JP2009029562A - Bookbinding apparatus, and image forming system provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a bookbinding apparatus, and an image forming system, wherein when a sheet bundle is encased with a cover sheet for binding and trim for alignment, even if folded sheets are mixed, they are not cut. <P>SOLUTION: The apparatus is provided with an image forming means, a sheet folding means to fold the sheets from the image forming means, a stacking means to stack the sheets from the sheet folding means or the image forming means for section arrangement, a cover-sheet binding means to encase the sheet bundle from the stacking means with the cover sheet, a trimming means to trim the edges of the sheet bundle for alignment after cover-sheet binding, and a folding position computation means to set the folding position of the sheets by the sheet folding means. The sheet folding means is provided with a sheet conveyance passage to transfer the folded sheets to elsewhere than the stacking means. The folding position computation means is provided with a first control mode to transfer the sheets folded by the sheet folding means to the stacking means, and a second control mode to transfer them from the sheet conveyance passage to elsewhere than the stacking means. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a bookbinding apparatus that binds back end surfaces of sheet bundles that have been aligned in a bundle to complete a booklet into a booklet. For example, the sheet that has been imaged by an image forming apparatus or the like is aligned and accumulated in a bundle. The present invention relates to an improvement of a bookbinding apparatus that binds in a booklet shape and trims the periphery of the booklet.

  In general, this type of bookbinding apparatus is widely known as a finishing apparatus that aligns sheets conveyed from an image forming apparatus or the like into a bundle and binds the back edge thereof with adhesive binding, staple binding, adhesive tape binding, or the like. It has been. Further, the apparatus includes a cutting unit that cuts and aligns the peripheral edge of the sheet bundle (booklet bundle) that has been bound in this way, or 1/2 or 1/3 of the sheet on the upstream side of the sheet stacking tray that aligns the bundle. An apparatus having a sheet folding unit that folds the sheet is also known.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, a sheet image-formed by an image forming apparatus is conveyed to a bookbinding apparatus, the sheets are aligned and collected by the bookbinding apparatus, adhesive glue is applied to the back end face of the sheet bundle, and the sheet bundle is covered with a cover sheet. A bookbinding apparatus is disclosed in which, after being bound and bound, it is back-folded and post-processed into a bookbinding state, and the top and bottom portions and the fore edge portion of the sheet bundle in the bookbinding state are trimmed and finished.

Further, for example, Patent Document 2 discloses a post-processing device that folds a sheet image-formed by an image forming apparatus into 1/2 or 1/3 by a folding unit, stacks and stacks the sheets, and staples the sheets. Yes. In this sheet folding apparatus, there are proposed a 1/2 fold in which the sheet is folded approximately in half, and a Z fold in which the sheet is folded inward and then outward in the 1/3 position. The sheet folding apparatus disclosed in this document does not disclose or suggest a trimming cut configuration for trimming and aligning the peripheral edges of stapled sheets.
JP 2005-335262 A JP 2006-077679 A

  As described above, for example, bookbinding in which images formed sheets are aligned in a bundle form (partial alignment accumulation), the back edge of the sheet bundle is bound (back binding process), and then the peripheral edge is trimmed (trimming cut). An apparatus is proposed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1. Further, as a bookbinding apparatus different from such an apparatus, a sheet carried out from the image forming apparatus is folded (folded) to 1/2 or 1/3 as necessary, and the sheets are stacked and stacked (stacked stacking). In addition, a bookbinding apparatus that binds the edges of the back portion (back binding processing) has also been proposed in the above-mentioned Patent Document 2.

  In view of this, the present inventor, in the image forming system in which the sheets from the image forming apparatus are aligned in a bundle shape and bound and bound by a cover sheet as described in Patent Document 1, the sheets to be aligned are set to 1/2 or 1 /. The apparatus tried to provide a device for binding the sheet bundle to 3 and then cutting and aligning the periphery (top / bottom part and fore edge part) of the sheet bundle. At this time, a problem was encountered in which the fold edge of the folded sheet was cut when the fore edge was trimmed.

  This cutting of the folded sheet is caused by simultaneously cutting the folded sheet when cutting the sheet edge after bookbinding. The trimming of the sheets after bookbinding is performed by cutting and aligning the peripheral edge of the bookbinding sheet by cutting a predetermined amount on the basis of the short edge of the saddle stitching sheet or the cover sheet in a state where the cover is bound. ing. Therefore, in order to solve this problem, it is conceivable to set the fold position of the folded sheet to a position that is not cut and cut.

  However, when a sheet bundle is bound and bound with a cover sheet, the edge edge of the cover sheet cannot be determined unless the thickness (cover thickness) of the sheet bundle is set. That is, the length from the back binding edge of the cover sheet to the edge of the fore edge varies depending on the thickness of the sheet bundle (length of the fore edge portion = {cover sheet size−bundle thickness} / 2). However, since the thickness of the sheet bundle is detected at the stage where the sheets are aligned and stacked on the stacking tray, when the sheet is folded (for example, the first sheet), the final sheet bundle thickness is determined. This cannot be determined. Therefore, when the folded sheets are mixed in the bookbinding sheet bundle, cutting and finishing after the bookbinding and binding process causes the above-described problem.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a bookbinding apparatus and an image forming system that do not cut a folded sheet even when a folded sheet is mixed when a bundle of sheets arranged in a bundle is wrapped and bound with a cover sheet. It is said.
Furthermore, the present invention provides an image forming system in which a sheet is selected from a sheet feeding unit prepared in advance in the apparatus, an image is formed, and the folded sheet is not cut when the sheet is folded and bound. That is the issue.

  To achieve the above object, the present invention employs the following configuration. An image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on predetermined image data, a sheet folding unit that folds the sheet from the image forming unit, and the sheets from the sheet folding unit or the image forming unit are stacked and aligned. Stacking means, cover binding means for binding the sheet bundle from the stacking means with a cover sheet, cutting means for cutting and aligning the edge edge of the bound sheet bundle, and folding of the sheet by the sheet folding means Folding position calculating means for setting the eye position. The sheet folding means is provided with a sheet carry-out path for transferring the folded sheet to a place other than the stacking means, and the folding position calculating means is configured to transfer a sheet folded by the sheet folding means to the stacking means. A first control mode and a second control mode for transferring from the sheet carry-out path to other than the stacking means. In this case, the folding position calculation means sets the folding position from the virtual cutting length by the cutting means in the first control mode, and uses the sheet size information from the image forming means in the second operation mode. The fold position is set based on the fold position. Therefore, the virtual cutting length is calculated based on a preset allowable maximum bookbinding thickness or bundle thickness information from the number of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming means.

  The folding position calculating means calculates a virtual cutting length from the bundle thickness information, the sheet size information from the image forming means and the cover sheet size information, and based on the virtual cutting length, The crease position is set so that the length interval between the crease position is shorter than the length interval between the back edge and the edge of the fore edge after trimming.

  The sheet carry-out path is configured to transfer the folded sheet to a stacking unit that accommodates the folded sheet or a post-processing unit that performs post-processing such as punch holes and staple binding on the folded sheet.

  The cutting means includes a cut amount calculating means for setting a cutting length for cutting and aligning the edge of the edge of the bound sheet bundle. The cut amount calculating means is preset with the bundle thickness from the thickness detecting means of the sheet bundle accumulated in the accumulating means, the length of the sheet to be imaged by the image forming means, and the length of the cover sheet. The cutting length is set based on the minimum cutting amount.

  The image forming unit includes a sheet feeding unit that supplies sheets. Further, when forming an image on the sheet from the sheet feeding unit, the image forming unit forms an image so as to form a binding margin on the back edge of the sheet and a cutting margin on the edge. The cutting margin is set to be larger than the virtual cutting length.

  The image forming unit includes a sheet feeding unit that stores sheets of a plurality of sizes, and a sheet feeding control unit that selects and supplies one sheet from the sheet feeding unit. The sheet feeding control unit is configured to select a sheet having a size suitable for the image data or a minimum size larger than this from the sheets prepared in the sheet feeding unit. Therefore, the folding position calculating means is based on the preset allowable maximum bookbinding thickness or the bundle thickness information from the number of sheets to be imaged by the image forming means and the sheet size information suitable for the image data. Calculate the virtual cutting length.

  A bookbinding apparatus for aligning saddle-stitched sheets from an image forming apparatus into a bundle and binding a case with a cover sheet, the sheet folding means for folding the sheets from the image forming apparatus, and the sheet folding means or the image A stacking unit that stacks and stacks the saddle stitch sheets from the forming device; a cover binding unit that binds the saddle stitch sheet bundle from the stacking unit with a cover sheet; and cuts a small edge of the cover bound sheet bundle. Cutting means for aligning and folding position calculation means for setting a fold position of the sheet by the sheet folding means. The folding position calculating means includes (1) saddle stitch sheet size information from the image forming apparatus, (2) cover sheet size information, and (3) preset allowable maximum bookbinding thickness information, or The virtual cutting length by the cutting means is calculated from the thickness information of the saddle stitched sheet bundle calculated from the number of sheets for image formation. Further, the folding position calculating means is configured such that the length interval between the back edge and the crease position is shorter than the length interval between the back edge and the edge of the fore edge after cutting finish based on the virtual cutting length. Set the crease position to.

  A folding sheet from the sheet folding means and a sheet that is not folded from the sheet carry-in path are mixed and accumulated in the stacking means, and the folding position calculation means does not fold the sheet when calculating the virtual cutting length. Calculation is based on the size of the saddle stitching sheet.

  The cover binding means includes any one of a stapling means, an adhesive application means, and an adhesive tape binding means for binding the back end surfaces of the sheet bundle aligned by the stacking means.

  A bundle thickness detecting means for detecting the thickness of the aligned sheet bundle is provided between the stacking means and the cover binding means, and the cutting means is a sheet bundle bound by the cover binding means. A cut amount calculating means for cutting and aligning the edge of the fore edge is provided. The cut amount calculating means is configured to calculate the trimming cut amount from the saddle stitch sheet size information, the cover sheet size information, and the sheet bundle thickness detected by the bundle thickness detecting means.

  Furthermore, an image forming system according to the present invention includes an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet based on predetermined image data, a sheet folding unit that folds a sheet from the image forming unit, and the sheet folding unit or the above A stacking unit that stacks and stacks sheets from the image forming unit, a cover binding unit that binds and binds a sheet bundle from the stacking unit with a cover sheet, and a trimming that aligns a small edge of the cover-bound sheet bundle. Means, a cutting amount setting means for setting the cutting amount of the edge of the fore edge by the cutting means, and a folding position calculation means for setting the fold position of the sheet by the sheet folding means. The sheet folding means is provided with a sheet carry-out path for transferring the folded sheet to other than the stacking means, and the folding position calculating means transfers the sheet folded by the sheet folding means to the stacking means. A first control mode; and a second control mode for transferring the sheet from the sheet carry-out path to a place other than the stacking unit. Therefore, the folding position calculation means sets the fold position from the cutting length set by the cutting amount setting means in the first control mode, and the sheet size from the image forming means in the second operation mode. A fold position is set based on the information. In this case, the crease position in the first control mode is set so that the length interval between the back edge and the crease position is shorter than the length interval between the back edge and the edge of the fore edge after trimming.

  According to the present invention, in an apparatus configuration for aligning and collecting image-formed sheets and performing case binding processing with a cover sheet and cutting and aligning the peripheral edge of the sheet bundle, the sheet is folded by a sheet folding means disposed upstream of the stacking means. When stacking together, the folding position calculation means for setting the folding position of this sheet calculates the virtual cutting length from the allowable maximum bookbinding thickness or the number of sheets calculated from the image data, and this virtual cutting length Since the crease position is set based on the above, the following effects are obtained.

  The fold position by the sheet folding means is such that the length interval between the fold position and the back end edge is shorter than the length interval between the back end edge and the edge of the fore edge after the cutting finish based on the virtual cutting length. It becomes possible to set as follows. In other words, even when the edge of the edge is cut and aligned according to the thickness of the sheet bundle imaged on all sheets, the fold position of the folded sheet is set inside the cutting margin and is not cut off. .

  At the same time, even if paper sheets of various length sizes are selected as the folded sheets, for example, the fold position can be set to a predetermined ½ position or １ ／ position. Further, in the case of the 1/3 folding specification, the folded piece does not protrude from the end edge, and the bookbinding process with high finishing quality is possible. In particular, since the edge edges of all the sheets including the folded sheet are cut and aligned, the finished quality at the time of bookbinding is excellent in aesthetics.

  Further, according to the present invention, the folding position calculation means for setting the folding position by the sheet folding means is configured in the first control mode and the second control mode, and in the first control mode, the folding line is calculated from the virtual cutting length by the cutting means. The position is set, and in the second operation mode, the fold position is set based on the sheet size information from the image forming means. As a result, when the sheet from the image forming apparatus is bound and trimmed, the fold position is not cut, and in the case of post-processing that does not perform the cutting process (for example, staple binding process), a predetermined folding according to the sheet size is performed. There is a remarkable effect such as being able to be folded at the position.

  The present invention will be described in detail below based on the preferred embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a sheet folding unit, and FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a bookbinding unit.

[Configuration of image forming system]
The image forming system shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming unit A that forms an image on a sheet, a sheet folding unit B that folds an image-formed sheet into a predetermined shape, and a bookbinding process for sheets sent from these units. The bookbinding unit C is further provided with a post-processing unit D on the downstream side thereof. The sheets are arranged so as to be sequentially conveyed downstream from the image forming unit A to the sheet folding unit B, then to the bookbinding unit C, and to the post-processing unit D.

  Although the detailed configuration of each unit will be described later, the present invention is characterized in that the image forming unit A, the sheet folding unit B, and then the bookbinding unit C are arranged on the downstream side in this order. As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming unit A includes an image forming unit 20 that sequentially forms images on sheets based on predetermined image data da1, and a paper feeding unit 2 that supplies sheets to the image forming unit A. Further, the sheet folding unit B includes a sheet folding unit 21 that folds an image-formed sheet. In the bookbinding unit C, a stacking unit 41 that stacks and stacks the sheets from the image forming unit 20 directly or via the sheet folding unit 21 and a cover binding that binds and binds the aligned sheet bundle onto a cover sheet. Means 60 and cutting means 65 for cutting and aligning the three peripheral edges of the bound sheet bundle are provided. In the image forming system configured as described above, an inserter unit (paper feeding device) E is further arranged upstream of the cover binding means 60, and a post-processing unit D is arranged downstream of the bookbinding unit C. There is a case. The inserter unit E feeds the cover sheet to the cover binding means 60, and the post-processing unit D aligns the sheets from the image forming means 20 or the sheet folding means 21 in a bundle form and staples them without binding. A post-processing unit 39 such as a stapling unit, a punching unit, and a stamping unit and a paper discharge tray 37 are provided.

  With such a system configuration, images are sequentially formed on sheets with image data da1 stored in the data storage unit provided in the image processing unit A or transferred to the image forming unit A, and the sheets are folded together. Align and accumulate. After that, the sheet bundles that have been aligned are bound and bound with a cover sheet, and a bookbinding process that cuts and finishes the three sides of the sheet bundle after bookbinding except for the back edge (hereinafter referred to as “bookbinding finishing”) becomes possible. At the same time, the sheet on which the image has been formed passes through the bookbinding unit C without being bound and is sent to the post-processing unit D. This post-processing unit performs post-processing finishing such as stapling, stamping, and punching. (Hereinafter referred to as “post-processing finish”). Therefore, a folded sheet from the sheet folding unit B is transported to the stacking means 41, and a sheet carry-out path 38 is provided so as to be transported to the post-processing means 39. Accordingly, it is possible to select whether the imaged sheet is transferred to the stacking means 41 for bookbinding finishing directly or via the sheet folding unit B, or to the post-processing unit D for post-processing finishing. Has been.

  In such a system configuration, the present invention automatically executes from the image formation to the finishing process in “print-out mode”, “folding processing mode”, “bookbinding processing mode”, and “post-processing mode”. It is a feature. These mode settings are set by, for example, a mode setting means 72 described later. Here, processing contents of each mode will be described.

"Printout mode"
In this mode, the sheets on which the image is formed by the image forming unit A are stacked on the paper discharge tray. In this mode, an image is formed on a sheet having a size designated by the image data da1 or designated by an input means (a control panel 71 described later) in the same manner as a normal copying machine or printer, and is stacked and stored in a paper discharge tray. To do. The system shown in FIG. 1 is adapted to be accommodated in a paper discharge tray 37 disposed in the post-processing unit D on the most downstream side.

"Fold processing mode"
In this mode, the sheet formed with the image forming unit A is folded for “bookbinding finishing” or “post-processing finishing”. As the sheet folding method, a bookbinding folding specification, a staple folding specification, a letter folding specification, and the like are designated. 1 folds the sheet from the image forming unit A according to the specified folding specification, and stores the folded sheet in the folded sheet storage tray 29 (see FIG. 2) separately from the bookbinding and post-processing finishing. "Sheet folding finish" is configured. Accordingly, the above-described system can set whether to “bookbinding finish”, “post-processing finish”, or “sheet folding finish” for an image-formed sheet.

  Therefore, the present invention is characterized in that when the “folding processing mode” is set, the fold position N at which the sheet is folded is determined in accordance with each final finishing mode of “bookbinding, post-processing, and sheet folding”. That is, the folding position calculation means 73 for setting the folding position N when folding the sheets by the sheet folding means 21 arranged in the sheet folding unit B is folded in the first control mode and the second control mode as follows. The eye position N is determined.

  In the first control mode, a fold position N is set when the folded sheet is subjected to the above-described “bookbinding finishing”. In this control, the fold position N is set so that the fold edge of the folded sheet is not cut when the sheet bundle bound by the bookbinding finish is cut and aligned. For this reason, the folding position calculation means 73 is configured to calculate the cutting length at the time of bookbinding finishing as a “virtual cutting length” and to set the fold position N of the sheet based on the virtual cutting length. .

  This “virtual cutting length” is calculated from the initial setting conditions (setting values) for image formation as follows, for example. First, in the initial setting, selection of each finishing mode, sheet size, and image formation area (page layout) are set. At this time, when a cover sheet for bookbinding finishing is supplied from the inserter unit E, the operator designates the size of the cover sheet from the control panel 71. Therefore, the “virtual cutting length” first determines the vertical and horizontal directions of the sheet from the page layout setting. Then, the longitudinal length L and the lateral length R of the cover sheet and the saddle stitch sheet are respectively compared, and the cutting position is set based on one of the shorter sheets. This is for cutting on the basis of a small size sheet in order to cut and align all of the cover sheet and the saddle stitching sheet (bundle). This will be described with reference to FIG. 5. FIG. 5A shows a case where the cover sheet Sh is shorter than the saddle stitched sheet bundle Sn. In this case, the minimum cutting length Δx is set based on the cover sheet Sh. FIG. 5B shows a case where the saddle stitched sheet bundle Sn is shorter than the cover sheet Sh. In this case, the minimum cutting length Δx is set based on the saddle stitched sheet bundle Sn.

  At this time, the comparison of the length between the back binding edge and the edge of the fore edge (hereinafter referred to as “edge length”) is [(sheet length−bundle thickness t) / 2] for the cover sheet. calculate. That is, since the saddle stitch sheet bundle Sn is bound and bound with the cover sheet Sh, the cover sheet Sh is bent so as to form a spine cover at the center. The spine width at this time substantially matches the bundle thickness of the saddle stitching sheet.

  However, the spine cover width (the bundle thickness t of the saddle-stitched sheets) is determined when images are formed on all the saddle-stitched sheets to be partially aligned and aligned on the stacking means. On the other hand, the sheet folding process may be performed, for example, from the first sheet. Therefore, according to the present invention, the “bundle thickness (hereinafter referred to as“ estimated bundle thickness ”) t” for calculating the “virtual cutting length” is calculated from (1) the maximum allowable bookbinding thickness, or (2) image formation. It is obtained from the number of sheets to be processed. The former is set in advance from the apparatus configuration of the bookbinding unit C (for example, the maximum grip amount of the grip conveying means 47 described later). The latter is determined by multiplying the number of sheets to be printed, which is determined by the initial page layout setting, by an average sheet thickness (paper thickness).

  Therefore, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the “virtual cutting length” is the minimum cutting length ΔX from the shorter length of the saddle stitching sheet length and the cover sheet length with respect to the vertical length L in the vertical direction. Calculate by subtracting. For the lateral length R in the fore edge direction, [(cover sheet length−estimated bundle thickness) / 2] is set to be the lateral length (Shr) of the cover sheet, which is shorter than the lateral length (Snr) of the saddle stitching sheet. From this, the minimum cutting length Δx is subtracted. Note that the minimum cutting length Δx in this case is set in advance based on the amount of positional deviation that occurs in the sheet in the process of aligning and accumulating sheets formed by the image forming unit A in the bookbinding unit C and binding the cover sheets. That is, the minimum cutting length Δx is set based on the uneven amount of the top, the ground, and the fore edge generated in the cover sheet Sh and the saddle stitched sheet bundle Sn that are bound together by a cover binding means 60 described later.

  Next, in the second control mode, a fold position N is set when the folded sheet is subjected to the above-mentioned “post-processing finishing / sheet folding finishing”. In this control, the folding position is calculated in accordance with folding specifications such as 1/2 folding, 1/3 inner folding, and 1 / 3Z folding, which will be described later. In this case, the folding position calculation means 73 is configured to calculate the folding position N from the folding specifications and the sheet size (initial setting value). Each folding specification will be described later.

Bookbinding mode
In this mode, the sheets from the image forming unit A are stacked on the stacking unit 41 and aligned, and an adhesive (adhesive tape) or the like is applied to the sheet bundle. Then, the sheet bundle is bound and bound with a cover sheet, and the three sides excluding the back binding portion are trimmed and aligned. In this case, a part of the sheets stacked on the stacking unit 41 is folded by the sheet folding unit 21. The bookbinding sheet bundle thus trimmed and arranged is stored in the storage stacker 67.

"Post-processing mode"
In this mode, a sheet from the image forming unit A is folded directly or by the sheet folding unit B, and then conveyed to the processing path (post-processing path 39a described later) via the bookbinding unit C. After finishing the post-processing by post-processing means 39 such as stapling means, stamping means, punching means, etc. prepared in this path, it is carried out to the paper discharge tray 37.

[Configuration of Image Forming Apparatus]
Hereinafter, the configuration of the image forming unit A shown in FIG. 1 will be described. The image forming unit A can employ various structures such as a copying machine, a printer, and a printing machine, but shows an electrostatic printing apparatus. In the image forming unit A, a paper feeding unit (paper feeding means) 2, a printing unit 3, a paper discharging unit 4, and a control unit are built in a casing 1. A plurality of cassettes 5 corresponding to the sheet size are prepared in the sheet feeding unit (sheet feeding means) 2, and a sheet having a size designated by the control unit is fed out to the sheet feeding path 6. A registration roller 7 is provided in the sheet feeding path 6 and the sheet is fed to the downstream printing unit 3 at a predetermined timing after the leading edges of the sheets are aligned.

  The printing unit 3 is provided with an electrostatic drum 10. A print head 9, a developing device 11, a transfer charger 12, and the like are disposed around the electrostatic drum 10. The print head 9 is composed of, for example, a laser light emitter, and forms an electrostatic latent image on the electrostatic drum 10. A toner ink is attached to the latent image by the developing device 11 and printed on a sheet by the transfer charger 12. . This print sheet is fixed by the fixing device 13 and carried out to the paper discharge path 17. The paper discharge unit 4 is provided with a paper discharge port 14 and a paper discharge roller 15 formed in the casing 1. Reference numeral 16 denotes a circulation path. The print sheet from the paper discharge path 17 is turned upside down by the switchback path and then sent to the registration roller 7 again to form an image on the back surface of the print sheet. In this way, the print sheet on which one side or both sides are formed is carried out from the paper discharge port 14 by the paper discharge roller 15.

  Note that reference numeral 20 denotes a scanner unit (image forming means) which optically reads a document image to be printed by the print head 9. As is generally known, the platen 18 on which an original sheet is placed and set, the carriage 20a that scans the original image along the platen 18, and the optical that photoelectrically converts the optical image from the carriage 20a. It comprises a reading means (for example, a CCD device) 20b. In the illustrated example, a document feeder 19 for automatically feeding a document sheet to the platen is provided on the platen 18.

[Configuration of sheet folding unit]
Next, the configuration of the sheet folding unit B will be described. The sheet folding unit B includes a folding processing unit B1 and a folded sheet stacking unit B2. The sheet folding unit B is provided with a carry-in port 24a connected to the paper discharge port 14 of the image forming unit A, and a sheet carry-in path P1 for transferring a sheet from the carry-in port 24a to a bookbinding unit C described later crosses the apparatus. So that they are connected. A folding processing path P2 and a sheet feeding path P3 from an inserter unit E, which will be described later, are branched and connected to the sheet carry-in path P1.

[Description of sheet folding specifications]
A folding specification applied in the folding processing unit B1 will be described. The paper folding forms (folding specifications) often used in the above-described image forming system are two-folding and Z-folding. First, each sheet folding form will be described.

(Fold in half)
The sheet carried out from the image forming unit A is folded at a fold, for example, at approximately 1/2 position in the conveyance direction. Although not shown, the center portion of the sheet is folded in half at the half position or the back portion, leaving a margin for binding, and the back edge of the folded sheet is stapled or glued. As a result, it is used for organizing various documents such as bag-bound documents or filing them with a hole punching process. The folding position calculation means 73 for setting the folding position N at this time is in the above-mentioned first control mode in the case of “bookbinding finishing”, and in the above-mentioned second control mode in the case of “post-processing finishing” or “sheet folding finishing”. The folding position is set.

(Inner fold)
The sheet is divided into three at a desired length position (for example, 1/3 division), and both edges are folded in the same direction. This is shown in FIG. 4A, in which the 1/3 position on the back side of the sheet is folded, and the 1/3 position on the edge end side of the sheet is overlaid on the folded piece. The sheet folded in this way is suitable for enclosing it in an envelope as a letter fold. Therefore, in this folding specification, the sheet is folded and stored in the folded sheet storage tray 29 provided in the sheet folding unit B. In this case, the folding position calculating means 73 sets the folding position in the second control mode described above.

(Z-fold)
The sheet is divided into three parts at a desired length position, and the leading end side and the trailing end side are folded in opposite directions. The sheet is folded in a Z shape with the leading end side facing inward and the trailing end side facing outward. In this case, if the 1/3 position of the sheet is folded as shown in FIG. 4B, it is suitable to enclose the envelope as a letter fold, and the 1/2 position of the sheet is set as shown in FIG. Folding inward and folding 1/4 position outwards is suitable for file ring. Note that sheet folding suitable for various applications can be performed by appropriately adjusting the inward fold position (N1 in the figure) and the outward fold position (N2 in the figure) during such Z-folding. For example, if the inward fold position N1 is set to 1/3 of the sheet length L while leaving the binding margin at the back edge, binding can be performed, and if the folding position (outward fold position) N2 on the fore edge side is adjusted. The folded piece can be projected outside the folded sheet as a heading portion.

  That is, by adjusting the outward fold position N2 so that L2 <L3 in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the folded piece can be projected outside the folded sheet as a heading portion, and L2> By adjusting the outward folding position N2 so as to be L3, the folded piece can be drawn into the folded sheet. The folding position calculation means 73 for setting the folding position at this time is folded in the above-described first control mode for “bookbinding finishing”, and in the above-described second control mode for “post-processing finishing” or “sheet folding finishing”. Set the position.

[Folder configuration]
Next, the structure of the folding processing unit B1 will be described with reference to FIG. A folding processing path P2 is continuously provided from the sheet carry-in path P1 through the path switching flapper 24, and a folding roll mechanism (sheet folding means; the same applies hereinafter) 21 is disposed in the folding processing path P2. The folding processing path (hereinafter referred to as “processing path”) P2 has a folded sheet path 23 branched in a T-shape at the center of the path, and a switchback path 22 is provided downstream of the leading end of the processing path P2. Yes. A folding roll mechanism 21 is disposed at this route branch point. The illustrated folding roll mechanism 21 includes a first roll 21a, a second roll 21b, and a third roll 21c. The first and second rolls 21a and 21b are in contact with each other so as to nip the sheet, and the second and third rolls are in contact with each other. 21b and 21c touch similarly. Therefore, the first folding process is performed at the nip point Np1 (first folding part) of the first and second rolls 21a and 21b, and the second folding process is performed at the nip point Np2 (second folding part) of the second and third rolls 21b and 21c. A folding process is performed.

  A conveying roller 25 that conveys the sheet is disposed in the processing path P <b> 2, and the folding roll mechanism 21 is located on the downstream side of the conveying roller 25. A switchback roller 22f and a sheet sensor SS1 capable of forward and reverse rotation are disposed in the switchback path 22 on the downstream side of the processing path P2. The sheet sensor SS1 detects the leading edge of the sheet fed downstream by the switchback roller 22f in FIG. 2, and the switchback roller 22f is stopped after a predetermined amount of sheet has been fed from the leading edge detection. Then, the sheet fed by the conveying roller 25 on the rear end side is curved at the center and is nipped by the first folding part Np1 of the folding roll mechanism 21. Next, when the switchback roller 22f is reversely rotated to feed the sheet back in synchronization with the trailing edge of the sheet fed by the conveying roller 25, the sheet is nipped between the first and second rolls 21a and 21b, and the downstream side Enter the folded sheet path 23.

  On the other hand, in order to determine the crease position with reference to the sheet rear end side, a rear end regulating stopper 25S is provided on the downstream side of the conveying roller 25 described above, and the sheet back end of the sheet is stopped by the switchback roller 22f. After passing, when the switchback roller 22f is reversed, the rear end of the sheet comes into contact with the stopper member 25S and the sheet is bent with reference to this position, and the nip point (first folding portion) Np1 between the first and second rolls 21a and 21b. Enter. Thus, the first folding process is performed with reference to the rear end of the sheet. The sheet stopper mechanism retracts from the path when the sheet enters the downstream side in the processing path P2, and enters the path when the sheet is fed back to the upstream side, and a flapper-like stopper member 25S that locks the trailing edge of the sheet. It consists of In addition, the rear end restricting stopper may be constituted by a switchback roller capable of rotating the transport roller 25 forward and backward, and may be constituted in the same manner as the position restriction by the switchback roller 22f on the front end side.

  As described above, the fold position is determined based on the front end or the rear end of the sheet, and the sheet supplied to the first folding portion Np1 is folded by the first and second rolls 21a and 21b to reach the folded sheet path 23. Become. Therefore, a sheet detection sensor SS2 and a movable stopper 23S are arranged in the folded sheet path 23. The movable stopper 23S is configured to be movable in the folded sheet path 23 so that the position of the leading end of the sheet is regulated according to the sheet size and folding specifications. Therefore, the folded sheets sent by the first and second rolls 21a and 21b are regulated by abutting the leading end against the movable stopper 23S, and the rear end side is curved. With this curvature, the sheet enters between the second roll 21b and the third roll 21c, and the rear end side of the sheet is folded. A first paper discharge path P4 is disposed downstream of the nip point (second folding portion) Np2 between the second and third rolls 21b and 21c, and folding processing is performed at the first folding portion Np1 and the second folding portion Np2. The discharged sheet is carried out to the first paper discharge path P4. When the sheet does not need to be folded twice, for example, when the sheet is folded in half, the movable stopper 23S is retracted to the non-operating position and the sheet is not folded at the nip points of the second and third rolls 21b and 21c. It is carried out to the first paper discharge path P4.

  A carry-out roller 27b is provided in the first paper discharge path P4, and the pair of rollers nips the folded sheet and conveys it downstream. A folded sheet storage tray 29 and a second paper discharge path P5 are arranged on the downstream side of the first paper discharge path P4 via a path switching piece 29f. In the second paper discharge path P5, conveying rollers 27c are arranged at appropriate intervals so as to transfer the folded sheet to the sheet carry-in path P1.

[Configuration of Inserter Device]
On the other hand, as described above, the sheet printed from the image forming unit A is carried into the folding processing unit B1, and the sheet from the inserter unit E is selectively folded. As shown in FIG. 1, the inserter unit E includes a paper feed tray 28a for setting sheets such as a cover sheet and saddle stitch paper, a separating means 28b for separating and feeding the sheets on the tray one by one, and the sheet as a sheet. The sheet feeding path P3 guides the carry-in path P1. The separating means 28b is composed of a normal friction roller (feed roller) and a separating roller, and a registration roller 28c is disposed downstream thereof. Therefore, when a sheet printed separately without supplying a sheet from the image forming unit A or a cover (medium cover) is woven before, after, or between the sheets from the image forming unit A, the sheet is set on the sheet feeding tray 28a. The sheet can be introduced to the sheet carry-in path P1 in a timely manner.

[Sheet folding operation]
The operation of the sheet folding unit B configured as described above will be described. In the present invention, when a sheet that has been Z-folded by the above-described sheet folding unit B is bound by a bookbinding unit C, which will be described later, the above-described sheet is folded when the above-described sheet is Z-folded when the periphery of the binding sheet is trimmed and aligned. There is a possibility that the eye position N is cut and separated. The present invention is characterized in that the fold position N of the sheet is set in accordance with the cutting amount area. Accordingly, a folding operation when the sheet is folded in the sheet folding unit B will be described.

  The control unit 59 of the sheet folding unit B is configured by a control CPU, and is integrated into the control unit 70 of the image forming unit A or the control unit 75 of the bookbinding unit C, or is provided independently of the sheet folding unit B. . The control unit (control CPU) 59 includes a ROM 74 that stores a folding process execution program and a RAM 77 that stores control data. The folding process execution program is configured to control the conveying roller 25, the carry-out roller 27b, the folding roll mechanism 21 and the movable stopper 23S of the processing path P2 to execute the folding process with the above-described folding specifications. The folding processing execution program transfers the folded sheet sent to the first paper discharge path P4 simultaneously with the execution of such folding processing from the first paper discharge outlet 27a to the folded sheet storage tray 29, or It is configured to select whether to transfer from the second paper discharge path P5 to the bookbinding unit C or according to the “folding specification”. For example, when the sheet size is A4 size and letter size and the folding specification is tri-fold, the sheet is stored in the folded sheet storage tray 29 from the first paper discharge path P4, and in the case of other folding specifications. The apparatus is configured to carry out the bookbinding unit C from the second paper discharge path P5.

  Therefore, the control unit (control CPU) 59 discharges the sheet from the sheet discharge port 14 of the image forming unit A in a downward posture (down face) at the time of Z-folding, and accepts the sheet to the processing path P2 with the posture of arrow a in FIG. Carry. Next, the sheet passes through the folding roll mechanism 21 and enters the downstream switchback path 22, and when the leading end of the sheet is sent to the downstream side by a predetermined amount, the switchback roller 22 f is reversed with the conveying roller 25 stopped. Let Then, the trailing edge of the sheet is restrained by the conveying roller 25, and the central portion of the sheet is curved toward the nip point Np1 of the first and second rolls 21a and 21b, and is nipped between the both rolls to perform the first folding process. The outward fold position N2 in FIGS. 4B and 4C is set by adjusting the distance between the feed amount of the switchback roller 22f and the nip point Np1. That is, the control CPU 59 detects the leading edge of the sheet with the sheet sensor SS1, and reverses the switchback roller 22f after an estimated time from which the fold position N2 of the sheet reaches the nip point Np1. Then, the sheet front end side is folded between the first and second rolls 21a and 22b at the outward fold position N2.

  The sheet folded outward as described above is sent to the folded sheet path 23 by the first and second rolls 21a and 21b. At this time, the control CPU 59 moves the position of the movable stopper 23S with a drive motor (not shown), and an inward fold position N1 (see FIG. 4) in which the distance between the sheet fold position and the nip point Np2 is set according to the sheet size. It is matched. Therefore, the sheet folded at the first folding part Np1 has the leading end (fold position) hitting the movable stopper 23S, and the sheet central part is nipped between the second and third rolls 21b and 21c. The sheet is folded between the second and third rolls 21b and 21c with the printing surface inward, and the distance between the nip point Np2 and the movable stopper 23S is set to L2 shown in FIG. 4 of the sheet length. Yes. Therefore, the sheet is folded in a Z shape with the leading end facing outward and the trailing end facing inward. The sheet folded in this way is sent from the second paper discharge path P5 to a bookbinding unit C described later, and bookbinding processing is performed.

[Composition of bookbinding unit]
Next, the bookbinding unit C attached to the image forming unit A will be described. The bookbinding unit C includes a stacking unit 40 that stacks and arranges printing sheets in a bundle in the casing 30, an adhesive application unit 55 that applies adhesive paste to the sheet bundle from the stacking unit 40, and an adhesive. A cover binding means 60 for binding the cover sheet to the coated sheet bundle is configured.

[Configuration of transport route]
The conveyance path of each sheet will be described. In the casing 30, a carry-in path 31 having a carry-in entrance 31a connected to the paper discharge port 14 of the image forming unit A is provided. The conveyance path 34 is connected via a path switching flapper 36. A bookbinding path 33 is connected to the intermediate paper transport path 32 via the stacking unit 40, and a post-processing path 39 a is connected to the cover transport path 34. The bookbinding path 33 is arranged in a direction that cuts the apparatus in a substantially vertical direction, and the cover transport path 34 is arranged in a direction that crosses the apparatus in a substantially horizontal direction.

  The bookbinding path 33 and the cover transport path 34 intersect (orthogonal) each other, and a cover binding means 60 described later is disposed at the intersection. The carry-in path 31 configured as described above is connected to the paper discharge port 14 of the image forming unit A, and receives a print sheet from the image forming unit A. In this case, the image forming unit A carries out a print sheet (saddle stitching sheet) on which content information is printed and a print sheet (hereinafter referred to as a cover sheet) on which a title used as a cover cover is printed. In this way, the carry-in path 31 is branched into the intermediate sheet conveyance path 32 and the cover sheet conveyance path 34, and the print sheets are distributed and conveyed to the respective paths via the path switching flapper 36.

[Configuration of stacking unit]
The stacking tray 41 disposed at the paper discharge port 32b of the intermediate paper conveyance path 32 stacks and stores sheets from the paper discharge port 32b in a bundle. As shown in FIG. 3, the stacking tray 41 is constituted by a tray member arranged in a substantially horizontal posture, and a forward / reverse roller 42a and a carry-in guide 42b are provided above the tray member. The print sheet from the paper discharge port 32b is guided onto the stacking tray 41 by the carry-in guide 42b and stored by the forward / reverse roller 42a. The forward / reverse roller 42a transfers the print sheet to the front end side of the stacking tray 41 by normal rotation, and controls the rear end of the sheet against the regulating member 43 disposed at the rear end (right end in FIG. 1) by reverse rotation. Further, the stacking tray 41 is provided with sheet side aligning means (not shown), and both side edges of the printed sheets stored on the tray are aligned to the reference position. With such a configuration, the print sheets from the intermediate paper conveyance path 32 are sequentially stacked on the stacking tray 41 and are aligned in a bundle.

[Configuration of sheet bundle conveying means]
The bookbinding path 33 is provided with grip conveying means 47 for transferring sheets from the stacking tray 41 to the adhesive application position F on the downstream side. As shown in FIG. 3, the grip conveying means 47 deflects the sheet bundle stacked on the stacking tray 41 from the horizontal posture to the vertical posture, and the sheet bundle is adhered along the bookbinding path 33 arranged substantially in the vertical direction. Transport and set to application position F. For this reason, the stacking tray 41 is moved from the stacking position (solid line in FIG. 3) to the transfer position (broken line in FIG. 3), and the sheet bundle is transferred to the grip conveying means 47 prepared at the transfer position.

[Configuration of adhesive application part]
An adhesive application means 55 is disposed at the adhesive application position F of the bookbinding path 33. As shown in FIG. 6A, the adhesive application means 55 is composed of a glue container 56 that accommodates a hot-melt adhesive, an application roll 57, and a roll rotation motor MR. The glue container 56 is configured such that an adhesive is accommodated in a liquid adhesive accommodating chamber, and this adhesive is impregnated in an application roll 57 and applied to the back edge of the sheet bundle. 56S shown is a temperature sensor, and holds the adhesive in the glue container at a predetermined liquefaction temperature. Therefore, heating means 50 such as an electric heater is embedded in the paste container 56. The glue container 56 is supported by the guide rail 52 of the apparatus frame so as to move along the lower edge of the sheet bundle. The glue container 56 is connected to a drive motor MS attached to the apparatus frame. Therefore, the glue container 56 is reciprocated by the drive motor MS between the home position HP and the return position RP that starts the backward movement along the sheet bundle.

[Configuration of cover binding means]
A cover binding means 60 is disposed at the cover binding position G of the bookbinding path 33. As shown in FIG. 7, the cover binding means 60 includes a back plate 61, a back folding plate 62, and a folding roll 63. At the cover binding position G, the above-described cover transport path 34 is arranged, and a cover sheet is fed from the image forming unit A or the inserter unit E. Therefore, the back plate 61 is composed of a plate-like member that backs up the cover sheet, and is disposed in the bookbinding path 33 so as to be able to advance and retract. A middle sheet bundle is joined to the cover sheet supported by the back plate 61 in an inverted T shape. Therefore, the back folding plate 62 is composed of a pair of left and right press members, and is configured to approach and separate from each other by a driving means (not shown) in order to back-fold the back portion of the cover sheet joined in an inverted T shape. Yes. Further, the folding roll 63 is composed of a pair of rollers for clamping and finishing the back-folded sheet bundle.

[Configuration of bundle posture deflection means]
At a cutting position H located on the downstream side of the folding roll 63, a bundle posture deflecting unit 64 that deflects the top and bottom direction of the sheet bundle and a cutting unit 65 that cuts the periphery of the sheet bundle are arranged. The bundle posture deflecting unit 64 deflects the sheet bundle mounted from the cover binding position F in a predetermined direction (posture) and feeds the sheet bundle to the downstream cutting unit 65 or the storage stacker 67. The cutting means 65 cuts and aligns the periphery of the sheet bundle. Therefore, the bundle posture deflecting unit 64 includes rotary tables 64a and 64b that grip and rotate the sheet bundle sent from the folding roll 63. As shown in FIG. 7, the rotary tables 64a and 64b are provided on a unit frame 64x attached to the apparatus frame so as to be movable up and down. A pair of rotary tables 64a and 64b are rotatably supported by the unit frame 64x with the bookbinding path 33 interposed therebetween, and one movable rotary table 64b is in the sheet bundle thickness direction (a direction orthogonal to the bookbinding path 33). It is supported to move freely. The rotary tables 64a and 64b are provided with turning motors Mt1 and Mt2 so as to deflect the posture of the sheet bundle in the bookbinding path 33. The movable rotary table 64b is equipped with a grip motor Mg that moves in the left-right direction in FIG.

  Accordingly, the sheet bundle guided into the bookbinding path 33 is gripped by the pair of left and right rotary tables 64a and 64b, and the posture direction of the sheet bundle is deflected by the turning motors Mt1 and Mt2. For example, the sheet bundle having the back portion carried downward is turned 180 degrees, and the small edge portion is sent downward to the discharge roller 66 on the downstream side. Further, it is possible to perform a trimming cut in which the sheet bundle is rotated by 90 degrees sequentially, and the top portion, the ground portion, and the fore edge portion are deflected downward at the cutting position G on the downstream side to cut the three peripheral directions of the sheet bundle. The movable rotary table 64b is provided with a grip sensor (not shown) to detect that the sheet bundle is securely gripped between the left and right rotary tables 64a and 64b, and the post-detection rotary table 64a. , 64b is driven to turn. The unit frame 64x can move the sheet bundle up and down along the bookbinding path 33 by a lifting motor MA. This constitutes a jog mechanism for offsetting the sheet bundle transferred to the paper discharge roller 66 by a predetermined amount, as will be described later. At the same time, when cutting the periphery of the sheet bundle, the sheet bundle is conveyed and set at the cutting position H, and its feed This is because the cutting width at the cutting position H is set by the amount.

[Composition of cutting means]
A cutting means 65 is disposed downstream of the bundle posture deflecting means 64. As shown in FIG. 7, the cutting means 65 includes a cutting edge press member 65b for pressing and supporting the cutting edge of the sheet bundle on the blade receiving member 65a, and a cutting blade unit 65c. The cutting edge press unit 65b is arranged at a position facing the blade receiving member 65a arranged in the bookbinding path 33, and is constituted by a pressure member that moves in a direction orthogonal to the sheet bundle by a driving means (not shown). The cutting blade unit 65c is composed of a flat blade-shaped cutting blade and a cutter motor MC that drives the cutting blade. The cutting means 65 having such a configuration cuts and aligns a predetermined amount of the peripheral edge excluding the back portion of a booklet-bound sheet bundle (hereinafter referred to as “bookbinding sheet”).

  As shown in FIG. 5C, the bookbinding sheet is trimmed by cutting the top portion of the bookbinding sheet with a cutting amount Lc1, and then rotating the rotary tables 64a and 64b by 180 degrees to cut the ground portion with a cutting amount Lc2. The cutting amounts Lc1 and Lc2 are calculated by, for example, Lc1 = Lc2 = [[(medium sheet size) − (finishing size)] / 2]. Next, the rotary tables 64a and 64b are rotated by 90 degrees to cut the fore edge with the cutting amount Lc3. The cutting amount Lc3 is calculated by, for example, Lc3 = (intermediate paper sheet size) − (finishing size).

  On the other hand, the cutting amount of the cover sheet is calculated in the same manner as described above. At this time, the cutting amount Ld3 of the front edge of the cover sheet is calculated by, for example, Ld3 = [[(cover sheet size) − (bundle thickness)] ÷ 2− (finishing size)]. Then, the cutting amount Ld of the cover sheet and the cutting amount Lc of the middle paper sheet are calculated, respectively, and the cutting process is executed by setting the larger length as the cutting amount. In this way, trimming cut amount calculation means 78 described later is configured.

[Configuration of post-processing equipment]
The bookbinding unit C is provided with a post-processing unit D, and the post-processing apparatus D is provided with a post-processing path 39a connected to the cover transport path 34. The post-processing path 39a includes a staple unit, a punch unit, and a stamp unit. A post-processing device such as this is disposed, and the print sheet from the image forming unit A is received via the cover sheet conveyance path 34, and the print sheet is subjected to stapling processing, punching processing, and marking processing, and is carried out to the paper discharge tray 37. Further, the sheet from the image forming unit A that is not subjected to such post-processing is stored in the paper discharge tray 37.

[Configuration of control means]
Next, the configuration of the control means in the above apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. The present invention is characterized in that, in the above-described configuration, “when the sheet from the image forming unit is bound in a bookbinding mode, when the sheet is Z-folded, the fold position is calculated according to the cutting amount”. It is said. The configuration of the control means will be described below. FIG. 8 is a control block diagram. In the system in which the image forming unit A, the sheet folding unit B, and the bookbinding unit C are connected as shown in FIG. The control CPU 70 provided is provided with a control panel 71 and mode setting means 72. A control CPU 75 is provided in the control unit of the bookbinding unit C, and the control CPU 75 calls a bookbinding process execution program from the ROM 76 and executes each process in the bookbinding path 33.

  Further, the control CPU 75 receives a post-processing mode instruction signal, a job end signal, sheet size information, and other information required for bookbinding and a command signal from the control CPU 70 of the image forming unit A. On the other hand, in the carry-in path 31, the bookbinding path 33, and the cover sheet transport path 34, sheet sensors Se1 to Se6 that detect sheets to be transported (sheet bundles) are arranged at positions illustrated in FIG. Therefore, the detection signals of the sheet sensors Se1 to Se6 are transmitted to the control CPU 75, and the control CPU 75 performs "folding operation control unit 75a", "stacking operation control unit 75b", "adhesive application operation control unit 75c", and "cover binding operation control unit". 75d "," Cutting operation control unit 75e "," Stack operation control unit 75f "," Folding position calculation means 73 ", and" Trimming cut amount calculation means 78 ". Then, the bookbinding process is executed according to the flowchart shown in FIG.

[Configuration of trimming cut amount calculation means]
The “trimming cut amount calculation means 78” is configured in the control CPU 75 and calculates a cutting amount for cutting the peripheral edge of the sheet bundle after the bookbinding and binding process. Therefore, the trimming cut amount calculation unit 78 receives the folding specification information and the sheet size information set in the mode in the image forming unit A from the control unit 70 of the image forming unit A.

This will be described with reference to FIG. 8. The trimming cut amount calculation means 78 obtains the size information of the intermediate paper sheet (hereinafter simply referred to as “intermediate paper sheet”) not to be folded and the size information of the cover sheet as the control unit of the image forming unit A. 70.
On the other hand, the “bookbinding finish size” information is transferred from the image forming unit A to the trimming cut amount calculation means 78. This finish size is, for example, size information selected by an operator such as JIS standard A5, or is a preset trimming cut amount “α mm (for example, 5 mm may be specified by the operator)”. It is specified from the cutting conditions.

  Therefore, the trimming cut amount calculating means 78 calculates (1) the cutting amount (length; the same applies hereinafter) Lc1, Lc2, and Lc3 of the intermediate paper sheet from these pieces of information according to the cutting conditions. This calculation method is the same as described above when “finishing size” is designated. (2) Next, the trimming cut amount calculation means 78 calculates the cover sheet cutting amounts Ld1 (top portion), Ld2 (base portion), and Ld3 (small edge portion). In this case, the bundle thickness of the intermediate paper sheet is taken into account.

  Next, the trimming cut amount calculation means 78 compares the cutting amount Lc of the intermediate paper sheet and the cutting amount Ld of the cover sheet for each side of the top portion, the ground portion, and the fore edge portion, whichever longer one of the intermediate sheet and the cover sheet. Is set to the actual trimming amount. Note that the calculation of such a cutting amount differs depending on the system configuration. For example, when a sheet having a size specified by the image forming unit A is not prepared, when printing on a sheet larger than the specified size and cutting an excess blank portion after bookbinding processing, the operator needs to specify a “finishing size”. There is.

[Configuration of folding position calculation means]
Next, the “fold position calculation means 73” is configured in the control CPU 75 and calculates the fold position of the sheet to be folded by the sheet folding unit B described above. This will be described with reference to FIG. 8. When the sheet is Z-folded, the folding position calculation means 73 calculates the inward folding position N1 and the outward folding position N2, as described above. The length L1 between the back edge and the inward fold position shown in FIG. 4C and the length L3 between the edge edge and the outward fold position are calculated. For example, when the folding specification is set to 1 / 3Z-folding, L1 = L3 = [[(sheet size) − (back binding margin)] ÷ 3]. If the folding specification is set to 1 / 4Z folding, L1 = [(sheet size) ÷ 2] and L3 = [(sheet size) ÷ 4]. Therefore, the present invention is characterized in that the actual crease position is set from the calculated values L1 and L3 and the cutting amount (the aforementioned Lc or Ld).

  That is, when L1 (the length between the back edge and the inward fold position) is smaller than the length of the bookbinding finish size, the calculated fold length is set as the inward fold position N1. When this L1 is L1 ≧ bookbinding finishing size, L1 = (bookbinding finishing size−β) is set. This β is an arbitrary value set in advance and is set in consideration of the deviation of the cutting position. By setting in this way, the inner crease position N1 (see FIG. 4) is set smaller than the bookbinding finishing size, and the crease position is not cut off during the subsequent cutting process.

[Description of bookbinding operation]
Next, the bookbinding processing operation by the control CPU 75 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. The image forming conditions and the post-processing mode are set on the control panel 71 of the image forming unit A (St001). The post-processing mode is set to, for example, “print-out mode”, “bookbinding processing mode”, “stapling mode”, “stamp mode”, “punch mode”, “jog mode”, or the like. At the same time, whether or not to perform folding processing according to the sheet size and folding specifications are set.

  In the print-out mode, the image-formed sheet is carried out and stored in the paper discharge tray 37 (the illustrated one is provided in the post-processing unit D) without bookbinding and post-processing. In the bookbinding mode, sheets on which images are formed are aligned and collected, and are combined with the cover sheet and stored in the storage stacker 67. In the staple mode, the image-formed sheet is stapled by the staple unit provided in the post-processing unit D, the stamp mode performs the stamping process, the punch mode performs the punching process, and the jog mode performs the sorting process. This is executed by the processing unit D, and then stored in the paper discharge tray 37.

  Therefore, when the “bookbinding mode” is selected as the post-processing mode, the image forming unit A executes an image forming operation and carries out the image-formed sheet to the paper discharge port 14 (St002). In the bookbinding unit C, the sheet is received in the carry-in path 31. At this time, the control CPU 75 positions the route switching flapper 36 in the state shown in FIG. This sheet is sent to the paper discharge port 32b by the conveyance roller 32a, and is sequentially stacked and stored on the stacking tray 41.

  In parallel with the sheet image forming operation, the control CPU 75 calculates the cutting amounts Lc and Ld and the crease positions N1 and N2 described with reference to FIG. 8 (St003). When the “folding processing mode” is set for the sheet from the image forming unit A, the sheet is guided to the sheet folding unit B, and the sheet is folded with the set folding specification (St004). The folded sheets are transferred to the stacking tray 41 and stacked (St005).

  Therefore, upon receiving a job end signal (St006) from the image forming unit A, the control CPU 75 carries out the sheet bundle on the stacking tray 41 by the grip conveying means 47 and deflects its posture by 90 degrees. As a result, the sheet bundle aligned on the stacking tray 41 is deflected from the horizontal posture to the vertical posture, and is transferred to the adhesive application position F on the downstream side through the bookbinding path 33 (St007).

  The control CPU 75 feeds the cover sheet from the cover transport path 34 before and after the feeding set of the sheet bundle to the adhesive application position F. This cover sheet may be supplied after the image is formed from the image forming unit A or supplied from the inserter unit E.

  The sheet sent to the paper feed path P3 is conveyed to the carry-in path 31. At this time, the control CPU 75 positions the path switching piece 36 in the state shown in FIG. The cover transport path 34 is provided with a registration mechanism (not shown) that corrects the posture of the sheet, and the sheets aligned by the registration mechanism reach the cover binding position G by being transported by a predetermined amount from this position and are stationary. It is set (St008). Following the cover sheet feeding and setting, the control CPU 75 drives the adhesive application means 55 to apply the adhesive to the sheet bundle set at the adhesive application position F (St009). The glue container 56 provided with the application roll 57 moves along the lower edge of the sheet bundle, and applies the adhesive impregnated on the roll surface to the sheet bundle.

  After completion of the adhesive application operation, the control CPU 75 transfers the sheet bundle to the downstream cover binding position G by the grip conveying means 47. Then, since a cover sheet is set at this position, the cover sheet is backed up to the back plate 61 and the sheet bundle is joined in an inverted T shape. Next, in this state, the back folding plate 62 presses the back part of the cover sheet and mounts the sheet bundle (St010).

  After the above cover processing, the control CPU 75 determines whether or not the cutting mode is selected (St011). In the cutting mode, the grip conveying means 47 is released from the sheet bundle and returned to the initial position. At this time, the cutting blade 65x is positioned at the cutting position H, and receives the falling sheet bundle (St012). In this state, the movable rotary table 64b is moved from the standby position to the sheet gripping position, and the sheet bundle is nipped between the rotary table 64a (St013). Next, after moving the cutting blade 65x to the standby position, the control CPU 75 turns the rotary tables 64a and 64b by 90 degrees to deflect the top of the sheet bundle to the lower end (St014). Therefore, the sheet bundle is pressed and held by the cutting edge press member 65b, and a predetermined amount is cut by the cutting blade 65x (St016).

  Next, the control CPU 75 retracts the cutting edge press member 65b to the standby position, then turns the sheet bundle 180 degrees, deflects the posture so that the ground portion becomes the lower end, and cuts the lower end portion. Next, the control CPU 75 similarly retracts the cutting edge press member 65b to the standby position, and then turns the sheet bundle 90 degrees to deflect the posture so that the fore edge is at the lower end, and cuts the lower end. After cutting and aligning the peripheral edge of the sheet bundle in this way, the control CPU 75 shifts to a paper discharge operation when the cutting of the sheet bundle in the three directions is completed (St017). On the other hand, when the cutting mode is not selected in step St011, the control means 75 shifts to the paper discharge operation.

[Different Embodiments of Image Forming System]
Furthermore, the present invention can achieve the above-mentioned problems by configuring as follows. In the first control mode in the above-described apparatus, the case where the fold position is set from “virtual cutting length” is shown. The fold positions in the first control mode can be configured as follows.

  A cutting means for cutting and aligning the edge edge of the above-mentioned bound sheet bundle and a cutting amount setting means for setting a cutting amount of the edge edge by the cutting means are provided. The folding position calculation means sets the crease position from the cutting length set by the cutting amount setting means in the first control mode, and based on the sheet size information from the image forming means in the second operation mode. The fold position is set. In this case, the crease position in the first control mode is set so that the length interval between the back edge and the crease position is shorter than the length interval between the back edge and the edge of the fore edge after trimming.

  With this configuration, when the first control mode is set, the fold position of the folded sheet is not cut when cutting finish, and the same problem as in the above-described embodiment is achieved. I can do it.

1 is an explanatory diagram of an overall configuration of an image forming system including a bookbinding unit according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a sheet folding unit in the system of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing a configuration of a bookbinding unit in the apparatus of FIG. 2. It is explanatory drawing of the sheet folding form in the apparatus of FIG. 2, (a) shows an inner trifold, (b) shows 1 / 3Z folding, (c) shows 1 / 4Z folding. 4A and 4B are explanatory diagrams of a cutting state of a sheet bundle in the apparatus of FIG. 3, in which FIG. 3A illustrates a cutting width when a cover sheet is shorter than a saddle stitch sheet bundle, and FIG. 4B illustrates a saddle stitch sheet compared to a cover sheet. The cutting width in case a bundle | bundle is short is shown, (c) is a whole perspective view. It is explanatory drawing of the adhesive agent application means in the apparatus of FIG. 3, (a) is a block diagram of a glue container, (b) is application | coating operation explanatory drawing. FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a cover binding unit, a bundle posture deflection unit, and a cutting unit in the apparatus of FIG. 3. The block diagram which shows the structure of the control part in the apparatus of FIG. The flowchart of the bookbinding operation | movement in the apparatus of FIG. The flowchart of the bookbinding operation | movement in the apparatus of FIG.

Explanation of symbols

A Image forming unit B Sheet folding unit C Bookbinding unit D Post-processing unit E Inserter unit (paper feeder)
N fold position N1 inward fold position N2 outward fold position 2 Paper feed means (paper feed unit)
14 Paper discharge port 15 Paper discharge roller 20 Image forming means 20a Carriage 20b Optical reading means 21 Sheet folding means (folding roll mechanism)
21a First roll 21b Second roll 21c Third roll 22 Switchback path 22f Switchback roller 23 Folded sheet path 23S Movable stopper 24 Path switching flapper 24a Carry-in inlet 25 Carrying roller 25S Rear end regulating stopper 27a First paper discharge outlet 27b Carry-out Roller 27c Conveying roller 28a Feeding tray 28b Separating means 28c Registration roller 29 Folded sheet storage tray 29f Path switching piece 33 Bookbinding path 34 Cover sheet conveying path 37 Paper discharge tray 39 Post-processing means 39a Post-processing path 41 Accumulating means (stacking tray)
47 Grip conveying means 59 Control unit (control CPU)
60 Cover binding means 65 Cutting means 70 Control CPU
71 Control panel 72 Mode setting means 73 Folding position calculation means 74 ROM
75 Control CPU
77 RAM
78 Trimming cut amount calculation means

Claims (11)

Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on predetermined image data;
Sheet folding means for folding the sheet from the image forming means;
A stacking unit that stacks and stacks sheets from the sheet folding unit or the image forming unit;
Cover binding means for binding the sheet bundle from the stacking means with a cover sheet;
Cutting means for cutting and aligning the edge of the edge of the bound sheet bundle,
A folding position calculating means for setting the sheet folding position by the sheet folding means;
With
The sheet folding means is provided with a sheet carry-out path for transferring the folded sheet to other than the stacking means,
The folding position calculating means has a first control mode for transferring the sheet folded by the sheet folding means to the stacking means, and a second control mode for transferring the sheet from the sheet carry-out path to other than the stacking means. ,
This folding position calculation means
In the first control mode, the crease position is set from the virtual cutting length by the cutting means,
In the second operation mode, the fold position is set based on the sheet size information from the image forming unit,
The virtual cutting length is calculated on the basis of a preset allowable maximum bookbinding thickness or bundle thickness information from the number of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming means. The folding position calculating means includes
A virtual cutting length is calculated from the bundle thickness information, the sheet size information from the image forming unit, and the cover sheet size information,
Based on this virtual cutting length, the crease position is set so that the length interval between the back edge and the crease position is shorter than the length interval between the back edge and the edge of the fore edge after cutting. The image forming system according to claim 1. The sheet carry-out path is configured to transfer the folded sheet to a stacking unit that accommodates the folded sheet or a post-processing unit that performs post-processing such as punch holes and staple binding on the folded sheet. Item 3. The image forming system according to Item 1 or 2. The cutting means includes a cut amount calculating means for setting a cutting length for cutting and aligning a small edge of the bound sheet bundle.
The cut amount calculating means is set in advance with the bundle thickness from the thickness detecting means of the sheet bundle accumulated in the accumulating means, the length of the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means, and the length of the cover sheet. An image forming system, wherein a cutting length is set based on a minimum cutting amount. The image forming unit includes a sheet feeding unit that supplies a sheet,
When forming an image on the sheet from the sheet feeding unit, the image forming unit forms an image so as to form a binding margin on the back edge of the sheet and a cutting margin on the fore edge,
The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the cutting margin is set to be larger than the virtual cutting length. The image forming means includes
Paper feeding means for storing sheets of a plurality of sizes;
A sheet feeding control unit is provided that selects and supplies one sheet from the sheet feeding unit.
The sheet feeding control unit is configured to select a sheet having a size suitable for image data or a minimum size larger than the sheet from the sheets prepared in the sheet feeding unit,
The folding position calculating means includes a preset allowable maximum bookbinding thickness, or bundle thickness information from the number of sheets to be imaged by the image forming means,
Sheet size information suitable for the above image data,
5. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual cutting length is calculated based on the image forming method. A bookbinding device that aligns saddle stitch sheets from an image forming apparatus into a bundle and performs case binding with a cover sheet,
Sheet folding means for folding the sheet from the image forming apparatus;
A stacking unit that stacks and stacks the saddle stitch sheets from the sheet folding unit or the image forming apparatus;
A cover binding means for binding the saddle stitch sheet bundle from the stacking means with a cover sheet;
Cutting means for cutting and aligning the edge of the edge of the bound sheet bundle,
A folding position calculating means for setting the sheet folding position by the sheet folding means;
With
The folding position calculating means includes (1) saddle stitch sheet size information from the image forming apparatus,
(2) Cover sheet size information;
(3) information on the maximum allowable bookbinding thickness set in advance or the thickness information of the saddle stitched sheet bundle calculated from the number of sheets to be imaged;
Calculate the virtual cutting length by the above cutting means from
The folding position calculation means folds based on the virtual cutting length so that the length interval between the back edge and the crease position is shorter than the length interval between the back edge and the edge of the edge after cutting. A bookbinding apparatus that sets an eye position. Folded sheets from the sheet folding means and sheets not folded from the sheet carry-in path are mixed and accumulated in the stacking means,
The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the folding position calculation unit calculates the virtual cutting length based on a size of a saddle stitched sheet that is not folded. The cover sheet binding means includes any one of a stapling means for binding the back end surfaces of the sheet bundle aligned by the stacking means, an adhesive application means, and an adhesive tape binding means. Item 9. A bookbinding apparatus according to Item 7 or 8. A bundle thickness detecting means for detecting the thickness of the aligned sheet bundle is provided between the stacking means and the cover binding means,
The cutting means includes a cut amount calculating means for cutting and aligning a small edge of the sheet bundle bound by the cover binding means,
The cut amount calculating means is configured to calculate the trimming cut amount from the saddle stitch sheet size information, the cover sheet size information, and the sheet bundle thickness detected by the bundle thickness detecting means. The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of claims 7 to 9. Image forming means for forming an image on a sheet based on predetermined image data;
Sheet folding means for folding the sheet from the image forming means;
A stacking unit that stacks and stacks sheets from the sheet folding unit or the image forming unit;
Cover binding means for binding the sheet bundle from the stacking means with a cover sheet;
Cutting means for cutting and aligning the edge of the edge of the bound sheet bundle,
A cutting amount setting means for setting a cutting amount of the edge of the small edge by the cutting means;
A folding position calculating means for setting the sheet folding position by the sheet folding means;
With
The sheet folding means is provided with a sheet carry-out path for transferring the folded sheet to other than the stacking means,
The folding position calculating means has a first control mode for transferring the sheet folded by the sheet folding means to the stacking means, and a second control mode for transferring the sheet from the sheet carry-out path to other than the stacking means. ,
This folding position calculation means
In the first control mode, the crease position is set from the cutting length set by the cutting amount setting means,
In the second operation mode, the fold position is set based on the sheet size information from the image forming unit,
The crease position in the first control mode is set such that the length interval between the back edge and the crease position is shorter than the length interval between the back edge and the edge of the fore edge after trimming. An image forming system.

Images