Transport control device, transport control method, and program

Abstract

To provide an apparatus and method for feed control and program allowing for feeding a sheet in timing suited for a working cycle of a downstream sheet processing device.SOLUTION: An apparatus for feed control includes a feed control unit 71 comprising a feed request section 93 that sends a feed request signal to a sheet feeder 100 in feed-request timing corresponding to a working cycle of a downstream sheet processing device, a passage-information receiving section 94 that receives a sheet passage signal indicative of a fact that a sheet has been delivered from the sheet feeder 100, and a determining section 95 that determines whether or not there is an occurrence of feed delay based on the timing the sheet passage signal is received. The feed request section 93 is configured to send a feed request signal in feed-request timing corresponding to the next working cycle when it is determined that there is no occurrence of feed delay, and not to send a feed request signal in feed-request timing corresponding to the next working cycle when it is determined that there is an occurrence of feed delay.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a paper transport device that transports paper discharged from an upstream paper processing device to a downstream paper processing device, and more particularly to a transport control device, a transport control method, and a program that control timing of paper transport. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a paper transport device that accumulates a book of paper discharged from a printing machine and transports the accumulated paper stack. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a paper transport device that includes a paper stacking section that temporarily accumulates paper discharged from a printing machine, and when a predetermined number of sheets are accumulated in the paper stacking section to form a paper stack, drives a timing belt to discharge the paper stack from the discharge section and transport it to a bookbinding machine for subsequent processing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2001-019261 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The paper transport device described in Patent Document 1 transports a stack of paper to a bookbinding machine when a predetermined number of sheets discharged from a printing machine are accumulated. Therefore, the timing of transport depends on the printing speed of the printing machine, and it is necessary to adjust the timing of processing on the bookbinding machine side. In addition, since the processing speed on the bookbinding machine side depends on the printing speed of the printing machine, it is difficult to improve efficiency.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide a transport control device, a transport control method, and a program that can transport paper at appropriate timing according to the processing cycle of a downstream paper processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A first aspect of the present invention is a transport control device that controls the paper transport request timing of a paper transport device that transports paper discharged from a first paper processing device upstream to a second paper processing device downstream, and is equipped with a transport request unit that sends a transport request signal to the paper transport device at a transport request timing corresponding to the processing cycle of the second paper processing device, a passing information receiving unit that receives a paper passing signal indicating that paper has been sent out from the paper transport device, and a judgment unit that judges whether or not there is a transport delay based on the receiving timing of the paper passing signal, wherein the transport request unit is configured to transmit a transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle when it is determined that no transport delay has occurred, and to not transmit the transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle when it is determined that a transport delay has occurred.

[0007] A second aspect of the present invention is a transport control method for controlling the paper transport request timing of a paper transport device that transports paper discharged from a first paper processing device upstream to a second paper processing device downstream, the transport control method being executed by a computer, which includes the steps of: sending a transport request signal to the paper transport device at a transport request timing corresponding to a processing cycle of the second paper processing device; receiving a paper passing signal indicating that paper has been sent out from the paper transport device; determining whether or not there is a transport delay based on the reception timing of the paper passing signal; if it is determined that no transport delay has occurred, sending a transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle; and if it is determined that a transport delay has occurred, not sending the transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle.

[0008] A third aspect of the present invention is a program for causing a computer to function as the above-mentioned transport control device.

[0009] A fourth aspect of the present invention is a paper processing apparatus to which paper is supplied from a paper transport device, the paper processing apparatus including the transport control device described above.

[0010] A fifth aspect of the present invention is a paper processing system including a paper transport device that transports paper discharged from a first paper processing device, a second paper processing device to which paper is supplied from the paper transport device, and the transport control device.

[0011] A sixth aspect of the present invention is The transport control device; A paper transport device that transports paper discharged from a first paper processing device on the upstream side to a second paper processing device on the downstream side. And equipped with , The paper transport device is a paper stacking area for stacking the paper discharged from the first paper processing device; and a sensor provided in a transport path for transporting the paper from the paper stacking area to the second paper processing device and configured to detect that the paper has passed through the transport path; Paper transport A control device Paper transport The control device includes: From the transport control device When a transport request signal is received, the paper is transported, and when the sensor detects the passage of the paper, The transport control device Paper that sends a paper passing signal Processing System It is. Effect of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, it is possible to advantageously transport paper at appropriate timing in accordance with the processing cycle of the downstream paper processing device. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall schematic configuration of a paper processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2]1 is a schematic side view of a paper transport device and a downstream paper processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 3] 1 is a schematic plan view of a paper transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions realized by a transport control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] 11 is a diagram for explaining transport request timing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. [Figure 7] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a process executed by a transport control unit and a control device of a paper transport device according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a paper feed control process executed by a paper feed control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a timing correction process executed by a timing correction unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0014] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a transport control device, a transport control method, and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 is a functional block diagram showing an overall schematic configuration of a paper sheet processing system 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the paper sheet processing system 10 includes a paper sheet transporting device 100, an upstream paper sheet processing device (first paper sheet processing device) 101, and a downstream paper sheet processing device (second paper sheet processing device) 102. The paper sheet transporting device 100 is connected to the paper sheet processing device 101 and the paper sheet processing device 102, for example, as shown in Fig. 2 described later.

[0015] The paper processing device 101 performs a predetermined processing process on the paper, and discharges the processed paper to the paper transport device 100. Examples of the paper processing device 101 include a printing machine, an unwinder device having a cutter, and the like.

[0016] The paper conveying device 100 temporarily accumulates the paper discharged from the paper processing device 101, and supplies the accumulated paper one by one or a predetermined number of sheets at a time to the downstream paper processing device 102. The paper processing device 102 receives paper from the paper conveying device 100, performs a predetermined processing process on the paper, and discharges the processed paper. Examples of the paper processing device 102 include a rotary puncher, a saddle stitcher, and a cutter. For example, the paper processing device 102 is a device that continuously performs processing at a predetermined cycle (period).

[0017] For example, the paper transport device 100 includes a control device 50, the paper processing device 101 includes a control device 60, and the paper processing device 102 includes a control device 70.

[0018] The control devices 50, 60, and 70 may be connected via a common communication network, for example, and may be configured to be able to exchange information with each other. Note that there are no particular limitations on the communication connection form or communication protocol. That is, in this embodiment, it is sufficient that at least the control device 60 and the control device 70 are connected so as to be able to realize a series of processes described below.

[0019] The control device 70 of the paper-sheet processing device 102 includes, for example, a transport control unit 71, a paper feed control unit 72, and a processing control unit 73. The details of each of these control units will be described later.

[0020] In the present embodiment, as an example, the control device 70 of the paper processing device 102 is equipped with the transport control unit 71, but the present invention is not limited to this example. For example, the transport control unit 71 may be disposed separately as a single control device, may be mounted on a higher-level device such as the control device 70, or may be mounted on the control device 50. In other words, it is sufficient that the paper processing system 10 as a whole has the function of the transport control unit 71, and the specific device that realizes the function is not particularly limited. For example, the control device 70 may have a part of the function of the transport control unit 71, and the control device 50 may have a part of the function of the transport control unit 71. Details of various processes executed by the transport control unit 71 and the like will be described later.

[0021] Also, the paper-sheet processing system 10 does not necessarily have to have the upstream paper-sheet processing device 101. For example, the paper-sheet processing system 10 may be configured such that the paper sheets processed by the upstream paper-sheet processing device 101 are placed in the paper-sheet stacking area 15 (see FIG. 2) of the paper-sheet transport device 100 by a robot such as an automatic transport vehicle or a person.

[0022] Fig. 2 is a schematic side view of the paper transporting device 100 and the paper processing device 102, and Fig. 3 is a schematic plan view of the paper transporting device 100. Fig. 2 illustrates a case where a rotary puncher is applied as an example of the paper processing device 102. However, as described above, the paper processing device 102 is not limited to the rotary puncher.

[0023] The configurations of the paper transport device 100 and the paper processing device 102 described below are merely examples, and are not limited to these examples. For example, it is possible to use alternative configurations, or to change or omit parts of the configurations.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, the paper transport device 100 includes a first transport section 5. The first transport section 5 transports the paper accumulated in the paper accumulation area 15 to the paper processing device 102. The first transport section 5 includes, for example, a suction type belt conveyor (hereinafter referred to as "conveyor"). As shown in Fig. 3, the conveyor includes, for example, a drive roller 1, an idle roller 2, a plurality of endless conveyor belts 3 stretched between the drive roller 1 and the idle roller 2, a conveyor drive section 4, and the like.

[0025] The driving roller 1 includes, for example, a rotating shaft and four first pulleys (not shown) arranged at intervals in the axial direction of the rotating shaft. The first pulleys are attached to the rotating shaft so as to be rotatable integrally therewith.

[0026] The idle roller 2 includes, for example, an axis parallel to the rotation axis of the drive roller 1, and four second pulleys (not shown) that are rotatable around the axis. The second pulleys are disposed opposite the four first pulleys, respectively.

[0027] Each of the conveyor belts 3 is stretched between a first pulley of the drive roller 1 and a second pulley of the idle roller 2. Each of the conveyor belts 3 has a plurality of ventilation holes 3a provided at predetermined intervals over its entire length. The conveyor belt 3 may be made up of a plurality of belts as shown in FIG. 3, or may be made up of a single belt.

[0028] The transport drive unit 4 moves the transport belt 3 at a constant speed, for example, by rotating the rotation shaft of the drive roller 1 at a constant speed. As a result, paper placed on the upper surface (paper transport surface) of the transport belt 3 is transported at a predetermined speed toward the paper processing device 102. The transport drive unit 4 includes, for example, a pulley 4a fixed to one end of the rotation shaft of the drive roller 1, a motor 4b having a drive shaft parallel to the drive roller 1, a pulley 4c fixed to the drive shaft of the motor 4b, and an endless belt 4d stretched between the pulley 4a and the pulley 4c. For example, the motor 4b may be configured to have a variable rotation speed. By controlling the rotation speed, it is possible to adjust the conveying speed of the first conveying section 5.

[0029] On the upper surface of the conveyor belt 3, a stopper plate (stopper) 14 is provided along the width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 3. The stopper plate 14 may be provided corresponding to each of the conveyor belts 3, or may be a single plate arranged so as to cross the entire conveying surface of the four conveyor belts 3. The stopper plate 14 is movable along the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 3, and the arrangement position is changed according to the size of the paper discharged from the paper conveying device 100. The stopper plate 14 is held by a stopper plate holding portion 14a.

[0030] 2, carry-in rollers 13 are provided near the connection with the paper processing device 101. The carry-in rollers 13 take in paper discharged from the paper processing device 101. The front edge of the paper taken in by the carry-in rollers 13 collides with the suppression plate 14, and the paper is sequentially accumulated in the paper accumulation area 15. The paper accumulation area 15 is, for example, an area provided between the lower end of the carry-in rollers 13 and the suppression plate 14, and the size of the paper accumulation area 15 changes according to the arrangement of the suppression plate 14, in other words, according to the paper size.

[0031] In paper transport device 100, a first sensor 51 is provided downstream of paper accumulation area 15. The first sensor 51 detects that the paper has passed through a first paper detection position that is virtually set on the paper transport path in first transport section 5. The first sensor 51 is installed, for example, at a position where it can be confirmed that the paper has been transported stably.

[0032] In the paper transport device 100, a discharge roller 16 is provided near the connection with the paper processing device 102. The discharge roller 16 receives the paper transported on the upper surface of the transport belt 3, and discharges it to the paper processing device 102.

[0033] In the paper transport device 100, a sensor for detecting the passage of paper may be provided downstream of the carry-in rollers 13, for example, near the paper discharge portion of the carry-in rollers 13. This sensor is used, for example, to count the number of papers discharged from the paper processing device 101.

[0034] Similarly, a sensor for detecting the passage of paper may be provided on the upstream side of the discharge roller 16, for example, near the paper receiving portion of the discharge roller 16. This sensor is used, for example, to count the number of papers discharged from the paper transport device 100.

[0035] The paper transport device 100 includes, for example, a suction switching unit 7. The suction switching unit 7 includes, for example, a suction box 11 and a suction fan (suction source) 12, as shown in FIG.

[0036] The suction box 11 is disposed between the upper and lower parts of the conveyor belt 3. The suction box 11 has, for example, an intake hole 11a on the upper surface. Each intake hole 11a is disposed facing the upper part of each conveyor belt 3. The suction box 11 also has a shutter 11b that opens and closes the intake hole 11a, as shown in FIG. 2. The opening and closing of the shutter 11b is controlled by a shutter drive unit (not shown). The shutter drive unit is composed of, for example, a lift mechanism attached to the shutter 11b, a motor attached to the lift mechanism, and the like.

[0037] 3, the suction fan 12 is, for example, directly connected to the suction box 11 and configured to generate negative pressure within the suction box 11. During operation of the paper transport device 100, for example, the suction fan 12 is operated continuously.

[0038] Also, the shutter 11b is controlled to open and close at a predetermined timing. As a result, when the shutter 11b is open, the paper arranged to face the suction box 11 is sucked onto the conveying surface of the conveying belt 3 through the ventilation holes 3a provided in the conveying belt 3. When the shutter 11b is closed, the paper is not sucked onto the conveying belt 3.

[0039] Each of the above-mentioned sections of the paper transport device 100 is controlled by a control device 50 (see FIG. 1). The control device 50 controls, for example, a roller drive section (not shown) that drives the input rollers 13, a transport drive section 4 (see FIG. 3) that drives the first transport section 5, and a roller drive section (not shown) that drives the output rollers 16. The control device 50 also controls the suction switching section 7, for example, a shutter drive section (not shown) that controls the opening and closing of the shutter 11b of the suction box 11, and the fan drive of the suction fan 12.

[0040] The control device 50 also controls the transport of the paper based on a transport request signal sent from a transport control unit 71 (see FIG. 5) described later. For example, when the control device 50 receives a transport request signal, it transports the paper. More specifically, the control device 50 opens the shutter 11b of the suction box 11 to adsorb the bottommost paper of the stacked papers to the transport surface of the transport belt 3 and separate it from the remaining papers, and causes the first transport unit 5 to transport the separated paper to the paper processing device 102.

[0041] According to the above-mentioned paper transport device 100, during operation, paper is taken in from the upstream paper processing device 101 by the carry-in roller 13, and the leading edge of the paper collides with the restraining plate 14, and the paper is sequentially accumulated in the paper accumulation area 15. In addition, by opening the shutter 11b of the suction box 11, the bottommost paper among the accumulated papers is sucked by the suction box 11 to the conveying surface of the conveyor belt 3 and separated from the remaining papers. Then, by driving the drive roller 1, the bottommost paper is supplied to the downstream paper processing device 102 by the conveyor belt 3.

[0042] Next, the paper-sheet processing device 102 will be described. The paper-sheet processing device 102 is, for example, a device that continuously performs processing in a predetermined cycle (period). As an example, in this embodiment, a rotary die cutter that continuously performs punching processing will be described. Here, "punching processing" includes, for example, embossing, creasing, and perforation.

[0043] 2, the paper processing device 102, which is a rotary punching machine, includes, for example, a second conveying section 22 and a punching section 24. The paper processing device 102 may also include a carry-in roller 21, a paper positioning roller 23, and the like.

[0044] The carry-in rollers 21 take in the paper transported from the paper transport device 100. For example, the carry-in rollers 21 are provided near the connection with the paper transport device 100, and discharge the taken-in paper to the second transport section 22. For example, a second sensor 52 that detects the passage of the paper is provided between the carry-in rollers 21 and the second transport section 22. For example, when the second sensor 52 detects the leading end of the paper in the transport direction, it outputs a sensor detection signal to the control device 70. Note that the second sensor 52 may be omitted as appropriate.

[0045] The second conveying section 22 conveys the paper taken in by the carry-in rollers 21 to the punching section 24. The second conveying section 22 is equipped with, for example, a suction type belt conveyor (hereinafter referred to as "conveyor"). The conveyor is equipped with, for example, a drive roller 31, an idle roller 32, an endless conveyor belt 33 stretched between the drive roller 31 and the idle roller 32, and a conveyor drive section 34. The configurations of the drive roller 31 and the idle roller 32 are, for example, similar to those of the first conveying section 5 of the paper conveying device 100 described above.

[0046] The conveyor belt 33 may be composed of multiple belts like the conveyor belt 3 shown in Fig. 3, or may be composed of a single belt. Similarly to the conveyor belt 3, the conveyor belt 33 has multiple ventilation holes (not shown) provided at predetermined intervals over its entire length.

[0047] The transport drive unit 34 moves the transport belt 33 at a constant speed, for example, by rotating the rotation shaft of the drive roller 31 at a constant speed. As a result, the paper placed on the transport belt 33 is transported to the downstream punching unit 24. The transport drive unit 34 includes, for example, a motor fixed to one end of the rotation shaft of the drive roller 31. The motor may be indirectly connected to the drive shaft of the drive roller via a pulley and a belt, as shown in FIG. 3. The motor may have a variable rotation speed.

[0048] Similarly to the paper transport device 100, the paper processing device 102 may include a suction switching unit (not shown).

[0049] The punching section 24 includes a processing roller 35 and a receiving roller 36. The processing roller 35 is disposed, for example, parallel to the drive roller 31. The receiving roller 36 is provided so as to face the processing roller 35 across the conveying surface. For example, the receiving roller 36 is disposed parallel to the processing roller 35 with its circumferential surface spaced a certain distance from the circumferential surface of the processing roller 35. For example, a sheet-shaped blade die 35a (see FIG. 6) is attached to the circumferential surface of the processing roller 35.

[0050] The processing roller 35 is rotationally driven by a roller drive unit 37. The roller drive unit 37 has, for example, a motor 42. The motor 42 is controlled to rotate at a predetermined rotation speed, so that the processing roller 35 and the receiving roller 36 rotate synchronously at the same speed.

[0051] For example, the roller driving unit 37 includes a pulley 41 connected to one end of the rotation shaft of the receiving roller 36, a motor 42 having a drive shaft parallel to the receiving roller 36, a pulley 43 fixed to the drive shaft of the motor 42, and an endless belt 44 stretched between the pulley 41 and the pulley 43. The receiving roller 36 is rotated at a constant speed by the drive of the motor 42.

[0052] In addition, an interlocking mechanism (not shown) is connected to the rotating shaft of the receiving roller 36. As a result, the processing roller 35 is rotated in synchronization with the rotation of the receiving roller 36. The configuration of the roller drive unit 37 is merely an example, and any known roller drive unit can be appropriately adopted.

[0053] A rotational position detector 45 is disposed between the receiving roller 36 and the motor 42. An example of the rotational position detector 45 is a rotary encoder. The output pulse of the rotational position detector 45 is output to a control device 70 (see FIG. 1). Based on the output pulse from the rotational position detector 45, the control device 70 calculates, for example, the rotational position (0° to 360°) of a reference position P0 that is virtually set on the processing roller 35.

[0054] Further, upstream of the processing roller 35 and the receiving roller 36, a paper positioning roller 23 that receives the paper from the second conveying section 22 and supplies it to the processing roller 35 is provided. Furthermore, a third sensor 53 for detecting the passage of paper is provided at a second paper detection position that is virtually set between the paper positioning roller 23 and the processing roller 35. In other words, the position at which the paper is detected by the third sensor 53 becomes the second paper detection position. For example, when the third sensor 53 detects the passage of the leading edge of the paper, it transmits a sensor detection signal to the control device 70 (see FIG. 1). Furthermore, a flat support plate for supporting the underside of the paper may be provided between the paper positioning roller 23 and the processing roller 35.

[0055] During operation of the paper processing device 102, the processing roller 35 and the receiving roller 36 are continuously rotated at a constant speed by the roller drive unit 37. The paper carried in from the paper transport device 100 via the carry-in roller 21 is transported toward the punching unit 24 by the second transport unit 22. The paper transported by the second transport unit 22 passes through the gap between the paper positioning roller 23 and is transported to the punching unit 24. In the punching unit 24, the paper is punched by the blade 35a (see FIG. 6) when passing between the processing roller 35 and the receiving roller 36. The punched paper is transported by the third transport unit 25 provided at the rear stage and is accumulated in a predetermined accumulation area (not shown). The third transport unit 25 may have a configuration similar to that of the second transport unit 22 or a known configuration.

[0056] Each of the above-mentioned units of the paper processing device 102 is controlled by a control device 70. The control device 70 controls, for example, a roller drive unit (not shown) that drives the carry-in rollers 21, a transport drive unit 34, a roller drive unit (not shown) that drives the paper positioning rollers 23, a roller drive unit 37 that drives the punching unit 24, and a transport drive unit (not shown) that drives the third transport unit 25. More specifically, the roller drive unit (not shown) that drives the carry-in rollers 21, the transport drive unit 34, the roller drive unit (not shown) that drives the paper positioning rollers 23, and the transport drive unit (not shown) that drives the third transport unit 25 are controlled by a paper feed control unit 72. In addition, the roller drive unit 37 that drives the punching unit 24 is controlled by a processing control unit 73. In addition, the transport control unit 71 cooperates with the paper feed control unit 72 to supply paper to the punching unit 24 at an appropriate timing. In addition, sensor detection signals from a second sensor 52 and a third sensor 53 provided in the paper processing device 102 are input to the control device 70. The transport control unit 71 and the paper feed control unit 72 of the control device 70 transport and feed paper based on these sensor detection signals.

[0057] Next, a description will be given of the transport control unit 71 that controls the transport timing of the paper in the paper transport device 100 in the paper processing system 10. In the present embodiment, as an example, the transport control unit 71 is mounted on the control device 70, but as described above, the present invention is not limited to this example.

[0058] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 70 according to the present embodiment. As shown in Fig. 4, the control device 70 includes, for example, a CPU 81, a storage unit 82 for storing programs executed by the CPU 81 and data referenced by the programs, a main memory 83 that functions as a work area when each program is executed, a communication interface 84 for connecting to a network, an input unit 85, a display unit 86, and the like. These units are connected, for example, via a bus 88. Examples of the storage unit 82 include a magnetic disk such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a magneto-optical disk, and a semiconductor memory such as an SSD (Solid State Drive).

[0059] A series of processes for realizing various functions described below are stored in the storage unit 82 in the form of programs (e.g., a transport control program, a paper feed control program, a processing control program, etc.), for example, and the CPU 81 reads these programs into the main memory 83 and executes information processing and arithmetic processing to realize various functions. Note that the programs may be pre-installed in the storage unit 82, provided in a state stored in another computer-readable storage medium, or distributed via wired or wireless communication means. Examples of computer-readable storage media include magnetic disks, magneto-optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD-ROMs, and semiconductor memories.

[0060] The control device 50 has a similar configuration, and a processor such as a CPU reads out a program stored in a storage unit into a main memory and executes calculations to realize various functions and processes described below.

[0061] FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram showing an example of functions realized by the transport control unit 71 according to the present embodiment. 5, the transport control unit 71 includes, for example, a transport request unit 93, a passage information receiving unit 94, and a determination unit 95. The transport control unit 71 may further include a storage unit 90, a timing setting unit 91, and a transport trigger generating unit 92. The transport control unit 71 may further include, for example, a transport delay notifying unit 96. The transport control unit 71 may further include a timing correcting unit 97.

[0062] The timing setting unit 91 sets the transport request timing corresponding to the processing cycle of the paper processing device 102. For example, the timing setting unit 91 sets the transport request timing when the paper processing system 10 starts operating. The timing setting unit 91 also sets the transport request timing when there is a change in the set values ​​of the paper size, paper transport speed, processing roller rotation speed, etc. The settings of the paper size, paper transport speed, processing roller rotation speed, etc. are input and set, for example, from an input unit 85 (see FIG. 4) provided in the control device 70. Also, the timing setting unit 91 may be configured to receive the settings from another control device (for example, a higher-level device) via a network.

[0063] As described above, the paper processing device 102 performs processing (punching) in a predetermined cycle during operation. Therefore, it is necessary to supply paper to the processing rollers 35 at appropriate timing according to the processing cycle. The timing setting unit 91 sets the paper transport request timing in accordance with such cyclical and continuous processing.

[0064] The transport request timing will be described below with reference to FIG. 6, a blade 35a is attached to a predetermined area on the outer periphery of the processing roller 35 of the paper processing device 102. A reference position P0 is set on the processing roller 35. This reference position P0 is a virtual position set for the sake of convenience in order to synchronize with the transport request timing.

[0065] In this embodiment, as an example, when the reference position P0 reaches the lowest point S of the processing roller 35, the front end of the paper is controlled to reach the lowest point S of the processing roller 35. In the processing roller 35, the distance d1 between the reference position P0 and the front end P1 of the blade die 35a is set to a distance according to the processing start position of the paper. In other words, the reference position P0 can be said to be a virtual position that is set each time according to the front end P1 of the blade die 35a and the processing start position of the paper.

[0066] The transport request timing can be calculated based on, for example, the distance L1 between the lowest point S of the processing roller 35 and the installation position of the third sensor 53, the distance L2 between the third sensor 53 and the second sensor 52, and the distance L3 between the second sensor 52 and the first sensor 51, as well as the rotation speed v1 of the processing roller 35 and the transport speed v2 of the paper. It is assumed that the transport speed of the paper in the paper transport device 100 and the transport speed of the paper in the paper processing device 102 are set to the same speed. It is possible to omit the second sensor 52, and in this case, the distance from the third sensor 53 to the first sensor 51 may be set to (L2+L3).

[0067] For example, the time t from when the paper passes the first sensor 51 until it reaches the lowest point S of the processing rollers 35 (hereinafter referred to as the "conveying time") is expressed by the following formula.

[0068] t=(L1+L2+L3) / v2 (1)

[0069] Therefore, the transport request timing is set t time before the timing when the reference position P0 of the processing roller 35 reaches the lowest point S of the processing roller 35. In other words, the transport request timing is the timing when the reference position P0 reaches the rotation position P2, as shown in FIG. Moreover, the distance d2 between the reference position P0 and the rotational position P2 is expressed by the following formula (2).

[0070] d2=v1×t (2)

[0071] Here, the distances L1 to L3, the rotation speed v1, and the paper conveying speed v2 are values ​​based on design values, for example. In a system in which the rotation speed v1 of the processing roller 35 and the paper conveying speed v2 are variable, input setting values ​​according to each situation may be used.

[0072] Information on the transport request timing set by the timing setting unit 91 is stored in the storage unit 90. For example, the storage unit 90 stores judgment conditions for judging the transport request timing. The judgment conditions include, for example, information on the rotational position P2 of the processing roller 35. More specifically, the judgment conditions include angle information of the rotational position P2 with respect to the reference position P0, a distance d2 from the reference position P0 to the rotational position P2, and time information from when the reference position P0 passes the lowest point S until it reaches the rotational position P2. In the present embodiment, the following description will be given by way of example of a case where the rotational position of rotational position P2 is stored in the storage unit 90 as information on the transport request timing. Note that since rotational position P2 is a rotational position used to determine the transport request timing, it will be referred to as the "transport determination position P2" hereinafter.

[0073] The transport trigger generating unit 92 generates a trigger based on transport request timing information stored in the storage unit 90. For example, the transport trigger generating unit 92 generates a transport trigger when the transport determination position P2 stored in the storage unit 90 coincides with the reference position P0. For example, the transport trigger generating unit 92 calculates the rotational position (0° to 360°) of the reference position P0 that is virtually set on the processing roller 35 based on the output pulse from the rotational position detection unit 45. Then, when the rotational position of the reference position P0 coincides with the transport determination position P2, the transport trigger is generated.

[0074] When a transport trigger is generated by the transport trigger generating unit 92, the transport request unit 93 transmits a transport request signal to the control device 50 of the paper transport device 100. More specifically, when a transport normal signal is input from the determination unit 95 described below, the transport request unit 93 transmits a transport request signal at the next paper feed trigger. On the other hand, when a transport delay signal is input from the determination unit 95, the transport request unit 93 does not transmit a transport request signal at the next paper feed trigger, that is, it skips transmitting the transport request signal at this timing and waits until a paper feed trigger is generated again.

[0075] When the control device 50 of the paper transport device 100 receives the transport request signal, it performs paper feeding. Specifically, the control device 50 opens the shutter 11b of the suction box 11 to separate the bottommost paper among the papers accumulated in the paper accumulation area 15 from the remaining papers. As a result, the separated sheet of paper is supplied to the paper processing device 102 by the transport belt 3.

[0076] In paper transport device 100, when first sensor 51 detects the passage of paper, a sensor detection signal is output from first sensor 51 to control device 50. When control device 50 receives the sensor detection signal, it transmits a paper passage signal to control device 70.

[0077] Here, it is preferable that the first sensor 51 outputs a sensor detection signal when it detects the leading edge of the paper. For example, if the size of the paper is changed, the time from when the leading edge passes until the trailing edge is detected will change, complicating the calculation process when trying to detect the trailing edge of the paper, and since the reference position P0 of the processing roller 35 is also set to match the leading edge of the paper, it is preferable to detect the leading edge of the paper from the viewpoint of simplifying the calculation process. The same applies to the second sensor 52 and the third sensor 53.

[0078] The passing information receiving unit 94 of the transport control unit 71 receives the paper passing signal.

[0079] The determination unit 95 determines whether or not a transport delay has occurred based on the timing of receiving the paper passing signal. For example, the determination unit 95 determines whether or not a transport delay has occurred based on whether or not the paper passing signal has been received within a predetermined period after the transport request unit 93 has transmitted the transport request signal.

[0080] For example, the predetermined period is set based on the time required for the paper conveying device 100 to convey the paper in accordance with the conveyance request signal after the conveyance control unit 71 transmits the conveyance request signal and pass the installation position of the first sensor 51, and the adjustment time determined based on the mechanical performance of the paper positioning roller 23. For example, even if some deviation (error) occurs in the conveyance timing in the paper conveying device 100, if the time deviation is within a range that can be adjusted by the paper positioning roller 23, the paper can be supplied to the processing roller 35 at an appropriate supply timing by adjusting the number of rotations of the paper positioning roller 23 (including stopping the rotation). However, if the deviation in the conveyance timing exceeds the range that can be adjusted by the paper positioning roller 23, the paper positioning roller 23 cannot absorb the time deviation, so it is necessary to stop the paper feed for one processing cycle and resume the paper feed in the next processing cycle. The "predetermined period" thus corresponds to the time range of the paper conveyance timing that can be adjusted by the paper positioning roller 23. The "predetermined period" is set, for example, taking into consideration the range in which the drive motor that drives the paper positioning roller 23 can accelerate and decelerate, and the paper feed speed at which the paper positioning roller 23 can reliably grip (hold) the paper.

[0081] For example, when the determination unit 95 receives a paper passing signal within a predetermined period after the transport request signal is transmitted, the determination unit 95 outputs a normal transport signal. On the other hand, when the determination unit 95 does not receive a paper passing signal within the predetermined period, the determination unit 95 outputs a delayed transport signal. The normal transport signal is output to the transport request unit 93, for example. In addition, the delayed transport signal is output to the transport request unit 93 and the delayed transport notification unit 96, for example.

[0082] When the conveyance delay signal is input, the conveyance delay notification unit 96 outputs the conveyance delay signal to the paper feed control unit 72. When the conveyance delay signal is input, the paper feed control unit 72 temporarily stops the paper positioning rollers 23 and adjusts the timing of paper feed to the processing rollers 35. The control by the paper feed control unit 72 will be described later.

[0083] The timing correction unit 97 corrects the information on the transport request timing stored in the memory unit 90. For example, the transport request timing set by the timing setting unit 91 described above is a theoretical value obtained by calculation. However, during actual operation, due to various errors such as the time required for the first transport unit 5 to send out the paper, the time required to take out and move a single sheet of paper from the paper stacking area 15, and the transport speeds of the first transport unit 5 and the second transport unit 22, the time from when the transport of the paper starts to when the processing roller 35 reaches the lowest point S deviates from the theoretical value. Similarly, the rotation speed of the processing roller 35 may also change due to deviations caused by the vertical movement of the processing roller. The timing correction unit 97 is provided to correct such deviations. Details of the correction method by the timing correction unit 97 will be described later.

[0084] Next, various processes executed by the above-mentioned transport control unit 71 will be described with reference to the drawings. 7 is a flow chart showing an example of the procedure of processing executed by the transport control section 71 and the control device 50 of the paper transport device 100. A series of processing executed by the transport control section 71 described below is, for example, stored in the storage section 82 (see FIG. 4) in the form of a program (e.g., a transport control program, etc.), and is realized by the CPU (processor) 81 reading this program into the main memory 83 and executing information processing and arithmetic processing. The same applies to the control device 50.

[0085] First, during operation, the transport control unit 71 generates a transport trigger at a transport request timing according to the processing cycle (SA1), and transmits a transport request signal to the control device 50 of the paper transport device 100 at the timing when the transport trigger is generated (SA2). When the control device 50 receives the transport request signal (SA3), it transports the paper (SA4). Then, when the first sensor 51 detects the passage of the paper (SA5), the control device 50 transmits a paper passing signal to the transport control unit 71 (SA6).

[0086] When the transport control unit 71 receives a paper passing signal (SA7), it determines whether a transport delay has occurred. For example, it determines whether a paper passing signal has been received within a predetermined period of time since the transport request signal was sent (SA8). As a result, if a paper passing signal has been received within the predetermined period of time, it determines that there is no transport delay (SA8: NO) and returns to step SA1. As a result, at the timing when the next transport trigger occurs, a transport request signal is sent to the control device 50 of the paper transport device 100 (SA1, SA2).

[0087] On the other hand, in step SA8, for example, if a paper passing signal is not received within a predetermined period, it is determined that there is a transport delay (SA8: YES), and a transport delay signal is output to paper feed control unit 72 (SA9). As a result, as will be described later, paper feed control unit 72 of control device 70 performs a process of adjusting the timing of the paper for which a transport delay has occurred.

[0088] Subsequently, when a transport trigger occurs (SA10), the transport request signal is not transmitted (SA11) and the process returns to step SA1.

[0089] In this way, when it is determined in step SA8 that a transport delay has occurred, the transport request signal is not transmitted when the next transport trigger occurs, in other words, the transmission of the transport request signal is skipped and the system is in a standby state until the next transport trigger occurs. This makes it possible to prevent the next sheet from being transported despite the transport delay, resulting in multiple sheets being stuck in the sheet-handling device 102.

[0090] Furthermore, if paper is stuck in this way, the supply of paper to the processing rollers 35 must be stopped longer than necessary. Therefore, by controlling as in this embodiment, paper supply can be restarted quickly without stopping the supply longer than necessary. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing efficiency.

[0091] Next, a description will be given of the processing executed by the paper feed control unit 72 when the paper processing system 10 is in operation. Note that the series of processing described below is stored in the storage unit 82 (see FIG. 4) of the control device 70 in the form of a program (e.g., a paper feed control program, etc.), for example, and the CPU 81 reads this program into the main memory 83 and executes information processing and arithmetic processing to realize various functions.

[0092] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure of a paper feed control process executed by the paper feed control unit 72.

[0093] First, when the third sensor 53 detects a sheet (SB1: YES), it is determined whether or not a transport delay signal has been input (SB2). Specifically, it is determined whether or not a transport delay signal has been input between the previous detection of the sheet by the third sensor 53 and the current detection of the sheet. As a result, if the transport delay signal has not been input (SB2: NO), the paper is fed to the processing rollers 35 by the paper positioning rollers 23 (SB3), and the process returns to step SB1.

[0094] On the other hand, if a transport delay signal has been input (SB2: YES), the paper positioning rollers 23 are stopped and paper supply is temporarily stopped (SB4). In other words, if a transport delay signal has been input, it is understood that the paper detected by the third sensor 53 is a paper for which a transport delay has occurred in the paper transport device 100. If such a paper is supplied to the processing rollers 35 as is, a positional deviation that exceeds the margin of error will occur, resulting in a defective product. Therefore, in this case, paper supply is temporarily stopped and the device is put into a standby state until the next paper supply timing.

[0095] The "paper feed timing" is determined based on the rotation speed of the processing roller 35, the distance L1 between the processing roller 35 and the third sensor 53, the rotation speed of the paper positioning roller 23, etc. The method for determining the timing may be the same as the method for setting the "transport request timing" described above.

[0096] Next, when the reference position P0 (see Figure 6) of the processing roller 35 approaches the lowest point S and the next paper feed timing arrives, the paper feed control unit 72 resumes rotation of the paper positioning roller 23 and supplies the paper to the processing roller 35 (SB5), and returns to step SB1.

[0097] In this way, when a transport delay occurs in paper transport device 100, a transport delay signal notifying the occurrence of the transport delay is output from transport control unit 71 to paper feed control unit 72. This allows paper feed control unit 72 to adjust the supply timing of the paper for which a transport delay has occurred. In other words, when a transport delay occurs, paper positioning roller 23 is temporarily stopped, so that one processing cycle is skipped and a waiting state is entered, and the paper is supplied at an appropriate paper feed timing in the next processing cycle. This allows the front edge of the paper to coincide with reference position P0 even when a transport delay occurs, and allows punching to be performed at an appropriate position.

[0098] In addition, when one cycle of processing is skipped and the paper-sheet handling device 102 is put into a waiting state in order to adjust the timing, the paper-sheet handling device 100 also puts the paper-sheet handling device 100 on standby (SA10, SA11 in FIG. 7). This allows the paper feed in the paper-sheet handling device 102 and the handling in the paper-sheet handling device 100 to be linked, and makes it possible to prevent multiple sheets of paper from being stuck in the paper-sheet handling device 102.

[0099] Next, a method of correcting the transport request timing by the timing corrector 97 (see FIG. 6) will be described with reference to FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of the procedure of the timing correction process executed by the timing corrector 97. The timing for correcting the transport request timing is not particularly limited, but examples include immediately after the transport request timing is set by the timing setting unit 91, at a specified time interval, when the processing deviation amount exceeds a certain value, etc. The correction of the transport request timing by the timing correction unit 97 is performed when the sheet processing system 10 is in operation, in other words, when processing is being performed by the processing rollers 35.

[0100] For example, as shown in FIG. 7, a transport request signal is sent to the control device 50 based on the current transport request timing stored in the memory unit 90, paper is fed, and when the passage of the paper is detected by the first sensor 51, a paper passing signal is sent from the control device 50.

[0101] Then, when this paper is transported from the paper transport device 100 to the paper processing device 102 and detected by the third sensor 53 (SC1), the timing correction unit 97 estimates the rotational position of the reference position P0 when the leading edge of the paper reaches the lowest point S of the processing roller 35 based on the detection timing by the third sensor 53 (SC2). This estimated position can be found by calculation based on the rotational position of the reference position P0 on the processing roller 35 when the paper is detected by the third sensor 53, the distance L1 between the third sensor 53 and the lowest point S of the processing roller 35, the rotational speed v1 of the processing roller 35, and the paper transport speed v2.

[0102] Next, the timing correction unit 97 calculates the difference X between the rotation position of the estimated reference position P0 and the lowest point S of the processing roller 35 (SC3). Next, the current transport determination position P2, i.e., the transport determination position P2 stored in the memory unit 90, is corrected using the difference X (SC4). Specifically, if the rotation position of the estimated reference position P0 is ahead of the lowest point S, the transport determination position P2 is corrected by the difference X in the direction toward the lowest point S. This allows the transport request timing of the transport request signal to be delayed by a time corresponding to the difference X. On the other hand, if the rotation position of the estimated reference position P0 is behind the lowest point S, the transport determination position P2 is corrected by the difference X in the direction away from the lowest point S. This allows the transport request timing of the transport request signal to be advanced by a time corresponding to the difference X. By correcting the transport determination position P2 in this manner, the deviation between the leading edge of the paper and the reference position P0 of the processing roller 35 can be reduced, making it possible to keep the processing position deviation within a specified error range.

[0103] After correcting the transport determination position P2, the timing correction unit 97 stores the corrected transport determination position P2 in the memory unit 90 (SC5). As a result, the transport determination position P2 stored in the memory unit 90 is updated to the corrected transport determination position P2, and thereafter, a transport trigger is generated based on the updated transport determination position P2.

[0104] As described above, the transport control device, the transport control method, and the program according to the present embodiment provide the following advantageous effects.

[0105] For example, the conveying control unit (conveying control device) 71 in this embodiment includes a conveying request unit 93 that transmits a conveying request signal to the paper conveying device 100 at a conveying request timing corresponding to the processing cycle of the paper processing device 102, a passing information receiving unit 94 that receives a paper passing signal indicating that paper has been sent out from the paper conveying device 100, and a judgment unit 95 that judges whether or not there is a conveying delay based on the receiving timing of the paper passing signal.

[0106] Then, when the determination unit 95 determines that no transport delay has occurred, the transport request unit 93 transmits a transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle. On the other hand, when the determination unit 95 determines that a transport delay has occurred, the transport request unit 93 waits until the next transport request timing without transmitting a transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle.

[0107] In this way, in the paper transport device 100, if there is no delay in transporting the paper, the paper is transported at the next processing timing, so it is possible to supply the paper at an appropriate timing according to the processing timing. This makes it possible to operate the paper processing device 102 continuously without reducing the processing capacity.

[0108] In addition, in the case where a delay in transporting paper occurs in the paper transport device 100, by not transporting the paper at the next processing timing, it is possible to prevent multiple sheets of paper from becoming stuck in the paper processing device 102 due to the next paper being transported despite the occurrence of a transport delay.

[0109] Furthermore, if paper is stuck in this way, the supply of paper to the processing rollers 35 must be stopped longer than necessary. Therefore, by controlling as in this embodiment, paper supply can be restarted quickly without stopping the supply longer than necessary. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in processing efficiency.

[0110] The transport control unit (transport control device) 71 according to this embodiment also includes a timing correction unit 97 that corrects the transport request timing. The timing correction unit 97 is provided in the paper processing device 102, and estimates the actual processing position for the paper based on the timing at which the paper passes through a paper detection position provided upstream of the punching unit 24 that performs processing, and corrects the transport request timing based on the amount of deviation between the estimated processing position and a preset reference processing position.

[0111] In this way, the transport request timing is corrected based on the machining position during actual operation, so that the transport request signal can be transmitted at an appropriate transport request timing according to the operating state, thereby making it possible to suppress the machining position deviation within a predetermined error range. The transport request timing may be corrected based on the amount of deviation between the actual processing position with respect to the paper and a preset reference processing position, rather than based on the estimated processing position.

[0112] Furthermore, the transport control unit (transport control device) 71 according to this embodiment includes a transport delay notification unit 96 that notifies the paper feed control unit 72 of a transport delay signal when a paper passing signal is not received within a predetermined period of time.

[0113] This makes it possible to notify the paper feed control unit 72 in advance of the occurrence of a transport delay. As a result, the paper feed control unit 72 can adjust the timing for the paper for which a transport delay has occurred, and it becomes possible to supply the paper to the punching unit 24 at an appropriate paper feed timing.

[0114] In addition, in the present embodiment, the control device 70 is illustrated as having the functions of the transport control unit 71, but the present invention is not limited to this. The transport control unit 71 may be mounted on the control device 50 or on a higher-level control device of the control device 70. The transport control unit 71 may also exist as an independent control device.

[0115] Then, as described above, when the transport control unit 71 is mounted on a device different from the control device 70, for example, information exchanged between each unit of the paper processing device 102 and the transport control unit 71 may be transmitted and received via a network (communication medium). For example, information to be transmitted and received may include a transport delay signal, an output pulse from the rotational position detection unit 45, or a rotational position of the processing roller calculated based on the output pulse.

[0116] Although the present invention has been described above using the embodiments, the technical scope of the present invention is not limited to the scope described in the above embodiments. Various modifications or improvements can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the gist of the invention, and the forms in which such modifications or improvements are made are also included in the technical scope of the present invention. In addition, the above embodiments may be combined as appropriate.

[0117] Furthermore, the flow of the information presentation process described in the above embodiment is also one example, and unnecessary steps may be deleted, new steps may be added, or the processing order may be rearranged within the scope of the present invention.

[0118] For example, in the above embodiment, the determination unit 95 determines whether a transport delay has occurred based on whether a paper passing signal has been received within a predetermined period after the transport request signal has been transmitted. However, the method of determining whether a transport delay has occurred is not limited to this example. For example, the rotational position of the reference position P0 of the processing roller 35 when the paper passing signal is received may be obtained from the rotational position detection unit 45, and whether a transport delay has occurred may be determined based on whether this rotational position is within a predetermined positional range of the processing roller 35. Here, the "predetermined positional range" is, for example, a positional range equivalent to the above-mentioned "predetermined period," and can be calculated by calculation based on the transport determination position P2 and the rotational speed of the processing roller 35.

[0119] Furthermore, as described above, when determining whether or not a transport delay has occurred based on the rotational position of the reference position P0 of the processing roller 35 when the paper passing signal is received, the timing correction unit 97 may also correct the "predetermined position range". In this case, the timing correction unit 97 may, for example, temporarily store the rotational position of the processing roller 35 when the paper passing signal is received as a provisional paper passing judgment position, and correct the stored provisional paper passing judgment position by the difference X. Then, the "predetermined position range" is corrected by providing a predetermined range of margin before and after the corrected paper passing judgment position. Note that this predetermined range of margin is a rotational position range equivalent to a predetermined period of time. [Explanation of symbols]

[0120] 1: Drive roller 2: Idol Lola 3: Conveyor belt 3a: Ventilation hole 4: Transport drive unit 5: First conveyor section 10: Paper handling system 11b: Shutter 14: Deterrent plate 15: Paper accumulation area 22: Second conveying section 23: Paper positioning roller 24: Punching section 35: Processing roller 35a: Blade type 36: Receiving roller 37: Roller drive unit 45: Rotational position detection unit 50: Control device 51: First sensor 52: Second sensor 53: 3rd sensor 60: Control device 70: Control device 71: Transport control unit (transport control device) 72: Paper feed control unit 73: Processing control section 90: Storage section 91: Timing setting section 92: Transport trigger generator 93: Transport request section 94: Passing information receiver 95: Judgment section 96: Transport Delay Notification Department 97: Timing correction section 100: Paper transport device 101: Paper handling device 102: Paper handling device

Claims

1. A transport control device that controls a timing of a paper transport request of a paper transport device that transports a paper discharged from a first paper processing device on an upstream side to a second paper processing device on a downstream side, a transport request section that transmits a transport request signal to the paper transport device at a transport request timing corresponding to a processing cycle of the second paper processing device; a paper passing information receiving unit for receiving a paper passing signal indicating that a paper has been sent out from the paper transport device; a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a transport delay based on a reception timing of the sheet passing signal; Equipped with The transport request unit is configured to transmit a transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle when it is determined that no transport delay has occurred, and to not transmit the transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle when it is determined that a transport delay has occurred.

2. a timing correction unit that corrects the transport request timing, The timing correction unit a processing unit that performs processing on the sheet of paper, the processing unit being provided in the second sheet processing device, and estimating an actual processing position for the sheet of paper based on a timing at which the sheet of paper passes through a sheet detection position that is provided upstream of the processing unit that performs processing; The transport control device according to claim 1 , wherein the transport request timing is corrected based on a deviation amount between the estimated machining position and a preset reference machining position.

3. The transport control device according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a transport delay notifying unit that notifies the second sheet processing device of a transport delay signal when it is determined that a transport delay has occurred.

4. A transport control method for controlling a timing of a paper transport request of a paper transport device that transports a paper discharged from a first paper processing device on an upstream side to a second paper processing device on a downstream side, comprising: transmitting a transport request signal to the paper transport device at a transport request timing corresponding to a processing cycle of the second paper processing device; receiving a paper passing signal indicating that a paper has been fed from the paper transport device; determining whether or not there is a transport delay based on a timing of receiving the sheet passing signal; transmitting a transport request signal at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle when it is determined that no transport delay has occurred; When it is determined that a transport delay has occurred, the transport request signal is not transmitted at the transport request timing corresponding to the next processing cycle. A transport control method implemented by a computer.

5. A program for causing a computer to function as the transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. A paper processing device to which paper is supplied from a paper transport device, A sheet processing device comprising the transport control device according to claim 1 .

7. a processing unit that processes the paper fed from the paper transport device; Control device and Equipped with The control device includes a paper feed control unit that controls paper feeding to the processing unit, the transport control device includes a transport delay notifying unit that outputs a transport delay signal to the paper feed control unit when a transport delay occurs in the paper transport device, The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the sheet feed control unit temporarily stops feeding the sheet to the processing unit when the transport delay signal is notified.

8. a paper transport device that transports the paper discharged from the first paper processing device; a second paper processing device to which paper is supplied from the paper transport device; The transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, A paper handling system comprising:

9. A transport control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a paper transport device that transports paper discharged from a first paper processing device on the upstream side to a second paper processing device on the downstream side; Equipped with The paper transport device is a paper stacking area for stacking the paper discharged from the first paper processing device; a sensor provided in a transport path for transporting paper from the paper stacking area to the second paper processing device, the sensor detecting that the paper has passed through the transport path; Paper transport control device Equipped with The paper transport control device includes: When a transport request signal is received from the transport control device, the transport control device transports the paper. The paper processing system transmits a paper passing signal to the transport control device when the sensor detects the passage of the paper.

10. The paper processing system according to claim 9 , wherein the sensor detects the passage of the paper when the sensor detects a leading edge of the paper in a transport direction.

11. 11. The paper processing system according to claim 10, wherein the sensor is provided in the vicinity of a discharge section where the paper is discharged from the paper accumulation area.

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