Post-processor and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a post-processor capable of preventing blocking without affecting the alignment of media.SOLUTION: A post-processor 200, disposed downstream of an image forming apparatus 100 and having a post-processing unit to execute post-processing on a medium, comprises a transport pathway that guides a medium discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 downstream, transport means that carries the medium on the transport pathway, surface-detecting means 20 that detects a surface of the medium on the transport pathway and blower means that sends air toward the surface of the medium on the transport pathway. The blower means comprises a blower fan 16, a plurality of blower units 15 (15a-15f) that opens opposed to the transport pathway, and an air duct 17 that guides an air stream produced at the blower fan 16 to the blower unit 15, so as to change over the presence / absence and / or the rate of sending air from the blower units 15 for each of the blower unit 15 based on a detection result of the surface-detecting means 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] In electrophotographic image forming devices, images are fixed by heating the medium (also called paper, sheet material, etc.), so the medium is at a high temperature immediately after being discharged from the device. If multiple such media are stacked while still at a high temperature, the media may stick together due to the molten toner and harden, a phenomenon known as blocking.

[0003] In response to this, an image forming apparatus has been disclosed that includes a means for cooling the sheet material by blowing external air taken in onto the upper surface of the sheet material discharged onto the paper discharge tray (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which air is blown onto the center of the upper surface of the discharged paper or onto the entire upper surface of the discharged paper radially via a paper discharge cooling duct.

[0004] Furthermore, there is also known a technique for blowing air onto stacked media for purposes other than preventing blocking (for example, for the purpose of drying the paper) (see, for example, Patent Document 2). Patent Document 2 discloses a configuration in which a plurality of ventilation fans are arranged parallel to the stacking direction and the air volume of each ventilation fan is adjusted in order to efficiently season stacked sheets. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] In a post-processing device into which a hot medium discharged from an image forming device is conveyed, it is required to cool the medium to prevent blocking. However, when cooling by blowing air, the air current can disrupt the alignment (media alignment accuracy) of the media temporarily loaded before post-processing, which can result in a decrease in the quality of the post-processing.

[0006] On the other hand, if the amount of air blown is reduced so as not to affect the alignment of the media, the cooling efficiency decreases, and there is a risk that a sufficient blocking prevention effect cannot be obtained.

[0007] SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE An object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing device that can prevent blocking without affecting the alignment of media. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problems, the post-processing device of the present invention is a post-processing device arranged downstream of an image forming device and equipped with a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on a medium, and is equipped with a transport means for transporting the medium that has been introduced along a transport path, a surface detection means for detecting the surface of the medium on the transport path, and an air blowing means for blowing air toward the surface of the medium on the transport path, and the air blowing means is equipped with a blower fan, a plurality of air blowing sections that open facing the transport path, and an air blowing duct that guides the airflow generated by the air blower fan to the air blowing section, and is characterized in that the presence or absence of air blowing from the air blowing section and / or the amount of air blowing is switched for each air blowing section based on the detection result of the surface detection means. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a post-processing device that can prevent blocking without affecting the alignment of media. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating a part of a post-processing device and an image forming device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 2 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a blowing unit of the post-processing device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Figure 4] 2 is a side view showing a schematic configuration of a main part of a blowing unit of the post-treatment device according to the embodiment; FIG. [Diagram 5]FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a switching means in an air duct. [Figure 6] 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of operations in the post-processing device of the present embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. [Figure 8] 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control unit of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] The post-processing device and image forming system according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments, and may be modified, added, modified, deleted, or otherwise altered within the scope of what a person skilled in the art can conceive, and any embodiment is within the scope of the present invention as long as it provides the functions and effects of the present invention. In addition, in the present application, the terms image formation, recording, printing, printing, etc. are all synonymous.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to the present invention. The image forming system of this embodiment includes an image forming device 100 that forms an image on a medium (hereinafter also referred to as "paper"), and a post-processing device 200 that is arranged downstream of the image forming device 100 and has a post-processing unit that performs post-processing on the medium.

[0013] An image forming apparatus 100 as an example shown in FIG. 1 is a tandem type color image forming apparatus of an intermediate (indirect) transfer type. The image forming apparatus 100 includes an image creating section 110 as an image forming means, an optical writing section 111, a paper feeding section 120, a vertical conveying path 130 as a paper feeding conveying path for conveying paper to an intermediate transfer section 140 and a fixing section 150, a paper discharge path 160 for conveying the paper with the fixed image to the post-processing device 200 side, and a double-sided conveying path 170 for inverting the paper with an image formed on one side and forming an image on the other side. The image forming apparatus 100 also includes a toner storage container 116.

[0014] The image forming unit 110 is equipped with well-known photoconductor drums for each color, YMCK (Y: yellow, M: magenta, C: cyan, K: black). On the outer periphery of the photoconductor drum, a charging unit, a developing unit, a primary transfer unit, a cleaning unit, and a discharging unit are provided. In addition, the image forming unit 110 is equipped with an endless intermediate transfer belt 112 that intermediately transfers images formed on the photoconductor drums by the primary transfer unit, and an optical writing unit disposed in an optical writing unit 111 that writes images on each photoconductor drum.

[0015] The intermediate transfer belt 112 is rotatably supported by a plurality of support rollers. One of these support rollers, 114, faces a secondary transfer roller 115 in the intermediate transfer section 140, where the image on the intermediate transfer belt 112 is secondarily transferred to paper.

[0016] The paper feed unit 120 includes a paper feed tray 121, a pickup roller 122, and a paper feed conveying roller 123. The paper picked up from the paper feed tray 121 is sent upward along a vertical conveying path 130. After an image is transferred onto the sent paper by an intermediate transfer unit 140, the paper is sent to a fixing unit 150.

[0017] The fixing section 150 includes a fixing roller and a pressure roller, and applies heat and pressure to the paper onto which the image has been transferred, thereby fixing the image to the paper.

[0018] A paper discharge path 160 for transporting paper to the post-processing device 200 and a double-sided transport path 170 for transporting paper to be printed on both sides are provided downstream of the fixing unit 150 in the sheet transport direction. The paper discharge path 160 and the double-sided transport path 170 are branched off by a branch claw 161. A transport roller 162 is provided upstream of the branch claw 161.

[0019] The post-processing device 200 is disposed in a paper discharge space inside the body of the image forming device 100. The post-processing device 200 performs a predetermined post-processing on the paper conveyed from the image forming device 100. The post-processed paper or paper stack is discharged and loaded onto the paper discharge tray 6. Note that there are also cases where the paper is discharged as is without undergoing post-processing.

[0020] The image forming apparatus 100 also includes an image reading device 300 that optically scans an original placed on a contact glass to read an image on the original surface.

[0021] Image data is generated based on document data read by the image reading device 300, or print data sent from an external device (e.g., a PC) communicatively connected to the image forming device 100, and an image is formed based on the image data.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a part of the post-processing device 200 and the image forming device 100 of this embodiment. The post-processing device 200 of this embodiment is equipped with a transport path that guides the medium (paper) transported from the image forming device 100 downstream, a transport means that transports the medium on the transport path, a surface detection means 20 that detects the surface of the medium on the transport path, and an air blowing means that blows air toward the surface of the medium on the transport path.

[0023] 2, in the post-processing device 200, a guide plate 1, an inlet roller 2, a post-processing discharge roller 3, a discharge opening / closing guide plate 4, a tapping roller 10, a discharge roller 5, and a discharge tray 6 are arranged along the transport path. Also, a blower 15 is arranged as an air outlet of the blowing means. The inlet roller 2 and the post-processing discharge roller 3 arranged along the transport path function as the transport means.

[0024] The lower drive rollers of the inlet rollers 2 and the post-processing discharge rollers 3 are connected to a stepping motor via an endless belt (not shown), and the rotation of each roller transports the paper along the transport path. The paper discharge roller 5 is connected to a paper discharge motor via a driving force transmission means such as a timing belt or gears (not shown).

[0025] An entrance sensor is placed on the transport path to detect the paper. The entrance sensor detects the leading and trailing edges of the paper as it is being transported. The timing of processing the paper is determined by the timing of the detection and the number of drive steps of the stepping motor and the paper ejection motor.

[0026] In the case of straight paper discharge, in which paper is discharged without performing post-processing, paper brought into the guide plate 1 from the image forming device 100 is transported by the entrance rollers 2 and the post-processing paper discharge rollers 3, and with the paper discharge opening / closing guide plate 4 closed, is transported by the paper discharge rollers 5 and discharged to the paper discharge tray 6.

[0027] The paper output tray 6 is provided with a movable part 7 on the upstream side in the paper transport direction. The movable part 7 is pivotally supported on the paper output tray 6 body, and the end on the upstream side in the paper transport direction is a free end (swing end). The movable part 7 descends when the number of ejected sheets reaches a certain number. In addition, a paper presser 8 is disposed at the attachment portion of the paper output tray 6 to press down the paper or paper stacks loaded on the paper output tray 6. The paper presser 8 performs pressing and releasing operations in accordance with the transport of the paper. When the rear end of the paper (the upstream end in the transport direction) passes the post-processing paper output rollers 3, it retreats to a position where it does not interfere with transport.

[0028] A paper surface sensor (not shown) is disposed on the paper presser 8. When the paper surface sensor is off while the paper presser 8 is in the pressing state, the free end of the movable part 7 is raised until the paper surface sensor is on. When the paper surface sensor is on, the free end of the movable part 7 is lowered once until the tray paper surface sensor turns off, and then raised again until it turns on. This keeps the height of the free end of the movable part 7 constant in the paper output tray 6 on which the paper or paper stack is loaded.

[0029] The post-processing device shown in FIG. 2 is a device that performs binding processing as an example of post-processing, and the post-processing section is equipped with a staple tray 9 as a temporary stacking means, a rear end reference fence 12, a jogger fence 13, and a stapler 14 as a post-processing means. The binding process is a process in which a predetermined number of sheets of paper are stapled together by the stapler 14 when the sheets are discharged to produce a paper stack, which is then discharged.

[0030] A striking roller 10 driven vertically by a stepping motor (not shown) is disposed between the post-processing paper discharge roller 3 and the guide plate 1. The striking roller 10 is made up of a lever portion that moves vertically and a roller portion, and the roller portion is driven to rotate in the direction opposite to the paper transport direction.

[0031] During post-processing, when the trailing edge of the paper passes the post-processing paper discharge rollers 3, the striking roller 10 is lowered, and the roller portion presses the paper against the paper stacking surface of the staple tray 9, and the roller portion is further rotated to switch back the paper until the trailing edge of the paper hits the trailing edge reference fence 12. In addition, the return roller 11, which is disposed in the vicinity of the upper part of the trailing edge reference fence 12, assists in the switchback of the paper, and by hitting the trailing edge of the paper against the trailing edge reference fence 12, the transport direction of the paper is aligned.

[0032] Next, the sheets are aligned in the width direction by a jogger fence 13 serving as an aligning means / aligning member capable of reciprocating in the width direction of the sheets. When the alignment of the sheets is completed, the jogger fence 13 retreats to a position where it does not come into contact with the sheet, in preparation for receiving the next sheet. After that, the alignment operation and retreat operation are repeated.

[0033] One side edge of the rear end of the paper is inserted into a stapler 14 staple insertion position. The binding process is performed after the conveying operation of the designated number of sheets, the switchback operation, and the aligning operation are completed.

[0034] After the binding process is completed, the paper discharge opening / closing guide plate 4 closes, and the paper stack is discharged onto a paper discharge tray 6 by a paper discharge roller 5 .

[0035] The paper fed into the post-processing device 200 is at a high temperature due to heating during fixing in the image forming device. If high-temperature paper is stacked as is, there is a risk of blocking due to molten toner. In addition, if the paper to be post-processed is temporarily stacked inside the device, the heat of the paper is trapped in the post-processing device, the surrounding temperature rises, and the temperature of the paper also remains high, making blocking more likely to occur.

[0036] In contrast, the post-processing device of this embodiment is equipped with an air blowing means that blows air toward the surface of the paper on the transport path, and can blow air without affecting the alignment of the stacked papers, efficiently cool the paper, and prevent blocking.

[0037] 3 and 4 are explanatory diagrams showing a schematic configuration of a main part of the air blowing means of the post-processing device of this embodiment, where FIG. 3 is a plan view seen from above the post-processing device, and FIG. 4 is a side view. The air blowing means includes an air blower fan 16, a plurality of air blowing sections 15 opening opposite the conveying path, and an air blower duct 17 for guiding the air current generated by the air blower fan 16 to the air blowing sections 15. The post-processing device of this embodiment also includes a surface detection means 20 . Based on the detection result of the surface detection means 20, the presence or absence of blowing air W from each of the blowing sections 15a to 15f and / or the amount of blowing air W are switched for each blowing section 15.

[0038] In the drawing, D indicates the transport direction on the transport path of the medium, that is, the paper P. Also, in the drawing, W indicates the blowing direction from the blower 15. As shown in FIG. 4, air is blown from air blower 15 in a direction indicated by W toward the surface of paper P being transported in a direction indicated by D.

[0039] In the example shown in FIG. 3, six blowers 15 (15a to 15f) are arranged at regular intervals in the X and Y directions in the figure. The number, installation positions, installation intervals, etc. of the blowers 15 are not limited to those shown in the example of FIG. 3, and may be selected as appropriate.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 3, three surface detection means 20 (20a to 20c) are arranged at regular intervals in the Y direction in the figure. For example, the air blowing unit 15 can be configured to switch the air blowing W from air blowing units 15a and 15d based on the results detected by surface detection means 20a, to switch the air blowing W from air blowing units 15b and 15e based on the results detected by surface detection means 20b, and to switch the air blowing W from air blowing units 15c and 15f based on the results detected by surface detection means 20c. The number, installation positions, and installation intervals of the surface detection means 20 can also be appropriately selected.

[0041] The air blower duct 17 is provided with a switching means for switching, for each air blower 15 , whether or not air is blown from the air blower duct 17 that communicates with the air blower duct 17 and / or the amount of air blown. The post-processing device 200 of this embodiment includes a control means for controlling the air blowing means, and the control means controls the operation of the switching means based on the detection result of the surface detection means 20.

[0042] FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a switching means in the air duct 17. As shown in FIG. FIG. 5A shows an example in which a rotatable branching member 18 is provided as the switching means. The branching member 18 rotates in the direction indicated by R in the figure, thereby restricting the flow path in the air blower duct 17. When the branching member 18 is in the position indicated by the dashed line in the figure, the airflow to the connected downstream air blowing section 15 is blocked, and air is not blown from the air blowing section 15.

[0043] FIG. 5B shows an example in which a slidable shutter member 19 is provided as the switching means. The shutter member 19 moves in the direction indicated by S in the figure, thereby restricting the flow path in the air blower duct 17. When the shutter member 19 is in the position indicated by the dashed line in the figure, the airflow to the connected downstream air blower section 15 is blocked, and air is not blown from the air blower section 15.

[0044] The surface detection means 20 is, for example, a sensor that detects the surface temperature of the medium (paper) P. By arranging a plurality of surface detection means 20 as shown in FIG. 3, the temperatures of a plurality of areas of the paper P can be detected. Based on the detection results of the surface detection means 20, the area where the surface temperature of the paper P exceeds a reference value can be identified, and air can be blown only from the air blowing section 15 facing that area, or the amount of air blown from the air blowing section 15 facing that area can be controlled to be increased. The control of the airflow volume also includes controlling the airflow volume generated by the blower fan 16 to change the volume.

[0045] The surface detection means 20 is, for example, a sensor that detects an image formed on the surface of the medium (paper) P. By arranging a plurality of surface detection means 20 as shown in FIG. 3, it is possible to detect the presence or absence and density of images in a plurality of areas of the paper P. Based on the detection results of the surface detection means 20, the area on the surface of the paper P where an image has been formed can be identified, and air can be blown only from the air blowing section 15 facing that area, or the amount of air blown from the air blowing section 15 facing that area can be controlled to be greater. The control of the airflow volume also includes controlling the airflow volume generated by the blower fan 16 to change the volume.

[0046] With this configuration, the amount of air blown to cool the medium (paper) P can be minimized, reducing the effects of the air blowing that can disrupt paper alignment, while also achieving quieter operation and reduced power consumption when blowing air.

[0047] In addition, by controlling the blower unit 15 not to blow air to an area that will affect the stack of sheets stacked on the staple tray 9 during post-processing, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the accuracy of sheet alignment.

[0048] It is preferable that the air blowing means is controlled based on the results of acquiring information such as the temperature directly detected from the medium (paper) P, the temperature of the installation environment, and the heating history in the image forming apparatus 100.

[0049] For example, the image forming apparatus 100 may further include a temperature acquisition unit that acquires the temperature to which the medium (paper) P is heated, and the amount of air blown from the air blowing unit 15 may be changed according to the temperature information acquired by the temperature acquisition unit. The heated temperature may be, for example, a fixing temperature.

[0050] Also, the post-processing device 200 may be further provided with a temperature acquisition means for acquiring the temperature of the environment in which the post-processing device 200 is installed, and the amount of air blown from the blower 15 may be changed depending on the temperature information acquired by the temperature acquisition means.

[0051] For example, in addition to the surface detection means 20, a sensor for detecting the temperature of the installation environment of the post-processing device 200 and a sensor for detecting the fixing temperature in the fixing section 150 of the image forming device 100 may be provided, and if the temperatures detected by these sensors are higher than a preset reference value, the amount of air blown from the blowing section 15 can be controlled to be increased.

[0052] FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the flow of operations in the post-processing device of this embodiment. The paper P on which an image has been formed by the image forming apparatus 100 is transported along a paper discharge path 160 and carried into the post-processing apparatus 200 . After the conveyed paper P is detected (step S1), the blower fan 16 of the blower means is driven (step S2).

[0053] The surface temperature of the paper P being transported along the transport path is detected by the surface detection means 20 (step S3). If the surface temperature of the detected area exceeds a reference value, the air duct 17 communicating with the air blowing section 15 corresponding to that area is opened (step S4), and air is blown to that area of ​​the paper P.

[0054] The paper P that has been blown on the transport path is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 6 in the case of straight discharge, or onto the staple tray 9 in the case of post-processing (step S5). After the paper is discharged, the blower fan 16 is stopped (step S6).

[0055] It is then determined whether or not there is a subsequent sheet P to be carried in (step 7), and if there is a subsequent sheet P, the process returns to step S1 and the operations from step S1 to S7 are repeated. If there is no subsequent sheet P, the operation ends.

[0056] By performing such control, the amount of air blown onto the paper P can be kept to a minimum, reducing the impact of the air blown on the alignment of the paper P during post-processing. Also, air can be efficiently blown to areas that require cooling, preventing blocking. Furthermore, by keeping the amount of air blown to a minimum, noise reduction and energy savings can be achieved.

[0057] An overview of the functional configuration and control means of the post-processing device of this embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 7 and Fig. 8. The control unit as the control means of the post-processing device is connected to the control unit of the image forming device via an I / F, for example, and the post-processing device can be controlled in response to a processing signal from the image forming device.

[0058] FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an example of the functional configuration of the post-processing device of this embodiment. 7, the post-processing device is configured to transmit signals from the surface detection means 20 and the temperature acquisition means 21 to the control unit 50 of the post-processing device. Examples of the temperature acquisition means 21 include a means for detecting the temperature of the installation environment of the post-processing device 200 and a means for detecting the fixing temperature in the fixing unit 150 of the image forming device 100. The control unit 50 controls the driving of the blower fan 16 of the blower means and the switching means (18 or 19) in response to signals from the surface detection means 20 and various sensors 21 and the like.

[0059] FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control unit of the image forming system of this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 8, the control unit 50 includes a central processing unit (CPU) 51, a read only memory (ROM) 53, a random access memory (RAM) 52, a hard disk drive (HDD) 54, and an I / F 55.

[0060] The CPU 51 is an arithmetic unit that executes sequential, branching, and iterative processing by executing a program stored in the ROM 53, and generally controls the operation of the image forming system. The ROM 53 is a non-volatile storage device that stores the programs executed by the CPU 51. The RAM 52 is a memory that functions as a work area for the operation of the CPU 51.

[0061] The HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 54 is a non-volatile storage medium from which information can be read and written. The bus line 56 is an address bus, a data bus, etc. for electrically connecting each component such as the CPU 51. The I / F 55 is connected to an operation unit and a dedicated device. The I / F 55 connects and controls the bus line 56 with various hardware, networks, etc.

[0062] Of the functions of the above-described embodiments, the portion executed by the control unit 50 can be realized by one or more processing circuits. Here, the term "processing circuit" in this specification includes a processor programmed to execute each function by software, such as a processor implemented by an electronic circuit, and devices such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), a DSP (digital signal processor), an FPGA (field programmable gate array), and a conventional circuit module designed to execute each function described above.

[0063] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A post-processing device is provided downstream of an image forming device and includes a post-processing section for performing post-processing on a medium, a conveying means for conveying the medium along a conveying path; a surface detection unit that detects a surface of the medium on the transport path; a blowing means for blowing air toward a surface of the medium on the transport path, the air blowing means includes a blower fan, a plurality of air blowing sections that open facing the transport path, and an air blowing duct that guides an airflow generated by the air blower fan to the air blowing sections; The post-processing device is characterized in that the presence or absence of air blowing from the air blowing section and / or the amount of air blowing are switched for each air blowing section based on the detection result of the surface detection means. <2> A control means for controlling the air blowing means is provided, The air blowing duct includes a switching unit for switching on / off and / or the amount of air blowing from the air blowing unit connected thereto for each of the air blowing units, The control means controls the operation of the switching means based on the detection result of the surface detection means. <1> 2 is a post-processing device according to the first embodiment. <3> the surface detection means detects the surface temperature of the medium; The method according to the present invention is characterized in that an area where the surface temperature of the medium exceeds a reference value is identified based on the detection result of the surface detection means, and air is blown from the blowing unit facing the area. <1> or <2> 2 is a post-processing device according to the first embodiment. <4> a temperature acquisition unit for acquiring a temperature at which the medium is heated in the image forming apparatus; The temperature acquisition means acquires temperature information, and the amount of air sent from the air blowing section is changed according to the temperature information. <1> from <3> 13. The post-processing device according to claim 12, <5> a temperature acquisition unit for acquiring a temperature of an environment in which the post-treatment device is installed; The temperature acquisition means acquires temperature information, and the amount of air sent from the air blowing section is changed according to the temperature information. <1> from <4> 13. The post-processing device according to claim 12, <6> the surface detection means detects an image formed on the surface of the medium; The method further comprises the steps of: identifying an area on the medium on which an image is formed based on a detection result of the surface detection means; and blowing air from the blowing unit facing the area. <1> from <5> 13. The post-processing device according to claim 12, <7> Image forming apparatus and <1> from <6> 2. An image forming system comprising the post-processing device according to claim 1. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 15 Blower section 16 Blower fan 17 Air duct 18, 19 Switching means 20 Surface detection means 100 Image forming device 150 Fixing unit 200 Aftertreatment device P Media (paper) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0065] [Patent Document 1] JP 2003-223093 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2011-20807 A

Claims

1. A post-processing device is provided downstream of an image forming device and includes a post-processing section for performing post-processing on a medium, a conveying means for conveying the medium along a conveying path; a surface detection unit that detects a surface of the medium on the transport path; a blowing means for blowing air toward a surface of the medium on the transport path, the air blowing means includes a blower fan, a plurality of air blowing sections that open facing the transport path, and an air blowing duct that guides an airflow generated by the air blower fan to the air blowing sections; a surface detection means for detecting a surface of the substrate that detects a surface of the substrate and a surface of the substrate that detects a surface of the substrate;

2. A control means for controlling the air blowing means is provided, The air blowing duct includes a switching unit for switching on / off and / or the amount of air blowing from the air blowing unit connected thereto for each of the air blowing units, 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the operation of the switching means based on the detection result of the surface detection means.

3. the surface detection means detects the surface temperature of the medium; 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein an area of ​​the medium where the surface temperature exceeds a reference value is identified based on the detection result of the surface detection means, and air is blown from the blowing section facing the area.

4. a temperature acquisition unit for acquiring a temperature at which the medium is heated in the image forming apparatus; 4. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the amount of air blown from the air blowing section is changed in response to the temperature information acquired by the temperature acquisition means.

5. a temperature acquisition unit for acquiring a temperature of an environment in which the post-treatment device is installed; 4. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the amount of air blown from the air blowing section is changed in response to the temperature information acquired by the temperature acquisition means.

6. the surface detection means detects an image formed on the surface of the medium; 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein an area of ​​the medium on which an image is formed is identified based on a detection result from the surface detection means, and air is blown from the air blowing section facing the area.

7. 3. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus; and the post-processing apparatus according to claim 1.

Images