JP4371596B2 - Sheet post-processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present inventionSheet post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing of sheetsFor example, the present invention is applied to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet such as a copying machine, a laser beam printer, and a facsimile.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an image forming apparatus such as a printer is provided with a sheet post-processing device that performs post-processing such as stapling (needle striking) and ejects a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed (printed) with alignment. There is something that is. As such a sheet post-processing device, sheets provided on the side of the sheet discharge port side of the image forming apparatus main body, and printed on the image forming apparatus main body side are sequentially supplied from the discharge port, and each end is aligned. And the thing of the type which performs a post-process and discharges | emits is known.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the case of the prior art as described above, the following problems have occurred.
[0004]
That is, in an image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the prior art, a switchback mechanism for inverting the sheet to the sheet post-processing apparatus side in order to discharge and stack sheets printed on the image forming apparatus main body side in page order There is a problem that it is necessary to provide a large gap between the sheets for switching back. Further, since the sheet post-processing apparatus is provided on the side surface of the sheet discharge port of the image forming apparatus main body, there is a disadvantage that not only the installation area of the entire apparatus increases but also the cost increases.
[0005]
Furthermore, there are many paper discharge devices that require processing time and a processing mechanism for error processing. For example, when a sheet material exceeding the allowable number of staples is stacked on the staple tray, a control unit that does not convey the next sheet to the paper discharge device is necessary for discharging the sheet bundle if the conventional paper discharge device is used. There is a need for a mechanism for temporarily stopping or retracting a sheet that has been or has already been conveyed.
[0006]
  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and an object of the present invention is to facilitate error processing when the number of sheets exceeds the allowable number of post-processing in the sheet post-processing apparatus. Have a good control meansSheet post-processing deviceAnd providing an image forming apparatus.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention forms an image on a sheet.PaintingA sheet post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing on a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus, the first sheet stacking unit temporarily stacking the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus into the sheet post-processing apparatus; The sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus is the first sheet stacking unit or the sheetBelow the first sheet stacking unitA sheet conveyance path changing unit that switches a sheet conveyance path to convey the sheet to the second sheet stacking unit, and supports the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit.And a aligning portion that abuts against the sheet to perform alignmentAn alignment unit; a sheet post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the sheet bundle aligned by the alignment unit; a measurement unit that measures the number of sheets on the first sheet stacking unit; and post-processing of the sheet post-processing unit Storage means for storing the allowable number of sheets N, and comparison means for comparing the number of sheets M on the first sheet stacking unit measured by the measuring means with the post-processing allowable sheet number N stored by the storage means. The alignment means includesThe support surfaceSheets on the first sheet stacking unitBy evacuating the sheet,Performing an operation of dropping onto the second sheet stacking unit;When sheets forming a sheet bundle to be post-processed are stacked on the first sheet stacking unit,As a result of comparison by the comparison means, when a relationship of M> N is detected,Without the sheet post-processing means performing post-processing of the sheet bundle,M sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit are dropped onto the second sheet stacking unit by the control means provided in the sheet post-processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus The M + 1st and subsequent sheets discharged from the sheet are stacked on the second sheet stacking unit without being stacked on the first sheet stacking unit.As a result of comparison by the comparison means when the last sheet of the sheets forming the sheet bundle to be post-processed is stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, a relationship of M ≦ N is detected. The sheet post-processing means performs post-processing of the sheet bundle.Features.
[0008]
  A sheet post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing on a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet, wherein the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus into the apparatus main body is temporarily stacked. A sheet stacking unit and a sheet transported to transport the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to the first sheet stacking unit or a second sheet stacking unit below the first sheet stacking unit. A sheet conveying path changing means for switching the path, a support surface for supporting the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking section, an aligning section for contacting and aligning the sheets, and alignment by the aligning means A sheet post-processing unit that performs post-processing of the sheet bundle, a measurement unit that measures the number of sheets on the first sheet stacking unit, and a post-processing allowable sheet number N of the sheet post-processing unit. Storage means, and comparison means for comparing the number M of sheets on the first sheet stacking unit measured by the measurement means with the number N of post-processing allowable sheets stored by the storage means, and the matching The means performs the operation of dropping the sheet onto the second sheet stacking unit by retracting the support surface from the sheet on the first sheet stacking unit to form a sheet bundle to be post-processed When the relationship M> N is detected as a result of comparison by the comparison unit when the sheet is stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, the sheet post-processing unit does not perform post-processing of the sheet bundle, The control unit provided in the sheet post-processing device or the image forming apparatus causes the M sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit to drop onto the second sheet stacking unit and the image formation. After the M + 1th and subsequent sheets discharged from the stack are temporarily stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, they are dropped on the second sheet stacking unit to form a sheet bundle to be post-processed If a comparison result by the comparison unit when the last sheet is stacked on the first sheet stacking unit detects a relationship of M ≦ N, the sheet post-processing unit performs post-processing of the sheet bundle. It is characterized by performing.
[0009]
  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit that forms an image; and the sheet post-processing apparatus described above that discharges an image-formed sheet.
[0018]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. Absent.
[0019]
In each of the following embodiments, an example of a sheet post-processing apparatus mounted on a printer apparatus typified by a laser beam printer will be described.
[0020]
(First embodiment)
First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0021]
FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus (printer) according to the first embodiment.
[0022]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 100 denotes a printer main body as an image forming apparatus, which is connected to a computer alone or connected to a network such as a LAN, based on image information, print signals, etc. sent from these computers and networks. The apparatus forms (prints) an image on a sheet by the image forming process and discharges the sheet.
[0023]
  On the other hand, the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 scoops up the sheet discharged from the printer main body 100 with a flapper 301 which is an example of a sheet conveyance path changing unit, and passes through the conveyance unit in the sheet post-processing apparatus to the image surface. 1st sheet stacking unit with face down300BIs a device for stacking and stacking sheets for each predetermined job, stapling and stacking one or a plurality of the sheets, or simply discharging and stacking face down. .
[0024]
Here, the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 and the printer main body 100 are electrically connected by a cable connector (not shown), and are used as communication means for transmitting and receiving various information. The sheet post-processing apparatus 300 has a casing part 300A for storing each part, and is detachable from the apparatus main body 100A of the printer main body 100 described later.
[0025]
Next, the configuration of each unit of the printer main body 100 will be described along the conveyance path of the conveyed sheet S.
[0026]
In the printer main body 100, a plurality of sheets S are stacked in the feeding cassette 200, and the uppermost sheet among them is sequentially separated and fed one by one by various rollers. The sheet S fed from the feeding cassette 200 by a predetermined print signal supplied from a computer or a network forms a toner image in the printer main body 100 by a so-called laser beam type image forming process. The toner image is transferred to the upper surface of the sheet by the unit 101, and then the toner image is permanently fixed by applying heat and pressure by the fixing device 120 on the downstream side.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, the sheet S on which the image is fixed is folded back in a substantially U-shaped sheet conveyance path to the discharge roller 130, so that the image surface is reversed and the image surface is on the lower side. In this state, the paper is discharged face down from the printer main body 100 by the discharge roller 130. Here, the sheet S is face-down (FD) provided on the upper portion of the printer main body 100 by determining the position of the flapper 301 of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 based on a control signal from a control unit (not shown). ) Whether the sheet is discharged as it is to the discharge unit 125 or is discharged via the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 is selected.
[0028]
Next, the configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 and the movement of each part when the sheet S conveyed by the discharge roller 130 goes to the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 are sectional views of the discharge roller 130 and the sheet post-processing apparatus 300. FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 4 (b) shows a BB cross section of FIG. 4 (a).
[0029]
2 and 3 are operation explanatory views of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0030]
2 and 3, 320 is a conveyance roller, 321 is a discharge sensor, M is a jogger motor as a drive source, 322 is a sheet return member, and 323 is a reference wall for abutting the rear end of the sheet.
[0031]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the conveying roller 320 is disposed on the downstream side of the above-described flapper 301 in the sheet conveying direction, and is rotationally driven by a driving motor (not shown). The discharge sensor 321 is disposed in the vicinity of the downstream side of the conveyance roller 320 in the sheet conveyance direction, and detects the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet conveyed by the conveyance roller 320. The jogger motor M is a motor for driving slide guides 310 and 311 described later, and a stepping motor is used in this embodiment.
[0032]
As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the sheet return member 322 is disposed on the most downstream side in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, and is configured to be rotatable about the support shaft portion 322a. 2 shows the initial position of the sheet return member 322, and FIG. 3 shows a state where the sheet return member 322 is pushed up by the sheet S. FIG.
[0033]
The sheet return member 322 has a predetermined weight, and when the sheet return member 322 is pushed up counterclockwise in FIG. 2 by an external force, the sheet return member 322 tries to rotate in the arrow direction (clockwise direction) in FIG. As a result, the sheets are stacked with their trailing edges aligned on the reference wall 323.
[0034]
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the slide guide of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
[0035]
As shown in FIG. 4, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 of the present embodiment, a slide guide R310 and a slide guide L311, which will be described in detail later, are provided as guide members that perform alignment in the width direction of the sheet.
[0036]
In the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, when stapling is performed based on a command output in advance from a computer or the like, a sheet S to be stapled is discharged by a solenoid (not shown) before being discharged by the discharge roller 130. The flapper 301 rotates counterclockwise in FIG. 2 via the link. Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the front end side of the flapper 301 is located below the nip portion of the discharge roller 130, and as shown in FIG. The sheet is drawn upward along the line 301, is carried into the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, and is carried into the first sheet stacking unit 300B for temporarily stacking sheets.
[0037]
At this time, as shown in FIG. 4A, in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, the right slide guide R <b> 310 and the left slide guide L <b> 311 with respect to the sheet loading direction do not interfere with the loaded sheet S. The sheet S is retracted to a position outside by a predetermined amount from the width direction of the sheet S and waits for the sheet S to enter.
[0038]
In the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, when the first sheet S is discharged from the discharge roller 130 of the printer body 100, the sheet S is carried into the apparatus body 300A so as to be scooped up by the flapper 301, A discharge roller 320 that is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown) is conveyed onto the guide surface of the first sheet stacking unit 300 </ b> B configured by the slide guide R <b> 310 and the slide guide L <b> 311.
[0039]
Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the guide surface of the first sheet stacking unit 300B is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the horizontal direction, and is inclined differently between the upstream side and the downstream side in the sheet loading direction. Specifically, a bent portion 300C that is bent at an inclination angle α is formed between a predetermined section on the upstream side and a predetermined section on the downstream side. The guide surface of the first sheet stacking unit 300 </ b> B has such a bent portion 300 </ b> C, thereby preventing the deflection of the central portion of the sheet S that is not guided by the slide guides 310 and 311.
[0040]
Then, when the leading edge of the sheet S carried into the apparatus main body 300A is detected by the discharge sensor 321 near the downstream side of the discharge roller 320, the flag 321a of the discharge sensor 321 is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. Next, when the trailing edge passes through the discharge roller 320, as shown in FIG. 3, the flag 321a rotates in the clockwise direction in FIG. Then, it reliably falls on the guide surface constituted by the slide guide R310 and the slide guide L311. At this time, the discharge sensor 321 is turned OFF.
[0041]
Further, when the front end of the sheet S pushes up the sheet return member 322 in the counterclockwise direction of FIG. 2, the sheet return member 322 rotates in the reverse direction under its own weight as described above, and the rear end of the sheet is the reference wall. 323. As a result, the rear end portions in the conveying direction of the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit 300B are aligned.
[0042]
In the first embodiment, when the above-described discharge sensor 321 is turned off, only the right slide guide R310 operates, and the alignment operation in the width direction of each sheet stacked on the first sheet stacking unit 300B is performed. It is supposed to be started. Specifically, when the slide guide R310 is driven by the motor M and moves to the left side of FIG. 4, the reference pin R330 provided on the slide guide R310 abuts on the right side surface of the sheet S and the sheet is moved to the slide guide L311 side. Press S. And the alignment of the width direction of each sheet | seat is performed because the left side of the sheet | seat S contact | abuts the reference | standard pin L331 provided in the slide guide L311.
[0043]
Here, the configuration of the slide guide will be described in detail.
[0044]
FIG. 4 is a view for explaining the configuration of the slide guide showing the AA cross section of FIG. 1. 5 and 6 are diagrams for explaining the operation of the slide guide.
[0045]
Each of the slide guides 310 and 311 is guided by guide pins 314 (314a and 314d) provided on the frame F, so that the slide guides 310 and 311 reciprocate in the left-right direction in FIG. 4, that is, the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction (sheet width direction). It can be moved, and is moved by transmission of driving force from the jogger motor M.
[0046]
As shown in FIG. 4B, the slide guides 310 and 311 each have a wall portion that guides both sides of the sheet S and a support portion that supports the upper and lower surfaces of the sheet S, as shown in FIG. It has a substantially U-shaped cross section, supports each sheet discharged onto the first sheet stacking portion 300B by the lower surface of the U shape, and does not guide the central portion in the width direction of the sheet S. It has become.
[0047]
The slide guide R310 is provided with a rack portion 310a having a flat gear that meshes with the step gear 317. On the other hand, a slide rack L312 having a flat gear that meshes with the step gear 317 is also attached to the slide guide L311. Here, the slide rack L312 is provided so as to be relatively movable with respect to the slide guide L311 via a coiled spring 313. One end of the spring 313 abuts on the slide guide L311 and the other end is a slide rack. It abuts on L312 and urges the slide guide L311 and the slide rack L312 to expand. Further, the slide rack L312 has an embossed portion 312a that moves in the square hole portion 311a on the slide guide L311 side.
[0048]
Two reference pins R330 made of metal with excellent wear resistance are provided on the side wall of the slide guide R310, and two reference pins L331 are provided on the side wall of the slide guide L311 to align the sheets. Sometimes, as will be described later, the slide guide R310 moves, and the reference pin R330 and the reference pin L331 come into contact with both side end surfaces of the sheet.
[0049]
The slide guide R310 and the slide guide L311 are supported in the height direction by a step gear 317 and a height regulating member 315.
[0050]
4 to 6, H is a stapler that strikes the sheet. The stapler H is fixedly arranged on the slide guide L311 side in order to staple each upper left corner of the image surface of the image-formed sheet and bind the sheets.
[0051]
Next, the operation of each slide guide 310, 311 will be described. When the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 is turned on, the discharge roller 320 driven by the drive motor starts rotating, and then the jogger motor M rotates and the step gear 317 rotates, whereby the rack of the slide guide R310 is rotated. The part 310a is driven and retracts outward. When the jogger motor M rotates and the step gear 317 rotates, the slide rack 312 first moves relative to the slide guide L311. The embossed portion 312a of the slide rack 312 is the end surface on the left side of the square hole portion 311a of the slide guide L311 in FIG. After being abutted on, it is retracted to the outside by being pressed by the embossed portion 312a.
[0052]
The slide guide R310 is provided with a flag portion 310f. When the flag portion 310f moves to a predetermined retreat distance, the photosensor 316 is shielded from light as shown in FIG. Stop. This position is the home position.
[0053]
When a signal for the sheet S to enter the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 is input from the printer main body 100 to the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, the jogger motor M rotates and the slide guide R310 and the slide guide L311 move inward, and FIG. As shown in 4 (a) and (b), the vehicle stops at a position wider than the width of the entering sheet S by a predetermined amount d. At this position, the slide guide L311 is in a state where the guide pin 314c abuts against the end portion and cannot move further inside. In the first embodiment, this position shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B is set as a standby position, and at this standby position, the side surface of the slide guide L311 becomes a reference position during the alignment operation.
[0054]
In the present embodiment, when the size (width) of the sheet S is the maximum size that can be passed, the standby positions of the slide guide R310 and the slide guide L311 so that the gaps on both sides become the predetermined amounts d and d, respectively. Is set.
[0055]
When aligning a narrower sheet with the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, the slide guide R310 is moved to the left by an amount corresponding thereto, so that the gap on the right side in FIG. It becomes a fixed amount d. On the other hand, in this case, the gap between the sheet and the slide guide L311 is wider than the predetermined amount d by half of the narrowed amount.
[0056]
When the first sheet S is discharged from the discharge roller 130 of the image forming apparatus 100, the sheet S is picked up by the flapper 301 and introduced into the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, and each slide guide 310, 311 is conveyed.
[0057]
At this time, after the leading edge of the sheet S is detected by the discharge sensor 321, the sheet S is conveyed along the guide surfaces of the slide guides 310 and 311 and the left corner of the leading edge (the lower left corner in FIG. 4A). Enters the opening of the stapler H. In addition, when the sheet S is in contact with the sheet return member 322 at the center of the leading end thereof, and the sheet S is vigorous, the sheet return member 322 is pushed up in the counterclockwise direction (arrow direction) in FIG. The rear end is aligned with the reference wall 323 by rotating in the clockwise direction by its own weight.
[0058]
Further, almost simultaneously with this operation, when the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the discharge roller 320, the flag 321a of the discharge sensor 321 rotates by its own weight in the clockwise direction in FIG. 1, and the discharge sensor 321 is turned off. At this time, the trailing edge of the sheet is pressed downward by the flag 321a and reliably falls onto the guide surface of the first sheet stacking unit 300B configured by the slide guide R330 and the slide guide L331.
[0059]
In the first embodiment, when the discharge sensor 321 is turned off, the jogger motor M starts to rotate, and the slide guide at the standby position starts the alignment operation as follows. That is, at the start of the alignment operation, the jogger motor M rotates in the direction in which the slide guide moves inward. Here, the slide guide L311 cannot move because it is in contact with the guide pin 314c, and only the slide rack 312 provided in the slide guide L311 moves in the direction in which the spring 313 is contracted. Accordingly, during the alignment operation, only the slide guide R310 moves, so that the reference pin R330 of the slide guide R310 first comes into contact with the right end surface of the sheet S, and further, the sheet S moves to the left side in FIG. When the left end surface comes into contact with the reference pin L331 of the slide guide L311, a state as shown in FIGS. At this time, the slide guide R310 may be moved to a position that is narrower than the width of the sheet S by a predetermined amount in consideration of the bending of the sheet.
[0060]
In the first embodiment, the jogger motor M temporarily stops in the state shown in FIG. 5 in which both ends of the sheet S are in contact with the slide guides 310 and 311, and then starts reverse rotation. It stops when it reaches the standby position in FIG. The movement amount of the slide guide R310 during this period is managed by the number of driving pulses of the jogger motor M, which is a stepping motor, based on the position of the home position where the photosensor 316 is shielded. At this time, on the slide guide L311 side, only the slide rack 312 moves in the direction in which the spring 313 spreads, and the slide guide L311 itself does not move and is held at the reference position. The portion remains in contact with the slide guide L311.
[0061]
Next, when the second sheet (S 2) is conveyed to the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 in the same manner as the first sheet S, the sheet (S 2) is removed when the trailing end of the sheet (S 2) passes through the discharge roller 320. (S2) When the trailing edge of the flag 321a is dropped to the first sheet stacking unit 300B by the weight of the flag 321a, and then the discharge sensor 321 is turned OFF, the alignment operation is started as in the case of the first sheet. That is, the jogger motor M rotates to move the slide guide R310, the reference pin R330 contacts the side surface of the sheet (S2), and the left side surface of the sheet (S2) is further connected to the reference pin L331 provided on the slide guide L311. The left end portions of the two sheets are aligned by moving until they contact each other. Thereafter, the slide guide R310 moves to the above-described standby position and stops.
[0062]
By repeating such an operation, the operation of aligning the last (n-th) sheet (Sn) of one job is performed, and each reference pin R330 provided on the slide guide R310 moves the left side of the sheet along each of the slide guides L311. In the state shown in FIG. 5 where the slide guide R310 has stopped moving against the reference pin L331, the position on the left side of the front end is stapled with a small stapler H located on the left side of the front end of the sheet bundle.
[0063]
According to this configuration and operation, the slide guide L311 stops at the reference position and does not move during the alignment operation of each sheet, and only the slide guide R310 moves and the left end portion of each sheet is aligned with the reference position. The binding processing by the stapler H fixedly arranged on the slide guide L311 side is performed accurately and reliably. Furthermore, even when the width of each sheet carried in one job varies or when the sheet size changes within one job, for example, from LTR to A4, the position of the left end of each sheet is made uniform. Therefore, the finish of the binding process by the stapler H becomes accurate and beautiful, and an excellent effect is obtained.
[0064]
In the first embodiment, when the stapling operation is completed in this manner, the jogger motor M is rotationally driven to move the slide guide R310 from the state shown in FIG. At the start of the movement of the slide guide R310, on the slide guide L311 side, the slide rack 312 moves to the left side in FIG. 5, and the slide guide L311 itself does not move immediately.
[0065]
When the position of the slide guide R310 passes the standby position shown in FIG. 4, the embossed portion 312a of the slide rack 312 comes into contact with the end surface of the square hole portion 311a of the slide guide L311 and the slide guide L311 is moved to the left side in FIG. The movement starts and both slide guides 310 and 311 move.
[0066]
Furthermore, the stapled sheet bundle is, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, when the distance between the supported slide guides 310 and 311 is near the width of the sheet or wider than that. Fall down. Accordingly, the sheet bundle falls to the FD discharge unit 125 of the printer main body 100 and is stacked.
[0067]
As described above, in the first embodiment, the FD discharge unit 125 of the printer main body 100 is shared for stacking the sheet bundle discharged from the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, and a dedicated stacking unit is not provided. In addition, an inexpensive sheet post-processing apparatus can be provided.
[0068]
In the first embodiment, the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 is mounted on the upper part of the apparatus main body 100A of the printer main body 100 which is an image forming apparatus, and the conveyance path of the sheet discharged from the apparatus main body 100A is provided by the flapper 301. Since it is configured to switch, there is no need to provide a switchback mechanism for discharging and stacking the image-formed sheets in the order of pages, and there is no inconvenience that the sheet interval must be wide for switchback, and the installation area is also large. An inexpensive sheet post-processing apparatus that does not increase can be provided.
[0069]
If the sheet S is discharged directly from the discharge roller 130 of the printer body 100 to the FD discharge section 125 immediately after the stapled sheet bundle is discharged to the FD discharge section 125 of the printer body 100, the sheet bundle on the FD discharge section 125 is discharged. Depending on the position of the sheet S, the leading edge of the sheet S may be caught by the protruding binding portion of the sheet bundle, which may damage the sheet S or impair the alignment of the sheet S or the stapled sheet.
[0070]
In order to prevent this, after discharging the bundle of sheets processed by the stapler H to the FD discharge unit 125, at least the next first sheet is not discharged directly from the printer main body 100 to the FD discharge unit 125. The operation of the flapper 301 and each unit is controlled so that the sheet is stacked on the FD discharge unit 125 of the printer main body 100 via the sheet post-processing apparatus 300. By performing this operation, the binding portion of the sheet bundle that has been discharged first can be covered with the sheet S that falls next, so that the sheet S that is subsequently discharged directly from the printer main body 100 to the FD discharge portion 125. Can be caught.
[0071]
In the first embodiment, only the slide guide R310 operates and the slide guide L311 does not operate during the sheet alignment operation. However, the slide guide L311 may operate during the sheet alignment operation. In this case, for example, the slide guide L311 can be realized by using the same configuration as the slide guide R310.
[0072]
Furthermore, in the first embodiment, both the slide guide R310 and the slide guide L311 are configured to operate when the sheet after the alignment operation is dropped downward, but only one of them when the sheet is dropped downward. May be configured to operate.
[0073]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical component configuration in the present embodiment.
[0074]
The electrical component configuration of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 includes a control board (not shown), a stapler H, a drive motor M1, a jogger motor M, a solenoid SL that operates a flapper, a discharge sensor 321, and slide guides 310 and 320. A home position sensor 316 (hereinafter abbreviated as a jogger HP sensor 316) and a stack amount sensor 715 for detecting the stack amount on the FD discharge tray of the printer main body 100 are configured. On the control board, there is a one-chip microcomputer (ROM, RAM built-in) 702 (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU 702), a motor driver 703 that receives a control signal from the CPU 702 and drives the stapler H, and also receives a control signal from the CPU 702. A drive motor driver 707 for rotating the drive motor M1, a jogger motor driver 709 for rotating the jogger motor M in response to a control signal from the CPU 702, and a solenoid for driving the flapper solenoid SL in response to a control signal from the CPU 702. The driver 711 is configured.
[0075]
Further, the CPU 702 inputs sensor signals from the discharge sensor 321, jogger HP sensor 316, and stacking amount sensor 715, and controls the sheet post-processing apparatus 300.
[0076]
Further, the CPU 702 is mounted on the printer main body 100 and performs serial communication with an image controller 701 that receives and controls information for controlling the printer main body 100 and the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 together with image processing.
[0077]
8 to 15 are flowcharts showing the control of the CPU 702 in the first embodiment. In the following, description will be given in order.
[0078]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an initialization process of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300.
[0079]
In 801, the CPU 702 is first initialized. Here, various special registers such as timer settings, interrupt settings, serial communication settings, and IO port settings are set.
[0080]
In 802 and 803, the communication interrupt is canceled to perform serial communication with the image controller 701, and a command from the image controller 701 is waited. The first command and the second command are predetermined codes. These two command codes and predetermined data (abbreviated as status) returned from the CPU 702 to the image controller 701 are used for an optional device connected to the printer main body 100. The number of connections and connection confirmation are performed. Next, in 804 to 808, the sheet post-processing apparatus is initialized.
[0081]
First, at 804, the stapler H is initialized. The stapler H has a staple cartridge sensor 704 (not shown) for performing a needle-free notice, and a stapler home position sensor 705 indicating that the stapler clincher is in the initial position. The initialization of the stapler H is completed by returning the clincher to the initial position. If the clincher is not at the initial position, the motor is rotated for a predetermined time in the direction opposite to the rotation direction for normal stapling, and the clincher is returned to the initial position.
[0082]
In 805, it is determined whether the stapler home position sensor 705 has detected the initial position. If the initial position is not detected even though the stapler motor has been reversely rotated for a predetermined time, a stapler failure process (not shown) is performed.
[0083]
In 806, the slide guides 310 and 311 are returned to the initial positions. The CPU 702 rotates the jogger motor M by a predetermined number of steps in the direction in which the slide guides 310 and 311 are opened, and the initialization ends when the jogger HP sensor detects the slide guides 310 and 311 during that time.
[0084]
In step 807, a jogger motor failure process (not shown) is performed if the slide guides 310 and 311 cannot be detected even though the jogger motor M is driven by a predetermined number of steps. In the first embodiment, the jogger motor failure is determined by a predetermined number of steps. However, the same operation can be obtained by rotation for a predetermined time.
[0085]
In 808, the discharge sensor 321 detects the residual paper in the sheet post-processing apparatus 300, and if there is paper, the jam processing shown in FIG. 13 is performed. In the first embodiment, the in-machine residual paper is detected only by detecting the paper of the discharge sensor 321. However, if the drive motor M1 is driven for a predetermined time and the presence or absence of paper is monitored by the discharge sensor during that time, the residual paper in the apparatus is more. The detection range of paper can be expanded. This completes the initialization of the sheet post-processing apparatus 100.
[0086]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating processing during standby of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300.
[0087]
During standby, there are mainly processing for holding page information (not shown) sent from the image controller 701 and processing for waiting for paper carry-in advance notice. The page information includes processing for the paper size and page, and a latch command is sent from the image controller 701 to the CPU 702 when the page information is determined. For example, in the case of an A4 size 3-page staple job, the information on the first page includes A4 size + head of job + latch commands, and the information on the second page includes A4 size + latch commands. As information of the page, commands of A4 size + job end + latch are sent from the image controller 701 to the CPU 702. In addition, a command for inquiring the processing time between pages is also prepared. When the image controller 701 designates information of a page adjacent to the CPU 702 by the command, the CPU 702 notifies the image controller 701 of the necessary inter-page time based on the information. To do.
[0088]
In the above example, the first page (in this case, the first page is specified) is 500 ms, the first and second pages are 500 ms, the second and third pages are 500 ms, If the next job is designated, 6 seconds are set for the third page and the first page of the next job. The time of 6 seconds is a time for the sheet post-processing apparatus 100 to staple the sheet bundle on the slide guide, drop the sheet bundle onto the FD tray of the printer main body, and perform a stacking amount detection described later.
[0089]
In the standby process, the drive motor M1 is stopped at 901, and the flapper solenoid SL is stopped at 902, and the commands that can be processed during standby are analyzed. In step 903, it is determined whether an automatic paper discharge command is received from the image controller 701. If it is received, the automatic paper discharge process shown in FIG. 15 is performed.
[0090]
In step 904, it is determined whether a sleep command is received from the image controller 701. If received, a sleep process (not shown) is performed.
[0091]
In 905, it is determined whether any page information as in the above example is registered (latched). If no page information is registered, the process returns to 901.
[0092]
In 906, it is determined whether a paper carry-in advance command for the registered first page information is received from the image controller 701, and the process waits until it is received.
[0093]
If a carry-in notice command is received, it is determined in 907 whether the page information corresponding to the carry-in notice command is “top of page”. If it is the top of the page, the job page counter is initialized to 1 in 908. In step 909, the drive motor M1 and the flapper solenoid SL are driven by the drive motor M1 and 910, and the process proceeds to the sheet conveyance process. Further, in 911, the slide guide is moved to the paper standby position.
[0094]
In 912, the jogger HP sensor is monitored, and if the slide guide does not move from the initial position even though the jogger motor M is driven for a predetermined number of steps, a jogger motor failure process is performed.
[0095]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet conveyance process of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300.
[0096]
First, at 1001, a paper conveyance control timer is started.
[0097]
  In 1002, the discharge sensor321If the paper leading edge is detected, and still not detected, it is determined in 1003 whether a paper jam has occurred, and if the time is over, the jam processing of FIG. 13 is performed. If the leading edge of the sheet is detected at 1002, the discharge sensor is monitored again at 1004 and 1005 to confirm that the sheet will not run out within a predetermined time. If no paper is detected during this period, it is determined that some sort of conveyance abnormality has occurred, and the jam processing shown in FIG. 13 is performed.
[0098]
  In 1006, the same discharge sensor321To monitor the trailing edge of the paper.
[0099]
In 1007, it is determined whether the monitoring time has timed out, and if it is timed out, it is determined that the jamming has occurred and the jam processing of FIG. 13 is performed. If the trailing edge of the sheet is detected in 1006, the process waits for a predetermined time to elapse in 1008.
[0100]
In 1009, it is determined whether the page counter is equal to or greater than the predetermined number N + 1. If it is N + 1 or more, the sheet post-processing apparatus 100 of the present invention may not be able to staple the sheet, so the slide guide is returned to the initial position at 1010.
[0101]
In 1011, as in the initialization process, it is confirmed whether the slide guide has returned to the initial position. If it does not return, a jogger motor failure process (not shown) is performed. If the number is less than N, the jogger motor is rotated at 1012 to align the sheets. The amount of movement of the slide guide for alignment is as described in the description of FIGS.
[0102]
  In step 1013, it is determined whether the page information is “job end”. If the job ends, the process proceeds to the stapling process. Otherwise, the CPU 702 sends an image controller 701At 1016Notify the completion of discharge,1017To increment the page counter and return to the processing of 905.
[0103]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the stapling process.
[0104]
At 1101, the drive motor M1 is stopped, and at 1102, the flapper solenoid SL is stopped.
[0105]
In 1103, the sheet bundle is aligned by a slide guide for stapling operation. When the alignment operation is completed, it is determined in 1113 whether the page counter is 1, and if it is 1, the processing from 1106 is performed without stapling. If it is not 1, the stapler motor is driven at 1104 to start the stapling operation.
[0106]
In 1105, the staple cartridge sensor 704 is monitored to determine whether the staple motor is operating correctly by moving the stapler clincher from the initial position. If the staple cartridge sensor 704 detects the initial position of the clincher for a predetermined time. If it continues, a stapler motor failure process (not shown) is performed. If the staple operation is correctly performed, the staple cartridge sensor 704 again detects that the clincher has returned to the initial position after a predetermined time. If the staple cartridge cannot be detected at the predetermined time, a stapler motor failure process (not shown) is performed. .
[0107]
If there is no failure, the flapper solenoid SL is driven in 1106, and the slide guide is moved to the initial position in 1107. Here again, as in the case of initialization, it is determined in 1108 whether the slide guide has returned to the initial position, and if not returned, a jogger motor failure process (not shown) is performed. When the slide guide is moved to the initial position, the stapled sheet bundle on the slide guide falls onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100.
[0108]
In 1109, the fall time waiting process is performed. After the sheet bundle has fallen, the flapper solenoid is stopped at 1110, the discharge completion is notified to the image controller 701 at 1111, and the stapling process is completed.
[0109]
In the first embodiment, in the case of L stapling processing, from the first page to the (L-1) th page, the completion of discharge is notified to the image controller when the sheets are stacked on the slide guide. Notify when the stapling process is completed. If the job is one page or N + 1 pages or more, stapling is not performed.
[0110]
In step 1114, a detailed determination of a stapler failure, which is a failure in which the stapler does not operate even though the stapler motor is driven, is determined.
[0111]
In 1115, when the motor operates but does not return to the initial position, a motor reverse rotation process for a predetermined time is performed assuming a needle jam.
[0112]
In 1116, if the recovery process is successful, the stapler jam process of FIG. 14 is performed instead of the stapler failure.
[0113]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing the control process of the jogger motor M.
[0114]
In the jogger motor control process, the processing mode and movement position are specified from the initialization process, paper transport process, and stapling process described above, so that the operation corresponding to the jogger motor is performed and the slide guide is moved to a desired position. To do. If the control is completed normally, a normal operation flag is set at the end of the process, and this is notified to each of the processes that have requested the process. The movement position is represented by an absolute position where the initial position of the slide guide is 0, and the movement direction is determined from the current position and the position to be moved.
[0115]
In 1201 and 1203, the processing mode is determined. If the movement of the slide guide to the initial position is designated at 1201, the movement speed P1 is set at 1202, and if the movement to the standby position for alignment is designated at 1203, the movement speed P2 is set at 1204. If not, 1205 sets the moving speed P3 as the movement at the time of matching. Here, the movement speeds P1, P2, and P3 have the following relationship. That is, P1> P2> P3, and particularly the speed P1 is an important speed for orderly dropping the sheet bundle from the slide guides 310 and 320 onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100, and is a speed of 50 mm / sec or more.
[0116]
In 1206, the number of movement pulses is calculated from the current position and the designated position, and in 1207, the movement direction is determined from the same information. In 1208, the jogger motor is started to be driven. In 1209, it is determined whether a predetermined number of pulses have been driven. Addition / subtraction of the number of pulses and switching of the excitation phase are performed by timer interrupt processing (not shown). At 1210, the normal end flag is set and the process ends.
[0117]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing jam processing of the sheet post-processing apparatus.
[0118]
When a paper delay jam is detected in the paper transport process, a delay jam flag is set in 1301 and notified to the image controller 701. In the case of a paper retention jam, a retention jam flag is set at 1310 and notified to the image controller 701. If the in-machine residual paper is detected in the initialization process, the residual paper jam is set in 1311 and notified to the image controller 701.
[0119]
In 1302, all driving is stopped. In 1303, it is determined whether the jam is a delay jam. If the jam is a delay jam, the operator waits for the operator to open the cover in 1304. If the cover has been opened, 1305 waits for the cover to be closed by the operator.
[0120]
In step 1106, the jam flag is reset and notified to the image controller 701, and the process proceeds to initialization processing of the sheet post-processing apparatus. This process assumes that the operator removes the jammed paper while the cover is opened and closed, but even if the jammed paper is not removed, the in-machine residual paper can be detected and notified in the initialization process. Further, even when a jam occurs during the stapling operation or during the slide guide movement, these drive systems can be moved to the initial position by the initialization process.
[0121]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating processing when a staple jam occurs in the stapler.
[0122]
At 1401, the stapler jam flag is set and notified to the image controller 701. At the same time, all drive systems are stopped at 1402.
[0123]
In 1403, the slide guide is opened so that the operator can easily handle the jam. At this time, similarly to the initialization process, whether or not the slide guide returns to the initial position is monitored in 1404, and if not returned, a jogger motor failure process (not shown) is performed. After returning the slide guide to the initial position, it is confirmed in 1405 that the staple cartridge is removed from the operator, in 1406 it is confirmed that the staple cartridge is set again, in 1407 the staple jam flag is reset and the image controller 701 is reset. Notify This assumes an operation in which an operator removes an abnormal needle in the needle cartridge.
[0124]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an emergency stop and automatic paper discharge process of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300.
[0125]
When a trouble such as a jam occurs in the printer main body 100 while the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 is transporting paper or in standby, the image controller 701 transmits an emergency stop command to the CPU 702.
[0126]
At this time, first, it is determined at 1501 whether the sheet post-processing apparatus 300 is conveying a sheet. If it is being conveyed, it is determined at 1502 whether slide guide control is being performed. If slide guide control is in progress, the process waits for the end of this operation at 1503. In this case, since there is a possibility that the sheet remains on the slide guide or on the conveyance path, a flag indicating that there is a remaining sheet that can be discharged is set in 1504 and notified to the image controller 701.
[0127]
In 1505, all the drive systems are stopped again, and in 1506, an automatic paper discharge operation enable flag is set and notified to the image controller 701. Here, the next operation instruction from the image controller 701 is waited. When a job cancel command is received in 1507, the slide guide is returned to the initial position in 1508 to cancel the job currently being processed. The sheet bundle is dropped onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100. If the cancel command is not received, the job can be continued after canceling the inconvenience of the main body.
[0128]
In 1509, it is determined whether an automatic paper discharge command has been received. If not, the processing from 1507 is repeated. When the automatic paper discharge command is received, a timer for automatic paper discharge operation is started in 1510, and the drive motor M1 is driven in 1511 to transport the paper being transported onto the slide guide. Here, the flapper solenoid SL is not operated. The paper remaining in the sheet post-processing apparatus during the emergency stop process is clearly the paper being stapled and is a part of the job, but other paper, for example, paper remaining in the printer main body 100, is later Since it is recovered by the image controller 701, it is unnecessary as a job. By not operating the flapper solenoid SL, this unnecessary paper can be discharged onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100.
[0129]
When the drive motor M1 is driven for a predetermined time in 1512, the drive motor M1 is stopped in 1513. Then, in 1514, it is confirmed whether or not the sheet is discharged by the discharge sensor 321. If the sheet is detected, the jam processing shown in FIG. When automatic paper discharge is completed, the process returns to standby processing. If the sheet is not being conveyed in 1501, it is determined in 1520 whether the stapling process is in progress. If the stapling process is in progress, the job is finished, and the processing is not interrupted and the completion of the stapling process is awaited at 1521.
[0130]
After completion, the automatic paper discharge enable flag is set at 1523, and the emergency stop process is ended. In this case, since there is no sheet in the sheet post-processing apparatus, it is not necessary to perform automatic paper discharge processing even if an automatic paper discharge command is received. If it is not stapling in 1520, it is determined in 1522 whether it is in standby. If it is in standby, the process 1523 is performed. In this case, it is not necessary to perform the automatic paper discharge process even if the automatic paper discharge command is received. If it is not in the standby state at 1522, it is in an initialization state or an abnormal state, so the automatic paper discharge enable flag is not set.
[0131]
As described above, in the image forming apparatus that discharges a sheet to the upper surface of the apparatus, a sheet post-processing apparatus having at least a stapler is provided above the discharge unit on the upper surface of the apparatus main body. There is. The sheet post-processing apparatus can be simplified by reducing the cost of the sheet post-processing apparatus by stacking the sheets that have been post-processed by the sheet post-processing apparatus by dropping them onto the discharge unit on the lower apparatus main body side. Was able to be realized.
[0132]
In the first embodiment, the stapling means is described as the sheet post-processing means. However, if the sheet post-processing is accompanied by an aligning operation, for example, a punching means for punching a bundle of sheets, a sheet folding means after stapling. The same effect can be obtained even with the bookbinding means provided with the booklet, the bookbinding means for gluing the sheet edges, and other simple binding means.
[0133]
(Second Embodiment)
In the paper discharge apparatus according to the second embodiment, a measurement unit that measures the number of sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit is provided. In the comparison means for comparing the allowable processing number (N) with the M> N relationship, the slide guide is opened without performing the sheet post-processing means, and the sheet bundle is removed from the FD of the printer main body 100. Drop it into the tray. In addition to the method of mechanically counting the number of sheets, the measuring means can determine the number of sheets by, for example, a method of mechanically and optically detecting the thickness of the sheet bundle, or a method of detecting the weight of the sheet bundle. A calculation method may be used.
[0134]
Further, if the sheet bundle loaded on the first sheet stacking unit is operated only by the alignment means and then dropped onto the FD tray, the sheet bundle is neatly discharged to the FD tray, and the sheet bundle can be easily collected. .
[0135]
This makes it possible to stack the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit in the FD tray easily and in a short time, and perform processing when a job exceeding the allowable number of post-processing is designated. It became possible to carry out with simple control without cost.
[0136]
If the comparison unit determines that the relationship of M> N is satisfied, and if the number of sheets for which a sheet bundle binding instruction has been issued from the image forming apparatus is the M + 1th sheet or later, the first sheet stacking has already been performed. In addition to the sheet bundle stacked on the sheet, the (M + 1) th and subsequent sheets are further carried from the image forming apparatus to the first sheet stacking section of the sheet discharge apparatus. In this case, the sheet bundle already stacked on the first sheet stacking unit opens the slide guide as described above, drops the sheet stack onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100, and then moves to the first sheet stacking unit. The carried-in sheets may be controlled to be dropped on the FD tray as the second sheet stacking unit for each sheet without being stacked on the first sheet stacking unit and without the post-processing unit operating. it can.
[0137]
As a result, it is possible to stack the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit in the FD tray more easily and in a short time, and the processing when a job exceeding the allowable number of post-processing is designated is performed. It became possible to carry out with simple control without cost.
[0138]
In the above embodiment, when it is determined that sheets exceeding the staple allowable number N are stacked on the slide guides 310 and 311, the slide guide is opened and the sheet bundle is moved to the second sheet stacking unit of the printer main body 100. The sheets are dropped onto the FD tray, and the subsequent sheets are stacked one by one on the FD tray of the printer main body 100 without being aligned, but these sheets are not stapled. It is more preferable that error processing can be performed without conveying the sheet to the post-processing apparatus 300.
[0139]
Here, when the comparison unit determines that the relationship of M> N is satisfied, if the number of sheets for which a sheet bundle binding instruction has been issued from the image forming apparatus is the M + 1th sheet or later, the first comparison has already been performed. In addition to the sheet bundle stacked on the sheet stacking unit, the (M + 1) th and subsequent sheets are carried from the image forming apparatus to the first sheet stacking unit of the paper discharge apparatus.
[0140]
Therefore, in this case, the sheet bundle already stacked on the first sheet stacking unit opens the slide guide as described above, drops the sheet bundle onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100, and then changes the sheet conveyance path. By turning off the flapper solenoid SL as a means, the subsequent sheets are directly stacked one by one on the FD tray of the printer main body 100 without being stacked on the first sheet stacking unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus 300. You may control so that.
[0141]
As a result, the M + 1 and subsequent sheets are directly stacked on the FD tray without being stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, and the processing is completed in a shorter time. It becomes possible to carry out the processing in the case where is specified with simple control without cost.
[0142]
FIG. 16 shows a paper transport process in the second embodiment. The processing contents are almost the same as the processing shown in the chart of FIG. 10, but first, the flapper solenoid SL-off processing 1603 and the staple over processing 1604 are performed between the processing 1011 and 1016. Added a process to set a flag to indicate. This flag is determined at the head 1601 of the sheet transport process. If the flag is not set, normal stacking processing is performed. If it is set, the process waits for time 1602 and skips control to 1016. The waiting time is the same as the time required to load the paper on the slide guide.
[0143]
Although not shown, the flag indicating that the set staple operation is being performed is reset after the page information of the next job indicates the first page (step 907 in FIG. 9). By performing the above control, sheets that are not stapled can be neatly discharged to the FD tray of the printer main body 100.
[0144]
Depending on the sheet post-processing apparatus, the conveyance path may be long or a small size sheet may be handled. In this case, when it is determined that the sheet number M counted by the discharge sensor 321 exceeds the allowable staple number N, a plurality of sheets may already be conveyed to the sheet post-processing apparatus. Assuming that the number of sheets already conveyed in the post-processing apparatus is X, even if the comparison unit determines that the relationship of M + X> N is satisfied, a sheet bundle binding command is issued from the image forming apparatus. When the number of sheets that have been processed is M + X + 1 or later, in addition to the sheet bundle already stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, the sheets that have already been conveyed to the post-processing apparatus are stacked on the first sheet stacking unit. Thereafter, the slide guide is opened as described above, the sheet bundle is dropped onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100, and thereafter, the flapper solenoid SL, which is the sheet conveyance path changing means, is turned off, so that the subsequent sheets are fed to the sheet. Control may be performed so that each sheet is directly stacked on the FD tray of the printer main body 100 instead of the post-processing apparatus 300.
[0145]
As a result, the M + X + 1 and subsequent sheets are directly stacked on the FD tray without being transported to the post-processing apparatus, and the processing is completed in a shorter time. This makes it possible to carry out the processing with simple control without incurring costs.
[0146]
In this case, control is performed so that the sheets corresponding to the receipt notification command are discharged from the sheet post-processing apparatus, and the remaining sheets are discharged to the FD tray of the printer main body 100 until reaching the page having the page end information. If this is done, the same effect as in the second embodiment can be obtained.
[0147]
(Third embodiment)
In the second embodiment, when it is determined that sheets exceeding the staple allowable number N are stacked on the slide guides 310 and 311, the slide guide is opened and the sheet bundle is dropped onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100. Subsequently, the sheets were stacked one by one on the FD tray of the printer main body 100 without being aligned.
[0148]
However, when the height of the slide guide and the FD tray of the printer main body 100 is relatively high, or when the weight of the sheet is light, if the sheets are dropped one by one, the stackability on the FD tray of the printer main body 100 is reduced. May get worse.
[0149]
Therefore, in the paper discharge device according to the third embodiment, a measurement unit that measures the number of sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit is provided, and the number of sheets M measured by the measurement unit and the allowable number of staples are provided. Even after the comparison means for comparing (allowable post-processing number) N with the M> N relationship is detected, the number of sheets for which a sheet bundle binding instruction has been issued from the image forming apparatus is M + 1. In the case of the first and subsequent sheets, the sheet bundle already stacked on the first sheet stacking unit opens the slide guide as described above, drops the sheet bundle onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100, and then the first bundle. The sheets conveyed to the sheet stacking unit are once stacked on the slide guide as in normal work, and when the predetermined number of sheets are stacked, the sheets are not stapled in the same manner on the FD tray of the printer main body 100. Not drop the over sheet bundle, thereafter, repeat the operation until the job is completed. Thus, by dropping the sheet bundle when a predetermined number of sheets are stacked, the stackability on the FD tray is improved.
[0150]
As a result, it is possible to perform processing when a job exceeding the allowable number of post-processing is designated with simple control without cost.
[0151]
The predetermined number of sheets at this time may be arbitrary, but is a value stored in the CPU 702 in advance. In addition, the image controller 701 is notified to leave a predetermined time between the predetermined number of last pages and the next predetermined number of first pages. This notification is returned at the timing when the page information sent for each page is sent from the image controller 701 to the CPU 702, and the image controller 701 inquires the CPU 702 about the time between pages.
[0152]
Accordingly, it is possible to prevent a new sheet from being conveyed to the first sheet stacking unit before the predetermined number of sheet bundles are dropped.
[0153]
  FIG. 17 shows a sheet conveying process in the third embodiment. The processing content is almost the same as the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 10, but after opening the slide guide at 1010 and confirming it, a flag indicating that the staple over processing is being performed is set at 1701, In 1702, the page counter is once cleared. Then the nextpageSince the page counter is determined to be M <N at 1009, 1012 matching processing is performed. Here, if the page is a shop end page, the processing shifts to a stapling operation when a job end determination is made in 1013.
[0154]
In the third embodiment, the predetermined number of sheets is set to the allowable staple number N. However, when the page counter is once cleared, if an arbitrary integer Y equal to or less than N−1 is set instead of 0 clear, N−Y A bundle of sheets can be dropped onto the FD tray of the printer main body 100. In the stapling process shown in FIG. 11, although not shown, if the flag indicating that the staple over process is being performed is set, only the alignment operation and the dropping operation are performed, and the stapling operation is not performed. Similarly to the second embodiment, the flag indicating that the set staple operation is being performed is not shown, but when the page information of the next job indicates the first page (the process of 907 in FIG. 9). ) Reset later. By performing the above control, sheets that are not stapled can be neatly discharged to the FD tray of the printer main body 100 for each sheet bundle.
[0155]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit are aligned, post-processing is performed on the sheet bundle, and the first sheet stacking unit below the first sheet stacking unit is further processed. Drop onto the sheet stacking unitSheet post-processing deviceIn this case, even when sheets are stacked on or stacked on the first sheet stacking unit more than the allowable number of sheets for sheet post-processing, there is no need to provide a new mechanism. Error handling can be performed under control.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a printer equipped with a sheet post-processing apparatus according to a first embodiment.
FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory diagram of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is an operation explanatory diagram of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the slide guide according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the slide guide according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the operation of the slide guide according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical component configuration in the embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating initialization processing according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a standby flowchart according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart for conveying a sheet according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 11 is a staple flowchart according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing matching of the first embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating jam processing according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating staple jam processing according to the first embodiment;
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating an emergency stop and automatic paper discharge process according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a sheet conveyance process according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating sheet conveyance processing according to the third embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
100 Printer body
100A main unit
130 Discharge roller (sheet conveying means)
125 FD discharge unit (second sheet stacking unit)
200 Feed cassette
300 Sheet post-processing device
300A Main unit (casing part)
300B First sheet stacking unit
300C bent part
301 Flapper (switching means)
310 Slide guide R (alignment means, guide member)
311 Slide guide L (alignment means, guide member)
312 slide rack
313 Spring
314 (314a, 314d) Guide pin
315 Regulatory member
316 Photosensor
317 gear
320 Transport roller
321 Discharge sensor
322 Sheet return member
323 reference wall
325 stacking tray (second sheet stacking unit)
330 Reference pin R
331 Reference pin L
410 Slide guide R (alignment means, moving guide member)
411 Fixed guide L (alignment means, fixed guide member)
701 Image controller
702 1-chip ROM, RAM built-in microcomputer
704 Needle-free notice sensor
705 Stapler clincher initial position sensor
706 Stapler motor
715 Load capacity sensor
M jogger motor (alignment means, drive source)
M1 drive motor (paper transport)
S sheet
H Stapler (stapling means)
F frame
SL Flapper solenoid

Claims (11)

A sheet post-processing apparatus performs post-processing on sheets discharged from the images forming apparatus that to form an image on a sheet,
A first sheet stacking unit that temporarily stacks sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus into the sheet post-processing apparatus;
A sheet conveying path that switches a sheet conveying path to convey a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to the first sheet stacking section or a second sheet stacking section below the first sheet stacking section. Change means,
An aligning unit having a support surface for supporting the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, and an aligning unit that strikes and aligns the sheets ;
Sheet post-processing means for performing post-processing of the sheet bundle aligned by the alignment means;
Measuring means for measuring the number of sheets on the first sheet stacking unit;
Storage means for storing a post-processing allowable sheet number N of the sheet post-processing means;
Comparing means for comparing the number M of sheets on the first sheet stacking unit measured by the measuring unit with the number N of post-processing allowable sheets stored by the storage unit;
The aligning means performs an operation of dropping the sheet onto the second sheet stacking unit by retracting the support surface from the sheet on the first sheet stacking unit;
When a sheet forming a sheet bundle to be post-processed is stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, when a relationship of M> N is detected as a result of comparison by the comparison unit,
Without the sheet post-processing means performing post-processing of the sheet bundle, the control means provided in the sheet post-processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus removes M sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit. Dropping onto the second sheet stacking unit and stacking the M + 1st and subsequent sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus on the second sheet stacking unit without stacking on the first sheet stacking unit ;
When the relation of M ≦ N is detected as a result of comparison by the comparison unit when the last sheet of the sheets forming the sheet bundle to be post-processed is stacked on the first sheet stacking unit,
A sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein the sheet post-processing means performs post-processing of a sheet bundle . A sheet post-processing apparatus performs post-processing on sheets discharged from the images forming apparatus that to form an image on a sheet,
A first sheet stacking unit for temporarily stacking sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus into the apparatus main body;
A sheet conveying path that switches a sheet conveying path to convey a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus to the first sheet stacking section or a second sheet stacking section below the first sheet stacking section. Change means,
An aligning unit having a support surface for supporting the sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, and an aligning unit that strikes and aligns the sheets ;
Sheet post-processing means for performing post-processing of the sheet bundle aligned by the alignment means;
Measuring means for measuring the number of sheets on the first sheet stacking unit;
Storage means for storing a post-processing allowable sheet number N of the sheet post-processing means;
Comparing means for comparing the number M of sheets on the first sheet stacking unit measured by the measuring unit with the number N of post-processing allowable sheets stored by the storage unit;
The aligning means performs an operation of dropping the sheet onto the second sheet stacking unit by retracting the support surface from the sheet on the first sheet stacking unit;
When a sheet forming a sheet bundle to be post-processed is stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, when a relationship of M> N is detected as a result of comparison by the comparison unit,
Without the sheet post-processing means performing post-processing of the sheet bundle, the control means provided in the sheet post-processing apparatus or the image forming apparatus removes M sheets stacked on the first sheet stacking unit. The sheet is dropped on the second sheet stacking unit and the (M + 1) th and subsequent sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus are temporarily stacked on the first sheet stacking unit, and are then loaded on the second sheet stacking unit. Let it fall ,
When the relation of M ≦ N is detected as a result of comparison by the comparison unit when the last sheet of the sheets forming the sheet bundle to be post-processed is stacked on the first sheet stacking unit,
A sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein the sheet post-processing means performs post-processing of a sheet bundle .   When the control unit detects a relationship of M> N by the comparison unit, the sheet post-processing unit is configured to align the sheet bundle stacked on the first sheet stacking unit at that time by the alignment unit. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet post-processing apparatus drops the second sheet stacking unit without operating the second sheet stacking unit. When the control means detects the relationship of M> N by the comparison means, the M + 1 and subsequent sheets are
2. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is dropped onto the second sheet stacking unit one by one without being supported by the aligning unit. When the control means detects the relationship of M> N by the comparison means, the M + 1 and subsequent sheets are
2. The sheet post-processing according to claim 1, wherein the sheet conveyance path changing unit causes the second sheet stacking unit to discharge the sheets one by one without transporting the sheets to the first sheet stacking unit. apparatus. The control means sets the number of sheets already conveyed in the sheet post-processing apparatus by the sheet conveying path changing means to X when the number of sheets M is measured by the measuring means, and M + X> N by the comparing means. When the relationship is detected, M + X + 1 and subsequent sheets
More operation of the sheet conveying path changing means, without conveying the sheet to said first sheet stacking portion, according to claim 5, characterized in that to discharge one by one to the second sheet stacking portion Sheet post-processing equipment. When the control means detects the relationship of M> N by the comparison means, the M + 1 and subsequent sheets are
By a predetermined number of sheets stacked on said first sheet stacking portion, after alignment by the alignment means and be dropped on the sheet Ku before Symbol things to post-processing means operates the second sheet stacking portion The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2. Receiving means for receiving a post-processing instruction for a sheet bundle from the image forming apparatus, and notification means for informing the image forming apparatus of a predetermined processing time based on the post-processing instruction received by the receiving means, When the comparison unit detects a relationship of M> N by the comparison unit, when the M + 1th and subsequent sheets are stacked on the first sheet stacking unit by the predetermined number of sheets, the last sheet of the predetermined number of sheets is stored. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein a time between next sheets is notified to the image forming apparatus by the notification unit, and the interval between sheets is widened in the image forming apparatus. The sheet post-processing means is a processing means having the aligning means, a staple means for binding sheets by needle punching, punch means for punching holes in the sheets, bookbinding means for binding and bending sheets by the staple means, The sheet post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , further comprising at least one means among bookbinding means for gluing edges. An image forming unit for forming an image, an image forming apparatus having the sheet post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 for discharging the sheet on which the image is formed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 10 , wherein the second sheet stacking unit is provided in an upper part of the apparatus main body.

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