JP2004145200A - Post-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a post-processing device that exhibits excellent operation and processing efficiency in post-processing conducted under an off-line mode. <P>SOLUTION: The post-processing device includes: a post-processing part having a sheet feed part which is located downstream of a recording-paper transport/ejection position of an image forming apparatus, which is capable of performing at least one of the post-processes such as stacking sheets which have not passed through the image forming apparatus, feeding, stapling, saddle stitching, and folding; and a second operating part that instructs to perform post-processing separately from the operating part of the image forming apparatus. The post-processing device post-processes a sheet of paper set in the sheet feed part upon an instruction from the second operating part. In the post-processing device, the operation in which the sheet set in the sheet feed part is post-processed by the post-processing device in a post-processing mode specified by the second operating part has control to perform post-processing for every predetermined number of sheets. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as stapling and saddle stitching by connecting to an image forming apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
When a post-processing device is connected to the image forming apparatus, and the image forming is performed and the recording paper having the recorded image is ejected from the image forming device, the recording paper is subsequently sent to the post-processing device, and is subjected to post-processing such as stapling and saddle stitching. Has been done.
[0003]
Further, a sheet feeding section is provided in the post-processing apparatus, and post-processing such as stapling and saddle stitching is performed on sheets not passing through the image forming apparatus.
[0004]
Patent Literature 1 describes a post-processing device provided with a paper feeding unit. The post-processing apparatus is provided with a simplified post-processing display section, which describes that when a jam occurs in the post-processing apparatus, this is displayed and the post-processing operation is prohibited.
[0005]
Patent Literature 2 discloses that an opening / closing cover is provided in a paper feeding unit of a post-processing apparatus, and that an insert mode (offline mode) is set by opening the opening / closing cover.
[0006]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-139220 A
[0007]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-31268 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Conventionally, when the post-processing is performed using the paper placed on the paper feeding unit, one bundle (for example, paper 5) is controlled based on an instruction from a simple second operation unit provided in the post-processing unit. (One sheet is regarded as one bundle)), and the post-processing operation is performed after the sheet is completely fed. That is, the post-processing for one bundle is executed only after the supply of one bundle (for example, five sheets) placed on the paper feeding unit is stopped. Therefore, when performing post-processing of a large number of sets (bundles), it is necessary to wait for the completion of the operation of one bundle and set a sheet of paper in the paper feeding unit each time. There is a disadvantage that it takes a lot of time to perform the post-processing operation.
[0009]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a post-processing apparatus that can easily operate and save time required for post-processing operations when performing post-processing of a large number of copies using paper.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object of the present invention is achieved by the following invention.
[0011]
1. It is connected to the image forming apparatus, has at least one post-processing section of staple, saddle stitching, and folding, and loads sheets that have not passed through the image forming apparatus at a downstream side of the recording paper transport position of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit having a paper feeding unit capable of performing at least one post-processing of feeding, stapling, saddle stitching, and folding; and a second instruction for post-processing separately from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. In a post-processing apparatus having an operation unit and post-processing a sheet set in the sheet feeding unit according to an instruction of the second operation unit, the sheet feeding unit may be operated in a post-processing mode instructed by the second operation unit. Wherein the post-processing device performs post-processing operations on the sheets set in the post-processing device every predetermined number of sheets.
[0012]
2. 2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation unit includes means for instructing a control for performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit and displaying the control.
[0013]
3. 3. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a unit configured to switch a predetermined number of sheets by performing post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit.
[0014]
4. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means for switching the predetermined number of sheets instructs and displays the number of sheets using the second operation unit.
[0015]
5. It is connected to the image forming apparatus, has at least one post-processing section of staple, saddle stitching, and folding, and loads sheets that have not passed through the image forming apparatus at a downstream side of the recording paper transport position of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit having a paper feeding unit capable of performing at least one post-processing of feeding, stapling, saddle stitching, and folding; and a post-processing operation unit instructing the operation unit of the image forming apparatus to perform post-processing. A post-processing device that post-processes a sheet set in the sheet feeding unit according to an instruction of the post-processing operation unit,
In the post-processing mode instructed by the post-processing operation unit, the operation of post-processing the paper set in the paper feeding unit by the post-processing device includes a control of performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets. Post-processing device.
[0016]
6. 6. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the post-processing operation unit includes means for instructing a control for performing a post-processing operation every predetermined number of sheets set in the paper feeding unit and displaying the control.
[0017]
7. 7. The post-processing apparatus according to 5 or 6, further comprising a unit configured to switch a predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit by a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets.
[0018]
8. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for switching the predetermined number of sheets instructs and displays the number of sheets using the post-processing operation section.
[0019]
9. It is connected to the image forming apparatus, has at least one post-processing section of staple, saddle stitching, and folding, and loads sheets that have not passed through the image forming apparatus at a downstream side of the recording paper transport position of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit having a paper feeding unit capable of performing at least one post-processing of feeding, stapling, saddle stitching, and folding; and a second instruction for post-processing separately from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus. In a post-processing apparatus having an operation unit and post-processing a sheet set in the sheet feeding unit according to an instruction of the second operation unit, the sheet feeding unit may be operated in a post-processing mode instructed by the second operation unit. The post-processing operation of the sheet set in the post-processing device includes a control of performing a post-processing operation after all the sheets set in the sheet feeding unit are completely fed and a control of performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets. After-treatment characterized by having Apparatus.
[0020]
10. 10. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second operation unit has means for instructing and displaying a control for performing a post-processing operation every predetermined number of sheets set in the paper feeding unit.
[0021]
11. 11. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 9 or 10, further comprising means for switching the predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit by a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets.
[0022]
12. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the means for switching the predetermined number of sheets instructs and displays the number of sheets using the second operation unit.
[0023]
13. It is connected to the image forming apparatus, has at least one post-processing section of staple, saddle stitching, and folding, and loads sheets that have not passed through the image forming apparatus at a downstream side of the recording paper transport position of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit having a paper feeding unit capable of performing at least one post-processing of feeding, stapling, saddle stitching, and folding; and a post-processing operation unit instructing the operation unit of the image forming apparatus to perform post-processing. A post-processing device that post-processes the paper set in the paper feeding unit according to an instruction of the second operation unit,
In the post-processing mode instructed by the post-processing operation unit, the operation of post-processing the paper set in the paper feeding unit by the post-processing device is performed when all the papers set in the paper feeding unit are completely fed. A post-processing apparatus comprising: a control for performing a post-processing operation from the beginning; and a control for performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets.
[0024]
14． 14. The post-processing apparatus according to 13, wherein the post-processing operation unit includes means for instructing control for performing a post-processing operation every predetermined number of sheets set in the paper feeding unit and displaying the instruction.
[0025]
15. 15. The post-processing apparatus according to the above 13 or 14, further comprising a unit for switching the predetermined number of sheets by performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit.
[0026]
16. 16. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the means for switching the predetermined number of sheets instructs and displays the number of sheets in the post-processing operation section.
[0027]
The inventions of the above-mentioned 1 to 4 have a second operation section for operating the post-processing section in the post-processing apparatus. The control performed when performing processing is disclosed.
[0028]
In the inventions of the fifth to eighth aspects, the image forming apparatus has an operation section for operating a post-processing section, and performs post-processing by placing a large number (bundle) of sheets on a sheet feeding section of the post-processing apparatus. The control performed at the time is disclosed.
[0029]
In the inventions of 9 to 12, the post-processing apparatus has an operation section for operating the post-processing section, and one sheet or a large number (bundle) of sheets are placed on the sheet feeding section of the post-processing apparatus. The control performed when performing post-processing is disclosed.
[0030]
The inventions of 13 to 16 have an operation section for operating the post-processing section in the image forming apparatus, and place one bundle or a large number (bundle) of sheets in the sheet feeding section of the post-processing apparatus. The control performed when performing post-processing is disclosed.
[0031]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system including an image forming apparatus A and a post-processing apparatus B. A sheet on which an image is formed in the image forming apparatus A and sent to the post-processing apparatus is called a recording sheet, and a sheet newly fed and post-processed in the post-processing apparatus is simply called a sheet.
[0032]
[Image forming apparatus]
The image forming apparatus A includes a charging unit 2, an image exposing unit (writing unit) 3, a developing unit 4, a transferring unit 5A, a discharging unit 5B, a separating claw 5C, and a cleaning unit 5D around the rotating image carrier 1. After the surface of the image carrier 1 is uniformly charged by the charging unit 2, an exposure scan based on image data read from a document by the laser beam of the image exposure unit 3 is performed. A latent image is formed, and the latent image is reversely developed by the developing unit 4 to form a toner image on the surface of the image carrier 1.
[0033]
On the other hand, the recording paper S fed from the paper feeding unit 6A is sent to the transfer position via the intermediate paper feeding unit 6B. At the transfer position, the toner image is transferred onto the recording paper S by the transfer means 5A. Thereafter, the charge on the back surface of the recording paper S is erased by the charge removing means 5B, separated from the image carrier 1 by the separation claw 5C, transported by the transporting means 7A, and subsequently heated and fixed by the fixing means 8, and discharged by the discharging roller 7C. Is discharged by
[0034]
When images are formed on both sides of the recording paper S, the recording paper S heated and fixed by the fixing unit 8 is branched off from the normal discharge path by the transport path switching plate 7B, and is switched back by the reverse transport unit 7D. After the sheet is turned upside down, the sheet is discharged out of the apparatus by the sheet discharge roller 7C. The recording paper S discharged from the paper discharge roller 7C is sent to the entrance 10 of the post-processing device B. In the vicinity of the paper discharge roller 7C, a paper discharge sensor PS1 that detects the passage of the leading end and the rear end of the recording paper S to be discharged is provided.
[0035]
On the other hand, the surface of the image carrier 1 is cleaned by the cleaning unit 5D downstream of the separation claw 5C after the transfer to prepare for the next image formation.
[0036]
An operation unit 9 for setting image forming conditions is arranged above the image forming apparatus A.
[0037]
[Post-processing device]
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a sheet conveyance path in the post-processing apparatus B.
[0038]
In the post-processing apparatus B, a paper feeding unit 51 and an upper paper ejection table 93 are arranged in the upper part of the drawing, and the punching means 60, the shift means 67, and the paper ejection roller 91 are arranged in series on the same plane which is substantially horizontal in the middle part. The stacking unit 70 and the folding unit 80 are arranged in series on the same plane that forms an inclined surface at the lower stage.
[0039]
On the left side in the figure of the post-processing apparatus B, an elevating discharge tray 92 for loading the recording paper S after the shift processing and the recording paper bundle Sa after the stapling processing is arranged.
[0040]
・ Paper feeding means
The sheet K stored in the sheet tray of the sheet feeding section 51 is separated and fed by the sheet feeding roller 511, is nipped by the conveying rollers 513 and 514, and is introduced into the entrance section 50. Sheets other than the recording sheet S directly discharged from the image forming apparatus A are stacked in the sheet feeding tray of the sheet feeding section 51, and can be fed by the sheet feeding roller 511 by the offline operation.
[0041]
・ Inlet
The recording sheet S discharged from the discharge roller 7C of the image forming apparatus A is introduced into the entrance 50 of the post-processing apparatus B. Also, the paper K supplied from the paper feeding unit 51 installed above the post-processing device B is introduced into the entrance 50.
[0042]
.Punching means
A punching means 60 is disposed downstream of the entrance 50 in the sheet transport direction. A registration roller 65 is disposed on the upstream side of the punching position in the sheet transport direction by the punching unit 60, and a transport roller 66 is disposed on the downstream side of the punching position in the sheet transport direction. The punching means 60 punches a file through hole near the leading end of the sheet K or the recording sheet S.
[0043]
Between the registration roller 65 and the perforating means 60, a paper front / rear end detection sensor PS4 for detecting the passage of the front and rear ends of the paper is disposed.
[0044]
.Paper branching means
On the downstream side of the perforating means 60 in the sheet conveying direction, a sheet branching means including switching gates G1 and G2 is provided. The switching gates G1 and G2 are driven by a solenoid (not shown) to drive a three-way paper transport path, that is, a first transport path F1 leading to an upper discharge tray 93, a second transport path F2 leading to a middle discharge roller 91, and a lower stack. The branch is selectively branched to any of the third transport paths F3 reaching the unit 70.
[0045]
・ Simple paper ejection
When the sheet conveyance is set, the switching gate G1 opens only the first conveyance path F1, and shuts off the other second conveyance path F2 and the third conveyance path F3.
[0046]
The sheet passing through the first conveyance path F1 is sandwiched by the conveyance rollers 931 and rises, is discharged by the discharge rollers 932, is placed on the upper discharge table 93, and is sequentially stacked. Up to about 200 sheets can be stacked on the upper sheet discharge table 93.
[0047]
・ Shift processing
When this transport mode is set, the switching gate G1 is retracted upward, and the switching gate G2 shuts off the third transport path F3, opens the second transport path F2, and allows paper to pass. The sheet passes between the switching gates G1 and G2.
[0048]
The sheet, that is, the recording sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus A or the sheet K fed from the sheet feeding unit 51 passes through the intermediate paper passage of the switching gates G1 and G2, and is shifted by the shift unit 67. The shift processing is performed in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction.
[0049]
The shift means 67 performs a shift process for changing the sheet discharge position in the transport width direction for each predetermined number of sheets. The sheets subjected to the shift processing are discharged by a discharge roller 91 to an elevating discharge table 92 outside the apparatus, and are sequentially placed. The ascending / descending sheet discharge tray 92 is configured to descend sequentially when discharging a large number of sheets, and can accommodate a maximum of about 3000 sheets (A4 size, B5 size).
[0050]
・ Staple processing
When stapling processing is set in the second operation unit described later or the operation unit 9 of the image forming apparatus A, the sheet discharged from the sheet feeding unit 51 or the image forming processing is performed in the image forming apparatus A, The recording paper fed into the entrance 50 of the post-processing device B passes through the perforation means 60, is fed into the third transport path F3 below the switching gate G2, and is transported while being nipped by the transport rollers 701 and 702. The leading edge of the sheet abuts near the nipping position of the entrance conveyance roller (registration roller) 703 and stops, and the leading edge of the sheet is aligned.
[0051]
After the trailing end of the sheet in the advancing direction is discharged from the nipping position of the conveying roller 703, the sheet starts to descend due to its own weight, descends on the inclined surface of the sheet placing table (intermediate stacker) 71, and is wound by the winding belt 704. The leading end of the sheet is slid and conveyed, and the trailing end of the sheet abuts against the sheet abutting surface of the end binding position regulating means 72 provided near the binding means 700 and stops.
[0052]
Reference numeral 73 denotes a pair of width adjusting members movably provided on both side surfaces of the sheet mounting table 71. When a predetermined number (one bundle) of sheets are stacked and aligned on the sheet mounting table 71, the binding unit 700 performs a one-position binding or a two-position binding to form a bundle of sheets.
[0053]
The stapled sheet bundle is held at the rear end portion of the sheet by the discharge claw 74A of the discharge belt 74, slides on the mounting surface of the sheet mounting table 71, and is pushed up obliquely upward. The nipped paper is discharged and stacked on the elevating discharge table 92.
[0054]
・ Center folding
In response to the center folding process start signal, the folding plate 82 connected to the drive source protrudes leftward in the drawing from the sheet placement surface of the guide plate 81. The leading end of the folded plate 82 which protrudes straight in the left direction as shown in the drawing pushes the central portion of the sheet and pushes apart the sandwiching positions of the folding rollers 83 and 84 via the sheet to separate them.
[0055]
After the leading end of the folding plate 82 passes through the sandwiching position of the folding rollers 83 and 84, the folding plate 82 retreats and the central portion of the sheet is nipped by the folding rollers 83 and 84 to form a fold. The sheet with the fold formed by being nipped is conveyed out by the rotating folding rollers 83 and 84 and is placed on the lower discharge tray 94 outside the machine.
(1) Operation panel of post-processing device
An operation unit that instructs to place a sheet on the sheet feeding unit 51 of the post-processing apparatus B and perform post-processing on the placed sheet in the offline mode regardless of the operation of the image forming apparatus A includes: 1) A second operation section 90 is provided in the post-processing apparatus B separately from the operation section 9 of the image forming apparatus A. (2) A post-processing instructing the operation section 9 of the image forming apparatus A to perform a post-processing operation in an offline mode. There are also (1) and (2) in which the operation unit 9B is additionally provided.
[0056]
(1) FIG. 3 shows an example of the panel of the second operation unit 90. A second operation unit 90 is provided at a position above the post-processing device B to facilitate the operation. The second operation section 90 is provided with a function selection button 91, a function display section 92, a number setting button 93, a set number display section 94, a number display section 95, and a start / clear button 96.
[0057]
The user presses the function selection button 91 to select and display one of the one-position binding, the two-position binding, the saddle stitching, and the DM folding displayed on the function display unit 92. Next, the user sets the number of sheets for one bundle by pressing the number setting button 93 with the number of sheets for one bundle as the set number. The set number of sheets for one bundle is displayed on the set number display section 94. When a start instruction is given by the start / clear button 96, the sheet for each bundle is discharged from the sheet feeding unit 51, and post-processing is performed by the function displayed on the function display unit 92. The number of processed sheets incremented during the post-processing operation is displayed on the number display section 95 together with the number of bundles after the post-processing.
[0058]
By providing the second operation unit 90 having the extremely simple configuration described above, the post-processing operation is performed in the off-line mode at the post-processing position, so that an excellent effect in operability is achieved.
[0059]
{Circle around (2)} FIG. 4 shows an example of a panel of the operation unit 9 provided with the post-processing operation unit 9B. The operation unit 9 provided in the image forming apparatus A includes an operation unit 9A for giving an operation instruction for copy processing and an operation unit 9B for giving an operation instruction for post-processing. The operation unit 9 is provided with a numeric keypad for instructing the number of copies and a start button for instructing a copy start, in addition to the illustrations.
[0060]
The operation unit 9B for performing an operation instruction for post-processing is provided with a function instruction button 9B1 for instructing a function of one-position binding, two-position binding, saddle stitching, and DM folding. Also, an off-line mode selection button 9B2 is provided alongside the post-processing function selection. The panel of the offline mode section is provided with a number setting button 9B3, a set number display section 9B4, a number display section 9B5, a post-processing start button 9B6, and a clear button 9B7.
[0061]
When the user continuously requests post-processing for the recording paper subjected to the copy processing in the image forming apparatus A, the offline mode is released by the selection button 9B2, the post-processing function is set by the function instruction button 9B1, and the copy processing (not shown) is performed. By pressing the start button, the recording paper on which the copy processing has been performed is conveyed into the post-processing apparatus B, where the post-processing operation is performed and the recording paper is discharged outside the apparatus.
[0062]
When the user requests post-processing for the paper placed on the paper feeding unit 51, the selection button 9B2 is used to set an offline mode, and the number of sheets for one bundle is determined by the number of sheets for one bundle. Is set as the set number, and the number is set by pressing the number setting button 9B3. The set number of sheets for one bundle is displayed on the set number display section 9B4. When the post-processing start button 9B6 is pressed, one bundle of sheets is ejected from the sheet feeding unit 51, post-processing is performed by the function indicated by the function instruction button 9B1, and the sheet is ejected outside the machine. Note that the number of processed sheets incremented during the post-processing operation is displayed on the number display section 9B5 together with the number of bundles after the post-processing.
[0063]
For the operation in the off-line mode in the operation unit 9, besides the above-described embodiment, for example, when the off-line mode is set, the function is switched as a ten-key for setting the number of copies to be processed by a ten-key for setting the number of copies. When the start button for performing the copy process is switched to a function for starting the post-processing, it is not necessary to provide the number setting button 9B3, the set number display unit 9B4, the post-processing start button 9B6, and the like.
[0064]
By providing a post-processing operation unit in addition to the operation unit 9 described above, it is possible to centrally perform operation management.
(2) Control of post-processing device
5 and 6 are block diagrams each showing a main part of a control system of the image forming apparatus A and the post-processing apparatus B.
[0065]
{Circle around (1)} The block diagram shown in FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a control system in which the second operation section 90 is provided in the post-processing apparatus B and the post-processing operation is performed in the offline mode. The image forming apparatus A has a main body control section 110A for controlling the image forming section. The main body control section 110A is connected to the operation section 9 and controls the main body drive system 112A in accordance with a copy instruction input to the operation section 9. The post-processing device B has a post-processing control unit 110B that controls the post-processing unit, and is connected to the second operation unit 90 and the post-processing drive system 112B.
[0066]
A communication unit 111 for transmitting and receiving signals is connected between the main body control unit 110A and the post-processing control unit 110B. When a copy and post-processing of the copied recording paper is requested by the operation unit 9, the main body control unit 110A communicates with the post-processing control unit 110B via the communication unit 111, and the main body control unit 110A is connected to the main body drive system. The post-processing drive system controlled by the post-processing control unit 110B operates to perform post-processing on the recording paper conveyed to the post-processing unit by controlling the 112A to perform a copying operation on the recording paper. The paper is ejected.
[0067]
When the post-processing condition is input to the second operation unit 90, the post-processing control unit 110B suspends the communication with the main body control unit 110A via the communication unit 111 in the offline mode, and sets the post-processing drive system 112B. The post-processing is performed on the sheets placed on the sheet feeding unit 51 under the control.
[0068]
{Circle around (2)} The block diagram shown in FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control system in which the operation unit 9B of the image forming apparatus A is provided with an operation unit 9B for performing post-processing operations in the offline mode, and the operation is performed. The image forming apparatus A has a main body control section 110A for controlling the image forming section. The main body control section 110A is connected to the operation section 9 and controls the main body drive system 112A in accordance with a copy instruction input to the operation section 9. The post-processing apparatus B has a post-processing control section 110B for controlling the post-processing section, and is connected to the post-processing operation section 9B provided in the operation section 9 and the post-processing drive system 112B.
[0069]
A communication unit 111 for transmitting and receiving signals is connected between the main body control unit 110A and the post-processing control unit 110B. When a copy and post-processing of the copied recording paper is requested by the operation unit 9, the main body control unit 110A communicates with the post-processing control unit 110B via the communication unit 111, and the main body control unit 110A is connected to the main body drive system. The post-processing drive system controlled by the post-processing control unit 110B operates to perform post-processing on the recording paper conveyed to the post-processing unit by controlling the 112A to perform a copying operation on the recording paper. The paper is ejected.
[0070]
When the post-processing condition is input to the post-processing operation unit 9B, the post-processing control unit 110B temporarily stops the communication with the main body control unit 110A via the communication unit 111 in the offline mode, and controls the post-processing drive system 112B. Then, the post-processing is performed on the paper placed on the paper feeding unit 51.
(3) Flow chart of post-processing operation
7 and 8 are flowcharts showing the post-processing operation according to the present invention in the offline mode.
[0071]
{Circle around (1)} The flowchart shown in FIG. 7 shows that the sheets placed on the sheet feeding unit 51 are rearranged by a predetermined number in the offline post-processing mode designated by the second operation unit 90 or the post-processing operation unit 9B. It is a flowchart of the post-processing operation | movement in which the control which performs a processing operation is performed.
[0072]
The post-processing control unit 110B determines whether or not the number of sheets for one bundle is set (step S1). If the number of sheets is not set, the post-processing control unit 110B determines that the number of sheets is set. wait. If the number of sheets has been set, the set number of post-processing sheets for one bundle is set (step S2).
[0073]
It is determined which one of the one-position binding, the two-point binding, the saddle stitching, the DM folding and the like is to be performed, and it is determined whether or not there is an operation request (step S3). Wait for an operation request. If an operation request has been made, one sheet of paper is fed from the paper feeding unit 51 to the post-processing unit (step S4).
[0074]
It is determined whether or not the number of fed sheets has reached the set number set in step S2 (step S5). If the number of fed sheets has not reached the set number, the counted number is incremented ( Step S9), and return to step S4.
[0075]
When the number of fed sheets reaches the set number, post-processing is performed on one bundle of fed sheets (step S6). Next, the counted number of fed sheets is cleared to 0 (step S7). It is determined whether or not there is any remaining paper in the paper feeding unit 51 (step S8). If there is no remaining paper, the process ends. At the end of the processing, the post-processing is performed for one bundle of sheets.
[0076]
If it is determined that there is a sheet remaining in the sheet feeding unit 51, the process returns to step S4, and post-processing is performed on the second bundle of sheets.
[0077]
{Circle around (2)} In the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, in the off-line post-processing mode instructed by the second operation section 90 or the post-processing operation section 9B, the feeding of the sheets placed on the sheet feeding section 51 is completely completed. 9 is a flowchart of a post-processing operation in which control for performing a post-processing operation after that and control for performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets are performed.
[0078]
The post-processing control unit 110B determines whether or not the number of sheets for one bundle is set (step S1). If the number of sheets is set, the number of sheets for one bundle is set. The number of post-processing sheets is set (step S2).
[0079]
It is determined which one of the one-position binding, the two-point binding, the saddle stitching, the DM folding and the like is to be performed, and it is determined whether or not there is an operation request (step S3). Wait for an operation request. If an operation request has been made, one sheet of paper is fed from the paper feeding unit 51 to the post-processing unit (step S4).
[0080]
It is determined whether the number of fed sheets has reached the set number set in step S2 (step S5). If the number of fed sheets has not reached the set number, the counted number is incremented (step S5). Step S9), and return to step S4.
[0081]
When the number of fed sheets reaches the set number, post-processing is performed on one bundle of fed sheets (step S6). Next, the counted number of fed sheets is cleared to 0 (step S7). It is determined whether or not there is any remaining paper in the paper feeding unit 51 (step S8). If there is no remaining paper, the process ends. At the end of the processing, the post-processing is performed for one bundle of sheets.
[0082]
If it is determined that there is a sheet remaining in the sheet feeding unit 51, the process returns to step S4, and post-processing is performed on the second bundle of sheets.
[0083]
The flowcharts of steps S1 to S8 are flowcharts when a large number of sheets of paper are stacked on the paper feeding unit 51 and post-processing is performed.
[0084]
In step S1, when the number of sheets for one bundle has not been set, it is determined whether any one of the single binding, the double binding, the saddle stitching, the DM folding, and the like is to be performed and whether there is an operation request. A determination is made (step S11), and if there is no operation request, the process returns to step S1.
[0085]
When the operation request is made, one sheet is fed from the sheet feeding unit 51 to the post-processing unit (step S12), and it is determined whether the sheet feeding unit 51 has a remaining amount of sheets (step S13). After all the sheets have been fed, post-processing such as saddle stitching is performed.
[0086]
The flowcharts of steps S1, S11 to S14 are flowcharts when one bundle of sheets is stacked on the sheet feeding unit 51 and post-processing is performed.
[0087]
【The invention's effect】
Conventionally, when performing post-processing in the off-line mode, a sheet of paper for one bundle is placed on a paper feeding unit to perform post-processing, and after the post-processing of one bundle of paper is completed, the next one bundle is processed. And post-processing was performed. In the present invention, since a large number of sheets of paper are stacked in the paper feeding unit and post-processing is continuously performed, the operability is significantly improved, and the operation time is significantly reduced. became.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system.
FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a sheet conveyance path of a post-processing device.
FIG. 3 is an operation panel of a second operation unit.
FIG. 4 is an operation panel of an operation unit.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a main part of a control system of the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a post-processing operation according to the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a post-processing operation according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
A Image forming device
B Post-processing device
9 Operation section
90 second operation unit
51 Paper feed unit
110B Post-processing control unit

Claims (16)

Connected to the image forming apparatus, has at least one post-processing unit of staple, saddle stitching, folding,
A sheet feeder that can load and feed a sheet that has not passed through the image forming apparatus and execute at least one post-process of the staple, saddle stitching, and folding on the downstream side of the recording sheet transport / discharge position of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit having a
A second operation unit for instructing post-processing separately from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus;
In a post-processing device for post-processing a sheet set in the sheet feeding unit according to an instruction of the second operation unit,
In the post-processing mode instructed by the second operation unit, the operation of post-processing the paper set in the paper feeding unit by the post-processing device includes a control of performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets. Post-processing equipment. 2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the second operation unit includes means for instructing and displaying a control for performing a post-processing operation every predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit. 3. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a unit configured to switch a predetermined number of sheets by performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit. 4. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the means for switching the predetermined number of sheets instructs and displays the number of sheets using the second operation unit. Connected to the image forming apparatus, has at least one post-processing unit of staple, saddle stitching, folding,
A sheet feeder that can load and feed a sheet that has not passed through the image forming apparatus and execute at least one post-process of the staple, saddle stitching, and folding on the downstream side of the recording sheet transport / discharge position of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit having a
The operation unit of the image forming apparatus has a post-processing operation unit that instructs post-processing,
In a post-processing device that post-processes the paper set in the paper feeding unit according to an instruction of the post-processing operation unit,
In the post-processing mode instructed by the post-processing operation unit, the operation of post-processing the paper set in the paper feeding unit by the post-processing device includes a control of performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets. Post-processing device. 6. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the post-processing operation unit includes means for instructing a control to perform a post-processing operation every predetermined number of sheets set in the paper feeding unit and displaying the control. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 5, further comprising a unit configured to switch a predetermined number of sheets by performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit. 8. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the means for switching the predetermined number of sheets instructs and displays the number of sheets using the post-processing operation unit. Connected to the image forming apparatus, has at least one post-processing unit of staple, saddle stitching, folding,
A sheet feeder that can load and feed a sheet that has not passed through the image forming apparatus and execute at least one post-process of the staple, saddle stitching, and folding on the downstream side of the recording sheet transport / discharge position of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit having a
A post-processing device that has a second operation unit that instructs post-processing separately from the operation unit of the image forming apparatus, and that post-processes a sheet set in the sheet feeding unit according to an instruction of the second operation unit;
In the post-processing mode instructed by the second operation unit, the operation of post-processing the paper set in the paper supply unit by the post-processing device is performed when all the papers set in the paper supply unit are completely supplied. A post-processing apparatus comprising: a control for performing a post-processing operation after that; and a control for performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets. 10. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 9, wherein the second operation unit includes means for instructing a control for performing a post-processing operation every predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit and displaying the control. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 9, further comprising a unit configured to switch a predetermined number of sheets by performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 11, wherein the means for switching the predetermined number of sheets instructs and displays the number of sheets using the second operation unit. Connected to the image forming apparatus, has at least one post-processing unit of staple, saddle stitching, folding,
A sheet feeder that can load and feed a sheet that has not passed through the image forming apparatus and execute at least one post-process of the staple, saddle stitching, and folding on the downstream side of the recording sheet transport / discharge position of the image forming apparatus. A post-processing unit having a
The operation unit of the image forming apparatus has a post-processing operation unit that instructs post-processing,
In a post-processing device for post-processing a sheet set in the sheet feeding unit according to an instruction of the second operation unit,
In the post-processing mode instructed by the post-processing operation unit, the operation of post-processing the paper set in the paper feeding unit by the post-processing device is performed when all the papers set in the paper feeding unit are completely fed. A post-processing apparatus comprising: a control for performing a post-processing operation from the beginning; and a control for performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets. 14. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 13, wherein the post-processing operation unit includes means for instructing and displaying a control for performing a post-processing operation every predetermined number of sheets set in the paper feeding unit. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 13, further comprising a unit configured to switch a predetermined number of sheets by performing a post-processing operation for each predetermined number of sheets set in the sheet feeding unit. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the unit that switches the predetermined number of sheets instructs and displays the number of sheets using the post-processing operation unit.

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