JP5494101B2 - Stapler driving device, stapler driving method, stapler control program, post-processing device, and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a stapler driving device, a stapler driving method, a stapler control program, a post-processing device, and an image forming apparatus.

  A post-processing apparatus may be connected to a subsequent stage of an image forming apparatus such as a printer that prints images or characters on paper. This post-processing device is equipped with a puncher that punches holes in the paper, a stapler that staples a stack of multiple sheets of paper with staples, and a paper folding machine that folds the paper, depending on the user's usage. Is done.

  Focusing on the stapler, a DC motor is mounted on the stapler, and a stapling operation is performed in which a staple is inserted into the sheet bundle and bent by a driving force generated by the rotation of the DC motor.

JP 2008-174382 A

  An object of the present invention is to suppress operation noise while securing productivity of stapling operation.

The stapler driving device according to claim 1 is:
A power supply unit that includes a motor and supplies power to a motor of a stapler that performs a stapling operation in which a staple is inserted into a bundle of a plurality of stacked recording media and bent by a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
A storage unit for storing a maximum allowable time allowed to be spent for one staple operation;
A measurement unit that measures the actual execution time actually spent performing the stapling operation;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required for the next stapling operation to be performed by the power supply unit toward the motor is the maximum allowable time from the actual actual execution time actually spent executing this stapling operation. It is a stapler drive device provided with the operation time control part which supplies the electric power estimated to approach.

A stapler driving device according to claim 2 is the stapler driving device according to claim 1, wherein the motor is a DC motor.
The electric power supply unit supplies electric power pulse-modulated to an output ratio based on an instruction from the operation time control unit toward the motor.

The stapler drive device according to claim 3 is the stapler drive device according to claim 2, wherein the storage unit stores the maximum allowable time, and the initial power for each step when the stapling operation is divided into a plurality of steps. For each of the specified steps, the adjustment allowable lower limit value of the output ratio of the pulse width modulation power supplied to the motor is stored,
The stapling operation execution time is set within a range in which the operation time control unit supplies the power supply unit with pulse width modulation power having an output ratio equal to or greater than the allowable adjustment lower limit value for each process, for each process toward the motor. This is a stapler drive device that performs control to approach the maximum allowable time.

A stapler driving device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the stapler driving device according to the third aspect, wherein the storage unit stores the maximum allowable time, and further performs a stapling operation to supply power to the motor when the stapler is in an initial state. The pulse width supplied to the motor for each process when the starting process to start, the staple process in which the staple is inserted into the bundle and bent, and the return process to return to the initial state after binding the bundle Memorize the adjustment allowable lower limit value of the modulation power output ratio,
Within the range in which the operation time control unit causes the power supply unit to supply the pulse width modulation power having an output ratio equal to or greater than the adjustment allowable lower limit value for each process toward the motor, for each process. This is a stapler drive device that performs control to bring the staple operation execution time closer to the maximum allowable time by giving priority to lowering the output ratio in the process over lowering the output ratio in the return process.

Further, the stapler driving device according to claim 5 is characterized in that, in claim 2, the storage unit stores the maximum allowable time, and further, each step for each step when the staple operation is divided into a plurality of steps. Memorize the maximum permissible time for each process that is allowed to be executed,
In the stapler driving device, the operation time control unit controls the staple operation execution time to be close to the allowable maximum time within a range in which the execution time of each process is equal to or less than the allowable maximum time for each process.

The stapler driving device according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the stapler driving device according to the fifth aspect, wherein the storage unit stores the maximum allowable time, and further performs a stapling operation to supply power to the motor when the stapler is in an initial state. The start process to be started, the staple process in which the staples are inserted into the bundle and bent, and the return process to return to the initial state after binding the bundle are performed for each process. Stores the maximum allowable time for each process that is allowed,
The operation time control unit reduces the power supplied to the motor in the binding process within the range where the execution time for each process is less than the maximum allowable time for each process and the power supplied to the motor in the return process. This is a stapler drive device that controls the staple operation execution time to be close to the maximum allowable time in preference to the reduction of the above.

The stapler driving method according to claim 7 stores the maximum allowable time allowed to be spent for one staple operation,
Actually spent on the execution of the stapling operation in a stapler that includes a motor and that performs the stapling operation to insert and fold the staples into a bundle of a plurality of stacked recording media by the driving force of the rotation of the motor. A first process of measuring execution time;
When the next stapling operation is executed, it is predicted that the time required for the next stapling operation to be performed toward the motor will be closer to the maximum allowable time than the actual execution time actually used for the current stapling operation. This is a stapler drive method that alternately repeats the second process of supplying electric power.

Further, the stapler control program according to claim 8 includes a motor, and a stapler motor that executes a stapling operation of inserting and bending a staple needle into a bundle of a plurality of stacked recording media by a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor. A program for a stapler drive device, comprising: a power supply unit that supplies power; a storage unit that stores an allowable longest time allowed to be executed for one stapling operation; and a program execution unit that executes the program It is executed by the execution unit and the stapler drive device
A measurement unit that measures the actual execution time actually spent performing the stapling operation;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required for executing the next stapling operation is allowed to the power supply unit to the motor more than the actual execution time of the current stapling operation. It is a stapler control program that constructs an operation time control unit that supplies power predicted to approach the longest time.

Furthermore, the post-processing device according to claim 9 comprises:
A bundle forming unit that receives a recording medium from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium, and forms a bundle by stacking a plurality of the recording media;
A stapler that includes a motor and performs a stapling operation that inserts and staples staples into the bundle with a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
A power supply unit for supplying power to the motor of the stapler;
A storage unit for storing a maximum allowable time allowed to be spent for one staple operation;
A measurement unit that measures the actual execution time actually spent performing the stapling operation;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required for executing the next stapling operation is allowed to the power supply unit to the motor more than the actual execution time of the current stapling operation. The post-processing device includes an operation time control unit that supplies power predicted to approach the longest time.

Furthermore, an image forming apparatus according to claim 10 is provided.
An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium;
A bundle forming unit that receives a recording medium from the image forming unit and forms a bundle by stacking a plurality of the recording media;
A stapler that includes a motor and performs a stapling operation that inserts and staples staples into the bundle with a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
A power supply unit for supplying power to the motor of the stapler;
A storage unit for storing a maximum allowable time allowed to be spent for one staple operation;
A measurement unit that measures the actual execution time actually spent performing the stapling operation;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required for executing the next stapling operation is allowed to the power supply unit to the motor more than the actual execution time of the current stapling operation. The image forming apparatus includes an operation time control unit that supplies power predicted to approach the longest time.

  According to the stapler driving device of the first aspect, the operation noise is suppressed while securing the productivity of the stapling operation.

  According to the stapler driving device of the second aspect, the control of the power supplied to the DC motor is performed accurately and easily.

  According to the stapler driving device of the third aspect, the operation sound suppression control is performed in accordance with each process while securing the productivity of the staple operation.

  According to the stapler driving device of the fourth aspect, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of the stapling operation failure due to the insufficient driving force of the motor.

  According to the stapler driving device of the fifth aspect, similarly to the third aspect, the operation sound suppression control is performed in accordance with each process while ensuring the productivity of the staple operation.

  According to the stapler driving device of the sixth aspect, similar to the fourth aspect, the occurrence of a stapling operation failure due to insufficient driving force of the motor can be suppressed.

  According to the stapler driving method of the seventh aspect, similarly to the first aspect, the operation noise is suppressed while ensuring the productivity of the staple operation.

  According to the stapler control program of the eighth aspect, similarly to the first aspect, the operation sound is suppressed while ensuring the productivity of the staple operation.

  According to the post-processing apparatus of the ninth aspect, the operation noise is suppressed while ensuring the productivity of the post-processing including the stapling operation.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth aspect, the operation sound is suppressed while ensuring the productivity of the processing including the image formation and the stapling operation.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a print system. It is operation | movement explanatory drawing of the mechanism around the stapler of the post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. It is a perspective view which shows the guide member in which two rails were formed. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system in which a copying machine and a post-processing apparatus are connected. It is the schematic diagram which showed the driving force transmission mechanism and sensor of a stapler. It is explanatory drawing of the operation mechanism of the pressing member with which the stapler was equipped. It is the figure which showed the positional relationship of a light-shielding plate and HP sensor. It is the figure which showed the shape of the staple. It is a top view which shows the state by which the needle plate was abutted by the needle stopper. FIG. 6 is a side view showing a state in which the staple needle is abutted against the needle stopper. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 1st step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 2nd step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 3rd step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 4th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 5th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 5th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 6th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 7th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 8th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of the member in the 9th step of the staple operation by a stapler. It is the figure which showed the operation | movement sound waveform in each process which comprises a series of staple operations. It is a block diagram of the control circuit which bears the operation control of the stapler in the post-processing device. It is a control conceptual diagram. It is a figure which shows the permissible longest time tset permitted for one stapling operation. It is a figure which shows the initial duty for every process. It is a figure which shows the recommended range of the duty for each process. It is a figure which shows the work table constructed | assembled in RAM352. It is a flowchart of a stapler control program. It is a figure which shows the table by which the allowable time range for every group of A / B / C and every process was recorded.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system.

  The printing system 1A shown in FIG. 1 includes a printer 10, a paper transport device 20, and a post-processing device 30.

  The printer 10 is an electrophotographic printer that receives an image signal from a host device (not shown) and forms an image based on the image signal on a sheet. An outline will be described.

  The printer 10 is provided with four paper storage units 111. Each paper storage unit 111 stores paper PP having a different paper type, size, and orientation (portrait and landscape). . Information on the paper type, size, and orientation of the paper stored in each paper storage unit 111 is set in advance and stored in the main body control unit 120. When a print command is received from the host device, the paper PP is taken out by the take-out roll 112 from the paper storage unit 111 that stores the paper corresponding to the command, and the taken-out paper PP is supplied by the supply roll 113 and the transport roll 114. The leading edge of the paper is conveyed to the adjustment roll 115.

  On the other hand, the exposure device 121 exposes each photoconductor 122 arranged for each color of C, M, Y, and K, and forms an electrostatic latent image on each photoconductor 122. The electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductor 122 is developed with each color toner by a developing device (not shown) to form a toner image, and each color toner image is stretched by a tension roll 124 by the action of the transfer roll 125. The toner images of the respective colors are transferred so as to overlap each other on the intermediate transfer belt 123 that circulates in the direction of the arrow A in a suspended state.

  The paper PP having the leading end reaching the adjustment roll 115 is sent to the secondary transfer position T in accordance with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 123 and the time, and the secondary transfer roll 116 acts on the intermediate transfer belt 123. The toner image is transferred to the paper PP. The paper PP that has received the transfer of the toner image is further conveyed, heated and pressurized by the fixing roll 117, and the toner image on the paper is fixed to the paper PP, and a fixed image is formed on the paper PP. The fixed sheet PP is further conveyed by the conveyance roll 118, and is discharged onto the sheet discharge table 119 of the printer 10 when the sheet conveying apparatus 20 is not present.

  In this printing system 1A, since the paper transport device 20 is installed on the paper discharge table 119, the paper PP discharged from the printer 10 is inherited by the paper transport device 20, and the transport roll in the paper transport device 20 is used. 21 is further transported by the post-processing apparatus 30. The post-processing measure 30 will be described later.

A command for each job is input to the printer 10 from the host device. Specifically, as an example, when the image signal for 10 sheets and the paper on which the image based on each image signal is formed are 1 to 10 pages, the paper of 1 to 10 pages is regarded as one sheet bundle, An instruction is issued such that ten sheets of paper bundles are created by binding with a staple needle for each paper bundle. For example, in the case of this example, a paper storage unit 11 that stores paper according to the dimensions of the image and the like.
The paper PP is sequentially taken out from 1, and the first page image, the second page image,..., The tenth page image, the first page image, the second page image, ..., A total of 10 bundles (100 sheets of paper) are sequentially printed in the order of the 10th page image. The printed paper is sequentially sent to the post-processing device 30 via the paper transport device 20.

  The post-processing device 30 includes a puncher 31 and a stapler 32, and a sheet processing control unit 35 that controls operation of the puncher 31 and communication with the printer 10. The paper taken into the post-processing device 30 is transported by the transport roll 131, and when it is instructed to form punch holes at the edges of the paper, the puncher 31 is activated, and the paper with punch holes is further formed. The paper is conveyed and discharged onto the paper tray 136. The paper tray 136 is movable up and down between a position indicated by a solid line and a position indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1, and descends in accordance with the total thickness of the sheets sequentially stacked on the paper tray 136.

  When the stapler 32 provided in the post-processing device 30 is instructed to bind the sheet bundle, the stapling operation by the stapler 32 is executed as follows.

  FIG. 2 is an operation explanatory view of a mechanism around the stapler of the post-processing device 30 shown in FIG.

  Here, a fixed plate 137 on which a sheet is placed and a movable plate 135 that can move forward and backward in the direction of arrow XX ′ are provided. In FIG. 2, the movable plate 135 has advanced in the direction of the arrow X. Further, here, a paper discharge roll 132 and a counter roll 133 are provided. The paper discharge roll 132 is movable up and down in the direction of arrow YY ′ shown in FIG. When the paper discharge roll 132 is lowered, the paper is sandwiched between the paper discharge roll 132 and the opposing roll 133, and is rotated to discharge the paper onto the paper tray 136 shown in FIG. Here, the paper discharge roll 132 is in a position raised in the arrow Y direction. Further, a paddle 134 and a lateral support plate 139 are provided here. The paddle 134 rotates in the direction of arrow B and plays a role of pushing the paper toward the stapler 32 side. The sheet pushed toward the stapler 32 is abutted against the abutting wall 138. Further, the lateral support plate 139 receives the contact of the paper struck in the horizontal direction by a striking plate (not shown) disposed so as to sandwich the paper from the left and right sides of the lateral support plate 139, and the paper It plays a role to align the horizontal position of.

  The paper that has passed through the arrangement area of the puncher 31 shown in FIG. 1 proceeds along the paper conveyance path P1 shown in FIG. At this time, the paper discharge roll 132 is in a position raised in the arrow Y direction, and the movable plate 135 is in the state of being advanced in the arrow X direction. The paper that has traveled along the paper transport path P1 is placed across the fixed plate 137 and the movable plate 135, and is abutted against the abutting wall 138 by the paddle 134 and at the same time the horizontal receiving plate 139 by a striking plate (not shown). In this way, positioning is performed both vertically and horizontally. The above operation is repeated while the number of sheets forming one sheet bundle (10 sheets in the above example) is sent, so that a plurality of sheets forming one sheet bundle are vertically and horizontally positioned. Are stacked together. The plurality of stacked sheets are bound by a stapler 32 into one sheet bundle. A staple 33 having two protrusions 331 is attached to the stapler 32, and the two protrusions 331 of the legs 33 are provided on the guide member 34 and extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Each of the rails 342 enters a groove 341 formed in the rail 342. The stapler 32 is guided by the two rails 342 and is movable in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. Therefore, when the bundle of sheets is bound by the stapler 32, the sheet bundle is guided by the rail 342 and moved, for example, at a designated portion of the bundle of sheets such as two places near the center or one corner.

  The stapling operation itself by the stapler 32 will be described later.

  In synchronism with the binding of the sheet bundle by the stapler 32, the sheet discharge roll 132 descends in the direction of the arrow Y ′ and the sheet bundle is sandwiched between the opposing roll 133, and the movable plate 135 moves in the direction of the arrow X ′. Retreat to. When the binding operation to the sheet bundle is completed, the sheet bundle is discharged onto the sheet receiving plate 136 by the rotation of the sheet discharge roll 132.

  While the above binding operation is being performed, adjustment between the printer 10 and the post-processing device 30 prevents the next sheet from being further conveyed from the printer 10 (see FIG. 1). The printing operation is interrupted. If the interruption time is long, the productivity of printing and sheet bundles will be reduced. For this reason, it is desired to increase the speed of the stapling operation, but if the speed of the stapling operation is increased, a loud operation sound is generated.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, control is performed to suppress both the decrease in productivity and the generation of operation sound with a good balance. This control method will be described later.

  FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a guide member on which two rails are formed.

  Grooves 341 are respectively formed in the two rails 342 of the guide member 34, and the protrusion 331 of the foot 33 shown in FIG. 2 enters the groove 341 to guide the movement of the stapler 32. These rails 342 as a whole extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 2 but have curved shapes near both ends. This is because when corners of the sheet bundle are bound, corners of the sheet are bound obliquely with respect to the sheet.

  Here, the post-processing device 30 described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3 can be connected not only to the printer having the form shown in FIG. 1 but also to another form of printer. Here, a copier including a configuration of another form of printer will be described.

  FIG. 4 is an overall configuration diagram of a printing system in which a copying machine and a post-processing apparatus are connected.

  The print system 1B is composed of a copying machine 40 and a post-processing device 30. The post-processing device 30 is the same as the post-processing device 30 shown in FIG. 1, and here, the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG.

  The copying machine 40 shown in FIG. 4 includes an image reading unit 41, an operation panel 42, and an image forming unit 43.

  The image reading unit 41 includes a transparent document table 411 that reads a document image, and a main body unit 412 that accommodates an optical scanning system including a lamp, a mirror, and the like (not shown). A document is placed on document platen 411 so that the document image is in contact with document platen 411. The document image is read by scanning with an optical scanning system, and an image signal representing the document image is generated. The generated image signal is stored in a memory in the main body control unit 450.

  The operation panel 42 accepts user operations. Here, various operations such as various settings, image reading and image formation start instructions are performed. Various instructions on the operation panel 42 are also stored in the main body control unit 450.

  The image forming unit 43 is an electrophotographic printer that forms an image on a sheet based on the image signal stored in the main body control unit 450.

The image forming unit 43 is provided with three paper storage units 431. Each paper storage unit 431 stores paper PP having a different paper type, size, and orientation (vertical placement, horizontal placement). ing. Information on the paper type, dimensions, and orientation of the paper stored in the paper storage unit 431 is set in advance by operating the operation panel 42 and stored in the main body control unit 450. When a print command is received from the operation panel 42, the paper PP is taken out by the take-out roll 432 from the paper storage unit 431 in which the paper corresponding to the command is stored, and the taken-out paper PP is supplied to the supply roll 433 and the transport roll 434. Is conveyed along the sheet conveyance path R1, and the leading edge of the sheet reaches the adjustment roll 435.

  On the other hand, the exposure device 435 exposes each photoconductor 436 arranged for each color of C, M, Y, and K, and forms an electrostatic latent image on each photoconductor 436. The electrostatic latent image formed on each photoconductor 436 is developed with each color toner by a developing device (not shown) to form a toner image, and each color toner image is stretched by a tension roll 438 by the action of the transfer roll 437. The toner images of the respective colors are transferred so as to overlap each other on the intermediate transfer belt 439 that circulates in the direction of the arrow A in a suspended state.

  The paper PP having the leading end reaching the adjustment roll 435 is sent to the secondary transfer position T in accordance with the toner image on the intermediate transfer belt 439, and the secondary transfer roll 440 acts on the intermediate transfer belt 439. The toner image is transferred to the paper PP. The paper PP to which the toner image has been transferred is further transported by the transport belt 441, and the toner image on the paper is fixed to the paper PP by being heated and pressed by the fixing device 442 by the roll 442a and the belt 442b. A fixed image is formed on the PP. In the case of single-sided printing, the fixed sheet PP proceeds along the sheet conveyance path R2, the sheet correction unit 435 corrects the curve of the sheet, is further conveyed, and is discharged from the copying machine 40. The paper discharged from the copying machine 40 is passed on to the post-processing device 30 connected to the subsequent stage.

  When printing on both sides of the paper is designated, the paper after the image on the first side fixed by the fixing device 442 is conveyed along the paper conveyance path R3, and further reaches the paper conveyance path R4. Thereafter, the transport direction is reversed, and this time, the paper travels along the paper transport path R5 and further travels along the paper transport path R1. At this time, the paper is taken out of the paper storage unit 431 and is reversed from the front and back when the paper travels on the paper transport path R1. An image is formed on the second surface of the paper that has advanced to the paper conveyance paths R5 and R1 in the same manner as described above, and is discharged from the copier 40 through the paper conveyance path R2, and is then sent to the post-processing device 30. inherited.

  In this copying machine 40, designation is performed in units of one job by operating the operation panel 42. Specifically, as an example, an instruction is input to create 10 bundles of copy images in which 10 image images sequentially read by the image reading unit 41 are 1 to 10 pages. For example, in the case of this example, the paper PP is sequentially taken out from the paper storage unit 431 in which the paper according to the dimensions of the image is stored, and the first page image and the second page are taken out to each paper 3 taken out in order. , ..., 10th page image, 1st page image, 2nd page image, ..., 10th page image in total in the order of 10 bundles (100 sheets). It is done sequentially. However, one-sided printing is described here as an example. The printed sheets are sequentially sent to the post-processing device 30.

  The main body control unit 450 is responsible for storing image signals, storing commands by operating the operation panel 42, controlling the entire copying machine 40, and communicating with the post-processing device 30. The main body control unit 450 is also responsible for adjustments in operation with the post-processing device 30.

  The copier 40 can also receive an image signal in place of image reading by the image reading unit 41 and a command in place of operation of the operation panel 42 from the host device. In this case, an image is formed on the sheet in accordance with a command from the host device. The main body controller 450 is also responsible for communication with the host device.

  Here, the printer 10 shown in FIG. 1 and the copier 40 shown in FIG. 4 are shown as devices to which the post-processing device 30 is connected. However, the post-processing device 30 is not limited to the printer 10 or the copier 40, and The present invention is not limited to the electrophotographic method, and may be configured to be connectable to a printer of another print method such as an ink jet printer.

  Next, the operation of the stapler itself will be described.

  FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a driving force transmission mechanism and a sensor of the stapler.

  The stapler 32 has a pressing member 328. The stapler 32 is provided with a DC motor 321. When the DC motor 321 rotates, the presser member 328 rotates in the direction of arrow DD ′.

  The driving force transmission mechanism from the DC motor 321 to the presser member 328 is as follows. When the DC motor 321 rotates, the driving force is transmitted in the order of the gear 322, the relay gear 323, and the driving gear 324, and the driving shaft 325 rotates. After the description of FIGS. 6 and 7, the description will return to FIG. 5 again.

  FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of an operation mechanism of a pressing member provided in the stapler.

  The presser member 328 moves up and down between an upper position shown in FIG. 6A and a lower position shown in FIG. 6B by rotating around the rotation center 328a. Here, a drive cam 326 is attached to the drive shaft 325, and the presser member 328 moves up and down via a relay cam 327 that rotates about a rotation center 327a. When the drive shaft 325 rotates once, the presser member reciprocates once, and one stapling operation ends.

  Further, the light shielding plate 51 is attached to the drive shaft 325 at a position different from the drive cam 326 in the axial direction (direction perpendicular to the paper surface of FIG. 6). The light shielding plate 51 is fixed to the drive shaft 325 and rotates by the same rotation angle at the same speed in synchronization with the rotation of the drive cam 326. An HP (home position) sensor 52 is provided in the vicinity of the light shielding plate 51.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the positional relationship between the light shielding plate and the HP sensor.

  The HP sensor 52 is a photoelectric sensor that projects and receives light, and is fixed at a position where the rotating light-shielding plate 51 passes so as to block light projection and reception by the HP sensor 52. The HP sensor 52 outputs an L level signal while the light shielding plate 51 is passing, and outputs an H level signal when the light shielding plate 51 is separated from the HP sensor 52. Since the light shielding plate 51 rotates together with the rotation of the drive shaft 325, the rotation position of the drive shaft 325 is detected by the HP sensor 52. Here, this sensor is used to detect the initial position of the drive shaft 325.

  After the electric power is supplied to the DC motor 321 and the stapler 32 starts the stapling operation, the HP sensor 52 indicates that the drive shaft 325 rotates once and returns to the initial position even after a certain threshold time (for example, 500 msec) elapses. If it is not detected in step (3), it is considered that the stapling operation is defective, the rotation of the DC motor 321 is stopped, and the DC motor 321 is reversed. When the DC motor 321 is reversed, the HP sensor 52 monitors whether the drive shaft 325 returns to the initial position within a certain threshold time (for example, 200 msec). Although the processing contents differ depending on whether or not the HP sensor 52 detects that the drive shaft 325 has returned to the initial position within the threshold time due to the reverse rotation of the DC motor 321, error processing is performed in either case.

  Returning to FIG. 5, various sensors provided in the stapler 32 will be described.

  The stapler 32 is provided with a sensor 53 and a sensor 54 in addition to the HP sensor 52. The sensor 53 is a sensor that detects whether or not a staple needle (described later) is in a state in which a staple operation for binding a sheet bundle can be performed. The sensor 54 is a sensor that detects that the remaining number of staples has decreased.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the shape of the staple needle.

  The staple needle 61 has a linear shape, and as shown in FIG. 8A, the linear staple needles 61 are arranged in a single plate shape and bonded so that they do not easily fall apart. 60 is formed. Here, as for the staple needle 61 in use, only the leading two staple needles 61 a and 61 b are bent in a direction in which both end portions thereof are erected at right angles from the needle plate 60.

  As shown in FIG. 8B, the left and right tip portions of the staple needle 61 are formed in a tapered shape so that the thickness becomes thinner toward the tip, facilitating insertion into the sheet bundle.

  FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a state in which the needle plate is abutted against the needle stopper. The staple stopper 62 has a first stopper 62a against which both ends of the linear staple needle 61 before being bent are abutted, and a leading staple needle 61a among the two staple needles 61a and 61b which are bent. And a second stopper 62b to be applied. A guide member 63 is placed on the needle plate 60. The leading end portion of the guide member 63 has a size that enters the inside of the two staple needles 61a and 61b that are bent.

  FIG. 10 is a side view showing a state in which the staple needle is abutted against the needle stopper.

  The guide member 63 is formed with an inclined surface 63a so as to cover the upper part of the bent staple needle 61a and expose the lower part. The guide member 63 is urged in the direction of arrow E shown in FIG.

  The stapler 32 further includes a needle push-up member 71 having a thickness substantially the same as the width of one staple needle 61 and a needle bending member 72 having a similar thickness. The needle push-up member 71 is disposed immediately below the folded leading staple needle 61a, and the needle bending member 72 is disposed directly below the third staple needle 61 from the leading end, that is, directly below the leading staple needle that has not yet been folded. Has been.

  When the DC motor 321 (see FIG. 5) provided in the stapler 32 rotates and the drive shaft 325 rotates, the needle push-up member 71 pushes up the staple needle 61a at the tip in the arrow G direction and inserts it into a sheet bundle (not shown). At the time of this push-up, the guide member 63 is pushed back by the thickness of one staple needle 61 in the direction of arrow F shown in FIG. 10B against the spring bias. Then, by the needle bending member 72 that has been raised following the staple pushed up by the needle push-up member 71, the leading staple needle that has not been bent is bent with the leading end portion of the guide member 63 as a guide. The needle push-up member 71 and the needle bending member 72 are lowered to the initial position shown in FIG. 10A when the binding operation for one bundle of sheets by the staple needle 61a pushed up by the needle push-up member 71 is completed.

  FIG. 11 to FIG. 20 are diagrams illustrating the operation of the member in each step of the staple operation by the stapler. As described above, the stapler 32 is provided with the DC motor 321 (see FIG. 5), and the drive shaft 325 is rotated by the rotation of the DC motor 321. The rotation of the drive shaft 325 causes each of the operations related to the stapling operation. The members operate in coordination.

  FIG. 11 shows an initial state immediately after the needle plate 60 is loaded on the stapler. A plurality of needle plates 60 are accommodated in a stacked manner. Here, in addition to the needle stopper 62, the needle push-up member 71, the needle bending member 72, which are composed of the first stopper 62a and the second stopper 62b described with reference to FIGS. 73 is shown. The leaf spring 73 plays a role of feeding the lowermost needle plate 60a of the stacked needle plates 60 to the needle stopper 62 side. Also shown here are a needle bending member 74, a presser member 75, and an upper member 76, which are components constituting the presser member 328 shown in FIG. The needle folding member 74 plays a role of bending both ends of the staple needle penetrating the paper bundle and pressing them against the paper bundle, and the presser member 75 plays a role of pressing the needle folding member 74 from above. ing. The upper member 76 plays a role of pressing the sheet bundle from above.

  FIG. 12 shows the next step in the state shown in FIG.

  Here, the lowermost needle plate 60a is pushed and moved in the direction of arrow H by the leaf spring 73, both ends of the tip of the needle plate 60a are abutted against the first stopper 62a, and the upper member 76 is further bent. The member 74 and the presser member 75 are moved downward in the direction of arrow I while remaining on the top. The upper member 76 is formed with a groove 761 into which the needle bending member 74 is inserted. The lower part of the upper member 76 causes the needle bending member 74 to move relative to the upper member 76 so that the groove 761 is formed. It appears.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the needle push-up member 71 rises in the direction of arrow J. At this stage, there is no staple needle 61a (see FIG. 9) abutted against the second stopper 62b. Therefore, the needle push-up member 71 is idle. As the needle push-up member 71 is raised, the needle bending member 72 is also raised, and both ends of the leading staple needle 61 abutted against the first stopper 62a are bent at right angles to the needle plate 60a. At this time, the leaf spring 73 continues to urge the needle plate 60a in the arrow H direction.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 14, the presser member 75 is lowered in the direction of the arrow K, and the needle folding member 74 is pushed into the groove 761. At this stage, there is no staple needle, and the punching is performed. The leaf spring 73 once moves backward.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 15, the upper member 76 rises in the arrow L direction together with the needle bending member 74 and the pressing member 75, and the needle pushing up member 71 and the needle bending member 72 are lowered in the arrow M direction. The staple plate 61a is pushed by the leaf spring 73 and the first staple needle 61a that is bent rubs through the first stopper 62a, and the second staple needle 61b that is not yet bent from the first is the first staple needle 61b. The state is abutted against the stopper 62a.

  Next, when the steps of FIGS. 13 to 15 are repeated again, the leading two staple needles 61a and 61b are bent this time, and the leading staple needle 61a becomes the second stopper 62b as shown in FIG. It will be in a state of being hit.

  The sensor 53 shown in FIG. 5 is a sensor that detects that the leading staple needle 61a of the needle plate 60a bent as described above is in contact with the second stopper 62b. When this state is detected by the sensor 53, the actual stapling operation for binding the sheet bundle can be executed.

Here, the idle driving operation shown in FIGS. 13 to 15 is repeated up to 13 times. This is because the feeding of the needle plate 60a by the leaf spring 73 may fail. If the sensor 53 does not detect the presence of the leading staple 61a even after repeating the steps of FIGS. 13 to 13 13 times, error processing is executed.

  FIG. 16 shows a state at the start of actual stapling operation.

  Here, the leading two staple needles 61a and 61b of the needle plate 60a are bent, and the leading staple needle 61a is abutted against the second stopper 62b. FIG. 16 also shows a sheet bundle PS scheduled to be stapled.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 17, the leaf spring 73 pushes the needle plate 60a in the arrow N direction to push the needle plate 60a against the needle stopper 62, and the upper member 76 descends in the arrow O direction to raise the sheet bundle PS. It can be pressed from. At this time, a groove 761 is formed.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 18, the needle push-up member 71 rises in the direction of the arrow P, and the sheet bundle PS is penetrated by the leading staple needle 61a. The needle bending member 72 is also raised, and the both side portions of the two adjacent straight leading staple needles 61 are bent upward.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 19, the presser member 75 is lowered in the direction of the arrow Q, the needle bending member 74 is pushed into the groove 761, and both ends of the staple needle 61a are bent inward. The groove 761 is formed slightly obliquely so that both ends of the staple needle 61a bent inward do not collide with each other.

  Next, as shown in FIG. 20, the upper member 76 rises in the direction of arrow R, and accordingly, the needle folding member 74 and the presser member 75 also rise together with the upper member 76. In addition, the needle push-up member 71 and the needle bending member 72 are lowered in the arrow S direction. The needle plate 60a is pushed by the leaf spring 73, and the next leading staple is abutted against the second stopper 62b.

  Thereafter, the sheet bundle PS bound by the staple needle is discharged to the outside of the post-processing device 30 as described with reference to FIG.

  The above steps of FIGS. 16 to 20 are repeated, and the sheet bundle PS bound by the staple needle 61 is sequentially formed.

  Another sensor 54 shown in FIG. 5 is a sensor that detects that the number of remaining staples 61 has decreased as a result of consuming the staples 61 as described above. When the remaining staple needles 61 are low, a warning is given to the user.

  FIG. 21 is a diagram showing an operation sound waveform in each process constituting a series of stapling operations. FIG. 21 also shows the light shielding plate 51 and the HP sensor 52. In this figure, the rotation direction of the light shielding plate 51 is counterclockwise.

  Here, a series of stapling operations are divided into a starting step T1, a binding step T2, and a return step T3. In the present embodiment, the time length t1 of the starting process T1 is fixed at t1 = 50 msec. Further, the boundary between the binding process T2 and the return process T3 can be known from the change in the output of the HP sensor 52. Further, the end timing (that is, the initial state) of the return process T3 can be known from the output change of the HP sensor 52.

The starting process T1 is a time of 50 msec from the time when the power supply to the DC motor 321 (see FIG. 5) is started in the initial state shown in FIG. The binding process T2 is a process that continues to the state of FIG. 19 following the start process T1. The return step T3 is a step for performing the operation described with reference to FIG.

  Here, the time length of the starting step T1 is t1, the time length of the binding step T2 is t2, the time length of the returning step T3 is t3, and a series of one stapling operation from the start of the starting step T1 to the end of the returning step T3. Is expressed as t123. The total time length t1 + t2 of the starting process T1 and the binding process T2 is represented by t12.

  Below, the control algorithm for reducing the operation sound in the binding process T2 and the return process T3 will be described.

  FIG. 22 is a block diagram of a control circuit responsible for operation control of the stapler in the post-processing apparatus.

  Here, it is assumed that the post-processing device 30 is connected to the printer 10 shown in FIG.

  Here, a CPU 351, a RAM 352, a motor driving unit 353, and an oscillator 354 are shown. These are some of the components in the sheet processing control unit 35 shown in FIG.

  Also shown here are the DC motor 321, the stapling mechanism 39 including the various mechanical elements described above, and the HP sensor 52 as components of the stapler 32.

  Various kinds of data described later stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) are transferred to the RAM 352 when the power of the post-processing device 30 is turned on, and a stapler control program operating on the CPU 351 is also loaded into the RAM 352. The CPU 351 receives information such as the type of paper (paper type) used for the current print, the number of sheets per bundle, the number of sheets bundle, and the like from the printer 10. The CPU 351 also receives the output signal of the HP sensor 52, and the CPU 351 recognizes that the stapler 32 is in the initial state and that it is at the timing of switching from the binding process T2 to the return process T3.

  In the motor drive unit 353, the pulse width modulation power with the duty instructed by the CPU 351 is generated. The oscillator 354 generates a clock signal for generating pulse width modulation power (PWM power) in the motor driving unit 353.

  Here, PWM is a technique for modulating power into a periodic pulse-like waveform. The pulse height in the modulated waveform is equal to the rated voltage of the DC motor 321. The ratio of the pulse width to the pulse period in the modulated waveform is the ratio of the effective output to the rated output. This ratio is referred to as PWM power duty (output ratio). By adjusting this duty, the effective output of PWM power is adjusted between 0 and the rated power.

  The PWM power generated by the motor drive unit 353 is supplied to the DC motor 321, and the DC motor 321 rotates with the supplied PWM power. Here, the DC motor 321 rotates at a rotational speed approximately in accordance with the duty of the PWM power supplied to the DC motor 321, but depending on the individual difference of the stapler 32, the paper type and number of sheets to be bound, and the like. It varies greatly, and the duty and the rotational speed are not necessarily in a one-to-one relationship.

  FIG. 23 is a conceptual diagram of control.

The control to be performed here is to adjust the duty for each process. The starting step T1 is a step of starting the rotation of the DC motor 321 and requires a large amount of power, and is fixed at a duty of 100% here. The time length t1 of the starting process T1 is fixed at t1 = 50 msec as described above.

  In the next binding step T2, the duty is adjusted and the operation noise is suppressed. When the duty is lowered, the rotational speed of the DC motor 321 is reduced, but not only the rotational speed is lowered but also the driving force is lowered. If this is excessively reduced, the stapling operation may not be performed normally and a binding failure may occur. Therefore, in this binding process T2, a minimum duty to be secured is determined.

  The duty is also adjusted in the next return step T3. Even in this return step T3, if the driving force decreases too much, the return operation may become defective, and a duty to be secured at a minimum is determined. In addition, the maximum allowable time t123 required for a series of stapling operations including the starting step T1, the binding step T2, and the return step T3 is determined. This is because if the series of stapling operations takes too much time, the productivity of stapling operations may become a problem.

  Here, it has been found that slowing the operation speed of the binding step T2 greatly contributes to the reduction of the operation sound, and therefore, here, the range in which the minimum duty in the binding step T2 is not reduced, and the entire staple operation. The operating speed of the binding process T2 is slowed within a range that does not exceed the allowable maximum time, and if there is a margin, the operating speed of the returning process T3 is reduced, and this also lowers the minimum duty in the returning process T3. In addition, control is performed such that the time required for the entire stapling operation is loosened within a range not exceeding the allowable maximum time.

  When the duty is changed as shown by a solid line in FIG. 23, the actual rotational speed of the DC motor 321 follows the change of the duty with a time delay or the like as shown by a broken line here.

  FIG. 24 is a diagram showing the maximum allowable time tset allowed for one stapling operation.

  In the case of the printing system 1A shown in FIG. 1, the sheet conveyance speed is selected from two types of 35 cpm and 55 cpm. Here, the maximum allowable time tset at 35 cpm is 450 msec and 55 cpm. The allowable maximum time tset = 350 msec is defined. Hereinafter, a case where the paper conveyance speed is 35 cpm will be described.

  The information shown in FIG. 24 is stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown), and is loaded into the RAM 352 shown in FIG. 22 prior to the operation.

  FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating an initial duty for each process.

  Here, it is divided into three groups of A group, B group, and C group according to the paper type and the number of sheets to be bound.

  As shown in FIG. 22, information on the paper type of the paper used for the current print, the number of sheets per bundle and the number of bundles is input from the printer 10. One of the groups A, B, and C is employed using information on the number of sheets per page. D1, d2, and d3 shown in FIG. 25 represent the duty of the starting process T1, the binding process T2, and the return process T3, respectively.

  The information shown in FIG. 25 is also stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown), and is loaded into the RAM 352 shown in FIG. 22 prior to the operation.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a recommended range of duty for each process.

  Here, three groups of A group, B group, and C group are defined.

  The starting process T1 is fixed at a duty of 100%. In the binding process T2 and the return process T3, the recommended range of the duty has an upper limit and a lower limit. The lower limit is a value that must be observed because a malfunction may occur if the duty is reduced below this value. The upper limit is a value that is desirably kept below this value to reduce the operation sound. In this embodiment, as shown in a flowchart described later, even if this upper limit value is set, the maximum allowable maximum of one stapling operation is performed. When the time is exceeded, the operation sound reduction is given up and priority is given to reliable operation and productivity, and a duty of 100% is adopted.

  The information shown in FIG. 26 is also stored in a nonvolatile memory (not shown) and loaded into the RAM 352 prior to the operation.

  FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a work table constructed in the RAM 352.

  Here, the explanation will be given by taking the A group as an example.

  The column “start-up step T1” is a column in which the time of the start-up step T1 is entered, and is fixed at 50 msec here.

  Each column of the “binding step T2” and the “returning step T3” is an actual measurement value of the time required for this execution of the binding step T2 and the returning step T3. Here, as an example, it is recorded that 300 msec is required in the binding step T2, and 75 msec is required in the return step T3.

  In the column of actual measurement t123r, actual measurement values (here, 50 + 300 + 75 = 425 msec) of the entire staple operation are recorded.

  The margin time tf column is a value (here, the value recorded in the actual measurement t123r from the maximum allowable time of one stapling operation (here, the maximum allowable time tset = 450 msec corresponding to the sheet conveyance speed 35 cpm shown in FIG. 24). A value obtained by subtracting (425 msec) (here, tf = 25 msec) is entered.

  In the column of prediction t123c, a predicted value of one stapling operation time in a stapler having a typical operation speed is entered, and in the column of initial margin tm, the value of prediction t123c from the allowable maximum time tset = 450 msec is entered. The deducted value is entered. In FIG. 27, regarding the group A, the prediction t123c = 420 msec and the initial margin tm = 30 msec. In the example shown in FIG. 27, it is shown that the actual measurement t123r takes an extra 5 msec as compared with the prediction t123c. .

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart of the stapler control program. This stapler control program is also stored in a non-illustrated non-volatile memory, loaded into the RAM 352 shown in FIG. 22 prior to operation, and executed by the CPU 351.

  Here, first, a job type is selected (step S01). That is, here, it is determined which of the A group, the B group, and the C group shown in FIG. Here, the description will be made assuming that the group A.

  Next, the initial stapling operation is executed with the initial duty shown in FIG. 25 (step S02), the actual operation time t2 of the binding process T2 and the actual operation time t3 of the return process T3 are measured, and the margin time tf is calculated (step). S03). These measured values and calculated values are recorded in the work table of FIG.

Next, it is determined whether or not the calculated margin time tf is 0 ≦ tf (step S04). When 0 ≦ tf, the process proceeds to step S11, and the duty d2 of the binding process T2 of the table shown in FIG. 25 is d2 = (d2 present condition * t2) / (t2 + tf) (1)
To be rewritten. When the stapling operation is executed with the duty shown in FIG. 25 and the numerical values shown in FIG. 27 are obtained, the expression (1) is
d2 = (65 * 300) / (300 + 25) = 60 (2)
It becomes. This means that the duty d2 of the binding process T2 of the group A in FIG. 25 is rewritten from d2 current = 65% to d2 = 60%. In other words, since there is a margin of tf = 25 msec at d2 current state = 65%, it means that the duty of the binding step T2 is lowered from 65% to 60% in the next stapling operation.

  Next, it is determined whether d2 calculated in step S11 is larger than the lower limit d2min of the duty of the binding process T2 (whether d2min <d2) (step S12). Here, d2min is the lower limit value d2min = 50% in the duty range 50 to 70 of the binding process T2 of the group A shown in FIG.

  When d2min <d2, the process proceeds to step S13 to determine whether or not there is a next sheet bundle in the current job. If it is not in the next sheet bundle, the process ends. When the next sheet bundle exists, the next stapling operation is driven by the duty table (see FIG. 25) rewritten as described above (step S14), and the actual operation time t2 and return of the binding step T2. The actual operation time t3 of the process T3 is measured, and the margin time tf is calculated using those measured values (step S15). These measured values and calculated values are recorded each time in the work table of FIG.

  Next, it is determined whether or not 0 ≦ tf (step S16). If 0 ≦ tf, the process returns to step S11, and a new d2 is calculated and the work table shown in FIG. 25 is rewritten according to the above-described equation (1).

  If it is determined in step S16 that tf <0, the process proceeds to step S17, the value of d2 is increased by 2%, and the value of d2 in FIG. 25 is rewritten. Further, it is determined whether or not the value of d2 calculated in step S17 is d2 ≦ d2max (step S18). If d2 ≦ dmax, the process returns to step S13. When d2max <d2, the process proceeds to step S41. The description of each step after step S41 will be given later.

  Here, d2max is the maximum value d2max = 70% in the range 50 to 70 of the duty d2 of the binding process T2 of the group A in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S12 that the duty d2 calculated in step S11 is d2 ≦ d2min, the process proceeds to step S21.

  In step S21, it is determined whether d2min = d2. When d2 <d2min, the process proceeds to step S22, d2 = d2min, that is, the lower limit is fixed, and the process returns to step S13.

On the other hand, when d2 = d2min, the process proceeds to step S23.
d3 = (d3 current state * t3) / (t3 + tf) (3)
Thus, the new duty d3 of the return process T3 is calculated, and the table shown in FIG. 25 is rewritten.

When the duty 50% of the return step T3 of the A group shown in FIG. 25 is d3 current and the numerical value shown in FIG. 27 is obtained, the equation (3) is
d3 = (50 * 75) / (75 + 25) = 37.5 (%)
It becomes.

  Next, in step S24, it is determined whether or not d3min ≦ d3. When d3 <d3min, the process proceeds to step S25, where d3 = d3min, that is, the lower limit is fixed. The table shown in FIG. 25 is rewritten by this value d3 = d3min.

  Here, d3min is the minimum value d3min = 20% within the duty range of 20 to 60 in the return step T3 of the A group shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S24 that dmin ≦ d3, the process proceeds to step S26 to determine whether or not the next sheet bundle exists in the current job. Thus, the process shown in this flowchart ends. When the next sheet bundle exists, the next stapling operation is executed according to the duty table (see FIG. 25) rewritten as described above (step S27). The actual operation time t2 of the binding process T2 and the actual operation time t3 of the return process T3 are measured, and the margin time tf is calculated using those measured values (step S28). These measured values and calculated values are recorded in the work table of FIG. 27 each time.

  Next, it is determined whether or not 0 ≦ tf (step S29). If 0 ≦ tf, the process returns to step S23, a new d3 is calculated according to the above-described equation (3), and the work table in FIG. 25 is rewritten. It is.

  When it is determined in step S29 that tf <0, the process proceeds to step S30, where the value of d3 is increased by 2%, and the value of d3 in FIG. 25 is rewritten.

  Further, it is determined whether or not d3 increased in step S30 is d3 ≦ d3max (step S31). If d3 ≦ d3max, the process returns to step S27. When d3max <d3, the process returns to step S17, and the value of d2 is also increased by 2%.

  Here, d3max is the maximum value d3max = 60% of the duty widths 20 to 60 in the return step T3 of the A group shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S04 that tf is tf <0, or if it is determined in step S18 that d2max <d2, the process proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the columns d2 and d3 in the A group of the duty table shown in FIG. 25 are rewritten to the upper limit values d2max and d3max of the duty, respectively.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a next sheet bundle in the current job. If there is a next sheet bundle, the process ends. If there is a next sheet bundle, the sheet bundle is rewritten to d2max and d3max in step S41. A stapling operation is performed according to the duty table (step S43), t2 and t3 at that time are measured, and a margin time tf is calculated (step S4).
4). These measured values and calculated values are recorded in the work table of FIG. In step S45, it is determined whether or not the margin time tf calculated in step S44 is 0 ≦ tf. When 0 ≦ tf, the process returns to step S11, and when tf <0, the process proceeds to step S46. In step S46, both the columns d2 and d3 of the A group in the duty table shown in FIG. 25 are rewritten to the duty 100%.

  When the next sheet bundle does not exist (step S47), the process is finished as it is, and when the next sheet bundle exists (step S47), the stapling operation is performed according to the duty table rewritten to d2 = d3 = 100% in step S46. (Step S48), the times t2 and t3 at that time are measured, and the margin time tf is calculated (Step S49). These measured values and calculated values are recorded in the work table.

  In step S50, it is determined whether or not the margin time tf calculated in step S49 is 0 ≦ tf. If 0 ≦ tf, the process returns to step S11. If tf <0, the maximum allowable time tset (see FIG. 24) has been exceeded even if all the steps d1 to d3 have a duty of 100%. "Stapler failure" is notified, and the operation of the printing system 1A (see FIG. 1) is stopped.

  Here, the duty table shown in FIG. 25 rewritten according to this flowchart is stored in a non-volatile memory (not shown) at the end of the current job operation or when the post-processing device 30 (see FIG. 1) is turned off. The next job is rewritten, and the stapling operation is executed with the duty recorded in the rewritten duty table as the initial duty.

  In the stapler control program shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, the duty of the next stapling operation instruction is calculated based on the measurement time and the margin time tf calculated based on the measurement time. Instead of this calculation method, for example, a constant value ( The duty may be decreased (by 2%, for example), or may be changed in proportion to the difference between the current duty and the lower limit values d2min and d3min of the duty (for example, d2 = (d2 current state + d2min) / 2). May be.

  FIG. 29 is a diagram showing a table in which an allowable time range for each group of A / B / C and for each process is recorded.

  Here, the time of the starting process T1 is fixed at t1 = 50 msec. For example, in the binding process T2 of the A group, a range of t2 = 270 to 380 msec is recorded.

  The table shown in FIG. 29 can be employed instead of the table shown in FIG. 26 that defines the upper and lower limit values of the duty.

  When the table shown in FIG. 29 is adopted instead of the table shown in FIG. 26, for example, when the binding process T2 of the A group is taken as an example, the measured value t2 of the time required for the operation of the binding process T2 is t2min = 270 msec to t2max. The duty d2 is adjusted so as to be within the range of 380 msec. The same applies to the duty d3 of the return process T3. Also, the duty d2 and d3 are controlled so that the entire length of one stapling operation is within the allowable maximum time tset shown in FIG. 24, and the condition that it is within the allowable maximum time tset is satisfied, and shown in FIG. The time t2 of the binding process T2 is set to be as long as possible within a range that satisfies the condition that the time is set for each process, as in the examples of FIGS.

  In both the embodiment employing the table of FIG. 26 and the embodiment employing the table of FIG. 29, the operation sound can be suppressed without sacrificing productivity.

1A, 1B Printing System 10 Printer 20 Paper Conveying Device 21 Conveying Roll 30 Post-Processing Device 31 Puncher 32 Stapler 33 Foot 34 Guide Member 35 Paper Processing Control Unit 39 Staple Mechanism 40 Copying Machine 41 Image Reading Unit 42 Operation Panel 43 Image Forming Unit 51 Light-shielding plate 52 HP (home position) sensor 53, 53a, 54 sensor 60, 60a Needle plate 61, 61a, 61b Staple needle 62, 62a, 62b Needle stopper 63 Guide member 71 Needle push-up member 72 Needle bending member 73 Plate spring 74 Needle bending member 75 Presser member 76 Upper member 111,431 Paper storage portion 112,432 Take-out roll 113,433 Supply roll 114,118,121,131,434 Transport roll 115,435 Adjustment roll 116,440 Two Next transfer roll 117 Fixing roll 119 Paper discharge table 120,450 Main body control unit 134 Padra 135 Movable plate 136 Paper receiving plate 137 Fixed plate 138 Abutting wall 139 Horizontal support plate 321 DC motor 322 Gear 323 Relay gear 324 Drive gear 325 Drive shaft 326 Drive cam 327 Relay cam 327a, 328a Rotation center 328 Presser member 331 Projection 341, 761 Groove 342 Rail 351 CPU
352 RAM
353 Motor drive unit 354 Oscillator PP Paper PS Paper bundle R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 Paper transport path

Claims (10)

A power supply unit that includes a motor and supplies power to the motor of the stapler that performs a stapling operation in which a staple is inserted into a bundle of a plurality of stacked recording media and bent by a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
A storage unit for storing a maximum allowable time allowed to be spent for one staple operation;
A measurement unit that measures the actual execution time actually spent performing the stapling operation;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required to execute the next stapling operation is directed to the power supply unit toward the motor, compared to the actual execution time of the current stapling operation. A stapler drive device comprising: an operation time control unit that supplies electric power that is predicted to approach the maximum allowable time. The motor is a DC motor;
2. The stapler drive device according to claim 1, wherein the power supply unit supplies the pulse-width-modulated power to the motor at an output ratio based on an instruction from the operation time control unit. . The storage unit stores the maximum allowable time and further supplies the motor for each step that defines initial power for each step when the stapling operation is divided into a plurality of steps. The allowable lower limit of adjustment of the output ratio of the pulse width modulation power is stored,
Within a range in which the operation time control unit causes the power supply unit to supply pulse width modulation power having an output ratio equal to or greater than the adjustment allowable lower limit value for each process to the motor for each process. 3. The stapler driving device according to claim 2, wherein the stapler execution time is controlled to approach the maximum allowable time. The storage unit stores the permissible maximum time, and further, the staple operation is started when the stapler is in an initial state, and the power supply to the motor is started. And adjusting the output ratio of the pulse width modulation power supplied to the motor for each step when the step of bending and binding and the return step of returning to the initial state after binding the bundle are the respective steps It stores the allowable lower limit value,
Within a range in which the operation time control unit causes the power supply unit to supply pulse width modulation power having an output ratio equal to or greater than the adjustment allowable lower limit value for each process to the motor for each process. And lowering the output ratio in the binding step is prioritized over lowering the output ratio in the return step, and controls to make the staple operation execution time closer to the allowable maximum time. The stapler driving device according to claim 3. The storage unit stores the allowable maximum time, and further permits per-process allowance for each process when the stapling operation is divided into a plurality of processes. Remember the longest time,
The operation time control unit performs control to bring the staple operation execution time closer to the allowable maximum time within a range in which the execution time of each process is equal to or less than the allowable longest time for each process. The stapler driving device according to claim 2, wherein The storage unit stores the permissible maximum time, and further, the staple operation is started when the stapler is in an initial state, and the power supply to the motor is started. For each process, when each of the processes is a folding and binding process, and a return process for returning to the initial state after binding the bundle is to be performed by each process. The maximum allowable time is memorized,
The operation time control unit returns the reduction in the power supplied to the motor in the binding process within a range where the execution time for each process is equal to or less than the maximum allowable time for each process for each process. 6. The stapler driving device according to claim 5, wherein the stapler driving time is controlled to be close to the allowable maximum time in preference to a reduction in power supplied to the motor in the process. Remember the maximum allowable time allowed for one staple operation,
Actually spent on the execution of the stapling operation in a stapler that includes a motor and that performs a stapling operation that inserts and staples staples into a bundle of a plurality of stacked recording media by a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor. A first process of measuring execution time;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required for executing the next stapling operation toward the motor is closer to the allowable maximum time than the actual actual execution time actually spent executing the current stapling operation. A stapler driving method characterized by alternately repeating the second process of supplying power that is predicted to occur. A power supply unit that includes a motor and supplies power to the motor of the stapler that performs a stapling operation in which a staple is inserted into a bundle of a plurality of stacked recording media and bent by a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor; Executed by the program execution unit of a stapler drive device including a storage unit that stores an allowable maximum time allowed to be spent for one execution of the stapling operation, and a program execution unit that executes a program, In the stapler drive device,
A measurement unit that measures the actual execution time actually spent performing the stapling operation;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required to execute the next stapling operation is directed to the power supply unit toward the motor, compared to the actual execution time of the current stapling operation. A stapler control program, comprising: an operation time control unit configured to supply power predicted to approach the maximum allowable time. A bundle forming unit that receives a recording medium from an image forming apparatus that forms an image on the recording medium, and forms a bundle by stacking a plurality of the recording media;
A stapler that includes a motor and performs a stapling operation for inserting and bending a staple into the bundle with a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
A power supply unit for supplying power to the motor of the stapler;
A storage unit for storing a maximum allowable time allowed to be spent for one staple operation;
A measurement unit that measures the actual execution time actually spent performing the stapling operation;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required to execute the next stapling operation is directed to the power supply unit toward the motor, compared to the actual execution time of the current stapling operation. An post-processing apparatus, comprising: an operation time control unit that supplies power predicted to approach the maximum allowable time. An image forming unit that forms an image on a recording medium;
A bundle forming unit that receives a recording medium from the image forming unit and forms a bundle by stacking a plurality of the recording media;
A stapler that includes a motor and performs a stapling operation for inserting and bending a staple into the bundle with a driving force generated by the rotation of the motor;
A power supply unit for supplying power to the motor of the stapler;
A storage unit for storing a maximum allowable time allowed to be spent for one staple operation;
A measurement unit that measures the actual execution time actually spent performing the stapling operation;
When the next stapling operation is executed, the time required to execute the next stapling operation is directed to the power supply unit toward the motor, compared to the actual execution time of the current stapling operation. An image forming apparatus comprising: an operation time control unit configured to supply power predicted to approach the maximum allowable time.

Images