JP2005138961A - Paper handling device, its control method, image forming system, and image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To arbitrarily set any folding conditions and output paper treated by a specified folding method. <P>SOLUTION: In an image forming system (1, 2), an image is formed by an image forming device 10 on a carried paper and folding treatment is applied to the paper by a post-handling device 50. The image forming system comprises an image forming means 16, a folding condition set means 17 setting folding positions, folding directions, and folding orders which are the conditions for folding the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming means 16 or acquiring the folding conditions on the folding positions, folding directions, and folding orders by reading a document in which the folding conditions for folding the paper are recorded beforehand and setting the folding positions, folding directions, and folding orders for the paper based on the folding conditions, a folding means 56 folding the paper according to the folding positions, folding directions, and folding orders set by the folding condition set means 17, and a control means 57 controlling the operation of the folding means 56. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper processing apparatus, a control method therefor, an image forming system, and an image forming apparatus that are suitable for being applied to a printing machine, a copying machine, a multi-function peripheral, and the like that perform folding processing on an image-formed paper. About.

  The paper post-processing device used as an attachment device of the image forming apparatus tends to increase its functions. For the paper after the image formation output from the image forming apparatus, the inside-folding, the outside-folding, and the Z-folding are performed. A function of performing various folding processes such as inner trifold and outer trifold is becoming standard equipment.

  As an image forming apparatus equipped with such a paper post-processing device, a document size detecting unit for detecting the size of a document for image copying and a finished size setting unit for setting the finished size of a copy sheet are provided. By folding the paper folding means according to the original size detected by the means and the finished size set by the finished size setting means, the copy paper after copying the original image is folded to the desired finish size by the user. An image forming apparatus capable of performing the above is known (see Patent Document 1).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-227021 (FIG. 10, pages 3 to 7)

  However, in the image forming apparatus provided with the paper post-processing device described in Patent Document 1 described above, a plurality of folding methods by the paper folding unit and a finished size after the folding processing are prepared in advance, and the plurality of folding methods and finishes are prepared. Since the folding position is automatically determined by selecting and specifying the size, it is impossible to arbitrarily set the folding method or folding position of the pattern which is not included in the options prepared in advance. For this reason, there are cases where it is not possible to obtain a sheet folded as desired by the user.

  In addition, the folding mode pattern that can be selected and specified from a plurality of options prepared in advance is complex, and it may be difficult to determine which folding mode can be used to execute the folding process in a desired folding method. there were. Accordingly, the folding condition setting operation for performing the folding process is difficult and complicated.

  The present invention solves the above-described problem and can freely set an arbitrary folding condition. Therefore, a sheet processing apparatus capable of outputting a sheet processed by a desired folding method, a control method therefor, and an image forming system. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, a first paper processing apparatus according to the present invention is a paper processing apparatus that performs a folding process on a paper that is carried in, and is configured to fold a paper that is a condition for folding the paper. Folding condition setting means for setting the position, folding direction and folding order, folding means for folding the paper according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting means, and control for controlling the operation of the folding means Means.

  According to the first sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, when the folding process is performed on the loaded paper, the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order with respect to the sheet, which are the conditions for folding the sheet, are the folding conditions. It is set by setting means. The operation of the folding means is controlled by the control means so that the paper is folded by the folding means according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set here.

  Accordingly, since the folded sheets can be output according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order which are freely set, the sheets processed by the desired folding method can be easily performed without requiring complicated setting operations. To be able to get to.

  A second sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is a sheet processing apparatus that performs a folding process on a loaded sheet, and reads a document in which folding conditions for folding the sheet are written in advance. Folding condition setting means for acquiring folding conditions regarding the position, folding direction and folding order, and setting the folding position, folding direction and folding order for the paper based on the folding conditions, and the folding condition setting means A folding unit that folds a sheet according to a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding sequence, and a control unit that controls the operation of the folding unit are provided.

  According to the second sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, when the folding process is performed on the loaded paper, the document on which the folding condition for folding the sheet is written in advance is read by the folding condition setting unit. The folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are acquired, and the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are set for the sheet based on the folding conditions. The operation of the folding means is controlled by the control means so that the paper is folded by the folding means according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set here.

  Accordingly, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction and a folding order that are freely set based on a folding condition that is arbitrarily described. It can be easily obtained without requiring any operation.

  A control method of a first paper processing apparatus according to the present invention is a control method of a paper processing apparatus that performs a folding process on a paper that is carried in, the folding position with respect to the paper that is a condition for folding the paper, The folding direction and folding order are set, and the sheet is folded according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set here.

  Accordingly, since the folded sheets can be output according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order which are freely set, the sheets processed by the desired folding method can be easily performed without requiring complicated setting operations. To be able to get to.

  A control method for a second processing apparatus according to the present invention is a control method for a sheet processing apparatus that performs a folding process on a sheet to be carried in, and a document on which folding conditions for folding the sheet are written in advance. Is read, the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are acquired, and the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are set for the paper based on the folding conditions. The sheet is folded according to the folding direction and folding order.

  Accordingly, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction and a folding order that are freely set based on a folding condition that is arbitrarily described. It can be easily obtained without requiring any operation.

  In the first image forming system according to the present invention, an image is formed on an incoming sheet by an image forming apparatus, and a folding process is performed on the sheet by a sheet post-processing apparatus connected to the image forming apparatus in a communicable manner. The image forming apparatus performs a folding operation for setting an image forming unit and a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order with respect to a sheet as a condition for folding the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit. Condition setting means, and first control means for controlling the operations of the image forming means and the sheet post-processing apparatus. The sheet post-processing apparatus is set by the folding condition setting means and notified from the first control means. The folding means for folding the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus according to the folded position, folding direction and folding order, and the operation of the folding means under the control of the first control means. Characterized in that it comprises a second control means Gosuru.

  According to the first image forming system of the present invention, an image is formed on an incoming sheet by an image forming apparatus, and the sheet is then folded with respect to the sheet by a sheet post-processing apparatus that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. When processing is performed, the first sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a sheet post-processing apparatus.

  Accordingly, since the folded sheets can be output according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order which are freely set, the sheets processed by the desired folding method can be easily performed without requiring complicated setting operations. To be able to get to.

  In the second image forming system according to the present invention, an image is formed on an incoming sheet by an image forming apparatus, and a folding process is performed on the sheet by a sheet post-processing apparatus connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus. An image forming system for performing an image forming unit and an image forming unit and a document on which a folding condition for folding a sheet on which an image is formed by an image forming unit is read in advance, whereby a folding position and a folding direction are read. And a folding condition setting unit that sets a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order with respect to the sheet based on the folding condition, and controls operations of the image forming unit and the sheet post-processing apparatus. The sheet post-processing apparatus includes a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding position set by the folding condition setting unit and notified from the first control unit. According to the order, the folding means fold the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus, characterized by comprising a second control means for controlling the operation of the first means folding under the control by the control means.

  According to the second image forming system of the present invention, the image forming apparatus forms an image on the carried-in sheet, and the sheet post-processing apparatus connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus folds the sheet. When processing is performed, the second sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied to a sheet post-processing apparatus.

  Accordingly, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction and a folding order that are freely set based on a folding condition that is arbitrarily described. It can be easily obtained without requiring any operation.

  A first image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet to be carried in and performs a folding process on the sheet. The image forming unit and the image forming unit form an image. Folding condition setting means for setting the folding position, folding direction, and folding order for the sheet, which is a condition for folding the sheet, and folding the sheet according to the folding position, folding direction, and folding order set by the folding condition setting means It is characterized by comprising folding means and control means for controlling the operation of the folding means.

  According to the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied when an image is formed on a sheet to be carried in and folding is performed on the sheet. Incorporated. Accordingly, since the folded sheets can be output according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order which are freely set, the sheets processed by the desired folding method can be easily performed without requiring complicated setting operations. To be able to get to.

  A second image forming apparatus according to the present invention is an image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet to be carried in and performs a folding process on the sheet. The image forming unit and the image forming unit form an image. By reading a document in which folding conditions for folding the printed paper are written in advance, the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction and folding order are obtained, and the folding position and folding direction for the paper based on the folding conditions are acquired. And folding condition setting means for setting the folding order, folding means for folding the sheet according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting means, and control means for controlling the operation of the folding means. It is characterized by that.

  According to the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, the second sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied when an image is formed on a sheet to be carried in and folding is performed on the sheet. Incorporated. Accordingly, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction and a folding order that are freely set based on a folding condition that is arbitrarily described. It can be easily obtained without requiring any operation.

  According to the first sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, the folding condition setting unit includes a folding condition setting unit that sets a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order with respect to a sheet that is a condition for folding the carried-in sheet. The sheet is folded according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output sheets that are folded according to the folding position, folding direction, and folding order that are freely set, so that it is necessary to perform complicated setting operations on sheets that have been processed in the desired folding method. It will be easy to get. In addition, since the flexibility of setting folding conditions can be increased and the degree of freedom can be increased, even when complicated folding processing is performed, folding conditions can be easily set in a short time, improving operability. .

  According to the second sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, by reading a document on which folding conditions for folding a sheet to be carried are written in advance, the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are acquired. A folding condition setting means for setting a folding position, a folding direction and a folding order for the paper based on the folding conditions, and folding the paper according to the folding position, the folding direction and the folding order set by the folding condition setting means. It is.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding sequence that are freely set based on a folding condition that is arbitrarily described. Can be obtained easily without requiring a setting operation. In addition, since the flexibility of setting folding conditions can be increased and the degree of freedom can be increased, even when complicated folding processing is performed, folding conditions can be easily set in a short time, improving operability. .

  According to the control method of the first sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, the folding position, folding direction, and folding order with respect to the sheet as conditions for folding the carried-in sheet are set.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output sheets that are folded according to the folding position, folding direction, and folding order that are freely set, so that it is necessary to perform complicated setting operations on sheets that have been processed in the desired folding method. It will be easy to get. In addition, since the flexibility of setting folding conditions can be increased and the degree of freedom can be increased, even when complicated folding processing is performed, folding conditions can be easily set in a short time, improving operability. .

  According to the control method of the second sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, the folding condition regarding the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order can be set by reading a document in which folding conditions for folding the loaded paper are written in advance. At the same time, the folding position, folding direction and folding order are set for the paper based on the folding conditions.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding sequence that are freely set based on a folding condition that is arbitrarily described. Can be obtained easily without requiring a setting operation. In addition, since the flexibility of setting folding conditions can be increased and the degree of freedom can be increased, even when complicated folding processing is performed, folding conditions can be easily set in a short time, improving operability. .

  According to the first image forming system of the present invention, an image is formed on an incoming sheet by an image forming apparatus, and the sheet is then folded with respect to the sheet by a sheet post-processing apparatus that is communicably connected to the image forming apparatus. When processing is performed, the first sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied as a sheet post-processing apparatus.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output sheets that are folded according to the folding position, folding direction, and folding order that are freely set, so that it is necessary to perform complicated setting operations on sheets that have been processed in the desired folding method. It will be easy to get. In addition, since the flexibility of setting folding conditions can be increased and the degree of freedom can be increased, even when complicated folding processing is performed, folding conditions can be easily set in a short time, improving operability. .

  According to the second image forming system of the present invention, the image forming apparatus forms an image on the carried-in sheet, and the sheet post-processing apparatus connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus folds the sheet. When processing is performed, the second sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied as a sheet post-processing apparatus.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding sequence that are freely set based on a folding condition that is arbitrarily described. Can be obtained easily without requiring a setting operation. In addition, since the flexibility of setting folding conditions can be increased and the degree of freedom can be increased, even when complicated folding processing is performed, folding conditions can be easily set in a short time, improving operability. .

  According to the first image forming apparatus of the present invention, the first sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied when an image is formed on a sheet to be carried in and folding is performed on the sheet. Incorporate.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output sheets that are folded according to the folding position, folding direction, and folding order that are freely set, so that it is necessary to perform complicated setting operations on sheets that have been processed in the desired folding method. It will be easy to get. In addition, since the flexibility of setting folding conditions can be increased and the degree of freedom can be increased, even when complicated folding processing is performed, folding conditions can be easily set in a short time, improving operability. .

  According to the second image forming apparatus of the present invention, the second sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is applied when an image is formed on a sheet to be carried in and folding is performed on the sheet. Incorporate.

  With this configuration, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding sequence that are freely set based on a folding condition that is arbitrarily described. Can be obtained easily without requiring a setting operation. In addition, since the flexibility of setting folding conditions can be increased and the degree of freedom can be increased, even when complicated folding processing is performed, folding conditions can be easily set in a short time, improving operability. .

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a sheet processing apparatus, a control method thereof, an image forming system, and an image forming apparatus according to the invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[1] First Image Forming System In the present embodiment, when an image is formed on a sheet to be carried in and folding processing is performed on the sheet, the sheet forming a condition for folding the sheet on which the image is formed is applied. Folding condition setting means for setting the folding position, folding direction and folding order is provided, and control is performed so that the sheet is folded according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting means. In this way, it is possible to output a sheet folded by a desired folding method according to a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order that are freely set.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a folding unit 56 of the image forming system 1. These are figures explaining the operation example of this folding means 56.

  An image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 10 that forms an image on an arbitrary sheet by a known electrophotographic method, and a post-processing apparatus that performs an optional folding process on a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 10. (Finisher) 50.

  The image forming apparatus 10 includes a paper feeding unit 11, a first conveying unit 12, a second conveying unit 13, a third conveying unit 14, a serial communication unit 15a, an image forming unit 16, and a folding method setting unit 17 (folding condition setting unit). The display unit 18 and the image forming apparatus control unit 19 (first control unit) are configured.

  The paper feeding unit 11 includes a paper storage tray and a plurality of feed rollers installed in a paper conveyance path connecting the paper storage tray and the image forming unit 16 and is stored in the paper storage tray. A plurality of sheets are fed out one by one and continuously fed to the image forming unit 16.

  The first transport unit 12 discharges the paper for which the folding process is not selected and specified via the paper discharge roller. When forming an image on both sides of a sheet, the second conveying unit 13 reverses the sheet on which the image is formed on one side and resends it to the image forming unit 16. The third conveying unit 14 inverts the sheet after image formation for which the folding process is selected and specified, and discharges the sheet to the post-processing device 50 with the image forming surface facing downward.

  The serial communication unit 15a is a communication unit that connects the image forming apparatus 10 and the post-processing apparatus 50 so that bidirectional communication is possible.

  The image forming unit 16 forms an image on a sheet fed by the sheet feeding unit 11 by an electrophotographic method.

  The folding method setting unit 17 inputs a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order with respect to the sheet as a condition (folding method) for folding the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 16, and the folding method (folding condition). The folding position, folding direction and folding order are set for the paper based on the above. In the present embodiment, the function of the folding method setting unit 17 is assigned to the display operation unit (display operation unit).

  The display operation unit is a touch panel system in which a display unit 18 (to be described later) and a transparent touch panel installed on the screen of the display unit 18 are integrated, and further includes an operation unit such as a keyboard and a mouse. And an input setting function for the image forming system 1.

  This display operation unit is configured so that the folding position, folding direction, and folding order can be freely input by a touch panel, keyboard, mouse, etc. as arbitrary folding conditions for folding the paper. On the basis of this, the folding position, folding direction, folding order, and the like for the paper are displayed by the display means 18 described later as information for imagining the finish of the folding process.

  This display operation unit can also input and set the paper size for image formation, and also assigns a function as a paper size detection means for detecting the paper size for the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming means 16. be able to.

  The display means 18 is a liquid crystal display (LCD: Liquid Crystal Display) or the like having an image display function, and includes a transparent touch panel, a keyboard, a mouse, and the like arranged on a display screen such as an LCD as described above. A user interface function of a display operation unit that is configured integrally with the operation means and that is operated such that, for example, a setting button or the like displayed on the display screen is pressed is input. to share the load. The display means 18 displays the image of the folding output obtained under the folding condition input by the folding method setting means 17 on the display screen so that it can be easily confirmed.

  The function of the operation means for inputting a process execution instruction under the folding condition that is the folding output displayed by the display means 18 is assigned to the above-described transparent touch panel, keyboard, mouse, and the like.

  The image forming apparatus control means 19 is connected to the paper feeding means 11, the conveying means 12, 13, and 14, the serial communication means 15a, the image forming means 16, the folding method setting means 17, and the display means 18, respectively. By controlling these plural units, the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 10 and the cooperative operation with the post-processing apparatus 50 are controlled.

  The post-processing apparatus 50 is an application of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, and is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 configured as described above via the serial communication units 15a and 15b so as to be communicable. It is also mechanically connected to the image forming apparatus 10 and configured to receive paper discharged from the image forming apparatus 10 by a paper discharge roller.

  The post-processing device 50 controls the serial communication unit 15b, the first transport unit 51, the second transport unit 52, the third transport unit 53, the paper feed unit 54, the staple unit 55, the folding unit 56, and the plurality of units. A post-processing device control means 57 (second control means) is provided.

  The serial communication unit 15 b is a communication unit that connects the post-processing apparatus 50 and the image forming apparatus 10 so as to be capable of bidirectional communication, and various data between the image forming apparatus control unit 19 and the post-processing apparatus control unit 57. Mediate the exchange.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the conveying means 51, 52, 53 are composed of a sheet conveying path connecting a plurality of folding mechanisms constituting the folding means 56, and a plurality of conveying rollers installed in the sheet conveying path. The paper for which the folding processing by the post-processing device 50 is selected is received via the paper discharge roller of the image forming apparatus 10, and the received paper is folded based on the folding conditions set by the folding method setting means 17. Transport to mechanism.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the first transport unit 51 is configured such that when the paper P on which an image is formed by the image forming unit 16 is discharged with the image forming surface Ps directed toward the first transport unit 51. The sheet is conveyed to a plurality of folding mechanisms 561V, 562V, 563V, 56nV for inward folding (valley folding), and the second conveying means 52 in this case has a plurality of folding mechanisms 561M for external folding (mountain folding). , 562M, 563M, 56nM, and the third transport means 53 includes a folding mechanism 561V, 562V, 563V, 56nV for valley folding and a folding mechanism 561M, 562M, 563M, 56nM for mountain folding. Transport the paper to and from. As a result, the valley folding process and the mountain folding process can be freely and repeatedly performed on the paper P. Therefore, even when a complicated folding method is set, this folding method is used. The folding process can be executed according to

  Since the number of folding mechanisms can be arbitrarily changed, the folding mechanism for valley folding will be described as a valley folding mechanism 56nV, and the folding mechanism for mountain folding will be described as a mountain folding mechanism 56nM. Here, n is an arbitrary natural number.

  The paper feeding means 54 has a special paper storage tray for storing special paper for cover sheets and the like, and one special paper is set from the upper part of the plurality of special papers stored in the special paper storage tray according to the setting. The paper is fed out and fed to the conveying means 51 and 52.

  The staple unit 55 drives a binding needle onto a predetermined number of sheets after image formation, and binds the predetermined number of sheets to form a sheet bundle.

  As described above, the folding means 56 includes a plurality of valley folding mechanisms 56nV and mountain folding mechanisms 56nM connected by the conveying means 51, 52, and 53, and the folding means 56 is set by the folding method setting means 17. According to the position, folding direction, and folding order, the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus 10 and conveyed by the conveying means 51, 52, 53 is folded.

  As shown in FIG. 3A, the valley folding mechanism 56nV includes an upstream folding roller nV1, a downstream folding roller nV2, an upstream folding conveyance roller nV3, and a downstream folding conveyance roller nV4. nV1 and nV2 are rotated by a driving source (not shown), and the folding conveyance rollers nV3 and nV4 are rotated by the rotation of the folding rollers nV1 and nV2, thereby conveying the paper P to a predetermined position.

  When the paper P is conveyed to the folding position set by the folding method setting means 17, the downstream folding roller nV2 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction as shown in FIG. nV4 also rotates reversely following the reverse rotation of the downstream folding roller nV2. As a result, the sheet P is valley-folded at the set folding position, and the image forming surface is folded inward, and between the upstream folding roller nV1 and the downstream folding roller nV2 to the third conveying unit 53. Is ejected.

  As shown in FIG. 3C, the mountain folding mechanism 56nM also includes an upstream folding roller nM1, a downstream folding roller nM2, an upstream folding conveyance roller nM3, and a downstream folding conveyance roller nM4. The folding rollers nM1 and nM2 are configured in the same manner and rotated by a drive source (not shown), and the folding conveyance rollers nM3 and nM4 are rotated by the rotation of the folding rollers nM1 and nM2, thereby rotating the paper P at a predetermined position. Transport to.

  When the paper P is conveyed to the folding position set by the folding method setting means 17, as shown in FIG. 3D, the downstream folding roller nM2 is controlled to rotate in the reverse direction. nM4 rotates in reverse following the reverse rotation of the downstream folding roller nM2. As a result, the sheet P is folded in a mountain at the set folding position, and is discharged from the upstream folding roller nM1 and the downstream folding roller nM2 to the third conveying unit 53.

  Therefore, by further transporting the paper P to the valley folding mechanism 56nV or the mountain folding mechanism 56nM via the third transport means 53, it is possible to arbitrarily select the valley folding processing and the mountain folding processing for the paper P. Since this sheet P can be executed, various folding processes such as inner and inner folds, outer and middle folds, Z folds, inner three folds, and outer three folds can be freely executed to output the sheets. Can do.

  The post-processing device control means 57 is connected to the serial communication means 15b, the conveying means 51, 52, 53, the paper feeding means 54, the staple means 55, and the folding means 56, respectively, and is folded under the control of the image forming apparatus control means 19. 56 operations are controlled. Specifically, the post-processing device control unit 57 communicates with the image forming device control unit 19 through the serial communication unit 15, and is set by the folding method setting unit 17 and then through the serial communication unit 15. The operation of the folding unit 56 is controlled for each sheet so that the sheet P is folded according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order notified (designated) from the control unit 19.

  Further, the post-processing device control unit 57 uses the paper size detected by the paper size detection unit and the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order notified from the image forming device control unit 19 to the folding position from the front end in the paper conveyance direction. Calculating means (calculation function) for calculating the distance up to, and the operation of the folding means 56 is controlled so that the sheet is folded according to the calculation result by the calculation means.

  In the image forming system 1 configured as described above, when the folding process after the image formation is selected on the initial screen (not shown) displayed by the display unit 18 after the power is turned on, the folding condition setting as shown in FIG. The display is switched to the screen P1.

  The folding condition setting screen P1 includes an operation message M1, a paper image D1 before folding processing, folding condition setting marks M2 and M3, a folding position M4, folding direction selection buttons B1 and B2, and a folding position change button B3. Then, a next fold selection button B4, an “OK” button B5 for setting folding conditions, and a “cancel” button B6 for canceling input are displayed.

  The operation message M1 is displayed on the upper end portion of the folding condition setting screen P1 so as to be easily visible. For example, the folding condition is set like the message “Select a folding position with the left and right arrows and press the OK button” M1. It is displayed so that the input operation method on the setting screen P1 can be understood quickly.

  The paper image D1 before the folding process is displayed at the center of the folding condition setting screen P1, and the positional relationship of the output image formed by the image forming unit 16 with respect to the paper is displayed in a visible manner. Therefore, a folding method for the output image is accurately set by adding a predetermined mark or the like to the paper image D1 and writing folding conditions (folding information) including a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order. can do.

  When the screen is pressed to select a “mountain fold selection” button B1 on the fold condition setting screen P1, a mountain fold mark “Δ” M2 indicating that the sheet is folded in a mountain is displayed on the sheet image D1 as a fold condition setting mark. Added. Similarly, when the “valley fold selection” button B2 is selected on the folding condition setting screen P1, a valley folding mark “▽” M3 indicating that the paper is to be folded is added to the paper image D1 as a folding condition setting mark. The The number “1” inside the mountain fold mark “Δ” M2 indicates that the first folding condition is mountain fold, and the number “2” inside the valley fold mark “▽” M3 indicates that the second folding condition is Represents a valley fold.

  When the folding position change (left / right arrow) button B3 is pressed, the folding condition setting marks M2 and M3 are moved relative to the paper image D1, and are input using the folding condition setting marks M2 and M3. The folding position is displayed as “¼” M4, for example. Therefore, it is easy to execute a fold folding at exactly 1/4 of the paper length from the front end in the paper transport direction, and then to perform a quarter fold at exactly 1/4 of the paper length, that is, at the center of the paper. Therefore, it is possible to easily output a sheet that is Z-folded by the mountain fold and the valley fold.

  The folding position M4 is not only displayed as a ratio of the folding amount to the paper length, but also can be displayed as a distance from the paper edge, for example, “100 mm”. In this case, the folding position is expressed in millimeters. Can be controlled. In addition, since the output image is included in the paper image D1, the folding position can be accurately set for the output image. Therefore, it is easy to avoid the folding process at the unfoldable position where the fold line is not desired in the output image.

  When the “next folding selection” button B4 is selected on the folding condition setting screen P1, the display is switched to a screen for setting folding conditions for the next sheet. As a result, different folding conditions can be successively set for a plurality of sheets processed by a series of image forming operations and folding operations executed as an image forming job. On the other hand, when the “OK” button B5 is selected, the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order are set based on the folding conditions input by adding the folding condition setting marks M2 and M3 to the paper image D1. When the “cancel” button B6 is selected, the folding conditions input by the folding condition setting marks M2 and M3 are canceled.

  When the “OK” button B5 is selected after the folding condition setting marks M2 and M3 are added to the paper image D1, the display is switched to the output image screen P2 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the display means 18 displays the image of the folding output obtained under the folding condition input on the folding condition setting screen P1 on the display screen so that it can be easily confirmed.

  The output image screen P2 displays an operation message M5, an output image D2, a “cancel” button B7, and a “start” button B8. The operation message M5 is displayed on the upper end portion of the output image screen P2 so as to be easily visible. For example, the message “Output image is displayed. To output, press the start button.” M5 is displayed. . As a result, the user is prompted to confirm the folding condition based on the output image (image) of the folding process, that is, the output image D2, and the instruction method for executing the folding process is notified.

  In this way, the folding output obtained under the folding condition input on the folding condition setting screen P1 is displayed in a visually recognizable manner by the output image D2, so that the output result obtained under this folding condition can be easily confirmed. . For this reason, it becomes easy to accurately set the folding position, folding direction, and folding order that enable the desired folding method as desired, so that erroneous setting of the folding position, folding direction, and folding order can be reduced. . This is also effective for improving the folding processing efficiency.

  If the “Cancel” button B7 is selected here, the folding process under this folding condition is not executed, and the display is switched so as to redisplay the folding condition setting screen P1. Thereby, the input of the folding condition and the confirmation by the output image D2 of the folding output obtained under the inputted folding condition can be repeated any number of times. Therefore, it is possible to easily set a folding condition for reliably obtaining a desired folding output without actually trying the folding process.

  When an input operation is performed so as to select the “start” button B8 on the output image screen P2, the image forming apparatus control means 19 indicates that the execution of processing under the folding condition for folding output displayed on the output image screen P2 is instructed. As shown in the sequence chart of FIG. 6, folding conditions (folding information) are transmitted from the image forming apparatus control means 19 to the post-processing apparatus control means 57.

  In the folding condition setting screen P1, for example, when different folding conditions are input for the first to third sheets, and different folding positions, folding directions, and folding orders are set, as shown in FIG. As shown in the sequence chart, the 1-fold information set for the first sheet by the folding method setting unit 17 is transmitted (sent) to the image forming apparatus control unit 19 in step S1. Is transmitted from the image forming apparatus control means 19 to the post-processing apparatus control means 57 in step S2. As a result, the post-processing device control means 57 is notified of the folding position and folding direction set as one-fold information for the first sheet.

  Next, the 2-fold information set for the second sheet is sent to the image forming apparatus control means 19 in step S3, and this 2-fold information is sent from the image forming apparatus control means 19 in step S4. It is transmitted to the post-processing device control means 57. As a result, the post-processing device control means 57 is notified (designated) of the folding position and folding direction for the second sheet.

  Finally, the 3-fold information set for the third sheet is sent to the image forming apparatus control means 19 in step S5, and this 3-fold information is sent from the image forming apparatus control means 19 in step S6. It is transmitted to the post-processing device control means 57.

  At this time, for example, when the operation according to the folding position and the folding direction transmitted from the image forming apparatus control unit 19 and notified is an operation that cannot be performed by the folding unit 56, the post-processing apparatus control unit 57 performs the folding operation. The operation of the means 56 is prohibited, and the image forming apparatus control means 19 is notified of this operation inhibition in step S7.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 can avoid forming an image on a sheet for which an infeasible folding condition is set, and therefore, waste of consumables such as a sheet and toner due to useless image formation is prevented. be able to. In addition, when the operation prohibition is displayed by the display means 18, for example, a warning message such as “An unfoldable folding condition has been set. Please change the setting.” Is displayed, and the folding condition is input and the setting is changed. Can be encouraged.

  When the operation according to the folding conditions specified by the image forming apparatus control means 19 can be executed by the folding means 56, the post-processing apparatus control means 57 is set on this folding condition setting screen P1, and the image forming apparatus control means 19 is set. The operation of the folding means 56 is controlled so that the paper P is folded according to the folding conditions specified from the above.

  Specifically, the post-processing device control means 57 is configured to set the size of the paper P set in advance on the initial screen (not shown) or the size of the paper P detected by the paper size detection means installed in the paper storage tray. Then, a calculation process for calculating the distance from the front end in the sheet conveyance direction of the sheet P to the folding position is executed from the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order notified from the image forming apparatus control unit 19, and the folding unit is executed according to the calculation result. The conveyance path of the paper P to each folding mechanism constituting the 56 is determined.

  In this way, the operation of the folding unit 56 is controlled according to the calculation result of the calculation function of the post-processing device control unit 57, and the operation of the image forming unit 16 is controlled by the image forming device control unit 19, so that the paper P is fed. The image is fed from the means 11 to the image forming means 16 and the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 10 is started. Then, the paper P after image formation is discharged from the image forming apparatus 10 to the post-processing device 50 via the third conveying means 14 and conveyed to the folding means 56 via the first conveying means 51 or the second conveying means 52. Is done.

  In this example, the mountain folding is set as the first folding method and the valley folding is set as the second folding method. Therefore, the paper P is first arranged on the most upstream side by the second conveying means 52. The first mountain folding mechanism 561M is transported. Then, the mountain folding mechanism 561M folds the mountain at the folding position set by the folding condition setting mark M2. The sheet P folded in this way by the mountain fold mechanism 561M is then transported by the third transport means 53 to the second valley fold mechanism 562V. Then, the valley folding mechanism 562V performs valley folding at the folding position set by the folding condition setting mark M3.

  In this way, the sheet P is subjected to folding processing according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting marks M2 and M3, and as shown in FIG. It is output in the output state TP1 displayed (notified).

  Therefore, according to the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment, in the folding condition setting screen P1 displayed by the display unit 18, the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order can be set as information for imagining the finish. The paper P processed by the desired folding method can be easily obtained without requiring a complicated setting operation.

  In this embodiment, the fold direction and the valley fold and the fold direction are set by the fold direction selection buttons B1 and B2, and then the fold position is input and set by the fold position change button B3. It can be configured that the folding direction is set by changing from mountain folding to valley folding by specifying the folding setting mark M2 and selecting the “valley folding selection” button B2. Thus, even after the folding condition is set, the folding condition can be partially corrected without using the “cancel” button B6, so that the operability is improved.

  Next, as a control method of the first sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, the folding processing operation by the above-described image forming system 1 will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of setting folding conditions by the image forming system 1, FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of setting folding directions by the image forming system 1, and FIG. 9 shows an example of folding processing by the image forming system 1. It is a flowchart which shows.

  In the control method of the first sheet processing apparatus, the folding condition setting operation is started by selecting the folding condition setting on the initial screen displayed after turning on the power to the image forming system 1. It is assumed that this folding condition setting operation is controlled along the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, the post-processing device control means 57 controls the folding direction setting operation under the control of the image forming device control means 19 along the flowchart shown in FIG. 8, and the folding means 56 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The folding operation shall be controlled.

  Under this premise, when the image forming system 1 is turned on and the power is turned on, and the folding condition setting is selected on the initial screen displayed by the display unit 18, the display is switched to the folding condition setting screen P1 and the folding condition is set. Setting operation starts.

  In this folding condition setting operation, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 clears the folding number “n” and sets “n = 0” in step S11 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 7 to fold the loaded paper. Wait for the input of any folding condition.

  When one of the folding direction selection buttons B1 and B2 is selected on the folding condition setting screen P1, the image forming apparatus control means 19 increments the number of times of folding “n” to “n = 1” in step S12. In step S13, the screen display is switched to add the folding condition setting mark M2 for selecting the first folding position.

  In step S14, the first folding direction is selected by the folding condition setting mark M2 displayed here. Here, when an operation is performed to select the “OK” button B5 or the “Cancel” button B6, the image forming apparatus control means 19 determines that selection (input) is completed in step S15, and proceeds to step S16.

  On the other hand, when the “valley fold selection” button B2 or the “mountain fold selection” button B3 is selected in step S15, the image forming apparatus control means 19 determines that the selection is continued and returns to step S12. In this step S12, the number of folding “n” is incremented to “n = 2”, and the screen display is switched to add the folding condition setting mark M3 for selecting the second folding position. Then, until the “OK” button B5 or the “Cancel” button B6 is selected, the folding conditions up to the number of folding “n” are input by repeating Step S12 to Step S15.

  By selecting and inputting the folding position and folding direction up to the desired folding number “n”, the folding condition can be arbitrarily changed and the “OK” button B5 is selected. In step S15, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 It is determined that the input of the folding conditions has been completed, and the process proceeds to step S16 where the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are set based on the folding conditions input by adding the folding condition setting marks M2, M3 to the paper image D1. Then, output image display data for displaying on the display screen the image image of the folding output obtained under the set folding conditions is created.

  In step S17, the display is switched to an output image screen (output image panel) P2 that displays the output image D2 as a folding output obtained under the folding conditions, and an instruction to execute processing under the folding conditions is awaited.

  When the “Start” button B8 is selected on the output image screen P2 and execution of processing is instructed, in step S18, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 determines that the folding selection (folding condition) is confirmed, and the confirmed folding condition is determined. Is sent to the post-processing device control means 57 to end the folding condition setting operation. The post-processing device control means 57 controls the operation of the folding means 56 so as to fold the sheet according to the set folding position, folding direction and folding order in accordance with this processing execution instruction.

  On the other hand, when the “cancel” button B7 is selected on the output image screen P2, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 determines that the folding condition has not been established, returns to step S11, and clears the folding number “n” again. In addition to setting “n = 0”, the screen display is switched to redisplay the folding condition setting screen P1. Then, steps S11 to S18 are repeated in the same manner as described above until the folding condition is determined.

  As described above, according to the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment, the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order with respect to the sheet can be easily and freely set on the folding condition setting screen P1 displayed by the display unit 18.

  The post-processing device control unit 57 starts the folding direction setting operation with the transmission of the folding information from the image forming device control unit 19 described above, that is, the designation of the folding condition as a trigger, and in step S20 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the first folding process, that is, the folding process (one folding) by the first folding mechanisms 561V and 561M arranged at the uppermost stream is set by the folding condition setting mark M2. If it is determined that one fold is not set, the process proceeds to step S23.

  If it is determined that the one-fold setting is set, the process proceeds to step S21. If this one-fold is in the mountain folding direction, the process proceeds to step S22a, and the control is performed to switch the one-fold mountain folding direction conveyance gate, and the process proceeds to step S23. As a result, the paper P after image formation is conveyed to the first mountain folding mechanism 561M via the second conveyance means 52, and therefore, after the image formation according to the folding conditions designated by the image forming apparatus control means 19. The paper P can be folded in a mountain by the mountain folding mechanism 561M.

  On the other hand, if one fold is in the valley fold direction, the process proceeds to step S22b, and the control is performed to switch the one fold valley fold direction conveyance gate, and the process proceeds to step S23. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the first valley folding mechanism 561V via the first conveyance unit 51. Therefore, the sheet P after image formation is performed according to the folding conditions designated by the image forming apparatus control unit 19. The sheet P can be valley-folded by the valley folding mechanism 561V.

  Next, in step S23, it is determined whether or not folding processing (two folding) by the second folding mechanisms 562V and 562M is set by the folding condition setting mark M3. If it is determined that the 2-fold is not set, the process proceeds to step S26.

  If it is determined that the two-fold setting is set, the process proceeds to step S24. If the two-fold is in the mountain folding direction, the process proceeds to step S25a, and the control is performed to switch the two-fold mountain folding direction conveyance gate, and the process proceeds to step S26. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the second mountain folding mechanism 562M via the second conveying means 52 or the third conveying means 53, so that the folding conditions specified by the image forming apparatus control means 19 Accordingly, the paper P after image formation can be folded in a mountain by the fold folding mechanism 562M.

  On the other hand, if the second fold is in the valley fold direction, the process proceeds to step S25b, and the control is performed to switch the two fold valley fold direction conveyance gate, and the process proceeds to step S26. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the second valley folding mechanism 562V via the first conveyance unit 51 or the third conveyance unit 53, so that the folding conditions specified by the image forming apparatus control unit 19 Accordingly, the paper P after image formation can be valley-folded by the valley-folding mechanism 562V.

  In step S26, similarly, it is determined whether or not the folding process (n-folding) by the n-th folding mechanisms 56nV and 56nM arranged on the most downstream side is set by the folding condition setting mark Mn. If n-folding is not set, the transfer gate switching operation necessary for execution of all the set folding conditions has been completed, so the folding direction setting operation ends.

  If it is determined that the n-fold setting is set, the process proceeds to step S27. If the n-fold is in the mountain fold direction, the process proceeds to step S28a, where the control is performed to switch the n-fold mountain fold direction conveyance gate, and the process ends. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the n-th mountain fold mechanism 56nM disposed on the most downstream side via the second conveyance unit 52 or the third conveyance unit 53, so that the image forming apparatus control unit In accordance with the folding condition designated by 19, the paper P after the image formation can be folded in a mountain by the mountain folding mechanism 56nM.

  On the other hand, if the n-fold is in the valley fold direction, the process proceeds to step S28b, and the control is finished so as to switch the n-fold valley fold direction conveyance gate. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the nth valley fold mechanism 56nV via the first conveying means 51 or the third conveying means 53, so that the folding conditions specified by the image forming apparatus control means 19 Accordingly, the sheet P after image formation can be folded by the most downstream valley folding mechanism 56 nV.

  When the transport gate switching operation by the post-processing device control means 57 is completed, an image forming operation is executed under the control of the image forming device control means 19, and the sheet P on which the image has been formed is discharged to the post-processing device 50. The post-processing device control means 57 controls the folding operation of the folding means 56 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, thereby folding the paper P after image formation according to the folding conditions specified by the image forming device control means 19. Processing will be performed.

  In step S30 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the post-processing device control unit 57 first determines whether or not one fold is set, and if it is determined that one fold is not set, the processing proceeds to step S33. If it is determined that the one-fold setting is set, the process proceeds to step S31. If it is determined that the paper P has reached the one-fold stop position, the process proceeds to step S32, where the folding unit 56 performs one-fold processing, and the process proceeds to step S33.

  In this step S33, the post-processing device control means 57 determines whether or not the 2-fold setting is set. If it is determined that the 2-fold setting is not set, the process proceeds to step S36. If it is determined that the 2-fold setting is set, the process proceeds to step S34. If it is determined that the paper P has reached the 2-fold stop position, the process proceeds to step S35, where the folding unit 56 performs the 2-fold process, and the process proceeds to step S36.

  In step S36, the post-processing device control means 57 determines whether or not n-folding is set, and if it is determined that n-folding is not set, folding processing by the most downstream folding mechanisms 56nV and 56nM is not set. Therefore, it is determined that the folding process is completed, the paper P is discharged as output paper, and the folding process is terminated.

  If the post-processing device control unit 57 determines that the n-fold setting is set in step S36, the process proceeds to step S37. If it is determined that the paper P has reached the n-fold stop position, the process proceeds to step S38, where the folding unit 56 sets the n-fold setting. The folding process is executed, and since no folding mechanism is installed downstream of the folding process, the sheet P after the n-folding process is discharged as an output sheet and the process ends.

  As described above, according to the control method of the post-processing device 50 by the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment, the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding direction that are freely set for the sheet discharged (output) from the image forming device 10 are set. Folding processing is executed according to the folding order, and a sheet that is correctly folded according to the set folding position, folding direction, and folding order can be output. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain a sheet processed by a desired folding method without requiring a complicated setting operation.

  Further, according to the image forming system 1 of the present embodiment, desired folding conditions can be set in detail via the display operation unit, so that flexibility can be given to setting folding conditions and the degree of freedom can be increased. it can. Therefore, even when a complicated folding process is executed, the folding condition can be easily set in a short time, so that the operability is improved.

  In this embodiment, the configuration in which the folding condition is input by adding marks M2 and M3, which are predetermined as the folding condition setting marks, to the paper image D1 is illustrated. However, the method of inputting the folding condition is not limited to the folding condition. The setting marks M2 and M3 are not particularly limited. For example, by adding a freehand input function using a pen to the touch panel integrated with the display unit 18, the folding condition can be directly entered on the paper image D1. It can also be configured.

[2] Second Image Forming System In this embodiment, when an image is formed on a sheet to be carried in, and a folding process is performed on the sheet, a document on which folding conditions for folding the sheet are written in advance Folding condition setting means for acquiring folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order by reading (image) and setting the folding position, folding direction, and folding order for the paper based on the folding conditions is provided. Then, the sheet is controlled to be folded according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting means.

  Thus, it is possible to output a sheet folded according to a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order that are freely set based on a folding condition arbitrarily described in the document.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image forming system 2 as an embodiment of the second image forming system according to the present invention. In the image forming system 2 shown in FIG. 10, the same functions as those of the image forming system 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of these same functions is omitted.

  The difference between the image forming system 2 and the image forming system 1 is that, in the image forming system 2, the folding method setting means 17 has an image reading means 17a capable of reading an arbitrary image, and this image reading means 17a By reading a document in which folding conditions for folding a sheet are written in advance, the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are acquired, and the folding position, folding direction, and folding with respect to the sheet are obtained based on the folding conditions. The point is to set the order. That is, in the image forming system 1, the function of the folding method setting unit 17 is assigned to the display operation unit. However, in the image forming system 2, a part of the function of the folding method setting unit 17 is assigned to the image reading unit 17a.

  As the image reading means 17a, a scanner generally incorporated in a copying machine, a printing machine, a multi-function machine thereof, or the like can be used. When the folding conditions are read by such an image reading means 17a, folding condition setting marks M5 and M6 are described for the document D3 on which the same image as the sheet to be actually folded is formed, as shown in FIG. (Marking).

  These folding condition setting marks M5 and M6 are marks defined in advance for setting folding conditions, like the folding condition setting marks M2 and M3 added to the paper image D1 on the folding condition setting screen P1 described above. Thereby, the folding position, folding direction and folding order can be noted.

  A mountain fold mark “Δ” M5 indicating that the document is folded in the first folding process (one fold) from one end of the document D3, that is, the folding position where the desired folding amount M7 is reached from the front end in the sheet conveyance direction. In addition, a valley fold mark “６” M6 indicating a valley fold in the second folding process (two folds) is marked from the first fold position to the fold amount M8.

  In this manner, the document reading unit 17a reads the document D3 in which arbitrary folding conditions are written in advance by the folding condition setting marks M5 and M6, and obtains the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction and folding order with respect to the sheet from the document D3. As a result, the image reading means 17a sets a folding method such as a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order with respect to the paper after the image formation based on the folding conditions written on the document D3. Specifically, the image reading means 17a sets 1-fold information for setting the folding method in the folding order “1” and the folding method in the folding order “2” from the folding conditions read from the document D3. The two-fold information to be obtained is acquired, and the one-fold information and the two-fold information are transmitted to the image forming apparatus control unit 19 to set the folding position and the folding direction in each folding order.

  In the image forming system 2 configured as described above, an arbitrary folding condition for selecting a folding process after image formation and folding a sheet on an initial screen (not shown) displayed by the display unit 18 after power is turned on. Is read by the image reading unit 17a, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 controls the display unit 18 to display an output image screen P3 as shown in FIG.

  As a result, the display means 18 displays on the display screen the folding output image obtained under the folding conditions read by the image reading means 17a, and the folding at the folding position corresponding to the folding amount M7 and the folding corresponding to the folding amount M8. The image is displayed on the output image screen P3 as an image D4 of the output paper that has been valley-folded at the position.

  The output image screen P3 displays an operation message M9, an output image image D4, a “cancel” button B9, and a “start” button B10. The operation message “Output image is displayed. To output, press the start button.” M9 is displayed on the upper end of the output image screen P3 so as to be easily visible. As a result, the user is prompted to confirm the folding condition based on the final output image image D4 of the folding process, and the instruction method for executing the folding process is notified.

  Accordingly, the output result obtained under the folding condition acquired from the image reading means 17a can be easily confirmed by the output image image D4. Therefore, the folding position, the folding direction and the folding order that enable a desired folding method are set. It becomes easy to set exactly as desired. For this reason, erroneous setting of the folding position, folding direction and folding order can be reduced. Therefore, even when the original D3 is read by the image reading unit 17a and the folding condition is acquired, the same operational effect as when the folding condition is input and set by the display operation unit described above can be obtained.

  If the “Cancel” button B9 is selected here, the folding process under this folding condition is not executed, and the display is switched to a screen prompting the rereading of the document. On the other hand, when an input operation is performed so as to select the “start” button B10, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 determines that the execution of processing under the folding condition for folding output displayed on the output image screen P3 is instructed. As shown in the sequence chart 13, folding information is transmitted from the image forming apparatus control means 19 to the post-processing apparatus control means 57.

  In order to set different folding conditions for the first sheet to the third sheet, for example, different folding conditions are marked on each of the three originals, and the folding condition is set from these three originals by the image reading means 17a. Is read, and different folding positions, folding directions and folding orders are set for the three sheets, the first folding information is stored in the first sheet in step S41 of the sequence chart shown in FIG. Is sent to the image forming apparatus control means 19 as a setting for the image processing apparatus, and is sent from the image forming apparatus control means 19 to the post-processing apparatus control means 57 in step S42. As a result, the post-processing device control means 57 is notified of the folding position and folding direction set as one-fold information for the first sheet.

  Next, the 2-fold information is transmitted from the image reading means 17a to the image forming apparatus control means 19 as a setting for the second sheet in step S43, and in step S44, the image forming apparatus control means 19 controls the post-processing apparatus. It is transmitted to the means 57. As a result, the post-processing device control means 57 is notified of the folding position and folding direction for the second sheet.

  Finally, the 3-fold information is transmitted to the image forming apparatus control unit 19 as a setting for the third sheet in step S45, and is transmitted from the image forming apparatus control unit 19 to the post-processing apparatus control unit 57 in step S46. The

  At this time, for example, when the operation according to the folding position and the folding direction transmitted from the image forming apparatus control unit 19 and notified is an operation that cannot be performed by the folding unit 56, the post-processing apparatus control unit 57 performs the folding operation. The operation of the means 56 is prohibited, and the image forming apparatus control means 19 is notified of this operation inhibition in step S47.

  As a result, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 can avoid forming an image on a sheet for which an infeasible folding condition is set, and therefore, waste of consumables such as a sheet and toner due to useless image formation is prevented. be able to.

  When the operation according to the folding condition notified from the image forming apparatus control unit 19 can be executed by the folding unit 56, the post-processing device control unit 57 is read and set from the folding condition, that is, the image reading unit 17a. The operation of the folding means 56 is controlled so that the paper P is folded according to the folding conditions.

  The post-processing device control means 57 is notified from the image forming device control means 19 of the size of the paper P preset on the initial screen or the size of the paper P detected by the paper size detection means installed in the paper storage tray. A calculation process for calculating a distance from the leading end of the sheet P in the sheet conveyance direction to the folding position is executed from the folded position, the folding direction, and the folding order, and the sheet to each folding mechanism constituting the folding unit 56 is executed according to the calculation result. The transport route of P is determined.

  In this way, the operation of the folding unit 56 is controlled according to the calculation result of the calculation function of the post-processing device control unit 57, and the operation of the image forming unit 16 is controlled by the image forming device control unit 19, whereby the paper P Is fed from the paper feeding means 11 to the image forming means 16 and the image forming operation by the image forming apparatus 10 is started. Then, the paper P after image formation is discharged from the image forming apparatus 10 to the post-processing device 50 via the third conveying means 14 and conveyed to the folding means 56 via the first conveying means 51 or the second conveying means 52. Is done.

  In this example, because the document D3 is marked with folding conditions, the mountain folding is set as the first folding method and the valley folding is set as the second folding method. By means 52, it is conveyed to the first mountain folding mechanism 561M arranged on the most upstream side. Then, the mountain folding mechanism 561M folds the mountain at the folding position set by the folding condition setting mark M5. The sheet P folded in this way by the mountain fold mechanism 561M is then transported by the third transport means 53 to the second valley fold mechanism 562V. Then, the valley folding mechanism 562V performs valley folding at the folding position set by the folding condition setting mark M6.

  In this way, the paper P is subjected to folding processing according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting marks M5 and M6, and as shown in FIG. 12B, the output image image D4 is used. It is output in the output state TP2 displayed in advance.

  Therefore, according to the image forming system 2 of the present embodiment, the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order can be set based on the folding conditions marked to be arbitrarily added to the document D3 as information for imagining the finish. The paper P processed by the desired folding method can be easily obtained without requiring a complicated setting operation.

  Next, as a control method of the second sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, the folding processing operation by the image forming system 2 described above will be described with reference to the flowcharts shown in FIGS. FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of folding condition setting by the image forming system 2, FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an example of folding direction setting by the image forming system 2, and FIG. 16 is an example of folding processing by the image forming system 2. It is a flowchart which shows.

  In this control method of the sheet processing apparatus, the folding condition setting operation is started by selecting the folding condition setting on the initial screen displayed after power is supplied to the image forming system 2, and the image forming apparatus control means 19 performs the operation shown in FIG. It is assumed that this folding condition setting operation is controlled along the flowchart shown in FIG. Then, the post-processing device control means 57 controls the folding direction setting operation under the control of the image forming device control means 19 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. 15, and the folding means 56 according to the flowchart shown in FIG. The folding operation shall be controlled.

  Under this premise, when the power of the image forming system 2 is turned on, the power is turned on, the folding condition setting is selected on the initial screen displayed by the display means 18, and the original reading D3 is read by the image reading means 17a, the folding condition setting is performed. Operation starts.

  In this folding condition setting operation, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 clears the folding number “n” and sets “n = 0” in step S51 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 14 to fold the loaded paper. Wait for the transmission of any folding condition.

  When the folding method selected by the folding condition setting mark M5 written on the document D3 is transmitted from the image reading means 17a to the image forming apparatus control means 19, the image forming apparatus control means 19 performs the number of folding in step S52. “N” is incremented to “n = 1”, a position where the folding amount M7 is set as the first folding position is selected in step S53, and a mountain fold is selected as the first folding direction in step S54.

  If the next folding condition is not transmitted from the image reading unit 17a, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 determines that selection has been completed in step S55, and proceeds to step S56. On the other hand, when the folding method selected by the folding condition setting mark M6 written on the document D3 is transmitted from the image reading means 17a to the image forming apparatus control means 19, the image forming apparatus control means 19 determines that the selection is continued. Return to step S52.

  In step S52, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 increments the folding number “n” to “n = 2”, and in step S53, selects a position where the folding amount is M8 as the second folding position. In S54, valley fold is selected as the second folding direction. The folding conditions up to the number of folding “n” are set by repeating Steps S52 to S55 until the transmission of the folding conditions from the image reading unit 17a is completed.

  When the transmission of the folding condition from the image reading unit 17a is completed, in step S55, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 determines that the selection of the folding condition has been completed, and proceeds to step S56, where the folding condition transmitted from the image reading unit 17a is set. Based on this, the folding position, folding direction and folding order are set, and output image display data for displaying on the display screen the image image of the folding output obtained under the set folding conditions is created.

  In step S57, an output image panel (output image screen) P3 for displaying the output image D4 as a folding output obtained under the folding conditions is displayed on the display means 18, and an instruction for executing a process under the folding conditions is awaited. .

  When the “Start” button B10 is selected on the output image screen P3 and the execution of processing is instructed, the image forming apparatus control means 19 determines that the folding selection is confirmed in step S58, and the confirmed folding condition is set to the post-processing apparatus. It transmits to the control means 57, and folding condition setting operation | movement is complete | finished. The post-processing device control means 57 controls the operation of the folding means 56 so as to fold the sheet according to the set folding position, folding direction and folding order in accordance with this processing execution instruction.

  On the other hand, when the “cancel” button B9 is selected on the output image screen P3, the image forming apparatus control means 19 determines that the folding condition has not been established, returns to step S51, and clears the folding number “n” again. In addition to setting “n = 0”, the display by the display means 18 is switched so as to display a screen that prompts re-reading of the document marked with the folding condition. Then, steps S51 to S58 are repeated in the same manner as described above until the folding condition is determined.

  As described above, according to the control method of the post-processing device 50 by the image forming system 2 of the present embodiment, the document reading unit 17a reads the document D3 preliminarily marked with any folding condition, thereby folding the folding position and the folding direction. In addition, the folding conditions regarding the folding order can be acquired, and the folding position, folding direction, and folding order can be easily set based on the arbitrarily described folding conditions.

  The post-processing device controller 57 starts the folding direction setting operation triggered by the transmission of the folding information from the image forming device controller 19 described above, that is, the specification of the folding condition, and in step S60 of the flowchart shown in FIG. It is determined whether or not the first folding process (one folding) is set by the folding condition setting mark M5. If it is determined that one folding is not set, the process proceeds to step S63.

  If it is determined that one fold is set, the process proceeds to step S61. If this one fold is in the mountain fold direction, the process proceeds to step S62a, and the control is performed to switch the one fold mountain folding direction conveyance gate, and the process proceeds to step S63. As a result, the paper P after image formation is conveyed to the first mountain folding mechanism 561M via the second conveyance means 52, and therefore, after the image formation according to the folding conditions designated by the image forming apparatus control means 19. The paper P can be folded in a mountain by the mountain folding mechanism 561M.

  On the other hand, if one fold is in the valley fold direction, the process proceeds to step S62b, and the control is performed so as to switch the one fold valley fold direction conveyance gate, and the process proceeds to step S63. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the first valley folding mechanism 561V via the first conveyance unit 51. Therefore, the sheet P after image formation is performed according to the folding conditions designated by the image forming apparatus control unit 19. The sheet P can be valley-folded by the valley folding mechanism 561V.

  Next, in step S63, it is determined whether or not the second folding process (two-folding) is set by the folding condition setting mark M6. If it is determined that two-folding is not set, the process proceeds to step S66.

  If it is determined that the two-fold setting is set, the process proceeds to step S64. If the two-fold is in the mountain fold direction, the process proceeds to step S65a, and the control is performed to switch the two-fold mountain fold direction conveyance gate, and the process proceeds to step S66. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the second mountain folding mechanism 562M via the second conveyance unit 52 or the third conveyance unit 53, so that the folding conditions notified from the image forming apparatus control unit 19 Accordingly, the paper P after image formation can be folded in a mountain by the fold folding mechanism 562M.

  On the other hand, if the second fold is in the valley fold direction, the process proceeds to step S65b, and control is performed to switch the two-fold valley fold direction conveyance gate, and the process proceeds to step S66. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the second valley folding mechanism 562V via the first conveyance unit 51 or the third conveyance unit 53, so that the folding conditions specified by the image forming apparatus control unit 19 Accordingly, the paper P after image formation can be valley-folded by the valley-folding mechanism 562V.

  In step S66, similarly, it is determined whether or not the folding process (n-folding) by the n-th folding mechanisms 56nV and 56nM arranged on the most downstream side is set by the folding condition setting mark Mn. If n-folding is not set, the transfer gate switching operation necessary for execution of all the set folding conditions has been completed, so the folding direction setting operation ends.

  If it is determined that the n-fold setting is set, the process proceeds to step S67. If the n-fold is in the mountain fold direction, the process proceeds to step S68a, where control is performed to switch the n-fold mountain fold direction conveyance gate, and the process ends. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the n-th mountain fold mechanism 56nM disposed on the most downstream side via the second conveyance unit 52 or the third conveyance unit 53, so that the image forming apparatus control unit In accordance with the folding condition designated by 19, the paper P after the image formation can be folded in a mountain by the mountain folding mechanism 56nM.

  On the other hand, if the n-fold is in the valley fold direction, the process proceeds to step S68b, where control is performed to switch the n-fold valley fold direction conveyance gate, and the process ends. As a result, the sheet P after image formation is conveyed to the nth valley fold mechanism 56nV via the first conveying means 51 or the third conveying means 53, so that the folding conditions specified by the image forming apparatus control means 19 Accordingly, the sheet P after image formation can be folded by the most downstream valley folding mechanism 56 nV.

  When the transport gate switching operation by the post-processing device control means 57 is completed, an image forming operation is executed under the control of the image forming device control means 19, and the sheet P on which the image has been formed is discharged to the post-processing device 50. The post-processing device control means 57 controls the folding processing operation by the folding means 56 in accordance with the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, thereby applying the paper P after image formation according to the folding conditions designated by the image forming device control means 19. A folding process is performed.

  In step S70 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 16, the post-processing device control means 57 first determines whether or not one fold is set, and if it is determined that one fold is not set, the processing proceeds to step S73. If it is determined that the 1-fold setting has been made, the process proceeds to step S71. If it is determined that the paper P has reached the 1-fold stop position, the process proceeds to step S72, where the folding means 56 performs a 1-fold process, and the process proceeds to step S73.

  In step S73, the post-processing device control means 57 determines whether or not the 2-fold setting is set. If it is determined that the 2-fold setting is not set, the process proceeds to step S76. If it is determined that the two-fold setting is set, the process proceeds to step S74. If it is determined that the paper P has reached the two-fold stop position, the process proceeds to step S75, the folding unit 56 performs a two-fold process, and the process proceeds to step S76.

  In step S76, the post-processing device control means 57 determines whether or not n-folding is set. If it is determined that n-folding is not set, folding processing by the most downstream folding mechanisms 56nV and 56nM is not set. Therefore, it is determined that the folding process is completed, the paper P is discharged as output paper, and the folding process is terminated.

  If the post-processing device control unit 57 determines that the n-fold setting is set in step S76, the process proceeds to step S77. If it is determined that the paper P has reached the n-fold stop position, the process proceeds to step S78, where the folding unit 56 sets the n-fold. The folding process is executed, and since no folding mechanism is installed downstream of the folding process, the sheet P after the n-folding process is discharged as an output sheet and the process ends.

  As described above, according to the image forming system 2, the document D3 is marked with the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order as folding conditions (folding information), and the original in which the arbitrary folding conditions are marked easily and freely. D3 is read by the image reading means 17a, and the folding position, folding direction and folding order can be set based on the folding conditions acquired from the original D3 read here, so that the folding position and folding marked on the original D3 can be set. A sheet folded by a desired folding method can be easily output according to the direction and the folding order. Therefore, it is possible to easily obtain a sheet processed by a desired folding method without requiring a complicated setting operation.

  Further, according to the image forming system 2, a desired folding condition can be directly marked on the document D3 and read by the image reading means 17a, so that the folding condition can be set accurately. Therefore, flexibility can be given to the setting of the folding conditions and the degree of freedom can be increased, so that even when performing a complicated folding process, the folding conditions can be described easily in a short time. Therefore, operability is improved.

  The description of the folding condition setting marks M5 and M6 on the document D3 may be either marked and printed at the time of document image formation or handwritten (drawn) freehand after document image formation. Good.

[3] Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 17 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of the image forming apparatus 3 as an embodiment of the first and second image forming apparatuses according to the present invention. In this block diagram, the same parts as those in the image forming system 1 described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description of the same parts is omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the above-described post-processing device 50 is incorporated into the image forming apparatus to form one device, and an image is formed on an arbitrary sheet by the image forming device 3 in which the post-processing device 50 is incorporated. When performing folding processing on a sheet, a display operation unit for setting a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order with respect to a sheet, which is a condition for folding an image-formed sheet, or a folding condition for folding this sheet Is read in advance, thereby obtaining folding conditions relating to the folding position, folding direction, and folding order, and image reading means for setting the folding position, folding direction, and folding order for the sheet based on the folding conditions. Are provided as the folding method setting means 17.

  By controlling the operation of the folding unit 56 so that the sheet is folded according to the folding conditions set by the display operation unit or the image reading unit, it can be arbitrarily set as in the image forming systems 1 and 2 described above. A sheet that has been folded according to the folding conditions can be output, and a sheet that has been processed by the desired folding method can be easily obtained without requiring a complicated setting operation.

  Similar to the image forming systems 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 3 includes a paper feeding unit 11, an image forming unit 16, a folding method setting unit 17, a display unit 18, conveying units 51, 52, and 53, and a staple. A means 55 and a folding means 56 are provided, and a control means 100 having a CPU 101, a RAM 102 and a ROM 103 is further provided.

  The difference between the image forming systems 1 and 2 and the image forming apparatus 3 is that, in the image forming systems 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus control means 19 and the post-processing apparatus control means that can exchange data with each other via the serial communication means 15. 57, the operation of the entire system is jointly controlled, whereas in the image forming apparatus 3, the control means 100 controls the entire operation of the apparatus including the image forming operation and the folding processing operation.

  Therefore, the image forming apparatus 3 achieves the same effects as the image forming systems 1 and 2, and between the image forming apparatus control means 19 and the post-processing apparatus control means 57 that are essential in the image forming systems 1 and 2. No need to exchange data via the serial communication means 15 at the same time. Therefore, since the control program stored in the ROM 103 is simplified, the load on the CPU 101 is reduced and the processing speed is increased.

  In the image forming apparatus 3, when the folding condition set by the folding method setting unit 17 includes an operation that cannot be executed by the folding unit 56, the control unit 100 prohibits the image forming operation by the image forming unit 16. To control. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus 3 has an advantage that a wasteful image forming operation can be avoided more reliably than the image forming systems 1 and 2.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention and its effect were described in detail, this invention is not limited to the structure of these embodiment, It was prescribed | regulated by the claim attached to this-application specification. Any configuration that can achieve the functions of the configuration of the above-described embodiment without departing from the scope of application of the present invention can be applied.

  The present invention is very suitable when applied to a printing machine, a copying machine, a multi-function machine, or the like that folds and outputs paper after image formation.

1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a first image forming system according to the present invention. 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of a main part of a folding unit 56. FIG. It is a figure explaining the example of operation | movement of the folding means 56, Comprising: (a) shows the state before an inner folding, (b) shows the state in the middle folding, (c) shows the state before an outer folding (D) is a figure which shows the state in the middle of outward folding. 6 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a folding condition setting screen P1 by the image forming system 1. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the output image screen P2 by the image forming system 1, (b) is a figure which shows the paper output example TP1. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of transmission / reception between the image forming apparatus 10 and the post-processing apparatus 50 under folding conditions input by a folding method setting unit 17. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of setting folding conditions by the image forming system 1. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of setting a folding direction by the image forming system 1; 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of folding processing by the image forming system 1. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the 2nd image forming system which concerns on this invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of folding conditions written on a document D3. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the output image screen P3 by the image forming system 2, (b) is a figure which shows the paper output example TP2. 10 is a sequence chart showing an example of transmission / reception between the image forming apparatus 10 under folding conditions read by the image reading means 17a and the post-processing apparatus 50. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of setting folding conditions by the image forming system 2; 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of setting a folding direction by the image forming system 2; 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of folding processing by the image forming system 2; FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of first and second image forming apparatuses according to the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 2 Image forming system 3,10 Image forming apparatus 16 Image forming means 17 Folding condition setting means 18 Display means 19 Image forming apparatus control means 50 Post-processing apparatus 56 Folding means 57 Post-processing apparatus control means 100 Control means

Claims (28)

A paper processing apparatus that performs a folding process on paper to be carried in,
Folding condition setting means for setting a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order for the paper, which are conditions for folding the paper;
Folding means for folding the paper according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting means;
And a control means for controlling the operation of the folding means. A paper processing apparatus that performs a folding process on paper to be carried in,
By reading a document in which folding conditions for folding the paper are written in advance, the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are acquired, and the folding position, folding direction with respect to the paper based on the folding conditions are acquired. And folding condition setting means for setting the folding order;
Folding means for folding the paper according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting means;
And a control means for controlling the operation of the folding means. A method for controlling a sheet processing apparatus that performs a folding process on a sheet to be carried in,
Set the folding position, folding direction and folding order for the paper, which are the conditions for folding the paper,
A control method for a sheet processing apparatus, wherein the sheet is folded according to the set folding position, folding direction, and folding order.   4. The image of the folding output obtained under the folding condition is displayed on a display screen after setting the folding position, folding direction, and folding order for the paper based on the folding condition. A control method for the sheet processing apparatus. While displaying the image of the folding output obtained on the folding condition on the display screen, waiting for the instruction input of processing execution in the folding condition,
5. The control method of the sheet processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the sheet is folded according to the folding position, folding direction, and folding order in accordance with the input instruction for execution of the processing. A method for controlling a sheet processing apparatus that performs a folding process on a sheet to be carried in,
By reading a document in which folding conditions for folding the paper are written in advance, the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are acquired, and the folding position, folding direction with respect to the paper based on the folding conditions are acquired. And set the folding order,
A control method for a sheet processing apparatus, wherein the sheet is folded according to the set folding position, folding direction, and folding order.   The image of the folding output obtained under the folding condition is displayed on a display screen after setting the folding position, folding direction and folding order for the paper based on the folding condition. A control method for the sheet processing apparatus. While displaying the image of the folding output obtained on the folding condition on the display screen, waiting for the instruction input of processing execution in the folding condition,
The method of controlling a sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the sheet is folded according to the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order in accordance with the input instruction to execute the processing. An image forming system that forms an image on a sheet to be carried by an image forming apparatus and performs a folding process on the sheet by a sheet post-processing device connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Image forming means;
A folding condition setting unit that sets a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order with respect to the sheet, which are conditions for folding the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit;
A first control unit that controls operations of the image forming unit and the sheet post-processing apparatus,
The paper post-processing device is:
A folding unit configured to fold the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order set by the folding condition setting unit and notified from the first control unit;
An image forming system comprising: a second control unit that controls an operation of the folding unit under the control of the first control unit.   The image forming system according to claim 9, further comprising a display unit configured to display a folding output image obtained on the folding condition input by the folding condition setting unit on a display screen.   The image forming system according to claim 10, further comprising an operation unit configured to input an operation execution instruction under the folding condition that is a folding output displayed by the display unit. Paper size detecting means for detecting the paper size with respect to the paper;
The second control means includes
Calculation means for calculating a distance from the front end in the paper conveyance direction to the folding position from the paper size detected by the paper size detection means and the folding position, folding direction and folding order notified from the first control means. Have
The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the operation of the folding unit is controlled to fold the sheet according to a calculation result by the calculation unit. The second control means includes
When the operation according to the folding position, the folding direction and the folding order notified from the first control unit includes an operation that cannot be performed by the folding unit,
The image forming system according to claim 9, wherein the operation of the folding unit is prohibited, and the prohibition of the operation is notified to the first control unit. An image forming system that forms an image on a sheet to be carried by an image forming apparatus and performs a folding process on the sheet by a sheet post-processing device connected to be communicable with the image forming apparatus.
The image forming apparatus includes:
Image forming means;
By reading a document on which folding conditions for folding the paper image-formed by the image forming means are read in advance, the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are acquired, and the folding conditions based on the folding conditions are acquired. Folding condition setting means for setting the folding position, folding direction and folding order with respect to the paper;
A first control unit that controls operations of the image forming unit and the sheet post-processing apparatus,
The paper post-processing device is:
A folding unit configured to fold the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus in accordance with the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order set by the folding condition setting unit and notified from the first control unit;
An image forming system comprising: a second control unit that controls an operation of the folding unit under the control of the first control unit.   The image forming system according to claim 14, further comprising a display unit that displays a folding output image obtained on the folding condition acquired by the folding condition setting unit on a display screen.   The image forming system according to claim 15, further comprising an operation unit configured to input an operation execution instruction under the folding condition that is a folding output displayed by the display unit. Paper size detecting means for detecting the paper size with respect to the paper;
The second control means includes
Calculation means for calculating a distance from the front end in the paper conveyance direction to the folding position from the paper size detected by the paper size detection means and the folding position, folding direction and folding order notified from the first control means. Have
The image forming system according to claim 14, wherein an operation of the folding unit is controlled to fold the sheet according to a calculation result by the calculation unit. The second control means includes
When the operation according to the folding position, the folding direction and the folding order notified from the first control unit includes an operation that cannot be performed by the folding unit,
The image forming system according to claim 14, wherein the operation of the folding unit is prohibited, and the prohibition of the operation is notified to the first control unit. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet to be carried in and performs a folding process on the sheet,
Image forming means;
A folding condition setting unit that sets a folding position, a folding direction, and a folding order with respect to the sheet, which are conditions for folding the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit;
Folding means for folding the paper according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls an operation of the folding unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, further comprising a display unit configured to display, on a display screen, an image of a folding output obtained by the folding condition input by the folding condition setting unit.   21. The image forming apparatus according to claim 20, further comprising an operation unit configured to input an instruction to execute processing under the folding condition that is the folding output displayed by the display unit. Paper size detecting means for detecting the paper size with respect to the paper;
The control means includes
A computing unit for calculating a distance from the front end in the paper conveying direction to the folding position from the paper size detected by the paper size detecting unit and the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting unit; Have
The image forming apparatus according to claim 19, wherein the operation of the folding unit is controlled to fold the sheet according to a calculation result by the calculation unit.   The control unit prohibits an image forming operation by the image forming unit when the operation according to the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order set by the folding condition setting unit includes an operation that cannot be performed by the folding unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 19. An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet to be carried in and performs a folding process on the sheet,
Image forming means;
By reading a document on which folding conditions for folding the paper image-formed by the image forming means are read in advance, the folding conditions regarding the folding position, folding direction, and folding order are acquired, and the folding conditions based on the folding conditions are acquired. Folding condition setting means for setting the folding position, folding direction and folding order with respect to the paper;
Folding means for folding the paper according to the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that controls an operation of the folding unit.   25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 24, further comprising a display unit configured to display a folding output image obtained on the folding condition acquired by the folding condition setting unit on a display screen.   26. The image forming apparatus according to claim 25, further comprising an operation unit configured to input an operation execution instruction under the folding condition that is a folding output displayed by the display unit. Paper size detecting means for detecting the paper size with respect to the paper;
The control means includes
A computing unit for calculating a distance from the front end in the paper conveying direction to the folding position from the paper size detected by the paper size detecting unit and the folding position, folding direction and folding order set by the folding condition setting unit; Have
25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 24, wherein an operation of the folding unit is controlled to fold the sheet according to a calculation result by the calculation unit. The control unit prohibits an image forming operation by the image forming unit when the operation according to the folding position, the folding direction, and the folding order set by the folding condition setting unit includes an operation that cannot be performed by the folding unit. 25. The image forming apparatus according to claim 24, wherein:

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