JP6019805B2 - Paper transport system, paper transport program, and paper transport method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper transport system, a paper transport program, and a paper transport method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an apparatus having a paper transport mechanism such as an image forming apparatus, a registration apparatus, and a folding apparatus is known. A plurality of these apparatuses are continuously installed, and a sheet is continuously conveyed between the apparatuses. There is also known a system including a sheet insertion device that inserts a new sheet between sheets conveyed from an upstream apparatus (for example, see Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2). ).

  Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which timing information is read from a slip sheet on which timing information to be inserted between sheets is recorded, and the slip sheet is inserted between sheets based on the read timing information. Further, in Patent Document 2, when an interleaf feed command is received from an image forming apparatus installed on the upstream side, an inserter device installed on the downstream side of the image forming apparatus starts interleaf feed processing. Is disclosed. Patent Document 2 further includes a command indicating that the slip sheet has passed through the inserter device outlet to the post-processing device installed on the downstream side of the inserter device when the slip sheet feeding process is started. Notification to the post-processing device is disclosed.

  However, according to the conventional technique, when the configuration of the sheet insertion device for inserting a sheet is changed, it is necessary to newly adjust the timing according to the changed configuration. For this reason, with the change in the configuration of the paper insertion device, it is necessary to change the program of the device arranged on the upstream side of the paper insertion device, and versatility is desired.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object thereof is to provide a versatile sheet conveying system, a sheet conveying program, and a sheet conveying method.

  In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, a paper transport system of the present invention includes a paper transport device and a paper insertion device. The paper transport device sequentially transports a plurality of first recording media. The paper insertion device is provided on the downstream side in the transport direction of the first recording medium from the paper transport device, and inserts the second recording medium between the first recording media. The paper insertion device has first transmission means. The first transmission means stores the second recording medium for a first time indicating an acceptable reception interval when it is assumed that the second recording medium is pseudo-continuously received from the paper transport device. The second time indicating the difference between the transport time for transporting the second recording medium from the paper receiving surface to the confluence position in the paper insertion device and the transport time for transporting the second recording medium from the first recording medium to the confluence position And a third time indicating a conveyance interval when the second recording medium is continuously conveyed is transmitted to the sheet conveying apparatus. The sheet conveying apparatus includes a first conveying unit, a first receiving unit, a setting unit, and a first conveyance control unit. The first transport unit transports the first recording medium at a first interval. The first receiving means receives the first time, the second time, and the third time. The setting means sets a long time out of the first time and the second time as the second interval, and the total interval between the second interval and the first interval is equal to or more than the third time. Sets the second interval as an insertion interval for inserting the second recording medium, and if the total interval is less than the third time, the difference between the third time and the total interval And the second interval are set as the insertion interval. The first transport control unit controls the first transport unit so that the first recording medium is transported further apart from the insertion interval.

A sheet conveying program according to the present invention includes a sheet conveying apparatus including a first conveying unit that sequentially conveys a plurality of first recording media at a first interval, and a downstream side in the conveying direction of the first recording medium from the sheet conveying apparatus. A paper conveyance program that is provided and executed by a computer that controls a paper insertion device for inserting a second recording medium between the first recording media. The paper transport program of the present invention stores the second recording medium for a first time indicating an acceptable reception interval when it is assumed that the second recording medium is continuously received in a pseudo manner from the paper transport device. A difference between a conveyance time for conveying the second recording medium from the storage section to the merging position for inserting the second recording medium between the first recording medium and a conveyance time from the sheet receiving surface to the merging position in the sheet insertion apparatus is shown. A first reception step of receiving from the paper inserting device a second time and a third time indicating a conveyance interval when the second recording medium is continuously conveyed; and the first time and the second time When a long time is set as the second interval and the total interval between the second interval and the first interval is equal to or greater than the third time, the second recording medium is inserted into the second interval. Insertion interval for If the total interval is less than the third time, the sum of the difference between the third time and the total interval and the second interval is set as the insertion interval. A first transport control step for controlling the first transport means for transporting the first recording medium at a first interval so as to transport the first recording medium at a further interval from the setting step; including.

The sheet conveying method of the present invention includes a sheet conveying apparatus including first conveying means that sequentially conveys a plurality of first recording media at a first interval, and a downstream side in the conveying direction of the first recording medium from the sheet conveying apparatus. This is a paper conveyance method executed by a paper insertion device that is provided and inserts a second recording medium between the first recording media. In the paper transport method of the present invention, the second recording medium is stored for a first time indicating an acceptable reception interval when it is assumed that the second recording medium is continuously received in a pseudo manner from the paper transport device. A difference between a conveyance time for conveying the second recording medium from the storage section to the merging position for inserting the second recording medium between the first recording medium and a conveyance time from the sheet receiving surface to the merging position in the sheet insertion apparatus is shown. A first reception step of receiving from the paper inserting device a second time and a third time indicating a conveyance interval when the second recording medium is continuously conveyed; and the first time and the second time When a long time is set as the second interval and the total interval between the second interval and the first interval is equal to or greater than the third time, the second recording medium is inserted into the second interval. As the insertion interval to If the total interval is less than the third time, a setting step of setting an addition value of the difference between the third time and the total interval and the second interval as the insertion interval And a first transport control step for controlling the first transport means for transporting the first recording medium at a first interval so as to transport the first recording medium with a further interval between the insertions. .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a paper transport system having versatility.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a paper transport system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of the paper transport device and the paper insertion device. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the paper transport device, the paper insertion device, the post-processing device, and the post-processing device. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the system control unit of the paper transport apparatus. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a transport state of the first sheet in the sheet transport apparatus. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating paper conveyance in the paper conveyance device. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram illustrating a system control unit of the paper insertion device. FIG. 8 is a sequence illustrating an example of a conveyance process of the sheet conveyance system. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a conveyance process of the sheet conveyance device. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the conveyance process of the sheet insertion device.

  Exemplary embodiments of a sheet conveying system, a sheet conveying program, and a sheet conveying method will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a paper transport system 1 according to the present embodiment. The paper transport system 1 according to the present embodiment includes a paper transport device 10, a paper feed device 20, and a post-processing device 30. The post-processing device 30 includes a paper insertion device 36, a post-processing device 34, and a post-processing device 32.

  The paper feeding device 20 is a device that supplies the first paper 56 to the paper transport device 10. The paper feeding device 20 includes a tray 44 for storing the first paper 56, a tray 46, a tray 48, and a manual feed tray 49. The paper feeding device 20 includes a transport mechanism (not shown). When the paper feed device 20 receives a paper feed request signal from the paper transport device 10, the paper transport device 10 feeds the first paper 56 one by one from the tray 44, the tray 46, the tray 48, or the manual feed tray 49. Transport to. The paper transport system 1 may be configured to include a plurality of paper feeders 20. Further, as described above, the sheet conveyance system 1 may be configured not to include the sheet feeding device 20.

  The paper transport device 10 is disposed downstream of the paper feed device 20 in the transport direction. The paper transport device 10 transports the first paper 56. Further, the paper transport device 10 adjusts the insertion interval of the second paper 58 inserted by a paper insertion device 36 described later (details will be described later).

  A known recording medium is used for the first paper 56 and the second paper 58. The first paper 56 and the second paper 58 may be the same type of recording medium, or may be different types of recording media.

  In the present embodiment, the sheet conveying apparatus 10 is an image forming apparatus that sequentially conveys a plurality of first sheets 56 toward the post-processing apparatus 30 and functions as an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the first sheet 56. A case will be described. Note that the sheet conveying apparatus 10 only needs to have a conveying mechanism that conveys the first sheet 56, and the sheet conveying apparatus 10 is not limited to an image forming apparatus.

  The sheet conveying apparatus 10 includes a tray 40, a conveying unit 42, an image forming unit 38, and a display unit 54. The tray 40 stores the first paper 56. The tray 40 is a tray having a smaller capacity than the trays 44 to 48 provided in the sheet feeding device 20. The transport unit 42 is a transport mechanism that transports the first paper 56 stored in the tray 40 or the first paper 56 transported from the paper feeding device 20. The conveyance unit 42 includes a conveyance unit 42A to a conveyance unit 42E. Each conveyance part 42 is comprised by members, such as a conveyance roller, for example, and is driven by control of the conveyance control part mentioned later.

  The display unit 54 accepts input of various types of information from the user and displays various types of information. The display unit 54 is a touch panel or the like. The display unit 54 may be configured to include various operation keys such as a numeric keypad, a start key, a function key, and a one-touch key, and a display device such as a liquid crystal screen.

  The image forming unit 38 forms an image on the first sheet 56 conveyed by the conveying unit 42. Examples of the image forming unit 38 include an electrophotographic system and an ink jet type image forming unit. When the image forming unit 38 is an electrophotographic system, the image forming unit 38 includes a photoreceptor 38A, an exposure unit 38B, a transfer unit 38C, and the like. The exposure unit 38B irradiates the photoconductor 38A charged by a charging device (not shown) with light obtained by modulating the image data of the image to be formed. Thus, the photosensitive member 38A is scanned and exposed to form an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be formed. The electrostatic latent image is developed by a developing unit (not shown) to become a toner image. When the toner image on the photoconductor 38A reaches the position of the transfer unit 38C as the photoconductor 38A rotates, the toner image is transferred to the first sheet 56 conveyed between the photoconductor 38A and the transfer unit 38C. . The toner image transferred to the first paper 56 is fixed by a fixing unit (not shown), and an image is formed on the first paper 56.

  The first paper 56 on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 38 is transported by the transport unit 42 (transport unit 42B, transport unit 42A) and discharged from the paper transport apparatus 10.

  The post-processing device 30 has a configuration in which a sheet insertion device 36, a post-processing device 34, and a post-processing device 32 are arranged in order from the upstream side in the transport direction.

  The paper insertion device 36 sequentially receives the first paper 56 conveyed from the paper conveyance device 10, and inserts and conveys the second paper 58 between one or a plurality of first papers 56. Examples of the second sheet 58 include, but are not limited to, a cover sheet printed for bookbinding and a sheet that does not require image formation, such as a partition sheet.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the paper transport system 1 includes a single paper insertion device 36 will be described. However, the paper transport system 1 may be configured to include a plurality of paper transport devices 36. .

  The post-processing device 34 and the post-processing device 32 are devices that perform post-processing on the first paper 56 and the second paper 58 transported from the paper transport device 10 and the paper insertion device 36. Post-processing includes folding processing for folding the paper into Z-folds and bi-folds, bookbinding processing for carrying out ring binding and case binding, bookbinding processing, cutting processing, punching processing for punching holes, stapler processing, etc. Not limited. In the present embodiment, the post-processing device 34 includes a storage unit (not shown) that temporarily stores the first paper 56 and the second paper 58 discharged from the paper transport device 10. After the preset number of first sheets 56 and second sheets 58 are stored, the post-processing device 34 sequentially conveys these to the post-processing device 32.

  The post-processing device 32 is a device that performs a stapler process or a punch process. The post-processing device 32 includes a discharge tray 52 for discharging the first paper 56 and the second paper 58. The post-processing device 32 discharges the first sheet 56 and the second sheet 58 that have been subjected to the stapler process and the punch process to the discharge tray 52. In the stapler process, staple chips are generated when staples are cut according to the number of sheets (first sheet 56 and second sheet 58). In the punching process, punch scraps are generated when punch holes are made in the paper (the first paper 56 and the second paper 58). For this reason, the post-processing device 32 also includes a residue collection unit (none of which is shown) for storing residues such as staple scraps and punch scraps.

  Note that the paper transport system 1 may be configured to include at least the paper transport device 10 and the paper insertion device 36. Further, the sheet insertion device 36 only needs to be installed on the downstream side in the transport direction from the paper transport device 10, and is not limited to the configuration installed adjacent to the downstream side in the transport direction of the paper transport device 10.

  Next, the paper conveyance device 10 and the paper insertion device 36 will be described in more detail. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the paper transport device 10 and the paper insertion device 36 in more detail.

  The transport unit 42E, the transport unit 42D, and the transport unit 42C of the paper transport apparatus 10 transport the first paper 56 stored in the tray 40 along the transport path A. As a result, the first sheet 56 reaches the facing area between the photoconductor 38A and the transfer portion 38C. In this facing area, the image is transferred to the first paper 56 and fixed by a fixing device (not shown). As a result, an image is formed on the first sheet 56.

  The transport unit 42 </ b> B and the transport unit 42 </ b> A transport the image-formed first paper 56 along the transport path A to the paper discharge surface R and discharge it to the outside of the paper transport device 10, that is, to the paper insertion device 36. The paper discharge surface R is a discharge end surface of the first paper 56 in the paper transport device 10. A sensor 90B for detecting the first paper 56 is provided on the paper discharge surface R.

  In the transport path A, an insertion request transmission position U is set on the downstream side in the transport direction from the photoreceptor 38A and on the upstream side in the transport direction from the paper discharge surface R. The insertion request transmission position U is a position at which the insertion request for the second paper 58 is transmitted from the paper transport device 10 to the paper insertion device 36. A sensor 90A for detecting the first paper 56 is provided at the insertion request transmission position U.

  Further, in the paper transport device 10, the first paper 56 is transported at a predetermined first interval. Further, in the paper transport device 10, when the second paper 58 is inserted by the paper insertion device 36, the first paper is further spaced apart from the first space by an insertion interval for inserting the second paper 58. 56 is conveyed. In order to adjust the interval, the paper transport apparatus 10 adjusts the transport timing on the assumption that the pseudo transport paper corresponding to the second paper 58 is stored in the virtual tray 60.

  The paper insertion device 36 includes a tray 50 that stores the second paper 58 and a transport unit 62. The conveyance unit 62 includes a plurality of conveyance units 62A to 62D. In addition, the sheet insertion device 36 includes a conveyance path C that conveys the first sheet 56, a conveyance path B that conveys the second sheet 58, and a conveyance path D that conveys the first sheet 56 and the second sheet 58.

  The conveyance path C is a conveyance path for conveying the first sheet 56 conveyed from the sheet conveying apparatus 10 from the sheet receiving surface Q to the joining position P. The transport unit 62D is provided along the transport path C, and transports the first paper 56 from the paper receiving surface Q toward the merge position P.

  The paper receiving surface Q is an end surface of the paper inserting device 36 on the side where the first paper 56 is inserted. A sensor 90 </ b> C for detecting the first paper 56 is provided on the paper receiving surface Q. The merge position P is a merge position of the conveyance path C, the conveyance path B, and the conveyance path D. The joining position P is a position at which the second paper 58 that has been transported on the transport path B is inserted between the first paper 56 that has been transported on the transport path C. The paper discharge surface W is a discharge side end surface of the recording medium such as the first paper 56 and the second paper 58 in the paper insertion device 36. A sensor 90G that detects a recording medium such as the first paper 56 or the second paper 58 is provided on the paper discharge surface W.

  The transport path B is a transport path for transporting the second paper 58 stored in the tray 50 from the discharge position S from the tray 50 to the transport path B to the joining position P via the insertion standby position Y. . The transport unit 62A and the transport unit 62B are provided along the transport path B, and transport the second paper 58 stored in the tray 50 from the discharge position S to the merge position P via the insertion standby position Y. To do.

  The transport path D is a transport path for transporting the first paper 56 and the second paper 58 from the merging position P toward the paper discharge surface W. The conveyance unit 62 </ b> C is provided along the conveyance path D and conveys the first paper 56 and the second paper 58 along the conveyance path D.

  Further, the sheet insertion device 36 indicates that the second sheet 58 has reached the insertion standby position Y and the sensor 90E for detecting that the conveyance of the second sheet 58 from the tray 50 to the conveyance path B is started. A sensor 90F for detection is provided. In addition, the sheet transport device 10 is provided with a sensor 90D that detects that the second sheet 58 or the first sheet 56 has reached the joining position P.

  Next, the function of each part of the apparatus of the paper transport system 1 will be described.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating the paper transport device 10, the paper insertion device 36, the post-processing device 34, and the post-processing device 32 in the paper transport system 1.

  The sheet transport apparatus 10 includes a system control unit 66, an image formation control unit 64, a transport control unit 67, a communication unit 63, a display control unit 65, and an image processing unit 69.

  The system control unit 66 controls the entire sheet conveying apparatus 10. The system control unit 66 is a computer including a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and the like.

  The image processing unit 69 generates image data that can be processed by the paper transport device 10 from print data received from an external device or image data of an image read by a scanner function unit (not shown) of the paper transport device 10. The image formation control unit 64 transmits a signal obtained by modulating the image data generated by the image processing unit 69 to the exposure unit 38B. Accordingly, the exposure unit 38B forms an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image to be formed on the photoreceptor 38A.

  The conveyance control unit 67 controls driving of the conveyance unit 42 (the conveyance unit 42 </ b> A to the conveyance unit 42 </ b> E) provided in the paper conveyance device 10. The communication unit 63 is a communication port that transmits / receives data to / from the paper insertion device 36, and performs data transmission / reception to / from the paper insertion device 36 via a communication cable or the like.

  The sheet insertion device 36 includes a system control unit 70, a communication unit 71, a communication unit 73, and a conveyance control unit 74. The system control unit 70 controls the entire apparatus of the paper insertion device 36. The system control unit 70 is a computer that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The communication unit 73 is a communication port that transmits / receives data to / from the paper transport device 10 and transmits / receives data to / from the paper transport device 10 via a communication cable or the like. The communication unit 71 is a communication port that transmits and receives data to and from the post-processing device 34, and performs data transmission and reception with the post-processing device 34 via a communication cable or the like. The conveyance control unit 74 controls driving of the conveyance unit 62 (the conveyance unit 62A to the conveyance unit 62D) provided in the paper insertion device 36.

  The post-processing device 34 includes a system control unit 80, a communication unit 81, a communication unit 83, and a conveyance control unit 84. The system control unit 80 controls the entire post-processing device 34. The system control unit 80 is a computer that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The communication unit 83 is a communication port that transmits / receives data to / from the paper insertion device 36, and transmits / receives data to / from the paper insertion device 36 via a communication cable or the like. The communication unit 81 is a communication port that transmits and receives data to and from the post-processing device 32, and performs data transmission and reception with the post-processing device 32 via a communication cable or the like. The conveyance control unit 84 controls driving of a conveyance unit (not shown) provided in the post-processing device 34.

  The post-processing device 32 includes a system control unit 85, a communication unit 87, a communication unit 86, a transport control unit 89, a stapler processing unit 88, and a punch processing unit 90. The system control unit 85 controls the entire post-processing device 32. The system control unit 85 is a computer that includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, and the like.

  The communication unit 87 is a communication port for transmitting / receiving data to / from the post-processing device 34, and performs data transmission / reception to / from the post-processing device 34 via a communication cable or the like. The communication unit 86 is a communication port that transmits / receives data to / from an external device. The conveyance control unit 89 controls driving of a conveyance unit (not shown) provided in the post-processing device 32. The stapler processing unit 88 controls driving of a processing unit (not shown) that is provided in the post-processing device 32 and executes the stapler processing. The punch processing unit 90 controls driving of a processing unit (not shown) that is provided in the post-processing device 32 and executes punch processing.

  Next, the system control unit 66 of the paper transport apparatus 10 will be described in more detail. FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram of the system control unit 66.

  As illustrated in FIG. 4, the system control unit 66 of the paper transport apparatus 10 includes a reception unit 66A, a setting unit 66B, a transmission unit 66C, and a detection unit 66D.

  The receiving unit 66A (first receiving means) receives information indicating the first time, the second time, and the third time from the paper insertion device 36.

  The first time can be accepted when it is assumed that each of the post-processing devices 30 (the post-processing device 32, the post-processing device 34, and the paper inserting device 36) receives the second paper 58 in a pseudo continuous manner. It is a time indicating a valid reception interval. Specifically, in the first time, when it is assumed that the paper insertion device 36 receives the second paper 58 from the paper transport device 10 in a pseudo continuous manner, the first time in the transport direction of the second paper 58 received first. This is a transport time corresponding to the length from the position to the leading position in the transport direction of the second paper 58 to be received next. The first time may be a time indicating an acceptable reception interval when it is assumed that at least the second paper 58 is continuously received by the paper insertion device 36. Further, when the post-processing device 30 includes a plurality of post-processing devices such as the post-processing device 32, the post-processing device 34, and the paper insertion device 36 as described above, the first time is the post-processing device 30. In each of the devices constituting the above, it is assumed that the maximum time is the acceptable reception interval when it is assumed that the second paper 58 is continuously received.

  In addition, the receiving unit 66 </ b> A receives the inter-sheet information of the first sheet 56 from the sheet insertion device 36. This inter-paper information may be at least a time indicating an acceptable reception interval when the first paper 56 is received by the paper insertion device 36. Preferably, the sheet interval information of the first sheet 56 indicates the maximum time among the reception intervals at which the first sheet 56 can be received in each device constituting the post-processing device 30.

  In the following description, when the first time of the second sheet 58 and the sheet interval information of the first sheet 56 are collectively described, they may be simply described as sheet interval information. Further, when the first time of the second paper 58 is particularly distinguished and described, it will be referred to as the inter-sheet information that is the first time of the second paper 58. Similarly, when specifically explaining the inter-sheet information of the first paper 56, the inter-page information of the first paper 56 will be referred to.

  The second time indicates the preparation time for inserting the second paper 58 in the paper insertion device 36.

  FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a transport state when the first sheet 56 is transported with an interval corresponding to the pseudo transport sheet M (M1, M2) of the second sheet 58 in the sheet transport apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. 5, the second time includes the transport time (see time T1 in FIG. 6) of the second paper 58 from the discharge position S to the merge position P of the tray 50 storing the second paper 58, and the paper. A difference between the conveyance time (time T4) of the second sheet 58 from the receiving surface Q to the merge position P is shown.

  Hereinafter, the second time may be referred to as an insertion preparation time.

  The third time indicates a conveyance interval when the second paper 58 is continuously conveyed in the paper insertion device 36. In other words, the third time is a time indicating the minimum necessary conveyance interval to be opened so that the second paper 58 that is continuously conveyed does not overlap or collide in the paper insertion device 36. . The third time is a transport time corresponding to the length from the leading position in the transport direction of the second paper 58 transported first to the leading position in the transport direction of the second paper 58 transported next. That is, the third time is information indicating the interval between the second sheets 58 (insert sheets) to be inserted between the first sheets 56.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the setting unit 66B sets the longer one of the first time and the insertion preparation time (second time) of the second sheet 58 received by the receiving unit 66A as the second interval. When the total interval between the second interval and the first interval in which the sheet conveying device 10 conveys the first sheet 56 is equal to or longer than the third time, the setting unit 66B sets the second interval, This is set as an insertion interval for inserting the second paper 58. On the other hand, when the total interval between the second interval and the first interval in which the sheet conveying device 10 conveys the first sheet 56 is less than the third time, the setting unit 66B determines the third time as An added value of the difference from the total interval and the second interval is set as the insertion interval.

  The transport control unit 67 of the paper transport apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3) controls the transport unit 42 so as to transport the first paper 56 with a first interval corresponding to the inter-sheet information of the first paper 56. . Thus, the first paper 56 is sequentially conveyed at the first interval.

  In addition, the conveyance control unit 67 of the sheet conveying apparatus 10 places the first sheet 56 at a position where the second sheet 58 is inserted by the sheet inserting device 36 at a first interval and a set insertion interval. The transport unit 42 is controlled so as to be transported. As a result, the first paper 56 is transported at an interval where the set insertion interval is further separated from the first interval when the first paper 56 is continuously transported at the insertion position of the second paper 58. Is done.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing an insertion interval set by the setting unit 66B of the paper transport apparatus 10. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5 shows a case where the first paper 56 is transported by the paper transport apparatus 10 with an interval corresponding to the pseudo transport paper M (M1, M2) of the second paper 58. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing a case where the total interval (see interval TA) of the second interval (see interval T20) and the first interval (see interval T10) is less than the third time (see interval TB). It is.

  As shown in FIG. 5, it is assumed that the paper transport device 10 transports the first paper 56 toward the paper discharge surface R in the transport direction (see arrow X in FIG. 5). Then, when the first sheet 56 is continuously conveyed in the sheet conveying apparatus 10, the conveyance control unit 67 conveys the first sheet 56 with a first interval (see interval T <b> 10). The setting unit 66 (see FIG. 4) sets the longer interval of the first time and the second time of the second paper 58 received by the receiving unit 66A as the second interval (see the interval T20).

  The setting unit 66B (see FIG. 4) has a total interval (see interval TA) of the second interval (see interval T20) and the first interval (see interval T10) equal to or greater than the third time (see TB). In this case, the second interval (interval T20) is set as the insertion interval.

  On the other hand, in the setting unit 66B (see FIG. 4), the total interval (see interval TA) of the second interval (see interval T20) and the first interval (see interval T10) is less than the third time (see interval TB). In some cases, the sum of the difference between the third time (see interval TB) and the total interval (see interval TA) (see difference TC) and the second interval (see interval T20) is the insertion interval. Set as.

  In this case, the conveyance control unit 67 of the sheet conveying apparatus 10 (see FIG. 3) sets the insertion interval (difference TC and second interval (interval T20) set to the first interval (see interval T10) of the first sheet 56. The transport unit 42 is controlled so that the first paper 56 is transported at a further interval, or the second interval (interval T20).

  Specifically, the transport control unit 67 of the paper transport apparatus 10 assumes that the virtual tray 60 exists at a position corresponding to the set insertion interval, as shown in FIG. The set insertion interval is further separated by one interval. That is, the transport control unit 67 positions the virtual tray 60 at a position away from the paper discharge surface R by the transport time from the virtual tray 60 to the paper receiving surface Q (added value of time T5, time T6, and time T7). As a result, the conveyance timing is adjusted based on the set insertion interval.

  Returning to FIG. 4, the transmission unit 66 </ b> C transmits various types of information to the sheet insertion device 36. Specifically, the transmission unit 66C transmits signals such as a paper attribute, a paper feed request, paper discharge ON, paper discharge OFF, and an insertion request to the paper insertion device 36 via the communication unit 63.

  The paper attribute is information indicating a target paper to be transported by the paper transport system 1. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the sheet attributes include the type of processing executed for the first sheet 56 and the second sheet 58, the size of the first sheet 56 and the second sheet 58 (length in the transport direction), The type information of the first paper 56 and the second paper 58 is included. The types of processing include a post-processing device 30 (in this embodiment, a post-processing device 32, a post-processing device 34, and a paper insertion device 36) installed downstream of the paper transport device 10 in the transport direction in the paper transport system 1. ) Shows the processing performed. The type information is, for example, the type of paper used for the paper, the thickness of the paper, and the like.

  The paper feed request is a signal transmitted when requesting the post-processing device 30 to transmit the insertion preparation time (second time). The paper discharge ON / OFF is a signal transmitted when each post-processing device 30 instructs conveyance of a recording medium (first paper 56 or second paper 58). The insertion request is a signal transmitted when instructing the paper insertion device 36 to insert the second paper 58.

  The detection unit 66D accepts detection signals from the sensors (sensors 90A to 90B) provided in the paper transport apparatus 10. In the conveyance control part 67, each conveyance part 42 is controlled based on the detection signal of each sensor 90A-sensor 90B by the detection part 66D.

  Next, the system control unit 70 of the paper insertion device 36 will be described in detail. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the system control unit 70.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the system control unit 70 includes a transmission unit 70A, a reception unit 70B, a calculation unit 70C, and a detection unit 70D. The receiving unit 70 </ b> B receives various signals from the paper transport apparatus 10 via the communication unit 73. Specifically, the receiving unit 70 </ b> B receives signals such as a paper attribute of the second paper 58, a paper feed request, paper discharge ON, paper discharge OFF, and an insertion request from the paper transport device 10 via the communication unit 73. .

  The calculation unit 70 </ b> C calculates the sheet interval information based on the sheet attribute received from the sheet conveying apparatus 10. Specifically, for example, when the calculation unit 70 </ b> C receives the paper attribute of the first paper 56 from the paper transport device 10, information on the thickness of the paper included in the paper attribute, the size of the paper, the paper type of the paper, and the like. From the information, the minimum conveyance interval between the first sheets 56 that can be received by the sheet insertion device 36 when the first sheet 56 is continuously conveyed is obtained. Then, the calculation unit 70C calculates this conveyance interval as the paper gap information.

  In addition, when the calculation unit 70C receives the paper attribute of the second paper 58 from the paper conveyance device 10, the calculation unit 70C obtains the second information from information such as the paper thickness information, the paper size, and the paper type included in the paper attribute. The minimum acceptable reception interval (conveyance interval) when it is assumed that the paper 58 is continuously received from the paper conveyance device 10 is obtained. Then, the calculation unit 70 </ b> C calculates this interval as the first time of the second paper 58.

  The calculating unit 70C calculates the insertion preparation time (second time). The calculation unit 70C calculates the insertion preparation time from the conveyance speed of the second paper 58 preset by the paper insertion device 36, the paper attribute of the second paper 58, and the like. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the calculation unit 70 </ b> C performs a conveyance time (time T <b> 1) from the discharge position S to the merge position P of the second sheet 58 and a first time from the sheet receiving surface Q to the merge position P. The difference between the transport time (time T4) of the two sheets 58 is calculated as the insertion preparation time. Note that the calculation unit 70C may calculate a time obtained by adding a time required for paper feed preparation such as preliminary excitation and fan activation to the calculated difference as an insertion preparation time.

  The calculating unit 70C calculates the third time. In the calculation unit 70C, based on the paper attributes of the second paper 58 received from the paper transport device 10 and various transport conditions when the second paper 58 is transported continuously by the paper insertion device 36, the calculation unit 70C A third time, which is a conveyance interval when the second paper 58 is continuously conveyed, is calculated. The various transport conditions may be stored in advance. For example, when a plurality of trays 50 are provided in the paper insertion device 36, the transport conditions include a transport time between the trays 50, a time required to transport the second paper 58, and the like. Not limited to.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the transmission unit 70 </ b> A transmits the first time of the second paper 58 calculated by the calculation unit 70 </ b> C to the paper transport apparatus 10. In addition, the transmission unit 70A transmits the insertion preparation time (second time) calculated by the calculation unit 70C to the paper transport apparatus 10. In addition, the transmission unit 70 </ b> A transmits the paper gap information calculated by the calculation unit 70 </ b> C to the paper transport apparatus 10. In addition, the transmission unit 70A transmits the third time calculated by the calculation unit 70C to the paper transport apparatus 10. In addition, the transmission unit 70 </ b> A transmits sheet feeding start and sheet feeding completion to the sheet conveying apparatus 10.

  The paper feed start is a signal indicating that the second paper 58 stored in the tray 50 has started to be transported along the transport path B from the discharge position S to the insertion standby position Y. The completion of paper feeding is a signal indicating that the second paper 58 is positioned at the insertion standby position Y (see also FIGS. 2 and 6).

  The detection unit 70D receives detection results from the sensors 90C to 90G provided in the paper insertion device 36.

  Next, a conveyance process sequence executed by the sheet conveyance system 1 will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence illustrating an example of a conveyance process executed in the paper conveyance system 1. FIG. 8 is a sequence showing a case where three sheets of the second sheet 58, the first sheet 56, and the second sheet 58 are successively conveyed.

  First, the sheet conveying apparatus 10 transmits the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 to the sheet inserting apparatus 36 (SEQ1). The paper insertion device 36 that has received the paper attribute of the second paper 58 transmits the received paper attribute to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ2). The post-processing device 34 that has received the paper attribute of the second paper 58 transmits the received paper attribute of the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ3).

  Each of the sheet insertion device 36, the post-processing device 34, and the post-processing device 32 that has received the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 calculates the inter-sheet information of the first information of the second sheet 58.

  Next, the post-processing device 32 transmits the calculated inter-sheet information of the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ4). The post-processing device 34 that has received the paper gap information from the post-processing device 32 includes the paper gap information of the second paper 58 calculated by the post-processing device 34 and the paper gap information of the second paper 58 received from the post-processing device 32. The longer one is transmitted to the paper insertion device 36 (SEQ5).

  The paper insertion device 36 that has received the paper gap information of the second paper 58 from the post-processing device 34 and the paper gap information of the second paper 58 calculated by the paper insertion device 36 and the second paper 58 received from the post-processing device 34. The longer one of the sheet interval information is transmitted to the sheet conveying apparatus 10 as the sheet interval information which is the first time of the second sheet 58 (SEQ6).

  Next, the paper transport device 10 outputs a paper feed request to the paper insertion device 36 (SEQ7). The paper insertion device 36 that has received the paper feed request calculates an insertion preparation time (second time).

  In addition, the paper transport device 10 outputs a paper feed request to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ8). The post-processing device 34 transmits a paper feed request to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ9).

  Next, the paper insertion device 36 transmits the calculated insertion preparation time (second time) to the paper conveyance device 10 (SEQ10). The sheet conveying apparatus 10 that has received the insertion preparation time, which is the longer one of the sheet interval information that is the first time of the second sheet 58 and the insertion preparation time (second time) that has been received in SEQ10, is received in SEQ6. The time is set as the second interval and is set as the insertion interval for inserting the second paper 58 (SEQ11). Next, the paper insertion device 36 transmits the start of feeding the second paper 58 to the paper transport device 10 (SEQ12).

  Next, the sheet conveying apparatus 10 transmits the sheet attribute of the first sheet 56 to the sheet inserting apparatus 36 (SEQ13). The paper insertion device 36 that has received the paper attribute of the first paper 56 transmits the received paper attribute to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ14). The post-processing device 34 that has received the paper attribute of the first paper 56 transmits the received paper attribute of the first paper 56 to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ15).

  Each of the paper insertion device 36, the post-processing device 34, and the post-processing device 32 that has received the paper attribute of the first paper 56 calculates the inter-sheet information of the first paper 56.

  Next, the post-processing device 32 transmits the calculated inter-sheet information of the first paper 56 to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ16). The post-processing device 34 that has received the paper gap information from the post-processing device 32 includes the paper gap information of the first paper 56 calculated by the post-processing device 34 and the paper gap information of the first paper 56 received from the post-processing device 32. The longer one is transmitted to the paper insertion device 36 (SEQ17).

  The paper insertion device 36 that has received the paper gap information from the post-processing device 34 includes the paper gap information of the first paper 56 calculated by the paper insertion device 36 and the paper gap information of the first paper 56 received from the post-processing device 34. The longer one is transmitted to the sheet conveying apparatus 10 (SEQ18).

  Next, the paper insertion device 36 transmits the completion of feeding the second paper 58 to the paper transport device 10 (SEQ19).

  Next, the sheet conveying apparatus 10 transmits the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 to the sheet inserting apparatus 36 (SEQ20). The paper insertion device 36 that has received the paper attribute of the second paper 58 transmits the received paper attribute to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ21). The post-processing device 34 that has received the paper attribute of the second paper 58 transmits the received paper attribute of the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ22).

  Each of the sheet insertion device 36, the post-processing device 34, and the post-processing device 32 that has received the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 calculates the sheet interval information of the second sheet 58.

  Next, the post-processing device 32 transmits the calculated inter-sheet information of the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ23). The post-processing device 34 that has received the paper gap information from the post-processing device 32 includes the paper gap information of the second paper 58 calculated by the post-processing device 34 and the paper gap information of the second paper 58 received from the post-processing device 32. The longer one is transmitted to the paper insertion device 36 (SEQ24).

  The paper insertion device 36 that has received the paper gap information of the second paper 58 from the post-processing device 34 and the paper gap information of the second paper 58 calculated by the paper insertion device 36 and the second paper 58 received from the post-processing device 34. The longer one of the sheet interval information is transmitted to the sheet conveying apparatus 10 as the sheet interval information which is the first time of the second sheet 58 (SEQ25).

  Next, the paper transport device 10 outputs a paper feed request to the paper insertion device 36 (SEQ26). The paper insertion device 36 that has received the paper feed request calculates an insertion preparation time (second time) based on the paper attributes of the second paper 58 received immediately before, the transport conditions of the paper insertion device 36, and the like. Further, the paper insertion device 36 calculates the third time based on the paper attribute of the second paper 58 received immediately before, the transport condition of the paper insertion device 36, and the like.

  In addition, the paper transport device 10 outputs a paper feed request to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ27). The post-processing device 34 transmits a paper feed request to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ28).

  Next, the paper insertion device 36 transmits the calculated third time to the paper transport device 10 (SEQ29). Further, the paper insertion device 36 transmits the calculated insertion preparation time (second time) to the paper transport device 10 (SEQ30).

  The setting unit 66B of the sheet conveying apparatus 10 sets an insertion interval from the third time received in SEQ29, the second time received in SEQ30, and the first time received in SEQ25 (SEQ31). That is, as described above, the setting unit 66B sets the longer time of the insertion preparation time (second time) received in SEQ30 and the first time of the second paper 58 received in SEQ25 to the second interval. Set as. Then, when the total interval between the second interval and the first interval at which the sheet conveying device 10 conveys the first sheet 56 is equal to or more than the third time received in SEQ29, the setting unit 66B The second interval is set as an insertion interval for inserting the second paper 58. On the other hand, when the total interval between the second interval and the first interval at which the sheet conveying device 10 conveys the first sheet 56 is less than the third time, the setting unit 66B determines the third time. And the difference between the total interval and the second interval are set as the insertion interval.

  Next, the paper insertion device 36 transmits the start of feeding the second paper 58 to the paper transport device 10 (SEQ32).

  Next, the sheet conveying apparatus 10 transmits a request for inserting the second sheet 58 to the sheet inserting apparatus 36 (SEQ33). The paper insertion device 36 that has received the insertion request transmits the insertion request to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ34). The paper insertion device 34 that has received the insertion request transmits the insertion request to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ35).

  Next, when the paper insertion device 36 detects that the second paper 58 has been transported to the insertion standby position Y, the paper insertion device 36 transmits a paper feed completion to the paper transport device 10 (SEQ36).

  Next, the paper insertion device 36 executes an insertion process in which the second paper 58 positioned at the insertion standby position Y is conveyed toward the merge position P (SEQ37). Then, the insertion start is transmitted from the paper insertion device 36 to the paper transport device 10 (SEQ38).

  Next, the sheet insertion device 36 transmits the discharge ON and discharge OFF of the first second sheet 58 to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ39, SEQ40). Then, the post-processing device 34 transmits paper discharge ON / discharge OFF of the first second paper 58 to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ41, SEQ42).

  Next, at the timing when the first paper 56 reaches the paper discharge surface R and is discharged to the paper insertion device 36, the paper transport device 10 transmits a paper discharge ON of the first paper 56 to the paper insertion device 36, Further, the discharge of the first paper 56 is transmitted to the paper insertion device 36 (SEQ43, SEQ44). The timing at which the first sheet 56 reaches the sheet discharge surface R can be determined by a detection signal of the sensor 90B.

  Next, the sheet transport apparatus 10 issues an insertion request indicating an instruction to insert the second sheet 58 at the timing when the pseudo transport sheet M of the second sheet 58 reaches the sheet discharge surface R and is discharged to the sheet insertion device 36. The data is transmitted to the paper insertion device 36 (SEQ45). The timing at which the pseudo transport paper M reaches the paper discharge surface R and is discharged to the paper insertion device 36 is detected by the sensor 90B immediately before the rear end portion in the transport direction of the first paper 56 reaches the paper discharge surface R. Then, the timing may be set with the insertion interval set above.

  The paper insertion device 36 that has received the insertion request transmits an insertion request for the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ46). Then, the post-processing device 34 transmits a request to insert the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ47).

  Next, the paper insertion device 36 transmits the discharge ON and discharge OFF of the first paper 56 to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ48, SEQ49). The post-processing device 34 transmits the discharge ON and discharge OFF of the first paper 56 to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ50, SEQ51).

  On the other hand, the sheet insertion device 36 that has received the insertion request for the second sheet 58 executes the insertion process of transporting the second sheet 58 positioned at the insertion standby position Y toward the merge position P (SEQ52). . Then, the insertion start of the second paper 58 is transmitted to the paper transport device 10 (SEQ53).

  Next, the sheet insertion device 36 transmits the discharge ON and discharge OFF of the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 34 (SEQ54, SEQ55). Next, the post-processing device 34 transmits the discharge ON / OFF of the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 32 (SEQ56, SEQ57).

  When the sheet conveyance system 1 further repeats the sheet conveyance of the second sheet 58, the first sheet 56, and the second sheet 58 in this order, the process returns to SEQ13, and the processes of SEQ13 to SEQ57 are repeated.

  Next, a conveyance process executed by the paper conveyance device 10 will be described.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a conveyance process executed by the sheet conveyance device 10. FIG. 9 shows a case where three sheets of the second sheet 58, the first sheet 56, and the second sheet 58 are successively conveyed in the same manner as FIG.

  First, the transmission unit 66C transmits the paper attribute of the second paper 58 to the paper insertion device 36 (step S100). The paper attributes of the second paper 58 may be stored in advance in a memory (not shown) and read. Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the sheet interval information that is the first time of the second sheet 58 from the sheet insertion device 36 (step S102).

  Next, the transmission unit 66C transmits a paper feed request for the second paper 58 to the paper insertion device 36 (step S104). Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the insertion preparation time (second time) from the paper insertion device 36 (step S106).

  Next, the longer one of the insertion preparation time (second time) received by the setting unit 66B in step S106 and the inter-sheet information that is the first time of the second paper 58 received in step S102. The time is set as an insertion interval for inserting the second paper 58 (step S108).

  Next, the conveyance control unit 67 adjusts the conveyance interval so as to convey the first paper 56 with the insertion interval set in step S108 further separated from the first interval (step S109). Accordingly, the conveyance control unit 67 adjusts the dummy conveyance timing, which is the conveyance timing of the pseudo conveyance sheet M of the second sheet 58.

  Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the start of feeding the second paper 58 from the paper insertion device 36 (step S110). Next, the transmission unit 66C of the system control unit 66 transmits the sheet attribute of the first sheet 56 to the sheet insertion device 36 (step S112). The sheet attributes of the first sheet 56 may be stored in advance in a memory (not shown) and read. Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the sheet interval information of the first sheet 56 from the sheet inserting device 36 (step S114).

  In the sheet conveyance device 10 that has received the sheet gap information of the first sheet 56, the conveyance control unit 67 is arranged after the pseudo conveyance sheet M with a first interval corresponding to the received sheet gap information of the first sheet 56. The conveyance unit 42 is controlled to start conveyance of one sheet 56, and the conveyance timing is adjusted (step S115). Thereby, the conveyance of the first paper 56 is started.

  Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the completion of feeding of the second paper 58 transported first from the paper insertion device 36 (step S116). Next, the transmission unit 66C transmits the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 to be conveyed next to the sheet insertion device 36 (step S118). The paper attributes of the second paper 58 may be stored in advance in a memory (not shown) and read. Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the sheet interval information that is the first time of the second sheet 58 from the sheet inserting device 36 (step S120).

  Next, the transmission unit 66C transmits a paper feed request for the second paper 58 to the paper insertion device 36 (step S122). Next, the receiving unit 66A receives a third time (also referred to as inserter paper interval information) from the paper insertion device 36 (step S124). Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the insertion preparation time (second time) from the paper insertion device 36 (step S126).

  Next, the setting unit 66B sets an insertion interval (step S128). Specifically, the setting unit 66B has the longer one of the insertion preparation time (second time) received in step S126 and the paper interval information that is the first time of the second paper 58 received in step S120. Is set as the second interval. Then, when the total interval between the second interval and the first interval is equal to or longer than the third time received in step S124, the setting unit 66B inserts the second sheet 58 at the second interval. Set as the insertion interval. On the other hand, when the total interval is less than the third time received in step S124, the setting unit 66B sets the sum of the difference between the third time and the total interval and the second interval. Set as insertion interval.

  Next, the transport control unit 67 controls the transport unit 42 so as to transport the first paper 56 with the insertion interval set in step S128 further separated from the first interval (step S129). Accordingly, the conveyance control unit 67 adjusts the dummy conveyance timing, which is the conveyance timing of the pseudo conveyance sheet M.

  Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the start of feeding of the second paper 58 from the paper insertion device 36 (step S130).

  Next, the system control unit 66 determines whether or not the pseudo transport sheet M (second sheet 58) has reached the sheet discharge surface R (step S132), and until a positive determination is made (step S132: Yes), negative The determination is repeated (step S132: No).

  If an affirmative decision is made in step S132 (step S132: Yes), the process proceeds to step S134. In step S134, the transmission unit 66C transmits an insertion request for the second paper 58 to the paper insertion device 36 (step S134). Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the completion of feeding of the second paper 58 from the paper insertion device 36 (step S136). Next, the receiving unit 66A receives the insertion start of the second paper 58 transported first from the paper insertion device 36 (step S138).

  Next, the system control unit 66 determines whether or not the first sheet 56 has reached the sheet discharge surface R (step S140), and repeats the negative determination until an affirmative determination is made (step S140: Yes) (step S140). : No). In step S140, the system control unit 66 makes a determination in step S140 by determining whether the detection unit 66D has received a detection result indicating detection of the first paper 56 from the sensor 90B.

  If an affirmative decision is made in step S140 (step S140: Yes), the process proceeds to step S142. In step S142, the transmission unit 66C transmits discharge ON and discharge OFF of the first paper 56 to the paper insertion device 36 (step S142).

  Next, the system control unit 66 determines whether or not the pseudo conveyance sheet M of the second sheet 58 has reached the insertion request transmission position U (step S144), and until a positive determination is made (step S144: Yes), negative The determination is repeated (step S144: No).

  The determination in step S144 may be made by determining whether or not the insertion interval set in step S128 has elapsed after the sensor 90B detects the most downstream end in the transport direction of the first sheet 56. . If an affirmative decision is made in step S144 (step S144: Yes), the process proceeds to step S146. In step S146, the transmission unit 66C transmits a request to insert the second paper 58 to the paper insertion device 36 (step S146).

  Then, when the receiving unit 66A receives the insertion start of the second paper 58 from the paper insertion device 36 (step S148), the process proceeds to step S150. In step S150, the system control unit 66 determines whether or not the conveyance is finished, and if a negative determination is made (step S150: No), the process returns to step S112. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made (step S150: Yes), this routine is terminated. The determination in step S150 is, for example, determining whether or not the first sheet 56 has been removed from the tray 40 of the sheet transport apparatus 10 or whether or not the second sheet 58 has been removed from the tray 50 of the sheet insertion apparatus 36. To do. The presence or absence of paper in each tray (tray 40, tray 50) of these first paper 56 and second paper 58 is provided with sensors for detecting the paper in these trays, and signals from these sensors are discriminated. That's all you need to do.

  Next, a conveyance process executed by the paper insertion device 36 will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a conveyance process executed by the paper insertion device 36. FIG. 10 shows a case where the paper transport system 1 transports the second paper 58, the first paper 56, and the second paper 58 successively in the same manner as in FIG.

  First, the receiving unit 70B receives the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 from the sheet conveying apparatus 10 (step S200). When the receiving unit 70B receives the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58, the calculating unit 70C calculates the sheet interval information of the second sheet 58 (step S202). Next, the transmitting unit 70A transmits the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 to the post-processing device 34 (step S204).

  Next, when the receiving unit 70B receives the inter-sheet information of the second paper 58 from the post-processing device 34 (step S206), the transmitting unit 70A uses the paper of the second paper 58 calculated by the calculating unit 70C in step S202. The longer one of the interval information and the interval information received in step S206 is transmitted to the sheet conveying apparatus 10 as interval information that is the first time of the second sheet 58 (step S208).

  Next, the receiving unit 70B receives a paper feed request for the second paper 58 from the paper transport device 10 (step S210). Next, the transmitting unit 70A transmits the received paper feed request for the second paper 58 to the post-processing device 34 (step S212).

  Next, the calculation unit 70C calculates the insertion preparation time (second time) (step S214). Then, the transmitter 70A transmits the calculated insertion preparation time to the paper transport apparatus 10 (step S216). Then, the transmitting unit 70A transmits the start of feeding the second paper 58 to the paper transport apparatus 10 (step S218).

  When the paper feed start is transmitted in step S218, the conveyance control unit 74 controls the conveyance unit 62 to transfer the second paper 58 stored in the tray 50 from the discharge position S to the insertion standby position Y along the conveyance path B. The transport process for transporting toward the start is started (that is, paper feed is started) (step S220).

  Then, the calculation unit 70C calculates the third time (inserter paper interval information) required when the second paper 58 is inserted next by the paper insertion device 36 with the first second paper 58 as a reference. Then, timing is started (step 222).

  Next, the receiving unit 70B receives the sheet attribute of the first sheet 56 from the sheet conveying apparatus 10 (step S226). When the receiving unit 70B receives the sheet attribute of the first sheet 56, the calculating unit 70C calculates the inter-sheet information of the first sheet 56 (step S228).

  Next, the transmitting unit 70A transmits the sheet attribute of the first sheet 56 received in step S226 to the post-processing device 34 (step S230).

  Next, the receiving unit 70B receives the sheet interval information of the first sheet 56 from the post-processing device 34 (step S232). Then, the transmitting unit 70A uses the longer sheet interval information of the sheet interval information of the first sheet 56 calculated by the calculation unit 70C in step S228 and the sheet interval information received in step S232 as the sheet transfer. It transmits to the apparatus 10 (step S234).

  Next, the transmission unit 70A transmits the completion of feeding the second paper 58 to the paper transport apparatus 10 (step S236).

  Next, the receiving unit 70B receives the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 to be conveyed (inserted) next from the sheet conveying apparatus 10 (step S238). When the receiving unit 70B receives the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58, the calculating unit 70C calculates the sheet interval information of the second sheet 58 (step S240). Next, the transmitting unit 70A transmits the sheet attribute of the second sheet 58 to the post-processing device 34 (step S242).

  Next, when the receiving unit 70B receives the inter-sheet information of the second paper 58 from the post-processing device 34 (step S244), the transmitting unit 70A uses the paper of the second paper 58 calculated by the calculating unit 70C in step S240. The longer one of the interval information and the interval information received in step S244 is transmitted to the sheet conveying apparatus 10 as interval information that is the first time of the second sheet 58 (step S246).

  Next, the receiving unit 70B receives a paper feed request for the second paper 58 from the paper transport apparatus 10 (step S248). When the paper feed request is received, the transport control unit 74 controls the transport unit 62 to move the second paper 58 stored in the tray 50 from the discharge position S to the insertion standby position Y along the transport path B. The conveyance process to convey is started.

  Next, the calculating unit 70C calculates a third time (inserter sheet interval information) based on the second sheet 58 inserted (conveyed) first (step S250). Then, the calculated third time is transmitted to the sheet conveying apparatus 10 (step S252).

  Next, the calculation unit 70C calculates the insertion preparation time (second time) (step S254). Then, the transmitter 70A transmits the calculated insertion preparation time to the paper transport apparatus 10 (step S256). Then, the transmitting unit 70A transmits the start of feeding the second paper 58 to the paper transport apparatus 10 (step S260).

  Next, the receiving unit 70B receives the insertion request for the second paper 58 (step S262). When the insertion request is received, the transmission unit 70A transmits the insertion request to the post-processing device 34. In addition, the transmission unit 70A transmits completion of paper feeding to the paper transport apparatus 10.

  Next, the calculation unit 70C determines the fourth time when the second paper 58 at the insertion standby position Y is joined to the joining position P after the fourth time has elapsed from the reception timing of the insertion request (Step S). S264).

  Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 6, the calculation unit 70 </ b> C performs an insertion waiting time (time T <b> 5), which is a conveyance time from the insertion request transmission position U to the paper discharge surface R, from the paper reception surface Q to the merge position P. A value obtained by adding the transport time (time T4) of the pseudo transport paper M (second paper 58) up to and subtracting the transport time (time T3) of the second paper 58 from the insertion standby position Y to the merge position P. (Time T5 + Time T4−Time T3) is determined as the fourth time.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the calculation unit 70 </ b> C calculates a conveyance time (time T <b> 4) for conveying the pseudo conveyance sheet M (second sheet 58) from the sheet receiving surface Q to the merge position P and an insertion request transmission position U. From the total value of the transport time (time T5) of the pseudo transport paper M (second paper 58) to the paper discharge surface R, the transport time (time T3) from the insertion standby position Y of the second paper 58 to the merge position P. ) May be determined as the fourth time (time T4 + time T5−time T3).

  Next, the conveyance control unit 74 starts the insertion of the second paper 58 by controlling the conveyance unit 62 so as to start the insertion process (step S266). In step S266, in detail, the conveyance control unit 74 joins the second paper 58 at the insertion standby position Y after the fourth time determined in step S264 has elapsed from the reception timing of the insertion request in step S262. The insertion process for joining the position P is started.

  The second sheet 58 is inserted by the process of step S266.

  Next, the transmitting unit 70A transmits the insertion start of the second sheet 58 to the sheet conveying apparatus 10 (step S268). Next, the detection unit 70D determines whether or not the first second sheet 58 has reached the sheet discharge surface W (step S270). The determination in step S270 is performed by determining whether a detection signal for the second sheet 58 is received from the sensor 90G.

  In step S270, a negative determination is repeated until an affirmative determination (step S270: Yes) (step S270: No). If an affirmative determination is made, the process proceeds to step S272.

  In step S272, discharge ON and discharge OFF of the second paper 58 are transmitted to the post-processing device 34 (step S272). Next, the receiving unit 70B receives an insertion request for the next second sheet 58 (step S274). The transmitting unit 70A transmits the received insertion request to the post-processing device 34. Next, the calculation unit 70C determines the fourth time when the second paper 58 at the insertion standby position Y is merged to the merge position P after the fourth time has elapsed from the reception timing of the insertion request. Then, the insertion of the second paper 58 is started (step S276).

  The fourth time determination method is the same as that in step S264. In step S276, more specifically, after the fourth time determined in step S276 has elapsed from the reception timing of the insertion request in step S274, the transport control unit 74 receives the second paper 58 in the insertion standby position Y. Is started to be merged into the merge position P.

  By the processing in step S276, the second paper 58 is inserted after the first paper 56 transported from the paper transport apparatus 10.

  Next, the system control unit 70 determines whether or not the first paper 56 has reached the paper discharge surface W (step S280). The determination in step S280 is performed by determining whether a detection signal for the first sheet 56 is received from the sensor 90G.

  In step S280, negative determination is repeated (step S280: No) until an affirmative determination is made (step S280: Yes). If an affirmative determination is made in step S280, the operation proceeds to step S282. In step S282, the paper discharge ON and paper discharge OFF of the first paper 56 are transmitted to the post-processing device 34 (step S282).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the second paper 58 inserted in step S276 has reached the paper discharge surface W (step S284). The determination in step S284 is performed by determining whether a detection signal for the second sheet 58 is received from the sensor 90G.

  In step S284, negative determination is repeated (step S284: No) until an affirmative determination is made (step S284: Yes). If an affirmative determination is made in step S284, the operation proceeds to step S286.

  In step S286, the paper discharge ON and paper discharge OFF of the second paper 58 are transmitted to the post-processing device 34 (step S286). Next, the system control unit 70 determines whether or not the conveyance is finished, and when a negative determination is made (step S288: No), the process returns to step S226. On the other hand, if an affirmative determination is made (step S288: Yes), this routine ends. Note that the determination in step S288 is, for example, determining whether or not the first sheet 56 has been removed from the tray 40 of the sheet conveying apparatus 10 or whether or not the second sheet 58 has been removed from the tray 50 of the sheet inserting apparatus 36. To do. The presence or absence of paper in each tray (tray 40, tray 50) of these first paper 56 and second paper 58 is provided with sensors for detecting the paper in these trays, and signals from these sensors are discriminated. That's all you need to do.

  As described above, according to the paper transport system 1 of the present embodiment, the paper transport device 10 receives the paper interval information that is the first time of the second paper 58 from the post-processing device 30 and the insertion preparation time (first time). 2 hours) and a third time indicating a conveyance interval when the second paper 58 is continuously conveyed are received from the paper insertion device 36. The setting unit 66B of the paper transport apparatus 10 sets a long time as the second interval among the first time and the second time, and the total interval between the second interval and the first interval is the third time. In the case above, the second interval is set as an insertion interval for inserting the second paper 58, and when the total interval is less than the third time, the third time and the total An added value of the difference from the interval and the second interval is set as the insertion interval.

  Then, the transport control unit 67 of the paper transport apparatus 10 controls the transport unit 42 so that the first paper 56 is transported by further separating the set insertion interval from the first interval. As a result, the sheet conveying apparatus 10 conveys the first sheet 56 at the insertion position of the second sheet 58 with the insertion interval further spaced apart from the first interval.

  As described above, in the paper transport device 10, the first paper 56 is placed at the insertion position of the second paper 58 with an interval according to the first time, the second time, and the third time received from the paper insertion device 36. Transport. For this reason, in the paper transport system 1, even if the configuration of the paper insertion device 36 changes, it is not necessary to change the program of the paper transport device 10.

  In particular, the first paper 56 is transported at an interval on the paper transport device 10 side in consideration of the transport interval between the second paper 58 and the second paper 58 in the paper insert device 36. Even if the configuration is changed, it is possible to cope.

  For this reason, in the paper conveyance system 1 of this Embodiment, the paper conveyance system 1 which has versatility can be provided.

  Further, in the paper transport system 1 of the present embodiment, the paper insertion device 36 inserts the second paper 58 at a timing instructed by the paper transport device 10. For this reason, the second paper 58 inserted by the paper insertion device 36 overlaps the first paper 56 transported from the paper transport device 10 depending on the processing capability such as the transport speed of the paper transport device 10 or the second paper 58. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of a phenomenon such as a variation in the distance from the first sheet 56.

  In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 6, the insertion preparation time (second time) is the transport time of the second paper 58 from the discharge position S of the tray 50 storing the second paper 58 to the joining position P (FIG. 6). 6 shows time T1). The insertion preparation time is the transport time (see time T8 in FIG. 6) from the position of the pseudo transport sheet M that next passes through the photoreceptor 38A (the end on the upstream side in the transport direction) to the sheet discharge surface R. Equivalent to.

  Further, the paper insertion device 36 joins the second paper 58 at the insertion standby position Y to the merge position P after the fourth time has elapsed since the insertion request was received from the paper transport device 10.

  Then, in the paper insertion device 36, as shown in FIG. 6, during the insertion waiting time (time T <b> 5) that is the conveyance time from the insertion request transmission position U to the paper discharge surface R, the paper insertion surface Q to the merge position P A value obtained by adding the conveyance time (time T4) of the pseudo conveyance sheet M (second sheet 58) and further subtracting the conveyance time (time T3) of the second sheet 58 from the insertion standby position Y to the joining position P. T5 + time T4−time T3) is determined as the fourth time.

  In the paper insertion device 36, as shown in FIG. 6, the conveyance time (time T4) for conveying the pseudo conveyance paper M (second paper 58) from the paper receiving surface Q to the merge position P, and the insertion request transmission position U From the total value of the conveyance time (time T5) of the pseudo conveyance sheet M (second sheet 58) from the sheet to the sheet discharge surface R, the conveyance time (time) from the insertion standby position Y of the second sheet 58 to the merge position P A subtraction value (time T4 + time T5−time T3) obtained by subtracting T3) may be determined as the fourth time.

  As described above, the sheet inserting device 36 of the sheet conveying system 1 according to the present embodiment considers the conveying path length from the sheet receiving surface Q to the merging position P and the conveying path length from the insertion standby position Y to the merging position P. Then, the sheet insertion operation of the second sheet 58 is started. For this reason, in the paper conveyance apparatus 10, it is not necessary to consider these conveyance path lengths. Therefore, it is not necessary to change the program for executing the conveyance process according to the configuration of the paper insertion device 36. For this reason, the paper conveyance system 1 which has versatility can be provided.

  Further, the sheet insertion information which is the first time of the second sheet 58 required on the sheet inserting device 36 side is calculated on the sheet inserting device 36 side and transmitted to the sheet conveying device 10. For this reason, the paper transport apparatus 10 does not need to calculate the paper interval information that is the first time of the second paper 58 based on the paper attribute of the second paper 58 inserted by the paper insertion device 36, and The longer one of the first time and the insertion preparation time may be set as the insertion interval. For this reason, it is possible to simplify the sheet interval control of the sheet conveying apparatus 10.

  When the first paper 56 is transported after the second paper 58, the second paper 58 is transported from the tray 50 to the transport path B before reaching the insertion standby position Y. The next transport operation of the first paper 56 can be started. For this reason, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the productivity of the conveyance process accompanying the paper insertion.

  Note that a sheet conveyance program for executing the conveyance process, which is executed in the sheet conveyance system 1 of the present embodiment, is provided by being incorporated in advance in a ROM or the like. The paper transport program executed by the paper transport system 1 of the present embodiment is a file in an installable format or an executable format, and is a CD-ROM, flexible disk (FD), CD-R, DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). For example, the program may be recorded on a computer-readable recording medium.

  Further, the sheet conveying program executed in the sheet conveying system 1 of the present embodiment may be provided by being stored on a computer connected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via the network. . In addition, a paper conveyance program executed by the paper conveyance system 1 of the present embodiment may be provided or distributed via a network such as the Internet.

  The sheet conveyance program executed by the sheet conveyance system 1 according to the present embodiment has a module configuration including the above-described units. As actual hardware, a CPU (processor) reads the program from the ROM and executes it. As a result, the above-described units are loaded onto the main storage device and generated on the main storage device.

  In addition, although embodiment of this invention was described, embodiment is shown as an example and is not intending limiting the range of invention. The present embodiment can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, replacements, and changes can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are included in the invention described in the claims and the equivalents thereof.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Paper conveyance system 10 Paper conveyance apparatus 30 Post-processing apparatus 36 Paper insertion apparatus 42 Conveyance part 50 Tray 56 1st paper 58 2nd paper 62 Conveyance part 66 System control part 66A Reception part 66B Setting part 66C Transmission part 66D Detection part 67 Conveyance Control unit 70 System control unit 70A Transmission unit 70B Reception unit 70C Calculation unit 70D Detection unit 74 Conveyance control unit

JP 2008-127170 A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2005-070078

Claims (6)

A sheet conveying apparatus that sequentially conveys a plurality of first recording media, and a sheet that is provided downstream of the sheet conveying apparatus in the conveying direction of the first recording medium, and in which a second recording medium is inserted between the first recording media An insertion device;
A paper transport system comprising:
The paper insertion device is
When the second recording medium is received from the storage unit storing the second recording medium for a first time indicating an accepting interval when it is assumed that the second recording medium is pseudo-continuously received from the paper transport device. A second time indicating a difference between a transport time for transporting the recording medium to the joining position to be inserted between the first recording media and a transport time from the paper receiving surface to the joining position in the paper insertion device, and the second recording First transmission means for transmitting a third time indicating a conveyance interval when the medium is continuously conveyed to the sheet conveying device;
Have
The paper conveying device is
First conveying means for conveying the first recording medium at a first interval;
First receiving means for receiving the first time, the second time, and the third time;
When a long time is set as the second interval among the first time and the second time, and the total interval of the second interval and the first interval is equal to or more than the third time, the first time 2 intervals are set as insertion intervals for inserting the second recording medium, and when the total interval is less than the third time, the difference between the third time and the total interval, Setting means for setting an addition value of two intervals as the insertion interval;
And a first conveyance control unit configured to control the first conveyance unit so as to convey the first recording medium at a further interval between the insertion intervals. The paper conveying device is
When a pseudo paper position as a position spaced from the end of the first recording medium downstream in the transport direction to the downstream side in the transport direction reaches the discharge surface of the first recording medium in the paper transport device And further comprising a second transmission means for transmitting an instruction to insert the second recording medium to the paper insertion device.
The paper transport system according to claim 1. The paper insertion device is
Second transport means for transporting the second recording medium from the storage section to the joining position;
Third conveying means for conveying the first recording medium from the receiving surface of the first recording medium of the paper insertion device to the joining position;
Second receiving means for receiving the insertion instruction;
After a predetermined fourth time has elapsed after receiving the insertion instruction, the second recording medium is transported from the insertion standby position upstream in the transport direction of the second recording medium from the joining position to the joining position. Second transport control means for controlling the second transport means;
Further comprising a,
The insertion instruction includes a time from when the insertion instruction is transmitted until the pseudo paper position reaches the discharge surface as a fifth time,
The fourth time includes a total value of the first transport time and the fifth time for transporting the second recording medium from the receiving surface to the joining position, and the second recording medium from the insertion standby position to the joining position. It is the difference between the second transport time for transporting to the position ,
The paper transport system according to claim 2. The paper insertion device is
Further comprising, a sheet transfer system according to any one of claims 1 to 3 calculating means for calculating the first hour based on the attribute information of the second recording medium. A sheet conveying apparatus including a first conveying unit that sequentially conveys a plurality of first recording media at a first interval; and the first recording medium provided downstream of the sheet conveying apparatus in the conveying direction of the first recording medium. A paper conveyance program for causing a computer that controls a paper insertion device to insert a second recording medium during
When the second recording medium is received from the storage unit storing the second recording medium for a first time indicating an accepting interval when it is assumed that the second recording medium is pseudo-continuously received from the paper transport device. A second time indicating a difference between a transport time for transporting the recording medium to the joining position to be inserted between the first recording media and a transport time from the paper receiving surface to the joining position in the paper insertion device, and the second recording A first reception step of receiving, from the paper insertion device, a third time indicating a conveyance interval when the medium is continuously conveyed;
When a long time is set as the second interval among the first time and the second time, and the total interval of the second interval and the first interval is equal to or more than the third time, the first time 2 intervals are set as insertion intervals for inserting the second recording medium, and when the total interval is less than the third time, the difference between the third time and the total interval, A setting step of setting an addition value of two intervals as the insertion interval;
A first transport control step for controlling the first transport means for transporting the first recording medium at a first interval so as to transport the first recording medium further apart from the insertion interval;
A paper transport program that includes A sheet conveying apparatus including a first conveying unit that sequentially conveys a plurality of first recording media at a first interval; and the first recording medium provided downstream of the sheet conveying apparatus in the conveying direction of the first recording medium. A paper conveyance method executed by a paper insertion device for inserting a second recording medium between
When the second recording medium is received from the storage unit storing the second recording medium for a first time indicating an accepting interval when it is assumed that the second recording medium is pseudo-continuously received from the paper transport device. A second time indicating a difference between a transport time for transporting the recording medium to the joining position to be inserted between the first recording media and a transport time from the paper receiving surface to the joining position in the paper insertion device, and the second recording A first reception step of receiving, from the paper insertion device, a third time indicating a conveyance interval when the medium is continuously conveyed;
When a long time is set as the second interval among the first time and the second time, and the total interval of the second interval and the first interval is equal to or more than the third time, the first time 2 intervals are set as insertion intervals for inserting the second recording medium, and when the total interval is less than the third time, the difference between the third time and the total interval, A setting step of setting an addition value of two intervals as the insertion interval;
A first transport control step for controlling the first transport means for transporting the first recording medium at a first interval so as to transport the first recording medium further apart from the insertion interval;
Conveying method including:

Images