JP2024014548A - image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system that can form slack in a sheet on a conveyance path without increasing a size of a device, and can prevent problems caused by the formed slack.

SOLUTION: There is provided an image forming system including an image forming apparatus 1 that forms an image on a sheet P, a post-processing apparatus 2 that includes a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheet P, and guide means 10 that guides the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 to a downstream side. The image forming system further includes a first route R1 that transports the sheet P to the post-processing section, a second route R2 that transports the sheet P to the outside of the apparatus without performing post-processing, and switching means 12 for switching a conveyance destination of the sheet P to the first route R1 or the second route R2. The switching means 12 includes a rotatably supported claw-like part and driving means that makes the claw-like part movable. When conveying the sheet P to the first route R1, a slack is formed in the sheet P on the guide means 10 on an upstream side of the switching means 12.

SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

COPYRIGHT: (C)2024,JPO&INPIT

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system.

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming system is known that includes an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus, delivers a sheet ejected from the image forming apparatus to the post-processing apparatus, and performs post-processing on the sent sheet. As the post-processing, for example, there is a "folding process" in which a crease is formed in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of a sheet on which an image is formed.

In such an image forming system, there may be cases where the sheet conveying speed of the image forming device and the sheet conveying speed of the post-processing device (folding device, etc.) are different, or due to the image forming format of the image forming device (for example, in the case of an inkjet method). There is a known technique for absorbing the speed difference by forming slack in the sheet being conveyed when there is a fluctuation in the sheet conveyance speed (for example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

In Patent Document 1, even when attached to an inkjet image forming apparatus main body in which sheet conveyance is driven intermittently, image expansion and contraction do not occur on the image forming apparatus main body side, and variations in folding dimensions do not occur on the sheet folding device side. As an apparatus, a structure in which a sheet retention means is provided is disclosed.

Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming system that can perform good post-processing even if the length of the sheet from the image forming apparatus to the post-processing device changes, and describes a conveyance path from the image forming device to the sheet folding device. A configuration is disclosed that includes a movable guide member that provides variable length guidance.

However, when forming slack in a sheet conveyed inside an image forming apparatus or a post-processing apparatus as in Patent Document 1, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes larger in order to secure a space for forming the slack. be. Furthermore, when forming slack in the sheet, there is a risk that the image on the sheet will be rubbed and damaged by the open end of the guide plate.

Furthermore, when the movable guide member is moved according to the degree of slack in the sheet as in Patent Document 2, if the amount of slack in the sheet exceeds the movement range of the movable guide member, there is a risk that the sheet cannot be conveyed properly. be.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system that can form slack in a sheet on a conveyance path without increasing the size of the apparatus, and can prevent problems caused by the formed slack. .

In order to solve the above problems, the fixing device of the present invention includes an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing section that is disposed downstream of the image forming device and that performs post-processing on the sheet. an image forming system comprising: a post-processing device; and a guide means for guiding the sheet discharged from the image forming device to a downstream side; , comprising: a second path for discharging the sheet without performing post-processing; and a switching means for switching the conveyance destination of the sheet to the first path or the second path, the switching means being rotatable. a claw-like part pivotally supported by the user, and a driving means for movable the claw-like part, and when the sheet is conveyed to the first path, a drive means is provided on the guide means on the upstream side of the switching means. The method is characterized in that the sheet is made slack.

According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system in which slack can be formed in a sheet on a conveyance path without increasing the size of the apparatus, and in which problems caused by the formed slack can be prevented.

FIG. 1(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming system according to this embodiment, and FIG. 1(B) is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming section. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of main parts of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of main parts of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of main parts of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the slackness of the seat and the position of the switching means. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of sheet conveyance and operation of a switching unit in the image forming system of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing a schematic configuration of main parts of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of sheet conveyance and operation of a switching unit in the image forming system of the present embodiment. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of sheet conveyance and operation of a switching unit in the image forming system of the present embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating movement of a switching means when a jam occurs. 7 is a flowchart illustrating movement of a switching unit when a jam occurs in the image forming system of the present embodiment. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of a control unit of the image forming system according to the present embodiment.

An image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown below, and may be modified within the scope of those skilled in the art, such as other embodiments, additions, modifications, deletions, etc. These are also included within the scope of the present invention as long as they exhibit the functions and effects of the present invention.
Further, in the terms of this application, image formation, recording, printing, printing, etc. are all synonymous.

FIG. 1(A) is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention.
The image forming system 100 of the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 1 that forms an image on a sheet P, and a post-processing section 2a that is disposed downstream of the image forming apparatus 1 and that performs post-processing on the sheet P. It includes a post-processing device 2 and a guide means 10 that guides the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 to the downstream side.

The guide means 10 is a guide plate member that is provided outside the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 and is used to transfer the image-formed sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 to the post-processing apparatus 2. It is configured.

The image forming apparatus 1 includes a serial type inkjet printer shown in FIG. 1(B) as an image forming section. The image forming apparatus 1 is configured to cut a rolled sheet P (rolled paper) to a desired length, and is capable of forming images on multiple large-sized sheets P such as A0 and A1 sizes. It is now possible.

In FIG. 1A, the post-processing device 2 is a folding device that performs a folding process as post-processing on a sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 and carried in.

Further, an entrance sensor 13 installed near the carry-in port of the post-processing device 2 and a paper discharge sensor 9 installed near the discharge port of the image forming device 1 detect whether or not there is a sheet P at that position, for example. This is a photosensor that optically detects.

In the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment, a first path R1 transports the sheet P to the post-processing section 2a, a second path R2 transports the sheet P to the outside of the apparatus without performing post-processing on the sheet P, and A switching means 12 for switching the conveyance destination to the first route R1 or the second route R2 is provided.

The switching means 12 includes a rotatably supported claw-like portion and a drive means that allows the claw-like portion to move. In addition, it is preferable that the driving means is a driving means that allows the claw-like portion to move steplessly.
As shown in FIG. 1A, when the claw-like portion is stopped at a position covering the opening through which the sheet P is carried into the post-processing device 2, the sheet P is conveyed to the second path R2. On the other hand, when the claw-like portion is stopped at a position where it does not cover the opening through which the sheet P is carried into the post-processing device 2, the sheet P is conveyed to the first path R1.

The sheet P conveyed to the first path R1 passes through the entrance roller pair 14 and reaches the post-processing section (folding section 2a). The folded sheet P is then discharged from the apparatus and stacked on the discharge tray 18.

The sheets P conveyed to the second path R2 are conveyed along the discharge guide plate 11 and stacked on the discharge tray 18 without being subjected to post-processing.
Note that the second route R2 may be a transport path provided inside the post-processing device 2, or may be a transport path provided outside the post-processing device 2.

In the image forming apparatus 1 , the sheet P conveyed by the paper feed roller 5 is conveyed to the registration rollers 6 . The paper feed roller 5 and the registration roller 6 are rotationally driven by a driving means (not shown) and convey the sheet P.
The sheet P conveyed onto the platen 7 is sucked by the platen 7, and an image is formed (printed) by the recording head 4.
When the rear end of the sheet P passes the paper discharge sensor 9, the cutter 8 cuts the sheet P.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram showing an example of an image forming section of the image forming apparatus 1. As shown in FIG.
The image forming section includes a carriage 3, a timing belt 28, a motor 29, a driving pulley 31, a driven pulley 32, a guide rod 33, a sub-guide 34, a side plate 35, an encoder sheet 36, and the like. Further, the carriage 3 includes two recording heads 4, a belt holding section 25, a sub-guide receiving section 26, an encoder sensor 27, and the like.

The two recording heads 4 of the carriage 3 are configured to be able to eject ink droplets of four colors (black, cyan, magenta, yellow), for example.
The guide rod 33 and the sub-guide 34 are installed between side plates 35 installed on both sides in the width direction. The guide rod 33 is inserted into a through hole of the carriage 3, and the sub-guide 34 is fitted into the sub-guide receiving portion 26 of the carriage 3. With this configuration, the carriage 3 is held movably in the main scanning direction (width direction) in the image forming section.

Further, the timing belt 28 is stretched and supported by a drive pulley 31 and a driven pulley 32, which are installed on the motor shaft of a motor 29 of a forward and reverse rotation type. Further, the carriage 3 is fixedly held on a part of the timing belt 28 via a belt holding section 25 . With such a configuration, the carriage 3 moves in the left-right direction in the figure as the timing belt 28 is driven by the motor 29 while being guided by the guide rod 33 and the sub-guide 34 .

Based on the image information input to the image forming apparatus 1, ink droplets are ejected from the recording head 4 while the carriage 3 moves in the main scanning direction to form a desired image on the sheet P that is intermittently conveyed. be done.
An encoder sensor 27 is installed on the carriage 3, and the encoder sheet 36 is detected by the encoder sensor 27 while the carriage 3 moves in the main scanning direction. This makes it possible to form an image on the sheet P with high positional accuracy while grasping the position of the carriage 3 (recording head 4) in the main scanning direction.

2 to 4 are explanatory diagrams showing a schematic configuration of main parts of the image forming system of this embodiment.
In this embodiment, the post-processing device 2 is a folding device that performs folding processing.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, since the claw-like portion of the switching means 12 is stopped at a position covering the opening through which the sheet P is carried into the post-processing device 2, the sheet P is not transported to the second path R2. ing.
Thereafter, the sheet P is conveyed out of the apparatus along the discharge guide plate 11 without being subjected to post-processing.

In the example shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, since the claw-like portion of the switching means 12 is stopped at a position that does not cover the opening through which the sheet P is carried into the post-processing device 2, the sheet P is transferred to the first path R1. transported.

In the image forming apparatus 1, the sheet P is conveyed downstream by registration rollers 6. When the sheet P printed by the recording head 4 passes the paper discharge sensor 9, the claw-like portion of the switching means 12 moves to the position shown in FIG. 3, and the leading edge of the sheet P enters the post-processing device 2. That is, the sheet P is conveyed to the first path R1.

The sheet P is detected by an entrance sensor 13, passes through a pair of entrance rollers 14, and is conveyed to folding rollers 15, 16, and 17. A predetermined fold is formed on the sheet P by the forward and reverse rotation of the folding rollers 15, 16, and 17.
The entrance roller pair 14 and the folding rollers 15, 16, 17 are rotationally driven by a driving means (not shown).

In the image forming system of this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 4, when the sheet P is conveyed to the first path R1, slack is formed in the sheet P on the guide means 10 on the upstream side of the switching means 12.
In addition, since the guide means 10 is provided outside the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2, there is no need to secure a space within the apparatus for forming slack, which does not lead to an increase in the size of the apparatus. do not have.

The image forming system of this embodiment includes a slack amount detection unit that detects the slack amount of the sheet P formed on the guide unit 10.
Further, the image forming system of this embodiment includes means for detecting the conveyance amount (conveyance distance) of the sheet P in the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2. The slack amount detection means detects the slack amount of the sheet P formed on the guide means 10 based on the conveyance amount of the sheet P in the image forming apparatus 1 and the conveyance amount of the sheet P in the first path R1 of the post-processing device 2, for example. can be calculated.
For example, when the amount of conveyance of the sheet P in the image forming apparatus 1 is greater than the amount of conveyance of the sheet P in the first path R1 of the post-processing device 2, the amount of slack that is formed increases.

In the image system of this embodiment, a communication means is provided for communicating information such as the size of the sheet P, conveyance conditions, conveyance amount, etc., and signals from various sensors between the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2. may be provided. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 may be mechanically connected together without a communication means.

The driving means for rotating the claw-like portion of the switching means 12 changes the stopping position of the claw-like portion in accordance with the amount of slack in the sheet P detected by the slack amount detection means.
As shown in FIG. 4, when the amount of slack in the sheet P formed on the guide means 10 increases and exceeds a predetermined amount of slack, the claw-like portion of the switching means 12 rotates and the tip moves in the downstream direction. do. Thereby, the slack of the sheet P is formed to increase in the downstream direction.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating the relationship between the slackness of the sheet P and the position of the switching means 12.
The amount of slack in the sheet P increases in the order of FIG. 5(A), FIG. 5(B), and FIG. 5(C), and the stopping position of the claw-like portion of the rotating switching means 12 also corresponds to the amount of slack in the sheet P. has been changed accordingly.
Hereinafter, the state in FIG. 5(A) may be referred to as "amount of slack: small," the state in FIG. 5(B) may be referred to as "medium amount of slack," and the state in FIG. 5(C) may be referred to as "amount of slack: large." . Regarding the position of the switching means 12, the state in FIG. 5(A) corresponds to the "looseness amount: small", the state in FIG. 5(B) corresponds to the "looseness amount: medium", and the state in FIG. The state C) is sometimes referred to as a position corresponding to "amount of slack: large".

As shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, as the amount of slack in the sheet P increases, the amount of movement (rotation amount) of the claw-like portion of the switching means 12 also increases.
Since the switching means 12 moves in accordance with the amount of slack in the sheet P in this manner, it is possible to prevent problems caused by the slack formed. For example, the switching means 12 does not become an obstacle to the conveyance of the sheet P, and the sheets P staying upstream of the post-processing device 2 do not buckle.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating the conveyance of the sheet P and the operation of the switching means 12 in the image forming system of this embodiment.
Note that the switching means 12 at the start of the operation is positioned at a position covering the opening through which the sheet P is carried into the post-processing device 2 as shown in FIG. (also referred to as the home position).

First, image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is started (S001). The discharge of the sheet P on which the image has been formed is detected by turning on the discharge sensor 9 of the image forming apparatus 1 (S002).

Next, it is determined whether or not post-processing is to be performed on the sheet P on which the image has been formed (S003). If post-processing is not to be performed, the sheet P is conveyed to the second path R2 without moving the switching means 12 from the home position.
On the other hand, when performing post-processing, the switching means 12 is moved to the first path transport side (the position where the sheet P is transported to the first path R1) (S004).
The switching means 12 is moved by operating a rotatably supported pawl-shaped portion by a driving means (motor).

It is detected that the sheet P has been conveyed to the post-processing device 2 by turning on the entrance sensor 13 (S005).
After the entrance sensor 13 is turned on, the amount of slack in the sheet P is detected (S006). Specifically, the amount of slack in the sheet P formed on the guide means 10 is calculated from the amount of conveyance of the sheet P from the image forming apparatus 1 and the amount of conveyance of the sheet P in the post-processing device 2.

Based on the detected amount of slack in the sheet P, as shown in FIGS. 5A to 5C, it is determined whether the switching means 12 is at a position corresponding to the amount of slack in the sheet P (S007). If the switching means 12 is not at a position corresponding to the amount of slack in the sheet P, the switching means 12 is moved to an appropriate position (S008).
Specifically, when the amount of slack is large, the claw-like part is rotated by a driving means (motor) so that the tip moves downstream, and when the amount of slack is small, the claw-like part is rotated by a driving means (motor). ) to move the tip toward the upstream side. This operation continues while post-processing is performed.

After detecting that the paper ejection sensor 9 of the image forming apparatus 1 is OFF (S009) and further detecting that the inlet sensor 13 of the post-processing apparatus 2 is OFF (S010), the switching means 12 is switched to the second path transport side (the sheet P is It is moved to the position to be transported to the first route R2 (home position) (S011).
Then, the operation ends when the sheet P on which the image has been formed is discharged (S012).

According to the image forming system of this embodiment, slack can be formed in the sheet P on the conveyance path, and the created slack can be adjusted without increasing the size of the apparatus. Further, as described above, the image forming system of the present embodiment can appropriately switch the conveyance destination of the sheet P discharged from the image forming apparatus 1 to the first route R1 or the second route R2 by the switching means 12. can.

In the image forming system of this embodiment, even if the sheet P is scheduled to undergo post-processing, if it is detected in advance that it is unsuitable for post-processing, the sheet P is switched based on the detected information. By moving the means 12, the conveyance destination can be switched to the second route R2.

An example of switching the conveyance destination according to the specifications of the sheet P will be described based on FIGS. 7 to 9.
The image forming system of this embodiment can include sensors on the upstream side of the post-processing device 2 for determining whether the sheet P has specifications to which post-processing is applied.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing main parts of the image forming system of this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 1 includes a sheet discharge sensor 9 that detects the sheet P to be discharged, a sheet thickness sensor 83 that serves as a means for detecting the thickness of the sheet P, and a sheet thickness sensor 83 that detects the printing rate of the image formed on the sheet P. A printing rate sensor 84 is provided as a means.

In an embodiment including a means (thickness sensor 83) for detecting the thickness of the sheet P, the switching means 12 switches the conveyance destination of the sheet P to the first route R1 or the second route R2 according to the detected thickness of the sheet P. be able to.
For example, even if settings are made to perform post-processing from the operation unit included in the image forming system, if the detected thickness of the sheet P is not compatible with post-processing, the switching means 12 The position is assumed to be a position where the conveyance destination of the sheet P is the second route R2. In this case, an alert indicating that the post-processing cannot be executed may be displayed on a display unit included in the operation unit.

In an embodiment including means for detecting the printing rate of the sheet P (printing rate sensor 84), the switching unit 12 switches the conveyance destination of the sheet P to the first route R1 or the second route depending on the detected printing rate of the sheet P. It can be switched to R2.
For example, even if settings are made to perform post-processing from the operation unit included in the image forming system, if the detected sheet P has a high printing rate and is not suitable for post-processing, the switching means 12 may be is the position where the conveyance destination of the sheet P is the second route R2. In this case, an alert indicating that the post-processing cannot be executed may be displayed on a display unit included in the operation unit.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of transport of the sheet P and the operation of the switching means 12 according to the thickness of the sheet P.
Note that the switching means 12 at the start of the operation is positioned at a position covering the opening through which the sheet P is carried into the post-processing device 2 as shown in FIG. (also referred to as the home position).

First, image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is started (S101). The discharge of the sheet P on which the image has been formed is detected by the discharge sensor 9 of the image forming apparatus 1 (S102).
Next, it is determined whether or not post-processing is to be performed on the sheet P on which the image has been formed (S103). If post-processing is not to be performed, the switching means 12 is not moved from the home position, the sheet P is conveyed to the second path R2, and the operation is ended when the sheet P is completely discharged (S106).

When performing post-processing, the switching means 12 is moved according to the thickness of the sheet P detected by the means for detecting the thickness of the sheet P (thickness sensor 83). It is determined whether the thickness of the sheet P is within a predetermined range (S104), and if it is outside the predetermined range, that is, if it does not meet the requirements for post-processing, the process proceeds to step S106. The thickness of the sheet P being outside the predetermined range includes both cases where the thickness is thicker and thinner than the predetermined thickness.

On the other hand, if the thickness of the sheet P is within a predetermined range, that is, if it satisfies the requirements for application of post-processing, the switching means 12 is moved to the first path transport side (the position where the sheet P is transported to the first path R1). (S105).
The switching means 12 is moved by operating a rotatably supported pawl-shaped portion by a driving means (motor).

The flowchart from step S105 indicated by connector A continues from connector A (from step S005) in the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of transport of the sheet P and the operation of the switching means 12 according to the printing rate of the image formed on the sheet P.
Note that the switching means 12 at the start of the operation is positioned at a position covering the opening through which the sheet P is carried into the post-processing device 2 as shown in FIG. (also referred to as the home position).

First, image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 1 is started (S201). The discharge of the sheet P on which the image has been formed is detected by the discharge sensor 9 of the image forming apparatus 1 (S202).
Next, it is determined whether to perform post-processing on the sheet P on which the image has been formed (S203). If post-processing is not to be performed, the switching means 12 is not moved from the home position, the sheet P is conveyed to the second path R2, and the operation is ended when the sheet P is completely discharged (S206).

When performing post-processing, the switching means 12 is moved in accordance with the printing rate detected by means for detecting the printing rate of the image formed on the sheet P (printing rate sensor 84). It is determined whether the printing rate of the sheet P is within a predetermined range (S104), and if it is outside the predetermined range, that is, it does not meet the requirements for post-processing application, the process advances to step S106. The printing rate being outside the predetermined range includes a case where the printing rate is higher than the predetermined printing rate. For example, if the post-processing is a folding process, forming creases on a sheet with a high printing rate may cause damage to the image or deterioration of quality.

On the other hand, if the printing rate of the sheet P is within a predetermined range, that is, if it satisfies the requirements for application of post-processing, the switching means 12 is moved to the first path transport side (the position where the sheet P is transported to the first path R1). It is moved (S205).
The switching means 12 is moved by operating a rotatably supported pawl-shaped portion by a driving means (motor).

The flowchart after step S205 indicated by connector A continues from connector A (after step S005) in the flowchart of FIG.

Next, the operation of the switching means 12 when a jam occurs in the sheet P on the guide means 10 will be described based on FIGS. 10 and 11.
In the image forming system of the present embodiment, when a jam occurs in the sheet P on the guide means 10 conveyed to the first path R1, the claw-like portion of the switching means 12 is moved in the direction in which the path for removing the sheet P is opened. Move to. Specifically, in the movable range of the claw-like portion, the tip of the claw-like portion moves to the most downstream position in the conveyance direction of the sheet P (the position where the maximum amount of movement occurs).

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing main parts of the image forming system of this embodiment.
As shown in FIGS. 10(B) and 10(C), when the claw-shaped portion of the switching means 12 is stopped at a position corresponding to the amount of slack in the sheet P, if a jam occurs, the claw-shaped portion is an obstacle and the sheet P cannot be removed.
On the other hand, FIG. 10A shows a state in which the tip of the claw-like portion of the switching means 12 has moved to the most downstream side in the conveyance direction of the sheet P. As a result, the path (second path R2) for removing the sheet P is opened, so that the sheet P can be easily removed from the apparatus by being pulled out in the direction indicated by the broken line arrow.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the switching means 12 when a jam occurs in the sheet P on the guide means 10.
The post-processing is started (S301), and the switching means 12 is moved to the first path transport side (the position where the sheet P is transported to the first path R1) (S302).
After that, if it is confirmed that the sheet P has jammed (S303), the switching means 12 is moved to a position where the sheet P can be removed (S304). After the path for removing the sheet P is opened, the sheet P is removed (S305).

An overview of the functional configuration and control unit included in the image forming system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the image forming system of this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 12, signals from various sensors such as the paper ejection sensor 9 of the image forming apparatus 1 and the entrance sensor 13 of the post-processing apparatus 2 are transmitted to the control unit 50 of the image forming system. There is.
The control unit 50 also controls the roller driving means 40 that drives the conveying roller 41 included in the image forming system, the claw-like part driving means 42 that drives the claw-like part of the switching means 12, and the like. Furthermore, the conveyance amount calculation means 81 of the sheet P and the slack amount detection means 82 of the sheet P are also controlled.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the hardware configuration of the control section of the image forming system of this embodiment.
As shown in FIG. 13, the control unit 50 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 51, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 53, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 52, and an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 54. ,I/ It is equipped with F55.

The CPU 51 is an arithmetic unit that executes sequential, branching, iterative processing, etc. by executing a program stored in the ROM 53, and centrally controls the operation of the image forming system. The ROM 53 is a nonvolatile storage device that stores programs and the like executed by the CPU 51. The RAM 52 is a memory that functions as a work area for the operation of the CPU 51.

The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 54 is a nonvolatile storage medium in which information can be read and written. The bus line 56 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 51. An operation unit and a dedicated device are connected to the I/F 55. The I/F 55 connects and controls the bus line 56 and various hardware, networks, and the like.

Among the functions of the embodiments described above, the portions executed by the control unit 50 can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" as used herein refers to a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, or a processor designed to execute each function explained above. This includes devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules.

Aspects of the present invention are, for example, as follows.
<1> An image forming device that forms an image on a sheet;
a post-processing device that is disposed downstream of the image forming device and includes a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheet;
An image forming system comprising: a guide means for guiding the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to a downstream side,
a first path for conveying the sheet to the post-processing section; a second path for conveying the sheet outside the apparatus without performing post-processing; and a destination for conveying the sheet to the first path or the second path. and a switching means for switching to the
The switching means includes a rotatably supported claw-like part and a drive means that allows the claw-like part to move,
The image forming system is characterized in that when the sheet is conveyed to the first path, slack is formed in the sheet on the guide means upstream of the switching means.
<2> A slack amount detection means for detecting a slack amount of the sheet formed on the guide means,
The driving means is a driving means that allows the claw-like portion to move steplessly, and changes the stopping position of the claw-like portion according to the amount of slack in the sheet detected by the slack amount detection means. The image forming system according to item <1> is characterized in that the image forming system is characterized by:
<3> A means for detecting the thickness of the sheet,
Image formation according to <1> or <2>, wherein the switching means switches the conveyance destination of the sheet to the first path or the second path according to the detected thickness of the sheet. It is a system.
<4> A means for detecting a printing rate of an image formed on the sheet,
The image according to any one of <1> to <3> above, wherein the switching means switches the conveyance destination of the sheet to the first path or the second path according to the detected printing rate. It is a formation system.
<5> From <1> above, wherein when a jam occurs in the sheet on the guide means, the claw-like portion of the switching means moves in a direction to open a path for removing the sheet. The image forming system according to any one of <4>.
<6> Any one of <1> to <5> above, wherein the post-processing device is a folding device, and the post-processing section is a folding section that performs folding processing on the sheet. This is the image forming system described.

1 Image forming device 2 Post-processing device 2a Post-processing section 9 Paper discharge sensor 10 Guide means 11 Discharge guide plate 12 Switching means 13 Entrance sensor 14 Entrance roller pair 15, 16, 17 Folding roller 50 Control section 100 Image forming system P Sheet

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2012-116622 Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-121857

Claims (6)

an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet;
a post-processing device that is disposed downstream of the image forming device and includes a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheet;
An image forming system comprising: a guide means for guiding the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to a downstream side,
a first path for conveying the sheet to the post-processing section; a second path for conveying the sheet outside the apparatus without performing post-processing; and a destination for conveying the sheet to the first path or the second path. and a switching means for switching to the
The switching means includes a rotatably supported claw-like part and a drive means that allows the claw-like part to move,
An image forming system characterized in that when the sheet is conveyed to the first path, slack is formed in the sheet on the guide means upstream of the switching means. comprising a slack amount detection means for detecting a slack amount of the sheet formed on the guide means,
The driving means is a driving means that allows the claw-like part to move steplessly, and changes the stopping position of the claw-like part according to the amount of slack in the sheet detected by the slack amount detection means. The image forming system according to claim 1. comprising means for detecting the thickness of the sheet,
3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches the conveyance destination of the sheet to the first route or the second route depending on the detected thickness of the sheet. comprising means for detecting the printing rate of the image formed on the sheet,
3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the switching unit switches the conveyance destination of the sheet to the first path or the second path in accordance with the detected printing rate. 3. When a jam occurs in the sheet on the guide means, the claw-like portion of the switching means moves in a direction to open a path for removing the sheet. Image forming system. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing device is a folding device, and the post-processing section is a folding section that performs folding processing on the sheet.

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