JP6701717B2 - Stapler, post-processing device and image forming system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a stapler that binds sheets with staples, a post-processing apparatus including the stapler, and an image forming system including the post-processing apparatus.

  An image forming system including an image forming apparatus is known that includes a post-processing device having a function of folding printed sheets and binding them with a needle. The post-processing device that binds with a staple after printing has a built-in electric stapler.

  When the staples of the electric stapler are exhausted, the post-processing device performs blank ejection without the staples or shuts down the system. When the user replaces the refill in the cartridge or replaces the cartridge, the electric stapler is refilled with new staples, and the electric stapler operates normally again.

  As a mechanism for idle driving and system stop in the absence of staples of the electric stapler, for example, a staple cartridge (for example, see Patent Document 1) that outputs a signal indicating that the staple cartridge has disappeared from inside the stapler, or from inside the cartridge A mechanism (for example, see Patent Documents 2 and 3) for detecting the loss of the needle is known.

JP, 2013-523501, A JP, 2003-53679, A JP, 2006-26805, A

  However, in the above-mentioned Patent Documents 1 to 3, the user is not notified until the needle disappears from the cartridge. Therefore, unless the user notices that the needles are lost and replenishes the needles, the device stops and cannot be restarted.

  Therefore, the present invention solves these problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a stapler that can notify the user before the staples are exhausted, a post-processing apparatus including the stapler, and an image forming system including the post-processing apparatus. And

A stapler according to the present invention for solving the above-mentioned problems is as follows.
The needle cartridge that stores the needle, the ejection unit that ejects the needle, the ejection position detection unit that detects that the needle is in the ejection unit, and the remaining amount of the needle in the needle cartridge is reduced to a predetermined number, and the first remaining amount of the needle and notification criteria value detecting unit for detecting that became the remaining amount notifying the reference value is, Harizan of the needle cartridge decreases than the first Harizanryou, the less than the first Harizanryou Harizan A stop reference value detection unit that detects that the device stop reference value, which is the second remaining amount of the remaining needles by the amount, is detected.

  In the present invention, the notification reference value detection unit detects that the number of remaining needles in the needle cartridge has decreased to a predetermined number and has reached the remaining amount notification reference value that is the first remaining amount of needles.

A post-processing apparatus according to the present invention is a post-processing apparatus connected to an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and outputs the image. The post-processing apparatus includes a needle cartridge for accommodating a needle, an ejecting unit for ejecting the needle, and an ejector for ejecting the needle. Position detection unit that detects that the needle is in the same position, and a notification reference value detection that detects that the remaining amount of needles in the needle cartridge has decreased to a predetermined number and has reached the remaining amount notification reference value that is the first remaining amount of needles. Section and the remaining amount of needles in the needle cartridge is less than the first remaining amount of needles, and the second remaining amount of needles remains with the remaining remaining amount of needles less than the first remaining amount of the needle, which is the device stop reference value. A stapler having a stop reference value detection unit for detecting the fact is provided.

The image forming system according to the present invention is an image forming system including an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and outputs the image, and a post-processing apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and performs a post-processing on the sheet. Of the forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, the post-processing apparatus has a control unit that controls at least the image forming apparatus, and the post-processing apparatus includes a needle cartridge that stores the needle, an ejection unit that ejects the needle, and a remaining amount of the needle in the needle cartridge. Has decreased to a predetermined number and has reached the remaining amount notification reference value that is the first remaining amount of the needle, and the notification reference value detection unit, and the remaining amount of the needle in the needle cartridge is less than the first remaining amount of the needle, A stapler having a stop reference value detection unit that detects that the second staple remaining amount is the second staple remaining amount and the device stop reference value is less than the first staple remaining amount, and a notification reference value is provided. When the detection unit detects that the remaining amount notification reference value has been reached, it outputs a notification reference value detection signal and sends it to the control unit. When the control unit receives the notification reference value detection signal, the control unit detects the notification reference value detection signal based on the notification reference value detection signal. And outputting an instruction signal to determine whether to continue the work in progress or to switch to a work in which the number of needles used is smaller, and at least one of the two is performed.

  According to the present invention, the notification reference value detection unit notifies the user that the needle remaining amount in the needle cartridge has decreased to a predetermined number and has reached the remaining amount notification reference value that is the first needle remaining amount.

  Preferably, the control unit may output a notification signal as the instruction signal and transmit the notification signal to the notification unit of the image forming apparatus.

  Preferably, the control unit may output an ordering signal as an instruction signal to order a needle cartridge to a needle ordering destination via a network.

  Preferably, when the control unit receives the notification reference value detection signal, the control unit compares the needle remaining amount in the needle cartridge with the needle amount necessary for the remaining work based on the notification reference value detection signal, and the needle remaining amount indicates the needle remaining amount. If it is smaller than the amount, the control unit may switch the work to a work that requires a smaller amount of needles than the remaining amount of needles.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to notify the user that the remaining amount of needles has decreased to the remaining amount notification reference value before the needles run out.

1 is a schematic plan view showing a configuration example of an image forming system 100 according to the present invention. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image forming system 100. FIG. It is a top view which shows the structural example of the stapler 1 which concerns on this invention. It is a top view showing the example of composition of stapler 1A of a modification of stapler 1.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of a stapler, a post-processing apparatus, and an image forming system of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

<Example of Configuration of Image Forming System According to this Embodiment>
An example of the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 according to the present embodiment includes an image forming apparatus 10A that performs image forming processing on a sheet A, and a post-processing apparatus 10B that performs post-processing on the sheet A received from the image forming apparatus 10A. Equipped with. The post-processing apparatus 10B has at least a function of collecting and sorting the sheets of paper A on which image formation processing has been performed, and a function of binding the sheets of paper A with staples 2 called staples. The post-processing device 10B may have a function of folding the sheet A, a punch function of punching the sheet A, and a trimmer function of trimming the edges of the sheet A.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus 10A includes an image forming unit 61 that performs an image forming process, an operation unit 62 that allows a user to input settings such as work information, and a display unit 63 that displays information. A part of the control unit is configured as an example of a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus 10A, and a communication control unit 66 that transmits and receives information to and from the image forming system 100, an indicator lamp 64, a buzzer 65 that emits a warning sound. And a main control unit 6 that operates. Although not shown, the image forming unit 61 also includes a conveyance unit that conveys the sheet A. The main control unit 6 is connected to the image forming unit 61, the operation unit 62, the display unit 63, the indicator light 64, the buzzer 65, and the communication control unit 66, and transmits and receives various signals.

  In the present embodiment, the display unit 63, the indicator light 64, and the buzzer 65 represent an example of notification means for notifying the user of information, but the present invention is not limited to these. For example, the operation unit 62 and the display unit 63 may be an operation panel integrally formed. The display lamp 64 may have a configuration in which the screen of the display unit 63 lights up, or may have a configuration in which a member different from the display unit 63 lights up.

  The post-processing device 10B has a door that opens and closes. The post-processing apparatus 10B is a controller as an example of the stapler 1 according to the present invention, a moving unit 56 that moves the stapler 1, a safety detection unit 57 of the post-processing apparatus 10B, and a control unit that controls the post-processing apparatus 10B. A sub-control unit 5 that constitutes a part of the above, and a conveyance unit (not shown) for the sheet A The post-processing apparatus 10B may include a plurality of staplers 1, or may include one or more staplers different from the stapler 1.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the stapler 1 is a sheet-like connecting needle that is connected by an adhesive or a tape in a state where the individual needles are juxtaposed, and the connecting needle is further laminated. A needle cartridge 3 for accommodating the needle 2 and a hammering portion 4 for bending and hammering the needle 2. The stapler 1 is a movable stapler that moves from an initial position in the post-processing apparatus 10B by a moving unit 56 shown in FIG. The stapler 1 moves to a position where the desired portion of the paper A is bound with the staple 2, or to the position where the staple cartridge 3 is replaced by the user. The stapler 1 returns to the initial position and performs alignment every time the staple 2 is bound for a predetermined number of times.

  The stapler 1 can pull out the staple cartridge 3 from the post-processing device 10B. By replacing the staple cartridge 3 by the user, the stapler 1 can be replenished with new staples.

  The stapler 1 includes a cut portion (not shown) that cuts a part of the staple leg of the staple 2, and a cut staple storage part 2a that stores a cut staple, which is a part of the staple leg of the staple 2 cut by the cut part. . The cutting unit changes the length by which the staple legs of the stapler are cut according to the number of sheets A per book. The sheet 2 is stapled by the stapler 2 whose staple legs are cut off by the cutting unit. For example, when the number of sheets of paper A per book is small, the cutting needle is cut long, and when the number of sheets of paper A per book is large, the cutting needle is cut short. By changing the cutting length of the cutting needle according to the number of sheets of paper A per book, the excess staple legs remaining on the sheet of paper A will not overlap, so that the part where the needle 2 of the booklet is bound can be finished neatly. it can.

  The cut needle storage unit 2a may be provided in the post-processing device 10B. The cut needle storage portion 2a may be arranged near the door of the post-processing device 10B so that the user can easily remove the cut needle. In that case, it is preferable that the stapler 1 is provided with a cut-needle temporary storage unit, and when the cut-needle is stored in the cut-needle temporary storage unit, the stapler 1 moves to the arrangement position of the cut-needle storage unit 2a to cut the cut-needle. It is preferable to open the inside of the storage portion 2a.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the stapler 1 has a notification reference value for detecting that the amount of the staples 2 in the staple cartridge 3 has decreased and the staple remaining amount has reached the first staple residual amount which is the residual amount notification reference value. The detector 51 is provided. The remaining amount notification reference value is a remaining amount threshold value of the staple 2 that notifies that the staple 2 is bound and the number of staples 2 has decreased to a predetermined number. The remaining amount notification reference value is set in advance from the maximum number of sheets A that the image forming system 100 can process in one job, and the staple amount required to bind the maximum number of sheets A.

  The needle remaining amount when the notification reference value detection unit 51 outputs the notification reference value detection signal S51 can be set to an arbitrary threshold value by the user inputting the operation unit 62. The remaining amount notification reference value may be greater than or equal to the maximum needle amount used for the maximum number of operations that can be input by the user with the operation unit 62 among the needle amounts used for the operations of the image forming system 100. The number of sheets of paper A that can be loaded on the tray is the maximum number of sheets, the number of booklets, and the staple amount that is equal to or greater than the required staple amount value calculated from the number of binding positions of the staples 2 in the booklet.

  In the stapler 1, the amount of the staples 2 in the staple cartridge 3 is smaller than the first staple remaining amount which is the residual amount notification reference value, and the staple residual amount stops the image forming system 100. A stop reference value detection unit 52 that detects that the device stop reference value, which is a small second needle remaining amount, is reached may be provided. The apparatus stop reference value is a remaining amount threshold value of the needle 2 that notifies that the number of the needle 2 that has stopped the image forming system 100 has decreased. The apparatus stop reference value is set in advance from the number of sheets A that can be conveyed at a time in the image forming system 100 and the maximum staple amount that may be used when binding the number of sheets A. The device stop reference value is set so that the remaining amount of the needle 2 is smaller than the remaining amount notification reference value. By setting the apparatus stop reference value, it is possible to prevent the sheet A from staying in the image forming system 100 even if the needle 2 is lost and the image forming system 100 stops. The finished sheet A can be discharged after completing the post-processing.

  For example, it is detected that the remaining amount of staples in the staple cartridge 3 has reached the device stop reference value during execution of a job in which the sheet A is subjected to image forming processing by the image forming device 10A and discharged from the post-processing device 10B. Then, the job is continued until the step of completing the sheet A positioned in the sheet conveying path of the image forming apparatus 10A and the post-processing apparatus 10B into a booklet, and then the image forming apparatus 10A and the post-processing are performed. The device 10B is adapted to stop.

  The stapler 1 includes an ejection position detector 53 that detects that the staple 2 in the staple cartridge 3 is in the ejection unit 4, an initial position detector 54 that detects that the stapler 1 is in the initial position, A cut needle full detection unit 55 that detects that the cut needle is full in the cut needle storage unit 2a may be provided.

  The sub control unit 5 is connected to the notification reference value detection unit 51. The sub controller 5 may be connected to the stop reference value detector 52, the launch position detector 53, the initial position detector 54, and the cut needle full detector 55. The sub-control unit 5 receives the detection signal output by each detection unit. The sub control unit 5 is also connected to the moving unit 56 and the safety detection unit 57.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a stapler 1A may be used as a modification of the stapler 1. The difference between the stapler 1 and the stapler 1A is that the stapler 1 has a plurality of sheet-like connecting needles stacked on the needle 2, whereas the stapler 1A has a long sheet-like connecting needle connecting the needle 2A. The point is that it is wound in a roll. The stapler 1A includes a staple cartridge 3B for accommodating the staples 2A and a punching section 4B for bending and punching the staples 2A.

  Like the stapler 1, the stapler 1A is a movable stapler that moves from an initial position in the post-processing apparatus 10B by a moving unit 56 shown in FIG. Like the stapler 1, the stapler 1A can pull out the staple cartridge 3B from the post-processing device 10B. The user can replenish a new needle by exchanging the needle cartridge 3B. Like the stapler 1, the stapler 1A includes a cut portion (not shown) that cuts a part of the staple leg of the staple 2A, and a cut needle storage portion 2a that stores the cut staple cut by the cut portion.

  In the present embodiment, the stapler 1 and the stapler 1A are movable staplers that move from the initial position by the moving unit 56, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a stapler fixed at a predetermined position may be used. Good.

  Although the staple 2 of the stapler 1 is housed in the staple cartridge 3 in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. A refill for accommodating the needle 2 may be attached in the needle cartridge 3 and the needle may be replaced by replacing the refill.

<Configuration Example and Operation Example of Control System of Image Forming System 100>
An example of the configuration and operation of the control system of the image forming system 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main controller 6 instructs each operation of the image forming apparatus 10A. Further, the main control unit 6 instructs the sub control unit 5 to instruct each operation of the post-processing device 10B.

  The image forming unit 61 converts image data such as color (BK, C, M, Y) and density into an image data signal S60. The image forming unit 61 sends the image data signal S60 to the main control unit 6. The main controller 6 performs image processing based on the received image data signal S60 and converts it into an image forming signal S61. The main control unit 6 sends the image forming signal S61 to the image forming unit 61. The image forming unit 61 performs an image forming process on the sheet A based on the image forming signal S61.

  The operation unit 62 converts the setting data D62 input by the user into an operation signal S62 and sends the operation signal S62 to the main control unit 6. Examples of the setting data D62 include the type of work, the size of the paper A to be image-processed, the number of sheets per book, the number of booklets, the position to be bound with the needle 2, the number of places to be bound with the needle 2, and the like. The main control unit 6 transmits the operation signal S62 to each unit in the image forming apparatus 10A and the sub control unit 5 to set the image processing operation and the post-processing operation. The main control unit 6 registers and stores the setting data D62 and the history of work performed in a memory (not shown).

  The main control unit 6 sends to the display unit 63 a display signal S63 as an example of an instruction signal and a notification signal based on the setting data D62 set by the user on the operation unit 62. The display unit 63 converts the display signal S63 into display data D63 and displays it.

  Of the setting data D62 input by the user through the operation unit 62, the main control unit 6 sets the number of booklets for which image forming processing and post-processing are to be performed, the number of sheets per book, the number of places to be bound with the needle 2 per book, and the like. From this, the number of stitches with the needle 2 may be calculated in the work. The main control unit 6 may display the calculated number of times and the remaining amount of needles on the display unit 63 as display data D63 as to whether or not the work can be performed. The user can see this display and determine whether or not to execute the work. The main control unit 6 may display the calculated binding count on the display unit 63 as the display data D63. If the number of stitches by the needle 2 is displayed on the display unit 63, the user can estimate the approximate completion time of the stitching operation by seeing the information.

  Of the setting data D62 input by the user through the operation unit 62, the main control unit 6 sets the number of booklets for which image forming processing and post-processing are performed, the number of sheets per book, and the number of places where the staple 2 is bound per book. From this, the time required for the image forming process and the post-process may be calculated. The main control unit 6 may display the calculated time on the display unit 63 as the display data D63. Further, the time required for the remaining work or the work completion time may be displayed according to the progress of the work. The user can know when the booklet is completed by looking at the work time and the work completion time displayed on the display unit 63, so that the work can be performed efficiently.

  When an error occurs, the main control unit 6 sends a display signal S63 to the display unit 63 to notify the user that an error has occurred. For example, when the user sets the operation of using the needle 2 a lot on the operation unit 62, a warning message such as "the stapler needle may run out" may be displayed.

  When an error occurs, the main control unit 6 sends a lighting signal S64 for turning on the indicator lamp 64 to the indicator lamp 64, lights the indicator lamp 64, or sends a warning sound signal S65 for emitting a warning sound to the buzzer 65, The buzzer 65 may be sounded. The lighting signal S64 and the warning sound signal S65 are also examples of the instruction signal and the notification signal, like the display signal S63. By turning on the indicator light 64 or sounding the buzzer 65, it is possible to give a warning to a user who is far from the image forming system 100. Depending on the content of the error and the urgency, either the indicator light 64 or the buzzer 65 may notify the user, or both the indicator light 64 and the buzzer 65 may notify the user. Further, the color of the indicator lamp 64 to be lit may be changed according to the error content, the blinking pattern of the indicator lamp 64 may be changed, or the sound pattern of the buzzer 65 may be changed according to the error content.

  Upon receiving an instruction from the main control unit 6, the sub control unit 5 operates the moving unit 56 and each detection unit in the post-processing device 10B. The sub control unit 5 receives each signal from the moving unit 56 and each detection unit in the post-processing device 10B, and sends each signal to the main control unit 6.

  When the notification reference value detection unit 51 detects that the remaining amount of the needle 2 in the needle cartridge 3 has reached the remaining amount notification reference value, it outputs a notification reference value detection signal S51. The notification reference value detection unit 51 sends the output notification reference value detection signal S51 to the sub-control unit 5. The sub-control unit 5 sends the notification reference value detection signal S51 received from the notification reference value detection unit 51 to the main control unit 6.

  When the main control unit 6 receives the notification reference value detection signal S51, the main control unit 6 converts the notification reference value detection signal S51 into a display signal S63 and transmits the display signal S63 to the display unit 63. When the display unit 63 receives the display signal S63, the display unit 63 notifies the user that the remaining amount of staples is low. For example, the main control unit 6 may cause the display unit 63 to display a warning message such as "The stapler has a small amount of staples remaining", or may display the amount of staples remaining. When displaying this warning text on the display unit 63, the main control unit 6 may turn on the indicator light 64 or may sound the buzzer 65.

  The notification reference value detection unit 51 may provide a plurality of thresholds for detecting the remaining amount of the needle, and the notification method or the notification content by the display unit 63, the indicator light 64, and the buzzer 65 may be changed according to the thresholds. For example, the notification method may be changed by changing the content displayed on the display unit 63 at each stage, changing the lighting or blinking pattern of the indicator light 64, changing the sound of the buzzer 65, or the like.

  Specifically, when two thresholds are provided and the remaining needle amount is detected when the remaining number of needles is 1000 and 1500, when the remaining number of needles is 1500, the main control unit 6 The main control unit 6 may sound the buzzer 65 in addition to these notifications when the display by the display unit 63 and the lighting of the indicator lamp 64 are instructed and the number of remaining needles reaches 1000.

  When the image forming system 100 automatically places a purchase order for the replacement needle 2 at the ordering center which is an external order destination, when the main control unit 6 receives the notification reference value detection signal S51, the main control unit 6 receives the notification reference value detection signal S51. Based on the notification reference value detection signal S51, an order signal S66 which is an example of an order signal and an order signal for ordering a new needle cartridge 3 for replacement in which the needle 2 is loaded is output. The main control unit 6 sends the ordering signal S66 to the communication control unit 66, so that the communication control unit 66 sends the needle 2 to the ordering center, which is an external order destination, via the network based on the ordering signal S66. A new needle cartridge 3 loaded with is automatically ordered. Since the user can replace the needle with a new needle cartridge 3 with a large number of remaining needles before the needle runs out, it is possible to prevent the system from being stopped due to the exhaustion of the needle. After receiving the notification reference value detection signal S51, the main control unit 6 causes the display unit 63 to notify the user that the remaining number of staples is low and automatically orders the staples 2. Good. If the needle cartridge 3 is provided with a refill for accommodating the needle 2 and the needle can be replaced by exchanging the refill, instead of automatically ordering a new needle cartridge 3, a new refill cartridge is used. May be automatically ordered.

  When the ordering of the needle 2 is completed normally, the ordering center sends an ordering completion signal S67A to the communication control unit 66. The communication control unit 66 sends the received order completion signal S67A to the main control unit 6. When the main control unit 6 receives the order completion signal S67A, it sends a display signal S63 to the display unit 63 to display that the order is completed.

  When the order is not normally completed, the order center sends the order error signal S67B to the communication control unit 66. The communication control unit 66 sends the received ordering error signal S67B to the main control unit 6. When the main control unit 6 receives the ordering error signal S67B, it sends a display signal S63 to the display unit 63 to display that the ordering was not completed normally. At this time, the main control unit 6 may send a lighting signal S64 to the display lamp 64 to light the display lamp 64, or may send a warning sound signal S65 to the buzzer 65 to sound a warning sound.

  Even after the notification reference value detection unit 51 outputs the notification reference value detection signal S51, the user can set the number of executions that can be bound by the needle 2 before the communication control unit 66 automatically places an order at the ordering center. Good. In addition, after the notification reference value detection unit 51 outputs the notification reference value detection signal S51, the number of executions that can be bound by the needle 2 is determined by the user until the notification is given to the user by the display unit 63, the indicator light 64 or the buzzer 65. May be set. If the remaining amount of needles at the time of detecting the remaining amount of needles and the remaining amount of needles at the time of ordering the needles can be separately set, the user can easily manage the inventory of the needles 2.

  When the user places an order for the needle 2, the communication control unit 66 may be omitted, and in that case, the main control unit 6 displays the display signal S63 on the display unit 63 in order to display a message prompting the user to place an order for the needle 2. To send. At this time, the main control unit 6 may send a lighting signal S64 to the display lamp 64 to light the display lamp 64, or may send a warning sound signal S65 to the buzzer 65 to sound a warning sound.

  From the time when the notification reference value detection unit 51 detects the remaining amount of staples, the main control unit 6 may always count the number of operations for binding with the staples 2 and calculate the approximate amount of staples or the residual amount of staples. From the time when the remaining amount is detected, the calculated needle remaining amount or the approximate value of the needle remaining amount may be constantly displayed on the display unit 63. The main control unit 6 may calculate an approximate time until the needle runs out from the remaining amount of needles and the registered work setting data D62, and display the work end time on the display unit 63.

  However, when the image forming system 100 is shut down or when the staple cartridge 3 of the stapler 1 is pulled out, the user may replace the staple, so the main control unit 6 sets the calculated staple remaining amount. Reset. The main control unit 6 displays the display of the remaining amount of needles or the work end time displayed on the display unit 63, which indicates that the remaining amount of needles is low or that the needles may run out during work. Switch to and display.

  When the staple control unit 6 receives the notification reference value detection signal S51 when the staple remaining amount in the staple cartridge 3 has decreased to the residual amount notification reference value, the stapler 1 becomes lighter than when the staple remaining amount is large. There is. At this time, the main control unit 6 may cause the moving unit 56 to operate the stapler 1 faster. By increasing the moving speed of the stapler 1 when the weight of the stapler 1 is lighter than when the weight of the stapler 1 is heavy, the productivity of the image forming system 100 can be improved without increasing the energy consumed by the movement of the stapler 1. it can.

  When the main control unit 6 receives the notification reference value detection signal S51, the main control unit 6 sends the display signal S63 to the display unit 63, so that when the user replaces the needle 2, the main needle of the cut needle storage unit 2a. It is also possible to display a message prompting to remove the cutting needle. By performing the replacement of the needle 2 and the removal of the cut needle at the same time, it is possible to reduce the time in which the image forming system 100 is stopped due to the user repeatedly opening and closing the post-processing device 10B.

  When the user inputs a plurality of works using the operation unit 62, the main control unit 6 causes the works to be performed in the order of input. However, the order of work may be changed depending on the judgment of the main control unit 6. For example, when the notification reference value detection unit 51 outputs the notification reference value detection signal S51, when the stop reference value detection unit 52 outputs the stop reference value detection signal S52, or when the cut needle full detection unit 55 detects the cut needle full detection. This is the case where the signal S55 is output. When the main control unit 6 receives these detection signals, the main control unit 6 determines whether to continue the work in progress, interrupt the work, or switch the work.

  For example, when the main control unit 6 receives the notification reference value detection signal S51 during the operation of binding with the needle 2, the main control unit 6 determines the remaining amount of needles in the needle cartridge 3 based on the notification reference value detection signal S51. And the number of stitches required to complete the remaining work of binding with the staple 2 may be compared. When there is a possibility that the work is interrupted in the middle because the amount of needle used in the latest work to be bound by the needle 2 is larger than the remaining amount of the needle, the main control unit 6 skips the latest work to be bound in the needle 2 and Prioritize the following work that can be executed within the remaining amount. The main control unit 6 sends a display signal S63 to the display unit 63 to display "The needle may run out during the work. Do you want to change the job?" and let the user select the work change. May be.

  As an example of switching the order of the work, the use of the needle 2 such as switching from the work of binding two places with the needle 2 to the work of binding one place or switching from the work of binding one place with the needle 2 to the work not binding with the needle 2 is performed. It is preferable to switch to a work in which the number is small. The post-processing work can be continued without stopping by switching the order of the work so that the work that can be completed by grasping the remaining amount of staples and the number of stitches required until the work is completed is given priority. Therefore, even when the number of needles required to complete the work is larger than the remaining amount of the needles, the time until the needle cartridge 3 is replaced can be effectively used and the work can be performed efficiently by switching the order of the work. it can.

  After receiving the notification reference value detection signal S51, the main control unit 6 causes the display unit 63 to notify the user that the remaining number of staples is low and determines whether to switch the work order. May be. Further, the main control unit 6 may make the communication control unit 66 automatically order the needle cartridge 3 and the refill and determine whether to switch the order of the work.

  When the stapler 1 includes the stop reference value detection unit 52, when the stop reference value detection unit 52 detects that the remaining amount of the staples 2 in the staple cartridge 3 has reached the device stop reference value, the stop reference value detection signal S52. Is output and a stop reference value detection signal S52 is sent to the sub-control unit 5. Upon receiving the stop reference value detection signal S52, the sub control unit 5 sends the stop reference value detection signal S52 to the main control unit 6. When the main control unit 6 receives the stop reference value detection signal S52, at that time, only the sheet A being conveyed in the image forming system 100 is bound by the staple 2, and when the binding is completed, the image forming operation of the sheet A and Stop processing is performed to stop the post-processing work.

  At this time, the main control unit 6 does not stop the operations of the display unit 63, the indicator light 64, the buzzer 65 and the like. The main control unit 6 sends a display signal S63 to the display unit 63 to notify the user that the needle 2 in the needle cartridge 3 should be replaced. The main control unit 6 may send a lighting signal S64 to the indicator lamp 64 for lighting, or may send a warning sound signal S65 to the buzzer 65 to sound. Note that the main control unit 6 may be set to stop the image forming work and the post-processing work of the sheet A when the stop reference value detection signal S52 is received.

  When the stapler 1 includes the ejection position detection unit 53, the ejection position detection unit 53 includes the leading needle 2 of the sheet-shaped connecting needles connected by an adhesive or a tape in a state where the individual needles are arranged in parallel. Detects that it is in the launching unit 4. That is, the hitting position detection unit 53 detects that the needle 2 to be hit next is correctly set at the hitting position. When the launch position detection unit 53 detects, the launch position detection unit 53 outputs a launch detection signal S53 and sends the launch detection signal S53 to the sub-control unit 5. The sub control unit 5 sends the launch detection signal S53 to the main control unit 6. The main controller 6 performs the work of binding the paper A with the staple 2 while receiving the launch detection signal S53, but when the launch detection signal S53 is not received, the launching operation is performed without the staple 2. The work of binding with the needle 2 is stopped so as not to perform idle driving that would otherwise occur.

  When the stapler 1 includes the initial position detection unit 54, when the initial position detection unit 54 detects that the stapler 1 is at the initial position, the initial position detection signal S54 is output and the sub-control unit 5 receives the initial position detection signal. Send S54. The sub control unit 5 sends the received initial position detection signal S54 to the main control unit 6.

  The main control unit 6 determines whether or not to cut the staple legs of the staple 2 to be stapled, based on the number of sheets of paper A per book in the setting data D62 input by the user through the operation unit 62. The cut needle cut by the cut portion is stored in the cut needle storage portion 2a.

  When the stapler 1 is provided with the cut staple full detection unit 55, the cut staple full detection unit 55 outputs the cut staple full detection signal S55 when it detects that the cut staple is full in the cut staple storage unit 2a. Then, the cut needle full detection signal S55 is sent to the sub control unit 5. Upon receiving the cut needle full detection signal S55, the sub control unit 5 notifies the main control unit 6. Upon receiving the cut staple full detection signal S55, the main control unit 6 determines whether the post-processing of the remaining booklets can be completed. Even if the main control unit 6 receives the cut needle full detection signal S55, if the user inputs a work that does not include the operation of cutting the staple leg, the main control unit 6 instructs to perform the work with priority. To do. When the user inputs only the work including the operation of cutting off the staple legs, the main control unit 6 stops the entire work when receiving the cut needle full detection signal S55.

  The moving unit 56 confirms the position of the stapler 1 and sends a position signal S56 to the sub control unit 5. The sub control unit 5 sends the position signal S56 to the main control unit 6. The main controller 6 determines the movement operation and the stop operation of the stapler 1, and sends the movement instruction signal S56A to the movement unit 56.

  The safety detection unit 57 detects whether or not the user can safely use the image forming system 100. For example, when the door of the post-processing device 10B is open, the safety detection unit 57 outputs the safety detection signal S57 and sends the safety detection signal S57 to the sub control unit 5. The sub control unit 5 sends the received safety detection signal S57 to the main control unit 6. When receiving the safety detection signal S57, the main control unit 6 stops the image forming work and the post-processing work for the sheet A. Even if the safety detector 57 operates, the main controller 6 does not stop the operations of the display 63, the indicator light 64, the buzzer 65, and the like.

  When the main control unit 6 recognizes that the safety detection signal S57 of the post-processing device 10B is output, the user removes the cut needle from the cut-needle storage unit 2a and discards the post-processing device 10B to the outside. A display prompting the user to display is displayed on the display unit 63. Even when the safety detection is effective, the signal of each detection unit which is ON is kept ON and the detection state is maintained.

  In the present embodiment, since the stapler 1 is provided with the notification reference value detection unit 51, the user can more quickly confirm that the number of remaining staples 2 is small before the staples 2 are removed from the staple cartridge 3. Can be recognized. Further, since the stapler 1 is provided with the notification reference value detection unit 51, the image forming work and the post-processing work registered in the image forming system 100 can be completed without stopping halfway. Note that the stop reference value detection unit 52, the launch position detection unit 53, the initial position detection unit 54, and the cut needle full detection unit 55 may be omitted from the respective detection units.

  The main control unit 6 may always display the remaining amount of the staples 2 in the staple cartridge 3 of the stapler 1 on the display unit 63. With such a stapler 1, the user can always grasp the remaining amount of the staple 2.

  The present invention is extremely suitable when applied to a stapler included in a post-processing device of an image forming apparatus, a post-processing device including the stapler, and an image forming system including the post-processing device.

1, 1A stapler 2, 2A needle 3, 3B needle cartridge 4 ejection unit 5 sub-control unit 6 main control unit 10A image forming apparatus 10B post-processing device 51 notification reference value detection unit 52 stop reference value detection unit 53 ejection position detection unit 54 Initial position detection part 55 Cut needle full detection part 56 Moving part 57 Safety detection part 100 Image forming system

Claims (4)

A needle cartridge that stores the needle,
An embossing section for embossing the needle,
A driving position detecting unit that detects that the needle is present in the driving unit,
A notification reference value detection unit that detects that the remaining amount of needles in the needle cartridge has decreased to a predetermined number and has reached the remaining amount notification reference value that is the first remaining amount of needles;
The needle remaining amount in the needle cartridge is less than the first needle remaining amount, and the device stop reference value is the second needle remaining amount in which the needle remains with a needle remaining amount less than the first needle remaining amount . A stapler, comprising: a stop reference value detection unit that detects that. A post-processing device connected to an image forming device for forming an image on a sheet and outputting the image,
A needle cartridge that stores the needle,
An embossing section for embossing the needle,
A driving position detecting unit that detects that the needle is present in the driving unit,
A notification reference value detection unit that detects that the remaining amount of needles in the needle cartridge has decreased to a predetermined number and has reached the remaining amount notification reference value that is the first remaining amount of needles;
The needle remaining amount in the needle cartridge is less than the first needle remaining amount, and the device stop reference value is the second needle remaining amount in which the needle remains with a needle remaining amount less than the first needle remaining amount . A post-processing apparatus comprising: a stapler having a stop reference value detection unit for detecting that. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and outputs the image,
An image forming system including a post-processing device connected to the image forming device to perform post-processing on the sheet,
Of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, at least a control unit that controls the image forming apparatus,
The post-processing device,
A needle cartridge that stores the needle,
An embossing section for embossing the needle,
A notification reference value detection unit that detects that the remaining amount of needles in the needle cartridge has decreased to a predetermined number and has reached the remaining amount notification reference value that is the first remaining amount of needles;
The needle remaining amount in the needle cartridge is less than the first needle remaining amount, and the device stop reference value is the second needle remaining amount in which the needle remains with a needle remaining amount less than the first needle remaining amount. A stop reference value detection unit for detecting that
The notification reference value detection unit,
When detecting that the remaining amount notification reference value has been reached, a notification reference value detection signal is output and sent to the control unit,
The control unit is
When the notification reference value detection signal is received, an instruction signal is output based on the notification reference value detection signal, and it is determined whether to continue the work in progress or to switch to a work in which the number of needles used is smaller. An image forming system characterized by performing at least one of: Before Symbol stop reference value detection unit,
When it detects that the device stop reference value has been reached, a stop reference value detection signal is output and sent to the control unit,
The control unit is
When the stop reference value detection signal is received, it is possible to perform the stop processing of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus after binding the sheets conveyed in the image forming apparatus based on the stop reference value detection signal. The image forming system according to claim 3, which is characterized in that.

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