Aftertreatment Device

Abstract

To switch an opening / closing member to an open position for opening a sheet discharge port in accordance with a situation of a post-processing device in a case where manual staple is not executed.SOLUTION: A post-processing device comprises: a tray on which a sheet is loaded; staple means which staples a sheet bundle loaded on the tray; discharge means which discharges the stapled sheet bundle through a discharge port; and opening / closing means which can switch between the open state for opening the discharge port and the close state for closing the discharge port. The post-processing device can switch between the first mode for stapling the sheet bundle conveyed to the tray from an image formation device and the second mode for stapling the sheet bundle inserted to the tray through the discharge port from the outside. When the conveyance failure of sheets occurs in the post-processing device, the post-processing device switches the opening / closing means to the open state to inhibit execution of staple by the staple means in the second mode.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a post-processing device that performs a staple process. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, there is known a post-processing device that can be connected to an image forming device such as a copier or printer and performs a staple process (hereinafter also referred to as automatic stapling) on ​​a sheet bundle discharged from the image forming device. Some of such post-processing devices have a function of stapling the sheet bundle discharged from the image forming device and a function of stapling a sheet bundle inserted by a user from outside the post-processing device (hereinafter also referred to as manual stapling). Patent Document 1 discloses that a user inserts a sheet bundle from the sheet discharge port of the post-processing device and performs manual stapling. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2012-173351 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In conventional post-processing devices, in order to perform manual stapling, an opening / closing member provided at the paper discharge outlet is switched to an open position to open the paper discharge outlet. However, even when manual stapling is not performed, it is desirable to switch the opening / closing member to the open position to open the paper discharge outlet depending on the status of the post-processing device.

[0005] The invention of the present application has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned circumstances, and aims to improve usability by switching the opening and closing member to the open position depending on the status of the post-processing device. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to achieve the above object, a post-processing device connectable to an image forming device includes a tray on which sheets are stacked, a stapler that staples the sheet stack stacked on the tray, a discharger that discharges the stapled sheet stack through a discharge opening, and an opening / closing unit that can switch between an open state that opens the discharge opening and a closed state that closes the discharge opening, and the post-processing device that staples the sheet stack transported from the image forming device to the tray. The stapled sheet bundle is discharged through the discharge port. A first mode, After switching the outlet from the closed state to the open state, and a second mode in which stapling is performed on a sheet stack inserted from the outside into the tray through the discharge port. When a sheet transport failure occurs in the post-processing device, the opening / closing means is set to the open state, and stapling by the stapling means in the second mode is prohibited. At the same time, a display unit displays a message indicating that the transport failure has occurred and that the execution of stapling by the stapling process in the second mode is prohibited until the transport failure is resolved. It is characterized by: Effect of the Invention

[0007] According to the configuration of the present invention, the opening / closing member can be switched to the open position depending on the state of the post-processing device, thereby improving usability. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] Schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 901 [Diagram 2] A top view of the post-processing device 901 [Diagram 3] A block diagram for explaining the system configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 901. [Figure 4] Hardware configuration diagram related to the post-processing control unit 303 [Diagram 5] A flowchart showing the operation of the post-processing control unit 303 when performing manual stapling processing. [Figure 6] A flowchart showing the operation of the post-processing control unit 303 when performing automatic stapling processing. [Figure 7]A flowchart showing the operation of the post-processing control unit 303 when performing automatic stapling processing. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the following embodiments do not limit the invention according to the claims, and all of the combinations of features described in the embodiments are not necessarily essential to the solution of the invention.

[0010] (First embodiment) 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing apparatus 901. In the following, the post-processing apparatus 901 and the image forming apparatus 100 will be described as separate units as an example, but the post-processing apparatus 901 and the image forming apparatus 100 may be configured as an integrated unit (image forming system).

[0011] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of an image forming apparatus 100 and a post-processing device 901 in this embodiment. The image forming apparatus 100 is an electrophotographic color laser beam printer. The image forming apparatus 100 includes photosensitive drums 5Y, 5M, 5C, and 5K, which are configured by applying an organic photoconductive layer to the outer periphery of an aluminum cylinder, for each station arranged in a row for the number of developing colors. Here, Y represents yellow, M represents magenta, C represents cyan, and K represents black. In the following description, when it is not necessary to distinguish colors, reference symbols may be used without the English letters Y, M, C, and K at the end. The image forming apparatus 100 includes a charger 7, a laser scanner 10, a developing device 8, a toner cartridge 11, an intermediate transfer belt 12, a primary transfer roller 6, a secondary transfer roller 9, and a fixing device 13.

[0012] When the printing operation is started, the photosensitive drum 5 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (the direction of the arrow in the figure) by a drive motor (not shown). The charger 7 has a charging sleeve 7S to charge the photosensitive drum 5. The surface of the photosensitive drum 5 charged by the charging sleeve 7S is exposed by a laser scanner 10. The laser scanner 10 exposes the photosensitive drum 5 based on input image data, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 5. The developer 8 has a developing sleeve 8S to visualize the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 5. The developing sleeve 8S supplies toner to the photosensitive drum 5 to visualize the electrostatic latent image as a toner image.

[0013] The intermediate transfer belt 12 is an endless belt stretched by a drive roller 18a and driven rollers 18b and 18c. The intermediate transfer belt 12 is rotated in a clockwise direction (indicated by an arrow in the figure) by the drive roller 18a while in contact with the photosensitive drum 5. Toner images are then transferred sequentially onto the intermediate transfer belt 12 by the primary transfer roller 6 (hereinafter also referred to as primary transfer). The toner images of each color are transferred onto the intermediate transfer belt 12 in an overlapping manner, forming a color image on the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0014] A sheet 1 (recording material), for example, paper, is placed on the paper feed cassette 2 or the multi-tray 3. The paper feed roller 4 feeds the sheet 1 from the paper feed cassette 2 or the multi-tray 3 to the conveying path 25. The sheet 1 fed to the conveying path 25 is conveyed by the conveying roller 24 toward the registration sensor 19. When the registration sensor 19 detects the leading edge of the sheet 1, the sheet 1 is further conveyed by a certain amount and abuts against the registration roller 23, which is stopped. This forms a bend (also called a loop) in the sheet 1. The registration roller 23 re-conveys the stopped sheet 1 toward the secondary transfer roller 9 so as to match the timing with the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12. The sheet 1 is sandwiched and conveyed between the intermediate transfer belt 12 and the secondary transfer roller 9, and the toner image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 12 is transferred to the sheet 1 all at once (hereinafter also called secondary transfer). When secondary transfer is performed, the secondary transfer roller 9 moves to the position indicated by the solid line and comes into contact with the intermediate transfer belt 12. When secondary transfer is not performed, the secondary transfer roller 9 moves to the position indicated by the dotted line and is separated from the intermediate transfer belt 12.

[0015] The fixing unit 13 fixes the transferred toner image onto the sheet 1 while conveying the sheet 1 toward a fixing unit conveyance sensor 22. The fixing unit 13 has a fixing roller 14 that heats the sheet 1, and a pressure roller 15 that presses the sheet 1 against the fixing roller 14. The fixing roller 14 and the pressure roller 15 are formed hollow, and heaters 16 and 17 are disposed inside, respectively. The cleaning device 21 cleans the toner remaining on the intermediate transfer belt 12. The cleaned toner is stored in a cleaner container provided in the cleaning device 21.

[0016] The post-processing device 901 receives the sheets 1 conveyed from the image forming device 100 and performs a predetermined post-processing on the received sheets 1. Examples of post-processing performed by the post-processing device 901 include stapling, bookbinding, and shifting. Stapling is a process of stacking a predetermined number of sheets 1 and then binding the sheets 1 near a specific end. Bookbinding is a process of stacking a predetermined number of sheets 1 and then center-folding or center-stitching. Shifting is a process of shifting the position of the sheets 1 in the width direction of the sheets 1 (the direction perpendicular to the discharge direction in the figure). The post-processing device 901 can also perform stacking to discharge the sheets 1 conveyed from the image forming device 100 without any processing.

[0017] The post-processing device 901 includes a pair of conveying rollers 915, a staple tray 912, a pair of paper discharge rollers 916, and paper discharge trays 910 and 911 that are arranged downstream of the pair of paper discharge rollers 916 and can move up and down. The pair of conveying rollers 915 receives the sheet 1 conveyed from the image forming device 100 and conveys it toward the staple tray 912. The staple tray 912 temporarily stacks the sheet 1 in order to perform shift processing and stapling processing. When stacking the sheet 1 on the staple tray 912, the pair of paper discharge rollers 916 is rotated forward to receive the sheet 1, and when the rear end of the sheet 1 leaves the pair of conveying rollers 915, the pair of paper discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917 are rotated in the reverse direction. As a result, the sheet 1 is sent to the staple tray 912, and the sheet 1 is aligned in the conveying direction of the sheet 1.

[0018] The jogger unit 919 as an alignment means is parallel to the stacking surface on which the sheets 1 received on the staple tray 912 are stacked, and aligns the sheets 1 stacked on the staple tray 912 in a direction perpendicular to the discharge direction of the sheets 1, that is, in the width direction of the sheets 1. When performing shift processing, the jogger unit 919 not only aligns the sheets 1 stacked on the staple tray 912, but also operates to shift the position of the sheets 1 in the width direction.

[0019] A staple unit 913 as a stapling means has a staple cartridge 914 in which staples used for stapling are collected, and performs stapling on a plurality of sheets 1 stacked on a staple tray 912. A stack of sheets 1 stapled by the staple unit 913 is discharged to a paper discharge tray 910 or a paper discharge tray 911 by a pair of paper discharge rollers 916 as a discharge means through a paper discharge outlet 940 (discharge outlet) of the post-processing device 901. Hereinafter, this stapling function is also referred to as automatic stapling.

[0020] The paper discharge port 940 functions to discharge the stapled sheet stack to the paper discharge tray 910 or 911 during automatic stapling processing (also referred to as a first mode). During manual stapling processing (also referred to as a second mode), it functions as a setting section for setting the sheet stack on the staple tray 912. The paper discharge port 940 is opened and closed by a paper discharge port cover 918 as an opening and closing means. When manual stapling processing is not performed, the paper discharge port cover 918 is closed, and when manual stapling processing is performed, the paper discharge port cover 918 is opened. Details of the manual stapling processing will be described later.

[0021] Furthermore, in case a sheet jams (due to poor transport or clogging, etc.) while the sheet is being transported or post-processed, the post-processing device 901 has a door that can be opened and closed toward the front in the drawing. When a jam is detected, the post-processing device 901 displays the occurrence of the jam on a monitor (not shown), and the user opens the door to expose the inside of the post-processing device 901. The user is then prompted to remove the jammed sheet.

[0022] Fig. 2 is an overhead view of the post-processing device 901. Using Figs. 1 and 2, a manual stapling process in which a sheet stack 902 inserted by a user from outside the post-processing device 901 is stapled will be described. The post-processing device 901 is provided with a manual stapling transition button 201 as a switching means and a manual stapling execution button 202 as a stapling instruction means. The post-processing device 901 in this embodiment is configured to perform manual stapling by a user inserting the sheet stack 902 from outside the post-processing device 901 into a staple tray 912 through a paper discharge port 940.

[0023] When the user presses the manual staple transition button 201 to select a mode for executing manual stapling processing, the post-processing device 901 moves the paper discharge port cover 918 to the open position to open the paper discharge port 940. Furthermore, the paper discharge roller pair 916 and the pull-in roller 917 move to the dotted line positions to separate them. This prevents the paper discharge roller pair 916 and the pull-in roller 917 from interfering with the user's insertion of a sheet stack into the staple tray 912.

[0024] A sheet stack 902 inserted from outside through a sheet discharge port 940 is detected by a sheet detection sensor 204. When the sheet detection sensor 204 detects the sheet stack 902, the post-processing device 901 enters a state of waiting for manual stapling. Then, when a manual stapling execution button 202 is pressed by a user, the post-processing device 901 performs alignment processing on the sheet stack 902 using a jogger unit 919 and stapling processing using a staple unit 913. After the manual stapling processing is completed, the post-processing device 901 moves a pair of sheet discharge rollers 916 and a pull-in roller 917 in FIG. 1 to the positions indicated by solid lines to bring them into contact with the sheet stack 902, and then rotates them forward to discharge the sheet stack 902 to a sheet discharge tray 911.

[0025] 3 is a block diagram for explaining the system configuration of the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing device 901. The controller 301 communicates with an external device 300 such as a host computer to receive print data. The controller 301 also controls the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing device 901 in an integrated manner, and the engine control unit 302 controls the image forming apparatus 100, performs image formation processing on a sheet 1, and performs conveying processing toward the post-processing device 901. The post-processing control unit 303 controls the post-processing device 901, and performs post-processing on the sheet 1 conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100. Alternatively, the post-processing is performed on a sheet stack 902 inserted from the outside by a user.

[0026] The serial signal line 304 is a signal line for transmitting a command signal from the controller 301 to the engine control unit 302. The serial signal line 305 is a signal line for transmitting a command signal from the controller 301 to the post-processing control unit 303. The serial signal line 306 is a signal line for transmitting status data from the engine control unit 302 to the controller 301 in response to the command signal. The serial signal line 307 is a signal line for transmitting status data from the post-processing control unit 303 to the controller 301. The controller 301 transmits command signals to the engine control unit 302 and the post-processing control unit 303 and receives status data from the engine control unit 302 and the post-processing control unit 303 to perform control. When a plurality of devices are connected and operated in this manner, the controller 301 centrally manages the control and status of each device and maintains consistency of operation between the devices. The controller 301 and the engine control unit 302 are provided in the image forming apparatus 100, and the post-processing control unit 303 is provided in the post-processing device 901.

[0027] The post-processing control unit 303 conveys the sheet and performs post-processing in response to a command signal from the controller 301 and a signal from the entrance sensor 950. When performing automatic stapling, the automatic stapling control unit 311 controls the staple unit 913 to perform stapling on the stack of sheets 1 (sheet stack 902) discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. When performing manual stapling, the manual stapling control unit 312 judges whether the manual stapling mode has been switched to by pressing the manual stapling transition button 201. Stapling is performed by pressing the manual stapling execution button 202. Based on the input signal from the sheet detection sensor 204, the time measured by the time measurement unit 308, and the judgment results of the staple end processing unit 310 and the release judgment unit 309, the staple unit 913, the discharge motor 401, and the separation motor 402 are controlled. With these, manual stapling is executed and the manual stapling mode is released.

[0028] The paper discharge port opening / closing control unit 313 controls the separation motor 402 to open and close the paper discharge port cover 918. The remaining paper removal opening determination unit 314 determines whether to open the paper discharge port cover 918 when there is remaining paper in the post-processing device 901. The remaining paper removal completion determination unit 315 determines whether removal of remaining paper in the post-processing device 901 is completed. In addition, by opening the front door, the user can access the inside of the post-processing device 901, and when a jam occurs, the user manually removes the remaining paper. The door opening / closing detection sensor 951 detects the opening / closing state of the front door. If the front door opens when the post-processing device 901 is operating normally, such as when the sheet 1 is being conveyed in the post-processing device 901, the user may touch the internal structure that is being driven and be injured. Therefore, when the door opening / closing detection sensor 951 detects the opening of the front door, the post-processing control unit 303 controls the post-processing device 901 to stop all driving.

[0029] 4 is a diagram showing a hardware configuration related to the post-processing control unit 303. The post-processing control unit 303 has a CPU 400, and communicates with the controller 301 via a serial communication means 427. The serial communication means 427 connects the CPU 400 and the controller 301 with a plurality of signal lines including serial signal lines 305 and 307. When print data 428 is notified to the controller 301 from the external device 300, the controller 301 notifies the CPU 400 of a paper discharge operation start signal 423 and a pending operation presence / absence signal 424 via the serial communication means 427. In addition, the CPU 400 notifies the controller 301 of a paper discharge operation execution status 425 and a manual staple mode transition status 426 via the serial communication means 427.

[0030] Motor drivers 410 and 411 are connected to the output terminals of the CPU 400. The motor driver 410 drives the discharge motor 401. When the discharge motor 401 rotates, a pair of discharge rollers 916 and a pull-in roller 917 rotate, and the sheet 1 is discharged to a discharge tray 910 or 911. The motor driver 411 drives the separation motor 402. When the separation motor 402 rotates forward, the pair of discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917 can be brought into contact with each other. When the separation motor 402 rotates reversely, the pair of discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917 can be separated from each other. The sheet detection sensor 204 uses a pull-up 413 and inputs a sensor state (an ON signal or an OFF signal) to the CPU 400 via a buffer 414. The manual stapling transition button 201 and the manual stapling execution button 202 input the pressed state of the button (ON signal or OFF signal) to the CPU 400.

[0031] Moreover, a staple motor drive signal 415 of the staple unit 913 is connected to an output terminal of the CPU 400. Moreover, a home position sensor signal 416 of the staple unit 913 is connected to an input terminal of the CPU 400. When performing a staple operation, the CPU 400 drives a staple motor (not shown) in the staple unit 913 via the staple motor drive signal 415 to perform a staple process. Then, depending on the input value of the home position sensor signal 416, the staple motor is stopped via the staple motor drive signal 415. The entrance sensor 950 uses a pull-up 417 and inputs a sensor state (ON signal or OFF signal) to the CPU 400 via a buffer 418. The door open / close detection sensor 951 uses a pull-up 419 and inputs a sensor state (ON signal or OFF signal) to the CPU 400 via a buffer 420.

[0032] 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the post-processing control unit 303 when performing manual stapling processing. Note that control regarding the manual stapling processing is executed based on a program stored in the ROM or the like of the CPU 400 mounted in the post-processing control unit 303.

[0033] In S501, when the manual staple transition button 201 is pressed by the user, the post-processing control unit 303 notifies the controller 301 of the transition to the manual staple mode via the serial communication means 427. When the controller 301 receives print data from the external device 300 while in the manual staple mode, the controller 301 reserves the print data in the controller 301. In S502, the post-processing control unit 303 resets the count value of the timer counter T to 0 seconds and starts measuring the time during which the sheet stack 902 is not present in the staple tray while in the manual staple mode. In S503, the post-processing control unit 303 separates the pair of paper discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917 from each other. Furthermore, the post-processing control unit 303 moves the paper discharge port cover 918 to the open position to open the paper discharge port 940.

[0034] In S504, the post-processing control unit 303 determines whether or not the sheet stack 902 has been detected by the sheet detection sensor 204. If the sheet stack 902 has been detected, the process proceeds to S505. If not, the process proceeds to S508. If the sheet stack 902 has been detected in S504, the post-processing control unit 303 resets the count value of the timer counter T to 0 seconds in S505. In S506, the post-processing control unit 303 determines whether or not the manual staple execution button 202 has been pressed. If the manual staple execution button 202 has been pressed, the process proceeds to S507. If the manual staple execution button 202 has not been pressed, the process returns to S504. In S507, the post-processing control unit 303 executes a staple operation by the staple unit 913.

[0035] If the sheet stack 902 is not detected in S504, the release determination unit 309 refers to the count value of the timer counter T in the time measurement unit 308 in S508. Then, it is determined whether or not the elapsed time during which the sheet stack 902 is not detected after the transition to the manual staple mode has reached a predetermined time. If the elapsed time has reached the predetermined time, the process proceeds to S509. If the elapsed time has not reached the predetermined time, the process returns to S504.

[0036] In S509, the post-processing control unit 303 brings the pair of discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917 into contact with each other. Then, in order to close the discharge port 940, the post-processing control unit 303 moves the discharge port cover 918 to the closed position. In S510, the post-processing control unit 303 rotates the pair of discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917 to discharge the sheet stack 902 stapled by the manual stapling process to the discharge tray 911. In S511, the post-processing control unit 303 notifies the controller 301 that the manual stapling mode has ended, and ends the manual stapling mode. After canceling the manual stapling mode, if there is any reserved print data, the controller 301 controls the engine control unit 302 and the post-processing control unit 303 to perform a printing operation.

[0037] 6 and 7, the control when a jam occurs inside the post-processing device 901 will be described. Fig. 6 is a flow chart showing the operation of the post-processing control unit 303 when performing automatic stapling. Note that the control related to the automatic stapling is executed based on a program stored in the ROM of the CPU 400 mounted in the post-processing control unit 303.

[0038] In S601, the post-processing control unit 303 drives the discharge motor in the forward direction to transport the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 100. In S602, the post-processing control unit 303 determines whether the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 has reached the pair of transport rollers 915. If the sheet has not reached the pair, the process returns to S602, and if the sheet has reached the pair, the process proceeds to S603. In S603, when the sheet passes the pair of transport rollers 915, the post-processing control unit 303 reversely rotates the pair of discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917.

[0039] In S604, the post-processing control unit 303 pulls the sheets into the staple tray 912 and stacks the sheets on the staple tray 912. In S605, the post-processing control unit 303 determines whether a pre-specified number of sheets have been stacked on the staple tray 912. If not, the process returns to S601, and if stacked, the process proceeds to S606. In S606, the post-processing control unit 303 staples the sheet stack 902 by the staple unit 913.

[0040] In S607, the post-processing control unit 303 drives the discharge motor in the forward direction to transport the stapled sheet stack 902. The stapled sheet stack 902 is discharged to the discharge tray 910 or the discharge tray 911 by the discharge roller pair 916 through the sheet loading / discharging port 940 (discharging port). In S608, the post-processing control unit 303 determines whether the sheet stack 902 is no longer detected by the sheet detection sensor 204. If the sheet stack 902 is not detected, the process proceeds to S609, and if the sheet stack 902 is detected, the process proceeds to S609. In S609, the post-processing control unit 303 determines that the sheet stack 902 has been normally discharged, and ends the automatic stapling process.

[0041] In S610, the post-processing control unit 303 judges whether or not a predetermined time has elapsed while the sheet stack 902 is detected. If not, the process returns to S608, and if so, the process proceeds to S611. In S611, the post-processing control unit 303 judges that a jam has occurred inside the post-processing device 901. In S612, the post-processing control unit 303 separates the pair of paper discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917. Then, the paper discharge outlet cover 918 is switched to the open position, and the paper discharge outlet 940 is opened (set to the open state). In S613, the post-processing control unit 303 disables (prohibits) the manual stapling process described above in FIG. 5. This is because the paper discharge outlet 940 is opened to remove the jammed sheet stack 902, not to perform manual stapling. Therefore, the post-processing control unit 303 displays on the display as a display unit that a jam has occurred inside the post-processing device 901. In addition, the post-processing control unit 303 also displays that the manual stapling process is disabled until the jam is cleared. It also indicates that manual stapling has become available after the jam has been cleared.

[0042] 6, a jam occurs when automatic stapling is performed, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, similar control is possible when a jam occurs during post-processing without stapling, or when a jam occurs due to a sheet remaining inside the post-processing device 901 immediately after the power is turned on. In other words, the paper discharge port 940 is opened, and manual stapling is disabled.

[0043] Next, the control for re-enabling the disabled manual stapling process will be described with reference to Fig. 7. Fig. 7 is a flow chart showing the operation of post-processing control unit 303 when executing automatic stapling process. Note that the control related to the automatic stapling process is executed based on a program stored in the ROM or the like of CPU 400 mounted in post-processing control unit 303.

[0044] In S701, the post-processing control unit 303 determines whether the sheet is no longer detected by the sheet detection sensor 204. This is to determine whether the user has removed the sheet that became jammed inside the post-processing device 901. If the sheet is detected, the process returns to S701, and if the sheet is not detected, the process proceeds to S702. In S702, the post-processing control unit 303 waits for the time (e.g., about 1 second) that is assumed to indicate the completion of the removal of the sheet by the user to have elapsed since the sheet detection sensor 204 no longer detects the sheet. If the time has not elapsed, the process returns to S702, and if the time has elapsed, the process proceeds to S703.

[0045] In S703, the post-processing control unit 303 judges whether there is a sheet on which an image is to be formed following the jammed sheet. If there is a subsequent sheet, the process proceeds to S704, and if there is no sheet, the process proceeds to S707. In S704, the post-processing control unit 303 prompts the user to remove the subsequent sheet. That is, the process judges whether the front door has been opened to remove the subsequent sheet inside the post-processing device 901. If it has not been opened, the process returns to S704, and if it has been opened, the process proceeds to S705. In S705, the post-processing control unit 303 judges whether the subsequent sheet has been removed. That is, the process judges whether the sheet is no longer detected by the inlet sensor 950. If it has been detected, the process returns to S705, and if it has not been detected, the process proceeds to S706. In S706, the post-processing control unit 303 judges whether the front door has been closed. If it has not been closed, the process returns to S706, and if it has been closed, the process proceeds to S707.

[0046] In S707, the post-processing control unit 303 brings the pair of paper discharge rollers 916 and the pull-in roller 917 into contact with each other. Then, the paper discharge outlet cover 918 is switched to the closed position to close (close) the paper discharge outlet 940. In S708, the post-processing control unit 303 enables (permits) the manual stapling process described above with reference to FIG. 5.

[0047] In this way, when a jam occurs inside the post-processing device 901, the paper discharge port 940 is opened. As a result, when a jam occurs near the paper discharge port 940, the user can remove the jammed sheet through the paper discharge port 940, thereby improving usability. Furthermore, by disabling the manual stapling process when a jam occurs, it is possible to prevent the user from erroneously performing manual stapling when removing the jammed sheet, thereby improving usability. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 901 Aftertreatment device 912 Staple Tray 913 Staple unit

Claims

1. A post-processing device connectable to an image forming device, A tray on which sheets are loaded; a stapler for stapling the sheet stack loaded on the tray; a discharge means for discharging the stapled sheet stack through a discharge opening; an opening / closing means capable of switching between an open state in which the exhaust outlet is opened and a closed state in which the exhaust outlet is closed; A post-processing device capable of switching between a first mode in which a sheet bundle conveyed from the image forming device to the tray is stapled and the stapled sheet bundle is discharged through the discharge port, and a second mode in which the discharge port is switched from the closed state to the open state and then a sheet bundle inserted from outside into the tray through the discharge port is stapled, A post-processing device characterized in that, when a sheet transport failure occurs in the post-processing device, the opening / closing means is opened, stapling by the stapling means in the second mode is prohibited, and a display means displays a message that the transport failure has occurred and that stapling by the stapling process in the second mode is prohibited until the transport failure is resolved.

2. 2. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein when the transport failure is resolved, execution of stapling by the stapling means in the second mode is permitted.

3. 3. The post-processing device according to claim 1, wherein the opening / closing means is brought into the closed state when the transport failure is resolved.

4. a switching means for switching between the first mode and the second mode; 4. The post-processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a stapling instruction unit that instructs the stapling unit to perform stapling.

5. 5. The post-processing device according to claim 4, wherein, when execution of stapling by said stapling means is prohibited, the instruction by said stapling instruction means is invalidated.

Images