JP2007178973A - Image forming apparatus and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming apparatus and an image forming system whereby a high quality booklet having high adhesion between a bundle of sheets and a cover is easily produced at a low running cost in glue cover bookbinding and high operability and environmental friendliness are ensured. <P>SOLUTION: The image forming apparatus carries out image formation involving bookbinding in which U-shaped cover paper is put on a bundle of sheets to form a booklet. The image forming apparatus has an image information processing means by which an area corresponding to an adhesion face where the cover paper and the bundle of sheets are glued is processed so as not to include image information to be printed on the back of the cover paper. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and an image forming system, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, and a printer, and an image forming system in which the image forming apparatus and a post-processing apparatus capable of case binding are connected.

  In general, a sheet on which an image is recorded by an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a facsimile machine, a printer, or a multifunction machine thereof is subjected to post-processing such as punching, stapling, saddle stitching, center folding, cover attachment, folding. Various processes such as stamping and glue binding are performed.

  Of such combinations of image forming apparatuses and post-processing apparatuses, a system is known in which an image forming apparatus capable of gluing case binding and a gluing bookbinding apparatus are connected (for example, see Patent Document 1).

  However, in an image forming apparatus in which an image forming apparatus capable of gluing case binding and a gluing bookbinding apparatus are connected, the number of sheets of a sheet bundle to be post-processed is detected to be equal to or less than a predetermined number. In this case, the control means automatically selects the case binding preparation apparatus which is the second glue binding apparatus, and does not perform the case binding preparation processing, and operates only the first glue binding apparatus for producing the sheet bundle. Thus, it is presumed that an image is formed as it is when the image data to be printed acquired by the image forming apparatus is on the entire surface of the sheet only by controlling to discharge the sheet bundle subjected to the glue application process. If a toner image is formed on the entire surface of the paper, the adhesive strength between the front cover and the paper bundle is reduced because the toner layer is interposed between the front cover and the paper bundle when the glue binding is performed with the glue binding device. In addition, the amount of unnecessary toner consumption increases, especially when a large amount of printing is performed because an image is formed on the adhesive portion of the cover that is hidden behind the sheet bundle. There was a problem.

Also, since the adhesive strength is not reduced, the image information at the position corresponding to the adhesive portion between the cover and the sheet bundle is deleted. If the deletion data is manually input, there is a high possibility that an error will occur and the operability is poor. there were.
JP 2002-316488 A

  In view of the above problems, the present invention can easily produce a high-quality booklet with high adhesion between a sheet bundle and a cover at low running cost when performing glued case binding, has high operability, and is environmentally friendly. An object is to provide a gentle image forming apparatus and bookbinding apparatus.

  The object is achieved by the following means.

  1. In an image forming apparatus for forming an image according to case binding in which a bundle of sheets is covered with a cover sheet in a U-shape to form a booklet, the cover for the image information to be printed on the back side of the cover sheet An image forming apparatus, comprising: an image information processing unit that processes image information that does not include image information in a region corresponding to a bonding surface that bonds a sheet and the sheet bundle.

  2. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image information processing unit performs a processing for deleting image information of an area corresponding to the adhesive surface on image information to be printed on a back surface.

  3. 3. The image forming apparatus according to 2, wherein the deletion width of the image information in the area corresponding to the adhesive surface is substantially equal to the width of the sheet bundle in the direction in which the sheets are bundled.

  4). The image information processing unit reduces the image information to be printed on the back surface at a predetermined scale, and divides the image information to be printed on the reduced back surface into both sides of the area corresponding to the adhesive surface to process the image information. 2. The image forming apparatus according to 1, wherein the image forming apparatus performs processing.

  5. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a division width divided on both sides of the region corresponding to the adhesive surface is substantially equal to a width in a direction in which the sheets are bundled.

  6). The image information processing unit includes a count value of a counter that counts the number of sheets forming the sheet bundle, and a thickness value of the sheet referred to from a storage unit that stores various thickness information of the sheet. 6. The image forming apparatus according to 3 or 5, wherein the product is calculated to calculate the width of the sheet bundle.

  7). Process the image information from which the image information of the part corresponding to the adhesive surface is deleted, or process the image information developed by dividing the image information to be printed on the reduced back surface on both sides of the part corresponding to the adhesive surface The image forming apparatus according to any one of 2 to 6, further comprising selection means for selecting whether to process.

  8). 8. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a changing unit capable of changing and adding various types of sheet thickness information in the storage unit.

  An image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus according to any one of 9.1 to 8; and a post-processing apparatus capable of case binding connected to the image forming apparatus.

  According to the first invention, in the image forming apparatus capable of case binding, generated image information for printing on the back surface of the cover sheet that does not include image information in an area corresponding to the bonding surface for bonding the cover sheet and the sheet bundle. By generating the toner image, it becomes possible to prevent the toner image from being formed on the sheet bundle bonding portion of the cover sheet, and the cover sheet and the sheet bundle can be firmly bonded, and the toner consumption is suppressed and the environment-friendly image formation is achieved. A device can be provided. In addition, it is possible to automatically form image information that does not include image information in an area corresponding to the bonding surface for bonding the cover sheet and the sheet bundle, and to produce a high-quality booklet without making a calculation error. Operability is improved.

  In particular, this is particularly effective in a color image forming apparatus in which the toner layer is thick and the adhesive strength between the cover sheet of the adhesive and the sheet bundle tends to decrease.

  According to the second invention, by connecting the post-processing apparatus capable of case binding to the image forming apparatus that exhibits the above-described effects, it is possible to easily manufacture a high-quality booklet that has been case-bound at a low running cost.

  The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings, but the description in this section is not limited to the technical scope of the claims and the meaning of terms. For convenience, the term “paper” includes OHP sheets, sheets made of materials other than paper, and paper. Further, the back surface of the cover sheet refers to the surface on which the sheet bundle is adhered, and the front surface refers to the opposite surface. In addition, the width direction refers to the direction from the bonding surface side edge to the edge edge side in the paper, and refers to the direction from one edge edge side to the back edge to the other edge side edge in the cover sheet. The main body refers to a sheet bundle covered with a cover sheet.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram of a booklet subjected to case binding.

1 is a case-bound booklet, and a cover sheet 2 having a U-shape and a back portion 4 a (glue application surface 6) of a sheet bundle 4 in which a plurality of sheets 3 are bundled are bonded by an adhesive 5. Has been.
2A is the front cover of the booklet, 2B is the back cover of the booklet, 2C is the back of the booklet, 2D is the front of the front / back cover, 2E is the back of the front / back cover Pointing.

  Here, the back surface refers to the surface that is bonded to the sheet bundle when the cover sheet is in the form of a booklet, and the front surface is the opposite surface, that is, the outer surface of the booklet in the form of a booklet. pointing.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram when a post-processing device is connected to the image forming apparatus.

  2 and 1, the image forming apparatus A has an image forming apparatus main body B that forms an image on a recording material, and a post-processing device FS is connected when post-processing is performed on the paper 3.

  An automatic document feeder DF that feeds a document to the image reading unit B1 may be connected to the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body B.

[Image forming device body]
In this column, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention that does not perform image formation on the sheet bundle bonding portion of the cover sheet when case binding is selected will be described.

  The illustrated image forming apparatus main body B includes an image reading unit B1, an image processing unit B2, an image writing unit B3, an image forming unit B4, a sheet feeding and conveying unit B5, a fixing unit B6, an operation display unit B7, an image data generating unit B8, And control means CB for controlling them.

  The image forming unit B4 includes a photosensitive drum 4A, a charging unit 4B, a developing unit 4C, a transfer unit 4D, a separating unit 4E, a cleaning unit 4F, and the like. The sheet feeding / conveying unit B5 includes a sheet feeding cassette 5A and a sheet feeding cassette 5B. , Paper feed cassette 5C, first paper feed means 5D, second paper feed means 5E, third paper feed means 5F, registration roller 5G, transport means 5H, paper discharge means 5I, automatic duplex copy paper feed means (ADU) 5J have.

  The operation display means B7 is located on the upper front surface of the image forming apparatus main body B, and has various operation switches such as a start switch, a touch panel that can display various information and input various information, and the like. Display screen for displaying device status and warnings, instruction screen for prompting the operator to operate, setting or selection of various image forming conditions for case binding, setting or selection of used paper and cover paper, post-processing for case binding An input screen for inputting setting or selection of conditions is displayed, and operation contents set and selected based on the displayed screen are input to the control means CB.

  An automatic document feeder DF is mounted on the upper part of the image forming apparatus main body B.

  A post-processing device FS is connected to the paper discharge means 5I side (downstream side) on the left side of the image forming apparatus main body B shown in the figure.

  The original placed on the original table of the automatic document feeder DF is read on one or both sides of the original by the optical system of the image reading means B1, and the analog signal of the photoelectrically converted original image is the image processing means. In B2, analog processing, A / D conversion, shading correction, image compression processing, and the like are performed to obtain digital image data. The digital image data is processed and generated by the image data generation means B8 and processed by the operator. The digital image data thus sent is sent to the image writing means B3.

  In the image writing means B3, the output light from the semiconductor laser is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 4A of the image forming means B4 to form a latent image.

  Here, image data or the like may be received from the external information terminal PC via the communication unit PC1 and the communication unit CB2, and processed and generated by the image data generation unit B8.

  In the image forming unit B4, the charging unit 4B, the developing unit 4C, and the like uniformly charge the photosensitive drum 4A and develop the latent image to form a toner image on the photosensitive drum 4A, and transfer unit 4D and separating unit Processing such as transfer of the toner image onto the paper 3 fed from the paper feeding / conveying means B5, separation of the paper 3 and cleaning of the toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 4A are performed by the cleaning means 4F and 4E.

  The image of the paper 3 fed from the paper feeding / conveying means B5 is transferred to the paper 3 by the transfer means 4D. The sheet 3 carrying the image is fixed with the toner image by the fixing unit B6, and is fed from the paper discharge unit 5I to the downstream post-processing device FS.

  In the case of forming images on both sides, the sheet 3 on which the first (front) image has been fixed sent to the automatic double-sided copy paper feeding means 5J is again formed on the second side (back) image by the image forming means B4. After fixing, the paper is discharged by the paper discharge means 5I and fed to the downstream post-processing device FS.

  The communication means CB1 connected to the control means CB arranged in the image forming apparatus main body B and the communication means CF1 connected to the control means CF of the post-processing apparatus arranged in the post-processing apparatus FS are communication lines. 9 is used to transmit / receive various data and control signals related to image formation.

  A communication unit CB2 connected to the control unit CB is connected to a communication unit PC1 of an external information terminal PC (for example, a personal computer) via the Internet or a LAN, and controls various data including image data and image formation. Send and receive information.

  A post-processing apparatus that can be suitably connected to the image forming apparatus of the present invention will be described below by taking a glued case binding apparatus as an example thereof as an example.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the gluing case binding apparatus is a booklet that is formed by bundling a plurality of sheets into a bundle, applying an adhesive to the edge of the bundle of sheets, and wrapping the cover sheet in a U-shape. Refers to a post-processing device characterized in that

[Glued case binding device]
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating the glued case binding apparatus FSN.

  3 and 1, the glued case binding apparatus FSN, which is a kind of FS of the post-processing apparatus, is a sheet transport unit 10 that transports the sheet 3 and the cover sheet 2 or the sheet 3, and the sheet 3 is fixedly discharged. The sheet discharge means 20 for discharging to the table 24, the cover sheet supply means 30 for supplying the cover sheet 2, the sheet bundle accommodating means 40 for accommodating a plurality of conveyed sheets 3 and forming a sheet bundle, and the sheet for conveying the sheet bundle Bundle conveying means 50, glue applying means 60 for applying glue to the edge of the sheet bundle, cover sheet applying means 70 for attaching a cover sheet to the sheet bundle to which glue has been applied, and a display sheet attached to the sheet bundle. A cover folding means 80 that folds along the line, a booklet discharge means 90 for discharging the completed booklet, a control means CF that performs control related to glued case binding, and a communication means CF1 that communicates with the image forming apparatus. ing.

  Each of the sheet conveying means 10 to the booklet discharging means 90 is arranged in a vertical line in the gluing case binding apparatus main body.

<Paper conveying means 10>
The sheet 3 introduced into the sheet conveying unit 10 is nipped between the entrance rollers 11 and 12 and conveyed, and is branched into the sheet discharging unit 20 and the sheet bundle accommodating unit 40 by the conveying path switching unit G1.

<Discharge means 20>
When the paper discharge is set, the conveyance path switching unit G1 blocks the conveyance path in the direction of the sheet bundle storage unit 40, opens the conveyance path in the direction of the sheet discharge unit 20, and discharges the sheet 3 to the sheet discharge unit 20. Transport to.

  The sheet 3 passing through the conveyance path to the sheet discharge unit 20 is nipped by the conveyance rollers 21 and 22 and conveyed upward, and is discharged onto a fixed sheet discharge tray (sub-tray) 24 at the top of the apparatus by the sheet discharge roller 23. Be contained. On the fixed paper discharge tray 24, the paper 3 discharged from the image forming apparatus main body B is directly received, and a maximum of about 200 sheets can be stacked.

<Cover Supply Unit 30>
A cover sheet (hereinafter referred to as a cover) 2 accommodated in a sheet feed tray 31 of the cover sheet supply means 30 is separated and fed by a sheet feed means 32, and is sandwiched between conveyance rollers 33, and is conveyed by a conveyance path switching means G2. Guided downward, sandwiched between transport rollers 34, 35, 36 and transported to cover sheet pasting means 70.

  In the case of using a cover sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus main body B, the cover sheet fed from the image forming apparatus main body B is used as the entrance rollers 11 and 12, the transport path switching means G1, the transport path switching means G2, The paper is once transported to the sheet bundle housing means 40 side through the transport roller 45, and then the transport roller 45 is reversed to transport the cover sheet to the cover sheet supply means 30 through the transport path switching means G3, the transport roller 33, and the paper feed means 32. Housed in a paper tray 31. And it conveys to the cover sticking means 70 as mentioned above at the time of sticking a cover.

<Paper bundle accommodating means 40>
The sheets 3 conveyed to the sheet bundle accommodation means 40 side downstream in the sheet conveyance direction by the conveyance path switching means G1 and G2 are sandwiched by the conveyance rollers 41 and accommodated at predetermined positions of the sheet bundle accommodation means 40 and sequentially stacked. A sheet bundle 4 composed of a predetermined number of sheets 3 is formed.

  The sheet bundle accommodating means 40 includes a sheet placing table 42 that is inclined, a swingable sheet rear end positioning member 43, a sheet width aligning member 44 that positions the sheet width direction, and the like.

<Paper bundle conveying means 50>
The sheet bundle 4 stacked on the sheet placing table 42 of the sheet bundle accommodating means 40 is conveyed obliquely downward by an unillustrated pushing means. Thereafter, the sheet bundle 4 is gripped by the gripping means 51 of the sheet bundle conveying means 50, and is swung so that the surface of the sheet bundle 4 on which the glue application process is performed is held downward while holding the sheet bundle 4, and a predetermined position is reached. To be stopped.

<Glue application means 60>
The glue applying means 60 includes a glue applying member (also referred to as an application roller) 61, a rotating means 62 for the application roller 61, a glue container 63 for storing glue, a moving body 64, and a moving means for reciprocating the moving body 64. , And. The moving body 64 supports the application roller 61, the rotating means 62, and the glue container 63, and is movable along the small edge 4 b of the sheet bundle 4 (front and back direction in the drawing).

  The glue application member 61 is not limited to the application roller, and a glue application nozzle, a double-sided adhesive tape, and the like are also applicable.

<Covering means 70>
The cover sticking means 70 receives and transports the cover sheet 2 supplied from the cover supply means 30, and stops it at a predetermined position where, for example, the approximate center of the cover sheet in the width direction coincides with the central portion of the edge of the sheet bundle 4. Conveying belts 71, 72, a pressure member 73 that presses the cover sheet 2 against the glue application surface 6 of the sheet bundle 4, a moving casing 74 that supports the conveying belts 71, 72 and the pressing member 73, and a moving casing Elevating means 75 is provided for enabling 74 to move vertically.

  The lifting / lowering means 75 is supported by a support base 751, is rotatably supported by a support shaft 752, and is supported by two arms 753 and 754 that intersect the X shape, and a long groove portion 755 of the support base 751 connected to a drive source. , And a movable shaft 756 that can move horizontally along with the roller 757 that supports the movable housing 74.

  By moving the movable shaft 756, the upper ends of the two arms 753 and 754 are raised, and the movable casing 74 is moved to the upper position. At the raised position (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 3), the center portion of the cover sheet 2 placed on the pressure member 73 is pressed and bonded to the glue application surface 6 of the sheet bundle 4a.

<Cover sheet cutting means 76>
A cover sheet cutting means 76 arranged on the right side of the movable casing 74 in the drawing cuts the length in the transport direction of the cover sheet 2 to a predetermined length by a cutter (not shown) as necessary.

<Cover folding means 80>
A cover folding means 80 is provided above the cover sticking means 70. The cover bending means 80 includes a pair of symmetrical bending members 81. The bending member 81 can move in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle 4 and can move in the vertical direction.
The folding member 8 bends the cover sheet 2 along the side edge of the glue application surface 6 of the sheet bundle 4 and superimposes the cover sheet 2 on the front and back surfaces of the sheet bundle 4 to form a front cover and a back cover.

<Booklet cutting means>
A booklet cutting means (not shown) for cutting the small edge 4b side of the booklet 1 is disposed upstream of the two discharge belts 91 and 92 (right side in the drawing).

  The booklet 1 in which the cover sheet 2 is pasted on the back part 4a of the sheet bundle 4 to which the glue is applied and the front cover and the back cover are formed is conveyed with the front end facing the booklet cutting means, and the cutting position is the booklet cutting. It stops when it reaches the cutter of the means, and the booklet 1 is cut along the scheduled cutting position by the cutter to form a booklet of a predetermined size.

<Booklet discharge method>
The booklet 1 in which the cover sheet 2 is pasted on the back of the sheet bundle 4 to which glue has been applied to form the front cover and the back cover is discharged from the discharge opening 93 by the two discharge belts 91 and 92 of the booklet discharge means 90. The paper is discharged out of the apparatus, placed on the lifting / lowering tray 94, and sequentially stacked. When the booklet 1 is discharged and stacked on the lifting / lowering tray 94, the lifting / lowering tray 94 is sequentially lowered.

It should be noted that folding means for folding the cover into two, three, etc. is provided downstream of the cover supply means 30 of the case binding apparatus FSN, and the portion corresponding to the front cover or back cover of the cover is folded into two as required. It may be tri-folded.
As described above, the glue case binding has been described. However, the glue application means 60 and the cover sheet attaching means 70 may be replaced with a staple means for wrapping and stapling a sheet bundle with cover sheets to perform staple case packaging.

  In the following, image formation is described, in which image formation is not performed on the sheet bundle adhesion portion of the back cover surface (sheet bundle adhesion surface) when selecting glued case binding.

  FIG. 4 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus main body.

  The image forming apparatus main body B includes an image reading unit B1, an image processing unit B2, an image writing unit B3, an image forming unit B4, a sheet feeding / conveying unit B5, a fixing unit B6, and an automatic document feeder DF. Control means CB controlled via / O, operation display means B7 for inputting various operation information input from the operator to the control means CB, and displaying based on various display information output from the control means CB, post-processing The communication means CB1 for communicating with the communication means CF1 connected to the control means CF of the glued case binding apparatus FSN, which is the apparatus, via the communication line 9, and the communication means PC1 connected to the control means CP of the external information terminal PC A communication unit CB2 that communicates with the Internet and a LAN, and the image reading unit B1 to the automatic document feeder described above of the image forming apparatus main body B. A control program for controlling the DF and a ROM / M1 preliminarily storing a program describing a method for transmitting and receiving information relating to glue case binding with an external information terminal PC between the glue case and book binding device FSN and various information temporarily It has a battery-backed RAM M2 to be stored.

  The ROM M1 stores in advance a sheet thickness table for various sheet types, which will be described later, and image information for various screens, which will be described later, as various sheet thickness information.

  The contents of the sheet thickness table with respect to the sheet type, that is, the sheet thickness information with respect to the sheet type, can be additionally changed by setting the sheet thickness addition / change mode or replacing the ROM in the operation display means B7. .

  The RAM M2 stores selected execution function information, applied function information, various image data, and various calculation results, which will be described later.

  Further, the contents of the paper thickness / dimension table for each paper feed cassette, that is, the paper type, thickness, and size information for the paper feed cassette can be added or changed by the operation display means B7 by setting the cassette paper addition / change mode. It is possible.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to glued case binding of the image forming apparatus main body.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram of a cassette / paper input screen displayed on the operation display means.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram of a basic screen displayed on the operation display means.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram of an application function selection screen displayed on the operation display means.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram of a post-processing function selection screen displayed on the operation display means.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram of a paper selection screen used for the cover page displayed on the operation display means.

  The program described in the following flow chart is stored in the ROM · M1, stored in the RAM · M2, and executed by the control means CB.

  preparation work. For example, when the sheet is stored in a sheet cassette, the operator inputs the type and size of the sheet stored in each sheet cassette and stores the input contents.

  The operator displays on the operation display means B7 a paper cassette / paper input screen B71 (FIG. 6) for inputting the type and size of paper stored in each of the paper cassettes 5A to 5C, and is stored in each paper cassette. The type and size of the current paper (cover paper) are input, and the contents are stored in the RAM M2.

  Specifically, the paper cassette to be set is selected in the paper cassette designation area B71a, the paper size is selected in the size designation area B71b according to the paper stored in the selected paper cassette, and the paper type designation is then performed. The paper type is selected in the area B71c. The paper size and paper type information corresponding to the selected paper feed cassette are stored in the RAM M2.

  Note that, for example, A3 Nobi paper refers to paper having at least the width dimension of the paper slightly longer than A3 on the premise that the front edge is cut when the booklet is A4 paper.

  In the drawing, it is shown that the first paper feed unit is selected by the operator, and then A4 size plain paper is selected as the paper of the first paper feed unit.

  Hereinafter, A4 size plain paper is selected as the first paper feed cassette, and A3 size plain paper is selected as the third paper feed cassette, that is, A4 size plain paper is stored in the first paper feed cassette. In the following description, it is assumed that the third paper feed cassette contains plain paper of A3 size.

Function selection process. A basic screen is displayed on the operation display means to prompt selection of a function to be executed. (Step S101)
Specifically, the screen data of the basic screen B72 (FIG. 7) stored in advance in the ROM M1 is read, the basic screen B72 including the function setting screen B72a is displayed on the operation display means B7, and the function executed by the operator. Encourage selection.

  Then, the selected function to be executed is stored in the RAM M2.

  The following description assumes that the applied function (B72b) is selected from the function setting portion B72a.

Application function selection process. An application function selection screen is displayed on the operation display means to prompt selection of an application function to be executed. (Step S102)
Specifically, in accordance with the application function selected in step S101, the screen data of the application function menu screen B73 (FIG. 8) stored in advance in the ROM M1 is read, and the application function menu is displayed in the operation display means B7. A screen B73 is displayed to prompt the operator to select an application function to be executed.

  Then, the selected application function is stored in the RAM M2.

  The following description assumes that the post-processing function (B73a) is selected from the application function menu screen B73.

  Note that the process may start directly from step S102.

Post-processing function selection process. A post-processing function selection screen is displayed on the operation display means to prompt selection of a post-processing function to be executed. (Step S103)
Specifically, in accordance with the post-processing function selected in step S102, the screen data of the post-processing function menu screen B74 (FIG. 9) stored in advance in the ROM M1 is read, and the post-processing function is displayed in the operation display means B7. Menu screen B74 is displayed to prompt the operator to select a post-processing function to be executed.

  Then, the selected post-processing function is stored in the RAM M2.

  The following description will be made assuming that the gluing case processing (B74a) is selected from the menu screen B74 of the post-processing function.

Selection process of used paper and used cover. A sheet and cover selection screen is displayed on the operation display means to prompt the user to select a sheet and cover to be used. (Step S104)
Specifically, in accordance with the selected gluing case processing function, the screen data of the paper and cover used paper cassette selection screen B75 (FIG. 10) pre-stored in the ROM M1 is read and displayed on the operation display means B7. The paper and cover used paper feed cassette selection screen B75 is displayed to prompt the operator to select a paper feed cassette to be used as paper and cover paper.

  Then, the selected sheet and cover sheet feeding cassette are stored in the RAM M2.

  In the figure, the sheet is fed from the first sheet cassette and the cover is selected to feed from the third sheet cassette.

  In the following description, it is assumed that the first paper cassette, that is, A4 size plain paper is selected from the paper and cover used paper feed cassette selection screen B75, and the third paper cassette, that is, A3 novi size plain paper is selected as the cover paper. .

  Here, for example, the fact that the first paper feed unit is A4 and plain paper is displayed by reading out the type and size information of the paper stored in each paper feed cassette stored in the RAM M2 in the preparatory work. be able to.

Paper image formation process. Image information to be printed is acquired from the information terminal PC or from the image reading unit B1, and the acquired image information is sequentially formed on a sheet. Then, the number of sheets on which images are formed is counted. (Step S105)
Specifically, when acquiring image information (including images such as characters and pictures) from the information terminal PC, (1) the control means CB to the control means CP via the communication means CB1, the Internet, the communication means PC1, etc. (2) Receive image information transmitted from the control means CP via the communication means PC1, the Internet, the communication means CB1, etc. in response to the transmission request, and (3) receive the image information to be printed. The image information is temporarily stored in the RAM M2, and (4) the stored image information is read to form a latent image, the latent image is developed, and the use related to the sheet selected in step S104 and stored in the RAM M2 An image is formed by transferring and fixing to a sheet fed based on the sheet cassette information.

  Further, when acquiring image information to be printed from the image reading unit B1, (1) sequentially transport the original, sequentially read the images on the transported paper by the image reading unit B1, and form an image in the same manner.

  In either method, the number of sheets on which image formation has been performed is counted by a counter (not shown). Further, it may be counted by a counter (not shown) that counts the number of sheets fed.

The following description will be made assuming that the count value of the counter is n ₁ sheets.

Sheet bundle thickness calculation process. Calculate the thickness of the stack of paper. (Step S106)
FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a paper thickness table for paper types and a paper dimension table for paper sizes.

  Specifically, the paper corresponding to the paper type stored in the RAM M2 in step S104 and the paper cassette information (paper type information) supplied as the cover paper and the paper type stored in advance in the ROM M1 The image data of the thickness table B76 (FIG. 11) is read out, and the paper thickness corresponding to the paper cassette information (paper type information) is acquired.

Since plain paper is selected in step S103, the thickness d ₄ mm corresponding to the plain paper is read from the paper thickness table B76 for the paper type, and the number n of sheets obtained in step S104 is obtained as the paper thickness. _A calculation for calculating the product of ₁ is performed to calculate the thickness D of the sheet bundle, and the calculation result is stored in the RAM M2.

D = d ₄ × n ₁ (mm)
Acquisition process of print image data on the cover. The image data of the front surface and the back surface to be printed on the cover is obtained from the information terminal or the like via the communication means. (Step S107)
Information on how to process the image data on the front surface and the back surface and the image data on the back surface is acquired from the information terminal PC or the like via the communication unit CB1, the communication unit PC1, and the like.

  Specifically, in the same manner as the method for obtaining the image to be printed on the paper in step S105, the image data to be printed on the front and back surfaces of the cover and the back 2C among the image data on the back surface. Information on whether to delete the image data of the portion or to reduce the image data of the back surface and divide into two so that the portion corresponding to the back 2C is not printed is transmitted from the external information terminal PC or the like to the communication means PC1, communication Transmit via means CB2. The received image data is stored in the RAM M2.

  FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram of generated print image data to be printed on the back side of the cover sheet.

  FIG. 12A shows the unprocessed print areas 2Aa and 2Ba based on the image data of the front cover 2A and the back cover 2B of the back cover 2 stored in the RAM M2 in step S107.

  FIG. 12B shows deleted print areas 2Ab and 2Bb based on the image data obtained by deleting the image data corresponding to the back 2C from the image data stored in the RAM M2 in step S107.

  FIG. 12C shows the image data corresponding to the front cover and the back cover of the front cover 2A and the back cover 2B stored in the RAM M2 in step S107. Scaled print areas 2Ac and 2Bc based on image data that are respectively reduced in scale and deleted from the image data corresponding to the back 2C are shown.

W ₁ indicates the width dimension of the front cover 2A and the back cover 2B, W ₂ indicates the width dimension of the back 2C, and W indicates the width dimension of the cover sheet.

  In addition to the above, FIG. 12D is an explanatory diagram when a foldable cover sheet is bonded to a sheet bundle. For example, the cover sheet has a front cover 2A width, a back 2C width, and a back cover 2B width twice as large. The back cover 2B 'is folded at the alternate long and short dash line portion so that it is sandwiched between a sheet bundle (not shown) adhered to the spine 2C and the back cover 2B. Folded. The front cover 2A and back cover 2B, 2B 'have scaled print areas 2Ac, 2Bc, 2Bc', respectively.

Print image generation process for cover paper. Image data generating means generates image data to be printed so that printing is not performed on the portion corresponding to the back 2C of the back surface image data acquired in step S107. (Step S108)
This process is performed after the thickness of the sheet bundle is ascertained, that is, at least after the number of sheets on which images are formed. For this reason, it is performed after image formation on all sheets.

  The image data of the front surface acquired in step S107 and stored in the RAM • M2 is stored in the RAM • M2 as surface print image data as it is without being processed, and the back surface image from the external information terminal PC is stored. The image data is subjected to the following processing based on information on whether the back image data is deleted or reduced and divided into two.

  (1) When deleting, the image data generating means B8 deletes the image data corresponding to the back 2C from the back side image data as shown in FIG. 12B, and the back 2C portion is printed. The back side deleted back surface print image data into which the print prohibition control data is inserted is generated so as not to be performed, and is stored in the RAM M2.

  As a result, a toner image is not formed on the back side of the back paper, the adhesion between the sheet bundle and the cover is ensured, the amount of toner consumption can be reduced, and an environmentally friendly booklet can be provided.

(2) When the image data on the back surface is reduced and divided into two, the image data generating means B8 converts the image data on the back surface as shown in FIG. 12 (c) at a scale ratio = 2 × W ₁ / ( 2 × W ₁ + W ₂ ), the scaled back side image data is divided into the front cover side and the back cover side, and printing is prohibited so that the portion of the back 2C is not printed during the division. The reduced back side print image data into which the control data is inserted is generated and stored in the RAM M2.

  In addition, the image data corresponding to the back surface of the back surface 2C is deleted from the entire image data on the back surface, or the entire image data on the back surface is reduced and divided into two so that printing is not performed on the portion corresponding to the back surface 2C. The determination as to whether or not to do so may be made based on the selection result by displaying a selection key for performing either of them on the operation display means B7.

  This makes it possible to form all the image data on the back side, as well as to form a toner image on the back side of the back paper, ensuring the adhesion between the sheet bundle and the cover, and reducing the amount of toner consumed, making it an environmentally friendly booklet. Can be provided.

(3) As shown in FIG. 12D, when case binding is performed using a foldable cover sheet, the position where the sheet bundle is bonded as compared to the case where the sheet bundle is bonded to the above-described approximate cover sheet center. (That is, the position of the back) is shifted from the center, so that the image data generation means B8 deletes the image data corresponding to the portion corresponding to the spine 2C from the image data on the back surface according to the number of times of folding or the size of the folding. The back-removed back side print image data into which the control data for prohibiting printing is inserted is generated so that the back 2C portion is not printed. Further, the image data of the back surface is reduced to a scale ratio = 3 × W ₁ / (3 × W ₁ + W ₂ ), and the image data of the reduced back surface is divided into a front cover and a back cover, That is, reduced back surface print image data into which print prohibition control data is inserted is generated so that printing is not performed on the back 2C portion, and is stored in the RAM M2.

  As a result, even when performing case binding using foldable cover sheets, a toner image is not formed on the back side of the back cover, so that adhesion between the sheet bundle and the cover is ensured and toner consumption can be reduced, which is environmentally friendly. Can be provided.

  Further, as another embodiment, image data to be printed on the back portion that is deleted, for example, by the image data generation means B8 is added to the image data to be printed on the front cover or back cover, and overlay image data is generated, You may memorize | store in RAM * M2.

  As a result, even if the back image data is deleted, overlay printing can be performed on the front cover or the back cover, and it can be prevented from becoming invisible due to adhesion.

Cover sheet image forming process. Image formation is performed on the front and back surfaces of the cover sheet. (Step S109)
Specifically, the front side print image data generated in step S108 on the front and back sides of the cover sheet and stored in the RAM M2 is read out and sent to the image writing means B3, and is supplied to the photosensitive drum 4A. A latent image is formed, developed, transferred to a cover sheet fed from a sheet feeding cassette (for example, a third sheet feeding cassette) that feeds the cover sheet stored in step S104, fixed, To form an image on the surface.

  Next, in accordance with the setting, the back deleted back side print image data or the reduced back side print image data stored in the RAM M2 in step S107 is read and sent to the image writing means B3 to form a latent image on the photosensitive drum 4A. Then, development is performed by the image forming unit B4, and the image is formed on the back side of the paper that has been fed upside down.

  Then, the cover sheet on which the image is formed on the front side is fed to the post-processing device.

  In the cover sheet print image generation process and the cover sheet print process, the front cover print image data is generated in the same manner as described in step S108 in an off-line independent image forming apparatus. The back-side deleted back side print image data and the reduced back side print image data may be generated, and the cover sheet is printed in the same manner as described above (step S109) by the offline independent image forming apparatus. Printing on the front side and image formation on the back side may be performed.

  In this case, when post-processing (gluing case binding) described later is performed, the cover sheet that has been printed is manually fed to the cover supply means 30 of the post-processing apparatus by the operator.

  In the following, a process related to glued case binding of the post-processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart according to glued case binding of the post-processing apparatus.

Paper feeding process to the paper post-processing device. The sheet on which the image is formed in step S105 is fed to the post-processing apparatus as it is. (Step S201)
Specifically, the sheet formed by the image forming apparatus in step S105 is loaded on the sheet placing table 42 of the sheet bundle accommodating unit 40 through the entrance rollers 11 and 12, the conveying roller 45, and the conveying roller 41. The sheet is stored and a sheet bundle is formed.

Feeding process to the cover sheet post-processing device. The cover sheet on which the front side and the back side are printed (excluding the back) is fed to the post-processing device. (Step S202)
Specifically, the post-processing device receives information indicating that the cover sheet on which image formation has been completed in step S109 is fed and the sheet fed with the cover sheet is the cover sheet via the communication unit CB1, the communication line 9, and the communication unit CF1. To the control means CF.

  As a result, the post-processing apparatus determines that the fed sheet is a cover sheet, and the cover sheet is temporarily stored in the sheet bundle via the entrance rollers 11 and 12, the conveyance path switching unit G 1, the conveyance path switching unit G 2, and the conveyance roller 45. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the means 40 side, and then the conveyance roller 45 is reversed to convey the cover sheet to the cover sheet supply means 30 via the conveyance path switching means G 3, the conveyance roller 33 and the sheet feeding means 32, and accommodated in the sheet feeding tray 31.

  When the cover sheet is printed by an off-line independent image forming apparatus, the cover sheet on which image formation has been completed is manually fed into the sheet feeding tray 31 of the cover sheet supply means 30 of the post-processing apparatus.

The process of transporting the stack of sheets and cover sheet to the glue application position. The sheet bundle and the cover sheet are conveyed to the glue application unit. (Step S203)
A sheet bundle 4 composed of a predetermined number of sheets stacked on the sheet placing table 42 of the sheet bundle accommodating means 40 and aligned by the sheet rear end positioning member 43 and the sheet width aligning member 44 is grasped by the grasping means 51. The sheet rear end positioning member 43 is swung by a driving unit (not shown) and retracts below the sheet placing table 42. The gripping means 51 that grips the sheet bundle 4 moves obliquely downward in the figure and then turns so that the sheet bundle 4 becomes vertical with the surface of the sheet bundle 4 subjected to the glue application process on the lower side. Grip (hereinafter also referred to as an upright state) and stop at a predetermined position.

  On the other hand, the cover sheet 2 accommodated in the sheet feeding tray 31 of the cover sheet supply means 30 is fed by the sheet feeding means 32, sandwiched between the conveyance rollers 33, guided downward by the conveyance path switching means G2, and conveyed by the conveyance rollers. 34, 35, and 36, and are further conveyed by the conveyor belts 71 and 72 of the cover sticking means 70 and stopped at a predetermined position.

  A cutting unit 76 arranged on the right side of the conveyance belt 71 cuts the length of the cover sheet 2 in the conveyance direction to a predetermined length. That is, since the length of the cover sheet 2 in the conveyance direction varies depending on the thickness of the sheet bundle 4, the length of the cover sheet 2 can be obtained by inputting or detecting the number of sheets 3 and the thickness of the sheet 3 in advance. Is calculated. Prior to attaching the cover sheet, the cover sheet 2 is positioned by advancing and retreating by the conveying belts 71 and 72, and an excess portion of the cover sheet 2 is cut to an optimum length by the cutting means 76. The cutting length of the cover sheet 2 is a length obtained by adding the thickness of the back portion of the sheet bundle 4 to the length of two sheets in the traveling direction of the sheet 3.

The glue application process to the paper bundle. Glue is applied to the edge of the sheet bundle 4. (Step S204)
Specifically, the moving body 64 of the glue applying unit 60 is moved by a driving unit (not shown) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lower surface of the sheet bundle 4 held upright by the holding unit 51.

  The moving body 64 starts to move from the initial position on the back side of the glue-wrapping bookbinding apparatus FSN, for example, outside the area in the glue application direction of the maximum size paper, and is moved along the guide member (not shown). After stopping at a predetermined position on the front side of the bookbinding apparatus FSN, for example, the bookbinding apparatus FSN is reversely driven to return to the initial position.

  The application roller 61 immersed in the paste container 63 is rotated by the motor M1 and the rotating means 62. The application roller 61 applies glue in the longitudinal direction of the lower surface of the sheet bundle 4 held in an upright state by the forward or backward movement of the moving body 64.

Bonding process between a stack of sheets and a cover sheet. The cover sheet is pressed and bonded to the bundle of sheets coated with glue. (Step S205)
Specifically, after the glue application process to the sheet bundle 4 is completed, the movable shaft 756 of the elevating means 75 is horizontally moved along the long groove portion 755 by a driving means (not shown), thereby allowing the two arms 753 and 754 to move. The upper end roller 757 is raised, and the movable casing 74 is moved to the upper position. At this raised position, the center portion of the cover sheet 2 placed on the pressure member 73 is pressed against and adhered to the glue application surface 6 of the sheet bundle 4.

  Prior to the ascent of the cover sheet pasting means 70, the discharge belt 91 is rotated and retracted to prevent interference with the sheet bundle 4 held in an upright state.

  After bonding the cover sheet 2 to the sheet bundle 4, the pair of bending members 81 are driven by a driving unit (not shown) in the ascending state of the cover pasting means 70, and are raised above the extended surface on the upper surface of the pressure member 73. By the upward movement of the pair of bending members 81, the cover sheet 2 is pushed up by the upper surfaces of the pair of bending members 81 and is bent from the side edge of the glue application surface 6 of the sheet bundle 4.

  Thereafter, the pair of bending members 81 moves in the horizontal direction toward the glue application surface side of the sheet bundle 4 and presses and shapes both side surfaces of the sheet bundle 4 to form the booklet 1.

  After the folding process of the cover sheet 2 is completed, the pair of folding members 81 are retracted from the bent portion of the cover sheet 2, and the pressure member 73 is retracted downward by the link mechanism 77.

Booklet discharge process. The booklet for which glued case binding has been completed is discharged. (Step S206)
It is sectional drawing of the gluing bookbinding apparatus FSN which shows the discharge process of the booklet 1 which consists of the paper bundle 4 and the cover paper 2. FIG.

  After the folding process of the cover sheet 2, the cover sheet attaching means 70 is lowered and retracted by the lowering drive of the elevating means 75, and then the discharge belt 91 is swung and stopped at a position below the booklet Sb. Thereafter, when the gripping by the gripping means 51 is released, the booklet 1 is lowered and stops at a position where the lower back portion of the booklet 1 contacts the upper surface of the discharge belt 91.

  When rotation of the discharge belts 91 and 92 is started by a driving means (not shown), the booklet 1 is mounted on the discharge belts 91 and 92 and conveyed, discharged from the discharge opening 93 to the outside of the apparatus, and the lift discharge tray 94. Placed on top.

  Note that the glued case binding apparatus FSN of the present invention is configured as an independent apparatus without being connected to the image forming apparatus, and the sheets processed by the other image forming apparatuses are loaded on the sheet placing table 42 of the sheet bundle accommodating means 40. It is also possible to load the cover sheet 2 into the cover sheet supply means 30 and perform the glue binding process offline by the glue applying means 60, the cover sticking means 70, and the cover folding means 80.

It is explanatory drawing of the booklet which performed the case binding. 3 is an explanatory diagram when a post-processing device is connected to the image forming apparatus. FIG. It is sectional drawing explaining the gluing case binding apparatus FSN. FIG. 3 is a control block diagram of the image forming apparatus main body. FIG. 6 is a flowchart according to glued case binding of the image forming apparatus main body. It is a figure of the cassette / paper input screen displayed on an operation display means. It is a figure of the basic screen displayed on the operation display means. It is a figure of the application function selection screen displayed on the operation display means. It is a figure of the post-processing function selection screen displayed on the operation display means. It is a figure of the used paper cassette selection screen of the paper and cover which are displayed on the operation display means. It is explanatory drawing of the paper thickness table with respect to the paper type, and the paper size table with respect to the paper size. It is a conceptual diagram of generated print image data to be printed on the back side of a cover sheet. It is a flowchart which concerns on the gluing case binding of a post-processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Booklet 2 Cover paper 3 Paper 4 Paper bundle 5 Adhesive 2A Front cover 2B Back cover 2C Back 50 Paper bundle conveyance means 60 Glue application means 70 Cover sticking means A Image forming apparatus B7 Operation display means B8 Image data generation means B71 Basic screen B72 Basic screen B74 Post-processing menu screen B75 Paper and cover used paper cassette selection screen B76 Paper thickness table for paper type CB Control means CF control means CP control means FS Post-processing device FSN Glue case binding Device M1 ROM
M2 RAM
Information terminal outside the PC

Claims (9)

In an image forming apparatus for forming an image according to case binding that covers a bundle of sheets in a U-shape with a cover sheet to form a booklet,
An image information processing unit that processes image information that does not include image information in an area corresponding to an adhesive surface that bonds the cover sheet and the sheet bundle to image information to be printed on the back surface of the cover sheet. An image forming apparatus. 2. The image formation according to claim 1, wherein the image information processing unit performs a processing for deleting image information in a region corresponding to the adhesive surface on image information to be printed on a back surface. apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a deletion width of image information in an area corresponding to the adhesive surface is substantially equal to a width of a bundle of sheets in a direction in which the sheets are bundled. The image information processing unit reduces the image information to be printed on the back surface at a predetermined scale, and divides the image information to be printed on the reduced back surface into both sides of the area corresponding to the adhesive surface to process the image information. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus performs processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a division width divided on both sides of the area corresponding to the adhesive surface is substantially equal to a width in a direction in which the sheets are bundled. The image information processing unit includes a count value of a counter that counts the number of sheets forming the sheet bundle, and a thickness value of the sheet referred to from a storage unit that stores various thickness information of the sheet. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein a product of the two is calculated, and a width of the sheet bundle is calculated. Process the image information from which the image information of the part corresponding to the adhesive surface is deleted, or process the image information developed by dividing the image information to be printed on the reduced back surface on both sides of the part corresponding to the adhesive surface The image forming apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a selection unit that selects whether to perform processing. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7, further comprising a changing unit that can change and add various types of sheet thickness information in the storage unit. An image forming system comprising: the image forming apparatus according to claim 1; and a post-processing apparatus capable of case binding connected to the image forming apparatus.

Images