JP2020196606A - Post-processing device, post-processing control method, and post-processing control program - Google Patents

Abstract

To perform post-processing to a second bundle while aligning a first bundle.SOLUTION: A post-processing device comprises: alignment plates 261L, R which align the first bundle S1; an insertion port to which the second bundle is inserted; and a staple unit 271 which can execute post-processing to the first bundle S1 aligned to a post-processing position at a first position on a movement path T2 and execute post-processing to the second bundle inserted to the insertion port at a second position on a movement path T4. The staple unit 271 is configured to interfere with the first bundle S1 aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position, and controls the alignment plates 261L, R before the staple unit moves in the interference region in the state where the first bundle S1 is aligned at the post-processing position to move the staple unit 271 after moving the first bundle S1 aligned at the post-processing position to a retreat position that does not interfere with the staple unit 271 in the interference region.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 15

Description

The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus, a post-processing control method and a post-processing control program, and in particular, a post-processing apparatus that executes post-processing on a recording medium on which an image is formed, a post-processing control method executed by the post-processing apparatus, and a post-processing control method. It relates to a post-processing control program that causes a computer to execute a processing control method after that.

There are known post-processing devices that perform post-processing by driving staples into paper on which an image is formed by an image forming device such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral). For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-143154, a first sheet mounting portion on which a paper on which an image is formed by an image forming apparatus is placed and a second sheet bundle manually inserted from the outside are placed. To drive the staples into the sheet mounting portion, the first position for binding the sheet mounted on the first sheet mounting portion, and the sheet mounted on the second sheet mounting portion. A post-processing apparatus comprising a second position of the staple unit and a staple unit movably arranged in the above is described.

In the post-processing apparatus described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-143154, the staple unit is moved to the first position before the process of driving the staples into the sheet bundle in which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus is executed. .. In order to drive the staples into the manually inserted sheet bundle in this state, it is necessary to move the staple unit from the first position to the second position. However, while the staple unit moves from the first position to the second position, the staple unit interferes with the sheet bundle mounted on the first seat mounting portion, so that the staple unit is moved to the second position. Cannot be moved to. As a result, there is a problem that the staples cannot be driven into the manually inserted sheet bundle during the process of driving the staples into the sheet bundle on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2015-143154

The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide an aftertreatment apparatus capable of post-treating the first bundle into the second bundle while matching the first bundle. That is.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing control method capable of post-processing the second bundle while matching the first bundle.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing control program capable of post-processing into a second bundle while matching the first bundle.

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, according to an aspect of the present invention, the post-processing apparatus includes a loading tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is loaded, and a plurality of loading trays loaded on the loading tray. A matching means for matching the first bundle of the first recording medium, an insertion port into which the second bundle of the plurality of second recording media is inserted, and a first movable path along the movement path. A post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing on the first bundle aligned with the post-processing position by the alignment means at the position and executing post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot at the second position on the movement path. , A matching means and a control means for controlling the post-processing unit, the post-processing unit is a first bundle matched at the post-processing position in the interference region between the first position and the second position in the movement path. The control means controls the matching means before the post-processing unit moves in the interference region with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position, and the control means is aligned at the post-processing position. After moving one bundle to a retracted position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit in the interference region, the post-processing unit is moved.

According to this aspect, the post-processing unit is moved after moving the first bundle to the evacuation position before the post-processing unit moves the interference region in a state where the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position. Therefore, the post-processing unit can be prevented from interfering with the first bundle in the interference region. As a result, it is possible to provide a post-processing apparatus capable of post-processing the second bundle while matching the first bundle.

Preferably, the control means is aligned at the post-processing position when the post-processing unit is moved to the second position with the post-processing unit in the first position and the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. Move the first bundle to the retracted position.

According to this aspect, the post-processing unit can be moved from the first position to the second position while maintaining the state in which the first bundles of the plurality of first recording media are aligned.

Preferably, the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot is further provided with a detecting means for detecting an instruction for post-processing, and the control means detects the instruction by the detecting means with the post-processing unit in the first position. The post-processing unit is moved from the first position to the second position accordingly.

According to this aspect, the post-processing unit moves from the first position to the first position in response to the detection of the instruction for post-processing to the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot while the post-processing unit is in the first position. Moved to 2 positions. Therefore, the second bundle can be post-processed at an arbitrary timing while the first bundles of the plurality of first recording media are matched.

Preferably, the matching means includes a locking plate having a surface parallel to the matching direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the first recording medium, and a pair of matching plates moving in the matching direction, and the control means is the first. A pair of matching plates are moved in the same direction to move the bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position.

According to this aspect, since the pair of matching plates are moved in the same direction in order to move the first bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position, the plurality of first recording media of the first bundle are matched. It can be moved to the evacuation position as it is.

According to this aspect, a transport means for transporting the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the loading tray is further provided, and the transport means is such that the matching means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position. Do not transport the first recording medium to the loading tray while moving.

According to this aspect, since the first recording medium is not conveyed to the loading tray while the first bundle is moved between the retracted position and the post-processing position, the plurality of first recording media of the first bundle are matched. It is possible to maintain the state.

Preferably, the matching means aligns the first recording medium conveyed by the conveying means with the first bundle moved to the retracted position at the retracted position.

According to this aspect, even when the second bundle of the plurality of second recording media inserted into the insertion slot is post-processed, the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media can be aligned with the loading tray. .. In addition, image formation by the image forming apparatus can be continued.

Preferably, the control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position when the post-processing unit is on the opposite side of the interference region from the first position and the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position. The matching means is controlled to move the first bundle matched at the post-processing position to the evacuation position, and then the post-processing unit is moved to the first position.

According to this aspect, the post-processing unit can be moved from the second position to the first position while maintaining the state in which the first bundles of the plurality of first recording media are aligned.

Preferably, a transport means for transporting the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the loading tray is further provided, and the matching means is transported by the transport means with the first bundle moved to the retracted position. 1 Align the recording medium at the retracted position.

According to this aspect, even when the second bundle of the plurality of first recording media inserted into the insertion slot is post-processed, the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media can be aligned with the loading tray. .. In addition, image formation by the image forming apparatus can be continued.

Preferably, the transport means adjusts the interval at which the first recording medium is transported based on the time it takes for the matching means to align the first bundle at the retracted position.

According to this aspect, the interval for transporting the first recording medium is adjusted based on the time when the first bundle is aligned at the retracted position, so that a new first bundle is maintained while the first bundle is aligned at the retracted position. 1 The recording medium can be prevented from reaching the loading tray. As a result, the plurality of first recording media in the first bundle can be maintained in a consistent state.

Preferably, the control means moves the post-processing unit from the second position to the first position and then moves the first bundle from the retracted position to the post-processing position for an increase in time due to the longer interval of conveying the first recording medium. If it is longer than the time required to move the post-processing unit to, the post-processing unit is moved from the second position to the first position according to the completion of the post-processing at the second position by the post-processing unit.

According to this aspect, the time that increases due to the lengthening of the interval for transporting the first recording medium is moved from the second position to the first position of the post-processing unit, and then the first bundle is moved from the retracted position to the post-processing position. If it is longer than the time until the movement, the post-processing unit is moved from the second position to the first position according to the completion of the post-processing at the second position by the post-processing unit. Therefore, the time until the first bundle is loaded on the loading tray can be shortened.

Preferably, the transport means does not transport the first recording medium to the loading tray while the matching means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position.

According to this aspect, since the first recording medium is not conveyed to the loading tray while the first bundle is moved between the retracted position and the post-processing position, the plurality of first recording media of the first bundle are matched. The state can be maintained.

Preferably, the control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position in response to the completion of image formation by the image forming apparatus.

According to this aspect, since the post-processing unit is moved to the first position when the image formation by the image forming apparatus is completed, the post-processing can be executed on the first bundle as soon as possible.

Preferably, the control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position as the post-processing unit completes the post-processing at the second position.

According to this aspect, since the post-processing unit is moved to the first position as the post-processing unit completes the post-processing at the second position, priority is given to the post-processing for the first bundle at the first position. Can be done.

Preferably, the matching means is aligned with the post-processing position by a locking plate having a surface parallel to the matching direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the first recording medium, a pair of matching plates moving in the matching direction, and matching means. Including a paper ejection means for moving the first bundle in the transport direction, the first bundle is moved by a predetermined amount in a direction parallel to the transport direction in order to move the first bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position. Move.

According to this aspect, since the first bundle is moved by a predetermined amount in the direction parallel to the transport direction in order to move the first bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position, a plurality of first bundles of the first bundle are moved. 1 The recording medium can be moved to the evacuation position while being aligned.

Preferably, the post-treatment is a treatment of driving staples into the first or second bundle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the post-processing control method is a post-processing control method executed by the post-processing apparatus, and the post-processing apparatus is loaded with the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus. Along the movement path, the loading tray, the matching means for aligning the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media loaded on the loading tray, the insertion slot into which the second bundle of the plurality of second recording media is inserted, and the movement path. The first bundle, which is configured to be movable and is aligned with the post-processing position by the matching means at the first position on the movement path, is subjected to post-processing, and is inserted into the insertion slot at the second position on the movement path. The two bundles include a post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing, and the post-processing unit is a first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position in the movement path. The first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position, and the matching means is controlled before the post-processing unit moves in the interference region to interfere with the first bundle matched at the post-processing position. Includes a save step of moving the region to a save position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit, and a move step of moving the post-processing unit after the matching means moves the first bundle matched at the post-processing position to the save position. ..

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a post-processing control method capable of post-processing the second bundle while matching the first bundle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the post-processing control program is a post-processing control program executed by a computer that controls the post-processing device, and the post-processing device is a first record received from the image forming device. A loading tray on which the media are loaded, a matching means for aligning the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media loaded on the loading tray, and an insertion slot into which the second bundle of the plurality of second recording media is inserted. It is configured to be movable along the movement path, post-processing is executed on the first bundle that is aligned with the post-processing position by the matching means at the first position on the movement path, and the insertion port is at the second position on the movement path. The inserted second bundle includes a post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing, and the post-processing unit is aligned at the post-processing position in the interference region between the first position and the second position in the movement path. The first bundle is configured to interfere with the first bundle, and the matching means is controlled before the post-processing unit is moved to the interference region while the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position. A save step of moving one bundle to a save position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit in the interference region, and a move step of moving the post-processing unit after the matching means moves the first bundle matched at the post-processing position to the save position. And let the computer do it.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a post-processing control program capable of post-processing the second bundle while matching the first bundle.

It is a front view of the image formation system in one of the embodiments of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the appearance of a post-processing apparatus. It is a figure which shows the manual staple part enlarged. It is a figure which shows the internal structure of a post-processing apparatus. It is a block diagram which shows an example of the outline of the hardware configuration of a post-processing apparatus. It is a front view of the staple mechanism. It is a top view of a loading tray. It is a figure explaining the matching mechanism. It is a figure explaining the staple mechanism. It is the first figure which shows the movement path of the rotation axis of a staple unit. It is a 2nd figure which shows the movement path of the rotation axis of a staple unit. It is a 3rd figure which shows the movement path of the rotation axis of a staple unit. It is a 4th figure which shows the movement path of the rotation axis of a staple unit. It is a figure explaining the interference between a staple unit and a 1st bundle. It is the first figure which shows the retract position of the 1st bundle. It is the 2nd figure which shows the retracting position of 1st bundle. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of post-processing control processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the manual staple processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the 1st return processing. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the flow of the 2nd return processing.

Hereinafter, the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are the same. Therefore, detailed explanations about them will not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an image forming system according to one of the embodiments of the present invention. With reference to FIG. 1, the image forming system includes an MFP 100 and a post-processing device 200. The MFP 100 functions as an image forming apparatus and forms an image on a recording medium based on the image data. The MFP 100 is a recording medium based on a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, an automatic document transporting device 120 for transporting a document to the document reading unit 130, and image data that the document reading unit 130 reads and outputs a document. Includes an image forming unit 140 for forming an image, a paper feeding unit 150 for supplying a recording medium to the image forming unit 140, and an operation panel 160 as a user interface. The MFP 100 can form an image on any of a plurality of types of recording media as a recording medium for forming an image. The recording medium includes paper such as paper, an OHP (Overhead Projector) sheet, cloth, and the like. Further, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, a case where the recording medium is used as paper will be described as an example.

The post-processing device 200 is supplied with the paper on which the image is formed from the MFP 100. The aftertreatment device 200 includes a staple mechanism. The staple mechanism is a mechanism for driving staples into a bundle of a plurality of sheets of paper. Further, the post-processing apparatus 200 may have a mechanism for executing a sort process for rearranging and ejecting one or more sheets on which an image is formed by the MFP 100, and a punch process for punching holes.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the aftertreatment device. With reference to FIG. 2, in the post-processing apparatus 200, the sub tray 203 and the main tray 205 are arranged on the upper right side of the main body case 201, and the manual staple portion 251 is arranged on the front surface.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the manual staple portion. With reference to FIG. 3, the manual staple unit 251 has an insertion port 253 for the user to insert the second bundle S2 of paper from the outside, and a paper detection sensor 255. A notch portion extending from the insertion opening 253 to the inside of the main body case 201 is provided, and the user can insert the second bundle S2 of a plurality of sheets into the notch portion from the insertion opening 253. The paper detection sensor 255 is arranged in a notch portion extending from the insertion port 253 inside the main body case 201. The paper detection sensor 255 is a transmissive optical sensor. The paper detection sensor 255 detects the second bundle S2 inserted into the notch portion from the insertion port 253. A staple unit 271 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, is provided inside the main body case 201, and a staple needle is driven into the second bundle S2 by the staple unit 271. The paper detection sensor 255 is not limited to the transmissive optical sensor, but may be an ultrasonic sensor, a reflective optical sensor, a touch sensor, or the like, as long as the second bundle S2 can be detected. Further, the paper detection sensor 255 may be a lever and a contact switch for detecting the inclination of the lever whose inclination is changed by the second bundle S2 inserted into the notch portion from the insertion port 253.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example in which the staples are driven into the staple unit 271 in response to the detection of the second bundle S2 at the notch by the paper detection sensor 255 will be described, but the operation by the user is accepted. The staples may be driven into the staple unit 271 accordingly. The operation by the user is, for example, an operation of pressing a button switch. The button switch may be arranged in the vicinity of the manual staple portion 251 of the main body case 201, or may be arranged in the main body of the MFP 100. In this case, the paper detection sensor 255 is unnecessary.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of the aftertreatment device. With reference to FIG. 4, the aftertreatment device 200 includes a transport mechanism 210 and a staple mechanism 270. The transport mechanism 210 includes a resist roller pair 211, an intermediate roller pair 213, a switch 214, a sub discharge roller pair 215, a storage roller pair 217, a paddle 219, a main discharge roller pair 221 and a paper detection sensor 231. , 233, 235, and the like. The staple mechanism 270 includes a loading tray 207, a staple unit 271, a paper detection sensor 237, and a pair of matching plates 261L and 261R.

The transport mechanism 210 transports the paper received from the MFP 100 along the transport paths R1, R2, and R3. The transport path R1 extends from the connecting port 209 that receives the paper discharged from the MFP 100 to the branch point 212. The transport path R2 extends from the branch point 212 to the sub tray 203 via the sub discharge roller pair 215. The transport path R3 extends from the branch point 212 to the main tray 205 via the accommodation roller pair 217. A switch 214 is arranged at the branch point 212. Either the transport path R2 or the transport path R3 is selected by the switcher 214.

The paper detection sensor 231 is provided between the connection port 209 of the transport path R1 and the resist roller pair 211, and the paper detection sensor 233 is provided between the branch point 212 of the transport path R2 and the sub discharge roller pair 215. The detection sensor 235 is provided between the branch point 212 of the transport path R3 and the accommodating roller pair 217.

The paper output from the MFP 100 is received at the connecting port 209 and is conveyed along the transfer path R1 by the resist roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213. When the transfer path R2 is selected by the switch 214, the paper enters the transfer path R2, and then the paper is conveyed along the transfer path R2 by the sub discharge roller pair 215 and discharged to the sub tray 203. .. When the transfer path R3 is selected by the switch 214, the paper enters the transfer path R3, after which the paper is conveyed along the transfer path R2 by the accommodating roller pair 217 and reaches the main discharge roller pair 221.

The main discharge roller pair 221 includes an upper roller 221a and a lower roller 221b. The upper roller 221a and the lower roller 221b are supported by the main body case 201 so that the upper roller 221a can move in the vertical direction with respect to the lower roller 221b. In the normal mode other than the online staple mode, the main discharge roller pair 221 rotates with the upper roller 221a pressed against the lower roller 221b, and discharges the paper conveyed from the accommodating roller pair 217 to the main tray 205. To do.

On the other hand, in the main discharge roller pair 221, in the online staple mode, the rotation of the upper roller 221a and the lower roller 221b is stopped with the upper roller 221a separated from the lower roller 221b. When the upper roller 221a is separated from the lower roller 221b, the paper is interposed between the upper roller 221a and the lower roller 221b, and the rear end of the paper in the transport direction passes through the accommodating roller pair 217. Then, the paper is not bound by either the accommodating roller pair 217 or the main ejection roller pair 221 and becomes free. The paddle 219 rotates in accordance with the timing when the rear end of the paper in the transport direction passes through the accommodating roller pair 217, the tip of the paddle 219 hits the upper surface of the paper, and a force is applied to the paper in the diagonally lower right direction in the drawing. .. By applying this force, the paper is forcibly dropped onto the loading tray 207. The loading tray 207 is tilted so that the end farther from the end closer to the main discharge roller vs. 221 is located below, and the paper falling on the loading tray 207 is tilted on the loading tray 207. It descends along the surface, hits the locking portion 208 provided at the lower end of the loading tray 207, and stops.

A paper detection sensor 237 is provided on the lower side of the back surface of the loading tray 207. The paper detection sensor 237 detects the presence or absence of paper loaded on the loading tray 207. With a plurality of bundles of paper loaded on the loading tray 207, staples are driven into the plurality of bundles of paper by the staple mechanism 270. After that, the upper roller 221a of the main discharge roller vs. 221 rotates in a state of being in pressure contact with the lower roller 221b, and a plurality of bundles of paper loaded on the loading tray 207 are discharged to the main tray 205.

The resist roller pair 211 adjusts the timing of transporting the paper accepted from the MFP 100 by switching between stop and rotation. As a result, the distance between the preceding paper and the succeeding paper is adjusted. The transfer speed at which the resist roller pair 211 conveys the paper may be the same as the transfer speed at which the MFP 100 conveys the paper, or may be high.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an outline of the hardware configuration of the aftertreatment device. With reference to FIG. 5, the post-processing device 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301 for controlling the entire post-processing device 200 and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing a program to be executed by the CPU 301. A 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 used as a work area of the CPU 301, an EPROM (Erasable Program ROM) 304 that non-volatilely stores data, a communication unit 305 that connects the CPU 301 to the MFP 100, and a transfer control circuit. 307 and a staple control circuit 309 are included.

The CPU 301 executes the program stored in the ROM 302 or the EP ROM 304. The medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 301 is not limited to the ROM 302 and the EP ROM 304, but is not limited to an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), MO (Magnetic Optical Disc) / MD (Mini Disc) / DVD (Digital Versail Disc). )), Optical card, mask ROM. The program referred to here includes not only a program that can be directly executed by the CPU 301, but also a source program, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.

The communication unit 305 is an interface for connecting the CPU 301 to an external device. For example, the communication unit 305 is an interface for serial communication such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The CPU 301 can access the external device via the communication unit 305. The external device includes the MFP 100. Further, the communication unit 305 may be an interface for connecting to the Internet. In this case, the CPU 301 can communicate with a computer connected to the Internet via the communication unit 305. In this case, the CPU 301 can download the program from a computer connected to the Internet and store it in the EPROM 304. In addition, the program may be written to the EPROM 304 by a computer connected to the Internet. The CPU 301 loads the program stored in the EPROM 304 into the RAM 303 and executes it.

The transfer control circuit 307 controls the transfer mechanism 210. The transport control circuit 307 controls the paper detection sensors 231, 233, and 235 to detect the presence or absence of paper, and detects the presence or absence of paper, and the resist roller pair 211, the intermediate roller pair 213, the sub discharge roller pair 215, the accommodation roller pair 217, the paddle 219, and the like. Rotate the main discharge roller pair 221. Specifically, the transfer control circuit 307 causes the switch 214 to select the transfer path R2 when the sub tray 203 is selected. Then, the transport control circuit 307 rotates the resist roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213 in response to the paper being detected by the paper detection sensor 231 to transport the paper along the transport path R1, and the paper detection sensor 231 The resist roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213 are stopped after a lapse of a predetermined time after the paper is not detected. The transport control circuit 307 rotates the sub ejection roller pair 215 in response to the paper being detected by the paper detection sensor 233 to transport the paper along the transport path R2, and the paper detection sensor 233 does not detect the paper. After a lapse of a predetermined time, the sub discharge roller pair 215 is stopped.

The transfer control circuit 307 causes the switch 214 to select the transfer path R3 when the main tray 205 is selected. Then, the transport control circuit 307 rotates the accommodating roller pair 217 in response to the paper being detected by the paper detection sensor 235 to transport the paper along the transport path R3, and the paper is detected by the paper detection sensor 235. The accommodating roller pair 217 is stopped after the first predetermined time has elapsed since the exhaustion. In the normal mode, the transport control circuit 307 presses the upper roller 221a against the lower roller 221b in response to the paper being detected by the paper detection sensor 235, rotates the main discharge roller pair 221 and rotates the paper detection sensor 235. The main discharge roller pair 221 is stopped after a second predetermined time elapses after the paper is no longer detected. In the online staple mode, the transport control circuit 307 separates the upper roller 221a from the lower roller 221b in response to the paper being detected by the paper detection sensor 235, and at the timing when the paper is not detected by the paper detection sensor 235. Rotate the paddle 219. Further, the transport control circuit 307 presses the upper roller 221a of the main discharge roller vs. 221 against the lower roller 221b at the timing of discharging the bundle of paper loaded on the loading tray 207, and brings the main discharge roller vs. 221 into contact with the lower roller 221b for a predetermined time. Rotate.

The staple control circuit 309 controls the staple mechanism 270. Specifically, a plurality of bundles of paper conveyed by the conveying mechanism 210 and loaded on the loading tray 207 are aligned in the alignment direction by the staple mechanism. The alignment direction is a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction. Further, the staple control circuit 309 controls the staple mechanism 270 to drive the staples into a bundle of a plurality of papers loaded on the loading tray 207 or a bundle of papers inserted into the insertion slot 253. Hereinafter, a plurality of bundles of paper loaded on the loading tray 207 will be referred to as a first bundle S1, and a plurality of bundles of paper inserted into the insertion slot 253 will be referred to as a second bundle S2.

The staple control circuit 309 is instructed to move the staple unit 271 to the first position and execute the manual staple to drive the staples into the second bundle S2 when executing the online staple to drive the staples into the first bundle S1. Is accepted, the staple unit 271 is moved to the second position. Since the first position and the second position are different, when the staple unit 271 is located in the first position, the staple needle cannot be driven into the second bundle S2, and the staple unit 271 is located in the second position. In this case, the staples cannot be driven into the first bundle S1. Further, when the staple unit 271 moves between the first position and the second position, a predetermined time is required. Hereinafter, the post-processing in which the post-processing apparatus 200 drives the staples into the first bundle S1 at the first position is referred to as online staples, and the post-processing in which the staples are driven into the second bundle S2 at the second position is referred to as manual staples. To tell.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the staple mechanism. With reference to FIG. 6, the staple mechanism 270 includes a loading tray 207, a pair of matching plates 261L, 261R, and a staple unit 271. The loading tray 207 is loaded with a first bundle of paper conveyed by the conveying mechanism 210.

In the staple unit 271, the upper unit 273 and the lower unit 275 are arranged on the unit main body 274 having a U-shaped cross section. The first bundle S1 is arranged at a position opposite to the unit upper part 273 and the unit lower part 275 so that the first bundle S1 can be interposed between the unit upper part 273 and the unit lower part 275. The unit body 274 has a connecting surface 277 that intersects the loading surface of the loading tray 207. Staple needles are stored in the upper part 273 of the unit. The relative positions of the staple unit 271 and the loading tray 207 are determined so that a part of the first bundle S1 is inserted between the unit upper portion 273 and the unit lower portion 275. When the staple needle is driven into the first bundle S1, the upper part 273 of the unit descends and comes into contact with the uppermost surface of the first bundle S1, and the lower part 275 of the unit rises to come into contact with the lowermost surface of the first bundle S1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the loading tray. The pair of matching plates 261L and 261R can move back and forth in the matching direction indicated by the arrow in the figure. At the stage where the paper transported by the transport mechanism 210 is loaded on the loading tray 207, the matching plate 261L and the matching plate 261R move in opposite directions. Specifically, just before the paper transported by the transport mechanism 210 descends to the loading tray 207, the distance between the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R becomes longer than the length in the paper alignment direction, and the paper is engaged. The distance between the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R immediately before or at the stage of contacting the stop portion 208 is the length in the matching direction of the paper. In this way, each time the paper is conveyed to the loading tray 207, the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R reciprocate in the matching direction to align the first bundle S1. As a result, the alignment directions of the plurality of sheets of the first bundle S1 are at the same position. The position where the first bundle S1 loaded on the loading tray 207 is aligned by the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R is called the post-processing position.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a matching mechanism. With reference to FIG. 8, the matching mechanism has two mechanisms symmetrically. Here, the matching mechanism on the left side will be described as an example. The matching mechanism on the left side is the matching plate 261L, the drive pulley 263L, the matching motor 262L that drives the drive pulley 263L with a belt, the driven pulley 264L, the belt 265L suspended from the driving pulley 263L and the driven pulley 264L, and the position. Includes a detection sensor 266L. By driving the matching motor 262L, the belt 265L rotates and the matching plate 261L moves in the matching direction. By switching the direction in which the matching motor 262L rotates, the direction in which the matching plate 261L moves is switched. The position detection sensor 266L detects the home position, which is the default position of the matching plate 261L.

In the present embodiment, the matching motors 262L and 262R that are independent of the matching plate 261L and the matching plate 261R are used, but the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R are moved by one motor by the rack and pinion method. May be done. In this case, the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R move in opposite directions.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a staple mechanism. With reference to FIG. 9, the staple mechanism 270 is rotatable on two rails 281A, 281B arranged in parallel, a base 272 slidably attached to the rails 281A, 281B, and a base 272. It includes an attached staple unit 271, a drive motor 283, a drive pulley 285R, a driven pulley 285L, and a belt 287 suspended by the driving pulley 285R and the driven pulley 285L. By driving the drive motor 283, the belt 287 rotates and the base 272 moves in the matching direction. By switching the direction in which the drive motor 283 rotates, the direction in which the base 272 moves is switched. In the staple unit 271, the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is supported by the base 272. The rotating shaft 279 is movably supported in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction with respect to the base 272. Therefore, the staple unit 271 can move in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction with respect to the base 272 and can rotate with respect to the base 272.

FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing a movement path of the rotation axis of the staple unit. With reference to FIG. 10, the movement path of the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is a movement path T1, a movement path T2 extending from the right end in the figure of the movement path T1, and a movement path branching from the left end in the figure of the movement path T1. Includes T3 and travel path T4. The movement path T1 is parallel to the alignment direction.

In the present embodiment, a protrusion extending downward from the staple unit 271 is provided, and as the base 272 moves along the rails 281A and 281B, the protrusion provided on the staple unit 271 is provided in the post-processing device 200. It slides along the sliding groove attached to the main body case 201. As a result, the rotating shaft 279 moves in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction with respect to the base 272, and the staple unit 271 is configured to rotate about the rotating shaft 279 with respect to the base 272. Further, the switching between the moving path T3 and the moving path T4 is switched by selecting a sliding groove for the moving path T3 and a sliding groove for the moving path T4.

FIG. 10 shows an example in which the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 exists in the movement path T1. While the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 exists in the movement path T1, the connecting surface 277 is in a state parallel to the movement path T1. The movement path T1 is parallel to the alignment direction and parallel to the side of the tip of the first bundle S1. In the staple unit 271, the staple unit 271 can drive the staples into the first bundle S1 loaded on the loading tray 207 in a state where the rotating shaft 279 exists at an arbitrary position on the movement path T1.

FIG. 11 is a second diagram showing a movement path of the rotation axis of the staple unit. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the staple unit 271 is located at the rightmost end of the movement path T2. With reference to FIG. 11, when the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 enters the moving path T2 from the moving path T1, the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 moves in a direction perpendicular to the moving path T1 with respect to the base 272. When the staple unit 271 rotates 45 degrees counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 279 and the movement of the staple unit 271 in the direction perpendicular to the movement path T1 of the rotation shaft 279 is completed, the rotation shaft of the staple unit 271 is completed. 279 moves in parallel with the movement path T1. As the staple unit 271 rotates, the connecting surface 277 intersects the movement path T1 in a direction parallel to the movement path T1. The position of the staple unit 271 when the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is at the rightmost end of the movement path T2 is called the first position. With the staple unit 271 located at the first position, the staple unit 271 drives the staples into the vicinity of one corner of the first bundle S1 loaded at the post-processing position of the loading tray 207.

FIG. 12 is a third diagram showing a movement path of the rotation axis of the staple unit. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is located at the leftmost end of the movement path T3. With reference to FIG. 12, when the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 enters the moving path T3 from the moving path T1, the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 moves in a direction perpendicular to the moving path T1 with respect to the base 272. , The staple unit 271 rotates 45 degrees clockwise about the rotation shaft 279, and when the movement of the staple unit 271 in the direction perpendicular to the movement path T1 of the rotation shaft 279 is completed, the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is completed. Moves in parallel with the movement path T1. The connecting surface 277 while the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is located on the movement path T3 intersects the movement path T1 in a direction parallel to the movement path T1. With the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 located at the leftmost end of the movement path T3, the staple unit 271 drives the staple needle near one corner of the first bundle S1 loaded at the post-processing position of the loading tray 207. .. The position of the staple unit 271 when the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is at the leftmost end of the movement path T3 is also the first position.

FIG. 13 is a fourth diagram showing a movement path of the rotation axis of the staple unit. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is located at the leftmost end of the movement path T4. With reference to FIG. 13, when the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 enters the moving path T4 from the moving path T1, the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 moves in a direction perpendicular to the moving path T1 with respect to the base 272. When the staple unit 271 rotates 45 degrees counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 279 and the movement of the staple unit 271 in the direction perpendicular to the movement path T1 of the rotation shaft 279 is completed, the rotation shaft of the staple unit 271 is completed. 279 moves in parallel with the movement path T1. The connecting surface 277 while the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is located on the movement path T4 intersects the movement path T1 in a direction parallel to the movement path T1. The position of the staple unit 271 when the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is at the leftmost end of the movement path T4 is called the second position. With the staple unit 271 located at the second position, the staple unit 271 drives the staple needle in the vicinity of one corner of the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating interference between the staple unit and the first bundle. Consider a case where the staple unit 271 is moved to the second position while the staple unit 271 is located at the first position and the first bundle S1 is loaded at the post-processing position of the loading tray 207. At the first position of the staple unit 271, the connecting surface 277 intersects the direction parallel to the movement path T1. While the rotation axis 279 of the staple unit 271 moves from the rightmost end of the movement path T2 toward the movement path T1, the staple unit 271 and the movement path T1 are in a state where the connecting surface 277 intersects the direction parallel to the movement path T1. Move in parallel directions. During this time, the connecting surface 277 interferes with the first bundle S1 loaded at the post-processing position of the loading tray 207. Due to the staple unit 271 coming into contact with the first bundle S1, a plurality of sheets included in the first bundle S1 aligned by the matching plates 261L and 261R may not be aligned.

FIG. 15 is a first diagram showing a retracted position of the first bundle. With reference to FIG. 15, the retracted position of the first bundle S1 when the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is located at the first position at the rightmost end of the movement path T2 is shown. The retracted position of the first bundle S1 is a position where the first bundle S1 is translated from the post-processing position in the matching direction, and the first bundle S1 is a position away from the staple unit 271. When the first bundle S1 is located in the retracted position, the rotation axis 279 of the staple unit 271 faces the movement path T1 in a state where the connection surface 277 of the staple unit 271 intersects the direction parallel to the movement path T1. The connection surface 277 does not interfere with the first bundle S1 loaded at the retracted position of the loading tray 207 even when moving. In the present embodiment, the matching plates 261L and 261R move in the same direction, so that the first bundle S1 moves from the post-processing position to the retracted position. The evacuation position may be a position in which the first bundle S1 is moved by a predetermined amount in the direction toward the main tray 205 with the upper roller 221a of the main discharge roller pair 221 pressed against the lower roller 221b. ..

FIG. 16 is a second diagram showing the retracted position of the first bundle. With reference to FIG. 16, the retracted position of the first bundle S1 when the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is located at the first position at the leftmost end of the movement path T3 is shown. The retracted position of the first bundle S1 is a position where the first bundle S1 is translated from the post-processing position in the matching direction, and the first bundle S1 is a position away from the staple unit 271. When the first bundle S1 is located in the retracted position, the rotation axis 279 of the staple unit 271 faces the movement path T1 in a state where the connection surface 277 of the staple unit 271 intersects the direction parallel to the movement path T1. The connection surface 277 does not interfere with the first bundle S1 loaded at the retracted position of the loading tray 207 even when moving. In the present embodiment, the matching plates 261L and 261R move in the same direction, so that the first bundle S1 moves from the post-processing position to the retracted position.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of post-processing control processing. The post-processing control process is a process executed by the CPU 301 when the CPU 301 included in the post-processing device 200 executes a post-processing control program stored in the ROM 302 or the EP ROM 304. With reference to FIG. 17, the CPU 301 determines whether or not the staple print instruction has been accepted (step S01). The staple print instruction is an instruction indicating the execution of a job that defines the process of driving the staple needle, and includes a print job that forms an image based on print data and a copy job that reads an image of a document and forms an image. The CPU 301 receives a staple print instruction from the MFP 100 by communicating with the MFP 100. The state waits until the staple print instruction is accepted (NO in step S01), and if the staple print instruction is accepted (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02.

In step S02, the movement of the staple unit 271 to the first position is started, and the process proceeds to step S03. In step S03, it is determined whether or not the paper has been accepted from the MFP 100. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the paper has been accepted from the MFP 100. When the paper is received from the MFP 100 (NO in step S03) and the paper is received from the MFP 100 (YES in step S03), the process proceeds to step S04.

In step S04, it is determined whether or not the movement of the staple unit 271 to the first position is completed. If the movement of the staple unit 271 is completed, the process proceeds to step S06, otherwise the process proceeds to step S05. In step S05, the paper is put on standby, and the process proceeds to step S04. Specifically, the resist roller pair 211 is stopped to make the paper stand by. The paper is not conveyed to the loading tray 207 until the staple unit 271 moves from the default position to the first position. As a result, the paper can be aligned at the post-processing position of the loading tray 207.

In step S06, paper transfer is started, and the process proceeds to step S07. Paper transfer is started by rotating the resist roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213. In step S07, the paper conveyed to the loading tray 207 is aligned at the post-processing position, and the processing proceeds to step S08. Specifically, the matching plates 261L and 261R reciprocate in opposite directions in the matching direction, and the sheets are aligned at the post-processing position. The first bundle S1 is a set of a plurality of sheets matched at the post-processing position.

In step S08, it is determined whether or not the subsequent paper has been accepted from the MFP 100. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the subsequent paper has been accepted. By receiving a signal from the MFP 100 indicating that the image formation is completed, it may be detected that the subsequent paper is not accepted. If the subsequent paper is accepted from the MFP 100, the process proceeds to step S11, but if not, it is determined that the image formation is completed, and the process proceeds to step S09. It should be noted that the number of sheets of the unit for driving the staple needle is received from the MFP 100, and when the number of sheets of paper is loaded on the loading tray 207, the sheet of the unit for driving the staple needle is loaded on the loading tray 207. It may be detected. In this case, if it is detected that the number of sheets in the unit for driving the staples is loaded on the loading tray 207, the process proceeds to step S09, otherwise the process proceeds to step S11. In step S09, the staple unit 271 located at the first position drives the staple needle into the first bundle S1, and the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the staple unit 271 is moved to the default position, and the process returns to step S01.

In step S11, paper transfer is started in the same manner as in step S06, and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the paper conveyed to the loading tray 207 is aligned at the post-processing position as in step S07, and the processing proceeds to step S13. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the manual staple instruction has been accepted. The manual staple instruction is detected when the second bundle S2 is inserted into the insertion port 253. A sensor for detecting the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 may be provided, and when the second bundle S2 is detected by the sensor, the manual staple instruction may be detected. Further, a button to which a manual staple instruction is assigned may be provided, and the manual staple instruction may be detected when the pressing of the button is detected. If the manual staple instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S14, otherwise the process returns to step S08.

In step S14, the manual staple process is executed, and the process proceeds to step S15. The details of the manual staple processing will be described later, but the process of moving the first bundle S1 to the retracted position, then moving the staple unit 271 to the second position, and then driving the staple into the staple unit 271 into the second bundle S2 is performed. This is the process to be executed.

In step S15, the delay time is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S16. When the paper received from the MFP 100 is aligned at the retracted position, the moving distance of the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R is longer than that at the post-processing position. Therefore, the time to move the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R each time the paper is loaded on the loading tray 207 is longer when the first bundle S1 is aligned at the retracted position than when the first bundle S1 is aligned at the post-processing position. It will be longer than when matching. In this case, the resist roller pair 211 adjusts the distance between the preceding paper and the succeeding paper so that the succeeding paper reaches the loading tray 207 after the preceding paper is aligned in the loading tray 207. To. The delay time is the difference between the time for aligning the remaining paper scheduled to be received from the MFP 100 at the save position and the time for aligning the remaining paper scheduled to be received from the MFP 100 at the post-processing position.

In step S16, it is determined whether or not the delay time is equal to or longer than the recovery time. The return time is the time from moving the staple unit 271 located at the second position to the first position until the first bundle S1 located at the retracted position is moved to the post-processing position. If the delay time is equal to or longer than the return time, the process proceeds to step S17, and if not, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S17, the first return process is executed, and the process returns to step S08. In step S18, the second return process is executed, and the process returns to step S08. Details of the first return process and the second return process will be described later.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual staple processing. The manual staple process is a process executed in step S14 of the post-process control process. With reference to FIG. 18, the CPU 301 starts moving the first bundle S1 to the retracted position (step S21), and proceeds to the process in step S22. The pair of matching plates 261L and 261R move in the same direction, and the first bundle S1 moves to the retracted position.

In step S22, it is determined whether or not the movement of the first bundle S1 to the retracted position is completed. If the movement to the retracted position is completed, the process proceeds to step S25, otherwise the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, it is determined whether or not the paper has been accepted. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the subsequent paper has been accepted. If the paper is accepted, the process proceeds to step S24, otherwise the process returns to step S22. In step S24, the paper is put on standby, and the process returns to step S22. Specifically, the resist roller pair 211 is stopped to make the paper stand by. The paper is prevented from being conveyed to the loading tray 207 while the first bundle S1 is moving from the post-processing position to the retracting position. As a result, the first bundle S1 loaded on the loading tray 207 can be maintained in a consistent state.

In step S25, paper transfer is started, and the process proceeds to step S26. Paper transfer is started by rotating the resist roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213. It is preferable that the paper transfer is started before the transfer of the first bundle to the retracted position is completed in consideration of the transfer time until the paper reaches the loading tray 207. As a result, the paper spacing can be shortened as much as possible, and the image formation time in the MFP 100 can be prevented from becoming long. In step S26, the paper conveyed to the loading tray 207 is aligned at the retracted position, and the process proceeds to step S27. Specifically, the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R reciprocate in the matching direction, and the sheets are aligned at the retracted position. The set of a plurality of sheets aligned at the retracted position is the first bundle S1.

In step S27, the movement of the staple unit 271 located at the first position to the second position is disclosed, and the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, it is determined whether or not the movement of the staple unit 271 is completed. If the movement of the staple unit 271 is completed, the process proceeds to step S29, otherwise the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, it is determined whether or not the paper has been accepted as in step S23. If the paper is accepted, the process proceeds to step S31, otherwise the process returns to step S28. In step S31, paper transfer is started in the same manner as in step S25, and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the paper conveyed to the loading tray 207 is aligned at the retracted position in the same manner as in step S26, and the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S29, manual staples are executed, and the process returns to the post-processing control process. Specifically, at the second position of the staple unit 271, the staple needle is driven into the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the first return processing. The first return process is a process executed in step S17 of the post-process control process. With reference to FIG. 19, in step S41, the movement of the staple unit 271 located at the second position to the first position is started, and the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, it is determined whether or not the movement of the staple unit 271 to the first position is completed. If the movement of the staple unit 271 is completed, the process proceeds to step S46, otherwise the process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, it is determined whether or not the paper has been accepted from the MFP 100. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the paper has been accepted from the MFP 100. If the paper is accepted from the MFP 100, the process proceeds to step S44, otherwise the process returns to step S42. In step S44, paper transfer is started, and the process proceeds to step S45. Paper transfer is started by rotating the resist roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213. In step S45, the paper conveyed to the loading tray 207 is aligned at the retracted position, and the process returns to step S42. Specifically, the pair of matching plates 261R and 261L reciprocate in the matching direction, and the sheets are aligned at the retracted position. The set of a plurality of sheets matched at the retracted position is the first bundle S1.

In step S46, the movement of the first bundle S1 to the post-processing position is started, and the processing proceeds to step S47. By moving the pair of matching plates 261R and 261L in the same direction, the first bundle S1 moves to the post-processing position.

In step S47, it is determined whether or not the movement of the first bundle S1 to the post-processing position is completed. If the movement to the post-processing position is completed, the process proceeds to step S50, otherwise the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, it is determined whether or not the paper has been accepted. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the subsequent paper has been accepted. If the paper is accepted, the process proceeds to step S49, otherwise the process returns to step S47. In step S49, the paper is put on standby, and the process returns to step S47. Specifically, the resist roller pair 211 is stopped to make the paper stand by. This is to prevent the paper from being conveyed to the loading tray 207 while the first bundle S1 is moving from the retracted position to the post-processing position. As a result, the first bundle S1 loaded on the loading tray 207 can be maintained in a consistent state.

In step S50, it is determined whether or not the paper received from the MFP 100 is on standby. If there is a waiting sheet, the process proceeds to step S51, otherwise the process returns to the post-processing control process. In step S51, paper transfer is started in the same manner as in step S44, and the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the received paper is aligned at the post-processing position, and the processing returns to the post-processing control processing.

When the first return processing is executed, the staple unit moves to the first position in response to the execution of the manual staple, so that the post-processing for the first bundle S1 at the first position can be prioritized.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second return process. The second return process is a process executed in step S18 of the post-process control process. With reference to FIG. 20, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the subsequent paper has been accepted from the MFP 100. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the subsequent paper has been accepted. By receiving a signal from the MFP 100 indicating that the image formation is completed, it may be detected that the subsequent paper is not accepted. If subsequent paper is accepted from the MFP 100, the process proceeds to step S62, otherwise the process proceeds to step S66. It should be noted that the number of sheets of the unit for driving the staple needle is received from the MFP 100, and when the number of sheets of paper is loaded on the loading tray 207, the sheet of the unit for driving the staple needle is loaded on the loading tray 207. It may be detected. In this case, if it is detected that the number of sheets of the unit for driving the staples is loaded on the loading tray 207, the process proceeds to step S66, otherwise the process proceeds to step S62.

In step S62, paper transfer is started, and the process proceeds to step S63. Paper transfer is started by rotating the resist roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213. In step S63, the paper conveyed to the loading tray 207 is aligned at the retracted position, and the process proceeds to step S64. Specifically, the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R reciprocate in the matching direction, and the sheets are aligned at the retracted position. The set of a plurality of sheets matched at the retracted position is the first bundle S1.

In step S64, it is determined whether or not the manual staple instruction has been accepted. If the manual staple instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S65, otherwise the process returns to step S61. In step S65, manual staples are executed and the process returns to step S61. Specifically, the staple needle is driven into the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 by the staple unit 271 located at the second position.

On the other hand, in step S66, the movement of the staple unit 271 located at the second position to the first position is started, and the process proceeds to step S67. In step S67, it is determined whether or not the movement is completed. The standby state is reached until the staple unit 271 moves to the first position (NO in step S67), and when the staple unit 271 moves to the first position, the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S68, the movement of the first bundle S1 located at the retracted position to the post-processing position is started, and the processing proceeds to step S69. In step S69, it is determined whether or not the movement of the first bundle S1 to the retracted position is completed. When the movement of the first bundle S1 to the retracted position is completed (NO in step S69) and the movement of the first bundle S1 to the retracted position is completed (YES in step S69), the processing is post-processing. Return to control processing.

When the second return processing is executed, when the paper cannot be accepted from the MFP 100, the staple unit moves to the first position, so that the manual staple can be continuously executed.

As described above, the aftertreatment device 200 according to the present embodiment is a pair of matching the loading tray 207 on which the paper received from the MFP 100 is loaded and the first bundle S1 of a plurality of sheets loaded on the loading tray 207. 261L, 261R, an insertion port 253 into which the second bundle S2 of a plurality of sheets is inserted, and a movement path T1 of the movement path T2, which is configured to be movable along the movement paths T1, T2, T3, and T4. Post-processing is executed on the first bundle S1 aligned to the post-processing position by the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R at the first position opposite to the movement path T4, and at the end opposite to the movement path T1 of the movement path T4. The second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion slot 253 at a second position is provided with a staple unit 271 capable of performing post-processing, and the staple unit 271 is provided in an interference region between the first position and the second position. The CPU 301 is configured to interfere with the first bundle S1 aligned at the post-processing position, and the CPU 301 performs a pair of matching before the staple unit 271 moves in the interference region with the first bundle S1 aligned at the post-processing position. The plates 261L and 261R are moved in the same direction to move the first bundle S1 aligned at the post-processing position to the retracted position, and then the staple unit 271 is moved.

Therefore, the staple unit 271 is moved after the first bundle S1 is moved to the retracted position before the staple unit 271 moves in the interference region in a state where the first bundle S1 is aligned at the post-processing position. Therefore, the staple unit 271 can be prevented from interfering with the first bundle S1 in the interference region. As a result, the staple needle can be driven into the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 by the user while aligning the first bundle S1 with the loading tray 207. Therefore, manual stapling can be performed without interrupting image formation in the MFP 100.

Further, when the staple unit 271 is moved to the second position with the staple unit 271 in the first position and the first bundle S1 is aligned in the post-processing position, the CPU 301 is aligned at the post-processing position. One bundle S1 is moved to the retracted position. Therefore, the staple unit 271 can be moved from the first position to the second position while maintaining the consistent state of the first bundle S1.

Further, the CPU 301 moves the staple unit 271 from the first position in response to the detection of an instruction for post-processing the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 while the staple unit 271 is in the first position. Move to the second position. Therefore, the second bundle S2 can be post-processed at an arbitrary timing while the first bundle S1 is being matched. In other words, the user can have the MFP 100 execute manual staples at any time during image formation.

Further, since the CPU 301 moves the first bundle S1 between the post-processing position and the retracted position by moving the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R that move in the matching direction in the same direction, the first bundle S1 It is possible to move the plurality of sheets from the post-processing position to the evacuation position while keeping them aligned, and it is possible to move the plurality of sheets of the first bundle S1 from the evacuation position to the post-processing position while keeping them aligned.

Further, the CPU 301 stops the resist roller pair 211 while the first bundle S1 is moved between the retracted position and the post-processing position by the pair of matching plates 261L and 261R. Therefore, while the first bundle S1 is moving between the retracted position and the post-processing position, the paper received from the MFP 100 is prevented from being conveyed to the loading tray 207, and the plurality of papers in the first bundle S1 are moved. It is possible to maintain a consistent state.

Further, the CPU 301 aligns the paper received from the MFP 100 at the retracted position with the first bundle S1 moved to the retracted position. Therefore, the image formation by the MFP 100 can be continued.

Further, since the CPU 301 adjusts the interval for transporting the paper based on the time for aligning the first bundle S1 at the retracted position, new paper is loaded on the loading tray 207 while the first bundle S1 is aligned at the retracted position. Can be prevented from reaching. As a result, it is possible to maintain a state in which the plurality of sheets of the first bundle S1 are aligned.

Further, the CPU 301 moves the first bundle S1 from the retracted position to the post-processing position after moving the staple unit 271 from the second position to the first position, which is an increase in the delay time due to the longer interval for conveying the paper. If it is longer than the return time up to, the staple unit 271 is moved from the second position to the first position according to the completion of the manual staple. Therefore, the time until the first bundle S1 is loaded on the loading tray 207 can be shortened, and the image forming process by the MFP 100 can be prevented from being delayed.

Further, since the CPU 301 moves the staple unit 271 to the first position when the image formation by the MFP 100 is completed, the post-processing can be executed on the first bundle S1 as soon as possible.

In the present embodiment, when the delay time is equal to or longer than the return time, the first return process is executed, and the staple unit 271 is moved to the first position according to the completion of the manual staple, and the first position is obtained. The bundle S1 is moved from the retracted position to the post-processing position. Regardless of whether the delay time is equal to or longer than the recovery time, the staple unit 271 is moved to the first position and the first bundle S1 is moved from the retracted position to the post-processing position when the manual staple is completed. You may. Further, after receiving the manual staple instruction and moving the staple unit 271 to the second position, the staple unit 271 is placed in the second position without moving to the first position until the image formation is completed, and the image formation is performed. The staple unit 271 may be moved to the first position after completion. In this case, when the delay time is longer than the recovery time, it is preferable to move the first bundle S1 to the post-processing position. As a result, the image formation time by the MFP 100 can be shortened. However, when the first bundle S1 is moved to the post-processing position, the first bundle S1 is moved to the retracted position before the staple unit 271 is moved to the first position, and the staple unit 271 is moved to the first position. The first bundle S1 is moved to the post-processing position after the movement of is completed. Therefore, as the time until the staple needle is driven into the first bundle S1 after the image formation by the MFP 100 is completed, the first time for moving the first bundle S1 from the post-processing position to the retracted position and the staple unit 271 A second time for moving from the second position to the first position and a second time for moving the first bundle S1 from the retracted position to the post-processing position are required.

Further, in the present embodiment, the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is movable in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction with respect to the base 272, but the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is movable with respect to the base 272. You may not move. Also in this case, since the connecting surfaces 277 intersect in the direction parallel to the alignment direction while the staple unit 271 is rotated with respect to the base 272, the staple unit 271 moves from the first position to the second position, or While moving from the second position to the first position, it interferes with the first bundle S1 located at the post-processing position.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown by the scope of claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims.

100 MFP, 200 aftertreatment device, 201 main body case, 203 sub tray, 205 main tray, 207 loading tray, 208 locking part, 209 connection port, 210 transfer mechanism, 211 staple roller pair, 212 branch point, 213 intermediate roller pair, 214 Switcher, 215 Sub Discharge Roller vs. 217 Containment Roller vs. 219 Paddle, 221 Main Discharge Roller Pair, 231,233,235,237 Paper Detection Sensor, 251 Manual Staples, 253 Inserts, 261L, 261R Matching Plate, 262L, 262R matching motor, 263L, 263R drive pulley, 264L, 264R driven pulley, 265L, 265R belt, 266L, 266R position detection sensor, 270 staple mechanism, 271 staple unit, 272 base, 273 unit upper part, 274 unit body, 275 Unit lower part, 277 connection surface, 279 rotary shaft, 281A, 281B rail, 283 drive motor, 285L driven pulley, 285R drive pulley, 287 belt, 301 CPU, 305 communication unit, 307 transfer control circuit, 309 staple control circuit, R1 , R2, R3 transport path, T1, T2, T3, T4 movement path.

Claims (17)

A loading tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is loaded, and
A matching means for matching the first bundles of the plurality of first recording media loaded on the loading tray, and
An insertion slot into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted,
Post-processing is performed on the first bundle that is configured to be movable along the movement path and is matched to the post-processing position by the matching means at the first position on the movement path, and the second position on the movement path. A post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion port in
The matching means and the control means for controlling the post-processing unit are provided.
The post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle matched at the post-processing position in the interference region between the first position and the second position in the movement path.
The control means controls the matching means before the post-processing unit moves in the interference region in a state where the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position, and the first bundle is matched at the post-processing position. A post-processing device that moves the post-processing unit after moving one bundle to a retracted position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit in the interference region. The control means performs the post-processing when the post-processing unit is moved to the second position in a state where the post-processing unit is in the first position and the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the position-matched first bundle is moved to the retracted position. The second bundle inserted into the insertion slot is further provided with a detecting means for detecting an instruction for post-processing.
The control means moves the post-processing unit from the first position to the second position in response to the instruction being detected by the detection means while the post-processing unit is in the first position. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2. The matching means includes a locking plate having a surface parallel to the matching direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the first recording medium.
Includes a pair of matching plates that move in the matching direction.
The control means after that according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means moves the pair of matching plates in the same direction in order to move the first bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position. Processing equipment. Further, a transport means for transporting the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the loading tray is provided.
Any of claims 1 to 4, wherein the transporting means does not transport the first recording medium to the loading tray while the matching means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position. Post-processing device described in Crab. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the matching means aligns the first recording medium transported by the transport means with the first bundle moved to the retracted position at the retracted position. The control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position in a state where the post-processing unit is on the side opposite to the first position with respect to the interference region and the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position. When moving, the matching means is controlled to move the first bundle matched at the post-processing position to the evacuation position, and then the post-processing unit is moved to the first position. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of 4. Further, a transport means for transporting the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the loading tray is provided.
The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the matching means aligns the first recording medium transported by the transport means with the first bundle moved to the retracted position at the retracted position. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the transport means adjusts an interval for transporting the first recording medium based on a time when the matching means aligns the first bundle at the retracted position. The control means moves the post-processing unit from the second position to the first position and then moves the first bundle to the retracted position for an increase in time due to a longer interval for transporting the first recording medium. When the time is greater than the time required to move the post-processing unit from the second position to the post-processing position, the post-processing unit is moved from the second position to the first position in response to the completion of the post-processing at the second position by the post-processing unit. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 9, which is moved to. Any of claims 8 to 10, wherein the transport means does not transport the first recording medium to the loading tray while the matching means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position. Post-processing device described in Crab. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position in response to the completion of image formation by the image forming apparatus. The control means is after the method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position in response to the post-processing unit completing the post-processing at the second position. Processing equipment. The matching means includes a locking plate having a surface parallel to the matching direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the first recording medium.
A pair of matching plates moving in the matching direction and
A paper ejection means for moving the first bundle aligned with the post-processing position by the matching means in the transport direction is included.
The invention according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first bundle is moved by a predetermined amount in a direction parallel to the transport direction in order to move the first bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position. Post-processing device. The post-treatment apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the post-treatment is a process of driving staples into the first bundle or the second bundle. It is a post-processing control method executed by the post-processing device.
The post-processing apparatus includes a loading tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is loaded.
A matching means for matching the first bundles of the plurality of first recording media loaded on the loading tray, and
An insertion slot into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted,
Post-processing is performed on the first bundle that is configured to be movable along the movement path and is matched to the post-processing position by the matching means at the first position on the movement path, and the second position on the movement path. The second bundle inserted into the insertion slot is provided with a post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing.
The post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle matched at the post-processing position in the interference region between the first position and the second position in the movement path.
In a state where the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position, the matching means is controlled before the post-processing unit moves in the interference region to interfere with the first bundle matched at the post-processing position. An evacuation step of moving the area to an evacuation position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit,
A post-processing control method comprising a moving step in which the matching means moves the post-processing unit after moving the first bundle matched at the post-processing position to the evacuation position. A post-processing control program executed by a computer that controls a post-processing device.
The post-processing apparatus includes a loading tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is loaded.
A matching means for matching the first bundles of the plurality of first recording media loaded on the loading tray, and
An insertion slot into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted,
Post-processing is performed on the first bundle that is configured to be movable along the movement path and is matched to the post-processing position by the matching means at the first position on the movement path, and the second position on the movement path. The second bundle inserted into the insertion slot is provided with a post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing.
The post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle matched at the post-processing position in the interference region between the first position and the second position in the movement path.
In a state where the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position, the matching means is controlled before the post-processing unit is moved to the interference region to interfere with the first bundle matched at the post-processing position. An evacuation step of moving the area to an evacuation position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit,
A post-processing control program for causing the computer to perform a moving step in which the matching means moves the first bundle matched at the post-processing position to the evacuation position and then moves the post-processing unit.

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