JP4455010B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to an image forming system, in particular, by combining a plurality of sheets after processing apparatus having an image forming apparatus and the sheet post-processing functions arbitrarily relates to an image forming system capable of executing in parallel a plurality of jobs.

  Conventionally, a sheet post-processing device such as a finisher or a folding device is connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and various post-processing desired by a user, such as a bundle discharge process, a binding process, a folding process, and a bookbinding process, can be performed. A possible image forming system is provided. Here, in order to enable a single system to perform all sheet post-processing required by the user, such as bundle discharge processing, binding processing, folding processing, and bookbinding processing, a plurality of sheet post-processing devices that exclusively perform each processing are provided. This can be achieved by connecting and connecting to the image forming apparatus.

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming system in which a plurality of sheet post-processing apparatuses are connected to an image forming apparatus.

  In the system B shown in FIG. 22, two first job operations by the image forming apparatus 1300 and the sheet stacking apparatus 1500 and two second job operations by the feeding apparatus 1600 and the finisher 1700 can be executed simultaneously. Proposed.

  Generally, each device has a cover that covers each of the above devices, and the entire system is stopped when one of them is opened.

  However, in the above case, the following problems are assumed.

  That is, in the above system, each device has a cover that covers the mechanism, and if one of them is opened during the cover opening / closing operation for jam preparation, jam processing, error processing, etc., the entire system Will stop.

  For example, when a first job (hereinafter referred to as “main job”) and a second job (hereinafter referred to as “sub job”) are executed at the same time, a jam or error occurs in a part of the device used in the main job. When this occurs, the user needs to open and close the cover (not shown) of the device used in the main job for processing work.

  However, when the cover opening / closing operation is performed, the feeding device 1600 and the finisher 1700 are stopped almost simultaneously with this, so the processing of the secondary job is also stopped.

  Therefore, the user cannot use the apparatus until the above-described processing operation is completed. As a result, the downtime has increased and the “total productivity” of the entire system has been reduced.

  On the other hand, in order to avoid this, for example, in the case of a post-processing device, it is conceivable that the device is removed from the system connected in a cascade connection and moved when work involving a cover opening / closing operation continues for a long time. However, in the case of this type of complex system, the entire system often has a large configuration, and the work of removing the device requires a large amount of labor, time, work space, and the like. It was difficult to improve “productive productivity”.

  In addition, when the above removal operation occurs in one of the two job operations of the main job and the sub job, the other job operation is interrupted during the operation, so that “total productivity” of the entire system is further increased. It was difficult to improve.

  At this time, an operation for performing the initialization operation again to recognize the post-processing apparatus connected to the control unit that controls the entire system is also added.

  As a countermeasure for the above problems, a series of operations performed by the user, such as the operation of the main job and the cover opening / closing operation for preparing the job required for the sub job, jam processing, and error processing, should be performed in parallel as much as possible. Is to be able to do it.

  Specifically, the location where the cover open / close operation is performed during the execution of the secondary job is separated from the location used in the main job, and only the location not used for sheet conveyance etc. is operated as the device operation. It is conceivable to configure the device so that it is possible and to perform such control. The same applies when the situation of the main job and the sub job described above is reversed.

  On the other hand, in recent image forming systems, a plurality of job settings can be registered, and operations are often executed sequentially from jobs registered in advance. The same applies to job execution on a print server on the network.

  For this reason, even when the apparatus configuration / control as described above is performed, a problem may occur. For example, when a door that is not used in a job being executed is opened and the series of operations required for that location (hereinafter abbreviated as “work”) is being performed, the job being executed is completed and the job is in progress. It is possible that the next job that uses this part will be started. In that case, since the part where the job is used is released, normal operation cannot be performed such that the next job is jammed.

For the user who is working, the “next job” itself cannot be recognized when the work is started, and whether or not the “next job” uses the location, and the next job. It is necessary to consider whether or not the work is completed before starting the operation, which is a heavy burden on the user. Furthermore, such a burden may lead to a decrease in the degree of concentration with respect to work, resulting in the occurrence of work errors.
JP 2003-89473 A

The present invention has been made in view of the above-described prior art, and an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of executing a plurality of jobs in parallel and improving the productivity of the entire system. It is to provide.

In order to achieve the above object, in the present invention,
The combination of a plurality of provided with a post-processing device the sheet, a combination or a plurality of sheets after processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus and at least one sheet after the processing apparatus having an image forming apparatus forming an image on a sheet and the sheet after processing function, In an image forming system that executes jobs ,
And registration means for registering the job,
A plurality storable storage means in the order they are registered the registered jobs by the registration means,
Control means for executing another job in parallel using a sheet post-processing apparatus that is not used in the job during execution of one job using the image forming apparatus and at least one sheet post-processing apparatus;
The control means determines whether or not parallel execution with the one job is possible in order from the first unexecuted job registered in order by the storage means during execution of the one job. If the job can be executed in parallel, the job is executed. If the job cannot be executed in parallel, the job is skipped to determine whether the next job can be executed in parallel .

According to the present invention, in an image forming system capable of executing a plurality of jobs in parallel, by a cover opening / closing operation, jam processing, maintenance, and the like performed by a user during jam processing, maintenance, and the like Stopping the entire system at various timings can be avoided as much as possible, and an image forming system with high productivity can be provided.

  The best mode for carrying out the present invention will be exemplarily described in detail below with reference to the embodiments and the drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, and the like of the components described in this embodiment are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention only to those unless otherwise specified. . Further, the materials, shapes, etc. of the members once described in the following description are the same as those in the first description unless otherwise described.

(Outline of image forming system)
FIG. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a main part configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As he is shown in FIG. 1, the sheet processing system A as an image forming system, an image forming apparatus 10, a sheet post-processing apparatus having a different sheet after processing functions respectively, a sheet stacking apparatus 500, the feeding device 600 The finisher 700 is connected in series in the order shown in the figure.

(Image forming device)
The image forming apparatus 10 includes a printer 300, an image reader 200 that is mounted on the upper portion of the printer 300 and reads a document image, a document feeding device that is placed on an upper surface of the image reader 200 so as to be opened and closed, and feeds a document. And an operation display device 400 provided on the top of the reader 200.

The document feeder separates a plurality of documents set upward on a document tray one by one from the first page in order, and conveys them to a document image reading position of the image reader 200 through a curved path. The reader 200 performs the scanning. The document whose image has been read by the image reader 200 is discharged to a discharge tray 112 provided at the right end of the document feeder.

  The image reader 200 has a platen glass 102 on the upper surface, and a scanner unit 104 for flowing and reading a document conveyed from the document feeder to a document image reading position on the platen glass 102 on the lower surface of the platen glass 102. Have.

  By transporting the document so that it passes through the flow reading position from the left to the right in this way, the document reading scan in which the direction orthogonal to the document transport direction is the main scanning direction and the transport direction is the sub-scanning direction is performed. Done. That is, the entire original image is read by conveying the original in the sub-scanning direction while reading the original image by the image sensor 109 line by line in the main scanning direction when the original passes through the reading position. The read image is converted into image data by the image sensor 109 and output. Image data output from the image sensor 109 is input as a video signal to the exposure control unit 110 of the printer 300 after predetermined processing is performed in an image signal control unit 202 described later.

  It is also possible to read a document by conveying the document onto the platen glass 102 by the document feeder 100 and stopping it at a predetermined position, and scanning the scanner unit 104 from left to right in this state. This reading method is a so-called fixed original reading method.

  When reading a document without using the document feeder 100, the user first lifts the document feeder 100 to place the document on the platen glass 102, and then scans the scanner unit 104 from left to right. The original is read by. That is, when reading a document without using the document feeder 100, a fixed document reading is performed.

  The printer 300 includes an exposure controller 110 that modulates and outputs a laser beam based on an input video signal, a polygon mirror 110a that scans while irradiating the photosensitive drum 111 with the laser beam, and a laser beam that is scanned. A photosensitive drum 111 on which a corresponding electrostatic latent image is formed, and a developing device 113 that develops the electrostatic latent image with a developer are provided. Here, the exposure control unit 110 outputs a laser beam so that a correct image (an image that is not a mirror image) is formed during document fixed reading.

  In addition, at a timing synchronized with the start of laser light irradiation, the sheet S is fed from each cassette 114, 115, manual feed unit 125 or double-sided conveyance path 124 provided in the printer 300, and transferred to the photosensitive drum 111. It is conveyed between the parts 116. The developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred onto the sheet S fed by the transfer unit 116.

  The sheet S to which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 117 where the developer image is fixed on the sheet S by being hot-pressed there. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is discharged from the printer 300 to the outside (the sheet stacking device 500) through the flapper 121 and the discharge roller 118.

  Here, when the sheet S is discharged with its image forming surface facing downward (face-down), the sheet S that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is once guided into the reverse path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121. Then, after the trailing edge of the sheet S passes through the flapper 121, the sheet S is switched back and discharged from the printer 300 by the discharge roller 118. Hereinafter, this discharge form is called reverse discharge. This reverse discharge is performed when images are formed in order from the first page, such as when an image read using the document feeder 100 is formed or when an image output from a computer is formed. The subsequent sheet order is the correct page order.

  Further, when a hard sheet S such as an OHP sheet is fed from the manual feeding unit 125 and an image is formed on the sheet S, the image forming surface is faced up without guiding the sheet S to the reverse path 122 ( The paper is discharged by the discharge roller 118 at face up.

  Further, when double-sided recording for forming an image on both sides of the sheet is set, the sheet S is guided to the reverse path 122 by the switching operation of the flapper 121 and then conveyed to the double-sided conveyance path 124 and then to the double-sided conveyance path 124. The guided sheet S is fed again between the photosensitive drum 111 and the transfer unit 116 at the timing described above.

  The sheet discharged from the printer 300 is sent to the sheet stacking device 500. The sheet stacking apparatus 500 performs a sheet stacking process. In other cases, the sheet S discharged from the printer 300 passes through a sheet stacking device 500 and a feeding device 600 which is a kind of sheet feeding device, and is sent to the finisher 700.

  Hereinafter, configurations of the sheet stacking device 500, the feeding device 600, and the finisher 700 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of the sheet stacking device 500, the feeding device 600, and the finisher 700 constituting the sheet processing system according to the present embodiment.

(Schematic configuration of sheet stacking device)
The sheet stacking apparatus 500 can place a large amount of sheets S output from the printer 300. As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet stacking apparatus 500 conveys the sheet S provided in the horizontal conveyance path 502 and the horizontal conveyance path 502 that guides the sheet discharged from the printer 300 to the feeding apparatus 600 and the finisher 700. From the pair of conveyance rollers 503, 504, and 505, the first flapper 510 and the second flapper 506 provided at the entrance portion (the printer 300 side) and the exit portion (the finisher 700 side) of the horizontal conveyance path 502, and the printer 300 A sheet stacking unit 530 capable of storing the discharged sheets S and a path 520 for guiding the sheets S discharged from the printer 300 to the sheet stacking unit 530 are provided.

  When such a sheet stacking apparatus 500 performs a sheet stacking process, the first flapper 510 is turned off so as to block the passage of the sheet S to the horizontal conveyance path 502, and the sheet S is guided to the path 520. . The sheets S guided to the path 520 are sequentially stacked on the sheet stacking unit 530.

  On the other hand, when the sheet S is not stacked on the sheet stacking unit 530, the first flapper 510 is turned on so as to block the passage of the sheet to the path 520, and the sheet S discharged from the printer 300 is From 300, it passes through the horizontal conveyance path 502 and is conveyed to the feeding device 600 and the finisher 700.

  Although not shown, it is also possible to separately provide a path for conveying the sheet temporarily placed on the sheet stacking unit 530 to the feeding device 600 and the finisher 700. In this case, a printer can be provided. It is possible to perform adjustment control of the processing capabilities of the 300, the feeding device 600, and the finisher 700.

(Schematic configuration of feeding device)
For example, the feeding device 600 inserts a special sheet (color copy paper or the like) such as a cover or a tab into the first page or the middle page of a sheet output from the printer 300. Specifically, as illustrated in FIG. 3, the feeding device 600 includes a horizontal conveyance path 612 and a horizontal conveyance path 612 that guide the paper discharged from the conveyance roller pair 505 provided in the sheet stacking device 500 to the finisher 700. A pair of conveying rollers 602, 603 and 604 provided, for example, sheet storage portions 630, 631 and 632 for storing special sheets (color copy paper, etc.) such as cover sheets and tabs on the intermediate plates 633, 634 and 635 are stored. A vertical separation path 611 for guiding special sheets and the like fed from the sheet storage sections 630, 631 and 632 to the horizontal conveyance path 612; A conveyance roller pair 640, 641 and 642 provided in the vertical conveyance bus 611 is provided.

  Such a feeding device 600 applies a special sheet such as a cover sheet or a tab sheet to the sheet S output from the printer 300 from the sheet storage units 630, 631 and 632 at a predetermined timing according to a user's request. The special sheet can be inserted into the sheet S that is fed and output from the printer 300.

(Schematic configuration of finisher)
The finisher 700 is a device that performs sort processing, binding processing, punching processing, and the like. As shown in FIG. 3, the finisher 700 does not sort the finisher path 711 and the inlet roller pair 702 for introducing the sheet S output from the feeding device 600 and the sheet S output from the feeding device 600. A non-sort path 712 for transporting to the sample tray 721, a sort path 713 for transporting the paper output from the feeding device 600 to the sort processing unit, a switching flapper 710 for selectively switching between the non-sort path 712 and the sort path 713, sort processing, An intermediate tray 730 that performs binding processing, a stapler 720 that binds sheets stacked and aligned on the intermediate tray 730, a stack tray 722 that discharges sheets that have undergone sort processing or binding processing on the intermediate tray 730, It has.

  In such a finisher 700, when the sort process is not performed, the switching flapper 710 is turned on so as to block the passage of the sheet S to the sort path 713, and the sheet S is guided to the non-sort path 712. Thereafter, the paper is discharged onto the sample tray 721 via a conveying roller pair 706 and a non-sort discharge roller pair 703 provided in the non-sort path 712.

  On the other hand, when the finisher 700 performs the sort process, the switching flapper 710 is turned off so as to block the passage of the sheet S to the non-sort path 712, the sheet S is guided to the sort path 713, and passed through the sort discharge roller 704. Stacked in a bundle on the intermediate tray 730. The sheets S stacked on the intermediate tray 730 are subjected to alignment processing, stapling processing, punching processing, and the like, and then discharged onto the stack tray 722 by the discharge rollers 705a and 705b. Note that the stack tray 722 is configured to be capable of self-propelling in the vertical direction as appropriate.

(Configuration of controller)
Next, the configuration of a controller that controls the entire sheet processing system of this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a controller that controls the entire sheet processing system shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the controller includes a CPU circuit unit 150. The CPU circuit unit 150 includes a CPU (not shown), a ROM 151, and a RAM 152.

  The CPU circuit unit 150 includes a document feeder control unit 101, an image reader control unit 201, an image signal control unit 202, an external I / F (external interface) 209, and a printer control unit 301 according to a control program stored in the ROM 151. The operation display unit control unit 401, the sheet stacking device control unit 501, the feeding device control unit 601, and the finisher control unit 701 are collectively controlled.

  The RAM 152 temporarily stores control data for controlling the control units and the like, and is used as a work area for arithmetic processing associated with these controls.

  A document feeder control unit (hereinafter referred to as “document control unit”) 101 controls driving of document feeder 100 based on an instruction from CPU circuit unit 150.

  An image reader control unit (hereinafter referred to as “reader control unit”) 201 performs drive control on the above-described scanner unit 104, image sensor 109, and the like, and transfers an analog image signal output from the image sensor 109 to the image signal control unit 202. To do.

  An image signal control unit (hereinafter referred to as “image control unit”) 202 converts each analog image signal from the image sensor 109 into a digital signal, performs each process, converts the digital signal into a video signal, and sends it to the printer control unit 301. Output. In addition, the digital image signal input from the computer 210 via the external I / F 209 is subjected to various processes, and the digital image signal is converted into a video signal and output to the printer control unit 301. The processing operation by the image control unit 202 is controlled by the CPU circuit unit 150.

  The printer control unit 301 drives the above-described exposure control unit 110 based on the video signal input from the image control unit.

  An operation display device control unit (hereinafter referred to as “display control unit”) 401 exchanges information between the operation display device 400 (shown in FIG. 1) and the CPU circuit unit 150. Here, as will be described later, the operation display device 400 includes a plurality of keys for setting various functions relating to image formation, a display unit for displaying information indicating a setting state, and the like. Key signals corresponding to the operation of each key provided on the operation display device 400 are output to the CPU circuit unit 150 via the display control unit 401. In addition, the display control unit 401 controls the operation display device 400 to display corresponding information on the display unit of the operation display device 400 based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 150.

  A sheet stacking device control unit (hereinafter referred to as “stacking control unit”) 501 is mounted on the sheet stacking device 500 and performs drive control of the sheet stacking device 500 by exchanging information with the CPU circuit unit 150.

  The feeding device control unit 601 is mounted on the feeding device 600 and performs drive control of the feeding device 600 by exchanging information with the CPU circuit unit 150.

  The finisher control unit 701 is mounted on the finisher 700 and performs drive control of the finisher 700 by exchanging information with the CPU circuit unit 150.

  Hereinafter, the sheet stacking device control unit 501, the feeding device control unit 601, and the finisher control unit 701 will be described in detail.

(Configuration of sheet stacking device controller)
A configuration of the sheet stacking device control unit 501 for driving and controlling the sheet stacking device 500 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the sheet stacking apparatus control unit of FIG.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the stack control unit 501 includes a CPU circuit unit 560 including a CPU 561, a ROM 562, a RAM 563, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 560 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication IC 564 to exchange data, and various kinds of data stored in the ROM 562 based on instructions from the CPU circuit unit 150. The program is executed to control the driving of the sheet stacking apparatus 500.

  When performing this drive control, the CPU circuit unit 560 is supplied with various path sensors S51, S52, and S53 (abnormality detection means) provided for detecting abnormal states such as a delay of a sheet being conveyed and a stay jam. Detection signals and detection signals from detection sensors S54 and S55 for detecting the open / closed state of the cover are input.

  In addition, drivers 565 and 566 are connected to the CPU circuit unit 560. The driver 565 drives the horizontal path transport motor M51 and the flapper solenoids SL51 and 52 of the transport processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 560. The driver 566 drives the motors M52 and M53 of the sheet stacking processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 560.

  Here, as the transport processing module, the horizontal path transport motor M51, which is the driving source of the transport roller pairs 503, 504, and 505, the flapper solenoid SL51 that switches the first flapper 510, and the second flapper 506 are switched. There is a flapper solenoid SL52. The sheet stacking processing module includes a sheet stacking plate motor M52 that is a driving source of the sheet stacking plate 521 and a sheet stacking and transporting motor M53 that is a driving source of the transporting roller 527 provided in the path 520.

  The detection sensor S54 is one of detection means for detecting an open / closed state of a cover 551 described later. When the detection signal from the detection sensor S54 detects that the cover 551 is in the open state, the driver 565 is turned off and the drive of the transport processing module is forcibly stopped. At the same time, the driver 566 is powered off, and the driving of the sheet stacking processing module is forcibly stopped.

  The detection sensor S55 detects opening / closing of a cover 552 described later. When the detection signal from the detection sensor S55 detects that the cover 552 is in the open state, only the power source of the driver 566 is turned off, and the driving of the sheet stacking processing module is forcibly stopped.

(Configuration of feeding device controller)
A configuration of a feeding device control unit 601 that drives and controls the feeding device 600 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the feeding device control unit of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 5, the feeding device control unit 601 includes a CPU circuit unit 660 including a CPU 661, a ROM 662, a RAM 663, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 660 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication IC 664 to exchange data, and various types of data stored in the ROM 662 based on instructions from the CPU circuit unit 150. The program is executed to control the driving of the feeding device 600.

  When performing this drive control, the CPU circuit unit 660 is supplied with various path sensors S61, S62, and S63 (abnormality detection means) provided for detecting abnormal states such as a delay of a sheet being conveyed and a stay jam. Detection signals and detection signals from detection sensors S64, S65, and S66 that detect the open / closed state of the cover are input.

In addition, drivers 665, 666, and 667 are connected to the CPU circuit unit 660. The driver 665 drives the horizontal path transport motor M61 of the horizontal transport processing module based on the signal from the CPU circuit unit 660. The driver 666 drives the feed vertical path transport motor M62 of the vertical transport processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 660. The driver 667 is based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 660 and supplies a feeding separation module motor M of the feeding processing module.
63 and M64 are driven.

  Here, as the horizontal conveyance processing module, there is a horizontal path conveyance motor M61 which is a drive source of the conveyance roller pair 602, 603, and 604. Further, as the vertical conveyance processing module, there is a feed vertical path conveyance motor M62 which is a drive source of the conveyance roller pair 641, 642, 643. As the feed processing module, there are a feed separation unit motor M63 which is a drive source for the feed separation units 636, 637 and 638, and a middle plate lifting motor M64 which is a drive source for raising and lowering the middle plates 633, 634 and 635. is there.

  The detection sensor S64 is a sensor for detecting opening and closing of a cover 651, which will be described later. When the cover 651 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the detection sensor S64, the driver 665 is turned off, and the horizontal At the same time as the driving of the transport processing module is forcibly stopped, the power sources of the drivers 666 and 667 are turned off, and all the driving of the feeding device 600 is forcibly stopped.

  The detection sensor S65 is a sensor for detecting opening and closing of a cover 652 described later. When the cover 652 is detected to be in an open state by a detection signal from the detection sensor S65, the driver 666 is turned off and the vertical conveyance is performed. At the same time as the driving of the processing module is forcibly stopped, the power of the driver 667 is turned off, and the driving of the feeding processing module is forcibly stopped.

  The detection sensor S66 is a sensor for detecting opening and closing of a cover 653, which will be described later. When the cover 653 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the detection sensor S65, the driver 667 is turned off and the feed is performed. The driving of the processing module is forcibly stopped.

(Configuration of finisher control unit)
The configuration of the finisher control unit 701 that drives and controls the finisher 700 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the finisher control unit of FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 6, the finisher control unit 701 includes a CPU circuit unit 760 including a CPU 761, a ROM 762, a RAM 763, and the like. The CPU circuit unit 760 communicates with the CPU circuit unit 150 provided on the main body side of the image forming apparatus 10 via the communication IC 764 to exchange data, and various kinds of data stored in the ROM 762 based on instructions from the CPU circuit unit 150. The program is executed to control the finisher 700.

  When performing this drive control, the CPU circuit unit 760 receives various path sensors S71, S72, and S73 (abnormality detection means) provided to detect abnormal states such as a delay of a sheet being conveyed and a stay jam. Detection signals and detection signals from detection sensors S74, S75, and S76 for detecting the open / closed state of the cover are input.

  Drivers 765, 766, 767, and 768 are connected to the CPU circuit unit 760. The driver 765 drives the transport motor M71 and the flapper solenoid SL71 of the transport processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 760. The driver 766 drives the discharge motor M72 of the non-sort discharge processing module based on the signal from the CPU circuit unit 760. The driver 767 drives the bundle transport motors M73 and M75 of the sort discharge processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 760. The driver 768 drives the tray lifting motor M74 of the stacking processing module based on a signal from the CPU circuit unit 760.

Here, the conveyance processing module includes a conveyance motor M71 which is a driving source of the inlet roller pair 702 and a flapper solenoid SL71 which switches the path switching flapper 710. As the non-sort discharge processing module, there is a discharge motor M72 which is a drive source of the conveying roller pair 706 and the non-sort discharge roller 703. As the sort processing module, there are a sort discharge motor M75 which is a drive source of the sort discharge roller 704, and a bundle transport motor M73 which is a drive source of the discharge rollers 705a and 705b. As the stacking processing module, there is a tray lifting / lowering motor M74 which is a driving source of the stack tray 722.

  The conveyance motor M71, the non-sort discharge motor M72, and the sort discharge motor M75 are stepping motors, and by controlling the excitation pulse rate, the roller pair driven by each motor is rotated at a constant speed or at a unique speed. be able to. The bundle transport motor M73 is a DC motor.

  The detection sensor S74 is a sensor for detecting the opening / closing of a cover 751, which will be described later. When the detection signal from the detection sensor S74 detects that the cover 751 is in the open state, the driver 765 is turned off and the conveyance process is performed. At the same time as driving of the module is forcibly stopped, the power sources of the drivers 766, 767, and 768 are turned off, and all driving of the finisher 700 is forcibly stopped.

  The detection sensor S75 is a sensor for detecting opening and closing of a cover 752 described later. When the cover 752 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the detection sensor S75, the driver 766 is turned off and non-sort processing is performed. Only the module drive is forcibly stopped.

  The detection sensor S76 is a sensor for detecting opening and closing of a cover 753, which will be described later. When the cover 753 is detected to be open by a detection signal from the detection sensor S76, the driver 767 is turned off, and sort processing is performed. Only the module drive is forcibly stopped.

(Cover member)
Next, cover members (hereinafter referred to as “covers”) respectively provided in the sheet processing apparatus in order to make the inside of each sheet processing apparatus accessible as an exterior of the printer 300, the sheet stacking apparatus 500, the feeding apparatus 600, and the finisher 700. Will be described. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of covers in the sheet processing system according to the embodiment of the present invention.

  The sheet stacking apparatus 500 is provided with a cover 551 that covers a horizontal path portion including a horizontal transport path 502 as a sheet transport path, and a cover 552 that covers a sheet stacking section 530 as a functional module, which can be opened and closed. The cover 551 and the cover 552 are provided so that they can be opened and closed independently to allow access to the inside of the sheet stacking apparatus 500. These covers are opened and closed during jam processing and during maintenance such as component replacement, cleaning, adjustment, and sheet removal. In addition, opening / closing of the covers 551 and 552 is detected by the detection sensors S54 and S55 described above.

  The feeding device 600 includes a cover 651 that covers a horizontal path unit including a horizontal conveyance path 612 as a sheet conveyance path, a cover 652 that covers a vertical path unit 611, and sheet storage units 630, 631, 632 as functional modules. A cover 653 is provided to cover the feeding separation units 636, 637, and 638. The cover 651, the cover 652, and the cover 653 can be opened / closed independently, and these are opened / closed at the time of jam processing or maintenance such as part replacement, cleaning, adjustment, and sheet replenishment. Opening and closing of the covers 651, 652, and 653 is detected by the detection sensors S64, S65, and S66 described above.

The finisher 700 is provided with a cover 751 that covers the finisher path 711, a cover 752 that covers the non-sort path 712, and a cover 753 that covers the staple processing unit including the stapler 720 as a functional module. Each of the covers 751, 752, and 753 can be opened and closed independently, and these covers are opened and closed at the time of jam processing or maintenance such as parts replacement, cleaning, and adjustment. Opening and closing of the covers 751, 752, and 753 is detected by the detection sensors S74, S75, and S76 described above.

  The printer 300 is provided with a cover 351, a cover 352, and a cover 353. The cover 351 is a cover for covering the sheet supply unit. The cover 352 is a cover for covering the photosensitive drum 111, the transfer unit 116, the fixing unit 117, the flapper 121, and a conveyance path for guiding the sheet to each. Here, the sheet is transported on the transport path in both single-sided and double-sided image formation. The cover 353 is a cover for covering the duplex conveyance path 124. The cover 351, the cover 352, and the cover 353 can be opened and closed independently, and these are opened and closed at the time of jam processing or maintenance such as parts replacement, cleaning, adjustment, and sheet replenishment. Opening / closing of each cover 351, 352, 353 is detected by a detection sensor (not shown) that detects the open / closed state of the cover, similarly to the sheet stacking device 500, the feeding device 600, and the finisher 700.

(Operation of sheet processing system)
A typical operation of the sheet processing system A will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 8A, 8 </ b> B, 9 </ b> A, and 9 </ b> B are schematic cross-sectional views schematically showing sheet processing operations performed by the sheet processing system according to the present embodiment.

[Operation 1: Stapling after image formation] (see FIG. 8A)
As shown in FIG. 8A, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the printer 300 is guided to the horizontal conveyance path 502 of the sheet stacking device 500 by the switching flapper 510 turned off, and the horizontal conveyance path of the feeding device 600. Pass 612. Then, the sheet S is guided to the sort path 713 by the switching flapper 710 turned off, and is stacked on the intermediate tray 730 via the sort discharge roller 704. The sheets S stacked in a bundle on the intermediate tray 730 are subjected to alignment processing, stapling processing, and the like as necessary, and then discharged onto the stack tray 722 by discharge rollers 705a and 705b. The stapler 720 performs a stapling process for binding sheets stacked on the intermediate tray 730. Further, the stack tray 722 descends according to the stacking amount of the sheets S.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus CPU 150 operates a flapper solenoid SL51 for selecting a sheet stacking path and a horizontal path transport motor M51 via the sheet stacking apparatus CPU561. Further, the horizontal path carrying motor M61 is operated via the feeding device CPU661. Further, a flapper solenoid SL71, a transport motor M71, a sort discharge motor M75, a bundle transport motor M73, and a tray lifting / lowering motor M74 that switch paths through the finisher CPU 761 are operated. Also, other flapper solenoids and motors are not operated.

[Operation 2: Stacking after image formation] (see FIG. 8B)
As shown in FIG. 8B, the sheet S on which an image has been formed by the printer 300 is guided to the path 520 by the switching flapper 510 that is turned on. Then, the sheets are sequentially stacked on the sheet stacking unit 530 by the conveyance roller 527. Further, the sheet stacking plate 521 descends according to the sheet stacking amount.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus CPU 150 operates a flapper solenoid SL51, a sheet stacking conveyance motor M53, and a sheet stacking plate motor M52 that select a sheet stacking path via the sheet stacking apparatus CPU561. At this time, other flapper solenoids and motors are not operated.

[Operation 3: Feeding from the feeding device and stapling] (see FIG. 9A)
As shown in FIG. 9A, the sheet S fed from the feeding device 600 passes through the feeding vertical path 611 and the horizontal conveyance path 612 and is guided to the finisher 700 side. Further, the sheet S is guided to the sort path 713 by the switching flapper 710 turned off, and is stacked on the intermediate tray 730 via the sort discharge roller 704. The sheets S stacked in a bundle on the intermediate tray 730 are subjected to alignment processing, stapling processing, and the like as necessary, and then discharged onto the stack tray 722 by discharge rollers 705a and 705b. The stapler 720 performs a stapling process for binding sheets stacked on the intermediate tray 730. Further, the stack tray 722 descends according to the stacking amount of the sheets S.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus CPU 150 operates the feeding separation unit motor M63, the middle plate lifting / lowering motor M64, the feeding vertical path conveying motor M62, and the horizontal path conveying motor M61 via the feeding apparatus CPU661. Further, a flapper solenoid SL71, a transport motor M71, a sort discharge motor M75, a bundle transport motor M73, and a tray lifting / lowering motor M74 that switch paths through the finisher CPU 761 are operated. Also, other flapper solenoids and motors are not operated.

[Operation 4: Parallel Processing (Operation 2 + Operation 3) (see FIG. 9B)
By the way, in the sheet processing system according to the present embodiment, when the stacking process is being performed after the image formation in the operation 2, when feeding is performed from the feeding device in the operation 3 and the stapling process is designated, each job is processed. Can be executed in parallel.

  At this time, the image forming apparatus CPU 150 operates in the same manner as the operations 2 and 3 via the sheet stacking device CPU 561, the feeding device CPU 661, and the finisher CPU 761.

  In other words, the sheet processing system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses (printer 300, sheet stacking apparatus 500, feeding apparatus 600, finisher 700) having a sheet processing function, and the sheet processing apparatus is one or more. A plurality of jobs that are operated in combination can be executed in parallel.

  At this time, the parallel flapper 506 disposed on the feeding device side of the sheet stacking device 500 is turned on to block the downstream side (the feeding device 600 side) of the horizontal conveyance path 502. By this operation, even if the sheet S of the job in the operation 2 is not guided to the path 520 and is transported to the horizontal transport path 502 due to the operation failure of the switching flapper 510, it is blocked by the parallel flapper 506. Therefore, since the sheet never goes to the feeding device 600 that performs the job of the operation 3, it is possible to avoid the sheets S processed in different jobs from being mixed and improve the reliability. .

(Opening and closing the cover during operation)
Next, the opening / closing operation of the cover when a plurality of jobs are executed will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a perspective view schematically showing a state in which a part of the cover of the sheet processing system is opened.

  As shown in FIG. 10B, when the cover 651 provided in the feeding device 600 is opened, the horizontal conveyance path 612 and the conveyance roller pairs 602, 603, and 604 disposed inside are out of the apparatus. It becomes accessible from. Further, when the cover 753 of the finisher 700 is opened, the sort processing unit 740 can be pulled out of the apparatus and can be accessed from outside the apparatus. The same applies to the other covers of the feeding device 600 and the finisher 700. Even if these operations are performed during the execution of the operation 2, the operations can be performed without interfering with the operations.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 10A, when the cover 551 provided in the sheet stacking device 500 is opened, the horizontal conveyance path 502 and the conveyance roller pairs 503, 504, and 505 disposed inside are opened. Accessible from outside the aircraft. When the cover 352 provided in the printer 300 is opened, the photosensitive drum 111 and the fixing unit 117 can be accessed from outside the apparatus. The same applies to the other covers. Even if these operations are performed during the execution of the operation 3, the operations can be performed without interfering with the operations.

  However, when the cover 651 provided in the feeding device 600 is opened during the execution of the operation 4, the detection signal from the cover open / close detection sensor S64 is taken in, and the horizontal path conveyance that is the drive source of the conveyance roller pairs 602, 603, and 604 is obtained. The power supply of the motor M61, the feed vertical path carrying motor M62 that is the drive source of the carry roller pairs 641, 642, and 643, and the feed separating unit motor M63 that is the drive source of the feed separating units 636, 637, and 638 is turned off. At the same time, the driving of the finisher used for the same job together with the feeding device 600 is forcibly stopped, and the operation 3 is stopped.

  On the other hand, the printer 300 and the sheet stacking apparatus 500 can continue to execute the operation 2. The same applies when the other covers 652, 751, and 753 of the feeding device 600 and the finisher 700 are opened.

  When the cover provided on the printer 300 or the sheet stacking device 500 is opened during the execution of the operation 4, only the operation 3 is executed, and the operation 2 is stopped.

  In this way, by dividing the cover for each transport path so that parallel processing is not hindered, one of the covers is opened and closed during jam processing, maintenance such as parts replacement, cleaning, adjustment, and paper supply. However, in some cases, it is not necessary to stop driving of all devices used for a plurality of jobs.

  That is, it is only necessary to stop only jobs that use parts arranged inside the cover opened for maintenance among a plurality of jobs being executed in parallel, and other jobs are continued as they are. Executed. Therefore, the productivity of the entire sheet processing system can be improved.

  FIG. 11 shows the covers 551 and 552 and their contents provided in the sheet stacking apparatus 500 for illustration purposes. The partition walls 591 and 592 restrict access from the sheet stacking device 500 to the feeding device 600 and vice versa. As a result, for example, when the operation 3 is being performed, the sheet stacking device 500 side accesses the feeding device 600 and prevents the execution of the operation 3 (for example, touching a sheet being conveyed, Touching the path sensor). In addition, when the operation 2 is performed, access from the sheet feeding device 600 side to the sheet stacking device 500 side is similarly restricted. The same applies to the execution of the operation 4.

  Although the present embodiment has been described above, the drive source is divided for each path therein, but the configuration of the present embodiment is not limited thereto. For example, the paper discharge roller 118 of the printer 300 and the horizontal conveyance path 502 of the sheet stacking device 500 may be driven by the same drive source. Further, the horizontal conveyance path 612 of the feeding device 600 and the inlet roller pair 702 of the finisher 700 may be driven by the same drive source.

  The cover is the same, and the cover 352 of the printer 300 and the cover 551 of the sheet stacking apparatus 500 may be the same cover. The cover 651 of the feeding device 600 and the cover 751 of the finisher 700 may be the same cover.

  Next, queue control related to scheduling in the execution of a plurality of jobs performed by the sheet processing system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the sheet processing system according to the present exemplary embodiment, a job is set from the operation display device 400 as a setting unit provided in the image forming apparatus 10 by specifying a mode such as single-sided / double-sided or stapling, setting the number of copies to be created, and the like. The image forming system can be operated. A series of flows for operating one or a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses having a sheet processing function in this way is called one “job”.

  In recent image forming apparatuses, it is possible to input / set a plurality of “jobs” next from the operation unit while executing one job. These jobs are stored in the order registered in the storage means (memory) of the image forming apparatus. When the previously set job is completed, sheet processing is performed in accordance with the next registered and waiting job (such as an image forming operation or a sheet post-processing operation).

  By connecting the image forming apparatus to a network, it is also possible to perform print output from a computer or the like, and the same “job queuing” is performed at the printer server.

  A conceptual diagram of the queuing state of this job is shown in FIG.

  Here, each queue (Cue) is the above-mentioned “job” for performing an image forming operation and a sheet post-processing operation. Also, the designation / setting of a job means registration at the last stage of this queue. Note that the number of registered queues is represented by a variable Nc. As an example, if a new job is specified / set in the state where the number of registrations is Nc = 2, the job is registered as Cue (3) after Cue (2), and the registration number increases by one. The number of registrations is Nc = 3 (see FIG. 13).

  Then, it is executed / operated from Cue (1) registered in the most upstream, and when the Cue (1) is completed, the information is removed from Cue (1). Then, the queues stored in the storage means are sequentially shifted such that Cue (2) set next is Cue (1), Cue (3) is Cue (2), and so on.

  Hereinafter, the features of this embodiment and the control of the entire queue will be described in detail.

  First, as shown in FIG. 14, the number of registered queues is cleared when the power is turned on (S22-1).

  Next, processing for setting a job will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. As described above, the number of registered queues is increased by 1 (S23-1), and information on a newly registered job is added to the end of the queue (S23-2). In this job information, all information necessary for a series of operations / controls such as image forming operations such as single-sided / double-sided, stapling, and the number of copies to be created is stored in units of jobs. Further, in order to make one job distinguishable from another job, an ID number is set for each job, and the information is also stored in the “job information”.

  Next, the actual operation of the sheet processing system will be described using FIGS. 16 and 17 together with the movement of the cue (Cue).

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining overall job control.

  First, it is determined whether there is a registered job (queue: hereinafter referred to as Cue) (S24-1). If there is no registered job, the process returns to S24-1. On the other hand, if there is a registered job, the variable “i” is cleared (S24-2), and the variable “i” is incremented by one.

  Next, it is determined whether or not job information is set in Cue (i) indicated by the corresponding variable “i” (S24-4), and if there is no set job information, the system status is confirmed. (S24-5). If the system is not operating, the presence / absence of a job is determined again (S24-1). On the other hand, if the system is operating, the entire system is stopped (S24-6).

  If job information is set in Cue (i) indicated by the corresponding variable “i”, whether or not the set job can be executed is determined by a determination unit described later. (S24-7, S24-8).

  As a result of determining whether or not the job can be executed, processing is divided depending on whether or not the Cue can be executed (S24-8). If it is possible, the contents of the registered Cue are actually operated. It moves to “execution job information” which is a memory (S24-9). Then, in order to delete the contents of the Cue from the registered Cue column, a “cue removal” process from the Cue is performed (S24-10).

  This process is a process of deleting the contents of Cue (i) corresponding to the set variable “i”, and is not limited to deleting the information of Cue (1) registered at the highest level. Details will be described later.

  Thereafter, based on the information of the job to be executed, an actual job (image forming operation) is started (S24-11), monitored until completion (S24-12), and then the process returns to S24-1.

  On the other hand, if the corresponding Cue is not executable and is “prohibited” (S24-8), it is determined whether or not the variable “i” is equal to or greater than the registered number Nc of Cue (S24-14). If the variable “i” is smaller than the registered number Nc, it means that there is a standby job (next job) that has not been completed, and therefore the process returns to S24-3. If the variable “i” is equal to or greater than the registration number Nc, all registered jobs have been discriminated, and the process returns to S24-1 to discriminate the presence or absence of a registered job. .

  In this way, by controlling the sheet processing system, even if some sheet processing apparatuses cannot be used because the user is accessing the apparatus due to maintenance or jamming, a job that uses some sheet processing apparatuses can be performed. You can skip and “automatically” advance the processing of the next waiting job. Therefore, the user can access the device without stopping the entire system, and the “total productivity” of the entire system can be improved.

  Further, since the system automatically performs the above control, the user accessing each device does not need to determine whether or not the “next job” uses the maintenance part. In addition, since it is not necessary to end the maintenance before the start of the next job, the maintenance can be performed in a concentrated manner, and as a result, the maintenance quality is improved and the time is shortened.

  Next, the above-described queue removal processing will be described using the flowchart of FIG.

First, the management variable “j” is cleared (S25-1). Next, the variable “CueShift”, which is the status used in this process, is cleared (S25-2). Next, 1 is added to the variable “j” (S25-3), and the variable “CueShift” is determined (S25-4).

  When the variable “CueShift” is 1, the content of Cue (j) is transferred to Cue (j−1) based on the value of the variable “j” (S25-5).

  Next, “i” as an argument to this process is compared with the variable “j” (S25-6), and if they are the same, 1 is assigned to the variable “CueShift” (S25-7). Then, the process returns to S25-3 until the argument “i” becomes equal to the registration number Nc, and the processes from S25-3 to S25-8 are repeated. In other words, these processes are designated by setting 1 to the variable “CueShift” without changing Cue until “i” given as an argument to this process is reached. It shows that it was in order. Then, the subsequent Cue information is shifted forward one by one to the end. Finally, the variable “CueShift” is cleared and the process is completed (S25-9).

  Next, the aforementioned “discriminating means” for discriminating whether or not a job can be executed will be described with reference to FIG. Note that, as the determining means, for example, various detecting means provided in the sheet processing system (for example, detecting means for detecting the open / closed state of the cover member, means for detecting the operating state of the sheet processing apparatus, and normal conveyance of the sheet) Based on the information from the abnormal state detecting means for detecting whether the job is executed or the information on the job stored in the storage means. The hardware provided in can be selected and used as appropriate.

  First, when starting at least one of a plurality of jobs registered in order by the storage means, 1 is set to a variable “ENBL” and initialization is performed (S27-1). This variable “ENBL” indicates whether a Cue job can be executed, and can be executed when “ENBL” = 1.

  Next, the corresponding job is checked regarding the state of the sheet stacking apparatus 500. First, it is determined whether or not the sheet stacking apparatus 500 is in a movable state (hereinafter abbreviated as a sheet stacking mode) (S27-2), and further whether or not the sheet stacking apparatus 500 is being accessed by a user (S27-3). Determine. As a result, when the sheet is in the sheet stacking mode and the user is accessing, the job cannot be executed, so the variable given as the initial value is cleared (S27-4).

  At this time, in this embodiment, the open / close of the corresponding door switch (551/552) is used as a determination criterion for determining whether or not the user is accessing, but an internal memory set by a key input or the like by the user The above variables or other mechanical settings may be used.

  Next, the corresponding job is checked with respect to the state of the feeding device 600. First, it is determined whether or not the feeding device 600 is in a movable state (hereinafter abbreviated as feeding mode) (S27-5), and whether or not the feeding device 600 is being accessed by a user (S27-6). Determine. As a result, when it is in the feeding mode and the user is accessing, the job cannot be executed, so the variable given as the initial value is cleared (S27-7).

  At this time, in this embodiment, the open / close of the corresponding door switch (652/653) is used as a determination criterion for determining whether or not the user is accessing, but an internal memory set by a key input or the like by the user The above variables or other mechanical settings may be used.

Next, the corresponding job is checked with respect to the upper tray discharge mode. First, it is determined whether or not the upper tray discharge mode is set (S27-8), and whether or not the upper tray portion is under maintenance (S27-9). As a result, if the upper tray discharge mode is in progress and the maintenance is in progress, the job cannot be executed, and the variable given as the initial value is cleared (S27-10).

  At this time, in this embodiment, the determination of whether or not the maintenance is in progress uses the opening / closing of the corresponding door switch (751/752) as a criterion. However, on the internal memory set by the key input by the operator or the like. Other variables or other mechanical settings may be used.

  Next, the corresponding job is checked with respect to the lower tray discharge mode. First, it is determined whether or not the lower tray discharge mode is set (S27-11), and further whether or not the lower tray portion is under maintenance (S27-12). As a result, if the lower tray discharge mode is being maintained and the job is under maintenance, the job cannot be executed, and the variable given as the initial value is cleared (S27-13).

  At this time, in this embodiment, the determination of whether or not the maintenance is in progress uses the opening / closing of the corresponding door switch (751/753) as a determination criterion. However, on the internal memory set by the key input by the operator or the like. Other variables or other mechanical settings may be used.

  Next, the result of the variable “ENBL” is discriminated (S27-14). If the variable “ENBL” = 1, the corresponding job can be executed, so “Cue (i) is possible”. (S27-15) On the other hand, if the variable “ENBL” = 0, it means that the corresponding job cannot be executed. Therefore, “Cue (i) is prohibited” (S27-16), respectively. Get the result and complete this process.

  In addition, even when a jam or an error is detected by a jam detection sensor or an error detection sensor, the second job operation enable determination unit that determines whether or not a job operation is possible based on the jam or error information, checks the above modes. It is also possible to perform a check similar to the operation.

  Furthermore, at the time of jam and error, based on the information detected by the jam detection sensor or error detection sensor, the cover that the user accesses at the time of jam and error processing is determined, and the same check as the check operation for each mode described above is performed. Is also possible.

  The above-described abnormality detection unit can detect an abnormal state of one or a plurality of sheet processing apparatuses that operate on one of the plurality of jobs, and when an abnormal state is detected The operation of the one or more sheet processing apparatuses can be stopped independently or restarted after the stop regardless of the operation status of the sheet processing apparatuses other than the one or more sheet processing apparatuses. .

  The situation where a plurality of entered jobs are processed in the sheet processing system will be described below with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram simply showing an example of a skip operation and a change in job order when the devices A to E sequentially entered are executed in parallel during execution of a certain job X. is there.

  First, when only job X is being executed, whether or not parallel operation is possible from job A entered at the top is determined by the job operation possibility determination means (see FIG. 19 (i)).

  Next, when job A cannot be operated in parallel, job A is skipped and parallel job operation determination of job B of the next job is performed (see FIG. 19 (ii)).

  If job B can be operated in parallel, job B queue removal processing is performed (see FIG. 19 (iii)), and the system starts job B as a parallel processing operation for job X (see FIG. 19 (iv)). . At this time, the order of the target job for the next operable determination is A, C, D, E.

  When the job X being executed ends here, the parallel operation determination is performed again from the job A that is entered at the top (see FIG. 19 (v)).

  If job A can be operated in parallel, job A queue removal processing is performed (see FIG. 19 (vi)), and the system starts job A as parallel processing operation for job B (see FIG. 19 (vii)). . At this time, the order of the target job to be determined next is C, D, and E.

  Thereafter, the jobs C, D, and E are processed by repeating the above.

  Note that a CPU can be suitably used as the control means for controlling the determination means for the operation.

  In the first embodiment, when the job cannot be executed at the time of migration of Cue, the job is skipped. However, as a countermeasure when the job order is to be held for some reason, the job is put in a “waiting” state and the entire system is It may be necessary to stop.

  For example, when a user performs an operation while the cover of the apparatus is opened due to maintenance or the like, the user first performs a job with a Cue content A registered in advance even if the entire system is put in a job “waiting” state. You may want to run However, there is a case where the Cue of the job with the content A is suddenly canceled, and the transition to the Cue that cannot be executed before the work is finished.

  In this case, the user does not automatically skip to the inexecutable Cue, but the system stops and the job enters a “waiting” state, so that the job of the content A can be executed. It is preferable to recognize that the state can be shifted.

  Therefore, it is possible to select whether to automatically skip the first operation mode when skipping to Cue, or to temporarily stop the sheet processing apparatus used for the content A job without skipping. Selection means are provided. As a result, the operability and workability of the apparatus for the user can be optimized, and as a result, the operability is improved.

  Hereinafter, differences from the first embodiment will be described with reference to flowcharts.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating overall control of a job.

  First, it is determined whether or not there is a registered job (queue: hereinafter referred to as Cue) (S28-1). If there is no registered job, the process returns to S28-1. On the other hand, if there is a registered job, the variable “i” is cleared (S28-2), and the variable “i” is incremented by 1 (S28-3).

Next, it is determined whether or not job information is set in Cue (i) indicated by the corresponding variable “i” (S28-4). If there is no set job information, the system status is confirmed. (S28-5). Here, if the system is not operating, the presence / absence of a job is determined again (S28-1). On the other hand, if the system is operating, the entire system is stopped in S28-6 (S28-6).

  When job information is set in Cue (i) indicated by the corresponding variable “i”, it is determined by the determining means whether or not the set job is executable ( S28-7, S28-8).

  As a result of determining whether or not the job can be executed, processing is divided depending on whether or not the Cue can be executed (S28-8). If it is possible, the contents of the registered Cue are actually operated. It moves to "execution job information" which is a memory (S28-9). Then, in order to delete the contents of the Cue from the registered Cue column, a “cue removal” process from the Cue is performed (S28-10).

  This process is a process of deleting the contents of Cue (i) corresponding to the set variable “i”, and is not limited to deleting the information of Cue (1) registered at the highest level.

  Thereafter, based on information on the job to be executed, an actual job (image forming operation) is started (S28-11) and monitored until completion (S28-12), and then the process returns to S28-1.

  On the other hand, if the corresponding Cue is not executable and is “prohibited”, the process proceeds to S28-13. Here, the determination is made based on the selection result of “whether to skip or not to skip” with respect to the transition to Cue that cannot be executed. As a result, if the first operation mode for skipping Cue is selected, the process proceeds to S28-14, and if the second operation mode to be stopped without skipping is selected, the process proceeds to S28-5 (A in the figure). ).

  This selection means may be set from the operation display device 400, communication data from the outside, or setting SW inside the machine. The steps after S28-5 are the same as described above.

  When the first operation mode is selected, it is determined whether or not the variable “i” is equal to or greater than the Cue registration number Nc (S28-14). If the variable “i” is smaller than the registered number Nc, it means that there is a standby job (next job) that has not been completed, and therefore the process returns to S28-3. If the variable “i” is equal to or greater than the registration number Nc, it means that the registered job has been completely determined, and the process proceeds to S28-1 in order to determine whether there is a registered job again. return.

  In this way, by controlling the sheet processing system, if some sheet processing devices cannot be used because the user is accessing the device due to maintenance or jamming, the job can be skipped or skipped. The user can select whether to stop the sheet processing apparatus to be used for the job and execute the jobs in the set order. This makes it possible to optimize the operability and workability of the apparatus for the user, resulting in an improvement in operability.

  Note that a CPU can be suitably used as the control means for controlling the selection means described above.

  Next, job canceling means will be described with reference to FIG. As the canceling means, an input key provided on the operation display device 400, a switch provided on the apparatus main body, or the like can be appropriately selected and used.

First, when the number of a job to be canceled is input from setting means such as the operation display device 400, the value is substituted into the variable “job_cc1” (S26-1). And the variable “
i ”is initialized (S26-2), and the variable“ i ”is increased by 1 (S26-3).

Next, it is determined whether or not the Id information of the content of Cue (i) indicated by the variable “i” is equal to the set number (S26-4), and the variable “i” is increased until it becomes equal (S26). -5). When the Id information of the content of Cue (i) is equal to “job_ccl” (S26-4)
, The variable “i” is substituted into the variable “Cue_ccl” (S26-6), and the variable “Cue_ccl” is passed to the “Cue removal” process described above to delete the information of the corresponding Cue (S26—). 7). As a result, information on the Cue corresponding to the variable “Cue_cc1” is deleted.

  By performing such a process, even if a specified location on the device accessed by the user cannot be used, it is possible to select whether to skip the job that uses the location or to temporarily stop the system without skipping it. It becomes possible. Thereafter, normal control is performed by the above-described control means, so that the operability and workability for the user as a whole system can be optimized, and as a result, the operability is improved.

It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the principal part structure of the sheet processing system which concerns on Example 1 of this invention. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a controller that controls the entire sheet processing system illustrated in FIG. 1. 1 is a longitudinal sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a sheet stacking device 500, a feeding device 600, and a finisher 700 that constitute a sheet processing system according to a first embodiment of the invention. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet stacking device control unit 501 that drives and controls the sheet stacking device 500 according to Embodiment 1. FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a feeding device control unit 601 that drives and controls the feeding device 600 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a finisher control unit 701 that drives and controls the finisher 700 according to the first embodiment. It is a schematic diagram which shows the arrangement | positioning of the cover in the sheet processing system which concerns on the Example of this invention. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows typically the sheet processing operation which the sheet processing system concerning a present Example performs. It is a schematic sectional drawing which shows typically the sheet processing operation which the sheet processing system concerning a present Example performs. It is the perspective view which showed typically the state which opened the one part cover of the sheet processing system. It is the perspective view typically shown in order to demonstrate the partition concerning a present Example. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the scheduling of the job of a present Example. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the scheduling of the job of a present Example. It is a conceptual diagram which shows initialization of the queue of a present Example. It is a conceptual diagram which shows the entry process to the queue of the new job in a present Example. 7 is a flowchart of overall job control processing according to an embodiment. It is a flowchart of the cue removal processing according to the embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of determination processing for determining the operation of a job according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram specifically illustrating parallel job processing according to an embodiment. 7 is a flowchart of overall job control processing according to an embodiment. 10 is a flowchart of job cancel processing according to the embodiment. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the main part of the conventional system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus 100 Document feeder 150 Circuit part 200 Image reader 201 Image reader control part 202 Image signal control part 210 Computer 300 Printer 301 Printer control part 351,352,353 Cover 400 Operation display apparatus 401 Operation display part control part 500 Sheet stacking device 501 Sheet stacking device control unit 502 Horizontal transport path 503 Conveying roller pair 520 path 530 Sheet stacking unit 551, 552 Cover 560 Circuit unit 565, 566 Driver 600 Feeding device 601 Feeding device control unit 602 Conveying roller pair 611 Vertical Transport path 612 Horizontal transport path 651, 652, 653 Cover 660 Circuit unit 700 Finisher 701 Finisher control unit 710 Switching flapper 720 Stapler 740 Sort processing unit 75 , 752, 753 Cover 760 Circuit part A Sheet processing system S Sheet S51, S52, S53 Pass sensor S54, S55 Cover open / close detection sensor S61, S62, S63 Pass sensor S64, S65, S66 Cover open / close detection sensor S71, S72, S73 Pass sensor S74, S75, S76 Cover open / close detection sensor

Claims (4)

The combination of a plurality of provided with a post-processing device the sheet, a combination or a plurality of sheets after processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus and at least one sheet after the processing apparatus having an image forming apparatus forming an image on a sheet and the sheet after processing function, In an image forming system that executes jobs ,
And registration means for registering the job,
A plurality storable storage means in the order they are registered the registered jobs by the registration means,
Control means for executing another job in parallel using a sheet post-processing apparatus that is not used in the job during execution of one job using the image forming apparatus and at least one sheet post-processing apparatus;
The control means determines whether or not parallel execution with the one job is possible in order from the first unexecuted job registered in order by the storage means during execution of the one job. , parallel execution possible to execute the job, the image forming system, characterized in that the next job is skipped and the job if not executable in parallel to determine whether it is possible to parallel execution. The another job that is executed in parallel with the one job is a job that uses a sheet post-processing device disposed downstream of a sheet post-processing device used in the one job. The image forming system according to claim 1. A cover member provided to each of the sheet after the processing unit in order to allow access to the interior of the sheet after the processing device,
Detecting means for detecting an open / closed state of the cover member;
And when the detecting means detects that the cover member provided in the sheet post-processing apparatus used in one of the plurality of jobs being executed in parallel is opened, The image forming system according to claim 2 , wherein the operation of the one job is stopped and the operation of the other job is continued . The plurality of sheet post-treatment devices include a sheet stacking device that stacks sheets conveyed from the image forming device, and a placement unit that mounts sheets, and the plurality of sheet post-treatment devices conveyed from the image forming device.
A sheet feeding device that inserts a sheet placed on the placement section on the first page or an intermediate page of the sheet, and a process of binding a plurality of sheets conveyed from at least one of the image forming apparatus and the sheet feeding device. Including finisher to perform,
The one job executed in parallel is a job for stacking sheets on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus on the sheet stacking apparatus, and the other job executed in parallel is the job of the feeding apparatus. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the image forming system is a job for feeding a sheet placed on a placement unit and performing processing by the finisher .

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