JP2021084734A - Sheet conveyance device and image processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a sheet conveyance device and an image processing device which can accelerate the discharge speed of the sheets.SOLUTION: In a compound machine 1, a control unit 100 controls the conveyance processing of print sheets by a sheet discharge unit 70 on the basis of any conveyance control mode of a first conveyance control mode and a second conveyance control mode. In a case where the high-speed output mode is effective and a prescribed condition (step S12 to S14) is satisfied, the conveyance processing in the second conveyance control mode that does not perform the alignment operation in the conveyance processing of all the print sheets after the image formation is performed. In a case where the prescribed condition is not satisfied, the conveyance processing in the first conveyance control mode that performs the alignment operation is performed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet transport device and an image processing device including a sheet discharging unit that discharges a sheet after image processing.

There are known sheet processing devices that perform post-processing such as stapling treatment and punching treatment (also referred to as punching treatment) on the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus. This sheet processing device is used in combination with an image forming device. When the sheet processing apparatus is set to perform the post-processing on the sheet after image formation, the post-processing is performed on the image-forming sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus into the sheet processing apparatus. The process is performed and the sheet is discharged to a predetermined sheet tray. Further, when the sheet processing apparatus is not set to perform the post-processing, the sheet after image formation conveyed from the image forming apparatus into the sheet processing apparatus is not subjected to the post-processing. Discharge the sheet to the sheet tray.

Conventionally, there is known an image forming apparatus including a matching mechanism that performs a matching process for adjusting a bundle of sheets placed on a seat stand (see Patent Document 1). This image forming apparatus performs matching processing by a matching mechanism at high speed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2016-23309

In a device provided with a mechanism for performing matching processing on the discharged sheet, the matching member is subjected to matching processing in order to perform matching processing on the next discharged sheet after performing matching processing on the sheet. It is necessary to return to the previous initial position. However, the time required to return the matching member to the initial position limits the discharge timing of the sheets that are continuously discharged. That is, it is necessary that the sheet interval until the next sheet is discharged is at least the required time or more. Therefore, the sheet interval cannot be set to less than the required time, and the sheet ejection speed cannot be increased. Such a problem may occur not only when the sheet is subjected to the matching process by the matching member but also when a predetermined initial operation or initialization process is performed before the sheet is ejected.

An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet transport device and an image processing device capable of increasing the sheet ejection speed.

The sheet transfer device according to one aspect of the present invention includes a sheet discharge unit and a transfer control unit. The sheet ejection unit conveys the image-processed sheet and ejects it to a predetermined sheet tray. The transfer control unit performs a first transfer control mode in which a predetermined predetermined operation is performed and a sheet transfer process is performed by the sheet discharge unit, and a sheet transfer process is performed by the sheet discharge unit without performing the predetermined operation. The sheet transfer by the sheet discharging unit is controlled based on any of the transfer control modes of the second transfer control mode.

The image processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention includes an image processing unit, a sheet discharging unit, and a transport control unit. The image processing unit performs image processing on the sheet. The sheet ejection unit conveys the image-processed sheet and ejects it to a predetermined sheet tray. The transfer control unit performs a first transfer control mode in which a predetermined predetermined operation is performed and a sheet transfer process is performed by the sheet discharge unit, and a sheet transfer process is performed by the sheet discharge unit without performing the predetermined operation. The sheet transfer by the sheet discharging unit is controlled based on any of the transfer control modes of the second transfer control mode.

According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the discharge rate of the sheet.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a multifunction device according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the image forming apparatus included in the multifunction device of FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the sheet processing apparatus included in the multifunction device of FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configurations of the sheet processing apparatus of FIG. 1 and the image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the sheet transport process executed by the control unit of FIG.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings as appropriate. It should be noted that the embodiments described below are merely examples that embody the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction device 1 (an example of the image processing device of the present invention) according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a sheet processing device 30 and an image forming device 10, and the sheet from the image forming device 10 The sheet processing device 30 is connected to the image forming device 10 so that the printing paper (an example of the sheet of the present invention) can be conveyed to the processing device 30.

[Image forming apparatus 10]
The image forming apparatus 10 includes various functions such as a printer, a copying machine, and a facsimile. As shown in FIG. 1, a sheet processing device 30 is connected to the side surface of the image forming device 10. The image forming apparatus 10 prints an image based on the input image data on printing paper using a printing material such as toner. The image forming apparatus 10 is not limited to the one having a plurality of functions, and may have a single function such as a printer, a facsimile, or a copying machine.

The image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on printing paper based on image data input from the outside via a network communication unit (not shown) and image data read by a scanner 11 arranged above the image forming apparatus 10. To print. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10 mainly includes a scanner 11, an operation display unit 12, an electrophotographic image forming unit 18, a fixing unit 19, a discharge sheet holding unit 21, and a sheet conveying unit. A storage unit 17 and a storage unit 17 are provided. Further, the sheet transport unit 15 includes a paper feed unit 151, a plurality of transport roller pairs 152, and a discharge roller pair 153. Further, the image forming apparatus 10 includes a control unit 100 (an example of a transport control unit of the present invention, see FIG. 4) that collectively controls the multifunction device 1 including the sheet processing apparatus 30. These elements are provided inside the cover of the outer frame of the image forming apparatus 10 and the housing 14 constituting the inner frame.

In the present embodiment, the image forming apparatus 10 including the electrophotographic image forming unit 18 is illustrated, but the image forming apparatus 10 forms an image on printing paper based on, for example, an inkjet recording method. You may.

As shown in FIG. 2, the paper feeding unit 151 is provided in the lower part of the image forming apparatus 10. Four paper feed units 151 are arranged in the vertical direction. The paper feed unit 151 feeds the printing paper stored in the paper feed tray 16 to the image forming unit 18. The printing paper fed to the image forming unit 18 by the feeding unit 151 is conveyed to the fixing unit 19 after the toner image is transferred to the surface by the image forming unit 18. Since the image forming unit 18 is a well-known mechanism having an LSU, a photoconductor drum, a developing unit, a charging unit, a transfer unit, and the like, detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

The fixing unit 19 has a heating unit such as an IH heater, and fixes the toner image transferred to the printing paper to the printing paper by heat. In the process of the printing paper passing through the fixing portion 19, heat is supplied from the fixing portion 19 to melt the toner. As a result, the toner image is fixed on the printing paper, and the image is fixed on the printing paper. The printing paper on which the image is fixed by the fixing unit 19 is sent out to the transport path 28 formed on the downstream side of the fixing portion 19 in the transport direction of the printing paper. The printing paper sent out to the transport path 28 is further transported to the downstream side in the transport direction of the printing paper by a plurality of transport roller pairs 152 provided along the transport path 28.

The transport path 28 extends horizontally in the housing 14 up to the fixing portion 19, is curved upward from the downstream side of the fixing portion 19, and extends straight upward vertically. On the downstream side of the fixing portion 19, the transport path 28 is branched into two. One branch path 28A of the transport path 28 reaches the paper discharge port 22, and the other branch path 28B reaches the transport relay port 27 formed on the left side surface 14A of the housing 14. Further, at the branch point between the branch path 28A and the branch path 28B, a flap 25 that is swung by a drive unit (not shown) such as a motor or a solenoid is provided.

When the printing paper is discharged to the discharge sheet holding portion 21 provided on the upper part of the image forming apparatus 10, the flap 25 closes the branch path 28B and is arranged at a paper discharge position where the printing paper can be guided to the branch path 28A. Will be done. When the flap 25 is in the paper ejection position, the printing paper after image formation is ejected to the ejection sheet holding portion 21 by the transport roller pair 152. Further, when the printing paper is conveyed to the sheet processing apparatus 30, the flap 25 is arranged at a relay position (position shown in FIG. 2) that closes the branch path 28A and can guide the printing paper to the branch path 28B. As shown in FIG. 2, the branch path 28B is provided with a discharge roller pair 153 that conveys the printing paper after image formation to the sheet processing device 30. The discharge roller pair 153 is composed of a drive roller that is rotationally driven by a motor or the like, and a driven roller that is driven in a state of being pressed against the drive roller. Therefore, when the flap 25 is in the relay position, the printing paper after image formation is conveyed to the sheet processing device 30 by the discharge roller pair 153.

[Sheet processing device 30]
The sheet processing device 30 is a device that performs post-processing such as stapling processing and punching processing (punching processing) on the printing paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing device 30 is used in connection with the image forming device 10. The sheet processing device 30 is not limited to the one that performs the post-processing on the printing paper conveyed from the image forming device 10. For example, when the sheet processing device 30 includes a transport device capable of transporting the printing paper set in an external tray (not shown) to a position where the post-processing is performed, the sheet processing device 30 is transported by the transport device. The paper may be subjected to the post-treatment.

As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet processing device 30 includes an upper main body 31 that constitutes the upper side of the housing of the sheet processing device 30, and a lower main body 32 that constitutes the lower side of the housing. In the present embodiment, the upper main body 31 is provided with each unit for post-processing.

The sheet processing device 30 includes a drilling unit 33 (an example of a post-processing unit of the present invention), a storage container 110, a staple unit 35 (an example of a post-processing unit of the present invention), and a sheet discharging unit 70 (an example of the post-processing unit of the present invention). An example of a discharge unit), an upper tray 36A (an example of a sheet tray of the present invention), a lower tray 36B (an example of a sheet tray of the present invention), a stack tray 57, and a sheet matching unit 60 (see FIG. 4). , Equipped with. Further, the sheet discharging unit 70 includes a transport roller pair 37, a discharge roller pair 38, 39, and a transport roller pair 40. These elements are provided inside the upper body 31.

The upper main body 31 has a carry-in entrance 46 on a connecting surface 44 (right side surface in FIG. 3) with the image forming apparatus 10. The carry-in entrance 46 is an entrance for receiving the image-forming printed paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10. A discharge port 47 for discharging printing paper from the sheet processing device 30 to the outside is provided in the upper part of the upper main body 31. The upper tray 36A is provided so as to be continuous with the discharge port 47. Further, a discharge port 48 for discharging printing paper from the sheet processing device 30 to the outside is provided on the side surface 45 (left side in FIG. 3) of the upper main body 31. A lower tray 36B is provided so as to be continuous with the discharge port 48. The upper tray 36A and the lower tray 36B hold a plurality of sheets of printing paper discharged from the sheet processing device 30 in a vertically stacked state (laminated state).

A transport path 50 is provided inside the upper main body 31. The transport path 50 extends inward from the carry-in entrance 46 inside the upper main body 31. The printing paper carried into the transport path 50 from the carry-in entrance 46 is guided in the transport direction toward the inside of the upper main body 31 by passing through the transport path 50.

The transport path for printing paper is branched into a transport path 51 from the end of the transport path 50 toward the upper surface of the upper main body 31 and a transport path 52 toward the side surface 45. The transport path 51 reaches the discharge port 47, and the transport path 52 reaches the discharge port 48 via the staple unit 35.

The sheet ejection unit 70 conveys the image-processed printing paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 to the carry-in inlet 46 and ejects it to either the upper tray 36A or the lower tray 36B.

The transport roller pair 37 is provided at an end portion of the transport path 50 on the downstream side in the transport direction. The transport roller pair 37 is composed of a drive roller and a driven roller, and transports the printing paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus 10 further to the downstream side.

The discharge roller pair 39 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 47 at the end of the transport path 51. The discharge roller pair 39 is composed of a drive roller 39A and a driven roller 39B, and discharges the printing paper conveyed to the transfer path 51 from the discharge port 47. The drive roller 39A rotates by transmitting a rotational driving force from a drive source such as a motor (not shown). By rotating the drive roller 39A in a state where the driven roller 39B is in contact with the drive roller 39A, the printing paper can be ejected by the ejection roller pair 39.

The discharge roller pair 38 is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 48 at the end of the transport path 52. The discharge roller pair 38 is composed of a drive roller 38A and a driven roller 38B, and discharges the printing paper conveyed to the transfer path 52 from the discharge port 48. The drive roller 38A rotates by transmitting a rotational driving force from a drive source such as a motor (not shown). The driven roller 38B is arranged above the driving roller 38A and is in contact with the driving roller 38A. Therefore, the driven roller 38B is rotated by rotating the driving roller 38A. By rotating the drive roller 38A in a state where the driven roller 38B is in contact with the drive roller 38A, the printing paper can be ejected by the ejection roller pair 38.

The driven roller 38B is movably supported in a direction in which the driven roller 38B is brought into contact with and separated from the driving roller 38A. The driven roller 38B is configured to be separated upward from a position in contact with the driving roller 38A by a driving mechanism (not shown) such as a solenoid.

The drilling unit 33 is provided in the vicinity of the carry-in inlet 46. The perforation unit 33 performs a predetermined post-processing on the printing paper carried into the transport path 50 from the image forming apparatus 10. Specifically, the perforation unit 33 performs a perforation process on the printing paper conveyed to the transfer path 50. When the printing paper is transported to a predetermined position on the transport path 50, the transport is temporarily stopped, and the perforation unit 33 forms a hole at the tip end portion (end portion on the downstream side in the transport direction) of the printing paper. The perforated residue generated by the perforation process by the perforation unit 33 is housed in the storage container 110 provided below the perforation unit 33.

When the multifunction device 1 is set not to perform the punching process, the printing paper passes through the punching unit 33 without performing the punching process. On the other hand, when the perforation process is set to be executed, the printing paper is further conveyed after the perforation process is performed by the perforation unit 33.

A flap 55 is provided at a branch point between the transport path 51 and the transport path 52. The flap 55 is swung by a driving means (not shown) such as a motor or a solenoid, so that the printing paper discharge path is determined. By swinging the flap 55 to an appropriate position, the printing paper is conveyed to a predetermined reaching position.

A transport roller pair 40 is provided in each of the transport paths 51 and 52. The printing paper in the transport paths 51 and 52 is transported to the downstream side in the transport direction of the printing paper by the transport roller pair 40.

As shown in FIG. 3, the stack tray 57 is provided on the downstream side of the punching unit 33 in the transport direction of the printing paper. The stack tray 57 is provided below the transport path 52. One end (left end in FIG. 3) of the stack tray 57 is located at the discharge port 48. Further, the stack tray 57 extends in a direction of obliquely downward inclination when viewed from the discharge port 48. A staple unit 35 is provided at the end of the extension direction. Therefore, the support surface 58 of the stack tray 57 is inclined obliquely downward toward the staple unit 35.

The stack tray 57 constitutes the lower guide surface of the transport path 52 on the downstream side of the transport roller vs. 40 when the staple treatment is not performed. On the other hand, when the staple processing is performed, the stack tray 57 plays a role of supporting a plurality of printing papers to be stapled. In this case, the stack tray 57 sequentially supports the printing paper conveyed through the transport path 52, and can support a plurality of printing papers by loading them in a bundle.

When the multifunction device 1 is set not to perform the staple processing, the printing paper conveyed by the transfer roller pair 40 moves toward the discharge port 48 while being in contact with the support surface 58 of the stack tray 57 and being guided. .. After that, the printing paper is discharged to the lower tray 36B by the discharge roller pair 38 provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 48.

On the other hand, when the multifunction device 1 is set to execute the staple processing, the driving roller 38A and the driven roller 38B are separated from each other. In this state, when the printing paper is conveyed toward the discharge port 48 by the transport roller pair 40, the printing paper moves toward the discharge port 48 along the support surface 58 of the stack tray 57. Since the driving roller 38A and the driven roller 38B are separated from each other, even if the printing paper reaches the discharge roller pair 38, the printing paper is not conveyed by the discharge roller pair 38. Then, when the rear end portion (the end portion on the upstream side in the transport direction) of the printing paper passes through the transport roller pair 40, the printing paper descends to the stack tray 57 side and is supported by the support surface 58. As described above, since the support surface 58 is inclined, when the printing paper is supported by the stack tray 57, the supported printing paper moves to the staple unit 35 side. Specifically, the printing paper slides diagonally downward along the support surface 58 due to its own weight. Then, when the rear end of the printing paper reaches the stopper (not shown) at the lowermost end of the stack tray 57, the printing paper stops at a position (stop position) in contact with the stopper. By repeating this operation, a plurality of printing sheets are supported at the stop position on the stack tray 57.

The sheet matching unit 60 (see FIG. 4) performs a matching process on the printing paper discharged from the discharge port 47 and the discharge port 48. Specifically, the sheet matching unit 60 regulates the discharge direction of the printing paper discharged from the discharge port 47 and the discharge port 48, and the rear end portion of the printing paper loaded on the upper tray 36A and the lower tray 36B. Alignment is performed to align the bundles of printing paper loaded on each tray.

The sheet matching portion 60 has a matching member 61 provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 47 and a matching member 62 provided in the vicinity of the discharge port 48. The matching members 61 and 62 are paddle-shaped members (rotary paddle members) that rotate by receiving a rotational driving force from a drive source such as a motor. The matching member 61 is provided below the discharge port 47 and the discharge roller pair 39, and the matching member 62 is provided below the discharge port 48 and the discharge roller pair 38. By rotating the matching members 61 and 62, the rear ends of the printing paper loaded on the sheet mounting surfaces of the corresponding trays 36A and 36B are pressed from above to align the trays 36A and 36A, respectively. Align the bundle of printing paper loaded on 36B. By being rotationally driven, these matching members 61 and 62 come into contact with the uppermost surface of the printing paper loaded on the trays 36A and 36B, and play a role of pulling the uppermost printing paper toward the front. ..

The matching members 61 and 62 are driven and controlled by the control unit 100, so that each time the printing paper is ejected, the matching members 61 and 62 are retracted to an initial position defined inside the upper main body 31 and stand by at the initial position. Then, when the printing paper is discharged from the discharge ports 47 and 48, the matching members 61 and 62 are rotationally driven to rotate from the initial position toward the trays 36A and 36B, and the rear end portion of the printing paper. Align the printing paper by contacting with.

The sheet matching portion 60 has a pair of side guides that come into contact with both ends of the printing paper discharged from the ejection ports 47 and 48 in the width direction to regulate the ejection position of the printing paper in the width direction. You may be. The side guide is supported so as to be movable in the width direction, and can be moved in the width direction by receiving a driving force from a drive source such as a motor. In this configuration, the control unit 100 moves the side guides to a position where the distance between the side guides is larger than the width size of the printing paper each time the printing paper is ejected, and the printing paper is discharged from the ejection ports 47 and 48. When ejected, the side guide is moved to a position where the printing paper can be aligned.

[Structure of control unit 100]
The configuration of the control unit 100 and the processing executed by the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 4, the control unit 100 is a microcomputer composed of a CPU 101, a ROM 102, a RAM 103, and the like. The control unit 100 may be realized by an IC such as an ASIC. The control unit 100 controls the multifunction device 1 in an integrated manner.

The control unit 100 can communicate with and control each of the storage unit 17, the operation display unit 12, the scanner 11, the image forming unit 18 (an example of the image processing unit of the present invention), and the sheet conveying unit 15 included in the image forming apparatus 10. It is connected, and in a state where the sheet processing device 30 is connected to the image forming device 10, it is possible to communicate with each of the sheet discharging unit 70, the perforation unit 33, the staple unit 35, and the sheet matching unit 60 included in the sheet processing device 30. And it is connected in a controllable manner.

The storage unit 17 is a non-volatile storage medium or storage device such as an HDD, SSD, or flash memory that stores various types of information. The storage unit 17 stores a control program for causing the control unit 100 to execute the sheet transfer process and various arithmetic processes described later, data used for the sheet transfer process and various arithmetic processes, and the like.

By the way, conventionally, in a device provided with a mechanism for performing a matching process on the printed paper to be ejected, in order to perform the matching process on the printing paper to be ejected next after performing the matching process on the printing paper. , It is necessary to return the matching member to the initial position before the matching process. However, the time required to return the matching member to the initial position limits the ejection timing of the continuously ejected printing paper. That is, it is necessary that the sheet interval until the next printing paper is ejected is at least the required time or more. Therefore, the sheet interval cannot be set to less than the required time, and the printing paper ejection speed cannot be increased.

In the present embodiment, in order to increase the ejection speed of the printing paper in the multifunction device 1, the control unit 100 is based on a predetermined transfer control mode of either the first transfer control mode or the second transfer control mode. The sheet ejection unit 70 controls the transfer process of the printing paper.

Here, the first transfer control mode is a transfer control mode in which a predetermined predetermined operation is performed and the printing paper is conveyed by the sheet discharging unit 70. Specifically, when a plurality of printing papers are continuously ejected, the sheet matching unit 60 performs the matching operation on the printing papers each time each printing paper is ejected from the ejection ports 47 and 48. This is the transport control mode to be performed. In the first transport control mode, since the sheet matching unit 60 performs the matching operation, the alignment state of the print paper bundles loaded on the trays 36A and 36B is good. However, since it is necessary to rotate the matching members 61 and 62 during the matching operation and to return the matching members 61 and 62 to the initial positions, it is necessary to delay the ejection of the printing paper by the time required for the operation. is there.

Further, the second transfer control mode is a transfer control mode in which the sheet discharging unit 70 performs a transfer process of printing paper without performing a predetermined predetermined operation. Specifically, this is a transport control mode in which when a plurality of printing papers are continuously ejected, the alignment operation by the sheet matching unit 60 is stopped and each printing paper is sequentially ejected. In the second transport control mode, since the sheet matching unit 60 does not perform the matching operation, the alignment state of the printing paper bundles loaded on the trays 36A and 36B may be deteriorated, but the matching members 61 and 62 are rotated. There is no time required for matching operation. Therefore, it is possible to eject the printing paper without waiting for the required time, and it is possible to eject the printing paper earlier than the conveying based on the first conveying control mode.

Further, when the sheet processing device 30 executes post-processing of either the perforation process by the perforation unit 33 or the staple process by the staple unit 35, the control unit 100 ejects the sheet based on the first transfer control mode. The unit 70 controls the transfer process of the printing paper. Then, when the post-processing is not executed, the control unit 100 controls the printing paper transfer process by the sheet ejection unit 70 based on the second transfer control mode.

Further, when a plurality of printing papers are continuously ejected, the control unit 100 determines the sheets based on the first transport control mode when the number of continuously conveyed sheets of printing paper is equal to or more than a predetermined threshold value. The ejection process of the printing paper is controlled by the ejection unit 70. In this case, priority is given to the consistency of the bundles of printing paper loaded on the trays 36A and 36B, and the discharge is performed in the first transport control mode accompanied by the matching operation. On the other hand, when the number of continuously conveyed sheets of printing paper is less than the threshold value, the control unit 100 controls the printing paper conveying process by the sheet discharging unit 70 based on the second conveying control mode. In this case, the high-speed output of the printed matter is prioritized over the consistency of the bundles of printing paper loaded on the trays 36A and 36B, and the discharge is performed by the second transport control mode without the matching operation.

[Sheet transfer process]
Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the sheet transfer process executed by the control unit 100 will be described with reference to FIG. In the flowchart of FIG. 5, steps S11, S12, ... Represent the processing procedure (step) number. It should be noted that this sheet transfer process will be described as being performed when printing is executed on the multifunction device 1.

In step S11, the control unit 100 determines whether or not a print instruction has been input to the multifunction device 1. For example, it is determined whether or not print job data including document data to be printed has been input from an external device connected to the network. When the print instruction is input, the process proceeds to step S12.

In the next step S12, the control unit 100 determines whether or not the high-speed output mode is enabled. For example, when the high-speed output mode setting is turned on from the operation display unit 12, the printer driver, or the like before printing is executed, it is determined that the high-speed output mode is effective. The high-speed output mode setting information is stored in the storage unit 17. Here, when the high-speed output mode is valid (when it is on), the control unit 100 performs a transfer process based on the second transfer control mode on condition that other conditions are satisfied. On the other hand, when the high-speed output mode is invalid (when it is off), the control unit 100 performs a transfer process based on the first transfer control mode for all print instructions.

When it is determined in step S12 that the high-speed output mode is valid, the control unit 100 determines in the next step S13 whether or not there is an execution instruction for the post-processing such as the drilling process and the staple process. .. For example, if the post-processing setting is enabled from the operation display unit 12, the printer driver, or the like before printing is executed, it is determined that there is an execution instruction for the post-processing. If there is no instruction to execute the post-processing, the post-processing is not performed on the printing paper after the image formation, and the printing paper is discharged to the upper tray 36A or the lower tray 36B.

If it is determined in step S13 that there is no execution instruction for the post-processing, the control unit 100 determines that the number of prints input at the time of the print instruction in the next step S14 is a predetermined threshold value (20 in the present embodiment). Sheet) Judge whether it is less than. The threshold value can be set, for example, to the number of sheets loaded in which the alignment state of the bundles of printing paper loaded in the upper tray 36A or the lower tray 36B is significantly deteriorated.

When it is determined in step S12 that the high-speed output mode is invalid (No in step S12), when it is determined in step S13 that there is an execution instruction for the post-processing (No in step S13), and in step S14, When it is determined that the number of printed sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold value (No in step S14), the control unit 100 enables the setting of the matching operation by the sheet matching unit 60 (step S17), and then the first transport control mode. (Normal transport process) is performed (step S18).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S14 that the number of printed sheets is less than the threshold value, the control unit 100 invalidates the setting of the matching operation by the sheet matching unit 60 (step S15). That is, the control unit 100 stops the matching operation by the seat matching unit 60, moves the matching members 61 and 62 to the initial position defined inside the upper main body 31, and keeps them arranged at the initial position. .. In this state, the printing paper transfer process (continuous transfer process) in the second transfer control mode is performed (step S16).

As described above, in the multifunction device 1 of the present embodiment, the control unit 100 is printed by the sheet ejection unit 70 based on the transfer control mode of either the first transfer control mode or the second transfer control mode. Controls the paper transport process. Therefore, when the high-speed output mode is effective and the predetermined conditions (steps S12 to S14) are satisfied, the matching operation is not performed in all the printing paper transport processes after the image formation. Therefore, the control unit 100 can continuously eject the printing paper to the sheet ejection unit 70 without waiting for the time required to return the matching members 61 and 62 to the initial position for the matching operation.

Further, in the present embodiment, when there is an instruction to execute the post-processing, the printing paper is conveyed in the first transfer control mode accompanied by the matching operation. When the post-processing is performed, the printing paper is temporarily stopped inside the sheet processing apparatus 30 for the execution of the post-processing. Therefore, the time until the printing paper is ejected does not change regardless of whether or not the matching operation is executed. Therefore, in this case, even if the high-speed output mode is effective, the braking operation is executed in order to improve the alignment of the ejected printing paper.

Further, in the present embodiment, when the number of printed sheets is equal to or more than the threshold value, the printing paper is conveyed by the first transfer control mode accompanied by the matching operation. When the number of printed sheets is equal to or greater than the threshold value, the alignment state of the bundle of printing papers placed on the trays 36A and 36B becomes poor. In this case, even if the high-speed output mode is effective, the braking operation is executed in order to improve the alignment of the ejected printing paper.

In the above-described embodiment, the matching operation by the sheet matching unit 60 is illustrated as an example of the predetermined operation of the present invention, but the predetermined operation is not limited to the matching operation. For example, a driven member that operates by obtaining a driving force from a driving source such as a motor is provided in the image forming device 10 or the sheet processing device 30, and drives the driven member for checking the operation before forming an image. When the control is performed by the control unit 100, the predetermined operation may be an operation of driving the driven member in advance for checking the operation.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, as an example of the image processing device of the present invention, the multifunction device 1 in which the sheet processing device 30 is connected to the image forming device 10 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. For example, the image processing device of the present invention may be an image forming device 10 to which the sheet processing device 30 is not connected. In this case, the image forming apparatus 10 is provided with the sheet matching portion 60, and the matching members 61 and 62 are provided in the vicinity of the paper ejection port 22.

Further, the present invention may be regarded as a sheet transporting device for transporting printing paper on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 10. In this case, the sheet transfer device includes a control unit 100 and a sheet transfer unit 15 included in the image forming apparatus 10, a sheet discharge unit 70 and a sheet matching unit 60 included in the sheet processing device 30.

1: Multifunction device 10: Image forming device 11: Scanner 12: Operation display unit 14: Housing 15: Sheet transporting unit 16: Paper tray 17: Storage unit 18: Image forming unit 19: Fixing unit 21: Discharge sheet holding unit 22: Paper discharge port 30: Sheet processing device 33: Drilling unit 35: Staple unit 36A: Upper tray 36B: Lower tray 37: Transfer roller pair 38: Discharge roller pair 39: Discharge roller pair 40: Conveyor roller pair 47: Discharge port 48: Discharge port 60: Sheet matching unit 61: Matching member 62: Matching member 70: Sheet discharging unit 100: Control unit 151: Paper feeding unit 152: Conveying roller pair 153: Discharging roller pair

Claims (5)

A sheet ejection unit that transports the image-processed sheet and ejects it to a predetermined sheet tray,
A first transport control mode in which a predetermined predetermined operation is performed and a sheet transport process is performed by the sheet discharge unit, and a second transport control mode in which the sheet discharge process is performed by the sheet discharge unit without performing the predetermined operation. A sheet transfer device including a transfer control unit that controls the transfer of a sheet by the sheet discharge unit based on any of the transfer control modes. A post-processing unit that performs predetermined post-processing on the sheet after image processing is further provided.
The transport control unit
When the post-processing by the post-processing unit is executed on the sheet transported by the sheet discharging unit, the sheet transfer is controlled based on the first transfer control mode.
The sheet transfer according to claim 1, wherein the sheet transfer is controlled based on the second transfer control mode when the post-processing by the post-processing unit is not executed for the sheet transferred by the sheet discharge unit. apparatus. When a plurality of sheets are continuously conveyed by the sheet discharging unit,
The transport control unit
When the number of sheets to be continuously conveyed is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value, the sheet transfer is controlled based on the first transfer control mode.
The sheet transfer device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein when the number of sheets continuously transferred is less than the threshold value, the sheet transfer is controlled based on the second transfer control mode. It is provided in the vicinity of the discharge port where the sheet is discharged by the sheet discharge unit, and receives a driving force from the drive source to perform a matching operation for matching the sheet discharged from the discharge port or the sheet on the sheet tray. With more matching members
The sheet transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the predetermined operation is the matching operation performed by the matching member when the sheet is discharged. An image processing unit that performs image processing on the sheet,
A sheet ejection unit that transports the image-processed sheet and ejects it to a predetermined sheet tray,
A first transport control mode in which a predetermined predetermined operation is performed and a sheet transport process is performed by the sheet discharge unit, and a second transport control mode in which the sheet discharge process is performed by the sheet discharge unit without performing the predetermined operation. An image processing device including a transport control unit that controls the transfer of a sheet by the sheet discharge unit based on any of the transfer control modes.

Images