechanism is controlled so that the medium on which the image is reprinted is stored in the first storage unit.
The elevating drive unit is controlled so as to lower or raise the plurality of trays at a position where the medium stored in the tray is discharged.
The printing system according to claim 2, wherein the transport mechanism is controlled so as to transport the medium stored in the third storage unit to the first storage unit.

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