JP5598395B2 - Sheet processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus that receives a recorded sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus and performs post-processing.

  In recent years, sheet processing apparatuses that receive recorded paper (sheets) discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a printer or a copying machine and perform predetermined post-processing have been widely used.

  Specifically, the sheet processing apparatus is provided with post-processing means such as staple (staple) binding, punching (round hole punching), and paper folding for the paper after image formation.

  Among them, many proposals have been made for a sheet processing apparatus in which a recorded sheet (sheet) discharged from an image forming apparatus is bound and taken out. For example, the sheets discharged and stacked from the image forming apparatus are bound at the center, the sheets are saddle-stitched at the binding position, folded into two, and the book is placed on the sheet tray and taken out. A sheet processing apparatus has been proposed.

  For example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2004-284762 discloses a technique for aligning a large number of sheets on a sheet tray on which sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus are stacked.

JP 2004-284762 A

  However, the sheet tray is generally provided in the lower part of the sheet processing apparatus, and in order for the user to take out the sheet bundle, it is necessary to change the posture to the position of the sheet tray provided in the lower part. For example, there is an inconvenience in taking out the sheet from the sheet tray.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of easily taking out a sheet from a sheet tray.

A sheet processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus that processes a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus, and includes a sheet folding unit that folds a sheet after the image is formed, and a sheet folding unit. A sheet tray for stacking folded sheets and a control unit for controlling the sheet tray are provided. The sheet tray is conveyed to the end of the sheet tray by the conveyance belt that conveys the sheet, a first sensor that detects the sheet that is folded by the sheet folding unit and discharged onto the sheet tray, and the sheet tray. And a second sensor for detecting the sheet . In the first conveyance mode, the control unit moves the conveyance belt in steps to stack and discharge stacked sheets, and in the second conveyance mode, moves the conveyance belt to end the sheet tray. The first sheet is discharged so that the sheets stacked on the sheet are positioned , and the first sensor detects the sheet folded by the sheet folding unit and discharged onto the sheet tray in the first transport mode. The conveyor belt is moved in response to the detection of the sensor, and the conveyor belt is moved until the sheet is no longer detected by the first sensor. In the second conveyance mode, the sheet is folded at the sheet folding portion by the second sensor. When the sheet discharged on the sheet tray is detected, the conveying belt is moved until a predetermined period elapses.

  In particular, the sheet folding unit can perform a plurality of processes on the sheet according to the instruction, and the control unit adjusts the predetermined period according to the process performed by the sheet folding unit.

A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention, wherein the sheet is folded and the sheet is folded by the sheet folding section. And a control unit for controlling the sheet tray. The sheet tray includes a conveyance belt that conveys the sheet, a mechanism that can adjust an angle with the virtual plane, and a detection device that detects a change in the angle with the virtual plane . In the first conveyance mode, the control unit moves the conveyance belt in steps to stack and discharge stacked sheets, and in the second conveyance mode, moves the conveyance belt to end the sheet tray. The sheet is discharged so that the sheet stacked on the part is positioned, and control is performed so that conveyance according to the first or second conveyance mode is executed based on the detection result of the detection device.

A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus according to still another aspect of the present invention, wherein the sheet is folded by the sheet folding section and a sheet folding section that folds the sheet after the image is formed A sheet tray for stacking sheets and a control unit for controlling the sheet tray are provided. The sheet tray includes a conveyance belt that conveys the sheet. In the first conveyance mode, the control unit moves the conveyance belt in steps to stack and discharge stacked sheets, and in the second conveyance mode, moves the conveyance belt to end the sheet tray. The sheets stacked on the sheet are discharged so as to be positioned , and the sheets folded by the sheet folding unit are overlapped and discharged according to the first conveyance mode until the job is completed in response to the input of the job to the sheet folding unit. After the job is completed, it is determined whether there is a new job input. If it is determined that there is no new job input, the first transfer mode is switched to the second transfer mode, moving the conveyor belt is discharged so that the sheet is located at the end of the sheet tray, when the second transport mode, when there is input of a new job, a second conveyance mode of the Switches to transport mode.

  Preferably, the control unit switches the first and second transport modes from one to the other in accordance with an instruction from an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus.

  The controller of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention stacks and discharges stacked sheets by moving the conveyor belt stepwise in the first conveyance mode, and removes the conveyance belt in the second conveyance mode. The sheet is moved and discharged so that the sheet stacked on the end of the sheet tray is positioned. Therefore, it is possible to have a plurality of conveyance modes and to easily take out the sheet from the sheet tray according to the conveyance modes.

1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system including a post-processing apparatus (sheet processing apparatus) FS and an image forming apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a principal part expanded sectional view of the saddle 100 of the post-processing apparatus FS according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the middle folding (bi-folding) process according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the trifold process according to embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view of sheet tray 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic diagram of a sheet tray 800 according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an image forming apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram of post-processing apparatus FS according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a general-view figure of the operation panel 13 according to embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the adjustment mechanism of sheet tray 800 according to an embodiment of the invention. It is a figure explaining the detection method of the angle of the sheet | seat tray 800 according to embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart of the sheet alignment conveyance mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart of the sheet discharge conveyance mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure explaining the state in which the folding sheets according to embodiment of this invention accumulate | stack. 10 is a correspondence table of sheet accumulation times based on the sheet tray 800 and the post-processing mode. It is a flowchart which performs switching of the conveyance mode according to the modification 1 of embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the discharge control table according to the modification 2 of embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the discharge process during the job execution with respect to the sheet tray 800 of the post-processing apparatus FS according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same. Therefore, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

(Image forming system)
FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of an image forming system including a post-processing apparatus (sheet processing apparatus) FS and an image forming apparatus A according to an embodiment of the present invention.

(Image forming apparatus A)
The image forming apparatus A includes an image reading unit 1, an image processing unit 2, an image writing unit 3, an image forming unit 4, a paper feed cassette 5, a paper feed roller 6, a fixing device 7, and paper discharge. A roller 8 and an automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 9 are provided.

  An automatic document feeder 10 is mounted on the upper part of the image forming apparatus A. Further, a post-processing device FS is connected to the left side of the image forming apparatus A in the drawing on the paper discharge roller 8 side. The document placed on the document table of the automatic document feeder 10 is transported along the transport path, an image on one or both sides of the document is scanned by the optical system of the image reading unit 1, and is read by the CCD image sensor 1A. .

  The analog signal photoelectrically converted by the CCD image sensor 1A is subjected to analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like in the image processing unit 2, and then sent to the image writing unit 3. The semiconductor laser is driven to emit light based on the image data sent to the image writing unit 3 and irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 4A of the image forming unit 4 to form a latent image. In the image forming unit 4, processes such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, separation, and cleaning are performed, and a toner image is formed on the photosensitive drum 4A.

  The recording sheet S fed from the sheet feeding cassette 5 by the sheet feeding roller 6 reaches the photosensitive drum 4A, and the toner image is transferred to the recording sheet S by the transfer unit 4B. The recording paper S carrying the toner image is fixed by the fixing device 7 and sent from the paper discharge roller 8 to the post-processing device FS. In the case of double-sided copying, the recording paper S that has undergone single-sided image processing is sent to the automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 9 by the conveyance path switching plate 8A, and after the toner image is transferred and fixed on the back side in the image forming unit 4 Then, the paper is fed from the paper discharge roller 8 to the post-processing device FS.

(Post-processing device FS)
The post-processing device FS includes a paper carry-in unit 20 and a plurality of post-processing units. The post-processing unit includes a punching processing unit 40, a folding unit 50, an end binding (flat binding) processing unit 71, a saddle stitching processing unit 72, and a paper discharge unit 80.

  The recording sheet S (also referred to as a sheet) after image formation sent from the paper discharge roller 8 of the image forming apparatus A to the post-processing apparatus FS is conveyed into the post-processing apparatus FS by the paper carry-in unit 20.

  The punching processing unit 40 is disposed on the left-hand downstream side of the paper carry-in unit 20 and punches holes in the sheet S. Specifically, an entrance sensor 28 is provided in the vicinity of the entrance of the post-processing device FS, and when the sheet S is loaded into the post-processing device FS, the entrance sensor 28 detects the loading of the sheet S. Then, the conveyance of the sheet S is stopped after a predetermined time after the carry-in of the sheet S is detected, and the punching processing unit 40 opens a punch hole in the sheet S (punch processing).

  It is branched into two transport paths H0 and H1 from the downstream of the punching processing unit 40. The conveyance paths H0 and H1 are switched by the conveyance path switching member 30. The conveyance path H <b> 1 branched downward is connected to the saddle 100 via the conveyance roller 23. As will be described later, the saddle 100 includes a saddle stitching processing unit 72 and a folding unit 50, which will be described in detail later.

The other transport path H 0 is connected to the paper discharge unit 80 via the transport roller 24.
In the post-processing device FS, when a large amount of image formation is performed without processing by the post-processing unit, the sheet S passes from the paper carry-in unit 20 through the conveyance path H0 to the discharge paddle 22 of the paper discharge unit 80, and the post-processing device FS. It is discharged to an elevator tray 81 provided at the outlet.

  The elevator tray 81 moves downward as indicated by a chain line in the drawing so that the uppermost surface of the discharged sheet S is always at a constant height. Therefore, thousands of sheets can be stacked on the elevator tray 81. In addition, a paper detection sensor 26 is provided in the conveyance path H0, detects the passage of the sheet S in the conveyance path H0, and executes drive timing control for the conveyance roller 24, the discharge paddle 22, and the like.

  Further, the discharge paddle 22 is configured to be movable between a pressed state and a separated state. When the discharge paddle 22 is in pressure contact, the sheet S is discharged to the elevator tray 81 as described above. On the other hand, when the discharge paddle 22 is separated, the sheet is not immediately discharged to the elevator tray 81, and after the sheet S reaches the discharge paddle 22, the trailing end of the sheet S falls on the accommodation belt 70. The accommodation belt 70 and the accommodation paddle 74 rotate to convey the sheet in the direction in which the end binding processing unit 71 is provided. Then, the processing is executed a plurality of times for the plurality of sheets S, the processing tray sensor 77 detects that a predetermined number of sheets is stored in the end binding processing unit 71, and the end binding processing is executed. Thereafter, the accommodation belt 70 and the accommodation paddle 74 convey the sheet bundle bound in the direction of the discharge paddle 22, and the sheet bundle is discharged from the discharge paddle 22 to the elevator tray 81.

  The saddle 100 is disposed obliquely with respect to the horizontal direction downstream of the conveying roller 23, and includes a plurality of guide members and leading end stoppers for guiding the sheet S, a saddle stitching processing unit 72, a folding unit 50, and sheet width alignment. The sheet is processed in each of the half-fold (two-fold) mode, the half-fold / saddle-binding mode, and the three-fold mode for one or more sheets S, and discharged to the sheet tray 800. In the present example, since the saddle 100 is subjected to two-fold or three-fold processing on one or more sheets S, the sheet discharged to the sheet tray 800 is also referred to as a folded sheet.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a main part of saddle 100 of post-processing device FS according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 2, the sheet S is carried in from obliquely upward to obliquely downward. Also, as described in the lower right in the figure, in the following description, the direction going diagonally downward is the X direction, the direction orthogonal to the X direction on the paper is the Y direction, and the direction perpendicular to the paper is the Z direction.

  The guide members constituting the saddle 100 are composed of upstream guide members 101 and 102 and downstream guide members 103 and 104. The sheet width aligning portion 110 is located on the upper side of the upstream guide members 101 and 102, and the upstream side. The saddle stitching processing section 72 is positioned in the middle of the guide members 101 and 102, and the folding section 50 is positioned between the upstream guide members 101 and 102 and the downstream guide members 103 and 104.

  The sheets S carried into the saddle 100 via the conveyance path H1 are detected one by one by the saddle carry-in sensor 62. And the sheet | seat S carried in is conveyed along a guide member with dead weight. At that time, the upper paddle 75 and the lower paddle 76 rotate in contact with the surface of the sheet, whereby the sheets are smoothly conveyed one by one.

The sheet width aligning unit 110 performs alignment in the width direction (Z, reverse Z direction) of the sheet S.
A distal end stopper 105 that is movable along the downstream guide members 103 and 104 is provided downstream of the folding unit 50. The leading end stopper 105 restricts the lower end of the sheet S to a predetermined position, and is moved according to the paper size.

  The upstream guide member 101 and the downstream guide member 103 are located on the lower side (reverse Y direction side) of the saddle 100, and constitute a stack surface on which the sheets S slide down along the surface. Further, the upstream guide member 102 and the downstream guide member 104 are disposed to face the upstream guide member 101 and the downstream guide member 103 at a predetermined interval.

  The saddle stitching processing unit 72 includes a needle receiving mechanism 72a and a needle striking mechanism 72b. The saddle stitching processing unit 72 operates when the central portion in the sheet transport direction of the bundle of sheets S is positioned by the leading end stopper 105, and the bundle of sheets S is saddle stitched. To do. Specifically, the leading end stopper 105 moves in the sheet conveyance direction (X, reverse X direction) of the sheet S, so that the central portion of the plurality of sheets S is aligned with the saddle stitching processing unit 72 and stacked. After a plurality of sheets S are stacked, the bundle of sheets S is saddle-stitched by the saddle stitching processing unit 72. When the saddle stitching processing unit 72 does not perform the saddle stitching process, the sheets S are stacked so that the center portion of the sheet S fits the folding unit 50.

  The folding unit 50 includes a first folding plate 51, a first folding roller 52, a second folding roller 53, a third folding roller 54, a fourth folding roller 56, a fifth folding roller 58, a transport path switching member 55, and a guide member 57. The first folded plate sensor 59, the second folded plate 60, and the second folded plate sensor 61 are provided, and the sheet S is subjected to middle folding (folding) processing or three folding processing.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a half-folding process in accordance with the embodiment of the present invention.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, in the half-folding process, first, the leading end stopper 105 is moved so that the center portion of the length of the sheet S becomes the position of the first folding plate 51. Next, as shown in FIG. 3A, the first and second folding rollers 52 and 53 rotate, and the first folding plate 51 causes the sheet S to pass between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. Insert into. Since the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53 are urged to come into pressure contact with each other by a spring member (not shown), the sheet S is folded at the center in FIG. 3B. Then, the sheet S folded by the guide member 57 provided below the transport path switching member 55 is transported to the fourth and fifth folding rollers 56 and 58. As shown in FIG. 3C, the fourth and fifth folding rollers 56 and 58 rotate to convey the folded sheet S. In FIG. 3D, the fourth and fifth folding rollers 56 and 58 discharge the folded sheet S to the sheet tray 800. The first folded plate sensor 59 detects the home position of the first folded plate 51, and the moved first folded plate 51 is returned to the home position.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating tri-fold processing according to the embodiment of the present invention.
2 and 4, first, in the tri-fold process, the transport path switching member 55 moves and is set to the position indicated by the dotted line in FIG. The sheet S is moved by the leading end stopper 105 so that the position of one third of the length of the sheet S becomes the position of the folding plate 51. Next, as shown in FIG. 4A, the first and second folding rollers 52 and 53 rotate, and the first folding plate 51 causes the sheet S to pass between the first folding roller 52 and the second folding roller 53. Insert into. In FIG. 4B, the sheet S is folded and creased at one third of its length. Next, in FIG. 4C, the sheet S is guided upward along the shape of the transport path switching member 55 with the fold as the head. The sheet S guided along the shape of the conveyance path switching member 55 is stopped by a stop member (not shown). The stop member is used for positioning the sheet S when the second folding plate 60 performs the folding process, and a position where the second folding plate 60 makes a crease at the center of the length of the sheet S subjected to the folding process. Adjust so that

  Next, in FIG. 4D, while the second folding roller 53 and the third folding roller 54 rotate, the second folding plate 60 puts the sheet S between the second folding roller 53 and the third folding roller 54. insert. It is assumed that the second folding roller 53 and the third folding roller 54 are urged so as to be pressed against each other by a spring member (not shown). The folded sheet S is further folded and folded by the second folding plate 60 at the center of the remaining length. In FIG. 4E, the second and third folding rollers 53 and 54 rotate and discharge the folded sheet S to the sheet tray 800. The first folded plate sensor 59 detects the home position of the first folded plate 51, and the moved first folded plate 51 is returned to the home position. The second folded plate sensor 61 detects the home position of the second folded plate 60, and the moved second folded plate 60 is returned to the home position. As for the tri-folding process, the sheet S is first folded at a position that is one third of the length, and the half of the remaining length is creased so that the folded side is folded. A folding process is performed.

  Note that although the two-fold or three-fold processing of one sheet S has been described here, the processing is not limited to one, and the same processing can be performed for a plurality of sheets.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 5, the sheet tray 800 includes a placement member 820 and a stopper member 822.

  The stopper member 822 is connected to the mounting member 820 at the end, and can be folded so as to overlap the mounting member 820, and can be housed on the side surface of the post-processing device FS together with the mounting member 820. It is.

  Further, the stopper member 822 is provided with a gripping portion 826, and the angle of the sheet tray 800 can be adjusted by holding the gripping portion 826, which will be described later.

  The mounting member 820 is provided with two conveying belts 827A and 827B. The folded sheet placed on the sheet tray 800 is conveyed via the conveyor belts 827A and 827B.

  In addition, the mounting member 820 is provided with movable members 823 and 824. Here, the movable member 824 is not shown. When the folded sheet placed on the sheet tray 800 is conveyed via the conveyance belt, the movable members 823 and 824 are moved downward by coming into contact with the movable members 823 and 824.

  Further, the placement member 820 is provided with a transport button 825. When the transport button 825 is pressed, the transport belts 827A and 827B can be driven.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 6A is a view of the sheet tray 800 as viewed from above. FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view of the sheet tray 800.

  Two transport belts 827A and 827B, which are transport units for transporting folded sheets, are installed on the mounting member 820 of the sheet tray 800. The transport belts 827A and 827B are rotated by the belt transport rollers 821A and 821B. It is rotated in the direction of arrow c shown in (A) and in the direction of arrow d shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, a movable member 823 that is moved by a folded sheet is installed in the vicinity of the stopper member 822 and in the vicinity of the approximate center between the two conveying belts 827A and 827B.

  Further, a movable member 824 that is moved by a folded sheet is installed near the entrance opposite to the stopper member 822 and in the vicinity of the approximate center between the two transport belts 827A and 827B.

  The folded sheets discharged to the placing member 820 of the sheet tray 800 are stacked as illustrated (the folded sheets stacked in FIG. 6B are schematically shown), and the conveyor belts 827A and 827B. Is gradually transported.

  As illustrated, the movable member 823 is moved to a hidden position inside the placement member 820 by the contact of the leading folded sheet. In the placement member 820, a detection member (sheet tray tip sensor) that detects that the movable member 823 has moved to a position inside the placement member 820 is disposed. By the movement of the movable member 823, the detection member can grasp that the folded sheet has reached the position.

  The movable member 824 is provided at a position where the folded sheet is ejected so as to cover the movable member 824 when the folded sheet is ejected from the folding unit 50 to the sheet tray 800. Therefore, when the folded sheet is discharged, the movable member 824 is moved to a hidden position inside the placement member 820 in the same manner as the movable member 823. A detection member (sheet tray inlet sensor) that detects that the movable member 824 has moved to a position inside the placement member 820 is disposed in the placement member 820. By the movement of the movable member 824, the detection member can detect that the folded sheet is discharged to the position, that is, the sheet tray 800.

FIG. 7 is a schematic block diagram of image forming apparatus A according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 7, an image forming apparatus A includes a main control unit 150 that controls the entire apparatus, an image reading unit 1, an image processing unit 2, an image writing unit 3, an image forming unit 4, and an automatic unit. A document feeder (ADF (Auto Document Feeder)) 10, an operation panel 13, an audio output unit 14, an external device interface 15, and a communication interface 16 are provided.

  The main control unit 150 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 151 for executing various programs including an operating system (OS), and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 152 in which programs executed by the CPU 151 are stored in advance. And a RAM (Random Access Memory) 153 that temporarily stores data necessary for executing the program portion of the CPU 151.

  The main control unit 150 reads the image from the document loaded on the ADF 10 using the image reading unit 1 and converts it into electronic data, and performs various image processing on the read image using the image processing unit 2. Image processing control to be performed, image forming control for forming an image processed image on a sheet by a known electrophotographic process using the image writing unit 3 and the image forming unit 4, and paper for conveying the sheet on which the image is formed Feed control is executed.

  The operation panel 13 has a touch panel, and is configured to be able to set the type of post-processing applied to the sheet, perform operation settings for various other functions, and check the set functions and display various warnings. Has been. As will be described later, for example, a numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, a start key for instructing operation start, a stop key for instructing operation stop, a reset key for initializing various setting conditions, and the like are displayed on the operation panel 13. The

  From the operation panel 13, a job including sheet size information and post-processing type information (presence / absence of folding / binding, their type, number of sheets, etc.) is input based on a user operation.

  The main control unit 150 transmits these jobs to the post-processing device FS through the communication interface 16.

  The sound output unit 14 outputs an error sound when an error such as an operation sound, a warning sound, or a paper jam occurs. An external network 17 is connected to the external device interface 15. Thereby, it is comprised so that communication with the other apparatus on a network is possible.

  In addition to the copying function, the image forming apparatus A has a scanning function for acquiring image data, a printing function for receiving image data from a device such as an external personal computer (not shown), and printing by facsimile. It has a fax function that can be used.

FIG. 8 is a schematic block diagram of post-processing device FS according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 8, post-processing device FS includes a finisher control unit 200 that controls the entire post-processing device FS, and a communication interface 87 for communicating information with image forming apparatus A.

  The finisher control unit 200 temporarily stores a CPU 201 for executing various programs including an operating system, a ROM 202 in which a program executed by the CPU 201 is stored in advance, and data necessary for executing a program portion of the CPU 201. RAM 203 is provided.

  The finisher control unit 200 controls each unit in the post-processing device FS based on the job output from the image forming apparatus A.

  The finisher control unit 200 is connected to various sensors. Specifically, the paper detection sensors 26 and 73, the saddle carry-in sensor 62, the inlet sensor 28, the sheet tray inlet sensor 38, the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39, the first folding plate sensor 59, and the second folding plate. A sensor 61, a sheet tray upper sensor 82, and a sheet tray lower sensor 84 are connected to the finisher control unit 200, and detection signals from various sensors are input.

  The finisher control unit 200 controls the changeover switches 86 and 88. The changeover switches 86 and 88 are connected to the conveyance path switching members 30 and 55, respectively. By switching the changeover switches 86 and 88, the positions of the transport path switching members 30 and 55 are changed to switch the transport path.

The finisher control unit 200 controls various motors.
Tip stopper 105, upper paddle 75, lower paddle 76, transport rollers 23 and 24, first folding plate 51, folding rollers 52 to 54, 56, and 58, discharge paddle 22, transport belts 827A and 827B, elevator tray 81, first tray The two folded plates 60 are respectively a front end stopper motor 90, an upper paddle motor 91, a lower paddle motor 92, a transport motor 93, a first folded plate motor 94, a folding roller motor 95, a discharge paddle motor 96, a transport belt motor 97, and an elevator. The motor 98 and the second folded plate motor 99 are respectively driven.

  The finisher control unit 200 controls the punching processing unit 40, the edge binding processing unit 71, the saddle stitching processing unit 72, the paper width matching unit 110, and the like.

  Here, in order to simplify the explanation, illustration of motors for driving the accommodation belt 70 and the accommodation paddle 74 is omitted. The same applies to other parts.

FIG. 9 is an overview diagram of operation panel 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 9, operation panel 13 according to the embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit 312, a 10 key 302, and a start button 310. Other keys are omitted.

  A touch panel is provided on the display unit 312, and a predetermined operation can be performed on the display unit 312. A 10 key 302 is a button for inputting the number of copies. The start button 310 is a button for instructing execution of processing such as copying / scanning.

  The display unit 312 displays various modes and other displays. And various settings according to the display content can be performed by the touch panel. For example, the display unit 312 is provided with a tab button 314 for basic / applied settings that are normally performed when a copy operation or a scan operation is executed. When each tab button is pressed, a hierarchical screen for performing detailed setting is displayed. In this example, a case where an application tab button is pressed is shown, and detailed setting instructions for various post-processing in the post-processing device FS are possible. Specifically, “booklet mode”, “binding margin mode”, “folding mode”, and “staple mode” can be designated.

  In this example, a case where a tray discharge mode switching button 316 is provided is shown. It is assumed that a tray discharge mode to be described later can be switched by pressing the tray discharge mode switching button 316.

  Next, a method for adjusting the angle of sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an adjustment mechanism of sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 10, sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention can be adjusted in angle in three stages.

  Specifically, FIGS. 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating a state in which the sheet tray 800 is positioned at the lowermost part.

  10C and 10D are diagrams illustrating a state where the sheet tray 800 is located in the middle.

  FIGS. 10E and 10F are views for explaining a state where the sheet tray 800 is positioned at the uppermost part.

  In this example, as an example, the lowermost portion is inclined at an angle of 5 degrees with respect to the horizontal plane, the intermediate position is inclined at 15 degrees, and the uppermost portion is inclined at an angle of 30 degrees.

  Referring to FIG. 10A, the sheet tray 800 is accommodated in a tray receiver 850, and the angle of the sheet tray 800 can be adjusted from the sheet tray 800 accommodated in the tray receiver 850. Specifically, protrusions 840 and 842 are provided on both sides of the side portion of the sheet tray 800. In this example, projections 840A and 840B and projections 842A and 842B are provided.

  Referring to FIG. 10B, the tray receiver 850 is provided with a recessed portion provided corresponding to each of the protruding portions 840 and 842. Here, recesses 845A and 845B provided corresponding to the protrusions 840A and 840B are shown.

  When the sheet tray 800 is at the lowermost part, the protrusions 840A and 840B are accommodated in the recesses 845A and 845B. The same applies to the protrusions 842A and 842B.

  When the sheet tray 800 is lifted through the grip portion 826 of the stopper member 822 described above, the left and right walls of the tray receiver 850 are pressed and expanded by the protrusions provided on the sheet tray 800, and the protrusions are separated from the recesses. The sheet tray 800 can be lifted.

  Referring to FIG. 10C, here, the protrusion 840 is disengaged from the recesses 845A and 845B, and the sheet tray 800 is lifted.

  With reference to FIG. 10D, a state in which the protrusions 840 </ b> A and 840 </ b> B of the sheet tray 800 are mounted on the upper end portion of the tray receiver 850 is shown. This state is a state in which the sheet tray 800 is positioned in the middle.

  Further, when the sheet tray 800 is lifted through the grip portion 826 of the stopper member 822 described above, the left and right walls of the tray receiver 850 are pressed and expanded by the protrusions provided on the sheet tray 800, and the protrusions are recessed. The sheet tray 800 can be further lifted off the part.

  Referring to FIG. 10E, here, the protruding portion 842 is removed from the recessed portion, and the sheet tray 800 is lifted.

  Referring to FIG. 10 (F), the protrusions 842A and 842B of the sheet tray 800 are shown on the upper end of the tray receiver 850. This state is a state in which the sheet tray 800 is positioned at the top.

  Here, the method of adjusting the angle by lifting the sheet tray 800 from the bottom to the top has been described, but conversely, the angle can be adjusted by lifting the sheet tray 800 from the top to the bottom. Is possible.

  Further, in this example, the case where an adjustment mechanism provided with a protrusion, a dent, or the like for adjusting the angle of the sheet tray 800 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the motor is driven according to instructions. The angle of the sheet tray 800 may be adjusted according to the driving of the motor.

  Next, a method for detecting the angle of sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a method for detecting the angle of sheet tray 800 according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 11A, here, a state where the sheet tray 800 is located at the lowermost part is shown. The sheet tray 800 has an upper edge portion 811 and a lower edge portion 812 that protrude upward and downward at the end portion. A sheet tray upper sensor 82 and a sheet tray lower sensor 84 are provided corresponding to the upper edge portion 811 and the lower edge portion 812, respectively.

  In this example, it is assumed that the sheet tray lower sensor 84 reacts and detects the lower edge portion 812 when the sheet tray 800 is in the lowest position. On the other hand, it is assumed that the sheet tray upper sensor 82 does not detect the upper edge portion 811. For example, here, as an example, the sheet tray lower sensor 84 and the sheet tray upper sensor 82 are contact sensors. In the state of FIG. 5A, the sheet tray lower sensor 84 and the lower edge portion 812 are in contact with each other.

  Referring to FIG. 11B, here, a state where the sheet tray 800 is located in the middle is shown.

  In this example, since neither the sheet tray lower sensor 84 nor the sheet tray upper sensor 82 is in contact with the lower edge portion 812 and the upper edge portion 811, neither is detected.

  Referring to FIG. 11C, in this example, a state where the sheet tray 800 is positioned at the uppermost portion is shown.

  In this example, the sheet tray lower sensor 84 is not in contact with the lower edge portion 812, but the sheet tray upper sensor 82 is in contact with the upper edge portion 811 and detects the upper edge portion 811. To do.

  Therefore, the angle of the sheet tray 800 is detected according to the three states detected only by the sheet tray lower sensor 84, the case where both the sheet tray upper sensors 82 and 84 do not detect, and the sheet tray upper sensor 82 only. Is possible.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the conveyance mode of the folded sheet placed on the sheet tray 800 is switched according to the angle of the sheet tray 800.

  Specifically, in the embodiment of the present invention, a case where a sheet alignment conveyance mode and a sheet discharge conveyance mode are provided will be described.

  The sheet alignment conveyance mode is a mode in which folded sheets discharged to the sheet tray 800 are overlapped and aligned and conveyed.

  The sheet discharge conveyance mode is a mode in which the folded sheet discharged to the sheet tray 800 is conveyed to the front end portion of the sheet tray 800 so as to be easily taken out.

  As an example, in a normal state, that is, when the sheet tray 800 is positioned at the lowermost part, conveyance control in the sheet alignment conveyance mode is executed.

  Specifically, the CPU 201 of the finisher control unit 200 detects the angle of the sheet tray 800 based on the detection states of the sheet tray upper sensor 82 and the sheet tray lower sensor 84. Then, conveyance control of the sheet tray 800 according to the angle is executed. For example, the CPU 201 instructs the conveyance belt motor 97 to execute conveyance control according to the sheet alignment conveyance mode. Alternatively, the conveyance belt motor 97 is instructed to execute conveyance control according to the sheet discharge conveyance mode.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the sheet alignment conveyance mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process is executed by the CPU 201 controlling the conveyor belt motor 97.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in the sheet alignment conveyance mode, it is first determined whether or not it is the sheet discharge timing (step S2). The CPU 201 determines whether or not the folded sheet processed by the folding unit 50 is the discharge timing.

  If it is determined in step S2 that it is the sheet discharge timing (YES in step S2), the conveyor belt is rotated forward (step S4). Specifically, immediately before the folded sheet comes into contact with the sheet tray 800, the conveyor belt motor 97 is instructed to rotate the conveyor belts 827A and 827B in the forward direction (discharge direction).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is ON (step S6). The CPU 201 determines whether or not the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 provided at the position where the folded sheet is discharged to the sheet tray 800 is ON.

  If it is determined in step S6 that the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is ON (YES in step S6), the state is maintained, and the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned off while the transport belt is rotated forward. Determine whether or not.

  In step S6, the conveyance belt is rotated forward until the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned off, and when the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned off (NO in step S6), the conveyance belt is stopped (step S8). .

  Then, it is determined whether there is a next job (step S10). If there is a next job, the process returns to step S2 to repeat the above processing. On the other hand, if there is no next job, the process ends (END).

  That is, in the sheet alignment conveyance mode, when the folded folded sheet reaches the sheet tray 800 at the sheet discharge timing, the above-described movable member 824 moves, so that the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned on. Then, the discharged folded sheet is conveyed by the conveyance belt until the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned off, and when the rear end portion of the discharged folded sheet passes through the movable member 824, the movable member 824 is Return to the initial position. That is, the sheet tray entrance sensor 38 is turned OFF, and the conveyance belt stops at that position. Again, at the sheet discharge timing of the next job, the folded sheet discharged turns on the movable member 824 and the sheet tray entrance sensor 38. For example, when the movable member 824 is provided in the central portion of the discharged folded sheet, the folded sheet discharged before and the folded sheet discharged next overlap each other by half the length. . By repeating this process, the folded sheets discharged at regular intervals are overlapped and aligned and conveyed. That is, the conveyance mode is a conveyance mode in which the folded sheet is conveyed by moving (stepping) the conveying belt by a predetermined distance every time the folded sheet is discharged.

  The CPU 201 of the finisher control unit 200 detects the angle of the sheet tray 800 based on the detection state of the sheet tray upper sensor 82 and the sheet tray lower sensor 84. Then, the conveyance control of the sheet tray 800 according to the angle is executed, and when the angle is not in a normal state, for example, when it is detected that the sheet tray is at the intermediate position or the uppermost position, the conveyance control according to the sheet discharge conveyance mode. To the conveyor belt motor 97.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the sheet discharge conveyance mode according to the embodiment of the present invention. This process is executed by the CPU 201 controlling the conveyor belt motor 97.

  Referring to FIG. 13, it is determined whether or not the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39 is ON (step S20).

  Next, when it is determined that the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39 is ON (YES in step S20), this state is maintained.

  On the other hand, when it is determined that the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39 is OFF (NO in step S20), the conveyor belt is rotated forward (step S22). Specifically, the conveyor belt motor 97 is instructed to cause the conveyor belts 827A and 827B to rotate forward (discharge direction).

  Next, it is determined whether or not the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39 is ON (step S24).

  If it is determined in step S24 that the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39 is ON (YES in step S24), it is determined whether or not the sheet stacking time has elapsed (step S26).

  If it is determined in step S26 that the sheet stacking time has elapsed (YES in step S26), the conveying belt is stopped (step S28). Specifically, the conveyor belt motor 97 is instructed to stop the conveyor belts 827A and 827B. And it returns to step S20 again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S26 that the sheet accumulation time has not elapsed (NO in step S26), the state of step S26 is maintained.

  If it is determined in step S24 that the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39 is not ON (NO in step S24), it is determined whether or not the empty time has elapsed (step S30).

  If it is determined in step S30 that the empty time has elapsed (YES in step S30), the fact that it is empty is notified (step S32). Then, the conveyance belt is stopped (step S34). Then, the process ends (END).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S30 that the empty time has not elapsed (NO in step S30), the process returns to step S24 to determine whether or not the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39 is turned on while the conveyor belt is rotated forward. to decide. The subsequent processing is the same.

  That is, in the sheet discharge conveyance mode, based on the detection result of the sheet tray front end sensor 39, when the sheet tray front end sensor 39 is not ON, the sheet tray front end sensor is turned ON and the sheet accumulation time elapses. This is a conveyance mode in which the folded sheet discharged to the sheet tray 800 is conveyed to the end portion by the conveyance belt.

  Therefore, since the folded sheet discharged to the sheet tray 800 is conveyed to the end portion (front end direction) of the sheet tray 800, the folded sheet placed on the sheet tray 800 can be easily taken out.

  When the folded sheet placed on the end portion of the sheet tray 800 is taken out, the sheet tray leading end sensor 39 is turned off again, and the conveyance belt of the sheet tray 800 is operated to near the entrance of the sheet tray 800. Since the folded sheets stacked on the sheet tray are conveyed in the end direction, the folded sheets stacked near the entrance of the sheet tray 800 can be easily taken out.

  On the other hand, when the sheet tray leading edge sensor 39 is not turned on even after the empty time has elapsed, it is recognized that the folded sheet is not placed on the sheet tray 800. Therefore, in that case, the fact that it is empty is notified and the conveying belt is stopped. It is possible to prevent unnecessary processing from being continued by the processing.

  In the embodiment of the present invention, the conveyance belt is stopped after the sheet accumulation time has elapsed.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a state in which folded sheets according to the embodiment of the present invention are stacked.
FIG. 14A shows a case where a plurality of folded sheets are placed on the sheet tray 800.

  In this state, when the conveyance belt of the sheet tray 800 is rotated forward, a state in which a bundle of folded sheets is stacked via the stopper member 822 is shown as shown in FIG.

  If the conveying belt of the sheet tray 800 is further rotated in this state, the bundle of folded sheets is turned over to the opposite side. In this example, the conveyance belt of the sheet tray 800 is stopped in a state in which the sheet is properly stacked on the stopper member 822.

  The sheet accumulation time corresponds to a period from when the sheet tray leading end sensor 39 is turned on until the folded sheets are appropriately accumulated on the stopper member 822.

  This sheet accumulation time varies depending on the angle of the sheet tray 800. Further, it varies depending on the type of post-processing mode.

  FIG. 15 is a correspondence table of sheet accumulation times based on the sheet tray 800 and the post-processing mode.

  Referring to FIG. 15, the smaller the angle of sheet tray 800 is, the more difficult it is to flip the folded sheet. Conversely, the larger the angle is, the easier it is to flip the folded sheet. Further, in the post-processing mode, the tri-fold process is difficult to turn over because the height of the folded sheet is low, and is easy to turn over in the middle fold because the height of the folded sheet is high. In addition, the saddle stitching has the same height as that of the folded sheet, but the folded sheet has a stable tip and is heavy and easily turned over.

  In this example, based on the above, when the sheet tray 800 is at the lowest position, the sheet stacking time is set to 75 s, 30 s, and 22.5 s in each case of tri-fold, center fold, and saddle stitching. It is set.

  When the sheet tray 800 is in the intermediate position, the sheet stacking time is set to 45 s, 22.5 s, and 15 s in each of tri-fold, center-fold, and saddle stitching.

  When the sheet tray 800 is at the uppermost position, the sheet stacking time is set to 30 s, 15 s, and 7.5 s in each of tri-fold, center-fold, and saddle stitching.

The time is based on the experimental results when the paper size is A3, the basis weight is 80 g / m ² , the saddle stitching staple is two places, and the conveying belt is driven at 20 mm / s.

  This example is merely an example, and the table may be provided for each paper size, or the sheet accumulation time may be calculated by multiplying a coefficient according to the paper size.

  Depending on the sheet stacking time, it is possible to stack the sheets appropriately on the stopper member 822 and make it easy to remove the folded sheets from the sheet tray 800.

  The sheet tray 800 is provided at a low position, and in order to take out the folded sheet placed on the sheet tray 800, it may be necessary to change the posture and squat down or bend down. There were cases where it was difficult. Further, since the transport button provided on the sheet tray 800 is also at a low position, it may be difficult to operate.

  In this example, when the angle of the sheet tray 800 is adjusted and the position of the sheet tray 800 changes from the lowest position, the conveyance mode is switched from the sheet alignment conveyance mode to the sheet discharge conveyance mode, and the sheet tray 800 By conveying the folded sheet to the end, it is possible to eliminate inconvenience when taking out the folded sheet.

  Further, the folded sheet can be easily taken out when the sheet is taken out by adjusting the number of sheets stacked on the end of the sheet tray 800 according to the angle.

(Modification 1)
In the above description, the method of switching the transport mode according to the position state of the sheet tray 800 has been described, but the switching is not particularly limited thereto.

  For example, in the first modification, a method of switching the transport mode when a predetermined time has elapsed from the job output will be described.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for executing switching of the conveyance mode according to the first modification of the embodiment of the present invention. This process is executed by the CPU 201 controlling the conveyor belt motor 97.

  Referring to FIG. 16, it is first determined whether or not there is a job input (step S40). The process waits in step S40 until there is a job input.

  If it is determined in step S40 that there is a job input (YES in step S40), the sheet alignment conveyance mode is executed (step S42). The conveyance mode is the same as that described in FIG. 12, and details thereof will not be repeated.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a job input within a predetermined period (step S44). If there is a job input within the predetermined period (YES in step S44), the process returns to step S42 again to execute the sheet alignment conveyance mode.

  On the other hand, if there is no job input within the predetermined period (NO in step S44), the sheet discharge conveyance mode is executed (step S46). The conveyance mode is the same as that described with reference to FIG. If there is a job input during the flow process of FIG. 13, it is assumed that the process of step S48 is executed by interruption.

  If there is a job input in step S48 (YES in step S48), the process returns to step S42 to execute the sheet alignment conveyance mode.

  If there is a job input by switching the conveyance mode, the conveyance mode in the sheet alignment conveyance mode is executed. If there is no job input for a predetermined period, the sheet discharge conveyance mode is switched to the sheet discharge conveyance mode. It is possible to eliminate inconvenience when the folded sheet is conveyed to the end portion and taken out.

  Further, regarding the switching of the transport mode, it may be switched according to a user instruction from the operation panel 13.

  Specifically, as described above, switching can be performed by pressing the tray discharge mode switching button 316 on the operation panel 13 of FIG. For example, in the initial state, when the sheet alignment / conveyance mode is set, by selecting the tray discharge mode switching button 316, a mode switching instruction is given to switch from the sheet alignment / conveyance mode to the sheet discharge / conveyance mode. Shall be. Specifically, the CPU 151 of the main control unit 150 of the image forming apparatus A receives an input of an operation instruction on the operation panel 13, and the finisher control unit of the post-processing device FS receives the reception input instruction via the communication interfaces 16 and 87. Output to 200. This can be realized by the CPU 201 of the finisher control unit 200 switching the transport mode of the drive of the transport belt motor 97 in accordance with the acceptance input instruction.

(Modification 2)
In the above embodiment, the method of switching the conveyance mode according to the position state of the sheet tray 800 has been described. Specifically, the method of switching the conveyance mode according to the change in the angle of the sheet tray 800 has been described. On the other hand, when the angle of the sheet tray 800 changes, depending on the sheet type and the number of folded sheets, there is a possibility that the folded sheets are not properly discharged to the sheet tray 800 if they are stiff.

  In the second modification, a method for restricting the discharge of folded sheets according to the position state of the sheet tray 800 will be described.

  FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a discharge restriction table according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 17, in the discharge restriction table, the types and number of sheets that can be processed are defined according to the angle of sheet tray 800.

  Specifically, when the sheet tray 800 is at the lowest position, up to three sheets are permitted for tri-fold processing for plain paper, and up to one sheet for thick paper. . In the case of half-folding and saddle stitching, up to 20 sheets are permitted for plain paper and up to 5 sheets for thick paper.

  When the sheet tray 800 is in the intermediate position, the tri-folding process is permitted up to one sheet for plain paper and prohibited for thick paper. In the case of half-folding and saddle stitching, up to 10 sheets are permitted for plain paper and prohibited for thick paper.

  Further, when the sheet tray 800 is at the uppermost position, the tri-folding process is permitted up to one sheet in the case of plain paper, and is prohibited in the case of thick paper. In the case of half-folding and saddle stitching, up to five sheets are permitted for plain paper and prohibited for thick paper.

  It is assumed that the discharge restriction table is held in advance in the ROM 202 of the post-processing device FS. Then, the information of the discharge restriction table is output to the image forming apparatus A via the communication interface 87. The image forming apparatus A receives the information of the discharge restriction table via the communication interface 16 and stores it in the RAM 153 of the main control unit 150. Further, the CPU 151 of the post-processing device FS outputs the state (uppermost position, intermediate position, and lowermost position) of the sheet tray 800 to the image forming apparatus A via the communication interface 87. The state of the sheet tray 800 can be determined based on the sheet tray upper sensor 82 and the sheet tray lower sensor 84 as described above.

  The image forming apparatus A receives the state information of the sheet tray 800 via the communication interface 16 and refers to the discharge restriction table stored in the RAM 153, and relates to the regulation of the folding process or the folding process of the post-processing apparatus FS. Information can be acquired.

  Based on the discharge restriction table stored in the RAM 153, the CPU 151 acquires information regarding the regulation of the bi-folding process or the tri-folding process according to the state of the sheet tray 800 and controls the user input to the operation panel 13. . That is, it is assumed that the input of the bi-folding process or the tri-folding process exceeding the range restricted by the user is not accepted from the operation panel 13. Note that the display unit 312 of the operation panel 13 may present information regarding the type and number of sheets that can be input from the operation panel 13 by the user regarding the two-fold processing or the three-fold processing.

  By using the discharge restriction table, it is possible to restrict job input when the user cannot correctly discharge the operation panel 13 to the sheet tray 800 of the user.

  On the other hand, the user may change the state of the sheet tray 800 during job execution.

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating a discharge process during job execution for sheet tray 800 of post-processing device FS according to the second modification of the embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 18, it is determined whether there is a change in the state of the sheet tray (step S50). Specifically, the CPU 201 determines whether or not the state of the sheet tray 800 has changed based on the detection results of the sheet tray upper sensor 82 and the sheet tray lower sensor 84.

  Next, it is determined whether there is a change in the state of the sheet tray. If it is determined that there is a change in the state (YES in step S50), the state of the sheet tray is confirmed (step S52). Specifically, the CPU 201 confirms the position of the sheet tray 800 based on the sheet tray upper sensor 82 and the sheet tray lower sensor 84.

  Next, the job is confirmed (step S54). Specifically, the CPU 201 confirms the sheet type, the number of sheets, and the like included in the job received from the image forming apparatus A via the communication interface 87.

  Next, the discharge restriction table is referred to (step S56). Specifically, the discharge restriction table stored in the ROM 202 described with reference to FIG. 17 is referred to.

  Next, it is determined whether or not discharge is possible (step S58). The CPU 201 determines whether or not discharge is possible, that is, whether or not the discharge condition is satisfied, according to the discharge restriction table based on the confirmed job content and sheet tray state.

  If it is determined in step S58 that the discharge is possible (YES in step S58), the discharge process is executed (step S60).

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S58 that the discharge is not possible (NO in step S58), the discharge is stopped (step S62). That is, no sheet is discharged to the sheet tray 800.

  Next, the image forming apparatus A is notified that the discharge is stopped (step S66). Specifically, the CPU 201 notifies the image forming apparatus A via the communication interface 87 that the discharge is stopped. The image forming apparatus A receives the notification via the communication interface 16 and generates a warning sound using the audio output unit 14 or notifies the operation panel 13 that the discharge is stopped. Is possible. The notification may be a display prompting the operator to change the angle of the sheet tray 800 on the operation panel 13.

  Further, when the user newly operates the operation panel 13, it is possible to perform control so as not to accept the bi-folding process or the tri-folding process. Note that post-processing that does not use the normal saddle 100, such as punch processing, can be accepted.

  Next, it is determined whether there is a change in the state of the sheet tray (step S68). The CPU 210 determines whether the state of the sheet tray 800 has changed based on the detection results of the sheet tray upper sensor 82 and the sheet tray lower sensor 84.

  If it is determined that there is a change in the state of sheet tray 800 (YES in step S68), the process returns to step S52. Then, the above process is repeated. If it is determined that the state of the sheet tray 800 has changed and discharge is possible, the process proceeds to step S60, and discharge processing is executed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined that the sheet cannot be discharged even if there is a change in the state of the sheet tray, the discharge stop is maintained.

  If it is determined in step S68 that there is no change in the state of sheet tray 800 (NO in step S68), the state of step S68 is maintained.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S50 that there is no change in the state of the sheet tray 800, the process proceeds to step S60, and normal discharge processing is executed.

  In step S62 in the above flowchart, when stopping the discharge process, the sheet is stopped in a state where no load is applied to the sheet. Specifically, before the discharge stop instruction is folded, the sheet is stored in the front end stopper 105 of the saddle 100 and then stopped. If the instruction to stop the discharge is after the folding process, if it is folded in half or in three, the sheet is stopped in a state of being sandwiched by folding rollers after the folding in half or in three.

  With this method, when the state of the sheet tray 800 changes during job execution, it is determined whether or not discharge is possible according to the discharge restriction table. If it is determined that discharge is not possible, the discharge process is performed. Is stopped. Therefore, when the folded sheet cannot be correctly discharged according to the state of the sheet tray 800, the discharging is stopped, and the folded sheet is discharged to the sheet tray 800 when it can be correctly discharged to the sheet tray 800. Will be. Therefore, the folded sheet can be appropriately discharged to the sheet tray 800.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image reading part, 2 Image processing part, 3 Image writing part, 4 Image formation part, 5 Paper feed cassette, 6 Paper feed roller, 7 Fixing device, 8 Paper discharge roller, 8A Conveyance path switching board, 9 Automatic duplex copy Paper feed unit, 10 automatic document feeder, 13 operation panel, 14 audio output unit, 15 external device interface, 16, 87 communication interface, 17 network, 20 paper carry-in unit, 22 discharge paddle, 23, 24 transport roller, 26, 73 Sheet detection sensor, 28 entrance sensor, 30 transport path switching member, 38 sheet tray entrance sensor, 39 sheet tray tip sensor, 40 punching processing unit, 62 saddle carry-in sensor, 70 storage belt, 71 edge binding processing unit, 72 Binding processing unit, 77 processing tray sensor, 80 paper discharge unit, 81 elevator tray, 82 sheet Lee upper sensor 84 sheet tray lower sensor, 86, 88 changeover switch, 90 leading edge stopper motor, 100 saddles, 150 main controller, 200 finisher controller.

Claims (5)

A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus,
A sheet folding section for folding the sheet after the image formation;
A sheet tray for placing the product the sheet folded by the sheet folding section,
A control unit for controlling the sheet tray,
The sheet tray is
A transport belt for transporting the sheet ;
A first sensor for detecting the sheet folded by the sheet folding unit and discharged onto the sheet tray;
A second sensor for detecting the sheet conveyed to the end of the sheet tray by the conveyance belt ,
The controller is
In the case of the first transport mode, the transport belt is stepped to stack and discharge the stacked sheets ,
In the case of the second transport mode, the transport belt is moved and discharged so that the sheets stacked on the end of the sheet tray are positioned ,
In the first conveyance mode, in response to detection of the first sensor when the first sensor detects the sheet folded by the sheet folding unit and discharged onto the sheet tray. Move the conveyor belt until the sheet is no longer detected by the first sensor,
In the second conveyance mode, when the second sensor detects the sheet folded by the sheet folding portion and discharged onto the sheet tray, the conveyance belt is moved until a predetermined period elapses. A sheet processing apparatus. The sheet folding unit can perform a plurality of processes on the sheet according to instructions,
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 , wherein the pre-front control unit adjusts the predetermined period according to the process performed by the sheet folding unit . A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus,
A sheet folding section for folding the sheet after the image formation;
A sheet tray on which the sheets folded by the sheet folding unit are stacked;
A control unit for controlling the sheet tray,
The sheet tray is
A transport belt for transporting the sheet;
A mechanism capable of adjusting the angle with the virtual plane;
A detection device for detecting a change in angle with the virtual plane,
The controller is
In the case of the first transport mode, the transport belt is stepped to stack and discharge the stacked sheets,
In the case of the second transport mode, the transport belt is moved and discharged so that the sheets stacked on the end of the sheet tray are positioned,
A sheet processing apparatus that controls to perform conveyance according to the first or second conveyance mode based on a detection result of the detection apparatus. A sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet after an image is formed by an image forming apparatus,
A sheet folding section for folding the sheet after the image formation;
A sheet tray on which the sheets folded by the sheet folding unit are stacked;
A control unit for controlling the sheet tray,
The sheet tray includes a conveyance belt that conveys the sheet,
The controller is
In the case of the first transport mode, the transport belt is stepped to stack and discharge the stacked sheets,
In the case of the second transport mode, the transport belt is moved and discharged so that the sheets stacked on the end of the sheet tray are positioned,
In accordance with the first transport mode until the job is completed in response to a job input to the sheet folding unit, the sheets folded by the sheet folding unit are overlaid and discharged,
After completion of the job, it is determined whether or not there is a new job input. If it is determined that there is no new job input, the first transfer mode is switched to the second transfer mode, Moving the conveying belt to discharge the sheet so that the sheet is positioned at the end of the sheet tray;
A sheet processing apparatus that switches the second conveyance mode to the first conveyance mode when a new job is input in the second conveyance mode . The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit switches the first and second conveyance modes from one to the other in accordance with an instruction from an operation panel provided in the image forming apparatus.

Images