Sheet processing apparatus and image forming system

Abstract

To prevent damage to a transport path caused by staples that have been mis-stapled.SOLUTION: A sheet processing apparatus 200 according to the present invention includes: a binding processing unit (stapler SP) for binding a sheet bundle on which a plurality of sheets are stacked with stapling needles; a detection unit (sensors 307, 308) for detecting a stapling mistake in which the binding processing is not normally performed; a binding removing unit 204 for removing the missed needle; and control means for performing the binding processing again after the binding is removed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus and an image forming system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is already known a technique for performing stapling again by a staple processing section when a stapling error is detected by a detection section of a post-processing device. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a configuration in which, when a staple error occurs and restapling is required, the staple width is changed and the staple is restapled outside the missed staple, in order to eliminate problems such as sheets scattering when a stack of sheets that has been stapled incorrectly is removed from a bin and to improve the operator's work efficiency. However, with previous restapling processes, if the missed staple remains, the staple process is carried out again with the missed staple left as is, which posed the problem that if the tip of the missed staple remains sticking out or if the staple becomes deformed and forms a protrusion, it could damage the transport path. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0003] An object of the present invention is to prevent damage to the transport path caused by staples that have not been stapled properly. [Means for solving the problem]

[0004] In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention provides: A sheet processing apparatus having a binding processing unit that performs a binding process on a stack of multiple sheets of paper using staples, a detection unit that detects a staple error in which the binding process is not performed normally; A staple removal unit that removes missed staples; and a control means for executing the binding process again after the binding is removed. Effect of the Invention

[0005] According to the present invention, damage to the transport path caused by staple failure can be prevented. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0006] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a sheet processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a sheet processing apparatus. [Figure 4] 5A and 5B are diagrams for explaining an example of the arrangement of the detection sensor and the staple removal unit, in which (A) shows a diagram as seen from the paper transport side, and (B) shows a diagram as seen from the side. [Diagram 5] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation performed on a stack of paper when a staple error (staple sticking) is detected, in which (A) shows the detection of a staple error (staple sticking), (B) shows the process of returning the paper to the staple processing tray, (C) shows the execution of staple removal, (D) shows the execution of the staple processing, and (E) shows an example of the state of transport to the lower shift tray. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when a stapling error (staple sticking) is detected. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation performed on a stack of paper when a staple error (empty stitch) is detected; (A) shows the detection of a staple error (empty stitch), (B) shows the paper being returned to the staple processing tray and staple processing being performed, and (C) shows an example of the state of transport to the lower shift tray. [Figure 8] 11 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when a stapling error (empty staple) is detected. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of the configuration of a stapler removal unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0007] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each of the drawings for explaining the embodiment of the present invention, components such as members and components having the same function or shape are denoted by the same reference numerals as far as they can be distinguished, and the description thereof will be omitted after the first description.

[0008] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the overall configuration of an image forming system that is made up of an image forming apparatus and peripheral devices. The image forming system is made up of a large-capacity paper feeder 100, an image forming apparatus main body 300, and a sheet processing apparatus 200. Large-capacity paper feeder 100 includes a paper feed tray that supplies paper as recording media (sheets), and feeds the paper to image forming apparatus main body 300. The image forming apparatus main body 300 writes an image onto a sheet of paper. The sheet processing apparatus 200 performs post-processing such as sorting, edge stapling, saddle stitching, and punching.

[0009] Next, the sheet processing apparatus 200 will be described. The sheet processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is provided with a sensor for detecting staple errors and a staple removal unit, so that the sheet processing apparatus detects the staple position during staple processing and moves the staple removal unit to the staple position to perform the staple removal processing. In this way, damage to the conveying path (also called the "conveying route") caused by removing the staple errors can be prevented.

[0010] The sheet processing apparatus includes, for example, a binding processing section (stapler SP) that performs a binding process on a stack of multiple sheets of paper using staples, one or more detection sections (sensors 307, 308) that detect stapling errors that prevent the binding process from being performed properly, a binding removal section (stapling removal section 204) that removes the incorrect staples, and a control unit (control unit 221) that performs the binding process again after the staple removal. ( ) shows the configurations in Figures 2 to 4, which will be described later, as examples. The details will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0011] FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of the sheet processing apparatus. In the sheet processing apparatus 200, the paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 300 is supplied to a conveying path A. The paper is configured to be sorted by branch claws T1, T2, and T3 from the conveying path A to each of the conveying paths: a conveying path B leading to an upper shift tray 201, a conveying path C leading to a lower shift tray 202, and conveying paths D and E leading to a processing tray F where alignment, stapling, etc. are performed.

[0012] The conveying path A guides the paper to the conveying path B, C or D through pairs of conveying rollers (hereinafter simply referred to as "conveying rollers") 1, 2, 3 and 4. Further, the conveying path A has a post-processing means for performing post-processing on a sheet of paper. In this embodiment, the post-processing means is an example in which a punch unit PU is provided as a punching means. The conveying path B guides the paper to the upper shift tray 201 via conveying rollers 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9. The conveying path C guides the paper through conveying rollers 10, 11, and 12 to the lower shift tray 202.

[0013] The transport paths D and E guide the sheets via transport rollers 13, 14, 15, and 16 and a staple discharge roller 17 to a processing tray (hereinafter referred to as a "staple processing tray") F where alignment, stapling, and the like are performed. Staple processing tray F aligns and staples the sheets guided through transport paths A, D, and E, and also functions as a transport path. The sheets (sheet stack) processed by staple processing tray F are guided to lower shift tray 202 via transport path C.

[0014] Furthermore, the sheet processing device 200 has a branching claw T3 disposed in the transport path D, which is held in the state shown in Fig. 2 by a low-load spring (not shown). The sheet processing device 200 is configured so that after the rear end of the paper passes the branching claw T3, the transport rollers 14, 15, and 16 are rotated in the reverse direction to guide the rear end of the paper to a pre-stack path (paper storage section) E, where the paper is retained and can be transported while overlapping with the next paper. By repeating this operation, it is also possible to transport two or more sheets of paper in an overlapping state.

[0015] The sheet processing apparatus 200 places the rear end of the overlapped and transported sheets on a member 401, and a member 402 operates in the transport direction to align the sheets. After alignment, the stapler SP performs a binding operation (also called "binding process") on the sheets, and releases the sheets after stapling. Alternatively, the sheet processing apparatus 200 sends the sheets bound in the staple processing tray F to the transport path G using a branch claw T4 without stapling them. The sheet processing apparatus 200 saddle-staples the stack of sheets sent to the transport path G via transport rollers 20 and 21 using a saddle-stitching stapler SSP, guides the stack of sheets to a center folding roller 22 that folds the stack of sheets in half, and then discharges the stack of sheets to a center-stitching tray 203.

[0016] The sheet processing apparatus 200 includes detection sensors (also called "sensors") 307 and 308 for detecting stapling errors, and a staple removal unit 204 for removing staples, in the staple processing tray F, and can also drive the staple removal unit 204 to remove the staples when a staple error is detected. The staple removal unit 204 will be described later with reference to FIGS. 5 to 9.

[0017] In addition, in order to detect the transport timing of each of the transport paths A to F, the sheet processing apparatus 200 is provided with a sensor 301 on transport path A, a sensor 302 on transport path B, a sensor 303 on transport path C, sensors 305 and 306 on transport path D, and a sensor 304 on staple processing tray F, and if any error is detected by any of the sensors, the system transport is stopped.

[0018] 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the hardware configuration of the sheet processing apparatus 200. The sheet processing apparatus 200 includes a control unit (also called a "calculation unit") 221. The control unit 221 is connected to a control target 227 such as a motor or a sensor via an I / F (interface) 223. The control unit 221 controls the operation of the entire sheet processing apparatus. The control unit 221 is composed of a CPU (Central Processing Unit) and storage units such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a ROM (Read Only Memory). The CPU, for example, reads out various programs stored in the ROM and loads them in the RAM, and controls various processes according to the loaded programs. The control unit 221 of the sheet processing apparatus 200 is connected to a control unit 331 of the image forming apparatus main body 300 via an I / F 225 , and controls the sheet processing apparatus 200 in response to a processing signal from the image forming apparatus main body 300 .

[0019] 4 shows an example of the arrangement of the sensors 307 and 308 provided on the staple processing tray F and the staple removal unit 204 as one embodiment. In FIG. 4, (A) shows a view from the paper transport side, and (B) shows a view from the side.

[0020] The sensors 307 and 308 are an example of a detection unit that detects stapling errors. The sheet processing apparatus 200 may be provided with a plurality of sensors at positions where they can detect the front and back sides of a sheet of paper. In the configuration example of FIG. 4, the sensor 307 is installed on the front side (paper transport side) of the staple processing tray F, and the sensor 308 is installed on the back side of the staple processing tray F, and they detect the presence or absence of staples in the transported paper stack. The stapler SP and the staple removal unit 204 are disposed on the same movement guide shaft 405 and are movable in the paper width direction along the movement guide shaft 405 from the movement mechanism 403 via a power transmission unit 407 .

[0021] 3, the control unit 221 receives the detection states (detection results) of the multiple sensors 307, 308 via the I / F 223, and determines whether the binding process has been performed normally based on the combination of the detection states of the sensors 307, 308. Furthermore, the control unit 221 causes the stapler SP or the binding removal unit 204 to perform processing via the I / F 223 based on the determination result.

[0022] As described above, the sheet processing apparatus includes a sensor as a detection unit that detects stapling errors, a staple removal unit that automatically removes the incorrect staples, and a control mechanism that performs stapling again after the staple removal. This prevents damage to the transport path caused by incorrect staples and also eliminates waste paper. In addition, the sheet processing device should have at least two detection units that detect stapling errors, and the detection units should be installed in positions where they can detect the front and back of the paper, and should be equipped with a control mechanism that determines whether the binding process was successful based on a combination of the detection states of the at least two detection units. In this way, unnecessary driving can be eliminated. Further, in the sheet processing apparatus, it is preferable that the staple removal unit is disposed on the same movement guide shaft as the staple processing unit. In this way, the same guide shaft can be used, making it possible to reduce size and costs.

[0023] 4 shows an example of the positions where the detection sensors 307 and 308 and the binding removal unit 204 are provided on the staple processing tray F, and is not limited to this example. Also, in FIG. 4, a configuration example where two sensors are provided is described, but is not limited to this example, and three or more sensors may be provided.

[0024] Next, examples of operations in the case of a staple miss (staple stuck) and a staple miss (empty binding) will be described. When a stapling error is detected, the control means 221 judges whether it is a stapling error (staple attached) (also called "staple error with staple attached") or a stapling error (empty binding) (also called "staple error with empty binding"). In a stapling error, a staple attached state is a state in which a staple is attached to a sheet, and an empty binding state is a state in which a stack of sheets is not stapled (a state in which a staple is not detected). The control unit 221 may control the staple removal unit 204 to operate in the case of a staple error (staple stuck), and may control the staple removal unit 204 not to operate in the case of a staple error (empty staple). Also, in the case of a staple error due to a staple stuck, the control unit 221 may move the staple removal unit 204 to the position where the missed staple was detected. An example of the operation will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0025] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation performed on a stack of paper when a staple error (staple sticking) is detected. (A) shows the detection of a staple error (staple sticking), (B) shows the process of returning the paper to the staple processing tray, (C) shows the execution of staple removal, (D) shows the execution of the staple processing, and (E) shows an example of the state of transport to the lower shift tray. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation to be performed when a stapling error (staple sticking) is detected.

[0026] When the staple process is completed and the paper is transported to the transport path C (FIG. 5(A), S11 in FIG. 6), if the stapled portion is not detected by the sensor 307 (No in S12 and No in S13 in FIG. 6) but is detected by the sensor 308 (Yes in S14 in FIG. 6), the control unit 221 determines that the staple has been missed (staples attached). The control unit 221 reversely rotates the transport roller 23 to return the paper stack to the staple process tray F (FIG. 5(B), S15 in FIG. 6), and moves the staple removal unit 204 to the stapling position to perform the staple removal process (FIG. 5(C), S16 in FIG. 6). After removing the staples, the control unit 221 moves the stapler SP to the stapling position to perform the staple process again (FIG. 5(D), S17 in FIG. 6).

[0027] Then, when the sheets are transported to the transport path C side (FIG. 5(E) and S18 in FIG. 6), the sensors 307 and 308 detect the sheets again. If both of them detect the sheets (Yes in S12 in FIG. 6, or No in S12 and Yes in S13), the control means 221 determines that the binding process is complete and transports the stack of sheets to the lower shift tray (S19 in FIG. 6). If the sensors 307 and 308 detect no paper, and both sensors do not detect paper (S12 to S14 in FIG. 6 are all No), the sheet processing apparatus 200 performs a pre-binding operation (S20 in FIG. 6). The pre-binding operation will be described later with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, and for example, steps S35 and after in FIG. 8 are performed.

[0028] FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining an example of the operation performed on a stack of paper when a stapling error (empty binding) is detected. (A) shows the detection of a stapling error (empty binding), (B) shows the paper being returned to the staple processing tray and staple processing being performed, and (C) shows an example of the state of transport to the lower shift tray. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation performed when a stapling error (empty staple) is detected. When the binding process is completed and the sheets are transported to the transport path C (FIG. 7(A), S31 in FIG. 8), if the bound portion is not detected by the sensors 307 and 308 (No in all of S32 to S34 in FIG. 8), the control unit 221 determines that there has been a stapling error (empty binding). The control unit 221 reverses the rotation of the transport rollers 23 to return the stack of sheets to the staple processing tray F (FIG. 7(B), S35 in FIG. 8), and moves the stapler SP to the binding position to perform the binding process again (FIG. 7(B), S36 in FIG. 8).

[0029] Then, when the sheets are transported to the transport path C side (FIG. 7(C), S37 in FIG. 8), the sensors 307 and 308 detect the sheets again. If both of them detect the sheets (Yes in S32 in FIG. 8, or No in S32 and Yes in S33), the control means 221 determines that the binding process is complete and transports the stack of sheets to the lower shift tray (S38 in FIG. 8). When the sensors 307 and 308 detect only the sensor 308 (No in S32 and S33 and Yes in S34 in FIG. 8), the sheet processing apparatus 200 performs a binding error (staple attachment) operation (S39 in FIG. 8). As the binding error (staple attachment) operation, the process from step S15 in FIG. 6 described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6 is performed.

[0030] As described above, it is preferable that the sheet processing apparatus has a control mechanism for determining whether the binding process is normal and a stapling error occurs due to staples being stuck or not stapled. The sheet processing apparatus may also include a control mechanism that operates the staple removal unit only when a stapling error (staples stuck in the paper) is detected, and does not operate the staple removal unit when a stapling error (empty staple) is detected. In this way, unnecessary driving can be eliminated. Furthermore, when the sheet processing apparatus detects a stapling error (staple stuck in the paper), it is preferable that the sheet processing apparatus moves the staple removal unit to the position where the staple is detected. In this way, multiple binding methods can be accommodated, such as front flat binding, back flat binding, two-point binding, and paper sizes. In addition, the sheet processing apparatus may further include a control means for reversing the roller drive on the paper discharge side to return the paper stack to the staple processing tray. This allows the work to be completed within the aircraft.

[0031] FIG. 9 illustrates an example of the configuration of the staple removal unit 204 according to an embodiment. In the staple removal section 204, the first unit 409A is movable up and down along the first movement guide shaft 405A via the first power transmission section 407A, and the second unit 409B is movable along the second movement guide shaft 405B via the second power transmission section 407B. By moving the second unit 409B to the stapling process tray F side, the insertion portion 411 is inserted between the paper and the staples, and after the insertion, the first unit 409A is lowered to remove the staples from the paper.

[0032] For example, aspects of the present invention are as follows. <1> A sheet processing apparatus having a binding processing unit that performs a binding process on a stack of multiple sheets of paper using staples, a detection unit that detects a staple error in which the binding process is not performed normally; A staple removal unit that removes missed staples; and a control means for performing the binding process again after the binding is removed. The sheet processing apparatus is characterized in that <2> The detection unit is provided in a plurality of positions so as to be able to detect the front and back sides of the paper; The control unit determines whether the binding process has been normally performed based on a combination of detection states of the plurality of detection units. The above-mentioned <1> 2 is a sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. <3> When the stapling error is detected, the control means judges whether the stapling error is caused by staples or by empty stapling. The above-mentioned <1> or <2> 2 is a sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. <4> The control means operates the staple removal unit when the staple error is the stapled state, and does not operate the staple removal unit when the staple error is the empty staple state. The above-mentioned <3> 2 is a sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. <5> When the staple error is a stapled staple, the control means moves the staple removal unit to a position where the missed staple is detected. The above-mentioned <3> or <4> 2 is a sheet processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. <6> The binding processing section is provided in a staple processing tray, The control means reverses the roller drive on the paper discharge side to return the paper stack to the staple processing tray. The above-mentioned <1> from <5> 13. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sheet is a sheet having a diameter of 100 mm or less. <7> The staple removal unit is disposed on the same movement guide shaft as the staple processing unit. The above-mentioned <1> from <6> 13. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the sheet is a sheet having a diameter of 100 mm or less. <8> an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet; The above <1> from <7> a sheet processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims; The image forming system includes:

[0033] It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. Within the scope of the present invention, the elements of the above-described embodiment can be modified, added, or converted in a manner that would be easily conceivable by a person skilled in the art. [Explanation of symbols]

[0034] 100 Large capacity paper feeder 200 Sheet processing device 204 Staple removal section 221 Control Means 300 Image forming device body 307, 308 Sensors 401 Base 403 Moving mechanism 405 Moving guide shaft 407 Power transmission section 405A First moving guide shaft 405B Second moving guide shaft 407A First power transmission section 407B Second power transmission section 409A First Unit 409B Second Unit 411 Insertion part F Staple processing tray SP Stapler [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0035] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 2706275

Claims

1. A sheet processing apparatus having a binding processing unit that performs a binding process on a stack of multiple sheets of paper using staples, a detection unit that detects a staple error in which the binding process is not performed normally; A staple removal unit that removes missed staples; and a control means for performing the binding process again after the binding is removed. A sheet processing apparatus comprising:

2. The detection unit is provided in a plurality of positions so as to be able to detect the front and back sides of the paper; The control unit determines whether the binding process has been normally performed based on a combination of detection states of the plurality of detection units.

2. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus.

3. When the stapling error is detected, the control means judges whether the stapling error is caused by staples or by empty stapling.

3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus.

4. The control means operates the staple removal unit when the staple error is the stapled state, and does not operate the staple removal unit when the staple error is the empty staple state.

4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3,

5. When the staple error is a stapled staple, the control means moves the staple removal unit to a position where the missed staple is detected.

4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 3,

6. The binding processing section is provided in a staple processing tray, The control means reverses the roller drive on the paper discharge side to return the paper stack to the staple processing tray.

3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus.

7. The staple removal unit is disposed on the same movement guide shaft as the staple processing unit.

3. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus.

8. an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet; The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, An image forming system comprising:

Images