JP7484423B2 - Post-processing device and method for holding post-processing device - Google Patents

Description

This invention relates to a post-processing device capable of performing post-processing such as stapling and punching on sheets inserted from the outside, and a method for holding the post-processing device in a predetermined post-processing position.

Post-processing devices that perform post-processing such as stapling and punching on printed sheets conveyed from an image forming device are conventionally known. However, a post-processing device that has a sheet insertion section and a manual staple function that staples the inserted sheets when a user inserts sheets from the outside into the sheet insertion section has been proposed as one such post-processing device.

For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a post-processing device that performs a stapling operation after a predetermined time has elapsed when a user inserts a sheet from outside into a sheet insertion section.

JP 2017-227929 A

However, the post-processing device disclosed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1 only describes the basic operations related to manual stapling, and does not take into consideration any problems that may occur when manual stapling is performed repeatedly.

For example, when stapling sheets that are transported multiple times in succession from the image forming device, the post-processing is performed stably inside the post-processing device, so the staple position does not shift. On the other hand, in manual stapling, which staples sheets inserted from the outside into the sheet insertion section, the staple processing section basically moves to an outer position close to the housing of the post-processing device to perform stapling. In other words, since manual stapling is performed in an outer position that is not stable against the load of the staple processing section and vibrations during stapling, the position may shift after manual stapling is performed.

If the position is misaligned and manual stapling is performed next time, problems such as incorrect staple positioning and missed stitches can occur. This problem is not limited to stapling, but is a common problem that occurs in post-processing such as punching as well.

This invention has been made in view of this technical background, and aims to provide a post-processing device that has a post-processing section that performs post-processing on sheets inserted from outside into a sheet insertion section, and that can prevent the post-processing section from shifting in position due to post-processing, and a method for holding the post-processing section.

The above object can be achieved by the following means:
(1) a sheet insertion portion;
a post-processing section that performs a first post-processing at a predetermined post-processing position on a sheet that is inserted from outside into the sheet insertion section;
a holding means for electrically holding the post-processing unit at the predetermined post-processing position;
a control means for setting a holding power for electrically holding the holding means at a level that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from a post-processing position when the post-processing unit executes a first post-processing on a sheet inserted from outside into the sheet insertion unit;
Equipped with
the post-processing unit performs a second post-processing on the sheet conveyed from the upstream device,
The post-processing device is characterized in that the control means sets the holding power so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is executed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the second post-processing is executed by the post-processing unit.
(2) A post-processing device as described in the preceding paragraph 1, in which the control means sets the holding power so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is being performed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the post-processing unit is in standby.
(3) The post-processing device according to (1) or (2) , wherein the control means sets the holding power to a value that prevents the post-processing section from shifting from the post-processing position before the start of the first post-processing.
(4) A detection unit is provided for detecting that a sheet has been inserted into the sheet insertion portion from the outside,
The post-processing device described in any one of the preceding paragraphs 1 to 3 , wherein the control means, upon detection by the detection means that a sheet has been inserted, sets the holding power to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position.
(5) A human presence sensor is provided to detect the approach of a person to the device,
The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means sets the holding power to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position when the human presence sensor detects that a person is approaching the device.
(6) A thickness detection unit is provided for detecting a thickness of a sheet to be subjected to the first post-processing,
6. The post-processing device according to any one of items 1 to 5 , wherein the control means switches the magnitude of the held power in response to the detection result of the thickness detection means.
(7) The post-processing device according to any one of (1) to ( 6) , wherein the control means reduces the holding power after the first post-processing is completed.
(8) The post-processing device according to any one of the above items 1 to 7 , wherein the post-processing section is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when in the predetermined post-processing position.
(9) The post-processing device according to any one of the above items 1 to 8 , wherein the post-processing section is inclined with respect to a moving direction of the post-processing section when the post-processing section is in the predetermined post-processing position.
(10) The post-processing device according to any one of the above paragraphs 1 to 9 , wherein the first post-processing is a stapling process.
(11) A post-processing device including a sheet insertion section, a post-processing section that performs a first post-processing at a predetermined post-processing position on a sheet inserted from outside into the sheet insertion section, and a holding means that electrically holds the post-processing section at the predetermined post-processing position,
a control step of setting a holding power for electrically holding the holding means at a level at which the post-processing unit does not deviate from a post-processing position when the post-processing unit performs a first post-processing on a sheet inserted from outside the sheet insertion unit ,
the post-processing unit performs a second post-processing on the sheet conveyed from the upstream device,
A holding method for a post-processing unit, characterized in that in the control step, the holding power is set so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is executed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the second post-processing is executed by the post-processing unit .
(12) A method for holding a post-processing unit as described in the preceding paragraph 11, in which the control step sets the holding power so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is being performed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the post-processing unit is on standby.
(13) The method for holding a post-processing unit according to any one of the preceding paragraphs 11 and 12 , wherein in the control step, before the start of the first post-processing, the holding power is set to a magnitude that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from a post-processing position.
(14) A detection means for detecting that a sheet is inserted into the sheet insertion portion from the outside is provided,
14. The method for holding a post-processing unit according to any one of claims 11 to 13 , wherein in the control step, when the detection means detects that a sheet has been inserted, the holding power is set to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from a post-processing position.
(15) A human presence sensor is provided to detect the approach of a person to the device,
The method for holding a post-processing unit described in any one of paragraphs 11 to 14 , wherein, in the control step, when the human presence sensor detects that a person is approaching the device, the holding power is set to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position.
(16) A thickness detection unit is provided for detecting a thickness of a sheet to be subjected to the first post-processing,
16. The method for holding a post-processing section according to any one of items 11 to 15 , wherein in the control step , the magnitude of the holding power is switched in response to the detection result of the thickness detection means.
(17) The method for maintaining a post-processing unit according to any one of ( 11 ) to (16) , wherein in the control step, the holding power is reduced after the first post-processing is completed.
(18) The method for holding a post-processing section according to any one of the above paragraphs 11 to 17 , wherein the post-processing section is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when in the predetermined post-processing position.
(19) The method for holding a post-processing section according to any one of the above paragraphs 11 to 18 , wherein the post-processing section is inclined with respect to a moving direction of the post-processing section when the post-processing section is in the predetermined post-processing position.
(20) The method for holding a post-processing section according to any one of the above paragraphs 11 to 19 , wherein the first post-processing is a stapling process.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs (1) and ( 11 ), a post-processing section that performs a first post-processing at a predetermined post-processing position on a sheet inserted from outside into a sheet insertion section is provided with a holding means that electrically holds the post-processing section at the predetermined post-processing position, and when the first post-processing is performed, the holding power for electrically holding the holding means is set to a value that prevents the post-processing section from shifting from the post-processing position, so that the position of the post-processing section can be prevented from shifting from the post-processing position even when the first post-processing is performed. Therefore, the first post-processing can be performed at the correct position, and thus post-processing defects caused by positional deviation can be prevented.

In addition , the post-processing unit performs a second post-processing on the sheet transported from the upstream machine, and the holding power is set so that the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is performed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the second post-processing is performed by the post-processing unit, thereby more reliably preventing positional shifting of the post-processing unit when the first post-processing is performed.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs ( 2 ) and ( 12 ), the holding power is set so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is being performed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the post-processing unit is on standby. This makes it possible to prevent misalignment of the post-processing unit when the first post-processing is being performed while suppressing power consumption during standby.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs ( 3 ) and ( 13 ), before the start of the first post-processing, the holding power is set to a magnitude that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position, so that it is possible to stably prevent the post-processing unit from shifting in position from the start of the first post-processing.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs ( 4 ) and ( 14 ), when the insertion of a sheet is detected, the holding power is set to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position, so that the post-processing unit can be held at the precise timing required to prevent position shifting.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs ( 5 ) and ( 15 ), when the human presence sensor detects that a person is approaching the device, the holding power is set to an amount that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position, so that the post-processing unit can be held at the precise timing required to prevent position shifting.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs ( 6 ) and ( 16 ), the post-processing section can be held with an appropriate holding force according to the thickness of the sheet on which the first post-processing is performed, so that the positional deviation of the post-processing section can be reliably prevented even if the sheet thickness differs.

According to the inventions described in the preceding paragraphs ( 7 ) and ( 17 ), the holding power is reduced after the first post-processing is completed, so that unnecessary power consumption can be avoided.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs ( 8 ) and ( 18 ), when the post-processing unit is inclined with respect to the horizontal plane when in a predetermined post-processing position, the freedom of installation of the post-processing unit is increased, and it becomes easier to post-process a sheet inserted into the sheet insertion unit from the outside.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs ( 9 ) and ( 19 ), when the post-processing unit is in a predetermined post-processing position, the post-processing unit is inclined with respect to the direction of movement of the post-processing unit. This increases the freedom of installation of the post-processing unit, and makes it easier to post-process a sheet inserted into the sheet insertion unit from the outside.

According to the invention described in the preceding paragraphs ( 10 ) and ( 20 ), it is possible to prevent the post-processing unit, which performs stapling processing at a post-processing position on sheets inserted from outside into the sheet insertion unit, from shifting from the post-processing position when the stapling processing is performed.

1 is an external perspective view of a post-processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the vicinity of a sheet insertion portion in FIG. 1 . FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an internal configuration of a main part of the post-processing device; 13 is a view of the support plate that supports the post-processing section, as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface of the support plate. FIG. 5 is a view of the support plate and the post-processing section as viewed from the tip end side in the longitudinal direction of FIG. 4 . FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a schematic diagram of a relationship between a position of a post-processing section on a support plate and an installation attitude of the post-processing section; FIG. 13A and 13B are diagrams illustrating modified examples of the home position of the post-processing section. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a control unit of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus; FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a system configuration of a post-processing device. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the image forming apparatus. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of the post-processing device. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation of a manual stapling process according to the first embodiment, which is carried out by the post-processing device; 10 is a flowchart showing an operation of a manual stapling process according to a second embodiment, which is carried out by the post-processing device; 13 is a flowchart showing an operation of a manual stapling process according to a third embodiment, which is carried out by the post-processing device. FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of driving of a moving motor in the post-processing section. 11 is a diagram for explaining a state of speed control of a moving motor in a post-processing section. FIG. 10A and 10B are diagrams for explaining a method for detecting the thickness of a sheet using a thickness detection sensor.

The following describes an embodiment of the invention with reference to the drawings.

Figure 1 is an external perspective view of a post-processing device 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. This post-processing device 1 is connected downstream of an image forming device (not shown), and is capable of carrying out post-processing (corresponding to a second post-processing) such as stapling and punching holes on printed paper (corresponding to a sheet) that has been printed by and transported from the image forming device.

In addition, the post-processing device 1 has the function of performing post-processing (corresponding to the first post-processing) not only on paper transported from the image forming device, but also on paper inserted from the outside into the paper insertion section 2 by the user.

That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the post-processing device 1 has a slit-shaped paper insertion section 2 on the side, and as shown in FIG. 2, which is an enlarged view of the vicinity of this paper insertion section 2, the user inserts multiple sheets of paper P1 from outside into the paper insertion section 2, so that post-processing is performed on the corners of the sheets P1. In addition, the front of the post-processing device 1 is provided with a human presence sensor 8 that detects when a person approaches the post-processing device 1. A known human presence sensor 8 may be used.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which stapling is the post-processing that can be performed on paper P1 that has been externally inserted into the paper insertion section 2 by a user, but it goes without saying that the present invention can be applied to post-processing other than stapling. In the following description, stapling performed on paper P1 that has been externally inserted into the paper insertion section 2 by a user is also referred to as manual stapling.

In addition, reference numeral 3 in Figures 1 and 2 is an indicator that shows whether manual stapling is possible, reference numeral 4 is the upper paper output tray, and reference numeral 5 is the main tray.

Figure 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the main parts of post-processing device 1. In Figure 3, an image forming device (not shown) is connected to the right side of post-processing device 1, and paper conveyed from the image forming device is taken in by paper intake unit 101.

A punch unit 102 for punching holes is provided near the paper feed unit 101. When holes are to be punched as post-processing, the punch unit 102 is operated on the paper fed into the paper feed unit 101, and after holes are punched, the paper is discharged to the upper paper discharge tray 4.

On the other hand, when multiple sheets of paper P2 taken into the paper take-in section 101 are to be stapled as post-processing, the sheets are transported forward (to the left in FIG. 3) and then tilted. The tilted lower end of the sheets P2 is then fitted into the recess 201 of the stapler 200, which is the post-processing section, and the stapler 200 performs the staple processing, after which the sheets are discharged from the main tray 5.

Note that the hole punching process by the punch unit 102, the stapling process by the stapler 200, and the paper discharge process after each process are well-known configurations, so detailed explanations will be omitted. Also, reference numeral 110 in FIG. 3 denotes various sensors, and in particular reference numeral 141 denotes a paper detection sensor for detecting paper inserted into the paper insertion unit 2 during manual stapling, and reference numeral 120 denotes various rollers for transporting paper, etc.

The stapler 200 described above is supported by a support plate 300. The support plate 300 extends in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the paper in FIG. 3) while being inclined obliquely with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes. The stapler 200 is attached to the inclined upper surface of the inclined support plate 300 while being inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes, and is movable in the front-rear direction (thickness direction of the paper in FIG. 3) along the support plate 300.

The stapler 200 performs manual stapling in addition to stapling the paper P2 transported from the image forming device. When performing staple processing on the paper P2 transported from the image forming device, the stapler 200 moves along the support plate 300 to the deep inside of the post-processing device 1, in other words, to the back side of the paper in FIG. 3. On the other hand, when performing manual stapling, the stapler 200 moves along the support plate 300 to the outside of the post-processing device 1, in other words, to an outside position close to the housing of the post-processing device 1 on the front side of the paper in FIG. 3. Therefore, the stapler 200 moves on and along the support plate 300 depending on whether it is stapling the paper P2 transported from the image forming device or manual stapling the paper P1 inserted in the paper insertion section 2.

Figure 4 shows the support plate 300 as viewed from a direction perpendicular to the support surface of the support plate 300, with the left end in the lengthwise direction (hereinafter referred to as the tip end) positioned on the outside close to the housing of the post-processing device 1 and the right end (hereinafter referred to as the base end) positioned deep inside the post-processing device 1. Figure 5 shows the support plate 300 and stapler 200 as viewed from the tip end in the lengthwise direction of Figure 4, and Figure 6 is a schematic diagram showing the relationship between the position of the stapler 200 on the support plate 300 and the mounting posture of the stapler 200.

As shown in FIG. 5, the stapler 200 has a first leg 202 and a second leg 203 protruding from the underside of a U-shaped body having a recess 201 into which the paper P1 fits, and is connected to and supported by the support plate 300 in a state inclined at approximately the same angle as the support plate 300 with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes. In this way, because the support plate 300 and the stapler 200 are inclined with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes, the lateral dimensions of the support plate 300 and the stapler 200 can be reduced, increasing the degree of freedom in installation and enabling installation in a space-saving manner. In addition, because the stapler 200 is inclined, the paper P1 inserted obliquely into the paper insertion section 2 can be reliably guided into the recess 201.

As shown in FIG. 4, the support plate 300 has a groove-shaped first guide 301 formed along the length direction at approximately the center of the width direction, and a second guide 302, a third guide 303, and a fourth guide 304 are formed at predetermined positions in the length direction, each of which is connected to the first guide 301 and extends obliquely toward the inclined upper side of the width direction of the support plate 300 (upper side in FIG. 4). As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 6, the second guide 302 extends from the first guide 301 at an angle toward the tip side at a position close to the tip side of the support plate 300, and the third guide 303 extends at an angle toward the tip side at a position closer to the base end side than the second guide 302 and further extends toward the tip side in parallel with the first guide 301. The fourth guide 304 extends from the first guide 301 at an angle toward the base end side at a position close to the base end side of the support plate 300 and further extends toward the base end side in parallel with the first guide 301.

The stapler 200 has the first leg 202 and the second leg 203 fitted into the first guide 301, and while the legs 202 and 203 are guided by the first guide 301, the stapler 200 moves in the length direction of the support plate 300 along the first guide 301 by the stapler movement motor 143, which is a stepping motor. The legs 202 and 203 are also guided from the first guide 301 to the second guide 302, the third guide 303, and the fourth guide 304, and the combination of the legs 202 and 203 and the guides 301 to 304 allows the stapler 200 to take various postures at different angles to the moving direction of the stapler 200 at different positions in the moving direction of the stapler 200, as shown in FIG. 6.

That is, as shown in FIG. 6, when the stapler 200 is at a position on the tip side of the support plate 300, the stapler 200 maintains a leftward inclined position A relative to the direction of movement, and manual stapling is performed in this position. In this embodiment, this position is also the home position, which is the standby position of the stapler 200. Maintaining the inclined position A makes it easier to perform manual stapling.

In addition, by using the third guide 303, the stapler 200 maintains a rightward inclined position B at a position slightly away from the tip side of the support plate 300. At this position, the staple process is performed at a position 45 degrees in front of the paper P2 being transported from the image forming device.

Furthermore, by using the fourth guide 04, the stapler 200 maintains a leftward inclined position C at a position slightly away from the base end side of the support plate 300. At this position, the staple process is performed at a position 45 degrees behind the paper P2 being transported from the image forming device.

When the stapler 200 advances to the base end side of the support plate 300, it maintains an upright posture D without any inclination. In this position, the staple process is performed on the paper P2 conveyed from the image forming device in a parallel position at the rear.

The stapler 200 moves via the stapler movement motor (corresponding to the holding means) 143 and can be switched between positions A to D depending on the width and mode of the paper P2 being transported from the image forming device, or whether manual stapling is required.

In addition, at the conversion positions between attitudes A to D, i.e., the positions where the stapler 200 performs manual stapling on the paper P1 and the positions where the stapler 200 performs stapling on the paper P2 transported from the image forming device, holding power is supplied to the stapler movement motor 143 to pass a holding current, thereby holding the stapler 200 in each processing position and preventing the stapler 200 from shifting position while performing the stapling process.

In the examples of Figures 4 to 6, the home position of the stapler 200 is the position on the tip side of the support plate 300, i.e., the processing position for manual stapling, but as shown in Figure 7, the home position may be set to the center position in the movement direction of the stapler 200, or the base end position.

Figure 8 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit of the image forming device 6 and the post-processing device 1.

As shown in FIG. 8, the image forming device 6 includes a panel control unit and overall control unit 61, an engine control unit 62, a power supply 63, etc. The panel control unit and overall control unit 61 controls the operation panel of the image forming device 6 and also provides overall control of the entire image forming device 6, and the engine control unit 62 controls the image forming operation of the image forming unit (engine unit).

On the other hand, the post-processing device 1 is equipped with a post-processing device control unit that controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 1, and this post-processing device control unit is equipped with a CPU 11. The CPU 11 performs post-processing on the image-formed paper P2 transported from the image forming device 6 while communicating with the engine control unit 62 of the image forming device 6. In addition, a voltage of 24 V is supplied to the post-processing device 1 from the power source 63 of the image forming device 6.

Figure 9 is a block diagram showing the system configuration of post-processing device 1.

The aforementioned CPU 11 is mounted on the board of the post-processing device 1, and includes a ROM 12 and a RAM 13, with the ROM 12 storing firmware (programs) for operation.

The CPU 11 receives signals from the human sensor 8, the manual staple paper detection sensor 141, the home sensor 144 for detecting whether the stapler 200 is in the home position via the stapler movement motor 143, the engine control unit 62 of the image forming device 6, the paper passing sensor 147 for detecting the paper P2 transported from the image forming device 6, the discharge sensor 148 for detecting the discharge of the post-processed paper P2, the home sensor 155 for detecting whether the staple processing motor 150 for executing the staple processing of the stapler 200 is in the home position, and the like. The CPU 11 also drives the stapler movement motor 143 via the stapler movement motor drive circuit 142, and drives the alignment motor 146 via the alignment motor drive circuit 145. Furthermore, the CPU 11 drives the staple processing motor 150 via the staple processing motor drive circuit 149, drives the conveyance roller 152 via the conveyance roller drive circuit 151, and drives the paper stack discharge means 154 for discharging the post-processed paper stack via the paper discharge roller drive circuit 153.

The CPU 11 controls each input and output of the post-processing device 1 using a program on the ROM 12 of the post-processing device 1. A processing routine is provided for each load, but this is a common practice and will not be described in detail.

The manual staple paper detection sensor 141 is a transmissive optical sensor and is provided inside the paper insertion section 2 of the post-processing device 1 at a position that detects the paper P1 inserted into the paper insertion section 2. When the detection result of this manual staple paper detection sensor 141 changes, it is determined that the paper P1 has been inserted into the paper insertion section 2. Note that the sensor capable of detecting the paper P1 is not limited to a transmissive optical sensor. For example, an ultrasonic sensor, a reflective optical sensor, a touch sensor, etc. may also be used.

In addition, it is sufficient to detect that paper P1 has been inserted into paper insertion section 2, and detection is not limited to by a sensor. For example, a button (hard button or soft button) may be provided near paper insertion section 2 or on the operation panel of pixel forming device 6, and it may be determined that paper P1 has been inserted when the button is pressed.

Figure 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming device 6.

In step S1, communication control with the terminal device and post-processing device 1 is performed, and input control such as receiving print jobs from the terminal device is performed. In step 2, panel control such as input reception of copy jobs from the operation panel is performed. In step S3, power saving decision control such as returning from sleep mode and transitioning to sleep mode is performed, and in step S4, copy control such as image formation and output is performed.

Figure 11 is a flowchart showing the operation of the post-processing device 1.

In step S5, communication control with the image forming device 6 is performed, and in step S6, detection control of paper P1 inserted from outside into the paper insertion section 2 and, if inserted, paper thickness detection control of the paper P1 are performed.

Next, in step S7, the transport control of the printed paper P2 transported from the image forming device 6 is performed, and in step S8, manual stapling control is performed. In step S9, control related to stapling the printed paper P2 (hereinafter also referred to as staple copy) is performed.

Next, we will explain the operation of manual stapling processing by the post-processing device 1.

As mentioned above, the stapler 200 is used both for manual stapling and staple copying, and is moved along the support plate 300 between the manual stapling position and the staple copying position by the stapler movement motor 143.

As mentioned above, in order to facilitate stapling the paper P1 inserted from outside into the paper insertion section 2, the stapler 200 is disposed in an inclined state with respect to the horizontal and vertical planes, and maintains an inclined attitude A with respect to the movement direction of the stapler 200 at the tip side of the support plate, which is the position of manual stapling. In addition, during standby, the excitation of the stapler movement motor 143 is turned off to prevent a rise in temperature of the stapler movement motor 143 and to suppress the current. In other words, no holding current is flowing. For these reasons, during manual stapling, the load of the stapler 200 is likely to be applied to the support plate 300 and vibrations are likely to occur, which makes it easy for the stapler 200 to become misaligned from the manual stapling position.

Therefore, in this embodiment, in order to prevent the stapler 200 from shifting from the manual staple position when manual stapling is performed, a holding current is supplied to the stapler movement motor 143, and the magnitude of the holding power for supplying the holding current is set to a value that can prevent the stapler 200 from shifting from the manual staple position.

Although the holding current may be applied even during standby, in this case, it is preferable to set the magnitude of the holding power during manual stapling to be greater than that during standby, which makes it possible to prevent the stapler 200 from shifting its position during manual stapling while suppressing power consumption during standby.
[First embodiment]
FIG. 12 is a flow chart showing the operation of the manual stapling process according to the first embodiment, which is carried out by the post-processing device 1. In FIG.

When the post-processing device 1 is powered on, in step S11, it is determined whether the stapler 200 has shifted from the predetermined standby position (home position) based on the output of the home sensor 144 of the stapler movement motor 143. If it has shifted (YES in step S11), in step S12, the stapler movement motor 143 is driven to move it to the manual staple position, which is the home position, and the drive current, i.e., the holding current, of the stapler movement motor 143 is turned off, and then the process proceeds to step S13. The stapler movement motor 143 is composed of a stepping motor, and the amount of movement can be controlled in units of one pulse, so it is easy to control the amount of movement to the home position. It is also easy to hold it in the predetermined position by the holding current.

In step S11, if the stapler 200 has not shifted from the home position (NO in step S11), proceed directly to step S13.

In step S13, it is checked whether the device is on standby. If the device is on standby (YES in step S13), in step S14, it is determined whether paper P1 has been inserted from outside into the paper insertion section 2 based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor 141. If paper P1 has not been inserted (NO in step S14), the process returns to step S13. If paper P1 has been inserted (YES in step S14), in step S15, a predetermined time is waited to stabilise the vibration of the stapler 200 caused by the paper insertion (NO in step S15), and once the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S15), in step S16, the holding current (I1) of the stapler movement motor 143, in other words the holding power of the stapler movement motor 143, is increased to a level at which the stapler 200 does not deviate from the manual stapling position, and then manual stapling is performed in step S17.

Next, in step S18, it is determined whether manual stapling is complete and a predetermined time has elapsed. The reason for waiting for the predetermined time to elapse is to wait for the vibration caused by stapling to subside. If manual stapling is not complete or the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S18), the process remains in step S18. If manual stapling is complete and the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S18), the holding current of the stapler movement motor 143 is turned off in step S19, and the process returns to step S13.

In this manner, in this embodiment, when manual stapling is performed, the power of the stapler movement motor 143 is set to a value that does not cause the stapler 200 to deviate from the post-processing position, so that the position of the stapler 200 can be prevented from deviating from the post-processing position even when manual stapling is performed. Therefore, manual stapling can be performed at the correct position, preventing post-processing defects caused by positional deviation.

In addition, before manual stapling begins, the power of the stapler movement motor 143 is set to a level that prevents the stapler 200 from shifting from the post-processing position, so that the stapler 200 can be reliably prevented from shifting from the start of manual stapling.

Furthermore, after manual stapling is completed, the power to the stapler movement motor 143 is reduced, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption.

If the printer is not in standby in step S13 (NO in step S13), then in step S20 it is checked whether the staple copy mode has been started. If the staple copy mode has not been started (NO in step S20), the printer returns to step S13. If the staple copy mode has been started (YES in step S20), then in step S21 the stapler movement motor 143 moves the stapler 200 to the staple copy position, and staple copying is performed. While staple copying is being performed, a holding current I2 is passed through the stapler movement motor 143.

Here, regarding the magnitude of the holding power for passing the holding current I2 to the stapler movement motor 143 while staple copying is being performed, and the holding power for passing the holding current I1 while manual stapling is being performed, it is desirable to set the holding power during manual stapling to be greater than the holding power during staple copying. The reason for this is that the processing position for manual stapling is located on the tip side of the support plate 300, and thus the positional deviation caused by manual stapling is large, and this positional deviation must be reliably prevented.

Next, in step S22, it is determined whether or not all staple copies have been completed. If not (NO in step S22), the process waits until completion. If completed (YES in step S22), the process returns to step S12 and the stapler 200 is moved to the manual staple position, which is the home position.
Second Embodiment
13 is a flow chart showing the operation of the manual stapling process according to the second embodiment performed by the post-processing device 1. In this embodiment, the holding current (holding power) of the stapler moving motor 143 is increased in response to detection of the external insertion of the paper (paper stack) P1 to be manually stapled into the paper insertion section 2.

When the post-processing device 1 is powered on, in step S31, it is determined whether the stapler 200 has deviated from the predetermined standby position (home position) based on the output of the home sensor 144 of the stapler movement motor 143. If it has deviated (YES in step S31), in step S32, the stapler movement motor 143 is driven to move it to the manual staple position, which is the home position, and then the process proceeds to step S33. In step S31, if the stapler 200 has not deviated from the home position (NO in step S31), the process proceeds directly to step S33.

In step S33, it is checked whether the device is on standby. If it is on standby (YES in step S33), in step S34, it is determined based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor 141 whether paper P1 has been inserted from outside into the paper insertion section 2. If paper P1 has not been inserted (NO in step S34), the process returns to step S33. If paper P1 has been inserted (YES in step S34), in step S35, the holding current (I1) of the stapler movement motor 143, in other words, the holding power of the stapler movement motor 143, is increased to a level at which the stapler 200 does not shift from the manual staple position. Then, in step S36, a predetermined time is waited to stabilise the vibration of the stapler 200 caused by the paper insertion (NO in step S36), and once the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S36), manual stapling is carried out in step S37.

Next, in step S38, it is determined whether manual stapling is complete and a predetermined time has elapsed. If manual stapling is not complete or the predetermined time has not elapsed (NO in step S38), the process remains in step S38. If manual stapling is complete and the predetermined time has elapsed (YES in step S38), the holding current of the stapler movement motor 143 is turned off in step S39, and the process returns to step S33.

In this embodiment, when the manual staple paper detection sensor 141 detects that paper P1 has been inserted from outside into the paper insertion section 2, the power to the stapler movement motor 143 is set to a value that prevents the stapler 200 from shifting from the post-processing position, so that the stapler 200 can be held at the precise timing required to prevent position shifting.

If the printer is not in standby in step S33 (NO in step S33), it is checked in step S40 whether the staple copy mode has been started. If the staple copy mode has not been started (NO in step S40), the process returns to step S33. If the staple copy mode has been started (YES in step S40), the stapler 200 is moved to the staple copy position by the movement motor 143 in step S41, and staple copying is performed. While staple copying is being performed, a holding current I2 is passed through the stapler movement motor 143.

In this case too, it is desirable to set the holding power during manual stapling to be greater than the holding power during stapled copying.

Next, in step S42, it is determined whether or not all staple copies have been completed. If not (NO in step S42), the process waits until completion. If completed (YES in step S42), the process returns to step S32, and stapler 200 is moved to the manual staple position, which is the home position.
[Third embodiment]
14 is a flow chart showing the operation of the manual stapling process according to the third embodiment performed by the post-processing device 1. In this embodiment, when the human presence sensor 8 detects that a person has approached the post-processing device 1 before it detects that the paper P1 to be manually stapled has been inserted from the outside into the paper insertion section 2, the holding current (holding power) of the stapler moving motor 143 is increased.

In the process of FIG. 14, the processes of steps S31 to S33 and S36 to 42 are the same as those shown in the flowchart of FIG. 13, so they are given the same step numbers and detailed descriptions are omitted.

In step S13 of FIG. 14, it is checked whether the device is on standby, and if it is on standby (YES in step S13), it is checked in step S301 whether the human sensor 8 has detected that a person has approached the device. If it has (YES in step S301), in step S302, the holding current (I1) of the stapler movement motor 143, in other words the power of the stapler movement motor 143, is increased to a level at which the stapler 200 does not deviate from the manual staple position, and then the process proceeds to step S303. If it has not detected that a person has approached the device (NO in step S301), the process returns to step S33.

In step S303, it is determined whether or not paper P1 has been inserted from outside into the paper insertion section 2 based on the detection result of the paper detection sensor 141. If paper P1 has not been inserted (NO in step S303), the process returns to step S301. If paper P1 has been inserted (YES in step S303), the process proceeds to step S36.

In this embodiment, when it is detected that a person is approaching the device, the holding current (I1) of the stapler movement motor 143, in other words the holding power of the stapler movement motor 143, is increased to a level that does not cause the stapler 200 to deviate from the manual stapling position, so that the stapler 200 can be held in the post-processing position with ample time before manual stapling begins.

Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram of the drive of the stapler movement motor 143. The stapler movement motor 143 is driven by the motor control unit 140. The motor control unit 140 includes the above-mentioned CPU 11 and a motor drive circuit 142.

The CPU 11 outputs an enable signal, a rotation direction control signal, a motor current setting signal, a clock signal, etc. to the motor drive circuit 142, and the motor drive circuit 142 drives the stapler movement motor 143 based on these signals.

When the enable signal is on, current is applied to the stapler movement motor 143, the current of the stapler movement motor 143 is set by the magnitude of the current setting signal, and the rotation speed is determined by the speed of the clock signal. In addition, the forward or reverse rotation direction of the stapler movement motor 143 is set by the on/off of the rotation direction signal. Furthermore, if the clock signal is not output with the current setting signal and enable signal on, the stapler movement motor 143 does not rotate and maintains its position, and the holding current (holding power) is increased or decreased by the magnitude of the current setting signal.

Figure 16 is a diagram for explaining the speed control of the stapler movement motor 143. When the speed of the clock signal is switched with the enable signal turned on, the stapler movement motor 143 enters an accelerating or decelerating state, and when the speed of the clock signal is kept constant, the stapler movement motor 143 enters a constant speed state. The constant speed of the stapler movement motor 143 changes depending on the magnitude of the motor current setting signal.

Note that the method of driving and controlling the stapler movement motor 143 is not limited to the method described in Figures 15 and 16.

In the above embodiment, when performing manual stapling with the stapler 200, the holding power for holding the stapler movement motor 143 at the post-processing position is set to a value that prevents the stapler 200 from shifting from the post-processing position. However, a thickness detection unit that detects the thickness of the paper P1 to be manually stapled may be provided, and the holding power (holding current) may be changed depending on the detected thickness. Since the degree of positional deviation varies depending on the thickness of the paper P1, and the thicker the paper P1, the greater the positional deviation, the greater the holding power is set as the paper P1 becomes thicker. A table that specifies the relationship between the holding power to be set and the thickness of the paper may be prepared in the post-processing device 1, etc., and the holding power corresponding to the detected thickness of the paper may be selected.

The method for detecting the thickness of the paper P1 inserted into the paper insertion section 2 is not particularly limited, and may be ultrasonic or a thickness detection sensor.

Figure 17 is a diagram for explaining a method of using a thickness detection sensor. In the figure, reference numeral 71 denotes, for example, a reflective sensor, and reference numeral 73 denotes an actuator having a rod-shaped tip and a semicircular base end. A number of slits 72 are formed radially at the base end of actuator 73.

Furthermore, the actuator 73 is biased in a counterclockwise direction, and when no paper P1 is inserted, it rotates to the bottom end as shown in FIG. 17(C), and when paper P1 is present, it rotates clockwise as shown in FIG. 17(A) and (B), but the amount of clockwise rotation is greater in FIG. 17(A), where the paper P1 is thick, than in FIG. 17(B), where the paper P1 is thin.

Since the position of the slit 72 relative to the sensor 71 differs depending on the amount of rotation of the actuator 71, the thickness of the paper P1 can be detected according to the detection position of the slit 72.

It may also be a sensor that generates a voltage according to the amount of rotation of the actuator 71 and detects the thickness of the paper based on the voltage value.

The actuator-equipped sensor 71 may also be used as a detection sensor for the paper P1 inserted into the paper insertion section 2.

Although one embodiment of the present invention has been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment.

For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 14, the home position of the stapler 200 and the manual staple position are the same, but as shown in Figure 7, the home position of the stapler 200 and the manual staple position may be different. In this case, when the paper detection sensor 141 detects the insertion of paper P1 into the paper insertion section 2 or when the human presence sensor 8 detects the approach of a person, the stapler 200 is moved from the home position to the manual staple position and the holding power is increased.

Reference Signs List 1 post-processing device 2 paper insertion section 6 image forming device 8 human presence sensor 11 CPU
141 Paper detection sensor 143 Stapler movement motor 144 Home sensor 200 Stapler (post-processing section)
201: Recess 202, 203: Leg 300: Support plate 301-304: Guide P1: Paper (sheet)

Claims (20)

A sheet insertion portion;
a post-processing section that performs a first post-processing at a predetermined post-processing position on a sheet that is inserted from outside into the sheet insertion section;
a holding means for electrically holding the post-processing unit at the predetermined post-processing position;
a control means for setting a holding power for electrically holding the holding means at a level that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from a post-processing position when the post-processing unit executes a first post-processing on a sheet inserted from outside into the sheet insertion unit;
Equipped with
the post-processing unit performs a second post-processing on the sheet conveyed from the upstream device,
The post-processing device is characterized in that the control means sets the holding power so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is executed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the second post-processing is executed by the post-processing unit. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means sets the holding power so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is being performed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the post-processing device is in standby. 3 . The post-processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit sets the holding power to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position before the start of the first post-processing. a detection means for detecting that a sheet has been inserted from the outside into the sheet insertion portion,
The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 , wherein the control means, when the detection means detects that a sheet has been inserted, sets the holding power to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position. A human presence sensor is provided to detect the approach of a person to the device,
The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means sets the holding power to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position when the human presence sensor detects that a person is approaching the device. a thickness detection unit for detecting a thickness of the sheet to be subjected to the first post-processing,
6. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means switches the magnitude of the holding power in response to the detection result of the thickness detection means. 7. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the control means reduces the holding power after the first post-processing is completed. 8. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the post-processing section is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when in the predetermined post-processing position. 9. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the post-processing section is inclined with respect to a moving direction of the post-processing section when the post-processing section is in the predetermined post-processing position. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 9 , wherein the first post-processing is a stapling process. A post-processing device including a sheet insertion section, a post-processing section that performs a first post-processing at a predetermined post-processing position on a sheet inserted from outside into the sheet insertion section, and a holding means that electrically holds the post-processing section at the predetermined post-processing position,
a control step of setting a holding power for electrically holding the holding means at a level at which the post-processing unit does not deviate from a post-processing position when the post-processing unit performs a first post-processing on a sheet inserted from outside the sheet insertion unit ,
the post-processing unit performs a second post-processing on the sheet conveyed from the upstream device,
A holding method for a post-processing unit, characterized in that in the control step, the holding power is set so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is executed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the second post-processing is executed by the post-processing unit . The post-processing unit holding method according to claim 11, wherein in the control step, the holding power is set so that the magnitude of the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the first post-processing is being performed is greater than the electrical holding force held by the holding means when the post-processing unit is in standby. 13. The method for holding a post-processing section according to claim 11, wherein in the control step, before the start of the first post-processing, the holding power is set to a magnitude that prevents the post-processing section from shifting from a post-processing position. a detection means for detecting that a sheet has been inserted from the outside into the sheet insertion portion,
A method for holding a post-processing unit as described in any one of claims 11 to 13 , wherein in the control step, when the detection means detects that a sheet has been inserted, the holding power is set to a value that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position. A human presence sensor is provided to detect the approach of a person to the device,
A method for holding a post-processing unit as described in any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein in the control step, when the human presence sensor detects that a person is approaching the device, the holding power is set to a magnitude that prevents the post-processing unit from shifting from the post-processing position . a thickness detection unit for detecting a thickness of the sheet to be subjected to the first post-processing,
16. The method for holding a post-processing section according to claim 11 , wherein in the control step , the magnitude of the holding power is switched depending on the detection result of the thickness detection means. The method for maintaining a post-processing unit according to claim 11 , wherein in the control step, the holding power is reduced after the first post-processing is completed. 18. The method for holding a post-processing section according to claim 11 , wherein the post-processing section is inclined with respect to a horizontal plane when in the predetermined post-processing position. 19. The method for holding a post-processing section according to claim 11 , wherein the post-processing section is inclined with respect to a moving direction of the post-processing section when the post-processing section is in the predetermined post-processing position. The method for holding a post-processing section according to any one of claims 11 to 19 , wherein the first post-processing is a stapling process.

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