Post-processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

A post-processing apparatus includes a post-processing unit performing post-processing for a sheet ejected from a former-stage apparatus, a post-processing time calculating unit calculating a time required for the post-processing based on a content of the post-processing, a time comparing unit comparing the time required for the post-processing and a sheet interval between sheets ejected from the former-stage apparatus, an overlapping conveying unit overlapping a plurality of sheets ejected from the former-stage apparatus and conveying the overlapping sheets on an upstream side of the post-processing unit, and a control unit controlling the overlapping conveying unit, wherein the control unit changes the number of overlapping sheets in the overlapping conveying unit in accordance with the sheet interval of sheets ejected from the former-stage apparatus where the time required for the post-processing is determined to exceed the sheet interval based on a comparison result of the time comparing unit.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0001]1. Field of the Invention[0002]The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus that performs post-processing for a sheet on which an image is transferred by an image forming apparatus and an image forming system that includes the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus.[0003]2. Description of the Related Art[0004]In image forming apparatuses that form images and transfer the images to a sheet such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, and a multifunction periphery, post-processing can be performed for the sheet to which images have been transferred as desired. Examples of the post-processing include stapling, saddle stitching, and punching. The post-processing is performed by a post-processing apparatus that is connected to the later stage side of an image forming apparatus. In addition, it is not necessary for the post-processing apparatus to be connected immediately next to the image forming apparatus.[0005]In...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0021]and a control unit that controls the overlapping conveying unit, in which the control unit changes the number of overlapping sheets in the overlapping conveying unit in accordance with the sheet interval of sheets ejected from the former-stage apparatus in a case where the time required for the post-processing is determined to exceed the sheet interval based on a comparison result of the time comparing unit.

[0022]In the above-described post-processing apparatus, it is preferred that the control unit changes the number of overlapping sheets in the overlapping conveying unit in accordance with the sheet interval of the sheets ejected from the former-stage apparatus at the time of maintaining same set in the plurality sets for printing in an image forming apparatus arranged on a former stage of the post-processing apparatus.

[0023]In addition, in the above-described post-processing apparatus, it is preferred that the control unit change the number of overlapping sheets in the overlapping conveying unit in accordance with the sheet interval of the sheets ejected from the former-stage apparatus at the time of occurring different set in the plurality sets for printing in an image forming apparatus arranged on a former stage of the post-processing apparatus.

[0024]In addition, in the above-described post-processing apparatus, it is preferred that the control unit perform control of ejecting the sheets overlapping each other in the overlapping conveying unit toward the post-processing unit in a case where the post-processing unit disposed on a downstream side of the overlapping conveying unit is in a state in which sheets can be received.

[0025]In addition, in the above-described post-processing apparatus, it is preferred that the control unit determines the state in which sheets can be received based on whether or not the post-processing for sheets sent to the post-processing unit in advance has been completed.

[0026]In addition, in the above-described post-processing apparatus, it is preferred that the control unit determines the state in which sheets can be received based on whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed after a final sheet is sent to the post-processing unit for the post-processing.

Problems solved by technology

On the other hand, in the post-processing, a processing time according to the details of the post-processing is necessary, and the implementation of high speed has not progressed as much as that of the image processing apparatus.

As a result, when the time that is required for the post-processing is secured, as illustrated in FIG. 7(a) for a case where overlapping conveyance is not performed, it is necessary to secure a long sheet interval, and there occurs a problem of degrading the implementation of high speed of the apparatus.

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