JP2001042704A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make a resistance value at the time of ejecting in a binding machine high and to prevent faulty ejection by providing a margin on surfaces other than an outermost surface and an innermost surface in a bookbinding mode. SOLUTION: Inside the binding machine, ejected papers are arranged and stapled at its center by a stapler 19 (a). Then, a stopper 22 is withdrawn and a folding bar 20 creases in the center of the paper, and the paper is outputted to an ejection tray by a drawing-in roller 21 (b). When the bookbinding mode is selected and specified setting is performed in a detailed mode, printing is performed with the margin at a specified position. When the specified setting is not performed, printing is performed without the margin at the specified position. In the case of setting 'saddle stitch' when the bookbinding mode is set, printing is performed with the margin on pages other than the front of a first page and the back of a last page. Thus, a phenomenon that a printed matter is hardly drawn in because the surface without toner comes in contact and the resistance value gets high when it is creased and ejected by the roller 21 of the binding machine is reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus capable of preventing defective discharge by a bookbinding machine.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the number of copying machines having a bookbinding mode has been increasing. In the bookbinding mode, for example, FIG.
16A are printed on A3 papers 16 and 17 in the order shown in FIG.
When folded as shown in FIG. 16C, an output like "book" in FIG. 16D is obtained.

At this time, the images of the originals 1 to 8 are all read and then stored in an HD or the like, and the number of sheets of the original is determined, and then printed. For example, FIG.
In the case of (a), since the number of originals is eight, the number is determined to be two by 8 ÷ 4, and printing is performed on two sheets. In printing, the images of the originals 1 and 8 are combined and printed on the front side of the first sheet 16 and the images of the originals 2 and 7 are combined and printed on the back side.
The images of the originals 3 and 6 are printed on the front side of the sheet 17 after being synthesized, and the images of the originals 4 and 5 are printed on the back side.

When the original is odd, for example, when the number of originals is five, it is determined that the number of originals is increased to two (from 繰 4), and thereafter, the originals 1 to 5 shown in FIG. I do. At this time, the original 1 is printed on the front side of the first sheet 16, the original 2 is printed on the back side, and the original 3 is printed on the front side of the second sheet 17, and the originals 4 and 5 are printed on the back side. Will do.

Recently, printed papers 16 and
The number of copiers equipped with a bookbinding machine that automatically staples 17 and further folds it at the center is increasing.

An example of the structure of this "bookbinding machine" (a machine for stapling and folding halfway) will be described with reference to FIG. The output bundled paper 18 first accumulates as a bundle as shown in FIG. When a certain amount is collected, the bookbinding machine staples the center of the sheet with the stapler 19 and conveys it to the lower folding position as shown in FIG. 17B. Here, when it is confirmed that the paper position has been reached, the bending bar 2 in the center position is displayed.
0 is projected, the center of the sheet is bent, and the sheet is drawn in by the drawing roller 21. The folded sheet is drawn into the drawing roller 21 and discharged. Reference numeral 22 denotes a sheet receiver (stopper).

[0007]

However, in the bookbinding machine having the above function, if an image is placed on the center position of the paper, there is a problem that the image cannot be drawn into the drawing roller 21 properly depending on bookbinding conditions. Is coming out. This is because when the toner is placed on the portion where the sheets at the center position are joined together, the toner surface comes into contact and the resistance value decreases, and the sheet is more slippery than when the sheets are in contact with each other. In this case, a slip occurs, and a phenomenon occurs in which only the outermost sheet of paper is pulled in.

An object of the present invention is to solve such a conventional problem.

[0009]

An image forming apparatus provided by the present invention to solve the above-mentioned problems includes the following (1) to (1).
It is described in (7).

(1) Printing means for printing on a sheet, a plurality of operation modes including a bookbinding mode, operation mode selecting means for selecting the operation mode, and detailed mode setting means for setting a detailed mode of the bookbinding mode An image forming apparatus having a margin printing unit that does not print at a predetermined position when printing on a sheet by the printing unit, wherein the bookbinding mode is selected by the operation mode selection unit. When a predetermined setting is made by the detailed mode setting means, printing is performed with a margin at a predetermined position by the margin printing means, and when the predetermined setting is not made by the detailed mode setting means, no printing is performed at the predetermined position. An image forming apparatus that performs printing (hereinafter, referred to as a first apparatus).

(2) The first apparatus is connected to a sheet post-processing apparatus having stapling means for stapling the sheet and sheet folding means for folding the sheet.
The detailed mode setting means in the first device has staple setting means for setting whether or not to staple,
The predetermined setting in the image forming apparatus is a setting for stapling.

(3) An image forming apparatus provided with a margin setting means for setting a margin area in the first apparatus.

(4) Printing means for printing on a sheet, a plurality of operation modes including a bookbinding mode, an operation mode selecting means for selecting the operation mode, and a detailed mode setting means for setting a detailed mode of the bookbinding mode. An image processing apparatus having a margin printing unit that does not perform printing at a predetermined position when printing on a sheet by the printing unit, wherein the bookbinding mode is selected by the operation mode selection unit. When a predetermined setting is made by the detailed mode setting means, only a predetermined page is printed with a margin at a predetermined position by the margin printing means, a remaining page is printed without a margin, and the predetermined mode is printed by the detailed mode setting means. An image forming apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a second apparatus) characterized in that when a setting other than the above is set, printing is performed at a predetermined position without a margin.

(5) A sheet post-processing device having staple means for stapling the sheet and sheet folding means for folding the sheet is connected to the second device,
The detailed mode setting means in the second device has staple setting means for setting whether or not to perform stapling.
The predetermined setting in the image forming apparatus is a setting for stapling.

(6) An image forming apparatus provided with a margin setting means for setting a margin area in the second apparatus.

(7) An image forming apparatus in which the predetermined page in the second apparatus is an outermost sheet or an innermost page.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to embodiments.

[0018]

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the structure of a digital copying machine according to Embodiment 1.

In the figure, reference numeral 200 denotes a digital copying machine main body (hereinafter referred to as main body), and 6 denotes an automatic document feeder (DF).
It is.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a platen glass serving as a document table, and 202 denotes a scanner, which includes a document illumination lamp 203, a scanning mirror 204, and the like. The original is reciprocally scanned by a scanner driven by a motor (not shown), and the reflected light thereof is transmitted through scanning mirrors 204 to 206 to a lens 20.
7 to form an image on the CCD sensor in the image sensor unit 208. An exposure control unit 209 includes a laser, a polygon scanner, and the like. The exposure control unit 209 converts a laser beam 219 converted into an electric signal by the image sensor unit 208 and modulated based on an image signal on which predetermined image processing described below is performed. Irradiates the body drum 211.

Around the photosensitive drum 211, a primary charger 212, a developing device 213, a transfer charger 216, a pre-exposure lamp 214, and a cleaning device 215 are provided. In the image forming unit 210, the photosensitive drum 211
Is rotated in the direction of the arrow by a motor (not shown).
After being charged to a desired potential by the next charger 212, a laser beam 219 from the exposure control unit 209 is irradiated, and an electrostatic latent image is formed thereon. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 211 is developed by the developing device 213 and is visualized as a toner image.

On the other hand, pickup rollers 225, 226, and 2 are supplied from the right cassette deck 221, the left cassette deck 222, the upper cassette 223, or the lower cassette 224.
Transfer paper fed by the feed rollers 27 and 228
The toner image is sent to the main body 200 by the transfer rollers 29, 230, 231 and 232, is fed to the transfer belt by the registration rollers 233, and is transferred to the transfer paper by the transfer charger 216.

After transfer, the photosensitive drum 211 is cleaned of residual toner by a cleaner device 215, and residual charge is erased by a pre-exposure lamp 214. The transfer paper after the transfer is separated from the photosensitive drum 211 by the separation charger 217 and sent to the fixing device 235 by the transfer belt 234. In the fixing device 235, fixing is performed by applying pressure and heat.
The sheet is discharged out of the main body 200 by the discharge roller 236.

The main body 200 is equipped with a deck 250 capable of storing, for example, 4000 transfer papers. The lifter 251 of the deck 250 rises according to the amount of transfer paper so that the transfer paper always contacts the pickup roller 252, and the transfer paper is sent to the main body 200 by the paper feed roller 253. Further, a multi-bypass tray 254 capable of accommodating 100 transfer sheets is also provided.

Reference numeral 237 denotes a paper discharge flapper,
The path on the 38 side and the path on the discharge path 243 side are switched. 240
A lower conveyance path guides the transfer sheet sent out from the sheet discharge roller 236 through the reversing path 239 to turn the transfer sheet upside down and guide the transfer sheet to the re-feeding path 241. The transfer paper fed from the left cassette deck 222 by the paper feed roller 230 is also guided to the refeed path 241. Reference numeral 242 denotes a transfer sheet,
Is a paper re-feed roller for re-feeding paper. A discharge roller 244 is disposed near the discharge flapper 237, and discharges the transfer sheet switched to the discharge path 243 by the discharge flapper 237 to the outside of the apparatus.

At the time of double-sided recording (double-sided copying), the discharge flapper 237 is raised upward, and the copied transfer sheet is guided to the re-feeding path 241 via the transport path 238, the reversing path 239, and the lower transport path 240. At this time, the transfer paper is completely pulled out of the transport path 238 by the reversing roller 245 at the trailing end, and is drawn into the reversing path 239 to a position where the transfer paper is bitten by the reversing roller 245.
Are sent out to the conveyance path 240 when the rotation direction is reversed.

When the transfer sheet is inverted and discharged from the main body 200, the discharge flapper 237 is raised upward, the transfer sheet is rotated by the reversing roller 245, and the rear end of the transfer sheet is transported by the transfer path 238.
When the reversing roller 245 is reversely rotated after being drawn into the reversing path 239 to the position where it remains, the transfer paper is turned over and sent out to the discharge roller 244 side.

Reference numeral 290 denotes a paper discharge processing device that closes the transfer paper discharged from the main body 200 together. In this apparatus, transfer paper discharged for each sheet is stacked on a processing tray 294 and aligned. When a part of image formation is completed, the transfer paper bundle is stapled and discharged to the discharge tray 292 or 293.

The vertical movement of the paper discharge tray 293 is controlled by a motor (not shown), and the paper discharge tray 293 moves to the position of the processing tray 294 before the image forming operation is started. Move so that the height is at the position of the processing tray 294. Reference numeral 298 denotes a tray lower limit sensor for detecting the lower limit of the paper discharge tray 293, which detects when about 2,000 transfer papers are stacked on the paper discharge tray 293.

Reference numeral 291 denotes a sheet tray on which separator sheets to be inserted between the discharged transfer sheets are stacked, and 295 denotes a Z-folding machine for Z-folding the discharged transfer sheets. Reference numeral 296 denotes a bookbinding machine that performs bookbinding by folding a center of a part of the discharged transfer papers together and stapling them.
The bound sheet bundle is discharged to a discharge tray 297. The basic structure of the bookbinding machine 296 is the same as that of the bookbinding machine shown in FIG.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit in the main body 200. A CPU 171 performs basic control of the main body 200.
And a work RAM 175 for performing processing, an input / output port 1
Reference numeral 73 is connected by an address bus and a data bus. The input / output port 173 controls the main body 200,
Various loads (not shown) such as a motor and a clutch, and inputs (not shown) such as a sensor for detecting the position of the paper are connected.

The CPU 171 performs input / output control sequentially through the input / output port 173 according to the contents of the ROM 174 to execute an image forming operation. Also, the CPU 171
Is connected to the operation unit 172, and controls display means and key input means of the operation unit 172. The operator uses the key input means to switch the display between the image forming operation mode, the scanner reading mode, and the print output mode.
The CPU 171 instructs the PU 171 to display the state of the main body 200 and the operation mode setting by key input. CP
The image processing unit 170 that processes the signal converted into the electric signal by the image sensor unit 208 and the image memory unit 3 that stores the processed image are connected to U171.

Next, the image processing section 170 will be described in detail.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the image processing unit. Lens 2
The original image formed on the CCD sensor of the image sensor unit 208 via the input unit 07 is input as black luminance data, and is converted into an analog electric signal by the CCD sensor. The converted image information is input to an analog signal processing unit (not shown), and after sample and hold, dark level correction, and the like are performed, the A / D conversion unit 501 performs analog-to-digital conversion (A / D conversion). ) Is done. The digitized signal is subjected to shading correction (correction of variations in a sensor that reads a document and correction of light distribution characteristics of a document illumination lamp), and is sent to a log converter 502. lo
The g conversion unit 502 stores therein an LUT for converting the input luminance data into density data.
The luminance data is converted into density data by outputting a table value corresponding to the input data.

Thereafter, the image is scaled to a desired magnification by a scaling processing section 503 and input to a γ correction section 504. When outputting density data, the γ correction unit 504
The conversion by the LUT in consideration of the characteristics of the printer is performed, and the output is adjusted according to the density value set by the operation unit 172. After that, it is sent to the binarization unit 505. Binarization unit 50
At 5, the multi-value density data is binarized and the density value becomes "0" or "255". The 8-bit image data is binarized and converted into 1-bit image data of “0” or “1”, and the amount of image data stored in the memory is reduced.

However, when an image is binarized, the number of tones of the image changes from 256 to two. Therefore, image data with a large number of halftones, such as a photographic image, is generally degraded by binarization. Is remarkable. Therefore, it is necessary to perform pseudo halftone expression using binary data. Here, an error diffusion method is used as a method for pseudo-halftone expression using binary data. According to this method, when the density of a certain image is larger than a certain threshold value, it is determined that the density data is “255”, and when the density is less than a certain threshold value, it is determined that the density data is “0”. In this method, the difference between the actual density data and the binarized data is distributed to surrounding pixels as an error signal. The distribution of the error is performed by multiplying a weight coefficient on a matrix prepared in advance with the error generated by the binarization and adding the multiplied value to surrounding pixels. As a result, the density average value of the entire image is stored, and the halftone can be represented in a pseudo binary manner.

The binarized image data is sent to the image memory unit 3 where it is stored. The image data from the computer input from the external I / F processing unit 4 is processed as binary image data by the external I / F processing unit 4 and is sent to the image memory unit 3 as it is. The image memory unit 3 has a high-speed page memory and a large-capacity memory (hard disk) capable of storing a plurality of page image data.

The plurality of image data stored in the hard disk are output in an order according to the editing mode specified by the operation unit of the main body 200. For example, in the case of sorting, DF
6 sequentially outputs the images of the document bundle read. The image data of the document once stored is read from the hard disk, and this is repeated a plurality of times and output. Thereby, it can play the same role as a sorter having a plurality of bins.
The image data output from the image memory unit 3 is sent to a smoothing unit 506 in the printer unit 2. The smoothing unit 506 performs data interpolation so that the line ends of the binarized image are smoothed, and outputs image data to the exposure control unit 209. The exposure control unit 209 forms image data on transfer paper by the above-described processing.

Next, the image memory section 3 will be described in detail.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the image memory unit 3. In the image memory unit 3, a page memory unit 301 including a memory such as a DRAM is stored in a page memory unit 302 via an external I / F processing unit 4 and an image processing unit 170 via a memory controller unit 302.
It writes a value image, reads an image to the external I / F processing unit 4 and the printer unit 2, and accesses the hard disk 304, which is a large-capacity storage device, to input and output an image.

The memory controller 302 generates a DRAM refresh signal for the page memory 301. Further, it arbitrates access from the image I / F processing unit 4, the image processing unit 170, and the hard disk 304 to the page memory 301. Further, according to the instruction of the CPU 171,
It controls a write address to the page memory unit 301, a read address from the page memory unit 301, a read direction, and the like.

Accordingly, the CPU 171 controls the functions of laying out a plurality of original images in the page memory unit 301, laying out the images, outputting the image to the printer unit 2, cutting out only a part of the image, and outputting the image. I do.

Next, the configuration of the external I / F processing section 4 will be described in detail. FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the external I / F processing unit 4. The external I / F processing unit 4 fetches the binary image data of the reader unit 1 into the external I / F processing unit via the image memory unit 3 as described above. The binary image data from the external I / F processing unit 4 is output to the printer unit 2 to form an image.

The external I / F processing unit 4 includes a core unit 406 and a facsimile unit 401, a hard disk 402 for storing communication image data of the facsimile unit, and a computer interface unit 403 connected to the external computer 11.
And a formatter unit 404 and an image memory unit 405.

The facsimile unit 401 is connected to a public line via a modem (not shown), and receives facsimile communication data from the public line and transmits facsimile communication data to the public line. Facsimile unit 40
The hard disk drive 4 is a facsimile function, such as sending a facsimile at a designated time or sending image data in response to a designated password from a partner.
02, a fax image is stored and processed. As a result, once the image is transferred from the reader unit 1 to the facsimile unit 401 and the facsimile hard disk 402 via the image memory unit 3, the reader unit 1 and the image memory unit 3 are not used for the facsimile function. Fax transmission can be performed.

Computer interface unit 403
Is an interface unit for performing data communication with an external computer 11, and includes a local area network (hereinafter, LAN), a serial I / F, an SCSII / F,
It has a Centro I / F for printer data input.
Via this I / F, the statuses of the printer unit 2 and the reader unit 1 are notified to the external computer 11, and the image read by the reader unit 1 is transferred to the external computer according to instructions from the computer. Also, it receives print image data from an external computer. Since the print data notified from the external computer via the computer interface unit 403 is described in a dedicated printer code, the formatter unit 404 forms an image of the code in the printer unit 2 via the image memory unit 3. Convert to raster image data.

The formatter unit 404 develops raster image data in the image memory unit 405. The image memory unit is used as a memory in which the formatter unit 404 expands raster image data, or when the image of the reader unit 1 is sent to an external computer via the computer interface unit 403 (image scanner function). It is also used when the image data sent from the image memory unit 3 is once expanded in the image memory unit 405, converted into a format of data to be sent to an external computer, and sent out from the computer interface unit 403.

The core unit 406 includes a facsimile unit 401,
It controls and manages data transfer among the computer interface unit 403, the formatter unit 404, the image memory unit 405, and the image memory unit 3. Thus, even if the external I / F processing unit 4 has a plurality of image output units, or if there is only one image transfer path to the image memory unit 3, the core unit 4
Under the management of 06, exclusive control and priority control are performed, and image output is performed.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the operation unit 172 of the main body 200. The power lamp 621 is a lamp for indicating that the power is on. Power switch 613
Turns on and off according to the switching of the power on / off. The ten keys 622 are used for inputting numerical values such as setting of the number of images to be formed and setting of an operation mode.

The clear key 623 is used for clearing the settings entered with the ten keys 622. A reset key 616 is used to return the set number of images to be formed, an operation mode, a mode such as a selected paper feed stage, to default values.

When the start key 614 is pressed, an image forming operation is started. At the center of the start key 614, there are red and green LEDs (not shown) indicating whether or not the image forming process can be started. When the image forming operation cannot be started, the red LED is turned on. When the image forming operation can be started, the green LED is turned on.

The stop key 615 is used to stop the copying operation. When another key is pressed after the guide key 617 is pressed, the joint of the function that can be set by the key is displayed on the display panel 620. To cancel the guide display, the guide key 617 must be
Press.

The user setting key 618 is used when the user changes the setting of the main body 200. The settings that can be changed by the user include, for example, the time until the settings for the main body 200 are automatically cleared, the settings of the default values of the mode when the reset key 616 is pressed, and the like. When the interrupt key 619 is pressed during the image forming operation, other image forming operations are stopped, and copying can be performed without using the automatic document feeder 280.

The display panel 620 is composed of a liquid crystal or the like, and the display contents are switched according to the setting mode to facilitate detailed mode setting. The display panel is a touch panel, and the function is executed by touching the frame of the function to be displayed.

The display panel 620 displays a copy operation mode setting screen. In the display panel 620,
Keys 624, 625, 626, 627, 628, 62
9, 630 and 631 are displayed. The user sets a mode for the main body 200 by pressing these keys.

A two-sided printing setting key 624 is a key for setting a two-sided printing. A "one-sided-two-sided mode" for outputting two one-sided originals on both sides and a "two-sided-two-sided mode" for outputting a two-sided original on both sides. , And a key used to make settings such as “double-sided-single-sided mode” for outputting two-sided originals on two single-sided pages. A key 627 is a key for selecting a sheet, and keys 628, 629, 630, and 631 are keys used to set a copy magnification of a copy operation.

An application mode key 626 is used to set an image synthesizing function for synthesizing the read image and the form image, and to set a pamphlet mode for performing image forming processing in an order suitable for creating a pamphlet. These keys are used for setting and setting advanced function modes such as a reduced layout mode, an enlarged layout mode, an image composition mode, and a bookbinding mode. Application mode key 626
By pressing, a screen for setting each application function mode as described above is displayed on the display panel 620. The user sets the application function mode on this screen.

Keys that cannot be used among the keys displayed on the display panel 620 are indicated by dotted lines (shaded) to indicate that the keys cannot be operated.

In the upper part of the display panel 620, the contents of the set copy operation and the current operation state are displayed in a range where one line can be displayed. FIG. 5 shows a copy A setting screen.

The copy A function key 601, the copy function key 604, and the printer function key 610 are used when switching the display contents of the display panel 620 of the operation unit to set each function of the copy operation and the system operation. Function key.

The function keys are composed of half of the function keys and filled key buttons. Inside the keys, there are display lamps (not shown) such as LEDs. Then, when the user selects any one of these keys, only the lamp inside the key corresponding to the selected operation screen is turned on,
Lamps inside the other keys are controlled to be turned off. Also,
The green L located to the right of these function keys
The lighting of the EDs 603, 606, 612 is controlled so as to represent the operation status of each function.

For example, the user presses the copy B function key 604 to display the copy B operation screen on the display panel 620. While copy B is in standby, copy B LED 60
6 is turned off. When the copy B is in the output operation, the LED 606 of the copy B is controlled to blink. Further, the image of the copy B is stored in the hard disk 304 of the image memory unit 3, and when the print operation of the copy B is not performed, the lighting is controlled.

The red LEDs 602, 605, and 611 disposed on the left side of the keys 601, 604, and 610 are controlled to be turned on to indicate that an abnormality has occurred in each function. For example, when an abnormality such as a paper-out interruption or a JAM occurs in copy B, the LED 605 of copy B is controlled to be turned on. At this time, by pressing the copy B function key 604 and switching the copy B function key, the display panel 62 is switched.
At 0, the abnormal status of copy B is displayed, and details thereof can be known.

The above-mentioned function keys 601, 604, 610
Can be pressed in any operation state, and the operation unit is switched by changing the content displayed on the display panel 620.

The keys not provided in the display panel 620, such as the stop key 615, the start key 614, and the reset key 616, are functions selected from the copy A function key 601, the copy B function key 604, and the printer function key 610. The operation corresponding to is enabled. Therefore, for example, even when the stop key 615 is pressed while the operation screen of the copy A is displayed on the display panel 620 as shown in FIG. 6, the output operation of the copy B does not stop.

To stop the copy operation of copy B while the operation screen of copy A is displayed on display panel 620, press copy B function key 604, switch the operation screen, and then stop. Pressing the key stops the copy operation of copy B.

Since the contents changed by the user setting key 618 are reflected on the function selected at the time of the change, it is possible to set each function independently.

Reference numeral 607 denotes a fax function key;
Is a personal box key, 608 and 632 are red L
ED, 609 and 633 are green LEDs.

Next, the image synthesizing function will be described. In this embodiment, a plurality of form images can be registered in the hard disk 304. The registration (storage processing) or deletion (deletion processing) of the form image in the hard disk 304 can be set by the user.

FIG. 7 shows the operation mode key 62 displayed on the operation unit basic screen displayed on the display panel 620 of FIG.
6 is a display example of the display panel 620 when 6 is pressed, that is, an application mode setting basic screen (No. 1).

Reference numerals 801 to 815 denote mode keys. When these keys are pressed, respective application mode setting screens are displayed. Details are omitted here (the binding key 809 will be described later). 816 is a close key. When this key is pressed, the application setting ends,
The screen returns to the operation unit basic screen displayed on the display panel 620 in FIG.

When the bookbinding mode key 809 is pressed, the screen shifts to a bookbinding document setting screen shown in FIG. In FIG.
Reference numerals 901 to 909 denote document size setting keys. When any of these keys is pressed, only the pressed key is displayed in reverse video (white characters are displayed on a black background). For example, when the key 901 is pressed, only “A4” of the key 901 is highlighted. When the OK key 911 is pressed in this state, the document is set to A4, and the screen shifts to the paper setting screen shown in FIG. 910
Is a cancel key. When this key is pressed, nothing is set and the screen returns to the application setting basic screen shown in FIG.

In the paper setting screen shown in FIG.
Reference numeral 1006 denotes a paper setting key. When any of these keys is pressed, only the pressed key is highlighted. For example, when the key 1003 is pressed, the key 1003 (A3) is highlighted. When the OK key 1008 is pressed in this state, the paper is set to A3, and the middle close setting screen shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. Reference numeral 1007 denotes a cancel key. When this key is pressed, the screen returns to the original setting screen shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 shows a middle closing setting screen. In the figure, 1
Reference numeral 101 denotes a key to “close in the middle”, and 1102 denotes a key not to close in the middle. When the key 1101 is pressed, the key 1101 is highlighted, and when the key 1102 is pressed, the key 1102 is highlighted. Keys 1101, 1
Only one of 102 is highlighted.

When the OK key 1104 is pressed while the “close middle” key 1101 is highlighted,
The setting is “middle close”, and the screen shifts to the application mode setting basic screen (part 2) shown in FIG. If the OK key is pressed in a state in which the “do not close middle” key 1102 is highlighted, the setting is such that the middle close is not performed, and the screen shifts to the application mode setting basic screen (part 2) in FIG. Reference numeral 1103 denotes a cancel key. When this key is pressed, the screen returns to the sheet setting screen in FIG.

FIG. 11 shows an application mode setting basic screen (No. 2). Since the bookbinding mode has been set, “bookbinding” is highlighted and “movement” is also highlighted because the image is moved by “binding”. Also, a button of a mode that cannot be achieved at the same time as the “bookbinding” mode, such as a page layout or OHP insertion, is invalid (displayed in a light color) and cannot be selected.

Here, when the close key 1201 is pressed, the screen returns to the operation section basic screen displayed on the display panel 620 in FIG. In this case, the application mode key 626 is highlighted because the application mode “bookbinding” mode has been set.

Next, an example of an output when the "bookbinding mode" is designated will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 12B shows the bookbinding mode set.
FIG. 10 illustrates printing when “not middle-closed” is set on the middle-closed setting screen in FIG. 10. The gray area is the area where the image is printed. In this case, printing is performed without any margin at the center. The order of the images is the same as in FIG.

The operation up to output will be briefly described with reference to FIG. First, after the first sheet is printed, the discharge roller 2
It is discharged from the main body 200 in an inverted state through the 44 (front is down). Thereafter, the sheet is discharged to the sheet discharge tray 293 through the processing tray 294. Similarly, the second sheet is turned upside down after the first sheet is ejected from the main body 200 (the table below).
The sheet is discharged from the discharge roller 244, passes through the processing tray 294, and is discharged to the discharge tray 293.

Further, when there is a large number of copies to be printed, printing is continued while shifting the discharge position to the discharge tray 293 by the processing tray 294 back and forth.

Next, FIG. 12A shows printing when the bookbinding mode is set and “close in the middle” is set on the middle close setting screen in FIG. The gray area is the area where the image is printed. In this case, the back surface of one sheet and the front surface of the second sheet are printed in the center with no margin, and the front surface of the first sheet and the second back surface are printed without a margin. The order of the images is the same as in FIG.

The above is an example of the case of two pages. In the case of a larger number of pages, the outermost surface and the innermost surface are printed without margins, and the other surfaces are printed with margins.

In this case, the outermost surface and the innermost surface have no margin, but the outermost surface and the innermost surface do not come into contact with other surfaces. Therefore, such processing is performed.

The operation up to output will be briefly described with reference to FIG. First, after the first sheet is printed, the discharge roller 2
It is discharged from the main body 200 in an inverted state through the 44 (front is down). Thereafter, the sheet is conveyed to the bookbinding machine 296. Similarly, the second sheet is discharged from the discharge rollers 244 in a reversed state (the table is downward) after the first sheet is discharged from the main body 200, and is conveyed to the bookbinding machine 296. Inside the bookbinding machine 296, first, the discharged sheets are arranged as shown in FIG. In this case, the first sheet is stored on the stapler 19 side (left side). Thereafter, when one portion is stored, the stapler 19 staples the center, and thereafter, the stopper 22 is pulled down, and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 7B, the sheet is sent to the center folder. When the sheet is sent to the center folder, the folding bar 20 makes a fold at the center of the sheet, and is further brought closer to the drawing roller 21. Then, the pull-in roller 21
Is output to the discharge tray 297 in FIG.

Next, the processing when the start button is pressed when the bookbinding mode is set will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1601, the document image count is cleared, and the flow advances to step S1602. In step S1602, the document is read, and the process advances to step S1603. In S1603,
The image read in S1602 is stored in the HD,
Proceed to 4. In step S1604, the document image counter is incremented by one.
Then, the process proceeds to S1605. In step S1605, it is determined whether there is a next document (document image). If there is a document image to be read, the process returns to S1602 and repeats the process. If there is no original image to be read, the process advances to step S1606. S16
At 06, the number of sheets is calculated. In this case, the value is calculated by the above-described calculation of the value of the document image counter ÷ 4 (the decimal portion is rounded up). This calculation is the same as in FIG. Upon completion of the calculation in S1606, the process proceeds to S1607.

In S1607, as in the case of FIG.
The order and combination for paper printing are determined, and the process proceeds to S1608. In S1608, the paper counter is set to 1 and S
Proceed to 1609. The paper counter is used to determine on which sheet of paper is to be printed in the future.

In S1609, it is determined whether or not the sheet counter is 1. If the sheet counter is 1, the process proceeds to S1610, where the image of the “front side of the“ sheet counter sheet ”” determined in S1606 is created by combining the images stored in the HD, and the process proceeds to S1613. , And FIG.

If the sheet counter is not 1 in step S1609, the flow advances to step S1611. In S1611, it is determined whether the middle close setting is made (see FIG. 10). If the middle close setting has not been made, the process proceeds to S1610,
“Surface of“ paper counter ”sheet determined in 1606”
Is created by combining the images stored in the HD, and the flow advances to step S1613.

If the middle close is set in step S1611, the process advances to step S1612, and the image of the “front side of the“ sheet counter ”sheet determined in step S1606 is added to the center of the image stored in the HD. Created by setting margins (to make the image data in the center part white) S
Proceed to 1613.

In S1613, S1612 or S1
The print image data created in 610 is printed on the surface of the paper, and the flow advances to S1614. In step S1614, it is determined whether the current sheet counter is equal to the number of sheets calculated in step S1606. In step S1614, the paper counter indicates
If it is determined that the number is equal to the number of sheets, the process advances to step S1616, and the image of the “back side of the“ sheet counter ”sheet” determined in step S1606 is created by combining the images stored in the HD, and the process advances to step S1618.

In S1615, it is determined whether or not the middle close setting has been made (see FIG. 11). If the middle close setting has not been made, the process advances to step S1616, where the image of the “back side of the“ sheet counter ”sheet” determined in step S1606 is created by combining the images stored in the HD, and the process advances to step S1618.

If it is determined in step S1615 that the middle close is set, the flow advances to step S1617 to change the image of the “back side of the“ sheet counter ”sheet” determined in step S1606 to a combination of the images stored in the HD. The image is created by setting the center portion to be blank (the image data of the center portion is set to white), and the process advances to step S1618.

At S1618, at S1617 or S1
The print image data created in step 616 is printed on the back side of the sheet, and the flow advances to step S1619. In S1619, it is determined whether the sheet counter is equal to the number of sheets calculated in S1606. If they are equal, it is determined that the printing up to the back of the predetermined sheet has been completed, that is, the job has been completed, and the processing ends.

If it is determined in step S1919 that the sheet counter is not equal to the number of sheets, the flow advances to step S1620 to increment the sheet counter by one, and the flow advances to step S1609 to repeat the processing.

According to such processing, when "middle close" is set when the bookbinding mode is set, pages other than the first sheet and the last sheet are printed with margins.
Therefore, the bookbinding machine can be smoothly pulled in.

[0096] Printing without margins was performed on the front and back of the first sheet and the back of the last sheet.
There is little relationship with the pulling in the center fold, and no margin is set because no margin is easier for the user to see.

As described above, when a margin is opened in the image only on the outermost surface and the innermost surface (FIG. 13A), when the stapling and center folding are performed without opening the image (FIG. 13A).
Compared with (b), when the paper is creased and discharged by the drawing-in roller 21 of the bookbinding machine 296, the surface where the toner is not in contact makes the resistance value higher, so that the phenomenon that it is difficult to draw in can be reduced.

In the present embodiment, in the setting of the bookbinding mode, the presence or absence of the margin is determined by the setting of “center close”. However, for example, the setting of “center fold” exists, It may be present. (In the present embodiment, since the center-closed and the center-folding are set in the bookbinding machine, “center-closed” means “center-folded”, and the determination can be made only by the center-closed. .).

In the present embodiment, in the case of the middle binding in the bookbinding mode, only the outermost and innermost margins have no margin. However, this is to further improve the user's convenience, and all margins may be present. Needless to say.

In this embodiment, there is a margin other than the outermost and innermost surfaces in the case of the middle close in the bookbinding mode, and there is no margin in other cases. It goes without saying that the margin area may be changed on other surfaces (the margins are large except for the middle-closed outermost innermost surface, and the margins are small on the other surfaces).

(Embodiment 2) Embodiment 2 is basically the same as Embodiment 1. Therefore, the description is omitted. The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that a margin area can be set in the bookbinding mode of the first embodiment (further closed in the middle). Therefore, only the setting of the margin area will be described here.

FIG. 15 shows a bookbinding margin setting screen. This screen is displayed when bookbinding margin setting is selected from a service mode (not shown). Reference numeral 1505 denotes a cancel key. When this key is pressed, no setting is performed and the screen returns to a service mode screen (not shown).

Reference numeral 1503 denotes a margin display unit. An up button 1501 increases the value of the margin display unit 1503 by one each time this key is pressed once. Reference numeral 1502 denotes a down button. Each time this key is pressed once, the value of the margin display unit 1503 is decreased by one. The display on the display unit 1503 is controlled so that only 0 to 100 is displayed. Reference numeral 1504 denotes an OK key. When this key is pressed, the value displayed on the current margin display area is set as the margin, and this screen is closed.

Although the bookbinding margin is set to the service mode in this embodiment, it goes without saying that it may be set to the user mode or the like.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the margin can be set, so that the margin can be reduced according to the user's request, and a convenient function can be provided.

[0106]

As described above, according to the present invention, in the bookbinding mode, a margin is provided on portions other than the outermost surface and the innermost surface, so that the resistance value when the paper is discharged by the bookbinding machine is increased. Discharge failure can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a digital copying machine according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a control unit in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an image processing unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an image memory unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of an external I / F processing unit in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a configuration diagram of an operation unit in FIG. 2;

FIG. 7 is a diagram of an application mode setting basic screen according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an original setting screen in a bookbinding mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a paper setting screen in a bookbinding mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a middle-closed setting screen in the bookbinding mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of an application mode setting basic screen after the bookbinding mode is set in the first embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating printing in a bookbinding mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a margin explanation screen in the bookbinding mode according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart at the time of printing in the bookbinding mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a bookbinding margin amount setting screen according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram of a bookbinding mode of the digital copying machine.

FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram of a bookbinding device of the digital copying machine.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 reader unit 2 printer unit 3 image memory unit 4 external I / F processing unit 6 automatic document feeder 16 first sheet 17 second sheet 19 stapler 20 folding bar 21 pull-in roller 170 image processing unit 171 CPU 172 operation Unit 173 I / O 174 ROM 175 RAM 200 Digital copier main body 202 Scanner 208 Image sensor unit 210 Image forming unit 211 Photosensitive drum 213 Developing unit 214 Exposure lamp 215 Cleaning device 237 Discharge flapper 238 Convey path 239 Reverse path 244 Discharge roller 245 Reversing roller 290 Paper discharge processing device 292, 293 Paper discharge tray 294 Processing tray

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Akinobu Nishikata 3- 30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yoshito Nagatoshi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo F term (reference) in Canon Inc. GB03 HA02 HA39 HA54

Claims (7)

[Claims] A printing unit for printing on a sheet; a plurality of operation modes including a bookbinding mode; an operation mode selection unit for selecting the operation mode; a detailed mode setting unit for setting a detailed mode of the bookbinding mode; When printing on a sheet by the printing unit, a margin printing unit that does not print at a predetermined position, and an image forming apparatus, wherein when the binding mode is selected by the operation mode selection unit,
When a predetermined setting is made by the detailed mode setting means, printing is performed with a margin at a predetermined position by the margin printing means, and when the predetermined setting is not made by the detailed mode setting means, there is no margin at a predetermined position. An image forming apparatus, wherein printing is performed by using an image forming apparatus. 2. A sheet post-processing apparatus having staple means for stapling a sheet and sheet folding means for folding the sheet is connected, and the detailed mode setting means sets whether or not to staple the sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined setting is a setting for stapling. 3. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a margin setting unit that sets the margin area. 4. A printing means for printing on a sheet, a plurality of operation modes including a bookbinding mode, an operation mode selecting means for selecting the operation mode, a detailed mode setting means for setting a detailed mode of the bookbinding mode, When printing on a sheet by the printing unit, a margin printing unit that does not perform printing at a predetermined position, and an image processing apparatus, wherein when the binding mode is selected by the operation mode selection unit,
When a predetermined setting is made by the detailed mode setting means, only a predetermined page is printed with a margin at a predetermined position by the margin printing means, and a remaining page is printed without a margin. An image forming apparatus characterized in that when a setting other than a predetermined setting is made, printing is performed at a predetermined position without a margin. 5. A sheet post-processing apparatus having staple means for stapling a sheet and sheet folding means for folding the sheet, wherein the detailed mode setting means sets whether or not to staple the sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined setting is a setting for stapling. 6. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, further comprising a margin setting unit that sets the margin area. 7. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the predetermined page is an outermost sheet or an innermost page.