Processing system

Abstract

To provide a processing system capable of reducing the frequency of the operation to select the purge destination.SOLUTION: The processing system includes: a processing unit having a processing part that performs desired processing on an object; a feeder unit that supplies the object to the processing unit; and a discharge unit that discharges the object sent from the processing unit. The discharge unit includes a discharge unit purging part capable of discharging the object moving within the discharge unit. The processing system includes: discharge destination setting means configured to, when an object jams in the processing system, set the discharge unit purging part to allow discharge of other objects positioned upstream and downstream of the jammed object; and a conveyance control means that is configured to, when detecting jamming of the object, discharge the other object to the discharge unit purging part set by the discharge destination setting means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing system.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus comprising: an operation unit that accepts a user's operation through an operation screen; a conveyance unit that conveys a sheet to any one of a plurality of paper discharge destinations along a path connected to the plurality of paper discharge destinations; an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet moving along the path; and a control unit that specifies a conveyance destination from among the plurality of paper discharge destinations in accordance with the user's operation accepted by the operation unit, and causes the conveyance unit to convey the sheet to the conveyance destination, wherein when a jam is detected on the path through the conveyance unit, the control unit causes the conveyance unit to suspend conveyance of the sheet, causes the operation unit to display a selection screen for selecting a purge destination from among the plurality of paper discharge destinations to allow the user to accept the purge destination selected by the user through the selection screen, and in response to the operation unit accepting the selected purge destination, specifies a sheet movable to the purge destination from among sheets stopped on the path, and causes the conveyance unit to convey the sheet to the purge destination.

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] In the configuration of Patent Document 1, when a jam is detected, conveyance of the sheet is suspended, and the sheet cannot be conveyed to the purge destination unless the user selects the purge destination from the selection screen each time.

Means for Solving the Problem

[0004] The present invention provides, on an object Image forming unit that forms an image having Image forming apparatus and, the said object is the said Image forming apparatus a supply device that supplies to Image forming apparatusA processing system comprising: a discharge device for discharging the object sent out by; the discharge device includes a discharge device purge section capable of discharging the object moving within the discharge device; and the processing system includes: a discharge destination setting means for setting the discharge device purge section whether to allow the discharge of other objects located upstream and downstream of the object that has jammed within the processing system; and a transport control means for discharging the other objects to the discharge device purge section set by the discharge destination setting means when jamming of the object is detected. Furthermore, the image forming apparatus includes a processing device purge unit capable of discharging objects that have jammed within the processing system when such objects are found moving within the image forming apparatus. It is characterized by the following: [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a processing system that can reduce the frequency of operations required to select a purge destination. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] A schematic diagram showing an example of a processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] A schematic block diagram of a processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] Functional block diagram of the control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4] Hardware block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] Flowchart for setting discharge permission for a discharge tray according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the discharge destination setting screen of the operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] A flowchart showing an example of recording medium ejection control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 8] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the discharge operation when jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the discharge operation when jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 10]An explanatory diagram showing an example of the discharge operation when jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] An explanatory diagram showing an example of the discharge operation when jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 12] A flowchart showing a modified example of the discharge control of a recording medium according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 13] A flowchart showing another modified example of the recording medium ejection control according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 14] A schematic diagram showing a modified example of the processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] This diagram illustrates a modified example of the jam discharge operation during jam formation according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 16] A schematic block diagram showing a modified example of the processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] A schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0008] Figure 1 is an overall schematic diagram showing an example of a processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, an image forming system will be described as an example of a processing system.

[0009] The image forming system 100 comprises a sheet supply device 5, an image forming apparatus 4, and post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3. The image forming apparatus 4 includes an image forming unit 43 that performs a desired process (image forming process in this embodiment) on a sheet-shaped recording medium S (thick line section), which is an example of an object. The image forming process by the image forming unit 43 can employ various image forming methods, such as electrophotography, inkjet, and thermal transfer. In the case of the inkjet method, the image forming unit 43 includes a recording head that ejects droplets, and ejects droplets from the recording head onto the recording medium S to form an image. The recording head may be a serial type that ejects droplets while scanning in a direction perpendicular to the transport direction of the recording medium S, or it may be a line type with a fixed position of the recording head.

[0010] Furthermore, the image forming apparatus 4 is equipped with a transport path switching gate 42. The transport path switching gate 42 is pivotable relative to the transport path P (dashed line section) and can be switched between a first position that guides the recording medium S to the post-processing device 3 and a second position that guides the recording medium S to a tray 41 provided inside the image forming apparatus 4. The image forming apparatus 4 is also equipped with an operation unit 44. The operation unit 44 consists of, for example, a touch panel display and displays various information and processing results such as a cursor, keyboard, menu, window, text or images, as well as receiving input from the user. In this embodiment, the operation unit 44 can display and input various information and processing results not only for the image forming apparatus 4 but also for the entire image forming system 100, including the sheet supply device 5 and post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3. Here, the image forming apparatus 4 is an example of a "processing device", and the image forming unit 43 is an example of a "processing unit". The tray 41 is an example of a "processing device purging unit", and the transport path switching gate 42 is an example of a "discharge destination changing member".

[0011] A sheet supply device 5 is installed in front of the image forming apparatus 4 (on the right side in the diagram). The sheet supply device 5 has a storage section 51 for storing recording media S, and supplies the recording media S sent from the storage section 51 to the image forming apparatus 4 via a transport path P. Here, the sheet supply device 5 is an example of a "supply device".

[0012] A post-processing device 3, a post-processing device 2 and a post-processing device 1 are provided downstream of the image forming apparatus 4 (on the left side in the drawing). The post-processing devices 3, 2, 1 each include discharge trays 31, 21, 11 and conveyance path switching gates 32, 22, 12, respectively. The conveyance path switching gates 32 and 22 are swingable relative to the conveyance path P, and can be switched between a position that guides the recording medium S to a subsequent post-processing device and a position that guides the recording medium S to the discharge trays 31 and 21 provided in the respective device. The conveyance path switching gate 12 of the most downstream post-processing device 1 is swingable relative to the conveyance path P, and can be switched between a position that guides the recording medium S to the discharge tray 14 provided in the device and a position that guides the recording medium S to the discharge tray 11 provided in the device. Further, the post-processing device 1 includes a post-processing unit 13 that performs post-processing such as folding, punching, and stapling on the recording medium S sent from the post-processing device 2, and discharges the post-processed recording medium S to the discharge tray 11 or the discharge tray 14. Here, the post-processing devices 1, 2, 3 are examples of a "discharge device", and the discharge trays 11, 14, 21, 31 are examples of a "discharge device purge unit".

[0013] The image forming system 100 has a function of presetting a discharge destination for discharging other recording media located upstream and downstream of a jammed recording medium when a jammed recording medium occurs in the system. A user can perform input (instruction) of the discharge destination via the operation unit 44. That is, when a jammed recording medium occurs in the image forming system 100, the user can input via the operation unit 44 whether to permit discharge of other recording media to the tray 41 and the discharge trays 11, 14, 21, 31. Accordingly, when a recording medium jam occurs in the image forming system 100, other recording media that are not jammed are automatically conveyed to a discharge tray set by a control unit described later in accordance with a user's input. As a result, the time required for removing the jammed recording medium can be shortened.

[0014] Figure 2 is a schematic block diagram of a processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0015] Image forming apparatus 4 is an example of a processing apparatus, and image forming apparatus 4 comprises a control unit 540, a drive unit 541, a recording medium sensor 542, a storage unit 543, and an operation unit 44.

[0016] When the control unit 540 receives a command to start image forming processing from the operation unit 44 (or an external terminal), it starts driving the drive unit 541. The control unit 540 also receives signals from the recording medium sensor 542 and controls the drive unit 541 and displays information regarding the transport status to the operation unit 44 based on the received signals.

[0017] Furthermore, the control unit 540 performs various settings in the image forming apparatus 4 by storing the information received by the operation unit 44 in the storage unit 543. For example, when the control unit 540 receives setting information from the operation unit 44 (for example, tray information for ejecting the recording medium when a jam occurs), the control unit 540 stores the received information in the storage unit 543. This allows settings (for example, ejection tray settings) to be made according to the setting information.

[0018] Furthermore, when the control unit 540 receives setting information from the operation unit 44, it transmits the received information to the control units of the post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 and the sheet supply device 5, which will be described later.

[0019] The drive unit 541 controls the transport of the image forming unit 43 and the recording medium S shown in Figure 1, and performs image forming processing on the recording medium S. The recording medium sensor 542 is installed at necessary locations on the transport path P of the image forming apparatus 4, detects the passage or stagnation of the recording medium S, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 540.

[0020] The memory unit 543 stores setting information for permission to eject tray 41 of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0021] The operation unit 44 consists of, for example, a touch panel display, and displays various information and processing results such as a cursor, keyboard, menus, windows, text or images, as well as receiving input from the user.

[0022] Next, we will describe an example of a discharge device, the post-processing device 3, 2, and 1. The post-processing device 3 includes a control unit 530, a drive unit 531, a recording medium sensor 532, and a storage unit 533.

[0023] When the control unit 530 receives instructions from the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4, it controls the drive of the drive unit 531 based on those instructions. The control unit 530 also receives signals from the recording medium sensor 532 and, based on the received signals, controls the drive unit 531 and transmits information regarding the transport status to the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0024] Furthermore, when the control unit 530 receives setting information from the control unit 540, it stores the setting information in the storage unit 533, thereby performing various settings in the post-processing device 3.

[0025] The drive unit 531 controls the transport of the recording medium S in the post-processing device 3. The recording medium sensor 532 is installed at necessary locations on the transport path P of the post-processing device 3, detects the passage or stagnation of the recording medium S, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 530.

[0026] The storage unit 533 stores the setting information for permission to discharge to the discharge tray 31 of the post-processing device 3.

[0027] The post-processing device 2 comprises a control unit 520, a drive unit 521, a recording medium sensor 522, and a storage unit 523.

[0028] When the control unit 520 receives instructions from the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4 via the control unit 530 of the post-processing device 3, it controls the drive of the drive unit 521 based on those instructions. The control unit 520 also receives signals from the recording medium sensor 522 and, based on the received signals, controls the drive unit 521 and transmits information regarding the transport status to the control unit 540 via the control unit 530.

[0029] Furthermore, when the control unit 520 receives setting information from the control unit 540 via the control unit 530 of the post-processing device 3, it stores the setting information in the storage unit 523, thereby performing various settings in the post-processing device 2.

[0030] The drive unit 521 controls the transport of the recording medium S in the post-processing device 2. The recording medium sensor 522 is installed at necessary locations on the transport path P of the post-processing device 2, detects the passage or stagnation of the recording medium S, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 520.

[0031] The storage unit 523 stores the setting information for permission to discharge to the discharge tray 21 of the post-processing device 2.

[0032] The post-processing device 1 comprises a control unit 510, a drive unit 511, a recording medium sensor 512, and a storage unit 513.

[0033] When the control unit 510 receives instructions from the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4 via the control units 530 and 520 of the post-processing devices 3 and 2, it controls the drive of the drive unit 511 based on those instructions. The control unit 510 also receives signals from the recording medium sensor 512 and, based on the received signals, controls the drive unit 511 and transmits information regarding the transport status to the control unit 540 via the control units 520 and 530.

[0034] Furthermore, when the control unit 510 receives setting information from the control unit 540 via the control units 530 and 520 of the post-processing devices 3 and 2, it stores the setting information in the storage unit 513, thereby performing various settings in the post-processing device 1.

[0035] The drive unit 511 controls the transport of the recording medium S in the post-processing device 1. The recording medium sensor 512 is installed at necessary locations on the transport path P of the post-processing device 1, detects the passage or stagnation of the recording medium S, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 510.

[0036] The storage unit 513 stores the setting information for permission to discharge the discharge trays 11 and 14 of the post-processing device 1.

[0037] Next, the sheet supply device 5 will be described. The sheet supply device 5 is an example of a supply device and comprises a control unit 550, a drive unit 551, a recording medium sensor 552, and a storage unit 553.

[0038] When the control unit 550 receives instructions from the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4, it controls the drive of the drive unit 551 based on those instructions. The control unit 550 also receives signals from the recording medium sensor 552 and, based on the received signals, controls the drive unit 551 and transmits information regarding the transport status to the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0039] Furthermore, when the control unit 550 receives setting information from the control unit 540, it stores the setting information in the storage unit 553, thereby performing various settings in the sheet supply device 5.

[0040] The drive unit 551 controls the transport of the recording medium S in the sheet supply device 5. The recording medium sensor 552 is installed at necessary locations on the transport path P of the sheet supply device 5, and detects the passage or stagnation of the recording medium S, and transmits a detection signal to the control unit 550. The sheet supply device 5 may also be provided with an discharge tray for discharging recording medium S that are not jammed, in which case a storage unit 553 is provided, and the setting information for permission to discharge to the discharge tray is stored in the storage unit 553.

[0041] In the above configuration, under normal circumstances (when no jam occurs), the post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 are controlled to discharge the image-formed recording medium S into one of the discharge trays 11, 14, 21, or 31 as instructed by the user via the operation unit 44.

[0042] On the other hand, if a jam occurs in the image forming apparatus 4, the post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 control the recording media S in the post-processing devices 1 to 3 to discharge the recording media S to the authorized discharge trays 11, 14, 21, and 31, as in normal circumstances. In this case, the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4 does not issue any instructions to the control units 510, 520, and 530 of the post-processing devices regarding the discharge destination, and each of the control units 510, 520, and 530 of the post-processing devices continues its discharge operation.

[0043] Furthermore, if a jam occurs in the post-processing device, information regarding the jam is transmitted from the control unit of the post-processing device where the jam occurred to the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4, indicating that a jam has occurred. For example, if a jam occurs in post-processing device 1, the control unit 510 of post-processing device 1 transmits this information to the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4 via the control unit 520 of post-processing device 2 and the control unit 530 of post-processing device 3.

[0044] Next, the control units 510, 520, and 530 of the post-processing devices determine whether their own post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 are capable of discharge (purging). For example, they determine whether their own post-processing devices 1 to 3 are capable of purging based on information from the detection signals of each recording medium sensor 512, 522, and 532, and the setting information for discharge permission for each discharge tray. If it is determined that purging is possible, the control unit (510, 520, or 530) of the post-processing device (1, 2, or 3) having a discharge tray to which the recording medium S will be discharged controls the drive unit (511, 521, or 531).

[0045] If the post-processing device downstream in the transport direction among post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 is unable to purge, the system controls the upstream post-processing device to discharge the waste. For example, if the control unit 510 of post-processing device 1 determines that it is unable to purge, the control unit 510 transmits information indicating that it is unable to purge to the control unit 520 of post-processing device 2.

[0046] After receiving information from after-processing device 1 indicating that purging is not possible, after-processing device 2 determines whether it is capable of purging. If the control unit 520 of after-processing device 2 determines that it is capable of purging, the control unit 520 controls the drive unit 521 of after-processing device 2 to discharge the recording medium S that is not jammed into the discharge tray 21 of after-processing device 2. If after-processing device 2 also determines that purging is not possible, the control unit 520 of after-processing device 2 transmits information indicating purging is not possible to the control unit 530 of after-processing device 3. After receiving information from after-processing device 2 indicating purging is not possible, after-processing device 3 determines whether it is capable of purging.

[0047] Then, if the control unit 530 of the post-processing device 3 determines that purging is possible in the post-processing device 3, the control unit 530 controls the drive unit 531 of the post-processing device 3 to discharge the recording medium S that is not jammed into the discharge tray 31 of the post-processing device 3. If the control unit of any of the post-processing devices 1, 2, or 3 issues a request to stop discharge while the discharge of the recording medium S is in progress, the control unit 540 issues a discharge stop instruction to the entire image forming system 100. This discharge stop instruction is issued, for example, if the type of jam that has occurred requires the entire system to be stopped, or if another jam occurs during the purging operation and purging becomes impossible.

[0048] Figure 3 is a functional block diagram of the control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Each of the control units 510, 520, 530, 540, and 550 of the post-processing devices 1-3, the image forming apparatus 4, and the sheet supply apparatus 5 is equipped with discharge destination setting means 510A, 520A, 530A, 540A, and 550A, respectively. Each of the control units 510-550 is also equipped with transport control means 510B, 520B, 530B, 540B, and 550B.

[0050] The discharge destination setting means 510A to 550A configure each device by storing the setting information input from the operation unit 44 in the storage units 513 to 553 corresponding to each control unit 510 to 550. For example, setting information sent from the operation unit 44 is input to control unit 540, and setting information sent via other control units such as control unit 540 is input to control units 530, 520, 510, and 550.

[0051] The transport control means 510B to 550B control the transport of the recording medium S based on the setting information read from the storage units 513 to 553 corresponding to each of the control units 510 to 550, and the detection results of the recording medium sensors 512, 522, 532, 542, and 552 corresponding to each of the control units 510 to 550. For example, if a jam is detected, the transport control means 510B to 550B control the transport to transport another transportable recording medium to the designated discharge tray.

[0052] Figure 4 is a hardware block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0053] Each control unit 510 to 550 is equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 5101, 5201, 5301, 5401, 5501, ROM (Read Only Memory) 5102, 5202, 5302, 5402, 5502, RAM (Random Access Memory) 5103, 5203, 5303, 5403, 5503, I / O ports 5104, 5204, 5304, 5404, 5504, and bus lines 5105 to 5505.

[0054] CPUs 5101 to 5501 are arithmetic units that execute sequential, branching, and iterative processing by running programs stored in ROMs 5102 to 5502.

[0055] ROMs 5102 to 5502 are non-volatile memory devices that store programs and other data executed by CPUs 5101 to 5501.

[0056] RAM5103~5503 is memory that functions as a work area (workspace) for the operation of CPU5101~5501.

[0057] I / O ports 5104 to 5504 are interfaces that receive various signals and data, such as output signals from recording medium sensors 512 to 552, and output various signals, such as drive signals to drive units 511 to 551.

[0058] Bus lines 5105-5505 are address buses, data buses, etc., used to electrically connect various components such as CPUs 5101-5501.

[0059] For example, the control unit 540 may receive setting information from the operation unit 44 via I / O port 5404, and output data to other control units 530 and 550 may also be output from I / O port 5404. Furthermore, the control unit 44 and the other control units 530, 520, 510, and 550 may be connected via bus line 5405.

[0060] Figure 5 is a flowchart illustrating the setting of discharge permission for a discharge tray according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0061] As described above, in this embodiment, when a jam occurs within the system, the image forming system 100 can have the operation unit 44 instruct the destination for discharging other recording media located upstream and downstream of the jammed recording medium, and this destination can be set in advance by the corresponding control unit.

[0062] When setting the discharge destination, the operation unit 44 displays the discharge destination setting screen (step S1). Next, the user specifies the tray to which discharge is permitted from the discharge destination setting screen displayed on the operation unit 44 (step S2). Then, the device equipped with the tray specified by the user stores the discharge permission setting information in the storage unit provided in the device (step S3).

[0063] As a result, once the destination setting is complete, if a jam in the recording medium S is detected within the image forming system 100, other recording media S that are not jammed will be automatically transported to the tray authorized for ejection.

[0064] Figure 6 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display of the discharge destination setting screen of the operation unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] The operation unit 44 displays an image 44a of the image forming system and the discharge tray in the upper half of the screen, as shown in the figure, and a selection unit 44b in the lower half of the screen. The selection unit 44b displays the tray numbers that can be selected as the discharge destination and the name of the device that contains those trays, and the tray numbers match the numbers displayed in image 44a.

[0066] The user specifies the trays to be allowed to discharge from this screen. For example, the user specifies the trays to be allowed to discharge by checking the check box displayed to the left of the tray name in the selection section 44b. Multiple trays can be specified, and Figure 6 shows that the user has specified discharge for tray 6 of the post-processing device 1 and tray 8 of the post-processing device 2.

[0067] Furthermore, the operation unit 44 may also be able to specify the priority of discharge in addition to designating the discharge tray as the discharge destination. For example, in the display of the selection unit 44b, the user may move the tray number and device name up or down to rearrange them, and the rearranged display may be stored in the storage unit as the priority.

[0068] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing an example of recording medium ejection control according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] The image forming system 100 starts forming an image on the recording medium S based on instructions from the control unit 540 of the image forming apparatus 4 (step S50). While the recording medium S is present in the image forming system 100, the transport status of the recording medium S is detected by recording medium sensors provided in the sheet supply device 5, the image forming apparatus 4, and the post-processing devices 1 to 3 to detect the occurrence of jams (step S51). If no jams occur, it is determined whether image formation on a predetermined number of recording medium S has been completed (step S52), and if the predetermined number is reached, image formation is terminated. In step S52, if the predetermined number has not been reached, image formation is continued until the predetermined number is reached while detecting jam occurrences.

[0070] If a jam occurs after image formation has started, the control unit of each device determines whether there is a tray designated by the user as the destination for discharge (step S53). If it is determined that there is no destination (no tray for which discharge has been permitted), the image forming system 100 transports the transportable recording media S to, for example, the nearest tray that can be purged (discharged). For example, if the recording media S cannot be discharged to the discharge trays 11, 14, 21, or 31 of the post-processing device, the recording media S that were being transported within the post-processing devices 1 to 3 stop in place. In addition, recording media S that were being transported within the image forming device 4 and are upstream of the transport path switching gate 42 are discharged to tray 41 of the image forming device 4. Here, "if the recording media cannot be discharged to the discharge trays 11, 14, 21, or 31" means that there is no permission for discharge to the discharge trays 11, 14, 21, or 31, or that the recording media cannot be discharged to a tray for which discharge permission has been set.

[0071] The image forming system 100 then displays tray information for the discharge destination on the operation unit 44 so that the user can recognize where the transportable recording medium S has been discharged. In addition, it displays information such as the jamming procedure for recording medium S that cannot be purged and remain in the machine (hereinafter also referred to as residual medium) on the operation unit 44 to notify the user of the jamming procedure (step S59).

[0072] If it is determined in step S53 that there is a destination for discharge, it is determined whether other recording media S located upstream and downstream of the jammed recording media S can be purged (step S54). If it is determined that the jam cannot be purged, the jamming procedure for residual media in the machine is displayed on the control panel 44 to notify the user of the jamming procedure (step S59).

[0073] If it is determined in step S54 that purging is possible, other recording media S located upstream and downstream of the jammed recording media S are discharged to the discharge tray designated by the user as the discharge destination (step S55). At this point, recording media S that have been transported within the image forming apparatus 4 and whose discharge destination can be changed by the transport path switching gate 42 are discharged to a tray 41 provided in the image forming apparatus 4.

[0074] Furthermore, jamming is detected even while step S55 is being executed (step S56). In step S56, if no jamming has occurred, it is determined whether all of the recording media S to be ejected have been ejected (step S58), and if all ejection is complete, the ejection operation is terminated. In step S58, if ejection is not complete, jamming is detected, and the recording media S to be ejected are ejected to the ejection tray specified by the user as the ejection destination.

[0075] If a new jam occurs in step S56, and the newly jammed recording medium S is located on the transport path P and is in a state where ejection is impossible, the transport operation is stopped (step S57) and the ejection operation is terminated. Once the ejection operation is terminated, the jam handling procedure is displayed on the operation unit 44 to notify the user of how to handle the jam (step S59).

[0076] As described above, this embodiment is an image forming system 100 comprising an image forming apparatus 4 having an image forming unit 43 for performing image forming processing on a recording medium S, a sheet supply device 5 for supplying the recording medium S to the image forming apparatus 4, and a post-processing device 1 for discharging the recording medium S sent out by the image forming apparatus 4. The post-processing device 1 is equipped with discharge trays 11 and 14 capable of discharging recording medium S moving within the post-processing device 1. The image forming system 100 also includes discharge destination setting means 540A and 510A for setting whether to allow the discharge of other recording medium S located upstream and downstream of a jammed recording medium S when a jammed recording medium S occurs within the image forming system 100, and transport control means 540B and 510B for discharging other recording medium S to the discharge trays 11 and 14 set by the discharge destination setting means 540A and 510A when a jammed recording medium S is detected.

[0077] This allows the image forming system 100 to automatically transport other recording media S that are not jammed to the output tray specified by the user as the output destination if a jam is detected in the recording media S. As a result, it is possible to provide an image forming system that can reduce the frequency of operations to select a purge destination.

[0078] Furthermore, as described above, the image forming apparatus 4 is equipped with a tray 41 that can discharge the recording medium S moving within the image forming apparatus 4.

[0079] As a result, recording media S that have not passed through the transport path switching gate 42 of the image forming apparatus 4 can be discharged into the tray 41, thus distributing the destinations of the recording media S and shortening the discharge time.

[0080] Furthermore, as described above, the image forming apparatus 4 is equipped with a plurality of post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 downstream, and each of the plurality of post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 is equipped with discharge trays 11, 14, 21, and 31.

[0081] This reduces the amount of recording medium S that remains stopped within the image forming system 100, thereby shortening the jamming time.

[0082] Furthermore, as described above, the operation unit 44 can specify the destination for outputting other recording media S and the priority of outputting them for output trays 11, 14, 21, 31 and tray 41.

[0083] This allows other recording media S that are not jammed to be automatically ejected to the output tray based on the priority specified by the user.

[0084] Furthermore, as described above, the image forming apparatus 4 is equipped with a transport path switching gate 42 that can switch between a first position for guiding other recording media S to the post-processing device 3 and a second position for guiding other recording media S to the tray 41.

[0085] This makes it possible to discharge recording media S that have not passed through the transport path switching gate 42 of the image forming apparatus 4 into the tray 41.

[0086] The following sections will explain specific examples of discharge destinations based on the jam generation location using Figures 8 to 11. Note that these examples are just examples and are not limited to the four patterns shown in Figures 8 to 11.

[0087] <Pattern 1> Figure 8 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the discharge operation when jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention. Pattern 1 is the case when the recording medium S-10 jams in the post-processing device 1.

[0088] The normal discharge destination is set to the discharge tray 14 of the post-processing device 1, and in the event of jamming, etc., discharge permission is set for discharge trays 14, 11, 21, and 31.

[0089] In this case, the jammed recording medium S-10 and the recording medium S-9, which has passed through the transport path switching gate 22 of the post-processing device 2, stop in place. Recording mediums S-8, S-7, and S-6 are discharged to the discharge tray 21 of the post-processing device 2. Since recording medium S-6 has passed through the transport path switching gate 42 of the image forming apparatus 4, it is discharged to the downstream discharge tray (discharge tray 21 in this example) that is in a state where discharge is possible among the discharge trays for which discharge permission has been set.

[0090] Recording media S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, and S-5 are discharged into tray 41 located within the image forming apparatus 4. In the event of a jam, image forming by the image forming unit 43 is prohibited, and image forming is not performed on recording media S that are discharged via the image forming unit 43 to the discharge trays 14, 11, 21, 31, or tray 41.

[0091] As described above, in this embodiment, when other recording media S-1 to S-8 that have not jammed are discharged to the discharge tray 21 or tray 41 via the image forming unit 43 of the image forming apparatus 4, the image forming unit 43 is prohibited from performing image formation on the other recording media S-1 to S-8.

[0092] Furthermore, if the recording medium S-9 cannot be ejected to the ejection trays 14, 11, 21, or 31 authorized for ejection by the operation unit 44 as described above, the recording medium S-9 is stopped in place.

[0093] Furthermore, as described above, of the other recording media S-4, S-5, and S-6 that were being transported within the image forming apparatus 4, recording media S-4 and S-5, which are located in positions where their discharge destination can be changed by the transport path switching gate 42, and other recording media S-1, S-2, and S-3 that were being transported within the sheet supply device 5 are discharged to tray 41, while of the other recording media S-4, S-5, and S-6 that were being transported within the image forming apparatus 4, recording media S-6, which is located in a position where its discharge destination cannot be changed by the transport path switching gate 42, is discharged to discharge tray 21.

[0094] Furthermore, as described above, among the other recording media S-4, S-5, and S-6 being transported within the image forming apparatus 4, recording media S-6, which is in a position where its destination cannot be changed by the transport path switching gate 42, is discharged to the discharge tray 21 of the downstream post-processing device 2, which is in a state where discharge is possible among the multiple post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 for which discharge permission has been set.

[0095] <Pattern 2> Figure 9 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the discharge operation when jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention. Pattern 2 is the case when the recording medium S-6 jams in the post-processing device 3.

[0096] Similar to Pattern 1, the normal discharge destination is set to the discharge tray 14 of the post-processing device 1, and in the event of jamming, etc., discharge permission is set for discharge trays 14, 11, 21, and 31.

[0097] In this case, the jammed recording medium S-6 stops in place. Recording mediums S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 are located downstream of the jamming location and are not affected by the jammed recording medium S-6. Therefore, recording mediums S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 are discharged to the discharge tray 14, which is their normal discharge destination.

[0098] Recording media S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, and S-5 are discharged into tray 41 located within the image forming apparatus 4. When a jam occurs, image formation by the image forming unit 43 is prohibited, and no image formation is performed on the recording media S that are discharged via the image forming unit 43 to the discharge trays 14, 11, 21, 31, or tray 41. For example, if the image forming apparatus 4 is an electrophotographic type, the secondary transfer current of the secondary transfer device (secondary transfer roller) is turned off when a jam occurs. By transporting the recording media S in this state, toner images will not be transferred to the recording media S as they pass through the transfer positions.

[0099] Furthermore, recording media S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 may be discharged to the downstream discharge tray (for example, discharge tray 11) among the discharge trays 11, 21, and 31 other than discharge tray 14 that is in a state where discharge is possible.

[0100] As described above, in this embodiment, if there are other transportable recording media S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 between the discharge tray 14, which is set as the normal discharge destination for the recording media S, and the recording media S-6 that has jammed upstream of the discharge tray 14, the other recording media S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 are discharged to the discharge tray 14.

[0101] Furthermore, as described above, if there are other transportable recording media S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 between the output tray 14, which is set as the normal output destination for recording media S, and the recording media S-6 that has jammed upstream of the output tray 14, the other recording media S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 are output to the downstream output tray (for example, output tray 11) among the output trays 11, 21, and 31 that the operation unit 44 has authorized to output.

[0102] Furthermore, as described above, when other recording media S-1 to S-5 and recording media S-7 to S-10 that have not jammed are discharged to the discharge tray 21 or tray 41 via the image forming unit 43 of the image forming apparatus 4, the image forming unit 43 is prohibited from performing image formation on recording media S-1 to S-5 and recording media S-7 to S-10.

[0103] <Pattern 3> Figure 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the discharge operation when jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention. Pattern 3 is the case when recording media S-10 and recording media S-6 jam in the post-processing device 1 and the post-processing device 3.

[0104] The normal discharge destination is set to the discharge tray 14 of the post-processing device 1, and in the event of jamming, etc., discharge permission is set for discharge trays 14, 11, 21, and 31.

[0105] In this case, recording media S-10 and S-6, which have jammed, and recording media S-9, which has passed through the transport path switching gate 22, stop in place. Recording media S-8 and S-7 are discharged to the downstream discharge tray 21, which is in a state where discharge is possible among the discharge trays for which the user has set permission for discharge.

[0106] Recording media S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, and S-5 are discharged into tray 41 located within the image forming apparatus 4. In the event of a jam, image forming by the image forming unit 43 is prohibited, and image forming is not performed on recording media S that are discharged via the image forming unit 43 to the discharge trays 14, 11, 21, 31, or tray 41.

[0107] As described above, in this embodiment, when other recording media S-1 to S-5, S-7, and S-8 that have not jammed are discharged to the discharge tray 21 or tray 41 via the image forming unit 43 of the image forming apparatus 4, the image forming unit 43 is prohibited from performing image formation on the other recording media S-1 to S-5, S-7, and S-8.

[0108] Furthermore, if the recording medium S-9 cannot be ejected to the ejection trays 14, 11, 21, or 31 authorized for ejection by the operation unit 44 as described above, the recording medium S-9 is stopped in place.

[0109] <Pattern 4> Figure 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the ejection operation when a jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention. Pattern 4 is the case when the recording medium S-6 jams in the image forming apparatus 4.

[0110] The normal discharge destination is set to the discharge tray 14 of the post-processing device 1, and in the event of jamming, etc., discharge permission is set for discharge trays 14, 11, 21, and 31.

[0111] In this case, the jammed recording medium S-6 stops in place. Recording mediums S-11, S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 are located downstream of the jamming location and are not affected by the jammed recording medium S-6. Therefore, recording mediums S-11, S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 are discharged to the discharge tray 14, which is the normal discharge destination.

[0112] Recording media S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, and S-5 are discharged into tray 41 located within the image forming apparatus 4. In the event of a jam, image forming by the image forming unit 43 is prohibited, and image forming is not performed on recording media S that are discharged via the image forming unit 43 to the discharge trays 14, 11, 21, 31, or tray 41.

[0113] Furthermore, recording media S-11, S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 may be discharged to the downstream discharge tray (for example, discharge tray 11) among the discharge trays 11, 21, and 31 other than discharge tray 14 that is in a state where discharge is possible.

[0114] As described above, in this embodiment, if a jammed recording medium S-6 is present in the image forming apparatus 4, and other recording media S-4 and S-5 that can be transported to tray 41 are also present in the image forming apparatus 4, the other recording media S-4 and S-5 are discharged to tray 41.

[0115] Furthermore, as described above, when other recording media S-1 to S-5 and S-7 to S-11 that have not experienced jamming are discharged to the discharge tray 14 or tray 41 via the image forming unit 43 of the image forming apparatus 4, the image forming unit 43 is prohibited from performing image formation on the other recording media S-1 to S-5 and S-7 to S-11.

[0116] Furthermore, as described above, if there are other transportable recording media S-11, S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 between the output tray 14, which is set as the normal output destination for recording media S, and the recording media S-6 that has jammed upstream of the output tray 14, the other recording media S-11, S-10, S-9, S-8, and S-7 are output to the downstream output tray (for example, output tray 11) among the output trays 11, 21, and 31 that the operation unit 44 has authorized to output.

[0117] The four patterns described above are merely examples, but they enable the transport of non-jammed recording media on the transport path P to the appropriate location when a jam occurs, thereby reducing the amount of recording media that remains stopped within the system. As a result, jam processing time can be shortened.

[0118] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing a modified example of the recording medium ejection control according to an embodiment of the present invention. Steps S53 to S55 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 may be changed to the flowchart shown in Figure 12.

[0119] If the tray normally used for output and the tray used for output when a jam occurs are the same, then recording media that have completed image formation normally and recording media that have been ejected due to jamming will be mixed together in the same tray.

[0120] Therefore, in this modified example, if a jam occurs after image formation has started, the control unit of each device determines whether there is a tray authorized by the user as the destination for discharge (step S531).

[0121] If it is determined in step S531 that there is an outlet, it is determined whether an outlet tray different from the normal outlet is among the outlet trays that the user has authorized for output (step S541).

[0122] If it is determined in step S541 that there is an output destination other than the normal output destination, the recording medium is output to the output tray that is not the normal output destination and is located at the furthest downstream of the output trays for which output permission has been set (step S551).

[0123] If it is determined in step S531 that there is no destination for output, the transport of the recording medium S within the image forming system 100 is stopped (step S5311), and then step S59 (jam processing notification) in Figure 2 is executed. Also, if it is determined in step S541 that there is no destination other than the normal output destination, the recording medium S is output to the downstream tray among the output trays for which output permission has been set (step S5411). Then, step S59 (jam processing notification) in Figure 7 is executed.

[0124] This modified version reduces the mixing of recording media that have completed image formation normally and recording media that have been ejected due to jamming within the same tray.

[0125] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing another modified example of the recording medium ejection control according to an embodiment of the present invention. Steps S53 to S55 in the flowchart shown in Figure 7 may be changed to the flowchart shown in Figure 13.

[0126] In the above embodiment, since the recording media S were discharged by consolidating them into the downstream tray among the discharge trays for which the user had set permission for discharge, it may take some time to complete the discharge process.

[0127] Therefore, in this modified example, if a jam occurs after image formation has started, the control unit of each device determines whether there is a tray authorized by the user as the destination for discharge (step S532).

[0128] If it is determined in step S532 that there is a destination for the discharge, then it is determined whether there are multiple discharge trays that the user has authorized for discharge (step S542).

[0129] If it is determined in step S542 that there are multiple output trays for which output has been permitted, the recording medium is output to the nearest output tray that is close to the recording medium to be output from among the output trays for which output has been permitted (step S552).

[0130] Furthermore, if it is determined in step S532 that there is no destination for the recording medium S, the transport of the recording medium S within the image forming system 100 is stopped (step S5321), and then step S59 (jam processing notification) in Figure 7 is executed. Also, if it is determined in step S542 that there are not multiple output trays for which output has been permitted, the recording medium S is output to the output tray for which output has been permitted (step S5421). Then, step S59 (jam processing notification) in Figure 7 is executed. According to this modified example, the output time of the recording medium S can be shortened.

[0131] Furthermore, although step S552 is configured to transport the recording medium S to the nearest output tray, the user may specify the output priority when granting permission for output to an output tray using the operation unit 44. In this case, the control unit of each device determines whether it is possible to output the recording medium S to the output tray with the highest priority, and if it is possible, it outputs the recording medium S to the target output tray.

[0132] Figure 14 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the processing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. Components equivalent to those in Figure 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted here.

[0133] The image forming system 100, as an example of a processing system shown in Figure 1, is equipped with multiple post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 after the image forming apparatus 4. However, as in the modified image forming system 101, there may be only one post-processing device. In this case, the discharge trays that can be specified as discharge destinations by the operation unit 44 are discharge tray 11 and discharge tray 14.

[0134] Figure 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a modified example of the jam discharge operation when jam occurs according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0135] In the above-described embodiment, the recording medium S that had passed through the transport path switching gate was discharged to an discharge tray located downstream of the transport path switching gate. In contrast, this modified example discharges the recording medium S that has passed through the transport path switching gate by using a switchback transport method.

[0136] For example, if the recording medium S-10 jams at the inlet of the post-processing device 1 as shown in Figure 15(a), the recording medium S-8 is discharged to the discharge tray 21 as shown in Figure 15(b), and the recording medium S-9 is transported upstream in the transport direction. Then, once the recording medium S-9 has moved upstream of the transport path switching gate 22, the recording medium S-9 is transported downstream in the transport direction again, and the recording medium S-9 is discharged to the discharge tray 21 as shown in Figure 15(c).

[0137] According to this modified version, even if there is a jammed recording medium downstream, the recording medium S-9 does not need to be stopped in place and can be discharged to the discharge tray 21. As a result, the jam processing time within the image forming system can be shortened, and downtime (device downtime) can be reduced.

[0138] Figure 16 is a schematic block diagram showing a modified example of the processing system according to the present invention.

[0139] In Figure 2, the image forming apparatus 4 and the post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 are each equipped with a control unit, but as shown in Figure 16, the control unit may be a single unit. In this modified example, the image forming apparatus 4 and the post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3 are controlled by a common control unit 5000. In this case, the configuration of the control unit 5000 is the same as that of the control units 510 to 550, as shown in Figure 3, and includes an outlet destination setting means and a transport control means. Furthermore, the control unit 5000 has the same hardware configuration as the control units 510 to 550, as shown in Figure 4.

[0140] Furthermore, instead of providing a separate memory unit for each device, a common memory unit 4000 may be provided. The memory unit 4000 stores, for example, information from the post-processing devices 1, 2, and 3, and tray information for which discharge permission can be set, linked together.

[0141] Figure 17 is a schematic diagram of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, illustrating an image forming apparatus employing an electrophotographic method.

[0142] The image forming apparatus 4 comprises at least an image forming unit 43, a recording medium transport unit 45, image reading units 46a and 46b, and a control unit 540. The control unit 540 controls the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 4 and controls a series of processes for forming an image on a sheet S, which is a sheet-shaped recording medium. The image forming unit 43 includes a photoreceptor drum 431 for forming latent images corresponding to each color image, and is arranged to correspond to the image forming process using yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners. The photoreceptor drum 431 is arranged along an intermediate transfer belt 432, which is an endless moving means.

[0143] The intermediate transfer belt 432 is wrapped around at least one drive roller and a plurality of driven rollers, and moves between a primary transfer position where the developed toner image is transferred to the photoreceptor drum 431 and a secondary transfer position where the toner image is transferred to the sheet S. At the secondary transfer position, a transfer unit 433 is arranged, which includes a transfer roller 433a, an opposing roller 433b positioned opposite it, and a power supply 433c that supplies transfer current to the transfer roller 433a.

[0144] The transfer unit 433 transfers a toner image from the intermediate transfer belt 432 to the sheet S, thereby forming an image at a predetermined position on the sheet S. A gap is formed between the transfer roller 433a and the opposing roller 433b that is large enough to allow the intermediate transfer belt 432 and the sheet S to pass through while being held between them. The transfer unit 433 holds the sheet S in this gap and transports the sheet S in the transport direction (sub-scanning direction), transferring the image to the sheet S.

[0145] The recording medium transport unit 45 includes a supply tray 451 for accommodating the sheets S, a transport path P configured with a plurality of roller pairs for transporting the sheets S, and a fixing roller 452 positioned downstream of the transfer unit 433 in the transport direction. The recording medium transport unit 45 also includes a transport path switching gate 42 and an inversion path 453. Note that the sheets S are not limited to being supplied from the supply tray 451. As shown in the above embodiment, if a sheet supply device 5 is installed upstream of the image forming apparatus 4, there may also be sheets S supplied from the sheet supply device 5 to the image forming apparatus 4.

[0146] During the execution of the image formation process, under the control of a predetermined control process by the control unit 540, the sheet S contained in the supply tray 451 is separated by a pickup roller or the like, then moves along the transport path P and reaches the transfer unit 433. When the sheet S reaches the transfer unit 433, the transfer unit 433 performs a transfer process on the sheet S. That is, the transfer unit 433 transports the sheet S in a predetermined transport direction while holding the sheet S between the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 432, which is biased toward the transfer roller 433a by the opposing roller 433b, and the transfer roller 433a. As the sheet S passes between the intermediate transfer belt 432 and the transfer roller 433a, the toner image on the surface of the intermediate transfer belt 432 is transferred to the sheet S. This transfer process forms an image on one side (first side) of the sheet S.

[0147] The sheet S, on which an image has been formed on the first surface, has the image fixed by the fixing roller 452 and then moves to the reversal path 453 side via the transport path switching gate 42. The sheet S, having moved to the reversal path 453 side, reverses its direction of travel before entering the reversal path 453, flipping its front and back sides before moving to the reversal path 453. The sheet S then moves towards the transfer position of the transfer roller 433a, in a state where the image formed on the intermediate transfer belt 432 is transferred to the second surface of the sheet S. The sheet S, on which an image has been formed on the second surface, has the image fixed by the fixing roller 452 and then moves towards the image reading units 46a and 46b. The image reading units 46a and 46b have a reading unit 46a that reads the first surface of the sheet S and a reading unit 46b that reads the second surface of the sheet S. The image forming apparatus 4 then discharges the sheet S that has passed through the image reading units 46a and 46b outside the machine or to a post-processing device installed downstream of the image forming apparatus 4.

[0148] In the image forming apparatus 4 shown in this example, the transfer roller 433a of the transfer unit 433 corresponds to a secondary transfer roller, and when a jam occurs, the secondary transfer current to this transfer roller 433a is turned off. In other words, when a jam occurs, the supply of transfer current to the transfer roller 433a by the power supply 433c is cut off by instruction from the control unit 540. As a result, even if the transport of the movable recording medium S continues when a jam occurs, the toner image will not be transferred to the recording medium S as it passes the transfer position (transfer unit 433).

[0149] In the embodiments described above, an image forming system was explained using a sheet-shaped recording medium as the object and forming an image on this recording medium as an example. However, the processing system of the present invention is not limited to this. The object may be a plate-shaped recording medium in addition to a sheet-shaped one. Furthermore, the processing system may be, for example, a printing system or a painting system that prints patterns or designs onto a plate-shaped recording medium to create building materials used for floors, walls, etc.

[0150] Furthermore, the processing system may be an electrode manufacturing system for producing electrodes used in electrochemical elements such as primary batteries, secondary batteries, capacitors, and condensers. In this case, a sheet-shaped electrode substrate is transported as the object, and a liquid composition is dispensed onto the electrode substrate using an inkjet method.

[0151] Furthermore, if the image forming unit 43 is an inkjet type, the liquid ejected from the recording head may be a solution, suspension, emulsion, etc., containing a solvent such as water or an organic solvent, a colorant such as a dye or pigment, a polymerizable compound, a resin, a functional material such as a surfactant, a biocompatible material such as DNA, amino acids or proteins, calcium, or an edible material such as a natural pigment. These can be used, for example, as inkjet inks, paints, surface treatment liquids, liquids for forming components of electronic elements or light-emitting elements or electronic circuit resist patterns, and liquids for 3D modeling.

[0152] Each function of the embodiments described above can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Here, "processing circuit" as used herein includes processors programmed to execute each function by software, such as CPUs implemented by electronic circuits, and devices such as ASICs (Application Specific Integrated Circuits), DSPs (Digital Signal Processors), FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), and conventional circuit modules designed to execute each function described above. For example, each function of control units 510, 520, 530, 540, 550, and 5000 can be implemented by one or more processing circuits. Multiple control units may be configured within a single processing circuit.

[0153] The above is merely an example, and the present invention provides specific effects in each of the following embodiments.

[0154] The first embodiment is a processing system (e.g., image forming system 100) comprising: a processing apparatus (e.g., image forming apparatus 4) having a processing unit (e.g., image forming unit 43) that performs a desired process (e.g., image forming process) on an object (e.g., a sheet-shaped recording medium S); a supply device (e.g., sheet supply device 5) that supplies the object to the processing apparatus; and a discharge device (e.g., post-processing device 1) that discharges the object sent out by the processing apparatus, wherein the discharge device includes a discharge device purge unit (e.g., discharge trays 11, 14) capable of discharging the object moving within the discharge device. In addition to providing the above, the processing system is characterized by having an outlet destination setting means (e.g., outlet destination setting means 510A, 540A) that sets whether to allow the discharge of other objects located upstream and downstream of an object that has jammed within the processing system, and a transport control means (e.g., transport control means 510B, 540B) that, when jamming of the object is detected, discharges the other objects to the discharge device purge section set by the outlet destination setting means.

[0155] According to the first embodiment, a processing system can be provided that can reduce the frequency of operations to select a purge destination.

[0156] The second aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the processing apparatus (for example, the image forming apparatus 4) includes a processing apparatus purging section (for example, a tray 41) capable of discharging the object (for example, a sheet-shaped recording medium S) moving within the processing apparatus.

[0157] The third embodiment is characterized in that, in the first or second embodiment, a plurality of discharge devices (e.g., post-processing devices 1, 2, 3) are provided downstream of the processing device (e.g., image forming apparatus 4), and each of the plurality of discharge devices is provided with a discharge device purge section (e.g., discharge trays 11, 14, 21, 31).

[0158] According to the second and third embodiments, it becomes possible to distribute the destinations of the object, thereby shortening the discharge time.

[0159] The fourth aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, if there are other transportable objects (for example, recording media S-10, S-9, S-8, S-7 in Figure 7) between the normal discharge section (for example, discharge tray 14) which is set as the normal discharge destination for the object (for example, a sheet-shaped recording medium S) and the object that has jammed upstream of the normal discharge section (for example, recording medium S-6 in Figure 7), the other objects are discharged to the normal discharge section.

[0160] The fifth aspect is characterized in that, in the fourth aspect, the object that jammed upstream of the normal discharge section (e.g., discharge tray 14) is the object that jammed inside the processing apparatus (e.g., image forming apparatus 4) (e.g., recording medium S-6 in Figure 9).

[0161] The sixth aspect is characterized in that, in the first or third aspect, if there are other transportable objects (for example, recording media S-10, S-9, S-8, S-7 in Figure 7) between the normal discharge section (for example, discharge tray 14) which is set as the normal discharge destination for the object (for example, sheet-shaped recording media S) and the object that has jammed upstream of the normal discharge section (for example, recording media S-6 in Figure 7), the other objects are discharged to the furthest downstream discharge device purge section (for example, discharge tray 11) among the discharge device purge sections (for example, discharge trays 11, 21, 31) set by the discharge destination setting means (for example, discharge destination setting means 510A, 520A, 530A, 540A).

[0162] The seventh aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, if a jammed object (for example, recording medium S-6 in Figure 9) is present in the processing apparatus (for example, image forming apparatus 4), and other objects (for example, recording media S-4, S-5 in Figure 9) that can be transported to the processing apparatus purge section (for example, tray 41) are present in the processing apparatus, the other objects are discharged to the processing apparatus purge section.

[0163] The eighth aspect is characterized in that, in any of the first to seventh aspects, when the other object (for example, recording media S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4, S-5 in Figure 8) is discharged to the discharge device purge section (for example, discharge trays 11, 14, 21, 31) or the processing device purge section (for example, tray 41) via the processing unit (for example, image forming unit 43) of the processing device (for example, image forming apparatus 4), the processing unit is prohibited from performing the processing (for example, image forming processing) on ​​the other object.

[0164] The ninth aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, if the other object (for example, recording medium S-9 in Figure 8) cannot be discharged to the discharge device purge section (for example, discharge trays 11, 14, 21, 31) set by the discharge destination setting means (for example, discharge destination setting means 510A, 520A, 530A, 540A), the other object is stopped at that location.

[0165] The tenth aspect is characterized in that, in the first aspect, the discharge destination setting means (for example, discharge destination setting means 510A, 520A, 530A, 540A) is capable of setting permission for the discharge of other objects and setting the priority of discharge for the discharge device purge section (for example, discharge trays 11, 14, 21, 31) and the processing device purge section (for example, tray 41).

[0166] The eleventh aspect is characterized in that, in the second aspect, the processing apparatus (e.g., image forming apparatus 4) is equipped with a discharge destination changing member (e.g., transport path switching gate 42) that can switch between a first position for guiding the other object to the discharge apparatus (e.g., post-processing apparatus 3) and a second position for guiding the other object to the processing apparatus purging section (e.g., tray 41).

[0167] The twelfth embodiment is characterized in that, in the eleventh embodiment, of the other objects (for example, recording media S-4, S-5, S-6 in Figure 8) that were being transported within the processing apparatus (for example, the image forming apparatus 4), the other objects (for example, recording media S-4, S-5 in Figure 8) that are in a position where their discharge destination can be changed by the discharge destination changing member (for example, the transport path switching gate 42), and the other objects (for example, recording media S-1, S-2, S-3 in Figure 8) that were being transported within the supply device (for example, the sheet supply device 5), are discharged to the processing apparatus purge section (for example, the tray 41), and the other objects (for example, recording media S-6 in Figure 8) that were being transported within the processing apparatus but where their discharge destination cannot be changed by the discharge destination changing member are discharged to the discharge device purge section (for example, the discharge tray 21).

[0168] The 13th embodiment is characterized in that, in the third embodiment, among the other objects (for example, recording media S-4, S-5, S-6 in Figure 8) that were being transported within the processing apparatus (for example, image forming apparatus 4), the other object (for example, recording media S-6 in Figure 8) that is in a position where the destination cannot be changed by the destination changing member (for example, transport path switching gate 42) is discharged to the discharge device purge section (for example, discharge tray 21) of the downstream discharge device (for example, post-processing device 2) that is in a state where discharge is possible among the plurality of discharge devices (for example, post-processing devices 1, 2, 3) for which discharge permission has been set.

[0169] According to these fourth to thirteenth embodiments, objects that are not jammed and are present on the transport path when a jam occurs can be transported to an appropriate location, reducing the number of objects that remain stopped within the system. As a result, the jam processing time can be shortened. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0170] 1. Post-processing device 11. Discharge tray 12. Conveyor path switching gate 13 Post-processing 14. Discharge tray 510 Control Unit 2. Post-processing device 21 Discharge Tray 22 Conveyor path switching gate 520 Control Unit 3. Post-processing device 31. Discharge tray 32 Conveyor path switching gate 530 Control Unit 4. Image forming apparatus 41 trays 42 Conveyor path switching gate 43 Image forming unit 44 Control section 540 Control Unit 5 Sheet feeding device 51 Storage Unit 550 Control Unit 100 Image Forming Systems P transport path S recording medium [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0171] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2017-019172

Claims

1. An image forming apparatus having an image forming unit that forms an image on an object, A supply device for supplying the object to the image forming apparatus, A discharge device for discharging the object sent out by the image forming apparatus, A processing system comprising, The discharge device includes a discharge device purge section capable of discharging the object moving within the discharge device, The processing system is When a jammed object occurs within the processing system, the discharge destination setting means sets whether to allow the discharge of other objects located upstream and downstream of the jammed object to the discharge device purge section, When jam is detected in the aforementioned object, the transport control means discharges the other object to the purge section of the discharge device set by the discharge destination setting means. It has, The image forming apparatus is characterized by comprising a processing device purge unit that can discharge objects moving within the image forming apparatus when an object jams within the processing system.

2. The processing system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of discharge devices downstream of the image forming apparatus, and each of the plurality of discharge devices being provided with the discharge device purging section.

3. The processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that if there is another object that can be transported between the normal discharge section, which is set as the normal discharge destination for the object, and the object that has jammed upstream of the normal discharge section, the other object is discharged to the normal discharge section.

4. The processing system according to claim 3, characterized in that the object that jammed upstream of the normal discharge section is the object that jammed inside the image forming apparatus.

5. The processing system according to Claim 1, characterized in that if there is another object that can be transported between the normal discharge section set as the normal discharge destination for the object and the object that has jammed upstream of the normal discharge section, the other object is discharged to the furthest downstream discharge device purge section among the discharge device purge sections permitted for discharge by the discharge destination setting means.

6. The processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that if the object that has caused the jam is present in the image forming apparatus and there is another object in the image forming apparatus that can be transported to the processing apparatus purging section, the other object is discharged to the processing apparatus purging section.

7. The processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that when the other object is discharged to the purge unit of the discharge device or the purge unit of the processing device via the image forming unit of the image forming apparatus, the image forming unit is prohibited from performing image formation on the other object.

8. The processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that if the other object cannot be discharged to the purge section of the discharge device which has been permitted to discharge by the discharge destination setting means, the other object is stopped at that location.

9. The processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the discharge destination setting means can set permission for the discharge of other objects and set the priority of discharge for the discharge device purge unit and the processing device purge unit.

10. The processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the image forming apparatus comprises a discharge destination changing member that can switch between a first position for guiding the other object to the discharge device and a second position for guiding the other object to the processing apparatus purge section.

11. Discharge the other objects that were being transported within the image forming apparatus, which are located in a position where the discharge destination can be changed by the discharge destination changing member, and the other objects that were being transported within the supply device, to the purge section of the processing apparatus. Of the other objects being transported within the image forming apparatus, those objects whose destination cannot be changed by the discharge destination changing member are discharged to the discharge device purge section. The processing system according to claim 10, characterized in that it is the same as described above.

12. The image forming apparatus includes a discharge destination changing member that can switch between a first position for guiding the other object to the discharge device and a second position for guiding the other object to the purging section of the processing apparatus, The processing system according to claim 2, characterized in that, among the other objects being transported within the image forming apparatus, those objects whose destination cannot be changed by the discharge destination changing member are discharged to the discharge device purge section of the downstream discharge device that is in a state where discharge is possible among the plurality of discharge devices for which discharge permission has been set.

13. The processing system according to claim 1, characterized in that the object is a sheet-shaped recording medium.

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