Cutting device, image forming system, and program

Abstract

To control a cutting position with high accuracy, when cutting a paper continuously in a direction that is orthogonal to a conveying direction of the paper.SOLUTION: A post-processing device (a cutting device ) comprises: a conveying part that conveys a paper 80; a CD cutting part 123 (a cutting part) that cuts the paper 80 in a direction that is orthogonal to a conveying direction of the paper 80 in a state where the paper 80 is stopped; a waste box (a storage part) that stores cut chips generated when the paper 80 is cut; and a control part. The control part controls the conveying part and the CD cutting part 123 so that the conveying part and the CD cutting part can execute separate cutting for cutting a tip (a first end part) of the paper 80 separately in plural times in the conveying direction in order to reduce widths of the cut ships so that the chips can drop in the waste box. After executing the separate cutting, the control part determines a tip-side finishing position 83 at which the CD cutting part 123 cuts the paper, on the basis of a rear end 82 (a second end part at the opposite side of the first end part) of the paper 80.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a cutting processing device, an image forming system, and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a known cutting device that can cut conveyed paper in a direction (cross direction) perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction (feed direction). The cutting waste generated by cutting passes between the paper conveyance members and falls into a waste box installed below. In the feed direction, if the length of the margin cut off from the paper is longer than the distance between the paper conveyance members, the cutting waste may get caught on the paper conveyance members and not fall into the waste box. A known technique for adjusting the size of the cutting waste is split cutting, which splits and cuts the margin of the paper (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, the cutting device is required to control the cutting position with high precision, so it is necessary to transport and stop the paper with high precision using a stepping motor or the like. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2019-77517 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, when the cutting operation is repeated on the paper, the actual cutting position may gradually deviate from the planned position due to the following factors (1) and (2). (1) When the sheet is repeatedly started and stopped during divided cutting, slippage is likely to occur between the conveying roller and the sheet. (2) During the cutting process, the drive motor that drives the transport roller repeatedly starts and stops at high speed. Backlash in the gears between the drive motor and the transport roller causes the paper to gradually shift from its original position. If the cutting position relative to the paper is deviated from the planned position, a problem occurs in that a product of the required quality cannot be obtained.

[0006] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems in the conventional technology, and an object of the present invention is to control the cutting position with high precision when cutting paper continuously in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problem, the invention described in claim 1 is a cutting processing device comprising a conveying unit that conveys paper, a cutting unit that cuts the paper in a direction perpendicular to the paper conveying direction while the paper is stopped, a storage unit that stores cutting scraps generated when the paper is cut, and a control unit that controls the conveying unit and the cutting unit, wherein the control unit controls the conveying unit and the cutting unit to perform divided cutting, in which a first end side of the paper in the conveying direction is cut in multiple steps so that the cutting scraps are not wider than the width that allows them to fall into the storage unit, and after performing the divided cutting, the control unit determines the finished position of the first end side to be cut by the cutting unit based on the position of a second end side of the paper opposite the first end.

[0008] A second aspect of the present invention provides the cutting processing device of the first aspect, wherein the first end is the leading edge of the paper sheet, and the second end is the trailing edge of the paper sheet.

[0009] The invention described in claim 3 is a cutting processing device described in claim 1, which is provided with a paper sensor that detects the position of the second end of the paper, and the paper sensor is arranged upstream or downstream of the cutting position by the cutting unit in the conveying direction.

[0010] The invention described in claim 4 is the cutting processing device described in claim 3, wherein the second end is the rear end of the paper, and the paper sensor is arranged upstream of the cutting position in the transport direction.

[0011] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the cutting processing device of the third aspect, the paper sensor is a line sensor in which a plurality of light receiving elements are arranged along the transport direction.

[0012] The invention described in claim 6 is the cutting processing device described in claim 5, wherein the second end is the rear end of the paper, and the line sensor is arranged upstream of the cutting position in the transport direction.

[0013] The invention described in claim 7 is a cutting processing device described in claim 3, which is provided with multiple paper sensors, and the control unit causes at least one of the multiple paper sensors to detect the position of the second end of the paper.

[0014] The invention described in claim 8 is a cutting processing device described in claim 7, in which the control unit switches the paper sensor that detects the position of the second end of the paper depending on the finished size of the paper in the transport direction.

[0015] The invention described in claim 9 is a cutting processing device described in claim 7, wherein the control unit switches between the paper sensor for determining the finishing position of the leading edge side of the paper to be cut by the cutting unit and the paper sensor for determining the finishing position of the trailing edge side of the paper to be cut by the cutting unit.

[0016] The invention described in claim 10 is a cutting processing device described in claim 7, in which the control unit determines the finishing position of the rear end side of the paper to be cut by the cutting unit based on the position of the rear end of the paper detected by the paper sensor among the multiple paper sensors that is upstream of the cutting position in the transport direction and closest to the cutting position.

[0017] The invention described in claim 11 is the cutting processing device described in claim 2, wherein the control unit determines the finishing position of the rear end side of the paper to be cut by the cutting unit based on the finishing position of the front end side of the paper.

[0018] The invention described in claim 12 is an image forming system comprising a cutting processing device described in any one of claims 1 to 11, and an image forming device that forms an image on the paper and transports the paper on which the image has been formed to the cutting processing device.

[0019] The invention described in claim 13 is a program for enabling a computer of a cutting processing device having a conveying section for conveying paper, a cutting section for cutting the paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the paper while the paper is stopped, and a storage section for storing cutting waste generated by cutting the paper, to realize the following functions: controlling the conveying section and the cutting section to perform divided cutting, in which a first end side of the paper in the conveying direction is cut in multiple steps so that the width of the cutting waste is less than or equal to a width that allows it to fall into the storage section; and, after performing the divided cutting, determining the finishing position of the first end side to be cut by the cutting section based on the position of a second end side of the paper opposite the first end. [Effects of the Invention]

[0020] According to the present invention, when cutting paper continuously in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction, the cutting position can be controlled with high precision. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system. [Figure 3A] 10 is a flowchart showing a first cutting process executed in the post-processing device. [Figure 3B]10 is a flowchart showing a first cutting process executed in the post-processing device. [Figure 4A] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing when the leading edge of the paper passes the paper sensor. [Figure 4B] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the dividing and cutting position of the paper coincides with the cutting position of the CD cutting section. FIG. [Figure 5A] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the time when the rear end of the paper after division and cutting passes through the paper sensor. FIG. [Figure 5B] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper and the cutting position of the CD cutting section are aligned. FIG. [Figure 5C] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating the time when the rear end of the paper passes through the paper sensor after being cut at the finishing position on the leading edge side. FIG. [Figure 5D] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the finishing position on the rear end side of the paper and the cutting position of the CD cutting section are aligned. FIG. [Figure 6A] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the state in which the position of the rear edge of the paper is acquired by a line sensor during the final dividing and cutting of the leading edge side of the paper in the second embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper after division cutting matches the cutting position of the CD cutting section in the second embodiment. [Figure 7A] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a relatively short sheet is conveyed after being divided and cut in the third embodiment. [Figure 7B] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which a relatively long sheet is conveyed after being divided and cut in the third embodiment. [Figure 8A] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper and the cutting position of the CD cutting unit are aligned in the fourth embodiment. [Figure 8B] 10 is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the finishing position on the rear end side of the paper and the cutting position of the CD cutting section are aligned. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0022] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Advantages and features provided by the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below or the examples shown in the drawings.

[0023] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described. Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the overall configuration of an image forming system 1 in the first embodiment. Fig. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming system 1.

[0024] The image forming system 1 includes an image forming device 2 and a post-processing device 3. The image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet of paper. The image forming device 2 transports the sheet of paper on which the image has been formed to the post-processing device 3. The post-processing device 3 performs post-processing on the sheet of paper sent from the image forming device 2. The post-processing device 3 has the function of a cutting device. The post-processing device 3 is located downstream of the image forming device 2 in the sheet transport direction (feed direction).

[0025] The image forming apparatus 2 includes an image reading unit 10, an operation display unit 20, a paper feeding unit 30, an image forming unit 40, a conveying unit 50, a control unit 60, a storage unit 71, a communication unit 72, and the like.

[0026] The image reading unit 10 includes an automatic document feeder 11, a scanner 12, etc. The automatic document feeder 11 transports documents one by one to the scanner 12. The scanner 12 reads the documents transported by the automatic document feeder 11 or the documents placed on a contact glass, and generates image data.

[0027] The operation display unit 20 is composed of a liquid crystal display including a touch screen. The operation display unit 20 functions as a display unit 21 and an operation unit 22. The display unit 21 displays various screens in accordance with instructions of display signals input from the control unit 60. The operation unit 22 outputs to the control unit 60 operation signals corresponding to various operation keys and operation signals according to the position of a touch operation on the touch screen.

[0028] The paper feed unit 30 includes a paper feed tray 31 on which paper sheets are stacked. The paper feed unit 30 feeds paper sheets one by one from the paper feed tray 31. The paper feed unit 30 may include multiple paper feed trays 31. In this case, each paper feed tray 31 stores paper sheets of a predetermined paper type and size.

[0029] Image forming unit 40 forms an image on paper based on image data. The image data used for image formation may be image data received from an external device by communication unit 72, or may be image data generated by image reading unit 10. Image forming unit 40 includes image forming units 41Y, 41M, 41C, and 41K, photosensitive drums 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K, an intermediate transfer belt 43, a transfer roller 44, a cleaning unit 45, a fixing unit 46, and the like.

[0030] Image forming unit 41Y forms a yellow toner image on photoconductor drum 42Y. Image forming unit 41M forms a magenta toner image on photoconductor drum 42M. Image forming unit 41C forms a cyan toner image on photoconductor drum 42C. Image forming unit 41K forms a black toner image on photoconductor drum 42K. The toner images of each color formed on photoconductor drums 42Y, 42M, 42C, and 42K are sequentially transferred onto intermediate transfer belt 43. Transfer roller 44 transfers the color toner image on intermediate transfer belt 43 onto paper. Cleaning unit 45 cleans any toner remaining on intermediate transfer belt 43. Fixing unit 46 includes a heating roller 46a, a pressure roller 46b, etc. Fixing unit 46 fixes the color toner image transferred onto paper by applying heat and pressure to the paper.

[0031] The transport unit 50 includes a plurality of transport rollers. The transport unit 50 transports paper along a transport path within the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the transport unit 50 transports paper loaded in the paper feed tray 31 to the image forming unit 40. The transport unit 50 transports paper on which an image has been formed by the image forming unit 40 to the post-processing device 3.

[0032] The control unit 60 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), etc. The CPU reads various programs stored in the ROM and loads the read programs into the RAM. The CPU controls the operation of each part of the image forming apparatus 2 in accordance with the programs.

[0033] The storage unit 71 is configured by a storage device such as a hard disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 71 stores various data used in various processes executed by the control unit 60.

[0034] The communication unit 72 transmits and receives data to and from external devices connected to a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network). The communication unit 72 is also connected to a communication unit 172 of the post-processing device 3, and transmits and receives data to and from the post-processing device 3. For example, the control unit 60 transmits cutting processing information and the like related to cutting to the post-processing device 3 via the communication unit 72.

[0035] The post-processing device 3 includes a conveying section 110, a first post-processing section 121, a second post-processing section 122, a CD cutting section 123, a wastebasket 130, paper sensors 141 to 148, a control section 160, a storage section 171, a communication section 172, and the like. The line sensor 150 shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 will be described in the second embodiment.

[0036] The transport unit 110 transports paper in transport paths 111 and 112 within the post-processing device 3. The transport unit 110 is equipped with multiple transport rollers and a drive motor. The drive motor drives the transport rollers. The drive motor is, for example, a stepping motor. The transport path 111 transports paper transported from the image forming device 2 to the first post-processing device 121. The transport path 112 branches off from the transport path 111 on the upstream side of the first post-processing device 121, and then merges with the transport path 111 downstream of the branch point. The transport path 112 is used as a buffer when supplying long paper to the first post-processing device 121.

[0037] The post-processing device 3 can be equipped with any post-processing unit as the first post-processing unit 121 or the second post-processing unit 122. Examples of post-processing units include an FD cutting unit, a folding unit, and a perforation unit. The FD cutting unit is a post-processing unit that cuts paper in the feed direction. The folding unit is a post-processing unit that creases paper. The perforation unit is a post-processing unit that perforates paper.

[0038] The CD cutting unit 123 cuts the paper in a direction (cross direction) perpendicular to the paper transport direction (feed direction) while the paper is stationary. The CD cutting unit 123 is a so-called guillotine cutter. As shown in FIG. 1, the CD cutting unit 123 has a fixed blade 123a and a movable blade 123b. With the cutting edge of the fixed blade 123a facing upward, the fixed blade 123a is fixed below the paper transport path 111. The cutting edge of the fixed blade 123a extends in the cross direction. With the cutting edge of the movable blade 123b facing downward, the movable blade 123b can move up and down above the paper transport path 111. When the movable blade 123b descends and engages with the fixed blade 123a, the paper is cut by the fixed blade 123a and the movable blade 123b.

[0039] The waste box 130 is a storage unit that stores cutting waste generated when paper is cut. The waste box 130 is installed below the CD cutting unit 123. When the first post-processing unit 121 or the second post-processing unit 122 is a cutting unit that cuts paper, the waste paper box 130 can also collect cutting waste generated in the cutting unit.

[0040] The paper sensors 141-148 are, for example, reflective photosensors. The paper sensors 141-148 are provided along the conveying paths 111, 112 in the post-processing device 3. Each of the paper sensors 141-148 has a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, and detects the presence or absence of paper at the position where the paper sensor is provided. The paper sensors 141-148 detect the position of the leading or trailing edge of paper passing through the conveying paths 111, 112. The paper sensors 141-148 are normally used for paper conveyance control, paper jam detection, etc. In this embodiment, the paper sensors 141-148 are also used to determine the position where the paper is to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123. For simplicity, the remainder of the description will not consider the transport path 112 and paper sensors 147, 148.

[0041] The control unit 160 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. The CPU reads out various programs stored in the ROM and loads the read programs into the RAM. The CPU controls the operation of each unit of the post-processing device 3 in accordance with the programs.

[0042] The storage unit 171 is configured by a storage device such as a hard disk, a flash memory, etc. The storage unit 171 stores various data used in various processes executed by the control unit 160.

[0043] The communication unit 172 is connected to the communication unit 72 of the image forming apparatus 2, and transmits and receives data to and from the image forming apparatus 2. For example, the control unit 160 receives cutting processing information related to cutting and the like from the image forming apparatus 2 via the communication unit 172.

[0044] The control unit 160 can perform divided cutting. In divided cutting, the control unit 160 controls the conveying unit 110 and the CD cutting unit 123 to cut the first edge of the paper in the paper conveying direction (feed direction) in multiple steps so that the width of the cutting waste is equal to or smaller than the width that allows the cutting waste to fall into the waste box 130. If the finished size is small compared to the paper size, the margin will be large. When cutting the margin in the cross direction, the width must be set to allow the cutting waste to fall into the waste box 130 (for example, 18 mm or less). The "width that allows the cutting waste to fall into the waste box 130" is determined by factors such as the spacing between the conveying rollers in the CD cutting unit 123. For example, if the control unit 160 needs to cut 100 mm from the first edge of the paper, it will repeat cutting multiple times, 15 mm at a time, from the first edge of the paper.

[0045] After performing the division cutting, the control unit 160 determines the finishing position of the first edge side to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123, based on the position of the second edge opposite to the first edge of the paper. The finishing position of the paper is the position that will become the edge of the printed product (deliverable product) that is finally output.

[0046] In this embodiment, a case will be described in which the first edge is the leading edge of the paper and the second edge is the trailing edge of the paper. That is, in this embodiment, split cutting is a process in which the leading edge side of the paper is cut in multiple steps. After performing split cutting, the control unit 160 determines the finishing position of the leading edge side of the paper based on the position of the trailing edge of the paper.

[0047] The paper sensors that detect the position of the rear end of the paper are paper sensors 141 to 145. The paper sensors 141 to 145 are arranged upstream of the cutting position by the CD cutting unit 123 in the feed direction. The control unit 160 causes at least one of the plurality of paper sensors 141 to 145 to detect the position of the rear end of the paper.

[0048] The control unit 160 switches between a paper sensor for determining the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123 and a paper sensor for determining the finishing position on the trailing edge side of the paper to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123.

[0049] The control unit 160 determines the finishing position of the rear end side of the paper to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123 based on the position of the rear end of the paper detected by the paper sensor 145. Of the multiple paper sensors 141 to 146, the paper sensor 145 is the paper sensor that is upstream of the cutting position by the CD cutting unit 123 in the feed direction and is closest to the cutting position.

[0050] Next, the operation of the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment will be described. 3A and 3B are flowcharts showing the first cutting process executed in the post-processing device 3. FIG.

[0051] First, the control unit 160 of the post-processing device 3 acquires cutting process information from the image forming device 2 via the communication unit 172 (step S1). The cutting process information includes information such as the paper size in the feed direction and the cross direction, the finished size, and the margins. The margins are specified, for example, by the length from the edge of the paper to the finished position. The margins include at least the length of the margin on the leading edge side of the paper in the feed direction and the length of the margin on the trailing edge side. The control unit 160 may determine the length of the leading edge margin and the length of the trailing edge margin based on the paper size and the finished size.

[0052] Next, the control unit 160 determines whether separate cutting is necessary (step S2). Specifically, the control unit 160 determines that separate cutting is necessary when the length of the margin on the leading edge side of the paper is greater than a predetermined threshold. Here, the predetermined threshold is a value that allows the width of the cutting waste to fall into the waste box 130. If separate cutting is necessary (step S2; YES), the control unit 160 acquires information indicating the position of the leading edge of the paper (step S3). The control unit 160 causes the reference paper sensor 143 to detect the leading edge position of the paper. The control unit 160 acquires the detection result of the paper sensor 143.

[0053] FIG. 4A is a schematic diagram of the leading edge 81 of the paper sheet 80 passing the paper sensor 143. FIG. 4A shows the relative positions of the CD cutting unit 123, paper sensors 142-146, and the paper sheet 80 in the feed direction. For clarity, FIG. 4A illustrates the paper surface of the paper sheet 80 as it is. However, in reality, the paper sheet 80 is conveyed with its surface facing upward. In the following schematic diagrams, the orientation of the paper surface of the paper sheet 80 differs from the actual orientation. If the finished size is smaller than the paper size, a margin will be generated on the paper. Here, only the margin in the feed direction will be considered. FIG. 4A also shows the trailing edge 82 of the paper sheet 80, the leading edge finishing position 83, the trailing edge finishing position 84, and the dividing trimming positions 91-94. The leading edge finishing position 83 is the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper in the feed direction. The trailing edge finishing position 84 is the finishing position on the trailing edge side of the paper in the feed direction. The length from the leading edge 81 of the paper 80 to the leading edge finishing position 83 corresponds to the length of the margin on the leading edge side of the paper. The length from the trailing edge 82 of the paper 80 to the trailing edge finishing position 84 corresponds to the length of the margin on the trailing edge side of the paper.

[0054] Next, the control unit 160 determines the dividing and cutting position based on the leading edge position of the paper detected by the paper sensor 143 (step S4). The control unit 160 determines the dividing and cutting position so that the width of the cutting waste is equal to or smaller than the width at which cutting waste can fall into the waste box 130. Specifically, the control unit 160 calculates the transport distance of the paper from the position where the leading edge position of the paper is detected to the position where dividing and cutting is performed. If dividing and cutting needs to be performed multiple times, the control unit 160 calculates the transport distance corresponding to each of the multiple dividing and cutting operations. The control unit 160 determines the number of dividing and cutting operations based on the length of the margin on the leading edge side of the paper.

[0055] Next, the control unit 160 controls the transport unit 110 to move the dividing and cutting position of the paper to the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 (step S5). The control unit 160 controls the transport unit 110 to stop transporting the paper. The control unit 160 controls the CD cutting unit 123 to cut the leading edge of the paper (division cutting position) in the cross direction (step S6).

[0056] 4B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the dividing and cutting position 91 of the sheet 80 coincides with the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123. When cutting at the dividing and cutting position 91, the transport of the sheet 80 is stopped. The control unit 160 controls the stopping position of the sheet 80 during dividing and cutting, based on the position of the leading edge 81 of the sheet 80 detected by the sheet sensor 143. As shown in FIG. 4B, the first dividing and cutting position 91 is controlled by transporting the sheet 80 a distance L1 from the state shown in FIG. 4A. The length in the feed direction from the leading edge 81 of the paper 80 to the dividing cutting position 91 (dividing cutting width) is known at the time the dividing cutting position 91 is determined. Also, the distance in the feed direction from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 143 is known. The control unit 160 calculates distance L1 by adding the distance from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 143 and the length from the leading edge 81 of the paper 80 to the dividing cutting position 91. It should be noted that the division and cutting positions 91 to 94 are not required to be strict in accuracy because they are not at the ends of the final product.

[0057] Next, the control unit 160 determines whether additional division cutting is necessary (step S7). If the planned number of division cuttings has not been completed, the control unit 160 determines that additional division cutting is necessary. If additional dividing cutting is necessary (step S7; YES), the process returns to step S5. Control unit 160 controls transport unit 110 to move the next dividing cutting position of the paper to the cutting position of CD cutting unit 123 (step S5). Control unit 160 controls transport unit 110 to stop transport of the paper. Dividing cutting positions 92 to 94 are also controlled based on the transport distance from paper sensor 143, using the position of leading edge 81 of paper 80 detected by paper sensor 143 in step S3 as a reference. The control unit 160 controls the CD cutting unit 123 to cut the leading edge of the paper (division cutting position) in the cross direction (step S6).

[0058] In step S7, if additional dividing and cutting is not required (step S7; NO), the control unit 160 acquires information indicating the position of the rear end of the paper (step S8). For example, the control unit 160 causes the paper sensor 144 to detect the position of the rear end of the paper. The control unit 160 acquires the detection result of the paper sensor 144.

[0059] 5A is a schematic diagram of the rear end 82 of the paper 80 after division cutting passing the paper sensor 144. At this time, the leading edge finishing position 83 is upstream of the cutting position of the CD cutting section 123. Note that FIG. 5A also shows cutting waste generated by division cutting. In reality, at this point, the cutting waste has fallen into the waste box 130.

[0060] Next, the control unit 160 determines the leading edge finishing position based on the trailing edge position of the paper detected by the paper sensor (step S9). Specifically, the control unit 160 calculates the transport distance of the paper from the position where the trailing edge position of the paper is detected to the position where the leading edge finishing position is cut.

[0061] Next, the control unit 160 controls the transport unit 110 to move the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper to the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 (step S10). The control unit 160 controls the transport unit 110 to stop transport of the paper. The control unit 160 controls the CD cutting unit 123 to cut the leading edge of the paper (finishing position on the leading edge side) in the cross direction (step S11).

[0062] 5B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the leading edge finishing position 83 of the paper sheet 80 coincides with the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123. Note that FIG. 5B also shows cutting waste resulting from the divided cutting. When cutting at the leading edge finishing position 83, the transport of the paper sheet 80 is stopped. The control unit 160 controls the stopping position of the paper sheet 80 when cutting at the leading edge finishing position 83, based on the position of the rear end 82 of the paper sheet 80 detected by the paper sensor 144. As shown in FIG. 5B, the leading edge finishing position 83 is controlled by transporting the paper sheet 80 a distance L2 from the state shown in FIG. 5A. The length from the leading edge finishing position 83 to the trailing edge 82 of the paper 80 in the feed direction is known from the cutting process information. Also, the distance from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 144 in the feed direction is known. The control unit 160 calculates the distance L2 from the difference between the distance from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 144 and the length from the leading edge finishing position 83 to the trailing edge 82 of the paper 80.

[0063] Next, the control unit 160 acquires information indicating the position of the rear end of the paper (step S12). For example, the control unit 160 causes the paper sensor 145 to detect the position of the rear end of the paper. The control unit 160 acquires the detection result of the paper sensor 145.

[0064] 5C is a schematic diagram of when the rear end 82 of the paper 80, after being cut at the leading end finishing position 83, passes the paper sensor 145. At this time, the trailing end finishing position 84 is located upstream of the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123.

[0065] Next, the control unit 160 determines the finishing position on the rear end side based on the position of the rear end of the paper detected by the paper sensor (step S13). Specifically, the control unit 160 calculates the transport distance of the paper from the position where the rear end position of the paper is detected to the position where the finishing position on the rear end side is cut.

[0066] Next, control unit 160 controls conveyance unit 110 to move the finishing position on the rear end side of the paper to the cutting position of CD cutting unit 123 (step S14). Control unit 160 controls conveyance unit 110 to stop conveyance of the paper. The control unit 160 controls the CD cutting unit 123 to cut the rear end of the paper (the finishing position on the rear end side) in the cross direction (step S15).

[0067] 5D is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the trailing edge finishing position 84 of the sheet of paper 80 coincides with the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123. When cutting at the trailing edge finishing position 84, the transport of the sheet of paper 80 is stopped. The control unit 160 controls the stopping position of the sheet of paper 80 when cutting at the trailing edge finishing position 84, based on the position of the trailing edge 82 of the sheet of paper 80 detected by the sheet sensor 145. As shown in FIG. 5D, the trailing edge finishing position 84 is controlled by transporting the sheet of paper 80 a distance L3 from the state shown in FIG. 5C. The distance in the feed direction from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 145 is known. Also, the length in the feed direction from the rear end finishing position 84 to the rear end 82 of the paper 80 is known from the cutting process information. The control unit 160 calculates the distance L3 from the difference between the distance from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 145 and the length from the rear end finishing position 84 to the rear end 82 of the paper 80.

[0068] In step S2, if division cutting is not necessary (step S2; NO), the control unit 160 controls the conveying unit 110 and the CD cutting unit 123 to perform normal cutting processing (step S16).

[0069] After step S15 or step S16, the control unit 160 controls the conveying unit 110 to eject the paper outside the post-processing device 3 (step S17). This completes the first cutting process.

[0070] According to the first embodiment, the control unit 160 of the post-processing device 3 performs split cutting on the leading edge of the paper, and then determines the finishing position on the leading edge of the paper based on the position of the rear edge of the paper. The control unit 160 can control the finishing position on the leading edge of the paper without being affected by a decrease in paper transport accuracy in the feed direction due to split cutting. Therefore, the control unit 160 can accurately control the cutting position when the CD cutting unit 123 cuts the paper continuously in the cross direction.

[0071] Specifically, the control unit 160 causes one of the paper sensors 141-145, which is located upstream of the cutting position by the CD cutting unit 123 in the feed direction, to detect the position of the rear end of the paper. When the finishing position on the leading edge of the paper approaches the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123, the control unit 160 causes the paper sensors 141-145 to detect the position of the rear end of the paper. Before the finishing position on the leading edge of the paper after division cutting reaches the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123, the control unit 160 causes the most downstream paper sensor of the paper sensors 141-145 that can detect the position of the rear end of the paper to detect the position of the rear end of the paper. This allows the control unit 160 to accurately control the cutting position relative to the finishing position on the leading edge of the paper.

[0072] Furthermore, the control unit 160 switches between the paper sensor 144 for determining the finishing position at the leading edge of the paper and the paper sensor 145 for determining the finishing position at the trailing edge of the paper. In this way, the control unit 160 selects the optimal paper sensor as the paper sensor for detecting the position of the trailing edge of the paper for each desired finishing position. This allows the control unit 160 to suppress misalignment caused by paper transport and accurately control the cutting position.

[0073] Furthermore, the control unit 160 determines the finishing position of the rear end of the paper to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123, based on the position of the rear end of the paper detected by the paper sensor 145. The paper sensor 145 is upstream of the cutting position by the CD cutting unit 123 in the feed direction and is the paper sensor closest to the cutting position, so it can accurately control the cutting position relative to the finishing position of the rear end of the paper.

[0074] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The image forming system in the second embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming system 1 shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, Figures 1 and 2 will be used, and a description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Below, the configuration and processing characteristic of the second embodiment will be described.

[0075] After performing dividing and cutting on the leading edge side of the paper in the feed direction, the control unit 160 of the post-processing device 3 determines the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123 based on the position of the rear edge of the paper.

[0076] In the second embodiment, the post-processing device 3 includes a line sensor 150 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The line sensor 150 has a plurality of light-receiving elements arranged along one direction (the longitudinal direction of the line sensor 150). As shown in FIG. 1, the line sensor 150 is provided so that the longitudinal direction of the line sensor 150 coincides with the feed direction. The line sensor 150 is arranged upstream of the cutting position by the CD cutting unit 123 in the feed direction. A contact image sensor (CIS) is used as the line sensor 150. In the second embodiment, a line sensor 150 is used as a paper sensor for determining the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper. The line sensor 150 detects the position of the trailing edge of the paper.

[0077] The control unit 160 determines the finishing position of the leading edge side of the paper using the position of the trailing edge of the paper detected by the line sensor 150 as a reference.

[0078] Next, the operation of the second embodiment will be described. Regarding the second cutting process executed by the post-processing device 3 of the second embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first cutting process (FIGS. 3A and 3B) will be described.

[0079] In step S8, the control unit 160 acquires from the line sensor 150 information indicating the position of the rear end of the paper. 6A is a schematic diagram illustrating the state where the line sensor 150 acquires the position of the rear end 82 of the paper sheet 80 during the final dividing and cutting of the leading edge side of the paper sheet 80. Note that FIG. 6A also illustrates cutting waste generated by the dividing and cutting.

[0080] In step S9, the control unit 160 determines the finishing position on the leading edge side based on the position of the trailing edge of the paper detected by the line sensor 150. FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the leading edge finishing position 83 of the sheet 80 after division cutting coincides with the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123. Note that FIG. 6B also shows cutting waste generated by division cutting. When cutting to the leading edge finishing position 83, the transport of the sheet 80 is stopped. The control unit 160 controls the stopping position of the sheet 80 when cutting to the leading edge finishing position 83, using the position of the rear end 82 of the sheet 80 detected by the line sensor 150 as a reference. As shown in FIG. 6B, the leading edge finishing position 83 is controlled by transporting the sheet 80 a distance L4 from the state shown in FIG. 6A. The length from the leading edge finishing position 83 to the trailing edge 82 of the paper 80 in the feed direction is known from the cutting process information. Also, the distance in the feed direction from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the detection position of the trailing edge 82 at the time of the final divided cutting shown in Figure 6A can be obtained at the time of detection by the line sensor 150. The control unit 160 calculates the distance L4 from the difference between the distance from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the detection position of the trailing edge 82 at the time of the final divided cutting and the length from the leading edge finishing position 83 to the trailing edge 82 of the paper 80.

[0081] According to the second embodiment, the post-processing device 3 uses a line sensor 150 to detect the position of the rear edge of the paper. Therefore, the control unit 160 can accurately determine the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper based on the position of the rear edge of the paper. By using a high-resolution CIS as the line sensor 150, the accuracy of the cutting position is improved.

[0082] Furthermore, by using the line sensor 150 (CIS), the post-processing device 3 can detect the position of the rear edge of paper for various finishing sizes. It is desirable that the line sensor 150 be positioned so that it can detect the position of the rear edge of paper just before the finishing position on the leading edge of the paper reaches the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123, for paper sizes ranging from the smallest to the largest. However, a certain amount of time is required to decelerate and stop the motor used to transport the paper. Therefore, during paper transport operation, the position of the rear edge of the paper must be detected before the time required to decelerate and stop the motor for cutting the finishing position on the leading edge of the paper.

[0083] [Third embodiment] Next, a third embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The image forming system in the third embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming system 1 shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, Figures 1 and 2 will be used, and a description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Below, the configuration and processing characteristic of the third embodiment will be described.

[0084] After performing dividing and cutting on the leading edge side of the paper in the feed direction, the control unit 160 of the post-processing device 3 determines the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123 based on the position of the rear edge of the paper.

[0085] The control unit 160 causes at least one of the multiple paper sensors 141-145 to detect the position of the rear end of the paper. The paper sensors 141-145 are arranged so that one of the paper sensors can detect the position of the rear end of the paper when the finishing position on the leading edge of the paper approaches the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123. By appropriately changing the number and spacing of the paper sensors arranged on the conveying path 111, it is possible to accommodate paper sizes ranging from the smallest to the largest to be processed.

[0086] In the third embodiment, the control unit 160 switches between the paper sensors (paper sensors 141 to 145, etc.) that detect the position of the rear end of the paper depending on the finished size in the paper feed direction.

[0087] Next, the operation of the third embodiment will be described. Regarding the third cutting process executed by the post-processing device 3 of the third embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first cutting process (FIGS. 3A and 3B) will be described.

[0088] In step S8, when acquiring information indicating the position of the rear end of the paper, control unit 160 switches between paper sensors (paper sensors 141 to 145, etc.) that detect the position of the rear end of the paper depending on the finished size in the paper feed direction.

[0089] 7A and 7B are schematic diagrams showing how paper 80 is transported after being cut into pieces. Fig. 7A shows an example of paper 80 that is relatively short in the feed direction. Fig. 7B shows an example of paper 80 that is relatively long in the feed direction. Note that Figs. 7A and 7B also show cutting waste generated by the cutting into pieces.

[0090] The length from the leading edge finishing position 83 to the trailing edge 82 of the paper 80 in the feed direction is defined as X. X is the length from the leading edge finishing position 83 to the trailing edge finishing position 84 (the finished size in the feed direction) plus the length of the margin on the trailing edge side. The distance from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 145 in the feed direction is defined as L11. The distance from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 144 in the feed direction is defined as L12. The distance from the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123 to the paper sensor 143 in the feed direction is defined as L13.

[0091] 7A, when X is less than L11, the control unit 160 selects the paper sensor 145 as the paper sensor that detects the position of the rear end 82 of the paper 80. However, the length of the paper 80 after cutting and dividing in the feed direction must be equal to or greater than L11. If X is equal to or greater than L11 and less than L12, the control unit 160 selects the paper sensor 144 as the paper sensor that detects the position of the rear end 82 of the paper 80 (see FIG. 5A). As shown in FIG. 7B, when X is equal to or greater than L12 and less than L13, the control unit 160 selects the paper sensor 143 as the paper sensor that detects the position of the rear end 82 of the paper 80.

[0092] The control unit 160 causes a paper sensor capable of detecting the position of the rear end 82 of the paper 80 to detect the position of the rear end 82 of the paper 80 while the finishing position 83 on the leading end side of the paper 80 after the dividing cut is upstream of the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123. It is assumed that the timing at which the rear end 82 of the paper 80 is detected by the paper sensor for determining the leading end side finishing position 83 occurs after the leading end side of the paper 80 has been divided and cut.

[0093] According to the third embodiment, the control unit 160 of the post-processing device 3 switches the paper sensor that detects the position of the rear edge of the paper depending on the finished size in the paper feed direction. The control unit 160 can accurately control the cutting position depending on the finished size of the paper.

[0094] [Fourth embodiment] Next, a fourth embodiment to which the present invention is applied will be described. The image forming system in the fourth embodiment has the same configuration as the image forming system 1 shown in the first embodiment. Therefore, Figures 1 and 2 will be used, and a description of the same components as those in the first embodiment will be omitted. Below, the configuration and processing characteristic of the fourth embodiment will be described.

[0095] After performing dividing and cutting on the leading edge side of the paper in the feed direction, the control unit 160 of the post-processing device 3 determines the finishing position on the leading edge side of the paper to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123 based on the position of the rear edge of the paper.

[0096] In the first embodiment, the controller 160 of the post-processing device 3 determines the finishing position on the rear edge side of the paper based on the position of the rear edge of the paper detected by the paper sensor. In the fourth embodiment, the control unit 160 determines the finishing position on the rear end side of the paper to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123, based on the finishing position (actual cutting position) on the leading end side of the paper.

[0097] Next, the operation of the image forming system of the fourth embodiment will be described. Regarding the fourth cutting process executed by the post-processing device 3 of the fourth embodiment, only the parts that are different from the first cutting process (FIGS. 3A and 3B) will be described.

[0098] After step S11, the control unit 160 determines the finishing position of the rear end side of the paper based on the finishing position of the front end side of the paper, instead of steps S12 and S13. Specifically, the control unit 160 calculates the transport distance of the paper from the position where the finishing position of the front end side of the paper is cut to the position where the finishing position of the rear end side is cut.

[0099] 8A is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the leading edge finishing position 83 of the paper-sheet 80 coincides with the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123. When cutting at the leading edge finishing position 83, the transport of the paper-sheet 80 is stopped. 8B is a schematic diagram showing a state in which the rear end finishing position 84 of the sheet of paper 80 coincides with the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123. When cutting at the rear end finishing position 84, the transport of the sheet of paper 80 is stopped. The control unit 160 controls the stopping position of the sheet of paper 80 when cutting at the rear end finishing position 84, using the front end finishing position 83 of the sheet of paper 80 as a reference. As shown in FIG. 8B, the rear end finishing position 84 is controlled by transporting the sheet of paper 80 a distance L5 from the state in FIG. 8A. The length (distance L5) from the leading edge finishing position 83 to the trailing edge finishing position 84 of the paper 80 in the feed direction is known from the cutting process information.

[0100] According to the fourth embodiment, the control unit 160 of the post-processing device 3 determines the finishing position at the rear end of the paper based on the finishing position at the leading end of the paper. The control unit 160 determines the finishing position at the rear end of the paper without using the detection results from the paper sensor. The control unit 160 can control the cutting position relative to the finishing position at the rear end of the paper simply by controlling the transport of the paper from the finishing position at the leading end of the paper.

[0101] The above-described embodiments are merely examples of the cutting device, image forming system, and program according to the present invention, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. The detailed configuration and operation of each device constituting the system may also be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, characteristic processes in each embodiment may be combined.

[0102] Basically, the image forming device 2 forms an image on a sheet of paper based on the position of the leading edge of the paper in the feed direction. Therefore, if cutting is performed by the CD cutting unit 123 based on the position of the trailing edge of the paper, there is a concern about the accuracy of the image position in the feed direction. As a solution to this, the leading edge and trailing edge of the paper may be swapped (paper inversion) before cutting in the post-processing device 3. Alternatively, the image forming device 2 may detect the actual length of the paper in the feed direction and correct the image position from the trailing edge of the paper based on the detection result.

[0103] The post-processing device 3 preferably includes a detection unit that detects the paper size in the feed direction and a correction unit that compensates for variations in paper size. For example, the detection unit may detect the paper size by acquiring a paper size input by the user. The detection unit may also automatically detect the length of the paper in the feed direction. The correction unit corrects the finishing position according to the detected paper size.

[0104] In the above embodiments, the first edge is the leading edge of the paper sheet, and the second edge is the trailing edge of the paper sheet. Alternatively, the first edge may be the trailing edge of the paper sheet, and the second edge may be the leading edge of the paper sheet. In this case, the split cutting is a process of cutting the trailing edge of the paper sheet in multiple steps. To cut the trailing edge of the paper sheet multiple times, the control unit 160 of the post-processing device 3 controls the conveying unit 110 to convey the paper sheet downstream of the cutting position of the CD cutting unit 123, and then conveys the paper sheet toward the CD cutting unit 123 in a direction opposite to the normal conveying direction. The control unit 160 controls the conveying unit 110 and the CD cutting unit 123 to repeatedly convey the paper sheet in the reverse direction, stop conveying, and cut it. After split cutting of the trailing edge of the paper sheet, the control unit 160 determines the finishing position of the trailing edge of the paper sheet to be cut by the CD cutting unit 123 based on the leading edge position of the paper sheet. In this case, a paper sensor (such as paper sensor 146) located downstream in the feed direction from the cutting position by CD cutting unit 123 may be used as the paper sensor that detects the position of the leading edge of the paper. If multiple paper sensors are provided downstream of CD cutting unit 123, control unit 160 may switch the paper sensor that detects the position of the leading edge of the paper depending on the finished size in the feed direction of the paper.

[0105] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 2 may be configured to include the post-processing apparatus 3.

[0106] The computer-readable medium for storing the program for executing each process is not limited to the above examples. A carrier wave may also be used as a medium for providing program data via a communication line. [Explanation of symbols]

[0107] 1. Image forming system 2. Image forming device 3. Post-processing equipment 40 Image forming unit 80 sheets of paper 81 Tip 82 Rear end 83 Tip side finishing position 84 Rear end finishing position 91~94 Divided cutting position 110 Conveying section 123 CD cutting section 130 Trash box 141~148 Paper sensor 150 line sensor 160 control section 171 Storage section 172 Communications Department

Claims

1. a conveying unit that conveys paper; a cutting unit that cuts the paper in a direction perpendicular to a conveyance direction of the paper while the paper is stopped; a storage section for storing cutting waste generated when the paper is cut; a control unit that controls the conveying unit and the cutting unit; Equipped with the control unit controls the conveying unit and the cutting unit to perform divided cutting in which a first end side of the paper in the conveying direction is cut in a plurality of steps so that the width of the cutting waste is equal to or less than the width that allows the cutting waste to fall into the storage unit, After performing the division cutting, the control unit determines the finishing position of the first end side to be cut by the cutting unit based on the position of a second end side opposite the first end side of the paper.

2. the first end is a leading edge of the paper; The cutting device according to claim 1 , wherein the second end is a rear end of the paper.

3. a paper sensor for detecting the position of the second edge of the paper; The cutting processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the paper sensor is disposed upstream or downstream of a cutting position by the cutting unit in the conveying direction.

4. the second end is a trailing end of the paper; The cutting processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the paper sensor is disposed upstream of the cutting position in the transport direction.

5. 4. The cutting processing device according to claim 3, wherein the paper sensor is a line sensor having a plurality of light receiving elements arranged along the transport direction.

6. the second end is a trailing end of the paper; The cutting processing device according to claim 5 , wherein the line sensor is disposed upstream of the cutting position in the transport direction.

7. A plurality of the paper sensors are provided, The cutting processing device according to claim 3 , wherein the control unit causes at least one of the plurality of paper sensors to detect the position of the second edge of the paper.

8. The cutting processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the control unit switches the paper sensor that detects the position of the second edge of the paper depending on the finished size of the paper in the transport direction.

9. The cutting processing device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit switches between the paper sensor for determining the finishing position of the leading edge side of the paper to be cut by the cutting unit and the paper sensor for determining the finishing position of the trailing edge side of the paper to be cut by the cutting unit.

10. The cutting processing device according to claim 7, wherein the control unit determines the finishing position of the rear end side of the paper to be cut by the cutting unit based on the position of the rear end of the paper detected by the paper sensor among the multiple paper sensors that is upstream of the cutting position in the transport direction and closest to the cutting position.

11. The cutting device according to claim 2 , wherein the control unit determines a finishing position on the rear end side of the sheet to be cut by the cutting unit, based on a finishing position on the leading end side of the sheet.

12. The cutting device according to any one of claims 1 to 11; an image forming device that forms an image on the paper and transports the paper on which the image has been formed to the cutting device; An image forming system comprising:

13. A computer of a cutting processing device including a conveying unit that conveys paper, a cutting unit that cuts the paper in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the paper while the paper is stopped, and a storage unit that stores cutting waste generated by cutting the paper, a function of controlling the conveying unit and the cutting unit to perform divided cutting in which a first end side of the paper in the conveying direction is cut in a plurality of times so that the width of the cutting waste is equal to or less than the width at which the cutting waste can fall into the storage unit; a function of determining a finishing position of the first edge side to be cut by the cutting unit, based on the position of a second edge side of the paper opposite to the first edge side after the division cutting is performed; A program to achieve this.

Images