JP2008065062A - Inserter and image forming system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inserter 1 and an image forming system 2 facilitating jamming processing of a sheet S at the inserter 1 installed between an image forming apparatus 3 and a post-processing device 4 without moving the post-processing device 4. <P>SOLUTION: In the inserter 1 provided between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing device 4 introducing a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 3 into the inside of the device and performing prescribed processing and separately inserting a sheet S on the way of a sheet conveyance path from the image forming apparatus 3 to the post-processing device 4, the inserter 1 has a drawer mechanism so as to be drawn toward the front of the image forming apparatus 3 from its installation state. The work for moving the post-processing device 4 or the like is not required, and the time and the trouble required in the jamming processing are reduced. Further, installation area of the image forming system 2 is minimized. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is provided between an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, and a facsimile machine, and a post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing such as stapling and punching on a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus. The present invention relates to an inserter that inserts a sheet in the middle of a sheet conveyance path from an image forming apparatus to a post-processing apparatus, and an image forming system including the same.

  Conventionally, an inserter is provided together with an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus that performs predetermined processing such as stapling and punching on sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus. For example, the inserter inserts a sheet in the middle of an image-formed sheet conveyance path from the image forming apparatus to the post-processing apparatus. The sheet to be inserted is, for example, white paper, thick paper, colored paper, separately printed paper, a photograph, or the like, and the sheet is inserted as a front cover, a back cover, a partition, a mark, or the like. Then, the inserted sheet and the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus are combined and discharged as they are to the tray of the post-processing apparatus, or predetermined processing such as punching, stapling, bookbinding, or the like is performed by the post-processing apparatus. Made.

  As an example of such an inserter, the invention described in Patent Document 1 has been proposed. In Patent Document 1, in an image forming apparatus provided with a finisher at the rear stage of the apparatus main body, an external paper feeding device is attached to the finisher, and a main body side paper on which an image is formed and an external paper feeding side accommodated in the external paper feeding device There has been proposed an image forming apparatus including a control unit that mixes and discharges paper. As a result, the sheets output by the plurality of image forming apparatuses are collectively post-processed to improve the processing efficiency. (See Patent Document 1: Claims 1 and 2 and FIG. 1).

Similarly, in Patent Document 2, a first sheet stacking unit, an image forming unit that forms an image on a first sheet, a sheet transporting unit that transports to a discharge sheet stacking unit, a second sheet stacking unit, and a sheet transport In the image forming apparatus, an image forming apparatus that includes a sheet inserting and conveying unit that conveys the second sheet downstream of the image forming unit and conveys the first and second sheets in an overlapping manner has been proposed. Further, the first and second sheets are overlapped at a substantially merging portion of the sheet conveying means and the sheet inserting and conveying means, or a sheet aligning means is provided at the substantially merging portion. Thereby, it is attempted to avoid occurrence of paper jam between the insert paper and the image-formed paper (Patent Document 2: Claim 2, Claim 3, Claim 4, and FIG. 2).
JP 2004-109395 A JP 2006-069723 A

  Here, in an inserter in which an inserter is provided between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus and a sheet is inserted in the middle of the sheet conveyance path from the image forming apparatus to the post-processing apparatus, a jam occurs and the inserter is inserted in the inserter. Conventionally, when a sheet stops on the sheet conveyance path, the post-processing apparatus and the inserter are moved to remove the sheet. However, moving the post-processing device or removing the inserter has a problem that a large amount of labor is required for the moving operation. Further, since the post-processing device and the inserter are moved, there is a problem that an area and a space larger than the installation state of each device are required in the sheet removing operation. In addition, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus usually have a front cover that is open, and it is necessary to move these apparatuses even though they can be jammed without being moved. There is also a problem that efficiency is poor.

  Conventionally, for example, a method has been adopted in which the front cover of the inserter can be opened, an opening is provided in the inserter, and a sheet is removed from the opening to perform jam processing.

  However, when the sheet removal operation is performed from the front surface of the inserter, there is a problem that the removal operation is difficult because the sheet is taken out in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. In some cases, the sheet may be torn during the removing operation, and a part of the sheet may remain in the inserter. As a result, it may eventually be necessary to move the post-processing device and remove the inserter.

  As described above, there are various problems in the sheet jam processing in the inserter. However, the invention described in Patent Document 1 aims at improving the processing efficiency and completely considers the sheet jam processing in the inserter. Absent. In the invention described in Patent Document 2, the sheet aligning means is provided to prevent the occurrence of the sheet jam. However, for example, only the first and second sheets are brought into contact with each other, and the occurrence of the jam is ensured. In other words, it does not take into account jam processing when a sheet jam actually occurs. Therefore, the invention described in Patent Document 1 or 2 cannot cope with the above problem.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems of the prior art, and facilitates jamming of a sheet with an inserter installed between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus without moving the post-processing apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to provide an inserter that can be performed. It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming system that can easily perform sheet jam processing and has a minimum installation area.

  The invention according to claim 1 is provided between the image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus that introduces a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus into the apparatus and performs a predetermined process. In the inserter for inserting a sheet separately in the middle of the sheet conveyance path from the apparatus to the post-processing apparatus, the inserter has a pulling mechanism so that it can be pulled out from the installed state toward the front of the image forming apparatus. .

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the inserter according to the first aspect, the drawer mechanism uses a slide rail.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the inserter according to the first or second aspect, the drawer mechanism includes a caster.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the inserter according to any one of the first to third aspects, wherein the inserter is connected between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus or pulled out. It has a detection means for detecting whether it is in a state.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 5, in the inserter according to claim 4, when the detecting means detects that the inserter is pulled out, the inserter is de-energized, and the inserter When it is detected that the image forming apparatus is connected between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus, the inserter is energized.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the inserter according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein a sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus and the inserter are generated due to the occurrence of a jam. Detecting means for detecting that the sheet is stopped so as to straddle the sheet conveying path, and the detecting means includes the sheet conveying path of the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus, and the inserter. When it is detected that the sheet is stopped so as to straddle the sheet conveyance path, a lock mechanism is provided so that the inserter cannot be pulled out.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus for introducing a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus into the apparatus, and performing a predetermined process, the image forming apparatus, and the image forming apparatus. The image forming system includes the inserter according to any one of claims 1 to 6 between the post-processing devices.

  Further, according to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the image forming system according to the seventh aspect, due to the occurrence of a jam, the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus has a sheet conveying path and a sheet conveying path of the inserter. Detecting means for detecting that the sheet is stopped, and the detecting means straddles the sheet conveying path of the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus and the sheet conveying path of the inserter. Thus, when it is detected that the sheet is stopped, the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal unit of the operation display unit provided in the image forming apparatus.

  According to the invention of claim 1, since the inserter can be pulled out together with the unit, a jam occurs, and even when the sheet is jammed or stays on the way from the inserter to the post-processing device, Jam processing can be easily performed. That is, if the inserter is pulled out, the jammed sheet can be removed in parallel with the sheet conveying direction for the insert. Therefore, it is not necessary to perform a work such as moving the post-processing apparatus as in the conventional case, and the time and labor required for the jam processing are reduced, and the productivity is improved. Furthermore, there is no need for a space for moving the post-processing apparatus.

  Furthermore, unlike the conventional case, there is no need to take out the jammed or stagnant sheet in the insert conveyance path in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction from the front surface of the inserter. Therefore, a part of the sheet is not left in the inserter or the like.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the drawer mechanism can be easily procured, and the drawer mechanism is easy to operate and maintain, and inexpensive. That is, it is mentioned as one of the preferred embodiments.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 3, as in the invention described in claim 2, procurement of the drawer mechanism is easy, the operability and maintenance of the drawer mechanism are high, and the price is low. That is, it is mentioned as one of the preferred embodiments.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the user returns the inserter to the connection state between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus after the jam processing, the connection state is not recognized until the inserter is securely connected. Therefore, the inserter is not used in an incomplete connection state. Therefore, further jamming of the sheet is prevented. Further, if this signal is used, it can be displayed on the display unit of the image forming apparatus, for example, that the inserter is not securely connected.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the inserted state of the inserter is not energized until it is securely connected to the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus. Compared with the case where the energization is canceled or started by opening and closing the front cover, the timing for energizing the inserter is ensured. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inserter from starting its operation even if it is not securely connected, and jam processing is facilitated.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, if the sheet stops so as to straddle the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus and the inserter due to the occurrence of a jam, the sheet breaks if the inserter is pulled out, and the sheet conveyance path May remain inside. Therefore, when such a sheet jam occurs, if the inserter cannot be pulled out by the lock mechanism, the jammed sheet will not be torn and remain in the conveyance path, and the jam handling operation will be facilitated.

  According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to provide an image forming system that facilitates a jam processing operation. In addition, since the labor and time required for the jam processing work can be reduced as compared with the prior art, an image forming system with high productivity can be provided.

  According to the eighth aspect of the present invention, when a jam of a sheet straddling the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus and the sheet conveyance path of the inserter occurs, if the inserter is pulled out, the jam state However, if the fact is displayed on the display part of the operation display part of the image forming apparatus, the user's attention can be drawn.

  Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. First, an overall outline of an image forming system 2 including an inserter 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an overall schematic configuration of an image forming system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, description will be made using an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 3. However, each element such as configuration and arrangement described in this embodiment does not limit the scope of the invention and is merely an illustrative example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 2 in the present embodiment includes an inserter 1, an image forming apparatus 3, and a post-processing apparatus 4 as a whole, and can further include a large capacity sheet feeding device 5. The inserter 1 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the left side surface of the image forming apparatus 3 and the right side surface of the post-processing apparatus 4. A large-capacity paper feeding device 5 is connected to the right side surface of the image forming apparatus 3.

  The inserter 1 is an apparatus for inserting the sheet S in the middle of a conveyance path for conveying the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 3 to the post-processing apparatus 4. The total height of the inserter 1 shown in FIG. 1 is about half of the total height of the post-processing device 4. Therefore, the lower portion of the inserter 1 is hollow when connected between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, a cover 1 a is provided below the inserter 1 including a decorative meaning.

  The image forming apparatus 3 is an apparatus for forming an image on the sheet S based on read data or data transmitted from a computer (not shown). An operation display unit 3a is provided at the upper front of the apparatus. The operation display unit 3a displays the state of the image forming apparatus 3, the number of copies, etc., or a liquid crystal unit 3b for instructing to use a function of the image forming apparatus 3 such as a double-sided printing function by a touch panel type. And a numeric keypad 3c for inputting the number of copies to be printed, and a start button 3d. The user uses the image forming apparatus 3 by operating and inputting the operation display unit 3a. On the other hand, the post-processing device 4 performs a punching process on the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 3 or performs a stapling process with a plurality of sheets S as a bundle. The predetermined post-processing is performed on S and the inserted sheet S.

  The image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 can open the front covers 6 and 7, respectively. When the sheet S is jammed in the apparatus, the front covers 6 and 7 are opened. The operation of removing the sheet S can be performed. The large-capacity paper feeding device 5 is for feeding paper to the image forming device 3, and can accommodate several thousand sheets S (paper) therein. .

  Next, the internal configuration of the image forming system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the image forming system 2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 2, the conveyance direction of the sheet S is indicated by a broken line arrow.

  First, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 3 will be described in detail.

  The image forming apparatus 3 according to the present embodiment is provided with an automatic document feeder 10 at the top, and the document reading unit 11, the sheet supply unit 12, and the sheet conveyance path 13 are disposed inside the lower part of the image forming apparatus 3. , An image forming unit 14, a fixing unit 15, and a sheet discharge unit 16.

  The original reading unit 11 reads an original and forms image data of the read original. An exposure lamp, a reflecting plate, a mirror, a lens, a CCD sensor, and the like are provided in the document reading unit 11, and the document is optically scanned to generate image data. Further, a contact glass 17 is provided on the upper surface of the document reading unit 11, and the document reading unit 11 is used for automatic document feeding by a document placed on the placement reading contact glass 17 a or an automatic document feeder 10. The document conveyed while contacting the contact glass 17b is scanned to generate image data.

  The automatic document feeder 10 automatically and continuously conveys a document toward a document reading unit 11 that generates image data. The automatic document feeder 10 includes a document placement tray 18, a document pickup roller 19, a plurality of document transport roller pairs 20, a document transport path 21, and a document discharge tray 22. The documents on the document placing tray 18 are sent one by one to the document transport path 21 by the document pickup roller 19. The plurality of document conveying roller pairs 20 convey the document so as to be in contact with the automatic document feeding contact glass 17b. The automatic document feeder 10 is provided with a fulcrum on the back side of the paper so that it can be lifted upward. For example, a document such as a book is placed on the placement reading contact glass 17a. Documents can be read one by one.

  The sheet supply unit 12 supplies the sheet S to the image forming unit 14. The sheet supply unit 12 includes sheet feeding cassettes 23 and 24 that store sheets S such as sheets of various sizes, and a pickup roller 25 for feeding the sheets S from the sheet feeding cassettes 23 and 24 one by one to the sheet conveyance path 13. , 26 are provided. For example, when the user selects the size of the sheet S to be used on the operation display unit 3a (see FIG. 1) and the user presses the start button 3d, the pickup rollers 25 and 26 are rotationally driven at a predetermined interval. The sheets S necessary for image formation are supplied to the sheet conveyance path 13 one by one.

  The sheet conveyance path 13 supplies the sheet S supplied from the sheet supply unit 12 or the sheet S (paper) supplied from the large-capacity paper feeder 5 from the paper feed cassettes 23 and 24 or the large-capacity paper feeder 5. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the sheet discharge unit 16 through the image forming unit 14 and the fixing unit 15. The sheet conveyance path 13 is provided with a plurality of conveyance roller pairs 27 and registration rollers 28 that wait for the conveyed sheet S before the image forming unit 14. The sheet conveyance path 13 from the sheet feeding cassettes 23 and 24 merges with the sheet conveyance path 29 from the large capacity sheet feeding device 5 on the upstream side of the registration roller 28.

  Here, the large capacity sheet feeding device 5 will be described. The large-capacity paper feeding device 5 can store sheets S (paper) of various sizes in units of several thousand sheets, and supplies the sheet S (paper) to the image forming apparatus 3. A pickup roller 30 is provided inside the large-capacity paper feeding device 5 so as to be in contact with the upper end of the stacked sheets S (paper), and is directed toward the sheet conveyance path 29 in the image forming apparatus 3 one by one. A sheet S (paper) is supplied. A base portion 31 is provided at the lowermost portion of the large-capacity paper feeding device 5, and a lift portion 32 is provided above the base portion 31, and sheets S (paper) are stacked on the lift portion 32. The lift portion 32 gradually rises as the number of sheets S (paper) stored therein decreases, and the upper end of the stacked sheets S (paper) always comes into contact with the pickup roller 30. In the following, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the sheet S includes a sheet, and is treated as the sheet S in a unified manner.

  The image forming unit 14 performs predetermined image formation on the sheet S conveyed by the sheet conveying path 13. The image forming unit 14 includes a photosensitive drum 33 rotatably supported in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure, a charging unit 34 disposed around the photosensitive drum 33, a developing unit 35, a laser scanning unit 36, a transfer unit A roller 37 and a cleaning unit 38 are provided.

  The photosensitive drum 33 is provided at the center of the image forming unit 14 and is driven to rotate in a predetermined direction. The charging unit 34 is provided above the photosensitive drum 33 and uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 33 to a predetermined potential. The laser scanning unit 36 is provided above the charging unit 34 and outputs laser light 36a as a laser beam based on image data formed by the document reading unit 11 or image data from a computer (not shown) connected by a network. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed by scanning and exposing the surface of the photosensitive drum 33. The developing unit 35 is provided on the right side of the photosensitive drum 33 and supplies toner to the electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 33 to develop it. A nip is formed between the transfer roller 37 provided below the photoconductive drum 33 and the photoconductive drum 33, and when passing through this nip, the toner image on the photoconductive drum 33 is conveyed to the sheet S conveyed. Is transcribed. The cleaning unit 38 cleans the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 33 after the transfer is completed.

  The fixing unit 15 fixes the toner image transferred to the sheet S. The fixing unit 15 in the present embodiment is mainly composed of a heating roller 39a and a pressure roller 39b. The heating roller 39a and the pressure roller 39b are in pressure contact to form a nip. The heating roller 39a includes a heating element H, and the toner image is heated and pressed by passing through the nip between the heating roller 39a and the pressure roller 39b. As a result, the toner is melted and heated, and the toner image is fixed on the sheet S.

  The sheet discharge unit 16 discharges the image-formed sheet S toward the inserter 1 and the post-processing device 4 that are at the end of the sheet conveyance path 13 in the image forming apparatus 3 and downstream in the sheet conveyance direction. The sheet discharge unit 16 is provided with a discharge roller pair 40.

  Next, the configuration of the post-processing device 4 will be described in detail.

  The post-processing device 4 is for introducing the sheet S on which an image has been formed and discharged by the image forming device 3 and the sheet S inserted from the inserter 1 from a sheet inlet 50 provided on the upper right side of the post-processing device 4. The roller 51 is carried into the post-processing device 4. Then, predetermined post-processing such as stapling is performed on the conveyed sheet S. In the post-processing device 4, a punch unit 52 provided near the uppermost stream of the sheet transport path 41 in the post-processing device 4, and an intermediate roller pair 53 is provided downstream of the punch unit 52 in the sheet transport direction. Further, in order to receive the sheet S (sheet bundle SB) discharged from the post-processing device 4, a main discharge tray 54 provided on the left side surface portion of the post-processing device 4 and a sub-discharge tray 55 provided on the main discharge tray 54. A retracting drum 56 for temporarily retracting the sheet S conveyed from the intermediate roller pair 53, and a staple processing unit provided in the center of the apparatus for stacking the sheets S introduced into the post-processing device 4 and performing staple processing. 57, a half-fold processing unit 58 provided below the staple processing unit 57, and the like.

  The punch section 52 performs a punching process on the sheet S. The intermediate roller pair 53 is for conveying the sheet S toward the retracting drum 56, the main discharge tray 54, the sub discharge tray 55, the staple processing unit 57, and the like.

  The main discharge tray 54 is used to receive the sheet bundle SB that is stapled and discharged by the staple processing unit 57. The main discharge tray 54 is sequentially lowered from the uppermost position as the number of copies of the discharged sheet bundle SB increases. Thus, a plurality of sheet bundles SB can be received. When the sheet bundle SB is removed from the main discharge tray 54, the sheet bundle SB rises and returns to the reference position. Note that it is also possible to receive the sheet S discharged without being processed by the post-processing device 4 or the sheet S subjected to only the punching process.

  On the other hand, the sub discharge tray 55 is for receiving the sheet S discharged without being processed by the post-processing device 4 or the sheet S subjected to only the punching process. The retracting drum 56 performs the first sheet of the next sheet bundle SB while the staple processing unit 57 staples the previous sheet bundle SB when stapling is continuously performed on a plurality of sheet bundles SB. Wrap around the drum surface and wait. With the function of the retracting drum 56, it is not necessary to temporarily stop the discharge of the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 3 during the stapling process, and the productivity is improved.

  The post-processing device 4 is provided with a plurality of sorts for sorting the sheet S that has passed through the punch unit 52 to the staple processing unit 57, the retracting drum 56, the main discharge tray 54, the sub discharge tray 55, and the like. The guide 59 is rotatably held.

  The staple processing unit 57 performs stacking processing to stack a plurality of sheets S, staples the front end of the stacked sheet bundle SB with staples, and sets the center of the sheet bundle SB in the longitudinal direction to 2 along the short direction. Various stapling processes such as center binding, which is performed by using staples, can be performed. For example, for the front end binding, the front end center binding that binds the vicinity of the center of the front end of the sheet bundle SB along the longitudinal direction, the front end slant binding that binds one corner of the front end of the sheet bundle SB at 45 ° diagonally, and the like. Is included. The sheet bundle SB that has been subjected to the stacking process or the front end binding is conveyed upward and discharged from the post-processing device 4.

  The staple processing unit 57 is roughly composed of two members, and includes a stack tray 60 provided in the lower part of FIG. 2 and a cover tray 61 provided in the upper part. In the stack tray 60, a sheet placement surface 62 is provided so as to be sandwiched between the stack tray 60 and the cover tray 61, and the sheet bundle SB is stacked on the sheet placement surface 62. In order to receive the sheet S conveyed toward the sheet placing surface 62, the stack tray 60 is provided with a stopper 63.

  The stopper 63 is disposed at the approximate center of the stack tray 60 in the width direction (perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2), and is attached to an endless belt 64 provided so as to face the front and back surfaces of the stack tray 60. The stopper 63 corresponds to the size of the sheet S to be used, and waits so that the rear end of the sheet S, that is, the upper end of the sheet S is stacked at a fixed position. The endless belt 64 is controlled to rotate forward and backward by a drive mechanism (not shown), so that the stopper 63 moves from the upper side to the lower side of the stack tray 60 according to the contents to be processed. In addition, the stacked sheet bundle SB is moved from the lower side to the upper side, and is conveyed toward the main discharge tray 54 or the middle folding processing unit 58.

  The stack tray 60 is provided with a second endless belt (not shown) in parallel with the endless belt 64 so as to face the front and back surfaces of the stack tray 60. The second endless belt is provided with a protruding portion 65 formed in a substantially T shape. The protrusion 65 is moved by a predetermined amount of rotation of the second endless belt in a direction in which the sheet S stacked from the reference position is conveyed downward by a driving mechanism (not shown), and the trailing end of the sheet S is moved. Alignment processing is performed by pressing lightly and aligning the trailing edge of the sheet S. This prevents the rear ends of the stacked sheets S from becoming uneven. Note that this operation is performed every time one sheet S is stacked, so that stapling can be accurately performed.

  Further, the cover tray 61 serves to guide the stacked sheet bundle SB so that the stacked sheet bundle SB is reliably conveyed toward the main discharge tray 54 and the middle folding processing unit 58. It is also possible to temporarily store sheets S to be stapled. When the previous sheet bundle SB is stapled on the stack tray 60, the stored sheet bundle SB is conveyed to the stack tray 60. Thereby, the speed of stacking and stapling can be increased, and productivity is improved.

  When the stacking of a predetermined number of sheets S is completed by the mechanism as described above, the stapling unit 66 provided in the staple processing unit 57 performs stapling processing on the stacked sheet bundle SB.

  Below the staple processing unit 57, a middle folding processing unit 58 for performing a folding process along the staples on the center-bound sheet bundle SB is disposed. When the folding process is selected, the sheet bundle SB subjected to the center binding is conveyed to the center folding processing unit 58, and the folded booklet sheet bundle SB is provided on one side surface of the post-processing device 4. It is discharged to a booklet tray 58a provided at the bottom. When the bending process is not selected, the sheet bundle SB subjected to the center binding is conveyed to the discharge roller pair and discharged to the main discharge tray 54.

  Next, the inserter 1 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the inserter 1 is provided between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4, and further includes a sheet discharge unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 3 and a sheet introduction port 50 of the post-processing apparatus 4. A sheet conveyance path 70 is provided in the inserter 1 so as to be connected. In the sheet conveyance path 70, conveyance roller pairs 71 and 72 are provided so as to face the sheet discharge unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 3 and the sheet introduction port 50 of the post-processing apparatus 4. Also, an inserter tray 73 and a reverse tray 74 are provided from the center to the top of the left side surface of the inserter 1 in FIG.

  The inserter tray 73 is for placing sheets S to be inserted (inserted) separately on the sheets S continuously formed by the image forming apparatus 3. The sheet S to be placed may be in the form of a sheet such as, for example, white paper, thick paper, colored paper, separately printed paper, or a photograph. The sheet S to be inserted is inserted as, for example, a front cover, a back cover, a partition, a slip sheet, a mark, or the like. The inserter 1 eliminates the need for the user to manually insert a cover sheet, a photograph, etc., one by one with respect to the sheet bundle SB formed by the image forming apparatus 3. Further, in this embodiment, for example, when a thick paper is sandwiched, the manual stapling operation may not be easy due to the thickness, but the post-processing device 4 provided downstream in the sheet conveying direction may allow the user to Manual stapling is not required.

  On the other hand, the reverse tray 74 is provided to reverse the sheet S picked up from the inserter tray 73. Normally, the sheet S to be inserted is placed on the inserter tray 73 with the front side facing up. When the sheet S is conveyed toward the post-processing apparatus 4 as it is, an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 3. Since the sheet S and the front and back are reversed, the reversing tray 74 reverses the front and back of the sheet S. Specifically, the sheet S introduced from the inserter tray 73 into the insert conveyance path 75 is temporarily discharged toward the reverse tray 74. At this time, the conveying roller pair 74a rotates in the reverse direction around the rear end portion of the sheet S, instead of being completely discharged onto the reverse tray 74. This is a so-called switchback. When the sheet S is conveyed again to the insert conveyance path 75 by this switchback, the sheet S is reversed from the original and conveyed in the direction of the post-processing device 4.

  And the sheet S is picked up from the inserter tray 73, the sheet S is sent out to the insertion conveyance path 75 provided so as to penetrate the longitudinal direction in the inserter 1, and the sheet S to be inserted is conveyed by the insert roller pair. The Here, the insertion conveyance path 75 joins the sheet conveyance path 70 from the image forming apparatus 3 to the post-processing apparatus 4.

  For example, when a cover sheet is inserted from the inserter 1, the sheet S is inserted so as to come to the top of the sheet bundle SB stacked by the post-processing device 4, and subsequently the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming device 3 is stacked. In addition, when the sheet S is inserted as the back cover, it is inserted so as to come to the end of the stacked sheet bundle SB. Further, when the sheet S is inserted from the inserter 1 between the sheets S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 3, the sheet S can be inserted at a desired position. These settings are made when the user inputs to the operation display unit 3 a provided in the image forming apparatus 3. Based on the setting, the inserter 1, the image forming apparatus 3, and the post-processing apparatus 4 are controlled.

  Other uses of the inserter 1 will be mentioned. In the image forming apparatus 3, in order to read a document by the automatic document feeder, the sheet bundle SB from which the staples have been removed is placed on the inserter tray 73, and the sheet S is conveyed from the inserter 1 to the post-processing device 4. When the stapling process is performed by the post-processing device 4, the sheet bundle SB can be again stapled. Further, the inserter 1 itself may be provided with stapling means (not shown).

  Next, based on FIG.3 and FIG.4, the drawer mechanism of the inserter 1 which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state in which the inserter 1 is pulled out, and FIG. 4 is a view showing an example of a pulling mechanism of the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view shown.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the inserter 1 can be pulled out toward the front of the image forming apparatus 3 from a state where it is connected between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 by a pull-out mechanism. Note that the pull-out mechanism in FIG. When the sheet S stops in the insert conveyance path 75 due to the occurrence of a jam, if the inserter 1 is pulled out, the user stays in a state of being conveyed from the inserter 1 toward the post-processing device 4. The sheet S can be removed in parallel with the conveying direction of the sheet S, and the jam processing becomes easy.

  The reason why the sheet S stops in the inserter 1 when the sheet S is transported from the inserter tray 73 and the reverse tray 74 toward the post-processing device 4 is that the sheet S is jammed in the insert transport path 75 itself. There is a case. In addition, for example, jamming of the sheet S occurs in the image forming apparatus 3 or the post-processing apparatus 4 while the sheet S for insertion is being conveyed in the inserter 1, and the entire image forming system 2 is In some cases, sheet conveyance has stopped. In any case, in order to be able to use the image forming system 2, it is necessary to remove the sheet S stopped in the inserter 1. In the present invention, the sheet S is removed by pulling out the inserter 1. is there.

  Here, a specific drawer mechanism will be described with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, a slide rail 80 can be used as the drawer mechanism. For example, the first rail 80 a is provided on the side surface of the inserter 1. The second rail 80b is provided in the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 so that the first rail 80a can be fitted and the inserter 1 can be received. In FIG. 4, two each of the first rail 80a and the second rail 80b are provided. However, if the inserter 1 can be supported by its weight, only one side surface of the inserter 1 is provided as shown in FIG. A slide rail 80 may be provided on the door.

  And if the slide rail 80 is employ | adopted, the inserter 1 can be pulled out smoothly. Further, when the inserter 1 is connected again between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 after the sheet S is removed, it is only necessary to push the inserter 1 toward the back of the image forming apparatus 3.

  Next, based on FIG. 5, the cover opening / closing mechanism of the inserter 1 and the detection of the pulled-out state will be described. FIG. 5A is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a cover opening / closing mechanism of the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a plan view showing a state in which the inserter 1 is pulled out according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  5A, opening and closing of the cover of the inserter 1 will be described. Conventionally, the cover of the inserter 1 can open, for example, the front surface 1b (illustrated by a broken line) and the upper surface 1c. This is because when the sheet S is jammed, the inside of the inserter 1 is exposed so that jamming can be performed.

  However, the inserter 1 in this embodiment can be pulled out. Therefore, the inserter 1 can open the guide plates 81 and 82 not only on the front face 1b and the upper face 1c of the cover but also on the side face of the inserter 1, that is, the face adjacent to the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4, as in the prior art. Can be configured. If comprised in this way, the sheet | seat S stopped in the conveyance path 75 for inserts in the inserter 1 can be removed easily.

  Conventionally, the energization of the inserter 1 is resumed when the cover of the front surface 1b and / or the upper surface 1c of the inserter 1 is closed after the jam processing of the sheet S is completed. However, in the present invention, the inserter 1 can be pulled out. Accordingly, if energization is resumed when the front surface 1b cover of the inserter 1 is closed while the inserter 1 is pulled out, for example, the inserter 1 may cause a malfunction in which the insert sheet S is conveyed. It is done. Therefore, in this embodiment, the cover and guide plates 81 and 82 are opened on the plurality of surfaces of the inserter 1 as described above, but energization is resumed only by closing the covers and guide plates 81 and 82. If the detecting means 83 shown in FIG. 5B detects that the inserter 1, the image forming apparatus 3, and the post-processing apparatus 4 are normally connected, the insertion of the inserter 1 is resumed. I have to.

  Therefore, the detection unit 83 will be described with reference to FIG. 5B. The detection unit 83 is in a state where the inserter 1 is connected between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 or pulled out. This is for accurately detecting whether or not the current state is present. As this detecting means, for example, an interlock switch 83a can be used. For example, the switch can be turned off when the inserter 1 is pulled out, and can be turned on when connected. The place where the interlock switch 83a is provided may be set as appropriate as long as it can be detected whether the inserter 1 is connected or pulled out. In addition, you may make it detect whether it is a connection state with a sensor etc.

  Then, the signal from the detection means 83 indicates that the inserter 1 is energized when the inserter 1 is accurately connected between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4, and the inserter 1 when the inserter 1 is pulled out. It can be used for the control to cancel the energization of. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the inserter 1 from being energized in a state where the inserter 1 is not accurately connected between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4. That is, it is possible to prevent a malfunction that causes the inserter 1 to operate in a state in which it is not correctly connected, and as a result, the jam handling operation is facilitated.

  Note that, for example, the inserter 1 is provided with a light-emitting portion (not shown) using an LED, and the inserter 1 is not returned to the state where it is accurately connected between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4. Information may be transmitted to the user by blinking the light emitting unit or the like. Further, it can be displayed on the liquid crystal unit 3b of the operation display unit 3a of the image forming apparatus 3 (see FIG. 1). As a result, the user can visually confirm, easily recognize the state of the image forming system 2, and information transmission to the user is sufficiently performed.

  Next, the lock mechanism 90 provided in the inserter 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6A is a plan view for explaining the locking mechanism 90 of the inserter 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is an image formation according to the first embodiment of the present invention. 4 is a plan view showing an operation display unit 3a of the device 3. FIG.

  As described above, the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 3 passes through the sheet transport path of the inserter 1 and is transported toward the post-processing apparatus 4. Then, when the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped by the jam of the sheet S generated in any of the apparatuses of the image forming system 2, or the sheet S is jammed in the sheet conveyance path 70 from the image forming apparatus 3 to the post-processing apparatus 4. For example, the sheet S in the conveyance path extends over the image forming apparatus 3, the inserter 1, and the post-processing apparatus 4 as indicated by a two-dot chain line in FIG. Stopping or jamming may occur.

  As described above, when the inserter 1 is pulled out in a state where the sheet S is straddling the image forming apparatus 3, the inserter 1, and the post-processing apparatus 4, the sheet S is torn and the torn sheet S remains in each apparatus. Therefore, the operation of removing the sheet S becomes complicated. However, in this embodiment, since the inserter 1 can be pulled out, the user accidentally pulls out the inserter 1 while the sheet S is straddling the image forming apparatus 3, the inserter 1, and the post-processing apparatus 4. There is a risk that.

  Not only when the sheet S is straddling the image forming apparatus 3, the inserter 1, and the post-processing apparatus 4, but also between the two apparatuses such as the image forming apparatus 3 and the inserter 1, and the post-processing apparatus 4 and the inserter 1. The same applies to the case where the sheet S stops over.

  Therefore, if the sheet S is stopped so as to straddle the inserter 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 and / or the post-processing apparatus 4, the lock mechanism 90 is provided in the inserter 1 so that the inserter 1 cannot be pulled out. In the embodiment, it is provided. This facilitates the jam processing operation in that the sheet S in a straddling state is not torn and the complicated jam processing operation is not required.

  As the lock mechanism 90, for example, a solenoid 90a can be provided as shown by a broken line in FIG. If it is detected that the sheet S is stopped so as to straddle the inserter 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 and / or the post-processing apparatus 4, the solenoid 90a is energized, and is caught by the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 to be locked. The mechanism 90 is made to work. Although two lock mechanisms 90 provided in the inserter 1 are provided in FIG. 6A, one or more lock mechanisms 90 may be provided. If the lock is applied, the position of the solenoid 90a provided in the inserter 1 can be freely set.

  In order to operate the lock mechanism 90, it is necessary to detect that the sheet S is stopped while straddling the inserter 1, the image forming apparatus 3, and / or the post-processing apparatus 4. Therefore, as indicated by a broken line in FIG. 6A, in the present embodiment, for example, a switch 92 or a detection sensor 93 can be used as the detection unit 91. Here, the switch 92 is detected by contact with the sheet. The detection sensor 93 can be an optical sensor. If either the switch 92 or the detection sensor 93 is provided, the sheet conveyance state can be detected.

  Here, the switch 92 is provided on the conveyance path of the sheet S. A plurality of switches 92 can be provided on the conveyance path of the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 3 toward the post-processing apparatus 4. With this switch 92, it is possible to detect in which part of the conveyance paths 13, 41, 70 from the image forming apparatus 3 to the post-processing apparatus 4 the sheet S is stopped. For example, in the sheet conveyance path 70 of the inserter 1, if switches 92 are provided at both upstream and downstream ends in the conveyance direction of the sheet S, the sheet conveyance path 70 is in a state of straddling in consideration of the size of the sheet S forming the image. It can be recognized whether or not.

  Further, as shown by the broken line in FIG. 6A, if the switch 92 is similarly provided in the sheet S discharge portion of the image forming apparatus 3 and the sheet S introduction port of the post-processing apparatus 4, the sheet S is more accurately detected. It is possible to detect whether it is straddling.

  Furthermore, as a detection means 91 for detecting whether the sheet S is stopped while straddling the inserter 1, the image forming apparatus 3, and / or the post-processing apparatus 4, as shown by a broken line in FIG. 6A, for example. It is also possible to use the detection sensor 93. The detection sensor 93 is provided on the sheet conveyance path 70 in the inserter 1 for detection.

  When the lock mechanism 90 is activated, this can be displayed on the liquid crystal unit 3b of the operation display unit 3a of the image forming apparatus 3 as shown in FIG. This display allows the user of the image forming system 2 to straddle the sheet transport path of the inserter 1 and the image forming apparatus 3 and / or the post-processing apparatus 4 when the sheet S is jammed in the image forming system 2. Thus, it can be recognized that the sheet S is stopped. For example, as the display displayed on the liquid crystal unit 3b, a message such as “The inserter is locked so that it cannot be pulled out” or “Before pulling out the inserter, open the front cover of the inserter and remove the sheet. "Can be considered. Further, a diagram showing a portion where the jam of the sheet S has occurred in the image forming system 2 may be displayed together.

  The user's work when such a display is made is as follows. First, a discharge roller pair 40, an introduction roller pair 51, a conveyance roller pair 71, 72, and the like provided in a sheet conveyance path in the inserter 1, the image forming apparatus 3, and the post-processing apparatus 4 are provided for conveying a plurality of sheets. The holding force (nip) of the roller is released, and the sheet S that is straddling each apparatus is removed. Then, the lock mechanism 90 is released. Thereafter, if necessary, the inserter 1 is pulled out, and the sheet S that is stopped while being conveyed from the inserter tray 73 of the inserter 1 is removed.

  In this way, the image forming apparatus 3 is provided between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 that introduces the sheet S on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 3 and performs predetermined processing. In the inserter 1 for inserting the sheet S separately in the middle of the sheet conveyance path 70 from 3 to the post-processing apparatus 4, the inserter 1 has a pull-out mechanism so that it can be pulled out from the installed state toward the front of the image forming apparatus 3. If so, the inserter 1 can be pulled out as a unit, so that even if the sheet S is jammed while the sheet S is being conveyed from the inserter 1 to the post-processing device 4, it can be easily jammed. It can be performed. That is, if the inserter 1 is pulled out, it becomes easy to remove the jammed sheet S parallel to the sheet conveying direction. Therefore, there is no need to perform work such as moving the post-processing device 4 as in the prior art, and the time and labor required for jam processing are reduced, and the productivity is improved. Furthermore, a space for moving the post-processing device 4 is not necessary.

  Further, unlike the prior art, there is no need to take out the sheet S that is clogged or staying in the insertion conveyance path 75 in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheet S from the front surface 1b of the inserter 1, and during the sheet S removal operation. The sheet S is not torn and a part of the sheet S is not left in the inserter 1 or the like.

  If the slide rail 80 is used for the drawer mechanism, the operability and maintenance of the drawer mechanism are high and inexpensive. That is, it is mentioned as one of the preferred embodiments.

  Further, the inserter 1 has a detecting means 83 for detecting whether it is connected between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 or pulled out. Then, when the user returns the inserter 1 to the connection state between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4 after the jam processing, the connection state is not recognized until the inserter 1 is securely connected. The inserter 1 is not used in the connected state, and therefore, further jamming of the sheet S is prevented. Further, if this signal is used, it can be displayed on the liquid crystal unit 3b of the image forming apparatus 3, for example, that the inserter 1 is not securely connected.

  Further, when the detecting unit 83 detects that the inserter 1 is in the pulled-out state, the inserter 1 is deenergized and the inserter 1 is connected between the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4. When it is detected that the inserter 1 is energized, what is the energized state until the inserted inserter 1 is reliably connected to the image forming apparatus 3 and the post-processing apparatus 4? Therefore, the current supply timing to the inserter 1 is more reliable as compared to the case where the current supply is released or started by opening and closing the cover front surface 1b (upper surface 1c) of the inserter 1 as in the prior art. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the inserter 1 from starting its operation even if it is not securely connected, and jam processing is facilitated.

  Further, it is detected that the sheet S is stopped so as to straddle the sheet conveying paths 13 and 41 of the image forming apparatus 3 and / or the post-processing apparatus 4 and the sheet conveying path 70 of the inserter 1 due to the occurrence of the jam. It is detected that the sheet S is stopped so as to straddle the sheet conveying paths 13 and 41 of the image forming apparatus 3 and / or the post-processing apparatus 4 and the sheet conveying path 70 of the inserter 1. If the lock mechanism 90 is provided so that the inserter 1 cannot be pulled out when detected, the sheet S is broken when the inserter 1 is pulled out, and the inserter 1 is moved by the lock mechanism 90 when it remains in the sheet conveyance path. If the sheet cannot be pulled out, the jammed sheet S is not torn and remains in the conveyance path, and the jam handling operation is facilitated.

  In the image forming system 2, the image forming apparatus 3, the post-processing apparatus 4 that introduces the sheet S on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus 3, and performs predetermined processing, and the image forming apparatus 3 If the inserter 1 is provided between the post-processing devices 4, it is possible to provide the image forming system 2 that facilitates the jam processing operation. In addition, since the labor and time spent on the jam processing work can be reduced as compared with the prior art, the image forming system 2 with high productivity can be provided.

  Further, in the image forming system 2, the sheet S stops so as to straddle the sheet conveying paths 13 and 41 of the image forming apparatus 3 and / or the post-processing apparatus 4 and the sheet conveying path 70 of the inserter 1 due to the occurrence of a jam. The detection means 91 is provided so as to straddle the sheet conveyance paths 13 and 41 of the image forming apparatus 3 and / or the post-processing apparatus 4 and the sheet conveyance path 70 of the inserter 1. When it is detected that the sheet S is stopped, if the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal unit 3b of the operation display unit 3a provided in the image forming apparatus 3, it is possible to call the user's attention. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the sheet S in a stopped state from being torn by pulling out the inserter 1.

  Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the drawer mechanism of the inserter 1 according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a case where a caster 100 is provided.

  The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that the drawer mechanism is provided with a caster 100. Accordingly, the other basic configuration is the same as that of the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 6, and therefore, description and description of the drawings common to the above are omitted. That is, the points other than the drawer mechanism may be the same as those in the first embodiment described with reference to FIGS.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, in this embodiment, the inserter 1 is fixed to the base 101 provided with the caster 100 (leg cart). Here, the height of the table 101 is adjusted so that the sheet conveyance path 70 of the inserter 1 comes so as to connect the sheet discharge unit 16 of the image forming apparatus 3 and the sheet introduction port 50 of the post-processing apparatus 4. If the sheet S jams or stays in the inserter 1, the inserter 1 can be easily pulled out and the sheet S can be easily removed from the inserter 1 by pulling out the inserter 1 in front of the image forming system 2. Can do. Further, the labor required for returning to the original connection state is extremely reduced due to the presence of the caster 100.

  The weight of the inserter 1 may be relatively light. In this case, although some labor is required, the inserter 1 and the base 101 can be pulled out by fixing the inserter 1 to the base 101 without using the caster 100.

  Thus, if the caster 100 is used for the drawer mechanism, the drawer mechanism has high operability and maintainability and is inexpensive. That is, it is mentioned as one of the preferred embodiments.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  The present invention can be used in an inserter and an image forming system including the same.

1 is a perspective view showing an overall schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an internal configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the state which pulled out the inserter which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the example of the drawer mechanism of the inserter which concerns on the 1st Embodiment of this invention, and is a perspective view which shows the case where a slide rail is utilized. (A) is a model cross-sectional view showing the open / close mechanism of the cover of the inserter according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and (b) shows a state in which the inserter is pulled out according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. FIG. 6A is a plan view for explaining the lock mechanism of the inserter according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6B is an operation display of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows a part. It is a figure which shows an example of the drawer mechanism of the inserter which concerns on the 2nd Embodiment of this invention, and is a model cross section which shows the case where a caster is provided.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Inserter 2 Image forming system 3 Image forming apparatus 3a Operation display part 3b Liquid crystal part 4 Post-processing apparatus 4
16 Sheet discharge unit (image forming apparatus 3)
40 discharge roller pair (image forming apparatus 3)
50 sheet inlet (post-processing device 4)
51 Roller pair for introduction (post-processing device 4)
71, 72 Transport roller pair (inside inserter 1)
80 Slide rail 83 Detection means 83a Interlock switch 90 Lock means 90a Solenoid 91 Detection means 100 Caster S Sheet

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus is provided between the image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus that introduces a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus and performs predetermined processing. In the inserter for inserting a separate sheet in the middle of the sheet conveyance path,
An inserter having a pull-out mechanism so that it can be pulled out from the installed state toward the front of the image forming apparatus.   The inserter according to claim 1, wherein the drawer mechanism uses a slide rail.   The inserter according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the drawer mechanism includes a caster.   2. A detection unit for detecting whether the image forming apparatus is connected to the post-processing apparatus or is pulled out. The inserter of any one of thru | or 3.   When the detecting means detects that the inserter is being pulled out, the inserter is de-energized, and the inserter is connected between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus. The inserter according to claim 4, wherein when the presence is detected, the inserter is energized. A detection unit for detecting that the sheet is stopped so as to straddle the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus and the sheet conveyance path of the inserter due to the occurrence of a jam;
When the detection unit detects that the sheet is stopped so as to straddle the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus and the sheet conveyance path of the inserter, the inserter is prevented from being pulled out. The inserter according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a locking mechanism.   An image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus that introduces a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus into the apparatus, and performs a predetermined process, and between the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus. 6. An image forming system comprising: the inserter according to any one of 6 items. A detection unit for detecting that the sheet is stopped so as to straddle the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus and the sheet conveyance path of the inserter due to the occurrence of a jam;
When the detection unit detects that the sheet is stopped so as to straddle the sheet conveyance path of the image forming apparatus and / or the post-processing apparatus and the sheet conveyance path of the inserter, the detection unit is provided in the image forming apparatus. 8. The image forming system according to claim 7, wherein the fact is displayed on the liquid crystal unit of the operation display unit.

Images