JP2021138033A - Image formation system, cutting processing method, image formation apparatus and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To improve the productivity by increasing a storage ratio of cutting waste in a waste box when executing cutting processing of sheets.SOLUTION: An image formation system comprises: an image formation unit 230 which forms an image at an image formation position excluding a margin part on a sheet on the basis of a job; a cutting unit 320 which cuts a sheet on which the image is formed; a storage unit 330 which stores cutting waste corresponding to the margin part generated from the sheet cut by the cutting unit; a waste state acquisition unit 370 which detects the state of cutting waste stored in the storage unit 330; and an image position determination unit 390 which determines the image formation position by the image formation unit 230 set according to the job on the basis of the acquisition result by the waste state acquisition unit 370.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system, a cutting processing method, an image forming apparatus, and a program for performing a paper cutting process such as trimming and cutting.

Conventionally, there is known an image forming system in which a cutting process of cutting paper into a predetermined shape is performed using a cutting unit, and a waste box for accommodating the cutting waste generated by the cutting is provided.

In addition, in order to increase the storage rate of cutting waste in the waste box, the drop position of the cutting waste falling from the cutting unit and the storage position for storing the cutting waste in the waste box can be relatively displaced, and inside the waste box. An image forming system is known in which cutting scraps are locally leveled so as not to rise (Patent Document 1).

Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2011-126647

However, in the technique described in the above document, a mechanical mechanism is used to relatively displace the drop position of the cutting waste and the storage position of the waste box. For this reason, the range in which the displacement is relatively limited is limited, and there is also a problem that the cutting waste is locally raised and the storage rate of the waste box is lowered.

A main object of the present invention is to delay fullness detection by increasing the accommodating rate of cutting waste in a waste box when performing paper cutting processing, and to improve productivity.

In order to solve the above problems and achieve the object of the present invention, for example, the configuration described in the claims is adopted. The image forming system of the present application has an image forming section that forms an image at an image forming position excluding a margin on the paper based on a job, a cutting section that cuts the paper on which the image is formed, and a paper that is cut by the cutting section. Based on the job, based on the accommodating unit that stores the cutting debris corresponding to the margin generated from the sheet, the debris state acquisition unit that detects the state of the cutting debris contained in the accommodating unit, and the acquisition result by the debris state acquisition unit. It is provided with an image position determining unit for determining an image forming position by the image forming unit set as described above.

The image forming system is one aspect of the present invention, and the cutting processing method, the image forming apparatus, and the program of the present invention also have the same configuration as the image forming system.

According to the present invention, when the paper cutting process is performed, the image forming position on the paper is changed to change the cutting position of the paper. As a result, the fullness detection can be delayed by increasing the accommodating rate of the cutting waste in the waste box, and the productivity can be improved.

It is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image formation system of one Embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic block diagram of the image formation system shown in FIG. It is schematic cross-sectional view which illustrates the structure of the 1st post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is the schematic cross-sectional view of the cutting part provided in the CD cutting unit. It is the schematic sectional drawing of the cutting part provided in the FD cutting unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows the typical example of the paper which performed the trimming cut. It is sectional drawing of the waste box which shows the arrangement of the state detection sensor. It is a three-dimensional image diagram showing the state of the cutting waste inside the waste box detected by the state detection sensor. It is an image diagram which shows the positional relationship between the position of a cutting unit and the state of cutting waste in a waste box. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the paper which performed the cutting process in this example. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the paper which performed the FD cutting process in this example. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the paper which performed the CD cutting process in this example. It is a schematic diagram which shows an example of the paper which performed the cutting process in this example. It is a flowchart which illustrates the procedure of determining the image formation position with respect to the paper carried out by the image formation system of this example.

Hereinafter, an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention (hereinafter, referred to as “this example”) will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is not limited to the following examples. In each of the figures described below, common elements are designated by the same reference numerals, and duplicate description will be omitted.

Further, the CD (Cross Direction) direction used in the following description refers to a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction (hereinafter, referred to as "CD direction"), and the FD (Feed Direction) direction is a paper transport direction (hereinafter, referred to as "CD direction"). Refers to the "FD direction").

<Image formation system 100>
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the image forming system 100 of one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. Further, FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the first aftertreatment apparatus shown in FIG. Hereinafter, in this example, the image forming system 100 will be described, but an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus 200, a first post-processing apparatus 300, and a second post-processing apparatus 400 may also be used.

As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 200, a first post-processing apparatus 300, and a second post-processing apparatus 200 connected in series along the X direction (paper transport direction). It has a processing device 400. The configuration of the image forming system 100 shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the types and the number of devices included in the image forming system 100 are not limited to the example shown in FIG. The image forming system 100 may further have a paper feeding device upstream of the image forming apparatus 200 in the X direction.

<Image forming device 200>
The image forming apparatus 200 reads an image from a document and forms (prints) the read image on paper. Further, the image forming apparatus 200 receives a print job including print data and print setting data in PDL (Page Description Language) format from an external client terminal through a network, and forms an image on paper based on the print job. The client terminal as the job input unit is, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, a smartphone, or the like.

As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 200 includes an image reading unit 210, an image processing unit 220, an image forming unit 230, a paper feeding unit 240, a paper conveying unit 250, a fixing unit 260, a communication unit 270, and an operation display unit 280. , And a control unit 290. Further, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a waste distribution information generation unit 380, an image position determination unit 390, and a waste state prediction unit 395. These components are communicably connected to each other by the internal bus 201.

The image reading unit 210 includes an optical system including a mirror, a lens, and the like, and a reading sensor. The image reading unit 210 reads a document placed on the scanning surface or a document conveyed by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) and outputs an image signal.

The image processing unit 220 performs various image processing on the image signal received from the image reading unit 210 to generate print image data. Further, the image processing unit 220 generates print image data based on the print setting information and print data included in the print job received by the communication unit 270. The generated print image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 230.

The image forming unit 230 uses a well-known image forming process such as an electrophotographic method including charging, exposing, developing, and transferring steps, and uses a well-known image forming process, based on printed image data, to form an image forming position excluding margins on paper. Form an image.

The image forming unit 230 includes a photoconductor drum as an image carrier, a charging unit arranged around the drum, an optical writing unit, a developing device, and a transfer unit.

The photoconductor drum is rotated at a predetermined speed by a drum motor (not shown). The charging unit includes a corona emission electrode arranged around the photoconductor drum, and charges the surface of the photoconductor drum with the generated ions. The optical writing unit incorporates a scanning optical device, and by exposing a charged photoconductor drum based on the input printed image data, the potential of the exposed portion is lowered, and the printed image data. A charge pattern (electrostatic latent image) corresponding to is formed.
The developing device develops the formed electrostatic latent image, visualizes it with toner, and forms a toner image. The transfer unit transfers the toner image on the photoconductor drum to the image forming position on the paper.

The paper feeding unit 240 supplies the paper as a recording material to the image forming unit 230 according to the print job. The paper feed unit 240 has an upper tray 241 and a lower tray 242, and each tray can store paper of different sizes such as A4 size and A3 size.

The paper transport unit 250 transports paper in the image forming apparatus 200. The paper transport unit 250 has a transport path and a plurality of transport roller pairs. Further, the paper transport unit 250 includes a circulation transport unit 255 including a paper reversal unit, and the front and back sides of the fixed paper can be inverted and ejected, or an image can be formed on both sides of the paper. can.

The paper supplied from the paper feeding unit 240 is conveyed toward the image forming unit 230 through the conveying path. The paper is synchronized with the toner image formed on the photoconductor drum by the resist roller pair 251 and the timing of being conveyed to the transfer unit is controlled. The paper on which the toner image is transferred by the transfer unit is conveyed to the fixing unit 260.

The fixing unit 260 fixes the toner image formed on the paper. The fixing portion 260 includes a hollow heating roller in which a heater is arranged, and a pressure roller facing the heating roller. The heating roller and the pressurizing roller are controlled to a predetermined temperature (for example, 100 ° C. or higher) by a heater, and the paper is heated and pressurized to fix the toner image.

The paper on which the image is fixed is supplied to the first post-processing device 300 through a paper ejection unit (not shown).

The communication unit 270 has a network I / F271 and a post-processing device I / F272. The network I / F271 connects to a client terminal such as a personal computer via a network, and transmits / receives data such as a print job.

The post-processing device I / F 272 is communicably connected to the first post-processing device 300 and the second post-processing device 400 through the communication line 202 to transmit and receive data.

The operation display unit 280 has an input unit and an output unit. The input unit includes, for example, a keyboard and a touch panel, and functions as a job input unit for inputting various instructions such as character input, various settings, and start instructions, as well as job contents. In addition, the output unit is equipped with a display and is used to present to the user the device configuration, the execution status of print jobs, post-processing conditions, output image images, and the occurrence status of abnormalities (jams) in paper transport. NS.

The waste distribution information generation unit 380 generates waste distribution information indicating the storage state of the cutting waste inside the waste box 330 based on the acquisition result of the waste state detection unit 370 described later.

The image position determination unit 390 moves the image formation position set based on the job in the CD direction and / and the FD direction based on the acquisition result of the waste state detection unit 370.

The waste state prediction unit 395 as the waste state acquisition unit predicts the state of the cutting waste contained in the waste box 330 based on the job. That is, the drop position of the cutting waste is predicted from the size of the paper included in the job, the image position, the cutting position, and the like, and the state of the cutting waste in the waste box 330 is predicted.

The control unit 290 includes an image reading unit 210, an image processing unit 220, an image forming unit 230, a paper feeding unit 240, a paper transport unit 250, a fixing unit 260, a communication unit 270, an operation display unit 280, and a waste distribution information generation unit 380. It controls the image positioning unit 390 and the waste state prediction unit 395. The control unit 290 includes a CPU 291, an auxiliary storage device 292, a RAM 293, and a ROM 294.

The CPU 291 executes a control program for the image forming apparatus. The control program is stored in the auxiliary storage device 292, and is loaded into the RAM 293 when it is executed by the CPU 291. The auxiliary storage device 292 includes, for example, a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or a flash memory. The RAM 293 stores the calculation result associated with the execution of the CPU 291 and the position, type information, and the like of the functional unit loaded in the first post-processing device 300. Various parameters, various programs, and the like are stored in the ROM 294.

<First post-processing device 300>
The first post-processing device 300 conveys or post-processes the paper supplied from the image forming device 200 according to the instructions of the image forming device 200, and supplies the paper to the second post-processing device 400.

The first post-processing device 300 is arranged between the image forming device 200 and the second post-processing device 400 in the image forming system 100, and includes a paper transport unit 310, a post-processing unit 320, a waste box 330, and a waste state detection. It has a unit 370, a communication I / F unit 350, and a control unit 360. These components are communicably connected to each other by the internal bus 301.

As shown in FIG. 3, the paper transport unit 310 includes a transport path 311 and a plurality of transport roller pairs 314, and transports the paper supplied from the first post-processing device 300 along the transport path 311.

The post-processing unit 320 performs post-processing on the paper by one or more functional units. The post-processing unit 320 has a plurality of slots 321 to 324 for loading the functional unit. Slots 321 to 324 are loaded with functional units at their respective loading positions along the transport path. The loading position is defined by a position on the transport path (position in the X direction). FIG. 1 shows a case where no functional unit is loaded in any of the slots 321 to 324. On the other hand, FIG. 3 shows a case where the functional units 501 to 504 are loaded in the slots 321 to 324, respectively. Further, it is not necessary to load the functional units 501 to 504 in all the slots 321 to 324, and it may be loaded only in any of the slots 321 to 324. When the slots 321 to 324 are empty, the dummy unit is loaded in such a manner that the paper transport is not hindered.

Further, detection sensors 325 to 328 are installed in slots 321 to 324, respectively. The detection sensor 325-328 cooperates with the control unit 360 to determine whether or not the functional units 501 to 504 are loaded, and when the functional units are loaded in the slots 321 to 324, the type of the functional unit and the type of the functional unit and Acquires information on the presence / absence of loading, that is, the loading position. The detection sensor 325-328 and the control unit 360 function as a loading detection unit and a type detection unit.

The detection sensor 325 to 328 may have any form as long as it can detect whether or not the functional unit is loaded and the type of the functional unit, and for example, an optical sensor, an actuator, or the like can be used. Further, the connector on the main body side of the first post-processing device 300 and the connector of the functional unit are fitted and electrically connected, so that the control unit 290 detects the presence or absence of loading, and the functional unit is connected after the connection. The type of the functional unit may be detected (determined) by reading the identification number stored in the control board of the above.

The functional units 501 to 504 are, for example, any one of a CD cutting unit, an FD cutting unit, a dove cutting slit unit, a crease unit, a CD sewing machine unit, an FD sewing machine unit, and a business card slit unit.

The CD cutting unit is a unit having a cutting processing function for cutting paper in the CD direction.
FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting portion included in the CD cutting unit of this example.
As shown in FIG. 4, the CD cutting unit includes a guillotinecutter 601 as a cutting portion. The guillotinecutter 601 includes an upper cutter 601a arranged in the upper part of the transport path 311 and a lower cutter 601b arranged in the lower part of the transport path 311. The upper cutter 601a moves downward and the lower cutter 601b moves upward, so that the paper S is cut in the CD direction at the cutting position 601c sandwiched between the blades of the upper cutter 601a and the lower cutter 601b. Will be done.

The FD cutting unit is a unit having a cutting processing function for cutting paper in the FD direction.
FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a cutting portion included in the FD cutting unit of this example.
As shown in FIG. 5, the FD cutting unit includes a rotary cutter 701 as a cutting portion.
Two rotary cutters 701 are arranged (front side and back side of the device) at predetermined intervals in the CD direction.

Each rotary cutter 701 includes an upper slitter blade 701a arranged on the upper side of the paper S and a lower slitter blade 701b arranged on the lower side of the paper S. Both the upper slitter blade 701a and the lower slitter blade 701b are rotary blades, and the upper slitter blade 701a rotates clockwise according to the transport direction of the paper S on the transport path 311 and the lower slitter blade 701b reverses. Rotate clockwise to cut the paper S in the FD direction. The rotary cutter 701 can be moved in the CD direction by being slidably mounted on a rail extending in the CD direction.

In this example, the FD cutting unit (FD) as the functional unit 501 is loaded in the slot 321. Further, a CD cutting unit (CD1) as the functional unit 502 is loaded in the slot 322. Further, a CD cutting unit (CD2) as the functional unit 504 is loaded in the slot 324. A dummy unit is loaded in the slot 323 located between the slot 322 and the slot 324.

The post-processing unit 320 can also use functional units other than these. Further, the cutting waste cut by the functional unit accompanied by cutting the paper falls into the waste box 330 as the accommodating portion by its own weight and is accumulated. The waste box 330 is provided with a state detection sensor 370. The user periodically disposes of the cutting waste of the waste box 330.

The communication I / F unit 350 is communicably connected to the post-processing device I / F 272 of the image forming apparatus 200 through the communication line 202 to transmit and receive data.

The control unit 360 controls the paper transport unit 310, the post-processing unit 320, and the communication I / F unit 350. The control unit 360 includes a CPU 361, a RAM 362, and a ROM 363.

The CPU 361 executes a control program for the first post-processing device and realizes various functions. The RAM 362 stores the calculation result and processing result of the CPU 361, the position and type of the functional unit loaded in the post-processing unit 320, and the like. The ROM 363 stores the control program, various parameters including a loading position (position on the transport path) according to the slot, and the like.

The control unit 360 acquires the type and loading position of the functional unit based on the detection results of the detection sensors 325 to 328. For example, a unique unit number is pre-assigned for each type of functional unit that can be loaded into slots 321 to 324, and the unit number can be acquired as information regarding the type of functional unit that is loaded. The correspondence between the unit number and the type of the functional unit is stored in the RAM 362 as a table.

The waste state detection unit 370 as a waste state acquisition unit detects and acquires the storage state of the cutting waste inside the waste box 330 by the state detection sensor. Further, the waste state detection unit 370 detects the fullness when the inside of the waste box 330 is full of cutting waste.

<Second post-processing device 400>
The second post-processing device 400 transports or post-processes the paper supplied from the first post-processing device 300 according to the instructions of the image forming device 200, and discharges the paper to the outside of the image forming system 100. The second post-processing device 400 is arranged at the most downstream side in the image forming system 100, and has a paper transport unit 420, a flat binding unit 430, a main tray 440, a purge tray 450, a communication I / F unit 460, and a control unit 470. .. These components are communicably connected to each other by the internal bus 401.

The paper transport unit 420 includes a transport path 421 and a plurality of transport roller pairs 422, and transports the paper supplied from the first post-processing device 300 along the transport path 421. Further, the paper transport unit 420 transports the paper supplied from the first post-processing device 300 along the transport path 421. Further, the flat bound booklet is conveyed to the main tray 440 at the flat binding portion 430.

The flat binding portion 430 includes a stacker portion for accumulating paper and a staple portion for stapling a bundle of paper. The flat binding unit 430 staples the edges of the bundle of paper to flat-bin the bundle of paper to create a booklet.

The main tray 440 discharges effective paper from the paper conveyed by the paper conveying unit 420. The purge tray 450 discharges invalid paper out of the paper conveyed by the paper conveying unit 420.

The communication I / F unit 460 is communicably connected to the post-processing device I / F 272 of the image forming apparatus 200 through the communication line 202 to transmit and receive data.

The control unit 470 controls the paper transport unit 420, the flat binding unit 430, the main tray 440, the purge tray 450, and the communication I / F unit 460. The control unit 470 includes a CPU 471, a RAM 472, and a ROM 473.

The CPU 471 executes a control program for the second post-processing device and realizes various functions. The RAM 472 stores the calculation result and the processing result of the CPU 471. The ROM 473 stores the control program, various parameters, and the like.

Next, the paper cutting process performed by the image forming system 100 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. 6. FIG. 6 shows that the cutting process (trimming cut) was performed using the CD cutting unit and the FD cutting unit. It is a schematic diagram which shows a typical example of a paper. In this example, as the CD cutting unit, a CD cutting unit 502 (CD1) arranged on the upstream side in the paper transport direction and a CD cutting unit 504 (CD2) arranged on the downstream side are used. Further, the FD cutting unit 501 (FD) includes a cutting unit (FDf) arranged on the front side of the device and a cutting unit (FDr) arranged on the back side of the device. Hereinafter, the portion cut by the CD cutting unit 502 indicated by the alternate long and short dash line is CD1, the portion cut by the CD cutting unit 504 is CD2, and the portion cut by the cutting portion on the front side of the device of the FD cutting unit 501 is FDf. The part cut by the cutting part on the back side of the device is referred to as FDr.

As shown in FIG. 6a, the paper S has a front portion FDf and a back portion FDr along the FD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S based on the job settings by the FD cutting unit 501. Two places are cut. The image surface G is formed at a reference position for cutting the paper S. Further, the CD cutting unit 502 cuts the upstream side portion CD1 along the CD direction, and the CD cutting unit 504 cuts the downstream side portion CD2 so as to leave the image surface G of the paper S. By performing this trimming cut, the margin portion of the peripheral portion as shown in FIG. 6b is removed, and the paper S1 of the full bleed image G in which the image is formed at the image forming position can be obtained. The removed margin portion K shown by the diagonal line in FIG. 6a is housed in the waste box 330 as cutting waste corresponding to the margin portion.

Next, the detection of the state of the cutting waste inside the waste box 330 carried out in this example will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the waste box 330 showing the arrangement of the state detection sensor 370 installed in the waste box 330 of this example.
The state detection sensor 370 of this example includes a light emitting unit and a light receiving unit.

As shown in FIG. 7, two light emitting portions 371a and 371b are arranged near the upper center of the waste box 330. Further, two light receiving portions 372a and 372b are arranged near the lower portions of the left and right side surfaces of the waste box 330. In this example, the light emitting unit 371a provided on the left side and the light receiving unit 372a face each other, and the state of the space position on the left side of the waste box 330 is detected. Further, the light emitting unit 371b provided on the right side and the light receiving unit 372b face each other, and the state of the space position on the right side of the waste box 330 is detected. As a result, the state of the cutting waste can be detected by dividing it into the right side or the left side of the waste box 330.

The two light emitting units 371a and 371b of the state detection sensor 370 irradiate the light L toward the inside of the waste box 330. The light receiving units 372a and 372b receive the light L that is irradiated from the light emitting units 371a and 371b and passes through the cutting waste contained in the waste box. Then, the state detection sensor 370 detects the state of the cutting waste inside the waste box 330 based on the light receiving signal received by the light receiving units 372a and 372b.

Next, the waste distribution information generated based on the state of the cutting waste inside the waste box 330 detected by the state detection sensor 370 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. The waste distribution information is generated by, for example, the waste distribution information generation unit 380 based on the acquisition result obtained by detecting with the state detection sensor 370. The generated waste distribution information is displayed on a display or the like of the operation display unit 280.

FIG. 8 is an image diagram of scrap distribution information representing the state of the cutting scrap inside the scrap box detected by the state detection sensor in three dimensions.
As shown in FIG. 8, the waste distribution information is represented in three dimensions of height, width, and depth. The height direction indicates the ratio of the scrap height when the state of detecting fullness is 100%. The width direction and depth direction are managed in units of area division. In this example, an example in which the width direction is 10 and the depth direction is 5 and the area is divided into 10 × 5 = 50 is shown. From this waste distribution information, it can be seen that a large amount of cutting waste is stored in the space position on the left back side of the waste box 330. Further, it can be seen that a lot of space positions for accommodating the cutting waste are left from the vicinity of the center of the waste box 330 to the vicinity of the right side.

Based on this waste distribution information, the cutting waste is stored not in the space position on the left back side of the waste box 330 but in the space position near the center to the right side of the waste box 330, so that the cutting waste is uniformly cut inside the waste box 330. Can store debris. As a result, the fullness detection by the state detection sensor 370 can be delayed, and the productivity of the image forming system 100 can be increased.

In this example, the scrap distribution information was generated based on the acquisition result of the state detection sensor 370, but the print instruction (paper size, image size, basis weight, image output position) specified by the user by the scrap state prediction unit 395 was generated. ) And the information of the cutting unit to be used, the area and the discharge position of the cutting waste generated by the cutting process may be predicted to acquire the waste state, and the waste distribution information may be generated based on the acquisition result.

The generated waste distribution information is reset by the user when the cutting waste is discarded from the waste box 330.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a positional relationship between the position of the cutting unit of the first aftertreatment device 300 and the state of the cutting waste in the waste box 330 when the waste distribution information of FIG. 8 is generated.

As shown in FIG. 9, a large amount of cutting waste K is housed in the space position on the left side of the waste box 330. In this case, the cutting process is performed using the CD cutting unit 502 located on the right side (upstream side) instead of the CD cutting unit 504 located on the left side (downstream side). As a result, the cutting waste can be stored in the space position on the right side of the waste box 330, which has a relatively large margin.

Further, as is clear from the waste distribution information of FIG. 8, more cutting waste is stored in the back side of the waste box 330 than in the front side. In this case, the cutting process in the FD direction is performed by using the cutting portion FDf on the front side instead of the cutting portion FDr arranged on the back side of the FD cutting unit 501. As a result, the cutting waste can be stored in a space position on the front side of the waste box 330, which has a relatively large margin.

As described above, according to the image forming system 100 of this example, the position where the cutting waste falls is controlled by changing the cutting position of the paper of the cutting unit, and the cutting waste is placed in a space position where the waste box 330 has a margin. To accommodate. As a result, the cutting waste can be uniformly stored to increase the storage rate of the waste box 330, and the productivity of the image forming system 100 can be improved.

Next, an example of another embodiment (hereinafter, referred to as “another example”) will be described with reference to FIG.
10a to 10d are schematic views showing an example of the paper S obtained by performing the cutting process in another example.

FIG. 10a is an example in which the state detection sensor 370 finds that there is a margin for accommodating the cutting waste in the space positions on the front side and the right side of the waste box 330.
As shown in FIG. 10a, the position of the image G formed on the paper S of the image forming unit 230 is on the downstream side (FD direction) of the paper ejection direction with respect to the image G at the reference image forming position of FIG. The image is formed so as to be displaced toward the back side (CD direction). At this time, the front portion FDf of the paper S is cut by the FD cutting unit 501 along the FD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S. Further, the upstream portion CD1 is cut along the CD direction by the CD cutting unit 502 so as to leave the image surface G of the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is accommodated as cutting waste in the space positions on the front side and the right side of the waste box 330.

FIG. 10b is an example in which the state detection sensor 370 finds that there is a margin for accommodating the cutting waste in the space positions on the back side and the right side of the waste box 330.
As shown in FIG. 10b, the image forming unit 230 is arranged so that the position of the image G formed on the paper S is on the downstream side (FD direction) in the paper ejection direction and is shifted to the front side (CD direction). Form an image. At this time, the paper S is cut by the FD cutting unit 501 on the back side portion FDr along the FD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S. Further, the upstream portion CD1 is cut along the CD direction by the CD cutting unit 502 so as to leave the image surface G of the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is accommodated as cutting waste in the space positions on the back side and the right side of the waste box 330.

FIG. 10c is an example in which the state detection sensor 370 finds that there is a margin for accommodating the cutting waste in the space positions on the back side and the left side of the waste box 330.
As shown in FIG. 10c, the image forming unit 230 is arranged so that the position of the image G formed on the paper S is on the upstream side (FD direction) in the paper ejection direction and is shifted to the front side (CD direction). Form an image. At this time, the paper S is cut by the FD cutting unit 501 on the back side portion FDr along the FD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S. Further, the CD cutting unit 504 cuts the downstream portion CD2 along the CD direction so as to leave the image surface G of the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is stored as cutting waste in the space positions on the back side and the left side of the waste box 330.

FIG. 10d is an example in which the state detection sensor 370 finds that there is a margin for accommodating the cutting waste in the space positions on the front side and the left side of the waste box 330.
As shown in FIG. 10d, the image forming unit 230 is arranged so that the position of the image G formed on the paper S is on the upstream side (FD direction) in the paper ejection direction and shifted to the back side (CD direction). Form an image. At this time, the front side portion FDf of the paper S is cut by the FD cutting unit 501 along the FD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S. Further, the CD cutting unit 504 cuts the downstream portion CD2 along the CD direction so as to leave the image surface G of the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is accommodated as cutting waste in the space positions on the front side and the left side of the waste box 330.

For example, in the case immediately after discarding the cutting waste and resetting the waste box 330, the user specifies the spatial position of the waste box 330 for accommodating the cutting waste without using the state detection sensor 370. May be good. In this case, the cutting unit that performs the cutting process is determined based on the designated spatial position.

According to this example, the position of the image formed on the paper S by the image forming unit 230 is set in two side directions (CD direction and FD direction) from the reference image forming position according to the state of the cutting waste in the waste box 330. By moving them together, the cutting position of the paper S by the cutting unit is changed. Thereby, the drop position of the cutting waste can be controlled so that the cutting waste in the waste box can be made uniform. As a result, the accommodation rate of the waste box 330 can be increased, and the productivity of the image forming system 100 can be improved.

Further, by shifting the image formation position from the reference position of the image G shown in FIG. 6, the number of places where the paper S is cut by the cutting unit is reduced from 4 places to 2 places, and the finished quality of the cut paper S is improved. be able to.

Next, another example in which only the FD cutting process is performed will be described with reference to FIG.
11a to 11c are schematic views showing an example of the paper S obtained by performing the FD cutting process in another example.

As shown in FIG. 11a, the paper S is a front portion FDf along the FD direction so as to leave the image surface G of the paper S formed at the reference image forming position based on the job setting by the FD cutting unit 501. And the back part FDr are cut at two places. By carrying out such a cutting process, it is possible to obtain a paper S1 having a desired size from which the front and back margins have been removed. The removed margin portion K shown by the diagonal line in FIG. 11a is stored in the waste box 330 as cutting waste.

FIG. 11b is an example in which the state detection sensor 370 finds that there is a margin for accommodating the cutting waste in the space position on the front side of the waste box 330.
As shown in FIG. 11b, the image forming unit 230 shifts the position of the image G formed on the paper S toward the back side (CD direction) of the paper with respect to the image G at the reference image forming position of FIG. 11a. To form an image. At this time, the front portion FDf of the paper S is cut by the FD cutting unit 501 along the FD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S. Further, the position of the cutting portion FDf arranged on the front side of the device of the FD cutting unit 501 may be moved to the back side according to the position of the image G formed on the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is accommodated as cutting waste in a space position on the front side of the waste box 330.

FIG. 11c is an example in which the state detection sensor 370 finds that there is a margin for accommodating the cutting waste in the space position on the back side of the waste box 330.
As shown in FIG. 11c, the image forming unit 230 shifts the position of the image G formed on the paper S toward the front side (CD direction) of the image G at the reference image forming position of FIG. 11a. To form an image. At this time, the paper S is cut by the FD cutting unit 501 on the back side portion FDr along the FD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S. Further, the position of the cutting portion arranged on the back side of the device of the FD cutting unit 501 may be moved to the front side according to the position of the image G formed on the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is stored as cutting waste in a space position on the back side of the waste box 330.

According to this example, the position of the image formed on the paper S by the image forming unit 230 is moved in one side direction (CD direction) from the reference image forming position according to the state of the cutting waste in the waste box 330. Then, the paper S is cut by the cutting portion of the FD cutting unit on the side opposite to the direction in which the image is moved. Thereby, the drop position of the cutting waste can be controlled so that the cutting waste in the waste box can be made uniform. As a result, the accommodation rate of the waste box 330 can be increased, and the productivity of the image forming system 100 can be improved. Further, by shifting the image forming position from the reference position of the image G shown in FIG. 11a, the number of places where the paper S is cut by the FD cutting unit can be reduced from two places to one place, and the finished quality of the paper S can be improved.

Next, another example in which only the CD cutting process is performed will be described with reference to FIG.
12a to 12c are schematic views showing an example of the paper S obtained by performing the CD cutting process in another example.

As shown in FIG. 12a, the paper S is upstream side along the CD direction by the CD cutting unit 502 so as to leave the image surface G of the paper S formed at the reference image forming position based on the job setting. The partial CD1 is cut, and the downstream partial CD2 is cut by the CD cutting unit 504. By carrying out this cutting process, it is possible to obtain a paper S1 having a desired size from which the front and back margins have been removed. The removed margin portion K shown by the diagonal line in FIG. 12a is stored in the waste box 330 as cutting waste.

FIG. 12b is an example in which the state detection sensor 370 finds that there is a margin for accommodating the cutting waste in the space position on the right side of the waste box 330.
As shown in FIG. 12b, in the image forming unit 230, the position of the image G formed on the paper S is on the downstream side (FD direction) of the paper with respect to the image G at the reference position for cutting in FIG. 12a. The image is formed so that it shifts. At this time, the paper S is cut by the CD cutting unit 502 along the CD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S on the upstream side portion CD1. Further, the transport unit 250 stops the paper S according to the position of the image G formed on the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is stored as cutting waste in the space position on the right side of the waste box 330.

FIG. 12c is an example in which the state detection sensor 370 finds that there is a margin for accommodating the cutting waste in the space position on the left side of the waste box 330.
As shown in FIG. 12c, the image forming unit 230 forms an image so that the position of the image G formed on the paper S is displaced toward the upstream side (FD direction) of the paper. At this time, the paper S is cut by the CD cutting unit 504 on the downstream side portion CD2 along the CD direction so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S. Further, the transport unit 250 stops the paper S according to the position of the image G formed on the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is stored as cutting waste in the space position on the left side of the waste box 330.

According to this example, the position of the image formed on the paper S by the image forming unit 230 is moved in one side direction (FD direction) from the reference image forming position according to the state of the cutting waste in the waste box 330. Then, the paper S is cut by the CD cutting unit on the side opposite to the direction in which the image is moved. Thereby, the drop position of the cutting waste can be controlled so that the cutting waste in the waste box can be made uniform. As a result, the accommodation rate of the waste box 330 can be increased, and the productivity of the image forming system 100 can be improved. Further, by shifting the image forming position from the reference position of the image G shown in FIG. 12a, the number of places where the paper S is cut by the FD cutting unit can be reduced from two places to one place, and the finished quality of the paper S can be improved.

Next, an example of performing a cutting process different from the setting of the print job will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 13a is a schematic view showing an example of the paper S in which the cutting process is performed according to the setting of the print job. In this example, the paper S is fed by the SEF (Short Edge Feed) method (vertical feed), and the upstream portion CD1 is cut using the CD cutting unit 502. At this time, the cutting waste generated by cutting is stored in the space position on the right side of the waste box 330.

At this time, the state detection sensor 370 revealed that a large amount of cutting waste was stored in the space position on the right side of the waste box 330, and that there was room for storing the cutting waste in the space position on the back side of the waste box 330. Suppose you did. In this case, as shown in FIG. 13b, the paper feed unit 240 changes the paper feed tray for feeding the paper S, and conveys the paper S by the LEF (Long Edge Feed) method (horizontal feed). Further, the image forming unit 230 forms an image so that the position of the image G formed on the paper S is shifted toward the front side of the paper in consideration of the orientation of the image G.

As a result, the front side portion FDf of the paper S is cut along the FD direction by the FD cutting unit 501 so as to leave the image surface G formed on the paper S. By carrying out this cutting process, the removed margin portion K is stored as cutting waste in a space position on the back side of the waste box 330.

According to this example, even when the cutting process is set, the direction in which the paper S is fed by the paper feeding unit 240 is changed according to the state of the cutting waste in the waste box 330, and the image is displayed. The forming unit 230 determines the image forming position of the image G formed on the paper S. Then, the type of the cutting unit used for cutting the paper S is changed, and the paper cutting process is performed. Thereby, the drop position of the cutting waste can be controlled so that the cutting waste in the waste box can be made uniform. As a result, the accommodation rate of the waste box 330 can be increased, and the productivity of the image forming system 100 can be improved. The size of the paper fed by the paper feed unit 240 may be any size as long as the set image can be formed.

When the cutting process according to this example is performed, a confirmation screen may be displayed on the operation display unit 280 to confirm the intention of the user to perform the cutting process. The contents displayed on the confirmation screen include, for example, "By using the paper stored in the XX paper feed tray, the job will continue." And "The paper is stored in the XX paper feed tray." Do you want to continue processing with paper? " The user can decide whether or not to continue the cutting process based on the confirmation screen.

<Cut processing method of image forming system 100>
The cutting processing method of the image forming system 100 of this example will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a procedure for determining an image forming position with respect to the paper carried out in this example. The process shown in FIG. 14 is realized by the CPU 291 of the image forming apparatus 200.

As a premise for performing the cutting process, the image forming system 100 confirms whether or not the functional unit included in the print job and required for performing the cutting process is loaded. For example, the control unit 360 acquires information on the types of functional units 501 to 504 loaded in the slots 321 to 324 based on the detection results of the detection sensors 325 to 328. In this example, the FD cutting unit is loaded into slot 321. Further, the CD cutting unit (CD1) is loaded in the slot 322, and the CD cutting unit (CD2) is loaded in the slot 324. Further, a dummy unit is loaded into slot 323.

The print job data is input to the image forming apparatus 200 from the external device via the communication unit 270 (step S1). Next, based on the acquisition result obtained by detecting the state of the cutting waste inside the waste box 330 by the state detection sensor 370, the waste distribution information generation unit 380 generates the waste distribution information (step S2).

Next, it is necessary for the image position determination unit 390 to determine the image formation position formed on the paper S based on the waste distribution information generated in step S2 and the data of the print job, and to change from the reference image formation position. It is determined whether or not there is (step S3). When the image formation position formed on the paper S is changed and determined by the image position determination unit 390 (YES in step S3), the cutting waste generated in the cutting process is contained in the waste box 330 as in the above example. The image formation position on the paper is determined so that the image can be accommodated in the space position with a margin (step S4). If the image formation position formed on the paper S is not changed by the image position determination unit 390 (NO in step S3), the process proceeds to step S5.

The timing for determining the image formation position in step S4 of this example is at the start of execution of the print process of the print job, that is, in the job unit. As a result, the reference forming position of the image formed on the paper does not change until all the printing jobs are completed, so that the cutting position by the cutting unit is fixed. Therefore, it is possible to eliminate the deviation caused by the movement of the cutting portion and maintain the finished quality of the cut paper S on a job-by-job basis.

Further, the timing for determining the image formation position in step S4 may be set at the time of executing the printing process for each sheet included in the print job, that is, in units of one sheet. As a result, the state inside the waste box 330 is confirmed and the cutting process is performed for each sheet of paper, so that the cutting waste inside the waste box 330 can be reliably made uniform. The timing for determining the position for forming the image may be set by the user via the operation display unit 280.

Next, the image forming unit 230 performs image forming (printing operation) based on the image forming position on the paper S determined in step S4 (step S5). After that, the paper S is cut using an appropriate cutting unit, the cutting waste generated in the cutting process is stored in the waste box 330, and the cutting process is completed when all the printing jobs are completed.

In step S2 of this example, the scrap distribution information is generated based on the state of the cutting scrap inside the actual scrap box 330 detected by the state detection sensor 370, but the print job is performed by the scrap state prediction unit 395. The position and amount of the cutting waste generated by the cutting process may be predicted based on the data of the above, and the waste distribution information may be generated based on the prediction.

As described above, according to the image forming system 100 and the cutting processing method of the image forming system 100 of this example, the accommodating rate of the waste box 330 can be increased by making the cutting waste uniform. As a result, it is possible to delay the detection of fullness and improve the productivity when performing the paper cutting process.

As described above, the image forming system according to this example and the cutting processing method carried out in the image forming system have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and the invention described in the claims. It is possible to carry out various modifications within the range that does not deviate from the gist of.

That is, the above-described embodiment has been described in detail in order to explain the present invention in an easy-to-understand manner, and is not necessarily limited to the one including all the described configurations. For example, it is possible to replace a part of the configuration of the present embodiment with another configuration, and it is also possible to add another configuration to the configuration of the present embodiment. Further, it is possible to add / delete / replace a part of the configuration of the present embodiment with another configuration.

Further, the control program of the image forming apparatus and the first and second post-processing apparatus may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM, or may be provided by a network such as the Internet. It may be provided online via. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable recording medium is usually transferred to a storage unit, a storage device, or the like and stored. Further, this control program may be provided as a single application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of the image forming device.

Further, it is assumed that the paper of this example includes not only a paper medium but also various other printable recording materials such as a film and a cloth.

100 ... image forming system, 200 ... image forming apparatus, 210 ... image reading unit, 220 ... image processing unit, 230 ... image forming unit, 240 ... paper feeding unit, 250 ... ... Transport unit, 255 ... Inverted path, 260 ... Fixing unit, 270 ... Communication unit, 271 ... Network I / F, 272 ... Post-processing device I / F, 280 ... Operation display unit, 290 ... Control unit, 300 ... First post-processing device, 310 ... Paper transport unit, 311 ... Transport path, 320 ... Post-processing unit, 3213-224 ... -Slot, 325-328 ... detection sensor, 330 ... waste box, 350 ... communication I / F unit, 360 ... control unit, 370 ... state detection sensor, 380 ... waste distribution Information generation unit, 390 ... Image position determination unit, 395 ... Waste state prediction unit, 400 ... Second post-processing device, 420 ... Paper transport unit, 430 ... Flat binding unit, 440 ... Main tray, 450 ... Purge tray, 460 ... Communication I / F unit, 470 ... Control unit, 501-504 ... Functional unit, 601 ... Guillotine cutter, 701 ... Rotation Cutter, S ... Paper

Claims (18)

An image forming part that forms an image at an image forming position excluding margins on the paper based on the job,
A cutting section that cuts the paper on which the image is formed, and
An accommodating portion for accommodating cutting debris corresponding to the margin portion generated from the paper cut by the cutting portion, and an accommodating portion.
A waste state acquisition unit that acquires the state of the cutting waste stored in the storage unit, and a waste state acquisition unit.
An image forming system including an image position determining unit that determines an image forming position by the image forming unit based on an acquisition result by the waste state acquisition unit. The image formation according to claim 1, further comprising a waste distribution information generation unit that generates waste distribution information indicating a storage state of the cutting waste stored in the storage unit based on the acquisition result by the waste state acquisition unit. system. A waste state predicting unit for predicting the state of cutting waste stored in the accommodating unit based on the job is provided.
The image forming system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the image position determining unit determines the image forming position based on the prediction by the waste state prediction unit. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein the waste distribution information generation unit generates waste distribution information based on a prediction made by the waste state prediction unit. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the timing for determining the image forming position by the image position determining unit is the start of execution of the entire sheet included in the job. The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the timing for determining the image forming position by the image position determining unit is the start of execution for each sheet included in the job. The image according to claim 1, wherein the cutting unit includes a CD cutting unit that performs a cutting process along the CD direction of the paper, and an FD cutting unit that performs a cutting process along the FD direction of the paper. Forming system. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the image positioning unit moves the image forming position in the CD direction and / and the FD direction. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein when the image forming position is moved in the CD direction by the image positioning unit, the paper is cut using the FD cutting unit. The image forming system according to claim 8, wherein when the image forming position is moved in the FD direction by the image positioning unit, the paper is cut by the CD cutting unit. A plurality of the CD cutting units are provided.
The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the paper is cut by using a CD cutting unit arranged in a direction opposite to the direction in which the image forming position is moved by the image positioning unit. The FD cutting unit includes a plurality of cutting blades and has a plurality of cutting blades.
The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the paper is cut by using the cutting blade portion of the FD cutting unit arranged in the direction opposite to the direction in which the image position is moved by the image positioning unit. The cutting blade portion of the FD cutting unit is movable,
The image forming system according to claim 12, wherein the paper is cut with the cutting blade portion moved. Based on the acquisition result by the waste state acquisition unit, the image forming unit forms an image at a position different from the image forming position set based on the job, and is different from the cutting unit set based on the job. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the paper is cut using a cutting unit. The image forming position on the paper is predetermined as a reference position, and the image position determining unit changes the image forming position by the image forming unit from the reference position based on the acquisition result by the waste state acquisition unit. The image forming system according to claim 1. The step of forming an image on paper based on a job by the image forming unit provided in the image forming system,
A step of cutting the paper on which the image is formed by a cutting unit provided in the image forming system, and
A step of accommodating the cutting debris generated from the paper cut by the cutting unit by the accommodating portion provided in the image forming system.
A step of detecting the state of the cutting waste contained in the storage unit by the waste state acquisition unit provided in the image forming system, and
A cutting process including a step of determining an image formation position by the image forming unit set based on the job based on an acquisition result by the waste state acquisition unit by an image position determining unit included in the image forming system. Method. Job input section for inputting jobs and
An image forming unit that forms an image at an image forming position excluding a margin on the paper based on the job input by the job input unit.
A waste state acquisition unit for acquiring the state of the cutting waste housed in the storage unit for accommodating the cutting waste corresponding to the margin portion, and a waste state acquisition unit.
An image forming apparatus including an image position determining unit that determines an image forming position by the image forming unit based on an acquisition result by the waste state acquisition unit. The step of forming an image at the image forming position excluding the margin on the paper based on the job by the image forming unit,
A step of acquiring the state of the cutting waste contained in the accommodating portion for accommodating the cutting waste corresponding to the margin portion by the waste state acquisition unit, and
A program for causing a computer to perform a step of determining an image formation position by the image forming unit based on an acquisition result by the waste state acquisition unit by the image positioning unit.

Images