JP2012012118A - Sheet post-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a sheet post-processing device capable of improving convenience to a user and productivity of an image forming apparatus for being connected thereto.SOLUTION: The user can set effectiveness/ineffectiveness of notification of a filled state to a copying machine 200, which is provided after a filled-state detecting means detects that a sheet storage section 131 is filled with sheets loaded therein, from operation and control sections of the connected copying machine 200. A sheet folding control section establishes communication with the control section of the copying machine 200, and makes information on the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the notification of the filled state stored in a storage section. When the filled-state detecting means of a sheet folding machine 202 detects the state in which the sheet storage section 131 is filled with the sheets, the information on the effectiveness/ineffectiveness of the notification of the filled state, which is stored in the sheet folding control section, is referred to. Consequently, the copying machine 200 is notified of the filled state when the information is effective, and operations are ended without notifying the copying machine 200 about the filled state when the information is ineffective.

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine.

  Conventionally, various sheet post-processing that is connected to or integrated with image forming apparatuses such as copiers, printers, etc., and performs folding processing on sheets after image formation and stapling that bundles multiple sheets into a bundle. The device is known. In recent years, demands for post-processing applied to sheets after image formation have also been diversified.

  In many cases, a sheet post-processing apparatus is provided with a paper discharge port for discharging a sheet subjected to predetermined post-processing to its own paper storage unit. In such a sheet post-processing apparatus, it is required not only to perform predetermined post-processing normally but also to normally stack the post-processed sheets on the paper storage unit. If the post-processing continues even after the paper storage unit is full, overflow or jam of the paper storage unit will occur, so it is required to stop the post-processing by detecting the paper storage unit full. is there.

  As a configuration relating to full detection of sheets stacked in the paper storage unit, for example, Patent Literature 1 discloses the following configuration. In the paper storage unit (discharge tray) provided integrally with the image forming apparatus, the upper limit number of sheets (recording paper) stacked on the paper storage unit is determined in advance as a reference number, and the number of sheets stacked on the paper storage unit is determined. Counts and detects the fullness of the sheet in the paper storage unit. Then, the image forming operation and the sheet post-processing operation (paper discharge operation) after reaching the reference number are stopped.

  When this configuration is applied to a sheet post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus, the following configuration is obtained. The upper limit number of sheets stacked in the sheet storage unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus is determined in advance as a reference number. The sheet post-processing apparatus counts the number of sheets stacked in the paper storage unit, and performs image formation in order to stop the image forming operation after reaching the reference number and the sheet post-processing operation of the sheet post-processing apparatus. A full notification is sent to the device.

  The full detection and full notification operations of the sheet post-processing apparatus will be described more specifically with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The upper limit number of sheets stacked in the sheet storage unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus is determined in advance as a reference number. Then, the sheet post-processing apparatus calculates the accumulated number of sheets stacked on the sheet storage unit and the reference number of sheets by the full detection means when sheet discharge is started from the image forming apparatus in a series of image forming operations. Compare (S001). When full is detected (YES), a full notification is transmitted to the control unit of the image forming apparatus, and the sheet post-processing operation is stopped and terminated (S002). When full is not detected (NO), it is determined whether or not post-sheet processing is completed (S003), and when complete (YES), a full notification is sent to the image forming apparatus. Exit without. On the other hand, if it has not been completed (NO), the process returns to the comparison (S001) of the accumulated number of stacked sheets and the reference number by the full detection means again, and is repeated until full is detected or the post-sheet processing is completed. Further, upon receiving a full notification from the full detection unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus, the control unit of the image forming apparatus stops the image forming operation and stops the paper discharge operation to the sheet post-processing apparatus.

  However, in such a configuration, the number of sheets to be stacked in the sheet storage unit is specified, and the number of sheets to be stacked is only counted to detect the fullness. It is difficult to detect. The reason will be described next. In general, the number of post-processed sheets that can be stacked in the sheet storage unit varies depending on the thickness of the sheet to be post-processed, the type of sheet post-processing to be performed, and the like. When full detection is performed based on the number of sheets, the number of sheets for which safety is anticipated should not be set as the reference number so that overflow, jamming, etc. do not occur regardless of the combination of any sheet thickness, type of sheet post-processing, etc. I do not get. Therefore, depending on the combination of the paper thickness to be post-processed, the type of sheet post-processing to be performed, and the like, actually, even when the sheet is not yet full in the paper storage unit, full detection is performed.

  Also in this case, the subsequent image forming operation and the sheet post-processing operation of the sheet post-processing apparatus are unnecessarily stopped, which decreases the productivity of the connected image forming apparatus and the convenience of the user. .

  Further, the following configuration is also conceivable as a configuration related to full detection of sheets stacked in the paper storage unit. In place of the configuration for specifying the number of sheets stacked in the paper storage unit described in Patent Document 1, a full detection sensor for detecting the fullness of the sheets in the paper storage unit is provided on the lower wall surface of the paper discharge port, and the paper storage unit The full sheet is detected. Specifically, the fullness of the paper storage unit is detected based on whether the height of the trailing edge of the sheet loaded in the paper storage unit exceeds the sensor position provided on the lower wall surface of the paper discharge port. Is to do.

Even when a full state is detected with such a configuration, the sheet storage unit may not actually be full due to the curling of the sheet and the processing performed, and sheets may still be stacked.
As an example of sheet curling, the trailing edge of the discharged sheet is curled upward, and the height of the curled trailing edge is higher than the position of the full detection sensor and lower than the paper discharge port. Is mentioned. In such a case, due to the weight of the succeeding sheet to be discharged thereafter, the cavity generated by the curling of the previously stacked curled sheet is narrowed, and the trailing edge of the succeeding sheet is narrowed. Sheets can be stacked until the section closes the paper discharge port.

  In addition, as an example of the applied processing, when the folding device is folded in half and the sheet is discharged with the folding portion facing the front end in the paper discharge direction, the end on the rear end in the discharge direction is There is a case where the opening is slightly opened and the height of the upper end is higher than the position of the full detection sensor and lower than the paper discharge port. In such a case, the trailing edge of the succeeding sheet is narrowed due to the weight of the succeeding sheet to be discharged thereafter, and the cavity generated by opening the previously folded bi-folded sheet is narrowed. Sheets can be stacked until the end on the side closes to the paper exit.

  Depending on the user, even in the above-described case, there is a case where it is desired to continue the subsequent image forming operation and sheet post-processing operation without stopping until the stacked sheet closes the paper discharge port.

Furthermore, some users may want to continue the subsequent image forming operation and sheet post-processing operation without stopping even in the following cases.
For example, when a folding device is used to fold the sheet into two, and the sheet is discharged with the folding part facing the front end in the paper discharge direction, In another case, the subsequent folded sheets are discharged so as to be sequentially inserted. In such a case, the height of the upper end of the sheet that forms the lower part of the cavity formed by opening the folded paper with the end on the rear end side in the paper discharge direction opened is the paper discharge The subsequent image forming operation and sheet post-processing operation can be continued until the mouth is closed.

  Further, there may be a case where the user sequentially removes the sheet from the sheet storage unit while checking the sheets stacked on the sheet storage unit of the sheet post-processing apparatus in order to quickly perform packing after the sheet post-processing. Even in such a case, the subsequent image forming operation and sheet post-processing operation can be continued until the end on the rear end side in the paper discharge direction blocks the paper discharge port.

  As described above, even after the detection sensor detects that the sheet is full, even in the case where the sheet can be actually stacked on the sheet stacking unit, in the conventional configuration, after the full detection is performed by the full detection unit, the full notification is performed. It was. Therefore, depending on the user, the operations of the unnecessary image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus are stopped, and the productivity and the convenience of the user of the image forming apparatus connected to the sheet post-processing apparatus are reduced. It was.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to control a full notification for stopping the operations of the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus according to user settings, and avoid unnecessary stop. A sheet post-processing apparatus is provided.

In order to solve the above problems, the sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 performs a predetermined process on a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus, and a sheet on which the sheet subjected to the predetermined process is stacked. In a sheet post-processing apparatus having a storage unit and a full detection unit for detecting the fullness of sheets stacked in the paper storage unit, a full notification to a connected image forming apparatus is performed after the full detection by the full detection unit. This is characterized in that the user can set validity / invalidity.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the first aspect, when the full notification is valid, after the full detection is performed by the full detection unit, the number of sheets set by the user in advance is set on the sheet. A full notification is sent to the image forming apparatus after loading in the storage unit.
The invention according to claim 3 is characterized in that, in the sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, the user can set the number of sheets to be stacked after full detection for each processing to be performed on the sheets. is there.
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the user can set the number of sheets to be stacked after full detection for each sheet type.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the second aspect, the user can set the number of sheets to be stacked after full detection for each sheet size.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the sheet post-processing apparatus according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, a time for stacking sheets after the full detection is substituted for the number of sheets stacked after the full detection. , Which can be set by the user.
In the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention, the user can set the validity / invalidity of the full notification to the connected image forming apparatus, which is performed after the full detection unit detects the fullness of the sheets stacked on the paper storage unit. . By setting the full notification to the image forming apparatus to be invalid according to the user's judgment, the sheet can be stacked in the sheet storage unit due to the curling of the sheet and the processing performed, but the image forming apparatus A full notification can be avoided. As described above, the full notification for stopping the operation of the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus can be controlled by the user setting, and the unnecessary stop of the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus can be avoided. Accordingly, the productivity and user convenience of the image forming apparatus connected to the sheet post-processing apparatus can be improved.
Also, control of full notification operation, for example, the number of sheets stacked on the paper storage unit before full notification is detected after full detection, or the time for stacking sheets in the paper storage unit is set by the user's judgment and full notification is sent. The timing can also be controllable. As a result, it is possible to control the stop timing of the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the use situation of the user, the productivity of the image forming apparatus connected to the sheet post-processing apparatus, and the user The convenience can be further improved.

  According to the present invention, a full notification for stopping the operations of the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus can be controlled by a user setting, and an unnecessary stop of the image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus can be avoided. Therefore, it is possible to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus that can improve the productivity of the connected image forming apparatus and the convenience of the user.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is connected to the image forming apparatus. The schematic block diagram of the folding apparatus which is a sheet | seat post-processing apparatus based on this embodiment. Explanatory drawing of the sheet | seat which performs various folding processes. FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a full notification operation of the sheet folding device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a full notification operation of the sheet folding device according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a full notification operation of the sheet folding device according to the third embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a full notification operation of the sheet folding device according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a full notification operation of the sheet folding device according to the fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a full notification operation of the sheet folding device according to the sixth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart of a full notification operation of a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment in which the present invention is applied to a sheet folding apparatus which is a sheet post-processing apparatus will be described. The sheet folding apparatus 202 of the present embodiment is used by being connected to a copying machine 200 that is an image forming apparatus adopting an electrophotographic system.

  First, main configurations and operations of the copying machine 200 and the sheet folding device 202 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a state in which a sheet folding device 202 that is a sheet post-processing device according to the present embodiment is connected to a copying machine 200 that is an image forming apparatus. FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sheet folding device 202. The copying machine 200 according to this embodiment communicates between a control unit (not shown) of the paper folding device 202 and a control unit (not shown) of the copying machine 200 to control the paper folding device 202. Except for this, it does not have a configuration or operation that is different from that of a typical copier. Accordingly, only the operation and configuration relating to the sheet folding apparatus 202 will be described for the copying machine 200.

(Copier 200)
As shown in FIG. 1, a copier 200 according to this embodiment includes an apparatus main body and an operation / display unit 201. The apparatus main body includes a document reading unit, an image processing unit, an image forming unit, a paper feeding unit, and the like (not shown), and also has a paper discharge port (not shown) that discharges a sheet after image formation. In addition, it controls various devices provided in the device body, sensors / drive motors, switching solenoids, etc., and communicates with a sheet post-processing device connected to the outside, and directly or A control unit for controlling indirectly is provided. In addition, the power supply unit is connected to an external commercial power supply and supplies necessary power to each device in the device main body, and an auxiliary power supply device is also provided. The operation / display unit 201 of the copier 200 not only operates / displays the operation and settings of the copier 200, but can also operate / display the operation and settings of the sheet post-processing apparatus connected to the outside. it can. The control unit of the copying machine 200 includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage unit (ROM, RAM, etc.), various switches, etc., and controls the operation of each device provided in the apparatus main body and after the seat connected to the outside. Control of an apparatus such as a processing apparatus is also performed directly or indirectly.

(Paper folding device 202)
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the sheet folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment is connected to the copying machine 202 and receives a sheet receiving port 130 that receives an image-formed sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port of the copying machine 202. It has. Also, a sheet folding unit 100 that performs a predetermined sheet folding process on the received sheet, a sheet storage unit 131 for stacking sheets, and a sheet carry-out port 133 for conveying the sheet to a subsequent sheet post-processing apparatus are provided. ing. Further, a control unit (not shown, hereinafter referred to as folding processing control) that controls sensors, drive motors, switching solenoids, and the like provided in the sheet folding device 202 and communicates with a control unit (not shown) of the copier 202 is also provided. Part). Further, a power supply unit (not shown) for supplying necessary power to the sheet folding device 202 is also provided.

  The sheet folding unit 100 is disposed below the sheet storage unit 131 and includes a plurality of sheet conveying paths, a sheet conveying roller, a folding roller, a switching claw, a stopper, a sensor, and the like for performing various sheet folding processes. Yes. Then, based on the user's operation from the operation / display unit of the copying machine 200, various sheet folding operations such as bi-folding, Z-folding, outer tri-folding, inner tri-folding, simple four-folding, and Kannon four-folding are performed. Control of each part of the sheet folding unit 100 is performed based on various control signals from the control unit of the copying machine 200 and detection results of various sensors provided in the sheet folding apparatus 202. It is controlled by the folding control unit. Specific configurations and operations will be described later for each type of paper folding.

  The sheet carry-out port 133 conveys the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130 to a downstream post-processing device without folding the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130 or the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130. It is a discharge port for carrying out the sheet when it is made to run. Here, when a predetermined folding process is performed on the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130 and the sheet is conveyed to the subsequent post-processing apparatus, the first switching claw 121 is switched to the first conveying path 101, and the sheet folding unit 100 is switched. Then, a predetermined folding process is performed. Thereafter, the third switching claw 123 provided at the rear end of the sixth transport path 106 is switched to a paper transport path that leads to the paper exit 132, and a sheet that has undergone a predetermined folding process is subjected to subsequent post-processing from the paper exit 133. Transport to equipment. In addition, when the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130 is conveyed to the subsequent post-processing apparatus without being folded by the sheet folding unit 100, the first switching claw 121 is switched to the eighth conveyance path. Then, the sheet is conveyed from the sheet carry-out port 133 to the subsequent post-processing apparatus without being folded.

  The sheet storage unit 131 is disposed at the upper part of the sheet folding apparatus 202 and is configured to fold the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130 or the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130. Loading no sheets. Here, when the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130 is subjected to a predetermined folding process and stacked in the sheet storage unit 131, the first switching claw 121 is switched to the first conveyance path 101, and the sheet folding unit 100 A predetermined folding process is performed. Thereafter, the third switching claw 123 provided at the rear end of the sixth conveyance path 106 is switched to the seventh conveyance path 107, and the sheet subjected to the predetermined folding process is guided to the seventh conveyance path 107. Then, the fourth switching claw 124 is switched to the ninth transport path 109, and paper is discharged and stacked from the paper discharge port 132 to the paper storage unit 131. Further, when the sheet received from the sheet receiving port 130 without being folded by the sheet folding unit 100 is discharged to the sheet storage unit 131, the first switching claw 121 is switched to the tenth conveyance path 110. Then, the sheet is discharged and stacked from the sheet discharge port 132 to the sheet storage unit 131 without being folded. In addition, a paper discharge sensor 151 is arranged below the ninth conveyance path near the paper discharge roller disposed at the paper discharge port 132 to detect the trailing edge of the discharged paper and increase the sheet discharge speed. The paper is discharged into the paper storage unit 131. In addition, a fullness detection sensor 150 that is a reflection type sensor that constitutes a fullness detection unit that detects the fullness of sheets stacked on the paper storage portion 131 is provided on the side wall of the paper storage portion 131 below the paper discharge port 132. ing. The fullness detection means detects the fullness of the sheet based on whether or not the uppermost sheet of the sheet bundle has reached the height at which the fullness detection sensor 150 is provided (hereinafter referred to as a reference height). Specifically, when sheets that have reached the reference height are detected continuously for 1 second, the folding processing control unit detects that the sheet is full.

  The folding control unit includes a central processing unit (CPU), a storage unit (ROM, RAM), various switches, and the like. A control program or the like is stored in the ROM, and detection results of various sensors, control signals received from the copying machine 200, and the like are stored in the RAM and updated as appropriate. In addition, it controls the sensors, drive motors, switching solenoids, and the like provided in the sheet folding device 202, and communicates with the control unit of the connected copier 200 by electrical connection. Then, the folding processing control unit detects the full state of the sheet by the fullness detection means, and then notifies the copying machine 200 of the fullness based on the user setting, and performs the image forming operation to the copying machine 200 and the subsequent sheet folding. Control is performed to stop the operation of the apparatus 202.

Hereinafter, the configuration and operation of the sheet folding unit 100 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a sheet subjected to various folding processes. In FIG. 3, the front and rear ends of the sheet to be folded, and the dimensions between the folded portions are described in dimensions that are easy to cut for convenience of explanation. Depending on the paper thickness, etc., the dimensions will be slightly different. Further, the amount of movement of the stopper that defines the sheet folding position is controlled by the folding processing control unit based on the paper size and the position of each folding unit set by the folding process to be performed. The description in processing is omitted.
(Z-fold)
Hereinafter, the length in the sheet conveyance direction is L for a sheet subjected to Z-folding. When the sheet is received from the sheet receiving port, the leading end in the sheet conveying direction is a1, the trailing end is a4, the first folding portion having a distance of L / 4 from the leading end a1, and the first folding portion having a distance of L / 2 from the leading end a1. A description will be given assuming that the second folded portion is a3. Moreover, the aspect of the sheet | seat which performed Z folding process, and the positional relationship of each folding part before performing Z folding process are shown to (a) of FIG.

  The sheet guided to the first conveyance path 101 by the first switching claw 121 is guided to the nip portion between the first folding roller 111 and the second folding roller 112 by the operation of a guide member (not shown). Then, it passes through the nip portion between the first folding roller 111 and the second folding roller 112. Thereafter, the leading edge a1 of the sheet abuts against the movable second stopper 142 that is disposed in the third conveyance path 103 and defines the folding position. Then, the sheet is bent around the first folding portion a2 of the bent portion of the sheet, the folding position of which is defined by the second stopper 142, and enters the nip between the second folding roller 112 and the third folding roller 113. Folded. The first folding portion a2 formed here becomes a front end portion (hereinafter referred to as a front end) in the paper conveyance direction, and is conveyed to the fourth conveyance path 104 by the second switching claw 122. Thereafter, the first folding part a2 hits the movable third stopper 143 which is arranged in the fourth transport path 104 and defines the folding position. Then, the sheet is bent around the second folding portion a3 of the bent portion of the sheet, the folding position of which is defined by the third stopper 143, and enters the nip between the fourth folding roller 114 and the fifth folding roller 115, and the second time. Folding is performed and Z-folding is completed.

  The sheet that has been Z-folded passes through the sixth conveyance path 106, is guided to the seventh conveyance path 107 by the third switching claw 123, and is stacked in the paper storage unit 131. Further, when transporting to the subsequent post-processing machine, the paper transport path is switched by the third switching claw 123 and transported from the paper carry-out port 133 to the subsequent post-processing machine.

(Fold in half)
Hereinafter, the length of the sheet that is folded in half in the sheet conveyance direction is L. Then, the front end in the paper transport direction when received from the paper receiving port is b1, the rear end is b3, and the first folding portion at a distance of L / 2 from the front end b1 is b2. Further, FIG. 3B shows the mode of the sheet that has been subjected to the folding process and the positional relationship between the folding parts before the folding process. The sheet guided to the first conveyance path 101 by the first switching claw 121 is directly guided to the second conveyance path 102, and the sheet leading edge b1 is arranged in the second conveyance path 102 to define the folding position. It strikes against the movable first stopper 141. Then, the sheet is bent around the first folding portion b2 of the bent portion of the sheet whose folding position is defined by the first stopper 141, and enters the nip between the first folding roller 111 and the second folding roller 112 to be folded. The folding process is completed.

  The sheet that has been folded in half passes through the nip between the second folding roller 112 and the third folding roller 113 without entering the third conveyance path 103 by the operation of a guide member (not shown). Then, the second switching claw 122 guides to the fifth conveyance path 105, passes through the sixth conveyance path 106, is guided to the seventh conveyance path 107 by the third switching claw 123, and is stacked on the paper storage unit 131. The Further, when transporting to the subsequent post-processing machine, the paper transport path is switched by the third switching claw 123 and transported from the paper carry-out port 133 to the subsequent post-processing machine.

(Outer tri-fold, inner tri-fold, simple four-fold)
The outer trifold processing, inner trifold processing, and simple quadfold processing differ only in the position of the stopper that defines the folding position, that is, the folding position of the sheet subjected to each folding process, The nip part to which is applied is the same. Therefore, after describing the process until folding for each folding process, the discharge (carrying out) of the folded sheet will be described.

  First, the outer trifold process will be described. Here, regarding the sheet subjected to the outer trifold processing, the length in the sheet conveyance direction is L. When the paper is received from the paper receiving port, the front end in the paper transport direction is c1, the rear end is c4, the first folding part at a distance of L / 3 from the front end c1 is c2, and the first folding part is at a distance of 2L / 3 from the front end c1. A description will be given assuming that the second folded portion is c3. Moreover, the aspect of the sheet | seat which performed the outer trifold process, and the positional relationship of each folding part before performing an outer trifold process are shown in FIG.3 (c).

  The sheet guided to the first conveyance path 101 by the first switching claw 121 is directly guided to the second conveyance path 102, and the sheet leading edge c1 is arranged in the second conveyance path 102 to define the folding position. It strikes against the movable first stopper 141. Then, the sheet is bent around the first folding portion c2 of the bent portion of the sheet, the folding position of which is defined by the first stopper 141, and enters the nip between the first folding roller 111 and the second folding roller 112. Folded. The first folding portion c <b> 2 formed here becomes a front end and is conveyed to the third conveyance path 103. Thereafter, the first folding portion c2 that is the front end abuts against the movable second stopper 142 that is disposed in the third conveyance path 103 and defines the folding position. Then, the sheet is bent around the second folding portion c3 of the bent portion of the sheet, the folding position of which is defined by the second stopper 142, and enters the nip between the second folding roller 112 and the third folding roller 113. Folding is performed and the outer tri-folding process is completed.

  Next, inner tri-folding will be described. Here, the length of the sheet subjected to the inner trifold process in the sheet conveyance direction is L. When the paper is received from the paper inlet, the leading edge in the paper conveying direction is d1, the trailing edge is d4, the second folding part at a distance L / 3 from the leading edge d1 is d2, and the second folding part at a distance of 2L / 3 from the leading edge c1 A description will be given assuming that the one folded portion is d3. Moreover, the aspect of the sheet | seat which performed the inner trifold process, and the positional relationship of each folding part before performing an inner trifold process are shown to (d) of FIG.

  The sheet guided to the first conveyance path 101 by the first switching claw 121 is directly guided to the second conveyance path 102, and the sheet leading edge d1 is disposed in the second conveyance path 102 to define the folding position. It strikes against the movable first stopper 141. Then, the sheet is bent around the first folding portion d3 of the bent portion of the sheet, the folding position of which is defined by the first stopper 141, and enters the nip between the first folding roller 111 and the second folding roller 112. Folded. The first folding portion d3 formed here becomes the front end and is conveyed to the third conveyance path 103. Thereafter, the first folding portion d3 that is the front end abuts against the movable second stopper 142 that is disposed in the third conveyance path 103 and defines the folding position. Then, the sheet is bent around the second folding portion d2 of the bent portion of the sheet, the folding position of which is defined by the second stopper 142, and enters the nip between the second folding roller 112 and the third folding roller 113 to enter the second time. Folding is performed and the inner tri-folding process is completed.

  Furthermore, simple quad folding will be described. Here, let L be the length in the paper transport direction for a sheet that is subjected to simple quadruple processing. When the paper is received from the paper receiving port, the front end in the paper conveyance direction is e1, the rear end is e5, the first folding portion at a distance of L / 2 from the front end e1 is e3, and the front end e1 is L / 4 and 3L / 4. The second folds at a distance of will be described as e2 and e4, respectively. Further, FIG. 3E shows the mode of the sheet that has undergone the simple four-folding process and the positional relationship between the respective folded parts before the simple four-folding process has been performed.

  The sheet guided to the first conveyance path 101 by the first switching claw 121 is directly guided to the second conveyance path 102, and the sheet leading edge e1 is arranged in the second conveyance path 102 to define the folding position. It strikes against the movable first stopper 141. Then, the sheet enters the nip between the first folding roller 111 and the second folding roller 112 so as to be folded around the first folding portion e3 of the bent portion of the sheet whose folding position is defined by the first stopper 141. The second fold is given. Here, the sheet subjected to the first folding is in a double-folded state with the first folding part e3 as a folding part. This first fold e3 becomes the front end and is conveyed to the third conveyance path 103. Thereafter, the first folding portion e3 that is the front end abuts against the movable second stopper 142 that is disposed in the third conveyance path 103 and defines the folding position. Then, the sheet is bent around the second folding portions e2 and e4 of the bent portion of the sheet whose folding position is defined by the second stopper 142, and enters the nip between the second folding roller 112 and the third folding roller 113. The second fold is applied. Here, the simple four-fold process is completed.

  The sheet that has undergone the outer tri-fold process, the inner tri-fold process, or the simple four-fold process is guided to the fifth conveyance path 105 by the second switching claw 122. Then, the paper passes through the sixth transport path 106, is guided to the seventh transport path 107 by the third switching claw 123, and is stacked on the paper storage unit 131. Further, when transporting to the subsequent post-processing machine, the paper transport path is switched by the third switching claw 123 and transported from the paper carry-out port 133 to the subsequent post-processing machine.

(Kannon fourfold)
The Guanyin quadruple process will be described. Here, let L be the length in the paper transport direction for a sheet that is subjected to Kannon quadruple processing. When the paper is received from the paper receiving port, the front end in the paper transport direction is f1, the rear end is f5, the first folding portion at a distance of L / 2 from the front end e1 is e3, and the front end e1 is L / 4 and 3L / 4. The second folds at a distance of will be described as e2 and e4, respectively. Further, FIG. 3F shows a sheet form that has been subjected to the Kannon fold process, and the positional relationship between the folded portions before the Kannon fold process is performed.

  The sheet guided to the first conveyance path 101 by the first switching claw 121 is directly guided to the second conveyance path 102, and the sheet leading edge e1 is arranged in the second conveyance path 102 to define the folding position. It strikes against the movable first stopper 141. Then, the sheet enters the nip between the first folding roller 111 and the second folding roller 112 so as to be folded around the first folding portion f4 of the bent portion of the sheet whose folding position is defined by the first stopper 141. The second fold is given. This first folding part f4 becomes the front end and is conveyed to the third conveyance path 103. Thereafter, the first folding portion f4 that is the front end abuts against the movable second stopper 142 that is disposed in the third conveyance path 103 and defines the folding position. Then, it enters the nip between the second folding roller 112 and the third folding roller 113 so as to be folded around the second folding portion f2 of the bent portion of the sheet whose folding position is defined by the second stopper 142. The second fold is given. The second folding portion f2 formed here becomes the front end and is conveyed to the fourth conveying path 104 by the second switching claw 122. Thereafter, the second folding part f2 hits the movable third stopper 143 which is arranged in the fourth transport path 104 and defines the folding position. Then, the sheet is bent around the third folding part f3 of the bent portion of the sheet, the folding position of which is defined by the third stopper 143, and enters the nip between the fourth folding roller 114 and the fifth folding roller 115, and the third time Folding is done and the Kannon quadruple process is completed.

  The sheet that has undergone the quadrant folding process passes through the sixth conveyance path 106, is guided to the seventh conveyance path 107 by the third switching claw 123, and is stacked on the sheet storage unit 131. Further, when transporting to the subsequent post-processing machine, the paper transport path is switched by the third switching claw 123 and transported from the paper carry-out port 133 to the subsequent post-processing machine.

  Next, control related to a full notification for stopping the operation of the connected copying machine 200 and the paper folding device 202 after the fullness of the sheet is detected by the fullness detection means, which is a characteristic part of the paper folding device 202 according to the present embodiment. Will be described.

  In a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus, a full detection unit detects a full state of sheets stacked on a sheet storage unit, and when the sheet post-processing is not completed, notifies the image forming apparatus of a full state, and the image forming apparatus And the operation of the sheet post-processing apparatus were stopped. With this configuration, it is possible to prevent a stacking abnormality in the sheet storage unit, jamming, and the like that occur when a sheet stacked on the sheet discharge port is blocked. However, even when the full detection means detects the full state of the sheets stacked on the paper storage unit, in reality, there are still many cases where the sheets can still be stacked. As described above, in the conventional sheet post-processing apparatus, the image forming apparatus is notified of fullness based only on the detection result of the fullness detecting unit, and the image forming is actually performed even though the sheet can still be stacked in the paper storage unit. The operation of the apparatus and the sheet post-processing apparatus has been stopped. For this reason, the productivity of the image forming operation of the image forming apparatus and the convenience for the user are impaired.

  Therefore, in the paper folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment, the fullness detection unit detects the full state of the sheet, and the full notification for stopping the operation of the copying machine 200 and the paper folding apparatus 202 which are connected image forming apparatuses. And were controlled separately. Hereinafter, more specific examples will be described, and control related to detection of a full state of a sheet and full notification will be described. 4 is a flowchart of the full notification operation of the paper folding apparatus according to the first embodiment, FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the full notification operation of the paper folding apparatus according to the second embodiment, and FIG. It is a flowchart of the full notification operation | movement of the paper folding apparatus which concerns on. 7 is a flowchart of the full notification operation of the paper folding apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, FIG. 8 is a flowchart of the full notification operation of the paper folding apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, and FIG. It is a flowchart of a full notification operation of the paper folding apparatus.

Example 1
The sheet folding apparatus 202 according to this embodiment performs a full notification for stopping the operation of the connected copying machine 200 and the sheet folding apparatus 202 after the full detection of the sheets stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 by the full detection unit. Enable / disable can be set by the user. Hereinafter, a full notification when the sheet received from the copier 200 is subjected to a predetermined folding process and stacked in the paper storage unit 131 via the paper discharge outlet 132 in accordance with a series of image forming operations of the copier 200 will be described. 4 will be described.

  In advance, the user sets validity / invalidity of the full notification operation from the operation / display unit 201 of the copying machine 200. Information indicating whether the full notification operation is valid / invalid set in the operation / display unit 201 is signaled by the control unit of the copier 200 and transmitted to the folding processing control unit of the sheet folding device 202 by electrical connection. It is stored (stored) in the RAM of the machining control unit.

  When a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 is started, the fullness detection unit has detected whether or not the state where the uppermost sheet stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 has reached the reference height has been continuously detected for one second. Thus, the full state of the stacked sheets is detected (S101). When the full state is detected by the full detection means (YES), it is determined whether the information stored in the RAM of the folding control unit is valid or invalid (S102). If the full notification setting is valid (YES), the folding control unit notifies the copying machine 200 of fullness, stops the image forming operation of the copying machine 200, and performs the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202. Stop and end (S103). If the setting of the full notification operation is invalid (NO), the process ends without notifying the copying machine 200 of full.

  Further, when the full state detection unit does not detect the full state of the sheet (NO), the folding control unit determines whether or not the predetermined folding process, which is the sheet post-processing, is completed (S104). . If the predetermined folding process has been completed, the process ends without notifying the copying machine 200 of fullness. On the other hand, if it is not completed, the process returns to the detection of the full state of the sheet (S101) by the full detection unit again, and the full state of the stacked sheets is detected, or a predetermined sheet folding process that is a post-sheet processing is performed. Repeat until is complete.

  In the sheet folding apparatus 202 of this embodiment, the user can set in advance whether the full notification to the copying machine 200, which is performed after the full detection unit detects the fullness of the sheets stacked on the paper storage unit 131, is valid / invalid. . By setting the full notification to the copying machine 200 to be invalid according to the user's judgment, the sheet can still be stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 due to the curling of the sheet and the processing performed, but the copying machine 200 is still capable of being stacked. Can be avoided. That is, the unnecessary stop of the copying machine 200 and the sheet folding device 202 can be avoided. In this way, the full notification from the sheet folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled by the user setting, so that unnecessary stop of the copying machine 200 and the sheet folding device 202 can be avoided. it can. Therefore, the productivity of the copying machine 200 connected to the sheet folding device 202 and the convenience for the user can be improved.

(Example 2)
The full notification operation of the paper folding device 202 according to the present embodiment is performed by loading the number of sheets set in advance by the user in the paper storage unit 131 after the fullness of the sheet is detected by the paper folding device 202 of the first embodiment and the full detection means. It is different in that a full notification is sent from. That is, after the fullness of the sheet is detected by the fullness detection means, the number of sheets stacked on the paper storage unit 131 via the paper discharge outlet 132 (hereinafter referred to as the fullness notification number) before the fullness notification to the copying machine 200 is made in advance. The point that the user can set is different. In the same manner as in the first embodiment, the sheet received from the copier 200 is subjected to a predetermined folding process in accordance with a series of image forming operations of the copier 200, and is stacked on the paper storage unit 131 via the paper discharge port 132. The full notification in the case of doing will be described with reference to FIG. Further, the case where the full detection operation is effective will be described, and the same configuration and operation as the full notification operation of the first embodiment will be omitted as appropriate.

  In advance, the user sets the full notification number from the operation / display unit 201 of the copying machine 200. The information on the full notification number set in the operation / display unit 201 is converted into a signal by the control unit of the copying machine 200 and transmitted to the folding control unit of the sheet folding device 202 by electrical connection. Stored (stored) in the RAM.

  When a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 is started, the fullness detection unit has detected whether or not the state where the uppermost sheet stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 has reached the reference height has been continuously detected for one second. Thus, the full state of the stacked sheets is detected (S201). When the full state is detected by the full detection means (YES), it is determined whether the information stored in the RAM of the folding control unit is valid or invalid (S202). If the full notification setting is valid (YES), the folding control unit determines whether or not the predetermined folding has been completed (S203), and if the predetermined folding has been completed (YES). ) Ends without a full notification. On the other hand, if it is not completed (NO), it is determined whether or not the sheet discharge sensor 151 disposed in the vicinity of the sheet discharge port 132 has detected the trailing edge of the sheet, and the sheet is detected after the full detection by the full detection unit. The number of sheets stacked in the storage unit 131 is counted (S204).

  If the paper discharge sensor 151 detects the trailing edge of the sheet (YES), the process proceeds to determination of the number n of stacked sheets after full detection (S205). If the paper discharge sensor 151 does not detect the trailing edge of the sheet (NO), the process is continued, and it is determined whether or not the predetermined folding process is completed (S203). When the process proceeds to determination of the number n of stacked sheets after detection of fullness (S205), the number obtained by adding 1 to the total number of discharged sheets counted by the sheet discharge sensor 151 after full detection by the full detection means is determined as the number n of stacked sheets after full detection. (S204). Thereafter, the number n of sheets loaded after full detection is compared with the full notification number (S206).

  When the number n of sheets loaded after full detection is greater than the full notification number (YES), the folding control unit notifies the copying machine 200 of fullness, and the image forming operation of the copying machine 200 and the operation of the sheet folding device 202 are performed. Is terminated (S207). If the number n of stacked sheets after the full detection is not larger than the full notification number (NO), the process is continued and the process returns to the determination of whether or not the predetermined folding process has been completed (S203).

  In the sheet folding apparatus 202 of this embodiment, the user can set in advance the number of full notifications until a full notification is sent to the connected copying machine 200. In other words, after the paper folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detection means, the fullness notification number set by the user is loaded on the paper storage unit 131 and then the fullness is notified to the copying machine 200, and the image forming operation of the copying machine 200 is performed. Can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, the number of full notifications until the full notification from the sheet folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled, so that it is possible to control according to the use state of the user. . Therefore, the productivity of the copying machine 200 connected to the sheet folding device 202 and the convenience of the user can be further improved according to the usage status of the user.

(Example 3)
The full notification operation of the paper folding device 202 according to the present embodiment is different from the paper folding device 202 according to the second embodiment in that the user can set in advance for each type of processing to apply the full notification number to the sheet. Hereinafter, as in the case of the second embodiment, a full notification when the sheet received from the copying machine 200 is subjected to a predetermined folding process and stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 in accordance with a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 will be described. 6 will be described. Further, a case where the full detection operation is effective will be described, and a configuration / operation similar to the full notification operation of the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the following description will be made assuming that the processing A to be performed on the sheet is selected.

  In advance, the user sets the full notification count from the operation / display unit 201 of the copying machine 200 for each type of processing to be performed on the sheet. The information on the full notification number set in the operation / display unit 201 is converted into a signal by the control unit of the copying machine 200 and transmitted to the folding control unit of the sheet folding device 202 by electrical connection. Stored (stored) in the RAM.

  When a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 is started, first, the folding processing control unit determines the type of processing (sheet folding type) applied to the sheet based on the signal from the control unit of the copying machine 200. Processing A is determined (S301). Then, the processing number after the full detection of the processing A stored in the RAM of the folding control unit in advance is stored as the full notification number (S302). Only in this respect, the subsequent operations related to full notification are the same as those in the second embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the sheet folding apparatus 202 of this embodiment, the number of full notifications until a full notification is sent to the connected copying machine 200 can be set in advance for each process that the user applies to the sheet. That is, after the sheet folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detecting means, the full number of sheets set for each processing to be performed on the sheet by the user is loaded in the paper storage unit 131 and then the copying machine 200 is notified of the fullness. The image forming operation of the machine 200 can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, the number of full notifications until the full notification from the sheet folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled for each processing to be performed on the sheet, and the detection of fullness is made more finely according to the use situation of the user. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.

Example 4
The full notification operation of the paper folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment is different from the paper folding apparatus 202 of the second embodiment in that the user can set the full notification number for each sheet type in advance. Hereinafter, as in the case of the second embodiment, a full notification when the sheet received from the copying machine 200 is subjected to a predetermined folding process and stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 in accordance with a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 will be described. 7 for explanation. Further, a case where the full detection operation is effective will be described, and a configuration / operation similar to the full notification operation of the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the following description will be given on the assumption that the paper type A is processed.

  In advance, the user sets the full notification count from the operation / display unit 201 of the copying machine 200 for each type of sheet to be processed. The information on the full notification number set in the operation / display unit 201 is converted into a signal by the control unit of the copying machine 200 and transmitted to the folding control unit of the sheet folding device 202 by electrical connection. Stored (stored) in the RAM.

  When a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 is started, first, the folding processing control unit determines that the sheet type to be processed is a sheet type A based on a signal from the control unit of the copying machine 200 (S401). ). Then, the number of processed sheets after detection of fullness of the paper type A stored in the RAM of the folding control unit in advance is stored as the full notification number (S402). Only in this respect, the subsequent operations related to full notification are the same as those in the second embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the sheet folding apparatus 202 of the present embodiment, the full notification number until the full notification is sent to the connected copying machine 200 can be set in advance for each type of sheet to be processed by the user. In other words, after the paper folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detecting means, the fullness notification number set for each type of sheet to be processed by the user is loaded in the paper storage unit 131 and then the copying machine 200 is notified of the fullness. The image forming operation of the copying machine 200 can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, the number of full notifications until the full notification from the paper folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled for each type of paper to be processed, and more detailed full detection according to the use status of the user. It can be. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.

(Example 5)
The full notification operation of the paper folding device 202 according to the present embodiment is different from the paper folding device 202 of the second embodiment in that the user can set the full notification number for each paper size in advance. Hereinafter, in the same manner as in the second embodiment, when a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200, a sheet received from the copying machine 200 is subjected to a predetermined folding process, which is a sheet post-processing, and is stacked on the sheet storage unit 131. Will be described with reference to FIG. Further, a case where the full detection operation is effective will be described, and a configuration / operation similar to the full notification operation of the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Further, the following description will be made assuming that the paper size A is processed.

  In advance, the user sets the full notification count from the operation / display unit 201 of the copying machine 200 for each size of paper to be processed. The information on the full notification number set in the operation / display unit 201 is converted into a signal by the control unit of the copying machine 200 and transmitted to the folding control unit of the sheet folding device 202 by electrical connection. Stored (stored) in the RAM.

  When a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 is started, first, the folding processing control unit determines that the type of paper to be processed is a paper size A based on a signal from the control unit of the copying machine 200 (S501). ). Then, the number of processed sheets after detection of the full paper size A stored in the RAM of the folding control unit in advance is stored as the full notification number (S502). Only in this respect, the subsequent operations related to full notification are the same as those in the second embodiment, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  In the sheet folding apparatus 202 of the present embodiment, the full notification number until the full notification is sent to the connected copying machine 200 can be set in advance for each paper size to be processed by the user. That is, after the paper folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detection means, the full capacity number of sheets set for each paper size to be processed by the user is loaded in the paper storage unit 131 and then the copying machine 200 is notified of the fullness. The image forming operation of the copying machine 200 can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, the number of full notifications until the full notification from the paper folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled for each size of the paper to be processed, and more detailed full detection according to the use situation of the user. It can be. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.

(Example 6)
The full notification operation of the paper folding device 202 according to this embodiment is different from the paper folding device 202 according to the second to fifth embodiments, and the paper storage unit 131 receives paper before the full notification is sent to the copying machine 200 instead of the full notification number. It differs in that the user can set the time for loading the image in advance. Hereinafter, as in the case of the second embodiment, a full notification when the sheet received from the copying machine 200 is subjected to a predetermined folding process and stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 in accordance with a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 will be described. 9 will be used for explanation. Further, a case where the full detection operation is effective will be described, and a configuration / operation similar to the full notification operation of the second embodiment will be omitted as appropriate. Hereinafter, an example in which the time until the full notification is performed instead of the number of sheets in the second embodiment will be described. However, the time until the full notification is performed instead of the number of sheets in the third to fifth embodiments. The control can be extremely fine.

  In advance, the time for the user to load paper in the paper storage unit 131 before the full notification is given from the operation / display unit 201 of the copier 200 to the copier 200 after full detection by the full detection means (hereinafter referred to as full notification). Time). The full notification time information set in the operation / display unit 201 is signaled by the control unit of the copying machine 200 and transmitted to the folding control unit of the sheet folding apparatus 202 by electrical connection. Stored (stored) in the RAM.

  When a series of image forming operations of the copying machine 200 is started, the fullness detection unit has detected whether or not the state where the uppermost sheet stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 has reached the reference height has been continuously detected for one second. Thus, the full state of the stacked sheets is detected (S601). When the full state detection unit detects the full state of the sheet (YES), it is determined whether the information stored in the RAM of the folding control unit is valid or invalid (S602). If the full notification setting is valid (YES), the folding control unit determines whether or not the predetermined folding has been completed (S603), and if the predetermined folding has been completed (YES) ) Ends without a full notification. On the other hand, if it has not been completed (NO), counting of the elapsed time after full detection is started (S604), and the elapsed time is compared with a preset full notification time (S605). If the elapsed time exceeds the full notification time (YES), the copying machine 200 is notified of fullness, the image forming operation of the copying machine 200 is stopped, and the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 is stopped. Then, the process ends (S606). If the elapsed time does not exceed the full notification time (NO), the process is continued, and the process returns to the determination of whether or not the predetermined folding process has been completed (S603).

  In the sheet folding device 202 of this embodiment, the user can set the full notification time in advance, instead of the full notification number of the second to fifth embodiments to be stacked before the full notification is sent to the copying machine 200 after the paper full detection. . That is, after the paper folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detecting means, the fullness is notified to the copying machine 200 after the time set in advance by the user has elapsed, and the image forming operation of the copying machine 200 can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, since the full notification time can be controlled, a full detection operation can be performed in accordance with the use state of the user. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.

  As described above, in the present exemplary embodiment, it is assumed that the detection result of the fullness detection unit of the sheet folding device 202 is also used for other control, for example, the height control of the stacking tray, etc. The control is configured to be performed separately from the full detection control. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration, and if the detection result of the full detection means is not shared by other controls, the full notification and the full detection valid / invalid control may be combined. good.

  In addition, regarding the full notification control of the sheet folding device 202, an example has been described in which items to be set in advance are individually set to the full notification number or full notification time. However, the items to be set do not have to be individual, and may be combined to make more detailed settings. Also, the items to be set are not limited to those exemplified, and for example, items such as paper thickness, single-sided / double-sided printing, and the like are also conceivable.

  Further, when combining each setting item in a composite manner, for example, the full notification number of items as a reference may be set, and the other items may be set by weighting.

  Further, an example has been described in which the user sets the setting values (full notification number / full notification time) of each item in advance. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a default value may be set at the time of factory shipment, initial installation, or the like, and the user may change it as necessary. In the case of such a configuration, it is desirable to provide an operation button or the like for returning to a default value on the operation / display unit 201 of the copying machine 200.

  Further, the example in which the sheet folding device 202 is connected to the copying machine 200 which is an image forming apparatus adopting the electrophotographic method has been described. However, the image forming apparatus to be connected is not limited to a copying machine, but can also be applied to a printer, a multifunction machine, or the like that is frequently used in a general office. In the present embodiment, the sheet folding apparatus 202 has been described as an example of the sheet post-processing apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Further, the present invention is not limited to the sheet post-processing apparatus that is connected to the image forming apparatus and used, but can be applied to a sheet post-processing apparatus that is integrated with the image forming apparatus.

As described above, in the sheet folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment, the full notification for the copying machine 200, which is performed after the full detection unit detects the fullness of the sheets stacked on the sheet storage unit 131, is enabled / disabled in advance. Can be set. By setting the full notification to the copying machine 200 to be invalid according to the user's judgment, the sheet can still be stacked in the sheet storage unit 131 due to the curling of the sheet and the processing performed, but the copying machine 200 is still capable of being stacked. Can be avoided. That is, the unnecessary stop of the copying machine 200 and the sheet folding device 202 can be avoided. In this way, the full notification from the sheet folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled by the user setting, so that unnecessary stop of the copying machine 200 and the sheet folding device 202 can be avoided. it can. Therefore, the productivity of the copying machine 200 connected to the sheet folding device 202 and the convenience for the user can be improved.
In the sheet folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment, the user can set in advance the number of full notifications until a full notification is sent to the connected copying machine 200. In other words, after the paper folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detection means, the fullness notification number set by the user is loaded on the paper storage unit 131 and then the fullness is notified to the copying machine 200, and the image forming operation of the copying machine 200 is performed. Can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, the number of full notifications until the full notification from the sheet folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled, so that it is possible to control according to the use state of the user. . Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.
Further, in the sheet folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment, the number of full notifications until a full notification is sent to the connected copying machine 200 can be set in advance for each process that the user applies to the sheet. That is, after the sheet folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detecting means, the full number of sheets set for each processing to be performed on the sheet by the user is loaded in the paper storage unit 131 and then the copying machine 200 is notified of the fullness. The image forming operation of the machine 200 can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, the number of full notifications until the full notification from the sheet folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled for each processing to be performed on the sheet, and the detection of fullness is made more finely according to the use situation of the user. be able to. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.
Further, in the sheet folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment, the number of full notifications until a full notification is sent to the connected copying machine 200 can be set in advance for each type of sheet to be processed by the user. In other words, after the paper folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detecting means, the fullness notification number set for each type of sheet to be processed by the user is loaded in the paper storage unit 131 and then the copying machine 200 is notified of the fullness. The image forming operation of the copying machine 200 can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, the number of full notifications until the full notification from the paper folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled for each type of paper to be processed, and more detailed full detection according to the use status of the user. It can be. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.
Further, in the sheet folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment, the number of full notifications until the full notification is sent to the connected copying machine 200 can be set in advance for each size of the sheet to be processed by the user. That is, after the paper folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detection means, the full capacity number of sheets set for each paper size to be processed by the user is loaded in the paper storage unit 131 and then the copying machine 200 is notified of the fullness. The image forming operation of the copying machine 200 can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, the number of full notifications until the full notification from the paper folding device 202 to the copying machine 200 can be controlled for each size of the paper to be processed, and more detailed full detection according to the use situation of the user. It can be. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.
Further, in the sheet folding apparatus 202 according to the present embodiment, the user can set the full notification time in advance, instead of the full notification number, before the full notification is sent to the copying machine 200 after full detection. That is, after the paper folding device 202 detects the fullness by the fullness detecting means, the fullness is notified to the copying machine 200 after the time set in advance by the user has elapsed, and the image forming operation of the copying machine 200 can be stopped. Further, the subsequent operation of the sheet folding device 202 can be stopped. As described above, since the full notification time can be controlled, a full detection operation can be performed in accordance with the use state of the user. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the productivity and convenience of the user of the copying machine 200 to which the paper folding device 202 is connected in accordance with the usage situation of the user.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Paper folding part 101 1st conveyance path 102 2nd conveyance path 103 3rd conveyance path 104 4th conveyance path 105 5th conveyance path 106 6th conveyance path 107 7th conveyance path 108 8th conveyance path 109 9th conveyance path 110 10th conveyance path 111 1st folding roller 112 2nd folding roller 113 3rd folding roller 114 4th folding roller 115 5th folding roller 121 1st switching claw 122 2nd switching claw 123 3rd switching claw 124 4th switching claw DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 130 Paper reception port 131 Paper storage part 132 Paper discharge port 133 Paper delivery port 141 1st stopper 142 2nd stopper 143 3rd stopper 150 Full detection sensor 151 Paper discharge sensor 200 Copying machine 201 Operation / display part 202 Paper folding device

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-11792

Claims (6)

A sheet storage unit that performs a predetermined process on a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus, stacks the sheet subjected to the predetermined process, and a fullness detection unit that detects the fullness of the sheet stacked in the sheet storage unit; In a sheet post-processing apparatus having
A sheet post-processing apparatus, characterized in that a user can set validity / invalidity of a full notification to a connected image forming apparatus performed after full detection by the full detection means. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 1,
If full notification is enabled,
A sheet post-processing apparatus that, after a full detection by a full detection means, stacks a predetermined number of sheets in a sheet storage unit and then sends a full notification to an image forming apparatus. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2,
A sheet post-processing apparatus, in which a user can set the number of sheets to be stacked after full detection for each process applied to a sheet. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2,
A sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein a user can set the number of sheets to be stacked for each sheet type after full detection. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2,
A sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein a user can set the number of sheets to be stacked after full detection for each sheet size. In the sheet post-processing apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
A sheet post-processing apparatus, wherein a user can set a time for stacking sheets after the full detection, instead of the number of sheets stacked after the full detection.

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