JP2008133124A - Bookbinding device and its control method, image forming device and its control method, and control program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bookbinding device capable of preventing operation failure of a device and ensuring quality of a bookbinding product. <P>SOLUTION: Internal paper size information, cover size information, and cutting amount information on an internal paper are obtained from an input control part 812 with setting operation by a user. Furthermore, internal paper bundle thickness information is obtained by calculation process by a bundle thickness computing control part 811. Then, from a combination of these information, a bundle thickness which can be bound is informed to the user by screen display in advance. In other case, on the basis of a calculated cover size, mask processing is performed so as to restrict a cover which can be selected, and the cover which can be used is informed to the user by the screen display. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bookbinding apparatus that binds recording paper and a control method thereof, an image forming apparatus including the bookbinding apparatus, a control method thereof, and a control program for executing the control method of the bookbinding apparatus.

  The recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus such as a copying machine is accumulated as a bookbinding middle paper, and a booklet is produced by applying an adhesive to the middle paper bundle and pasting a cover, and then the booklet has a specified size. Conventionally, a bookbinding apparatus that performs cutting is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

  A so-called case binding apparatus is also known in which a cover is attached so as to wrap a bundle of inner sheets to produce a booklet. For example, Patent Document 2 proposes a case binding apparatus that generates an appropriate cover by changing the amount of cutting of the cover according to the bundle thickness of the inner sheets.

In such a bookbinding apparatus, it is checked before starting the output operation of the image forming apparatus whether the cutting amount and the bookbinding size are within the specified range for the middle sheet bundle, and the above range is exceeded. It is possible to guard the start of the bookbinding operation.
JP 2005-104063 A JP 2004-209870 A

  However, in the case of a cover sheet that is bonded so as to wrap around the middle sheet bundle, the length in the fore edge direction of the cover sheet varies depending on the bundle thickness of the middle sheet bundle even if the same cover sheet and middle sheet are combined. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view showing an example of manufacturing a conventional booklet.

  In the figure, a booklet 1010 shows an example in which the length in the fore edge direction of the cover 1010b is longer than the length of the middle paper bundle 1010a, and the booklet 1020 has a length in the fore edge direction of the front cover 1020b in the middle paper bundle 1020a. The example is the same as the length of. Further, the booklet 1030 shows an example in which the length of the cover 1030b in the fore edge direction is shorter than the length of the middle sheet bundle 1030a.

  As a result of the change of the length in the fore edge direction of the cover as described above, it is impossible to discriminate the final bookbinding size in the amount of cutting on the cover or the booklet without cutting unless the accurate sheet thickness is known. The start of the bookbinding operation could not be guarded before the operation started.

  Therefore, as a result of the bookbinding operation, as shown in FIG. 34, for example, when the cover amount of the booklet 1010 is cut by the cutter 1002, the cutting amount 1003 becomes the waste receiving portion when the cutting amount becomes larger than the specified cutting amount. It becomes larger than the opening of 1004. Therefore, it interferes with the waste receiving part 1004 (refer to P1 in FIG. 34), and a state where the waste cannot be processed occurs.

  Further, in the case of bookbinding without cutting, when the length in the fore edge direction of the cover becomes larger than the specified value as in the booklet 1010, as shown in P2 of FIG. 35, the bookbinding is performed on the upper wall surface of the bookbinding discharge unit 1005. Deliverable 1010 interferes. As a result, there is a situation where the bookbinding product cannot be ejected normally, and the bookbinding process continues in this state, causing problems such as malfunction of the case binding device and damage to the bookbinding product. there were.

  In view of the above-described conventional problems, the present invention provides a bookbinding apparatus, a control method thereof, an image forming apparatus, a control method thereof, and a control program capable of preventing malfunction of the apparatus and guaranteeing the quality of a bookbinding product. The purpose is to provide.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention collects recording paper as a bookbinding middle paper, creates a booklet by pasting a cover onto a stack of the middle paper, and cuts the booklet into a specified size. In the bookbinding apparatus for generating a deliverable, input means for setting intermediate paper size information indicating the size of the intermediate paper, cover size information indicating the size of the cover, and cutting amount information for the intermediate paper; and from the input means A bundle thickness calculating unit that calculates bundle thickness information that can be bound based on the input intermediate sheet size information, the cover size information, and the cutting amount information, and the bundle thickness information calculated by the bundle thickness calculating unit. An informing means for informing outside is provided.

  Further, the present invention is to collect recording paper as a bookbinding middle paper, apply a bonding material to the stack of the middle paper and attach a cover to produce a booklet, and cut the booklet to a specified size. In the bookbinding apparatus for generating a bookbinding product in the above, an input for setting the intermediate paper size information indicating the size of the intermediate paper, the cutting amount information for the intermediate paper, and the intermediate paper bundle thickness information indicating the bundle thickness information of the intermediate paper Means, cover sheet calculating means for calculating a usable cover size based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate sheet bundle thickness information input from the input means, and the cover calculating means And a cover limiting means for limiting the selectable cover pages based on the set cover size.

  The present invention also collects an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet and an image-formed recording sheet discharged from the image forming unit as an intermediate sheet for bookbinding, and attaches a cover sheet to the stack of the intermediate sheets. In the image forming apparatus comprising a bookbinding unit that generates a booklet and generates a bookbinding product by cutting the booklet into a specified size, medium sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, Binding means based on the cover size information indicating the size and the cutting amount information for the inner sheet, and the inner sheet size information, the cover size information, and the cutting amount information input from the input unit. A bundle thickness calculating means for calculating the bundle thickness information, and a notifying means for notifying the bundle thickness information calculated by the bundle thickness calculating means to the outside.

  The present invention also collects an image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet and an image-formed recording sheet discharged from the image forming unit as an intermediate sheet for bookbinding, and attaches a cover sheet to the stack of the intermediate sheets. In the image forming apparatus comprising a bookbinding unit that generates a booklet and generates a bookbinding product by cutting the booklet into a specified size, the intermediate paper size information indicating the size of the intermediate paper, the intermediate paper Input means for setting cutting amount information and intermediate sheet bundle thickness information indicating the bundle thickness information of the intermediate paper, the intermediate paper size information input from the input means, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate paper bundle A cover calculating unit that calculates a usable cover size based on the thickness information, and a cover limiting unit that limits a selectable cover based on the cover size calculated by the cover calculating unit. To do.

  In addition, the present invention collects recording paper as a bookbinding middle paper, creates a booklet by pasting a cover onto the stack of the middle paper, and cuts the booklet to a specified size to generate a bookbinding product. An input control step for setting the inner paper size information indicating the size of the inner paper, the cover size information indicating the size of the front cover, and the cutting amount information for the inner paper; A bundle thickness calculating step for calculating bundle thickness information that can be bound based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cover size information, and the cutting amount information input in the input control step, and the bundle thickness calculating step. And a notifying step of notifying the bundle thickness information to the outside.

  In addition, the present invention collects recording paper as a bookbinding middle paper, creates a booklet by pasting a cover onto the stack of the middle paper, and cuts the booklet to a specified size to generate a bookbinding product. A method of controlling a bookbinding apparatus for setting medium sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet, and medium sheet bundle thickness information indicating the bundle thickness information of the intermediate sheet. An input control step, a cover calculation step of calculating a usable cover size based on the intermediate paper size information, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate paper bundle thickness information input in the input control step, and the cover calculation And a cover limiting step of limiting selectable covers based on the cover size calculated in the process.

  In addition, the present invention collects recording paper as a bookbinding middle paper, creates a booklet by pasting a cover onto the stack of the middle paper, and cuts the booklet to a specified size to generate a bookbinding product. A computer-readable control program for executing a bookbinding apparatus control method, comprising: medium sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet; cover size information indicating the size of the cover; and An input control function for setting cutting amount information, and a bundle for calculating bundle thickness information that can be bound based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cover page size information, and the cutting amount information input by the input control function It is a control program for executing a thickness calculation function and a notification function for notifying bundle thickness information calculated by the bundle thickness calculation function to the outside.

  In addition, the present invention collects recording paper as a bookbinding middle paper, creates a booklet by pasting a cover onto the stack of the middle paper, and cuts the booklet to a specified size to generate a bookbinding product. A computer-readable control program for executing a control method of the bookbinding apparatus, the medium sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, the cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet, and the bundle thickness of the intermediate sheet An input control function for setting intermediate sheet bundle thickness information indicating information, and usable based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate sheet bundle thickness information input by the input control function It is a control program for executing a cover calculating function for calculating a cover size and a cover limiting function for limiting selectable covers based on the cover size calculated by the cover calculating function.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to implement | achieve the malfunction prevention of an apparatus and the quality guarantee of a bookbinding product, and a user's usability improves.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[First Embodiment]
<Overall system configuration>
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a longitudinal sectional structure of a main part of the image forming apparatus according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus main body 10, a case binding apparatus 500, and a post-processing apparatus 400 such as a finisher. The image forming apparatus main body 10 includes an image reader 200 that reads an image from a document, and a printer 350 that forms the read image on a sheet.

  More specifically, the document feeder 100 is mounted on the image reader 200 of the image forming apparatus main body 10. The document feeder 100 first feeds documents set upward on a document tray one by one from the first page in the left direction in FIG. Then, the platen glass 102 is flowed from the left through a curved path, conveyed to the right through the reading position, and then discharged toward the external discharge tray 112. When the original passes through the sink reading position on the platen glass 102 from the left to the right, the original image is read by the scanner unit 104 held at a position corresponding to the sink reading position.

  The optically read image is converted into image data by the image sensor 109 and output. The image data output from the image sensor 109 is input to the exposure control unit 110 of the printer 350 as a video signal.

  The exposure control unit 110 of the printer 350 modulates and outputs a laser beam based on the video signal input from the image reader 200. The laser light is irradiated onto the photosensitive drum 111 while being scanned by the polygon mirror 110a. An electrostatic latent image corresponding to the scanned laser beam is formed on the photosensitive drum 111. The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 111 is visualized as a developer image by the developer supplied from the developing device 113.

  On the other hand, the developer image formed on the photosensitive drum 111 is transferred by the transfer unit 116 onto the sheet fed from the upper cassette 114 or the lower cassette 115 provided in the printer 350. The sheet onto which the developer image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing unit 117, and the fixing unit 117 fixes the developer image on the sheet by heating and pressurizing the sheet. The sheet that has passed through the fixing unit 117 is discharged from the printer 350 to the outside of the image forming apparatus (case binding apparatus 500) through the flapper 121 and the discharge roller 118.

<Case binding device>
(A) Internal Configuration FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing the internal configuration of the case binding apparatus 500 according to the present invention.

  The case binding apparatus 500 includes a paper stacking unit A, a gluing unit B, an adhesive unit C, a cutting unit D, and a bookbinding discharge unit E. In the bookbinding mode, the sheet stacking unit A stacks the recording sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus and creates a middle sheet bundle. The adhesive part C glues the glued part B to the stacked bundle. Glue the glued stack and the cover. The cutting part D cuts three directions other than the gluing surface in order to align the bookbinding end surface after bonding the cover. The bookbinding discharge unit E discharges the completed bookbinding.

  Next, a flow of a series of bookbinding operations will be described. This time, only a summary of a series of bookbinding operations will be described, and a detailed description of each part will be described later.

  In the bookbinding mode, the paper stacking unit A is a part that stacks the recording paper discharged from the image forming apparatus on the paper stacking tray 520 to create a middle paper bundle 540. The intermediate sheet bundle 540 produced by the sheet stacking section A moves to the pasting section B, and the glue is applied to the lower side surface of the intermediate sheet bundle by the glue container 525, the glue application roller 524, and the glue application roller control motor 522. The bonding portion C is responsible for bonding the glued middle paper bundle 540 to the cover P discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 10 and delivering it as a booklet 570 to the trim gripper 512.

  Then, the booklet 570 is conveyed to the cutting part D by the trim gripper 512. In the cutting unit D, the cutter 528 is moved in the horizontal direction by the cutter control motor 527 to cut the booklet 570. The trimmed scraps that have been trimmed fall into the scrap receiving box 533, and when a series of trimming operations are completed, the trimmed scraps are collected in the scrap box 532. The booklet 570 that has been cut in the cutting unit D is conveyed from the cutting unit D to the bookbinding discharge unit E, and the booklet 570 is discharged.

  The above flow is a series of bookbinding operations in the bookbinding mode. In addition to the bookbinding mode, the normal discharge mode can be selectively made possible without performing bookbinding.

  A switching flapper 521 is disposed on the downstream side of the conveying roller pair 505. The switching flapper 521 is a flapper for selectively guiding the sheet sent by the conveying roller pair 505 to the sheet stacking tray 520 or the post-processing device 400.

  In the normal mode, the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 10 is discharged to the post-processing device 400 by the conveyance roller pairs 505, 510, 511, 513, and 514 and the paper discharge roller 515. As a post-processing apparatus, in a sheet post-processing apparatus connected as a downstream apparatus of a bookbinding machine, for example, a post-processing apparatus 400 such as a finisher, processing as a bundle, that is, bundle discharge processing, binding processing, folding processing, bookbinding Post-processing such as processing can be performed.

  In the bookbinding mode, the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 10 is discharged to the above-described paper stacking tray 520 by the conveying roller pairs 506, 507, and 508 and the stacking section discharge roller 509, and is aligned. The middle sheet bundle 540 is obtained.

(B) Paper Flow Next, the paper flow of the case binding apparatus 500 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing the flow of paper when stacking medium paper. 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views showing the flow of the middle sheet bundle and the cover sheet.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the case binding apparatus 500 takes in the paper discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 10 to the inside by the conveyance roller pair 505 and guides it to the conveyance path (a). In the case of the middle sheet bundle, the sheet taken inside by the conveying roller pair 505 is guided to the conveying path (b) by the switching flapper 521 and conveyed by the conveying roller pairs 506, 507, 508, and 509. . The paper P is discharged from the conveyance roller pair 509 to the paper stacking tray 520. When all the sheets that are the middle sheets are discharged to the sheet stacking tray 520, the middle sheet bundle 540 is gripped by the gluing gripper 523 and bundled from the sheet stacking section A to the upper side of the gluing section B as indicated by the broken line in FIG. It is moved in the state.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the inner sheet bundle that has moved above the pasting portion B is rotated in the vertical direction while being gripped by the pasting gripper 523, and the side surface that serves as the spine cover of the inner sheet bundle faces the pasting portion B. It will be the position to After that, as will be described in detail later, the glue container 525 and the glue application roller 524 move along the middle paper bundle, so that the end of the middle paper bundle is glued. During this time, a cover sheet Pc serving as a cover sheet is discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 10 and conveyed to the case binding apparatus 500.

  The paper Pc taken in by the pair of transport rollers 505 is switched by the switching flapper 521 and is guided from the transport path (a) to the transport path (c), and is transported by the transport roller pairs 510, 511, 513, and 514. Be transported. In the transport path (c), a sensor (not shown) is provided on the downstream side of the transport roller pair 513. As shown in FIG. 6, the sensor detects the front end portion of the cover sheet Pc that is the cover sheet of the middle sheet bundle. Then, the cover Pc is stopped.

  When the cover sheet Pc stops in the transport path (c), the rear end of the cover sheet Pc is configured to pass through the switching flapper 521. When the intermediate sheet bundle is created continuously, the switching flapper 521 is switched even while the cover sheet Pc is in the transport path (c). Then, the intermediate sheet for the next bundle of intermediate sheets is received from the image forming apparatus main body 10 and conveyed from the conveyance path (a) to the sheet stacking tray 520 via the conveyance path (b).

  After that, details regarding the portion where the cover is wrapped around the middle paper bundle to which glue has been applied and conveyed downstream will be described later.

  As described above, the cover is transported from the main body 10 of the image forming apparatus. However, the inserter 300 is provided in the upper part of the case binding apparatus 500, and only the cover can be inserted from the inserter 300.

(C) Bonding Part FIGS. 7, 8 and 9 are cross-sectional views showing an outline of the bonding part C. FIG.

  As illustrated in FIG. 7, the bonding portion C includes conveyance guides 560 and 561, a pressure member 563, and folding members 562 and 564. The conveyance guides 560 and 561 receive and convey the cover sheet 550 supplied from the image forming apparatus main body 10 and stop it at a predetermined position. The pressure member 563 presses the cover sheet 550 against the glue application surface of the middle sheet bundle 540. The folding members 562 and 564 are used when the cover is wrapped in a middle sheet bundle.

  Next, the flow of operation of the bonding part C will be described with reference to FIGS.

  After completion of the gluing operation to the middle paper bundle 540, the gluing gripper 523 that grips the middle paper bundle 540 by a driving means (not shown) descends from the gluing portion B. Then, the glue application surface is adhered to the cover 550 prepared in the horizontal direction by the conveyance guides 560 and 561 (see FIG. 7).

  After the bonding, the gluing gripper 523 descends, and the bonding portion of the cover sheet 550 placed on the pressure member 563 is pressed and bonded to the bonding surface of the middle sheet bundle 540. Note that the upper part of the conveyance guide 560 and the upper part of the conveyance guide 561 are retracted before the glue application surface is pressed by the lowering of the middle sheet bundle 540 to prevent interference with the middle sheet bundle 540.

  After the cover sheet 550 is bonded to the middle sheet bundle 540, the folding members 562 and 564, the lower part of the conveyance guide 560, and the lower part of the conveyance guide 561 are raised in the upper oblique direction by the driving means (not shown), and the solid line position from the broken line position Move up. As the folding members 562 and 564 are raised in the oblique direction, the cover sheet 550 is pushed upward, the cover sheet 550 is curved from the side edge portion of the glue application surface, and the middle sheet bundle 540 is subjected to a squeezing process (FIG. 8). reference). The cover sheet 550 and the middle sheet bundle 540 after the completion of the case processing are collectively referred to as a booklet 570.

  Thereafter, the glue gripper 523 that has gripped the booklet 570 releases the grip of the booklet 570, and at the same time, the booklet 570 is conveyed downward by the trim unit delivery rollers 565 and 566 (see FIG. 9).

  The trim unit delivery rollers 565 and 566 carry the sheet downward, carry the sheet to a predetermined position, and then stop the booklet 570. Thereafter, the trim gripper 512 grips the booklet 570 by driving means (not shown). Then, the booklet 570 is lowered downward, and the booklet 570 is lowered to the position of the cutting part D.

(D) Cutting Unit Next, the flow of operation of the cutting unit D will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of the cutting part D. As shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the booklet 570 in which the middle paper bundle and the cover are bonded by the above-described bonding portion is moved to the cutting portion by the trim gripper 512, and then the trim gripper 512, the cutter 528, and the cutting waste receptacle. Boxes 533 work together to cut each end.

  In the cutting operation, after the cutting waste receiving box 533 is moved below the booklet 570 before cutting by the cutter 528, the cutter 528 appears and disappears from the booklet 570, and performs cutting on one side. At this time, the cutting waste is stored in a cutting waste receiving box 533 waiting under the booklet 570 (see FIG. 10). Thereafter, the cutter 528 is driven in the reverse direction to move to the retracted position, and the cutting waste receiving box 533 also moves to the retracted position.

  The cutting operation described above with respect to the booklet 570 is performed on the three sides of the small edge and the top and bottom. However, the booklet 570 that has been bonded is moved with the spine end portion on the lower side. Is rotated 90 degrees to rotate the booklet 570 by 90 degrees, and then the ground is cut. Next, the trim gripper 512 is rotated 90 degrees in the same direction to perform a cutting operation, and cut the fore edge. Further, the trim gripper 512 is rotated 90 degrees to perform a cutting operation, and the top edge is cut to complete cutting other than the end portion of the spine cover.

  The cutting waste receiving box 533 moves between a retracted position when the cutting operation is not performed and a waste receiving position during the cutting operation. The retracted position of the cutting waste receiving box 533 is located above the cutting waste box 532.

(E) Bookbinding Discharge Portion FIGS. 11 and 12 are cross-sectional views showing an outline of the bookbinding discharge portion E. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 11, the bookbinding discharge unit E is transported by a trim gripper 512 that transports the booklet from the cutting unit D to the bookbinding discharge unit, and a bookbinding discharge unit entrance roller 515 that transports the booklet to the bookbinding discharge unit. And a stacking plate 529 for temporarily loading the booklet. The bookbinding discharge unit E further includes a bookbinding support plate 530 that supports bookbinding in the vertical direction, a stacking stabilization plate 534, and a discharge conveyance belt 531 that moves the bookbinding support plate 530 in the horizontal direction.

  The operation flow of the bookbinding discharge unit E will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The booklet 570 after completion of the cutting operation is conveyed to a bookbinding discharge unit entrance roller 515 directly under the cutting unit. Then, the booklet 570 is conveyed by the bookbinding discharge unit entrance roller 515, and the trim gripper 512 releases the support of the booklet 570 and moves to a predetermined position of the cover bonding portion C. At this time, the bookbinding stack 529 is tilted to the right in the bookbinding discharge section E, and the booklet 570 is stacked on the bookbinding stack 529 by the bookbinding discharge section entrance roller 515 (see FIG. 11).

  Thereafter, the bookbinding stacking plate 529 that has fallen stands in the vertical direction, and the booklet 570 is supported by the bookbinding support plate 530 in a state where the booklet 570 is vertical. Here, the stacking stabilization plate 534 below the discharge conveyance belt 531 moves upward, and the booklet 570 is supported by the bookbinding support plate 530 and the stacking stabilization plate 534 (see FIG. 12). Thereafter, the bookbinding support plate 530 is moved leftward by the discharge conveyance belt 531 to secure a discharge space when the next booklet 571 is conveyed.

  As described above, the booklet 571 can be vertically stacked next to the booklet 570 by securing a discharge space for the booklet 571 and performing the above-described operation.

<Operation Display Unit of Image Forming Apparatus>
FIG. 13 is a front view showing an external configuration of the operation display unit 600 in the image forming apparatus main body 10 of FIG.

  The operation display unit 600 is provided with a start key 602 for starting an image forming operation, a stop key 603 for interrupting the image forming operation, and numeric keys 604 to 612 and 614 for setting numerical values. The operation display unit 600 further includes an ID key 613, a clear key 615, a reset key 616, and the like. In addition, an operation display unit 620 having a touch panel formed thereon is arranged, and a soft key can be created on the screen.

  For example, the present image forming apparatus in the present embodiment has various processing modes such as non-sorting, sorting, and bookbinding modes as post-processing modes of the post-processing device 400 and the case binding device 500. Setting such a processing mode is performed by an input operation from the operation display unit 600.

<Configuration of each control unit of the system>
Next, the configuration of each control unit of the image forming apparatus main body 10 and the case binding apparatus 500 in the image forming system shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 14 is a system block diagram according to the first embodiment.

  Reference numeral 801 in FIG. 14 denotes a CPU that performs basic control of the image forming apparatus main body 10. A ROM 802 in which a control program is written, a work RAM 803 for performing processing, and an input / output port 804 are provided by an address bus and a data bus. It is connected. A part of the RAM 803 is a backup RAM in which data is not erased even when the power is turned off.

  The input / output port 804 is connected to various load devices such as a motor and a clutch controlled by the image forming apparatus main body 10 and an input device to the image forming apparatus main body 10 such as a sensor for detecting the position of the paper. The CPU 801 sequentially performs input / output control via the input / output port 804 according to the contents of the control program stored in the ROM 802, and executes image forming processing.

  An operation display unit 600 is connected to the CPU 801, and the CPU 801 controls display and key input of the operation display unit 600. The input control unit 812 and the notification control unit 813 are provided in the operation display unit 600. Further, the CPU 801 is connected to an image processing unit 805 that processes a signal converted into an electrical signal by the image sensor 109 and an image memory unit 806 that stores the processed image. The communication IF 807 is a communication IF for communicating between the CPU 801 and the case binding apparatus 500, and communicates with the CPU 901 of the case binding apparatus 500 via the communication IF 907 on the case binding apparatus 500 side.

  The bookbinding control unit 810 is provided with a bundle thickness calculation control unit 811 described later, and performs overall control of the case binding apparatus 500. The CPU 901 is a CPU that performs basic control of the case binding apparatus 500, and a ROM 902 in which a control program is written and a work RAM 903 for processing are connected by an address bus and a data bus. A part of the RAM 903 is a backup RAM in which data is not erased even when the power is turned off. Based on a signal from the CPU 901, the case binding apparatus is operated by comprehensively controlling a stacking control unit 913, a gluing control unit 904, an adhesion control unit 910, and a cutting control unit 911 which will be described later.

<Details of input control unit>
FIG. 15 is a screen diagram showing a medium paper feed stage selection screen, and FIGS. 16 and 17 are screen diagrams showing a finished size designation screen. FIG. 18 is a screen diagram showing a cover sheet feed selection screen.

  Information necessary for the bookbinding control unit 810 in the first embodiment is obtained from a selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 600 provided as the input control unit 812.

  That is, the intermediate paper size information is acquired from the paper size stored in the paper supply stage set on the intermediate paper supply stage selection screen (FIG. 15). Cutting amount information for medium paper is obtained from the difference between the finished size information set from the finished size designation screen (FIGS. 16 and 17) and the medium paper size information. Cover size information is acquired from the paper size stored in the paper feed stage set from the cover paper feed selection screen (FIG. 18).

<Bundle thickness calculation control unit>
The bundle thickness calculation control unit 811 has the range of the bundle thickness Z that can be bound from the intermediate sheet size information, the finished size, and the cover size information set from the input control unit 812 and the maximum cutting amount determined in advance as an apparatus function. Calculated based on the following parameters:

Cover check threshold length: X1 = (A−B) × 2 + C
Cutting amount over cover reference length: X2 = (A−B + Dmax) × 2
Not enough cover length Standard length: X3 = (A−B) × 2
However, A: Medium paper size edge direction length
B: Cut amount in the edge direction
C: Maximum middle paper bundle thickness
Dmax: Maximum cutting amount Here, there are two situations in which the cover cutting amount exceeds or the cover length is insufficient due to the relationship between the values calculated in X1, X2 and X3 and the cover length. May occur.

(A) When the cover cutting amount is over If the cover length Y exceeds the cutting amount over cover reference length X2 (Y> X2), the cover cutting amount may exceed the maximum cutting amount Dmax. It can be judged that there is. In this case, the range of the bundle thickness Z does not exceed the maximum cutting amount Dmax if (Y−X2) ≦ Z ≦ C.

As a specific example,
Cover size: User-defined size (297 x 450 mm)
Medium paper size: A4 (210mm x 279mm)
Finished size: B5 (182mm x 257mm)
An example of the bundle thickness calculation process of the bundle thickness calculation control unit 811 is shown. Here, depending on the set value of cover size / medium paper size / finished size,
A: Medium paper size edge direction length = 210 mm
B: Cutting amount in the edge direction = medium paper size−finished size = 210−182 = 28 mm
C: Maximum middle paper bundle thickness = 20 mm
Dmax: Maximum cutting amount = 39 mm
It becomes.

Here, the maximum middle sheet bundle thickness / maximum cutting amount is a value determined by the performance and configuration of the apparatus, and is the same value regardless of the set value. X1, X2, and X3 are respectively
Cover check threshold length:
X1 = (A−B) × 2 + C = (210−28) × 2 + 20 = 384 mm
Cut length over cover reference length:
X2 = (A−B + Dmax) × 2 = (210−28 + 39) × 2 = 442 mm
Not enough cover length Standard length:
X3 = (A−B) × 2 = (210−28) × 2 = 364 mm
At this time,
(Cover length Y = 450 mm)> (Cut amount over cover reference length X2 = 442 mm)
Therefore, it can be determined that the cover cutting amount may exceed the maximum cutting amount Dmax.

  In this case, the bundle thickness Z does not exceed the maximum cutting amount Dmax = 39 mm as long as it is within the range of 8 mm (450 mm−442 mm) ≦ Z ≦ 20 mm.

(B) When the cover length is insufficient When the cover length Y is less than the cover check threshold length X1 (Y <X1), the cover length can be inside the edge of the edge after cutting. It can be judged that there is sex.
In this case, if the range of the bundle thickness Z is Z ≦ Y−X3, the cover end face does not enter the inside of the edge end face.

As a specific example,
Cover size: User-defined size (270 x 370 mm)
Medium paper size: A4 (210mm x 279mm)
Finished size: B5 (182mm x 257mm)
An example of the bundle thickness calculation process by the bundle thickness calculation control unit 811 is shown. Here, depending on the set value of cover size / medium paper size / finished size,
A: Medium paper size edge direction length = 210 mm
B: Cutting amount in the edge direction = medium paper size−finished size = 210−182 = 28 mm
C: Maximum middle paper bundle thickness = 20 mm
Dmax: Maximum cutting amount = 39 mm
It becomes.

Here, the maximum middle sheet bundle thickness / maximum cutting amount is a value determined by the performance and configuration of the apparatus, and is the same value regardless of the set value. X1, X2, and X3 are respectively
Cover check threshold length:
X1 = (A−B) × 2 + C = (210−28) × 2 + 20 = 384 mm
Cut length over cover reference length:
X2 = (A−B + Dmax) × 2 = (210−28 + 39) × 2 = 442 mm
Not enough cover length Standard length:
X3 = (A−B) × 2 = (210−28) × 2 = 364 mm
At this time,
(Cover length Y = 370 mm) <(Cover check threshold length X1 = 384 mm)
Therefore, it can be determined that there is a possibility that the cover length may enter the inside of the edge end surface after cutting. In this case, if the range of the bundle thickness Z is Z ≦ 6 mm (370 mm−364 mm), the cover end face does not enter the inside of the edge end face.

<Details of Notification Control Unit>
19 and 20 are screen diagrams illustrating an example of notification information displayed on the operation display unit.

  When the bundle thickness calculation control unit 811 determines that the cutting amount in the fore edge direction may exceed the maximum cutting amount, the notification control unit 813 uses the set combination as shown in the screen example of FIG. The user is prompted to confirm the bundle thickness by informing the user of the bundle thickness information that can be bound. The determination of the possibility is performed based on a combination of the middle sheet size information set by the input control unit 812, the cutting amount information for the middle sheet, and the cover size information.

  Further, when the bundle thickness calculation control unit 811 determines that the front edge of the front edge in the fore edge is likely to enter the inside of the edge edge of the finished bookbinding size, as shown in the screen example of FIG. The user is prompted to confirm the bundle thickness by informing the user of the bundle thickness information that can be bound.

Further, nothing is notified when the set combination can be bound without any problem.
In the configuration example of FIG. 14, the image forming apparatus main body 10 is described as including a bundle thickness calculation control unit 811, an input control unit 812, and a notification control unit 813, but the case binding apparatus 500 has these. It does not matter.

<Bookbinding mode setting flow>
The flow of bookbinding mode setting according to the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  21 and 22 are flowcharts showing the flow of bookbinding mode setting according to the first embodiment.

  In the bookbinding mode setting, the CPU 801 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 reads and executes a control program including the main setting flow stored in the ROM 802 together with a user operation using the operation display unit 620. However, the case binding apparatus 500 may be configured to include a bundle thickness calculation control unit 811, an input control unit 812, and a notification control unit 813. In that case, the CPU 901 of the case binding apparatus 500 reads and executes a control program including the main setting flow stored in the ROM 902.

  The bookbinding mode is set from the operation display unit 620 described with reference to FIG. When the “applied mode” key 621 which is a soft key is selected on the initial screen shown in FIG. 13, a transition is made to an application mode selection screen as shown in FIG. When the “binding” soft key 631 is selected from the application mode menu, the setting of the binding mode is started (S1000).

  First, on the screen of FIG. 24, the binding direction of the bookbinding product is selected from the “right open” or “left open” soft keys 641 and 642 (S1001). “Right opening” is a binding method that increases from the right page to the left page when the book is opened, and “left opening” is a binding method that increases from the left page to the right page.

  After selecting the binding direction, when the “Next” soft key 643 is pressed, the process advances to the setting process of the intermediate paper feed stage (S1002). Here, the middle paper feed stage selection screen in FIG. 15 is displayed, and a paper feed stage for feeding the middle sheet bundle wrapped with the cover is selected. Also, any size can be specified as a user definition.

  When the “next” soft key 644 is pressed after selecting the intermediate paper feed stage, the screen shifts to the cover sheet feed stage selection screen shown in FIG. 18, and the paper feed stage for feeding the cover is selected (S1003). Here, the cover sheet supply source is selected from the sheet cassette and the inserter. Also, any size can be specified as a user definition.

  Next, the finish size is set on the display screen shown in FIGS. 16 and 17 (S1004). In the finished size selection screen shown in FIG. 16, the trimmed size is selected from the prescribed sizes (A4, B5), or the “detailed setting” soft key 645 is pressed to change to the finished size designation screen shown in FIG. And specify any size. When the finish size is set and the “SETTING” soft key 646 is pressed, the calculation processing by the bundle thickness calculation control unit 811 described above is started (S1005).

  Then, it is determined whether or not the cover sheet cutting amount may be larger than the maximum cutting amount that can be cut (S1006). If the cover cutting amount is likely to be exceeded, the bundle thickness information that can be bound as shown in the screen of FIG. 19 is displayed and notified (S1007). If there is no possibility of the cover sheet cutting amount being exceeded, it is determined whether or not the cover end face in the fore edge direction is likely to be inside the finished bookbinding size fore edge face (S1008). If there is a possibility that the cover length is insufficient, the bundle thickness information that can be bound as shown in FIG. 20 is displayed and notified (S1009).

  Note that the bundle thickness information displayed in FIGS. 19 and 20 calculates the number of bundles from the sheet thickness information for each of the used middle sheets and the bundle thickness calculated by the bundle thickness calculation control unit 811. May be displayed as a guide value.

  When the inserter is selected as the paper feed stage in the subsequent S1010, the “inserter mode” in which bookbinding is performed in the original reading mode when the inserter 300 is set as the cover feed source (S1011). Then, the display as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed on the operation display unit 620 to prompt the user to set the document on the document feeder 100 (S1012), and the setting of the bookbinding mode is ended (S1020).

  Subsequently, the document reading mode is set (S1013). In the original reading mode setting screen shown in FIG. 26, it is determined whether the cover original and the middle original are separated (S1014). If they are separated, “front cover mode” (S1016) is selected, and if the front / back cover and middle cover are in one bundle, “standard mode” is selected (S1015).

  When the “standard mode” is selected and the “Next” soft key 647 is pressed, the operation display unit 620 displays as shown in FIG. 25 and sets the document to the document feeder 100 for the user. (S1012), and the setting of the bookbinding mode is terminated.

  When “Cover Mode” is selected in S1016, the original document to be the cover is read. The screen shown in FIG. 27 is displayed on the operation display unit 620, and the user is prompted to set the cover document on the document feeder 100 and press the start button (S1017). When the start key 602 of the operation display unit 600 in FIG. 13 is pressed, reading of the cover original is started (S1018).

  When the reading of the cover original is completed, a screen display as shown in FIG. 28 is displayed on the operation display unit 620 to prompt the user to set the intermediate paper original in the original feeder 100 (S1019), and the bookbinding mode. This setting is finished (S1020).

<Advantages of First Embodiment>
According to the present embodiment, the input control unit 812 performs medium setting size information (see S1002 in FIG. 21), cover size information (see S1003), and cutting amount information for medium paper (see S1004) by the user's setting operation. Get. Further, the intermediate sheet bundle thickness information (see S1005) is obtained by calculation processing by the bundle thickness calculation control unit 811. And the bundle thickness which can be bound beforehand is notified to a user by a screen display from the combination of these information (refer FIG. 19, FIG. 20). Accordingly, since the user can guard the start of the bookbinding operation, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the bookbinding apparatus and to ensure the quality assurance of the bookbinding product.

[Second Embodiment]
The second embodiment is characterized in that usable cover sizes are calculated, and selectable covers are limited from the calculated cover sizes.

<Configuration of each control unit of the system>
FIG. 29 is a system block diagram according to the second embodiment. Elements common to those in FIG. 14 are assigned the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof are omitted.

  The system configuration of the second embodiment is different from that of the first embodiment in that the image forming apparatus main body 10 is provided with a cover calculation control unit 814 instead of the bundle thickness calculation control unit 811, and the notification control unit 813 is provided. Instead, a cover limit control unit 815 is provided.

  In the example of FIG. 29, the image forming apparatus main body 10 is described as having a configuration including an input control unit 812, a cover calculation control unit 814, and a cover limit control unit 815, but the case binding apparatus 500 has these. It doesn't matter.

<Details of input control unit>
Information necessary for the bookbinding control unit 810 in the second embodiment is acquired from a selection screen displayed on the operation display unit 600 provided as the input control unit 812.

  That is, the first step is to obtain the middle paper size information from the middle paper feed stage selection screen (FIG. 15) and the trimming amount information for the middle paper from the finished size designation screen (FIGS. 16 and 17). This is the same as the embodiment. In the second embodiment, intermediate sheet bundle thickness information is acquired based on input information from the bookbinding bundle thickness input screen as shown in FIG.

<Details of the cover calculation control unit>
The cover calculation control unit 814 can be used based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate sheet bundle thickness information input from the input control unit 812, and the maximum cutting amount information determined in advance as the apparatus function. Determine the cover size. A specific calculation method will be described below.

  The range of the cover length X that can be used from the medium sheet size information, the finished size, and the intermediate sheet bundle thickness information set from the input control unit 812 and the range that can be cut in advance as an apparatus function is as follows. Calculate with the appropriate formula.

Minimum cover length: Xmin = (A−B) × 2 + C
Maximum cover length: Xmax = (A−B + Dmax) × 2 + C
However, A: Medium paper size edge direction length
B: Trimming amount
C: Middle paper bundle thickness
Dmax: Maximum cutting amount From the above formula, it can be determined that the cover length can be used only for the cover size that falls within the range of Xmin ≦ X ≦ Xmax.

As a specific example,
Medium paper size: A4 (210mm x 279mm)
Finished size: B5 (182mm x 257mm)
Middle paper bundle thickness: 10mm
An example of the calculation processing of the cover calculation control unit 814 when Here, depending on the set value of cover size / medium paper size / finished size,
A: Medium paper size edge direction length = 210 mm
B: Cutting amount in the edge direction = medium paper size−finished size = 210−182 = 28 mm
C: Middle paper bundle thickness = 10 mm
Dmax: Maximum cutting amount = 39 mm
It becomes.

Here, the maximum cutting amount is a value determined by the performance and configuration of the apparatus, and is the same value regardless of the set value. Xmin and Xmax are respectively
Xmin = (A−B) × 2 + C = (210−28) × 2 + 10 = 374 mm
Xmax = (A−B + Dmax) × 2 + C = (210−28 + 39) × 2 + 10
= 452mm
If the cover length X is within the range of 374 mm ≦ X ≦ 452 mm, bookbinding can be performed without any problem.

<Details of cover restriction control unit>
The cover limit control unit 815 determines the cover size that can be used by the cover calculation control unit 814, and then uses the cover limit control unit 815 included in the operation display unit 600 via the bookbinding control unit 810 to disable a cover size that cannot be used. Cannot be selected. This is shown in the cover sheet feed stage selection screen of FIG. In the screen example of FIG. 31, the paper feed stages 851 to 853 are masked so that the paper feed stages 851 to 853 cannot be selected.

<Details of bookbinding mode setting flow>
Hereinafter, the flow of bookbinding mode setting according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 32 and the like.

  FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a flow of bookbinding mode setting according to the second embodiment.

  In the bookbinding mode setting, the CPU 801 of the image forming apparatus main body 10 reads and executes a control program including the main setting flow stored in the ROM 802 together with a user operation using the operation display unit 620. However, it is also assumed that the case binding apparatus 500 includes an input control unit 812, a cover calculation control unit 814, and a cover restriction control unit 815. In that case, the CPU 901 of the case binding apparatus 500 reads and executes a control program including the main setting flow stored in the ROM 902.

  The bookbinding mode setting start in S2000, the binding direction setting in S2001, and the medium paper feed stage setting in S2002 are performed in the same manner as the processes of S1000, S1001, and S1002 in FIG. 21 in the first embodiment.

  When the user selects the middle paper feed stage using the display screen of FIG. 15 in the setting of the middle paper feed stage in S2002 and then presses the “Next” soft key 644, the display shown in FIG. Transition to the screen. The user sets the finished size on the display screen of FIG. 16 or FIG. 17 (S2003). This finish size setting process is performed in the same manner as S1004 in FIG.

  Next, the screen transitions to the display screen shown in FIG. 30, and the user sets the bundle thickness information of the middle paper (S2004). Then, the CPU 801 executes a cover calculation process for calculating the cover size (S2005). That is, the usable cover size is calculated from the intermediate paper size information determined from the intermediate paper feed tray set in S2002 to S2004, the cutting amount information determined from the finished size, and the bundle thickness information set by the user. To do.

  After the cover calculation process is performed, the display screen shown in FIG. 31 is displayed, and the user selects a paper feed stage for feeding the cover (S2006). Here, the cover sheet supply source is selected from the sheet cassette and the inserter. Also, any size can be specified as a user definition. Here, the mask processing is performed so that the paper feed cassette and the inserter cannot be selected so that the cutting amount of the cover has already exceeded, or the cover end surface in the fore edge direction is located inside the end edge surface of the finished bookbinding size. (Refer to 850 to 853 in FIG. 31).

  If there is no paper feed cassette or inserter that can be selected, the process returns to one of steps S2002, S2003, S2004, and S2005, and resetting is performed. Alternatively, the cover sheet stored in the paper feed cassette or the inserter is replaced, and if the bookbinding can be surely performed, the process proceeds to S2008. In S2008, the same processing as S1010 to S1020 in FIG. 22 described above is executed.

<Advantages of Second Embodiment>
According to the second embodiment, mask processing is performed so that selectable covers can be limited based on the calculated cover size, and the available covers are notified to the user on the screen display (FIG. 31 850-853). As a result, it is possible to prevent malfunction of the bookbinding apparatus and to ensure the quality of the bookbinding product.

<Modification>
The processing of FIG. 21 and FIG. 22 in the first embodiment and the processing of FIG. 32 in the second embodiment may be switched according to a user's bookbinding product creation flow.

  The object of the present invention is achieved by executing the following processing. That is, a storage medium recording software program codes for realizing the functions of the above-described embodiments is supplied to a system or apparatus, and a computer (or CPU, MPU, etc.) of the system or apparatus is stored in the storage medium. This is a process of reading the program code.

  In this case, the program code itself read from the storage medium realizes the functions of the above-described embodiments, and the program code and the storage medium storing the program code constitute the present invention.

  Moreover, the following can be used as a storage medium for supplying the program code. For example, floppy (registered trademark) disk, hard disk, magneto-optical disk, CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD-RW, DVD + RW, magnetic tape, nonvolatile memory card, ROM or the like. Alternatively, the program code may be downloaded via a network.

  Further, the present invention includes a case where the function of the above-described embodiment is realized by executing the program code read by the computer. In addition, an OS (operating system) running on the computer performs part or all of the actual processing based on the instruction of the program code, and the functions of the above-described embodiments are realized by the processing. Cases are also included.

  Furthermore, the present invention includes a case where the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the following processing. That is, the program code read from the storage medium is written in a memory provided in a function expansion board inserted into the computer or a function expansion unit connected to the computer. Thereafter, based on the instruction of the program code, the CPU or the like provided in the function expansion board or function expansion unit performs part or all of the actual processing.

1 is a configuration diagram showing a longitudinal sectional structure of a main part of an image forming apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is sectional drawing which showed the internal structure of the case binding apparatus 500 concerning this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows the flow of the paper at the time of middle paper loading. It is sectional drawing which shows the flow of the paper at the time of middle paper loading. It is sectional drawing which shows the flow of a middle paper bundle and a cover. It is sectional drawing which shows the flow of a middle paper bundle and a cover. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of an adhesive part C. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of an adhesive part C. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing an outline of an adhesive part C. FIG. It is sectional drawing which shows the outline | summary of the cutting part D. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of a bookbinding discharge unit E. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an outline of a bookbinding discharge unit E. FIG. FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating an external configuration of an operation display unit 600 in the image forming apparatus main body 10 of FIG. 1. It is a system block diagram concerning a 1st embodiment. FIG. 10 is a screen diagram illustrating a middle paper feed stage selection screen. It is a screen figure which shows a finishing size designation | designated screen. It is a screen figure which shows a finishing size designation | designated screen. It is a screen figure which shows a cover sheet feed selection screen. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the alerting | reporting information displayed on an operation display part. It is a screen figure which shows an example of the alerting | reporting information displayed on an operation display part. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of bookbinding mode setting which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of bookbinding mode setting which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a screen figure which shows the selection screen of an application mode. It is a screen figure which shows the selection screen of a binding direction. FIG. 6 is a screen diagram illustrating a screen for prompting document setting. FIG. 6 is a screen diagram illustrating a setting screen for a document reading mode. It is a screen figure which shows the instruction | indication screen of the original reading of a cover. FIG. 6 is a screen diagram illustrating a screen for prompting document setting. It is a system block diagram concerning a 2nd embodiment. It is a screen figure which shows a bookbinding bundle thickness input screen. It is a screen figure which shows a cover sheet feed stage selection screen. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of bookbinding mode setting which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is sectional drawing which shows the example of preparation of the conventional booklet. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the conventional problem. It is a conceptual diagram for demonstrating the conventional problem.

Explanation of symbols

10 Image forming apparatus main body 500 Case binding apparatus 801 CPU
802 ROM
811 Bundle thickness calculation control unit 812 Input control unit 813 Notification control unit 814 Cover page calculation control unit 815 Cover page restriction control unit 901 CPU
902 ROM
904 Gluing control unit 910 Adhesion control unit 911 Cutting control unit 913 Stacking control unit

Claims (12)

In a bookbinding apparatus that collects recording paper as a booklet for bookbinding, creates a booklet by pasting a cover on the bundle of the booklet, and cuts the booklet to a specified size,
An input means for setting intermediate sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cover size information indicating the size of the cover sheet, and cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet;
A bundle thickness calculating means for calculating bundle thickness information that can be bound based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cover size information, and the cutting amount information input from the input means;
A bookbinding apparatus comprising: notifying means for notifying the bundle thickness information calculated by the bundle thickness calculating means to the outside.   The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies when there is a possibility that a cutting amount in a fore edge direction of the booklet exceeds a maximum cutting amount.   The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies when there is a possibility that a cover end surface in a fore edge direction of the booklet enters inside a finished booklet size fore edge surface. Recording paper is collected as a booklet, and a booklet is produced by applying an adhesive to the bundle of sheets and pasting a cover, and cutting the booklet to a specified size. In the bookbinding device
An input means for setting intermediate sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet, and intermediate sheet bundle thickness information indicating the bundle thickness information of the intermediate sheet;
A cover calculation unit that calculates a usable cover size based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate sheet bundle thickness information input from the input unit;
A bookbinding apparatus comprising: a cover limiting unit that limits a selectable cover based on a cover size calculated by the cover calculating unit. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image-formed recording sheet discharged from the image forming unit is collected as a bookbinding middle sheet, and a booklet is prepared by pasting a cover sheet on the stacked bundle of the middle sheets An image forming apparatus including a bookbinding unit that generates a bookbinding product by cutting the booklet into a specified size.
An input means for setting intermediate sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cover size information indicating the size of the cover sheet, and cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet;
A bundle thickness calculating means for calculating bundle thickness information that can be bound based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cover size information, and the cutting amount information input from the input means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: an informing unit for informing the outside of the bundle thickness information calculated by the bundle thickness calculating unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit notifies when there is a possibility that a cutting amount of the booklet in a fore edge direction exceeds a maximum cutting amount.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the notification unit notifies when there is a possibility that a cover end surface of the booklet in a fore edge direction may enter inside a finished booklet size fore edge surface. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet, and an image-formed recording sheet discharged from the image forming unit is collected as a bookbinding middle sheet, and a booklet is prepared by pasting a cover sheet on the stacked bundle of the middle sheets An image forming apparatus including a bookbinding unit that generates a bookbinding product by cutting the booklet into a specified size.
An input means for setting intermediate sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet, and intermediate sheet bundle thickness information indicating the bundle thickness information of the intermediate sheet;
A cover calculation unit that calculates a usable cover size based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate sheet bundle thickness information input from the input unit;
An image forming apparatus comprising: a cover limiting unit that limits a selectable cover based on a cover size calculated by the cover calculating unit. A control method for a bookbinding apparatus that collects recording paper as a booklet, produces a booklet by pasting a cover onto the stack of the booklet, and cuts the booklet to a specified size. Because
An input control step for setting medium sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cover size information indicating the size of the cover sheet, and cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet;
A bundle thickness calculating step of calculating bundle thickness information that can be bound based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cover size information, and the cutting amount information input in the input control step;
And a notifying step of notifying the bundle thickness information calculated by the bundle thickness calculating step to the outside. A control method for a bookbinding apparatus that collects recording paper as a booklet, produces a booklet by pasting a cover onto the stack of the booklet, and cuts the booklet to a specified size. Because
An input control step for setting intermediate sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet, and intermediate sheet bundle thickness information indicating the bundle thickness information of the intermediate sheet;
A cover calculation step for calculating a usable cover size based on the intermediate paper size information input in the input control step, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate paper bundle thickness information;
A bookbinding apparatus control method comprising: a cover limiting step of limiting selectable covers based on a cover size calculated by the cover calculating step. A control method for a bookbinding apparatus that collects recording paper as a booklet, produces a booklet by pasting a cover onto the stack of the booklet, and cuts the booklet to a specified size. A computer readable control program for executing
An input control function for setting medium sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cover size information indicating the size of the cover sheet, and cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet;
A bundle thickness calculation function that calculates bundle thickness information that can be bound based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cover size information, and the cutting amount information that are input by the input control function;
A control program for executing a notification function for notifying the bundle thickness information calculated by the bundle thickness calculation function to the outside. A control method for a bookbinding apparatus that collects recording paper as a booklet, produces a booklet by pasting a cover onto the stack of the booklet, and cuts the booklet to a specified size. A computer readable control program for executing
An input control function for setting medium sheet size information indicating the size of the intermediate sheet, cutting amount information for the intermediate sheet, and intermediate sheet bundle thickness information indicating the bundle thickness information of the intermediate sheet;
A cover calculation function for calculating a usable cover size based on the intermediate sheet size information, the cutting amount information, and the intermediate sheet bundle thickness information input by the input control function;
A control program for executing a cover limit function for limiting selectable cover pages based on the cover size calculated by the cover calculation function.

Images