JP4568014B2 - Image forming system, post-processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming system, and a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus that constitute the image forming system, and in particular, even when a problem such as sheet jamming occurs in the post-processing apparatus. The present invention relates to an image forming system that can continue discharging discharged sheets.

Image forming apparatuses such as copiers and fax machines perform various further post-processing such as stapling, sorting (sorting) processing, etc., on sheets subjected to image forming processing by these image forming apparatuses. It may be used in conjunction with a post-processing device for execution. That is, an image forming system may be configured by the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus.
In the conventional image forming system, when a sheet jam occurs in the post-processing apparatus, the conveyance system drive motors for all the sheet conveyance paths in the post-processing apparatus are immediately used to prevent the sheet jam condition from further worsening. Is stopped. For this reason, after the sheet jam occurs, there is a problem that the processing by the image forming system cannot be executed until the sheet jam is eliminated.
As a technique for solving such a problem, an upper conveying path for discharging the sheet not subjected to the further post-processing to a proof tray and a lower conveying path for conveying the sheet subjected to the further post-processing are provided. By using separate drive motors, if a paper jam occurs in the lower transport path, the transport system drive motor in the lower transport path is stopped while the drive motor in the upper transport path is operated. Thus, a technique for discharging a sheet to a proof tray while avoiding further deterioration of the paper jam state is disclosed. Further, even when the transport system drive motors of the upper transport path and the lower transport path are configured by a single motor, a transport roller provided in the lower transport path and serving to transport the sheet, A technique for discharging the sheet to the proof tray is also disclosed by releasing the roller pressure between the proof tray and the paper jam similarly, while avoiding further deterioration of the paper jam state (see Patent Document 1 for both).
Alternatively, the post-processing apparatus is provided with one or a plurality of spare post-processing units, and even if a sheet jam occurs in one post-processing unit, post-processing and paper discharge can be executed in another post-processing unit. A configuration having a property is also known (see, for example, Patent Document 2).
Further, there is a technique for straightly discharging a sheet that is not subjected to the further post-processing by interruption even when a sheet is stored in the staple tray (see, for example, Patent Document 3). According to the above, it is considered that even if a sheet jam occurs in the staple tray, a sheet not subjected to post-processing can be discharged straight to the discharge tray.
JP-A-6-271187 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-292391 JP-A-10-250910

As described above, in the image forming system including the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 to 3, the sheet can be discharged to the discharge tray even after the sheet jam occurs in the post-processing device. There are many. This is because the work of clearing the sheet jam is complicated, and even after the sheet jam has occurred, even if the post-processing cannot be executed without performing such a work, at least it is discharged. This is because there is a strong demand for securing a conveyance path that can discharge sheets to the paper tray.
As described above, when a sheet jam occurs on the post-processing apparatus side, the control unit on the post-processing apparatus side may become uncontrollable. In such a case, it is often reasonable to leave a part of control on the post-processing apparatus side to a control unit on the image forming apparatus side that has no problem with the control function.
In addition, the trouble in the post-processing apparatus can be said to be a trouble in which sheet jams occur most frequently, but there are other CPUs that are provided in the post-processing apparatus and control the post-processing apparatus, for example. May run out of control, causing troubles that make it impossible to control. Even in such a case, if the post-processing control can be entrusted to the control unit on the image forming apparatus side having no problem with the control function, the basic functions of the image forming apparatus can be continued, and the trouble to the business is minimized. It can be suppressed to the limit.
In this way, when a trouble occurs that makes it impossible to control the entire post-processing apparatus or a part of the post-processing apparatus, a part of the functions of the post-processing apparatus is left to the image forming apparatus side to discharge a sheet that has been subjected to image forming processing to a discharge tray. There is no disclosure of the technology for discharging the paper, including Patent Documents 1 to 3.
The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances. Even when a trouble that makes it impossible to control the post-processing apparatus due to the occurrence of a sheet jam or the like occurs, at least the sheet that has undergone image formation processing has been completed. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of securing a conveyance path for discharging the paper to a paper discharge tray, and a post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus constituting the image forming system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an image forming system as described above with a configuration that is as low-cost and simple as possible without using a redundant configuration as in the technique described in Patent Document 2.

An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device that performs further post-processing on an image-formed sheet discharged from a paper discharge unit provided in the image forming apparatus are connected to each other. A first paper discharge tray from which a sheet that has not been subjected to further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus; and a sheet that has been subjected to further post-processing after being discharged from the image forming apparatus And a second paper discharge tray, which is provided in the post-processing device, executes the further post-processing on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit, and then places the sheet on the second tray. Short cut discharge means for guiding a sheet discharged from the discharge unit to the first discharge tray without passing through the post-processing step when a predetermined defect is detected in the discharge post-processing step. Control unit Provided within the image forming apparatus, further, the post-processing apparatus is discharged to the sheet discharged from the sheet discharging portion from the post-processing transport path or the discharge unit for causing through the post-treatment Conveying path switching means for switching which one of the straight processing conveying paths for passing through the straight process for guiding and discharging the sheet to the first paper discharge tray without going through the post-processing step, and the sheet A first conveying means for conveying along the straight processing conveying path; a second conveying means for conveying the sheet along the post-processing conveying path; and a defect detection sensor for detecting a predetermined defect in the post-processing step. And a second post-processing device side control means that can control both the first transport means and the second transport means at all times. In addition to controlling the entire image forming apparatus, at least the first conveyance unit can be controlled, and when the predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor, the conveyance path switching unit However, the conveyance path is switched so that the sheet discharged from the sheet discharge section is guided to the straight processing conveyance path, and the control unit of the shortcut discharge unit controls at least the first conveyance unit with the second one. Switching from the post-processing device side control means to the own control, the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit is discharged to the first paper discharge tray via the straight processing conveyance path switched by the conveyance path switching means. The image forming system is configured as described above.
With such a configuration, not only when a sheet jam occurs but also when a trouble occurs that makes it impossible to control the post-processing apparatus, a conveyance path for discharging sheets to the discharge tray at a minimum. Can be secured.
When the controller of the shortcut discharging means can control the second conveying means in addition to the first conveying means, and a predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detecting sensor. In addition to the control of the first transfer means, the control of the second transfer means may be switched from the second post-processing device side control means to the own control.
In this case, when a predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor, the controller of the shortcut discharging means controls the conveyance path switching means to switch the conveyance path. It is suitable if it becomes.
Alternatively, when a predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor, the second post-processing device side control means controls the conveyance path switching means to switch the conveyance path. It may be good.

An image forming system configured by connecting an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus that performs further post-processing on an image-formed sheet discharged from a paper discharge unit provided in the image forming apparatus. A first paper discharge tray that discharges sheets that have not been subjected to the further post-processing after being discharged from the image forming apparatus, and receives the further post-processing after being discharged from the image forming apparatus. A second paper discharge tray for discharging the discharged sheet is provided in the post-processing device, and after the further post-processing is performed on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit, the second tray is placed in the second tray. Shortcut discharge for guiding a sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit to the first discharge tray without passing through the post-processing step when a predetermined defect is detected in the post-processing step of discharging the sheet. Means A control unit is provided in the image forming apparatus, and further, the post-processing device allows the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit to pass through the post-processing step, or a post-processing conveyance path or the paper discharge unit. A conveyance path switching means for switching which one of the straight processing conveyance paths is used for passing the sheet discharged from the sheet to the first discharge tray without passing through the post-processing process and passing through the straight process; A first conveying unit that conveys the sheet along the straight processing conveyance path; a second conveying unit that conveys the sheet along the post-processing conveyance path; and a predetermined defect in the post-processing step. and defect detection sensor, normally and a first post-processing apparatus control means capable of controlling said second conveying means, the control unit of the shortcut discharge means, the image forming apparatus all Together controls the controls normally the first transport means, when the predetermined malfunction in the post-treatment process is detected by the fault detection sensor, the above conveyance path switching member from the sheet discharge portion The conveyance path is switched so as to guide the discharged sheet to the straight processing conveyance path, and the control unit of the shortcut discharge unit switches the sheet discharged from the discharge unit by the conveyance path switching unit. The image forming system may be configured to discharge to the first discharge tray via the processing conveyance path .
In this case, when a predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor, the controller of the shortcut discharging means controls the conveyance path switching means to switch the conveyance path. It is suitable if it becomes.
Alternatively, when a predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor, the first post-processing device side control means controls the conveyance path switching means to switch the conveyance path. It may be good.

  The first tray and the second tray may be the same tray.

The present invention may be understood as a single invention for each of the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus constituting the image forming system .

As described above, according to the present invention, at least a conveyance path for discharging a sheet to a sheet discharge tray is ensured even when a sheet jam or a trouble that makes it impossible to control the post-processing apparatus occurs. can do. Therefore, even if the above trouble cannot be solved, the image forming process in the image forming system can be continued.
Further, a configuration with redundancy is not employed, and it is possible to provide such an image forming system with a low cost and simple configuration.

Hereinafter, embodiments and examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings for understanding of the present invention. It should be noted that the following embodiments and examples are examples embodying the present invention, and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.
1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of the image forming system S according to the embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of the image forming system S-1, and FIG. These are the flowcharts which show an example of the control procedure performed by the control system of the said image forming system S-1.

First, the schematic configuration of the image forming system S according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the schematic configuration diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 1, an image forming system S according to an embodiment of the present invention includes an image forming apparatus X and an image-formed sheet discharged from a paper discharge unit 111 provided in the image forming apparatus X. On the other hand, for example, a post-processing device DF that executes further post-processing such as stapling processing and sorting processing is connected.
The post-processing device DF includes post-processing execution units (310 and 320) that execute the further post-processing, a first paper discharge tray 410 that discharges sheets that are not subjected to the further post-processing, Second discharge trays 420 and 430 are provided for discharging sheets that have undergone further post-processing.
Of the sheets discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 of the image processing apparatus X, the sheet not subjected to the further post-processing is discharged to the first paper discharge tray 410 through the straight processing conveyance path 510. (The process of discharging the sheet through the straight processing conveyance path corresponds to the straight process).
On the other hand, among the sheets discharged from the paper discharge unit 111, a sheet on which staple processing, which is an example of the further post-processing, is configured by the stapler 311 and the intermediate tray 312 through the post-processing conveyance path 520. Is guided to the staple unit 310 to be stapled, and after being subjected to the staple processing, it is discharged again to the second discharge tray 420 through the post-processing conveyance path 520 (the above staple processing is performed). The step to be performed is an example of a post-processing step).
Further, a sheet subjected to sort processing, which is another example of the further post-processing, passes through the post-processing conveyance path 530, and any one of a plurality of bins (431 to 434 in the example shown in FIG. 1) corresponds. Sorting processing is performed by being accommodated in the bottle. For example, the plurality of bins 431 to 434 are provided so as to be movable up and down along the rail 322, and when any one of the corresponding bins has moved to the position of the sheet discharge port, the bins 431 to 434 are located near the sheet discharge port. By operating the provided discharge rollers 321, the sheets are accommodated in the corresponding bins (the process of performing the sort process as described above is another example of the post-processing process). Thus, in the example in which the further post-processing is a sort process, the plurality of bins 431 to 434 constitute a sort unit 320 together with the discharge roller 321 and the rail 322, and the second discharge tray. It is also 430 itself.

The sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 is connected to a solenoid 600 (described later), and the straight processing conveyance path 510 or the post processing according to the direction of the switching claws 611 and 612 that are swingably provided. It is carried into one of the conveyance paths 520 and 530. That is, which of the straight processing conveyance path 510 or the post-processing conveyance paths 520 and 530 is used is switched by a solenoid 600 and switching claws 611 and 612 described later (the solenoid 600 and the switching claws 611 and 612 are switched). Equivalent to an example of a conveyance path switching means).
The straight processing conveyance path 510 is provided with conveyance rollers 711 and 712 for conveying the sheet. When these conveyance rollers 711 and 712 are driven by a motor 700 described later, the sheet is guided along the straight processing conveyance path 510 toward the first discharge tray 410 (the motor 700 and the conveyance rollers 711). , 712 correspond to an example of the first conveying means). The post-processing conveyance paths 520 and 530 are similarly provided with conveyance rollers 721, 722, 731 and 321 respectively, and these conveyance rollers are driven by a motor 701 described later, so that the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing conveyance paths. After passing through the post-processing step 520 or 530, it is guided in the direction of the second discharge tray 420 or 430 (the motor 701, the transport rollers 721, 722, etc. are examples of the second transport means). Equivalent).

Next, the schematic configuration of the control system of the image forming system S-1 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the block diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the image forming apparatus X control unit 10 (an example of a control unit for shortcut discharging means) is provided on the image forming apparatus X side, and the post processing apparatus side control unit 20 (first control unit) is provided on the post processing apparatus DF side. An example of post-processing apparatus side control means) is provided.
Here, as an example of an embodiment of the present invention, the first transport means is always controlled by the controller of the shortcut discharge means, and the second transport means is always controlled by the first post-processing device side control means. The configuration will be described.
The image forming apparatus side control unit 10 performs overall processing of the image forming apparatus X, and is connected to the post processing apparatus side control unit 20 and communicates with the post processing apparatus side control unit 20. Further, a solenoid 600 that is connected to the switching claws 611 and 612 as an example of a conveyance path switching unit and swings the switching claws, and a first conveyance for conveying the sheet along the straight processing conveyance path 510. A motor 700 that is connected to transport rollers 711 and 712, which are examples of means, and rotates these transport rollers is also connected, and controls these operations. Furthermore, it has a timer T1 that is used to determine whether or not a failure has occurred in the post-processing process.
Here, for simplification, one solenoid 600 and one motor 700 are illustrated, but the normal solenoid 600 is arranged according to the number of the switching claws. Further, a configuration in which all the conveyance rollers are driven by one motor 700 or a configuration in which the conveyance rollers are driven by a plurality of motors 700 may be adopted. As described above, a configuration in which a plurality of motors / solenoids are provided may be employed, and even in such a case, it is within the scope of the present invention.
The post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 is normally a motor that rotates, for example, transport rollers 721 and 722 (an example of a second transport unit) for transporting sheets along the post-processing transport paths 520 and 530. , Such as a solenoid for operating the stapler 311, a motor solenoid for operating a movable part in the post-processing apparatus DF, and a motor 601 and a solenoid 701 other than the solenoid 600 and the motor 700 (hereinafter “other motors and the like” ")" Is controlled.
Also in this case, similarly, a configuration in which a plurality of the other motors and the like are provided may be used.
The post-processing device DF is provided with a defect detection sensor 800. A plurality of defect detection sensors 800 are provided in the vicinity of the post-processing conveyance paths 520 and 530 and the post-processing execution units 310 and 320. For example, a sheet is jammed when a certain sheet does not move from the same position. This is a sensor for detecting a predetermined defect such as a sheet jam in the post-processing step.

Next, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the control system of the image forming system S-1 according to the embodiment of the present invention (the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 and the above) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. A control procedure by the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20) will be described.
FIGS. 3A and 3B show the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 (an example of a control unit of a shortcut discharge unit) and the post processing apparatus side control unit 20 (an example of a first post processing apparatus side control unit). The control procedure by is shown respectively. First, a control procedure by the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3A, during a normal image forming process, when the start key for starting the image forming process is pressed on an operation unit (not shown) of the image forming system S-1, the image forming process is performed. The apparatus-side control unit 10 executes an image forming process (step S101), and discharges the image-formed sheet from the paper discharge unit 111 (step S102).
When a command is issued to execute a predetermined further post-processing on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 (YES in step S103), the solenoid 600 is operated to activate the switching claw 611 and / or 612. The direction is changed, and the sheet is guided to the post-processing conveyance path 520 or 530 (step S104).
Further, it communicates with the post-processing device side controller 20 and transmits a signal so that the post-processing device DF performs the predetermined further post-processing (step S105), and the subsequent control is controlled by the post-processing device side control. It is entrusted to the part 20.
The image forming apparatus side controller 10 drives the timer T1 provided in the image forming apparatus side controller 10 after the signal transmission (step S105) (step S109). The set time of the timer T1 is set to a time required for one post-process to complete smoothly.
Next, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 waits for the set time of the timer T1 to receive a defect occurrence detection signal from the defect detection sensor 800 (steps S110 and S111). If it is determined in step S110 that the timer T1 has expired without detection of a malfunction (determined that there is no malfunction) (YES in step S111), the process ends.
On the other hand, if no instruction is given to execute the predetermined further post-processing (NO in step S103), the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 operates the solenoid 600 to switch the switching claws 611 and / or 612. The direction is changed and the sheet is guided to the straight processing conveyance path 510 (step S106). Thereafter, the motor 700 drives the transport rollers 711 and 712 (an example of the first transport unit) (step S107), thereby discharging the sheet to the first paper discharge tray 410 (step S108).
Next, the control procedure by the post-processing device side control unit 20 after receiving the signal in S105 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3B, when the post-processing device-side control unit 20 receives the signal sent from the image forming device-side control unit 10 in step S105 (step S201), the post-processing device side. The controller 20 drives the motor 701 to drive the transport rollers 721, 722 or 731, 321 (an example of a second transport unit) (step S202). As a result, the sheet is carried into the post-processing execution unit 310 or 320, so that the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 executes the predetermined further post-processing (step S203). When the post-processing is completed, the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 discharges the sheet to the second paper discharge tray 420 or 430 through the post-processing conveyance path 520 or 530 (step S204).
On the other hand, when a defect such as a sheet jam occurs during the post-processing steps of steps S201 to S204, the defect detection sensor 800 detects this and the signal is transmitted to the image forming apparatus side control unit 10. If the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 receives a defect signal from the defect detection sensor 800 in step S110 before the time-up determination by the timer T1 in step S111 (that is, in the middle of post-processing), the image forming apparatus side control The unit 10 switches the solenoid 600 that has been switched to the post-processing transport path side to the straight processing transport path 510 side (step S112).
Thereafter, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 turns off the post-processing command and transmits the signal to the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 to stop the control operation of the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 (step S113). .
Further, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 determines whether or not there is a next image forming process, and if there is no image forming process (NO in step S114), the process ends. If there is a next image forming process (YES in step S114), the process returns to step S101 to execute the image forming process. In this case, since the post-processing command is turned off in step S113, the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 is guided to the straight processing conveyance path 510 as shown in step S109, and the first paper discharge tray 410 is discharged. Is discharged.
At this time, since the solenoid 600 is switched to the straight processing conveyance path 510 as shown in step S112, the sheet is guided to the straight processing conveyance path 510, and the sheet is not jammed.
Thus, in this embodiment, the solenoid 600 and the switching claws 611 and 612 (an example of the conveyance path switching unit), and the motor 700 and the conveyance rollers 711 and 712 (an example of the first conveyance unit) are in a normal state. In addition, since the image processing apparatus side control unit 10 is always controlled regardless of the occurrence of the malfunction, even if a malfunction occurs that makes it impossible to control the post processing apparatus side control section 20. Thus, the image-formed sheet can be discharged to the first paper discharge tray 410 by the above procedure.
As described above, in the post-processing step (the step of discharging the sheet to the second discharge tray 420 or 430 after performing a predetermined further post-processing on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit 111). A configuration for guiding a sheet discharged from the sheet discharge unit 111 to the first sheet discharge tray without passing through the post-processing step when a predetermined defect is detected is a shortcut discharge unit. The image forming apparatus side control unit 10 is responsible for this control.
In the following embodiments, other configuration examples of the shortcut discharging means will be described.

In the embodiment described above, the image-formed sheet can be discharged to the first discharge tray even when the control of the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 is completely disabled. A solenoid 600 that changes the direction of the switching claws 611 and 612 as an example of the conveyance path switching unit and a motor 700 that drives the conveyance rollers 711 and 712 as an example of the first conveyance unit are both included in the image forming apparatus side control unit. 4, the solenoid 600 (that is, the transport path switching means) is controlled by the post-processing device side controller 20 in the embodiment described below. This will be described with reference to the block diagram and the flowchart of FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, in the image forming system S-2 according to the first example of the present invention, as in the above embodiment, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 is provided on the image forming apparatus X side. A post-processing device side controller 20 is provided on each processing device DF side.
The image forming apparatus side control unit 10 is responsible for overall processing of the image forming apparatus X, is connected to the post processing apparatus side control unit 20, and communicates with the post processing apparatus side control unit 20. , A point connected to a conveying roller 711 and 712 that is an example of a first conveying unit for conveying a sheet along the straight processing conveyance path 510 and connected to a motor 700 that rotates them to control the operation, In addition, the defect detection sensor 800 for detecting the predetermined defect is provided in the post-processing device DF, as in the above embodiment.
On the other hand, in the image forming system S-2, in addition to the other motors and the like (solenoid 601 and motor 701), the switching claws 611 and 612, which are examples of the conveyance path switching means, are connected to the switching claws. The solenoid 600 to be oscillated is connected to the post-processing device side control unit 20 and is controlled by this.
Further, in the image forming system S-1 according to the above embodiment, it is sufficient that the signal from the defect detection sensor 800 is transmitted only to the image forming apparatus side control unit 10, but the image forming system S- 2, the signal from the defect detection sensor 800 is also transmitted to the post-processing device side control unit 20.
Further, the post-processing device side control unit 20 has a timer T2 used for determining whether or not a failure in the post-processing process has occurred.

Next, referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the control system of the image forming system S-2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention (the image forming apparatus side control unit 10) will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The control procedure by the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20) will be described.
FIGS. 5A and 5B show the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 (an example of a control unit of a shortcut discharge unit) and the post processing apparatus side control unit 20 (an example of a first post processing apparatus side control unit). The control procedure by is shown respectively. First, the control procedure by the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5A, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 performs the image forming process and the image forming processed sheet in steps S301 and S302, as in steps S101 and S102 of FIG. Discharge.
Next, when a command is issued to execute predetermined further post-processing on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 of the image forming apparatus X (YES in step S303), the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 The post-processing device DF transmits a signal to the post-processing device-side control unit 20 so that the post-processing device DF performs predetermined further post-processing (step S304), and the subsequent control is left to the post-processing device-side control unit 20. .
The image forming apparatus side control unit 10 drives a timer T1 provided in the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 after the signal transmission (step S304) (step S307). The set time of the timer T1 is set to a time required for one post-process to complete smoothly.
Next, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 waits for the set time of the timer T1 to receive a defect occurrence detection signal from the defect detection sensor 800 (steps S308 and S309). If it is determined in step S308 that the timer T1 has timed up without detection of a malfunction (determined that there is no malfunction) (YES in step S309), the process ends.
When the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 receives a failure signal from the failure detection sensor 800 in step S308 before the time-up determination by the timer T1 in step S309 (that is, in the middle of post-processing) (YES in step S308). The image forming apparatus side control unit 10 turns off the post-processing command (step S310).
Further, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 determines whether or not there is a next image forming process, and if there is no image forming process (NO in step S311), the process ends. If there is a next image forming process (YES in step S311), the process returns to step S301 to execute the image forming process. In this case, since the post-processing command is turned off in step S310, the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 is guided to the straight processing conveyance path 510 as shown in step S406, which will be described later, and the first paper discharge tray. Is discharged.
On the other hand, if no instruction is given to execute the predetermined further post-processing (NO in step S303), the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 causes the motor 700 to use the transport rollers 711 and 712 (first transport unit). 1) is driven (step S305), and the sheet is discharged to the first discharge tray 410 (step S306).
Next, the control procedure by the post-processing device side control unit 20 after receiving the signal in S304 will be described with reference to FIG.
As shown in FIG. 3B, the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 receives the signal sent from the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 in the step S304 (step S401). In response to this signal, if a command to execute predetermined post-processing is given (YES in step S402), the post-processing device side control unit 20 operates the solenoid 600 to switch the switching claw 611 and / or Alternatively, the direction of 612 is changed, the sheet is guided to the post-processing conveyance path 520 or 530 (step S403), and then the motor 701 is driven to convey the conveyance rollers 721, 722 or 731, 321 (second conveyance). One example of means is driven (step S404). As a result, the sheet is carried into the post-processing execution section 310 or 320, so that the post-processing apparatus side control section 20 executes the predetermined further post-processing (step S405). On the other hand, if a command to execute predetermined post-processing is not given, the direction of the switching claws 611 and / or 612 is changed by operating the solenoid 600, and the sheet is guided to the straight processing conveyance path 510 (step) S406), the sheet is discharged to the first discharge tray 410.
In starting the post-processing in step S405, the post-processing device side control unit 20 drives a timer T2 provided in the post-processing device side control unit 20 (step S407). The set time of the timer T2 is set to the time required for one post-process to be completed smoothly, as with the timer T1. However, while the timer 1 is driven after the signal transmission in step S304, the timer T2 is driven at the start of the post-processing in S405 and the start time is different, so the set time is slightly different.
Next, the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 waits for the set time of the timer T2 to receive a defect occurrence detection signal from the defect detection sensor 800 (steps S408 and S409). If it is determined in step S408 that the timer T2 has expired without detection of a defect (determined that there is no defect) (YES in step S409), the post-processed sheet is transferred to the post-processing conveyance path. After passing through 520 or 530, the sheet is discharged onto the second discharge tray 420 or 430 (step S412), and the process is terminated.
On the other hand, when a defect such as a sheet jam occurs during the post-processing process starting from step S405 (YES in step S408), the defect detection sensor 800 detects this, and the signal is sent from the post-processing device side control unit. 20, the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 switches the solenoid 600 that has been switched to the post-processing conveyance path side to the straight processing conveyance path 510 side (step S410), and the control of the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 The operation is stopped (step S411).
On the other hand, when the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 is informed of the occurrence of a malfunction as described above in step S308 of FIG. 5A, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 performs the next image forming process after turning off the post-processing command in step S310. Whether or not (step S311). If there is a next image forming process, the process returns to S301 as described above. Even in such a case (YES in step S311), the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit 111 is post-processed in step S310. Since the command is turned off, it is guided to the straight processing conveyance path 510 and discharged to the first discharge tray 410 as shown in step S406 described later.
At this time, since the solenoid 600 is switched to the straight processing conveyance path 510 as shown in step S410, the sheet is guided to the straight processing conveyance path 510, and the sheet is not jammed.
As described above, in this embodiment, the solenoid 600 (an example of the conveyance path switching unit) is controlled by the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20, but stops the control of the post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 ( Before step S411), the solenoid 600 is switched to the straight processing conveyance path side (step S410), and the motor 700 (an example of the first conveyance unit) is controlled by the image forming apparatus side control unit 10, so that after the malfunction occurs Even so, the image-formed sheet can be discharged to the first paper discharge tray 410.

In the above-described embodiment and Example 1, a configuration has been described in which the motor 700 (an example of the first transport unit) is always connected to and controlled by the image forming apparatus side control unit 10. In the normal state, the configuration in which the motor 700 and the solenoid 600 are controlled by the post-processing device side control unit 20 and the control system is switched after the occurrence of a failure will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 6, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 is provided on the image forming apparatus X side, and the CPU 21 as an example of the second post processing apparatus side control means is provided on the post processing apparatus DF side. The image forming apparatus side control unit 10 controls the overall processing of the image forming apparatus X, and is connected to the CPU 21 and communicates with the CPU 21 (A line in FIG. 6).
In the image forming system S-3 according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, not only the other motors but also the solenoid 600 and the motor 700 are connected to the post-processing device side control unit 20. The post-processing apparatus side control unit 20 is configured to be controllable. Specifically, the CPU 21 (an example of a second post-processing device side control unit) receives a signal from the image forming device side control unit 10 and sends a predetermined output to the drivers 41 to 44, whereby the solenoid 600 and the motor 700 are turned on. To drive.
The driver 41 for driving the solenoid 600 and the driver 42 for driving the motor 700 are also connected to the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 and can be controlled from the image forming apparatus side control unit 10.
As shown in FIG. 6, the input from the CPU 21 and the remote input from the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 constitute NAND circuits 31 and 32 and output to the drivers 41 and 42, respectively. Is done.
FIG. 7 is a truth table showing the states of outputs from the NAND circuits 31 and 32. In FIG. During normal times when no sheet jamming or inability to control the control unit occurs (input to the r terminal is HIGH), as shown in FIGS. 7 (1) to (4), the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 All remote inputs (inputs to C and D lines / terminals c and d) are set to HIGH. The CPU 21 receives a signal from the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 (A line) and performs a predetermined output. The output from the CPU 21 is input to the terminals a and b of the NAND circuits 31 and 32, respectively. Since the inputs to the terminals c and d are all HIGH as described above, the outputs to the drivers 41 and 42 are provided. Outputs (terminals e and f, respectively) are obtained by inverting the output from the CPU 21.
As described above, the CPU 21 normally receives a signal from the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 (A line) and controls the solenoid 600 and the motor 700.
On the other hand, when the predetermined failure such as sheet jamming or inability to control the control unit is detected, a reset signal is sent from the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 to the CPU 21 (input to the R line / r terminal is LOW). As shown in FIGS. 7 (5) to (8), the output signals from the CPU 21 that have received the reset signal are all HIGH, and while the CPU 21 is receiving this reset signal, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 is in this state. Performs remote output directly to the NAND circuits 31 and 32 (lines C and D). The remote output from the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 is input to the terminals c and d of the NAND circuits 31 and 32, respectively, but since all the inputs to the terminals a and b are HIGH, the driver 41 and Outputs to 42 (terminals e and f, respectively) are obtained by inverting the output from the image forming apparatus side control unit 10.
When the predetermined failure is detected in this way, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 sends a reset signal to the CPU 21, so that the motor 700 (an example of the first conveying unit) and the solenoid 600 (the conveying path). The control of one example of the switching means can be switched to its own control. The procedure of the process in which the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 controls both the first conveying unit and the conveying path switching unit after the defect is detected, and discharges the sheet to the first paper discharge tray 410 is the same as in the above embodiment. , As shown in steps S109 to S114 in FIG.
Here, an example in which the control system is switched using the logic circuit shown in FIG. 6 is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this circuit. In short, when the predetermined malfunction is detected, the image forming apparatus side Any configuration in which the control subject is switched to the control unit 10 may be used. Even if such control is realized by software, it is within the scope of the present invention.
According to such a configuration, similarly to the above-described embodiment, even if the control of the post-processing device side control unit 20 is disabled after the occurrence of a malfunction, the image forming device side control unit 10 is Since the first conveying unit and the conveyance path switching unit are controlled, it is possible to discharge the image-formed sheet to the first paper discharge tray 410.

Further, as shown in FIG. 8, when the predetermined defect is detected by the defect detection sensor 800, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 sends a reset signal to the CPU 21, so that the motor 700 (first In addition to the solenoid 600 (an example of the transport path switching unit) and the solenoid 601, the control of the motor 701 (an example of the second transport unit) and the solenoid 601 may be switched to its own control.
With such a configuration, for example, when a sheet is jammed in the staple unit 310 and no trouble occurs in the sort unit 320, the sheet is guided to the post-processing conveyance path 530. It is also possible to continue some post-processing that does not cause any trouble, such as executing sort processing.

  As shown in FIG. 9, when the predetermined defect is detected by the defect detection sensor 800, the image forming apparatus-side control unit 10 sends a reset signal to the CPU 21, so that the motor 700 (first Only the control of one example of the first conveying unit) is switched to its own control, and the solenoid 600 (one example of the conveying path switching unit) is controlled by the CPU 21 which is one example of the second post-processing device side control unit. good. After the defect is detected, the image forming apparatus side control unit 10 controls the first conveying unit to discharge the sheet to the first discharge tray 410. Steps S307 to S311 in FIG. The processing procedure for the image processing apparatus side control unit 20 to control the conveyance path switching means is as shown in steps S407 to S412 in FIG.

In the above embodiment, Examples 1 and 2, only the case where the first discharge tray 410 and the second trays 420 and 430 are provided as separate trays has been described. The trays do not necessarily refer to physically different trays, and may consist of the same tray.
For example, as shown in FIG. 10, even when the first discharge tray 410 and the second discharge tray 420 are the same tray 400, it is within the scope of the present invention.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming system S according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of an image forming system S-1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure executed by the control system of the image forming system S-1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a control system of an image forming system S-2 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure executed by the control system of the image forming system S-2 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing an example of a circuit configuration for switching a control system when a problem occurs in the image forming system S-3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. The truth table which shows the state of the output to the drivers 41 and 42 in the circuit diagram of FIG. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing another example of a circuit configuration for switching a control system when a problem occurs in the image forming system S-3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram showing another example of a circuit configuration for switching a control system when a problem occurs in the image forming system S-3 according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of an image forming system S-4 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Image forming apparatus side control part 20 ... Post-processing apparatus side control part 111 ... Paper discharge part 310 ... Staple unit 311 ... Stapler 312 ... Intermediate tray 320 ... Sort unit 321... Discharge roller (conveyance roller)
322 ... Rail 410 ... First discharge tray 420, 430 ... Second discharge tray 431-434 ... Bin 510 ... Straight processing conveyance path 520, 530 ... Post-processing conveyance path 600, 601 ... Solenoid 611, 612 ... Switching claw 700, 701 ... Motor 711, 712, 721, 722, 731 ... Conveyance roller 800 ... Defect detection sensor S ... Image forming system X: Image forming apparatus DF: Post-processing apparatus T1, T2: Timer

Claims (12)

An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device that performs further post-processing on an image-formed sheet discharged from a paper discharge unit provided in the image forming apparatus are connected to each other.
A first discharge tray on which a sheet that has not been subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
A second discharge tray from which the sheet subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Is provided in the post-processing device,
After performing the further post-processing on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit, if a predetermined defect is detected in the post-processing step of discharging the sheet to the second tray, then the paper discharge unit A control unit of a shortcut discharge means for guiding and discharging the sheet discharged from the first discharge tray without passing through the post-processing step is provided in the image forming apparatus ,
Furthermore, the post-processing device
A post-processing conveyance path for passing a sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit through the post-processing step or a sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit to the first paper discharge tray without going through the post-processing step. A transfer path switching means for switching which of the straight processing transfer paths for passing through the straight process of guiding and discharging;
First conveying means for conveying the sheet along the straight processing conveyance path;
Second conveying means for conveying the sheet along the post-processing conveyance path;
A defect detection sensor for detecting a predetermined defect in the post-processing step;
A second post-processing device side control means capable of controlling both the first transport means and the second transport means at all times;
With
The control unit of the shortcut discharging means
The system controls the entire image forming apparatus and can control at least the first transport unit.
When the predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor,
The transport path switching means switches the transport path so as to guide the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit to the straight processing transport path;
The control unit of the shortcut discharging means
The straight processing transport in which at least the control of the first transport means is switched from the second post-processing device side control means to the own control, and the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit is switched by the transport path switching means. An image forming system for discharging to the first discharge tray via a path . When the controller of the shortcut discharging means can control the second conveying means in addition to the first conveying means, and when a predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detecting sensor 2. The image forming according to claim 1 , wherein, in addition to the control of the first transport unit, the control of the second transport unit is switched from the second post-processing device side control unit to the control itself. system. When a predetermined malfunction in the post-treatment process is detected by the fault detection sensor, the control unit of the shortcut discharge means, according to claim 1 comprising performing the switching of the conveying path by controlling the conveyance path switching member Or the image forming system according to any one of 2 ; When a predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor, the second post-processing device side control means controls the conveyance path switching means to switch the conveyance path. the image forming system according to claim 1 or 2. An image forming system in which an image forming apparatus and a post-processing device that performs further post-processing on an image-formed sheet discharged from a paper discharge unit provided in the image forming apparatus are connected to each other.
A first discharge tray on which a sheet that has not been subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
A second discharge tray from which the sheet subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Is provided in the post-processing device,
After performing the further post-processing on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit, if a predetermined defect is detected in the post-processing step of discharging the sheet to the second tray, then the paper discharge unit A control unit of a shortcut discharge means for guiding and discharging the sheet discharged from the first discharge tray without passing through the post-processing step is provided in the image forming apparatus ,
Furthermore, the post-processing device
A post-processing conveyance path for passing a sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit through the post-processing step or a sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit to the first paper discharge tray without going through the post-processing step. A transfer path switching means for switching which of the straight processing transfer paths for passing through the straight process of guiding and discharging;
First conveying means for conveying the sheet along the straight processing conveyance path;
Second conveying means for conveying the sheet along the post-processing conveyance path;
A defect detection sensor for detecting a predetermined defect in the post-processing step;
First post-processing apparatus side control means capable of controlling the second transport means at all times;
With
The control unit of the shortcut discharging means
Controls the entire image forming apparatus and always controls the first conveying means.
When the predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor,
The transport path switching means switches the transport path so as to guide the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit to the straight processing transport path;
The control unit of the shortcut discharging means
An image forming system, wherein a sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit is discharged to the first discharge tray via the straight processing conveyance path switched by the conveyance path switching means . If by the fault detection sensor a predetermined defect in the post-treatment process is detected, the control unit of the shortcut discharge means, according to claim 5 comprising performing the switching of the conveying path by controlling the conveyance path switching member The image forming system described in 1. When a predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor, the first post-processing device side control means controls the conveyance path switching means to switch the conveyance path. The image forming system according to claim 5 . The image forming system according to any one of claims 1 to 7 in which the first tray and the second tray is formed of the same tray. In a post-processing apparatus that is connected to an image forming apparatus and executes further post-processing on an image-formed sheet discharged from a paper discharge unit provided in the image forming apparatus.
A first discharge tray on which a sheet that has not been subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
A second discharge tray from which the sheet subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Is provided,
Further, the first paper discharge without passing through the post-processing step or the post-processing conveyance path for passing the sheet discharged from the paper discharge portion through the post-processing step. Transport path switching means for switching which of the straight processing transport paths for passing through the straight process leading to the tray and discharging;
First conveying means for conveying the sheet along the straight processing conveyance path;
Second conveying means for conveying the sheet along the post-processing conveyance path;
A defect detection sensor for detecting a predetermined defect in the post-processing step;
A second post-processing device side control means capable of controlling both the first transport means and the second transport means at all times;
With
When the predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor,
The transport path switching means switches the transport path so as to guide the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit to the straight processing transport path;
At least the control of the first transport means is switched from the second post-processing apparatus side control means to the control section on the image forming apparatus side, and the control of the control section on the image forming apparatus side causes the paper discharge section to A post-processing apparatus, wherein the discharged sheet is guided and discharged to the first paper discharge tray via the straight processing conveyance path switched by the conveyance path switching means . Perform further post-processing on the ejected imaged sheet,
A first discharge tray on which a sheet that has not been subjected to further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
A second discharge tray on which the sheet subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
The sheet discharged from the post-processing conveyance path for passing the discharged image-formed sheet through the post-processing step or the paper discharge unit is transferred to the first paper discharge tray without going through the post-processing step. A transfer path switching means for switching which of the straight processing transfer paths for passing through the straight process of guiding and discharging;
First conveying means for conveying the sheet along the straight processing conveyance path;
Second conveying means for conveying the sheet along the post-processing conveyance path;
A defect detection sensor for detecting a predetermined defect in the post-processing step;
A second post-processing device side control means capable of controlling both the first transport means and the second transport means at all times;
Is connected to the aftertreatment device provided with
In the image forming apparatus provided with a paper discharge unit for discharging the image-formed sheet to the post-processing device,
If a predetermined defect is detected in a post-processing step of discharging the sheet to the second tray after performing the further post-processing on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit, the paper discharge unit is subsequently detected. A control unit for shortcut discharging means for guiding and discharging the sheet discharged from the first discharge tray without passing through the post-processing step ;
The control unit of the shortcut discharging means
The system controls the entire image forming apparatus and can control at least the first transport unit.
When the predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor,
The straight processing transport in which at least the control of the first transport means is switched from the second post-processing device side control means to the own control, and the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit is switched by the transport path switching means. An image forming apparatus that controls to discharge to the first paper discharge tray via a path . In a post-processing apparatus that is connected to an image forming apparatus and executes further post-processing on an image-formed sheet discharged from a paper discharge unit provided in the image forming apparatus.
A first discharge tray on which a sheet that has not been subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
A second discharge tray from which the sheet subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
Is provided,
Further, the first paper discharge without passing through the post-processing step or the post-processing conveyance path for passing the sheet discharged from the paper discharge portion through the post-processing step. Transport path switching means for switching which of the straight processing transport paths for passing through the straight process leading to the tray and discharging;
First conveying means for conveying the sheet along the straight processing conveyance path;
Second conveying means for conveying the sheet along the post-processing conveyance path;
A defect detection sensor for detecting a predetermined defect in the post-processing step;
First post-processing apparatus side control means capable of controlling the second transport means at all times;
With
The first conveying means is constantly controlled by a control unit on the image forming apparatus side that controls the overall image forming apparatus,
When the predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor,
The transport path switching means switches the transport path so as to guide the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit to the straight processing transport path;
The first transport unit controlled by the control unit on the image forming apparatus side passes the first processing path through the straight processing transport path switched by the transport path switching unit . A post-processing apparatus for discharging to a paper discharge tray. Perform further post-processing on the ejected imaged sheet,
A first discharge tray on which a sheet that has not been subjected to further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
A second discharge tray on which the sheet subjected to the further post-processing is discharged after being discharged from the image forming apparatus;
The sheet discharged from the post-processing conveyance path for passing the discharged image-formed sheet through the post-processing step or the paper discharge unit is transferred to the first paper discharge tray without going through the post-processing step. A transfer path switching means for switching which of the straight processing transfer paths for passing through the straight process of guiding and discharging;
First conveying means for conveying the sheet along the straight processing conveyance path;
Second conveying means for conveying the sheet along the post-processing conveyance path;
A defect detection sensor for detecting a predetermined defect in the post-processing step;
First post-processing apparatus side control means capable of controlling the second transport means at all times;
Is connected to the aftertreatment device provided with
In the image forming apparatus provided with a paper discharge unit for discharging the image-formed sheet to the post-processing device,
If a predetermined defect is detected in a post-processing step of discharging the sheet to the second tray after performing the further post-processing on the sheet discharged from the paper discharge unit, the paper discharge unit is subsequently detected. A control unit for shortcut discharging means for guiding and discharging the sheet discharged from the first discharge tray without passing through the post-processing step ;
The control unit of the shortcut discharging means
Controls the entire image forming apparatus and always controls the first conveying means,
When the predetermined defect in the post-processing step is detected by the defect detection sensor,
An image forming apparatus that controls to discharge a sheet discharged from a sheet discharge unit to the first sheet discharge tray via the straight processing conveyance path switched by the conveyance path switching unit .

Images