JP2009292038A - Sheet processing apparatus and image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a user to remove the maximum loading number of copies of sheet bundle by good timing. <P>SOLUTION: A bookbinding device includes a bundle thickness detecting sensor SS4 of the sheet bundle, a stopper detecting sensor SS5 for detecting the sheet bundles on a stacker, a calculating part 72 for calculating the maximum loading number of copies of the sheet bundle loaded in the stacker from the sheet bundle thickness information, a bookbinding controlling part 75, in which the maximum loading number of copies and the desired bookbinding number of copies are compared with each other so as to continuously process book binding of the smaller number of copies at an adhesive spreading part B2 and a cover binding part B3. Then the stopper detecting sensor detects the removal of the maximum loading number of copies of the sheet bundle from the stacker, the remaining number of copies obtaining by deducting the maximum loading number of copies from the desired bookbinding number of copies and the maximum loading number of copies are compared with each other so as to newly select the smaller number of copies in order to continuously process book binding of the newly selected number of copies at the adhesive spreading part and the cover binding part, resulting in repeating bookbinding process until the newly selected number of copies becomes smaller than the maximum loading number of copies, and a displaying part 74a for informing of the smaller number of copies. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a sheet processing capable of displaying the number of copies of a sheet bundle whose thickness is actually detected on a stacking tray on which a bundle of bound sheet bundles is stacked, or the time required for bookbinding processing of the number of stacked copies. The present invention relates to an apparatus and an image forming apparatus including the sheet processing apparatus.

  Some image forming apparatuses that form an image on a sheet include a sheet processing apparatus that performs a bookbinding process on a sheet bundle on which an image is formed.

  The sheet processing device detects the discharge capacity of the stacking tray, the thickness of the sheets stacked on the stacking tray, and the number of sheets according to the number of sheets of the image to be formed so that the number of sheets that can be stacked is not exceeded. Then, there is a type that can select a discharge destination (see Patent Document 1).

JP-A-10-291726

  However, in general, in a sheet processing apparatus that binds a sheet bundle, when binding a sheet bundle that exceeds the maximum stack number of sheet bundles stacked on the processing tray, the sheet bundle is stacked on the processing tray in multiple steps. It has become. In this case, the sheet processing apparatus fills the sheet bundle at least once in the processing tray, and after the full sheet bundle is removed, further stacking of the sheet bundle on the processing tray is continued. In order to improve the operation efficiency of the sheet processing apparatus, the user predicts the number of sheet bundles to be fully loaded (maximum stacking number of copies), and waits for the time when the sheet bundle of the predicted number of copies is fully loaded. The bundle was removed.

  However, in the conventional sheet processing apparatus, when there is a variation in the thickness of the sheet, the thickness of the sheet bundle is different, resulting in a variation in the predicted maximum number of stacks, the prediction of the maximum number of stacks being deviated, and the sheet bundle being timed There were things that could not be removed. Therefore, the user waits beside the stacking tray before the predicted maximum number of stacked sheet bundles are stacked. For this reason, the conventional sheet processing apparatus is not easy to use.

  The present invention detects the thickness of a sheet bundle, displays the maximum number of sheets to be actually stacked on the processing tray, or displays the bookbinding time for binding a sheet bundle having the maximum number of stacks, and allows the user to set the maximum number of sheets in a timely manner. An object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus capable of removing a sheet bundle.

  Another object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus provided with this sheet processing apparatus.

  A sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that a sheet bundle bound by a bookbinding unit is stacked on a sheet bundle stacking unit, a thickness detecting unit that detects the thickness of the sheet bundle, and a sheet on the sheet bundle stacking unit. A stack detection unit that detects whether or not a bundle is stacked, and a calculation unit that calculates the maximum number of stacks of sheet bundles stacked on the sheet bundle stacking unit based on sheet bundle thickness information from the thickness detection unit; The maximum number of stacked copies is compared with the desired number of bookbinding copies, and the smaller number of copies is continuously bound by the bookbinding means, and the sheet bundle of the maximum stacking number is removed from the sheet bundle stacking means. Is detected by the load detection means, the remaining number of copies obtained by subtracting the maximum number of copies from the desired number of bookbinding copies is compared with the maximum number of copies, and the smaller number of copies is newly selected, and the new number is selected. A control unit that continuously binds the number of copies in the bookbinding unit and repeats the bookbinding process until the new number of copies is equal to or less than the maximum number of copies; a number notification unit that reports the smaller number of copies; It is characterized by having.

  A sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured such that a sheet bundle bound by a bookbinding unit is stacked on a sheet bundle stacking unit, a thickness detecting unit that detects the thickness of the sheet bundle, and a sheet on the sheet bundle stacking unit. A stack detection unit that detects whether or not a bundle is stacked, and a calculation unit that calculates the maximum number of stacks of sheet bundles stacked on the sheet bundle stacking unit based on sheet bundle thickness information from the thickness detection unit; The maximum number of stacked copies is compared with the desired number of bookbinding copies, and the smaller number of copies is continuously bound by the bookbinding means, and the sheet bundle of the maximum stacking number is removed from the sheet bundle stacking means. Is detected by the load detection means, the remaining number of copies obtained by subtracting the maximum number of copies from the desired number of bookbinding copies is compared with the maximum number of copies, and the smaller number of copies is newly selected, and the new number is selected. The control means for continuously binding the number of copies by the bookbinding means, and repeatedly performing the bookbinding processing until the new number of copies is equal to or less than the maximum number of copies, and the bookbinding required for bookbinding the smaller number of copies. And a bookbinding time notifying means for reporting the time.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet; and any one of the above-described sheet processing devices that binds a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. Yes.

  In the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, the user can know in advance the timing when the stacker is fully loaded from the desired number of bookbinding copies and the maximum number of stacked copies. For this reason, the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention can accurately know in advance the timing at which the user removes the sheet bundle from the sheet bundle stacking means, and the sheet bundle is not left in a full state for a long time. The efficiency can be increased and the production efficiency can be improved.

  Since the image forming apparatus of the present invention includes a sheet processing apparatus that can increase the operating rate and improve the production efficiency, the image forming productivity can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention, for example, an image forming apparatus D provided with a bookbinding apparatus B along a sheet conveying direction. FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the bookbinding apparatus B along the sheet conveyance direction. FIG. 3 is an enlarged view of the adhesive application portion of the bookbinding apparatus B. 4 is an enlarged view of the grip portion of the bookbinding apparatus B. FIG. FIG. 5 is a control block diagram of the bookbinding apparatus. 6 to 8 are flowcharts for explaining the bookbinding operation of the bookbinding apparatus.

(Image forming apparatus D (FIG. 1))
The image forming apparatus D is disposed on an image forming apparatus main body (for example, a copying machine) A, a bookbinding apparatus B connected to a paper discharge port 19 of the image forming apparatus main body A, and a downstream side of the bookbinding apparatus B. And a post-processing apparatus C. In the image forming apparatus D, the sheet S on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus main body A is automatically bound by the bookbinding apparatus B or automatically post-processed by the post-processing apparatus C.

  An image forming apparatus main body (hereinafter, simply referred to as “apparatus main body”) A includes an image forming unit 3 provided in the casing 2, an image reading device (scanner unit) 7 mounted on the upper portion of the casing 2, and a document supply. And an apparatus (ADF unit) 5. The document feeder 5 is not necessarily required.

  The casing 2 is provided with an image forming unit 3. The image forming unit 3 forms an image on a sheet such as plain paper or an OHP sheet supplied from the paper supply unit 9 or the manual feed port 12. The image forming unit 3 develops the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 8 by the light irradiation unit 13 with a developing device 4 to form a toner image, and the toner image is supplied from the sheet feeding unit 9 to the sheet. Transfer on top. The toner image is fixed on the sheet by the fixing device 6, and the sheet is carried out from the sheet discharge outlet 19.

  When performing double-sided printing in which images are formed on the front and back surfaces of the sheet, the apparatus main body A reverses the front and back sides of the sheet printed on one side through the switchback path 17 and then sends it again to the photosensitive drum 8 from the circulation path 18 to print on the back surface. Unload from the paper discharge port 19. From the manual feed port 12, for example, a thick sheet such as a cover sheet and a special sheet such as a coating sheet can be supplied.

  An image reading device 7 is disposed on the upper part of the casing 2. The image reading device 7 scans a document placed on a platen glass with a photoelectric conversion element and transfers image data to the data storage unit 14 of the image forming unit 3. Further, the image reading device 7 is provided with a document supply device 5 for automatically feeding the document to the platen glass. The document feeder 5 separates the documents set on the sheet feeding tray one by one and automatically feeds them to the platen glass. In addition, although such an apparatus main body A is widely used and the thing of various structures is known, methods, such as not only the illustrated electrostatic printing system but screen printing and inkjet printing, are employable.

(Bookbinding device B)
1 and 2, the bookbinding apparatus B is attached to the paper discharge port 19 of the apparatus main body A. As shown in FIG. 1, the bookbinding apparatus B includes a stacking unit B1 that stacks and aligns sheets in a bundle, an adhesive application unit B2 that applies an adhesive to the sheet bundle, and a cover sheet bound to the sheet bundle. A cover binding portion B3 is provided. Further, the bookbinding apparatus B includes a trimming cutting part B4 that cuts the peripheral edge of the cover sheet, and a storage stack part B5 that stores the bookbinding sheet.

  The bookbinding apparatus B receives sheets formed with images from the sheet carry-in path T1 connected to the sheet discharge port 19 of the apparatus main body A, and stacks and aligns a series of sheets in a bundle in the stacking unit B1, and then applies an adhesive. At part B2, an adhesive is applied to one side edge (back part) of the bundle-like sheet. Then, the bookbinding apparatus B forms a booklet sheet by binding the sheet bundle SB and the cover sheet together at the cover binding unit B3. Thereafter, the bookbinding apparatus B cuts and finishes the peripheral edge of the booklet-shaped sheet at the trimming cutting section B4, and stores the booklet sheet in the storage stack section B5 to complete the series of bookbinding processing.

  The bookbinding apparatus B includes a sheet carry-in path T1 continuous with the paper discharge port 19 of the apparatus main body A, an intermediate paper transport path T2 continuous with the sheet carry-in path T1, and a cover transport path T3. A sheet from the main body A is distributed and conveyed. Further, a bookbinding path T4 is provided on the downstream side of the intermediate paper transport path T2 via the stacking unit B1. The bookbinding path T4 is orthogonal to the cover sheet transport path T3. The adhesive application part B2 and the cover binding part B3 constitute bookbinding means. Note that the trimming cutting part B4 is not necessarily required. Further, the sheet bundle may be bound without a cover. For this reason, the inserter unit 20 mentioned later is not necessarily required.

(Accumulating part B1 of the bookbinding apparatus B (FIGS. 1 to 4))
The stacking unit B1 includes a stacking tray 42 that is arranged with a step in the vertical direction at the sheet discharge port 40 of the intermediate sheet transport path T2. The stacking tray 42 is disposed on the downstream side of the paper discharge port 40 so as to stack and store sheets from the paper discharge port 40 in a substantially horizontal posture.

  Above the stacking tray 42, a carry-in guide 37, a carry-in roller 38 that can be rotated forward and backward, and a rear end regulating member 39 are provided. The carry-in guide 37 guides the sheet from the paper discharge port 40 onto the stacking tray 42, and the carry-in roller 38 carries the sheet. Further, the rear end regulating member 39 includes an abutment regulating surface that receives the rear end of the sheet that is loaded on the inclined stacking tray 42 and slides down due to the reverse rotation of the carry-in roller 38 and regulates the position. The rear end of the sheet whose position is restricted is a portion to which an adhesive is applied in a subsequent process.

  The stacking tray 42 is provided with a pair of alignment members (not shown) that align the side edges of the sheets. The pair of aligning members adjust the width of the sheets carried in from the sheet discharge port 40 in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance, thereby aligning the widths of the sheets. The pair of aligning members reciprocate by the same amount toward the sheet center (reference line) on the left and right sides when aligning the sheets on the basis of the center. Further, when aligning the sheet on the one side reference, one alignment member is fixed at the reference position, and the opposite alignment member is reciprocated.

  The stacking tray 42 is attached to an apparatus frame (not shown) so as to be movable up and down in the direction of arrow a, and moves between an upper stacking position P1 and a lower unloading position P2. The stacking tray 42 moves from the stacking position P1 to the unloading position P2 that is spaced apart from the stacking position P1, and takes over and transports the sheet stack to the grip transporting unit 55 that unloads the sheet bundle.

  By arranging the stacking tray 42 in this way, the apparatus can be made compact. Further, the sheet bundle aligned on the stacking tray 42 can be delivered to the grip conveyance unit 55 in an orderly manner.

  A bookbinding path T4 is connected to the downstream side of the stacking tray 42, and a grip conveyance unit 55 is provided in the bookbinding path T4. The grip conveyance unit 55 deflects the sheet bundle SB accumulated on the accumulation tray 42 from a substantially horizontal posture to a vertical posture (in the direction of arrow c in FIG. 1), and conveys the sheet bundle SB to the adhesive application position P3 in the bookbinding path T4. . For this reason, the grip conveyance unit 55 is composed of a pair of gripper members that grip the front and back of the sheet bundle, and a unit frame (not shown) that carries the gripper members and rotates approximately 90 degrees. The unit frame is supported by the apparatus frame so as to be rotatable in the direction of arrow c in FIG. 1, and is rotated about 90 degrees by a rotation motor (not shown).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the grip conveyance unit 55 includes main grippers 55a and 55b, sub grippers 56a and 56b, and the like. The main grippers 55a and 55b are formed of a long plate-like member so as to grip a portion (back portion; hereinafter the same) near the adhesive application end surface of the sheet bundle over the entire length. The sub grippers 56a and 56b are axially supported by the main grippers 55a and 55b so as to be swingable by a rotation shaft 55c at the center of the sheet bundle. The main grippers 55a and 55b and the sub grippers 56a and 56b are pressed and separated by a grip motor (not shown). As described above, the grip conveyance unit 55 is constituted by the main and sub grippers when the sheet bundle is conveyed from the stacking tray 42 to the adhesive application position P3 on the downstream side by both grippers. ) To correct.

  The main grippers 55a and 55b open the sheet bundle, and abut the lower end edge (adhesive application end surface) of the sheet bundle against the path guide plate 57 (see FIG. 4) of the cover sheet conveyance path T3, After correcting, grip the sheet bundle again. For this skew correction, the sub grippers 56a and 56b are supported by the main grippers 55a and 55b so as to be swingable in the width direction of the sheet bundle. Further, the path guide plate 57 is a reference for the sheet bundle posture to which the adhesive is applied (parallel to the moving direction of the adhesive application roller described later). The route guide plate 57 is retracted from the bookbinding route T4 after skew correction.

  The grip conveyance unit 55 includes, for example, a bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 that is a thickness detection unit that detects the thickness of the sheet bundle. The bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 is disposed on one of the pair of main grippers 55a and 55b. The bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 is, for example, a slider sensor that detects the thickness of the sheet bundle by measuring the distance that the gripper moves from the release position (initial position) to the nip position that contacts the surface of the sheet bundle. The bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 may be provided on one of the pair of sub grippers 56a and 56b.

  In this way, the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 is provided in the main grippers 55a and 55b or the sub grippers 56a and 56b, and the thickness of the sheet bundle is detected at the stage where the thickness of the sheet bundle is gripped by the grip transport unit 55 at the gap between the grippers. be able to.

  Also, the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 is provided on a grip member that abuts on the uppermost sheet on the stacking tray 42 in FIGS. 1 and 2, and this grip member and the upper surface of the stacking tray 42 (the mounting surface of the lowermost sheet). May be measured to detect the thickness of the sheet bundle. Also in this case, for example, a slidac sensor is used as the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3.

  Further, the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 is provided in the carry-in guide 37 of FIGS. 1 and 2 to measure the rotation angle of the carry-in guide 37 and detect the thickness of the sheet bundle loaded on the stacking tray 42. Also good. In this case, for example, a rotation angle measurement sensor that measures a rotation angle is used as the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3.

  As described above, when the former is detected at the gripper interval, the bundle thickness can be detected when the sheet bundle is gripped by the grip conveyance unit. When the latter is detected on the stacking tray, the bundle thickness can be detected when the sheet bundle is stacked on the stacking tray 42.

  In the present invention, the thickness information of the sheet bundle detected in this way is used for the control for knowing the number of copies and the time until the stacker 50 described later reaches a full state, and the user is notified of the expected full load of the stacker 50. It is a feature.

(Adhesive application part B2 of bookbinding apparatus B (FIG. 3))
The adhesive application unit B2 includes an adhesive application device 65 that is disposed at the adhesive application position P3 of the bookbinding path T4. The adhesive applicator 65 moves the adhesive storage container 66, an application roll 67 built in the adhesive storage container 66, and the adhesive storage container 66 along the adhesive application end face of the sheet bundle for the application operation. And a container moving mechanism 68 to be moved. Examples of the adhesive include hot melt adhesive and glue.

  The adhesive storage container 66 includes, for example, a container main body 66a that stores a hot melt adhesive, an application roll 67, and the like. The solid adhesive filled in the adhesive container 66 is heated and melted and applied to the adhesive application end face of the sheet bundle by the application roll 67. The container body 66a includes a heater (not shown) such as an electric heater. The heater is designed to melt and melt the adhesive in the container.

  The coating roll 67 is made of impregnating heat-resistant rubber, and is rotatably supported on the container main body 66a by a rotating shaft 67a. A roll rotation motor MR is connected to the rotation shaft 67a. The adhesive container 66 is supported by the guide rail 69 so as to be able to reciprocate along the adhesive application end surface of the sheet bundle held by the grip conveyance unit 55, and is reciprocated by the shift motor MS. Yes. The application roll 67 presses and separates the adhesive application end face of the sheet bundle in the forward path, and applies the adhesive to the adhesive application end face of the sheet bundle in the return path. At this time, the gap between the surface of the coating roll 67 and the adhesive application end surface S1 of the sheet bundle is adjusted so that the coating amount is large when the sheet bundle is thick and small when the sheet bundle is thin. The adjustment of the adhesive application amount is performed by the sheet conveyance amount of the grip conveyance unit 55. That is, the adjustment of the adhesive application amount is adjusted by the distance at which the grip conveyance unit 55 brings the sheet bundle closer to the application roll 67.

(Inserter unit 20 of bookbinding apparatus B (FIGS. 1 and 2))
1 and 2, an inserter unit 20 is provided on the upper part of the bookbinding apparatus B. The inserter unit 20 includes a paper feed tray 21 on which the cover sheet SC is placed and a paper feed roller 22 that separates and feeds the cover sheet from the paper feed tray 21. The inserter unit 20 is configured to supply the cover sheet SC placed on the sheet feed tray from the sheet feed path T6 to the sheet carry-in path T1.

  The cover sheet SC may be supplied from the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus. In this case, the user can select whether the cover sheet is supplied from the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus or the inserter unit 20 by the control panel 73 (FIGS. 1 and 5).

(Cover binding part B3 of bookbinding apparatus B (FIGS. 1 to 3))
A downstream side of the adhesive application position P3 in the bookbinding path T4 is a cover binding position P4. At the cover binding position P4, the cover transport path T3 is arranged in a direction orthogonal to the bookbinding path T4. Back cover plates 58a and 58b and a back plate 59 are arranged at the cover binding position P4 located at this intersection. The back folding plates 58a and 58b are a pair of left and right plate-like members sandwiching the bookbinding path T4, and are moved between a position (retracted position) and an operating position in contact with each other by a press motor (not shown). It has become. The back plate 59 is movably disposed between a retracted position retracted from the bookbinding path T4 and an operating position entering the path, and is connected to an operating means (not shown) such as an electromagnetic solenoid. .

  The sheet bundle to which the adhesive is applied by the application roll 67 is conveyed to the cover binding position P4 by the grip conveyance unit 55. At this time, the cover sheet SC is already fed and set from the cover transport path T3 to the cover binding position P4. The grip transport unit 55 transfers the sheet bundle from the bookbinding path T4 to the cover binding position P4 in the state shown in FIG. 3 where the back folding plates 58a and 58b are in the retracted position and the backrest plate 59 is in the operating position. Then, the sheet bundle SB is joined to the cover sheet SC in an inverted T shape. At this time, the back plate 59 supports the cover sheet SC as a backup. Next, the back folding plates 58a and 58b move from the retracted position to an operating position where they are close to each other, press the back portion of the cover sheet SC, and press the cover sheet SC against the sheet bundle SB. In this process, the adhesive applied to the sheet bundle is solidified so that the cover sheet and the sheet bundle are adhered and bound together. The back folding plates 58 a and 58 b and the back plate 59 form a cover binding portion 58.

(Trimming cutting section B4 of bookbinding apparatus B (FIGS. 1 and 2))
The sheet bundle bound in a booklet form with the cover sheet is sent to the folding roll 60 on the downstream side by the grip conveyance unit 55. At this time, the back plate 59 and the back folding plates 58a and 58b are respectively retracted to the retracted positions. A bookbinding sheet discharge path T5 is provided on the downstream side of the cover binding position P4, and a cutting position P5 is set in the path T5. A cutting device 61 is disposed at the cutting position P5.

  The cutting device 61 includes a rotary table 62, a cutting edge press unit 63, and a cutting blade 64, which are sequentially arranged on the downstream side of the path T5. The rotary table 62 grips the sheet bundle sent from the folding roll 60 and deflects the direction (changes the direction of the sheet bundle), and at the same time as the posture deflection, the lower end edge of the sheet bundle is preset at the cutting position P5. Transport to form a cutting allowance. For this reason, the rotary table 62 is deflected by a turning motor (not shown) and is moved up and down by a lifting motor MU.

  A cutting blade 64 and a cutter motor MC that drives the cutting blade 64 are arranged at the cutting position P5, and a predetermined amount of the sheet bundle is cut by these. A flat blade cutter is used for the cutting blade 64, and is supported by the apparatus frame so as to be movable between a standby posture retracted from the bookbinding sheet discharge path T5 and a cutting posture shown in FIG. The sheet bundle is cut in the reciprocating process.

(Storage stack B5 of bookbinding apparatus B (FIGS. 1 and 2))
On the downstream side of the cutting blade 64, a stacker 50 that stores a sheet bundle and a waste disposal tray 51 that constitute the storage stack portion B5 are disposed. The sheet bundle subjected to the cutting process is stored in the box-shaped stacker 50 by the paper discharge roller 49. The stacker 50 is a sheet bundle stacking unit that stores the sheet bundle SB, for example, a casing 43, a stopper 44 that prevents the sheet bundle stored in the casing 43 from falling down, and the stopper 44 is moved toward and away from the discharge roller 49 side. A belt 45 to be moved is provided. The stacker 50 also includes a stack detection sensor SS4 that is a stack detection unit that detects whether or not a sheet bundle is stored in the casing 43, and a stopper detection sensor SS5 that detects that the stopper 44 has moved the maximum distance. ing. The stopper 44 is moved by the belt 45 according to the number of stacked sheets of the sheet bundle, and always supports the sheet bundle at a position where the sheet bundle does not fall down.

  A waste disposal tray 51 is provided adjacent to the stacker 50. The waste disposal tray 51 is configured to store the paper waste cut by the upstream cutting blade 64. The sweeper member 52 swings so as to guide the paper scrap from the cutting blade 64 to the waste disposal tray 51 by a drive motor (not shown).

(Post-processing device C (FIG. 1))
The post-processing apparatus C is connected to the paper discharge path 30 of the bookbinding apparatus B, and includes a post-processing path 53, a paper discharge tray 48, and the like. A post-processing unit 54 is disposed in the post-processing path 53. The post-processing unit 54 includes a staple unit, a punch unit, a stamp unit, and the like (not shown), and one or a plurality of these units are arranged in the post-processing path 53. The post-processing apparatus C also has a stacking function for receiving sheets from the apparatus main body A via the bookbinding apparatus B, and stacking the sheets on the sheet discharge tray 48 as they are or as joggers. Since various configurations of the post-processing unit 54 are known, the description thereof is omitted.

(General operation description of image forming apparatus D)
The image forming apparatus D shown in FIG. 1 stacks the sheets on which the image has been formed by the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus by the bookbinding apparatus B or the post-processing apparatus C and then stacks them on the respective stackers 50 or the discharge trays 48. The processing operation modes include a “print mode” and a “bookbinding mode”. The print mode includes “(no post-processing) paper discharge mode” and “post-processing mode”. The bookbinding modes include a “(no cutting) bookbinding mode” and a “cut bookbinding mode”.

  The “print mode” is a mode (discharge) in which an image-formed sheet is carried into the sheet carry-in path T1 of the bookbinding apparatus B, and is stacked on the discharge tray 48 of the post-processing apparatus C from the discharge path 30 via the cover conveyance path T3. Paper mode). When post-processing is set to be performed by the post-processing apparatus C, post-processing is performed by the post-processing section 54 (staple or the like) in the post-processing path 53 and stored in the paper discharge tray 48 (post-processing). mode). Accordingly, in this paper discharge mode and post-processing mode, the sheet only passes through the bookbinding apparatus B.

(Explanation of system control)
The configuration of the control unit in the image forming apparatus D of FIG. 1 is shown in the block diagram of FIG.

  The operation mode described above is executed by the main body control unit 70 which is a control unit of the image forming apparatus A and the bookbinding control unit 75 which is a control unit of the bookbinding apparatus B.

  The main body control unit 70 is configured to control the image forming unit 3 and the paper feeding unit 9 and is, for example, a CPU. A control panel 73 is connected to the main body control unit 70. The control panel 73 includes a display unit 74a and an input unit 74b. The main body control unit 70 executes an operation mode setting 70a, an image forming condition setting 70b, a bookbinding specification setting 70c, a sheet size selection 70d, and the like.

  The control panel 73 and the main body control unit 70 form a mode setting unit 70e. The main body control unit 70 can set the number of bookbinding copies and the detailed conditions of the selected mode. When the user selects the bookbinding mode, the user can select a trimming bookbinding mode for performing a trimming process and a bookbinding mode without trimming (bookbinding binding mode). At the same time, the user can also make bookbinding specification settings 70c such as specifying the size of the intermediate sheet (print sheet) and specifying the size of the cover sheet.

  On the other hand, for example, the bookbinding control unit 75 which is a control means is a CPU to which a ROM 76 storing a program for executing a bookbinding operation and a RAM 77 storing control data are connected. In addition, the bookbinding control unit 75 connects the control circuit (drive system driver circuit) of each drive motor arranged in the bookbinding apparatus B and the sensor so that the detection signal of the sensor arranged in the bookbinding apparatus B can be received. Has been.

  That is, the bookbinding control unit 75 is connected to the intermediate sheet conveyance system drive circuit 78a, the cover sheet conveyance system drive circuit 78b, the bookbinding sheet conveyance system drive circuit 78c, the adhesive application operation unit drive circuit 78d, and the cover binding unit drive circuit 78e. Thus, these circuits are controlled. Further, the bookbinding control unit 75 is also connected to a cutting operation unit driving circuit 78f and a bookbinding sheet discharge path conveying system driving circuit 78g, and controls these circuits. The bookbinding control unit 75 is also connected to a bundle thickness detection sensor SS3, a stack stack sensor SS4, a sheet conveyance path sensor (not shown) arranged in each conveyance path, and the like, and receives a detection signal.

  When the desired number of bookbinding copies is set in either the main body control unit 70 or the bookbinding control unit 75 by the operation mode setting 70a, the bookbinding control unit 75 determines the maximum number of stacked copies that the stacker 50 is fully loaded from the set information. A calculating unit 72 for calculating is provided. The calculated number of copies is displayed on the display unit 74a of the control panel 73. The operation from when the desired number of bookbinding copies is set to when the maximum number of stacked copies is displayed on the display unit 74a will be described later.

  The bookbinding control unit 75 is notified from the main body control unit 70 of information on the desired number of bookbinding copies input at the start of the job. Further, the RAM 77 stores sheet bundle thickness information detected by the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 and stacking information of the stacker 50.

(The bookbinding operation of the desired number of bookbinding copies by the bookbinding apparatus B (FIGS. 1 to 8))
Next, the operation of the bookbinding apparatus B when a sheet bundle having a desired number of bookbinding copies is formed will be described.

  For convenience of description, the description starts from a state in which the stacker 50 is empty, that is, a state in which a sheet bundle bound to the stacker 50 is not stacked. The numerical values are reference numerical values and do not limit the present invention.

  The bookbinding control unit 75 determines whether or not the sheet bundle at the time of the previous bookbinding process is stacked on the stacker 50 based on the stack stack sensor SS4 or that the sheet bundle remains in the stacker 50 in the RAM 77. (S101). Since the stacker 50 is empty, the user inputs the desired number of bookbinding copies (number of desired bookbinding copies) N and the number of sheets per sheet bundle to the input unit 74b (S103). The desired bookbinding number N and the number of sheets per sheet bundle are stored in the RAM 77.

  Next, the bookbinding apparatus B receives a sheet on which an image has been formed from the apparatus main body A of the image forming apparatus, guides it to the intermediate sheet conveyance path T2, and carries it out to the stacking tray 42. In the stacking tray 42, the sheets are stacked in a bundle and aligned and aligned by an alignment member. When the image forming of the number of sheets per sheet bundle is completed from the main body control unit 70, a job end signal is issued, and the bookbinding control unit 75 operates the path switching piece 27 to start from the intermediate paper transport path T2. The cover sheet SC is switched to the cover transport path T3 to guide the cover sheet SC to the cover binding position P4. At the same time, the bookbinding control unit 75 lowers the stacking tray 42 in the direction of arrow a in FIG. 1 and moves the stacking tray to the delivery position. In this state, the grip conveyance unit 55 grips the sheet bundle between the main grippers 55a and 55b. The bookbinding control unit 75 detects the thickness Y of the sheet bundle by the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 disposed on the gripper 55a (S105). The thickness Y of the sheet bundle is stored in the RAM 77.

  Next, the calculation unit of the bookbinding control unit 75 calculates the number of bookbinding copies (maximum stacking number of copies) that can be fully loaded into the stacker 50 from the sheet bundle stackable length L of the stacker 50 and the sheet bundle thickness Y stored in advance in the ROM 76. ) A (= L / Y) is calculated (S107). The maximum number A of stacks is also stored in the RAM 77.

  Then, the comparison unit 79 of the bookbinding control unit 75 compares the maximum stack number A and the desired bookbinding number N (S109). It is assumed that the maximum number of stacked copies A (assuming 10 copies) is equal to or greater than the desired bookbinding number N (assuming 5 copies) (A ≧ N). That is, it is assumed that the desired number of bookbinding copies N (assumed to be 5 copies) is equal to or less than the maximum number of stacked copies A (assumed to be 10 copies).

  The comparison unit 79 of the bookbinding control unit 75 compares the desired bookbinding number N and the maximum stacking number A, and displays the smaller number of copies on, for example, the display unit 74a which is the number notifying means of the control panel 73 (S111). Now, since the desired bookbinding number N is equal to or less than the maximum stacking number A, the comparing unit 79 selects the desired bookbinding number N (5 copies). The bookbinding control unit 75 displays the desired number of bookbinding copies (5 copies) on the control panel 73. The user looks at the number of copies of the control panel 73 (desired bookbinding number N (5 copies)) and predicts the time until the desired bookbinding number N (5 copies) is stacked on the stacker 50.

  The bound sheet bundle is sequentially stacked on the casing 43 of the stacker 50 (S113). The stopper 44 that can move in the casing 43 moves in a direction away from the stack stack sensor SS4 by the thickness of the sheet bundle every time the sheet bundle is fed so that the sheet bundle is received in the casing 43. To do. For this reason, the stacker 50 can detect by the stack stack sensor SS4 that even one sheet bundle is stacked on the casing 43.

  The main body control unit 70 of the image forming apparatus informs the bookbinding control unit 75 that the image formation has been completed when an image is formed on the desired number N of sheets of bookbinding. Then, a sheet bundle having a desired number of bookbinding copies N is stacked on the stacker 50. The user predicts the time when a sheet bundle having a desired number of bookbinding copies N is stacked. When the predicted time is reached, the user goes to pick up and remove the sheet bundle. For this reason, the user can remove the sheet bundle of the desired number of bookbinding copies N in a timely manner and increase the movable efficiency of the bookbinding apparatus B and the image forming apparatus D. Whether or not the sheet bundle has been removed is detected by the stack stack sensor SS4.

  However, there is a case where the user does not go to remove the sheet bundle having the desired number of bookbinding copies N. Assuming that, the bookbinding control unit 75 waits for a predetermined time after the desired number of bookbinding copies N (5 copies) is stacked on the stacker 50 until the user removes the sheet bundle (S115).

  If the sheet bundle is not removed from the stacker 50 after a predetermined time, the number N (5 copies) of the sheet bundle and the remaining thickness TA (= N × Y) of the entire sheet bundle are stored in the RAM 77 ( S117). When the sheet bundle of the desired bookbinding number N (5 copies) is removed in processing S115, the desired bookbinding number N (5 copies) is equal to or less than the maximum stacking number A (10 copies) in processing S109. The sheet bundle is not stacked on 50. For this reason, the bookbinding apparatus ends the bookbinding operation.

  In step S109, the comparison unit 79 compares the maximum number of copies A with the desired bookbinding number N, and the maximum number of copies A (assumed to be 10) is less than the desired bookbinding number N (assumed to be 15). There is a case (A <N). In this case, the bookbinding control unit 75 displays the maximum number of stacked copies A (10 copies) on the display unit 74a of the control panel 73 (S121). The user looks at the maximum number of copies A (10 copies) and predicts the time until the maximum number of copies A (10 copies) is loaded on the stacker 50.

  The bound sheet bundle is sequentially stacked on the casing 43 of the stacker 50 (S123). When the apparatus main body of the image forming apparatus forms an image on the sheet having the maximum number A of stacked sheets, the apparatus main body reports the fact to the bookbinding control section 75. The stacker 50 is fully loaded with the maximum number of sheets A stacked. The user predicts a full load time, and when the predicted time is reached, the user goes to pick up and remove the sheet bundle. For this reason, the user can remove the sheet bundle in a timely manner and increase the movable efficiency of the bookbinding apparatus B and the image forming apparatus D. Whether or not the sheet bundle has been removed is detected by the stack stack sensor SS4.

  However, there are times when the user does not go to remove the full sheet bundle. Assuming that, the bookbinding control unit 75 waits for a predetermined time after the sheet bundle having the maximum stacking number A is stacked on the stacker 50 until the user removes the sheet bundle (S125). Whether or not the sheet bundle has been removed is detected by the stack stack sensor SS4.

  If the sheet bundle is not removed from the stacker 50 even after a predetermined time has elapsed (NO in S125), the bookbinding control unit 75 displays on the display unit 74a, for example, an interruption notification means so as to remove the sheet bundle (S127). ). Instead of the display unit, the user may be prompted to remove the sheet bundle with an artificial sound device (not shown).

  When the sheet bundle is removed (YES in S125), the calculation unit 72 subtracts the desired bookbinding number N from the maximum stacking number A to obtain the remaining number B (= A−N (5 copies = 15 copies−10 copies)). Is calculated. The comparison unit 79 compares the maximum number of copies A (10 copies) with the remaining number of copies B (5 copies) and selects the remaining number of copies B as the new number of copies because the remaining number of copies B is smaller. . The bookbinding control unit 75 causes the display unit 74a to display a new copy number B (5 copies) that is the remaining number of copies (S129).

  The user looks at the new number of copies B (5 copies) and predicts the time until the new number of copies B (5 copies) is loaded on the stacker 50.

  Then, a new number B of sheet bundles are stacked on the stacker 50. The user predicts the time for stacking a new number B of sheet bundles, and when the estimated time is reached, the user takes the sheet bundle and removes it. For this reason, the user can remove the new number B of sheet bundles in a timely manner and increase the movable efficiency of the bookbinding apparatus B and the image forming apparatus D. Whether or not the sheet bundle has been removed is detected by the stack stack sensor SS4.

  Even in this case, since the user may not go to remove the new number B of sheet bundles, the bookbinding control unit 75 waits for the new number of copies (5 copies) to be stacked on the stacker 50 (S131). Waits for a predetermined time until the sheet bundle is removed (S133).

  If the sheet bundle is not removed from the stacker 50 even after the predetermined time has elapsed, the number B (5 copies) of the sheet bundle and the thickness TA (= B × Y) of the entire sheet bundle of the number B are stored in the RAM 77. (S135). Then, the bookbinding apparatus ends the bookbinding operation.

  In the above description, the desired number of copies is 15 and the maximum number of copies is 10. For this reason, the sheet bundle is stacked on the stacker 50 in two parts of 10 parts and 5 parts. However, there are cases where the desired number of copies is 25 and the maximum number of copies is 10. In such a case, the sheet bundle must be stacked on the stacker 50 in three times of 10 parts, 10 parts, and 5 parts (the flowchart of this process is omitted). Therefore, even if 10 sheets of sheet bundles are stacked on the stacker 50 and removed in steps S123 and S125, 15 sheets of sheet bundles must still be bound. For this reason, the remaining number of copies (new number of copies) B becomes 15 copies, the process returns to step S109, and N is set to a new number of 15 copies, and the processing after step S109 and step S121 is continued. That is, the bookbinding process is repeated until the new number of copies becomes equal to or smaller than the maximum number of stacked copies, the new number of sheet bundles equal to or smaller than the maximum number of stacked copies are bound, and the bookbinding processing is terminated. At this time, the number of times of stacking in the stacker is a value obtained by dividing the desired number of copies N by the maximum number of copies A (rounded up after the decimal point).

  The above description has been made when the bookbinding apparatus B is started from a state where the stacker 50 is empty, that is, a state where a sheet bundle bound to the stacker 50 is not stacked. Next, a description will be given based on FIGS. 7 and 8 when the bookbinding apparatus B is started from the state in which the sheet bundle remains in the stacker 50 by processing S117 and S135 in the stacker 50. FIG. In this case, the thickness of the sheet bundle is not necessarily the same as the thickness of the sheet bundle remaining in the stacker 50. Since they may be different, the thickness of the sheet bundle is detected again by the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3.

  First, in FIG. 6, when the bookbinding apparatus B is started, a sheet bundle is already stacked on the stacker 50 (YES in S101). Then, the user inputs the desired number of bookbinding copies (the desired number of bookbinding copies) N and the number of sheets per sheet bundle to the input unit 74b (FIG. 7, S141). The desired bookbinding number N is stored in the RAM 77.

  When the number of sheets per sheet bundle is formed as an image, the grip conveyance section 55 of the bookbinding apparatus B grips the sheet bundle between the main grippers 55a and 55b. The bookbinding control unit 75 detects the thickness Z of the sheet bundle by the bundle thickness detection sensor SS3 disposed in the gripper 55a (S143). The thickness Z of the sheet bundle is stored in the RAM 77.

  The calculating unit 72 calculates the stackable number C of sheet bundles that can be stacked on the stacker 50 (S145). When the sheet bundle is stacked on the stacker 50 in advance, the stackable number of copies C corresponds to the maximum number of stacked copies. The number C of stackable sheets is obtained by subtracting the thickness AT of the entire sheet bundle currently stacked on the stacker from the sheet bundle stackable length L of the stacker 50 stored in advance in the ROM 76, thereby obtaining the sheet bundle thickness Z. Divided by ((L-TA) / Y). The stackable number C is stored in the RAM 77.

  In step S147, the comparison unit 79 compares the stackable copy number C with the desired bookbinding copy number N. Suppose that the stackable number of copies C (assumed to be 6) is equal to or greater than the desired bookbinding number N1 (assumed to be 5) (C ≧ N). That is, it is assumed that the desired number of bookbinding copies N1 (assumed to be 5 copies) is equal to or less than the stackable copy count C (tentatively 6 copies).

  The comparison unit 79 of the bookbinding control unit 75 compares the stackable copy number C with the maximum stacking copy number A and displays the smaller copy number on the display unit 74a (S149). Now, since the desired bookbinding number N1 is equal to or less than the stackable number C, the comparing unit 79 selects the desired bookbinding number N1 (5 copies). The bookbinding control unit 75 displays the desired number of bookbinding copies (5 copies) on the control panel 73. The user looks at the number of copies of the control panel 73 (desired bookbinding number N (5 copies)) and predicts the time until the desired bookbinding number N1 (5 copies) is stacked on the stacker 50. In this way, after the process S147, the process proceeds to the processes S149 to S155. Processes S149 to S155 are the same as processes S111 to S117.

  Also in this process, since the number N1 of sheet bundles is displayed on the display unit 74a in the process S149, the user can predict the time for loading the desired bookbinding number N1 by looking at the display, and the mobility of the bookbinding apparatus Can be improved. However, in step S153, the number of copies stacked on the stacker is N1 + N (or B). For this reason, the user removes the sheet bundle of N1 + N (or B). Further, unlike the process S117, the process S155 has a thickness TA1 of the entire remaining sheet bundle stored as (N × Z + TA).

  In process S147, when the stackable copy number C (assumed to be 6) is less than the desired bookbinding number N1 (assumed to be 15) (C <N1), the bookbinding control unit 75 performs processes S161 to S167. Processes S161 through S167 are the same as processes S121 through S127.

  Also in this process, the number C of sheet bundles is displayed on the display unit 74a in the process S161, so that the user can predict the time to go to take the sheet bundle by looking at the display and improve the mobility of the bookbinding apparatus. Can be made. In this case, in the process 165, the user removes the sheet bundle of the previous remaining number N or B of stacked sheets and the current sheet bundle C.

  When the sheet bundle is removed (YES in S165), the stacker becomes empty. However, the bookbinding apparatus B still has to bind a sheet bundle of a new number N2 (= N−C) obtained by subtracting the stackable number C from the desired number N1 of bookbinding. Therefore, the calculation unit 72 calculates the maximum stacking number A (= L / N2) in which the sheet bundle having the thickness Z can be fully loaded in the stacker 50 (S169). The comparison unit 79 compares the maximum stacking number A with the new number N2 (S170).

  When the maximum number of copies A is less than the new number of copies N2 (A <N2), the processing of steps 171 to S185 is performed. Processes in processes 171 to S185 are the same processes as processes S121 to S135. However, the number of copies B in the process S179 is (A−N2). Further, the number of copies stored in the process S185 is TA2 (= B × Z).

  If the maximum number of copies A is equal to or greater than the new number of copies N2 in process S170 (A ≧ N2), that is, if the new number of copies N2 is equal to or less than the maximum number of copies A, the processes of steps S191 to S197 are performed. Processes S191 to S197 are the same processes as processes S111 to S117. However, the number of copies is N2.

  In the processing of FIG. 8 as well, since the number of sheet bundles that are fully loaded in the stacker is displayed in processing S171 and processing 191, the user can make a prediction that he / she will take the sheet bundle.

  In the above description, the number of sheet bundles until the stacker is fully loaded can be reported to the user, but the time until the stacker is fully loaded is displayed on the bookbinding time notifying means, for example, the display unit 74a. You may make it report to a user. In this case, the processes S111, S121, S129, S149, S161, S171, S179, and S191 are processes for displaying the time required for stacking the number of copies A, N, C, N1, and N2. The time required for the number of copies A, N, B, C, N1, and N2 (= number of copies × number of sheets per copy × sheet length ÷ sheet conveyance speed) is calculated by the calculation unit 72. The number of copies and the number of sheets per copy are input to the input unit 74b of the control panel 73 by the user. The sheet length and the sheet conveyance speed are stored in the RAM 77 in advance.

  In the bookbinding apparatus described above, the sheet bundle is bound with an adhesive, but may be stapled with a stapler without using the adhesive. Further, the stacker 50 is configured to store the sheet bundle in a standing manner, but may be configured to be stacked and stored horizontally.

  As described above, the bookbinding apparatus allows the user to know in advance the timing when the stacker is fully loaded from the desired number of bookbinding copies and the maximum number of stacked copies. For this reason, the bookbinding apparatus can accurately know in advance when the user removes the sheet bundle from the stacker, and does not leave the sheet bundle in a full state for a long time, increasing the operating rate and improving the production efficiency. Can be improved.

  If the desired number of bookbinding copies exceeds the maximum number of stacked copies, the bookbinding apparatus stacks the sheet bundle on the stacker several times. In this case, the bookbinding device determines whether the number of remaining copies to be bound is larger or smaller than the maximum number of copies each time the stack is divided into several times, and the remaining number of copies is less than the maximum number of copies. The book is to be bound continuously until it becomes. Since the bookbinding apparatus displays the number of sheet bundles to be removed each time the stacking of sheet bundles is repeated, even if the number of bookbinding copies is large, the user can remove the sheet bundles from the stacker in a timely manner, and the operation rate Can be increased.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along the sheet conveying direction of an image forming apparatus including, for example, a bookbinding apparatus that is a sheet processing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the bookbinding apparatus along the sheet conveyance direction. It is an enlarged view of the adhesive application part of a bookbinding apparatus. It is an enlarged view of the grip part of a bookbinding apparatus. It is a control block diagram of a bookbinding apparatus. 6 is a flowchart for explaining a bookbinding processing operation of the bookbinding apparatus. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart following FIG.

Explanation of symbols

A Image forming device main unit B Bookbinding device (sheet processing device)
C Post-processing device D Image forming device S Sheet SB Sheet bundle SC Cover sheet SS3 Bundle thickness detection sensor (thickness detection means)
SS4 Stack loading sensor (load detection means)
T4 Bookbinding path T5 Bookbinding sheet discharge path B2 Adhesive application part (bookbinding means)
B3 Cover binding (bookbinding means)
B4 Trimming cutting section B5 Storage stack section P3 Adhesive application position P4 Cover binding position P5 Cutting position 3 Image forming section 42 Stack tray 43 Casing (sheet bundle stacking means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Stacker 55 Grip conveyance part 55a, 55b Main gripper 56a, 56b Sub gripper 58 Cover-sheet binding part 61 Cutting apparatus 65 Adhesive application apparatus 70 Main body control part (control CPU)
72 calculating unit 73 control panel 74a display unit (number reporting unit, bookbinding time reporting unit, interruption reporting unit)
74b Input unit 75 Bookbinding control unit (control means)
76 ROM
77 RAM
79 Comparison part

Claims (4)

In the sheet processing apparatus in which the sheet bundle bound by the bookbinding means is stacked on the sheet bundle stacking means,
A thickness detecting means for detecting the thickness of the sheet bundle;
Stack detection means for detecting whether or not a sheet bundle is stacked on the sheet bundle stacking means;
A calculation unit for calculating the maximum number of stacks of sheet bundles stacked on the sheet bundle stacking unit based on the sheet bundle thickness information from the thickness detection unit;
The maximum number of stacked copies is compared with the desired number of bookbinding copies, and the smaller number of copies are continuously bound by the bookbinding means, and the maximum number of stacked sheet bundles are removed from the sheet bundle stacking means. When the stack detection means detects, the remaining number of copies obtained by subtracting the maximum number of copies from the desired number of bookbinding copies is compared with the maximum number of copies to select a smaller number of copies, and the new number of copies is selected. A control means for performing bookbinding processing continuously by bookbinding means, and repeatedly performing bookbinding processing until the new number of copies is equal to or less than the maximum number of stacked copies;
A number reporting means for reporting the smaller number of copies,
A sheet processing apparatus. In the sheet processing apparatus in which the sheet bundle bound by the bookbinding means is stacked on the sheet bundle stacking means,
A thickness detecting means for detecting the thickness of the sheet bundle;
Stack detection means for detecting whether or not a sheet bundle is stacked on the sheet bundle stacking means;
A calculation unit for calculating the maximum number of stacks of sheet bundles stacked on the sheet bundle stacking unit based on the sheet bundle thickness information from the thickness detection unit;
The maximum number of stacked copies is compared with the desired number of bookbinding copies, and the smaller number of copies are continuously bound by the bookbinding means, and the maximum number of stacked sheet bundles are removed from the sheet bundle stacking means. When the stack detection means detects, the remaining number of copies obtained by subtracting the maximum number of copies from the desired number of bookbinding copies is compared with the maximum number of copies to select a smaller number of copies, and the new number of copies is selected. A control means for performing bookbinding processing continuously by bookbinding means, and repeatedly performing bookbinding processing until the new number of copies is equal to or less than the maximum number of stacked copies;
A bookbinding time notifying means for reporting a bookbinding time required for bookbinding processing of the smaller number of copies,
A sheet processing apparatus. If it is not detected by the stack detection means that the maximum number of sheet bundles have been removed from the sheet bundle stacking means even if a predetermined time has elapsed, the bookbinding process is interrupted without removal of the sheet bundle. Provided with an interruption notification means for
The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet processing apparatus is a sheet processing apparatus. An image forming unit for forming an image on a sheet;
The sheet processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, which binds a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit.
An image forming apparatus.

Images