Post-processing device, image forming system, and post-processing device control program

Abstract

A post-processing device, an image forming system, and a control program for the post-processing device are provided that indicate whether or not a post-processing desired by a user can be performed. [Solution] The post-processing device 300 is a post-processing device that uses one or more interchangeable functional units 501-504 to perform predetermined post-processing on transported sheets according to the functions of the functional units. The post-processing device 300 has multiple slots 321-324, loading detection units 325-328, 360, and a condition output unit 360. The multiple slots 321-324 can be loaded with functional units at their respective loading positions along the transport path. The loading detection units 325-328, 360 detect that a functional unit has been loaded in a slot. The condition output unit 360 outputs conditions for enabling post-processing according to the loading positions of the slots 321-324 into which the functional units 501-504 have been loaded.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device, an image forming system, and a control program for the post-processing device. [Background technology]

[0002] 2. Description of the Related Art Post-processing devices are known that can perform a plurality of post-processing steps in a single device by switching between a plurality of functional units that perform post-processing steps such as cutting paper, folding paper, and forming perforations.

[0003] The following Patent Document 1 discloses that a paper processing device that processes paper while transporting the paper has, as a functional unit, an optional processing device section that performs processing of arbitrarily selected contents, and that the optional processing device section is detachably provided on the device main body. Also, the following Patent Document 2 discloses that a paper processing device has, as functional units, a cutting device section and a fold forming device section, and that the cutting device section and the fold forming device section are detachably provided on the device main body.

[0004] In the paper processing device of Patent Document 2, a cutting device section and a fold forming device section are arranged in series along the conveying path, and are configured so that these processes can be performed sequentially. In this way, by increasing the number of functional units loaded into the post-processing device and combining them, more complex post-processing functions can be realized.

[0005] However, as the number of functional units increases and the combination becomes more complex, post-processing may not be possible depending on the paper size, even when the same post-processing is required. In such cases, users of post-processing devices deal with the problem by replacing the functional units.

[0006] In particular, post-processing in a direction perpendicular to the paper transport direction (hereinafter referred to as the "CD (Cross Direction) direction") requires paper transport to be stopped temporarily, which may result in restrictions such as the paper being pulled by the post-processing device connected downstream. As a result, post-processing may not be performed accurately. To avoid such restrictions, users replace the functional units. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2005-239308 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2005-239312 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] However, at the time when the functional units are replaced, it is difficult for the user to confirm whether the desired post-processing can be performed with the current combination of functional units.

[0009] Furthermore, since the post-processing function restrictions and prohibitions differ depending on the loading position even between the same functional units, there is also the problem that it is difficult for the user to understand all of these restrictions and prohibitions.

[0010] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above circumstances, and is intended to provide a method for post-processing desired by a user. Information regarding the loading position of the functional unit according to It is an object of the present invention to provide a post-processing device, an image forming system, and a control program for the post-processing device, which present the above-mentioned. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The above object of the present invention can be achieved by the following means.

[0012] (1) Replaceable Possible to implement by combining multiple functional unitsA post-processing device that performs a predetermined post-processing on a transported sheet, the post-processing device comprising: a plurality of slots, each of which can be loaded with a functional unit at a loading position along a transport path; a loading detection unit that detects that the functional unit is loaded in the slot; and a loading detection unit that detects that the functional unit is loaded in the slot. Machine A type detection unit for detecting the type of function, The above The functional unit that performs the required post-processing is loaded. based on and a condition output section that outputs information regarding a loading position of the functional unit that enables the predetermined post-processing to be performed on the paper.

[0014] ( 2) Before The condition output section is moreover, outputting a condition for enabling post-processing according to the type of the function detected by the type detection unit and the loading position; 1 ) The post-processing device according to claim 1 .

[0015] (3) When the type of function detected by the type detection unit is post-processing in a direction perpendicular to a paper conveyance direction, The post-processing device according to (2) above, wherein the conditions under which post-processing is possible include a post-processing position relative to the paper.

[0016] (4) The condition output unit moreover, a loading position of the functional unit is output as a condition for enabling post-processing based on the type of the functional unit and the length of the paper in the transport direction, and the length of the paper in the transport direction is output as a condition for enabling post-processing based on the type of the functional unit and the loading position of the functional unit. ~(3) The post-processing device according to claim 1 .

[0017] (5) The post-processing device according to any one of (1) to (4) above, wherein the condition output unit further outputs examples of post-processing that can be performed by the detected combination of functional units. (6) a dummy unit is loaded into a slot not loaded with a functional unit performing the predetermined post-processing among the plurality of slots; The post-processing device according to any one of (1) to (5) above.

[0018] (7) A method for controlling a post-processing device having a plurality of slots in which functional units can be loaded at respective loading positions along a transport path, and which performs a predetermined post-processing on transported paper that can be performed by a combination of a plurality of interchangeable functional units, the method including the steps of: (a) detecting that the functional unit has been loaded into the slot; (b) detecting the type of function of the functional unit loaded into the slot; and (c) outputting information regarding the loading position of the functional unit corresponding to the post-processing that enables the predetermined post-processing to be performed on the paper, based on the loading of a functional unit that performs the predetermined post-processing on the paper. (8) The method for controlling a post-processing device according to (7) above, wherein the outputting step further outputs examples of post-processing that can be performed by the detected combination of functional units. (9) Among the plurality of slots, a dummy unit is loaded into a slot in which a functional unit that performs the predetermined post-processing is not loaded. A method for controlling a post-processing device according to (7) or (8) above.

[0019] (10) A control program for a post-processing device having a plurality of slots into which functional units can be loaded at respective loading positions along a conveying path, the post-processing device performing a predetermined post-processing that can be performed by a combination of the plurality of interchangeable functional units on conveyed paper, the control program comprising: (a) detecting that the functional unit has been inserted into the slot; (b) detecting a type of function of the functional unit installed in the slot; and (c) outputting information regarding the loading position of the functional unit that enables the specified post-processing to be performed on the paper based on the fact that the functional unit that performs the specified post-processing has been loaded on the paper. (11) The control program for a post-processing device according to (10) above, wherein the outputting step further outputs examples of post-processing that can be performed by the detected combination of functional units. (12) a dummy unit is loaded into a slot not loaded with a functional unit performing the predetermined post-processing among the plurality of slots;A control program for the post-processing device according to (10) or (11) above. Effect of the Invention

[0020] According to the present invention, the post-processing device Depending on the post-processing to be performed on the paper, Functional unit loading position Information about Since the user can easily determine whether the desired post-processing can be performed, the user can easily determine whether the desired post-processing can be performed. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0021] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the image forming system shown in FIG. [Diagram 3] 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a first post-processing device shown in FIG. 1. [Figure 4A] 4 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure of a control method for the image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4B] 4B is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the process of step S104 in FIG. 4A. [Figure 5A] 11 is a table showing an example of positions of functional units in a first post-processing device and conditions under which post-processing can be performed. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of the functional units shown in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] 13 is a table showing another example of the positions of the functional units in the first post-processing device and the conditions under which post-processing can be performed. [Figure 6B] 6B is a schematic diagram showing forbidden conditions in the combination of functional units shown in FIG. 6A. FIG. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6B is a schematic diagram showing a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of the functional units shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6D] 6B is a schematic diagram showing another representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of the functional units shown in FIG. 6A. [Figure 7A]13 is a table showing another example of the positions of the functional units in the first post-processing device and the conditions under which post-processing can be performed. [Figure 7B] 7B is a schematic diagram showing forbidden conditions in the combination of functional units shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7C] FIG. 7B is a schematic diagram showing a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of the functional units shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 7D] 7B is a schematic diagram showing another representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of the functional units shown in FIG. 7A. [Figure 8A] 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating an initial state of an arrangement of functional units in the first post-processing device; FIG. [Figure 8B] 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the order is changed to relax the prohibition condition from the initial state of FIG. 8A. FIG. [Figure 8C] 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the order is changed to relax the prohibition condition from the initial state of FIG. 8A. FIG. [Figure 8D] 8B is a schematic diagram illustrating a case where the order is changed to relax the prohibition condition from the initial state of FIG. 8A. FIG. [Figure 9A] 11 is a table showing a list of representative post-processing operations realized by combinations of functional units in the first post-processing device, conditions under which the post-processing operations can be performed, etc. [Figure 9B] This is a table following FIG. 9A. [Figure 10A] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an output of paper that has been post-processed by the first post-processing device; [Figure 10B] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an output of paper that has been post-processed by the first post-processing device; [Figure 10C] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an output of paper that has been post-processed by the first post-processing device; [Figure 10D] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an output of paper that has been post-processed by the first post-processing device; [Figure 10E] 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating an example of an output of paper that has been post-processed by the first post-processing device; [Figure 11A]FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining Modification 1. [Figure 11B] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining Modification 1. [Figure 11C] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining Modification 1. [Figure 11D] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining Modification 1. [Figure 12A] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining Modification 2. [Figure 12B] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining Modification 2. [Figure 12C] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining Modification 2. [Figure 13] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a first post-processing device of a third modified example. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the attached drawings. In the description of the drawings, the same elements are given the same reference numerals, and duplicated explanations will be omitted. In addition, the dimensional ratios of the drawings are exaggerated for the convenience of explanation, and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0023] <Image forming system 100> Fig. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an image forming system 100 according to an embodiment, and Fig. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the image forming system 100 shown in Fig. 1. Fig. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of a first post-processing device shown in Fig. 1.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, image forming system 100 of this embodiment has image forming apparatus 200, first post-processing apparatus 300, and second post-processing apparatus 400 connected in series along the X direction (paper transport direction). Note that the configuration of image forming system 100 shown in Fig. 1 is an example, and the types and number of apparatuses included in image forming system 100 are not limited to the example shown in Fig. 1. Image forming system 100 may further have a paper feeder upstream of image forming apparatus 200 in the X direction.

[0025] <Image forming apparatus 200> The image forming apparatus 200 reads an image from an original and forms (prints) the read image on paper. The image forming apparatus 200 also receives a print job including print data and print setting data in a PDL (Page Description Language) format from an external client terminal via a network, and forms an image on paper based on the print job. The client terminal may be, for example, a personal computer, a tablet terminal, or a smartphone.

[0026] 2, image forming apparatus 200 has image reading section 210, image processing section 220, image forming section 230, paper feeding section 240, paper conveying section 250, fixing section 260, communication section 270, operation display section 280, and control section 290. These components are connected to each other via internal bus 201 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0027] The image reading unit 210 includes an optical system including a mirror, a lens, etc., and a reading sensor. The image reading unit 210 reads an original placed on a reading surface or an original conveyed by an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and outputs an image signal.

[0028] The image processing unit 220 performs various image processes on the image signal received from the image reading unit 210 to generate print image data. The image processing unit 220 also generates print image data based on print setting information and print data included in the print job received by the communication unit 270. The generated print image data is transmitted to the image forming unit 230.

[0029] The image forming unit 230 forms an image on paper based on the print image data using a known image creation process such as an electrophotographic method including the steps of charging, exposing, developing, and transferring.

[0030] The image forming section 230 is configured to include a photoconductor drum as an image carrier, and a charging section, an optical writing section, a developing device, and a transfer section arranged around the photoconductor drum.

[0031] The photosensitive drum is rotated at a predetermined speed by a drum motor (not shown). The charging unit includes a corona discharge electrode arranged around the photosensitive drum, and charges the surface of the photosensitive drum with ions generated. The optical writing unit incorporates a scanning optical device, and exposes the charged photosensitive drum based on input print image data, thereby lowering the potential of the exposed portion and forming a charge pattern (electrostatic latent image) corresponding to the print image data. The developing device develops the formed electrostatic latent image, visualizes it with toner, and forms a toner image. The transfer unit transfers the toner image on the photosensitive drum to paper.

[0032] Paper feed section 240 supplies paper as a recording material to image forming section 230. Paper feed section 240 has an upper tray 241 and a lower tray 242, and each tray can store paper of different sizes, such as A4 size and A3 size.

[0033] Paper transport section 250 transports paper within image forming apparatus 200. Paper transport section 250 has a transport path and multiple transport roller pairs. Paper transport section 250 also includes a paper reversing section and a circulating transport section, and can reverse and discharge paper on which fixing has been performed, or form images on both sides of the paper.

[0034] The paper supplied from the paper feed unit 240 is transported along a transport path toward the image forming unit 230. The paper is synchronized with the toner image formed on the photosensitive drum by a pair of registration rollers 251, and the timing at which the paper is transported to the transfer unit is controlled. The paper onto which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer unit is transported to the fixing unit 260.

[0035] Fixing section 260 fixes the toner image formed on the paper. Fixing section 260 includes a hollow heating roller with a heater disposed inside, and a pressure roller facing the heating roller. The heating roller and pressure roller are controlled to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 100°C or higher) by the heater, and apply heat and pressure to the paper to fix the toner image.

[0036] The paper on which the image has been fixed is supplied to the first post-processing device 300 through a paper discharge section (not shown).

[0037] The communication unit 270 includes a network I / F 271 and a post-processing device I / F 272. The network I / F 271 is connected to a client terminal, such as a personal computer, via a network to transmit and receive data such as print jobs.

[0038] The post-processing device I / F 272 is communicatively connected to the first post-processing device 300 and the second post-processing device 400 via a communication line 202 to transmit and receive data.

[0039] The operation display unit 280 has an input unit and an output unit. The input unit includes, for example, a keyboard and a touch panel, and is used by the user to input characters, various settings, start instructions, and other various instructions (inputs). The output unit includes a display, and is used to present the user with the device configuration, the execution status of a print job, possible post-processing conditions, output image, and the occurrence status of abnormalities (jams) in paper transport.

[0040] Control unit 290 controls image reading unit 210, image processing unit 220, image forming unit 230, paper feeding unit 240, paper transport unit 250, fixing unit 260, communication unit 270, and operation display unit 280. Control unit 290 has a CPU 291, an auxiliary storage device 292, a RAM 293, and a ROM 294.

[0041] The CPU 291 executes a control program for the image forming apparatus. The control program is stored in an auxiliary storage device 292, and is loaded into a RAM 293 when executed by the CPU 291. The auxiliary storage device 292 includes a large-capacity storage device such as a hard disk drive or a flash memory. The RAM 293 stores the results of calculations performed by the CPU 291, the positions and types of functional units installed in the first post-processing device 300, prohibition condition information (described later), and the like. The ROM 294 stores various parameters, various programs, and the like. The CPU 291 executes the control programs to realize various functions.

[0042] <First post-processing device 300> The first post-processing device 300 conveys or post-processes the paper supplied from the image forming device 200 in accordance with an instruction from the image forming device 200 , and supplies the paper to the second post-processing device 400 or ejects the paper onto the purge tray 340 .

[0043] The first post-processing device 300 is disposed between the image forming device 200 and the second post-processing device 400 in the image forming system 100, and includes a paper transport section 310, a post-processing section 320, a waste box 330, a purge tray 340, a communication I / F section 350, and a control section 360. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus 301 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, paper transport section 310 includes transport paths 311, 312, and 313 and a plurality of transport roller pairs 314, and transports paper supplied from first post-processing device 300 along transport path 311, 312, or 313.

[0045] Further, the paper transport section 310 has a long paper transport section 315 and a purge transport section 316. The long paper transport section 315 aligns the long paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 200 while transporting it. More specifically, the long paper transport section 315 temporarily holds the long paper supplied from the image forming apparatus 200 in the transport path 312, and aligns the inclination with respect to the transport direction (corrects the orientation) before transporting it to the post-processing section 320. Further, the purge transport section 316 transports the paper from the post-processing section 320 to the purge tray 340. Although the illustration is simplified, the purge transport section 316 may be provided with a number of transport roller pairs 314 along the transport path 313 so that the paper cut to a card or business card size in the post-processing section 320 can be transported reliably.

[0046] The post-processing section 320 performs post-processing on paper using one or more functional units. The post-processing section 320 has a plurality of slots 321 to 324 for loading functional units. The slots 321 to 324 each have a slot number (#1 to #4), and the functional units are loaded at their respective loading positions along the transport path. The loading positions are defined by positions on the transport path (positions in the X direction). FIG. 1 shows a case where no functional unit is loaded in any of the slots 321 to 324. Meanwhile, FIG. 3 shows a case where functional units 501 to 504 are loaded in the slots 321 to 324, respectively. Although there are prohibition conditions as described later, each of the functional units 501 to 504 can be loaded in any of the slots 321 to 324 and can be mutually replaced. Also, it is not necessary to load the functional units 501 to 504 in all the slots 321 to 324, and they may be loaded only in any of the slots 321 to 324. Moreover, when the slots 321 to 324 are empty, a dummy unit is loaded in such a manner that paper transport is not hindered.

[0047] Further, detection sensors 325-328 are provided in slots 321-324, respectively. In cooperation with control unit 360, detection sensors 325-328 determine whether or not functional units 501-504 are loaded, and when a functional unit is loaded in slot 321-324, obtains information on the type and whether or not the functional unit is loaded, i.e., the loaded position. Detection sensors 325-328 and control unit 360 function as a loading detection unit and a type detection unit.

[0048] The detection sensors 325-328 may be of any type as long as they can detect the presence or absence of a functional unit and the type of the functional unit, and may be, for example, an optical sensor, an actuator, etc. Also, the control unit 290 may detect the presence or absence of loading by fitting a connector on the main body side of the first post-processing device 300 with a connector of the functional unit and electrically connecting them, and may detect (determine) the type of the functional unit by reading an identification number stored in a control board of the functional unit after the connection.

[0049] The functional units 501 to 504 may be, for example, any one of a CD cutting unit, a top and bottom slitting (FD cutting) unit, a gutter cutting slitting unit, a crease unit, a CD sewing unit, an FD sewing unit, and a business card slitting unit.

[0050] The CD cutting unit is a unit that cuts paper in the CD direction. The top and bottom slits are units that cut paper in the paper transport direction, and are also called FD (Feed Direction) cutting units. Hereinafter, the paper transport direction is also called the "FD direction."

[0051] The gutter cut slitting unit is a unit that forms slits in the FD direction. For example, in the gutter cut slitting process, cutting is performed along two parallel cutting lines, and a slit (groove) is formed between the two cutting lines. The crease unit is a unit that forms creases in a specific direction, for example, in the CD direction.

[0052] The CD perforation unit is a unit that forms perforations in the CD direction, and the FD perforation unit is a unit that forms perforations in the FD direction. The business card slit unit is a unit that forms multiple slits in the FD direction to cut the paper to the size of a business card.

[0053] Note that the post-processing section 320 can also use functional units other than these. Furthermore, cutting waste generated by a functional unit that involves cutting paper falls by its own weight into the waste box 330 and accumulates there. The user periodically disposes of the cutting waste in the waste box.

[0054] The communication I / F unit 350 is communicably connected to the post-processing device I / F 272 of the image forming apparatus 200 via the communication line 202 to transmit and receive data.

[0055] The control unit 360 controls the paper transport unit 310, the post-processing unit 320, and the communication I / F unit 350. The control unit 360 includes a CPU 361, a RAM 362, and a ROM 363.

[0056] The CPU 361 executes a control program for the first post-processing device to realize various functions. The RAM 362 stores the results of calculations and processing by the CPU 361, the positions and types of functional units loaded in the post-processing device 320, prohibition condition information (described later), and the like. The ROM 363 stores the above control programs, various parameters including the loading position (position on the transport path) corresponding to the slot (or slot number), and the like.

[0057] The control unit 360 acquires the type and the loaded position of the functional unit based on the detection results of the detection sensors 325 to 328. For example, a unique unit number may be assigned in advance to each type of all functional units that can be loaded into the slots 321 to 324, and the control unit 360 may acquire the unit number as information related to the type of the loaded functional unit. The correspondence between the unit number and the type of functional unit may be stored in the RAM 362 as a table.

[0058] If the correspondence is expressed as "functional unit name (unit number)", the unit numbers are assigned as follows: CD cutting (1), top and bottom slitting (2), gutter cut slitting (3), crease (4), CD sewing machine (5), FD sewing machine (6), business card slitting (7), dummy (8).

[0059] Alternatively, a unique identification number may be assigned in advance to all functional units that can be loaded into slots 321 to 324, and the identification number may be acquired as information regarding the type of the loaded functional unit. The correspondence between the identification number and the type of functional unit may be stored in RAM 362 as a table.

[0060] Also, for example, slots #1 to #4 can be used as information regarding the loading position. Slots #1 to #4 correspond to slots 321 to 324, respectively. Slots 321 to 324 are arranged in the order of slots 321, 322, 323, and 324 from the side closest to image forming apparatus 200, and the distance from a predetermined reference position of the transport path to each of slots 321 to 324 is specified in advance and stored in ROM 363. Therefore, by specifying slots #1 to #4, the loading position is uniquely determined.

[0061] The control unit 360 also functions as a condition output unit, and derives conditions under which the post-processing unit 320 can perform post-processing according to the loading positions of the functional units detected by the detection sensors 325 to 328. The conditions under which post-processing can be performed will be described in detail later.

[0062] <Second post-processing device 400> The second post-processing device 400 conveys or post-processes the paper supplied from the first post-processing device 300 in accordance with instructions from the image forming device 200, and discharges the paper outside the image forming system 100. The second post-processing device 400 is disposed at the most downstream position in the image forming system 100, and has an insertion feed section 410, a paper conveying section 420, a side stitching section 430, a main tray 440, a purge tray 450, a communication I / F section 460, and a control section 470. These components are connected to each other via an internal bus 401 so as to be able to communicate with each other.

[0063] The insertion paper feed unit 410 includes one or more paper feed trays. The paper feed trays of the insertion paper feed unit 410 are loaded with, for example, pre-printed paper, colored paper, etc., which are used, for example, as insert sheets for the cover of a print stack or for dividing chapters. The paper placed in the paper feed tray is fed at a predetermined timing based on the print setting information.

[0064] The paper transport section 420 includes a transport path 421 and a plurality of transport roller pairs 422, and transports the paper supplied from the first post-processing device 300 along the transport path 421. The paper transport section 420 also transports the paper supplied from the first post-processing device 300 or the insertion paper feed section 410 along the transport path 421. The paper transport section 420 also transports the booklet that has been side-stitched in the side-stitching section 430 to the main tray 440.

[0065] The side stitching unit 430 includes a stacker unit that accumulates paper sheets and a staple unit that staples the stack of paper sheets. The side stitching unit 430 staples the edges of the stack of paper sheets to side stitch the stack of paper sheets to create a booklet.

[0066] The main tray 440 discharges valid sheets from among the sheets transported by the sheet transport section 420. The purge tray 450 discharges invalid sheets from among the sheets transported by the sheet transport section 420.

[0067] The communication I / F unit 460 is communicably connected to the post-processing device I / F 272 of the image forming apparatus 200 via the communication line 202 to transmit and receive data.

[0068] The control unit 470 controls the insertion feed unit 410, the paper transport unit 420, the side stitching unit 430, the main tray 440, the purge tray 450, and the communication I / F unit 460. The control unit 470 includes a CPU 471, a RAM 472, and a ROM 473.

[0069] The CPU 471 executes a control program for the second post-processing device to realize various functions. The RAM 472 stores the calculation results and processing results of the CPU 471. The ROM 473 stores the control program, various parameters, and the like.

[0070] <Control method of image forming system 100> A control method of the image forming system 100 of this embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 4A and 4B. Figure 4A is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the control method of the image forming system 100 of this embodiment, and Figure 4B is a subroutine flowchart illustrating the processing of step S104 in Figure 4A. The processing shown in Figures 4A and 4B is realized by cooperation between the control unit 290 and the control unit 360.

[0071] 4A, it is determined whether or not a functional unit is loaded (step S101). Based on the detection results of the detection sensors 325-328, the control unit 360 determines whether or not a functional unit is loaded in each of the slots 321-324.

[0072] If it is determined that no functional unit is loaded in any of the slots 321 to 324 (step S101: NO), the process waits until it is determined that a functional unit is loaded in any of the slots 321 to 324 (step S101: NO).

[0073] On the other hand, if it is determined that a functional unit is loaded in any of the slots 321-324 (step S101: YES), information regarding the loading position of the functional unit is acquired (step S102). In the example shown in Fig. 3, functional units 501-504 are loaded in the slots 321-324, respectively. Based on the detection results of the detection sensors 325-328, the control unit 360 acquires slots #1-#4 as information regarding the loading position of the functional unit in the post-processing unit 320.

[0074] Next, information regarding the type of functional unit is acquired (step S103). The control unit 360 acquires information regarding the type of functional units 501-504 based on the detection results of the detection sensors 325-328. For example, the control unit 360 acquires unit numbers 1, 2, 8, and 8 as information regarding the types of the functional units 501-504, respectively. That is, the functional units 501-504 correspond to CD cutting (1), top and bottom slitting (2), dummy (8), and dummy (8), respectively.

[0075] Next, the control unit 360 outputs the conditions under which the post-processing can be performed (step S104). The control unit 360 outputs the conditions under which the post-processing unit 320 can perform the post-processing according to the types and the mounting positions of the functional units 501 to 504. More specifically, the conditions are as follows.

[0076] <Output of post-processing possible conditions (step S104)> As shown in Fig. 4B, it is determined whether or not a restriction occurs due to the loading position of the functional unit (step S201). Since post-processing in the CD direction requires that the paper transport be stopped once, depending on the position on the paper where post-processing is performed, a restriction such as the paper being pulled by the second post-processing device 400 connected at the rear stage may occur while post-processing is being performed. In this embodiment, in consideration of the complexity of control and compatibility, the second post-processing device 400 does not change the control of the paper transport timing, etc. in response to a change in the configuration related to the functional units of the first post-processing device 300.

[0077] 3, the distance between the loading position of slot 321 and the transport roller pair 422 of second post-processing device 400 is defined as D1, and the distance between the loading position of slot 324 and the transport roller pair 422 is defined as D4. In addition, although not shown, the distance between the loading position of slot 322 and the transport roller pair 422, and the distance between the loading position of slot 323 and the transport roller pair 422 are similarly defined as D2 and D3, respectively.

[0078] When functional unit 501 in slot 321 performs post-processing, if the position where post-processing is performed is within distance D1 from the front of the paper, the paper will not be pulled by second post-processing device 400 while functional unit 501 is performing post-processing. Also, when functional unit 504 in slot 324 performs post-processing, if the position where post-processing is performed is within distance D4 from the front of the paper, the paper will not be pulled by second post-processing device 400 while functional unit 504 is performing post-processing.

[0079] In the following description, for convenience, a case is exemplified where distances D1 to D4 are set to 500, 370, 240, and 110 mm, respectively. Also, a case is exemplified where the functional unit of slot 321 can post-process paper with a length of up to 490 mm. However, the values ​​of distances D1 to D4 and the post-processable paper size are not limited to such a case.

[0080] The control unit 360 determines whether or not a restriction occurs due to the loading positions of the functional units. More specifically, the control unit 360 determines whether or not a restriction occurs based on the types and loading positions of the functional units 501-504 loaded in the slots 321-324.

[0081] FIG. 5A is a table showing an example of the positions of functional units and the conditions under which post-processing can be performed at those positions, and FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram showing a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by a combination of the functional units in FIG. 5A.

[0082] In the example shown in FIG. 5A, a CD cutting unit, a top and bottom slitting unit, a dummy unit, and a dummy unit are loaded in this order in slots #1 to #4 as functional units. Of these, the CD cutting unit is the only functional unit that performs post-processing in the CD direction. The CD cutting unit is loaded in slot #1, and can perform CD cutting processing at any position in the FD direction within a paper length of 490 mm. Furthermore, the paper is not pulled by the second post-processing device 400 while the CD cutting unit is performing cutting processing. Therefore, with the above functional unit arrangement, no post-processing restrictions occur.

[0083] If no constraint occurs due to the loading position of the functional units (step S201: NO), the control unit 360 outputs the post-processing possible conditions (step S202). As shown in FIG. 5A, the control unit 360 displays the post-processing possible conditions on the display of the operation display unit 280 or prints them on paper based on the types and positions of the CD cutting, top and bottom slits, dummy, and dummy functional units loaded in slots #1 to #4. Specifically, as described in the "Discharge Destination" and "Remarks" columns, the paper length can be up to 490 mm, and in order to discharge paper up to a paper length of 490 mm downstream, it is necessary to place the CD cutting in slot #1. Hereinafter, in this embodiment, displaying on the display of the operation display unit 280 or printing on paper is referred to as "outputting".

[0084] As shown in FIG. 5B, the control unit 360 outputs a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the above-mentioned arrangement of functional units as an output image. In the above-mentioned arrangement of functional units, when only the CD cutting unit is operated and the top and bottom slitting unit is not operated, cutting processing in the CD direction can be performed. When the top and bottom slitting unit is operated and the CD cutting unit is not operated, cutting processing in the FD direction can be performed. Furthermore, when both the CD cutting unit and the top and bottom slitting unit are operated, cutting processing on all four sides can be performed.

[0085] 5B shows a schematic diagram of an output image when four-side cutting is performed. Reference numeral 601 denotes a sheet of paper after cutting, with the four edges removed by the four-side cutting, and reference numeral 602 denotes the removed edges (so-called "waste parts"). Of these, only the cut sheet of paper 601 is output and actually presented to the user, and the removed edges 602 are not presented to the user.

[0086] Furthermore, the paper 601 after the cutting process can be transported to the second post-processing device 400 or transported to the purge tray 340 and discharged. Then, the control unit 360 ends the process of outputting the post-processing possible conditions (return).

[0087] Next, a case where restrictions occur due to the loading positions of the functional units will be described. Fig. 6A is a table showing the positions of the functional units in the first post-processing device and other examples of conditions under which post-processing can be performed at those positions, and Fig. 6B is a schematic diagram showing prohibited conditions in the combination of the functional units in Fig. 6A. Fig. 6C is a schematic diagram showing a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of the functional units in Fig. 6A, and Fig. 6D is a schematic diagram showing another representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of the functional units in Fig. 6A.

[0088] 4B, if a restriction occurs due to the loading position of the functional units (step S201: YES), the control unit 360 calculates the post-processing possible range on the paper (step S203). The control unit 360 calculates the post-processing possible range on the paper based on the types and loading positions of the functional units 501-504 loaded in the slots 321-324.

[0089] For example, it is assumed that a CD cutting unit, a crease unit, a top and bottom slit unit, and a dummy unit are loaded in this order into the slots 321 to 324 as functional units.

[0090] The crease unit performs a process of creasing the paper in the CD direction, so there is a possibility that the crease unit is subject to restrictions depending on the position where the process is performed. In the above-mentioned arrangement of the functional units, since the crease unit is loaded in the slot 322, for example, in this embodiment, the crease process can be performed within a range of up to a position 360 mm from the front of the paper. In other words, when the crease unit is loaded in the slot 322, the range where the post-processing can be performed is restricted to a position 360 mm from the front of the paper.

[0091] Next, the control unit 360 outputs post-processing possible conditions and prohibition information (step S204). As shown in Fig. 6A, the control unit 360 outputs post-processing possible conditions based on the loading positions of the CD cutting, crease, top and bottom slit, and dummy functional units loaded in the slots #1 to #4, respectively.

[0092] Furthermore, the control unit 360 sets 360 mm as the prohibition condition due to the constraint on the crease unit. Then, as shown in Fig. 6B, the control unit 360 outputs prohibition information 700 as an image based on the prohibition condition. Fig. 6B illustrates that the maximum position at which the crease unit can form a crease 701 is 360 mm from the top of the paper.

[0093] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 6C and 6D, the control unit 360 outputs, as an output image, a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the arrangement of the above-mentioned functional units.

[0094] Fig. 6C illustrates an example in which the CD cutting unit and the top and bottom slitting unit are operated and the crease unit is paused to perform the four-side cutting process. Fig. 6D illustrates an example in which the CD cutting unit, the top and bottom slitting unit, and the crease unit are all operated to perform the four-side cutting process and the crease process. Reference numeral 601 denotes the paper after the cutting process, with the four edges removed by the four-side cutting process, and reference numeral 602 denotes the removed four edges. Reference numeral 603 denotes the streaks formed by the crease process.

[0095] <Other examples of constraints caused by the loading position of functional units> Fig. 7A is a table showing the positions of functional units and other examples of conditions under which post-processing can be performed at those positions, and Fig. 7B is a schematic diagram showing prohibited conditions in the combination of functional units in Fig. 7A. Also, Fig. 7C is a schematic diagram showing a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of functional units in Fig. 7A, and Fig. 7D is a schematic diagram showing another representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the combination of functional units in Fig. 7A.

[0096] For example, it is assumed that a top and bottom slitting unit, a dummy unit, a gutter cutting slitting unit, and a CD cutting unit are loaded in this order in the slots 321 to 324, respectively, as functional units.

[0097] Of these, the only functional unit that performs post-processing in the CD direction is the CD cutting unit. The CD cutting unit is loaded in slot 324, and can perform CD cutting at any position in the FD direction within a range of 100 mm from the front of the paper. However, if the position is more than 100 mm from the front of the paper, there is a possibility that the paper will be pulled by the second post-processing device 400 while the CD cutting unit is performing the cutting process. Therefore, when the CD cutting unit is loaded in slot 324, the range in which it can perform post-processing is restricted to a position of 100 mm from the front of the paper.

[0098] As shown in FIG. 7A, the control unit 360 outputs post-processing possible conditions based on the loading positions of the top and bottom slitting, dummy, gutter cutting slitting, and CD cutting functional units loaded in the slots #1 to #4, respectively.

[0099] Furthermore, the control unit 360 sets 100 mm as a prohibition condition due to the constraint on the CD cutting unit. Then, as shown in Fig. 7B, the control unit 360 outputs prohibition information 700 as an image based on the prohibition condition. Fig. 7B illustrates an example in which the cutting position 702 by the CD cutting unit is maximum at a position 100 mm from the top of the paper.

[0100] Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 7C and 7D, the control unit 360 outputs, as an output image, a representative example of post-processing that can be performed by the arrangement of the above-mentioned functional units.

[0101] Fig. 7C illustrates a case where the CD cutting unit and the top and bottom slitting unit are operated and the gutter cut slitting unit is stopped to perform three-side cutting. Note that the CD cutting unit is restricted to a cutting range of 100 mm from the top of the paper, so the rear end of the paper beyond 100 mm is not cut. Fig. 7D illustrates a case where the CD cutting unit, the top and bottom slitting unit, and the gutter cut slitting unit are all operated to perform three-side cutting and gutter cutting.

[0102] <Relaxation of prohibition conditions by replacing functional units> Fig. 8A is a schematic diagram illustrating an initial state of the arrangement of functional units, and Figs. 8B to 8D are schematic diagrams illustrating cases where the arrangement order has been changed to relax the prohibition conditions from the initial state of Fig. 8A.

[0103] Returning to Fig. 4B again, it is determined whether or not the prohibition condition is alleviated by replacing the functional units (step 205). For example, as shown in Fig. 8A, assume that a top and bottom slit unit, a dummy unit, a dummy unit, and a CD cutting unit are respectively loaded in slots #1 to #4. In this case, the executable range of the CD cutting process is 100 mm from the top of the paper. In other words, the prohibition condition becomes 100 mm.

[0104] If the prohibition is not alleviated by replacing the functional units (step S205: NO), the control unit 360 ends the process (returns).

[0105] On the other hand, if the prohibition condition is alleviated by replacing the functional units (step S205: YES), the control unit 360 outputs the post-processing possible conditions when the prohibition condition is alleviated (step S206). More specifically, when the prohibition condition is alleviated by replacing the positions of the top and bottom slitting units, the dummy unit, the dummy unit, and the CD cutting unit loaded in slots #1 to #4, the control unit 360 recommends to the user an arrangement that alleviates the prohibition condition. For example, the control unit 360 presents the arrangement of the functional units as shown in Figures 8B to 8D to the user, and ends the process (return).

[0106] As shown in Fig. 8B, the control unit 360 may recommend to the user to rearrange the functional units so that the CD cutting unit is located in slot #3. To change the functional unit order in Fig. 8A to that in Fig. 8B, for example, the user can achieve this by rearranging the dummy unit in slot #3 and the CD cutting unit in slot #4. In the rearranged order, the executable range of the CD cutting process is, for example, 230 mm from the top of the paper. That is, the prohibition condition is 230 mm, which is more relaxed than the case shown in Fig. 8A.

[0107] Also, as shown in Fig. 8C, the control unit 360 may recommend to the user to rearrange the functional units so that the CD cutting unit is located in slot #2. To change the functional unit order in Fig. 8A to that in Fig. 8C, for example, the user can achieve this by rearranging the dummy unit in slot #2 and the CD cutting unit in slot #4. In this case, the executable range of the CD cutting process is, for example, 360 mm from the top of the paper. That is, the prohibition condition is 360 mm, which is more relaxed than the case shown in Fig. 8A.

[0108] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 8D, the control unit 360 may recommend to the user to rearrange the functional units so that the CD cutting unit is located in slot #1. To change the functional unit order in FIG. 8A to that in FIG. 8C, for example, the user can rearrange the dummy unit in slot #2 with the CD cutting unit in slot #4, and further rearrange the CD cutting unit in slot #2 with the top and bottom slit unit in slot #1. In this case, the executable range of the CD cutting process is, for example, 490 mm from the top of the paper. In other words, the prohibition condition is eliminated, and the prohibition condition is relaxed compared to the case shown in FIG. 8A.

[0109] In this manner, in this embodiment, the control unit 360 can present the user with better conditions with looser prohibition conditions even for the same combination of functional units (for example, top and bottom slitting unit, dummy unit, dummy unit, CD cutting unit).

[0110] <List of functional unit combinations> Combinations of functional units will be described with reference to Figures 9A and 9B. Figure 9A is a table listing representative post-processing realized by combinations of functional units and conditions under which the post-processing can be performed, and Figure 9B is a table following Figure 9A. Control unit 360 can output the tables shown in Figures 9A and 9B in response to a user instruction.

[0111] In Fig. 9A, the combination of functional units shown in "No. 1" is the same as the combination of functional units shown in Fig. 5A. As mentioned above, a typical example of post-processing is four-sided cutting. In the "Post-processing" column in the table, the dashed line indicates cutting by top and bottom slitting or CD cutting.

[0112] Examples of post-processing include FS main tray (discharged to the main tray after processing by a post-processing device), LS main tray (discharged to the main tray after processing by a large stacker), SD book body (saddle stitch binding), PB book body (case binding), etc. Examples of output items include sheets, flyers, leaflets, banners, etc.

[0113] As shown in "No. 2", by combining the same functional units as "No. 1" above, the CD cutting unit can perform the process of cutting the paper multiple times in the CD direction. The table shows an example of an A3 size paper being divided into two A4 size papers.

[0114] Examples of post-processing include TU (Trimer Unit) purge (discharge to purge tray 340), FS main tray, LS main tray, PB main body, etc. Also, examples of output products include sheets, flyers, leaflets, banners, etc., just like "No. 1".

[0115] The combination of functional units shown in "No. 3" is the same as the combination of functional units shown in Figure 6A. As mentioned above, typical examples of post-processing include four-sided cutting and crease processing. In the "Post-processing" column in the table, the dashed lines indicate cutting by top and bottom slit processing or CD cutting, and the thick lines indicate streaks caused by crease processing.

[0116] Post-processing includes PB cover (creating a cover by perfect binding), SD cover (creating a cover by saddle stitching), SD folding (folding by saddle stitching), long creasing (for folding), etc. Output products include banners, book covers, leaflets, catalogs, pamphlets, photo albums, booklets, etc.

[0117] As shown in "No. 4", when the functional units for top and bottom slitting, crease, gutter cut slitting, and CD cutting are loaded in each of slots #1 to #4, typical examples of post-processing include four-side cutting and crease processing.

[0118] An example of the post-process is TU purging (discharge to the purge tray 340). Also, examples of the output products include bi-fold cards (shopping cards, greeting cards, stamp cards, invitation cards, etc.).

[0119] As for the discharge destination, the paper can be purged to the purge tray 340, but cannot be conveyed to the downstream second post-processing device 400 because the paper is divided into a plurality of pieces in the FD direction by the drain cutting and slitting process.

[0120] Next, in Fig. 9B, the combination of functional units shown in "No. 5" is the same as the combination of functional units shown in Fig. 7A. As mentioned above, a representative example of post-processing is multiple cutting processing (cards). The post-processing includes TU purging, and the output items include cards (shopping cards, greeting cards, stamp cards, invitations, etc.).

[0121] The combination of functional units shown in "No.6" is the one in which the gutter cut slit unit in "No.5" is replaced with a business card slit unit. The post-process is TU purge or a dedicated stacker, and the output is business cards and cards.

[0122] In "No.7" and "No.8," slots #1 to #4 are equipped with functional units for top and bottom slitting, CD sewing, FD sewing, and CD cutting, respectively. In the case of "No.7," typical examples of post-processing include four-side cutting and sewing. In the case of "No.8," typical examples of post-processing include multiple cutting and sewing. In "No.7" and "No.8," the dashed lines indicate sewing by the CD sewing or FD sewing. Post-processing includes TU purging, and output items include tickets, coupons, etc.

[0123] In order to allow the user to easily visualize the output, the tables in FIGS. 9A and 9B may include samples such as photographs of the output.

[0124] <Example of post-processed paper output> Next, an example of output of paper that has been post-processed by the first post-processing device 300 will be described. Figs. 10A to 10E are schematic diagrams showing an example of output of paper that has been post-processed by the first post-processing device 300. In Figs. 10A to 10E, "display (print) pattern" typically indicates a post-processing image displayed on the display of the operation display unit 280, or a post-processing image printed on paper. Also, "output paper" typically indicates the form of paper that is output when post-processing is performed.

[0125] 10A shows a case where a four-side cutting process is performed. In the "display (print) pattern", the positions where the top and bottom slit units or the CD cutting units will cut are shown, for example, by dashed lines. When a four-side cutting process is performed, a sheet of paper with the four edges cut is output, as shown in the "output paper".

[0126] 10B shows a case where a crease process is performed by a crease unit in addition to cutting on all four sides. In this case, the edges on all four sides are cut and the paper is output with creases in the CD direction.

[0127] 10C shows a case where, in addition to cutting and creasing on all four sides, the edge of the sheet is cut and the sheet is divided into two sheets in the FD direction, and the sheet is output with creases in the CD direction.

[0128] 10D shows a case where top and bottom slitting and multiple cutting for business cards are performed. In this case, the top and bottom edges are cut off, and multiple pieces of paper the size of business cards are output.

[0129] 10E shows a case where four-side cutting, CD perforation, and FD perforation are performed. In this case, the four edges are cut and a sheet with perforations formed in the CD and FD directions is output.

[0130] <Variation 1> 11A to 11D are schematic diagrams for explaining Modification 1 of this embodiment. In Modification 1, not only is post-processed paper 601 presented to the user, but also a message is displayed to the user that post-processing will be performed appropriately on the paper in accordance with the arrangement of the functional units.

[0131] As shown in FIG. 11A, the control unit 360 outputs the paper 600 with text 604 such as letters and numbers at the cutting positions in the four-side cutting process. In the example shown in FIG. 11A, "(1) Leading Edge" and "(1) Trailing Edge" indicate the cutting positions of the leading edge and trailing edge of the paper where the CD cutting process is performed, respectively. Also, "(3) Top Surface" and "(3) Ground Surface" indicate the cutting positions of the top surface edge and ground edge where the top and bottom slitting process is performed, respectively. As described above, the paper 601 with the four edges cut is presented to the user, but the removed four edges 602 are not presented to the user.

[0132] As shown in Fig. 11B, when the control unit 360 performs crease processing in addition to the four-way cutting processing in Fig. 11A, it outputs text 604 such as letters and numbers at the positions where the creases will be formed. For example, in the example shown in Fig. 11B, "(2) Crease" indicates the positions where the creases will be formed.

[0133] 11C and 11D, instead of adding text 604 to the cutting position of the paper 600, a color frame 605 may be added to the cutting position. For example, the cutting position in the CD direction and the cutting position in the FD direction may be identified by adding different colors. Alternatively, the cutting position in the CD direction and the cutting position in the FD direction may be identified by adding different patterns, marks, designs, etc.

[0134] In this way, in variant example 1, an output image is printed that includes an identifier (text 604 or color frame 605) indicating the location where the functional unit will perform post-processing, so that the user can easily confirm that post-processing will be performed appropriately on the paper that is actually output.

[0135] <Variation 2> 12A to 12C are schematic diagrams for explaining Modification 2 of this embodiment. In Modification 2, an image is formed not on the paper whose edge has been cut, but on the edge of the paper that has been removed by the cutting process, thereby presenting to the user that the cutting process will be appropriately performed on the paper in accordance with the arrangement of the functional units.

[0136] As shown in FIGS. 12A to 12C, the control unit 360 forms a solid image on a paper edge 802 that is removed by the cutting process of the paper 800. The paper edge 802 is the portion excluding the output image, and is the peripheral portion adjacent to the output image. It is not necessary to form a solid image on the entire surface of the paper edge 802, and it may be a frame line several millimeters wide that surrounds the output image. In the second modification, not only the paper 801 with the edge cut off, but also the paper edge 802 is presented to the user. The user confirms that no solid portion remains on the paper 801.

[0137] In this way, in variant example 2, an image is printed in the adjacent area surrounding the output image of the paper after post-processing unit 320 has performed the cutting process, so that the user can easily confirm that the cutting process will be performed appropriately on the paper that is actually being output.

[0138] The first post-processing device 300 and the image forming system 100 of the present embodiment described above provide the following advantages.

[0139] Since the first post-processing device 300 outputs the conditions under which post-processing is possible according to the mounting positions of the functional units in the first post-processing device 300, the user can easily determine whether the desired post-processing is possible or not.

[0140] <Variation 3> 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a first post-processing device 300 of Modification 3. In this modification, a case will be described in which a display unit 329 of the first post-processing device 300 displays possible post-processing conditions and an output image of the post-processing unit 320, instead of the operation display unit 280 or the image forming unit 230 of the image forming apparatus 200.

[0141] The first post-processing device 300 further includes a display unit 329. The display unit 329 functions as a condition output unit together with the control unit 360, and displays the conditions under which the post-processing device 320 can perform post-processing according to the mounting positions of the functional units of the post-processing device 320.

[0142] The embodiment has been described above. However, it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can appropriately add, modify, and omit the present invention within the scope of the technical concept thereof.

[0143] For example, in the above embodiment, the control unit 360 of the first post-processing device 300 derives the conditions under which the post-processing unit 320 can perform post-processing in accordance with the mounting positions of the functional units detected by the detection sensors 325 to 328. However, the present invention is not limited to this case, and the control unit 290 of the image forming device 200 may be configured to derive the conditions under which the post-processing unit 320 can perform post-processing in accordance with the mounting positions of the functional units detected by the detection sensors 325 to 328.

[0144] In the above embodiment, the constraint is described as an example in which the paper being post-processed in the first post-processing device 300 is pulled by the second post-processing device 400 connected in the downstream, but the present invention can be applied to other constraints as well. Also, the present invention can be applied to constraints not only in the CD direction but also in the FD direction.

[0145] The control programs for the image forming apparatus and the first and second post-processing apparatuses may be provided by a computer-readable recording medium such as a USB memory, a flexible disk, or a CD-ROM, or may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the programs recorded on the computer-readable recording medium are usually transferred to and stored in a storage unit or a storage device. The control programs may be provided as independent application software, or may be incorporated into the software of each image forming apparatus as a function of the image forming apparatus. [Explanation of symbols]

[0146] 100 Image forming system, 200 Image forming apparatus, 210 Image reading unit, 220 Image processing unit, 230 Image forming unit, 240 Paper feed section, 250 Paper transport section, 260 Fixing section, 270 Communications Department, 271 Network I / F, 271 Post-processing device I / F, 280 Operation display section, 290 Control section, 300 first post-processing device, 310 Paper transport unit, 311~313 conveying path, 314 Transport roller pair, 315 Long paper transport section, 316 Purge conveying section, 320 post-processing section, 321~324 slots, 325~328 Detection sensor, 330 Trash box, 340 purge tray, 350 Communication I / F unit, 360 control section, 400 second post-treatment device, 410 Insertion feed section, 420 Paper transport section, 430 Flat binding section, 440 Main tray, 450 purge tray, 460 Communication I / F unit, 470 Control section, 501~504 Functional units.

Claims

1. A post-processing device that performs a predetermined post-processing that can be performed by a combination of a plurality of replaceable functional units on conveyed paper, a plurality of slots, each slot being capable of being loaded with the functional unit at a respective loading position along the transport path; a loading detection unit that detects that the functional unit is loaded into the slot; a type detection unit that detects a type of function of the functional unit loaded in the slot; A post-processing device having a condition output unit that outputs information regarding the loading position of the functional unit that enables the specified post-processing to be performed on the paper based on the functional unit being loaded to perform the specified post-processing on the paper.

2. The post-processing device according to claim 1 , wherein the condition output unit further outputs a condition for enabling post-processing according to the type of the function detected by the type detection unit and the loading position.

3. The post-processing device according to claim 2 , wherein when the type of function detected by the type detection unit is post-processing in a direction perpendicular to a paper transport direction, the condition for enabling post-processing includes a post-processing position relative to the paper.

4. A post-processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the condition output unit further outputs the loading position of the functional unit as a condition for post-processing based on the type of the functional unit and the length of the paper in the transport direction, and outputs the length of the paper in the transport direction as a condition for post-processing based on the type of the functional unit and the loading position of the functional unit.

5. 5. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the condition output section further outputs examples of post-processing that can be performed by the detected combination of functional units.

6. A post-processing device as described in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein a dummy unit is loaded into a slot among the plurality of slots that is not loaded with a functional unit that performs the specified post-processing.

7. A method for controlling a post-processing device having a plurality of slots into which functional units can be loaded at respective loading positions along a transport path, the post-processing device performing a predetermined post-processing that can be performed by a combination of the plurality of interchangeable functional units on transported paper, the method comprising the steps of: (a) detecting that the functional unit has been inserted into the slot; (b) detecting a type of function of the functional unit installed in the slot; A method for controlling a post-processing device, comprising: a step (c) of outputting information regarding the loading position of the functional unit corresponding to the post-processing that enables the specified post-processing to be performed on the paper based on the fact that the functional unit that performs the specified post-processing is loaded on the paper.

8. The method for controlling a post-processing device according to claim 7 , wherein the outputting step further comprises outputting examples of post-processing that can be performed by the detected combination of functional units.

9. A method for controlling a post-processing device as described in claim 7 or 8, wherein a dummy unit is loaded into a slot among the plurality of slots that is not loaded with a functional unit that performs the specified post-processing.

10. A control program for a post-processing device having a plurality of slots into which functional units can be loaded at respective loading positions along a transport path, the post-processing device performing a predetermined post-processing that can be performed by a combination of the plurality of interchangeable functional units on transported paper, the control program comprising: (a) detecting that the functional unit has been inserted into the slot; (b) detecting a type of function of the functional unit installed in the slot; and (c) outputting information regarding the loading position of the functional unit that enables the specified post-processing to be performed on the paper based on the fact that the functional unit that performs the specified post-processing is loaded on the paper.

11. The control program for a post-processing device according to claim 10 , wherein the step of outputting further comprises outputting an example of post-processing that can be performed by the detected combination of functional units.

12. A control program for a post-processing device as described in claim 10 or 11, wherein a dummy unit is loaded into a slot among the plurality of slots that is not loaded with a functional unit that performs the specified post-processing.

Images