JP2010047398A - Booklet stacker and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a user-friendly booklet stacker and an image forming system. <P>SOLUTION: The booklet stacker (a booklet stacking part 31 and a case working machine control part 35) has a storage part 331 for stacking booklets bound by a bookbinding device (a bookbinding part 31 and a case working machine control part 35), and the image forming system 1000 is equipped therewith. The booklet stacker comprises a moving carriage 336 detachable from a body 33a of the booklet stacker, and a transfer part 332 for transferring the booklets stacked in the storage part 331 to the moving carriage 336. When predetermined transferring conditions out of a plurality of transferring conditions are satisfied, the transfer part 332 is controlled to transfer the booklets stacked in the storage part 331 to the moving carriage 336. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a booklet stacking apparatus and an image forming system.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there is known a bookbinding apparatus that binds a sheet bundle, which is a bundle of sheets on which images are formed, to a cover sheet by binding the sheet bundle to a booklet by stapling or gluing. Yes.
In such a bookbinding apparatus, a booklet stacking apparatus that stacks booklets that have been bound is necessary.

As the booklet stacking device, for example, the booklet stacking device is equipped with a movable carriage that can be attached to and detached from the booklet stacking device, and the booklet stacked in the booklet stacking device is transferred to the moving cart when the upper end of the booklet reaches the stacking upper limit. It is known that a booklet that has been bound can be taken out from the booklet stacking device and transported by transferring (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
JP 2007-45595 A

  However, in the booklet stacking apparatus described in Patent Document 1, if the end of the uppermost booklet stacked in the booklet stacking apparatus does not reach the stacking upper limit, that is, the stacking height of the booklet stacked in the booklet stacking apparatus. If the height does not reach a predetermined height, the booklet accumulated in the booklet accumulating device is not transferred to the moving carriage, and there is a problem that the usability is poor.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a booklet stacking apparatus and an image forming system that are easy to use.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the invention described in claim 1
In a booklet stacking apparatus having a storing means for stacking booklets bound by a bookbinding apparatus,
A movable carriage detachably attached to the main body of the booklet stacking device;
Transfer means for transferring booklets accumulated in the storage means to the mobile carriage;
A transfer control means for operating the transfer means when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, and transferring the booklet accumulated in the storage means to the movable carriage;
It is characterized by providing.

The invention described in claim 2
The booklet accumulating device according to claim 1,
An attachment determining means for determining whether or not the movable carriage is attached to the main body of the booklet stacking device;
The transfer control unit operates the transfer unit when the mounting determination unit determines that the movable carriage is mounted on the main body and determines that the transfer can be performed. The accumulated booklet is transferred to the movable carriage.

The invention according to claim 3
In the booklet accumulating device according to claim 1 or 2,
A height judging means for judging whether or not the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating means has reached a predetermined height;
The transfer control means operates the transfer means when the height determining means determines that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating means has reached a predetermined height, and The booklet accumulated in the means is transferred to the movable carriage.

The invention according to claim 4
In the booklet accumulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Comprising a number-of-books judging means for judging whether or not the number of booklets accumulated in the storage means has reached a predetermined threshold;
The transfer control means operates the transfer means when the number of booklets accumulated in the storage means has been determined by the number-of-books determination means to reach a predetermined threshold, and the transfer control means The printed booklet is transferred to the movable carriage.

The invention described in claim 5
In the booklet accumulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The booklet stacking device is:
A door that is opened when the movable carriage is attached to and detached from the main body of the booklet stacking device;
Door closing detection means for detecting that the door is closed,
The transfer control means operates the transfer means when the door closing detection means detects that the door is closed and the predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, and the storage means The booklet accumulated in the above is transferred to the movable carriage.

The invention described in claim 6
In the booklet accumulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, a selection unit is provided for the user to select whether or not the booklet accumulated in the storage unit by the transfer unit is transferred to the movable carriage. And

The invention described in claim 7
In an image forming system,
An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper;
A bookbinding apparatus for binding a booklet from a plurality of sheets of images formed by the image forming apparatus;
The booklet stacking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a storage unit that stacks booklets bound by the bookbinding apparatus.
It is characterized by having.

The invention according to claim 8 provides:
The image forming system according to claim 7.
An end determination unit that determines whether or not the execution of the job by the bookbinding apparatus has ended;
The transfer control unit activates the transfer unit when the end determination unit determines that the job execution by the bookbinding apparatus is completed, and the booklet accumulated in the storage unit is transferred to the movable carriage. It is made to transfer.

  According to the first and seventh aspects of the invention, the booklet accumulated in the storage means is automatically transferred to the moving carriage when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, so that it is easy to use.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 can be obtained, and the movable carriage is mounted on the case of the booklet stacking apparatus and can be transferred. In some cases, the booklet accumulated in the storage means is automatically transferred to the moving carriage, which is convenient.

  According to the invention described in claim 3, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of the invention described in claim 1 or 2 can be obtained, and the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating means is set to a predetermined height. When it reaches, the booklet accumulated in the storage means is automatically transferred to the moving carriage, which is convenient.

  According to the invention described in claim 4, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of any one of claims 1 to 3 can be obtained, and the number of booklets accumulated in the storage means is predetermined. When the threshold value is reached, the booklet accumulated in the storage means is automatically transferred to the moving carriage, which is convenient.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is needless to say that the same effect as that of any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention can be obtained, and the movable carriage is attached to and detached from the case of the booklet stacking apparatus. If the door that is opened at this time is not closed, the booklet is not automatically transferred. Therefore, the booklet stacking apparatus cannot be touched during the automatic transfer of the booklet, which is safe.

  According to the invention described in claim 6, it is needless to say that the same effect as in the invention described in any one of claims 1 to 5 can be obtained, the booklet is automatically transferred, or the booklet is automatically Since the user can select whether or not to transfer, it is easy to use.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, it is possible to obtain the same effect as the seventh aspect of the invention, and the booklet accumulated in the storage means is moved when the job execution by the bookbinding apparatus is completed. Since it is automatically transferred to the cart, it is easy to use.

  Hereinafter, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The scope of the invention is not limited to the illustrated example.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of the image forming system according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a case binding machine including the booklet stacking apparatus according to the present embodiment.

<Image forming system>
As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, for example, the image forming system 1000 includes an image forming apparatus 1 to which a large-capacity sheet feeding device 1a is connected, and a case binding machine 3 that is a post-processing device. The Specifically, in the image forming system 1000, for example, the image forming apparatus 1 and the case binding machine 3 are connected so as to be able to transmit and receive data by serial communication.
In the image forming system 1000, for example, the image forming apparatus 1 forms an image on a predetermined sheet, and the case binding machine 3 stacks a sheet bundle on which the sheet on which the image is formed is bundled. Booklet is bound and accumulated. In this embodiment, a booklet stacking unit 33 as a booklet stacking device is mounted on the case binding machine 3, and a movable carriage 336 that is detachable from the main body 33a is provided. Is transferred to the movable carriage 336 so that the booklet can be taken out from the case binding machine 3 and transported.

<Image forming apparatus>
The image forming apparatus 1 is an apparatus that forms and outputs an image on a sheet, for example.
Specifically, for example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the image forming apparatus 1 includes a serial communication unit 11, an operation unit 12, a paper storage unit 13, a document tray feeding unit 14, and an image. The image forming apparatus includes a reading unit 15, an image data storage unit 16, an image forming unit 17, a transport unit 18, an image forming apparatus control unit 19, and the like.

  The serial communication unit 11 is constituted by, for example, a serial communication I / F. The serial communication unit 11 is connected to, for example, the serial communication unit 311 of the case binding machine 3 and, for example, between the image forming apparatus 1 and the case binding machine 3 according to a control signal input from the image forming apparatus control unit 19. Controls data transmission and reception by serial communication.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the operation unit 12 includes a display unit 12a and an input unit 12b.

  The display unit 12a is configured by, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like. For example, in accordance with a control signal input from the image forming apparatus control unit 19, various operation buttons, the state of the apparatus, and the operation of each function Displays the status.

  The input unit 12b includes, for example, an operation key, a touch panel formed integrally with the display unit 12a (LCD), and the like. For example, an operation corresponding to a pressing operation of the operation key or a pressing operation of the touch panel by the user. The signal is output to the image forming apparatus control unit 19.

  Specifically, the input unit 12b is, for example, as a selection unit, when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, the transfer unit 332 of the booklet stacking unit 33 moves the booklet stacked in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage. This is used when the user selects whether or not to transfer to 336.

More specifically, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 4 on the display unit 12a, for example, and is accommodated by the transfer unit 332 when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied. The user can select whether or not to transfer the booklet accumulated in the section 331 to the moving carriage 336.
For example, when the user selects to transfer the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 by the transfer unit 332 to the moving carriage 336 when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, that is, in an automatic transfer mode. When “Yes” is set, “Yes” is pressed, and then “OK” is pressed.
On the other hand, for example, when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, the user does not choose to transfer the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 by the transfer unit 332 to the mobile carriage 336, that is, automatic transfer. When the manual transfer mode is set without setting the loading mode, “NO” is pressed, and “SET” is pressed thereafter.

Next, in the screen shown in FIG. 4, when “Yes” is pressed and then “Determination” is pressed, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 displays, for example, a screen as shown in FIG. 5 on the display unit 12 a. Thus, the user can set the timing for automatically transferring the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage 336, that is, the transfer condition.
For example, when the user sets “when the moving carriage 336 is set in the booklet stacking unit 33” as the automatic transfer timing, that is, as the transfer condition, the user sets “the moving carriage 336 in the booklet stacking unit 33 (the main body 33a)”. In the case of setting the condition that “has been attached”, “1” is pressed, and then “OK” is pressed.
In addition, for example, when the user sets “when the storage unit 331 is full (full) in a booklet” as the automatic transfer timing, that is, as a transfer condition, the user sets “the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331. When setting the condition that “the accumulated height has reached a predetermined height”, “2” is pressed, and then “OK” is pressed. Here, as described later, the predetermined height is determined based on, for example, the accumulated height when the accommodating portion 331 is fully loaded.
In addition, for example, when the user sets “when the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition” as the automatic transfer timing, that is, as the transfer condition, the user sets “stacked in the storage unit 331. When setting the condition that “the number of booklet stacks has reached a predetermined threshold”, “3” is pressed, and then “OK” is pressed. Here, as will be described later, the predetermined threshold is determined based on, for example, the number of stacked books in which the possibility of collapsing of booklets stacked in the storage unit 331 increases.
In addition, for example, when the automatic transfer timing is set to “when the storage unit 331 is full (full load) in the booklet, or the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition”, That is, as the transfer condition, “the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 has reached a predetermined height, or the accumulated number of booklets accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 has reached a predetermined threshold value. In the case of setting the condition “that”, “4” is pressed, and then “decision” is pressed.
For example, when “when the bookbinding job by the case binding machine 3 is completed” is set as the automatic transfer timing, that is, the condition that “the job execution by the bookbinding unit 31 is completed” is set as the transfer condition. When setting, “5” is pressed, and “decision” is pressed thereafter. Here, the bookbinding job indicates a series of operations related to the bookbinding processing performed by the case binding machine 3 (image forming system 1000). For example, when binding a plurality of booklets, a series of operations related to the bookbinding for the plurality of copies is one job.

The paper storage unit 13 includes, for example, a paper feed tray 13a as a paper tray for storing paper for transferring (forming) images. In the present embodiment, the sheet storage unit 13 includes three sheet feeding trays 13a included in the image forming apparatus 1, three sheet feeding trays 13a included in the large capacity sheet feeding apparatus 1a, and the like.
Each paper feed tray 13a of the paper storage unit 13 includes, for example, a presence / absence detection unit that detects the presence / absence of paper storage, a size detection unit that detects the size of the stored paper, and the like. Output to the forming apparatus control unit 19.

  The document tray feeding unit 14 is configured by, for example, an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or the like, and, for example, a single document placed on the document tray T1 according to a control signal input from the image forming apparatus control unit 19. Each one is automatically fed onto the contact glass one by one.

  The image reading unit 15 includes, for example, a scanner below the contact glass on which the document is placed. For example, the image reading unit 15 reads an image of the document in accordance with a control signal input from the image forming apparatus control unit 19. The scanner is composed of a light source, a CCD (Charge Coupled Device), etc., and forms an image of reflected light of the light scanned from the light source to the original and photoelectrically converts it to read the image of the original. The image data is converted into digital image data by a converter and output to the image forming apparatus control unit 19. Here, the image includes not only image data such as graphics and photographs but also text data such as characters and symbols.

  The image data storage unit 16 is configured by, for example, a DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) or the like. For example, the image data storage unit 16 temporarily stores the image data generated by the image reading unit 15 in accordance with a control signal input from the image forming apparatus control unit 19. To remember.

  For example, the image forming unit 17 uniformly supplies a photosensitive drum on which an electrostatic latent image is formed, a charging device that uniformly charges the photosensitive drum, and a laser beam that is turned ON / OFF according to image data. A laser unit that irradiates the charged photoreceptor surface to form an electrostatic latent image, a developing device that visualizes the electrostatic latent image into a toner image, and a sheet on which the toner image on the photoreceptor surface has been conveyed A transfer separation device for separating the paper from the surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer, a cleaning device for removing the toner remaining on the surface of the photoreceptor after the transfer, a fixing device for fixing the toner image on the paper by heating and pressing, and For example, in accordance with a control signal input from the image forming apparatus control unit 19, an image is formed on a sheet by an electrophotographic method or the like. Then, the paper on which the toner has been fixed is conveyed to the case binding machine 3 by the conveyance unit 18.

  The conveyance unit 18 includes, for example, a conveyance roller, a conveyance belt, and a motor that drives the conveyance roller 18. The stored paper is discharged toward the case binding machine 3 that is transported along the transport path.

The image forming apparatus control unit 19 performs centralized control of the operation of each unit constituting the image forming apparatus 1.
Specifically, the image forming apparatus control unit 19 includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 191, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 192, a storage unit 193, and the like as shown in FIG. Is done.

  For example, the CPU 191 performs various control operations in accordance with various processing programs for the image forming apparatus 1 stored in the storage unit 193.

  The RAM 192 includes, for example, a program storage area for expanding a processing program executed by the CPU 191 and a data storage area for storing input data and a processing result generated when the processing program is executed.

  The storage unit 193 stores, for example, a system program that can be executed by the image forming apparatus 1, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, and data that is used when these various processing programs are executed. Note that the program is stored in the storage unit 193 in the form of a computer-readable program code.

  Specifically, the storage unit 193 stores, for example, a setting notification program 193a as shown in FIG.

The CPU 191 that has executed the setting notification program 193a, for example, controls the serial communication unit 11 to notify the case binding machine 3 of setting information related to the transfer of the booklet to the moving carriage 336.
Specifically, the CPU 191 notifies the case binding machine 3 of setting information set by the user on the screen shown in FIG. 4 or 5, for example.

<Wash binding machine>
The case binding machine 3 is, for example, a bookbinding machine that binds a bundle of sheets into a booklet by joining together a bundle of sheets that are bundled with a cover sheet supplied to a predetermined position P1. .
Specifically, the case binding machine 3 includes, for example, a bookbinding unit 31, a booklet stacking unit 33, a case binding machine control unit 35, and the like, as shown in FIGS. Each part constituting the bookbinding unit 31 and each part constituting the booklet stacking unit 33 are, for example, housed in separate housings, and the case binding machine control unit 35 includes, for example, each part constituting the bookbinding unit 31. It is housed in the housed housing.
Here, the bookbinding apparatus includes a bookbinding unit 31 and a case binding machine control unit 35, and the booklet stacking apparatus includes a booklet stacking unit 33 and a case binding machine control unit 35.

  The bookbinding unit 31 includes, for example, a serial communication unit 311, a sub-compile unit 312, a clamp unit 313, a glue application unit 314, a cutting unit 315, a square back forming unit 316, a booklet transport unit 317, and a cover sheet The storage unit 318, the conveyance unit 319, the memory unit 320, and the like are configured. The cover sheet is coated with glue on the sheet bundle and supplied to the predetermined position P <b> 1 in the square spine forming unit 316. Create a booklet by wrapping a bundle.

  The serial communication unit 311 is configured by, for example, a serial communication I / F. The serial communication unit 311 is connected to, for example, the serial communication unit 11 of the image forming apparatus 1, and, for example, between the case binding machine 3 and the image forming apparatus 1 in accordance with a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35. Controls data transmission and reception by serial communication.

  For example, the sub-compile unit 312 carries in from the image forming apparatus 1 while the clamp unit 313 performs a clamping process on a sheet bundle according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35. Next, the sheets to be clamped are stacked and accumulated.

  For example, the clamp unit 313 obtains and stacks the stacked sheets in the sub-compile unit 312 according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35, and reaches a predetermined number of sheets (one book). Clamping (hardening) is performed at the time.

For example, the glue application unit 314 is located behind the center of the case binding machine 3 in the front-rear direction. For example, according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35, the glue application unit 314 moves forward and retracts. When applying, paste is applied to the lower end surface of the clamped sheet bundle.
Here, the case binding machine 3 is provided with, for example, a glue replenishing unit (not shown), and the glue replenishing unit replenishes the glue application unit 314 with the glue.

The cutting unit 315 is suitable for the cover of a booklet, for example, according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35, a cover sheet or a sheet (substitute sheet that substitutes for the cover sheet) supplied to the predetermined position P1. Cut to size.
Specifically, the case binding machine control unit 35 measures, for example, the thickness of the sheet bundle clamped by the clamp unit 313, and then the size (width and length) of the sheet forming the sheet bundle. Based on the measured thickness of the sheet bundle, a suitable size for the cover of the booklet is determined, and then the cover sheet or substitute sheet supplied to the predetermined position P1 is cut to the determined size in the cutting unit 315. To do.

  The square spine forming unit 316 is located, for example, below the clamp unit 313. For example, according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35, the cover sheet or substitute sheet supplied to the predetermined position P1 is placed. The cover sheet or substitute sheet is attached to the lower end surface of the sheet bundle to which the glue is applied.

  The booklet transport unit 317 includes, for example, a transport roller, a transport belt, and a motor that drives these. For example, according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35, a completed booklet is transported along the transport path. It is conveyed and discharged toward the booklet stacking unit 33.

The cover sheet storage unit 318 includes, for example, a cover sheet feed tray 318a as a cover sheet tray for storing cover sheets. In the present embodiment, the cover sheet storage unit 318 includes a single cover sheet feed tray 318 a provided in the bookbinding unit 31 of the case binding machine 3.
The cover sheet feed tray 318a of the cover sheet storage unit 318 includes, for example, a presence detection unit that detects whether or not a cover sheet is stored, a size detection unit that detects the size of the stored cover sheet, and the like. The signal is output to the case binding machine control unit 35.

  The transport unit 319 includes, for example, a transport roller, a transport belt, and a motor that drives these. For example, according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35, a cover sheet storage unit 318 (cover sheet feed tray 318a). ) Is transported along the transport path and supplied to the predetermined position P1, and the paper transported from the image forming apparatus 1 is discharged along the transport path to the discharge tray T2 and the sub-compile unit. 312 or a predetermined position P1.

  The memory unit 320 includes, for example, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or the like, and stores setting information notified from the image forming apparatus 1 according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35, for example.

  The booklet stacking unit 33 as the booklet stacking device includes, for example, a storage unit 331, a transfer unit 332, a door closing detection unit 333, a carriage mounting detection unit 334, an accumulation height detection unit 335, and a movable carriage 336. The booklet created by the bookbinding unit 31 is accumulated in the storage unit 331, or the accumulated booklet is transferred to the movable carriage 336.

For example, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, each part (including the moving carriage 336) constituting the booklet stacking part 33 is accommodated in a main body 33a whose front surface is an open surface. The front side is covered with a door 33b. The door 33b is provided, for example, in an openable / closable manner at an end 33a1 on the bookbinding portion 31 side of the main body 33a. For example, the door 33b is opened when the movable carriage 336 is attached to or detached from the case binding device 3 (booklet stacking portion 33). It has become.
Here, the door 33b is locked while the case binding machine 3 is operating, for example, and cannot be opened.

  The accommodating unit 331 accumulates the completed booklet, that is, the booklet bound by the bookbinding unit 31 as an accommodating unit in accordance with, for example, a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35.

  The transfer unit 332 includes, for example, a belt conveyor and a motor that drives the belt conveyor. For example, according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35, a booklet integrated in the storage unit 331 as a transfer unit. Is transferred to the moving carriage 336.

  The door close detection unit 333 detects, for example, that the door 33b is closed as a door close detection unit, and outputs a detection signal to the case binding device control unit 35. The door closing detection unit 333 is configured by, for example, a contact sensor, and is attached at a position where the door 33b can come into contact with the door 33b when the door 33b is closed. Specifically, for example, the bookbinding unit 31 of the main body 33a. It is attached to the side end 33a1.

  For example, the cart attachment detection unit 334 detects that the movable carriage 336 is attached to the case binding machine 3 (the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33), and outputs a detection signal to the case binding machine control unit 35. The carriage attachment detection unit 334 is configured by, for example, a contact sensor, and is attached at a position where the movement carriage 336 can be contacted when the movement carriage 336 is attached to the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33. For example, it is attached at a position facing the main body 336a of the mounted mobile carriage 336 on the inner back side of the main body 33a.

  The accumulated height detection unit 335 detects, for example, that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined height (upper limit of accumulation), and sends a detection signal to the case binding unit control unit 35. Output. The integrated height detection unit 335 is attached at a position determined based on the integrated height when the storage unit 331 is fully loaded, for example, and specifically includes a contact sensor, for example. When the booklet accumulated in the storage portion 331 reaches the upper limit of accumulation, the booklet is attached at a position where it can come into contact with the portion that has reached the upper limit of accumulation.

  The movable carriage 336 includes, for example, a main body 336a, a handle 336b attached to the upper surface of the main body 336a, wheels 336c attached to the lower surface of the main body 336a, and the like, for example, the handle 336b. Therefore, the main body 33 a of the booklet stacking unit 33 is attached to and detached from the front side of the booklet stacking unit 33.

  For example, a booklet transport unit 336a1, a transfer completion detection unit 336a2, and the like are provided on the main body 336a of the movable carriage 336.

  The booklet transport unit 336a1 includes, for example, a belt conveyor and a motor that drives the belt conveyor. For example, when the moving carriage 336 is mounted on the booklet stacking unit 33, the booklet transport unit 336a1 is controlled according to a control signal input from the case binding machine control unit 35. The booklet transferred from the storage unit 331 to the movable carriage 336 is conveyed to a predetermined position on the main body 336a of the movable carriage 336.

For example, when the moving carriage 336 is mounted on the booklet stacking unit 33, the transfer completion detecting unit 336a2 detects that the transfer of the booklet from the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage 336 is completed, and wraps a detection signal. The data is output to the bookbinding machine control unit 35.
Here, when the transfer of the booklet is completed, for example, the end of the booklet transferred to the movable carriage 336 (the end opposite to the end on the bookbinding part 31 side) This is a case where the vicinity of the end of the main body 336a (the end on the side opposite to the end on the bookbinding unit 31) is reached, and the transfer completion detection unit 336a2 is constituted by, for example, a contact sensor, and the movable carriage 336 When the end of the booklet transferred to the end of the main body 336a of the movable carriage 336 reaches the vicinity of the end, the end of the booklet is attached to a position where it can contact the end.
For example, when the transfer completion detection unit 336a2 detects that the booklet transfer is completed, the case binding machine control unit 35 ends the booklet transfer by the booklet transfer unit 336a1. Thus, the booklet can be transferred to the moving carriage 336 without protruding from the main body 336a of the moving carriage 336. Therefore, the bookbinding machine 3 (booklet stacking section 33) that places the booklet created by the bookbinding section 31 on the moving carriage 336. It is preferable that the booklet is not easily dropped from the movable carriage 336 when it is taken out or transported.

The case binding machine control unit 35 performs centralized control of the operation of each part constituting the case binding machine 3.
Specifically, the case binding machine control unit 35 includes, for example, a CPU 351, a RAM 352, a storage unit 353, and the like as illustrated in FIG.

  For example, the CPU 351 performs various control operations according to various processing programs for the case binding machine 3 stored in the storage unit 353.

  The RAM 352 includes, for example, a program storage area for expanding a processing program executed by the CPU 351, a data storage area for storing input data, a processing result generated when the processing program is executed, and the like.

  The storage unit 353 stores, for example, a system program that can be executed by the case binding machine 3, various processing programs that can be executed by the system program, data that is used when these various processing programs are executed, and the like. Note that the program is stored in the storage unit 353 in the form of a computer-readable program code.

  Specifically, the storage unit 353 stores a determination program 353a, a transfer control program 353b, and the like as shown in FIG.

The CPU 351 that has executed the determination program 353a determines, for example, whether or not the moving carriage 336 is mounted on the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33 as mounting determination means.
Specifically, for example, when a detection signal from the carriage attachment detection unit 334 is input to the case binding machine control unit 35, the CPU 351 determines that the movable carriage 336 is attached to the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33.

The CPU 351 that has executed the determination program 353a determines, for example, as a height determination unit, whether or not the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined height.
Specifically, for example, when a detection signal from the integrated height detection unit 335 is input to the case binding machine control unit 35, the CPU 351 determines that the integrated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is a predetermined height. It is determined that

In addition, the CPU 351 that has executed the determination program 353a determines, for example, whether the number of booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold as a book number determination unit.
Here, the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is likely to collapse when the number of sheets forming a bundle of sheets for one book is small. This is because the thickness of the end portion on the side to which the glue is applied (back cover side thickness) is larger than the thickness of the end portion on the side opposite to the side to which the paste is applied (thickness side thickness), etc. If there is a small number of sheets in one booklet, each booklet will not be stable and the number of stacks that can be stacked in the storage section 331 will increase. This is because the thickness of the end portion (back cover side thickness) is more likely to be affected by the thickness of the end portion on the side opposite to the side to which the paste is applied (thickness on the edge side). . Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the number of paper bundles for one book is small, it is determined that the load collapse condition is satisfied when the number of stacked books reaches a predetermined threshold. Specifically, for example, if the number of sheets in one book is 50 or less, if there is a high risk of collapse of cargo when the number of stacked books exceeds 50, the predetermined threshold is set to 50. Judgment will be made on the conditions of the collapse of cargo.
That is, for example, when the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the accommodation unit 331 is small (for example, when the number of sheet bundles for one book is 50 or less), the CPU 351 accommodates the accommodation unit 331. It is determined whether or not the number of booklets accumulated in the book has reached a predetermined threshold (for example, 50).

In addition, the CPU 351 that has executed the determination program 353a determines, for example, whether the job execution by the bookbinding unit 31 has ended as an end determination unit.
Specifically, for example, when a series of operations (one job) related to the bookbinding process performed by the case binding machine 3 is finished, the CPU 351 determines that the job execution by the bookbinding unit 31 is finished.

  For example, when the automatic transfer mode is set as the transfer control unit, the CPU 351 that has executed the transfer control program 353b, when a predetermined transfer condition among a plurality of transfer conditions is satisfied, The transfer unit 332 is operated to transfer the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage 336.

Specifically, for example, when “when the moving carriage 336 is set in the booklet stacking unit 33” is set as the automatic transfer timing (“the moving carriage 336 is mounted on the booklet stacking unit 33 as the transfer condition”). CPU 351 sets the moving carriage 336 in the booklet stacking unit 33 and, when the transferable state is set, the CPU 351 transfers the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage 336. Transfer. In other words, when the CPU 351 determines that the moving carriage 336 is mounted on the booklet stacking unit 33 by the CPU 351 that has executed the determination program 353a, and the CPU 351 determines that transfer is possible, the CPU 351 moves the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage. 336.
Here, for example, when the door 33b is closed (when a detection signal from the door close detection unit 333 is input to the case binding machine control unit 35), the CPU 351 determines that transfer is possible.

  Further, for example, when “when the accommodating portion 331 is full (full) of booklets” is set as the automatic transfer timing (“stacking height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 as the transfer condition”). CPU 351 moves the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage 336 when the storage unit 331 is full (full). Included. That is, the CPU 351 moves the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 when the CPU 351 executing the determination program 353a determines that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined height. Transferred to the dolly 336.

  Also, for example, when “when the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition” is set as the automatic transfer timing (“collection of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 as the transfer condition”). When the condition that the number of booklets has reached a predetermined threshold is set), the CPU 351 moves the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage when the booklet integrated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition. 336. That is, the CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a when the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is small (for example, when the number of sheet bundles for one book is 50 or less). When the CPU 351 determines that the number of booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold value, the booklet integrated in the storage unit 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336.

  In addition, for example, “when the storage unit 331 becomes full (full load) or when the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition” is set as the automatic transfer timing. In the case ("Transfer condition" The accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 has reached a predetermined height, or the accumulated number of booklets accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 has reached a predetermined threshold value. " CPU 351 collects in the storage unit 331 when the storage unit 331 becomes full (full) with a booklet or when the booklet stored in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition. The printed booklet is transferred to the moving carriage 336. That is, the CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a when the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is large (for example, when the number of sheet bundles for one book exceeds 50 sheets). When the CPU 351 determines that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodation unit 331 has reached a predetermined height, the booklet accumulated in the accommodation unit 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336. On the other hand, when the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is small (for example, when the number of sheet bundles for one book is 50 or less), the CPU 351 that executes the determination program 353a When it is determined that the number of booklets collected in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold, the booklet stored in the storage unit 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336.

  Further, for example, when “when the bookbinding job by the case binding machine 3 is completed” is set as the automatic transfer timing (the condition that “the job execution by the bookbinding unit 31 has been completed” is set as the transfer condition). When the bookbinding job by the case binding machine 3 is completed, the CPU 351 transfers the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the movable carriage 336. That is, when the CPU 351 that has executed the determination program 353a determines that the execution of the job by the bookbinding unit 31 has ended, the CPU 351 moves the booklet (booklet created by the job) accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage. 336.

  Here, the CPU 351 can be transferred when the door close detection unit 333 detects that the door 33b is closed (that is, the detection signal from the door close detection unit 333 is input to the case binding unit control unit 35). And when the predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336. Therefore, the booklet is not transferred by the transfer unit 332 while the door 33b is open.

In addition, for example, when the manual transfer mode is set, the CPU 351 that has executed the transfer control program 353b is integrated in the storage unit 331 by the operation of the operation unit 12 (input unit 12b) of the image forming apparatus 1 by the user. When it is instructed to transfer the booklet to the moving carriage 336, the transfer unit 332 is controlled to transfer the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage 336.
Specifically, for example, the operation keys constituting the input unit 12b include a “transfer key”, and the user presses the “transfer key” to accumulate in the storage unit 331. It is instructed to transfer the printed booklet to the moving carriage 336.

<Automatic transfer processing>
Next, processing related to automatic booklet transfer to the moving carriage 336 by the case binding machine 3 included in the image forming system 1000 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

  First, the CPU 351 of the case binding machine 3 determines whether setting information is received from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S1).

If it is determined in step S1 that setting information has not been received from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S1; No), the CPU 351 repeatedly performs the process of step S1.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S1 that the setting information has been received from the image forming apparatus 1 (step S1; Yes), the CPU 351 determines whether or not the automatic transfer mode has been set based on the received setting information. (Step S2). Specifically, when the user operates the operation unit 12 (input unit 12b) of the image forming apparatus 1 to set the automatic transfer mode and the transfer conditions are set, the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 1 The setting notification program 193a is executed to notify the case binding machine 3 of the setting information. In this case, the CPU 351 determines that the automatic transfer mode has been set. On the other hand, when the user operates the operation unit 12 (input unit 12b) of the image forming apparatus 1 and the manual transfer mode is set, the CPU 191 of the image forming apparatus 1 executes the setting notification program 193a and The setting information is notified to the case binding machine 3. In this case, the CPU 351 determines that the automatic transfer mode is not set.

If it is determined in step S2 that the automatic transfer mode is not set (step S2; No), that is, if it is determined that the manual transfer mode is set, the CPU 351 ends this process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S2 that the automatic transfer mode is set (step S2; Yes), the CPU 351 stores the received setting information in the memory unit 320 (step S3).

  Next, the CPU 351 determines whether or not the door 33b is closed, that is, whether or not a detection signal from the door close detection unit 333 is input to the case binding machine control unit 35 (step S4).

If it is determined in step S4 that the door 33b is not closed (step S4; No), the CPU 351 repeats the process of step S4.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S4 that the door close detection unit 333 detects that the door 33b is closed (step S4; Yes), the CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a to execute the determination of the booklet stacking unit 33. It is determined whether or not the movable carriage 336 is attached to the main body 33a (step S5).

If it is determined in step S5 that the moving carriage 336 is not mounted on the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33 (step S5; No), the CPU 351 ends this process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the moving carriage 336 is attached to the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33 (step S5; Yes), the CPU 351 determines whether or not the booklet is on the moving carriage 336 (step S6). ). Specifically, the CPU 351 determines that the booklet is on the moving carriage 336 when the detection signal from the transfer completion detection unit 336a2 is input to the case binding machine control unit 35.

If it is determined in step S6 that the booklet is on the moving carriage 336 (step S6; Yes), the CPU 351 ends this process.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S6 that the booklet is not on the moving carriage 336 (step S6; No), the CPU 351 determines “booklet stacking” as the automatic transfer timing based on the setting information stored in the memory unit 20. It is determined whether or not “when moving carriage 336 is set in section 33” is set (step S7).

If it is determined in step S7 that “when the moving carriage 336 is set in the booklet stacking unit 33” is set as the automatic transfer timing (step S7; Yes), the CPU 351 executes the transfer control program 353b. Then, the transfer unit 332 is controlled to transfer the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the movable carriage 336 (step S8), and this process is terminated.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S7 that “when the moving carriage 336 is set in the booklet stacking unit 33” is not set as the automatic transfer timing (step S7; No), the CPU 351 determines the automatic transfer timing. It is determined whether or not “when the accommodating portion 331 is full (full) in a booklet” is set (step S9).

  In step S9, when it is determined that “when the storage unit 331 is full (full) in the booklet” is set as the automatic transfer timing (step S9; Yes), the CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a. Then, it is determined whether or not the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 has reached a predetermined height (step S10).

If it is determined in step S10 that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has not reached the predetermined height (step S10; No), the CPU 351 repeats the process of step S10.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S10 that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined height (step S10; Yes), the CPU 351 proceeds to the process in step S8.

  If it is determined in step S9 that “when the accommodating portion 331 is full (full) in the booklet” is not set as the automatic transfer timing (step S9; No), the CPU 351 automatically transfers. It is determined whether or not “when the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the collapse condition” is set as the timing (step S11).

  In step S11, when it is determined that “when the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition” is set as the automatic transfer timing (step S11; Yes), the CPU 351 stores in the storage unit 331. It is determined whether or not the number of sheet bundles for one booklet to be collected is small (for example, whether or not the number of sheet bundles for one book is 50 or less) (step S12).

If it is determined in step S12 that the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is not small (for example, the number of sheet bundles for one book is not 50 or less) (step S12; No). The CPU 351 ends this process.
On the other hand, when it is determined in step S12 that the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is small (for example, the number of sheet bundles for one book is 50 or less) (step S12; Yes), the CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a to determine whether or not the number of booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold value (step S13).

If it is determined in step S13 that the number of booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 has not reached the predetermined threshold (step S13; No), the CPU 351 repeatedly performs the process in step S13.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S13 that the number of booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold (step S13; Yes), the CPU 351 proceeds to the process in step S8.

  If it is determined in step S11 that “when the booklet accumulated in the storage portion 331 satisfies the load collapse condition” is not set as the automatic transfer timing (step S11; No), the CPU 351 determines whether the automatic transfer is performed. It is determined whether or not “when the storage unit 331 becomes full (full load), or when the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition” is set as the loading timing ( Step S14).

  In step S14, "when the storage unit 331 is full (full load) or when the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the load collapse condition" is set as the automatic transfer timing. If it is determined (step S14; Yes), the CPU 351 determines whether or not the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is small (for example, the number of sheet bundles for one book is 50 or less). Whether or not) (step S15).

  If it is determined in step S15 that the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is small (for example, the number of sheet bundles for one book is 50 or less) (step S15; Yes). The CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a to determine whether or not the number of booklets stacked in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold (step S16).

If it is determined in step S16 that the number of booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 has not reached the predetermined threshold (step S16; No), the CPU 351 repeatedly performs the process of step S16.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S16 that the number of books stacked in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold (step S16; Yes), the CPU 351 proceeds to the process in step S8.

  Further, when it is determined in step S15 that the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is not small (for example, the number of sheet bundles for one book is not less than 50) (step S15; No), the CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a to determine whether or not the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 has reached a predetermined height (step S17).

If it is determined in step S17 that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has not reached the predetermined height (step S17; No), the CPU 351 repeats the process of step S17.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S17 that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined height (step S17; Yes), the CPU 351 proceeds to the process in step S8.

  In step S14, “when the storage unit 331 is full (full load) or when the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 satisfies the collapse condition” is set as the automatic transfer timing. If it is determined that it is not (step S14; No), that is, when “when the bookbinding job by the case binding machine 3 is completed” is set as the automatic transfer timing, the CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a. Then, it is determined whether or not the job execution by the bookbinding unit 31 is completed (step S18). Specifically, for example, the CPU 351 determines whether or not the job executed after the setting information is stored in the memory unit 20 in step S3 is completed.

If it is determined in step S18 that the job execution by the bookbinding unit 31 has ended (step S18; Yes), the CPU 351 proceeds to the process of step S8.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S18 that the execution of the job by the bookbinding unit 31 has not ended (step S18; No), the CPU 351 has a small number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331. (For example, whether or not the number of sheets in one book is 50 or less) is determined (step S19).

  If it is determined in step S19 that the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is small (for example, the number of sheet bundles for one book is 50 or less) (step S19; Yes). The CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a to determine whether or not the number of booklets stacked in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold (step S20).

If it is determined in step S20 that the number of booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 has not reached the predetermined threshold (step S20; No), the CPU 351 repeatedly performs the processing from step S18.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S20 that the number of stacked books stacked in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold (step S20; Yes), the CPU 351 proceeds to the process of step S8.

  If it is determined in step S19 that the number of sheet bundles for one booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is not small (for example, the number of sheet bundles for one book is not less than 50) (step S19; No), the CPU 351 executes the determination program 353a, and determines whether or not the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 has reached a predetermined height (step S21).

If it is determined in step S21 that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has not reached the predetermined height (step S21; No), the CPU 351 repeats the process of step S18.
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S21 that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined height (step S21; Yes), the CPU 351 proceeds to the process in step S8.

According to the image forming system 1000 of the present invention described above and the booklet stacking device included in the image forming system 1000, the booklet stacking device (booklet stacking unit 33) is a bookbinding device (bookbinding unit 31 and case binding machine control unit 35). A storage unit 331 that collects booklets that have been bound, a movable carriage 336 that can be attached to and detached from the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33, and a transfer unit 332 that transfers the booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the mobile carriage 336. When the predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336.
That is, when a predetermined transfer condition among a plurality of transfer conditions is satisfied, the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is automatically transferred to the moving carriage 336, which is convenient.
In addition, since there are a plurality of transfer conditions, it is easier to use than a case where there is only one transfer condition as in a conventional booklet stacking apparatus.

Further, according to the image forming system 1000 of the present invention described above and the booklet stacking apparatus included in the image forming system 1000, it is determined that the movable carriage 336 is attached to the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33, and the transfer If it is determined that the booklet is possible, the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336.
That is, for example, when it is desired to transfer the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 to the moving carriage 336, the booklet is automatically transferred to the moving carriage 336 only by mounting the moving carriage 336 on the main body 33a of the booklet collecting unit 33. Therefore, it is easy to use.

Further, according to the image forming system 1000 of the present invention described above and the booklet stacking apparatus included in the image forming system 1000, when it is determined that the stacking height of the booklets stacked in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined height, The booklet accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336.
That is, when the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the storage means reaches a predetermined height (specifically, for example, when the storage unit 331 is full (full) with the booklet), the booklet becomes a moving carriage. Since it is automatically transferred to 336, it is easy to use.

Further, according to the image forming system 1000 and the booklet stacking apparatus included in the image forming system 1000 described above, when it is determined that the number of booklets stacked in the storage unit 331 has reached a predetermined threshold, the storage unit The booklet accumulated in 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336.
That is, when the number of booklets accumulated in the storage unit 331 reaches a predetermined threshold value (specifically, for example, before the possibility of collapsing of the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 increases) Since the booklet is automatically transferred to the moving carriage 336, the occurrence of booklet collapse is suppressed, and the usability is good.

Further, according to the image forming system 1000 of the present invention and the booklet stacking apparatus included in the image forming system 1000 described above, when it is determined that the job execution by the bookbinding apparatus is completed, the booklet stacked in the storage unit 331 is moved to the moving carriage. 336 to be transferred.
That is, when the bookbinding job is completed, the booklet created by the bookbinding job is automatically transferred to the movable carriage 336, so that it is easy to use.

Further, according to the image forming system 1000 of the present invention described above and the booklet stacking apparatus included in the image forming system 1000, the booklet stacking apparatus is a door that is opened when the movable carriage 336 is attached to and detached from the main body 33a of the booklet stacking unit 33. 33b, when the door 33b is detected to be closed and a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, the booklet accumulated in the accommodating portion 331 is transferred to the movable carriage 336. .
That is, since the booklet is not automatically transferred unless the door 33b is closed, the inside of the booklet stacking unit 33 (for example, the booklet transport unit 336a1 of the movable carriage 336) is touched during the automatic booklet transfer. Can not be safe.

Further, according to the image forming system 1000 of the present invention described above, when the predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, the booklet accumulated in the storage unit 331 by the transfer unit 332 is transferred to the movable carriage 336. An input unit 12b is provided for the user to select whether or not.
Therefore, since the user can select whether to set the automatic transfer mode or the manual transfer mode, it is easy to use.

  The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and can be appropriately changed without departing from the gist thereof.

  The image forming apparatus 1 may be connected to an external apparatus via a communication network such as a LAN (Local Area Network) so that data can be transmitted and received. In this case, the image forming apparatus 1 may be configured so that an image can be formed and output on a sheet based on not only the image data generated by the image reading unit 15 but also data input from an external device.

  The number of paper feed trays 13a included in the image forming apparatus 1 and the large-capacity paper feeder 1a and the number of cover paper feed trays 318a included in the case binding machine 3 (bookbinding unit 31) are not limited to the above embodiments. Is optional.

  The image forming system 1000 may not include the large-capacity paper feeding device 1a, and may include a post-processing device (for example, a multi-folding device) other than the case binding machine 3.

  The bookbinding apparatus of the present invention is not limited to the case binding machine 3 (bookbinding unit 31) which applies a glue to a sheet bundle and wraps the sheet bundle with a cover sheet to create a booklet. Any bookbinding device that binds a bundle of sheets to a cover sheet and binds the bundle of sheets into a booklet can be used.For example, by binding a bundle of sheets to a cover sheet by stapling, A bookbinding apparatus that binds a bundle of sheets into a booklet may be used.

The door closing detection unit 333, the carriage mounting detection unit 334, the integrated height detection unit 335, and the transfer completion detection unit 336a2 are not limited to the contact type sensors, and are specifically, for example, a light transmission type Or a light reflection type sensor.
Further, the arrangement position and the number of the door closing detection unit 333, the carriage mounting detection unit 334, the integrated height detection unit 335, and the transfer completion detection unit 336a2 are not limited to the example of the above embodiment and are arbitrary.

The operation unit 12 may be provided in the image forming system 1000, may be provided in both the image forming apparatus 1 and the case binding machine 3, or may be provided only in the case binding machine 3. good.
When the operation unit 12 is provided in both the image forming apparatus 1 and the case binding machine 3 or only in the case binding machine 3, a screen as shown in FIG. 4 or 5 is displayed. The case binding machine control unit 35 may be configured so that it can be displayed on the display unit 12a of the operation unit 12 included in the bookbinding machine 3.

  The movable carriage 336 is not limited to being attached to and detached from the main body 33a from the front side of the booklet stacking unit 33 as long as it can be attached to and detached from the main body 33a. For example, the left side of the booklet stacking unit 33 (facing the bookbinding unit 31 side). You may comprise so that it may attach or detach from the side surface.

Each part constituting the bookbinding part 31 and each part constituting the booklet stacking part 33 may be accommodated in the same casing.
In the above embodiment, the same control unit (case binding machine control unit 35) controls each unit of the bookbinding apparatus (bookbinding unit 31) and each unit of the booklet stacking apparatus (booklet stacking unit 33). However, the control unit that controls each unit of the bookbinding apparatus (bookbinding unit 31) and the control unit that controls each unit of the booklet stacking apparatus (booklet stacking unit 33) may be separate. In this case, the determination program 353a and the transfer control program 353b may be stored in a storage unit of a control unit that controls each unit of the bookbinding device (bookbinding unit 31), or the booklet stacking device (booklet stacking unit 33). You may memorize | store in the memory | storage part of the control part which controls each part.
Further, the determination program 353 a and the transfer control program 353 b may be provided in the image forming system 1000, and may be stored in the storage unit 193 of the image forming apparatus control unit 19, for example.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of an image forming system according to an exemplary embodiment. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a cross-sectional configuration of a case binding machine included in an image forming system according to an embodiment. It is a screen for making a user choose whether to transfer the booklet accumulated by the transfer part to the storage part displayed on a display part to a moving trolley. It is a screen for making a user set transfer conditions displayed on a display part. It is a 1st flowchart for demonstrating the process regarding the automatic transfer of the booklet to a mobile trolley by the case binding machine with which the image forming system of this embodiment is provided. It is a 2nd flowchart for demonstrating the process regarding the automatic transfer of the booklet to a mobile trolley by the case binding machine with which the image forming system of this embodiment is provided. 10 is a third flowchart for explaining processing related to automatic transfer of a booklet to a moving carriage by a case binding machine included in the image forming system of the embodiment. 10 is a fourth flowchart for explaining processing related to automatic transfer of a booklet to a moving carriage by a case binding machine included in the image forming system of the embodiment. It is a 5th flowchart for demonstrating the process regarding the automatic transfer of the booklet to a mobile trolley by the case binding machine with which the image forming system of this embodiment is provided.

Explanation of symbols

12b Input unit (selection means)
31 Bookbinding (bookbinding equipment)
33 Booklet collection unit (booklet collection device)
33a body 33b door 35 case binding machine control unit (bookbinding device, booklet stacking device)
331 Accommodation part (accommodation means)
332 Transfer section (transfer means)
333 Door closing detection unit (door closing detection means)
336 Moving cart 351 CPU (mounting judgment means, height judgment means, book number judgment means, end judgment means, transfer control means)
353a judgment program (mounting judgment means, height judgment means, number of books judgment means, end judgment means)
353b Transfer control program (transfer control means)
1000 Image forming system

Claims (8)

In a booklet stacking apparatus having a storing means for stacking booklets bound by a bookbinding apparatus,
A movable carriage detachably attached to the main body of the booklet stacking device;
Transfer means for transferring booklets accumulated in the storage means to the mobile carriage;
A transfer control means for operating the transfer means when a predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, and transferring the booklet accumulated in the storage means to the movable carriage;
A booklet stacking device comprising: The booklet accumulating device according to claim 1,
An attachment determining means for determining whether or not the movable carriage is attached to the main body of the booklet stacking device;
The transfer control unit operates the transfer unit when the mounting determination unit determines that the movable carriage is mounted on the main body and determines that the transfer can be performed. A booklet stacking apparatus, wherein the booklets stacked are transferred to the movable carriage. In the booklet accumulating device according to claim 1 or 2,
A height judging means for judging whether or not the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating means has reached a predetermined height;
The transfer control means operates the transfer means when the height determining means determines that the accumulated height of the booklet accumulated in the accommodating means has reached a predetermined height, and A booklet stacking apparatus, wherein the booklet stacked on the means is transferred to the movable carriage. In the booklet accumulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
Comprising a number-of-books judging means for judging whether or not the number of booklets accumulated in the storage means has reached a predetermined threshold;
The transfer control means operates the transfer means when the number of booklets accumulated in the storage means has been determined by the number-of-books determination means to reach a predetermined threshold, and the transfer control means A booklet stacking apparatus, wherein the booklet is transferred to the movable carriage. In the booklet accumulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
The booklet stacking device is:
A door that is opened when the movable carriage is attached to and detached from the main body of the booklet stacking device;
Door closing detection means for detecting that the door is closed,
The transfer control means operates the transfer means when the door closing detection means detects that the door is closed and the predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, and the storage means A booklet stacking apparatus, wherein the booklet stacked on the mobile carriage is transferred to the movable carriage. In the booklet accumulation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
When the predetermined transfer condition is satisfied, a selection unit is provided for the user to select whether or not the booklet accumulated in the storage unit by the transfer unit is transferred to the movable carriage. A booklet accumulator. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on paper;
A bookbinding apparatus for binding a booklet from a plurality of sheets of images formed by the image forming apparatus;
The booklet stacking apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising a storage unit that stacks booklets bound by the bookbinding apparatus.
An image forming system comprising: The image forming system according to claim 7.
An end determination unit that determines whether or not the execution of the job by the bookbinding apparatus has ended;
The transfer control unit activates the transfer unit when the end determination unit determines that the job execution by the bookbinding apparatus is completed, and the booklet accumulated in the storage unit is transferred to the movable carriage. An image forming system characterized by being transferred.

Images