JP5782952B2 - Sheet processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus that receives a recorded sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus and performs post-processing.

  In recent years, sheet processing apparatuses that receive recorded paper (sheets) discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine and perform predetermined post-processing have been widely used.

  Specifically, the sheet processing apparatus is provided with post-processing means such as staple (staple) binding, punching (round hole punching), and paper folding for the paper after image formation.

  Among them, many proposals have been made for a sheet processing apparatus in which a recorded sheet (sheet) discharged from an image forming apparatus is bound and taken out. For example, the sheets discharged and stacked from the image forming apparatus are bound at the center, the sheets are saddle-stitched at the binding position, folded into two, and the book is placed on the sheet tray and taken out. A sheet processing apparatus has been proposed.

  For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 07-125900 discloses a technique for discharging a large number of sheets separately into two parts, an upper table and a lower table.

  On the other hand, when an instruction to execute post-processing of a plurality of sheets is requested as one job, it is desirable that job separation is easy.

  In this regard, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 06-115795 discloses a method for executing job sorting by rotating a tray.

JP 2004-284762 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 07-125900 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 06-115795

  However, the job sorting in the above publication has a problem that the configuration of the apparatus is complicated and costs are increased, such as dividing the table into two or providing a rotation mechanism.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of easily taking out sheets between jobs from a sheet tray by a simple method. To do.

A sheet processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus that processes a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, and includes a sheet folding unit that folds a sheet after the image is formed, and a sheet folding unit. A sheet tray for stacking the folded sheets and a control unit for controlling the sheet folding unit are provided. The sheet folding unit includes a storage unit that temporarily stores the sheet, and a transport unit that transports the sheet stored in the storage unit while folding the sheet, and discharges the sheet to the sheet tray. The control unit is stored in the storage unit. When the final sheet of a job is conveyed while being folded by the conveyance unit , the sorted sheet is conveyed so that the sorted sheet different from the folded sheet is discharged onto the sheet tray while being superimposed on the folded sheet. Controls the timing of supply to the unit .

A sheet processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus that processes a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, a sheet folding unit that folds the sheet after the image is formed, and a sheet folding unit A sheet tray that is stacked to take out the sheets folded in step, and a control unit that controls the sheet folding unit. The sheet folding unit includes a storage unit that temporarily stores the sheet, and a transport unit that transports the sheet stored in the storage unit while folding the sheet, and discharges the sheet to the sheet tray. The control unit is stored in the storage unit. When the final sheet of the job is transported by the transport unit, the leading edge of the sorted sheet overlaps at least a part of the final sheet so that the folded sheet and the sorted sheet are discharged to the sheet tray in a state of overlapping. In this way, the timing at which the sorting sheet is conveyed to the conveying unit is controlled.

A sheet processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus that processes a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, a sheet folding unit that folds the sheet after the image is formed, and a sheet folding unit A sheet tray that is stacked to take out the sheets folded in step, and a control unit that controls the sheet folding unit. The sheet folding unit includes a storage unit that temporarily stores the sheet, and a transport unit that transports the sheet stored in the storage unit while folding the sheet, and discharges the sheet to the sheet tray. The control unit is stored in the storage unit. The timing is controlled so that the leading edge of the sorted sheet is conveyed to the conveyance unit almost simultaneously with the timing of starting conveyance while folding the final sheet of the job by the conveyance unit.

Preferably, for a sheet other than the final sheet of the job , the control unit drives the conveyance unit for a time according to the length of the conveyance direction of the sheet, and for the final sheet of the job, the conveyance direction of the sheet and the sorting sheet The conveying unit is driven for a time according to the length.

In particular, the sheet folding unit further includes a sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the sheet, and the control unit uses the sheet detection unit to follow the length in the sheet conveyance direction for sheets other than the final sheet of the job. For the first jam detection process for determining whether or not the sheet has been normally discharged to the sheet tray at the time, and for the final sheet of the job, the sheet is correctly sheeted at the time according to the length in the conveyance direction of the sheet and the sorting sheet A second jam detection process for determining whether or not the sheet has been discharged to the tray is executed.

Preferably, the length of the sorted sheet in the conveyance direction is longer than the length of the folded sheet in the conveyance direction and is equal to or less than the length of the sheet in the conveyance direction before folding.

  The sheet can be easily taken out from the sheet tray by a simple method.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system including a post-processing apparatus (sheet processing apparatus) FS and an image forming apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part expanded sectional view of the saddle 100 of the post-processing apparatus FS according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the middle folding (bi-folding) process according to embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of sheet tray 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of a sheet tray 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of post-processing apparatus FS according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a general-view figure of the operation panel 13 according to embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the sheet alignment conveyance mode in the sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining discharge according to the 1st discharge mode of the sheet | seat which carried out the middle folding (bi-folding) according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining discharge according to the 2nd discharge mode of the sheet folded in half (folded in half) according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the outline of switching of the discharge mode in CPU201 according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the folding process in the 1st discharge mode according to embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the operation | movement of the folding process in the 2nd discharge mode according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the timing chart of the folding process according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining discharge according to the 2nd discharge mode of the sheet folded in half (folded in half) according to the modification of an embodiment of the invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(Image forming system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming system including a post-processing apparatus (sheet processing apparatus) FS and an image forming apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Image forming apparatus A)
The image forming apparatus A includes an image reading unit 1, an image processing unit 2, an image writing unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a paper feed cassette 5, a paper feed roller 6, a fixing device 7, and paper discharge. A roller 8 and an automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 9 are provided.

  An automatic document feeder 10 is mounted on the upper part of the image forming apparatus A. Further, a post-processing device FS is connected to the left side of the image forming apparatus A in the drawing on the paper discharge roller 8 side. The document placed on the document table of the automatic document feeder 10 is transported along the transport path, an image on one or both sides of the document is scanned by the optical system of the image reading unit 1, and is read by the CCD image sensor 1A. .

  The analog signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 1A is subjected to analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like in the image processing unit 2, and then sent to the image writing unit 3. The semiconductor laser is driven to emit light based on the image data sent to the image writing unit 3 and irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 4A of the image forming unit 4 to form a latent image. In the image forming unit 4, processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, separation, and cleaning are performed, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4A.

  The recording sheet S fed from the sheet feeding cassette 5 by the sheet feeding roller 6 reaches the photosensitive drum 4A, and the toner image is transferred to the recording sheet S by the transfer unit 4B. The recording paper S carrying the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 7 and sent from the paper discharge roller 8 to the post-processing device FS. In the case of double-sided copying, the recording paper S that has undergone single-sided image processing is sent to the automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 9 by the conveyance path switching plate 8A, and after the toner image is transferred and fixed on the back side in the image forming unit 4 Then, the paper is fed from the paper discharge roller 8 to the post-processing device FS.

  The recording paper S fed from the paper feed cassette 5 by the paper feed roller 6 can also be used as a sorting sheet SP described later. In this example, when the sorting mode is set, the recording sheets S accommodated in the sheet feeding cassette 5 are fed by the sheet feeding roller 6 as a sorting sheet SP under a predetermined condition. The sorted sheets SP are sent as they are to the post-processing device FS without being transferred with the toner images, overlapped with the folded sheets at a predetermined timing, and discharged to the sheet tray 800.

(Post-processing device FS)
The post-processing device FS includes a paper carry-in unit 20 and a plurality of post-processing units. The post-processing unit includes a punching processing unit 40, a folding unit 50, an end binding (flat binding) processing unit 71, a saddle stitching processing unit 72, and a paper discharge unit 80.

  The recording sheet S (also referred to as a sheet) after image formation sent from the paper discharge roller 8 of the image forming apparatus A to the post-processing apparatus FS is conveyed into the post-processing apparatus FS by the paper carry-in unit 20.

  The punching processing unit 40 is disposed on the left-hand downstream side of the paper carry-in unit 20 and punches holes in the sheet S. Specifically, an entrance sensor 28 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance of the post-processing device FS, and when the sheet S is loaded into the post-processing device FS, the entrance sensor 28 detects the loading of the sheet S. Then, the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped after a predetermined time after the carry-in of the sheet S is detected, and the punching processing unit 40 opens a punch hole in the sheet S (punch processing).

  It is branched into two transport paths H0 and H1 from the downstream of the punching processing unit 40. The conveyance paths H0 and H1 are switched by the conveyance path switching member 30. The conveyance path H <b> 1 branched downward is connected to the saddle 100 via the conveyance roller 23. As will be described later, the saddle 100 includes a saddle stitching processing unit 72 and a folding unit 50, which will be described in detail later.

The other transport path H 0 is connected to the paper discharge unit 80 via the transport roller 24.
In the post-processing device FS, when a large amount of image formation is performed without processing by the post-processing unit, the sheet S passes from the paper carry-in unit 20 through the conveyance path H0 to the discharge paddle 22 of the paper discharge unit 80, and the post-processing device FS. It is discharged to an elevator tray 81 provided at the outlet.

  The elevator tray 81 moves downward as indicated by a chain line in the drawing so that the uppermost surface of the discharged sheet S is always at a constant height. Therefore, thousands of sheets can be stacked on the elevator tray 81. In addition, a paper detection sensor 26 is provided in the conveyance path H0, detects the passage of the sheet S in the conveyance path H0, and executes drive timing control for the conveyance roller 24, the discharge paddle 22, and the like.

  Further, the discharge paddle 22 is configured to be movable between a pressed state and a separated state. When the discharge paddle 22 is in pressure contact, the sheet S is discharged to the elevator tray 81 as described above. On the other hand, when the discharge paddle 22 is separated, the sheet is not immediately discharged to the elevator tray 81, and after the sheet S reaches the discharge paddle 22, the trailing end of the sheet S falls on the accommodation belt 70. The accommodation belt 70 and the accommodation paddle 74 rotate to convey the sheet in the direction in which the end binding processing unit 71 is provided. Then, the process is executed a plurality of times for a plurality of sheets S, the sheet detection sensor 73 detects that a predetermined number of sheets are stored in the end binding processing unit 71, and the end binding process is executed. Thereafter, the accommodation belt 70 and the accommodation paddle 74 convey the sheet bundle bound in the direction of the discharge paddle 22, and the sheet bundle is discharged from the discharge paddle 22 to the elevator tray 81.

  The saddle 100 is disposed obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction downstream of the conveying roller 23, and includes a plurality of guide members and leading end stoppers for guiding the sheet S, a saddle stitching processing unit 72, a folding unit 50, and sheet width alignment. The sheet is processed in each of the half-fold (two-fold) mode, the half-fold / saddle-binding mode, and the three-fold mode for one or more sheets S, and discharged to the sheet tray 800. In the present example, since the saddle 100 is subjected to two-fold or three-fold processing on one or more sheets S, the sheet discharged to the sheet tray 800 is also referred to as a folded sheet.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of saddle 100 of post-processing device FS according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the sheet S is carried in from obliquely upward to obliquely downward. Also, as described in the lower right in the figure, in the following description, the direction going diagonally downward is the X direction, the direction orthogonal to the X direction on the paper is the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the paper is the Z direction.

  The guide members constituting the saddle 100 are composed of upstream guide members 101 and 102 and downstream guide members 103 and 104. The sheet width aligning portion 110 is located on the upper side of the upstream guide members 101 and 102, and the upstream side. The saddle stitching processing section 72 is positioned in the middle of the guide members 101 and 102, and the folding section 50 is positioned between the upstream guide members 101 and 102 and the downstream guide members 103 and 104.

  The sheets S carried into the saddle 100 via the conveyance path H1 are detected one by one by the saddle carry-in sensor 62. And the sheet | seat S carried in is conveyed along a guide member with dead weight. At that time, the upper paddle 75 and the lower paddle 76 rotate in contact with the surface of the sheet, whereby the sheets are smoothly conveyed one by one.

The sheet width aligning unit 110 performs alignment in the width direction (Z, reverse Z direction) of the sheet S.
A distal end stopper 105 that is movable along the downstream guide members 103 and 104 is provided downstream of the folding unit 50. The leading end stopper 105 restricts the lower end of the sheet S to a predetermined position, and is moved according to the paper size.

  The upstream guide member 101 and the downstream guide member 103 are located on the lower side (reverse Y direction side) of the saddle 100, and constitute a stack surface on which the sheets S slide down along the surface. Further, the upstream guide member 102 and the downstream guide member 104 are disposed to face the upstream guide member 101 and the downstream guide member 103 at a predetermined interval.

  The saddle stitching processing unit 72 includes a needle receiving mechanism 72a and a needle striking mechanism 72b. The saddle stitching processing unit 72 operates when the central portion in the sheet transport direction of the bundle of sheets S is positioned by the leading end stopper 105, and the bundle of sheets S is saddle stitched. To do. Specifically, the leading end stopper 105 moves in the sheet conveyance direction (X, reverse X direction) of the sheet S, so that the central portion of the plurality of sheets S is aligned with the saddle stitching processing unit 72 and stacked. After a plurality of sheets S are stacked, the bundle of sheets S is saddle-stitched by the saddle stitching processing unit 72. When the saddle stitching processing unit 72 does not perform the saddle stitching process, the sheets S are stacked so that the center portion of the sheet S fits the folding unit 50.

  The folding unit 50 includes a first folding plate 51, a first folding roller 52, a second folding roller 53, a first folding plate sensor 59, and a separation mechanism 55, and performs a folding process (folding in half) on the sheet S. Also, discharge rollers 54 and 55 are provided, and the sheet S that has been subjected to the folding process is discharged to the sheet tray 800 via the discharge rollers 54 and 55. In this example, a discharge sensor 60 is provided in front of the discharge rollers 54 and 55, and it is detected by the discharge sensor 60 whether or not the sheet S is normally discharged to the sheet tray 800.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a half-folding process in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the half-folding process, first, the leading end stopper 105 is moved so that the center portion of the length of the sheet S becomes the position of the first folding plate 51. Next, the first folded plate 51 is driven as shown in FIG. Then, the first folding plate 51 inserts the sheet S between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. The first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 are urged so as to come into pressure contact with each other by a spring member (not shown), and the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 rotate to pull in the sheet. In (B), the sheet S is folded at the center. The folded sheet S is discharged to a sheet tray 800 by discharge rollers 54 and 55 (not shown). The first folded plate sensor 59 detects the home position of the first folded plate 51, and the moved first folded plate 51 is returned to the home position.

  Here, the folding process of one sheet S has been described, but it is not limited to one sheet, and the same process can be performed for a plurality of sheets.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 4, the sheet tray 800 includes a placement member 820 and a stopper member 822.

  The stopper member 822 is connected to the mounting member 820 at the end, and can be folded so as to overlap the mounting member 820, and can be housed on the side surface of the post-processing device FS together with the mounting member 820. It is.

  The stopper member 822 is provided with a gripping portion 826, and the angle of the sheet tray 800 can be adjusted by holding the gripping portion 826.

  The mounting member 820 is provided with two conveying belts 827A and 827B. The folded sheet placed on the sheet tray 800 is conveyed via the conveyor belts 827A and 827B.

  In addition, the mounting member 820 is provided with movable members 823 and 824. Here, the movable member 824 is not shown. When the folded sheet placed on the sheet tray 800 is conveyed via the conveyance belt, the movable members 823 and 824 are moved downward by coming into contact with the movable members 823 and 824.

  Further, the placement member 820 is provided with a transport button 825. When the transport button 825 is pressed, the transport belts 827A and 827B can be driven.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5A is a view of the sheet tray 800 as viewed from above. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view of the sheet tray 800.

  Two transport belts 827A and 827B, which are transport units for transporting folded sheets, are installed on the mounting member 820 of the sheet tray 800. The transport belts 827A and 827B are rotated by the belt transport rollers 821A and 821B. It is rotated in the direction of arrow c shown in (A) and in the direction of arrow d shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, a movable member 823 that is moved by a folded sheet is installed in the vicinity of the stopper member 822 and in the vicinity of the approximate center between the two conveying belts 827A and 827B.

  Further, a movable member 824 that is moved by a folded sheet is installed near the entrance opposite to the stopper member 822 and in the vicinity of the approximate center between the two transport belts 827A and 827B.

  The folded sheets discharged to the placing member 820 of the sheet tray 800 are stacked as shown in the drawing (the folded sheets stacked in FIG. 5B are shown schematically) 827A and 827B. Is gradually transported.

  As illustrated, the movable member 823 is moved to a hidden position inside the placement member 820 by the contact of the leading folded sheet. In the placement member 820, a detection member (sheet tray tip sensor) that detects that the movable member 823 has moved to a position inside the placement member 820 is disposed. By the movement of the movable member 823, the detection member can grasp that the folded sheet has reached the position.

  The movable member 824 is provided at a position where the folded sheet is ejected so as to cover the movable member 824 when the folded sheet is ejected from the folding unit 50 to the sheet tray 800. Therefore, when the folded sheet is discharged, the movable member 824 is moved to a hidden position inside the placement member 820 in the same manner as the movable member 823. A detection member (sheet tray inlet sensor) that detects that the movable member 824 has moved to a position inside the placement member 820 is disposed in the placement member 820. By the movement of the movable member 824, the detection member can detect that the folded sheet is discharged to the position, that is, the sheet tray 800.

FIG. 6 is a schematic block diagram of image forming apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 6, an image forming apparatus A includes a main control unit 150 that controls the entire apparatus, an image reading unit 1, an image processing unit 2, an image writing unit 3, an image forming unit 4, and an automatic control unit 150. A document feeder (ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) 10, an operation panel 13, an audio output unit 14, an external device interface 15, and a communication interface 16 are provided.

  The main control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151 for executing various programs including an operating system (OS), and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 152 in which programs executed by the CPU 151 are stored in advance. And a RAM (Random Access Memory) 153 that temporarily stores data necessary for executing the program portion of the CPU 151.

  The main control unit 150 reads the image from the document loaded on the ADF 10 using the image reading unit 1 and converts it into electronic data, and performs various image processing on the read image using the image processing unit 2. Image processing control to be performed, image forming control for forming an image processed image on a sheet by a known electrophotographic process using the image writing unit 3 and the image forming unit 4, and paper for conveying the sheet on which the image is formed Feed control is executed.

  The operation panel 13 has a touch panel, and is configured to be able to set the type of post-processing applied to the sheet, perform operation settings for various other functions, and check the set functions and display various warnings. Has been. As will be described later, for example, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing operation start, a stop key for instructing operation stop, a reset key for initializing various setting conditions, and the like are displayed on the operation panel 13. The

  From the operation panel 13, a job including sheet size information and post-processing type information (presence / absence of folding / binding, their type, number of sheets, etc.) is input based on a user operation.

  The main control unit 150 transmits these jobs to the post-processing device FS through the communication interface 16.

  The sound output unit 14 outputs an error sound when an error such as an operation sound, a warning sound, or a paper jam occurs. An external network 17 is connected to the external device interface 15. Thereby, it is comprised so that communication with the other apparatus on a network is possible.

  In addition to the copying function, the image forming apparatus A has a scanning function for acquiring image data, a printing function for receiving image data from a device such as an external personal computer (not shown), and printing by facsimile. It has a fax function that can be used.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of post-processing device FS according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 7, post-processing device FS includes a finisher control unit 200 that controls the entire post-processing device FS, and a communication interface 87 for communicating information with image forming apparatus A.

  The finisher control unit 200 temporarily stores a CPU 201 for executing various programs including an operating system, a ROM 202 in which a program executed by the CPU 201 is stored in advance, and data necessary for executing a program portion of the CPU 201. RAM 203 is provided.

  The finisher control unit 200 controls each unit in the post-processing device FS based on the job output from the image forming apparatus A.

  The finisher control unit 200 is connected to various sensors. Specifically, the paper detection sensors 26 and 77, the saddle carry-in sensor 62, the inlet sensor 28, the sheet tray inlet sensor 38, the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39, the first folded plate sensor 59, the discharge sensor 60, A sheet tray upper sensor 82 and a sheet tray lower sensor 84 are connected to the finisher control unit 200, and detection signals from various sensors are input.

  The finisher control unit 200 controls the changeover switch 86. The changeover switch 86 is connected to the transport path switching member 30. By switching the changeover switch 86, the position of the transport path switching member 30 changes and the transport path is switched.

The finisher control unit 200 controls various motors.
The front end stopper 105, the upper paddle 75, the lower paddle 76, the transport rollers 23 and 24, the first folding plate 51, the folding rollers 52 and 53, the discharge paddle 22, the transport belts 827A and 827B, and the elevator tray 81 are each a front end stopper motor. 90, an upper paddle motor 91, a lower paddle motor 92, a transport motor 93, a first folding plate motor 94, a folding roller motor 95, a discharge paddle motor 96, a transport belt motor 97, and an elevator motor 98, respectively.

Further, the finisher control unit 200 controls the separation mechanism 55.
The finisher control unit 200 controls the punching processing unit 40, the edge binding processing unit 71, the saddle stitching processing unit 72, the paper width matching unit 110, and the like.

  Here, in order to simplify the explanation, illustration of motors for driving the accommodation belt 70 and the accommodation paddle 74 is omitted. The same applies to other parts.

FIG. 8 is an overview diagram of operation panel 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 8, operation panel 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit 312, a 10 key 302, and a start button 310. Other keys are omitted.

  A touch panel is provided on the display unit 312, and a predetermined operation can be performed on the display unit 312. A 10 key 302 is a button for inputting the number of copies. The start button 310 is a button for instructing execution of processing such as copying / scanning.

  The display unit 312 displays various modes and other displays. And various settings according to the display content can be performed by the touch panel. For example, the display unit 312 is provided with a tab button 314 for basic / applied settings that are normally performed when a copy operation or a scan operation is executed. When each tab button is pressed, a hierarchical screen for performing detailed setting is displayed. In this example, a case where an application tab button is pressed is shown, and detailed setting instructions for various post-processing in the post-processing device FS are possible. Specifically, “booklet mode”, “binding margin mode”, “folding mode”, and “staple mode” can be designated.

  Then, it is possible to specify a plurality of sheet folding processes as one job to the post-processing apparatus via the operation panel 13.

  When “folding mode” is specified, it is possible to specify “middle folding (folding)” processing and “sorting” processing. In this example, a case where both of the processes are specified will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the sheet alignment and conveyance mode in the sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process is executed by the CPU 201 controlling the conveyor belt motor 97.

  Referring to FIG. 9, in the sheet alignment conveyance mode, first, it is determined whether or not it is the sheet discharge timing (step S2). The CPU 201 determines whether or not the folded sheet processed by the folding unit 50 is the discharge timing.

  If it is determined in step S2 that it is the sheet discharge timing (YES in step S2), the conveyor belt is rotated forward (step S4). Specifically, immediately before the folded sheet comes into contact with the sheet tray 800, the conveyor belt motor 97 is instructed to rotate the conveyor belts 827A and 827B in the forward direction (discharge direction).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is ON (step S6). The CPU 201 determines whether or not the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 provided at the position where the folded sheet is discharged to the sheet tray 800 is ON.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is ON (YES in step S6), the state is maintained, and the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned off while the transport belt is rotated forward. Determine whether or not.

  In step S6, the conveyance belt is rotated forward until the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned off, and when the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned off (NO in step S6), the conveyance belt is stopped (step S8). .

  Then, it is determined whether or not the next discharge is present (step S10). If there is a next discharge, the process returns to step S2 and the above processing is repeated. On the other hand, if there is no next discharge, the process ends (END).

  That is, in the sheet alignment conveyance mode, when the folded folded sheet reaches the sheet tray 800 at the sheet discharge timing, the above-described movable member 824 moves, so that the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned on. Then, the discharged folded sheet is conveyed by the conveyance belt until the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned off, and when the rear end portion of the discharged folded sheet passes through the movable member 824, the movable member 824 is Return to the initial position. That is, the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned OFF, and the conveyance belt stops at that position. Then, again, at the next sheet discharge timing, the folded folded sheet turns on the movable member 824 and the sheet tray entrance sensor 38. For example, when the movable member 824 is provided in the central portion of the discharged folded sheet, the folded sheet discharged before and the folded sheet discharged next overlap each other by half the length. . By repeating this process, the folded sheets discharged at regular intervals are overlapped and aligned and conveyed. That is, in the conveyance mode, the folded sheet is conveyed by moving the conveying belt by a predetermined distance (step movement) every time the folded sheet is discharged.

  Next, sheet discharge processing in the sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  The sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention has a first discharge mode and a second discharge mode as a discharge method of a sheet folded in half (folded in half). Specifically, the first discharge mode in this example is normal discharge. The second discharge mode is discharge at the last part of the job when the sorting process is specified. In this example, the folded sheet and the sorting sheet at the last part of the job are discharged in a superimposed state. To do.

First, the first discharge mode will be described.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating discharge according to the first discharge mode of a sheet that has been subjected to half-folding (bi-folding) processing according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case will be described in which the first folded sheet is created when a job for forming a plurality of folded sheets is executed. The number of folded sheets is plural, but may be one.

  Referring to FIG. 10A, first, the saddle 100 is housed one by one. The sheet width aligning unit 110 aligns sheets one by one. Then, when all the sheets are accommodated in the saddle 100, the folding operation is started. The leading end stopper 105 restricts the lower end of the sheet S to a predetermined position, and is adjusted according to the folding position.

  Referring to FIG. 10B, the first folded plate 51 starts operating. The first folded plate 51 is brought into contact with, for example, the central portion of the sheet S adjusted to the folding position.

  Then, referring to FIG. 10C, the first folding plate 51 is inserted between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. The first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 are rotated while being sandwiched between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53.

  Referring to FIG. 10D, the folded sheet drawn by the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 is conveyed to the discharge rollers 54 and 55.

  Then, referring to FIG. 10E, the discharge rollers 54 and 55 convey the folded sheet and discharge it to the placing member 820 of the sheet tray 800.

  Next, referring to FIG. 10F, the saddle 100 is again accommodated one by one in order to form the next folded sheet.

The subsequent processing is the same as described above.
Next, the second discharge mode will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating discharge according to the second discharge mode of a sheet that has been folded in half (bi-folded) according to the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case will be described in which a final folded sheet is created when a job for forming a plurality of folded sheets is executed. The number of folded sheets is plural, but may be one.

  Referring to FIG. 11A, as described in FIG. 10A, the saddles 100 are accommodated one by one. The sheet width aligning unit 110 aligns sheets one by one. Then, when all the sheets are accommodated in the saddle 100, the folding operation is started. The leading end stopper 105 restricts the lower end of the sheet S to a predetermined position, and is adjusted according to the folding position.

  Referring to FIG. 11B, the first folded plate 51 starts operating. The first folded plate 51 is brought into contact with, for example, the central portion of the sheet S adjusted to the folding position. And here, conveyance with respect to the saddle 100 of the sorting sheet | seat SP shall be performed.

  Then, referring to FIG. 11C, the first folding plate 51 is inserted between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. Then, the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 are rotated. As a result, the folded sheet is drawn and conveyed to the discharge roller. At the same time, the sorting sheet SP is conveyed between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. The sorting sheet SP is conveyed to the discharge roller while being superimposed on the folded sheet.

  Referring to FIG. 11D, the folded sheet drawn by the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 and the sorting sheet SP superimposed on the folded sheet are conveyed to the discharge rollers 54 and 55. .

  11E, the discharge rollers 54 and 55 convey the folded sheet and the sorting sheet SP superimposed on the folded sheet, and discharge them to the placement member 820 of the sheet tray 800.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 11F, the sorting sheet SP discharged to the placement member 820 is in a state of being overlaid on the folded sheet, and here, as an example, moves to the front of the folded sheet. The case is shown. Since the load is lighter than that of the folded sheet, it is considered that when the sheet is discharged by the discharge rollers 54 and 55, the sheet advances forward than the folded sheet. Further, the next job is executed, and the sheets are again stored one by one in the saddle 100 in order to form a folded sheet of the next job.

  With this mode, it is possible to easily discriminate job breaks by sorting sheets different from the folded sheets by discharging the folded sheets at the end of the folded sheet instead of the usual folded sheets. It is.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of switching of the discharge mode in CPU 201 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 12, first, CPU 201 determines whether or not a sorting process is designated (step S24).

  In step S24, if the CPU 201 determines that the sorting process has been designated (YES in step S24), the CPU 201 next determines whether it is the final copy of the plurality of copies in the job execution (step S26). ).

  Next, in step S26, if the CPU 201 determines that it is not the final copy (NO in step S26), for example, if it is determined that it is the first copy, the CPU 201 discharges in the first discharge mode (step S29). . Then, the process ends (END).

  On the other hand, if the CPU 201 determines in step S26 that it is the last copy (YES in step S26), it discharges in the second discharge mode (step S28). Then, the process ends (END).

  On the other hand, in step S24, if the sorting process is not designated (NO in step S24), the CPU 201 discharges in the first discharge mode (step S29). Then, the process ends (END).

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the folding process in the first discharge mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process is executed by the CPU 201 controlling the mechanism of the folding unit 50.

  Referring to FIG. 13, first, the sheet width aligning unit 110 executes the sheet S alignment process (step S40).

  Next, when one copy is composed of a plurality of sheets, it is determined whether or not the alignment of the final sheet of the sheet is completed (step S42).

  If it is determined in step S42 that the alignment of the final sheet of the sheet has been completed (YES in step S42), the process proceeds to the next step.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the alignment of the final sheet of the sheet has not been completed (NO in step S42), the process returns to step S40 and the alignment process is repeated.

  Next, a timer TA is set (step S45). Specifically, a timer used for executing jam detection is set. Specifically, the periods of timers TA1, TA2, and TA3 are set. The timer TA1 is a timer for determining whether or not the sheet is normally conveyed to the folding roller after the folding process is started, that is, after the first folding plate is driven. The timer TA2 is a timer for determining whether or not the folding process is normally performed by the folding roller after the folding process is started and the folded sheet is normally conveyed to the discharge roller. The timer TA3 is a timer for determining whether or not the folded sheet is normally discharged from the discharge roller after the folding process is started. The timer period is set based on the rotational speed of the roller according to the length of the folded sheet in the conveyance direction.

  Next, the first folded plate is driven (step S50). The first folding plate 51 is brought into contact with the center portion of the sheet adjusted to the folding position and inserted between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53.

  Next, the folding roller is driven (step S52). Specifically, the folded sheet is rotated between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is OFF when the timer TA1 has elapsed (step S54). Specifically, when a sheet is loaded into the saddle, the saddle loading sensor 62 is turned on, but the first folding plate 51 conveys the sheet between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. As a result, the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is turned off.

  Next, when it is determined that the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is OFF when the timer TA1 has elapsed (YES in step S54), the process proceeds to the next step 56.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the saddle carry-in sensor 62 has not been turned off when the timer TA1 has elapsed (NO in step S54), it is determined that a jam has occurred that prevents the sheet from being normally conveyed to the folding roller, and the folding roller is turned on. Stop (step S62). Then, the process ends (return).

  Next, in step S56, it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 60 is ON when the timer TA2 has elapsed (step S56). Specifically, the discharge sensor 60 is turned on by conveying the sheet between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 and conveying the sheet to the discharge rollers 54 and 55.

  If it is determined in step S56 that the discharge sensor 60 is ON when the timer TA2 has elapsed (YES in step S56), the process proceeds to the next step S58.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S56 that the discharge sensor 60 is not ON when the timer TA2 has elapsed, that is, if the discharge sensor 60 is OFF (NO in step S56), the first folding roller 52, It is determined that the sheet is jammed with the second folding roller 53, and the folding roller is stopped (step S62). Then, the process ends (return).

  Next, in step S58, it is next determined whether or not the discharge sensor 60 is OFF when the timer TA3 has elapsed (step S58).

  If it is determined in step S58 that the discharge sensor 60 is OFF when the timer TA3 has elapsed (YES in step S58), the folding roller is stopped. Specifically, the driving of the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 is stopped (step S60).

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S58 that the discharge sensor 60 is not OFF when the timer TA3 has elapsed, that is, if the discharge sensor 60 is ON (NO in step S58), the sheet is discharged from the discharge rollers 54 and 55. It is determined that a jam has occurred, and the folding roller is stopped (step S62). Then, the process ends (return).

  It is possible to set the timer TA and execute jam detection processing based on the detection results of the saddle carry-in sensor 62 and the discharge sensor 60.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the folding process in the second discharge mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. The process is executed by the CPU 201 controlling a mechanism such as the folding unit 50.

  Referring to FIG. 14, first, the sheet width aligning unit 110 executes the sheet S aligning process (step S40).

  Next, when one copy is composed of a plurality of sheets, it is determined whether or not the alignment of the final sheet of the sheet is completed (step S42).

  If it is determined in step S42 that the alignment of the final sheet of the sheet has been completed (YES in step S42), the process proceeds to the next step.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S42 that the alignment of the final sheet of the sheet has not been completed (NO in step S42), the process returns to step S40 and the alignment process is repeated.

  Next, the timer TB is set (step S47). Specifically, a timer used for executing jam detection is set. Specifically, the periods of timers TB1, TB2, and TB3 are set. The timer TB1 is a timer for determining whether or not the sheet is normally conveyed to the folding roller after the folding process is started. The timer TB2 is a timer for determining whether or not the folding process is normally performed by the folding roller after the folding process is started and the folded sheet is normally conveyed to the discharge roller. The timer TB3 is a timer for determining whether or not the folded sheet is normally discharged from the discharge roller after the folding process is started. The timer period is set based on the rotation speed of the roller according to the length of the folded sheet and the sorting sheet in the conveying direction.

  Next, the first folded plate is driven (step S50). The first folding plate 51 is brought into contact with the center portion of the sheet adjusted to the folding position and inserted between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53.

  Next, the folding roller is driven (step S52). Specifically, the folded sheet is rotated between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53.

  Next, a sorting sheet is carried in (step S53). Specifically, the sorting sheet is carried into the saddle 100. In this regard, when the sorted sheets are transported from the paper feed cassette 5, it is necessary to pass through a predetermined path and carry it into the saddle 100, and a required time is required for passing through the path. In the case of eyes, the sorting sheet is transported in advance until just before the saddle 100 is loaded. Then, the sorting sheets carried into the saddle 100 slide on the sheet sandwiched between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53, and the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller. 53 to the nip region. By this processing, the sorting sheet is pulled between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 so as to overlap the folded sheet.

  In this example, the case where the sorting sheet is loaded after the folding roller is driven has been described. However, the timing at which the sorting sheet is loaded is at least a part of the folded sheet at the end of the sorting sheet. It will be carried in at the timing that overlaps.

  Next, it is determined whether or not the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is OFF when the timer TB1 has elapsed (step S55). Specifically, when a sheet is loaded into the saddle, the saddle loading sensor 62 is turned on, but the first folding plate 51 conveys the sheet between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. As a result, the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is turned off. In this example, since the sorting sheet is also transported, the period is set in consideration of the length of the sorting sheet in the transport direction.

  Next, when it is determined that the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is OFF when the timer TB1 has elapsed (YES in step S55), the process proceeds to the next step 57.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is not OFF when the timer TB1 has elapsed (NO in step S55), it is determined that a jam that prevents the sheet from being normally conveyed to the folding roller has occurred, and the folding roller is turned off. Stop (step S62). Then, the process ends (return).

  Next, in step S57, it is determined whether or not the discharge sensor 60 is ON when the timer TB2 has elapsed (step S57). Specifically, the discharge sensor 60 is turned on by conveying the sheet between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 and conveying the sheet to the discharge rollers 54 and 55.

  If it is determined in step S57 that the discharge sensor 60 is ON when the timer TB2 has elapsed (YES in step S57), the process proceeds to the next step S58.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S57 that the discharge sensor 60 is not ON when the timer TB2 has elapsed, that is, if the discharge sensor 60 is OFF (NO in step S57), the first folding roller 52, It is determined that the sheet is jammed with the second folding roller 53, and the folding roller is stopped (step S62). Then, the process ends (return).

  Next, in step S59, it is next determined whether or not the discharge sensor 60 is OFF when the timer TB3 has elapsed (step S59).

  If it is determined in step S59 that the discharge sensor 60 is OFF when the timer TB3 has elapsed (YES in step S59), the folding roller is stopped (step S60). Specifically, the driving of the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 is stopped.

Then, the process ends (END).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S58 that the discharge sensor 60 is not OFF when the timer TB3 has elapsed, that is, if the discharge sensor 60 is ON (NO in step S59), the sheet is discharged from the discharge rollers 54 and 55. It is determined that a jam has occurred, and the folding roller is stopped (step S62). In this example, since the sorting sheet is also transported, the period is set in consideration of the length of the sorting sheet in the transport direction.

Then, the process ends (return).
It is possible to set the timer TB and execute jam detection processing based on the detection results of the saddle carry-in sensor 62 and the discharge sensor 60.

Next, the timing of the folding process according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating a timing chart of the folding process according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 15, first, the sheet folding process of the part immediately preceding the final part of the job will be described. At time t1, the first folded plate 51 starts driving (ON). As a result, the sheet is brought into contact with the first folding plate 51 and conveyed to the nip region between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. It is assumed that sheet alignment processing has been executed by the sheet width matching unit 110 so far.

  Next, at time t2, the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 start to rotate (ON). As a result, the sheet is nipped between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 and folded and conveyed.

  Next, at time t3, the discharge sensor 60 detects (ON) the folded sheet. A folded sheet conveyed via the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 is detected. In this example, the case where the saddle carry-in sensor 62 ends (OFF) the sheet detection at time t3 is shown.

  At time t4, the discharge sensor 60 ends (OFF) the detection of the folded sheet.

Accordingly, at time t5, the driving of the folding roller is stopped (OFF).
In this example, the case where the next sheet is carried into the saddle 100 at time t5 is shown.

  As shown in the timing chart, for example, the timer TA1 can be set to a period from time t1 to time t3 from when the first folded plate is driven to when the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is turned off. Further, the timer TA2 can be set to a period from time t1 to time t3 from when the first folded plate is driven to when the discharge sensor 60 is turned on. Further, the timer TA3 can be set in a period from time t1 to time t4 from when the first folded plate is driven to when the discharge sensor 60 is turned off. Of course, it is possible to make the period longer than that with a predetermined margin.

Next, the final sheet folding process will be described.
At time t10, the first folded plate 51 starts driving. As a result, the sheet is brought into contact with the first folding plate 51 and conveyed to the nip region between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. It is assumed that sheet alignment processing has been executed by the sheet width matching unit 110 so far.

  Next, at time t11, the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 start to rotate (ON). As a result, the sheet is nipped between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 and folded and conveyed.

  Next, at time t12, the discharge sensor 60 detects (ON) the folded sheet. The discharge sensor 60 detects the folded sheet conveyed via the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53.

  In this example, the case where the saddle carry-in sensor 62 ends (OFF) the sheet detection at time t13 is shown. Here, with respect to the folding process of the final sheet, it takes some time for the rear end of the sorting sheet to pass through the saddle loading sensor 62 because the sorting sheet is conveyed so as to overlap the folded sheet.

  At time t14, the discharge sensor 60 ends (OFF) the detection of the folded sheet. Here, regarding the folding process of the last sheet, it takes some time for the rear end of the sorting sheet to pass through the discharge sensor 60 because the sorting sheet is conveyed so as to overlap the folded sheet.

  Accordingly, at time t15, the driving of the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 is stopped (OFF).

  In this example, the case where the next sheet is carried into the saddle 100 at time t15 is shown.

  As shown in the timing chart, for example, it is possible to set the period from time t10 to time t13 from when the first folded plate 51 is driven as the timer TB1 to when the saddle carry-in sensor 62 is turned off. . Further, it is possible to set the period from time t10 to time t12 from when the first folded plate 51 is driven as the timer TB2 to when the discharge sensor 60 is turned on. Further, the timer TB3 can be set to a period from time t10 to time t14 from when the first folded plate is driven to when the discharge sensor 60 is turned off. Of course, it is possible to make the period longer than that with a predetermined margin.

  Here, the timers TB1 and TB3 are set to a time longer than the timers TA1 and TA3 by a predetermined period in accordance with the length in the transport direction of the sorted sheets superimposed on the folded sheets. That is, the timer value can be switched between the first discharge mode and the second discharge mode, and jam detection processing can be executed at an appropriate timing.

(Modification)
FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating discharge according to the second discharge mode of a sheet that has been folded in half (bi-folded) according to a modification of the embodiment of the present invention. Here, a case where a first folded sheet is created when a job for forming a plurality of folded sheets is executed will be described. The number of folded sheets is plural, but may be one.

  Referring to FIG. 16 (A), as described with reference to FIG. 11 (A), the saddles 100 are housed one by one. The sheet width aligning unit 110 aligns sheets one by one. Then, when all the sheets are accommodated in the saddle 100, the folding operation is started. The leading end stopper 105 restricts the lower end of the sheet S to a predetermined position, and is adjusted according to the folding position.

  Referring to FIG. 16B, the first folded plate 51 starts operating. The first folded plate 51 is brought into contact with, for example, the central portion of the sheet S adjusted to the folding position. Further, it is assumed that the sorting sheet SP is conveyed to the saddle 100 at substantially the same timing as the first folded plate starts operating.

  Then, referring to FIG. 16C, the first folding plate 51 is inserted between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. Then, the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 are rotated. As a result, the folded sheet is drawn and conveyed to the discharge roller. At this time, the leading edge of the folded sheet and the sorting sheet SP are both drawn and conveyed to the discharge roller. Note that it is desirable to control the timing so that the leading edge of the folded sheet and the leading edge of the sorting sheet SP overlap each other.

  Referring to FIG. 16D, the folded sheet drawn by the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 and the sorting sheet SP superimposed on the folded sheet are conveyed to the discharge rollers 54 and 55. .

  Referring to FIG. 16E, the discharge rollers 54 and 55 convey the folded sheet and the sorting sheet SP superimposed on the folded sheet, and discharge them to the placing member 820 of the sheet tray 800.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 16F, the sorting sheet SP discharged to the placement member 820 is in a state of being overlaid on the folded sheet.

  Further, the next job is executed, and the sheets are again stored one by one in the saddle 100 in order to form a folded sheet of the next job.

  According to this mode, it is possible to easily determine the break of the job by the folded sheet by discharging the final folded sheet while overlapping the sorted sheets, instead of discharging the normal folded sheet.

  Further, by controlling the timing so that the leading edge of the folded sheet and the leading edge of the sorting sheet SP overlap each other, it is possible to shorten the time until the sorting sheet SP comes off.

  In this regard, the length of the sorting sheet SP in the conveyance direction may be set to a value that is equal to or shorter than the length of the sheet S in the conveyance direction and longer than the length of the folded sheet in the conveyance direction. Accordingly, since the length of the folded sheet is longer than the conveyance direction, the job separation can be easily determined by the sorting sheet SP. Further, by setting the length in the conveyance direction of the sheet S to be equal to or less than that, the length in the conveyance direction of the sorted sheet can be shortened as much as possible to shorten the time for the sorting sheet SP to come out, thereby improving productivity.

  In this example, the case where a half-fold (bi-fold) process of a plurality of sheets is executed as the contents of a job has been described. However, the process is not limited to a plurality of copies, and only a single sheet is folded (bi-fold). Even if it is not executed, it may be discharged in the second discharge mode. Further, the present invention is not limited to the half-folding (bi-folding) process, and can be similarly applied to a tri-folding process.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading part, 2 Image processing part, 3 Image writing part, 4 Image formation part, 5 Paper feed cassette, 6 Paper feed roller, 7 Fixing device, 8 Paper discharge roller, 8A Conveyance path switching board, 9 Automatic duplex copy Paper feed unit, 10 automatic document feeder, 13 operation panel, 14 audio output unit, 15 external device interface, 16, 87 communication interface, 17 network, 20 paper carry-in unit, 22 discharge paddle, 23, 24 transport roller, 26, 73 Sheet detection sensor, 28 entrance sensor, 30 transport path switching member, 38 sheet tray entrance sensor, 39 sheet tray tip sensor, 40 punching processing unit, 62 saddle carry-in sensor, 70 storage belt, 71 edge binding processing unit, 72 Binding processing unit, 80 paper discharge unit, 81 elevator tray, 86, 88 changeover switch, 90 points Stopper motor, 100 saddles, 150 main controller, 200 finisher controller.

Claims (6)

A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus,
A sheet folding section for folding the sheet after the image formation;
A sheet tray that is stacked to take out the sheets folded by the sheet folding unit;
A control unit for controlling the sheet folding unit,
The sheet folding part is
An accommodating portion for temporarily accommodating the sheet;
A conveying unit that conveys the sheet accommodated in the accommodating unit while folding the sheet, and discharges the sheet to the sheet tray.
When the control unit transports the final sheet of the job stored in the storage unit while being folded by the transport unit, a sorting sheet different from the folded sheet is superimposed on the folded sheet. A sheet processing apparatus that controls a timing at which the sorted sheets are supplied to the conveyance unit so as to be discharged together in the sheet tray . A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus,
A sheet folding section for folding the sheet after the image formation;
A sheet tray that is stacked to take out the sheets folded by the sheet folding unit;
A control unit for controlling the sheet folding unit,
The sheet folding part is
An accommodating portion for temporarily accommodating the sheet;
A conveying unit that conveys the sheet accommodated in the accommodating unit while folding the sheet, and discharges the sheet to the sheet tray.
When the final sheet of the job stored in the storage unit is transported by the transport unit, the control unit is configured to discharge the folded sheet and the sorting sheet to the sheet tray in a state where they overlap each other. A sheet processing apparatus that controls a timing at which the sorted sheet is conveyed to the conveying unit so that a leading edge of the sorted sheet overlaps at least a part of the final sheet . A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus,
A sheet folding section for folding the sheet after the image formation;
A sheet tray that is stacked to take out the sheets folded by the sheet folding unit;
A control unit for controlling the sheet folding unit,
The sheet folding part is
An accommodating portion for temporarily accommodating the sheet;
A conveying unit that conveys the sheet accommodated in the accommodating unit while folding the sheet, and discharges the sheet to the sheet tray.
The control unit controls the timing so that the leading end of the sorted sheet is conveyed to the conveyance unit almost simultaneously with the timing of starting conveyance while folding the final sheet of the job stored in the storage unit by the conveyance unit. , the sheet processing apparatus. The controller is
For sheets other than the final sheet of the job, the transport unit is driven for a time according to the length in the transport direction of the sheet,
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the transport unit is driven for a time according to a length in a transport direction of the sheet and the sorting sheet for the final sheet of the job . The sheet folding unit further includes a sheet detection unit that detects the presence or absence of the sheet,
The control unit uses the sheet detection unit,
For a sheet other than the last sheet of the job, a first jam detection process for determining whether or not the sheet is normally discharged to the sheet tray at a time according to the length in the conveyance direction of the sheet;
For the last sheet of the job, a second jam detection process for determining whether or not the sheet has been normally discharged to the sheet tray at a time according to the length of the sheet and the sorting sheet in the conveyance direction is executed. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4 . The length in the conveyance direction of the sorted sheet is longer than the length in the conveyance direction of the folded sheet and is equal to or less than the length in the conveyance direction of the sheet before folding. The sheet processing apparatus according to the description.

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