Post-processing device

Abstract

A post-processing device can prevent a malfunction from occurring when an object enters through an opening of the post-processing device. The post-processing device of the embodiment includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a control unit. The first sensor detects an object in a predetermined area, and the predetermined area is an area where predetermined post-processing is performed on sheets conveyed from an image forming device. The second sensor detects an object at a position within the area that is closer to the opening than the position of the first sensor relative to the opening, and the opening allows the sheet to pass through the opening when the sheet that has undergone post-processing is discharged from the area. When the second sensor detects an object before the first sensor, the control unit performs a predetermined process for preventing a malfunction from occurring.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] An embodiment of the present invention relates to a post-processing device. Background Art

[0002] The post-processing device performs post-processing on the sheets conveyed from the image forming device. Post-processing refers to, for example, stapling processing. The sheets after the post-processing are discharged from the opening. When an object enters from the opening, there is a possibility that the post-processing device will fail. However, the post-processing device does not prevent the occurrence of failure when an object enters from the opening. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a post-processing device capable of preventing malfunctions from occurring when an object enters an opening of the post-processing device.

[0004] A post-processing device of an embodiment includes a first sensor, a second sensor, and a control unit. The first sensor detects an object in a predetermined area, the predetermined area being an area where a predetermined post-processing is performed on a sheet conveyed from an image forming device. The second sensor detects an object in the area at a position closer to an opening than the first sensor relative to the opening, the opening allowing the sheet to pass when the sheet after the post-processing is discharged from the area. The control unit performs a predetermined process for preventing a malfunction from occurring when the second sensor detects the object before the first sensor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1 It is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration of the image forming system according to the embodiment.

[0006] Figure 2 It is a block diagram showing a configuration example of an image forming system according to an embodiment.

[0007] Figure 3 It is a diagram showing a configuration example of a post-processing device according to an embodiment.

[0008] Figure 4 It is a diagram showing an example of arrangement of object sensors according to an embodiment.

[0009] Figure 5 It is a diagram showing a first example of the object detection procedure according to the embodiment.

[0010] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing a second example of the object detection procedure according to the embodiment.

[0011] Figure 7 This is a flowchart showing an operation example of the image forming system according to the embodiment.

[0012] Description of Reference Numerals

[0013] 1…image forming system; 2…image forming device; 3…post-processing device; 21…display; 22…control panel; 23…printer; 24…sheet storage section; 25…image reading section; 26…sheet discharge section; 27…image forming control section; 28…image forming communication section; 29…image forming memory; 31…fixed tray; 32…movable tray; 33…processing tray; 33a…opening; 33b…top surface; 33c…bottom surface; 34…post-processing control section; 35…post-processing communication section; 36…post-processing memory; 100…sheet; 100a…sheet stack; 330…holding area; 331…sheet sensor; 332…post-processing section; 333…object sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0014] Hereinafter, a post-processing device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0015] Figure 1 1 is an external view showing an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system 1 according to an embodiment. The image forming system 1 includes an image forming device 2 and a post-processing device 3. The image forming system 1 is a system for forming an image on a sheet-like recording medium. The image forming system 1 performs post-processing on the sheet-like recording medium. Post-processing refers to, for example, sorting processing (classification processing), binding processing, and the like.

[0016] The image forming device 2 is, for example, a multifunction machine or a printing device. The image forming device 2 includes a display 21, a control panel 22, a printer 23, a sheet storage unit 24, and an image reading unit 25. It should be noted that the printer 23 of the image forming device 2 may be a device for fixing a toner image or an inkjet device.

[0017] The image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet using a developer such as a toner. The sheet is, for example, paper or label paper. Any sheet may be used as long as the image forming device 2 can form an image on its surface.

[0018] The display 21 is an image display device such as a liquid crystal display or an organic EL (Electro Luminescence) display. The display 21 displays various information about the image forming device 2. The various information is, for example, information indicating the number of sheets of material forming an image and message information sent from the post-processing device 3. The message information is, for example, information warning that an object entering the post-processing device 3 is detected. It should be noted that the display 21 may also include a speaker. The display 21 may output a warning sound from the speaker based on the message information indicating the warning.

[0019] The control panel 22 has a plurality of buttons. The control panel 22 receives user operations. The control panel 22 outputs a signal corresponding to the user operations to the control unit of the image forming apparatus 2. It should be noted that the display 21 and the control panel 22 may be configured as an integrated touch screen.

[0020] The printer 23 forms an image on a sheet based on the image information generated by the image reading unit 25. The printer 23 can also form an image on a sheet based on the image information (online data) received via the communication channel. The printer 23 forms an image by, for example, the following processing. The image forming unit of the printer 23 forms an electrostatic latent image on a photosensitive drum based on the image information. The image forming unit of the printer 23 forms a visible image by attaching a developer to the electrostatic latent image. The developer is, for example, a toner.

[0021] The transfer unit of the printer 23 transfers the visible image to the sheet. The fixing unit of the printer 23 fixes the transferred visible image on the sheet by heating and pressing the sheet. It should be noted that the sheet on which the image is formed may be a sheet accommodated in the sheet accommodating unit 24 or a sheet manually inserted into the image forming device 2. The sheet accommodating unit 24 accommodates the sheet used for image formation in the printer 23.

[0022] The image reading unit 25 reads the image information of the reading object based on the brightness of the light of the reading object. The image reading unit 25 outputs the read image information to the printer 23. An image corresponding to the recorded image information is formed on a sheet by the printer 23. The image reading unit 25 can also output the read image information to other information processing devices via a network.

[0023] The post-processing device 3 is a device that performs post-processing on a plurality of sheets conveyed from the image forming device 2 .

[0024] Figure 2 1 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment. The image forming apparatus 2 includes a display 21, a control panel 22, a printer 23, a sheet storage unit 24, an image reading unit 25, a sheet discharge unit 26, an image forming control unit 27, an image forming communication unit 28, and an image forming memory 29.

[0025] Part or all of the image forming control unit 27 and the image forming communication unit 28 are implemented in software by a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) executing a program stored in the image forming memory 29. Part or all of the image forming control unit 27 and the image forming communication unit 28 can also be implemented in hardware such as LSI (Large Scale Integration).

[0026] The sheet discharge unit 26 conveys the sheet discharged from the printer 23 to the post-processing device 3. When the post-processing device 2 sends a message to the image forming device 2, the sheet discharge unit 26 may temporarily stop the process of conveying the sheet to the post-processing device 3. The image forming control unit 27 controls the operation of each component of the image forming device 2. For example, the image forming control unit 27 controls the printing operation in the printer 23.

[0027] The image forming communication unit 28 receives image information via the communication channel when the image forming device 2 executes an online task. The image forming communication unit 28 outputs the received image information to the printer 23. The image forming communication unit 28 receives message information sent from the post-processing device 3. The message information indicates, for example, that an object has entered from the opening of the post-processing device 3. The image forming communication unit 28 outputs the message information to the image forming control unit 27. The image forming communication unit 28 may also output the message information to the display 21.

[0028] The image forming memory 29 is a non-volatile recording medium (non-temporary recording medium) such as a flash memory. The image forming memory 29 stores, for example, an image forming program. The image forming memory 29 may also include a volatile recording medium such as a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory).

[0029] The post-processing device 3 includes a fixed tray 31, a movable tray 32, a processing tray 33, a post-processing control unit 34, a post-processing communication unit 35, and a post-processing memory 36. Part or all of the post-processing control unit 34 and the post-processing communication unit 35 are implemented in software by a processor such as a CPU executing an image forming program stored in the image forming memory 29. Part or all of the post-processing control unit 34 and the post-processing communication unit 35 can also be implemented by hardware such as LSI.

[0030] The fixed tray 31 is a tray fixed to the upper part of the post-processing device 3. The fixed tray 31 holds the sheets discharged from the post-processing device 3 at the upper part of the post-processing device 3. The movable tray 32 is a tray that moves upward or downward at the side of the post-processing device 3. The movable tray 32 holds the sheets discharged from the post-processing device 3 at the side of the post-processing device 3.

[0031] The processing tray 33 (driving unit) is an area where post-processing is performed on sheets in the post-processing device 3. The processing tray 33 can also generate a stack of sheets conveyed from the image forming device 2 (hereinafter referred to as a "sheet stack"). The processing tray 33 performs post-processing on the sheet stack. The processing tray 33 includes a sheet sensor 331, a post-processing unit 332, and a plurality of object sensors 333.

[0032] The sheet sensor 331 (exit sensor) is a sensor for detecting a sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 2. The object sensor 333 is, for example, a reflective optical sensor. The sheet sensor 331 is provided in a portion of the sheet conveying path in the processing tray 33. For example, the sheet sensor 331 is provided in the sheet conveying path in the processing tray 33 and can detect the position of a sheet just conveyed from the image forming apparatus 2.

[0033] The post-processing section 332 (staple unit) performs post-processing on the sheet bundle. The post-processing section 332 holds the sheet bundle until the post-processing is completed. The post-processed sheet bundle is discharged to the movable tray 32.

[0034] The object sensor 333 is a sensor for detecting an object, such as a reflective optical sensor. The detected object is, for example, a hand. A plurality of object sensors 333 are arranged at the top of the processing tray 33 in a manner distributed in a predetermined range from a position close to the opening of the processing tray 33 to a position away from the opening. That is, a plurality of object sensors 333 are arranged at the top of the processing tray 33 in a manner distributed in a predetermined range from the downstream to the upstream in the conveying direction of the sheet. Thus, the object sensor 333 can detect the object that enters the processing tray 33 when the object enters the processing tray 33.

[0035] The post-processing control unit 34 controls the operation of each functional unit of the post-processing device 3. For example, the post-processing control unit 34 controls the operation of the sheet conveying process in the post-processing device 3. The post-processing control unit 34 controls the post-processing operation performed by the post-processing unit 332.

[0036] The post-processing control unit 34 determines whether an object has entered the processing tray 33 based on the order in which each object sensor 333 detects the object. In the processing tray 33, when the object sensor 333 downstream in the sheet conveying direction detects the object before the object sensor 333 upstream, the post-processing control unit 34 determines that the object has entered the processing tray 33. When it is determined that the object has entered the processing tray 33, the post-processing control unit 34 stops (aborts) the processing of the post-processing unit 332. In addition, when it is determined that the object has entered the processing tray 33, the post-processing control unit 34 can also stop the conveying process in execution. Through these controls, the post-processing control unit 34 can reduce the possibility of a malfunction caused by the object entering the processing tray 33. Further, when it is determined that the object has entered the processing tray 33, the post-processing control unit 34 can also generate a message information indicating a warning. The post-processing control unit 34 resumes the post-processing of the post-processing unit 332 when a predetermined release condition is met. The predetermined release condition refers to, for example, a condition that a predetermined time has passed since no object was detected in the processing tray 33.

[0037] The post-processing communication unit 35 sends the generated message information to the image forming communication unit 28. The post-processing memory 36 is a non-volatile recording medium (non-temporary recording medium) such as a flash memory. The post-processing memory 36 stores, for example, a post-processing program. The post-processing memory 36 may also include a volatile recording medium such as a DRAM.

[0038] Figure 3 1 is a diagram showing an example of the structure of the processing tray 33 according to the embodiment.

[0039] Figure 3 The xyz axis is shown in Figure 3 In the processing tray 33, the conveying direction of the sheet 100 is the negative direction of the x-axis direction. An opening 33a is provided on the negative side of the x-axis direction in the processing tray 33. That is, an opening 33a is provided downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet 100 in the processing tray 33. The height "H1" of the opening 33a represents the distance from the top surface 33b (first reference surface) of the processing tray 33 to the bottom surface 33c (second reference surface). The width of the opening 33a is provided to be greater than the width of the sheet bundle 100a.

[0040] The processing tray 33 is provided with a holding area 330. The sheet stack 100a is a stack of sheets 100. The processing tray 33 generates the sheet stack 100a in the holding area 330. The generated sheet stack 100a is held in the holding area 330. The height "H2" of the holding area 330 represents the height corresponding to the thickness of the sheet 100 and the maximum number of sheets. That is, the height "H2" of the holding area 330 represents the maximum height of the sheet stack 100a relative to the bottom surface 33c. The maximum number of sheets of the sheet stack 100a is, for example, 50 sheets.

[0041] The object sensor 333 detects an object at a position higher than a predetermined height from the bottom surface 33c. Figure 3 In the embodiment, the focus of each object sensor 333 is set to be able to detect an object at a position above the height "H2" of the holding area 330 in the processing tray 33. Thus, the object sensor 333 can detect an object in a range above the height "H2" from the bottom surface 33c and below the height "H1" from the bottom surface 33c.

[0042] The sheet bundle 100a is held in the holding area 330 until a predetermined number of sheets 100 are formed, and then conveyed to the post-processing unit 332. The post-processing unit 332 performs post-processing on the sheet bundle 100a. The post-processed sheet bundle 100a is discharged from the opening 33a to the movable tray 32.

[0043] Figure 4 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the object sensor 333 according to the embodiment. Figure 4The xyz axis is shown in FIG. The number of the object sensors 333 is not limited to two or more. Figure 4 9 are shown. Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , a total of nine object sensors 333 , which are three columns in the x-axis direction and three rows in the y-axis direction, are arranged at the top of the processing tray 33 .

[0044] It should be noted that the multiple object sensors 333 may be transmissive light sensors. The multiple transmissive light sensors may be configured such that the light-emitting side and the light-receiving side are directly opposite each other along the y-axis direction (horizontal direction) inside the processing tray 33. Furthermore, the light-emitting side and the light-receiving side of the multiple transmissive light sensors may be configured at a position higher than the height "H2" inside the processing tray 33. In the case where the object sensor 333 is a transmissive light sensor, a portion of the processing tray 33 component may also be provided with a hole for allowing the light of the transmissive light sensor to pass through.

[0045] Figure 5 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a first example of the order of detecting an object according to the embodiment. Figure 5 In the example shown, the object does not enter the processing tray 33 from the opening 33a. In this case, the object sensor 333 disposed at a position far from the opening 33a detects the sheet 100 before the object sensor 333 disposed at a position close to the opening 33a detects the sheet 100. That is, the object sensors 333 detect the sheet 100 conveyed in the conveying direction in the order from the upstream object sensor 333 to the downstream object sensor 333. When such a detection order result is obtained, the post-processing control unit 34 continues the normal conveying process being executed.

[0046] exist Figure 5 In the embodiment, the object sensor 333-1 detects the sheet 100 conveyed into the detection range of the object sensor 333-1 at time t1 before the object sensor 333-2 detects the sheet 100 conveyed into the detection range of the object sensor 333-2. The object sensor 333-2 detects the sheet 100 conveyed into the detection range of the object sensor 333-2 at time t2 before the object sensor 333-3 detects the sheet 100 conveyed into the detection range of the object sensor 333-3. The object sensor 333-3 detects the sheet 100 conveyed into the detection range of the object sensor 333-3 at time t3.

[0047] Before the object sensor 333-2 no longer detects the sheet 100 conveyed outside the detection range of the object sensor 333-2, the object sensor 333-1 no longer detects the sheet 100 conveyed outside the detection range of the object sensor 333-1 at time 4. Before the object sensor 333-3 no longer detects the sheet 100 conveyed outside the detection range of the object sensor 333-3, the object sensor 333-2 no longer detects the sheet 100 conveyed outside the detection range of the object sensor 333-2 at time 5. The object sensor 333-3 no longer detects the sheet 100 conveyed outside the detection range of the object sensor 333-3 at time 6.

[0048] Figure 6 2 is a diagram showing a second example of the object detection sequence according to the embodiment. Figure 6 In the example shown, the object enters the processing tray 33 from the opening 33a. In this case, the object sensor 333 disposed at a position close to the opening 33a detects the object before the object sensor 333 disposed at a position far from the opening 33a detects the object. That is, the object sensors 333 detect the object entering the processing tray 33 in order from the downstream object sensor 333 to the upstream object sensor 333.

[0049] When such a result of the detection sequence is obtained, the post-processing control unit 34 stops the normal conveying process being executed. Thus, the post-processing control unit 34 can reduce the possibility of an object entering the processing tray 33 and causing a malfunction.

[0050] When the post-processing control unit 34 stops the normal conveying process being executed, the post-processing communication unit 35 transmits the message information indicating the warning to the image forming communication unit 28 based on the transmission process control performed by the post-processing control unit 34. The image indicating the message information indicating the warning is displayed on the display 21. The post-processing communication unit 35 can also transmit the message information indicating the warning to the information processing terminal that transmits the image information to the image forming apparatus 2.

[0051] exist Figure 6 , object sensor 333-3 detects an object moving into the detection range of object sensor 333-3 at time t1 before object sensor 333-2 detects an object entering into the detection range of object sensor 333-2. Object sensor 333-2 detects an object moving into the detection range of object sensor 333-2 at time t2 before object sensor 333-1 detects an object entering into the detection range of object sensor 333-1. Object sensor 333-1 detects an object moving into the detection range of object sensor 333-1 at time t3.

[0052] Object sensor 333-3 no longer detects an object that has moved outside the detection range of object sensor 333-3 at time 4 before object sensor 333-2 no longer detects an object that has entered outside the detection range of object sensor 333-2. Object sensor 333-2 no longer detects an object that has moved outside the detection range of object sensor 333-2 at time 5 before object sensor 333-1 no longer detects an object that has entered outside the detection range of object sensor 333-1. Object sensor 333-1 no longer detects an object that has moved outside the detection range of object sensor 333-1 at time 6.

[0053] Next, an operation example of the image forming system 1 will be described.

[0054] Figure 7 1 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the image forming system 1 according to the embodiment. The post-processing control unit 34 determines whether the object sensor 333 downstream in the conveying direction of the sheet 100 detects an object (ACT 101). When the object sensor 333 other than the downstream detects an object (ACT 101: No), the post-processing control unit 34 determines whether the object sensor 333 detects the object in order from the upstream to the downstream (ACT 102).

[0055] When it is determined that the object sensor 333 detects objects in order from upstream to downstream (ACT 102: Yes), the post-processing control unit 34 continues the normal conveying process being executed (ACT 103). Figure 7 The process of the flowchart is shown.

[0056] When determining that the object sensor 333 has detected the object in an order other than the order from upstream to downstream (the order is different) (ACT 102 : NO), the post-processing control unit 34 returns the process to ACT 101 .

[0057] When the downstream object sensor 333 detects an object (ACT101: No), the post-processing control unit 34 determines whether the object sensor 333 detects the object in the order from downstream to upstream (ACT104). When the object sensor 333 detects the object in an order other than the order from downstream to upstream (the order is different) (ACT104: No), the post-processing control unit 34 returns the process to ACT101.

[0058] When it is determined that the object sensor 333 detects an object in the order from downstream to upstream (ACT 104: Yes), the post-processing control unit 34 stops the conveying process being executed. The post-processing communication unit 35 sends a message to the image forming communication unit 28 (ACT 105). The post-processing control unit 34 ends Figure 7 A flow chart illustrating the process.

[0059] As described above, the post-processing device 3 of the embodiment includes the first object sensor 333, the second object sensor 333, and the post-processing control unit 34. The first object sensor 333 is provided on the processing tray 33. The processing tray 33 is an area where a predetermined post-processing is performed on the sheet bundle 100a. The sheet 100 that has been subjected to the post-processing passes through the opening 33a when being discharged from the processing tray 33. The first object sensor 333 detects an object in the processing tray 33. The second object sensor 333 detects an object at a position in the processing tray 33 that is closer to the opening 33a than the position of the first object sensor 333 relative to the opening 33a. The post-processing control unit 34 performs a predetermined process for preventing a malfunction from occurring when the second object sensor 333 detects an object before the first object sensor 333. The predetermined process for preventing a malfunction from occurring is, for example, a process for stopping the conveying process of the sheet 100 midway, a process for displaying a warning message on the display 21 of the image forming device 2, a process for outputting a warning from at least one of the image forming device 2 and the post-processing device 3, and the like.

[0060] According to at least one of the embodiments described above, when an object enters from the opening of the post-processing device, it is possible to prevent a malfunction from occurring.

[0061] Although several embodiments are described, these embodiments are only presented as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These embodiments can be implemented in various other ways, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. These embodiments and their variations are included in the scope and purpose of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A post-processing device, characterized in that: have: a plurality of sensors for detecting an object in a predetermined area, the predetermined area being an area where a predetermined post-processing is performed on a sheet conveyed from an image forming device; as well as The control unit stops or continues the conveying process of the sheet in the area according to the detection outputs of the plurality of sensors. The plurality of sensors are arranged to be distributed in a predetermined range from a position close to an opening to a position far from the opening, the opening allowing the sheet to pass through when the sheet having undergone the post-processing is discharged from the area through the conveying process, The control unit stops the conveying process of the sheet when the multiple sensors detect the object in the order from downstream in the conveying direction to upstream in the conveying direction, and continues the conveying process of the sheet when the multiple sensors detect the object in the order from upstream in the conveying direction to downstream in the conveying direction.

2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The plurality of sensors detect the object at a position above a predetermined height from a reference surface in the area.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The predetermined height is a height corresponding to the thickness of the sheet and the maximum number of sheets from the bottom surface in the region.

4. The post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: The processing performed by the control unit includes a processing of terminating the post-processing.

5. The post-processing device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The control unit resumes the post-processing when a predetermined release condition is satisfied.

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