JP4086874B2 - Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming equipment having the same subjected to sheet processing to the sheet on which the image is formed.

2. Description of the Related Art There is a sheet processing apparatus that sequentially takes image-formed sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile into the apparatus and selectively performs processing such as sheet sorting. Such a sheet processing apparatus has a plurality of discharge trays as sheet discharge destinations, and discharges depending on the use, such as for each job, for each user, depending on whether a sheet is output by a printer or a sheet by copy output. The paper tray can be switched (see, for example, Patent Document 1). In addition, in order to limit the movement of the tray outside the predetermined area and protect the apparatus, there is a type in which foreign matter detection means is provided below the paper discharge tray (for example, see Patent Document 2).
JP-A-11-322187 JP-A-10-35985 (page 9, FIG. 1)

  However, the above-described conventional image forming apparatus is not configured to limit the movement of the discharge tray when the user takes out the sheet discharged to the discharge tray when the job ends. Therefore, the movement of the paper discharge tray may be started in order to switch the paper discharge tray while the user takes out the sheet from the paper discharge tray. As a result, the user is forced to interrupt the sheet take-out operation, or an unexpected situation may occur, such as scattering of sheets on the paper discharge tray.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to prevent a sheet from being interrupted, a sheet being scattered on the stacking tray, and the like caused by raising and lowering of the stacking tray during a sheet removing operation from the stacking tray by a user. and to provide a processing apparatus and an image forming equipment.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus that is connected to an image forming apparatus and performs sheet processing on a sheet image-formed by the image forming apparatus, and stacks sheets after sheet processing A plurality of stacking trays, elevating means for individually raising and lowering each of the stacking trays, and a sheet taking-out operation for a user to take out sheets stacked on the stacking tray from at least one of the plurality of stacking trays Detecting means for detecting a parameter indicating the presence or absence of the sheet, and from the image forming apparatus so that at least one of the plurality of stacking trays is a sheet discharge destination tray of the sheet after sheet processing. based on the switching instructions stacking tray, control for controlling the lifting operation for each of the stacking tray by the elevating means And a stage, wherein if there is an instruction of switching of the stacking tray after receiving the operation start instruction of the sheet processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus, based on the parameter detected by said detecting means the sheet take-out operation it is determined whether or not being performed, when the take-out operation is determined to have been made limits the vertical movement with respect to each of the stacking tray by the elevating means Te, the take-out operation line If it is determined that the stacking tray is not switched, the stacking tray is switched by the elevating means, and a signal for starting image formation is transmitted to the image forming apparatus. If there is no instruction to switch the stacking tray after receiving an instruction to start operation, whether or not the sheet take-out operation has been performed To provide a sheet processing apparatus and outputting a signal for starting the image formation start to the image forming apparatus without determining the.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus including the processing device.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent interruption of the sheet take-out operation, scattering of sheets on the stack tray, and the like due to the lifting and lowering of the stack tray during the operation of taking out the sheet from the stack tray by the user.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part configuration of an image forming apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus main body 10, a folding device 400, and a finisher (sheet processing device) 500. The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes an image reader 200 and a printer 300 that read a document image.

  A document feeder 100 is mounted on the image reader 200. The document feeder 100 feeds documents set upward on the document tray one sheet at a time in order from the first page, and flows on the platen glass 102 from the left through a curved path, passing through the reading position. The paper is conveyed to the right and then discharged toward the external paper discharge tray 112. When the original passes through the sink reading position on the platen glass 102 from the left to the right, the original image is read by the scanner unit 104 held at a position corresponding to the sink reading position. Specifically, when the original passes through the reading position, the original reading surface is irradiated with the light from the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104, and the reflected light from the original passes through the mirrors 105, 106, and 107 to the lens. To 108. The light that has passed through the lens 108 forms an image on the imaging surface of the image sensor 109.

  By transporting the document so that it passes through the flow reading position from the left to the right in this way, the document reading scan in which the direction orthogonal to the document transport direction is the main scanning direction and the transport direction is the sub-scanning direction is performed. Done. That is, the entire original image is read by conveying the original in the sub-scanning direction while reading the original image by the image sensor 109 line by line in the main scanning direction when the original passes the flow reading position. The optically read image is converted into image data by the image sensor 109 and output. Image data output from the image sensor 109 is input as a video signal to the exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 after predetermined processing is performed in an image signal control unit 202 described later.

  It is also possible to read the document by transporting the document onto the platen glass 102 by the document feeder 100 and stopping it at a predetermined position, and scanning the scanner unit 104 from left to right in this state.

  It is also possible to read a document without using the document feeder 100. In this case, first, the user lifts the document feeder 100 and places the document on the platen glass 102. Then, the scanner unit 104 is scanned from the left to the right, and the document is read.

  The exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 modulates and outputs a laser beam based on the input video signal, and the laser beam is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 111 while being scanned by the polygon mirror 110a. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the scanned laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 111.

  The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 111 is visualized as a developer image by the developer supplied from the developing device 113. Further, at the timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, a sheet is fed from each of the cassettes 114 and 115, the manual sheet feeding unit 125 or the double-sided conveyance path 124, and this sheet is placed between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116. It is conveyed to. The developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred onto a sheet fed by the transfer unit 116.

  The sheet on which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 117, and the fixing unit 117 fixes the developer image on the sheet by heat-pressing the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is discharged from the printer 300 to the outside through the flapper 121 and the discharge roller 118.

  Here, when the sheet is discharged with its image forming surface facing down (face-down), the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is once guided into the reversing path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121. Then, after the trailing edge of the sheet passes through the flapper 121, the sheet is switched back and discharged from the printer 300 by the discharge roller 118. Hereinafter, this form of paper discharge is referred to as reverse paper discharge. This reverse discharge is performed when forming an image sequentially from the first page, such as when forming an image read using the document feeder 100 or when forming an image output from a computer. The sheet order after discharge is the correct page order.

  If there is only one processed document, the sheet is not guided to the reverse path 122 but is discharged by the discharge roller 118 with the image forming surface facing upward (face-up). Further, when a hard sheet such as an OHP sheet is fed from the manual sheet feeding unit 125 and an image is formed on the sheet, the sheet is similarly not directed to the reversing path 122 and the image forming surface faces upward. The paper is discharged by the discharge roller 118 in the state (face up).

  Further, when double-sided recording for image formation is set on both sides of the sheet, the sheet is guided to the reverse path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121 and then conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 124. The sheet guided to the duplex conveyance path 124 is fed again between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116 at the timing described above.

  The sheet discharged from the printer 300 is sent to the folding device 400. The folding device 400 performs a process of folding a sheet into a Z shape. For example, when an A3 size sheet or a B4 size sheet is specified and the folding process is designated, the folding apparatus 400 performs the folding process. In other cases, the sheet discharged from the printer 300 passes through the folding apparatus 400 and finishes. 500. The finisher 500 is provided with an inserter 900 for feeding a special sheet such as a cover sheet or a slip sheet to be inserted into a sheet on which an image is formed. The finisher 500 performs bookbinding processing, binding processing, punching, and the like, and sorts and discharges the discharged sheets to the trays 700 and 701 according to the setting of the mode and the like.

  Next, the configuration of a controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus of FIG. FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the image signal control unit 202 in FIG.

  The controller includes a CPU circuit unit 150 as shown in FIG. The CPU circuit unit 150 includes a CPU (not shown), a ROM 151, and a RAM 152, and comprehensively controls each block 101, 153, 201, 202, 301, 401, 501 with a control program stored in the ROM 151. . The RAM 152 temporarily stores control data and is used as a work area for arithmetic processing associated with control.

  The document feeder control unit 101 controls driving of the document feeder 100 based on an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 150. The image reader control unit 201 performs drive control on the above-described scanner unit 104, the image sensor 109, and the like, and transfers an analog image signal output from the image sensor 109 to the image signal control unit 202.

  The image signal control unit 202 converts each analog image signal from the image sensor 109 into a digital signal, performs each process, converts the digital signal into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the printer control unit 301. Various processing is also performed on the digital image signal input from the computer 210 via the external I / F 209, and the digital image signal is converted into a video signal and output to the printer control unit 301. The processing operation by the image signal control unit 202 is controlled by the CPU circuit unit 150. The printer control unit 301 drives the exposure control unit 110 based on the input video signal.

  The operation unit 153 includes a plurality of keys for setting various functions related to image formation, a display unit for displaying information indicating a setting state, and the like, and outputs a key signal corresponding to the operation of each key to the CPU circuit unit 150. To do. The operation unit 153 further has a function of displaying corresponding information on the display unit based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 150.

  The folding device control unit 401 is mounted on the folding device 400, and the finisher control unit 501 is mounted on the finisher 500. The folding device control unit 401 and the finisher control unit 501 perform drive control of the entire folding device 400 and the finisher 500 by exchanging information with the CPU circuit unit 150. This control content will be described later.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, the image signal control unit 202 includes an image processing unit 203 that converts an analog image signal from the image reader control unit 201 into a digital signal and performs various processes on the digital signal. In this image processing unit 203, each processing such as shading correction, density correction, editing processing set by the operation unit 153 (enlargement, reduction scaling processing, etc.) is performed, and the signal after this processing is converted into video data. Stored in the line memory 204. Further, when the bookbinding mode is selected, image allocation to sheets is performed based on the number of read original pages and the number of image data pages input via the external I / F 209.

  The line memory 204 is a memory for performing the above-described mirror image processing. If necessary, video data for one line read in one direction in the main scanning direction on the line memory is displayed in the main scanning direction. The direction is reversed to one direction. Video data output from the line memory 204 is stored in the page memory 205.

  The page memory 205 has a storage capacity for one page of a document of a predetermined size, and the video data is stored in the page memory 205 in the order output from the line memory 204. At the time of document fixed reading, the stored video data is read in the order in which it is stored. The page memory 205 stores data output from the computer 210 via the external I / F 209.

  The video data read from the page memory 205 is directly sent to the printer control unit 301, and once stored in the hard disk 206 as necessary, is sent to the printer control unit 301. The hard disk 206 is used for processing for changing the page order.

  The configuration of the finisher 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view showing the configuration of the finisher 500 of FIG. Here, detailed description of the folding device 400 is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet discharged from the printer 300 is directly sent from the printer 300 to the finisher 500 via the folding conveyance horizontal path 402 when the folding process is not performed. The finisher 500 fetches sheets in order, and performs various sheet post-processing on the fetched sheets. For example, each sheet post-process such as a process of aligning and bundling a plurality of captured sheets into one bundle, a stapling process of binding the rear end of the bundled sheet bundle with staples, a sort process, and a non-sort process is performed. Then, the sheet or the sheet bundle is discharged and stacked on the designated trays 700 and 701.

  The finisher 500 has an inlet roller pair 502 for guiding the sheet discharged from the printer 300 through the folding device 400 to the inside. A switching flapper 551 for guiding the sheet to the finisher path 552 or the first bookbinding path 553 is provided downstream of the inlet roller pair 502.

  The sheet guided to the finisher path 552 is sent toward the buffer roller 505 via the conveyance roller pair 503. The conveyance roller pair 503 and the buffer roller 505 are configured to be capable of forward and reverse rotation.

  An entrance sensor 531 is provided between the entrance roller pair 502 and the transport roller pair 503. Further, the second bookbinding path 554 branches off from the finisher path 552 in the vicinity of the upstream of the entrance sensor 531 in the sheet conveyance direction. Hereinafter, this branch point is referred to as branch A. This branch A forms a branch from the entrance roller pair 502 to the transport path for transporting the sheet to the transport roller pair 503, but the transport roller pair 503 reverses and the sheet is transported from the transport roller pair 503 side to the entrance sensor 531 side. When transporting to the side, a branch having a one-way mechanism transported only to the second bookbinding path 554 side is formed.

  A punch unit 550 is provided between the conveying roller pair 503 and the buffer roller 505, and the punch unit 550 operates as necessary to punch near the rear end of the conveyed sheet.

  The buffer roller 505 is a roller capable of laminating a predetermined number of sheets sent to the outer periphery of the buffer roller 505, and is wound around the outer periphery of the roller by pressing rollers 512, 513, and 514 as necessary. The sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 is conveyed in the rotation direction of the buffer roller 505.

  A switching flapper 510 is disposed between the pressing rollers 513 and 514, and a switching flapper 511 is disposed downstream of the pressing rollers 514. The switching flapper 510 is a flapper for peeling the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 from the buffer roller 505 and guiding the sheet to the non-sort path 521 or the sort path 522. The switching flapper 510 is also a flapper for guiding the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 to the buffer path 523 while being wound. The switching flapper 511 is a flapper for peeling the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 from the buffer roller 505 and guiding the sheet to the sort path 522 or to the buffer path 523 as it is.

  The sheet guided to the non-sort path 521 by the switching flapper 510 is discharged onto the sample tray 701 via the discharge roller pair 509. In the middle of the non-sort path 521, a paper discharge sensor 533 for jam detection and the like is provided. A sample tray sheet detection sensor 703 for detecting discharged sheets is provided on the sample tray 701.

  The sheets guided to the sort path 522 by the switching flappers 510 and 511 are stacked on an intermediate tray (hereinafter referred to as a processing tray) 630 via the conveyance rollers 506 and 507. The sheets stacked in a bundle on the intermediate tray 630 are subjected to alignment processing, stapling processing, and the like as necessary, and then discharged onto the stack tray 700 or the sample tray 701 by the discharge rollers 680a and 680b. Here, a stapler 601 is used for stapling processing for binding sheets stacked in a bundle on the processing tray 630.

  A stack tray sheet detection sensor 702 for detecting discharged sheets is provided on the stack tray 700. The stack tray sheet detection sensor 702 can be used in place of a human body detection sensor described later. Specifically, detecting the presence / absence of a sheet stacked on the stack tray 700 based on the output of the stack tray sheet detection sensor 702 detects the presence / absence of a sheet take-out operation for taking out the stacked sheets. Because it will be. Also, the sample tray sheet detection sensor 703 can be substituted for a human body detection sensor, like the stack tray detection sensor 702.

  Here, the stack tray 700 and the sample tray 701 are configured to be capable of self-propelling in the vertical direction. Then, in accordance with the set sheet processing mode or the operation mode of copy or printer, the tray tray 700 or the sample tray 701 is selected as the discharge destination of the sheets discharged via the sort path 522. Switching is possible.

  Further, a sheet stacking height detection sensor 707 that detects the height of the sheet discharged through the sort path 522 and stacked on the sample tray 701 or the stack tray 700 is attached to the stacking wall. Based on the sheet height detected by the sheet stacking height detection sensor 707, the sheet stacking amount on the sample tray 701 or the stack tray 700 is calculated, and the full load of sheets and the stackable amount until reaching the full load are calculated. It can be calculated. Then, based on the sheet height detected by the sheet stacking height detection sensor 707, the position of the sample tray 701 or stack tray 700 is set so that the height from the discharge rollers 680a and 680b to the stacking surface becomes a predetermined value. Adjusted. Since this detailed configuration is disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-48549, the description thereof is omitted. Further, by using the output result of the sheet stacking height detection sensor 707, it is possible to detect in real time whether or not the user is performing a sheet take-out operation. In this case, the detection result of the human body detection sensor described later or the sheet detection sensors 703 and 702 on the sample tray 701 or the stack tray 700 may not be used.

  Here, the method of detecting the sheet stacking height on the sample tray 701 or the stack tray 700 is not limited to the method described above. For example, there are various methods such as a method of detecting the height with a plurality of optical sensors arranged on the side of the sample tray 701 or the stack tray 700.

  Human body detection sensors 704, 705, and 706 such as pyroelectric infrared sensors arranged in the vicinity of the respective paper discharge outlets are used as means for detecting a sheet take-out operation in which the user takes out the sheets discharged onto the respective trays 700 and 701. Is provided. Accordingly, it is possible to detect a state where the user's hand is present on the trays 700 and 701, that is, to detect that the user is about to take out the sheet discharged to the trays 700 and 701. Further, the number of the human body detection sensors may be further increased and arranged at a predetermined position. In this case, it is possible to detect the moving direction of the hand, such as whether the hand is approaching or moving away from the tray. That is, it is possible to detect detailed hand movements. Such a detection method is described in JP-A-2002-148354.

  Next, the configuration of the finisher control unit 501 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of the finisher control unit 501 in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the finisher control unit 501 includes a CPU circuit unit 590 including a CPU 591, a ROM 592, a RAM 593, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 590 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the image forming apparatus main body 10 side via the communication IC 594 to exchange data. Then, the CPU 591 executes various programs stored in the ROM 592 based on an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 590, and controls the finisher 500 so that the finisher 500 performs a corresponding operation.

  When this control is performed, detection signals from various sensors are taken into the CPU circuit unit 590. As these various sensors, there are an inlet sensor 531, a stack tray sheet detection sensor 702, a sample tray sheet detection sensor 703, human body detection sensors 704, 705, 706, a sheet stacking height detection sensor 707, and the like. In addition, sensors other than the above sensors are provided, but description of these sensors is omitted here.

  A driver 520 is connected to the CPU circuit unit 590. Driver 520 drives motors M1 to M6, M10 to M12, and M20 and solenoids SL1, SL2, SL10, SL20, and SL21 based on a signal from CPU circuit unit 590.

  Here, the motor M1 is an inlet motor that is a driving source of the inlet roller pair 502, the conveying roller pair 503, and the conveying roller pair 906. The motor M2 is a buffer motor that is a drive source of the buffer roller 505. The motor M3 is a paper discharge motor that is a drive source for the conveying roller pair 506, the discharge roller pair 507, and the discharge roller pair 509. The motor M4 is a bundle discharge motor that drives the discharge rollers 680a and 680b. The motor M5 is a sample tray raising / lowering motor that moves the sample tray 701 in the vertical direction. The motor M6 is a stack tray lifting motor that moves the stack tray 700 in the vertical direction.

  The entrance motor M1, the buffer motor M2, and the paper discharge motor M3 are stepping motors, and by controlling the excitation pulse rate, the roller pair driven by each motor can be rotated at a constant speed or a specific speed. Similarly, the sample tray lifting motor M5 and the stack tray lifting motor M6 are stepping motors. The sample tray elevating motor M5 and the stack tray elevating motor M6 elevate and lower the trays 700 and 701 according to the number of excitation pulses calculated based on the tray home position sensor position (not shown). Further, by controlling the excitation pulse rate, the moving speed of each tray 700, 701 can be controlled.

  The inlet motor M1, the buffer motor M2, the sample tray elevating motor M5, and the stack tray elevating motor M6 can be driven by the driver 520 in respective forward and reverse rotational directions.

  Regarding the solenoid, the solenoid SL1 is a solenoid for switching the switching flapper 510. The solenoid SL2 is a solenoid that switches the switching flapper 511. The solenoid SL10 is a solenoid that switches the switching flapper 551.

  Next, various displays by the operation unit 153, various setting examples, and a discharge tray selection method will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a screen example of the operation unit in the image forming apparatus of FIG. The operation unit 153 displays an operation screen as shown in FIG. On this operation screen, soft keys such as a copy key for starting a copying operation, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, an input key for setting the density and magnification of an output image, and a paper selection key are displayed. Also, various setting keys for shifting to a setting screen for selecting various settings such as selecting a paper discharge tray, which will be described later, post-processing mode selection keys such as non-sort, sort, and staple sort, and other application modes such as bookbinding The application mode setting key for selecting is displayed. The operation unit 153 displays selection keys for selecting a copy function, a printer function, and a facsimile function. The operation unit 153 displays each set magnification, density, number of copies, and the like.

  When various setting keys are operated on the operation screen of FIG. 5A to select a tray setting, the screen shown in FIG. 5B is displayed. The purpose of this is to set and sort a paper discharge tray as a destination for output paper output from the discharge roller 680 in the sort mode by a copy, printer, or FAX. In this example, settings are made so that the copy output is discharged to the sample tray and the printer output is discharged to the stack tray. The setting of the paper discharge tray is arbitrary, and a plurality of settings can be made for each tray as a paper output tray for copy output and printer output. It is also possible to set so that all sheets are discharged to only one tray.

  Next, control of the finisher 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. The control procedure of the finisher 500 is executed by the CPU circuit unit 590 of the finisher control unit 501 based on an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 150 on the image forming apparatus main body 10 side.

  First, the initial mode discrimination process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a procedure of initial and mode discrimination processing in the finisher 500 of FIG.

  When the initial mode determination process is started, as shown in FIG. 6, the CPU circuit unit 590 first waits for the finisher start signal to be turned on instructing the start of the operation of the finisher 500 in step S1. This start signal is sent from the CPU circuit unit 150 to the finisher control unit 501 when a start key for instructing start of copying in the operation unit 153 is pressed or when a printout command is output to the image forming apparatus through a computer or the like. Is output. Until this start signal is output, the finisher 500 continues in a standby state.

  When a start signal is output to the finisher 500, the CPU circuit unit 590 starts driving the inlet motor M1 in step S2. Subsequently, in step S <b> 3, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines whether or not there is a switch to the tray designated as the paper discharge tray based on the data from the communication IC 594. If it is determined that there is tray switching, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines in step S4 whether or not a sheet take-out operation is performed based on the outputs of the human body detection sensors 704, 705, and 706. judge. For this determination, as described above, outputs from the sheet detection sensors 702 and 703 on the tray, the sheet stacking height detection sensor 707, and the like can be used.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the sheet take-out operation is being performed, the CPU circuit unit 590 performs tray operation restriction in step S5. As the tray operation restriction, there is a restriction that prohibits the raising / lowering operation of the tray or sets the movement speed to be lower than the normal movement speed. After the tray operation is restricted, the CPU circuit unit 590 returns to step S3.

  The tray operation restriction is continued until it is determined that the sheet take-out operation is not performed. Further, during the period when the tray operation restriction is performed, the image forming operation is prohibited in order to give priority to the sheet take-out operation by the user.

  Further, when it is detected that the sheet take-out operation is being performed, the tray operation restriction may be automatically continued for a predetermined time. In addition, as the tray operation restriction, it is possible to select either prohibiting the raising / lowering operation of the tray or setting the moving speed to be lower than the normal moving speed. Selection of the content of the tray operation restriction, operation restriction duration, and the like can be set in advance by the operation unit 153. Further, the operation restriction continuation time may be set as a time of zero or more based on the movement amount of the hand during the sheet take-out operation.

  If it is determined in step S4 that the sheet take-out operation has not been performed, the CPU circuit unit 590 switches the tray in step S13.

  After the tray switching or when it is determined in step S3 that there is no tray switching, the CPU circuit unit 590 feeds the paper to the CPU circuit unit 150 of the image forming apparatus body 10 via the communication IC 594 in step S6. Send a signal. Upon receiving this paper feed signal, the CPU circuit unit 150 controls to start an image forming operation.

  Next, in step S7, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines whether the operation mode set based on the post-processing mode data received from the CPU circuit unit 150 via the communication IC 594 is the sort mode. Here, the setting of the operation mode is performed on the operation screen shown in FIG.

  When it is determined that the operation mode set in step S7 is the sort mode, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines in step S8 whether or not to perform stapling. If it is determined that the stapling process is not performed, the CPU circuit unit 590 executes the sorting process in step S10. Then, in step S12, the CPU circuit unit 590 stops driving the inlet motor M1, and returns to step S1. On the other hand, if it is determined in step S8 that the stapling process is to be performed, the CPU circuit unit 590 executes the stapling sort process in step S11. Then, in step S12, the CPU circuit unit 590 stops driving the inlet motor M1, and returns to step S1.

  If it is determined that the operation mode set in step S7 is not the sort mode, the CPU circuit unit 590 performs non-sort processing in step S9. Then, in step S12, the CPU circuit unit 590 stops driving the inlet motor M1, and returns to step S1.

  In this process, if it is determined in step S4 that the take-out operation is being performed, tray operation restriction (prohibition of raising / lowering operation or slowing of the moving speed) is performed. The content of the operation restriction can be changed according to, for example, the duration of the sheet take-out operation and the number of times of detection.

  Next, the non-sort process in step S9 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the non-sort process in step S9 of FIG.

  In the non-sorting process, as shown in FIG. 7, the CPU circuit unit 590 first drives the switching flapper 510 and selects the non-sorting path 521 in step S501. At this time, the switching flapper 551 is switched to convey the sheet to the finisher path 552. Subsequently, in step S502, the CPU circuit unit 50 determines whether or not the finisher start signal for the finisher 500 is on. The state where the finisher start signal is on is a state where the sheet discharged from the printer 300 is carried into the finisher 500. Here, when the finisher start signal is on, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines whether or not the path sensor 531 is on in step S503.

  If it is determined in step S503 that the path sensor 531 is not on, the CPU circuit unit 590 returns to step S502 again. On the other hand, when it is determined that the path sensor 531 is on, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that the leading edge of the sheet carried into the finisher 500 has reached the position of the path sensor 531. Then, the CPU circuit unit 590 waits for the path sensor 531 to be turned off in step S504. When the path sensor 531 is turned off, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that the sheet has passed the position of the path sensor 531, returns to step S502, and continues to monitor whether or not a sheet has been carried in using the path sensor 531.

  When it is determined in step S502 that the finisher start signal is off, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that the image formation on the printer 300 side is completed. In step S505, the CPU circuit unit 590 waits for all sheets to be discharged onto the sample tray 701 via the discharge sensor 533. When the discharge of all sheets is completed, the CPU circuit unit 590 turns off the flapper 510 in step S506 and exits the present process.

  Next, the sorting process in step S10 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the sorting process in step S10 of FIG.

  In the sort process, as shown in FIG. 8, the CPU circuit unit 590 first drives the switching flappers 510 and 511 to select the sort path 522 in step S601. At this time, the switching flapper 551 is switched so that the sheet is conveyed to the finisher path 552. Subsequently, in step S602, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines whether or not the finisher start signal is on. The state where the finisher start signal is on is a state where the sheet discharged from the printer 300 is carried into the finisher 500. Here, when the finisher start signal is on, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines whether or not the path sensor 531 is on in step S603. If the path sensor 531 is not turned on, the CPU circuit unit 590 returns to step S602 again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S603 that the path sensor 531 is on, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that the leading edge of the sheet carried into the finisher 500 has reached the position of the path sensor 531. In step S604, the CPU circuit unit 590 activates the sort sheet sequence. This sort sheet sequence is subjected to multitask processing by the CPU 591 of the CPU circuit unit 590. In this sort sheet sequence, the sheet interval is expanded by starting and stopping the buffer motor M2 and the acceleration / deceleration control of the sheet discharge motor M3, and the sheet is further adjusted by an alignment member (not shown) provided on the processing tray 630. A matching process is performed every time. When bundle stacking on the processing tray 630 is completed, a bundle discharging operation to the stack tray 700 or the sample tray 701 designated in advance is performed.

  Next, in step S605, the CPU circuit unit 590 waits for the path sensor 531 to be turned off. When the path sensor 531 is turned off, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that the sheet has passed the position of the path sensor 531 and returns to step S602. Then, the CPU circuit unit 590 continues to monitor whether or not a sheet is carried in using the path sensor 531.

  When it is determined in step S602 that the finisher start signal is off, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that image formation on the printer 300 side is completed. Then, the CPU circuit unit 590 waits for all sheets to be discharged onto the stack tray 700 or the sample tray 701 in step S606. When the discharge of all the sheets is completed, the CPU circuit unit 590 turns off the flappers 510 and 511 in step S607 and exits this process.

  Next, the staple sort process in step S11 of FIG. 6 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the procedure of the staple sort process in step S11 of FIG.

  In the staple sorting process, as shown in FIG. 9, the CPU circuit unit 590 first drives the switching flappers 510 and 511 to select the sort path 522 in step S701. At this time, the switching flapper 551 is switched so that the sheet is conveyed to the finisher path 552. Subsequently, in step S702, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines whether or not the finisher start signal is on. The state where the finisher start signal is on is a state where the sheet discharged from the printer 300 is carried into the finisher 500. Here, when the finisher start signal is on, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines whether or not the path sensor 531 is on in step S703. If the path sensor 531 is not on, the CPU circuit unit 590 returns to step S702 again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S703 that the path sensor 531 is on, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that the leading edge of the sheet carried into the finisher 500 has reached the position of the path sensor 531. In step S704, the CPU circuit unit 590 activates a staple paper sequence. This stapling paper sequence is subjected to multitask processing by the CPU 591 of the CPU circuit unit 590. In the staple paper sequence, the sheet interval is increased by starting and stopping the buffer motor M2, and the acceleration / deceleration control of the paper discharge motor M3, and further, for each sheet by an alignment member (not shown) provided on the processing tray 630. Consistency processing is performed. When bundle stacking on the processing tray 630 is completed, the stapling process is performed at a predetermined position, and the sheet bundle bound by the stapling process is discharged onto the stack tray 700 or the sample tray 701.

  Next, in step S <b> 705, the CPU circuit unit 590 waits for the path sensor 531 to be turned off. When the path sensor 531 is turned off, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that the sheet has passed the position of the path sensor 531. Then, the CPU circuit unit 590 returns to the above-described step S702 and continues to monitor whether or not a sheet is carried in using the path sensor 531.

  When it is determined in step S702 that the finisher start signal is off, the CPU circuit unit 590 determines that the image formation on the printer 300 side is completed. Then, the CPU circuit unit 590 waits for all sheets to be discharged onto the stack tray 700 or the sample tray 701 in step S706. Here, when the discharge of all the sheets is completed, the CPU circuit unit 590 turns off the switching flappers 510 and 511 in step S707 and exits the present process.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the interruption of the sheet take-out operation due to the raising and lowering of the trays 700 and 701 during the take-out operation of the sheets from the trays 700 and 701 by the user, the sheets on the trays 700 and 701. Can be prevented in advance.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part configuration of an image forming apparatus including a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller that controls the entire image forming apparatus in FIG. 1, and FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image signal control unit 202 in FIG. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the structure of the finisher 500 of FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the finisher control part 501 of Fig.2 (a). FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of an operation unit in the image forming apparatus of FIG. 1. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the initial and mode discrimination | determination process in the finisher 500 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the nonsort process of step S9 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the sort process of step S10 of FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the procedure of the staple sort process of step S11 of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus main body 500 Finisher 501 Finisher control part 590 CPU circuit part 700 Stack tray 701 Sample tray 702 Sheet detection sensor 703 Sheet detection sensor 704, 705, 706 Human body detection sensor 707 Sheet stacking height detection sensor M5 Sample tray raising / lowering motor M6 Stack tray lifting motor

Claims (8)

A sheet processing apparatus that is connected to an image forming apparatus and performs sheet processing on a sheet image-formed by the image forming apparatus ,
A plurality of stacking trays for stacking sheets after sheet processing;
Elevating means for individually elevating and lowering each of the stacking trays;
A detecting means for detecting a parameter indicating whether or not a user has a sheet take-out operation for taking out a sheet stacked on the stack tray from at least one of the plurality of stack trays;
Based on an instruction to switch the stacking tray from the image forming apparatus so that at least one stacking tray of the plurality of stacking trays becomes a sheet discharge destination tray of the sheet after sheet processing. Control means for controlling the raising and lowering operation for each of the stacking trays,
The control unit, when receiving an instruction to start the operation of the sheet processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus and instructing to switch the stacking tray, performs the sheet take-out operation based on the parameter detected by the detection unit. If it is determined that the take-out operation is being performed, the elevating operation of the stacking tray by the elevating means is limited , and it is determined that the take-out operation is not being performed. In this case, the stacking tray is switched by the elevating means, and a signal for starting image formation is transmitted to the image forming apparatus,
On the other hand, if there is no instruction to switch the stacking tray after receiving an instruction to start the operation of the sheet processing apparatus from the image forming apparatus, the image is not determined without determining whether the sheet extraction operation is being performed. A sheet processing apparatus that outputs a signal for causing an image forming apparatus to start image formation .   The control unit restricts the lifting / lowering operation of each of the stacking trays by the lifting / lowering unit during a period from when it is determined that the sheet extraction operation is performed until it is determined that the sheet extraction operation is not performed. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:   2. The sheet processing according to claim 1, wherein when the control unit determines that a sheet take-out operation is performed by the user, the control unit restricts the elevating operation with respect to each of the stacking trays by the elevating unit for a predetermined period. apparatus. The detection means detects, as the parameter, a stack height of sheets stacked for each stack tray,
3. The sheet according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines whether or not a sheet extraction operation by the user is performed in accordance with a change in the stacking height of the sheet detected for each of the stacking trays. Processing equipment. The detection means detects, as the parameter, whether or not sheets are stacked for each stacking tray,
3. The sheet according to claim 2, wherein the control unit determines whether or not a sheet extraction operation by the user is performed according to a change in presence or absence of sheet stacking detected for each stacking tray. Processing equipment.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits the lifting / lowering operation of the stacking tray as a limitation of the lifting / lowering operation.   The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit slows an elevating operation speed of the stacking tray as a limitation of the elevating operation.   An image forming apparatus comprising the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1.

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