Post processing device, image forming system

Abstract

To provide a post processing device and an image forming system capable of conveying a sheet without inconvenience even when an image forming method of an image forming device to be mounted is switched.SOLUTION: A post processing device 2 includes: a common transport path 51 that extends from a sheet carrying-in part 41A to a first branch position P1; a first conveyance path 53 extending from the first branch position P1 to a second discharge tray 44 and used to convey a first sheet on which an image is formed by an electrophotographic method; a second conveyance path 55 that extends from the first branch position P1 to the second discharge tray 44 and is used to convey a second sheet on which an image is formed by an inkjet method; and a first switch mechanism 57 that is provided at the first branch position P1 and switches a destination of the sheet between the first conveyance path 53 and the second conveyance path 55.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] There is known a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as stapling on a sheet after image formation conveyed from an image forming apparatus (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] By the way, in the post-processing device attached to the image forming apparatus of the electrophotographic method, a dedicated conveyance path suitable for conveying a sheet on which a toner image is formed is provided so that the sheet on which the toner image is formed can be conveyed without inconvenience. Further, in the post-processing device attached to the image forming apparatus of the inkjet method, a dedicated conveyance path suitable for conveying a sheet on which an ink image is formed is provided so that the sheet on which the ink image is formed can be conveyed without inconvenience.

[0005] Here, when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus attached to the post-processing device is switched by replacing the image forming apparatus. However, in the conventional post-processing device, when the image forming method of the attached image forming apparatus is switched, a sheet on which an image is formed by the switched image forming method cannot be conveyed without inconvenience.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing apparatus and an image forming system that can convey a sheet without inconvenience even when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus to be mounted is switched.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A post-processing apparatus according to one aspect of the present invention is mounted on an image forming apparatus and includes a sheet loading unit, a sheet discharging unit, a common conveyance path, a first conveyance path, a second conveyance path, and a first switching unit. The sheet loading unit receives a sheet from the image forming apparatus. The sheet discharging unit discharges the sheet. The common conveyance path extends from the sheet loading unit to a first branch position between the sheet loading unit and the sheet discharging unit. The first conveyance path extends from the first branch position to the sheet discharging unit and is used for conveying a first sheet on which an image is formed by a predetermined first image forming method conveyed from the image forming apparatus. The second conveyance path extends from the first branch position to the sheet discharging unit along a path different from that of the first conveyance path and is used for conveying a second sheet on which an image is formed by a second image forming method different from the first image forming method conveyed from the image forming apparatus. The first switching unit is provided at the first branch position and switches the conveyance destination of the sheet between the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path.

[0008] An image forming system according to another aspect of the present invention includes the post-processing apparatus and the image forming apparatus.

Effects of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, even when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus to be mounted is switched, the sheet can be conveyed without inconvenience.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0010]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Note that the following embodiments are merely examples of embodying the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

[0012] [Configuration of Image Forming System 100] First, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described. Here, FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the image forming system 100. In FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 2 are shown by broken lines.

[0013] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming system 100 includes an image forming apparatus 1 and a post-processing apparatus 2.

[0014] The image forming apparatus 1 is a printer having a printing function of forming an image on a sheet based on image data. Specifically, the image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a sheet according to an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. Note that the image forming apparatus 1 may be a facsimile apparatus, a copying machine, or a multifunction machine having the above-described printing function. Further, the image forming apparatus 1 may form an image on a sheet according to an image forming method different from the electrophotographic method and the inkjet method.

[0015] The post-processing device 2 performs predetermined post-processing on the sheet after image formation conveyed from the image forming device 1. Specifically, the post-processing includes a punching process of punching holes in the sheet. Note that the post-processing may include a process different from the punching process, such as a stapling process of stapling a stack of sheets using staple pins.

[0016] [Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus 1] Next, with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the configuration of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described. Here, FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the post-processing device 2 mounted on the first paper discharge tray 22.

[0017] For convenience of explanation, the vertical direction of the paper surface in FIG. 2 is defined as the vertical direction D1 of the image forming apparatus 1. Also, the front surface (front side) of the image forming apparatus 1 on the front side of the paper surface shown in FIG. 2 is defined as the front (front face) of the image forming apparatus 1, and the front-rear direction D2 is defined. Further, the left-right direction D3 is defined with reference to the front of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0018] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a first sheet conveyance unit 11, an image forming unit 12, an operation display unit 13, a power supply unit 14, a first control unit 15, and an input / output IF 16.

[0019] The first sheet conveyance unit 11 conveys the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 12. Specifically, the first sheet conveyance unit 11 includes a paper feed cassette, a sheet conveyance path, and a plurality of conveyance roller pairs.

[0020] In addition, the first sheet conveyance unit 11 includes a pair of discharge rollers 21 (see FIG. 2) and a first discharge tray 22 (see FIG. 2). When the post-processing device 2 is not attached to the first discharge tray 22, the pair of discharge rollers 21 discharges the sheet after the image is formed by the image forming unit 12 to the first discharge tray 22. Further, when the post-processing device 2 is attached to the first discharge tray 22, the pair of discharge rollers 21 conveys the sheet after the image is formed by the image forming unit 12 to the post-processing device 2. The first discharge tray 22 is provided at the upper part of the housing of the image forming apparatus 1. The first discharge tray 22 is used for discharging the sheet after image formation or for attaching the post-processing device 2.

[0021] The image forming unit 12 realizes the printing function. Specifically, the image forming unit 12 forms a color or monochrome image on the sheet conveyed by the first sheet conveyance unit 11 according to the electrophotographic method or the inkjet method.

[0022] The operation display unit 13 is a user interface of the image forming apparatus 1. The operation display unit 13 includes a display unit and an operation unit. The display unit displays various information according to the control instruction from the first control unit 15. For example, the display unit is a liquid crystal display. The operation unit inputs various information to the first control unit 15 according to the user's operation. For example, the operation unit is a touch panel.

[0023] The power supply unit 14 supplies power to each part of the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the power supply unit 14 supplies power to each part of the post-processing device 2 attached to the image forming apparatus 1. Specifically, the power supply unit 14 includes an AC / DC converter or a DC / DC converter capable of outputting a DC voltage with a predetermined voltage value.

[0024] The first control unit 15 comprehensively controls the image forming system 100. That is, the first control unit 15 controls the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing device 2. Note that the first control unit 15 may be a control unit provided separately from the main control unit that comprehensively controls the image forming system 100.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 1, the first control unit 15 includes a CPU 31, a ROM 32, and a RAM 33. The CPU 31 is a processor that executes various arithmetic processes. The ROM 32 is a non-volatile storage device in which information such as control programs for causing the CPU 31 to execute various processes is stored in advance. The RAM 33 is a volatile or non-volatile storage device used as a temporary storage memory (working area) for various processes executed by the CPU 31. The CPU 31 comprehensively controls the image forming system 100 by executing various control programs stored in advance in the ROM 32. Note that the first control unit 15 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0026] The input / output IF 16 is an interface that processes electrical signals transmitted and received via a cable 45A (see FIG. 1) of the post-processing device 2 connected to a connector 16A of the image forming device 1 (see FIG. 1). The first control unit 15 communicates with the second control unit 46 of the post-processing device 2 via the cable 45A connected to the connector 16A. The cable 45A connected to the connector 16A is also used for power supply from the power supply unit 14 to each part of the post-processing device 2.

[0027] [Configuration of Post-Processing Device 2] Next, the configuration of the post-processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0028] The post-processing device 2 is mounted on the first paper discharge tray 22 of the image forming device 1 (see FIG. 2). The post-processing device 2 is a type of post-processing device called an inner type. Note that the post-processing device 2 may be a type of post-processing device called a floor type or a saddle type that is provided adjacent to the image forming device 1 on the installation surface where the image forming device 1 is installed.

[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the post-processing device 2 includes a housing 41, a second sheet conveyance unit 42, a post-processing unit 43, a second paper discharge tray 44, an input / output IF 45, and a second control unit 46.

[0030] The housing 41 houses the components of the post-processing device 2. As shown in FIG. 2, the housing 41 is mounted on the upper surface of the first paper discharge tray 22 of the image forming apparatus 1. The housing 41 is formed in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing 41 includes a sheet loading portion 41A through which a sheet is loaded from the image forming apparatus 1. The sheet loading portion 41A is an opening formed in a portion of the housing 41 mounted on the upper surface of the first paper discharge tray 22 and facing the paper discharge roller pair 21.

[0031] The second sheet conveyance unit 42 conveys the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1 to the second paper discharge tray 44 via the post-processing unit 43.

[0032] The post-processing unit 43 performs the punching process on the sheet conveyed by the second sheet conveyance unit 42.

[0033] The sheet conveyed by the second sheet conveyance unit 42 is discharged onto the second paper discharge tray 44. The second paper discharge tray 44 is an example of the sheet discharge unit of the present invention.

[0034] The input / output IF 45 is an interface that processes electrical signals transmitted and received via a cable 45A (see FIG. 1) of the post-processing device 2 connected to a connector 16A (see FIG. 1) of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0035] The second control unit 46 controls the post-processing device 2. As shown in FIG. 1, the second control unit 46 includes a CPU 71, a ROM 72, and a RAM 73. The configurations of the CPU 71, the ROM 72, and the RAM 73 are basically the same as those of the CPU 31, the ROM 32, and the RAM 33 of the image forming apparatus 1. Note that the second control unit 46 may be configured by an electronic circuit such as an integrated circuit (ASIC).

[0036] By the way, in a conventional post-processing device mounted on an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, a dedicated conveyance path suitable for conveying a sheet on which a toner image is formed may be provided so that the sheet on which the toner image is formed can be conveyed without inconvenience. Further, in a conventional post-processing device mounted on an inkjet image forming apparatus 1, a dedicated conveyance path suitable for conveying a sheet on which an ink image is formed may be provided so that the sheet on which the ink image is formed can be conveyed without inconvenience.

[0037] Here, when the image forming apparatus 1 is replaced, the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 mounted on the conventional post-processing device may be switched. However, in the conventional post-processing device, when the image forming method of the mounted image forming apparatus 1 is switched, a sheet on which an image is formed by the switched image forming method cannot be conveyed without inconvenience.

[0038] On the other hand, in the post-processing device 2 according to the embodiment of the present invention, as will be described below, even when the image forming method of the mounted image forming apparatus 1 is switched, the sheet can be conveyed without inconvenience.

[0039] [Configuration of the Second Sheet Conveying Unit 42] Next, the configuration of the second sheet conveying unit 42 will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2.

[0040] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the second sheet conveying unit 42 includes a common conveyance path 51, a plurality of common conveyance roller pairs 52, a first conveyance path 53, a plurality of first conveyance roller pairs 54, a second conveyance path 55, a plurality of second conveyance roller pairs 56, a first switching mechanism 57, a first fan 58, a common air passage 59, a first air passage 60, a second air passage 61, a second switching mechanism 62, and a second fan 63.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 2, the common conveyance path 51 is a conveyance path for sheets that extends from the sheet loading section 41A to the first branching position P1 (see FIG. 2) between the sheet loading section 41A and the second paper discharge tray 44. The common conveyance path 51 is provided so as to extend leftward from the sheet loading section 41A. The post-processing section 43 is provided in the common conveyance path 51. A plurality of common conveyance roller pairs 52 are provided in the common conveyance path 51. The plurality of common conveyance roller pairs 52 convey the sheets carried into the sheet loading section 41A from the image forming apparatus 1 toward the first branching position P1.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 2, the first conveyance path 53 is a conveyance path for sheets that extends from the first branching position P1 to the second paper discharge tray 44. The first conveyance path 53 is provided so as to extend leftward from the first branching position P1. A plurality of first conveyance roller pairs 54 are provided in the first conveyance path 53. The plurality of first conveyance roller pairs 54 convey the sheets conveyed from the common conveyance path 51 to the first conveyance path 53 toward the second paper discharge tray 44.

[0043] As shown in FIG. 2, the second conveyance path 55 is a conveyance path for sheets that extends from the first branching position P1 to the second paper discharge tray 44 along a path different from that of the first conveyance path 53. The second conveyance path 55 is provided so as to extend in an arc shape that bulges upward to the left side from the first branching position P1. A plurality of second conveyance roller pairs 56 are provided in the second conveyance path 55. The plurality of second conveyance roller pairs 56 convey the sheets conveyed from the common conveyance path 51 to the second conveyance path 55 toward the second paper discharge tray 44.

[0044] Here, the first conveyance path 53 is used for conveying the first sheet on which an image is formed by an electrophotographic method (an example of the first image forming method of the present invention) conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1. Further, the second conveyance path 55 is used for conveying the second sheet on which an image is formed by an inkjet method (an example of the second image forming method of the present invention) conveyed from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0045] Specifically, each of the second conveying roller pairs 56 provided on the second conveying path 55 has water repellency. For example, a coating layer made of a water-repellent material such as a fluororesin and a silicone resin is formed on the surface of each roller constituting the second conveying roller pair 56. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the ink of the second sheet from adhering to the second conveying roller pair 56. Note that each of the roller members constituting the second conveying roller pair 56 may be formed of a water-repellent material. Each of the rollers constituting the second conveying roller pair 56 is an example of the conveying member of the present invention.

[0046] Further, the second conveying path 55 is defined such that a conveying time capable of drying the ink adhering to the second sheet during the conveyance of the second sheet is secured up to the second paper discharge tray 44. In other words, the second conveying path 55 is formed such that the distance from the first branch position P1 to the second paper discharge tray 44 is longer than the reference distance corresponding to the conveying time. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the second sheet from being discharged to the second paper discharge tray 44 with the ink in an undried state.

[0047] On the other hand, each of the first conveying roller pairs 54 provided on the first conveying path 53 does not have water repellency.

[0048] Further, the first conveying path 53 is formed such that the distance from the first branch position P1 to the second paper discharge tray 44 is shorter than the reference distance. That is, the first conveying path 53 is shorter in distance to the second paper discharge tray 44 than the second conveying path 55. For example, the first conveying path 53 is formed to go straight from the first branch position P1 to the second paper discharge tray 44. Thereby, when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 is an electrophotographic method, the first print time can be shortened.

[0049] The first switching mechanism 57 switches the conveyance destination of the sheet by the plurality of common conveying roller pairs 52 between the first conveying path 53 and the second conveying path 55. Specifically, the first switching mechanism 57 includes a first switching member 57A shown in FIG. 2 and a first solenoid 57B shown in FIG. 1.

[0050] The first switching member 57A is provided at the first branch position P1 and switches the conveyance destination of the sheet between the first conveyance path 53 and the second conveyance path 55. Specifically, the first switching member 57A is capable of changing its posture between a first posture in which the first conveyance path 53 is opened and the second conveyance path 55 is closed, and a second posture in which the first conveyance path 53 is closed and the second conveyance path 55 is opened. FIG. 2 shows the first switching member 57A in the second posture. The first switching member 57A is an example of the first switching part of the present invention.

[0051] The first solenoid 57B changes the posture of the first switching member 57A by advancing and retracting the first plunger in response to power supply. Specifically, the first solenoid 57B is a self-holding type solenoid incorporating a permanent magnet. The first solenoid 57B changes the state of the first plunger from one of the forward state and the backward state to the other in response to power supply, thereby changing the posture of the first switching member 57A from one of the first posture and the second posture to the other. Further, the first solenoid 57B holds the first plunger in the state after the state change after the power supply is stopped.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 2, the first fan 58 is provided below the second branch position P2 between the sheet loading section 41A and the second paper discharge tray 44. The first fan 58 blows air in response to power supply. For example, the first fan 58 is a sirocco fan.

[0053] As shown in FIG. 2, the common air passage 59 is a duct extending from the first fan 58 to the second branch position P2. The common air passage 59 is provided to extend upward from the air outlet of the first fan 58.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 2, the first air passage 60 is a duct extending from the second branch position P2 toward the second paper discharge tray 44 and opening toward the placement surface (upper surface) of the sheet on the second paper discharge tray 44. The first air passage 60 is provided to extend leftward from the second branch position P2.

[0055] As shown in FIG. 2, the second air passage 61 is a duct that extends from the second branch position P2 toward the sheet loading unit 41A side and opens to the sheet loading unit 41A side. The second air passage 61 is provided to extend rightward from the second branch position P2. The extending end portion of the second air passage 61 opens toward the right side wall portion of the housing 41.

[0056] The second switching mechanism 62 switches the air blowing destination by the first fan 58 between the second paper discharge tray 44 side and the sheet loading unit 41A side. Specifically, the second switching mechanism 62 includes a second switching member 62A shown in FIG. 2 and a second solenoid 62B shown in FIG. 1.

[0057] The second switching member 62A is provided at the second branch position P2 and switches the air blowing destination by the first fan 58 between the second paper discharge tray 44 side and the sheet loading unit 41A side. Specifically, the second switching member 62A is capable of changing its posture between a third posture in which the first air passage 60 is opened and the second air passage 61 is closed, and a fourth posture in which the first air passage 60 is closed and the second air passage 61 is opened. FIG. 2 shows the second switching member 62A in the third posture. The second switching member 62A is an example of the second switching portion of the present invention.

[0058] The second solenoid 62B changes the posture of the second switching member 62A by advancing and retracting the second plunger in response to power supply. Specifically, the second solenoid 62B is a self-holding type solenoid incorporating a permanent magnet. The second solenoid 62B changes the state of the second plunger from either the forward state or the retracted state to the other in response to power supply, thereby changing the posture of the second switching member 62A from either the third posture or the fourth posture to the other. Further, the second solenoid 62B holds the second plunger in the state after the state change after the power supply is stopped.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 2, the second fan 63 is provided above the second paper discharge tray 44. The second fan 63 blows air from above the second paper discharge tray 44 toward the second paper discharge tray 44 in response to power supply. For example, the second fan 63 is a sirocco fan.

[0060] In the following description, the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 in which the first switching member 57A is in the second posture and the second switching member 62A is in the third posture is referred to as the "inkjet mode". Further, the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 in which the first switching member 57A is in the first posture and the second switching member 62A is in the fourth posture is referred to as the "electrophotographic mode".

[0061] [Configuration of the Second Control Unit 46] Next, with reference to FIG. 1, the configuration of the second control unit 46 will be described.

[0062] As shown in FIG. 1, the second control unit 46 includes a determination processing unit 74, a switching control unit 75, and a drive control unit 76.

[0063] Specifically, an operation control program for causing the CPU 71 to function as each of the above-described functional units is stored in advance in the ROM 72 of the second control unit 46. Then, the CPU 71 functions as each of the above-described functional units by executing the operation control program stored in the ROM 72. Note that some or all of the functional units included in the second control unit 46 may be configured by electronic circuits. Further, the operation control program may be a program for causing a plurality of processors to function as each of the functional units included in the second control unit 46.

[0064] The determination processing unit 74 determines the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the post-processing apparatus 2 is attached.

[0065] Specifically, the image forming system 100 includes a determination circuit used for determining the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the post-processing apparatus 2 is attached. For example, the determination circuit includes a power supply, a first connection terminal, a resistor, and a second connection terminal. The power supply, the first connection terminal, and the resistor are provided in the post-processing apparatus 2. The second connection terminal is provided in the image forming apparatus 1. The power supply outputs a DC voltage. The first connection terminal is a metal terminal. The first connection terminal is electrically connected to the power supply via the resistor. Also, the first connection terminal is provided on the outer surface of the housing 41 and contacts the second connection terminal provided on the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1 when the post-processing apparatus 2 is attached to the image forming apparatus 1. The second connection terminal is a metal terminal and is provided on the outer surface of the image forming apparatus 1. Here, the second connection terminal provided in the image forming apparatus 1 with an inkjet image forming method is connected to the ground. Also, the second connection terminal provided in the image forming apparatus 1 with an electrophotographic image forming method is not connected to the ground and is in an open state. The first connection terminal is electrically connected to the second control unit 46. Thereby, the voltage applied to the first connection terminal is input to the second control unit 46.

[0066] The determination processing unit 74 determines the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the post-processing apparatus 2 is attached based on the voltage applied to the first connection terminal. Specifically, when the voltage applied to the first connection terminal exceeds a predetermined threshold value lower than the output voltage of the power supply, the determination processing unit 74 determines that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 is the electrophotographic method. Also, when the voltage applied to the first connection terminal is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the determination processing unit 74 determines that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 is the inkjet method.

[0067] For example, when the post-processing apparatus 2 is activated by the power supplied from the power supply unit 14, the determination processing unit 74 determines the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the post-processing apparatus 2 is attached.

[0068] Note that the determination processing unit 74 may determine the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 by querying the first control unit 15 about the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1.

[0069] The switching control unit 75 controls the operations of the first switching member 57A and the second switching member 62A based on the determination result by the determination processing unit 74.

[0070] Specifically, when the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 is the electrophotographic mode and the determination processing unit 74 determines that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 with the post-processing apparatus 2 attached is the inkjet method, the switching control unit 75 uses the first switching mechanism 57 and the second switching mechanism 62 to switch the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 to the inkjet mode.

[0071] Also, when the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 is the inkjet mode and the determination processing unit 74 determines that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 with the post-processing apparatus 2 attached is the electrophotographic method, the switching control unit 75 uses the first switching mechanism 57 and the second switching mechanism 62 to switch the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 to the electrophotographic mode.

[0072] For example, the switching control unit 75 determines the current operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 using an optical sensor (not shown) capable of detecting whether the posture of the first switching member 57A is the first posture. Note that the post-processing apparatus 2 may be provided with a non-volatile storage device used for recording the current operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2.

[0073] When the sheet is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 44, the drive control unit 76 controls the drive of the second fan 63 based on the determination result by the determination processing unit 74.

[0074] Specifically, when the printing process is executed by the first control unit 15 and the operation mode of the post-processing device 2 is the inkjet mode, the drive control unit 76 drives the second fan 63 during the execution of the printing process. The printing process is a process of forming an image on a sheet using the image forming unit 12 and discharging the sheet after image formation to the second paper discharge tray 44.

[0075] Also, when the printing process is executed by the first control unit 15 and the operation mode of the post-processing device 2 is the electrophotographic mode, the drive control unit 76 does not drive the second fan 63 during the execution of the printing process.

[0076] In addition, the drive control unit 76 drives the first fan 58 during the execution of the printing process by the first control unit 15.

[0077] [Operation Mode Switching Process] Hereinafter, an example of the procedure of the operation mode switching process executed by the second control unit 46 in the post-processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 3. Here, steps S11, S12,... represent the numbers of the processing steps (steps) executed by the second control unit 46.

[0078] The operation mode switching process is executed when the post-processing device 2 is started by the power supplied from the power supply unit 14.

[0079] <Step S11> First, in step S11, the second control unit 46 executes a determination process for determining the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the post-processing device 2 is attached. The process of step S11 is executed by the determination processing unit 74 of the second control unit 46.

[0080] Specifically, when the voltage applied to the first connection terminal of the determination circuit exceeds the threshold value, the second control unit 46 determines that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 is the electrophotographic method. Further, when the voltage applied to the first connection terminal of the determination circuit is equal to or lower than the threshold value, the second control unit 46 determines that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 is the inkjet method.

[0081] <Step S12> In step S12, the second control unit 46 determines whether it is necessary to switch the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2.

[0082] Specifically, when the current operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 does not correspond to the determination result of the determination process, the second control unit 46 determines that it is necessary to switch the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2.

[0083] That is, when the current operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 is the electrophotographic mode and the determination result of the determination process is the inkjet method, the second control unit 46 determines that it is necessary to switch the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2.

[0084] Further, when the current operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 is the inkjet mode and the determination result of the determination process is the electrophotographic method, the second control unit 46 determines that it is necessary to switch the operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2.

[0085] Note that when the posture of the first switching member 57A detected by the optical sensor is the first posture, the second control unit 46 may determine that the current operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 is the electrophotographic mode. Further, when the posture of the first switching member 57A detected by the optical sensor is not the first posture, the second control unit 46 may determine that the current operation mode of the post-processing apparatus 2 is the inkjet mode.

[0086] Here, when the second control unit 46 determines that it is necessary to switch the operation mode of the post-processing device 2 (Yes side in S12), the process is shifted to step S13. Also, if it is not necessary to switch the operation mode of the post-processing device 2 (No side in S12), the second control unit 46 ends the operation mode switching process.

[0087] <Step S13> In step S13, the second control unit 46 switches the operation mode of the post-processing device 2. The process of step S13 is executed by the switching control unit 75 of the second control unit 46.

[0088] Specifically, when the current operation mode of the post-processing device 2 is the inkjet mode, the second control unit 46 performs power supply to the first solenoid 57B and the second solenoid 62B, changes the posture of the first switching member 57A from the second posture to the first posture, and changes the posture of the second switching member 62A from the third posture to the fourth posture.

[0089] Also, when the current operation mode of the post-processing device 2 is the electrophotographic mode, the second control unit 46 performs power supply to the first solenoid 57B and the second solenoid 62B, changes the posture of the first switching member 57A from the first posture to the second posture, and changes the posture of the second switching member 62A from the fourth posture to the third posture.

[0090] [Drive Control Process] Next, an example of the procedure of the drive control process executed by the second control unit 46 in the post-processing device 2 will be described with reference to FIG. 4.

[0091] Note that the drive control process is executed when the printing process is executed by the first control unit 15.

[0092] <Step S21> First, in step S21, the second control unit 46 branches the process according to the processing result of step S11 of the immediately preceding operation mode switching process.

[0093] Specifically, when it is determined in the process of step S11 of the immediately preceding operation mode switching process that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the post-processing apparatus 2 is attached is an inkjet method (Yes side of S21), the second control unit 46 causes the process to proceed to step S22. Further, when it is determined in the process of step S11 of the immediately preceding operation mode switching process that the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the post-processing apparatus 2 is attached is an electrophotographic method (No side of S21), the second control unit 46 ends the drive control process.

[0094] <Step S22> In step S22, the second control unit 46 starts driving the second fan 63.

[0095] <Step S23> In step S23, the second control unit 46 determines whether or not the printing process has ended.

[0096] Here, when the second control unit 46 determines that the printing process has ended (Yes side of S23), the process proceeds to step S24. Further, if the printing process has not ended (No side of S23), the second control unit 46 waits for the end of the printing process in step S23.

[0097] <Step S24> In step S24, the second control unit 46 stops driving the second fan 63. Here, the processes from step S21 to step S24 are executed by the drive control unit 76 of the second control unit 46.

[0098] Thus, the post-processing device 2 includes a first conveyance path 53 used for conveying the first sheet, a second conveyance path 55 used for conveying the second sheet, and a first switching mechanism 57 that switches the conveyance destination of the sheet between the first conveyance path 53 and the second conveyance path 55. Thereby, according to the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 mounted on the post-processing device 2, it is possible to switch the conveyance destination of the sheet between the first conveyance path 53 and the second conveyance path 55. Therefore, even when the image forming method of the mounted image forming apparatus 1 is switched, the sheet can be conveyed without inconvenience.

[0099] Further, the post-processing device 2 includes a second switching mechanism 62 that switches the air blowing destination by the first fan 58 between the second paper discharge tray 44 side and the sheet loading portion 41A side. Thereby, when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 mounted on the post-processing device 2 is an inkjet method, it is possible to assist the conveyance of the second sheet from the second conveyance path 55 by blowing air toward the second paper discharge tray 44. Also, when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 mounted on the post-processing device 2 is an electrophotographic method, it is possible to suppress the temperature increase of the sheet loading portion 41A side in the housing 41 due to the heat generated by the fixing device that fixes the toner image by blowing air toward the sheet loading portion 41A side in the housing 41.

[0100] Further, in the post-processing device 2, when the sheet is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 44, the driving of the second fan 63 is controlled based on the determination result by the determination processing unit 74. Thereby, when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 on which the post-processing device 2 is mounted is an inkjet method, it is possible to promote the drying of the ink of the second sheet discharged to the second paper discharge tray 44 by driving the second fan 63. Also, when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 on which the post-processing device 2 is mounted is an electrophotographic method, it is possible to reduce power consumption by restricting the driving of the second fan 63.

[0101] Note that the drive control unit 76 may always drive the second fan 63 when the sheet is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 44.

[0102] Further, the second sheet conveyance unit 42 may include an air duct that extends from the first fan 58 toward the second paper discharge tray 44 and opens toward the second paper discharge tray 44, instead of the common air duct 59, the first air duct 60, the second air duct 61, and the second switching mechanism 62. In this case, when the sheet is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 44, the drive control unit 76 may control the drive of the first fan 58 based on the determination result by the determination processing unit 74. Specifically, when the image forming method of the image forming apparatus 1 to which the post-processing apparatus 2 is attached is an inkjet method, the drive control unit 76 may drive the first fan 58, and when it is an electrophotographic method, the drive of the first fan 58 may be restricted.

[0103] Further, the post-processing apparatus 2 may include a stapling unit that executes the stapling process and a processing tray on which a stack of sheets to be stapled is placed. In this case, the first conveyance path 53 and the second conveyance path 55 may extend to the processing tray (another example of the sheet discharge unit of the present invention).

[0104] Further, the first electrophotographic method of the present invention is not limited to the electrophotographic method and may be another image forming method. Also, the second electrophotographic method of the present invention is not limited to the inkjet method and may be another image forming method.

[0105] [Supplementary Note of the Invention] Hereinafter, the outline of the invention extracted from the above-described embodiments will be appended. Note that each configuration and each processing function described in the following supplementary note can be arbitrarily combined by selection.

[0106] [Supplementary Note 1] A post-processing device to be attached to an image forming apparatus, comprising: a sheet loading unit into which a sheet is loaded from the image forming apparatus; a sheet discharging unit from which the sheet is discharged; a common conveyance path extending from the sheet loading unit to a first branch position between the sheet loading unit and the sheet discharging unit; a first conveyance path extending from the first branch position to the sheet discharging unit and used for conveying a first sheet on which an image is formed by a predetermined first image forming method conveyed from the image forming apparatus; a second conveyance path extending from the first branch position to the sheet discharging unit via a path different from the first conveyance path and used for conveying a second sheet on which an image is formed by a second image forming method different from the first image forming method conveyed from the image forming apparatus; and a first switching unit provided at the first branch position for switching the conveyance destination of the sheet between the first conveyance path and the second conveyance path.

[0107] <Appendix 2> The post-processing device according to Appendix 1, wherein the first image forming method is an electrophotographic method and the second image forming method is an inkjet method.

[0108] <Appendix 3> The post-processing device according to Appendix 2, wherein a water-repellent conveyance member is provided on the second conveyance path, and the first conveyance path is shorter than the second conveyance path in terms of the distance to the sheet discharging unit.

[0109] <Appendix 4> The post-processing device according to any one of Appendices 1 to 3, further comprising: a determination processing unit configured to determine the image forming method of the image forming apparatus to which the present device is attached; and a switching control unit configured to control the operation of the first switching unit based on the determination result by the determination processing unit.

[0110] <Appendix 5> The first fan, a common air duct extending from the first fan to a second branch position between the sheet loading section and the sheet discharging section, a first air duct extending from the second branch position toward the sheet discharging section and opening toward the placement surface of the sheet in the sheet discharging section, a second air duct extending from the second branch position toward the sheet loading section and opening toward the sheet loading section, and a second switching section provided at the second branch position for switching the blowing destination by the first fan between the sheet discharging section side and the sheet loading section side. The post-processing apparatus according to appended note 2 or 3.

[0111] <Appended Note 6> A determination processing section for determining the image forming method of the image forming apparatus to which the present apparatus is attached, and a switching control section for controlling the operations of the first switching section and the second switching section based on the determination result by the determination processing section. The post-processing apparatus according to appended note 5.

[0112] <Appended Note 7> A second fan for blowing air from above the sheet discharging section toward the sheet discharging section, and a drive control section for controlling the driving of the second fan based on the determination result by the determination processing section when the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharging section. The post-processing apparatus according to appended note 6.

[0113] <Appended Note 8> An image forming system including the post-processing apparatus according to any one of appended notes 1 to 7 and the image forming apparatus.

Explanation of Signs

[0114] 1 Image forming apparatus 2 Post-processing apparatus 11 First sheet conveyance section 12 Image forming section 13 Operation display section 14 Power supply section 15 First control section 16 Input / output IF 21 Pair of paper discharge rollers 22 First paper discharge tray 31 CPU 32 ROM 33 RAM 41 Housing 41A Sheet Loading Unit 42 Second Sheet Conveyor 43 Post-processing Unit 44 Second Paper Output Tray 45 Input / Output Interface 46 Second Control Unit 51 Common Conveyor Path 52 Common Conveyor Roller Pair 53 First Conveyor Path 54 First Conveyor Roller Pair 55 Second Conveyor Path 56 Second Conveyor Roller Pair 57 First Switching Mechanism 58 First Fan 59 Common Ventilation Path 60 First Ventilation Path 61 Second Ventilation Path 62 Second Switching Mechanism 63 Second Fan 71 CPU 72 ROM 73 RAM 74 Judgment Processing Unit 75 Switching Control Unit 76 Drive Control Unit 100 Image Formation System

Claims

1. A post-processing device that is attached to an image forming apparatus, a sheet input section into which a sheet is input from the image forming apparatus; a sheet discharge section to which the sheet is discharged; a common conveying path extending from the sheet carrying-in portion to a first branching position between the sheet carrying-in portion and the sheet discharging portion; a first conveying path extending from the first branch position to the sheet discharge portion and used for conveying a first sheet, on which an image is formed by a predetermined first image forming method, conveyed from the image forming apparatus; a second conveying path extending from the first branch position to the sheet discharge unit via a route different from the first conveying path, and used for conveying a second sheet, which is conveyed from the image forming apparatus and has an image formed thereon by a second image forming method different from the first image forming method; a first switching unit provided at the first branch position and configured to switch a destination of the sheet between the first transport path and the second transport path; A post-processing device comprising:

2. the first image forming method is an electrophotographic method, the second image forming method is an inkjet method; The post-treatment device according to claim 1 .

3. the second transport path is provided with a transport member having water repellency, the first transport path has a shorter distance to the sheet discharge portion than the second transport path; The post-treatment device according to claim 2 .

4. a determination processing unit that determines an image forming method of the image forming apparatus to which the image forming apparatus is attached; A switching control unit that controls an operation of the first switching unit based on a result of the determination by the determination processing unit; The post-treatment device according to claim 1 .

5. The first fan, a common air passage extending from the first fan to a second branch position between the sheet loading section and the sheet discharging section; a first air passage extending from the second branch position toward the sheet discharge portion and opening toward a surface of the sheet discharge portion on which the sheet is placed; a second air passage extending from the second branch position toward the sheet loading section and opening toward the sheet loading section; a second switching unit provided at the second branching position and configured to switch a destination of air blown by the first fan between the sheet discharge unit side and the sheet input unit side; The post-processing device according to claim 2 .

6. a determination processing unit that determines an image forming method of the image forming apparatus to which the image forming apparatus is attached; A switching control unit that controls operations of the first switching unit and the second switching unit based on a result of the determination by the determination processing unit; The post-processing device according to claim 5 .

7. a second fan that blows air from an upper side of the sheet discharge unit toward the sheet discharge unit; a drive control unit that controls the drive of the second fan based on a result of the determination by the determination processing unit when the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge unit; The post-processing device according to claim 6 .

8. A post-processing device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, the image forming apparatus; An image forming system comprising:

Images