JP4217557B2 - Image forming apparatus and image forming apparatus control method - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a technique for forming a sheet bundle by inserting a specific sheet into an output product of a sheet image-formed by an image forming unit using an insertion unit.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, image forming apparatuses such as copiers are provided with modes such as a cover mode and a slip sheet mode, and sheets are fed from a cassette or a manual tray provided in the image forming apparatus on the first page, last page, or intermediate page of a sheet bundle. It is controlled so that it can be inserted.
[0003]
In the method of inserting a sheet inserted from a cassette or a manual feed tray provided in the image forming apparatus, the inserted sheet is conveyed through the same conveyance path as the sheet on which an image is formed and discharged. A fixing unit is disposed in the middle of the conveyance path, and the inserted sheet passes through the fixing unit.
[0004]
In particular, in the case of a color image forming apparatus, the quality of an output image may be impaired due to heat pressure when the inserted sheet passes through the fixing unit. Furthermore, when the inserted sheet is a sheet output from a color image forming apparatus, the conveyance of the sheet feeding mechanism may be reduced by oil or the like adhering to the output sheet, and the reliability of sheet conveyance may be significantly reduced. .
[0005]
In view of this, an apparatus has emerged in which a sheet feeder for supplying a sheet to be inserted is provided in a post-processing apparatus and a sheet to be inserted from the sheet feeder is supplied (for example, see Patent Documents 1 to 3). In these apparatuses, a sheet is inserted from a sheet feeder at a desired timing, and is transported and stacked on a processing tray in a post-processing apparatus. Further, the sheet output from the main body of the image forming apparatus connected to the post-processing apparatus is also transported into the post-processing apparatus, and is transported and stacked on the processing tray.
[0006]
As described above, various apparatuses for forming a sheet bundle by inserting a sheet into an output product of a sheet image-formed by an image forming unit using a specific insertion unit are known.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 60-180894 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 60-191932 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 60-204564 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
A sheet to be inserted is different from a normal sheet in terms of stability when performing an operation of separating / conveying with various types of sheets or an image formed sheet. Sheets to be inserted should be separated and fed one by one by the sheet feeder, but there are many cases where a “double feeding phenomenon” occurs in which two sheets are fed simultaneously. When sheets to be inserted are inserted into a plurality of locations of the sheet bundle, the order of the sheets to be inserted is out of order, and the sheet bundle created thereafter becomes incomplete.
[0009]
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a user-friendly device that can execute an appropriate recovery process even when output sheets are double-fed.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, the present invention provides a sheet storage unit that stores a sheet, a transport unit that transports a sheet stored in the sheet storage unit, and an image on a sheet transported by the transport unit. An image forming unit for forming; a discharge tray for discharging a sheet image formed by the image forming unit; an insertion sheet tray on which a plurality of sets of insertion sheets each consisting of a plurality of insertion sheets are stacked; An insertion unit that inserts an insertion sheet from the insertion sheet tray into a plurality of arbitrary positions in a bundle of output products output to the discharge unit, and a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit are double-fed. Double feed detection means for detecting whether or not the insertion sheet inserted by the insertion means is double fed, and detecting double feed by the double feed detection means. Control means for executing recovery processing in response to being known, and the control means is configured to convey the insertion sheet when the sheet detected as double-feed is the sheet on which the image is formed. A first recovery process is executed to discharge a plurality of sheets in which double feeding is detected to a predetermined location and to re-form an image formed on the sheet in which double feeding is detected. When the detected sheet is the insertion sheet, the conveyance of the sheet by the conveying unit is interrupted, and the number of double-fed insertion sheets is determined, and based on the determined number, it is detected as double feeding. A second recovery process for discharging the inserted sheet and the inserting sheet immediately before the page detected as double feeding out of the inserting sheet and the subsequent inserting sheet of the inserting sheet tray to the predetermined position. Characterized by a run.
[0011]
Furthermore, it has a thickness detection means for detecting the thickness of the inserted sheet to be conveyed, and a storage means for storing sheet thickness data indicating the thickness of each insertion sheet, the control means, The detected value of the thickness detecting unit and the insertion sheet thickness data stored in the storage unit are compared to determine the number of double feeds.
[0019]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0020]
[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the copying apparatus 1000. The copying apparatus 1000 includes an image reader unit 200, a printer unit 300, a document feeding unit 100, a folding processing unit 400, and a finisher 500.
[0021]
The document feeding unit 100 feeds documents set upward on the document tray one by one in the order from the top page. The fed document is conveyed from the left to the right on the platen glass 102 through a curved path, and is discharged to an external discharge tray 112. At this time, the scanner unit 104 is held at a predetermined reading position. The document is read by the scanner unit 104 held at a predetermined reading position. This reading method is called document scanning.
[0022]
As another reading method, reading can be performed by scanning the scanner unit 104 from the left to the right while the document is conveyed on the platen glass 102 by the document feeding unit 100 and stopped at a predetermined position. Is possible. This reading method is called original fixed reading.
[0023]
When the document passes from the left to the right on the platen glass 102, the document is irradiated onto the lamp 103 of the scanner unit 104, and the reflected light from the document passes through the mirrors 105, 106, 107 and the lens 108 to the image sensor 109. Led.
[0024]
The document image data read by the image sensor 109 is subjected to predetermined image processing and converted into a video signal. Then, the video signal is sent to the exposure control unit 110 of the printer unit 300.
[0025]
The exposure control unit 110 of the printer unit 300 modulates and outputs the laser beam based on the video signal. The outputted laser light 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 formed on the photosensitive drum 111 is visualized as a developer image by the developer supplied from the developing device 113.
[0026]
On the other hand, the sheet is conveyed from one of the cassettes 114 and 115, the manual sheet feeding unit 125, and the duplex conveyance path 124 to the registration roller 126. When the leading edge of the sheet reaches the registration roller 126, the registration roller 126 is driven at a predetermined timing. The predetermined timing is a timing synchronized with the start of laser beam irradiation. Further, the sheet is conveyed between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116, and the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred to the sheet by the transfer unit 116.
[0027]
The sheet on which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 117 via the conveyance belt, and the fixing unit 117 performs a fixing process. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is once guided to the reverse path 122 by the flapper 121, and after the trailing end of the sheet has passed through the flapper 121, the sheet is switched back and conveyed to the discharge roller 118. Then, the sheet is discharged from the printer unit 300 by the discharge roller 118. As a result, the sheet is discharged in a state where the surface on which the developer image is transferred faces downward (face down). This discharge of the sheet is called reverse discharge.
[0028]
When image formation processing is performed from the first page by discharging the sheet from the printer unit 300 face down, for example, when an image read by the document feeding unit 100 is formed, or an image is generated by image data from a computer. When forming, the order of the sheets discharged from the printer unit 300 can be set to the correct page order (the same page order as the original).
[0029]
When image forming processing is performed on a hard sheet such as an OHP sheet fed from the manual sheet feeding unit 125, the hard sheet is not guided to the reversal path 122, and the surface onto which the developer image is transferred is transferred. The paper is discharged from the printer unit 300 by the discharge roller 118 in an upward state (face-up).
[0030]
Further, when forming an image on both sides of the sheet, the sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is conveyed to the discharge roller 118, and after the trailing edge of the sheet has passed through the flapper 121, the sheet is switched back and conveyed on both sides by the flapper 121. Guided to path 124.
[0031]
The sheet discharged from the printer unit 300 is sent to the folding processing unit 400. The folding processing unit 400 performs a folding process for folding the sheet into a Z shape. For example, when folding processing is set for a large size sheet such as A3 size or B4 size, the folding processing unit 400 performs folding processing on the sheet discharged from the printer unit 300. On the other hand, if the folding process is not set, the sheet is sent to the finisher 500 without performing the folding process on the sheet discharged from the printer 300.
[0032]
An inserter 900 is provided at the upper part of the finisher 500. The inserter 900 is for inserting another sheet into the first page, last page, or intermediate page of a sheet fed from the cassettes 114 and 115 of the printer unit 300. A sheet fed from the inserter 900 is inserted as a cover sheet on the first page of sheets fed from the cassettes 114 and 115 of the printer unit 300, or inserted as a slip sheet on an intermediate page between the sheets. To do. It is possible to insert a plurality of sheets at a predetermined position between sheets with respect to one bundle of output products output from the printer unit 300.
[0033]
In the finisher 500, bookbinding processing (binding processing, punching processing, etc.) is performed on a sheet bundle made up of sheets that have undergone image formation processing by the printer unit 300 and sheets from the inserter 900.
[0034]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller that controls the copying apparatus 1000. The CPU circuit unit 150 includes a CPU 151, a ROM 152, and a RAM 153. The CPU 151 includes a document feeding control unit 101, an image reader control unit 201, an image signal control unit 202, an external I / F 209, a printer control unit 301, a folding process according to the control program stored in the ROM 152 and the setting of the operation unit 154. The controller 401 and the finisher controller 501 are controlled. The RAM 153 is a memory that temporarily stores control data or is used as a work area for arithmetic processing for control. The operation unit 154 is provided at a position where the user can easily operate the copying apparatus 1000.
[0035]
The document feeding control unit 101 is the document feeding unit 100, the image reader control unit 201 is the image reader unit 200, the printer control unit 301 is the printer unit 300, the folding processing control unit 401 is the folding processing unit 400, and the finisher control is performed. The unit 501 controls the finisher 500. The image reader control unit 201 outputs an analog image signal read by the image sensor 109 to the image signal control unit 202. The image signal control unit 202 converts an analog image signal into a digital signal, performs image processing, converts the digital signal into a video signal, and outputs the video signal to the printer control unit 301. The printer control unit 301 outputs the input video signal to the exposure control unit 110.
[0036]
The operation unit 154 includes a plurality of keys for setting various functions relating to image formation, a display unit for displaying a setting state, and the like. A key signal corresponding to the operation of each key by the user is output to the CPU circuit unit 150, and information corresponding to the signal from the CPU circuit unit 150 is displayed on the display unit. An external I / F 209 is an interface between the copying apparatus 1000 and an external computer 210. The external I / F 209 develops print data from the computer 210 into a bitmap image, converts it into image data, and outputs the image data to the image signal control unit 202.
[0037]
The folding processing control unit 401 is mounted on the folding processing unit 400 and controls the folding processing unit 400 by communicating with the CPU circuit unit 150. Similarly, the finisher control unit 501 is mounted on the finisher 500 and controls the finisher 500 by communicating with the CPU circuit unit 150.
[0038]
Next, the configuration of the folding processing unit 400 and the finisher 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating configurations of the folding processing unit 400 and the finisher 500 of FIG.
[0039]
The folding processing unit 400 includes a conveyance path 402 for guiding the sheet discharged from the printer unit 300 to the finisher 500. The conveyance path 402 is provided with conveyance roller pairs 403 and 404. Further, the flapper 410 provided in the vicinity of the conveyance path 402 switches the conveyance of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller pair 403 to the folding path 420 or the finisher 500.
[0040]
When the folding process is performed, the flapper 410 is switched so that the sheet is conveyed to the folding path 420. The sheet guided to the folding path 420 is conveyed to the folding roller 421 and folded into a Z shape. On the other hand, when the folding process is not performed, the flapper 410 is switched so that the sheet is conveyed to the finisher 500. The sheet is directly conveyed from the printer unit 300 to the finisher 500 via the conveyance path 402.
[0041]
The finisher 500 aligns a plurality of sheets conveyed via the folding processing unit 400 and bundles them into one bundle, a stapling process that staples the rear end of the sheet bundle, and a punch that punches holes near the rear end of the sheet Sheet post-processing such as processing, sort processing, non-sort processing, and bookbinding processing is performed.
[0042]
The finisher 500 includes an inlet roller pair 502 for guiding the sheet conveyed through the folding processing unit 400 to the inside of the apparatus. A 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.
[0043]
The sheet guided to the finisher path 552 is conveyed to the buffer roller 505 via the conveying roller pair 503. The conveyance roller pair 503 and the buffer roller 505 are configured to be able to rotate forward and backward.
[0044]
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 from the finisher path 552 in the vicinity of the upstream side of the inlet sensor 531. Hereinafter, this branch point is referred to as branch A. The branch A is configured such that when the sheet is conveyed from the inlet roller pair 502 to the conveying roller pair 503, the sheet is conveyed only to a conveying path in which the conveying roller pair 503 is provided. Further, when the conveyance roller pair 503 rotates in the reverse direction and conveys the sheet from the conveyance roller pair 503 side to the entrance sensor 531 side, the conveyance roller pair 503 is configured to convey only the second bookbinding path 554. That is, the branch A is a branch having a one-way mechanism.
[0045]
A punch unit 550 is provided between the conveying roller pair 503 and the buffer roller 505. The punch unit 550 is operated as necessary, and performs punching processing in the vicinity of the rear end of the sheet conveyed via the conveying roller pair 503.
[0046]
The buffer roller 505 is a roller capable of winding a predetermined number of sheets conveyed via the conveying roller pair 503. The sheet is wound by pressing rollers 512, 513, and 514 provided on the outer periphery of the buffer roller 505. The sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 is conveyed in the direction in which the buffer roller 505 rotates.
[0047]
A flapper 510 is provided between the pressing roller 513 and the pressing roller 514, and a flapper 511 is provided downstream of the pressing roller 514. The flapper 510 is for switching whether the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 is separated from the buffer roller 505 and led to the non-sort path 521 or the sort path 522.
[0048]
The flapper 511 switches between whether the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 is peeled off from the buffer roller 505 and guided to the sort path 522 or the sheet wound around the buffer roller 505 is guided to the buffer path 523 in a wound state. belongs to.
[0049]
The sheet guided to the non-sort path 521 by the 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 detecting a jam or the like is provided.
[0050]
On the other hand, the sheet guided to the sort path 522 by the flapper 510 is stacked on an intermediate tray (hereinafter, referred to as a processing tray) 630 via conveying rollers 506 and 507. The sheets stacked in a bundle on the processing tray 630 are subjected to alignment processing, stapling processing, and the like according to settings from the operation unit 154, and then discharged onto the stack tray 700 by discharge rollers 680a and 680b. . Stapling processing is performed by the stapler 601. Note that the stack tray 700 is configured to be capable of self-propelling in the vertical direction.
[0051]
Sheets from the first bookbinding path 553 or the second bookbinding path 554 are stored in the storage guide 820 via the conveyance roller pair 813. At this time, the sheet is conveyed until the leading end of the sheet comes into contact with the movable sheet positioning member 823. A booklet entrance sensor 817 is provided on the upstream side of the pair of conveying rollers 813, and is a sensor for detecting the passage of the sheet. Further, two pairs of staplers 818 are provided in the middle of the storage guide 820, and the staplers 818 are configured to bind the center of the sheet bundle in cooperation with the anvil 819 located at the opposite position.
[0052]
A folding roller pair 826 is provided on the downstream side of the stapler 818, and a protruding member 825 is provided at a position facing the folding roller pair 826. By projecting the protruding member 825 toward the sheet bundle stored in the storage guide 820, the sheet bundle is pushed out between the folding roller pair 826 and folded by the folding roller pair 826. The paper is discharged to a saddle discharge tray 832 via a paper discharge roller 827. A bookbinding paper discharge sensor 830 is disposed on the downstream side of the paper discharge roller 827.
[0053]
When the sheet bundle bound by the stapler 818 is folded, the positioning member 823 is controlled so that the staple position of the sheet bundle becomes the center position of the folding roller pair 826 after the stapling process is completed. Here, the sheet bundle can be neatly folded around the position where the stapling process is performed by lowering the sheet by a predetermined distance from the position during the stapling process.
[0054]
An inserter 900 provided in the upper part of the finisher 500 is for discharging the sheets stacked on the tray 901 to one of the sample tray 701, the stack tray 700, and the saddle tray 832 without conveying the sheets to the printer unit 300. This is a paper feed mechanism. When stacking sheets on the tray 901, the user is caused to set insertion sheets so as to face up. The sheet bundles stacked on the tray 901 are sequentially separated one by one and conveyed to the finisher path 552 or the bookbinding path 553.
[0055]
The sheet bundle stacked on the tray 901 is conveyed by a sheet feeding roller 902 to a separation unit including a conveyance roller 903 and a separation belt 904. In the separation unit, the sheets are separated one by one from the uppermost recording sheet of the sheet bundle stacked on the tray 901. Then, the separated sheet is conveyed to a conveyance path 908 by a drawing roller pair 905 adjacent to the separation unit, and is conveyed to an entrance roller 502 via a conveyance roller pair 906.
[0056]
A conveyance path 908 for conveying a sheet from the inserter 900 merges with a conveyance path 402 for conveying a sheet from the printer unit 300 in the vicinity of the upstream side of the inlet roller pair 502. A paper set sensor 910 for detecting whether or not a sheet is set is provided between the paper supply roller 902 and the conveyance roller 903. Further, a paper feed sensor 907 that detects whether or not a sheet is conveyed by the drawing roller pair 905 is provided in the vicinity of the drawing roller pair 905. Further, as shown in FIG. 3, a double feed detection sensor 950 is provided in the middle of a conveyance path in which both the sheet output from the printer unit and the sheet fed from the inserter are conveyed. The double feed detection sensor 950 is a sensor for detecting whether or not two or more sheets output from the printer unit or fed from the inserter 900 are in an overlapped state (double feed state).
[0057]
In the double feed detection process for detecting the double feed state of the sheet, the thickness of the sheet is obtained using the double feed detection sensor 950, and whether or not the obtained sheet thickness is compared with the reference value is a double feed state. Is to discriminate.
[0058]
Here, a configuration has been adopted in which double feed can be detected by obtaining the sheet thickness based on the double feed detection sensor 950, but other double feed detection methods may be used.
[0059]
Next, the configuration of the finisher control unit 501 for driving and controlling the finisher 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the finisher control unit 501 in FIG.
[0060]
As shown in FIG. 4, the finisher control unit 501 includes a CPU circuit unit 510 including a CPU 511, a ROM 512, a RAM 513, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 510 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the main body side of the copying apparatus 1000 via the communication IC 514 to exchange data, and is stored in the ROM 512 based on an instruction from the CPU circuit unit 150. Various programs are executed to perform drive control of the finisher 500.
[0061]
When the drive control of the finisher 500 is performed, detection signals from various sensors are input to the CPU circuit unit 510. The various sensors include an entrance sensor 531, a bookbinding entrance sensor 817, a bookbinding paper discharge sensor 830, a paper feed sensor 907, a paper set sensor 910, a double feed detection sensor 950, and the like. The paper set sensor 910 is a sensor for detecting whether or not a sheet is set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900. The double feed detection sensor 950 is a sensor for detecting whether or not two or more sheets conveyed from the tray 901 are being conveyed in a state where two or more sheets are overlapped (double feed state).
[0062]
A driver 520 is connected to the CPU circuit unit 510. The driver 520 drives various motors, solenoids, and clutches CL1 and CL10 based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 510.
[0063]
Various motors include an inlet roller pair 502, a conveying roller pair 503, an inlet motor M1 that is a driving source for the conveying roller pair 906, a buffer motor M2 that is a driving source for the buffer roller 505, a conveying roller pair 506, and a discharge roller pair 507. A sheet discharge motor M3 that is a drive source of the discharge roller pair 509, a bundle discharge motor M4 that drives the discharge rollers 680a and 680b, a conveyance motor M10 that is a drive source of the conveyance roller pair 813, and a drive source of the sheet positioning member 823. The positioning motor M11, the protruding member 825, the folding roller pair 826, the folding motor M12 as a driving source of the paper discharge roller pair 827, the paper feeding roller 902 of the inserter 900, the conveying roller 903, the separation belt 904, and the driving source of the drawing roller pair 905 There is a paper feed motor M20.
[0064]
The entrance motor M1, the buffer motor M2, and the paper discharge motor M3 are stepping motors. By controlling the excitation pulse rate, the roller pair driven by each motor can be rotated at a constant speed or at a unique speed. Can do. Further, the inlet motor M1 and the buffer motor M2 can be driven by the driver 520 in forward and reverse rotation directions.
[0065]
The conveyance motor M10 and the positioning motor M11 are stepping motors, and the folding motor M12 is a DC motor. The conveyance motor M10 is configured to be able to convey the sheet in synchronism with the inlet motor M1. The sheet feeding motor M20 is composed of a stepping motor, and is configured to be able to convey the sheet in synchronization with the inlet motor M1.
[0066]
The solenoid includes a solenoid SL1 that switches the switching flapper 510, a solenoid SL2 that switches the switching flapper 511, a solenoid SL10 that switches the switching flapper 551, a solenoid SL20 that drives a paper feed shutter (not shown) of the inserter 900, There is a solenoid SL21 that drives the paper feed roller 902 of the inserter 900 up and down.
[0067]
The clutch includes a clutch CL1 for projecting the drive of the folding motor M12 to the protruding member 825, and a clutch CL10 for transmitting the drive of the paper feed motor M20 to the paper feed roller 902.
[0068]
Next, a method for setting the operation mode of the copying apparatus 1000 will be described with reference to FIG. FIGS. 5A, 5B, and 5C show screens displayed on the display panel of the operation unit 154 of the copying apparatus 1000. FIG. The displayed screen is a touch panel and can be set by selecting a function to be executed.
[0069]
The copying apparatus 1000 has operation modes such as a non-sort mode, a sort mode, a staple sort mode (binding mode), and a bookbinding mode. In addition, it has a cover mode and a slip sheet mode in which a cover sheet, a final sheet, or a sheet can be inserted in the middle. Such an operation mode is selected and set by the user on the operation unit 154.
[0070]
FIG. 5A shows a screen on which operation modes such as a non-sort mode, a sort mode, a staple sort mode (binding mode), and a bookbinding mode can be selected. FIG. 5B is a screen for selecting and setting whether to insert the insertion sheet from the inserter 900 or the manual sheet feeding unit 125 in the cover sheet mode and the slip sheet mode. Further, FIG. 5C is a screen for setting the number of sheets to be inserted in the cover sheet mode and the slip sheet mode. When the insertion sheet is fed only to the cover, only “1” can be selected, and when there are a plurality of sheets to be inserted, a plurality of positions to be inserted can be selected and set. For example, when it is desired to insert sheets on the third and sixth sheets, “3” and “6” are selected and set.
[0071]
Next, the flow of sheet conveyance from the inserter 900 and the printer 300 to the processing tray 630 in the finisher 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 6 to 11 illustrate a case where sheets are conveyed from the inserter 900 and the printer unit 300 of the copying apparatus 1000 in FIG. 1, and the sheets from the inserter 900 and the sheets from the printer unit 300 are stored in the processing tray of the finisher 500. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of a sheet | seat.
[0072]
When the sheet C is inserted as a cover into a sheet conveyed from the printer unit 300, a bundle of sheets C is set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 as shown in FIG. At this time, as shown in FIG. 6A, the bundle of sheets C is set so that the surface (front surface) on which the image is formed faces upward and the binding position is left when viewed from the operator. The paper is fed in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure. The set state of the bundle of sheets C is the same as the original set state in the original feeding unit 100, and the operability when setting the bundle of sheets C can be improved.
[0073]
When a bundle of sheets C is set on the tray 901 and a start key (not shown) is pressed on the operation unit 154, as shown in FIG. 7, the most bundle of sheets C set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 is displayed. The upper sheet C1 is separated by the conveyance roller 903 and the separation belt 904 and conveyed to the conveyance path 908. At this time, the flapper 551 is switched so that the sheet is conveyed to the finisher path 552. Therefore, the sheet C1 is guided from the conveyance path 908 to the finisher path 552 through the entrance roller pair 502. Further, when the leading edge of the sheet C1 is detected by the entrance sensor 531, feeding of the sheet (sheet P1 shown in FIG. 8) on which an image is formed from the printer unit 300 is started.
[0074]
As shown in FIG. 8, the sheet P <b> 1 conveyed from the printer unit 300 is guided to the finisher 500, and the sheet C <b> 1 is guided to the sort path 522 via the buffer roller 505. At this time, the flappers 510 and 511 are switched so that the sheet is conveyed to the sort path 522.
[0075]
The sheet C1 guided to the sort path 522 is conveyed to the processing tray 630 as shown in FIG. At this time, the sheet P <b> 1 conveyed from the printer unit 300 is guided to the finisher path 522. As shown in FIG. 10, the sheet P1 is guided to the sort path 522 via the buffer roller 505 and is conveyed to the processing tray 630, similarly to the sheet C1. Further, the sheet P2 following the sheet P1 is guided into the finisher path 552 and conveyed to the processing tray 630 through the buffer roller 505. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the sheets P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 are stacked on the sheet C <b> 1 already stored in the processing tray 630.
[0076]
Here, the sheets P1 and P2 conveyed from the printer unit 300 are formed with mirror-imaged images and discharged by reversal discharge, so that the surface on which the image is formed in the same manner as the sheet C1 ( The sheet is stored in the processing tray 630 with the front surface facing downward and the binding position facing the stapler 601 side. Although not shown in FIG. 11, when the second copy is created, the inserter 900 is used while a sheet conveyed from the printer unit 300 such as the sheets P1 and P2 constituting the current bundle is being conveyed. A sheet (inserted sheet) fed from the sheet is conveyed to a conveyance path 908 and is waited in front of the conveyance roller pair 906. With this configuration, productivity can be improved.
[0077]
Next, the bookbinding process in the bookbinding mode (brochure mode) will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining bookbinding processing in the bookbinding mode in the copying apparatus 1000 of FIG. The bookbinding process is executed by selecting a bookbinding mode on the display panel of the operation unit 154. When the bookbinding mode is selected on the operation unit 154, the document set on the document feeding unit 100 is read in order from the first page, and the images of the read document are sequentially stored in the hard disk 206 and read. Count the number of originals. When the original reading process is completed, the read original image is classified by the following equation (1), and the image forming order and the image forming position are determined.
M = n × 4-k (1)
(M represents the number of documents, n represents the number of sheets as an integer equal to or greater than 1. Further, k is one of 0, 1, 2, and 3.)
The image forming process in the bookbinding mode will be described by taking the case where the number of read originals is eight as an example. As shown in FIG. 12A, the original image data for eight pages (R1 to R8) is stored in the hard disk 206. Are stored in the order in which they are read.
[0078]
Then, with respect to the image data (R1 to R8), the image formation order and the image formation position are determined based on Expression (1). As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, an R4 image is formed on the left half and an R5 image is formed on the right half of the first surface (front surface) of the sheet P1 of the first page. Then, the sheet P1 is guided to the double-sided conveyance path 124 and is conveyed again to the transfer unit 116. An R6 image is formed on the left half of the second surface (back surface) of the sheet P1 conveyed to the transfer unit 116, and an R3 image is formed on the right half.
[0079]
The sheet P1 on which images are formed on both sides is discharged from the printer unit 300 as it is, and is conveyed to the first bookbinding path 553 of the finisher 500. As shown in FIG. 12C, the sheet P1 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing with the second surface (back surface) on which the R6 image and the R3 image are formed facing upward and the R6 image at the top. .
[0080]
Similarly, on the sheet P2 of the second page, an R2 image is formed on the left half and an R7 image is formed on the right half of the first surface (front surface). Then, the sheet P2 is guided to the double-sided conveyance path 124 and is conveyed again to the transfer unit 116. An R8 image is formed on the left half of the second surface (back surface) of the sheet P2 conveyed to the transfer unit 116, and an R1 image is formed on the right half.
[0081]
The sheet P <b> 2 having the image formed on both sides is discharged from the printer unit 300 as it is and sent to the first bookbinding path 553 of the finisher 500. As shown in FIG. 12C, the sheet P2 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow shown in the drawing with the second surface (back surface) on which the R8 image and the R1 image are formed facing upward and the R8 image at the top. .
[0082]
The sheets P1 and P2 are guided and stored in the storage guide 820 via the first bookbinding path 553 of the finisher 500. As shown in FIG. 12D, the storage guide 820 is stored so that the sheet P1 protrudes and the sheet P2 is on the folding roller pair 826 side, and the first surface (mainly) of the sheets P1 and P2 is stored. Are configured to protrude and project toward the member 825 side. At this time, the positioning of the sheets P1 and P2 with the storage guide 820 is performed by the positioning member 823.
[0083]
Further, in the bookbinding process in the bookbinding mode, the flow of sheet conveyance in which sheets from the inserter 900 and the printer unit 300 are conveyed to the storage guide 820 of the finisher 500 will be described with reference to FIGS. 13 to 20. 13 to FIG. 19, the sheet is conveyed from the inserter 900 and the printer unit 300 of the copying apparatus 1000 of FIG. 1, and the sheet from the inserter 900 and the sheet from the printer unit 300 are temporarily stored in the storage guide 820 of the finisher 500. FIG. 10 is a view for explaining the flow of sheets when stored in a saddle tray 832. FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output product bound by the folding process and the binding process of the finisher 500 of FIG.
[0084]
When the sheet C1 is inserted as a cover sheet into a sheet conveyed from the printer unit 300 for bookbinding, a bundle including the sheet C1 is set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 as shown in FIG. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 13A, the bundle including the sheet C1 is set on the tray 901 with the surface (front surface) on which the image R and the image F are formed facing upward. It is fed at the head. The set state of the bundle including the sheet C1 is the same as the original set state in the document feeder 100, and the operability when setting the bundle including the sheet C1 can be improved.
[0085]
When the sheet bundle C1 is set on the tray 901 and a start key (not shown) of the operation unit 154 is pressed, the top of the bundle including the sheet C1 set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 is shown in FIG. The upper sheet C1 is separated by the conveyance roller 903 and the separation belt 904 and conveyed to the conveyance path 908. At this time, the flapper 551 is switched so that the sheet is conveyed to the finisher path 552. Accordingly, the sheet C1 is guided from the conveyance path 908 to the finisher path 552 through the entrance roller pair 502. Furthermore, when the leading edge of the sheet C1 is detected by the entrance sensor 531, feeding of the sheet (sheet P shown in FIG. 15) on which an image is formed from the printer unit 300 is started.
[0086]
As shown in FIG. 15, the sheet P conveyed from the printer unit 300 is guided to the finisher 500, and the sheet C <b> 1 is guided to the non-sort path 521 through the buffer roller 505. At this time, the flapper 510 is switched so as to be conveyed to the non-sort path 521.
[0087]
Further, when the sheet C1 is guided to the non-sort path 521 and conveyed until the rear end of the sheet C1 passes through the entrance sensor 531, the sheet C1 is temporarily stopped as shown in FIG. At this time, the sheet P conveyed from the printer unit 300 is guided to the finisher 500. Then, while the sheet C1 is stopped, the sheet P1 is guided to the first bookbinding path 553 by the flapper 551 and conveyed to the storage guide 820 as shown in FIG. 16, and the sheet P2 following the sheet P1 is conveyed. Similarly, it is guided to the first bookbinding path 553. At this time, the sheet C2 following the sheet C1 is separated by the transport roller 903 and the separation belt 904, transported to the front of the transport roller pair 906, and waits until a predetermined number of sheets are stored in the storage guide 820.
[0088]
When a predetermined number of sheets P are conveyed to the storage guide 820, as shown in FIG. 17, the sheet C1 is reversed and conveyed, and is conveyed to the storage guide 820 via the branch A and the second bookbinding path 554. . At this time, as shown in FIG. 18, the sheet C <b> 1 is conveyed with the image R side as the head, and is stacked and stored on a bundle of sheets P already stored in the storage guide 820. When the sheet C1 is stored in the storage guide 820, feeding of the sheet C2 following the sheet C1 that has already been transported to the front of the pair of transport rollers 906 is started. Here, for example, when the sheet C2 is inappropriate paper having a size different from the predetermined size, as shown in FIG. 19, the sheet C2 is discharged to the sample tray 701 without being temporarily stopped in the state shown in FIG. Is done.
[0089]
After the sheet C1 is stacked and stored on the bundle of sheets P in the storage guide 820, the protruding member 825 protrudes with respect to the sheet bundle formed by the bundle of the sheets C1 and P, and this sheet bundle is the folding roller pair 826. It is pushed out toward. Then, the sheet bundle is folded by the folding roller pair 826 at the center portion (image boundary portion of the image surface) of the sheet bundle and discharged to the saddle discharge tray 832.
[0090]
As shown in FIG. 20 (b), the sheet F1 is folded and ejected in such a manner that the image F of the sheet C1 is arranged on the cover page and the image R is arranged on the last page, and the image of each sheet P is displayed on the page. They are arranged in order, and the orientations of the images on the sheets C1 and P are matched.
[0091]
As described above, when the sheet C1 is bound by the sheet feeding control of the sheet C1 from the inserter 900 and the conveyance control of the sheet P from the printer unit 300, the image F of the sheet C1 is arranged on the cover page and the image R is arranged on the last page. Is done. In addition, since the images of the sheets P are arranged in page order and the orientations of the images are all matched, the print quality of the sheet P fed from the inserter 900 and the durability of the sheet conveyed from the printer unit 300 are also obtained. The sheet conveyed from the printer unit 300 and the sheet fed from the inserter 900 can be combined into a book without impairing the performance.
[0092]
Note that the sheet bundle can be bound at the center by the stapler 818 in a state where the sheet C <b> 1 is superimposed on the bundle of sheets P and stored in the storage guide 820.
[0093]
Sheet insertion processing in an insertion mode in which a copy sheet, front cover, back cover, and the like are inserted by the copying apparatus 1000 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 21 and 22 are flowcharts showing control of sheet insertion processing of the copying apparatus 1000 according to the first embodiment.
[0094]
A detailed description will be given of a case where one sheet bundle is created by inserting a sheet into a predetermined position (between sheets) of an output product output from the printer unit 300 using the inserter 900. For example, when one sheet bundle is six sheets, the second, third, and sixth sheets are fed from the inserter 900, and the first, fourth, and fifth sheets are formed by the printer unit 300. It is composed of the output sheet. In the following description, a sheet bundle in which one bundle is composed of six sheets will be described as an example.
[0095]
The number of sheets to be inserted from the inserter 900 can be set by the operation unit 154 of the copying apparatus 1000, and a plurality of sheets can be placed between predetermined sheets of the sheet bundle. Setting to insert is also possible.
[0096]
Further, when creating a plurality of sheet bundles, the sheet bundles are stacked one by one in the insertion order and set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900. In the above example, the sheet is fed from the inserter 900 in the order of the second, third, and sixth sheets of the first bundle, and then the second, second, third, and sixth sheets of the second bundle. To the tray 901. In this case, as shown in FIG. 23, the first, fourth, and fifth sheets of the original are stacked on the original tray of the original feeding apparatus 100, and the inserted sheets are 2, 3, and 6 as shown in FIG. Sheets created as a set of three eyes are stacked for the sheet bundle and stacked on the tray 901 of the inserter 900.
[0097]
The sheet insertion process will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS. First, the operation unit 154 of the copying apparatus 1000 causes the user to set an insertion position (between arbitrary sheets) into which a sheet fed from the inserter 900 is inserted into an output product output from the printer unit 300. After the setting, it is determined whether or not the copy start key is turned on (S151). In S151, the process waits until the copy start key is turned on.
[0098]
When the copy start key is turned on, the CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 adjusts the sheet feeding timing of the sheet on which an image is formed by the printer unit 300 and the sheet inserted from the inserter 900 in order to create a sheet bundle. (S152).
[0099]
The CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 determines whether the sheet to be fed is a sheet inserted from the inserter (S153). In the above example, the first sheet is fed by the printer unit 300 (S154). In S <b> 154, the sheets fed from the cassettes 114 and 115 in the printer unit 300 are conveyed to the registration roller 126, and are skew-corrected and conveyed to the transfer unit 116. Then, it is discharged to the processing tray 630. The sheets discharged to the processing tray 630 are finally discharged to the stack tray 700.
[0100]
On the other hand, if it is determined in S153 that the sheet feeding timing from the inserter 900 is reached (in the above example, the second sheet), the CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 makes a response to the finisher control unit 501 of the finisher 500. The inserter 900 outputs a paper feed command so as to start the sheet insertion process. Then, a sheet to be inserted is fed from the inserter 900 (S155).
[0101]
In order to detect whether or not the sheet (the sheet fed from the inserter or the sheet fed from the printer unit) conveyed in S154 or S155 is in a double feed state, a double feed detection sensor 950 is used. A double feed detection process is executed (S156). In this double feed detection process, the thickness of the sheet inserted from the inserter 900 is measured, and it is determined whether or not the sheet is double fed based on the measurement data. Here, the determination of double feeding may be performed by the CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 or the finisher control unit 501.
[0102]
An example of the specific method is introduced. When creating the first bundle of a plurality of sheet bundles, the thickness of the sheet inserted from the inserter 900 is measured by the double feed detection sensor 950, and the measurement data is stored in the RAM 153 for each inserted sheet (d1, d2). ... dn, where 1 to n are the number of sheets). The stored sheet thickness data is used as a reference value for detecting double feeding of sheets after the next sheet bundle. That is, for each inserted sheet, the thickness of the sheet is measured when passing through the double feed detection sensor, and the measurement data (for example, the nth measurement data Xn) is compared with the data dn stored in the RAM 513. . Note that the method of double feed detection processing is not limited to this, and other methods may be used.
[0103]
As a result of the double feed detection process in S156, it is confirmed whether or not the conveyed sheet is being double fed (S157). In S157, when it is not confirmed that the sheet inserted from the inserter 900 is double-fed, the sheet is conveyed to the processing tray 630 (S158).
[0104]
Further, the CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 determines whether the sheet discharged to the processing tray 630 is the final sheet of the sheet bundle (S159). If it is determined in S159 that the sheet is not the final sheet, the process returns to S152.
[0105]
On the other hand, if it is determined in S159 that the sheet is the final sheet of the sheet bundle, the sheet bundle is discharged from the processing tray 630 to the stack tray 700 (S160). Note that before the sheet bundle discharged to the processing tray 630 is discharged to the stack tray 700, the stapler 818 can execute a binding process on the sheet bundle.
[0106]
In S161, it is determined whether or not all the set sheet bundles have been discharged. If NO in S161, the process returns to S152, and if YES in S161, the series of processes is terminated.
[0107]
Next, a process when it is confirmed in S157 that the conveyed sheet is being double-fed based on the result of the double-feed detection process in S156 will be described below. On the basis of the detection result of detecting that the sheets are double-fed in the double-feed detection process, the CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 inserts the sheet detected as being double-fed from the inserter 900. Or a sheet fed from the paper feed unit of the printer unit 300 (S201).
[0108]
When it is determined in S201 that the double-fed sheet is a sheet inserted from the inserter 900, a multi-feed number determination process is executed (S202). The multi-feed number determination process will be described below.
[0109]
Assuming that it is detected that double feeding is detected when the second sheet is inserted when the inserted sheets are the second, third, and sixth sheets of the sheet bundle as in the above-described example. To do. And the detected sheet thickness X2 is
d2 + βd3 <X2 <d2 + d3 + βd6
When the condition is satisfied, it can be determined that the two sheets inserted into the second sheet and the third sheet have been double-fed. Here, β = 0.5.
[0110]
Generally speaking, when it is determined whether or not the sheet inserted from the inserter 900 is composed of a set of n sheets and the multi-feed number of the m-th sheet is t,
dm + d (m + 1) +... + βd (m + t−1) <Xm <dm + d (m + 1) +... + βd (m + t)
Judgment can be made based on whether the condition is satisfied.
[0111]
As described above, by using the reference value of the sheet thickness data stored in the RAM 153, it is possible to determine the number of sheets that have been multi-fed.
[0112]
As a result of the multi-feed number determination process in S202, when it is determined that two sheets to be inserted into the second and third sheets have been double-fed, the order of the sheets to be inserted into subsequent sheet bundles is not changed. In addition, the multi-feed sheet and the subsequent sheet to be inserted into the sixth sheet are discharged onto the processing tray 630. The discharged sheets may be shifted and discharged for easy understanding by the user, or may be discharged to a sample tray 701 different from the processing tray 630.
[0113]
Further, a recovery process is executed on the sheet to be inserted placed on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 based on an instruction from the finisher control unit 501 (S203). In this recovery process, the sheet detected as being double-fed in the double-feed detection process is discharged to the processing tray 630, and the subsequent sheet inserted from the inserter 900 is the same as the sheet immediately before the double-feed is detected. This is a process of discharging until the sheet is discharged.
[0114]
When the second and third sheets are double-fed, the double-fed sheets are discharged to the processing tray 630. Then, the sixth sheet to be inserted into the next sheet bundle is also discharged to the processing tray 630.
[0115]
By performing such recovery processing, the state of the sheet to be inserted placed on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 can be reproduced in the same state as before the double feed is detected. Note that while this idle feeding process is being executed, the paper feeding operation and the image forming operation for the sheet fed from the paper feeding cassette of the printer unit 300 are interrupted.
[0116]
When the double fed sheet and the sheet unnecessary for insertion into the next sheet bundle are discharged to the processing tray 630, the unnecessary sheet on the processing tray 630 is discharged to the stack tray 700 (S204). At this time, even if the post-processing such as stapling is set to be executed on the sheet bundle to be output, the finisher control unit does not actually execute the post-processing. The sheet is discharged without performing post-processing so as not to be output. Subsequent sheet bundles are post-processed by post-processing instructions of the finisher control unit.
[0117]
When all the sheets discharged by the recovery process have been completed, the copying apparatus system prepares to restart the sheet bundle output operation (S205). And if the preparation is completed, it will return to the step of S152.
[0118]
If it is determined in S201 that the double fed sheet is a sheet fed from the paper feeding unit of the printer unit 300, the double fed sheet is discharged to a sample tray 701 different from the stack tray 700 (S206). . At this time, all the sheets fed from the sheet feeding unit of the printer unit 300 are discharged to the sample tray 701, and at the same time, the sheet feeding operation in which the inserter 900 inserts the sheet is interrupted. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the sheets fed to the sheet bundle discharged to the processing tray 630 from being mixed, and to prevent the order of the sheet bundle from being out of order.
[0119]
When the processing of S206 is completed, the operation of the printer unit 300 is resumed so that the image formed on the double-fed sheets is output from the printer unit 300 again, and normal sheet insertion processing is executed (S207).
[0120]
By performing the control as described above, an appropriate recovery process is executed in both cases where a sheet inserted from the inserter 900 is double-fed and a sheet output from the printer unit 300 is double-fed. Can be resumed.
[0121]
In the first embodiment, the double feed detection sensor is arranged downstream from the point where the sheet inserted from the inserter 900 and the sheet output from the printer unit 300 merge. You may arrange | position separately in order to each detect the double feed state of each sheet | seat.
[0122]
According to the first embodiment as described above, an appropriate recovery process can be executed regardless of whether a sheet inserted from the inserter 900 or a sheet output from the printer unit is double-fed. .
[0123]
[Second Embodiment]
Since the configuration and basic control of the copying apparatus 1000 are the same as those in the first embodiment, only different parts will be described.
[0124]
Hereinafter, the sheet insertion processing according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 25 to 27 and 29 and the diagrams showing the display screens of the operation unit 154 of FIGS. 28 and 30 to 32. FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating basic control of sheet insertion processing of the copying apparatus 1000 according to the second embodiment. 26 and 27 are flowcharts showing the inserter sequence and the transfer sheet sequence, respectively. FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a transport restart sequence. FIG. 28 shows a setting screen for the operation unit, and FIGS. 30 to 32 show display screens for the operation unit.
[0125]
Note that the sheet conveyance control, inserter sequence, transfer sheet sequence, and conveyance resumption sequence described below are controlled by multitasking based on a predetermined program and processed in parallel.
[0126]
A detailed description will be given of a case where one sheet bundle is created by inserting a sheet into a predetermined position (between sheets) of an output product output from the printer unit 300 using the inserter 900. For example, when one bundle of sheets is five sheets, the second and third sheets are sheets fed from the inserter 900, and the first, fourth and fifth sheets are formed by the printer unit 300. Consists of output sheets. In the following description, a sheet bundle in which one bundle is composed of five sheets will be described as an example.
[0127]
The number of sheets to be inserted from the inserter 900 can be set by the operation unit 154 of the copying apparatus 1000, and a plurality of sheets can be placed between predetermined sheets of the sheet bundle. Each can be inserted.
[0128]
When creating a plurality of sheet bundles, the sheet bundles are stacked one by one in the insertion order and set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900. In the above example, the sheets are set on the tray 901 so as to be fed from the inserter 900 in the order of the second and third sheets of the first bundle, the second and second sheets of the second bundle. .
[0129]
Hereinafter, the control of the sheet insertion process in the second embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 25 to 27 and FIG. 29. First, the first, fourth, and fifth originals are set on the original feeding unit 100, and a plurality of second and third sheets corresponding to the number of sheets to be created are set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900. . Then, the operation unit 154 of the copying apparatus 1000 causes the user to set an insertion position (between arbitrary sheets) where the sheet fed from the inserter 900 is inserted into the output product output from the printer unit 300. After the setting is completed, it is determined whether the copy start key is turned on.
[0130]
When the copy start key is turned on, the CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 adjusts the sheet feeding timing of the sheet on which an image is formed by the printer unit 300 and the sheet inserted from the inserter 900 in order to create a sheet bundle. (S301).
[0131]
The CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 determines whether the sheet to be fed is a sheet inserted from the inserter 900 (S302). In the above example, the first sheet is fed by the printer unit 300, and the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit is conveyed to the finisher 500 (S600). The second sheet waits until the timing between the sheets so that the first sheet can be advanced, and is fed from the inserter 900 at an appropriate feeding timing (S500). The above operation is repeated for the third and fourth sheets, and when the fifth sheet, which is the final sheet of the first bundle, is discharged to the stack tray 700 of the finisher 500, the conveyance processing of one bundle of sheets is performed. Is completed. The processes of S500 and S600 are called an inserter sequence and a transfer sheet sequence, respectively.
[0132]
It is determined whether or not all the sheet bundles set by the operation unit 154 have been discharged and completed (S303). In S303, when there are still remaining sheet bundles, the above operation is repeated, and when all the sheet bundles are discharged, the operation (image forming process) is stopped (S304). Note that before the sheet bundle is discharged to the stack tray 700, it is possible to execute a binding process on the sheet bundle discharged to the processing tray 630 by the stapler 818.
[0133]
The inserter sequence of S500 will be described. The inserter sequence is a process of conveying from the tray 901 of the inserter 900 to the processing tray 630 in the finisher 500. FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the inserter sequence.
[0134]
When a sheet is fed by the inserter 900, it is determined whether or not the sheet is being double-fed by a double-feed detection sensor 950 in the finisher (S501). Since the process of S501 is the same as the process in the first embodiment, the description thereof is omitted.
[0135]
If it is determined in S501 that the sheets are not double-fed, the conveying operation is continued as it is (S502). Then, the process is completed, and the process proceeds to S303. On the other hand, if it is determined in S501 that the sheets are being double fed, the operations of the finisher 500 and the copying apparatus 1000 are stopped at a predetermined timing (S503).
[0136]
When the operation of the entire apparatus is stopped, a warning is displayed on the operation unit 154 so as to remove all the sheets being conveyed in the apparatus, and the double-fed sheets are set on the tray 901 of the inserter 900 again. (S504).
[0137]
After a predetermined display on the operation unit 154 in S504, it is determined whether all jammed sheets have been removed (S505). If it is determined in S505 that all the jam processing has been completed, the process proceeds to the transport restart sequence (S700).
[0138]
Next, the transfer sheet sequence in S600 will be described. The transfer sheet sequence is a process for transporting a sheet fed from the sheet feeding unit of the printer unit 300 to the processing tray 630 in the finisher 500. FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a transfer sheet sequence.
[0139]
When the sheet formed and output by the printer unit 300 is conveyed to the finisher 500, it is determined whether or not the sheet is being double-fed by the double-feed detection sensor 950 in the finisher (S601). Since the process of S601 is the same as the process in the first embodiment, a description thereof will be omitted.
[0140]
If it is determined in S601 that the sheets are not double-fed, the conveying operation is continued as it is (S602). Then, the transfer sheet sequence is completed, and the process proceeds to S103. On the other hand, if it is determined in S601 that the sheets are being double fed, the operations of the finisher 500 and the copying apparatus 1000 are stopped at a predetermined timing (S603).
[0141]
When the operation of the entire apparatus is stopped, a warning is displayed on the operation unit 154 so as to remove all the sheets being conveyed in the apparatus because of a jam (S604).
[0142]
After a predetermined display on the operation unit 154 in S604, it is determined whether all jammed sheets have been removed (S605). If it is determined in S605 that all the jam processing has been completed, the process proceeds to the transport restart sequence (S700).
[0143]
The transport restart sequence in S700 will be described. The conveyance restart sequence is a restart processing operation after a double feed occurs during the sheet insertion processing and the jam processing is performed. FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a transport restart processing sequence. In this conveyance resumption processing sequence, a process for causing the user to confirm whether the output product is normal by interrupting the operation of the apparatus after creating a predetermined number of sheet bundles according to the setting content set in the operation unit 154 A process for continuously outputting all the remaining copies is selected.
[0144]
Before starting the restart processing operation, the number N of sheet bundles created after the restart processing operation is set by the operation unit 154 of the copying apparatus 1000 (default is set to “1”). FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a display screen of the operation unit 154 at that time. In FIG. 28, the number of sheet bundles created after the restart processing operation is set as 1 (N = 1).
[0145]
If “no setting” is set here, the remaining number of sheet bundles set before the start of the sheet insertion process is created without stopping the conveying operation of the entire apparatus. Note that FIG. 28 shows that input is possible so that 1 to 10 bundles can be created, but an arbitrary number of bundles may be set.
[0146]
First, when it is determined in S505 or S605 that the jam processing has been completed, a display screen for selecting whether or not to continue the sheet insertion processing operation is displayed on the operation unit 154 of the copying apparatus 1000 as shown in FIG.
[0147]
It is determined whether or not the continuation key (“YES”) has been selected in S701 (S701). Note that in the restart sequence after the jam state is entered in the inserter sequence, when the continuation key is selected, the display of the paper in the inserter 900 is rearranged again as shown in FIG. 31 for confirmation. . Then, one bundle is set on the tray 901 in the order in which the paper is fed to the inserter 900.
[0148]
If the cancel key (“NO”) is selected in S701, the transport restart process is terminated (S703). On the other hand, when the continuation key is selected in S701, a setting screen shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. Then, it is determined whether the number of sheet bundles to be created after the restart processing operation is set (S702).
[0149]
When “no setting” is selected in S702, the normal number of sheet bundles in S100 are created in order to create all the remaining sheet bundles set before the start of the sheet insertion process without stopping the conveying operation of the entire apparatus after the restart operation is started. Transition to sheet conveyance processing. On the other hand, when the sheet bundle number N created after the restart processing operation is set in S702, the process proceeds to S711, and another process is executed.
[0150]
In step S711, it is determined whether or not the number of sheet bundles (remaining sheet bundles) created by the restart processing operation is greater than three. If the remaining sheet bundle does not exceed 3 bundles in S711, the process proceeds to the normal sheet insertion process in S100. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the entire apparatus from being frequently stopped.
[0151]
If the remaining sheet bundle exceeds 3 bundles in S711, an operation of discharging the number of sheet bundles created after the restart processing operation set on the setting screen of FIG. 28 is executed. When the set number of sheet bundles has been discharged, the apparatus can be temporarily suspended to allow the user to check whether the sheet bundle has been generated normally. Furthermore, since the set number can be created not only in one copy but in a plurality of copies, the user can confirm whether or not the multifeed state frequently occurs.
[0152]
In S711, when the remaining sheet bundle exceeds three bundles, the CPU circuit unit 150 of the copying apparatus 1000 adjusts the sheet feeding timing of the sheet on which an image is formed by the printer unit 300 and the sheet inserted from the inserter 900 ( S704).
[0153]
In step S705, it is determined whether the sheet to be fed is fed from the inserter. If it is determined in S705 that the sheet is fed from the printer unit, the sheet fed by the printer unit 300 and image-formed by the image forming unit is conveyed to the finisher 500 (S600). On the other hand, when it is determined that the sheet is fed from the inserter, the sheet fed from the tray 901 is conveyed to the finisher 500.
[0154]
Then, each sheet conveyed to the finisher 500 is discharged to the processing tray. It is determined whether or not the discharged sheet is the final sheet in one bundle of sheets (S706). When it determines with NO by S706, it returns to S704, and when it determines with YES, it progresses to S707.
[0155]
In S707, it is determined whether the sheet bundle discharged to the processing tray is discharged to the stack tray and the number of sheet bundles set on the setting screen of FIG. 28 has been discharged. If NO is determined in S707, the process returns to S704, and if YES, the process proceeds to S708.
[0156]
In S708, the copying apparatus 1000 temporarily stops the processing operation (S708). At that time, a confirmation screen as shown in FIG. 32 is displayed on the operation unit 154 of the copying apparatus 1000. By temporarily stopping the apparatus in S708, it is possible to make the user confirm whether or not the sheet bundle creation is operating normally after the processing operation is resumed.
[0157]
The user confirms the discharged sheet bundle and determines whether or not a desired sheet bundle has been generated. Then, by selecting the screen in FIG. 32, it is determined whether or not a desired sheet bundle has been created by pressing the continuation key (“YES”) (S709). If it is determined NO in S709, the process proceeds to S710 and the job is terminated. If YES is determined in S709, the remaining sheet bundle to be created is created by a normal sheet insertion processing operation.
[0158]
According to the second embodiment as described above, when the conveyed sheet is double-fed, it is possible for the user to select a response to the operation check work after the restart process.
[0159]
[Other embodiments]
A copying apparatus that combines the first embodiment and the second embodiment may be provided. At that time, a copying apparatus may be provided that combines the automatic recovery process of the sheet insertion process in the first embodiment and the partial process of the recovery process performed by the user in the second embodiment.
[0160]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to execute an appropriate recovery process even when a sheet to be conveyed is double-fed, and it is possible to improve user convenience.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a copying apparatus.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller that controls the copying apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing configurations of a folding processing unit and a finisher.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a finisher control unit
FIG. 5 is a display screen of the operation unit of the copying apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining bookbinding processing in the bookbinding mode in the copying apparatus.
FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a sheet conveying operation in the finisher.
FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of an output product that is bound by a finisher folding process and a binding process;
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing control of sheet insertion processing of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing control of sheet insertion processing of the copying apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a document placed on the document feeder during insertion processing.
FIG. 24 is a view showing a sheet placed on the inserter during insertion processing;
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing basic control of sheet insertion processing of the copying apparatus according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an inserter sequence in the second embodiment;
FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a transfer sheet sequence according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a setting screen of the operation unit
FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a transport restart sequence in the second embodiment.
FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a display screen of the operation unit
FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a display screen of the operation unit
FIG. 32 is a diagram showing a display screen of the operation unit
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Document feeder
101 Document feeding control unit
150 CPU circuit
151 CPU
152 ROM
153 RAM
154 Operation unit
200 Image reader
201 Image reader controller
202 Image signal control unit
209 External I / F
300 Printer section
301 Printer control unit
400 Folding section
401 Folding control unit
500 Finisher
501 Finisher control unit
630 processing tray
700 stack tray
701 Sample tray
900 Inserter
901 tray
950 Double feed detection sensor
1000 Copying machine

Claims (4)

Sheet storage means for storing the sheet;
Conveying means for conveying the sheet stored in the sheet storing means;
Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet conveyed by the conveying means;
A discharge tray for discharging the sheet imaged by the image forming unit;
An insertion sheet tray on which a plurality of sets of insertion sheets each consisting of a plurality of pages of insertion sheets are stacked;
Insertion means for inserting an insertion sheet from the insertion sheet tray at a plurality of arbitrary positions in a bundle of output products output to the discharge means;
A double feed detection means for detecting whether or not a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming means is double fed and whether an insertion sheet inserted by the insertion means is double fed;
Control means for executing a recovery process in response to detection of double feed by the double feed detection means;
And the control means interrupts the feeding operation of the insertion sheet when the sheet detected as multi-feed is a sheet on which the image is formed, and sets a plurality of sheets in which multi-feed is detected. When the first recovery process is performed to cause the sheet to be discharged to a location and the image formed on the sheet in which double feeding is detected to be re-formed, and the sheet detected to be double feeding is the insertion sheet, the transport unit The conveyance of the sheet is interrupted, and the number of inserted sheets that are double-fed is determined. Based on the determined number of sheets, the insertion sheet detected as double-fed and the subsequent insertion sheet of the insertion sheet tray An image forming apparatus, wherein a second recovery process is performed to discharge up to the predetermined position of the sheet immediately before the page detected as a double feed. A thickness detection means for detecting the thickness of the inserted sheet to be conveyed; a storage means for storing sheet thickness data indicating the thickness of each insertion sheet;
The control means compares the detection value of the thickness detection means with the sheet thickness data for insertion stored in the storage means to determine the number of sheets to be fed. The image forming apparatus according to 1. A conveying step for conveying the sheet stored in the sheet storing means;
An image forming step of forming an image on the sheet conveyed in the conveying step;
A discharge step of discharging the sheet on which the image has been formed in the image forming step to a discharge tray;
The insertion sheet at a plurality of arbitrary positions in a bundle of output products output from the insertion sheet tray on which a plurality of sets of insertion sheets each consisting of a plurality of pages of insertion sheets are stacked to the discharge tray. Insert step to insert,
A double feed detection step of detecting whether the sheet on which the image is formed is double fed and whether the insertion sheet is double fed;
When a double feed is detected in the double feed detection step, a recovery step for executing a recovery process thereafter,
And in the recovery step, when the sheet detected as multi-feed is a sheet on which the image is formed, the conveying operation of the insertion sheet is interrupted, and a plurality of sheets in which multi-feed is detected are predetermined. When the first recovery process is performed to cause the sheet to be discharged to a location and the image formed on the sheet in which double feeding is detected to be re-formed, and the sheet detected to be double feeding is the insertion sheet, the transport unit The conveyance of the sheet is interrupted, and the number of inserted sheets that are double-fed is determined. Based on the determined number of sheets, the insertion sheet detected as double-fed and the subsequent insertion sheet of the insertion sheet tray And executing a second recovery process for discharging up to the insertion sheet of the page immediately before the page detected as a double feed to the predetermined location. . A thickness detecting step for detecting the thickness of the inserted sheet to be conveyed; and a storage step for storing sheet thickness data indicating the thickness of each insertion sheet in a memory; and in the recovery step, 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the number of double feed sheets is determined by comparing the detection value detected in the thickness detection step with insertion sheet thickness data stored in the memory . Control method .

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