Patent Grant
9776449
Field of the Invention
The present disclosure relates to a post-processing apparatus for binding a sheet bundle formed of a plurality of sheets and an image forming system comprising the post-processing apparatus.
Description of the Related Art
Conventionally, as an optional device for the image forming apparatus, a sheet processing apparatus which receives sheets delivered from the image forming apparatus and performs stapling post processing on the sheet bundle received (post-processing apparatus) is commonly used. Further, some of the sheet processing apparatuses of this kind include functions such as an online stapling function, which is automatically executed as a part of a print job, and a manual stapling function, through which a user manually inserts a sheet bundle into an opening which is open outside the apparatus and performs stapling processing on the sheet bundle. In such a sheet processing apparatus, in addition to the online stapling function, it is required to have the manual stapling function as an additional function and reduce cost needed to manufacture the sheet processing apparatus body.
For example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2009-018932 discloses a sheet post-processing device, in which a stapling device is configured to be movable to a first position where online stapling processing is performed and to a second position where manual stapling processing is performed. As a result, one stapler device, which is expensive, can commonly be used both in an online stapling function and in a manual stapling function. This enables to reduce manufacturing cost of the sheet processing apparatus body and provide an additional value to a user.
On the other hand, the sheet post-processing device as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 2009-018932 does not optimize user's waiting time caused when selectively using the manual stapling function and the online stapling function which accompanies a print job, which is a problem. It is noted that the print job which uses the online stapling function is hereinafter referred to as an online stapling job. For example, in the conventional apparatus, when an instruction to execute the online stapling job is received, the stapler device is moved to the online stapling position. Thereby, if an instruction to execute manual stapling is received while the online stapling job is being executed, the time period for the stapler device to move from an online stapling position to a manual stapling position is required. That is, in a case where the time period for executing the manual stapling including the time period for movement is longer than the time period to an online stapling operation which is next executed, waiting time is caused in either the online stapling job or the manual stapling.
Further, in a case where the execution of the online stapling job is prioritized, the waiting time is caused for the user of the manual stapling. On the other hand, in a case where an immediate execution of the manual stapling is prioritized, completion of the online stapling job will be late. As mentioned, it is preferable that the time period required to execute the manual stapling including the time period for movement of the stapling device is as short as possible.
A post-processing apparatus of the present disclosure comprises: a post-processing unit configured to perform predetermined post-processing on a sheet; a moving unit configured to move the post-processing unit to a first processing position where first processing is performed or to a second processing position where second processing is performed, wherein in the first processing, the predetermined post-processing is performed on a sheet which is conveyed from an image forming apparatus, and in the second processing, the predetermined post-processing is performed on a sheet which is manually inserted; and a control unit configured to control the post-processing unit to start moving after a difference in time between a first time period and a second time period is elapsed in a case where the first time period, which is a time period to next execution of the predetermined post-processing in the first processing, is greater than the second time period, which is a time period for the post-processing unit to move to the first processing position.
Further features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments (with reference to the attached drawings).
Now, In the following, embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
The photosensitive drum 102k is arranged at a center of the process unit 101k shown in
It is noted that the process units 101y to 101c are identically formed to the process unit 101k. It is noted that the photosensitive drum 102, the charging roller 103, and the developing device 105 in the following description mean to include the components of each color, yellow, magenta, cyan and black.
The toner image having transferred to the intermediate transfer body 108 is transferred to a sheet (for example, paper) by a secondary transfer roller 110. It is noted that any residual toner having failed to be transferred by the secondary transfer roller 110 or the toner image not intended to be transferred on the paper but used to adjust image quality is cleaned by an intermediate transfer member 111. A pattern density sensor 112 detects variation of pattern density imaged on the intermediate transfer member. The image quality adjustment is performed by feeding back detection result from the pattern density sensor 112 to the developing device 105, the laser scanner unit 104 and the like.
The sheet is stored in a sheet cassette 113. When the toner image is transferred to the sheet, a sheet feeding roller 114 feeds the sheet at timing at which the toner image matches a sheet edge. Thereafter, skew feeding of the sheet is corrected by a registration roller 115. Then, the sheet is sent to the secondary transfer roller 110.
The toner is fixed to the sheet having the toner image transferred by the fixing roller 117 and a pressurizing roller 118. A sheet conveying direction is switched by a delivery flapper 119. When a single-sided mode, by which the image is formed on one side of the sheet, is set, the sheet having the toner fixed is conveyed to an intermediate conveying unit 150. Further, when double-sided mode, by which the image is formed on both sides of the sheet, is set, the sheet having the toner fixed is conveyed to a double-sided sheet surface reverse path 120. The sheet conveyed to the double-sided sheet surface reverse path 120 goes through a double-sided conveying path 123 by a reverse roller 121 and a reverse flapper 122. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the registration roller 115. Then, the image is formed on a back surface of the sheet. Thereafter, the sheet is further conveyed to the intermediate conveying unit 150. Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to a finisher 500 via an intermediate conveying roller 151 of the intermediate conveying unit 150.
[Finisher]
The finisher 500 shown in
As shown in
Further, when the bookbinding processing is performed, the switching flapper 551 guides the sheet to the path 553 shown in
Further, two pairs of staplers 818 are arranged on a downstream side of the conveyance roller 813, i.e., in the middle position of the storing guide 820. Thereby, two positions at the center of the sheet bundle in the sheet conveying direction can be stapled. It is noted that, to match the stapling position of the sheet bundle stapled by the stapler 818 with a center position (nip point) of a folding roller pair 826, the positioning member 823 lowers by a predetermined distance from a position at which the stapling processing is performed on the sheet bundle. Thereby, centering the position at which the stapling processing is performed, the sheet bundle can be folded.
The folding roller pair 826 is arranged on the downstream of the stapler 818. A thrusting member 825 is arranged to face the folding roller pair 826. The thrusting member 825 thrusts the sheet bundle stored in the storing guide 820. Thereby, the sheet bundle is pushed between the folding roller pair 826 and conveyed while being folded by the folding roller pair 826. Then, the folded sheet bundle passes through an intermediate roller 827 and a delivery roller 828. Then, the sheet bundle is delivered on a delivery tray 832.
[Configuration of Control Unit]
The control unit 200 comprises a CPU (central processing unit) 201 for performing basic control of the printer section 10 and a read only memory (ROM) 205 in which control program or application program is stored. The control unit 200 further comprises a random access memory (RAM) 202 which works as a work area for executing processing of the control program. The control unit 200 further comprises an input/output port IC 203, a communication interface 204, an image memory section 206 for storing image data, an image processing section 207 for processing an image signal which is converted into an electric signal. The control unit 200 further comprises an operation unit 208, a communication interface 209, and a battery 240. It is noted that the battery 240 is connected to the RAM 202. Thereby, data in the RAM 202 is held even when, for example, the printer section 10 is powered off. The input/output port IC 203 is connected to the CPU 201 via an address bus and a data bus.
According to the contents of the control program stored in the ROM 205, the CPU 201 receives signals which are output from sensors and the like (not shown) via the input/output port IC 203 and outputs control signals to various loads such as motors, clutches and the like (not shown). Thereby, the CPU 201 controls sheet conveyance, image formation on the sheet and the like. Also, the CPU 201 transmits/receives control data to/from the control unit 600 via the communication interface 204 and the communication cable 20. Thereby, the CPU 201 can control the delivery of the sheet having the image formed thereon between the image forming apparatus 300 and the finisher 500. Also, the CPU 201 can control a delivery accessory device such as state display.
The CPU 201, connected to the operation unit 208 for receiving an operation input from the user, controls display of a display section of the operation unit 208 and receipt of key input. Through the key input in the operation unit 208, the user instructs the operation mode of the printer section 10 and instructs to switch the display of the operation unit 208. It is noted that, for example, the operation state of the printer section 10, operation mode set by the key input and the like are displayed on the display section of the operation unit 208.
Further, the control unit 200 is connected to an information processing apparatus 800 via the communication interface 209. The CPU 201 controls to store the image data transferred from the information processing apparatus 800 in the image memory section 206 and causes the image processing section 207 to perform the image processing on the image data.
Further, every time image formation is performed on a predetermined number of sheets, the CPU 201 performs an image quality adjustment to keep quality of the image output from the printer section 10. To adjust the image quality, the CPU 201 first forms a toner pattern on the intermediate transfer member 108. Then, the CPU 201 detects density of the toner pattern through the pattern density sensor 112. Then, depending on a detection result, the CPU 201 adjusts the toner density in the developing device 105 or laser intensity output from the laser scanner unit 104. By doing so, the image quality is adjusted. Further, the CPU 201 counts the number of sheets having performed the image formation from the previous image quality adjustment. This enables to estimate the remaining number of sheets subjected to the image formation before the image quality adjustment is performed. The count numerical value indicating the remaining number of sheets subjected to the image formation before the image quality adjustment is executed is hereinafter referred to as an image quality adjustment counter. When the image quality adjustment is executed, a counter is initialized to a value which is identical to a predetermined number of sheets which is an interval at which the image quality adjustment is performed. Then, the value is subtracted every time the image formation is performed on a sheet. This is the image quality adjustment counter. Also, by transmitting/receiving control data to/from the control unit 600 via the communication interface 204 and the communication cable 20, the CPU 201 then controls sheet delivery and a delivery accessory device such as state display.
Here, description is given with regard to information, through which the CPU 201 communicates with the control unit 600, included in the control data. The control data includes various types of information including types of online post-processing, the number of sheets of one sheet bundle subjected to the online post-processing, sheet size, operation state of the printer section 10. The operation state of the printer section 10 includes “image formation being prepared”, “image being formed”, “image quality being adjusted” and the like, which vary depending on a state of sensor and operating condition of various loads. Further, the CPU 201 measures elapsed time period from the start of operation of each state. The elapsed time period is also included in the control data, through which the CPU 201 communicates with the control unit 600. Further, the image quality adjustment counter as mentioned is also included in the control data.
The control unit comprises a CPU 601 which performs basic control of the finisher 500, a ROM 605 in which control program or application program is stored, and a RAM 602 which works as a work area for executing processing of the control program. The control unit 600 further comprises an input/output port IC 603, and a communication interface 604. It is noted that the input/output port IC 603 is connected to the CPU 601 via and address bus and a data bus.
The CPU 201 receives signals output from sensor and the like (not shown) via the input/output port IC 603 according to the contents of the control program stored in the ROM 605 and outputs control signals to various loads such as motors, clutches and the like (not shown). Thereby, the CPU 201 controls sheet conveyance, post-processing on the sheet and the like. Further, the opening sheet bundle sensor 909, stapler moving motor 911, various sensors and the like are connected to the input/output port IC 603. The CPU 601 transmits/receives control data to/from the control unit 200 via the communication interface 604. Thereby, operation control of the online post-processing function including delivery of the sheet which is conveyed from the printer section 10, post-processing and the like are performed based on, for example, notification of the online job.
Further, the CPU 601 counts an order of the sheet delivered from the printer section 10 from a head sheet of the sheet bundle subjected to the online post-processing. Then, the counted value is stored in the RAM 602 as the number of delivered sheets. Next, description is given with regard to the processing position of the stapler 650 and movement of the stapler 650 to the processing position in a case where the online stapling is performed.
Also, a stapler position sensor (hereinafter referred to as position sensor) for detecting a stay of the stapler 650 is arranged at each binding position. A position sensor A 921 is arranged at a home position 901. A position sensor B 922 is arranged at a manual stapling position 902, which is described later. Also, a position sensor C 923 is arranged at the corner binding front position 903. A position sensor D 924 is arranged at the double binding front position 904. A stapler position sensor E 925 is arranged at the double binding rear position 905. Also, a stapler detection position sensor F 926 is arranged at the corner binding rear position 906. Depending on the detection state of these position sensors, the CPU 601 controls to drive the stapler moving motor 911 to stop the stapler 650 at an arbitrary binding position.
For example, in a case where the stapler 650 is moved from the home position 901 to the double binding front position 904, the CPU 601 instructs the stapler moving motor 911 to start driving via the input/output port IC 603. Thereafter, the CPU 601 receives a detection result of a position sensor D924 via the input/output port IC 603 and instructs the stapler moving motor 911 to stop driving. Thereby, the stapler 650 becomes ready to execute the binding processing (post-processing) at the double binding front position 904. The stapler 650 is stopping at the double binding front position 904 until the binding processing is performed. It is noted that, the movement of the stapler 650 to each position 901 to 906 is also controlled by the CPU 601 in a similar manner as above. It is noted that the stapler 650 is controlled to stop at the home position 901 in a normal state, move to the position according to the instruction of the binding position (902 to 906) to perform the binding processing, and go back to the home position 901 after performing the binding processing.
For example, in case of the corner binding, the stapler 650 stays at the binding position and continues the binding processing to the end of the online stapling job. Also, in case of the double binding, the stapler 650 reciprocally moves between the two double binding positions and performs the binding processing twice on one sheet bundle. Next, description is given with regard to performing manual stapling by the stapler 650. It is noted that description is given here in a case where an execution of manual stapling is instructed in a state where an online stapling job is not being executed.
[Control Procedure According to Online Stapling Job]
Here, description is given, using a flowchart shown in
When the instruction to execute the online stapling job is received, the CPU 601 determines whether the manual stapling job is being executed or not (S1501). To determine this, a manual stapling executing flag is used. The manual stapling executing flag is a flag which represents whether the finisher 500 has received the manual stapling job or not, which is stored, for example, in the RAM 602. The flag is turned ON when the execution of the manual stapling is instructed. The flag is turned OFF when the manual stapling ends.
If it is determined that the manual stapling is being executed (S1501: Yes), the CPU 601 waits until the manual stapling ends. If not (S1501: N), the CPU 601 turns ON an online stapling executing flag. The online stapling executing flag is a flag which represents whether the finisher 500 has received the online stapling job or not (S1502). It is noted that the online stapling executing flag is stored, for example, in the RAM 602. The CPU 601 determines a time period (a first time period) T1 which is a time period to a start of a next online stapling operation (S1503). The first time period T1 decreases as time passes. It is noted that how to determine the first time period T1 will be described in the following using a table shown in
The CPU 601 determines a time period for movement (a second time period) T2, which is a time period for the stapler 650 to move from a present position it stays to an online stapling position (S1504). It is noted that how to determine the second time period T2 will be described in the following using a table shown in
The CPU 601 compares the first time period T1 with the second time period T2 (S1505). As a result of comparison, if the first time period T1 is equal to or less than the second time period T2 (S1505: Y), the CPU 601 sets standby time (time to wait for the start of movement) to “0” (zero) (S1506). Thereby, to minimize a delay to a start of the online stapling job, the CPU 601 immediately starts to move the stapler 650 to the online stapling position.
On the other hand, if the first time period T1 is longer than the second time period T2 (S1505: N), the CPU 601 subtracts the time period for the movement T2 from the first time period T1 (T1-12). Then, the CPU 601 sets the resultant value as the standby time (S1507). In this case, even though the stapler 650 does not immediately start to move, no delay is caused in starting the online stapling job. It means that it will be after elapse of the first time period T1 from the present time that the next online stapling operation is started. Also, the timing at which the required time period to move to the online stapling position (T2) is represented by the timing at which difference in time period obtained by subtracting the time period for the movement T2 from the first time period T1 is elapsed from the present time.
Thereby, the difference in time period will be the standby time (time to wait for the start of movement) of the stapler 650.
The CPU 601 turns ON a standby flag (flag to wait for the start of movement) which represents that the stapler 650 is waiting for the start to move to the online stapling position (S1508). The CPU 601 determines whether the standby time has elapsed or not (S1509). It is noted that whether the standby time has elapsed or not is determined by using, for example, a timer (not shown). Also, while the stapler 650 is in a standby state, i.e., before the standby time elapses, the CPU 601 is capable of receiving the manual stapling job.
If it is determined that the standby time has elapsed (S1509: Y), the CPU 601 turns OFF the standby flag (S1510) and starts to move the stapler 650 to the online stapling position (S1511). That is, when the first time period T1 is decreased to the second time period T2, the standby flag is turned OFF. It is noted that, when the standby time is set to 0 (zero) in the step of S1506, the standby flag is immediately turned OFF. The CPU 601 determines whether the stapler 650 has reached the online stapling position or not (S1512). If it is determined that the stapler 650 has reached the online stapling position (S1512: Y), the CPU 601 determines whether a sheet bundle subjected to the online stapling has been received or not, i.e., all sheets of one sheet bundle have been received or not (S1513). If not (S1512: N), the CPU 601 returns to the processing of the step S1503.
If it is determined that all sheets of one sheet bundle have been received and that all sheets of the sheet bundle are delivered (S1513: Y), the CPU 601 executes stapling operation (binding operation) on the sheet bundle (S1514). If not (S1513: N), the CPU 601 returns to the processing of the step S1512.
The CPU 601 determines whether the online stapling job has ended or not (S1515). It is noted that whether to end or continue the online stapling job is determined based on the control data received from the printer section 10. If it is determined that the online stapling job continues (S1516), the CPU 601 returns to the processing of the step S1512 for the next online stapling operation. If not, i.e., if the online stapling job ended (S1515: Y), the CPU 601 turns OFF the online stapling executing flag (S1516).
The CPU 601 determines whether the manual stapling executing flag is ON or not (S1517). Even in a case where the instruction to execute the manual stapling is received while the online stapling job is being executed, there may be a case where the manual stapling cannot be executed on account of the first time period T1, which is the time period to the start of the online stapling operation. For example, in a case where the execution of the next manual stapling is standing by (S1517: Y), the stapler 650 is moved in accordance with the control procedure shown in
It is noted that, as described, if it is determined that the stapler 650 has not reached the online stapling position in the step of S1512, the CPU 601 returns to the processing of the step S1503. This is due to the fact that there may be a case where the manual stapling is executed depending on the number of sheets of the sheet bundle before all sheets of the sheet bundle subjected to the online stapling processing are delivered. Even in such a case, as long as the stapler 650 has reached the online stapling position by the next online stapling operation, no influence is given on the online stapling job. Thereby, the CPU 601 calculates again the first time period T1, which is the time period to the actual execution of the next online stapling operation (S1503). The CPU 601 also calculates the second time period T2, which is the time period for the stapler 650 to move from a present position it stays to an online stapling position (S1504). Then, the CPU 601 moves the stapler 650 to the online stapling position at appropriate timing (S1505 to S1511).
It is noted that when the online stapling job is executed on the first sheet bundle, the standby time of the stapler 650 is controlled to be appropriate beforehand. Thereby, whenever the processing of the step S1512 is performed, the stapler 650 is moved to the online stapling position.
[Control Procedure According to Manual Stapling]
Here, description is given, using a flowchart shown in
If it is determined that the online stapling job is being executed, i.e., in a case where the flag is ON (S1602: Y), the CPU 601 determines the first time period T1, which is the time period to the start of the next online stapling operation (S1603). It is noted that determination of whether the stapler 650 may be moved or not in response to the instruction to execute the manual stapling depends on the operation timing of the stapler 650 which is executing the online stapling job. This is why the first time period T1 is determined at this timing. It is noted that how to determine the first time period T1 will be described later.
The CPU 601 determines a required time period T3, which is a required time period to execute one manual stapling (S1604). The required time period T3 for the manual stapling operation includes the following time periods:
(1) time period to move from the position where the stapler 650 is staying at that time to the manual stapling position; and
(2) time period to go back. It is noted that how to determine the required time period T3 for the manual stapling operation will be described later using each table shown in
After determining the first time period T1 and the required time period T3, the CPU 601 determines whether the manual stapling job may be received or not. Depending on whether the stapler 650 is in a standby state (state of waiting for the start of movement) to the online stapling position (i.e., in a state in which the stapler 650 is not staying at the online stapling position) or not, the determination is made in different condition. If the stapler 650 is in a standby state, it is considered that the stapler 650 is staying at the home position 901 or at the manual stapling position 902. In this case, in addition to the first time period T1 and the required time period T3, it is necessary to consider the second time period T2, which is the time period for the stapler 650 to move to the online stapling position after the manual stapling operation. That is, in order not to give any influence on the execution of the online stapling job, a total time period of the second time period T2 required to move to the online stapling position and the required time period T3 for the manual stapling operation needs to be equal to or less than the first time period T1 (T1>=T2+T3). On the other hand, if the stapler is not in a standby state, the stapler 650 is staying at the online stapling position. Thereby, if the required time period T3 is equal to or less than the first time period T1 (T3<=T1), no influence is given on the execution of the online stapling job. Then, the CPU 601 determines whether the standby flag is ON or not (S1605).
If it is determined that the standby flag is ON (S1605: Y), the CPU 601 determines the time period T2 for the stapler 650 to move from a present position it stays to an online stapling position (S1606). It is noted that how to determine the second time period T2 will be described later.
The CPU 601 compares the first time period T1 with the total time period of the second time period T2 and the required time period T3. As a result of comparison, if the total time period of the second time period T2 and the required time period T3 exceeds the first time period T1 (T1<T2+T3) (S1607: Y), the CPU 601 returns to the processing of the step S1602 as it gives influence on the execution of the online stapling job. On the other hand, if it is determined that the standby flag is OFF (S1605: N), it is considered that the stapler 650 is staying at the online stapling position. In this case, regardless of the required time period T2 so that the CPU 601 compares the first time period T1 with the required time period T3 (S1608).
As a result of comparison, if the required time period T3 exceeds the first time period T1 (S1608: Y), the CPU 601 returns to the processing of the step S1602 as it gives influence on the execution of the online stapling job. As mentioned, in a case where no manual stapling execution is allowed, the CPU 601 repeats a series of the processing and ends the online stapling job. Alternatively, the CPU 601 waits for an increase of the first time period T1 as the job proceeds to thereby change magnitude relation between the time periods subjected for the comparison.
On the other hand, in a case where no influence is given on the execution of the online stapling job (S1607: Y or S1608: Y), the CPU 601 can execute the manual stapling job while the online stapling job is being executed. Thereby, the CPU 601 moves the stapler 650 to the manual stapling position (S1609) and executes the manual stapling operation (S1610). Thereafter, the CPU 601 determines whether the online stapling job is being executed or not (S1611). This is how the CPU 601 allows the execution of the manual stapling operation.
If it is determined that the online stapling job is not being executed (S1611: N), the CPU 601 moves the stapler 650 to the home position 901 (S1612). Thereafter, the CPU 601 turns OFF the manual stapling executing flag (S1613) and ends the manual stapling. Also, if it is determined that the online stapling job is being executed (S1611: Y), the stapler 650 is moved to the online stapling position in accordance with the control procedure shown in the flowchart of
It is noted that if the online stapling job is not being executed in the processing of the step S1601 (flag is OFF), it is not necessary to exclusively control the stapler 650 between the online stapling and the manual stapling. Thereby, when receiving the instruction to execute the manual stapling, the CPU 601 controls to start the manual stapling operation.
[How to Determine First Time Period]
Here, description is given with regard to how to determine the first time period T1 as mentioned using a table shown in
Based on the control data of the print job received from the control unit 200, the CPU 601 reads an interval between sheets at which a sheet is delivered (sheet delivery interval) from the printer section 10 in accordance with the table shown in
The CPU 601 determines whether or not the printer section 10 is in “image formation being prepared” state, in which state, the printer section 10 starts up the processing unit 101 or various motors (S1806). It is noted that a time period for preparing the image formation can be added to the first time period T1 which is the time period to the next online stapling operation. This is because, if the printer section 10 is in “image formation being prepared” state, during that period, no sheet is delivered to the finisher 500 and no online post-processing is performed.
To determine the time period for preparing the image formation, the CPU 601 reads total time period required, by the printer section 10, for preparing the image formation (total time period for preparing the image formation) in accordance with the table shown in
Here, if the printer section 10 is in “image quality being adjusted” state or image quality adjustment is performed before completion of the image formation on the final sheet of the same sheet bundle, the time period for performing the image quality adjustment can also be added to the first time period T1 which is the time period to the next online stapling operation. It means that the image formation of the print job cannot be performed while the image quality adjustment is being performed by the printer section 10. This results in increasing the interval between sheets delivered to the finisher 500 by the time period used for the image quality adjustment performed by the printer section 10. Due to this, the time period used for the image quality adjustment performed by the printer section 10 can be adapted for the time period for the manual stapling operation.
Based on the control data of the print job received, the CPU 601 determines whether the printer section 10 is performing the image quality adjustment or not (S1811). If it is determined that the printer section 10 is executing the image quality adjustment (S1811: Y), the CPU 601 reads the total time period for the image quality adjustment corresponding to the image quality adjustment being executed in accordance with the table shown in
Thereby, based on the two types of time periods read, i.e., (1) a total time period for the image quality adjustment, and (2) an elapsed time period from the start of the image quality adjustment, the CPU 601 determines the time period for the image quality adjustment (S1814).
On the other hand, even in a case where the printer section 10 is not performing the image quality adjustment (S1811: N), in a case where the image quality adjustment is executed before completion of the image formation on the final sheet of the same sheet bundle currently being processed, the first time period T1 which is the time period to the next online stapling operation is increased by the time period used for the image quality adjustment. Based on the control data of the print job received, the CPU 601 reads image quality adjustment counter which represents the remaining number of sheets before the image quality adjustment is executed (S1815). The CPU 601 determines whether the remaining number of sheets to be delivered is greater than the image quality adjustment counter (S1816). If it is determined that it is greater than the image quality adjustment counter (S1816: Y), it means that the image quality adjustment is to be executed before completion of the image formation on the final sheet of the same sheet bundle currently being processed. As a result of comparison, if the image quality adjustment is not executed before completion of the image formation on at least the final sheet of the same sheet bundle currently being processed (S1816: N), the CPU 601 ends to determine the first time period T1.
On the other hand, if it is determined that the image quality adjustment is executed before completion of the image formation on the final sheet of the same sheet bundle currently being processed (S1816: Y), the CPU 601 reads, in accordance with the table shown in
The CPU 601 adds the time period for the image quality adjustment to the first time period T1 which is the time period to the next online stapling operation (S1819). It is noted that the types of the operation or numerical values in the table in
Here, description is given with regard to how to determine the second time period T2 as previously mentioned using a table shown in
[How to Determine Time Period for Manual Stapling]
Here, description is given with regard to how to determine the required time period T3 as mentioned using tables shown in
(1) a time period for the stapler 650 to move from a present position it stays to the manual stapling position 902;
(2) a time period for the stapler 650 to perform the stapling operation; and
(3) a time period for the stapler 650 to go back from the manual stapling position 902 to the original online stapling position.
The CPU 601 determines the present position of the stapler 650 it stays (present position) (S2001). The CPU 601 reads the time period for the stapler 650 to move from a present position it stays to the manual stapling position 902 in accordance with the table shown in
The CPU 601 reads the time period for the stapling operation for the manual stapling (S2004). The total time period of the time period for the stapler 650 for movement and the time period for the stapling operation is the time period for the manual stapling. Thereby, the CPU 601 adds the two types of time periods and determines the time period thus obtained as the required time period T3 for the manual stapling operation (S2005). It is noted that the numerical values shown in the table in
As mentioned, with the image forming system S according to the present embodiment, it is possible to optimize time period capable of receiving manual stapling job while the online stapling job is being executed. This enables to extend time period capable of receiving the manual stapling job without increasing waiting time of a user of the online stapling function. Thereby, it is possible to respectively balance convenience of user using a manual stapling and convenience of user using an online stapling.
As mentioned, according to the present disclosure, a post-processing apparatus which can respectively balance convenience of user using a manual staple and convenience of user using an online staple is provided. Further, an image forming system including the post-processing apparatus is provided. Further, according to the present disclosure, it is possible to respectively balance convenience of user using a manual staple and convenience of user using an online staple. It is noted that the present invention has been described in detail by way of the above-mentioned embodiments, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to those embodiments.
While the present invention has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.
This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2014-204184, filed Oct. 2, 2014 and 2015-181610, filed Sep. 15, 2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference wherein in their entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-204184 | Oct 2014 | JP | national |
| 2015-181610 | Sep 2015 | JP | national |
| Number | Name | Date | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7568510 | Nagaya et al. | Aug 2009 | B2 |
| 9323205 | Mine | Apr 2016 | B2 |
| 20110031677 | Ozawa | Feb 2011 | A1 |
| Number | Date | Country |
|---|---|---|
| 2009-018932 | Jan 2009 | JP |
| 2009018932 | Jan 2009 | JP |
| 2010116267 | May 2010 | JP |
| Entry |
|---|
| U.S. Appl. No. 14/789,133, filed Jul. 1, 2015. |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20160096391 A1 | Apr 2016 | US |
