JP7338249B2 - Post-processing device, post-processing control method and post-processing control program - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus, a post-processing control method, and a post-processing control program, and more particularly, to a post-processing apparatus for performing post-processing on a recording medium on which an image is formed, and a post-processing control method and post-processing performed by the post-processing apparatus. The present invention relates to a post-processing control program that causes a computer to execute a post-processing control method.

2. Description of the Related Art A post-processing apparatus is known that executes post-processing of stapling sheets on which an image has been formed by an image forming apparatus such as an MFP (Multi Function Peripheral). For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-143154 discloses a first sheet stacking unit for stacking sheets on which images are formed by an image forming apparatus, and a second sheet stack for stacking sheets manually inserted from the outside. a sheet stacking portion, a first position for binding the sheets placed on the first sheet stacking portion, and a staple for driving the sheets placed on the second sheet stacking portion. A post-processing device is described that includes a second position of and a stapling unit movably disposed in the .

In the post-processing device disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-143154, the stapling unit is moved to the first position before staples are driven into the sheet bundle on which images are formed by the image forming device. . In order to staple the sheet bundle manually inserted in this state, it is necessary to move the stapling unit from the first position to the second position. However, while the stapling unit is moving from the first position to the second position, the stapling unit interferes with the sheet stack placed on the first sheet stacking portion. cannot be moved to As a result, there is a problem that staples cannot be stapled into a manually inserted sheet bundle while the image forming apparatus is executing a process of stapling a sheet bundle on which images have been formed.

JP 2015-143154 A

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and one of the objects of the present invention is to provide a post-processing apparatus capable of post-processing a second bundle while aligning a first bundle. That is.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing control method capable of post-processing a second bundle while aligning the first bundle.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing control program capable of post-processing a second bundle while aligning the first bundle.

In order to achieve the above-described object, according to one aspect of the present invention, a post-processing apparatus includes a stacking tray on which first recording media received from an image forming apparatus are stacked, and a plurality of sheets stacked on the stacking tray. Aligning means for aligning a first bundle of first recording media; an insertion opening into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted; a post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing on the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position by the aligning means at the position, and performing post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion port at the second position on the moving path; , control means for controlling the aligning means and the post-processing unit , and transport means for transporting the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the stacking tray, the post-processing unit being positioned at the first position in the movement path. and a second position, the control means causing the post-processing unit to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between Before moving the interference area, the alignment means is controlled to move the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position from the interference area to a retracted position where it does not interfere with the post-processing unit , and then the post-processing unit is moved. , while the aligning means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position, the first recording medium is not conveyed to the stacking tray.

According to this aspect, the post-processing unit is moved after moving the first bundle to the retracted position before the post-processing unit moves through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. Therefore, the post-processing unit can be prevented from interfering with the first bundle in the interference area. As a result, it is possible to provide a post-processing device capable of post-processing the second bundle while aligning the first bundle.
In addition, since the first recording medium is not conveyed to the stacking tray while the first bundle is moved between the retracted position and the post-processing position, the plurality of first recording media of the first bundle are maintained aligned. can do.
According to another aspect of the present invention, the post-processing device includes a stacking tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is stacked, and a first bundle of the plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray. an insertion opening into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted; a post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing on the first bundle aligned to the above and post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion port at the second position on the moving path; aligning means and the post-processing unit control means for controlling, the post-processing unit being configured to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position in the travel path; The control means controls the alignment means to post-process the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position from the interference area before the post-processing unit moves through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. After the post-processing unit is moved to a retracted position where it does not interfere with the unit, the post-processing unit is located on the opposite side of the interference area to the first position and the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position. When moving the unit to the first position, the post-processing unit is moved to the first position after the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position is moved to the retracted position by controlling the aligning means.
According to this aspect, the post-processing unit can be moved from the second position to the first position while maintaining the aligned state of the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media.

Preferably, the control means moves the post-processing unit to the second position with the post-processing unit at the first position and the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. Move the first bundle to the retracted position.

According to this aspect, the post-processing unit can be moved from the first position to the second position while maintaining the aligned state of the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises detecting means for detecting an instruction to post-process the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot, wherein the control means detects the instruction by the detecting means while the post-processing unit is at the first position. moving the post-processing unit from the first position to the second position in response to the

According to this aspect, the post-processing unit moves from the first position to the first position in response to detection of an instruction to post-process the second bundle that has been inserted into the insertion slot while the post-processing unit is at the first position. 2 position. Therefore, the second bundle can be post-processed at an arbitrary timing while the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media is being aligned.

Preferably, the alignment means includes a locking plate having a surface parallel to the alignment direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first recording medium, and a pair of alignment plates that move in the alignment direction, and the control means comprises the first A pair of alignment plates are moved in the same direction to move the bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position.

According to this aspect, since the pair of alignment plates are moved in the same direction to move the first bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position, the plurality of first recording media of the first bundle are aligned. can be moved to the retracted position.

Preferably, the aligning means aligns the first recording medium transported by the transport means at the retracted position while the first bundle is moved to the retracted position.

According to this aspect, the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media can be aligned on the stacking tray even when the second bundle of the plurality of second recording media to be inserted into the insertion port is post-processed. . Also, image formation by the image forming apparatus can be continued.

Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a conveying unit that conveys the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the stacking tray, and the aligning unit conveys the first recording medium by the conveying unit in a state in which the first stack is moved to the retracted position. 1 Align the recording medium at the retracted position.

According to this aspect, the first bundle of the plurality of first recording media can be aligned on the stacking tray even when the second bundle of the plurality of first recording media to be inserted into the insertion port is post-processed. . Also, image formation by the image forming apparatus can be continued.

Preferably, the conveying means adjusts the interval for conveying the first recording medium based on the time for the aligning means to align the first bundle at the retracted position.

According to this aspect, the interval at which the first recording medium is conveyed is adjusted based on the time it takes for the first bundle to be aligned at the retracted position. 1. It is possible to prevent the recording medium from reaching the stacking tray. As a result, the aligned state of the plurality of first recording media of the first bundle can be maintained.

Preferably, the control means moves the first bundle from the retracted position to the post-processing position after moving the post-processing unit from the second position to the first position for an increased time as the interval for conveying the first recording medium increases. the post-processing unit is moved from the second position to the first position in response to completion of the post-processing at the second position by the post-processing unit, if the post-processing unit is greater than the time until the post-processing unit is moved to the second position.

According to this aspect, after the post-processing unit is moved from the second position to the first position, the first bundle is transported from the retracted position to the post-processing position for an increased time as the interval for conveying the first recording medium becomes longer. If the post-processing unit completes post-processing at the second position, the post-processing unit is moved from the second position to the first position if the post-processing unit completes the post-processing at the second position. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time until the first bundle is loaded on the stacking tray.

Preferably, the conveying means does not convey the first recording medium to the stacking tray while the aligning means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position.

According to this aspect, since the first recording medium is not conveyed to the stacking tray while the first bundle is moved between the retracted position and the post-processing position, the plurality of first recording media of the first bundle are aligned. state can be maintained.

Preferably, the control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position in response to completion of image formation by the image forming apparatus.

According to this aspect, the post-processing unit is moved to the first position in response to completion of image formation by the image forming apparatus, so post-processing can be performed on the first bundle as quickly as possible.

Preferably, the control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position in response to the post-processing unit completing the post-processing at the second position.

According to this aspect, since the post-processing unit is moved to the first position in response to the post-processing unit completing the post-processing at the second position, priority is given to the post-processing for the first bundle at the first position. can be done.

Preferably, the alignment means is aligned to the post-processing position by a locking plate having a surface parallel to the alignment direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first recording medium, a pair of alignment plates that move in the alignment direction, and the alignment means. discharging means for moving the first bundle in the conveying direction, and for moving the first bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position by a predetermined amount in a direction parallel to the conveying direction. move.

According to this aspect, the first bundle is moved by a predetermined amount in the direction parallel to the conveying direction in order to move the first bundle between the post-processing position and the retracted position. 1 recording medium can be moved to the retracted position while being aligned.

Preferably, the post-processing is a process of driving staples into the first bundle or the second bundle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing control method is a post-processing control method executed by a post-processing device, wherein the post-processing device is loaded with the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus. an aligning means for aligning a first stack of a plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray; an insertion opening into which a second stack of the plurality of second recording media is inserted; and performs post-processing on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at the first position on the movement path, and the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot at the second position on the movement path. A post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing on two bundles, and a transport means for transporting the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to a stacking tray, wherein the post-processing unit is positioned at a first position in the movement path. and a second position, the post-processing unit moving through the interference region with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position a retracting step of controlling the aligning means to move the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position from the interference area to a retracted position where the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position does not interfere with the post-processing unit; A moving step of moving the post-processing unit after moving the bundle to the retracted position; and .
According to another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing control method is a post-processing control method executed by a post-processing device, wherein the post-processing device is loaded with the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus. an aligning means for aligning a first stack of a plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray; an insertion opening into which a second stack of the plurality of second recording media is inserted; and performs post-processing on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at the first position on the movement path, and the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot at the second position on the movement path. a post-processing unit operable to perform post-processing on the two bundles, the post-processing unit aligning the first bundle at the post-processing position in the interference region between the first and second positions in the travel path. and controls the alignment means to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position before the post-processing unit moves through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. a retracting step of moving the post-processing unit from the region to a retracted position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit; and moving the post-processing unit after the aligning means moves the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to the retracted position so that the post-processing unit interferes with the post-processing unit. When the post-processing unit is moved to the first position on the opposite side of the area from the first position and the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position, the alignment means is controlled to align the post-processing position. and a moving step of moving the post-processing unit to the first position after moving the first bundle to the retracted position.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a post-processing control method capable of post-processing the second bundle while aligning the first bundle.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the post-processing control program is a post-processing control program executed by a computer that controls the post-processing device, the post-processing device controlling the first record received from the image forming device. a stacking tray on which media are stacked, an aligning means for aligning a first bundle of the plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray, an insertion port into which a second bundle of the plurality of second recording media is inserted; Post-processing is performed on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at a first position on the movement path, and the first bundle is moved to the insertion slot at a second position on the movement path. A post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing on the inserted second bundle , and a conveying means for conveying the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the stacking tray. configured to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position of the post-processing unit with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position a retracting step of controlling the aligning means before moving the interference area to move the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position from the interference area to a retracted position where it does not interfere with the post-processing unit; A moving step of moving the post-processing unit after moving the first bundle to the retracted position; causing the computer to execute a step of not transporting the media to the stacking tray .
According to still another aspect of the present invention, a post-processing control program is a post-processing control program executed by a computer that controls a post-processing device, wherein the post-processing device receives the first post-processing received from the image forming apparatus. A stacking tray on which recording media are stacked, an aligning means for aligning a first bundle of a plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray, and an insertion port into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted. , which is configured to be movable along the moving path, performs post-processing on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at a first position on the moving path, and inserts the insertion port at a second position on the moving path. a post-processing unit operable to perform post-processing on a second bundle inserted into the and aligned at the post-processing position by controlling the alignment means before moving the post-processing unit through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. a retracting step of moving the first bundle from the interference area to a retracted position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit; moving the post-processing unit after the aligning means moves the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to the retracted position; When moving the post-processing unit to the first position in a state where the post-processing unit is on the opposite side of the interference area to the first position and the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position, the alignment means is controlled to perform the post-processing. and a moving step of moving the post-processing unit to the first position after moving the first bundle aligned at the processing position to the retracted position.

According to this aspect, it is possible to provide a post-processing control program capable of post-processing the second bundle while aligning the first bundle.

1 is a front view of an image forming system in one embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an appearance of a post-processing device; FIG. It is a figure which expands and shows a manual staple part. 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the post-processing device; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of an overview of the hardware configuration of the post-processing device; FIG. It is a front view of a stapling mechanism. 4 is a plan view of the stacking tray; FIG. It is a figure explaining an alignment mechanism. It is a figure explaining a stapling mechanism. FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing a movement path of a rotating shaft of the stapling unit; FIG. 11 is a second diagram showing a movement path of the rotating shaft of the stapling unit; FIG. 13 is a third diagram showing a movement path of the rotating shaft of the stapling unit; FIG. 10 is a fourth diagram showing the movement path of the rotary shaft of the stapling unit; FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining interference between the staple unit and the first bundle; FIG. 11 is a first view showing the retracted position of the first bundle; FIG. 11 is a second view showing the retracted position of the first bundle; 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of post-processing control processing; 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual stapling processing; 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of first return processing; 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of second return processing;

An image forming apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts are given the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. A detailed description thereof will therefore not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a front view of an image forming system according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, the image forming system includes MFP 100 and post-processing device 200 . MFP 100 functions as an image forming apparatus and forms an image on a recording medium based on image data. MFP 100 includes a document reading unit 130 for reading a document, an automatic document feeder 120 for conveying a document to document reading unit 130, and a recording medium based on image data output by document reading unit 130 after reading the document. an image forming unit 140 for forming an image on the image forming unit 140; a paper feeding unit 150 for supplying a recording medium to the image forming unit 140; and an operation panel 160 as a user interface. The MFP 100 can form an image on any of a plurality of types of recording medium as a recording medium on which an image is to be formed. The recording medium includes paper such as paper, OHP (overhead projector) sheet, cloth, and the like. Also, in the following description, unless otherwise specified, a case where paper is used as a recording medium will be described as an example.

Post-processing device 200 is supplied with paper on which an image is formed from MFP 100 . The post-processing device 200 has a stapling mechanism. The stapling mechanism is a mechanism for driving staples into a bundle of a plurality of sheets. Further, the post-processing device 200 may have a mechanism for executing a sorting process of rearranging and ejecting one or more sheets on which an image has been formed by the MFP 100 and a punching process of punching holes.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the appearance of the post-processing device. Referring to FIG. 2, in post-processing apparatus 200, sub-tray 203 and main tray 205 are arranged on the upper right side surface of body case 201, and manual stapling section 251 is arranged on the front.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the manual stapling section. Referring to FIG. 3, manual stapling unit 251 has an insertion opening 253 through which the user inserts second bundle S2 of sheets from the outside, and sheet detection sensor 255 . A notch extending from the insertion port 253 to the inside of the main body case 201 is provided, and the user can insert the second bundle S2 of a plurality of sheets from the insertion port 253 into the notch. The paper detection sensor 255 is arranged in a notch portion extending from the insertion opening 253 inside the main body case 201 . The paper detection sensor 255 is a transmissive optical sensor. A sheet detection sensor 255 detects the second bundle S2 inserted from the insertion opening 253 into the notched portion. A stapling unit 271 (see FIG. 4), which will be described later, is provided inside the body case 201, and staples are driven by the stapling unit 271 into the second bundle S2. Note that the sheet detection sensor 255 is not limited to a transmissive optical sensor, and may be an ultrasonic sensor, a reflective optical sensor, a touch sensor, or the like, as long as it can detect the second bundle S2. Further, the sheet detection sensor 255 may be a contact switch that detects the inclination of a lever whose inclination changes due to the second bundle S2 inserted from the insertion opening 253 into the notched portion.

Further, in the present embodiment, an example will be described in which stapling is driven into stapling unit 271 in response to detection of second bundle S2 by sheet detection sensor 255 at the notch portion, but an operation by the user is accepted. Staples may be driven into the stapling unit 271 depending on the situation. The user's operation is, for example, an operation of pressing a button switch. The button switch may be arranged near manual staple portion 251 of main body case 201 or may be arranged on the main body of MFP 100 . In this case, the paper detection sensor 255 is unnecessary.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the post-processing device. Referring to FIG. 4, post-processing device 200 includes a transport mechanism 210 and a staple mechanism 270 . The transport mechanism 210 includes a registration roller pair 211, an intermediate roller pair 213, a switching device 214, a sub-discharge roller pair 215, a storage roller pair 217, a paddle 219, a main discharge roller pair 221, and a paper detection sensor 231. , 233, 235 and . The stapling mechanism 270 includes a stacking tray 207, a stapling unit 271, a sheet detection sensor 237, and a pair of aligning plates 261L and 261R.

Transport mechanism 210 transports a sheet received from MFP 100 along transport paths R1, R2, and R3. Transport path R<b>1 extends from connection port 209 that receives paper ejected from MFP 100 to branch point 212 . Conveyance route R2 extends from branch point 212 to sub-tray 203 via sub-discharge roller pair 215 . The transport path R3 extends from the branch point 212 to the main tray 205 via the accommodation roller pair 217 . A switch 214 is arranged at the branch point 212 . Either the transport route R2 or the transport route R3 is selected by the switch 214 .

The paper detection sensor 231 is provided between the connection port 209 of the transport route R1 and the registration roller pair 211, and the paper detection sensor 233 is provided between the branch point 212 of the transport route R2 and the sub-discharge roller pair 215. The detection sensor 235 is provided between the branch point 212 of the transport route R3 and the storage roller pair 217 .

A sheet output from MFP 100 is received at connection port 209 and transported along transport path R<b>1 by registration roller pair 211 and intermediate roller pair 213 . When the transport path R2 is selected by the switch 214, the paper enters the transport path R2, then the paper is transported along the transport path R2 by the sub-discharge roller pair 215 and discharged to the sub-tray 203. . When the transport path R3 is selected by the switch 214, the paper enters the transport path R3, then the paper is transported along the transport path R2 by the storage roller pair 217 and reaches the main discharge roller pair 221.

The main discharge roller pair 221 includes an upper roller 221a and a lower roller 221b. The upper roller 221a and the lower roller 221b are supported by the main body case 201 so that the upper roller 221a can move vertically with respect to the lower roller 221b. In a normal mode other than the online stapling mode, the main discharge roller pair 221 rotates with the upper roller 221a pressed against the lower roller 221b, and discharges the paper conveyed from the storage roller pair 217 to the main tray 205. do.

On the other hand, in the online stapling mode, the main discharge roller pair 221 stops the rotation of the upper roller 221a and the lower roller 221b while the upper roller 221a is separated from the lower roller 221b. When the upper roller 221a is separated from the lower roller 221b, the paper is interposed between the upper roller 221a and the lower roller 221b, and the rear end of the paper in the transport direction passes through the storage roller pair 217. Then, the sheet is freed from being restrained by neither the storage roller pair 217 nor the main discharge roller pair 221 . The paddle 219 rotates at the timing when the trailing edge of the sheet in the conveying direction passes the storage roller pair 217, and the leading edge of the paddle 219 hits the upper surface of the sheet, applying a force in the oblique lower right direction of the drawing to the sheet. . By applying this force, the paper is forcibly dropped onto the stacking tray 207 . The stacking tray 207 is slanted so that the farther end of the stacking tray 207 is positioned lower than the end closer to the main discharge roller pair 221 . It descends along the surface and hits a locking portion 208 provided at the lower end of the stacking tray 207 and stops.

A sheet detection sensor 237 is provided below the rear surface of the stacking tray 207 . A paper detection sensor 237 detects the presence or absence of paper stacked on the stacking tray 207 . With a stack of sheets stacked on the stacking tray 207 , staples are driven into the stack of sheets by the stapling mechanism 270 . After that, the upper roller 221 a of the main discharge roller pair 221 rotates while being pressed against the lower roller 221 b , and the stack of sheets stacked on the stacking tray 207 is discharged to the main tray 205 .

Registration roller pair 211 adjusts the timing of conveying the paper received from MFP 100 by switching between stopping and rotating. This adjusts the spacing between the preceding sheet and the succeeding sheet. The transport speed at which the registration roller pair 211 transports the paper may be the same as the transport speed at which the MFP 100 transports the paper, or may be faster.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing an example of an overview of the hardware configuration of the post-processing device. 5, post-processing device 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 301 for controlling the entire post-processing device 200, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) for storing programs to be executed by CPU 301. 302, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 303 used as a work area for the CPU 301, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM) 304 for storing data in a nonvolatile manner, a communication unit 305 for connecting the CPU 301 to the MFP 100, and a transport control circuit. 307 and a staple control circuit 309 .

CPU 301 executes programs stored in ROM 302 or EPROM 304 . Note that the medium for storing the program executed by the CPU 301 is not limited to the ROM 302 and EPROM 304, but may be an optical disk (CD-ROM (Compact Disk ROM), MO (Magnetic Optical Disc)/MD (Mini Disc)/DVD (Digital Versatile Disc). )), optical card, mask ROM. The programs here include not only programs directly executable by the CPU 301, but also source programs, compressed programs, encrypted programs, and the like.

A communication unit 305 is an interface that connects the CPU 301 to an external device. For example, the communication unit 305 is an interface for serial communication such as the USB (Universal Serial Bus) standard. The CPU 301 can access external devices via the communication unit 305 . The external device includes MFP 100 . Also, the communication unit 305 may be an interface that connects to the Internet. In this case, the CPU 301 can communicate with a computer connected to the Internet via the communication unit 305 . In this case, CPU 301 can download a program from a computer connected to the Internet and store it in EPROM 304 . Also, a program may be written to the EPROM 304 by a computer connected to the Internet. The CPU 301 loads a program stored in the EPROM 304 into the RAM 303 and executes it.

A transport control circuit 307 controls the transport mechanism 210 . Conveyance control circuit 307 controls paper detection sensors 231, 233, and 235 to detect the presence or absence of paper, and controls registration roller pair 211, intermediate roller pair 213, sub-discharge roller pair 215, storage roller pair 217, paddle 219, and The main discharge roller pair 221 is rotated. Specifically, the transport control circuit 307 causes the switch 214 to select the transport route R2 when the sub-tray 203 is selected. When the sheet detection sensor 231 detects the sheet, the transport control circuit 307 rotates the registration roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213 to transport the sheet along the transport route R1. After a predetermined period of time has passed since the paper is no longer detected in , the registration roller pair 211 and the intermediate roller pair 213 are stopped. When the paper detection sensor 233 detects the paper, the transport control circuit 307 rotates the sub-discharge roller pair 215 to transport the paper along the transport route R2 until the paper is no longer detected by the paper detection sensor 233. After a predetermined time has passed since then, the sub-discharge roller pair 215 is stopped.

The transport control circuit 307 causes the switch 214 to select the transport route R3 when the main tray 205 is selected. When the sheet detection sensor 235 detects the sheet, the transport control circuit 307 rotates the storage roller pair 217 to transport the sheet along the transport route R3. The storage roller pair 217 is stopped after the lapse of the first predetermined time since the storage roller pair 217 has disappeared. In the normal mode, the transport control circuit 307 presses the upper roller 221a against the lower roller 221b in response to detection of the paper by the paper detection sensor 235, rotates the main discharge roller pair 221, and rotates the paper detection sensor 235. After the passage of the second predetermined time after the paper is no longer detected in , the main discharge roller pair 221 is stopped. In the online stapling mode, the transport control circuit 307 separates the upper roller 221a from the lower roller 221b in response to detection of the paper by the paper detection sensor 235, and at the timing when the paper is no longer detected by the paper detection sensor 235. Rotate paddle 219 . Further, the transport control circuit 307 causes the upper roller 221a of the main ejection roller pair 221 to be pressed against the lower roller 221b at the timing of ejecting the stack of sheets stacked on the stacking tray 207, and keeps the main ejection roller pair 221 pressed for a predetermined period of time. rotate.

A staple control circuit 309 controls the staple mechanism 270 . Specifically, a stack of a plurality of sheets conveyed by the conveying mechanism 210 and stacked on the stacking tray 207 is aligned in the alignment direction by the stapling mechanism. The alignment direction is the direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction. The stapling control circuit 309 also controls the stapling mechanism 270 to staple a bundle of sheets stacked on the stacking tray 207 or a bundle of sheets inserted into the insertion port 253 . Hereinafter, the bundle of sheets stacked on stacking tray 207 will be referred to as first bundle S1, and the bundle of sheets to be inserted into insertion opening 253 will be referred to as second bundle S2.

When executing online stapling for driving staples into the first bundle S1, the stapling control circuit 309 instructs to move the stapling unit 271 to the first position and execute manual stapling for driving staples into the second bundle S2. is accepted, the stapling unit 271 is moved to the second position. Since the first position and the second position are different, when the staple unit 271 is positioned at the first position, staples cannot be driven into the second bundle S2, and the staple unit 271 is positioned at the second position. In this case, staples cannot be driven into the first bundle S1. Moreover, a predetermined time is required for the stapling unit 271 to move between the first position and the second position. Hereinafter, post-processing in which the post-processing apparatus 200 drives staples into the first bundle S1 at the first position is referred to as online stapling, and post-processing in which the post-processing device 200 drives staples into the second bundle S2 at the second position is referred to as manual stapling. To tell.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the stapling mechanism. 6, stapling mechanism 270 includes stacking tray 207, a pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R, and stapling unit 271. As shown in FIG. The stacking tray 207 is loaded with a first bundle of sheets conveyed by the conveying mechanism 210 .

The staple unit 271 has a unit upper portion 273 and a unit lower portion 275 arranged in a unit main body 274 having a U-shaped cross section. The upper unit portion 273 and the lower portion portion 275 are arranged so that the first bundle S1 can be interposed between the upper portion portion 273 and the lower portion portion 275 . The unit body 274 has a connecting surface 277 that intersects with the stacking surface of the stacking tray 207 . Staples are accommodated in the unit upper portion 273 . The relative positions of the stapling unit 271 and the stacking tray 207 are determined such that a portion of the first bundle S1 enters between the unit upper portion 273 and the unit lower portion 275 . When staples are driven into the first bundle S1, the unit upper portion 273 descends to contact the uppermost surface of the first bundle S1, and the unit lower portion 275 ascends to contact the lowermost surface of the first bundle S1.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of the stacking tray. The pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R are reciprocally movable in alignment directions indicated by arrows in the drawing. When the sheets transported by the transport mechanism 210 are stacked on the stacking tray 207, the alignment plates 261L and 261R move in opposite directions. Specifically, immediately before the sheet conveyed by the conveying mechanism 210 descends onto the stacking tray 207, the distance between the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R reaches a position longer than the length of the sheet in the alignment direction, and the sheet is caught. The distance between the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R just before or at the stage of contact with the stop portion 208 becomes the length of the paper in the alignment direction. In this manner, the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R reciprocate in the alignment direction every time the sheets are conveyed to the stacking tray 207, thereby aligning the first bundle S1. As a result, the aligning directions of the plurality of sheets of the first stack S1 become the same position. A position where the first bundle S1 stacked on the stacking tray 207 is aligned by the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R is called a post-processing position.

FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the alignment mechanism. Referring to FIG. 8, the alignment mechanism has two symmetrical mechanisms. Here, the alignment mechanism on the left side will be described as an example. The alignment mechanism on the left side includes an alignment plate 261L, a drive pulley 263L, an alignment motor 262L that belt-drives the drive pulley 263L, a driven pulley 264L, a belt 265L suspended between the drive pulley 263L and the driven pulley 264L, and a position and a detection sensor 266L. By driving the alignment motor 262L, the belt 265L rotates and the alignment plate 261L moves in the alignment direction. By switching the direction of rotation of the alignment motor 262L, the direction of movement of the alignment plate 261L is switched. The position detection sensor 266L detects the home position, which is the default position of the alignment plate 261L.

In the present embodiment, independent aligning motors 262L and 262R are used for aligning plate 261L and aligning plate 261R. may be In this case, the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R move in opposite directions.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining the stapling mechanism. Referring to FIG. 9, stapling mechanism 270 includes two parallel rails 281A and 281B, a base 272 slidably attached to rails 281A and 281B, and rotatable base 272. It includes an attached stapling unit 271, a drive motor 283, a drive pulley 285R, a driven pulley 285L, and a belt 287 suspended by drive and driven pulleys 285R and 285L. Driving the drive motor 283 rotates the belt 287 and moves the base 272 in the alignment direction. By switching the direction in which the drive motor 283 rotates, the direction in which the base 272 moves is switched. A rotary shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 is supported by a base 272 . The rotary shaft 279 is supported movably in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction with respect to the base 272 . Therefore, the stapling unit 271 is movable with respect to the base 272 in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction and is rotatable with respect to the base 272 .

FIG. 10 is a first diagram showing the movement path of the rotating shaft of the stapling unit. Referring to FIG. 10, the movement path of rotation shaft 279 of stapling unit 271 includes movement path T1, movement path T2 extending from the right end of movement path T1 in the figure, and movement path T2 branching from the left end of movement path T1 in the figure. T3 and travel path T4. The movement path T1 is parallel to the alignment direction.

In the present embodiment, projections extending downward from stapling unit 271 are provided. It slides along the sliding groove attached to the body case 201 . As a result, the rotary shaft 279 moves with respect to the base 272 in a direction perpendicular to the alignment direction, and the staple unit 271 rotates with respect to the base 272 around the rotary shaft 279 . Further, switching between the movement path T3 and the movement path T4 is performed by selecting the sliding groove for the movement path T3 and the sliding groove for the movement path T4.

FIG. 10 shows an example in which the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 exists on the movement path T1. While the rotary shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 exists on the movement path T1, the connection surface 277 is parallel to the movement path T1. The movement path T1 is parallel to the alignment direction and parallel to the leading edge of the first bundle S1. The stapling unit 271 can staple the first bundle S1 stacked on the stacking tray 207 with the rotating shaft 279 existing at an arbitrary position on the movement path T1.

FIG. 11 is a second diagram showing the movement path of the rotating shaft of the stapling unit. FIG. 11 shows an example in which the stapling unit 271 is positioned at the rightmost end of the movement path T2. Referring to FIG. 11, when rotating shaft 279 of stapling unit 271 enters moving path T2 from moving path T1, rotating shaft 279 of stapling unit 271 moves relative to base 272 in a direction perpendicular to moving path T1. , the stapling unit 271 rotates 45 degrees counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 279, and when the movement of the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 in the direction perpendicular to the movement path T1 is completed, the rotation shaft of the staple unit 271 279 moves parallel to the movement path T1. By rotating the stapling unit 271, the connecting surface 277 crosses the moving path T1 in a direction parallel to it. The position of the stapling unit 271 when the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 is at the rightmost end of the movement path T2 is called the first position. With the stapling unit 271 positioned at the first position, the stapling unit 271 drives staples near one corner of the first bundle S1 stacked at the post-processing position of the stacking tray 207 .

FIG. 12 is a third diagram showing the movement path of the rotating shaft of the stapling unit. FIG. 12 shows an example in which the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 is positioned at the leftmost end of the movement path T3. Referring to FIG. 12, when rotating shaft 279 of stapling unit 271 enters moving path T3 from moving path T1, rotating shaft 279 of stapling unit 271 moves relative to base 272 in a direction perpendicular to moving path T1. , the stapling unit 271 rotates 45 degrees clockwise about the rotating shaft 279, and when the movement of the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 in the direction perpendicular to the movement path T1 is completed, the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 is rotated. moves parallel to the movement path T1. The connection surface 277 between the rotation shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 and the movement path T3 intersects in a direction parallel to the movement path T1. With the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 positioned at the leftmost end of the movement path T3, the stapling unit 271 drives staples near one corner of the first bundle S1 stacked at the post-processing position of the stacking tray 207. . The position of the stapling unit 271 when the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 is at the leftmost end of the movement path T3 is also the first position.

FIG. 13 is a fourth diagram showing the movement path of the rotating shaft of the stapling unit. FIG. 13 shows an example in which the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 is positioned at the leftmost end of the movement path T4. 13, when rotating shaft 279 of stapling unit 271 enters moving path T4 from moving path T1, rotating shaft 279 of stapling unit 271 moves relative to base 272 in a direction perpendicular to moving path T1. , the stapling unit 271 rotates 45 degrees counterclockwise around the rotation shaft 279, and when the movement of the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 in the direction perpendicular to the movement path T1 is completed, the rotation shaft of the staple unit 271 279 moves parallel to the movement path T1. The connection surface 277 between the rotation shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 and the movement path T4 intersects in a direction parallel to the movement path T1. The position of the stapling unit 271 when the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 is at the leftmost end of the movement path T4 is called the second position. With the stapling unit 271 positioned at the second position, the stapling unit 271 drives a staple near one corner of the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 .

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating interference between the staple unit and the first bundle. Consider the case where the stapling unit 271 is moved to the second position in a state where the stapling unit 271 is positioned at the first position and the first bundle S1 is stacked on the stacking tray 207 at the post-processing position. The connecting surface 277 of the stapling unit 271 intersects the direction parallel to the movement path T1 at the first position. While the rotating shaft 279 of the stapling unit 271 moves from the rightmost end of the movement path T2 toward the movement path T1, the staple unit 271 moves along the movement path T1 in a state where the connection surface 277 crosses the direction parallel to the movement path T1. Move in a parallel direction. During this time, the connecting surface 277 interferes with the first bundle S1 stacked on the stacking tray 207 at the post-processing position. Due to the contact of the stapling unit 271 with the first bundle S1, the plurality of sheets included in the first bundle S1 aligned by the alignment plates 261L and 261R may not be aligned.

FIG. 15 is a first diagram showing the retracted position of the first bundle. Referring to FIG. 15, the retracted position of the first bundle S1 is shown when the rotating shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is positioned at the rightmost first position of the movement path T2. The retracted position of the first bundle S1 is the position where the first bundle S1 has moved in parallel from the post-processing position in the alignment direction, and is the position where the first bundle S1 is separated from the stapling unit 271 . When the first bundle S1 is positioned at the retracted position, the rotary shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 moves along the movement path T2 toward the movement path T1 while the connection surface 277 of the staple unit 271 crosses the direction parallel to the movement path T1. Even when the first bundle S1 is stacked at the retracted position of the stacking tray 207, the connecting surface 277 does not interfere with the first stack S1. In the present embodiment, the alignment plates 261L and 261R move in the same direction, thereby moving the first bundle S1 from the post-processing position to the retracted position. The retracted position may be a position where the first bundle S1 is moved by a predetermined amount in the direction toward the main tray 205 while the upper roller 221a of the main discharge roller pair 221 is pressed against the lower roller 221b. .

FIG. 16 is a second view showing the retracted position of the first bundle. 16 shows the retracted position of the first bundle S1 when the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is positioned at the leftmost first position of the movement path T3. The retracted position of the first bundle S1 is the position where the first bundle S1 has moved in parallel from the post-processing position in the alignment direction, and is the position where the first bundle S1 is separated from the stapling unit 271 . When the first bundle S1 is positioned at the retracted position, the rotary shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 moves along the movement path T3 toward the movement path T1 while the connection surface 277 of the staple unit 271 crosses the direction parallel to the movement path T1. Even when the first bundle S1 is stacked at the retracted position of the stacking tray 207, the connecting surface 277 does not interfere with the first stack S1. In the present embodiment, the alignment plates 261L and 261R move in the same direction, thereby moving the first bundle S1 from the post-processing position to the retracted position.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of post-processing control processing. Post-processing control processing is processing executed by CPU 301 of post-processing device 200 by executing a post-processing control program stored in ROM 302 or EPROM 304 . Referring to FIG. 17, CPU 301 determines whether or not a staple printing instruction has been received (step S01). The stapling print instruction is an instruction to execute a job that defines a process for driving staples, and includes a print job for forming an image based on print data and a copy job for forming an image by reading an image of a document. CPU 301 receives a staple print instruction from MFP 100 by communicating with MFP 100 . The process waits until the staple print instruction is accepted (NO in step S01), and if the staple print instruction is accepted (YES in step S01), the process proceeds to step S02.

In step S02, the stapling unit 271 starts to move to the first position, and the process proceeds to step S03. In step S03, it is determined whether or not a sheet has been received from MFP100. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the paper has been received from the MFP 100 . The process waits until the paper is received from MFP 100 (NO at step S03), and if the paper is received from MFP 100 (YES at step S03), the process proceeds to step S04.

In step S04, it is determined whether or not the movement of staple unit 271 to the first position has been completed. If the movement of staple unit 271 is completed, the process proceeds to step S06; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S05. In step S05, the paper is put on standby, and the process proceeds to step S04. Specifically, the registration roller pair 211 is stopped and the paper is made to wait. The paper is not conveyed to the stacking tray 207 until the stapling unit 271 moves from the default position to the first position. As a result, the sheets can be aligned at the post-processing position of the stacking tray 207 .

In step S06, the paper starts to be transported, and the process proceeds to step S07. By rotating the pair of registration rollers 211 and the pair of intermediate rollers 213, conveyance of the paper is started. In step S07, the sheets conveyed to stacking tray 207 are aligned at the post-processing position, and the process proceeds to step S08. Specifically, the aligning plates 261L and 261R reciprocate in opposite alignment directions to align the sheets at the post-processing position. A set of a plurality of sheets aligned at the post-processing position is the first bundle S1.

In step S<b>08 , it is determined whether or not subsequent sheets have been received from MFP 100 . When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the subsequent paper has been accepted. It should be noted that by receiving a signal from MFP 100 indicating that image formation has been completed, it may be detected that subsequent sheets cannot be accepted. If the succeeding sheet of paper has been received from MFP 100, the process proceeds to step S11. If not, it is determined that image formation has been completed, and the process proceeds to step S09. It should be noted that the number of sheets to be stapled is received from MFP 100 , and when that number of sheets are stacked on stacking tray 207 , it is notified that the sheets to be stapled are stacked on stacking tray 207 . may be detected. In this case, if it is detected that the number of sheets for which staples are to be driven has been stacked on stacking tray 207, the process proceeds to step S09; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S09, staples are driven into the first bundle S1 by the staple unit 271 positioned at the first position, and the process proceeds to step S10. In step S10, staple unit 271 is moved to the default position, and the process returns to step S01.

In step S11, the paper starts to be transported in the same manner as in step S06, and the process proceeds to step S12. In step S12, the sheets conveyed to stacking tray 207 are aligned at the post-processing position as in step S07, and the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, it is determined whether or not a manual stapling instruction has been accepted. A manual stapling instruction is detected when the second bundle S2 is inserted into the insertion opening 253 . A sensor for detecting the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 may be provided, and the manual stapling instruction may be detected when the second bundle S2 is detected by the sensor. Alternatively, a button to which a manual stapling instruction is assigned may be provided, and the manual stapling instruction may be detected when pressing of the button is detected. If the manual stapling instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S14; otherwise, the process returns to step S08.

In step S14, manual stapling is performed, and the process proceeds to step S15. Although the details of the manual stapling process will be described later, after moving the first bundle S1 to the retracted position, the stapling unit 271 is moved to the second position, and then the stapling unit 271 staples the second bundle S2. This is the processing to be executed.

In step S15, the delay time is calculated, and the process proceeds to step S16. When aligning sheets received from MFP 100 at the retracted position, the moving distance of the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R is longer than when aligning at the post-processing position. Therefore, the time required to move the pair of aligning plates 261L and 261R each time a sheet is stacked on the stacking tray 207 is shorter than the time required to align the first bundle S1 at the retracted position at the post-processing position. Longer than matching. In this case, the pair of registration rollers 211 is adjusted to increase the distance between the preceding sheet and the following sheet so that the succeeding sheet reaches the stacking tray 207 after the preceding sheet has been aligned on the stacking tray 207. be. The delay time is the difference between the time for aligning the remaining sheets to be received from MFP 100 at the retracted position and the time for aligning the remaining sheets to be received from MFP 100 at the post-processing position.

In step S16, it is determined whether or not the delay time is equal to or longer than the recovery time. The return time is the time from when the staple unit 271 located at the second position is moved to the first position until when the first bundle S1 located at the retracted position is moved to the post-processing position. If the delay time is equal to or longer than the return time, the process proceeds to step S17; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S18.

In step S17, a first return process is executed, and the process returns to step S08. In step S18, a second return process is executed, and the process returns to step S08. Details of the first return processing and the second return processing will be described later.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of manual stapling processing. The manual stapling process is a process executed in step S14 of the post-processing control process. Referring to FIG. 18, CPU 301 starts moving first bundle S1 to the retracted position (step S21), and advances the process to step S22. The pair of aligning plates 261L and 261R move in the same direction, and the first bundle S1 moves to the retracted position.

In step S22, it is determined whether or not the movement of the first bundle S1 to the retracted position has been completed. If the movement to the retracted position is completed, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, it is determined whether or not the paper has been received. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the subsequent paper has been accepted. If the paper has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S24; otherwise, the process returns to step S22. In step S24, the paper is put on standby, and the process returns to step S22. Specifically, the registration roller pair 211 is stopped and the paper is made to wait. The sheets are prevented from being conveyed to the stacking tray 207 while the first bundle S1 is being moved from the post-processing position to the retracted position. As a result, the first bundle S1 stacked on the stacking tray 207 can be maintained aligned.

In step S25, the paper is started to be transported, and the process proceeds to step S26. By rotating the pair of registration rollers 211 and the pair of intermediate rollers 213, conveyance of the paper is started. It should be noted that the timing to start transporting the sheets is preferably before the movement of the first bundle to the retracted position is completed in consideration of the transport time until the sheets reach the stacking tray 207 . As a result, the interval between sheets can be shortened as much as possible, and the image forming time in the MFP 100 can be prevented from becoming long. In step S26, the sheets conveyed to stacking tray 207 are aligned at the retracted position, and the process proceeds to step S27. Specifically, the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R reciprocates in the alignment direction, and the paper is aligned at the retracted position. A set of a plurality of sheets aligned at the retracted position is the first bundle S1.

In step S27, the staple unit 271 positioned at the first position is disclosed to move to the second position, and the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, it is determined whether or not the movement of the stapling unit 271 has been completed. If the movement of the stapling unit 271 is completed, the process proceeds to step S29; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S30. In step S30, similarly to step S23, it is determined whether or not the paper has been received. If the paper has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S31; otherwise, the process returns to step S28. In step S31, the paper starts to be transported in the same manner as in step S25, and the process proceeds to step S32. In step S32, the sheets conveyed to stacking tray 207 are aligned at the retracted position as in step S26, and the process proceeds to step S28.

In step S29, manual stapling is performed, and the process returns to the post-processing control process. Specifically, when the stapling unit 271 is at the second position, the staples are driven into the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 .

FIG. 19 is a flow chart showing an example of the flow of the first return process. The first return process is a process executed in step S17 of the post-processing control process. Referring to FIG. 19, in step S41, staple unit 271 located at the second position starts to move to the first position, and the process proceeds to step S42.

In step S42, it is determined whether or not the stapling unit 271 has been moved to the first position. If the movement of the stapling unit 271 is completed, the process proceeds to step S46; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S43. In step S43, it is determined whether or not a sheet has been received from MFP 100. FIG. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the paper has been received from the MFP 100 . If the paper has been received from MFP 100, the process proceeds to step S44; otherwise, the process returns to step S42. In step S44, the sheet is started to be transported, and the process proceeds to step S45. By rotating the pair of registration rollers 211 and the pair of intermediate rollers 213, conveyance of the paper is started. In step S45, the sheets conveyed to stacking tray 207 are aligned at the retracted position, and the process returns to step S42. Specifically, the pair of alignment plates 261R and 261L reciprocates in the alignment direction, and the paper is aligned at the retracted position. A set of a plurality of sheets aligned at the retracted position is the first bundle S1.

In step S46, movement of the first bundle S1 to the post-processing position is started, and the process proceeds to step S47. By moving the pair of alignment plates 261R and 261L in the same direction, the first bundle S1 moves to the post-processing position.

In step S47, it is determined whether or not the movement of the first bundle S1 to the post-processing position has been completed. If movement to the post-processing position is complete, the process proceeds to step S50; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S48. In step S48, it is determined whether or not the paper has been received. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the subsequent paper has been received. If the paper has been accepted, the process proceeds to step S49; otherwise, the process returns to step S47. In step S49, the paper is put on standby, and the process returns to step S47. Specifically, the registration roller pair 211 is stopped and the paper is made to wait. This is to prevent the sheets from being conveyed to the stacking tray 207 while the first bundle S1 is moving from the retracted position to the post-processing position. As a result, the first bundle S1 stacked on the stacking tray 207 can be maintained aligned.

In step S50, it is determined whether or not the sheet received from MFP 100 is waiting. If there is paper waiting, the process proceeds to step S51; otherwise, the process returns to the post-processing control process. In step S51, the paper starts to be transported in the same manner as in step S44, and the process proceeds to step S52. In step S52, the accepted sheets are aligned at the post-processing position, and the process returns to the post-processing control process.

When the first return process is executed, the stapling unit moves to the first position in accordance with the execution of manual stapling, so post-processing for the first bundle S1 at the first position can be given priority.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing an example of the flow of the second return processing. The second return process is a process executed in step S18 of the post-processing control process. Referring to FIG. 20, in step S61, it is determined whether or not the subsequent paper has been received from MFP 100. FIG. When the paper detection sensor 231 detects the paper, it is determined that the subsequent paper has been received. It should be noted that by receiving a signal from MFP 100 indicating that image formation has been completed, it may be detected that subsequent sheets cannot be accepted. If the succeeding paper has been received from MFP 100, the process proceeds to step S62; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S66. It should be noted that the number of sheets to be stapled is received from MFP 100 , and when that number of sheets are stacked on stacking tray 207 , it is notified that the sheets to be stapled are stacked on stacking tray 207 . may be detected. In this case, if it is detected that the number of sheets corresponding to the number of sheets to be stapled is loaded on the stacking tray 207, the process proceeds to step S66, otherwise the process proceeds to step S62.

In step S62, the paper is started to be transported, and the process proceeds to step S63. By rotating the pair of registration rollers 211 and the pair of intermediate rollers 213, conveyance of the paper is started. In step S63, the sheets conveyed to stacking tray 207 are aligned at the retracted position, and the process proceeds to step S64. Specifically, the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R reciprocates in the alignment direction, and the paper is aligned at the retracted position. A set of a plurality of sheets aligned at the retracted position is the first bundle S1.

In step S64, it is determined whether or not a manual stapling instruction has been accepted. If the manual stapling instruction is accepted, the process proceeds to step S65; otherwise, the process returns to step S61. In step S65, manual stapling is performed, and the process returns to step S61. Specifically, staples are driven into the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 by the staple unit 271 positioned at the second position.

On the other hand, in step S66, the stapling unit 271 located at the second position starts to move to the first position, and the process proceeds to step S67. In step S67, it is determined whether or not the movement has been completed. A standby state is maintained until the stapling unit 271 moves to the first position (NO in step S67), and when the stapling unit 271 moves to the first position, the process proceeds to step S68.

In step S68, movement of the first bundle S1 from the retracted position to the post-processing position is started, and the process proceeds to step S69. In step S69, it is determined whether or not the movement of the first bundle S1 to the retracted position has been completed. The standby state is maintained until the movement of the first bundle S1 to the retracted position is completed (NO in step S69), and if the movement of the first bundle S1 to the retracted position is completed (YES in step S69), the process is post-processing. Return to control processing.

When the second return process is executed, the stapling unit moves to the first position when MFP 100 stops accepting sheets, so manual stapling can be continuously executed.

As described above, post-processing apparatus 200 according to the present embodiment includes stacking tray 207 on which sheets received from MFP 100 are stacked, and a pair of sheets that align first bundle S1 of a plurality of sheets stacked on stacking tray 207. aligning plates 261L and 261R, an insertion opening 253 into which a second bundle S2 of a plurality of sheets is inserted, and movement paths T1, T2, T3, and T4. Post-processing is performed on the first bundle S1 aligned to the post-processing position by the pair of alignment plates 261L and 261R at the first position, which is the end opposite to , and the post-processing is performed on the first bundle S1 at the end of the movement route T4 opposite to the movement route T1. and a stapling unit 271 capable of performing post-processing on the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 at a certain second position, wherein the stapling unit 271 is arranged in the interference region between the first position and the second position. The CPU 301 is configured to interfere with the first bundle S1 aligned at the post-processing position, and the CPU 301 controls the pair of aligned stacks before the stapling unit 271 moves through the interference area with the first bundle S1 aligned at the post-processing position. After the plates 261L and 261R are moved in the same direction to move the first bundle S1 aligned at the post-processing position to the retracted position, the staple unit 271 is moved.

Therefore, the staple unit 271 is moved after moving the first bundle S1 to the retracted position before the staple unit 271 moves through the interference area while the first bundle S1 is aligned at the post-processing position. Therefore, the staple unit 271 can be prevented from interfering with the first bundle S1 in the interference area. As a result, the user can staple the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion port 253 while aligning the first bundle S1 on the stacking tray 207 . Therefore, manual stapling can be performed without interrupting image formation in MFP 100 .

When the stapling unit 271 is at the first position and the first bundle S1 is aligned at the post-processing position, the CPU 301 moves the stapling unit 271 to the second position. One bundle S1 is moved to the retracted position. Therefore, the stapling unit 271 can be moved from the first position to the second position while maintaining the aligned state of the first bundle S1.

Further, the CPU 301 moves the stapling unit 271 from the first position in response to detection of an instruction to post-process the second bundle S2 inserted into the insertion slot 253 while the stapling unit 271 is at the first position. Move to the second position. Therefore, the second bundle S2 can be post-processed at an arbitrary timing while the first bundle S1 is being aligned. In other words, the user can cause MFP 100 to perform manual stapling at any time during image formation.

Further, the CPU 301 moves the pair of aligning plates 261L and 261R that move in the aligning direction in the same direction, thereby moving the first bundle S1 between the post-processing position and the retracted position. A plurality of sheets can be moved from the post-processing position to the retracted position while being aligned, and a plurality of sheets of the first bundle S1 can be moved from the retracted position to the post-processing position while being aligned.

Further, the CPU 301 stops the registration roller pair 211 while the pair of aligning plates 261L and 261R is moving the first bundle S1 between the retracted position and the post-processing position. For this reason, the sheets received from MFP 100 are not conveyed to stacking tray 207 while first sheaf S1 is moving between the retracted position and the post-processing position. A consistent state can be maintained.

Further, CPU 301 aligns the sheets received from MFP 100 at the retracted position while first bundle S1 is moved to the retracted position. Therefore, image formation by MFP 100 can be continued.

In addition, since the CPU 301 adjusts the sheet conveying interval based on the time required to align the first bundle S1 at the retracted position, new sheets are loaded onto the stacking tray 207 while the first bundle S1 is aligned at the retracted position. can be prevented from reaching As a result, the plurality of sheets of the first bundle S1 can be maintained in an aligned state.

Further, the CPU 301 moves the first stack S1 from the retracted position to the post-processing position after the stapling unit 271 is moved from the second position to the first position for a delay time that increases as the sheet conveying interval increases. If it is longer than the return time to, the stapling unit 271 is moved from the second position to the first position in response to completion of manual stapling. Therefore, the time until the first bundle S1 is stacked on the stacking tray 207 can be shortened, and the image forming process by the MFP 100 can be prevented from being delayed.

Further, since CPU 301 moves stapling unit 271 to the first position in response to completion of image formation by MFP 100, post-processing can be performed on first bundle S1 as quickly as possible.

In the present embodiment, when the delay time is longer than or equal to the return time, the first return process is executed, and when the manual stapling is completed, the stapling unit 271 is moved to the first position, and the first return process is performed. The bundle S1 is moved from the retracted position to the post-processing position. Regardless of whether the delay time is equal to or longer than the return time, the staple unit 271 is moved to the first position upon completion of manual stapling, and the first bundle S1 is moved from the retracted position to the post-processing position. may Further, after receiving the manual stapling instruction and moving the stapling unit 271 to the second position, the stapling unit 271 is not moved to the first position until the image formation is completed, and the stapling unit 271 is placed at the second position. After completion, stapling unit 271 may be moved to the first position. In this case, if the delay time is equal to or longer than the return time, it is preferable to move the first bundle S1 to the post-processing position. As a result, the image forming time of the MFP 100 can be shortened. However, when the first bundle S1 is moved to the post-processing position, the first bundle S1 is moved to the retracted position before the stapling unit 271 is moved to the first position. , the first bundle S1 is moved to the post-processing position. For this reason, the first time for moving the first bundle S1 from the post-processing position to the retracted position and the time for the stapling unit 271 to move the first bundle S1 from the post-processing position to the retracted position are defined as the time from the completion of image formation by the MFP 100 until the staples are driven into the first bundle S1. A second time for moving from the second position to the first position and a second time for moving the first bundle S1 from the retracted position to the post-processing position are required.

In this embodiment, the rotation shaft 279 of the staple unit 271 is movable with respect to the base 272 in the direction perpendicular to the alignment direction. You may choose not to move. Even in this case, since the connecting surface 277 intersects in a direction parallel to the alignment direction while the staple unit 271 is rotated with respect to the base 272, the staple unit 271 is moved from the first position to the second position, or While moving from the second position to the first position, it interferes with the first bundle S1 positioned at the post-processing position.

It should be considered that the embodiments disclosed this time are illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the scope of the claims rather than the above description, and is intended to include all modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the scope of the claims.

100 MFP, 200 post-processing device, 201 main body case, 203 sub-tray, 205 main tray, 207 stacking tray, 208 lock portion, 209 connection port, 210 transport mechanism, 211 registration roller pair, 212 branch point, 213 intermediate roller pair, 214 switch, 215 sub-discharge roller pair, 217 storage roller pair, 219 paddle, 221 main discharge roller pair, 231, 233, 235, 237 paper detection sensor, 251 manual staple unit, 253 insertion port, 261L, 261R alignment plate, 262L, 262R alignment motor, 263L, 263R drive pulley, 264L, 264R driven pulley, 265L, 265R belt, 266L, 266R position detection sensor, 270 staple mechanism, 271 staple unit, 272 base, 273 unit upper part, 274 unit main body, 275 unit lower part, 277 connection surface, 279 rotating shaft, 281A, 281B rail, 283 drive motor, 285L driven pulley, 285R drive pulley, 287 belt, 301 CPU, 305 communication section, 307 conveyance control circuit, 309 staple control circuit, R1 , R2, R3 transport path, T1, T2, T3, T4 movement path.

Claims (18)

a stacking tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is stacked;
aligning means for aligning a first bundle of the plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray;
an insertion opening into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted;
The post-processing is performed on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at a first position on the movement path, and a second position on the movement path. a post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot in
a control means for controlling the alignment means and the post-processing unit;
a conveying means for conveying the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the stacking tray ;
the post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position in the travel path;
The control means controls the alignment means to control the alignment means before the post-processing unit moves through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. moving the post-processing unit after moving one bundle from the interference area to a retracted position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit ;
The post-processing device, wherein the conveying means does not convey the first recording medium to the stacking tray while the aligning means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position. a stacking tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is stacked;
aligning means for aligning a first bundle of the plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray;
an insertion opening into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted;
The post-processing is performed on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at a first position on the movement path, and a second position on the movement path. a post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot in
a control means for controlling the matching means and the post-processing unit;
the post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position in the travel path;
The control means controls the alignment means to control the alignment means before the post-processing unit moves through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. After moving one bundle from the interference area to a retracted position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit, the post-processing unit is moved , and the post-processing unit is located on the opposite side of the interference area to the first position and the When the post-processing unit is moved to the first position with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position, the aligning means is controlled to move the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to the post-processing position. A post-processing device that moves the post-processing unit to the first position after moving the post-processing unit to a retracted position . When the post-processing unit is located at the first position and the first bundle is aligned at the post-processing position, the control means moves the post-processing unit to the second position. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , wherein said first bundle aligned in position is moved to said retracted position. further comprising detecting means for detecting an instruction for post-processing the second bundle inserted into the insertion port,
The control means moves the post-processing unit from the first position to the second position in response to detection of the instruction by the detection means while the post-processing unit is at the first position. The post-processing device according to claim 3 . The alignment means includes a locking plate having a surface parallel to the alignment direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first recording medium;
a pair of alignment plates that move in the alignment direction;
2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said control means moves said pair of aligning plates in the same direction to move said first bundle between said post-processing position and said retracted position. 6. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein said aligning means aligns said first recording medium transported by said transport means at said retracted position while said first bundle is moved to said retracted position. further comprising transport means for transporting the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the stacking tray,
3. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2 , wherein said aligning means aligns said first recording medium transported by said transport means at said retracted position while said first bundle is moved to said retracted position. 8. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein said conveying means adjusts the interval for conveying said first recording medium based on the time for said aligning means to align said first bundle at said retracted position. The control means moves the first bundle to the retracted position after moving the post-processing unit from the second position to the first position for a period of time that increases as the interval for conveying the first recording medium increases. to the post-processing position, the post-processing unit moves from the second position to the first position in response to completion of the post-processing at the second position by the post-processing unit. 9. The post-processing device according to claim 8 , wherein the post-processing device is moved to 10. The conveying means does not convey the first recording medium to the stacking tray while the aligning means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position. The post-processing device according to claim 1. 10. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said control means moves said post-processing unit to said first position in response to completion of image formation by said image forming apparatus. 9. The control means according to any one of claims 2, 7 and 8, wherein the control means moves the post-processing unit to the first position in response to the post-processing unit completing the post-processing at the second position. post-processing equipment. The alignment means includes a locking plate having a surface parallel to the alignment direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the first recording medium;
a pair of alignment plates that move in the alignment direction;
discharging means for moving the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means in the conveying direction;
2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein said first bundle is moved by a predetermined amount in a direction parallel to said conveying direction in order to move said first bundle between said post-processing position and said retracted position. The post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13 , wherein said post-processing is processing for driving staples into said first bundle or said second bundle. A post-processing control method executed by a post-processing device, comprising:
The post-processing device includes a stacking tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is stacked;
aligning means for aligning a first bundle of the plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray;
an insertion opening into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted;
The post-processing is performed on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at a first position on the movement path, and a second position on the movement path. a post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot in
a conveying means for conveying the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the stacking tray ;
the post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position in the travel path;
Before the post-processing unit moves through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position, the alignment means is controlled to cause the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to interfere with each other. a retraction step of moving from the area to a retraction position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit;
a moving step of moving the post-processing unit after the aligning means moves the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to the retracted position;
a post-processing control method comprising the step of not causing said transport means to transport said first recording medium to said stacking tray while said aligning means moves said first bundle between said retracted position and said post-processing position. . A post-processing control method executed by a post-processing device, comprising:
The post-processing device includes a stacking tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is stacked;
aligning means for aligning a first bundle of the plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray;
an insertion opening into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted;
The post-processing is performed on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at a first position on the movement path, and a second position on the movement path. a post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot in
the post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position in the travel path;
Before the post-processing unit moves through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position, the alignment means is controlled to cause the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to interfere with each other.
a retraction step of moving from the area to a retraction position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit;
After the aligning means moves the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to the retracted position, the post-processing unit is moved so that the post-processing unit is located on the opposite side of the interference area to the first position. and the post-processing unit is moved to the first position with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position, the alignment means is controlled to control the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. and a moving step of moving the post-processing unit to the first position after moving one bundle to the retracted position. A post-processing control program executed by a computer that controls a post-processing device,
The post-processing device includes a stacking tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is stacked;
aligning means for aligning a first bundle of the plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray;
an insertion opening into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted;
The post-processing is performed on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at a first position on the movement path, and a second position on the movement path. a post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot in
a conveying means for conveying the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus to the stacking tray ;
the post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position in the travel path;
Before moving the post-processing unit through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position, the alignment means is controlled to cause the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to interfere with each other. a retraction step of moving from the area to a retraction position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit;
a moving step of moving the post-processing unit after the aligning means moves the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to the retracted position;
causing the computer to perform a step of not causing the conveying means to convey the first recording medium to the stacking tray while the aligning means moves the first bundle between the retracted position and the post-processing position. Post-processing control program. A post-processing control program executed by a computer that controls a post-processing device,
The post-processing device includes a stacking tray on which the first recording medium received from the image forming apparatus is stacked;
aligning means for aligning a first bundle of the plurality of first recording media stacked on the stacking tray;
an insertion opening into which a second bundle of a plurality of second recording media is inserted;
The post-processing is performed on the first bundle aligned to the post-processing position by the aligning means at a first position on the movement path, and a second position on the movement path. a post-processing unit capable of performing the post-processing on the second bundle inserted into the insertion slot in
the post-processing unit is configured to interfere with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position in an interference region between the first position and the second position in the travel path;
Before moving the post-processing unit through the interference area with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position, the alignment means is controlled to cause the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to interfere with each other. a retraction step of moving from the area to a retraction position that does not interfere with the post-processing unit;
After the aligning means moves the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position to the retracted position, the post-processing unit is moved so that the post-processing unit is located on the opposite side of the interference area to the first position. and the post-processing unit is moved to the first position with the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position, the alignment means is controlled to control the first bundle aligned at the post-processing position. A post-processing control program for causing the computer to execute a moving step of moving the post-processing unit to the first position after moving one bundle to the retracted position.

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