EP0669557A2 - Appareil de formation d'images avec fonction de reliure - Google Patents

Appareil de formation d'images avec fonction de reliure Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP0669557A2
EP0669557A2 EP95107088A EP95107088A EP0669557A2 EP 0669557 A2 EP0669557 A2 EP 0669557A2 EP 95107088 A EP95107088 A EP 95107088A EP 95107088 A EP95107088 A EP 95107088A EP 0669557 A2 EP0669557 A2 EP 0669557A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
binding
image forming
command
heating
unit
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP95107088A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Other versions
EP0669557A3 (fr
Inventor
Yoshifumi C/O Mita Industrial Co. Ltd. Ishii
Naruyuki C/O Mita Industrial Co. Ltd. Miyamoto
Hiroshi C/O Mita Industrial Co. Ltd. Kusumoto
Satoshi C/O Mita Industrial Co. Ltd. Yano
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Kyocera Mita Industrial Co Ltd
Original Assignee
Mita Industrial Co Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from JP2289784A external-priority patent/JPH04161389A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2292772A external-priority patent/JPH04164693A/ja
Priority claimed from JP2301272A external-priority patent/JPH0813586B2/ja
Application filed by Mita Industrial Co Ltd filed Critical Mita Industrial Co Ltd
Publication of EP0669557A2 publication Critical patent/EP0669557A2/fr
Publication of EP0669557A3 publication Critical patent/EP0669557A3/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • G03G15/65—Apparatus which relate to the handling of copy material
    • G03G15/6538—Devices for collating sheet copy material, e.g. sorters, control, copies in staples form
    • G03G15/6541—Binding sets of sheets, e.g. by stapling, glueing
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G15/00—Apparatus for electrographic processes using a charge pattern
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B42—BOOKBINDING; ALBUMS; FILES; SPECIAL PRINTED MATTER
    • B42C—BOOKBINDING
    • B42C9/00—Applying glue or adhesive peculiar to bookbinding
    • B42C9/0056—Applying glue or adhesive peculiar to bookbinding applying tape or covers precoated with adhesive to a stack of sheets
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00789—Adding properties or qualities to the copy medium
    • G03G2215/00822—Binder, e.g. glueing device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00789—Adding properties or qualities to the copy medium
    • G03G2215/00822—Binder, e.g. glueing device
    • G03G2215/00856—External binding device
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
    • G03G—ELECTROGRAPHY; ELECTROPHOTOGRAPHY; MAGNETOGRAPHY
    • G03G2215/00—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes
    • G03G2215/00362—Apparatus for electrophotographic processes relating to the copy medium handling
    • G03G2215/00789—Adding properties or qualities to the copy medium
    • G03G2215/00822—Binder, e.g. glueing device
    • G03G2215/0086—Manual activation of binding

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to an image forming apparatus, and particularly to an image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function.
  • Japanese Utility Model Laying-Open No. 41261/1986 discloses a copying machine provided with a binding device adjacent to the heating rollers of its fixing unit.
  • this copying machine discharged sheets of paper are bound by utilizing the heat generated from the fixing unit.
  • the heat utilized during a binding operation in this machine is solely that of the fixing unit, and the consequently unstable and insufficient heating can result in unsatisfactorily bound sheets.
  • Japanese Utility Model Laying-Open No. 121456/1986 discloses another copying machine with a binding device incorporated in a sorter provided adjacent to the copying machine body.
  • This copying machine has a binding operation heater, and addresses the above-mentioned problem.
  • thermoplastic resin used as an adhesive in binding a plurality of sheets has the following disadvantage.
  • the time required for the resin to melt and the time required for the melted resin to cool and to solidify are dependent upon binding conditions such as the ambient temperature.
  • Conventional machines cannot take into account changes in binding conditions, therefore if changes should arise the binding quality deteriorates.
  • An object of the present invention is to enable accurate and rapid binding of sheets by an image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function, and to facilitate the observation of binding conditions by an operator.
  • Another object is to allow an image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function to carry out image forming and binding operations independently, in such a manner as not to consume excessive electric power at any time.
  • Still another object of the present invention is to enable an image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function to carry out copying and binding operations both efficiently and without an excessive consumption of power.
  • a further object is to enable an image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function to switch smoothly and rapidly from its binding operation to its copying operation.
  • a further object of the present invention is to ensure satisfactory binding of sheets by an image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function despite changes, such as ambient temperature fluctuations in binding conditions.
  • a given time period for which the binding unit will operate relative to the ambient temperature is set in this apparatus.
  • the time setter adjusts the operation time calculated according to a reference temperature provided by the temperature monitoring unit, thus effecting good quality binding, despite changes in ambient temperature.
  • Figs. 2 and 3 show a copying machine according to the first embodiment of the invention.
  • a copying machine body 1 has an original support 2 in its upper surface with an original cover 3 disposed openably on the original support 2.
  • a feed tray 4 and a feed cassette 5 are detachably mounted on the right of the body 1 in the figures.
  • a copy tray 6 is disposed into which copy-processed sheets are discharged.
  • An optical exposure system 7 for scanning an original is provided in an upper portion of the interior of the copying machine body 1.
  • This optical exposure system 7 includes a light source and mirrors.
  • An image forming unit 8 is provided in a central portion of the copying machine body 1.
  • a photoconductive drum 9 onto which an electrostatic latent image of the original is formed is disposed in the middle of the image forming unit 8.
  • a main charger 10, a developing unit 11, a transfer charger 12, a separation charger 13, a cleaning unit 14 and other associated elements are disposed around the photoconductive drum 9.
  • a sheet transporting path 15 including a plurality of transport rollers extends from the feed tray 4 and feed cassette 5 to the image forming unit 8.
  • a sheet discharging system 16 and a fixing unit 17 are provided between the image forming unit 8 and the copy tray 6.
  • a thermistor 19 for monitoring temperature within the machine is provided on an upper surface of the developing unit 11.
  • the main charger 10, the optical exposure system 7, the developing unit 11, etc. are subject to control based upon the measured temperature.
  • a binding unit 30 is provided in a right upper portion of the body 1, adjacent to the image forming unit 8.
  • the binding unit 30 includes a container 31 having an upper open end in a side wall 1 a of the body 1 and extending obliquely downward from the side wall 1 a.
  • the opening of the container is shut by a cover 32.
  • the cover 32 is openable on a hinge 33 along its upper edge.
  • a pair of electrodes 34 for supplying electric current to a binder cover (described afterwards) are provided on the inner bottom surface of the container 31.
  • a control circuit 35 as shown in Fig. 5 governs the binding unit 30.
  • a +24V power supply is connected to one of the two electrodes 34.
  • An oscillating circuit 41 is connected between the + 24V power supply and the electrode 34 through a capacitor 40.
  • a storage capacitor 42 for storing electric charge is also connected therebetween.
  • a power transistor 43 is provided, the collector of which is connected to the second of the two electrodes 34.
  • the emitter of the power transistor 43 is connected to the collectors of a pair of power transistors 48a and 48b provided in parallel.
  • the emitters of the power transistors 48a and 48b are grounded through resistors 49a and 49b, respectively.
  • the resistors 49a and 49b are of different resistance values; for example, the resistance value of the resistor 49a may be one tenth that of the resistor 49b.
  • the bases of the power transistors 48a and 48b are connected to a high-speed heating terminal 50a and a low-speed heating terminal 50b, respectively.
  • the base of the power transistor 43 is connected with the output terminal of a comparator 45.
  • the non-inverting terminal of the comparator 45 is connected to a remote terminal 46.
  • the inverting terminal of the comparator 45 is connected with the emitter of the power transistor 43 through a resistor 45a.
  • a malfunction detection circuit 47 and a start detection circuit 48 are provided between the power transistor 43 and the second of the two electrodes 34.
  • the malfunction detection circuit 47 comprises a pair of comparators 49 and 50, and generates a high level output at an "NG" terminal 51 only when the collector voltage of the power transistor 43 is within a prescribed normal range. This normal range is defined by the values of voltages which are applied to the input terminals of the comparators 49 and 50. The voltage values are determined by voltage-dividing resistors 47a, 47b and 47c.
  • the malfunction detection circuit 47 generates a low level output upon detection of malfunction in the binding operation such as an abnormal resistance of the electric heater of the binder cover (described afterwards), or a defective contact made with the electrodes 34.
  • the start detection circuit 48 includes a comparator 52, and generates a high level output at a start terminal 53 upon detection of an increase in the collector voltage of the power transistor 43.
  • an operation panel 20 is provided on the right front corner of the upper surface of the copying machine body 1.
  • the operation panel 20 includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) 21 for displaying with alphanumeric characters operation conditions including copy number and operation time.
  • the liquid crystal display 21 may be substituted by 7-segment LEDs.
  • the operation panel 20 further includes a print key 22 for instructing a copy start, a ten-key board 23 for designating the number of copies, a heating-state lamp 24 for indicating a heating state of the binding unit 30, and a cooling-state lamp 25 for indicating a cooling state thereof.
  • the print key 22 contains an LED which is illuminated when the copying operation is enabled.
  • Each of the lamps 24 and 25 contains a blue LED element and a red LED element.
  • the operation panel 20 further includes an image density selector 26.
  • the image density selector 26 includes a window 26a having a border provided with a numerical index, a lever 26b slidable in the window 26a, and an end plate 26c on one end of the window 26a.
  • the lever 26b and the end plate 26c are disposed in parallel.
  • a movable terminal 28a of a variable resistor 28 is fixed to the lever 26b.
  • the copying machine has a control unit 60 as shown in Fig. 4.
  • the control unit 60 includes a microcomputer consisting of a CPU 61, a ROM 62, a RAM 63 and other related devices.
  • the control unit 60 has an I/O port 64 connected with the image forming unit 8, the liquid crystal display 21, the print key 22, the ten-key board 23, a copy number setting key 27, the heating-state lamp 24 and the cooling-state lamp 25. Further connected with the I/O port 64 are the thermistor 19 for monitoring temperature, the remote terminal 46, the high-speed heating terminal 50a, the low-speed heating terminal 50b, the NG terminal 51 and the start terminal 53 of the control circuit 35 of the binding unit 30, and a buzzer 26 which is activated in response to the detection of a malfunction.
  • the movable terminal 28a of the variable resistor 28 is also connected with the I/O port 64 through an A/D converter 29. One end of the variable resistor 28 is connected to a +V power supply and the other end is grounded.
  • the ROM 62 includes a table TT into which data are written for the calculation of heating and cooling times in the binding unit 30 based on the temperature within the machine and on the thickness of material to be bound (or the number of sheets).
  • the data written into this table TT are those obtained by advance experiment. According to the data, the thicker the material to be bound is, the longer the time required for binding is; and consequently both the heating time and the cooling time increase. Conversely, the thinner the material to be bound is, the shorter are the heating time and the cooling time.
  • the temperature within the copy machine rises, the heating time must decrease and the cooling time increase, since the adhesive material in the binder cover melts more easily. Conversely, if the temperature within the machine is low, the heating time is longer and the cooling time is reduced.
  • a binder 70 shown in Fig. 8 is used in the binding operation of this embodiment.
  • the binder 70 includes an electric heater 72 and an adhesive layer 73 along the inner surface of its spine 71.
  • the adhesive layer 73 consists, for example, of thermoplastic resin. Electrodes 74 of a pair are provided on either end of the electric heater 72. The electrodes 74 are exposed on the outer surface (lower surface in the figure) of the spine 71.
  • initialization is carried out, in which, for example, the fixing unit 17 is heated to a prescribed temperature During initialization, the various flags are set to their OFF state.
  • an interrupt process is started with a timer which is up in 1 to 2msec.
  • a scanning table which process branch is to be selected.
  • branch B1 is a process following from key input.
  • Branch B2 is a copying process.
  • Branch B3 is a process which ensues at the start of a binding operation.
  • Branch B4 is a process which follows from the end of the heating stage of a binding operation.
  • Branch B5 is a process which follows from the end of the cooling stage of a binding operation.
  • Branches B6, etc. are conventional processes and need not be described here.
  • step S2 it is determined at step S2 whether a copying start instruction has been issued through the print key 22. If an instruction has not been issued, the program proceeds to step S3, at which it is determined whether an instruction setting a given number of copies has been issued through the ten-key board 23. If not, the program proceeds to step S4, at which miscellaneous key-input processes may be executed. The program then returns to the process shown in Fig. 7A.
  • step S3 If a number has been entered at the ten-key board 23 is pressed to set the copy quantity, the program proceeds from step S3 to step S5, at which the numerical value of the input is stored as the number of copies. At step S6, the copy number is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. The program then returns to the main routine.
  • step S2 If the print key 22 has been pressed, the program proceeds from step S2 to step S7. At step S7, a print flag is set to its ON state. Then, the program returns to the main routine.
  • step S8 it is determined at step S8 whether the print flag is in its ON state or not. If the print key 22 at step S2 (in Fig. 7B) has not been pressed, the print flag will be in the OFF state and the remaining processes of branch B2 will not be carried out. If the print flag is in the ON state, however, the program proceeds to step S9. At step S9, it is determined whether a copying operation as described below is in progress. If a copying operation is underway, the remaining processes of branch B2 are not carried out.
  • step S10 it is determined whether the displayed or remaining copy number is "0" or not. If it is not "0", the sum of the copying operations performed has not reached the given number of sheets, and the program proceeds to step S11. At step S11, "1" is subtracted from the copy number shown by the liquid crystal display 21 and the calculated value is displayed therein. At step S12, the copying operation starts. The program then returns to the process shown in Fig. 7A.
  • step S12 If at step S12 a copying start instruction has been issued, an original on the original retainer 2 is scanned by the optical scanning system 7, and the image information obtained by the scanning is supplied to the image forming unit 8, wherein the image is transferred onto a sheet transported from the feed tray 4 or feed cassette 5.
  • the density of this image has been determined according to the density setting of the image density selector 26.
  • the transferred image is fixed onto the sheet by the fixing unit 17 and then the sheet is discharged into the copy tray 6.
  • the determination at step S9 is always "Yes".
  • step S9 After one sequence of copy operation, the program proceeds from step S9 to step S10. If the set number of copying operations has not been attained, the program proceeds from step S11 to step S12, restarting the copying operation. If the determination at step S10 is "Yes”, the program proceeds to step S13. At step S13, the print flag is set to its OFF state, whereby the determination at step S8 in Fig. 7C is "No" and the copying operation is no longer repeated. After the operation of step S13, the program returns to the control process shown in Fig. 7A.
  • sheets 75 are placed in the binder 70 and it is folded, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, so that one side of the stack of sheets 75 is in contact with the adhesive layer 73 along the spine 71. Then, the binder 70 is loaded into the container 31, pressing against the cover 32 as shown in Fig. 10. As the binder 70 reaches the bottom of the container 31 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the pair of electrodes 34 come into electrical contact with the electric heater 72 of the binder 70 through the electrodes 74.
  • Fig. 7D shows the specific control procedure of branch B3 in Fig. 7A.
  • step S14 it is determined by reference to the potential at the start terminal 53 whether a binding start instruction has been. If the instruction has not been issued, the remainder of the procedure in Fig. 7D is not executed. If the determination at step S14 is "Yes", the program proceeds to step S15.
  • step S15 it is determined whether a binding flag is set to the ON state. When the binding flag is in the OFF state, the program proceeds to step S16.
  • step S16 it is determined whether an error flag is set to the ON state. When the error flag is in the OFF state, the program proceeds to step S17.
  • the binding flag is set to the ON state. Then, at step S18, the temperature in the machine is calculated based on a signal from the thermistor 19.
  • step S19 it is determined whether the set number of copies has been designated through the copy number setting key 27 (shown in Fig. 2) as the number of sheets to be bound. If the key 27 has not been pressed, the program proceeds to step S20. At step S20, it is determined whether the number of sheets to be bound is newly entered. This determination is executed by determining whether or not the ten-key board 23 (in Fig. 2) has been pressed. If not, the program proceeds to step S21. At step S21, it is determined whether the thickness of the folded binder 70 should be used as a reference for determining the binding operation time. This determination depends on whether the resistance value of the variable resistor 28 has changed in response to handling of the lever 26b of the image density selector 26. Thus, the image density selector 26 is used also as a thickness measuring means. If the image density selector 26 has not been operated, the program returns to step S19. Thus, the program pauses until the determination at any of the steps S19 to S21 becomes "Yes".
  • step S19 the copy number setting key 27 is pressed.
  • step S22 the stored number of copies is in turn stored as the number of sheets to be bound. Then, the program proceeds to step S25.
  • step S20 the program proceeds from step S20 to step S23.
  • step S23 the value entered through the ten-key board 23 is stored as the number of sheets to be bound. Then, the program proceeds to step S25.
  • step S24 the number of sheets to be bound (i.e. the material thickness) is calculated based on the input voltage value. Then, the program proceeds to step S25.
  • step S25 temperature, heating time, and cooling time values adequate to the thickness of the material to be bound are read from the table TT of the ROM 62 with reference to the temperature measured at step S18 and the stored number of sheets to be bound (material thickness).
  • a timer starts, and at step S27, the liquid crystal display 21 begins to indicate the time remaining for the binding operation.
  • the remaining time is a result decreased successively from the sum of the heating time and cooling time read from the table TT, whereby the operator easily can know how long it will take to complete a binding operation.
  • the heating-state lamp 24 is illuminated in blue, whereby the operator is apprised that the binding unit 30 is in the heating state.
  • both the remote terminal 46 and the low-speed heating terminal 50b receive high signals, while the high-speed heating terminal 50a receives a low signal. Consequently, the power transistor 43 and the power transistor 48b of the binding unit 30 are switched on, and electric current flows through the resistor 49b. Since the resistor 49b is of high resistance, a relatively small amount of current flows between the electrodes 34. Consequently, the electric heater 72 of the binder 70 heats gradually, and the adhesive material 73 is melted gradually.
  • the program returns to the control procedure of Fig. 7A.
  • Fig. 7E which shows the specific procedure of branch B4
  • step S31 it is determined whether the print flag is in the ON state.
  • the ON state of the print flag indicates that a copying operation is being performed. Accordingly, if the print flag is in the ON state, the program proceeds from step S31 to step S32.
  • step S32 the low-speed heating terminal 50b shown in Fig. 5 receives a high signal, and the high-speed heating terminal 50a receives a low signal. Consequently, electric current flows through the high-resistance resistor 49b, whereby the electric heater 72 of the binder 70 heats gradually at a low rate of power consumption.
  • step S31 If it is determined at step S31 that the print flag is in the OFF state, i.e., that a copying operation is not underway, the program proceeds to step S33.
  • the low-speed heating terminal 50b receives a low signal
  • the high-speed heating terminal 50a receives a high signal. Consequently, electric current flows through the resistor 49a having a low resistance value, and a large current flows between the electrodes 34. As a result, the electric heater 72 of the binder 70 heats intensely and the adhesive material 73 melts rapidly.
  • the electric power supplied to the electric heater 72 during both high-speed and low-speed heating is regulated by a feedback circuit (comprising the resistor 45a) to the comparator 45.
  • step S34 the total quantity of heat supplied to the adhesive material 73 by the electric heater 72 of the binder 70 is calculated. The quantity of heat is calculated based on the high-speed and the low-speed heating times. Then, at step S35, it is determined whether sufficient heat has been supplied to the adhesive material 73 of the binder 70. If it is determined that the supplied heat is insufficient, heating by the binding unit 30 must continue, and the program proceeds from step S35 to S36.
  • step S36 it is determined whether there are any malfunctions in the binding unit 30. If there is any indication of a malfunction, such as an abnormal resistance value of the electric heater 72 or a defective contact between the binder 70 and the electrodes 34, it is detected by the malfunction detecting circuit 47. Therein, if the potential at the collector of the power transistor 43 goes outside the normal range as defined by the pair of comparators 49 and 50, the output from the NG terminal 51 drops. The change in the output from the NG terminal 51 is detected at step S36. When a malfunction is thus detected, the program proceeds to step S37. At step S37, the remote terminal 46 generates a low output, thereby cutting off the electric current to the binder 70. At step S38, "ERROR" is represented on the liquid crystal display 21.
  • an error flag is set to an ON state, after which the program returns to the procedure of Fig. 7A. If the error flag is in the ON state, the determination at step S16 in Fig. 7D is "Yes" and the heating process does not restart.
  • step S40 a heating end flag is set to an ON state.
  • the remote terminal 46 receives a low output, thereby cutting of the electric current to the binding unit 30.
  • step S42 the heating-state lamp 24 switches off, after which the program returns to the procedure of Fig. 7A.
  • Fig. 7F which shows the specific procedure of branch B5
  • step S43 it is determined at step S43 whether the heating process in the binding unit 30 has terminated. This determination depends on whether or not the heating end flag (at step S40 in Fig. 7E) is in the ON state. The determination at step S43 is "No" until the heating process terminates, and the remainder of the procedure of Fig. 7F meanwhile is not executed.
  • step S43 the program proceeds to step S44.
  • step S44 the cooling-state lamp 25 is illuminated to indicate the cooling state.
  • step S45 it is determined whether a predetermined cooling time has elapsed or not. If not, the determination at step S45 is "No", and the program returns to the procedure of Fig. 7A.
  • step S45 the program proceeds to step S46.
  • step S46 the binding flag and the heating end flag are set to the OFF state.
  • step S47 the indication on the liquid crystal display 21 of the time elapsed since the start of the binding operation ceases, and the cooling-state lamp 25 is switched off.
  • step S48 the copy number is displayed in place of the time indication on the liquid crystal display 21.
  • two resistors 49a and 49b having different resistance values are utilized in this embodiment in order to control the binding unit 30 so as to heat material to be bound at a low rate when copying operation and binding operation are simultaneously performed, and to heat the object at a high rate when only the binding operation is performed. Consequently, excessive power consumption does not occur even when the copying and binding operations are performed simultaneously.
  • the end of the heating stage and the end of the cooling stage at steps S43 and S45 respectively are determined based upon the appropriate heating and cooling times defined at step S25 relative to the ambient temperature and the thickness of the material to be bound. Consequently, accurate binding operations are performed in accordance with changes in ambient temperature and material thickness.
  • Figs. 7A to 7F may be replaced by the control process of Figs. 13A to 13C.
  • step S101 by setting, for example, the fixing unit 17 to a prescribed temperature, and a print flag which serves as a reference for storing a copying request to an OFF state.
  • the LED of the print key 22 is illuminated.
  • step S102 it is determined at step S102 whether a copying start instruction has been issued through the print key 22. If the instruction has not been issued, the program proceeds to step S103 to determine whether or not the print flag is in the ON state. If the print flag is in the OFF state, the program proceeds to step S104 at which it is determined based on a signal from the start terminal 53 whether the binding mode is to be started or not. If the binding mode is not to be started, the program proceeds to step S105. At step S105, it is determined whether a copy number setting instruction has been issued through the ten-key board 23. If not, the program proceeds to step S106. At step S106, it is determined whether the cooling stage of the binding unit 30 (to be described afterwards) has finished. If the determination is "No", miscellaneous processes are performed at step S107, and then the program returns to step S102.
  • step S105 the program proceeds from step S105 to step S108, at which the input numerical value is stored as the number of copies.
  • step S109 the number is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. Then, the program returns to its main routine.
  • the sheets 75 are placed into the binder 70 and it is folded, as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, so that one side of the stack of sheets 75 is in contact with the adhesive layer 73 along the spine 71. Then, the binder 70 is loaded into the container 31, pressing against the cover 32 as shown in Fig. 10. When the binder 70 reaches the bottom of the container 31 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the pair of electrodes 34 come into electrical contact with the electric heater 72 of the binder 70 through the electrodes 74.
  • step S104 When the electrodes 34 are in electrical contact with the electrodes 74, the potential at the non-inverting terminal of the comparator 52 of the start detection circuit 48 increases, and a high signal is generated at the start terminal 53. As a result, the program proceeds from step S104 to step S110 of Fig. 13A to enter a binding mode subroutine whereby the binding mode is executed.
  • the print flag is set to the OFF state at step S111.
  • a timer starts which serves as a reference for the measurement of the binding operation time.
  • the heating-state lamp 24 is illuminated in blue.
  • the print key 22 switches off to indicate that a copying operation is forbidden. Consequently, the operator finds that a heating operation has begun in the binding unit 30 and that a copying operation is not permitted.
  • the remote terminal 46 receives a high output.
  • the power transistor 43 of the binding unit 30 switches on, and electric current flows between the pair of electrodes 34.
  • the electric heater 72 of the binder 70 heats, melting the adhesive material 73.
  • the side of the stack of sheets 75 is adhered to the binder cover 70 by the adhesive material 73.
  • the electric power supplied to the electric heater 72 is regulated by a feedback circuit to the comparator 46 which comprises the resistor 45a.
  • the malfunction detecting circuit 47 detects the presence of any malfunction, such as an abnormal resistance value of the electric heater or a defective contact between the binder 70 and the electrodes 34 that might occurs. Specifically, when the potential at the collector of the power transistor 43 goes outside the normal range as defined by the pair of comparators 49 and 50, the output from the NG terminal 51 drops. The change in output at the NG terminal 51 is detected at step S117 of Fig. 13B. When a malfunction is thus detected, the program proceeds from step S117 to step S118. At step S118, the remote terminal 46 generates a low output, thereby cutting off the supply of electric current to the binding unit 30.
  • step S119 "ERROR" is represented on the liquid crystal display 21.
  • step S120 both the heating-state lamp 24 and the cooling-state lamp 25 are illuminated in red.
  • step S121 a buzzer 26 is activated.
  • step S123 it is determined whether the print key 22 has been pressed by the operator. If not, the program proceeds to step S124. If it is determined at step S123 that the print key 22 has been pressed, the program proceeds to step S123a. At step S123a, the print flag is set to the ON state. As a result, a request for a copying operation is stored into memory. At step S124, it is determined whether a prescribed heating time has elapsed, by reference to the timing by the timer begun at step S112. If the heating time has not elapsed, the program returns to step S117. Thus, during the heating process, it is possible to detect malfunction through step S117 and to receive a request for a copying operation into memory through step S123.
  • step S124 the program proceeds from step S124 to step S125, at which tee supply of electric power to the binding unit 30 is cut off.
  • step S126 the heating-state lamp 24 switches off.
  • step S127 the cooling-state lamp 25 is illuminated in blue. Consequently, the operator is apprised that the cooling process has started in the binding unit 30.
  • step S122 the program proceeds to step S122.
  • step S122 the indication by the liquid crystal display 21 switches to an indication of the copy number. Then, at step S128, the print key 22 is enabled. Consequently, the operator finds that a copying operation can be started without awaiting the end of the cooling process in the binding unit 30. After the operation of step S128, the program returns to the main routine of Fig. 13A.
  • step S102 When the print key 22 is pressed, the program proceeds from step S102 to step S129, at which a copying operation subroutine as outlined in Fig. 13C is executed. If the print flag is set to the ON state at step S123a in Fig. 13B (that is, a request for a copying operation is stored in memory), the program proceeds from step S103 to step S130, at which the copy operation subroutine is executed.
  • the print key 22 switches off at step S131.
  • step S132 "1" is subtracted from the value corresponding to the copy number displayed on the liquid crystal display 21, and the value thus obtained is displayed therein.
  • step S133 the print flag is set to the OFF state.
  • step S134 a start copying operation instruction is issued. In the copying operation thus started, an original on the original retainer 2 is scanned by the optical scanning system 7, and image information obtained by the scanning is supplied to the image forming unit 8, whereby an image is transferred onto a sheet transported from the feed tray 4 or feed cassette 5. The transferred image is fixed onto the sheet by the fixing unit 17 and then the sheet is discharged into the copy tray 6.
  • step S135 it is determined at step S135 whether the cooling process in the binding unit 30 is completed, by reference to the timer started at step S112 in Fig. 13B. If the cooling process is not yet complete, the program proceeds to step S136. When it is determined at step S135 that the cooling process is completed, the cooling-state lamp 25 turns off at step S137, and the program proceeds to step S136. At step S136, miscellaneous processes in the copying operation are executed. After these operations, the program proceeds to step S138. At step S138, it is determined whether or not the sequence of copying operations has terminated. While the sequence of copying operations is still underway, the program returns to step S135 to repeat the subsequent processes.
  • step S138 If it is determined at step S138 that the sequence of copying operations has terminated, the program proceeds to step S139, at which it is determined whether or not the displayed copy number is "0". If it is not "0", which indicates that the copying operation for the preset number has not been completed, the operations starting at step S134 are repeated. If the determination at step S139 is "Yes”, the print key 22 then switches on at step S140, and then the program returns to the main routine of Fig. 13A.
  • a copying operation is not permitted while the heating process in the binding unit 30 is in progress, thus averting an excessive consumption of power. If the heating process in the binding unit 30 is completed, the copying operation is immediately enabled, permitting efficient performance of the binding and the copying operations.
  • a copying operation request is stored into memory such that the copying operation is started immediately after the end of a heating process. Thus, the apparatus of this embodiment can smoothly and rapidly switch from the binding operation to the copy operation.
  • control process of in Figs. 7A to 7F and the control process of Figs. 13A to 13C may be replaced by the control process of Figs. 14A and 14B.
  • step S201 initialization is performed at step S201, wherein, for example, the fixing unit 17 is set to a prescribed temperature.
  • a binding flag BF provided in the RAM 63 is set to an OFF state.
  • step S202 it is determined at step S202 whether a copy start instruction has been issued through the print key 22. If the determination is "No", the program proceeds to step S203 where it is determined by reference to the binding flag BF and a signal from the start terminal 53 whether the binding mode is to be started or not. If the binding mode is not to be started, the program proceeds to step S204. At step S204, it is determined whether a copy number setting instruction has been issued through the ten-key board 23. If the determination is "No", miscellaneous processes are performed at step S225, and then the program returns to step S202.
  • step S204 the program proceeds from step S204 to step S205, at which the numerical value of the input is stored as the number of copies.
  • step S206 the number is displayed on the liquid crystal display 21. After the operation of step S206, the program returns to the main routine.
  • step S207 "1" is subtracted from the value corresponding to the copy number displayed on the liquid crystal display 21, and the value thus obtained is displayed therein.
  • a copy start instruction at step S208 the copying operation begins, wherein an original on the original support is scanned by the optical scanning system 7 in the copying machine body 1, and image information obtained by the scanning is supplied to the image forming unit 8. Therein an image is transferred onto a sheet transported from the feed tray 4 or feed cassette 5. The transferred image is fixed by the fixing unit 17 onto the sheet and then the sheet is discharged into the copy tray 6.
  • step S209 After the copying start instruction is issued at step S208, it is determined at step S209 whether a binding start has been requested or not, by reference to the signal from the start terminal 53 and the signal from the binding start key 26. If the determination is "No", the program proceeds to step S210, at which it is determined whether the sequence of copying operations has been completed. If it has not, the program returns to step S209. If the determination at step S209 is "Yes”, specifically, if the output at the start terminal 53 of the control circuit 35 is high or the binding start key 26 has been pressed, the program proceeds to step S211, whereby the binding flag BF is set to the ON state. The potential at the start terminal 53 changes when the binder 70 is loaded into the binding unit 30, as described afterwards in connection with the binding mode (at step S213).
  • step S210 determines whether the displayed number is "0" or not. Not “0” means that the preset number of copies have not been obtained, and the operations of steps S207 to S210 are repeated. If the determination at step S212 is "Yes", the program returns to the main routine.
  • the sheets 75 are placed in the binder 70 as shown in Figs. 8 and 9, so that one side of the stack of sheets 75 is in contact with the adhesive material 73 along the spine 71. Then, the binder 70 is folded as shown in Fig. 9, and loaded into the container 31, pressing against the cover 32 as shown in Fig. 10. When the binder 70 reaches the bottom of the container 31 as shown in Figs. 11 and 12, the pair of electrodes 34 come into electrical contact with the electric heater 72 of the binder cover 70 through the electrodes 74.
  • step S203 the potential at the non-inverting terminal of the comparator 52 of the start detection circuit 48 increases, and a high output is generated at the start terminal 53. Accordingly, the program proceeds from step S203 to step S213, at which a binding mode subroutine is executed.
  • step S203 If the binder 70 has been loaded into the binding unit 30 during a copying operation, or if the binding flag BF has been set to the ON state by pressing a binding start key 26, the determination at step S203 becomes "Yes" immediately after the end of a copying operation, and the program proceeds to the binding mode subroutine of step S213.
  • a command to switch to the binding mode can be preliminarily stored during a copying operation, permitting rapid switching from the copying operation to the binding operation.
  • the efficiency of the copying machine operation is improved.
  • a timer starts at step S214, and the liquid crystal display 21 starts to indicate the time remaining until the end of a binding operation. Accordingly, the operator readily can know how long it will take to complete a given binding operation.
  • the heating-state lamp 24 is illuminated, whereby the operator finds that the heating process has begun in the binding unit 30.
  • a high output is received at the remote terminal 46, whereby the power transistor 43 of the binding unit 30 switches on, causing electric current to flow between the electrodes 34. Consequently, the electric heater 72 of the binder 70 heats, melting the adhesive material 73, whereby the side of the sheets 75 is adhered to the binder 70.
  • the electric power supplied to the electric heater 72 is regulated by a feedback circuit comprising the resistor 45a to the comparator 46. If there is any indication of a malfunction, such as an abnormal resistance value of the electric heater 72 or a defective contact between the binder 70 and the electrodes 34 it is detected by the malfunction detecting circuit 47. More specifically, if the potential at the collector of the power transistor 43 goes outside the normal range as defined by the pair of comparators 49 and 50, the output at the NG terminal 51 drops. The change in output at the NG terminal 51 is detected at step S218 of Fig. 14B.
  • step S218 the program proceeds from step S218 to step S219, performing error indicating processes including cut off of the supply of electric power to the electrodes 34 and indication of "ERROR" on the liquid crystal display 21.
  • step S224 the binding flag BF is set to the OFF state, and the program returns to the main routine of Fig. 14A.
  • step S220 it is determined whether a predetermined heating time has elapsed, by reference to the timing of the timer started at step S214. Until the predetermined heating time has elapsed, the program returns to step S218. With the elapse of the heating period, the program proceeds from step S220 to step S221, at which a cooling process is carried out. This process includes cut off of electric power to the electrodes 34, switching the heating-state lamp 24 off, and illuminating the cooling-state lamp 25 in blue. As a result, the operator readily finds that the binding unit 30 has been brought into the cooling state.
  • step S222 the program pauses until the predetermined cooling time has elapsed. With the elapse of the cooling period, the program proceeds to step S223, at which the time indication on the liquid crystal display 21 and the cooling-state lamp 25 are switched off. The liquid crystal display 21 turns to displaying the copy number.
  • step S224 the binding flag BF is set to the OFF state, and then the program returns to the main routine.
  • the terminal electrodes 34 are connected with a power supply circuit 100 which includes a transistor 101 and a resistor 102.
  • the terminal electrodes 34 make contact with the electrodes of the binder 70, and when the transistor 101 switches on, electric power is supplied to the electric heater 72.
  • the container 31 has a thermistor 103 for detecting the temperature of the binder 70. This thermistor 103 is located in the vicinity of the terminal electrodes 34, such that when the binder 70 is loaded into the container 31, the thermistor 103 is located close to the spine 71, and therein detects the temperature of the adhesive material 73.
  • the power supply circuit 100 is controlled by an electricity control unit (ECU) 105.
  • the control unit 105 begins to supply electric power to the electric heater 72 when the binder 70 has been loaded into the container 31 and the terminal electrodes 34 have made contact with the electrodes 74 of the binder 70. Then, with reference to the temperature of the binder 70 detected by the thermistor 103, the control unit 105 determines the end of the heating process, i.e., the timing when the transistor 101 switches off to stop the supply of electric power, as well as the end of the cooling process, which is displayed, for example, by switching off the cooling-state lamp 25.
  • ECU electricity control unit
  • Fig. 16 shows a flow chart of a specific example of the control process of the control unit 105.
  • the control unit 105 determines first whether or not supply of electric power may be started (at step S301). When it may, as a result of the binder 70 having been loaded into the container 31, thus binding the electrodes 74 into contact with the terminal electrodes 34, the program proceeds to step S302.
  • the transistor 101 switches on, supplying electricity to the electric heater 72.
  • the temperature T of the binder 70 is read by means of the thermistor 103 (at step S303), and it is determined whether the temperature T is higher than a predetermined temperature Ta required to effect the heating process (at step S304).
  • the value of this predetermined temperature Ta (about 90 °C) corresponds to the melting point of the adhesive material 73, and is stored in advance in the control unit 105. Electric power is supplied until the temperature T attains the preset temperature Ta, and when it begins to become higher than the predetermined temperature Ta, the transistor 101 switches off, thereby cutting off the supply of electric power (at step S305).
  • the temperature T in the binder 70 is read (at step S306), whereby it is determined when the temperature T has become lower than a predetermined temperature Tb, signaling the completion of cooling (at step S307).
  • the value of this predetermined temperature Tb (about 50 °C) corresponds to the coagulation point of the adhesive material 73, and is stored in advance in the control unit 105.
  • the cooling-state lamp 25 (in Fig. 4) switches off, indicating that the binding process is completed (at step S308).
  • the supply of electric power to the electric heater 72 is begun through the loading of the binder cover 70 containing the sheets 75 into the container 31, whereby the adhesive material 73 heats, and the temperature of the adhesive material 73 gradually rises.
  • the temperature of the adhesive material 73 attains the predetermined temperature Ta corresponding to the melting point thereof, the supply of electricity is cut off. Consequently, the adhesive material 73 is unfalteringly heated until it is melted, even if the temperature of the adhesive should rise inconsistently due to various irregular factors. Thus, a well-performed binding operation is ensured.
  • the adhesive material 73 is not excessively heated and the heating time can be reduced to within the range necessary for melting. Since unnecessary increases of temperature are avoided, the cooling time may also be reduced.
  • the temperature in the binder 70 lowers to the predetermined temperature Tb at time b. This drop is detected, whereupon the lamp 25 switches off, indicating the completion of the binding operation.
  • Figs. 18 and 19 show the fifth embodiment.
  • a limit switch 106 is provided which detects the thickness of the folded binder cover 70.
  • the limit switch 106 is located for example in the container 31 of the binding unit 30. It is switched on when the thickness of the binder 70 is larger than a predetermined thickness, whereas it remains off otherwise. Thus, whether or not the thickness of the binder 70 is larger than the predetermined thickness is detected by the limit switch 106.
  • a control unit 107 for controlling a power supply circuit 100 has means 108 for setting the time power supply is on independency upon the thickness detected by the limit switch 106, and means 109 for supplying electric power for the set time.
  • step S401 It is determined whether supply of electric power may be started (at step S401).
  • the power supply time is set (at steps S402 to S404).
  • a timer starts clocking (at step S405), and electric power is supplied to the electric heater (at step S406).
  • the power supply time setting depends upon whether the limit switch 106 is on or off (at step S402). If the limit switch 106 is off, the first time TM1 is selected as the power supply time TMset (at step S403). If the limit switch 106 is on, the second time TM2 is selected as the power supply time TMset (at step S404).
  • the first time TM1 is a period adequate for the adhesive material 33 in a relatively thin binder 70 to heat to the melting point.
  • the second time TM2 is longer than the first time TM1.
  • the timer When the supply of electric power begins, the timer operates to determine whether or not the predetermined power supply time TMset has elapsed (at step S407). The supply of power continues until the elapse of the predetermined power supply time TMset, at which the transistor 101 of the power supply circuit 100 switches off, thereby cutting off the supply of electric power (at step S408). Afterwards, it is determined whether the predetermined cooling time has elapsed (at step S409). If so, the end of the binding operation is indicated (at step S410). The predetermined cooling time is constant in this case; however, it may be made to depend upon the thickness of the binder 70 (i.e., the on/off state of the limit switch 106).
  • the heating time for the adhesive material 73 (i.e., the power supply time to the electric heater 72) is regulated depending on the thickness of the folded binder 70 which varies according to the number of sheets 75. If there is a large number of sheets 75 and the binder 70 is thick, the temperature in the binder 70 will rise slowly; consequently it takes longer for the adhesive material 73 to attain the melting point, compared to the case in which the binder 70 is thin.
  • the heating time is accordingly regulated, that is, the heating time is set relatively short if the binder 70 is thin, and it is set relatively long if the binder 70 is thick, whereby the temperature of the adhesive material 73 unfalteringly attains the melting point and excessive heating does not occur.
  • the terminal electrodes 34 are connected with a transistor 121 and a resistor 122.
  • the electrodes 74 of the binder cover 70 are in contact with the terminal electrodes 34 switching on the transistor 121, supply of electric power to the electric heater 72 begins.
  • a circuit 123 which detects the electrical resistance of the electric heater 72 is provided adjacent to the power supply circuit 120.
  • the detecting circuit 123 detects a voltage level which depends on the value of the resistance of the electric heater 72.
  • the detecting circuit 123 comprises comparators, and detects a potential V, the potential between resistors 124 and 125 connected in parallel with the transistor 121 and the resistor 122, through comparison with a plurality of reference potentials provided by circuits having a plurality of voltage dividing resistors 126 to 130.
  • the detecting circuit 123 includes four comparators 131 to 134 for comparing the detected potential V with the first to fourth reference potentials V 1 to V 4 .
  • the reference potentials are defined such that V 1 ⁇ V 2 ⁇ V 3 ⁇ V 4 , and set to, for example, 1V, 2V, 3V and 4V, respectively. If the detected potential V is lower than the first reference potential Vi, all the outputs of the comparators 131 to 134 are high. If the detected potential V is between the first and second reference potentials V 1 and V 2 , only the output of the first comparator 131 goes low. If the detected potential V is between the second and third reference potentials V 2 and V 3 , the outputs of the first and second comparators 131 and 132 go low.
  • the detected potential V is between the third and fourth reference potentials V 3 and V 4 , the outputs of the first to third comparators 131 to 133 go low. If it is higher than the fourth reference potential V 4 , all of the outputs of the comparators 131 to 134 go low. Thus, the detected potential V is determined by the five levels.
  • the power supply circuit 120 is controlled by the control unit (ECU) 140.
  • the control unit 140 receives the output signals from the comparators 131 to 134 of the detecting circuit 123 and provides a signal for driving the transistor 121.
  • the control unit 140 has means 141 for setting the power supply time to the electric heater 32 in accordance with the output signals of the comparators 131 to 134, and means 142 for driving the power supply circuit 120 to supply electric power to the electric heater 72 for the time set by the means 141.
  • the control unit 140 determines first whether or not the supply of electric power may be started (at step S501). When a binder 70 is loaded into the container 31, bringing the electrodes 34 into contact with the electrodes 74, it is determined that the supply of electricity may be started, and the program proceeds to step S502.
  • the output signals of the comparators 131 to 134 of the detecting circuit 123 are then read (at step S502), and the power supply time TMset is set relative to the signals (at step S503).
  • the power supply time is read from a table stored in the control unit 140. Higher values of the resistance of the electric heater 72 correspond to lower values of the detected potential V.
  • the power supply timings may for example be set as shown in Fig. 22 according to the level of the detected potential V determined by the outputs of the comparators 131 to 134. In this case, the lower the detected potential V is, the longer the power supply time will be.
  • a timer starts (at step S504), and the transistor 121 switches on, supplying electric power to the electric heater (at step S505).
  • the power supply timing is clocked by the timer whereby it is determined whether the set power supply time TMset has elapsed or not (at step S506). Electric power is supplied until the elapse of the set power supply time TMset.
  • the transistor 121 of the power supply circuit 120 switches off, cutting off the supply of electric power (at step S507).
  • a preset cooling time has elapsed (at step S508).
  • the cooling-state lamp 25 switches off, indicating the end of the binding process (at step S509).
  • the power supply time TMset can be regulated accordingly, thereby adjusting the time set to melt the adhesive material 33.
  • the adhesive material 73 is always thus adequately heated. Specifically, if the resistance value of the electric heater 72 is large, a lower quantity of heat is generated per unit time, thus the temperature is the binder 70 rises slowly. In this case, the power supply time TMset is set long so that the adhesive material 73 is heated sufficiently to melt. If the resistance value of the electric heater 72 is relatively small and a higher quantity of heat is thus generated per unit time, the power supply time TMset is set short, thereby preventing excessive heating.
  • the terminal electrodes 34 are connected with a power supply circuit 150 comprising a transistor 151 and a resistor 152.
  • a power supply circuit 150 comprising a transistor 151 and a resistor 152.
  • the power supply circuit 150 is controlled by a control unit (ECU) 170.
  • the control unit 170 receives a selection signal from a binding condition setting keyboard 160 provided on the operation panel 20.
  • the control unit 170 supplied a signal for driving the transistor 151.
  • the control unit 170 includes means 171 for setting the timing of the power supplied to the electric heater 72 in accordance with the selection signal through the keyboard 160, and means 172 for driving the power supply circuit 150 to supply electric power to the electric heater 72 for the power supply timing, whereby binding conditions (the power supply timing in this case) can be regulated according to the type of binder 70.
  • the power supply timing set means 171 reads a corresponding set time from the stored table in accordance with the selection signal from the keyboard 160, and sets the time for an incorporated timer. When the binder 70 is loaded, the power supply circuit drive means 172 turns on the power supply circuit 150 for the set time.
  • the keyboard 160 transmits four kinds of selection signals indicating the type of binder 70 to be processed to the control unit 170.
  • the keyboard 160 has four switches 161 to 164 for selecting any one of four types of binder 70, and lamps L A to L ⁇ associated with the four switches and which illuminate when the corresponding switch is operated.
  • the characters A to D attached to "L" for the lamps indicate types of binder 70.
  • type A is a binder which contains a small number of sheets size B5 or smaller and is provided with an electric heater 72 having a small resistance value and requiring a relatively small quantity of heat
  • type D is a binder which contains a large number of B4 size sheet and is provided with an electric heater 72 having a large resistance value.
  • type A is a standard type, for which the power supply timing is set to 60 sec.
  • the power supply times for types B, C and D are set to 80 sec., 100 sec., and 120 sec., respectively.
  • the power supply timing can be set according to the quantity of heat required for the binders 70, and it is possible to set the optimal binding conditions for each case.
  • step S601 there is a pause for a binding start instruction.
  • the program proceeds from step S602 to S605 in order to wait for a selection by means of the binding condition setting keyboard 160.
  • step S606 the program proceeds from step S602 to step S606, whereby the power supply timing of the power supply circuit 8 is set to the standard value of 60 sec. If type B is selected, the power supply timing is set to 80 sec. (through steps S603 and S607). If type C is selected, the power supply timing is set to 100 sec. (through steps S604 and S608). If type D is selected, the power supply timing is set to 120 sec. (through steps S605 and S609). After that, when the binder 70 has been loaded into the container 31 (at step S610), the power supply circuit 150 switches on to supply electric power for the set time (at step S611). The heating-state lamp 24 is illuminated during the supply of power.
  • the cooling-state lamp 25 After electric power has been supplied by the power supply circuit 150 for the set time, the cooling-state lamp 25 is illuminated for a cooling period preset to correspond to the power supply time, and the heated binder 70 together with the bound sheets 75 cools. After the elapse of the cooling period, the cooling-state lamp 25 switches off, thereby indicating that the binding process has ended.
  • a condition of the binding operation i.e., the power supply timing to the electric heater 72 of the binder 70
  • the sheets do not fail to adhere to the binder cover 70 satisfactorily, and the quality of the binding operation is improved.
  • the parameter therein may be either ambient temperature or the thickness of the material to be bound or both.
  • the heating time is preferably set at 60 seconds at under 30 °C, 52 seconds at 30 ° C to 50 ° C, and 45 seconds at over 50 ° C.
  • the conventional thermistor 19 is used as a temperature monitoring means. In lieu of this arrangement, a thermistor for monitoring of temperature may be provided in the binding unit 30.
  • the conventional image density selector 26 is also used as means for measuring the thickness of the material to be bound. This image density selector 26 may be replaced by a special instrument

Landscapes

  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Control Or Security For Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Paper Feeding For Electrophotography (AREA)
  • Folding Of Thin Sheet-Like Materials, Special Discharging Devices, And Others (AREA)
EP95107088A 1990-10-25 1991-10-24 Appareil de formation d'images avec fonction de reliure. Withdrawn EP0669557A3 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
JP289784/90 1990-10-25
JP2289784A JPH04161389A (ja) 1990-10-25 1990-10-25 製本機能付画像形成装置
JP292772/90 1990-10-29
JP2292772A JPH04164693A (ja) 1990-10-29 1990-10-29 製本機能付画像形成装置
JP301272/90 1990-11-06
JP2301272A JPH0813586B2 (ja) 1990-11-06 1990-11-06 製本機能付画像形成装置
EP19910118169 EP0482644A3 (en) 1990-10-25 1991-10-24 Image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP91118169.1 Division 1991-10-24

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0669557A2 true EP0669557A2 (fr) 1995-08-30
EP0669557A3 EP0669557A3 (fr) 1996-12-18

Family

ID=27337532

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910118169 Ceased EP0482644A3 (en) 1990-10-25 1991-10-24 Image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function
EP95107088A Withdrawn EP0669557A3 (fr) 1990-10-25 1991-10-24 Appareil de formation d'images avec fonction de reliure.

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP19910118169 Ceased EP0482644A3 (en) 1990-10-25 1991-10-24 Image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (2) EP0482644A3 (fr)
KR (1) KR920008554A (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10034842B4 (de) * 1999-08-26 2018-06-21 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Bindemodul für modulare Systeme

Families Citing this family (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220035296A1 (en) * 2020-07-31 2022-02-03 Canon Kabushiki Kaisha Image forming apparatus

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS60247258A (ja) * 1984-05-22 1985-12-06 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd 複写機の制御方式
JPS6141261U (ja) * 1984-08-21 1986-03-15 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置
JPS61121456U (fr) * 1985-01-18 1986-07-31
JPH02233467A (ja) * 1989-03-07 1990-09-17 Ricoh Co Ltd 画像形成装置

Family Cites Families (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4511243A (en) * 1983-04-15 1985-04-16 Xerox Corporation Time to completion interaction for a copier
US5079723A (en) * 1988-03-04 1992-01-07 Xerox Corporation Touch dialogue user interface for reproduction machines
JPH0238265A (ja) * 1988-07-29 1990-02-07 Ricoh Co Ltd シート後処理装置

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPS60247258A (ja) * 1984-05-22 1985-12-06 Fuji Xerox Co Ltd 複写機の制御方式
JPS6141261U (ja) * 1984-08-21 1986-03-15 キヤノン株式会社 画像形成装置
JPS61121456U (fr) * 1985-01-18 1986-07-31
JPH02233467A (ja) * 1989-03-07 1990-09-17 Ricoh Co Ltd 画像形成装置

Non-Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 010, no. 119 (P-453), 6 May 1986 & JP-A-60 247258 (FUJI XEROX KK), 6 December 1985, *
PATENT ABSTRACTS OF JAPAN vol. 014, no. 549 (M-1055), 6 December 1990 & JP-A-02 233467 (RICOH CO LTD), 17 September 1990, *

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE10034842B4 (de) * 1999-08-26 2018-06-21 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Bindemodul für modulare Systeme

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0482644A2 (fr) 1992-04-29
KR920008554A (ko) 1992-05-28
EP0482644A3 (en) 1993-03-03
EP0669557A3 (fr) 1996-12-18

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US4956669A (en) Control apparatus for controlling density of toner in a developing unit
EP0112450A1 (fr) Système de contrôle et de réglage pour l'amenée de toner électrophotographique
US5095331A (en) Image forming apparatus having toner-empty detecting and indicating mechanism
US4764789A (en) Apparatus for inputting image forming condition
EP0252613B2 (fr) Système de copie
EP0669557A2 (fr) Appareil de formation d'images avec fonction de reliure
US4955317A (en) Image forming apparatus having a plurality of developing units each containing two-component developer
JPS61132969A (ja) カラ−記録装置
US5275520A (en) Binding unit for binding sheets in adherence to a binder
US5250985A (en) Image forming apparatus equipped with a binding function
US5030990A (en) Apparatus for inputting image forming condition
JP2575404B2 (ja) 画像形成装置
JPH06348133A (ja) 現像装置
JP3689547B2 (ja) 画像形成装置
JPH0813587B2 (ja) 製本機能付画像形成装置
JPH07261477A (ja) 電子写真式画像形成装置
JPH01219857A (ja) 露光装置
JPH06258930A (ja) 現像装置
JPH04331190A (ja) 製本機能付画像形成装置
JPH04173296A (ja) 製本機能付画像形成装置
JPH04185388A (ja) 製本機能付画像形成装置
JPS6028675A (ja) 現像剤濃度制御装置
JPH0813586B2 (ja) 製本機能付画像形成装置
JPH09230649A (ja) 画像形成装置
JPH03138670A (ja) 画像形成装置

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AC Divisional application: reference to earlier application

Ref document number: 482644

Country of ref document: EP

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A2

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

PUAL Search report despatched

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A3

Designated state(s): DE FR GB IT

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: THE APPLICATION IS DEEMED TO BE WITHDRAWN

18D Application deemed to be withdrawn

Effective date: 19970619