Post-processing device, image forming system, control method and program

Abstract

To provide a post-processing device capable of suitably post-processing according to the kind of a sheet.SOLUTION: A post-processing device 3 has a tray 43 receiving and loading carried sheet 9, a post-processing part 40 post-processing the sheet 9 loaded on the tray 43, and a control part 39 controlling operation of the post-processing part 40. The control part 39 acquires a first sheet kind specified by a user and a second sheet kind detected by a medium detection part 14 provided to a carrying route 13 of the sheet 9. When the first sheet kind is different from the second sheet kind, the control part controls the operation of the post-processing part 40 on the basis of the second sheet kind. A control part 8 acquires the first sheet kind and the second sheet kind, and can control the operation of the post-processing part 40 on the basis of the second sheet kind, when detecting the second sheet kind in more detail than the first sheet kind.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device, an image forming system, a control method, and a program, and more particularly to a technique for performing post-processing on sheets. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a post-processing device connected to an image forming apparatus that switches between a first alignment mode and a second alignment mode depending on the type of sheets when aligning multiple sheets (for example, see Patent Document 1). For example, when sheets are set in a tray of the image forming apparatus, this post-processing device references the sheet type manually set by the user and switches the operating mode. In this way, the post-processing device can properly align multiple sheets by switching the operation when aligning multiple sheets depending on the sheet type. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2013-95533 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, it is difficult for users to accurately determine the sheet type. As a result, users may set the wrong sheet type when manually setting the sheet type. In this case, the sheet type set by the user will not match the type of sheets actually stored in the tray.

[0005] Furthermore, when using an image forming apparatus, if the tray is low on sheets, the user may add more sheets to the tray even if the tray is not empty. In this case, the user may add a different type of sheet to the existing sheets in the tray, which may result in different types of sheets being mixed in one tray. In this case, the sheet type preset by the user will not match the type of sheets stored in the tray.

[0006] If the sheet type set by the user does not match the type of sheets actually fed into the image forming device, the post-processing device will not be able to properly align multiple sheets even when performing an alignment operation based on the sheet type set by the user, resulting in misalignment, which causes the post-processing device to be unable to properly perform post-processing such as stapling.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a post-processing device, an image forming system, a control method, and a program that are capable of performing appropriate post-processing according to the type of sheet. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the invention of claim 1 is a post-processing device comprising a tray that receives and stacks transported sheets, a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray, and a control unit that controls the operation of the post-processing unit, wherein the control unit acquires a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in the sheet transport path, and when the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different, controls the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type.

[0009] The invention of claim 2 is a post-processing device comprising a tray that receives and stacks transported sheets, a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray, and a control unit that controls the operation of the post-processing unit, wherein the control unit acquires a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in the sheet transport path, and if the second sheet type detects the sheet type in more detail than the first sheet type, controls the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type.

[0010] The invention of claim 3 is characterized in that, in the post-processing device of claim 1 or 2, the post-processing section is provided with an alignment section that aligns sheets stacked on the tray, and the control section controls the operation of the alignment section based on the second sheet type.

[0011] The invention of claim 4 is characterized in that, in the post-processing device of claim 3, the alignment section is provided with a first alignment member that aligns sheets stacked on the tray in the conveying direction, and the control section controls the operation of the first alignment member based on the second sheet type.

[0012] The invention of claim 5 is a post-processing device according to claim 4, wherein the first alignment member is capable of moving up and down above the tray, and descends when a sheet is discharged between the tray and the first alignment member, thereby pressing down the upper surface of the sheet and stacking it on the top surface of the tray, and the control unit adjusts the amount of descent of the first alignment member based on the second sheet type.

[0013] The invention of claim 6 is characterized in that, in the post-processing device of claim 5, the control unit reduces the amount of descent of the first alignment member when the second sheet type is thick paper compared to when the second sheet type is thin paper.

[0014] The invention of claim 7 is characterized in that, in the post-processing device of claim 5 or 6, the control unit further adjusts the amount of descent of the first alignment member depending on the number of sheets loaded on the tray.

[0015] The invention of claim 8 is a post-processing device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the tray is provided with a stopper that restricts movement of the sheet in the conveying direction, the first alignment member is provided with a rotating member that rotates in contact with the sheet loaded on the top surface of the tray, thereby abutting the sheet against the stopper and aligning it, and the control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the rotating member based on the second sheet type.

[0016] The invention according to claim 9 is Any of 4 to 7 In the post-treatment device the tray includes a stopper that restricts movement of the sheet in the conveying direction, and the first alignment member includes a rotating member that rotates in contact with the sheet stacked on the top surface of the tray, thereby causing the sheet to abut against the stopper and align it, The control unit The control information specifying the number of revolutions of the rotating member is read out, and the number of revolutions of the rotating member is determined based on the control information. The configuration is characterized by the above.

[0017] The invention according to claim 10 is 8 or In the post-processing device of No. 9, the control unit controls the rotation speed of the rotating member. is greater than a predetermined number of times, This configuration is characterized by controlling the sheet conveyance interval to be wider than the initial interval.

[0018] The invention of claim 11 is a post-processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the alignment section is provided with a second alignment member that aligns sheets stacked on the tray in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction, and the control section controls the operation of the second alignment member based on the second sheet type.

[0019] The invention according to claim 12 is the post-processing device of claim 11, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the operation start timing of the second alignment member based on the second sheet type.

[0020] The invention according to claim 13 is the post-processing device of claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the number of times the second alignment member operates based on the second sheet type.

[0021] The invention of claim 14 is characterized in that, in the post-processing device of claim 13, the control unit controls the sheet conveying interval to be wider than the initial interval when the number of operations of the second alignment member is increased beyond a predetermined number.

[0022] The invention of claim 15 is a post-processing device in any one of claims 3 to 14, further comprising a stapler that staples the specified number of sheets after the specified number of sheets are stacked on the tray and aligned by the alignment unit, and the control unit is configured to control the operation of the stapler based on the second sheet type.

[0023] The invention according to claim 16 is the post-processing device of claim 15, characterized in that the control unit adjusts the drive current for driving the stapler based on the second sheet type.

[0024] The invention of claim 17 is a post-processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 16, characterized in that the control unit acquires the density of the image formed on the sheet discharged to the upper side of the tray, and controls the operation of the alignment unit based on the second sheet type and the image density.

[0025] The invention of claim 18 is a post-processing device according to any one of claims 3 to 17, characterized in that the control unit acquires environmental information including at least one of temperature and humidity, and controls the operation of the alignment unit based on the second sheet type and the environmental information.

[0026] The invention of claim 19 is an image forming system characterized by comprising a post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, and an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet and supplies the sheet with the image formed thereon to the post-processing device.

[0027] The invention of claim 20 is a control method for controlling the operation of a post-processing unit in a post-processing device that includes a tray for receiving and stacking transported sheets and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray, characterized in that a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in the sheet transport path are obtained, and if the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different, the operation of the post-processing unit is controlled based on the second sheet type.

[0028] The invention of claim 21 is a control method for controlling the operation of a post-processing unit in a post-processing device that includes a tray for receiving and stacking transported sheets and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray, characterized in that a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in the sheet transport path are obtained, and if the second sheet type detects the sheet type in more detail than the first sheet type, the operation of the post-processing unit is controlled based on the second sheet type.

[0029] The invention of claim 22 is a program executed in a post-processing device that has a tray that receives and stacks transported sheets, and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray, characterized in that the post-processing device acquires a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in the sheet transport path, and if the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different, controls the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type.

[0030] The invention of claim 23 is a program executed in a post-processing device that has a tray that receives and stacks transported sheets, and a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray, characterized in that the post-processing device acquires a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in the sheet transport path, and if the second sheet type detects the sheet type in more detail than the first sheet type, controls the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type. [Effects of the Invention]

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to perform post-processing appropriate for the type of sheet. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0032] [Figure 1] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system. [Figure 2] FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing a state in which the swing arm is pressed down. [Figure 5] FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of an image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a sheet setting screen. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of sheet information. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of control information. [Figure 11] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of paddle descending amount information. [Figure 12] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of paddle rotation speed information. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of control amount adjustment information. [Figure 14] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating examples of alignment plate driving count information and stapler control information. [Figure 15] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus. [Figure 16] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in the post-processing device. [Figure 17] 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a processing procedure performed in a post-processing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Elements common to the embodiments described below are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

[0034] 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 and a post-processing apparatus 3. The image forming system 1 also includes a transport unit 4 for transporting sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus 2 to the post-processing apparatus 3. The transport unit 4 may be incorporated into the image forming apparatus 2.

[0035] The image forming device 2 is configured as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) equipped with copy and print functions, and executes copy and print jobs. The image forming device 2 has a scanner unit 5 on the top of the device body and a printer unit 6 on the bottom of the device body. The image forming device 2 also has an operation panel 7 on the front side of the device body that can be operated by the user. The scanner unit 5 optically reads an original document set by the user and outputs image data. The printer unit 6 forms an image on a sheet based on the image data to be printed and outputs it. The image forming device 2 also has an internal control unit 8. The control unit 8 controls the transport unit 4, scanner unit 5, printer unit 6, and operation panel 7, as well as controls operations linked with the post-processing device 3.

[0036] The printer unit 6 includes a paper feed conveyance unit 10, an image forming unit 20, and a fixing unit 90. The paper feed conveyance unit 10 feeds a sheet 9 from one of a plurality of paper feed trays 10a, 10b, and 10c and conveys the sheet 9 along a conveyance path 13 formed inside the printer unit 6. The plurality of paper feed trays 10a, 10b, and 10c may each store different types of sheets 9, or may store the same type of sheets 9. Each of the paper feed trays 10a, 10b, and 10c is provided with a pickup roller 11 and a paper feed roller 12. The paper feed conveyance unit 10 drives the pickup roller 11 and paper feed roller 12 provided in one paper feed tray designated by the user to feed the sheet 9 toward the conveyance path 13. The paper feed conveyance unit 10 conveys the sheet 9 sent to the conveyance path 13 along the direction of arrow F1.

[0037] On the conveying path 13, a media detection unit 14, timing rollers 15, a secondary transfer roller 16, a fixing unit 90, and a discharge roller 17 are arranged.

[0038] The media detection unit 14 is a sensor that detects the type of sheet 9 when the sheet 9 passes a predetermined position on the conveyance path 13. For example, the media detection unit 14 is configured with an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor. The media detection unit 14 irradiates the sheet 9 with an ultrasonic signal or an optical signal as it passes a predetermined position on the conveyance path 13, and detects the signal component reflected by the sheet 9 or the signal component transmitted through the sheet 9, thereby detecting the basis weight, which is the weight per unit area, of the sheet 9. The media detection unit 14 can detect the sheet type (basis weight) of the sheet 9 each time the sheet 9 is conveyed along the conveyance path 13. Therefore, for example, when multiple sheets 9 are continuously fed in the image forming apparatus 2, the media detection unit 14 can detect the sheet type of each of the multiple sheets 9 as they pass a predetermined position on the conveyance path 13.

[0039] The timing roller 15 is composed of a pair of rollers. The timing roller 15 is a roller that adjusts the timing at which the sheet 9 is sent to the secondary transfer position by the secondary transfer roller 16. When the leading edge of the sheet 9 fed from the paper feed trays 10a, 10b, and 10c reaches the position of the timing roller 15, the paper feed conveying unit 10 temporarily stops conveying the sheet 9. Then, the paper feed conveying unit 10 drives the timing roller 15 in accordance with the timing at which the image that has been primarily transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 22 in the image forming unit 20 is conveyed to the secondary transfer position, and conveys the sheet 9 toward the secondary transfer roller 16.

[0040] The sheet 9 sent out from the timing roller 15 has an image secondarily transferred thereon when passing through a secondary transfer position by the secondary transfer roller 16. Then, the sheet 9 onto which the image has been secondarily transferred proceeds toward the fixing unit 90.

[0041] The image forming section 20 includes image forming units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K corresponding to the colors yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), respectively, and an intermediate transfer belt 22.

[0042] The image forming unit 21Y is a unit that forms an image of a color corresponding to Y. The image forming unit 21Y includes an image carrier 25, which is composed of a photosensitive drum or the like, a charger 26, an exposure device 27, and a developing device 28. The image carrier 25 has a photosensitive layer on the surface of a cylindrical body and rotates in a predetermined direction (clockwise). The charger 26, the exposure device 27, and the developing device 28 are arranged around the image carrier 25. The charger 26 charges the surface of the image carrier 25 to a predetermined electric charge. The exposure device 27 exposes the charged surface of the image carrier 25 based on image data, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image on the surface of the image carrier 25. The developing device 28 supplies toner to the surface of the image carrier 25 and visualizes the electrostatic latent image with the toner. As a result, an image (toner image) corresponding to the image data is formed on the surface of the image carrier 25. The other image forming units 21M, 21C, and 21K have the same configuration as the image forming unit 21Y, and only the color of the toner supplied to the image carrier 25 is different.

[0043] The intermediate transfer belt 22 is an endless belt disposed above the image forming units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K. The intermediate transfer belt 22 is stretched over a drive roller 23 disposed opposite the secondary transfer roller 16 and a driven roller 24 disposed a predetermined distance away from the drive roller 23. As the drive roller 23 is driven to rotate counterclockwise, the intermediate transfer belt 22 circulates in the direction indicated by arrow F2. The intermediate transfer belt 22 comes into contact with the secondary transfer roller 16 at the position of the drive roller 23. Furthermore, primary transfer rollers 29 are disposed inside the intermediate transfer belt 22 at positions opposite each of the image forming units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K. A predetermined voltage is applied to the primary transfer roller 29 while pressing the intermediate transfer belt 22 against the image carriers 25 of the image forming units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K, thereby performing primary transfer of the image (toner image) formed on the image carrier 25 onto the intermediate transfer belt 22. Each of the image forming units 21Y, 21M, 21C, and 21K performs primary transfer of Y, M, C, and K images onto the intermediate transfer belt 22 while superimposing the images in order, thereby forming a color image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 22. The image transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 22 is then secondarily transferred onto the sheet 9 at the position of the secondary transfer roller 16.

[0044] The fixing unit 90 applies heat and pressure to the sheet 9 on which the image has been formed, thereby fixing the image to the sheet 9. For example, the fixing unit 90 has a heating roller 90a and a pressure roller 90b, and applies heat and pressure to the sheet 9 at a nip between the heating roller 90a and the pressure roller 90b, thereby fixing the image to the sheet 9. Thereafter, the sheet 9 is guided to the conveying unit 4 via discharge rollers 17.

[0045] The transport unit 4 supplies the sheet 9 discharged from the image forming device 2 to the post-processing device 3. A transport path is formed in the transport unit 4 to guide the sheet 9 from the image forming device 2 to the post-processing device 3, and a transport roller 18 and a discharge roller 19 are provided on the transport path. The sheet 9 discharged from the image forming device 2 is supplied to the post-processing device 3 by the transport roller 18 and the discharge roller 19.

[0046] The post-processing device 3 is a device that performs post-processing such as stapling on the sheets 9 on which images have been formed in the image forming device 2. However, the post-processing device 3 can also discharge the sheets 9 as they are without performing post-processing on the sheets 9.

[0047] The post-processing device 3 is formed with transport paths 30, 31, and 32 for transporting the sheet 9 on which an image has been formed. The transport path 30 is a transport path for receiving and transporting the sheet 9 discharged from the transport unit 4. This transport path 30 is provided with a punch 34 that punches holes at predetermined positions in the sheet 9. Therefore, when punching holes in the sheet 9 discharged from the image forming device 2, the post-processing device 3 drives the punch 34 when the position to be punched on the sheet 9 is at a predetermined position on the transport path 30, and forms punch holes in the sheet 9.

[0048] The rear end portion of the conveying path 30 branches into two conveying paths 31 and 32. A switching member 35 is provided at the branching portion to distribute the sheet 9 conveyed from the upstream conveying path 30 to one of the two conveying paths 31 and 32.

[0049] The conveying path 31 is a conveying path for discharging the sheet 9 onto a first discharge tray 37. The conveying path 31 is provided with a conveying roller 33 and a discharge roller 36. Therefore, the sheet 9 guided into the conveying path 31 is discharged onto the first discharge tray 37 by the conveying roller 33 and the discharge roller 36.

[0050] The transport path 32 is a transport path that guides the sheet 9 to the post-processing unit 40 and discharges the sheet 9 that has been post-processed in the post-processing unit 40 from a discharge port 49 to the second discharge tray 38. A pair of rollers 46, 47 are provided near the discharge port 49. The roller 46 is disposed above the roller 47 and is movable toward and away from the roller 47. The roller 46 is normally retracted to a position a predetermined distance away from the roller 47. After the post-processing is performed on the sheet 9 in the post-processing unit 40, when the sheet 9 is to be discharged to the second discharge tray 38, the roller 46 advances toward the roller 47 and rotates with the sheet 9 sandwiched between the roller 46 and the roller 47, thereby discharging the sheet 9 to the second discharge tray 38.

[0051] For example, the post-processing unit 40 in this embodiment includes a stapler 45 that staples a plurality of sheets 9 together. Therefore, a pair of rollers 46, 47 discharges the sheet stack, in which the plurality of sheets 9 have been stapled by the stapler 45, onto the second discharge tray 38. The second discharge tray 38 is slidable in the vertical direction along the side of the post-processing device 3, and as the number of sheet stacks stacked on the second discharge tray 38 increases, it moves downward to allow subsequent sheet stacks to be stacked thereon.

[0052] Therefore, when the post-processing section 40 performs post-processing on the sheet 9 sent from the image forming device 2, the post-processing device 3 drives the switching member 35 to switch the path for conveying the sheet 9 from the conveying path 30 to the conveying path 32.

[0053] A pair of rollers 42 is provided at the rear end of the conveyance path 32 that guides the sheet 9 to the post-processing unit 40. A sheet detection unit 41 that detects the sheet 9 is provided at a predetermined position upstream of the pair of rollers 42. The sheet detection unit 41 is configured with, for example, a reflective optical sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, and can detect the sheet 9 being conveyed along the conveyance path 32. The sheet 9 guided to the conveyance path 32 is detected by the sheet detection unit 41 at a position just before the pair of rollers 42. The sheet 9 is then conveyed by the pair of rollers 42, and is discharged from the conveyance path 32 when the rear end of the sheet 9 leaves the nip portion of the pair of rollers 42, and the sheet 9 is supplied to the post-processing unit 40.

[0054] A tray 43 capable of stacking a plurality of sheets 9 is provided below the pair of rollers 42. This tray 43 holds the leading edge of the sheet 9 discharged from the pair of rollers 42 at a high position, and the trailing edge at a low position. In other words, the tray 43 is installed in a state inclined downward from the leading edge of the sheet 9 toward the trailing edge. The sheet 9 discharged to the post-processing section 40 is placed on the tray 43. The subsequent sheets 9 are also stacked sequentially on the tray 43.

[0055] The post-processing section 40 also includes an alignment section 44 that aligns the sheets 9 placed on the tray 43. The alignment section 44 aligns the multiple sheets 9 in the conveyance direction of the sheets 9 and in the width direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the sheets 9. The alignment section 44 aligns the multiple sheets 9 in both the conveyance direction and the width direction before post-processing such as stapling by a stapler 45 is performed.

[0056] The post-processing device 3 is equipped with a control unit 39 that controls the operations of the transport roller 33, punch 34, discharge roller 36, switching member 35, post-processing unit 40, rollers 46 and 47, and second discharge tray 38. A temperature sensor 101 and a humidity sensor 102 are connected to this control unit 39. This allows the control unit 39 to control the operation of each unit based on environmental information such as temperature and humidity. The temperature sensor 101 and humidity sensor 102 may be installed in the image forming device 2 instead of in the post-processing device 3.

[0057] Fig. 2 is a side view of post-processing section 40. Fig. 3 is a perspective view of post-processing section 40. Alignment section 44 includes a first alignment member 51 that aligns sheets 9 placed on tray 43 in the conveying direction of the sheets 9, and a second alignment member 52 that aligns sheets 9 in the width direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the sheets 9. A stopper 58 that restricts movement of sheets 9 in the conveying direction is provided on the rear end side of the sheets on downwardly inclined tray 43.

[0058] The first alignment member 51 aligns the sheet 9 in the conveying direction by abutting the rear end of the sheet 9 discharged from the pair of rollers 42 against a stopper 58. The first alignment member 51 includes a swing arm 55 whose base end is supported by a swing shaft 55a inside the post-processing device 3, a rotating member 53 rotatably attached to the tip of the swing arm 55, and a drive lever 56 that engages with the tip of the swing arm 55 to swing the swing arm 55 around the swing shaft 55a, thereby moving the rotating member 53 up and down in the direction indicated by arrow F3 in FIG. 2. The rotating member 53 is configured as a paddle rotor having multiple paddles 54 that protrude outward in the tangential direction of its outer circumferential surface. The paddles 54 are, for example, made of a flexible elastic material such as rubber.

[0059] The swing arm 55 is biased upward by a biasing member such as a coil spring (not shown). Therefore, the tip of the swing arm 55 is normally located above the discharge position of the sheet 9 discharged from the pair of rollers 42, as shown in FIG. 2. Therefore, the paddle 54 of the rotating member 53 is held in a standby position above the discharge position of the sheet 9. In this state, the sheet 9 is discharged above the tray 43 from the pair of rollers 42.

[0060] The drive lever 56 then presses down on the swing arm 55 immediately after the sheet 9 is ejected above the tray 43. FIG. 4 is an enlarged view showing the swing arm 55 in the pressed-down state. The drive lever 56 engages with an engagement protrusion 55b provided at the tip of the swing arm 55. The drive lever 56 is also capable of swinging around a swing shaft 56a provided at the base end. The drive lever 56 rotates around the swing shaft 56a against the biasing force of the biasing member that biases the swing arm 55 upward, and presses down on the engagement protrusion 55b, thereby lowering the tip of the swing arm 55 toward the upper surface of the tray 43, as shown in FIG. 4. Accordingly, the paddle 54 of the rotating member 53 also descends toward the upper surface of the tray 43. Therefore, the sheet 9 ejected from the pair of rollers 42 in the direction of arrow F4 is pressed against the upper surface of the tray 43 by the downward movement of the paddle 54 of the rotating member 53, and is placed on the uppermost surface of the tray 43.

[0061] The rotating member 53 can rotate in a predetermined direction (the direction indicated by the arrow R in FIG. 4 ) around the rotating shaft 53a by a motor (not shown). When the rotating member 53 rotates, the plurality of paddles 54 also rotate in a predetermined direction. As the rotating member 53 descends from the standby position, it rotates around the rotating shaft 53a. As the rotating member 53 rotates, the paddles 54 rotate while in contact with the upper surface of the sheet 9. Therefore, as the paddles 54 rotate, the sheet 9 placed on the top surface of the tray 43 receives a conveying force from the paddles 54 on the tray 43 toward the stopper 58. As a result, the sheet 9 placed on the tray 43 moves toward the position of the stopper 58 due to the conveying force from the paddles 54. The sheet 9 then comes to rest with its trailing edge in contact with the stopper 58. Therefore, the first alignment member 51 can align the trailing ends of the sheets 9 placed on the tray 43 so that they abut against the stopper 58, thereby aligning the sheets 9 in the conveying direction. Note that alignment of the sheets 9 in the conveying direction is sometimes called FD alignment.

[0062] In addition, a pressing member 57 is provided between the first alignment member 51 and the stopper 58 to press the upper surface of the sheet 9 placed on the upper surface of the tray 43. As shown in FIG. 3, for example, this pressing member 57 is loosely inserted into the lower shaft 42b of the shafts 42a, 42b that support the pair of rollers 42 so as to be rotatable, and is configured to press the upper surface of the uppermost sheet 9 placed on the tray 43 with a constant pressing force. For example, even if the rear end of the sheet 9 is curled, the pressing member 57 presses the upper surface of the sheet 9, so that the rear end of the sheet 9 can be abutted against the stopper 58 with the curl straightened.

[0063] As shown in FIG. 3 , the second alignment members 52 are provided at both ends of the tray 43 in the width direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction (F4 direction) of the sheet 9. The second alignment members 52 include a pair of alignment plates 52a, 52b that protrude upward from the upper surface of the tray 43 at both ends of the tray 43. The second alignment members 52 align both widthwise ends of the sheet 9 to predetermined positions by moving each of the pair of alignment plates 52a, 52b forward and backward in the width direction (F5 direction) of the sheet 9 according to the widthwise size of the sheet 9. The second alignment member 52 may be configured to move the pair of alignment plates 52a, 52b so that the respective movement amounts of the pair of alignment plates 52a, 52b are equal, or may be configured to move one of the pair of alignment plates 52a, 52b more than the other. In this way, the second alignment member 52 can align the sheet 9 in the width direction by pressing both widthwise ends of the sheet 9 with the pair of alignment plates 52a, 52b. Incidentally, the alignment of the sheet 9 in the width direction is sometimes called CD alignment.

[0064] FIG. 5 is a view of the tray 43 as viewed from above. As shown in FIG. 5, the stapler 45 is supported movably along a rail-shaped guide portion 59 provided on the rear end side of the sheets 9 placed on the tray 43. The guide portion 59 has a straight portion parallel to the width direction of the sheets 9 and curved portions that bend around the side of the tray 43 at both widthwise ends of the tray 43. The stapler 45 can staple the sheets 9 at any position on the rear end side by moving along the guide portion 59 as described above. Note that if the stapling position of the stapler 45 overlaps the position of the stopper 58, stapling cannot be performed unless the stopper 58 is moved. Therefore, the stopper 58 may be configured to be movable in the width direction of the sheets 9.

[0065] Next, a description will be given of a control mechanism of the image forming system 1. Fig. 6 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 3.

[0066] As shown in FIG. 6 , the image forming apparatus 2 includes the scanner unit 5, printer unit 6, transport unit 4, operation panel 7, and control unit 8, as well as a storage unit 61 and a communication interface 62. The communication interface 62 is an interface through which the control unit 8 communicates with the control unit 39 of the post-processing device 3. The storage unit 61 is configured, for example, by a nonvolatile storage device and stores various information. The operation panel 7 includes a display unit 7a that displays a screen that the user can operate, and an operation unit 7b that accepts user operations. The control unit 8 also includes a CPU 63, a ROM 64, and a RAM 65. The CPU 63 is a hardware processor that executes programs stored in the ROM 64 to comprehensively control the operation of the image forming apparatus 2. The ROM 64 is a nonvolatile memory that stores programs executed by the CPU 63, etc. The RAM 65 is a volatile memory that stores temporary data generated by the CPU 63 executing programs.

[0067] As shown in FIG. 6, the post-processing device 3 includes, in addition to the above-mentioned control unit 39, temperature sensor 101, humidity sensor 102, and sheet detection unit 41, a communication interface 71, a transport roller drive unit 80, a punch drive unit 81, a path switching drive unit 82, a paddle lift drive unit 83, a paddle rotation drive unit 84, an alignment plate drive unit 85, a stapler drive unit 86, a roller drive unit 87, and a tray drive unit 88.

[0068] The communication interface 71 is an interface through which the control unit 39 communicates with the control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 2. The transport roller drive unit 80 is a drive circuit that drives the transport rollers 33 to transport the sheet 9. The punch drive unit 81 is a drive circuit that drives the punch 34 to punch holes in the sheet 9. The path switching drive unit 82 is a drive circuit that drives the switching member 35 to switch the transport path of the sheet 9. The paddle lift drive unit 83 is a drive circuit that lifts and lowers the paddle 54 of the rotating member 53 by rotating the drive lever 56. The paddle rotation drive unit 84 is a drive circuit that rotates the rotating member 53 of the first alignment member 51 to bring the paddle 54 into contact with the sheet 9 and apply a transport force that transports the sheet 9 toward the stopper 58. The alignment plate drive unit 85 is a drive circuit that moves the pair of alignment plates 52a and 52b of the second alignment member 52 in the width direction of the sheet 9. The stapler driving unit 86 is a driving circuit that moves the stapler 45 to the stapling position and causes the stapler 45 to perform the stapling operation. For example, during the stapling operation, the stapler driving unit 86 drives the stapler 45 with a driving current instructed by the control unit 39. The roller driving unit 87 is a driving circuit that drives the pair of rollers 46, 47 to discharge the sheets 9 that have been post-processed in the post-processing unit 40 onto the second discharge tray 38. The tray driving unit 88 is a driving circuit that slides the second discharge tray 38 up and down.

[0069] The control unit 39 also includes a CPU 72, a ROM 73, and a RAM 74. The CPU 72 is a hardware processor that executes a program 75 stored in the ROM 73 to comprehensively control the operation of the post-processing device 3. The ROM 73 is a non-volatile memory that stores the program 75 executed by the CPU 72, control information 76, and the like. Details of the control information 76 will be described later. The RAM 74 is a volatile memory that stores temporary data and the like that is generated when the CPU 72 executes a program.

[0070] 7 is a block diagram illustrating the functional configuration of the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 3. The control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 2 functions as a sheet type setting unit 66, a job control unit 67, and a sheet type detection unit 68 when the CPU 63 executes a predetermined program.

[0071] The sheet type setting unit 66 sets the type of sheets 9 stored in each of the multiple paper feed trays 10a, 10b, and 10c. For example, when a user replenishes sheets 9 in one of the paper feed trays 10a, 10b, and 10c, the sheet type setting unit 66 displays a sheet setting screen on the display unit 7a of the operation panel 7 and accepts the user's operation to set the type of sheets 9.

[0072] FIG. 8 illustrates an example of a sheet setting screen G1. For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, the sheet setting screen G1 includes a tray display field R1 that displays the paper feed trays 10a, 10b, and 10c for which the sheet type is to be set, and a sheet type display field R2 that displays the sheet type. A button B1 that displays a pull-down menu M1 is displayed to the right of the tray display field R1. When the user operates the button B1, the pull-down menu M1 is displayed on the sheet setting screen G1, as shown in FIG. 8A. The user can set the paper feed tray for which the sheet type is to be set by selecting a desired tray from the pull-down menu M1. Also, a button B2 that displays a pull-down menu M2 is displayed to the right of the sheet type display field R2. When the user operates the button B2, the pull-down menu M2 is displayed on the sheet setting screen G1, as shown in FIG. 8A. The pull-down menu M2 displays a list of multiple sheet types that the user can set. The user can set the sheet type by selecting a sheet type from the list that corresponds to the type of sheets 9 loaded in the paper feed tray selected as the setting target. For example, the sheet types that can be set by the user are seven types: thin paper, plain paper, thick paper 1, thick paper 2, thick paper 3, thick paper 4, and special sheet. Here, thin paper, plain paper, thick paper 1, thick paper 2, thick paper 3, and thick paper 4 are types that are distinguished by the basis weight of the sheet 9. Thin paper has the smallest basis weight, for example, 40 g / m 2 The following sheets are available. Plain paper has a larger basis weight than thin paper and a smaller basis weight than cardboard. For example, the basis weight of plain paper is 41 to 90 g / m 2 The cardboard sheets are of increasing basis weight in the order of cardboard 1, cardboard 2, cardboard 3, and cardboard 4. For example, the basis weight of cardboard 1 is 91 to 120 g / m 2 , the basis weight of cardboard 2 is 121 to 160 g / m 2 , the basis weight of cardboard 3 is 161~220g / m 2 , the basis weight of cardboard 4 is 221 g / m 2That's all. Therefore, the user can set the basis weight of the sheets 9 by selecting the type of sheets 9 loaded into the paper feed tray from thin paper, plain paper, thick paper 1, thick paper 2, thick paper 3, and thick paper 4. Then, the user can successfully complete the setting operation for the type of sheets 9 by operating the OK button B3 on the sheet setting screen G1. The cancel button B4 is a button that ends the setting operation for the type of sheets 9 without reflecting it.

[0073] The user can also select a special sheet on the sheet setting screen G1. When the user selects a special sheet, the sheet setting screen G1 transitions to the screen shown in FIG. 8(b). That is, the sheet setting screen G1 displays a sheet setting field R3 in which the user manually sets the basis weight and surface condition of the sheet 9. The user can set the sheet type, such as the basis weight and surface condition of the sheet 9, in detail in the sheet setting field R3. For example, if the user accurately knows the basis weight and other information of the sheet 9, the type of sheet 9 can be accurately set by selecting a special sheet.

[0074] When the sheet type setting unit 66 receives a setting operation for the type of sheet 9 from the user, it stores sheet information 69 in the storage unit 61. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of the sheet information 69. As shown in FIG. 9, the sheet information 69 is information that associates each of the paper feed trays 10a, 10b, and 10c with the type of sheet 9 stored therein (the sheet type set by the user). Note that if the sheet type set by the user is a special sheet, information such as the basis weight and surface condition of the sheet 9 specified by the user is written in the sheet type field.

[0075] The job control unit 67 controls the execution of jobs in the image forming apparatus 2. The job control unit 67 accepts job setting operations by the user and controls the execution of jobs with the settings specified by the user reflected. For example, in the case of a copy job or a print job, the job control unit 67 accepts a paper feed tray selection operation by the user, feeds sheets 9 from the paper feed tray selected by the user, and performs image formation. At this time, the job control unit 67 reads sheet information 69 from the storage unit 61, identifies the type of sheets 9 contained in the paper feed tray selected by the user, and sets a system speed according to the type of sheets 9 to be fed. The system speed determines the conveyance speed of the sheets 9. For example, if the type of sheet 9 is cardboard, in order to reliably fix the image on the sheet 9 in the fixing unit 90, the sheet needs to pass through the fixing unit 90 at a slower speed than plain paper. Therefore, the job control unit 67 sets a system speed appropriate for the type of sheet 9 identified based on the sheet information 69 and drives the paper feed and conveyance unit 10 to start the sheet feed and conveyance operation of the sheet 9. Furthermore, the job control unit 67 drives not only the paper feed conveyance unit 10 but also the image forming unit 20 and the fixing unit 90 in accordance with the system speed, forms an image on the sheet 9, and discharges the sheet 9 from the image forming apparatus 2. Furthermore, in the case of a job that involves continuous feeding of sheets 9, the job control unit 67 sets a sheet interval based on the type of sheet 9 at the start of job execution. At this time, the set sheet interval becomes the initial interval.

[0076] Furthermore, when starting execution of a job, the job control unit 67 notifies the control unit 39 of the post-processing device 3 of detailed job information. The detailed job information includes the system speed. The detailed job information also includes information indicating whether or not post-processing such as stapling is to be performed in the post-processing device 3 for each predetermined number of sheets. Furthermore, when the job control unit 67 identifies the type of sheet 9 based on the sheet information 69, it notifies the post-processing device 3 of the identified sheet type. This allows the post-processing device 3 to perform alignment operations according to the sheet type.

[0077] Furthermore, after starting execution of the job, the job control unit 67 notifies the post-processing device 3 of the image density of the image formed on the fed sheet 9. This allows the post-processing device 3 to perform an alignment operation according to the image density of the image formed on the sheet 9.

[0078] When the media detection unit 14 detects the sheet 9 fed from the paper feed tray by the job control unit 67, the sheet type detection unit 68 detects the sheet type (basis weight) detected by the media detection unit 14. For example, when a plurality of sheets 9 are fed continuously while the job control unit 67 is executing a job, the sheet type detection unit 68 detects the type of the sheet 9 currently being conveyed. Then, the sheet type detection unit 68 notifies the post-processing device 3 of the type of the sheet 9 currently being conveyed.

[0079] Furthermore, the sheet type detection unit 68 may be configured to notify the job control unit 67 of the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14. If the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14 differs from the sheet type identified based on the sheet information 69, the job control unit 67 may be configured to change the system speed based on the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14. If the job control unit 67 changes the system speed based on the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14, it notifies the post-processing device 3 of the changed system speed.

[0080] As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 39 of the post-processing device 3 functions as a sheet type acquisition unit 77, a conveyance control unit 78, and an alignment control unit 79 when the CPU 72 executes a predetermined program 75.

[0081] The sheet type acquisition unit 77 acquires the sheet type transmitted from the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the image forming apparatus 2 transmits the sheet type identified based on the sheet information 69 to the post-processing apparatus 3 at the start of execution of a job. Therefore, the sheet type acquisition unit 77 acquires the sheet type from the image forming apparatus 2 at the start of execution of a job. Then, the sheet type acquisition unit 77 saves the sheet type acquired from the image forming apparatus 2 at the start of execution of the job in the RAM 74 as a first sheet type. This first sheet type is the sheet type specified by the user.

[0082] Furthermore, after feeding a sheet 9, the image forming apparatus 2 detects the sheet type using the media detection unit 14 and transmits the detected sheet type to the post-processing apparatus 3. Therefore, the sheet type acquisition unit 77 acquires the sheet type of the fed sheet 9 each time a sheet 9 is fed in the image forming apparatus 2. Then, the sheet type acquisition unit 77 saves the sheet information acquired from the image forming apparatus 2 during execution of a job as a second sheet type in the RAM 74. This second sheet type is the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14.

[0083] The conveyance control unit 78 controls the conveyance roller drive unit 80 and the path switching drive unit 82 to convey the sheets 9 along the conveyance paths 30, 31, and 32 in the post-processing device 3. Based on the system speed notified from the image forming device 2, the conveyance control unit 78 drives the conveyance rollers 33 and the like at a conveyance speed that matches the conveyance speed of the sheets 9 in the image forming device 2, and accepts the sheets 9 discharged from the image forming device 2. Furthermore, if the detailed job information specifies that post-processing such as stapling be performed for every predetermined number of sheets, the conveyance control unit 78 controls the switching member 35 to convey the sheets 9 accepted from the image forming device 2 to the post-processing unit 40.

[0084] The alignment control unit 79 controls the operation of the post-processing unit 40 to align multiple sheets 9 in the tray 43 and perform post-processing such as stapling. At this time, the alignment control unit 79 adjusts the alignment operation when aligning the sheets 9 depending on the type of sheets 9 stacked on the uppermost surface of the tray 43. This is because the weight and surface resistance of sheets 9 vary depending on the type of sheet 9, and therefore the behavior of the sheets 9 during the alignment operation varies depending on the type of sheet 9. Therefore, the alignment control unit 79 adjusts the alignment operation depending on the type of sheet 9 and controls so that the sheets 9 placed on the uppermost surface of the tray 43 can be accurately aligned. The alignment control unit 79 includes a counting unit 91, a first alignment member control unit 92, a second alignment member control unit 93, and a stapler control unit 94.

[0085] The counting unit 91 counts the number of sheets 9 stacked on the tray 43. If the detailed job information specifies that, for example, N sheets 9 (where N>1) are to be stapled, the counting unit 91 drives the stapler control unit 94 after the number of sheets stacked on the tray 43 reaches N and the alignment operation by the alignment unit 44 is completed. The counting unit 91 also notifies the first alignment member control unit 92 of the number of sheets 9 stacked on the tray 43.

[0086] The first alignment member control unit 92 controls the alignment operation of the first alignment member 51 in the conveyance direction of the sheet 9. After a predetermined time T1 has elapsed since the sheet detection unit 41 detected the trailing edge of the sheet 9, the first alignment member control unit 92 starts an operation to lower the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) of the first alignment member 51 and also starts an operation to rotate the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) in a predetermined direction (direction R in FIG. 4). At this time, the first alignment member control unit 92 reads the sheet type stored in the RAM 74 and identifies the type of sheet 9 discharged onto the tray 43. Then, the first alignment member control unit 92 determines the amount of lowering of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) based on the type of sheet 9 and the number of sheets 9 stacked on the tray 43. Furthermore, the first alignment member control unit 92 determines the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) based on the type of sheet 9. In other words, the first alignment member control unit 92 prevents misalignment in the conveying direction of the sheets 9 by performing an alignment operation appropriate to the number of sheets loaded on the tray 43 and the type of sheets 9 placed on the top surface of the tray 43.

[0087] Here, the RAM 74 stores a first sheet type specified by the user and a second sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14. The first sheet type may not match the type of the sheet 9 that is actually conveyed due to incorrect settings by the user, etc. In contrast, the second sheet type is a sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14 based on values ​​actually measured while the sheet 9 is being conveyed. Therefore, it can generally be said that the second sheet type represents a more accurate sheet type than the first sheet type.

[0088] Furthermore, because the media detection unit 14 can detect the actual basis weight of the sheet 9, it is possible to detect the type of sheet 9 in more detail within the basis weight range of plain paper when the user manually sets it, for example. Therefore, it can be said that the second sheet type represents a more detailed sheet type than the first sheet type.

[0089] On the other hand, if the user manually sets the special sheet, it can be said that the first sheet type has been set accurately. In other words, a typical user does not know the basis weight of sheet 9, and therefore does not set the special sheet on the sheet setting screen G1 (see FIG. 8). However, if the user sets the special sheet, it is likely that the user knew the correct basis weight, and therefore the first sheet type can be treated as a sheet type that was set accurately by the user.

[0090] Therefore, the first alignment member control unit 92 compares the first sheet type and the second sheet type stored in the RAM 74 and determines whether the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different. If the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different, the first alignment member control unit 92 prioritizes the second sheet type and determines the lowering amount and rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) based on the second sheet type. This allows the first alignment member control unit 92 to control the operation of the first alignment member 51 based on the accurate sheet type, effectively preventing misalignment of the sheet 9 in the conveyance direction on the tray 43. However, if the first sheet type is a special sheet, the lowering amount and rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) may be determined based on the first sheet type rather than the second sheet type.

[0091] Furthermore, when the first sheet type and the second sheet type indicate the same sheet type, the first alignment member control unit 92 may adopt either the first sheet type or the second sheet type. In this case, for example, the first alignment member control unit 92 may determine the lowering amount and rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) based on the first sheet type. Furthermore, the first alignment member control unit 92 may determine the lowering amount and rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) based on the second sheet type, as in the case when the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different.

[0092] The first alignment member control unit 92 can also adjust the amount of descent and the number of rotations of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) determined based on the sheet type, based on image density and environmental information. For example, the first alignment member control unit 92 may acquire image density notified from the image forming apparatus 2, and adjust the amount of descent and the number of rotations based on the image density of the image formed on the sheet 9 to be aligned. The second alignment member control unit 93 may also acquire environmental information, such as the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 101 and the humidity detected by the humidity sensor 102, and adjust the amount of descent and the number of rotations based on the environmental information.

[0093] When determining the amount of descent and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the first alignment member control unit 92 reads out the control information 76 stored in the ROM 73. The first alignment member control unit 92 then determines the amount of descent and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) by referring to the control information 76. Thereafter, based on the determined amount of descent and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the first alignment member control unit 92 controls the operation of the first alignment member 51 to align the sheet 9 in the conveying direction of the sheet 9.

[0094] The second alignment member control unit 93 controls the alignment operation of the second alignment member 52 in the width direction of the sheets 9. The second alignment member control unit 93 starts the operation of moving the alignment plates 52a and 52b of the second alignment member 52 in the width direction of the sheets 9 after a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the sheet detection unit 41 detected the trailing edge of the sheets 9. Here, the predetermined time T2 is expressed as the sum of the time T1 required for the first alignment member 51 to start operating and the time Tx required from the start to the end of the operation of the first alignment member 51 (i.e., T2 = T1 + Tx). Therefore, the second alignment member control unit 93 starts the alignment operation of the second alignment member 52 after the alignment operation of the first alignment member 51 has ended.

[0095] When starting the alignment operation by the second alignment member 52, the second alignment member control unit 93 reads the sheet type stored in the RAM 74 and determines the number of times to drive the alignment plates 52a and 52b based on the sheet type. In other words, the second alignment member control unit 93 performs an alignment operation appropriate for the sheet type of the sheet 9 placed on the uppermost surface of the tray 43, thereby preventing misalignment of the sheet 9 in the width direction.

[0096] Similarly to the first alignment member controller 92, the second alignment member controller 93 compares the first and second sheet types stored in the RAM 74 to determine whether the first and second sheet types are different. If the first and second sheet types are different, the second alignment member controller 93 prioritizes the second sheet type and determines the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven based on the second sheet type. This allows the second alignment member controller 93 to control the operation of the second alignment member 52 based on the accurate sheet type, effectively preventing misalignment of the sheets 9 in the width direction on the tray 43. However, if the first sheet type is a special sheet, the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven may be determined based on the first sheet type rather than the second sheet type.

[0097] Furthermore, when the first sheet type and the second sheet type indicate the same sheet type, the second alignment member control unit 93 may use either the first sheet type or the second sheet type. In this case, for example, the second alignment member control unit 93 may determine the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven based on the first sheet type. Furthermore, the second alignment member control unit 93 may determine the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven based on the second sheet type, as in the case when the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different.

[0098] When determining the number of times to drive the alignment plates 52a and 52b, the second alignment member control unit 93 reads out the control information 76 stored in the ROM 73. The second alignment member control unit 93 then determines the number of times to drive the alignment plates 52a and 52b by referring to the control information 76. Thereafter, based on the determined number of times to drive, the second alignment member control unit 93 controls the operation of the second alignment members 52 to align the sheets 9 in the width direction of the sheets 9.

[0099] The stapler control unit 94 controls the stapling operation by the stapler 45. After the alignment operation by the second alignment member 52 is completed, the stapler control unit 94 drives the stapler 45 to staple the sheets 9 stacked on the tray 43 at predetermined positions. Note that it is preferable to perform the operation of moving the stapler 45 to the stapling position before the operation of the second alignment member 52 is completed.

[0100] When driving the stapler 45 to perform stapling, the stapler control unit 94 reads out the control information 76 stored in the ROM 73. The stapler control unit 94 then refers to the control information 76 to determine the drive current for driving the stapler 45. By adjusting the drive current for the stapler 45, the stapler control unit 94 can control the speed at which the stapler 45 completes the stapling operation.

[0101] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the control information 76. The control information 76 includes paddle descending amount information 76a, paddle rotation number information 76b, control amount adjustment information 76c, alignment plate driving count information 76d, and stapler control information 76e.

[0102] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the paddle lowering amount information 76a. The paddle lowering amount information 76a is information that the first alignment member control unit 92 references when determining the lowering amount of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54). The paddle lowering amount information 76a is information that enables the lowering amount of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) to be determined based on the sheet type and the number of sheets stacked on the tray 43. Sheet types are classified into a first category, thin paper, plain paper, thick paper 1, thick paper 2, thick paper 3, and thick paper 4, and a second category, classified by basis weight. For example, plain paper in the first category is divided into four categories in the second category. Therefore, the second category can identify the sheet type in more detail than the first category. Here, the first category corresponds to the first sheet type, and the second category corresponds to the second sheet type. Therefore, the first alignment member control unit 92 can determine the amount of lowering of the rotary member 53 (paddle 54) based on the second sheet type and the number of stacked sheets by referring to the paddle lowering amount information 76a. In particular, when the basis weight of the second sheet type is 41 to 90 g / m 2 When the range is within this range, the first alignment member control section 92 has the advantage of being able to perform more detailed control according to the basis weight than the uniform control in the case of "plain paper."

[0103] For example, the paddle descent amount information 76a is set so that the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) gradually decreases as the number of sheets loaded on the tray 43 increases. Also, the tendency for the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) to decrease is greater for thick paper than for thin paper. As the number of sheets loaded on the tray 43 increases, the topmost sheet 9 approaches the rotating member 53. Therefore, by decreasing the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) as the number of sheets loaded increases, the contact pressure between the paddle 54 and the sheets 9 can be kept constant, and misalignment can be prevented.

[0104] Furthermore, in the paddle lowering amount information 76a, the lowering amount of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) is set to a smaller value for thick paper than for thin paper. In other words, since thick paper is thicker than thin paper, by reducing the lowering amount of the rotating member 53, it becomes possible to maintain a constant distance between the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) and the upper surface of the sheet 9 for both thin paper and thick paper, thereby preventing misalignment.

[0105] Additionally, in the paddle lowering amount information 76a, the lowering amount of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) is set individually for each basis weight in the plain paper area that corresponds to recycled paper. Generally, even if a user can recognize that sheet 9 is plain paper, it is difficult for the user to tell that the sheet 9 is recycled paper. Recycled paper has a smaller basis weight than plain paper, making it more likely to curl and cause misalignment. However, if the lowering amount of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) is determined based on the basis weight of the second sheet type, it is possible to determine the appropriate lowering amount for recycled paper, thereby preventing misalignment.

[0106] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the paddle rotation speed information 76b. The paddle rotation speed information 76b is information that the first alignment member control unit 92 refers to when determining the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54). The paddle rotation speed information 76b is information that enables the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) to be determined according to the sheet type. As described above, sheet types are classified into a first category, thin paper, plain paper, thick paper 1, thick paper 2, thick paper 3, and thick paper 4, and a second category, classified by basis weight. The second category allows for more detailed identification of the sheet type than the first category. The first category corresponds to the first sheet type, and the second category corresponds to the second sheet type. Therefore, the first alignment member control unit 92 can determine the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) based on the second sheet type by referring to the paddle rotation speed information 76b.

[0107] For example, in FIG. 12, the number of rotations of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) is set to a predetermined number (two rotations) for sheet types with relatively low basis weights, from thin paper to regular paper. This is because, in the case of thin paper or regular paper, the sheet 9 is light and has little resistance, allowing the sheet 9 to move smoothly toward the stopper 58. In contrast, in the case of thick paper, the sheet 9 is heavier and has greater resistance, so the number of rotations of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) is set to three rotations, which is more than the predetermined number for thin paper or regular paper. In other words, by rotating the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) three times, the trailing edge of the thick paper, which has greater resistance, is properly brought into contact with the stopper 58. This prevents misalignment.

[0108] When the rotation number of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) is three rotations, it takes longer for the first alignment member 51 to complete the aligning operation of the sheet 9 in the conveyance direction than when the rotation number is two rotations. Therefore, the timing at which the second alignment member 52 starts the aligning operation of the sheet 9 in the width direction is delayed. Therefore, when the rotation number of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) is set to three rotations, which is more than the normal rotation number of two rotations, the first alignment member control unit 92 performs a sheet spacing increase process as defined in the paddle rotation number information 76b. Specifically, the first alignment member control unit 92 transmits a sheet spacing increase request to the control unit 8 of the image forming apparatus 2, requesting that the sheet spacing of the subsequent sheets 9 be increased. This increases the sheet spacing in the image forming apparatus 2 from the initial spacing, thereby preventing the next sheet from being discharged onto the tray 43 before the alignment operation by the second alignment member 52 has been completed.

[0109] 13 is a diagram showing an example of the control amount adjustment information 76c. This control amount adjustment information 76c is information referenced by the first alignment member control unit 92 to adjust the amount of descent and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) determined as described above, based on image density and environmental information. As shown in FIG. 13, the control amount adjustment information 76c is information that determines that the amount of descent and the rotation speed are adjusted based on image density, temperature, and humidity.

[0110] For example, the control amount adjustment information 76c specifies that when the image density is darker than a predetermined density, the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 is decreased and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 is increased. This is because when the image density is dark, the resistance of the sheet 9 increases, so by decreasing the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 and increasing the rotation speed of the rotating member 53, the trailing edge of the sheet 9 is properly brought into contact with the stopper 58. Note that when the image density is dark, the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 increases, so the first alignment member control unit 92 performs processing to increase the sheet interval. In contrast, when the image density is lighter than the predetermined density, the amount of descent and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 are not adjusted.

[0111] Furthermore, the control amount adjustment information 76c specifies that when the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 is reduced and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 is increased. This is because when the temperature inside the apparatus is higher than the predetermined temperature, the sheets 9 are more likely to curl, which can lead to misalignment. Therefore, when the temperature is high, the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 is reduced and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 is increased to prevent misalignment of the sheets 9. Note that when the temperature inside the apparatus is higher than the predetermined temperature, the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 increases, and the first alignment member control unit 92 performs processing to increase the sheet spacing. In contrast, when the temperature inside the apparatus is lower than the predetermined temperature, the amount of descent and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 are not adjusted.

[0112] Furthermore, the control amount adjustment information 76c specifies that when the humidity is higher than a predetermined humidity, the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 is decreased and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 is increased. This is because when the humidity inside the machine is higher than the predetermined humidity, the sheets 9 are more likely to curl or wave, which can lead to misalignment. Therefore, when the humidity is high, the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 is decreased and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 is increased to prevent misalignment of the sheets 9. Note that when the humidity inside the machine is higher than the predetermined humidity, the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 is increased, and the first alignment member control unit 92 performs processing to increase the sheet spacing. In contrast, when the humidity inside the machine is lower than the predetermined humidity, the amount of descent and the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 are not adjusted.

[0113] FIG. 14A shows an example of the alignment plate drive count information 76d. The second alignment member control unit 93 references this alignment plate drive count information 76d when determining the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven. The alignment plate drive count information 76d is information that allows the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven to be determined based on the sheet type. Sheet types are classified into a first category (thin paper, plain paper, thick paper 1, thick paper 2, thick paper 3, and thick paper 4) and a second category (classified by basis weight). For example, plain paper in the first category is divided into four categories in the second category. Therefore, the second category can identify the sheet type in more detail than the first category. Here, the first category corresponds to the first sheet type, and the second category corresponds to the second sheet type. Therefore, the second alignment member control unit 93 can determine the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven based on the second sheet type by referencing the alignment plate drive count information 76d. In particular, the basis weight of the second sheet type is 41 to 60 g / m 2 In the case of "recycled paper," the second alignment member control section 93 can determine a number of times of driving that is different from that in the case of regular paper other than recycled paper.

[0114] If the sheet 9 is thin paper or recycled paper, the sheet 9 is likely to curl, which can lead to misalignment. On the other hand, if the sheet 9 is plain paper or thick paper other than recycled paper, curling is unlikely to occur. For this reason, the alignment plate drive count information 76d specifies that the alignment plates 52a and 52b are to be driven a predetermined number of times (one time) if the sheet 9 is plain paper or thick paper other than recycled paper, and that if the sheet 9 is thin paper or recycled paper, the number of times is two, which is more than the predetermined number (one time) for plain paper or thick paper other than recycled paper. This prevents misalignment in the case of thin paper or recycled paper.

[0115] When the number of times that the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven is two, which is more than the predetermined number (one), the time required for the alignment operation by the second alignment member 52 to be completed is longer than when the number of times is one. Therefore, the second alignment member control unit 93 may be configured to perform processing to increase the sheet interval when the number of times that the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven is two, which is more than the predetermined number (one). This widens the sheet interval in the image forming apparatus 2 from the initial interval, thereby preventing the next sheet from being discharged onto the tray 43 before the alignment operation by the second alignment member 52 has been completed.

[0116] FIG. 14B shows an example of the stapler control information 76e. The stapler control information 76e is information referenced by the stapler control unit 94 when determining the drive current for driving the stapler 45. The stapler control information 76e is information that enables the stapler control unit 94 to determine the drive current for the stapler 45 according to the sheet type. Sheet types are classified into a first category (thin paper, plain paper, thick paper 1, thick paper 2, thick paper 3, and thick paper 4) and a second category (classified by basis weight). For example, plain paper in the first category is divided into four categories in the second category. Therefore, the second category can identify the sheet type in more detail than the first category. Here, the first category corresponds to the first sheet type, and the second category corresponds to the second sheet type. Therefore, the stapler control unit 94 can determine the drive current for the stapler 45 based on the second sheet type by referencing the stapler control information 76e.

[0117] For example, if the sheet type is thick paper, the number of rotations of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) is three as described above, which increases the time required for the first alignment member 51 to complete the alignment operation. Also, if the sheet type is thin paper or recycled paper, the number of rotations of the alignment plates 52a and 52b is two as described above, which increases the time required for the second alignment member 52 to complete the alignment operation. Therefore, the stapler control information 76e sets the drive current for sheet types (thick paper, thin paper, and recycled paper) that require a longer alignment operation by the first alignment member 51 or the second alignment member 52 to a value higher than the normal value, thereby increasing the speed of the stapling operation by the stapler 45 and enabling the stapling operation to be completed efficiently. In contrast, the drive current for sheet types (plain paper other than recycled paper) that do not require a longer alignment operation by the first alignment member 51 or the second alignment member 52 is set to the normal value.

[0118] In this way, in the stapler control information 76e, the drive current is set to a value higher than the normal value for sheet types (thick paper, thin paper, and recycled paper) that require a long alignment operation by the first alignment member 51 or the second alignment member 52, thereby shortening the time required for the staple binding operation by the stapler 45. Therefore, when widening the sheet spacing in the image forming device 2, it is no longer necessary to widen the sheet spacing significantly, and a significant decrease in the throughput of the image forming system 1 can be suppressed.

[0119] When the stapling operation of the plurality of sheets 9 stacked on the tray 43 is completed, the control unit 39 discharges the sheet stack on the tray 43 onto the second discharge tray .

[0120] Next, a description will be given of an example of a specific operation of the image forming apparatus 2. Fig. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of a processing procedure performed in the image forming apparatus 2. This processing is performed by the CPU 63 of the image forming apparatus 2 executing a program. This processing is also performed when, for example, a user instructs execution of a job.

[0121] When the image forming apparatus 2 starts this process, it reads out the sheet information 69 stored in the storage unit 61 and identifies the type of sheets 9 contained in the paper feed tray selected by the user (step S10). The image forming apparatus 2 sets a system speed based on the identified type of sheets 9 (step S11) and transmits the system speed to the post-processing apparatus 3 (step S12). The image forming apparatus 2 also transmits the identified sheet type based on the sheet information 69 to the post-processing apparatus 3 (step S14).

[0122] The image forming apparatus 2 sets the conveying speed of the sheet 9 based on the system speed and starts feeding the sheet 9 from the paper feed tray selected by the user (step S14). Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 2 drives the image forming unit 20 at a predetermined timing and starts image formation based on the image data to be printed. The image forming apparatus 2 also calculates the image density based on the image data to be printed and sends the calculated image density to the post-processing apparatus 3 (step S15).

[0123] Next, the image forming apparatus 2 waits until the sheet 9 fed from the paper feed tray is detected by the media detection unit 14 (NO in step S16). When the sheet 9 is detected by the media detection unit 14 (YES in step S16), the image forming apparatus 2 determines the sheet type (step S17) and transmits the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14 to the post-processing device 3 (step S18).

[0124] Next, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether or not it is necessary to change the system speed based on the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14 (step S19). If it is determined that it is necessary to change the system speed (YES in step S19), the image forming apparatus 2 changes the system speed (step S20) and transmits the changed system speed to the post-processing apparatus 3 (step S21). If it is not necessary to change the system speed (NO in step S19), the processes of steps S20 and S21 are skipped.

[0125] The image forming apparatus 2 then determines whether or not a sheet interval increase request has been received from the post-processing apparatus 3 (step S22). If a sheet interval increase request has been received (YES in step S22), the image forming apparatus 2 increases the sheet interval between the subsequent sheets 9 (step S23). For example, the image forming apparatus 2 can increase the sheet interval between the preceding sheet 9 and the subsequent sheet 9 by extending the time that the leading edge of the subsequent sheet 9 waits at the position of the timing roller 15. However, the process of increasing the sheet interval is not limited to this. For example, the sheet interval may be increased by delaying the timing of feeding the next sheet 9 from the paper feed tray. On the other hand, if a sheet interval increase request has not been received (NO in step S22), the process of step S23 is skipped.

[0126] Then, the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether it is time to feed the next sheet 9 (step S24). If it is time to feed the next sheet 9 (YES in step S24), the process by the image forming apparatus 2 returns to step S14 and repeats the above-mentioned process. If it is not time to feed the next sheet 9 (NO in step S24), the image forming apparatus 2 determines whether the job is over (step S25). If the job is not over (NO in step S25), the process by the image forming apparatus 2 returns to step S24. If it is the job over, the process by the image forming apparatus 2 ends.

[0127] Next, an example of a specific operation of post-processing device 3 will be described. Figures 16 and 17 are flowcharts showing an example of a processing procedure performed in post-processing device 3. This processing is performed by CPU 72 of post-processing device 3 executing program 75. This processing is also started when execution of a job is started in image forming device 2, for example.

[0128] When the post-processing device 3 starts this process, it receives the system speed transmitted from the image forming device 2 (step S30), sets the conveying speed of the sheet 9 based on the system speed, and drives the conveying roller 33 (step S31). The post-processing device 3 also receives the sheet type transmitted from the image forming device 2 (step S32), and stores it in the RAM 74 as the first sheet type (step S33).

[0129] When the sheet 9 is fed in the image forming apparatus 2, the post-processing device 3 waits until it receives the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14 (step S34). When the post-processing device 3 receives the sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14 (YES in step S34), it stores the sheet type in the RAM 74 as a second sheet type (step S35).

[0130] The post-processing device 3 then compares the first sheet type with the second sheet type to determine whether the two sheet types are different (step S36). If the first sheet type is different from the second sheet type (YES in step S36), the post-processing device 3 further determines whether the first sheet type is a special sheet (step S37). If the first sheet type is not a special sheet (NO in step S37), the post-processing device 3 determines the control amount for operating the post-processing unit 40 based on the second sheet type out of the first and second sheet types (step S38). That is, the post-processing device 3 determines the descending amount and rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven, and the drive current of the stapler 45 based on the basis weight specified for the second sheet type and the control information 76 stored in the ROM 73. Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 determines the timing to start driving the alignment plates 52a and 52b (the timing corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined time T2) based on the determined number of rotations of the rotary member 53 (paddle 54).

[0131] On the other hand, if the first sheet type and the second sheet type are the same (NO in step S36), or if the first sheet type is a special sheet (YES in step S37), the post-processing device 3 determines the control amount for operating the post-processing unit 40 based on the first sheet type out of the first and second sheet types (step S39). For example, if the first sheet type is "plain paper," the post-processing device 3 determines the control amount for operating the post-processing unit 40 based on the basis weight of 81 to 90 g / m in the control information 76. 2 By referring to the value of the rotation speed of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the amount of descent and the number of rotations of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the number of times that the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven, and the drive current of the stapler 45 are determined. Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 determines the timing at which the alignment plates 52a and 52b start to be driven (the timing corresponding to the above-mentioned predetermined time T2) based on the determined number of rotations of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54).

[0132] However, this is not limited to this, and even when the first sheet type and the second sheet type are the same (NO in step S36), or when the first sheet type is a special sheet (YES in step S37), the post-processing device 3 may determine the amount of control when operating the post-processing unit 40 based on the second sheet type.

[0133] After determining the control amount for operating the post-processing unit 40 in steps S38 and S39, the post-processing device 3 waits until the sheet detection unit 41 detects the trailing edge of the sheet 9 (step S40). When the sheet detection unit 41 detects the trailing edge of the sheet 9 (YES in step S41), the post-processing device 3 waits until a predetermined time T1 has elapsed (step S41). This predetermined time T1 is the time required for the trailing edge of the sheet 9 detected by the sheet detection unit 41 to leave the pair of rollers 42 and be discharged onto the tray 43.

[0134] Then, when the predetermined time T1 has elapsed (YES in step S41), the post-processing device 3 starts to lower the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) of the first alignment member 51 (step S42). At this time, the post-processing device 3 lowers the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) until the amount of lowering reaches the amount determined in step S38 or S39.

[0135] Furthermore, as the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) starts to descend, the post-processing device 3 starts rotating the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) of the first alignment member 51 (step S43). At this time, the post-processing device 3 rotates the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) until the number of rotations reaches the number determined in step S38 or S39. For example, the rotating member 53 rotates once while descending, and rotates once or twice after the downward movement is completed. This allows the sheets 9 discharged onto the tray 43 to be aligned along the conveying direction.

[0136] As the rotation of the rotary member 53 (paddle 54) begins, the post-processing device 3 determines whether the number of rotations of the rotary member 53 is three rotations, which is more than the predetermined number (two rotations) (step S44). If the number of rotations is three rotations, the post-processing device 3 performs a sheet interval enlargement process (step S45). That is, the post-processing device 3 sends a sheet interval enlargement request to the image forming device 2 and performs a process to enlarge the sheet interval between the following sheets 9. If the number of rotations is not three rotations (NO in step S44), the process of step S45 is skipped.

[0137] 17, the post-processing device 3 determines whether a predetermined time T2 has elapsed since the trailing edge of the sheet 9 was detected by the sheet detector 41 and whether it is time to start driving the alignment plates (step S50). If it is time to start driving the alignment plates, the rotation of the paddle 54 has ended. Therefore, if it is time to start driving the alignment plates (YES in step S50), the post-processing device 3 raises the rotating member 53 (paddle 54) and returns it to the standby position. The post-processing device 3 also starts driving the alignment plates 52a and 52b of the second alignment member 52 (step S51). At this time, the post-processing device 3 drives the alignment plates 52a and 52b until the number of drives determined in step S38 or S39 is reached. This allows the sheets 9 placed on the tray 43 to be aligned in the width direction.

[0138] In step S50, the timing at which the control unit 39 of the post-processing device 3 determines to start the operation of the second alignment member 52 varies depending on whether the paddle 54 has rotated two or three times. Whether the paddle 54 will rotate two or three times is determined based on the sheet type in steps S38 and S39. Thus, the control unit 39 of the post-processing device 3 adjusts the timing at which it determines to start the operation of the second alignment member 52 in step S50 based on the sheet type. By adjusting the operation start timing of the second alignment member 52 based on the sheet type, the control unit 39 can prevent the second alignment member 52 from operating simultaneously with the first alignment member 51, thereby appropriately aligning the sheet 9 in both the conveyance direction and the width direction through each operation. In step S50, the post-processing device 3 may also determine whether the rotation of the paddle 54 of the first alignment member 51 has ended.

[0139] Then, the post-processing device 3 waits until the operation of the alignment plates 52a and 52b of the second alignment member 52 is completed (step S52). When the operation of the alignment plates 52a and 52b is completed (YES in step S52), the post-processing device 3 performs a count process of the sheets 9 (step S53). This count process updates the number of sheets 9 stacked on the tray 43. The post-processing device 3 then determines whether the number of sheets 9 on the tray 43 has reached a predetermined number (step S54). As a result, if the number of sheets 9 on the tray 43 has not reached the predetermined number (NO in step S54), the process by the post-processing device 3 returns to step S34 in FIG. 16 and repeats the above-described process.

[0140] On the other hand, when the number of sheets 9 on the tray 43 reaches the predetermined number (YES in step S54), the post-processing device 3 drives the stapler 45 to staple the predetermined number of sheets 9 together (step S55). At this time, the post-processing device 3 supplies the drive current determined in steps S38 and S39 of FIG. 16 to the stapler 45. As a result, the stapler 45 operates at a speed corresponding to the drive current and staples the predetermined number of sheets 9 together.

[0141] After stapler 45 has stapled the sheets, post-processing device 3 discharges the sheet bundle on tray 43 to second discharge tray 38 (step S56). That is, post-processing device 3 advances roller 46 toward roller 47, sandwiches the sheet bundle between roller 46 and roller 47, and rotates rollers 46 and 47 to discharge the sheet bundle to second discharge tray 38. When the sheet bundle discharge operation is complete, post-processing device 3 resets the number of sheets 9 stacked on tray 43 to 0 (step S57).

[0142] Thereafter, the post-processing device 3 determines whether the next sheet 9 is being conveyed (step S58). If the next sheet 9 is being conveyed (YES in step S58), the process by the post-processing device 3 returns to step S34 in Fig. 16 and repeats the above-mentioned process. On the other hand, if the next sheet 9 does not exist (NO in step S58), the job is completed, and the process by the post-processing device 3 ends.

[0143] As described above, the post-processing device 3 of this embodiment is configured to acquire the first sheet type specified by the user and the second sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14 provided in the conveyance path 13 for the sheet 9, and if the first sheet type and the second sheet type differ, to preferentially adopt the second sheet type and control the operation of the post-processing unit 40 based on the second sheet type. Therefore, even if the user accidentally sets the wrong sheet type when manually setting the type of the sheet 9, the post-processing device 3 can perform appropriate post-processing based on the accurate sheet type by controlling the operation of the post-processing unit 40 based on the second sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14.

[0144] Furthermore, the post-processing device 3 of this embodiment is configured to acquire a first sheet type specified by the user and a second sheet type detected by the media detection unit 14 provided in the conveyance path 13 for the sheet 9, and if the second sheet type is detected in more detail than the first sheet type, control the operation of the post-processing unit 40 based on the second sheet type. In other words, even if the user simply sets "plain paper," the post-processing device 3 identifies a more detailed sheet type within "plain paper" based on the second sheet type and controls the operation of the post-processing unit 40. Therefore, the post-processing device 3 of this embodiment can precisely control the operation of the post-processing unit 40 based on a sheet type that is more detailed than the sheet type manually set by the user, and can perform appropriate post-processing according to the type of sheet 9.

[0145] Furthermore, because the media detection unit 14 detects the type of sheet each time a sheet 9 passes through the conveyance path 13, the post-processing device 3 can change the operation of the post-processing unit 40 on a sheet-by-sheet basis. Therefore, even if different types of sheets are mixed in one paper feed tray, it is possible to perform appropriate post-processing according to the type of sheet 9 fed from the paper feed tray.

[0146] The post-processing device 3 also includes an alignment unit 44 that aligns the sheets 9 stacked on the tray 43, and is configured to control the operation of the alignment unit 44 based on the second sheet type. This prevents misalignment of the sheets 9 on the tray 43, and allows post-processing such as stapling with the stapler 45 to be performed appropriately.

[0147] The preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible.

[0148] For example, in the above embodiment, a configuration example was described in which the media detection unit 14 was provided on the conveying path 13 inside the image forming device 2. However, the media detection unit 14 may be provided on the conveying path of the post-processing device 3 instead of on the conveying path of the image forming device 2.

[0149] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the alignment operation of the sheets 9 on the tray 43 and the stapling operation by the stapler 45 are controlled based on the sheet type. However, the objects of control based on the sheet type are not limited to the alignment operation and the stapling operation. For example, the post-processing device 3 may be configured to control the punching operation by the punch 34 based on the sheet type in addition to the alignment operation and the stapling operation.

[0150] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which, when the post-processing device 3 controls the alignment operation based on the sheet type, the post-processing device 3 controls the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the number of rotations of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven, the drive current of the stapler 45, and the drive start timing of the alignment plates 52a and 52b. However, this is not limited to this, and, for example, when controlling the alignment operation, the post-processing device 3 may control at least one of the amount of descent of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the number of rotations of the rotating member 53 (paddle 54), the number of times the alignment plates 52a and 52b are driven, the drive current of the stapler 45, and the drive start timing of the alignment plates 52a and 52b.

[0151] In the above embodiment, the program 75 executed by the CPU 72 of the post-processing device 3 is stored in the ROM 73 in advance. However, the program 75 is not limited to being provided in a state in which it is pre-installed in the post-processing device 3. In other words, the program 75 may be provided in a state in which it is recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, and may be a program that can be installed in the post-processing device 3, or may be provided as a program that can be installed in the post-processing device 3 by downloading it via a network such as the Internet. [Explanation of symbols]

[0152] 1. Image forming system 2. Image forming device 3. Post-processing equipment 9 sheets 14 Media detection unit 39 Control Unit 40 Post-processing section 41 Sheet detection unit 43 Tray 44 Matching section 45 Stapler 51 First alignment member 52 Second alignment member 52a,52b matching plate 53 Rotating member 54 Paddle 58 Stopper

Claims

1. a tray for receiving and stacking the conveyed sheets; a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray; a control unit that controls the operation of the post-processing unit; Equipped with The control unit acquires a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in the sheet transport path, and if the first sheet type and the second sheet type are different, controls the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type.

2. a tray for receiving and stacking the conveyed sheets; a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray; a control unit that controls the operation of the post-processing unit; Equipped with The control unit acquires a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in the sheet transport path, and if the second sheet type detects the sheet type in more detail than the first sheet type, controls the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type.

3. the post-processing section includes an alignment section that aligns the sheets stacked on the tray, 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the alignment unit based on the second sheet type.

4. the alignment unit includes a first alignment member that aligns the sheets stacked on the tray in the conveying direction, The post-processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit controls the operation of the first alignment member based on the second sheet type.

5. the first alignment member is capable of moving up and down above the tray, and is lowered when a sheet is discharged between the tray and the first alignment member, thereby pressing down an upper surface of the sheet and stacking it on the uppermost surface of the tray; The post-processing device according to claim 4 , wherein the control unit adjusts the amount of lowering of the first alignment member based on the second sheet type.

6. 6. The post-processing device according to claim 5, wherein the control unit reduces the amount of lowering of the first alignment member when the second sheet type is thick paper compared to when the second sheet type is thin paper.

7. 7. The post-processing device according to claim 5, wherein the control section further adjusts the amount of lowering of the first alignment member in accordance with the number of sheets stacked on the tray.

8. the tray includes a stopper that restricts movement of the sheet in the conveying direction; the first alignment member includes a rotating member that rotates in contact with the sheets stacked on the uppermost surface of the tray, thereby causing the sheets to abut against the stopper and align them; 8. The post-processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit adjusts the rotation speed of the rotary member based on the second sheet type.

9. The tray is provided with a stopper that restricts movement of the sheet in the conveying direction, the first alignment member includes a rotating member that rotates in contact with the sheets stacked on the uppermost surface of the tray, thereby causing the sheets to abut against the stopper and align them; 8. The post-processing device according to claim 4, wherein the control unit reads control information that defines the number of rotations of the rotating member, and determines the number of rotations of the rotating member based on the control information.

10. 10. The post-processing device according to claim 8, wherein the control unit controls the sheet conveying interval to be wider than the initial interval when the number of rotations of the rotary member is greater than a predetermined number of times.

11. the alignment unit includes a second alignment member that aligns the sheets stacked on the tray in a direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction, 10. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the second alignment member based on the second sheet type.

12. The post-processing device according to claim 11 , wherein the control unit adjusts the operation start timing of the second alignment member based on the second sheet type.

13. 13. The post-processing device according to claim 11, wherein the control unit adjusts the number of times the second alignment member operates based on the second sheet type.

14. 14. The post-processing device according to claim 13, wherein the control unit controls the sheet conveyance interval to be wider than the initial interval when the number of operations of the second alignment member is increased beyond a predetermined number.

15. a stapler in which a predetermined number of sheets are stacked on the tray, the predetermined number of sheets are aligned by the alignment unit, and then the predetermined number of sheets are stapled; Further provided with 15. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit controls the operation of the stapler based on the second sheet type.

16. 16. The post-processing device according to claim 15, wherein the control unit adjusts a driving current for driving the stapler based on the second sheet type.

17. 17. A post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit acquires the density of an image formed on a sheet discharged to the upper side of the tray, and controls the operation of the alignment unit based on the second sheet type and the image density.

18. 18. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit acquires environmental information including at least one of temperature and humidity, and controls the operation of the alignment unit based on the second sheet type and the environmental information.

19. a post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 18; an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and supplies the sheet on which the image has been formed to the post-processing apparatus; An image forming system comprising:

20. a tray for receiving and stacking the conveyed sheets; a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray; A control method for controlling an operation of a post-processing unit in a post-processing device, comprising: A control method characterized by acquiring a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in a sheet transport path, and controlling the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type if the first sheet type and the second sheet type differ.

21. a tray for receiving and stacking the conveyed sheets; a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray; A control method for controlling an operation of a post-processing unit in a post-processing device, comprising: A control method characterized by acquiring a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in a sheet transport path, and controlling the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type if the second sheet type detects the sheet type in more detail than the first sheet type.

22. a tray for receiving and stacking the conveyed sheets; a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray; A program executed in a post-processing device comprising: A program characterized by acquiring a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in a sheet transport path, and controlling the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type if the first sheet type and the second sheet type differ.

23. a tray for receiving and stacking the conveyed sheets; a post-processing section that performs post-processing on the sheets stacked on the tray; A program executed in a post-processing device comprising: A program characterized by acquiring a first sheet type specified by a user and a second sheet type detected by a media detection unit provided in a sheet transport path, and controlling the operation of the post-processing unit based on the second sheet type if the second sheet type detects the sheet type in more detail than the first sheet type.

Images