Post-processing device and image forming system

Abstract

To specifically identify an occurrence location (cause) of an abnormality when the abnormality occurs, and determine whether or not new post-processing can be performed.SOLUTION: A post-processing device comprises a counter 155 (counting means) for counting the drive amount of moving means 113 to 115 when a first binding device 91 moves in a return path to return from a stop position where it has stopped when it had reached a desired processing position to a reference position, a CPU 151 (abnormality determination means) for determining that an abnormality has occurred when the drive amount counted by the counter 155 differs from a target drive amount, and a RAM 152 (storage means) for storing the stop position when it is determined that an abnormality has occurred. After the CPU 151 determines that an abnormality has occurred, when a new post-processing is performed by the first binding device 91, it is determined whether or not the new post-processing can be performed based on the stop position stored in the RAM 152.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as binding and alignment on a sheet stack, and an image forming system that includes an image forming device such as a copier, printer, facsimile, or a combination machine or printing machine thereof, and the post-processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, there are known image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers that are provided with a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as binding and alignment on a sheet bundle (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for identifying which part of the control unit, mechanism unit, or detection unit is experiencing an abnormality when abnormal operation occurs in a sheet processing device (post-processing device), with the aim of quickly restoring the device in the event of a breakdown. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the conventional technology, when an abnormality occurred in a post-processing device, it was not possible to specifically identify the location (cause) of the abnormality, so even if a new post-processing could be performed after that, the device would be shut down without performing the new post-processing, which made the device difficult to use for users.

[0005] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a post-processing device and an image forming system that, when an abnormality occurs, can specifically identify the location where the abnormality occurred and determine whether or not new post-processing can be performed thereafter. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The post-processing device of this invention comprises a loading section on which a plurality of sheets are placed as a sheet bundle, a post-processing unit that is moved on an outward path from a reference position toward a desired processing position by a moving means and performs post-processing on the sheet bundle placed on the loading section, a detection means capable of detecting a state in which the post-processing unit is located at the reference position, a counting means that counts the drive amount of the moving means when the post-processing unit moves on a return path from a stop position where it has stopped as if it had reached the desired processing position to the reference position, an abnormality determination means that, when the drive amount counted by the counting means differs from a target drive amount, determines that the stop position does not match the desired processing position and that an abnormality has occurred, and a memory means that stores the stop position when it is determined by the abnormality determination means that the abnormality has occurred.When new post-processing is performed by the post-processing unit after the abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred, the stop position stored in the memory means is used to determine whether or not the new post-processing can be performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a post-processing device and an image forming system that, when an abnormality occurs, can specifically identify the location where the abnormality occurred and determine whether new post-processing can be performed thereafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a post-processing device. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a binding processing unit. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view showing the main part of the binding processing section in the width direction. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is an enlarged view showing the concave and convex portions of the second binding device. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a drive mechanism of the binding device in the width direction. [Figure 7] FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main part of a control system of a binding device in the post-processing device. [Figure 9] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating the operation of the binding device in a normal state. [Figure 10] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an operation of the binding device when an abnormality occurs. [Figure 11] 10A and 10B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation of the binding device after an abnormality is determined. [Figure 12] 10 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control during binding processing. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing the operation of the jogger fence in a normal state, as a modified example. [Figure 14] 14A and 14B are diagrams illustrating an example of an operation of the jogger fence in FIG. 13 in the event of an abnormality. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations will be appropriately simplified or omitted.

[0010] First, the overall configuration and operation of an image forming system 200 will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, the image forming apparatus 1 is provided with a detachable post-processing device 50, and together with the post-processing device 50, constitutes one image forming system 200. In Figure 1, 1 indicates an image forming device that functions as a copier, 2 indicates an original reading unit that optically reads image information from an original D, and 3 indicates an exposure unit that irradiates exposure light L based on the image information read by the original reading unit 2 onto a photosensitive drum 5. Also, 4 indicates an image forming unit that forms a toner image (image) on the photosensitive drum 5, 7 indicates a transfer unit (image forming unit) that transfers the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 to a sheet P, and 10 indicates a document transport unit that transports the set document D to the document reading unit 2. Further, 12 to 14 indicate a feeding section in which sheets P such as paper are stored, and 17 indicates a pair of registration rollers (a pair of timing rollers) that transport the sheets P toward the transfer section 7. Further, reference numeral 20 denotes a fixing device that fixes an unfixed image on the sheet P, 21 denotes a fixing roller installed in the fixing device 20, and 22 denotes a pressure roller installed in the fixing device 20. Also, 30 indicates a double-sided conveying section that inverts the sheet P after an image has been formed on its front side and conveys it toward the image forming section, and 49 indicates an operation display panel for displaying information related to the printing operation (image forming operation) and post-processing operation and for performing operations. Further, 50 indicates a post-processing device that performs post-processing on sheets P discharged from the image forming device 1 and transported in, 61 indicates a loading section (internal tray) installed inside the post-processing device 50, 71 to 73 indicate trays (discharge trays) onto which sheets P (or sheet stacks) after post-processing are discharged and stacked, 90 indicates a binding processing section installed inside the post-processing device 50, and 91 and 92 indicate binding devices in the binding processing section 90.

[0011] With reference to FIG. 1, the operation of image forming apparatus 1 (image forming system 200) during normal image formation (printing) will be described. First, the document D is transported from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the figure by the transport rollers of the document transport unit 10, and passes over the document reading unit 2. At this time, the document reading unit 2 optically reads the image information of the document D passing above it. The optical image information read by the document reading unit 2 is converted into an electrical signal and then transmitted to the exposure unit 3 (writing unit). The exposure unit 3 then emits exposure light L, such as a laser beam, based on the image information in the electrical signal onto the photosensitive drum 5 of the imaging unit 4.

[0012] Meanwhile, in the image creating unit 4, the photosensitive drum 5 rotates clockwise in the figure, and after going through a predetermined image creating process (charging process, exposure process, and development process), an image (toner image) corresponding to the image information is formed on the photosensitive drum 5. Thereafter, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred onto a sheet P conveyed by a pair of registration rollers 17 in a transfer unit 7 serving as an image forming unit.

[0013] On the other hand, the sheet P conveyed to the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) operates as follows. First, one of the plurality of feeding units 12 to 14 of the image forming apparatus 1 is automatically or manually selected (for example, it is assumed that the uppermost feeding unit 12 is selected). Then, the uppermost sheet of the sheets P stored in the feeding section 12 is conveyed toward the position of the conveying path K1.

[0014] Thereafter, the sheet P passes through a conveying path K1 on which a plurality of conveying rollers are arranged, and reaches the position of a pair of registration rollers 17. Then, the sheet P that has reached the position of the pair of registration rollers 17 is conveyed toward a transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) in time for alignment with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5.

[0015] After the transfer process, the sheet P passes through the position of the transfer unit 7, and then travels through a conveying path to reach the fixing device 20. The sheet P that has reached the fixing device 20 is fed between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22, where the image is fixed by the heat received from the fixing roller 21 and the pressure received from both members 21 and 22. The sheet P with the fixed image is sent out from between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 (the nip portion), and then discharged from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0016] When a "double-sided print mode" is selected in which printing is performed on both sides (front and back sides) of the sheet P, the sheet P after the fixing process on the front side is not discharged as is as when the above-mentioned "single-sided print mode" is selected, but is guided to the double-sided conveying path K2, where the conveying direction is reversed by the double-sided conveying section 30 and then conveyed again toward the position of the transfer section 7 (image forming section). Then, at the position of the transfer section 7, an image is formed on the back side of the sheet P by the same image forming process as described above, and then the sheet P undergoes the fixing process in the fixing device 20, passes through the conveying path, and is discharged from the image forming apparatus 1.

[0017] Here, in this embodiment, a post-processing device 50 is connected to the image forming device 1, and the sheet P discharged from the image forming device 1 is transported to the post-processing device 50, where post-processing is performed on the transported sheet P. 1, post-processing device 50 in this embodiment is configured to convey sheets P conveyed from image forming device 1 to one of three conveying paths K3 to K5 and perform different post-processing. First conveying path K3 is a conveying path for discharging sheets P conveyed from image forming device 1 directly to a first discharge tray 71 without performing post-processing. Second conveying path K4 is a conveying path for stacking sheets P conveyed from image forming device 1 on a loading unit 61 (internal tray), performing binding processing on the trailing ends of the sheets by one of two binding devices 91, 92 in a binding processing unit 90 (first binding processing unit), and discharging processed sheets P (sheet stack PT) from a discharge opening 50b to an external tray 72 (second discharge tray) by discharge rollers 55. The third conveying path K5 is a conveying path for conveying the sheet P conveyed from the image forming device 1 to the second conveying path K4, switching back, and then performing binding processing at the center of the sheet by the binding processing section 83 (second binding processing section), folding processing by the sheet folding blade 84, etc., and placing the sheet on the third discharge tray 73 (see Figure 2). The above-mentioned three transport paths K3 to K5 are switched by the switching operation (rotation) of the branch claw 81.

[0018] 2, a first conveying roller pair 51 and a sheet detection sensor (not shown) are installed near the entrance 50a of the post-processing device 50, and the sheet P detected by the sheet detection sensor is conveyed into the device 50 by the first and second conveying roller pairs 51 and 52. Then, based on the post-processing mode selected in advance by the user, a branch claw 81 rotates so that the sheet P is guided to a desired conveying path K3 to K5. When a mode in which post-processing is not performed is selected, the sheet P conveyed to the first conveying path K3 is discharged by the third conveying roller pair 53 and placed on the first discharge tray 71.

[0019] When the "sorting mode (sorting processing mode)" is selected, the sheets P transported to the second transport path K4 are transported while being shifted in the width direction by a predetermined amount for each sheet P by the fourth transport roller pair 54, which is configured to be movable in the width direction (perpendicular to the paper surface in Figure 2), and are then transported by the discharge roller 55 (fifth transport roller) and stacked sequentially on the external tray 72 (second discharge tray).

[0020] 2, a filler 82 is provided above the external tray 72 so as to be rotatable about a support shaft at the upper end, and the external tray 72 is configured to be movable up and down by a movement mechanism (not shown). A sensor installed near the support shaft of the filler 82 detects a state in which the center portion in the conveyance direction of the sheets P sequentially stacked on the external tray 72 contacts the filler 82, thereby recognizing the height of the sheets P stacked on the external tray 72. The vertical position of the external tray 72 is adjusted in accordance with an increase or decrease in the number of sheets P stacked on the external tray 72. Furthermore, when the vertical position of the external tray 72 reaches its lower limit, it is determined that the number of sheets P stacked on the external tray 72 has reached the upper limit (full), and a stop signal is sent from the post-processing device 50 to the image forming apparatus 1 to stop the image forming operation.

[0021] When the "binding processing mode (staple mode)" is selected, the sheets P conveyed to the second conveyance path K4 are conveyed by the fourth conveyance roller pair 54 without being shifted, and are sequentially stacked on the placement unit 61 (internal tray). Then, each time a sheet P (sheet stack PT) is placed on the placement surface of the placement unit 61, the tapping roller 64 and the auxiliary conveyance roller 99 (see FIG. 3) disposed above the sheet P move from their standby positions to positions where they contact the uppermost sheet P, and the tapping roller 64 and the auxiliary conveyance roller 99 are each driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. 2, thereby conveying (moving) the sheet P toward the fence unit 66 (end fence). As a result, the trailing ends (trailing ends in the conveyance direction) of the multiple sheets P (sheet stack PT) abut against the fence unit 66, and the positions of the multiple sheets P in the conveyance direction are aligned. At this time, the release claw 67 (described later, which is configured to be movable diagonally along the loading surface of the loading section 61) moves together with the fence section 66 to a position where the rear end of the sheet stack PT abuts against it, as shown in Figures 4, 7, etc.

[0022] 2 to 4 and 7, a pair of jogger fences 68 (side fences) installed at both widthwise ends of the loading section 61 move in the width direction to sandwich the sheets P (sheet stack PT) every time a sheet P is loaded on the loading section 61 (or after a desired number of sheets P have been loaded), and the widthwise position of the sheets P (sheet stack PT) is aligned (this is an alignment process).Then, the binding process is performed by the binding processing section 90 on the rear end of the sheets P (sheet stack) that has been aligned in both the conveyance direction and the width direction. Thereafter, the bound sheets P (sheet stack PT) are moved obliquely upward along the slope of the placement surface by the movement of the release claw 67 in the discharge direction, and are discharged onto the external tray 72 by the conveyance by the discharge rollers 55. In this embodiment, the binding processing section 90 is provided with two binding devices 91 and 92, and one of the binding devices is selected to perform the binding processing operation on the sheet bundle PT (sheet bundle), which will be explained in detail later.

[0023] When the "folding mode" is selected, the sheet P is first conveyed to the second conveying path K4, and with its rear end sandwiched between the fourth conveying roller pair 54, the fourth conveying roller pair 54 is rotated in the reverse direction to switch back and be conveyed to the third conveying path K5. The sheet P conveyed to the third conveying path K5 is then conveyed by the sixth to eighth conveying roller pairs 56 to 58 to a position where the center of the sheet P faces the second binding processing unit 83 (a position where a conveying guide plate (not shown) functions as a loading unit). After a desired number of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) are stacked at that position, the second binding processing unit 83 binds the center of the sheet bundle. Thereafter, the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) that have been bound are conveyed by the seventh and eighth conveying roller pairs 57 and 58 to a position where the center of the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) faces the sheet folding blade 84. At this time, the leading edge of the sheet P (sheet stack PT) abuts against a stopper portion 85 (configured to be movable in the conveying direction by a moving mechanism not shown). 2, the central portion of the sheet P (sheet stack PT) is folded, and the folded portion is pressed against the sheet folding plate 86, thereby performing the folding process. Thereafter, the folded sheet P (sheet stack PT) is conveyed by the ninth conveying roller pair 59 and placed on the third discharge tray 73.

[0024] The post-processing device 50 in this embodiment will be described in detail below. As previously explained using Figures 1, 2, etc., the post-processing device 50 (binding processing unit 90) in this embodiment is provided with a loading section 61 therein on which multiple sheets P are loaded as a sheet bundle PT. More specifically, the placement section 61 is formed so that its placement surface slopes upward from one end side (the right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) to the other end side (the left side in FIGS. 2 and 3). Further, below the slope of the placement section 61 away from the discharge outlet 50b, binding devices 91 and 92 are provided as two post-processing units.

[0025] The first binding device 91 as a post-processing unit (first post-processing unit) is moved on an outward path from a reference position (first reference position) to a desired binding position (processing position) by moving means 113 to 115 (first moving means, see FIG. 6) to perform binding processing (post-processing) on ​​the sheet bundle PT placed on the placing section 61. In particular, in this embodiment, the first binding device 91 is configured to perform binding processing using staples (metal staples). In detail, the first binding device 91 moves by the first moving means 113-115 from a first reference position (the reference position shown by the solid line in Figure 4(A)) located at one end side of the width direction of the sheet bundle PT loaded on the loading section 61 toward the other end side of the width direction (the right side in Figure 4(A)), and performs a binding processing operation (staple-based binding processing operation) at binding positions M1 and M2 of the sheet bundle PT.

[0026] More specifically, FIG. 4A illustrates an example in which the first binding device 91 performs binding processing at two binding positions M1 and M2. For these two binding positions M1 and M2, the first binding device 91 is first moved from the first reference position (a reference position located to the left of the left end of the sheet stack PT in FIG. 4) to the second binding position M2 (position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 4A) located to the left (one end in the width direction), and binding processing at the second binding position M2 is performed. The first binding device 91 is then moved to the first binding position M1 (position indicated by the dashed line in FIG. 4A) located to the right (the other end in the width direction), and binding processing at the first binding position M1 is performed. The first binding device 91 is then moved in the opposite direction to return to the first reference position. In this embodiment, the binding process is performed by the first binding device 91 for the two binding processing sections M1 and M2, but the number, positions and binding order of the binding positions are not limited to this, and the binding process can be performed in various forms. Furthermore, as the first binding device 91 that performs the binding process using a metal staple, a known device can be used.

[0027] Referring to FIG. 6, the first moving means moves the first binding device 91 along a guide member (first guide shaft 115). Specifically, the first moving means is composed of a first drive motor 113, a timing belt 114, a first guide shaft 115, etc. A bearing 116 is fixedly installed on the first binding device 91. The first binding device 91 is slidably held on the first guide shaft 115 via this bearing 116. That is, the first guide shaft 115 extends from the first reference position toward the other end in the width direction, and holds the first binding device 91 movably in the width direction. Furthermore, the bearing 116 of the first binding device 91 is fixed at a predetermined position on the timing belt 114, and moves together with the first binding device 91 as the timing belt 114 runs. The timing belt 114 is stretched and supported by pulleys installed at both ends in the width direction. One of these two pulleys is installed on the motor shaft of a first drive motor 113 (a motor that can rotate forward and reverse). With this configuration, when the first drive motor 113 is driven under the control of the control means (control unit), the timing belt 114 runs in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction in Figure 6, and the first binding device 91 moves in the direction of the black double arrow while maintaining its posture. In the binding process operation of the first binding device 91 described above, the state in which the first binding device 91 is located at the first reference position is detected by a home position detection sensor 101 (a photosensor) shown in Fig. 4(A), and movement control of the first binding device 91 is performed based on the detection result. In other words, the home position detection sensor 101 functions as a detection means (first detection means) that can detect the state in which the first binding device 91 as a post-processing unit is located at the reference position (first reference position).

[0028] In contrast, the second binding device 92 as the second post-processing unit is moved on the forward path from the second reference position toward the desired binding position by second moving means 123 to 125 (see FIG. 6) to perform binding processing on the sheet bundle PT placed on the placing section 61. In particular, in this embodiment, the second binding device 92 is configured to perform binding processing without using staples (metal staples). In detail, the second binding device 92 moves by the second moving means 123-125 from a second reference position (the reference position shown by the solid line in Figure 4(B)) located on the other widthwise end side of the sheet bundle PT loaded on the loading section 61 toward one widthwise end side (the left side in Figure 4(B)), and performs a binding processing operation (stapleless binding processing operation) on the binding positions N1 and N2 of the sheet bundle PT. Specifically, referring to FIG. 5, the second binding device 92 presses tooth-shaped recesses 92a1 and 92b1 against the sheet bundle PT to form recesses and protrusions in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle PT, thereby engaging the sheets P with each other to perform the binding operation. The second binding device 92 has a first member 92a and a second member 92b arranged in a substantially vertical direction. The first member 92a has a tooth-shaped recesses 92a1 formed on its upper surface. The second member 92b has a tooth-shaped recesses 92b1 formed on its lower surface that engages with the tooth-shaped recesses 92a1 of the first member 92a. The second member 92b is configured to be movable relative to the first member 92a so as to sandwich the sheet bundle PT between itself and the first member 92a. The binding operation is performed with the sheet bundle PT sandwiched between the first member 92a and the second member 92b.

[0029] More specifically, FIG. 4B illustrates an example in which the second binding device 92 performs binding processing at two binding positions N1 and N2. For these two binding positions N1 and N2, the second binding device 92 is first moved from the second reference position (a reference position located to the right of the right end of the sheet stack PT in FIG. 4) to the first binding position N2 (position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 4B) located to the left (on the other end side in the width direction), and binding processing is performed at the first binding position N1. Thereafter, the second binding device 92 is moved to the second binding position N2 (position indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 4B) located to the left (on one end side in the width direction), and binding processing is performed at the second binding position N2. Thereafter, the second binding device 92 is moved in the reverse direction back to the second reference position. In this embodiment, the binding process was performed by the second binding device 92 for the two binding processing sections N1 and N2, but the number, positions and binding order of the binding positions are not limited to this, and the binding process can be performed in various forms.

[0030] Referring to FIG. 6, the second moving means moves the second binding device 92 along a guide member (a second guide shaft 125). Specifically, the second moving means is composed of a second drive motor 123, a timing belt 124, a second guide shaft 125, etc. A bearing 126 is fixedly installed on the second binding device 92. The second binding device 92 is slidably held on the second guide shaft 125 via this bearing 126. That is, the second guide shaft 125 extends from the second reference position toward one end side in the width direction, and holds the second binding device 92 movably in the width direction. Furthermore, a bearing 126 of the second binding device 92 is fixed at a predetermined position on the timing belt 124, and moves together with the second binding device 92 as the timing belt 124 runs. The timing belt 124 is stretched and supported by pulleys installed at both ends in the width direction. One of these two pulleys is installed on the motor shaft of a second drive motor 123 (a motor that can rotate forward and reverse). With this configuration, when the second drive motor 123 is driven under the control of the control means (control unit), the timing belt 124 runs in the clockwise or counterclockwise direction in Figure 6, and the second binding device 92 moves in the direction of the black double arrow while maintaining its posture. In the binding process operation of the second binding device 92 described above, the state in which the second binding device 92 is located at the second reference position is detected by a home position detection sensor 102 (a photosensor) shown in Fig. 4(B), and movement control of the second binding device 92 is performed based on the detection result. In other words, the home position detection sensor 102 functions as a second detection means capable of detecting the state in which the second binding device 92 as the second post-processing unit is located at the second reference position.

[0031] In the post-processing device 50 configured as described above, the user selects one of the two binding devices 91 and 92, and the corresponding binding operation is performed. Specifically, the user operates the operation display panel 49 (see FIG. 1) installed on the exterior of the image forming apparatus 1 to select either "binding process (with staples)" or "binding process (without staples)." If "binding process (with staples)" is selected, the binding process is performed by the first binding device 91, and if "binding process (without staples)" is selected, the binding process is performed by the second binding device 92. Then, while the binding process is being performed by the selected binding device, the non-selected binding devices are retracted to their reference positions. By providing a plurality of binding devices 91 and 92 in this way, the range of options available to the user for binding processing can be widened.

[0032] Here, as shown in FIG. 8, the post-processing device 50 includes a CPU 151 (Central Processing Unit), a RAM 152 (Random Access Memory), a ROM 153 (Read Only Memory), a HDD 154 (Hard Disk Drive), and a counter 155, which are connected to an I / F 150 (Interface) via a common bus 156. The CPU 151 is a calculation means and controls the overall operation of the post-processing device 50. The RAM 152 is a storage medium capable of high-speed reading and writing of information, and is used as a work area for the CPU 151 when processing information. The ROM 153 is a read-only non-volatile storage medium, and stores programs such as firmware. The HDD 154 is a non-volatile storage medium with a large storage capacity capable of reading and writing information, and stores an OS, various control programs, application programs, etc. The counter 155 measures the time required to control the device, such as the drive time (drive amount) of the drive motors 113 and 123. The post-processing device 50 processes a control program stored in a ROM 153, an application program loaded into a RAM 152 from a storage medium such as an HDD 154, and the like, using the calculation function of a CPU 151. This processing constitutes a software control unit including various functional modules of the post-processing device 50. A functional block that realizes the functions of the post-processing device 50 is configured by combining the software control unit and the hardware resources installed in the post-processing device 50 . The I / F 150 is an interface that connects the conveying roller pairs 51 to 55, the drive motors 113 and 123 (stapler movement motors), the home position detection sensors 101 and 102 (stapler movement HP sensors), the operation display panel 49 (operation unit), and the like to the common bus 156. Through the I / F 150, the conveying roller pairs 51 to 55 and the drive motors 113 and 123 are operated, and the states of the home position detection sensors 101 and 102 are acquired.

[0033] The characteristic configuration and operation of post-processing device 50 in this embodiment will be described in detail below. As previously explained using Figure 4(A) etc., the post-processing device 50 is provided with a first binding device 91 (binding device) as a post-processing unit that is moved in an outward path from a reference position toward a desired processing position (binding position) by moving means 113-115 and performs post-processing (binding processing) on ​​the sheet bundle PT placed on the loading section 61. The "outgoing path" of the first binding device 91 is the path from left to right in Figures 4, 9 to 11 (path in the main scanning direction (width direction)), and the "returning path" of the first binding device 91 is the path from right to left in Figures 4, 9 to 11. The "outgoing path" and "returning path" of the second binding device 92, which will be described later, are opposite to those of the first binding device 91 described above.

[0034] Here, in the present embodiment, the post-processing device 50 is provided with a counter 155 (see Figure 8) as a counting means for counting the driving amount of the moving means 113 to 115 when the first binding device 91 (post-processing unit) moves back from the stopping position where it stopped assuming that it has reached the desired binding position (processing position) to the first reference position (reference position). The "drive amount" of the first moving means 113-115 referred to here is generally synonymous with the drive time of the first drive motor 113 measured by the counter 155 (see FIG. 8). The "drive amount" of the second moving means 123-125, which will be described later, is also generally synonymous with the drive time of the second drive motor 123 measured by the counter 155. That is, the counter 155 is configured to be able to grasp the movement time (time required for movement) of the first and second binding devices 91, 92, that is, basically the movement distance of the first and second binding devices 91, 92. In other words, the counter 155 also functions as a second counting means that counts the drive amount of the second moving means 123-125 during the return movement from the second stop position where the second binding device 92 (second post-processing unit) has stopped as having reached the desired binding position (processing position) to the second reference position.

[0035] In addition, in the post-processing device 50 according to the present embodiment, when the driving amounts of the first moving means 113 to 115 counted by the counter 155 (counting means) are different from the target driving amounts, the CPU 151 (see FIG. 8) also functions as an abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred because the stop position during the forward movement does not match the desired binding position (processing position). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9(A), when the first binding device 91 waiting at the reference position moves normally to the target binding position (processing position) shown in FIG. 9(B), the moving distance of the first binding device 91 indirectly measured by the counter 155 (counting means) is X0. At this time, the target binding position (processing position) and the actual stop position of the first binding device 91 will almost coincide. In such a case, in terms of control, the first drive motor 113 will be driven for a time obtained by dividing the distance X0 by the moving speed of the first binding device 91. After the binding process for the sheet bundle PT is performed by the first binding device 91 that has moved to the target binding position (stop position), the first moving means 113 to 115 move the processed first binding device 91 back along the return path to the reference position (the position detected by the home position detection sensor 101). At this time, the moving distance of the first binding device 91 indirectly measured by the counter 155 (counting means) is the same X0 as during the round trip.

[0036] However, as shown in FIG. 10(A), when the release claw 67 installed near the moving path (round-trip path) of the first binding device 91 is deformed or the like and blocks the forward path of the first binding device 91, if the target binding position (desired processing position) is to the right of the position of the release claw 67, the first binding device 91 that has moved from the reference position will stop moving at the position where it hits the release claw 67 (the position at a distance X1 (<X0) from the reference position) as the stop position without reaching the target binding position. Even in such a case, in terms of control, the first drive motor 113 will be driven for a time obtained by dividing the distance X0 by the moving speed of the first binding device 91. After the binding process for the sheet bundle PT is performed by the first binding device 91 that has moved to a stop position different from the target binding position, the first binding device 91 after the process moves back along the return path by the first moving means 113 to 115 and is returned to the reference position (the position detected by the home position detection sensor 101). At this time, the moving distance of the first binding device 91 indirectly measured by the counter 155 (counting means) becomes a distance X1 (<X0) shorter than the target distance X0. Then, based on the moving distance (driving amount) of the return path measured by such a counter 155, it is understood that there was an abnormality in the forward movement of the first binding device 91. In addition, when the driving amount of the second moving means 123 to 125 counted by the counter 155 (second counting means) is different from the target driving amount, the CPU 151 also functions as a second abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred because the second stop position does not match the desired binding position (processing position).

[0037] In the post-processing device 50 in the present embodiment, the RAM 152 (see FIG. 8) also functions as a storage means for storing the stop position X1 when it is determined by the CPU 151 (abnormality determination means) that an abnormality (the abnormality that the target binding position X0 and the actual stop position X1 described in FIG. 10 do not match) has occurred. Specifically, in the RAM 152, the moving distance X1 (or the driving time of the drive motor 113) from the stop position at the time of abnormality occurrence to the reference position is stored. In addition, when it is determined by the CPU 151 that functions as the second abnormality determination means for the second binding device 92 that an abnormality has occurred, the RAM 152 also functions as a second storage means for storing the second stop position of the second binding device 92.

[0038] Here, in the post-processing device 50 according to the present embodiment, after the occurrence of an abnormality as described above is determined by the CPU 151 (abnormality determination means), when a new post-processing (a binding process to be performed next, mainly a binding process for another sheet bundle PT) is performed by the first binding device 91 (post-processing unit), the CPU 151 determines whether the new post-processing (binding process) can be executed based on the stop position X1 stored by the RAM 152 (storage means).

[0039] Specifically, referring to FIG. 11(A), when the new processing position (binding position) set in the new post-processing is a position X2 (<X1) closer to the reference position than the stop position X1, it is assumed that the same type of abnormality (an abnormality of hitting the ejection claw 67) does not occur, and the new post-processing is executed. That is, the first binding device 91 is moved to a position where it cannot collide with the ejection claw 67, and the binding process is performed with that position (stop position) as the target binding position. On the other hand, when the new processing position (binding position) is a position farther from the reference position than the stop position X1 (the position on the right side in FIG. 11(A)), it is assumed that the same type of abnormality (an abnormality of hitting the ejection claw 67) occurs, and the new post-processing is not executed. Therefore, in such a case, the first binding device 91 remains stopped at the reference position (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 11(A)).

[0040] Thus, in the present embodiment, when an abnormality occurs, the location and cause of the abnormality (in the example of FIG. 10, it is an interference with the ejection claw 67) can be specifically identified, and then it can be determined whether a new post-processing can be executed. That is, when an abnormality occurs in the post-processing device 50, even if a new binding process can be executed thereafter, the device is not uniformly stopped without performing the new binding process, but rather a new binding process that can be executed is performed. Therefore, it can be made a user-friendly device.

[0041] Here, in this embodiment, the second binding device 92 functions as a second post-processing unit capable of performing stapleless binding processing (post-processing) similar to the stapled binding processing (post-processing) performed by the first binding device 91 (post-processing unit). As explained above, the second binding device 92 (second post-processing unit) is configured to be movable by the second moving means 123-125 from a second reference position (position indicated by the dashed line) located on the opposite side of the forward path (the right side in Figure 11 (B)) from the reference position of the first binding device 91 toward the desired processing position. Furthermore, when the new processing position (binding position) in the new binding process of the first binding device 91 is farther from the reference position than the stop position X1 (the position on the right side in Figure 11 (B)), and when the new post-processing (binding process) is not performed by the first binding device 91 (post-processing unit), it is possible to select whether or not to perform a similar post-processing (staple-less binding process) by the second binding device 92 instead of the new post-processing (staple-containing binding process). Specifically, when a new staple-containing binding process is not to be performed by the first binding device 91, a screen display is displayed on the operation display panel 49 that allows the user to select whether or not to perform a staple-free binding process by the second binding device 92 instead of the staple-containing binding process. The user then sees this display and knows that a new staple-containing binding process cannot be performed due to an abnormality, and also knows that a staple-free binding process by the second binding device 92 is possible instead of the staple-containing binding process, and can select whether or not to perform the process. When the staple-free binding process is selected, as shown in FIG. 11(B), the second binding device 92 moves from the second reference position to the target binding position (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 11(B)) while the first binding device 91 remains stopped at the first reference position, and the staple-free binding process is performed at that stop position. In this way, in the example described using Figure 11 (B), when an abnormality occurs in the first binding device 91 in the post-processing device 50 and a new binding process (similar binding process) can be performed thereafter by the second binding device 92, the user can select whether or not to perform such new binding process using the similar binding process, making it a device that is easy for the user to use.

[0042] In this embodiment, the control is described as being centered on whether or not there is an abnormality in the first binding device 91 as the post-processing unit, but the control can also be performed in the same way while focusing on whether or not there is an abnormality in the second binding device 92 as the second post-processing unit. That is, after the CPU 151 (second abnormality determination means) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the second binding device 92, when a new staple-free binding process (similar post-processing) is to be performed by the second binding device 92, it determines whether or not the new staple-free binding process (similar post-processing) can be performed based on the second stop position stored in the RAM 152 (second storage means).The same control as in the case of the first binding device 91 is then performed.

[0043] Here, in this embodiment, when the CPU 151 (abnormality determination means) determines that an abnormality has occurred in the first binding device 91 (or the second binding device 92), that fact and the stop position (or the second stop position) stored in the RAM 152 (storage means) are displayed (notified) on the operation display panel 49. This allows the user to contact a service technician and request repairs, and the technician can narrow down the location (cause) of the abnormality from the stopped position and repair it quickly.

[0044] An example of control during binding processing will be described below with reference to FIG. First, when a command for binding processing using the first binding device 91 is sent to the control unit by a user's input operation on the operation display panel 49 (step S1), the target binding position is determined based on the command (step S2). Then, the first moving means 113 to 115 start to move the first binding device 91, which has been waiting at the reference position, to the target binding position determined in step S2 (step S3). Then, when the drive amount (movement distance) of the moving means 113 to 115 reaches a set value A (which corresponds to the binding position determined in step S2), it is determined that the first binding device 91 has reached the target binding position, and the movement is stopped (steps S4 and S5). Note that, as explained above using FIG. 10 etc., even if the first binding device 91 stops at a position different from the target binding position due to contact with the release claw 67 or the like at this time, the flow of steps S1 to S5 is still performed in terms of control. After the binding process by the first binding device 91 is completed, when the CPU 151 receives a command to move backward from the stop position in step S5 to the first reference position (step S6), the first binding device 91 starts moving to the first reference position (step S7). At this time, the counter 155 starts counting the drive amount of the moving means 113 to 115. Then, when the home position detection sensor 101 detects the first binding device 91 and it is confirmed that the first binding device 91 has reached the first reference position, its movement is stopped (steps S8 and S9). Then, it is determined whether the drive amount counted in step S7 is approximately equal to set value A (which is the same value as set value A described in step S4) (step S10). As a result, if the drive amount and the set value A approximately match, it is determined that the series of operations of the first binding device 91 have been performed normally, and if the drive amount and the set value A do not approximately match, it is determined that the series of operations of the first binding device 91 have not been performed normally and that an abnormality has occurred.

[0045] <Modification> As shown in Figures 13 and 14, the modified post-processing device 50 uses a jogger fence 68 as a post-processing unit to which the present invention is applied, which performs widthwise alignment processing on the sheet stack PT placed on the loading section 61. As shown in FIG. 13, when the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is placed on the placement unit 61, a pair of jogger fences 68 are interlocked by moving means (not shown) from the reference position shown in FIG. 13(A) (the position detected by the home position detection sensor 101) to the target alignment position shown in FIG. 13(B) (the desired processing position where the sheet P is sandwiched from both sides in the width direction) along the rod 130 in the direction of the arrow (the direction in which the mutual facing distance is reduced). Then, when the alignment process is completed, the jogger fence 68 is returned to the reference position shown in FIG. 13(A) by the moving means (not shown). Here, as shown in FIG. 14(A), due to a failure such as a local deformation of the rod 130, the jogger fence 68 stops at a position before reaching the end face of the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) with the sheet width W0 (the distance M0 from the reference position) as the stop position. Even in such a case, similar to the case of the abnormality of the first stapling device 91 described above, when the jogger fence 68 moves back from the stop position to the reference position, the driving amount (moving distance M1) by the moving means is counted by the counter 155 (counting means). Then, as shown in FIG. 14(B), when the driving amount (moving distance M1) when the jogger fence 68 returns to the reference position is different from the normal driving amount (moving distance M0), the abnormality of the device is determined by the CPU 151 (abnormality determination means). After the occurrence of an abnormality is determined by the CPU 151 (abnormality determination means), when a new alignment process (post-process) by the jogger fence 68 is performed, based on the stop position shown in FIG. 14(A) stored by the RAM 152 (storage means), it is determined whether the new alignment process can be executed. Specifically, when the new alignment position (processing position) set in the new alignment process is closer to the reference position than the stop position shown in FIG. 14(A), the new alignment process is executed. Such a case is when, as shown in FIG. 14(C), the alignment process for the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) with the sheet width W1 (>W0) including the stop position is used as the new alignment process. On the other hand, if the new alignment position (processing position) is farther from the reference position than the stop position in FIG. 14(A), the new alignment process is not executed. Even with this configuration, when an abnormality occurs, it is possible to specifically identify the location (cause) of the abnormality and determine whether or not a new matching process (post-processing) can be performed thereafter.

[0046] As described above, the post-processing device 50 in this embodiment is provided with the loading section 61 on which a plurality of sheets P are loaded as a sheet bundle PT, and the first binding device 91 (post-processing unit) that is moved on the outbound path from a reference position toward a desired processing position by the moving means 113 to 115 and performs post-processing on the sheet bundle PT loaded on the loading section 61. Also provided are a home position detection sensor 101 (detection means) that can detect a state in which the first binding device 91 is positioned at the reference position, and a counter 155 (counting means) that counts the amount of drive of the moving means 113 to 115 when the first binding device 91 moves on the return path from a stop position where it has stopped as if it had reached the desired processing position to the reference position. Furthermore, there is provided a CPU 151 (abnormality determination means) that determines that an abnormality has occurred when the drive amount counted by the counter 155 differs from the target drive amount because the stop position does not match the desired processing position, and a RAM 152 (storage means) that stores the stop position when the CPU 151 determines that an abnormality has occurred. Then, when a new post-processing is to be performed by the first binding device 91 after the CPU 151 determines that an abnormality has occurred, it determines whether or not the new post-processing can be performed based on the stop position stored in the RAM 152. As a result, when an abnormality occurs, it is possible to specifically identify the location (cause) of the abnormality and determine whether a new binding process (post-processing) can be performed thereafter.

[0047] In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the first binding processing section 90, but the present invention can also be applied to the second binding processing section 83, as a matter of course. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the binding device 91 and the jogger fence 68 as post-processing units, but the post-processing units to which the present invention is applied are not limited to these, and the present invention can be applied to all post-processing units that move back and forth between a reference position and a desired processing position. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a post-processing device 50 connected to a monochrome image forming device 1, but the present invention can naturally also be applied to a post-processing device connected to a color image forming device. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to a post-processing device 50 connected to an electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can naturally also be applied to post-processing devices connected to other types of image forming apparatuses (for example, inkjet image forming apparatuses, stencil printing machines, etc.). Furthermore, the present invention can be applied not only to a post-processing device 50 connected to an image forming device 1, but also to a post-processing device that is a standalone device (for example, a device in which a paper feed cassette is set in the entrance 50a and an operation display panel for inputting processing modes, etc. is installed on the post-processing device itself). Even in these cases, the same effects as those of this embodiment can be obtained.

[0048] In the present embodiment, between the image forming apparatus 1 and the post-processing apparatus 50, another post-processing apparatus (for example, an apparatus that performs Z-folding processing on the sheets P) can be installed. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the present invention is applied to post-processing device 50 that can perform binding, sorting, and folding processes, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and the present invention can naturally be applied to post-processing devices that also perform perforation (punching) processes, or post-processing devices that only perform binding processes out of the multiple processes described above.

[0049] It is to be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and it is clear that the present embodiment can be appropriately modified within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention in addition to the modifications suggested in the present embodiment. Furthermore, the number, position, shape, etc. of the components are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number, position, shape, etc. of the components can be any number, position, shape, etc. that is suitable for implementing the present invention.

[0050] In this specification, the term "sheet" is defined to include not only paper but also all sheet-like materials that are the subject of post-processing such as binding and alignment. [Explanation of symbols]

[0051] 1 Image forming apparatus (image forming apparatus main body), 50 post-processing device (sheet processing device), 61 placing portion, 66 Fence section, 67 release claw, 68 Jogger fence (post-processing unit), 90 binding processing unit, 91 first binding device (binding device, post-processing unit, first post-processing unit), 92 second binding device (second post-processing unit), 101 home position detection sensor (detection means), 102 home position detection sensor (second detection means), 113 first drive motor (movement means, first movement means), 123 second drive motor (second moving means), 151 CPU (abnormality determination means, second abnormality determination means), 152 RAM (storage means, second storage means), 155 counter (counting means, second counting means), 200 Image forming system, P sheet, PT sheet bundle.

[0052] The present invention can also be embodied in a combination of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9, as follows. (Appendix 1) a stacking section on which a plurality of sheets are stacked as a sheet bundle; a post-processing unit that is moved by a moving means along a forward path from a reference position toward a desired processing position and performs post-processing on the sheet stack placed on the stacking section; a detection means capable of detecting a state in which the post-processing unit is positioned at the reference position; a counting means for counting the amount of drive of the moving means when the post-processing unit moves back from a stop position where the post-processing unit has reached the desired processing position to the reference position; an abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred when the drive amount counted by the counting means differs from a target drive amount, because the stop position does not match the desired processing position; a storage means for storing the stop position when the abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred; Equipped with A post-processing device characterized in that when new post-processing is performed by the post-processing unit after the occurrence of the abnormality is determined by the abnormality determination means, the post-processing device determines whether or not the new post-processing can be performed based on the stop position stored by the memory means. (Appendix 2) When a new processing position set in the new post-processing is closer to the reference position than the stop position, the new post-processing is performed. 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the new post-processing is not performed if the new processing position is farther from the reference position than the stop position. (Appendix 3) a second post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing similar to the post-processing performed by the post-processing unit; the second post-processing unit is configured to be movable by a second moving means from a second reference position located on the opposite side of the forward path with respect to the reference position toward a desired processing position, The post-processing device described in Appendix 2 is characterized in that, when the new processing position is farther from the reference position than the stop position and the new post-processing is not performed by the post-processing unit, it is possible to select whether or not to perform the similar post-processing by the second post-processing unit instead of the new post-processing. (Appendix 4) The post-processing unit is a first binding device that performs a binding process using staples, 4. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the second post-processing unit is a second binding device that performs a binding process without using staples. (Appendix 5) a second detection means capable of detecting a state in which the second post-processing unit is positioned at the second reference position; a second counting means for counting the amount of drive of the second moving means when the second post-processing unit moves in a backward direction from a second stop position where the second post-processing unit has stopped as having reached the desired processing position to the second reference position; a second abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred because the second stop position does not match the desired processing position when the drive amount counted by the second counting means differs from a target drive amount; a second storage means for storing the second stop position when the second abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred; Equipped with 5. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein when a new similar post-processing is performed by the second post-processing unit after the occurrence of the abnormality is determined by the second abnormality determination means, the post-processing device determines whether or not the new similar post-processing can be performed based on the second stop position stored in the second storage means. (Appendix 6) The post-processing device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 5, characterized in that when the abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred, the fact and the stop position stored in the memory means are notified. (Appendix 7) 7. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit is a binding device that binds the sheet stack placed on the stacking section. (Appendix 8) 7. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit is a jogger fence that aligns the sheet stack placed on the stacking section in the width direction. (Appendix 9) An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet; and a post-processing apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 8 that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0053] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2022-72092

Claims

1. a stacking section on which a plurality of sheets are stacked as a sheet bundle; a post-processing unit that is moved by a moving means along a forward path from a reference position toward a desired processing position and performs post-processing on the sheet stack placed on the stacking section; a detection means capable of detecting a state in which the post-processing unit is positioned at the reference position; a counting means for counting the amount of drive of the moving means when the post-processing unit moves back from a stop position where the post-processing unit has reached the desired processing position to the reference position; an abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred when the drive amount counted by the counting means differs from a target drive amount, because the stop position does not match the desired processing position; a storage means for storing the stop position when the abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred; Equipped with A post-processing device characterized in that when new post-processing is performed by the post-processing unit after the occurrence of the abnormality is determined by the abnormality determination means, the post-processing device determines whether or not the new post-processing can be performed based on the stop position stored by the memory means.

2. When a new processing position set in the new post-processing is closer to the reference position than the stop position, the new post-processing is performed.

2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the new post-processing is not performed when the new processing position is farther from the reference position than the stop position.

3. a second post-processing unit capable of performing post-processing similar to the post-processing performed by the post-processing unit; the second post-processing unit is configured to be movable by a second moving means from a second reference position located on the opposite side of the forward path with respect to the reference position toward a desired processing position, The post-processing device according to claim 2, characterized in that when the new processing position is farther from the reference position than the stop position and the new post-processing is not performed by the post-processing unit, it is possible to select whether or not to perform the similar post-processing by the second post-processing unit instead of the new post-processing.

4. The post-processing unit is a first binding device that performs a binding process using staples, 4. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein the second post-processing unit is a second binding device that performs a binding process without using staples.

5. a second detection means capable of detecting a state in which the second post-processing unit is positioned at the second reference position; a second counting means for counting the amount of drive of the second moving means when the second post-processing unit moves in a backward direction from a second stop position where the second post-processing unit has stopped as having reached the desired processing position to the second reference position; a second abnormality determination means for determining that an abnormality has occurred because the second stop position does not coincide with the desired processing position when the drive amount counted by the second counting means differs from a target drive amount; a second storage means for storing the second stop position when the second abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred; Equipped with 4. The post-processing device according to claim 3, wherein when a new similar post-processing is performed by the second post-processing unit after the occurrence of the abnormality is determined by the second abnormality determination means, the post-processing device determines whether or not the new similar post-processing can be performed based on the second stop position stored by the second storage means.

6. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the abnormality determination means determines that the abnormality has occurred, the fact that the abnormality has occurred and the stop position stored in the memory means are notified.

7. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit is a binding device that binds the sheet stack placed on the stacking section.

8. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit is a jogger fence that aligns the sheet stack placed on the stacking section in the width direction.

9. 3. An image forming system comprising: an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet; and a post-processing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2 that performs post-processing on the sheet on which the image has been formed by the image forming apparatus.

Images