JP2011073869A - Image forming device, post-processing device and image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To eliminate processing for reversing a conveying direction of a cover by contriving a cover conveying control during saddle stitching processing, and to considerably reduce binding processing time for a user wanting to give priority to productivity. <P>SOLUTION: This image forming device includes a control unit 90 controlling a post-processing device 200 based on selection of a first or second binding processing mode to be received by an operation display part 9. When the selection of the second binding processing mode is received, a display control is performed to display the effect that the cover is remounted in an opposite direction of the cover direction in the second binding processing mode, and a confirmation operation of the cover direction remounted in the opposite direction of the cover direction in the second binding processing mode is received. Based on the confirmation operation of the cover direction, conveyance of one or more sheets of paper formed with images on prescribed surfaces is received, and a third binding processing mode for binding a paper bundle attached with the cover of the first copy remounted in the opposite direction is executed for the paper bundle in which the paper is arranged to be uniform. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention is suitable for application to a post-processing system or the like that bundles a plurality of sheets after image formation, attaches a cover to the sheet bundle, performs saddle stitching, and then folds to create a booklet. The present invention relates to a forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus, and an image forming system.

  In recent years, an image forming (post-processing) system is used that bundles a plurality of sheets of images formed by an image forming apparatus, attaches a cover to the sheet bundle, performs saddle stitching, and then folds to create a booklet. There have been a lot of cases.

  In relation to this type of post-processing system, Patent Document 1 discloses an image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus includes an image input unit, first and second stacking units, an image forming unit, a conveying unit, and an image processing unit. The image input means inputs an image. The first stacking unit stacks sheets. The image forming unit forms an image on the sheet. The conveying unit reverses the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming unit and conveys the sheet to the second stacking unit.

  The second stacking unit stacks a sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit and reversely conveyed by the conveying unit. On the premise of this, the image processing means aligns the orientation of the image of the sheet conveyed from the first stacking means with the orientation of the image of the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming means to the second stacking means. In order to load the image, image processing is performed on the image input by the input unit.

  When the image forming apparatus is configured as described above, when the sheet from the first stacking unit and the sheet from the image forming unit are mixedly loaded on the second stacking unit, the orientation of the image of the sheet from the first stacking unit And the orientation of the image on the sheet from the image forming means can be easily matched, and problems that occur when post-processing such as binding processing can be prevented.

  Further, in relation to the post-processing system, Patent Document 2 discloses an image forming system. According to this image forming system, the image forming apparatus and the insert device are provided, and when inserting the insertion paper carried out from the insert device into the recording paper output from the image forming device, the reversing means, the paper type setting means, Insert type setting means, setting value storage means, insertion switching means, reverse determination means, and paper discharge control means are provided.

  The reversing unit performs the reversing process of the insertion sheet. The paper type setting means sets the paper type of the insertion paper. The insert type setting means sets a method for inserting the insertion sheet of the paper type set by the paper type setting means into the recording paper. The setting value storage means stores the setting values set by the paper type setting means and the insert type setting means. The insertion switching means switches whether the reversing means is applied to the inserted sheet or whether the sheet is conveyed as it is without being reversed by the set value storage means. The reversal judging means judges whether or not the stored paper type can be reversed by the reversing means by the set value storage means. On the premise of this, the paper discharge control means controls the paper discharge so as to change the paper discharge order of the insertion switching means and the output paper according to the result of the reverse determination means.

  When the image forming system is configured as described above, even when the paper type setting unit sets an insertion sheet of a paper type that cannot be reversed by the reversing unit, the user stacks without being aware of the loading direction of the insertion sheet. The paper discharge control can be executed.

Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2003-021984 (page 8 FIG. 5) Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2007-119159 (FIG. 8 on page 7)

  By the way, in a post-processing apparatus that creates a booklet by bundling a plurality of sheets after image formation, attaching a cover to the sheet bundle, and then folding the sheet, and an image forming system including the same. According to the following problems.

  i. According to the image forming apparatus as seen in Patent Document 1, even in a case where the binding processing mode is different in post-processing with cover insertion, such as flat binding processing or saddle stitching processing, cover sheet feeding is performed. In order to make it possible to stack the cover so that the set direction of the cover on the same surface is the same surface, an imposition processing function is added to the image forming apparatus, and a reversing mechanism for reversing the cover is provided in the post-processing apparatus. It is addressed.

  However, in general, for users including beginners, even when the binding processing mode is different, priority is given to stacking the cover so that the setting direction of the cover is the same surface. When performing the process, the user is dissatisfied with the saddle stitching process in that the processing time relating to the inversion of the cover using the reversing mechanism in the post-processing apparatus hinders the high-speed saddle stitching process. As a result, there is a concern that a user who wants to prioritize productivity needs a wasteful time related to the reversing process in the execution time of the saddle stitching process, and the productivity of the post-processing apparatus is lowered.

  ii. Further, according to the image forming system as disclosed in Patent Document 2, in the post-processing that involves cover insertion, if the cover is used with a large amount of cover and the cover cannot be passed through the reversing means, the cover is reversed. A method of dealing with the imposition processing on the image forming apparatus side without using any means is employed.

  However, according to the imposition process that changes the order of forming the images to be formed on the paper, clearing the condition that the cover stacking direction is maintained in a certain direction and the condition that the reversing unit is not passed is necessary for productivity. Although not so much related, there is a problem that the imposition processing of the image forming apparatus is complicated.

  Accordingly, the present invention solves the above-described problem, and devise cover transport control during saddle stitching processing so that processing for reversing the cover transport direction can be omitted, and productivity should be given priority. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus, and an image forming system that can significantly reduce the binding processing time for a user.

  In order to solve the above problems, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention receives a first copy of a cover sheet placed in a predetermined orientation and forms an image on a predetermined surface in the post-processing apparatus. The operation of binding one or more sheets of paper and binding the cover sheet and a bundle of sheets with the sheets aligned is set as a first binding processing mode, and the post-processing device uses one of the cover sheets placed in a predetermined direction. The cover sheet that has been transported by the second copy, reverses the transport direction of the cover sheet, and has been transported by one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface, and has been reversed into a sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned. When the second binding processing mode is set to bind the bundle of sheets with the image forming unit, an image forming unit that forms an image on a predetermined surface of the sheet, and the sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming unit Select the first or second binding processing mode And a control unit that controls the post-processing device based on the selection of the first or second binding processing mode received by the selection unit, and the control unit is controlled by the selection unit. When the selection of the second binding processing mode is accepted, display control is performed so as to display that the cover is to be repositioned in the direction opposite to the cover direction of the second binding processing mode. Then, an operation for confirming the orientation of the cover that is repositioned in a direction opposite to the orientation of the cover in the second binding processing mode is received, and a predetermined surface is determined based on the operation for confirming the orientation of the cover that is received here. 1 or more sheets having an image formed thereon are conveyed, and the first set of cover sheets that have been repositioned in the opposite direction are attached to the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned to form a sheet bundle. Execute the third binding processing mode for binding. Is characterized in that to control the urchin the post-processing apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, the image forming unit forms an image on a predetermined surface of the paper. The selection unit accepts selection of the first or second binding processing mode for the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit. The control unit controls the post-processing device based on the selection of the first or second binding processing mode received by the selection unit. Based on this assumption, the control unit places the cover in the direction opposite to the cover direction of the second binding process mode when the selection unit accepts the selection of the second binding process mode. Display control is performed so as to display a message to reset. The selection unit accepts an operation for confirming the orientation of the cover that is repositioned in a direction opposite to the cover direction in the second binding processing mode. Based on the cover direction confirmation operation received by the selection unit, the control unit receives one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface and opposes the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned. The post-processing device is controlled so as to execute a third binding processing mode in which a first cover that is placed again in the direction is attached to bind the sheet bundle. By this control, the third binding process mode can be executed as an exception process of the second binding process mode, so that the process of reversing the cover sheet conveyance direction in the second binding process mode can be omitted.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is a case where selection of the second binding process mode is accepted, and the cover is placed in a direction opposite to the cover direction of the second binding process mode. It further comprises a setting unit that switches the display of re-setting to the display of placing the cover in a predetermined direction of the second binding processing mode and sets the second binding processing mode. To do.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, the control unit sets the first binding processing mode to the post-processing device and receives a first copy of a cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction. Receiving the conveyance of one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface, and executing the first control for binding the cover sheet and the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned, and the second binding processing mode is Set in the processing device, receive the first copy of the cover placed in a predetermined orientation, reverse the transport direction of the cover, and at least one sheet of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface The second control for receiving the conveyance, aligning the paper, attaching the inverted cover and binding the paper, or setting the third binding processing mode in the post-processing device, Receiving one or more sheets of paper having an image formed thereon, aligning the sheets, Receiving conveyance of the cover of the first set which is re-mounted to a pair of orientation is characterized in performing a third control for binding a bundle of sheets aligned the cover and the paper.

  A post-processing apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention receives a first copy of a cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction and conveys one or more sheets on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface by the image forming apparatus. In response, the first binding processing unit that binds the cover and the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned and the first copy of the cover placed in a predetermined direction are received, the transport direction of the cover is reversed, Second binding for receiving one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface by the image forming apparatus and attaching the inverted cover to the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned and binding the sheet bundle And when the selection of the first or second binding processing unit is accepted and the selection of the second binding processing unit is accepted in the image forming apparatus, the second binding is further performed. In the opposite direction to the cover orientation in the processing section Is displayed, and the second binding processing unit accepts an operation for confirming the orientation of the cover, which is aligned in the opposite direction, and the second binding processing unit receives from the image forming apparatus Upon receipt of one or more sheets of paper having an image formed on a predetermined surface based on the notified operation information for checking the orientation of the cover, the sheet is aligned in the opposite direction to the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned. The first set of cover sheets is attached to bind the sheet bundle.

  In the post-processing device according to claim 5, the first binding processing unit attaches the cover to the front, aligns one or more sheets, and binds one side of the sheet bundle to which the cover is attached. The binding process is performed, and the second binding processing unit attaches the cover to the front, aligns one or more sheets, binds the central part of the sheet bundle with the cover, and then sets the central part A saddle stitching process for bending at the boundary is executed.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the post-processing apparatus, the first copy of the cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction is received and one or more sheets on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface are transferred. In response to this, the operation of binding the cover and the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned is set as the first binding processing mode, and the post-processing apparatus receives the first copy of the cover placed in a predetermined direction, Reversing the transport direction of the cover sheet, receiving the transport of one or more sheets with images formed on a predetermined surface, and binding the sheet cover by attaching the inverted cover sheet to the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned. When the operation is the second binding processing mode, the image forming unit that forms an image on a predetermined surface of the paper, and the first or second binding processing mode for the paper on which the image is formed by the image forming unit Selection part that accepts selection of An image forming apparatus having a control unit that controls the post-processing device based on the selection of the first or second binding processing mode received by the selection unit, and a first that executes the first binding processing mode. And a post-processing device having a second binding processing unit that executes the second binding processing mode, and the control unit of the image forming apparatus performs the second binding by the selection unit. When the selection of the processing mode is accepted, display control is performed so as to display that the cover is to be repositioned in a direction opposite to the cover direction of the second binding processing mode, Accepts an operation for confirming the orientation of the cover that is repositioned in the direction opposite to the orientation of the cover in the binding processing mode of No. 2, and forms an image on a predetermined surface based on the operation for confirming the orientation of the cover For one or more The third binding processing mode for binding the sheet bundle by attaching the first cover sheet that has been repositioned in the opposite direction to the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned is executed. The post-processing apparatus is controlled.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect of the present invention, the image forming apparatus includes the control unit that controls the post-processing device based on the selection of the first or second binding processing mode, and the control unit is based on the confirmation operation of the cover orientation. A sheet of paper with an image formed on a predetermined surface is conveyed, and a sheet of paper with the first set of covers placed in the opposite direction is attached to the bundle of sheets aligned with the sheet. The post-processing device is controlled so as to be bound.

  With this configuration, the third binding process mode can be executed as an exception process of the second binding process mode, so that the process of reversing the cover transport direction in the second binding process mode can be omitted. Thus, when forming an image on a large number of sheets, and then aligning a plurality of sheets, attaching a cover to a bundle of sheets and forming a booklet by saddle stitching processing, for users who want to prioritize productivity, The binding processing time can be greatly shortened. Therefore, it is possible to provide a user-friendly image forming apparatus.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the setting unit that sets the second binding processing mode is provided, and the orientation of the cover that is repositioned in the direction opposite to the cover orientation of the second binding processing mode is set. Even after the confirmation operation is received, the setting unit can return the setting to the second binding processing mode.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, since the first and second binding processing modes or the third binding processing mode is set in the post-processing device and the control unit executes the binding processing control, the second processing mode is provided. The third binding process mode can be executed as an exception process of the binding process mode. Accordingly, it is possible to omit the process of reversing the cover conveyance direction as in the second binding process mode in the post-processing apparatus.

  According to the post-processing apparatus of the fourth aspect, the second sheet which receives the transport of one or more sheets after the image formation, aligns the sheets, receives the transport of the reversely placed cover, and binds the sheet bundle. And a second binding processing unit that receives one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface based on cover direction confirmation operation information notified from the image forming apparatus. The sheet bundle is bound by attaching a first cover that is aligned in the opposite direction to the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned.

  With this configuration, the process of reversing the cover conveyance direction in the second binding process mode can be omitted. Thus, when forming an image on a large number of sheets, and then aligning a plurality of sheets, attaching a cover to a bundle of sheets and forming a booklet by saddle stitching processing, for users who want to prioritize productivity, The binding processing time can be greatly shortened. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a post-processing apparatus that is easy to use.

  According to the post-processing device according to claim 5, when performing the saddle stitching process, the second binding processing unit attaches the front cover aligned in the opposite direction and binds the central portion of the sheet bundle. The front cover transport direction in the binding process can be executed without reversal, as in the flat binding process. Thus, when forming an image on a large number of sheets, and then aligning a plurality of sheets, attaching a cover to a bundle of sheets and forming a booklet by saddle stitching processing, for users who want to prioritize productivity, The saddle stitching processing time can be greatly shortened.

  According to the image forming system of the sixth aspect, since the image forming apparatus according to the present invention and the post-processing apparatus according to the present invention are provided, the third binding process mode can be executed as an exception process of the second binding process mode. Therefore, the process of reversing the cover transport direction in the second binding process mode can be omitted.

  Thus, when forming an image on a large number of sheets, and then aligning a plurality of sheets, attaching a cover to a bundle of sheets and forming a booklet by saddle stitching processing, for users who want to prioritize productivity, The binding processing time can be greatly shortened. Therefore, it is possible to provide an easy-to-use image forming system.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration example of an image forming system # 1 as an embodiment according to the present invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structural example of the post-processing apparatus 200, and the example of a conveyance path | route. It is a block diagram which shows the structural example of the control system in image forming system # 1. (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the basic setting screen G1 and the setting menu screen G2 in the display part 91 of the operation display part 9 as a 1st Example. (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the user setting screen G3 and the copy setting screen G4 in the display part 91. FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the setting value selection screen G5 in the display part 91. FIG. (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the appearance of the cover C, the papers P1-P6, and booklet SA1 at the time of the side binding mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 1) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of the side binding mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 2) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of the side stitching mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 3) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of the side binding mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 4) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of the side binding mode. (A)-(D) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a booklet preparation by the normal saddle stitching mode in image forming system # 1. (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a folding process of sheet bundle P 'by normal saddle stitching mode, and the example of the appearance of booklet SA2. (A) And (B) is the upper side figure and side view which show the example of mounting of the cover C1 by normal saddle stitching mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 1) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of saddle stitching mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 2) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of saddle stitching mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 3) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of saddle stitching mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 4) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of saddle stitching mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 5) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of saddle stitching mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 6) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of saddle stitching mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of mounting of the cover C bar (abbreviate | omitting an overline) at the time of productivity priority mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 1) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of productivity priority mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 2) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of productivity priority mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 3) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of productivity priority mode. It is explanatory drawing which shows the operation example (the 4) of the post-processing apparatus 200 at the time of productivity priority mode. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the saddle stitching mode in the image forming apparatus 100. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a saddle stitch cover setting example in the image forming apparatus 100. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of control in the saddle stitching mode in the post-processing device 200. (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the finishing setting screen G6 as a 2nd Example, and the folding binding setting screen G7. (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the application setting screen G8 and the page edit setting screen G9. (A) And (B) is explanatory drawing which shows the example of a display of the front cover paper setting screen G10 and the setting direction setting screen G11.

  Hereinafter, an image forming apparatus, a post-processing apparatus, and an image forming system according to embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  An image forming system # 1 as an embodiment shown in FIG. 1 includes an image forming apparatus 100, a post-processing apparatus 200, and a large capacity sheet feeding apparatus 300. In the image forming system # 1, for example, an image is formed on a predetermined sheet P based on image data obtained by reading from the document d. A plurality of sheets P after image formation are bundled, a cover C is attached to the sheet bundle, and binding processing is performed based on the first or second binding processing mode. A booklet obtained by folding the bundle of sheets after the binding process is discharged.

  Here, the first binding processing mode (hereinafter referred to as flat binding mode) is a state in which the post-processing apparatus 200 receives the first copy of the cover C placed in a predetermined direction and receives an image on a predetermined surface. Is an operation of binding a cover sheet C and a sheet bundle P ′ (see FIGS. 7A and 12D) in which the cover sheet C and the sheet P are aligned. The second binding processing mode (hereinafter referred to as saddle stitching mode) refers to the transport direction of the cover C when the post-processing apparatus 200 receives transport of the first copy of the cover C placed in a predetermined direction. , And the conveyance of one or more sheets of paper P on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface, the sheet bundle P ′ with the sheets P aligned is attached with the inverted cover C and the sheet bundle P The action of binding '. In the saddle stitching mode, a booklet is created by folding the sheet bundle P 'in two.

  The image forming apparatus 100 includes an apparatus main body 101. The apparatus main body 101 includes an image reading unit 1, an image processing unit 2, an image writing unit 3, an image forming unit 4, paper feed cassettes 51, 52 and 53, a manual paper feed tray 54, and first paper feed units 61 and 62. , 63, 64, 65, a second paper feed unit 66, a fixing device 7, a paper discharge unit 8, an automatic duplex copy paper feed unit (ADU) 82, and an operation display unit 9.

  The image reading unit 1 scans and exposes the document d, reads an image, and outputs image data D1. A scanner is used for the image reading unit 1. The image data D1 may be obtained by the image reading unit 1, or may be digitally processed by inputting an image signal from a personal computer or the like, an external signal from a network, an image signal from a facsimile, or the like.

  An automatic document feeder DF is mounted on the upper part of the apparatus main body 101. A document d placed on the document table of the automatic document feeder DF is conveyed in the direction of the arrow, and an image on one side or both sides of the document d is read by the optical system of the image reading unit 1 to obtain a CCD (solid-state image sensor). ) Is read into the image sensor 1A. The analog image signal photoelectrically converted by the image sensor 1A is subjected to analog processing, A / D conversion processing, shading correction processing, image compression processing, and the like in the image processing unit 2, and then converted into image data D1. Transferred to part 3.

  In the image writing unit 3, laser output light emitted from a laser diode (LD) is applied to the photosensitive drum 41 of the image forming unit 4 to form an electrostatic latent image. In the image forming unit 4 adjacent to the image writing unit 3, processing such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, separation, and cleaning is performed in order to form an image on a predetermined surface of the paper P. A transfer unit 42 is provided below the photosensitive drum 41. In this example, the black-and-white image forming function is described with respect to the image forming unit 4, but of course, yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) colors. The image forming unit 4 having an image forming function may be configured.

  Below the image forming unit 4, paper feed cassettes 51 to 53 and first paper feed units 61 to 65 are provided. A manual paper feed tray 54 and a large-capacity paper feed device 300 are provided on the right side of the apparatus main body 101 in the drawing. The paper P fed from the paper feed cassettes 51 to 53, the manual paper feed tray 54, and the first paper feeders 61 to 65 from the large-capacity paper feeder 300 is transferred to the paper P by the transfer unit 42. .

  The paper P carrying the image is fixed by the fixing device 7 and sent from the paper discharge unit 8 to the post-processing device 200. On the downstream side of the fixing device 7, a conveyance path switching plate 81 and an automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 82 are provided. The sheet P after fixing is in a case where the double-sided printing mode is set, and is sent to the automatic double-sided copy paper feeding unit 82 by the transport path switching plate 81 before being discharged or post-processed, and single-sided image processing The completed paper P is again subjected to double-sided image processing in the image forming unit 4 and then discharged from the paper discharge unit 8.

  A post-processing device 200 is connected to the paper discharge unit 8 on the left side of the apparatus main body 101 shown in the drawing. The post-processing device 200 includes a paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10, a shift processing transport unit 20, a side stitching mechanism 30, a saddle stitching mechanism 40, a folding processing mechanism 50, a cover sheet feeding unit 60, and a paper ejection unit 80. ing. The paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 has an inlet 11, and the paper P after image formation from the image forming apparatus 100 is carried in.

  A stack-conveyance path switching unit 68 is provided at a branch point between the conveyance path from the inlet 11 to the shift processing conveyance unit 20 and the conveyance path to the saddle stitching mechanism 40. Further, a reverse path 19 is provided in the middle of the transport path from the stack-transport path switching unit 68 to the shift processing transport unit 20. The reverse path 19 is provided with a forward / reverse conveyance drive mechanism 75.

  The forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75 operates in the reverse path 19 so that the transport direction of the front cover C (or paper P) remains in the forward (forward) direction or changes the transport direction to the reverse direction (switchback function). ). Note that the cover sheet C is sent from the cover sheet feeding unit 60 to the saddle stitching mechanism 40 with respect to the sheet P printed by the image forming apparatus 100 without passing through the image forming apparatus 100, for example. The paper discharge unit 80 includes a fixed paper discharge tray 71 at the uppermost stage, a spare paper discharge tray 70 below the cover paper supply unit, a lift paper discharge tray 72 on the left side in the figure, and a booklet paper discharge tray 73 near the bottom.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, an example of a conveyance path of the paper P and the cover C in the post-processing device 200 will be described. In this example, the post-processing apparatus 200 has two conveyance control systems for conveying the cover C. In the saddle stitching mode in which the cover C is inserted at the time of booklet creation, the first transport control system performs the center feeding even when the cover set direction to the cover sheet feeding unit 60 is the same set direction as the set direction of the flat stitching process. The cover C is transported in such a manner that it can be bound. In the second transport control system, the user designates the cover set direction to the cover sheet feed unit 60, sets the cover sheet C in the reverse direction to the cover sheet feed unit 60, and transports the cover sheet C that enables saddle stitching processing. It takes a form.

  The post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 2 is provided with seven transport paths (1) to (7). In the first conveyance path (1), the sheet P after image formation output from the image forming apparatus 100 passes through the inlet portion 11 of the paper discharge-FS conveyance path switching unit 10 and is nipped and conveyed by the inlet roller 12. This is a path to the uppermost fixed sheet discharge tray 71. The paper discharge-FS conveyance path switching unit 10 selects a post-processing function such as the fixed paper discharge tray 71 or the shift processing conveyance unit 20 as the conveyance destination of the paper P after image formation output from the image forming apparatus 100. Switch to.

  When the simple paper discharge mode is set, the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 closes the transport path for selecting the post-processing function and selects the first transport path (1). Here, the simple paper discharge mode refers to an operation of discharging all post-processing and discharging the paper P after image formation onto the fixed paper discharge tray 71. The sheet P passing through the first transport path (1) enters the passage 13, is nipped by the transport rollers 14 and 15, is transported upward, is sandwiched by the discharge roller 16, and is discharged onto the fixed sheet discharge tray 71. The

  In the second transport path (2), the sheet P after image formation output from the image forming apparatus 100 is branched into the passage 17 at the entrance 11 of the paper discharge-FS transport path switching section 10 and passes through the stack- This is a path that reaches the shift delivery tray 72 after entering the shift processing conveyance unit 20 and receiving the shift process under the switching control of the conveyance path switching unit 68. The stack-conveyance path switching unit 68 shifts the conveyance destination of the paper P after image formation output from the image forming apparatus 100 and the conveyance destination of the cover C fed from the cover sheet feeding unit 60. It switches so that the saddle stitch mechanism 40 may be selected.

  When the shift processing mode is set, the stack-transport path switching unit 68 closes the transport path for selecting the saddle stitching mechanism 40 and selects the second transport path (2). Here, the shift processing mode refers to an operation for shifting the paper P after image formation. When the shift processing mode is set, the sheet P passes through the path 17 and is sandwiched between the transport rollers 18 and passes through the path 21 that is the second transport path (2) above the stack-transport path switching unit 68. Passing, sandwiched by the transport roller 22, passed through the passage 23, sandwiched by a shift unit and a shift roller (not shown), discharged by the discharge roller 26, and stacked on a liftable discharge tray 72 that can be raised and lowered.

  In the third transport path (3), the sheet P after image formation output from the image forming apparatus 100 is branched into the passage 17 at the entrance 11 of the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 and passes through the stack- Under the switching control of the conveyance path switching unit 68, the sheet enters the shift processing conveyance unit 20 and undergoes the stacking process. Thereafter, the sheet bundle P ′ is flat-stitched by the flat stitching mechanism 30, and the sheet bundle P after the flat stitching is processed. 'Is a path to the lifting / lowering tray 72. When the shift processing mode is set, the flat binding mechanism 30 performs a binding process on a predetermined side of the sheet bundle P ′ after the stacking process using staples 28 or the like (see FIG. 7B).

  In this example, when the shift processing mode is set, the sheet P passes through the passage 21 above the stack-conveyance path switching unit 68, is nipped and conveyed by the conveyance roller 22, and the flat binding mechanism 30 is inclined. It is discharged into the space above the arranged intermediate stacker 35 and loaded on the intermediate stacker 35. In this example, a movable width aligning section (not shown) is provided in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and the width of the paper P is aligned.

  Thereafter, after the trailing end of the sheet P in the traveling direction of the sheet P is discharged from the passage 23, the sheet P is lowered due to the weight of the sheet P and slides down on the inclined surface of the intermediate stacker 35. The paper P is abutted against a stop member (not shown), and the trailing end of the paper P in the advancing direction comes into contact with it and stops. At this stop position, when a predetermined number of sheets P are stacked and aligned on the intermediate stacker 35 by the width aligning unit, the binding process is performed by the flat binding mechanism 30, and the sheet bundle P 'is bound.

  A discharge belt 38 is disposed below the sheet stacking surface of the intermediate stacker 35. The discharge belt 38 has a claw portion 381. The shifted sheet bundle P ′ is held on the rear end portion of the sheet P by the claw portion 381 of the discharge belt 38, is placed on the discharge belt 38, slides on the placement surface of the intermediate stacker 35, and is slanted. The sheet is pushed upward, sandwiched and conveyed by the discharge roller 26, and discharged and stacked on the lift sheet discharge tray 72.

  In the fourth transport path (4), the cover sheet C placed on the cover sheet feeding section 60 is fed by a cover sheet feeding section (not shown), and the paper discharge-FS transport path switching section 10 and the stack-transport path switching section. 68 and the reversing path 19, the second transport path (2) (third transport path (3)) or the fifth transport path (5) is joined and transported.

  When the flat binding mode in which the binding is performed with the cover C attached is set, the side binding mechanism 30 is supplied with the cover C fed from the cover sheet feeding unit 60 via the fourth transport path (4), and the third binding A predetermined side of the sheet bundle P ′ after stacking a plurality of sheets P transported by the transport path (3) is subjected to a binding process using staples 28 or the like. Thereafter, the sheet bundle P ′ that has been subjected to the binding process in the same manner as in the shift process mode is held on the discharge belt 38 with the rear end portion of the sheet P held by the claw portion 381 of the discharge belt 38, and the intermediate stacker 35. The sheet is slid on the mounting surface and pushed up obliquely upward, is sandwiched and conveyed by the discharge roller 26, and is discharged and stacked on the elevating sheet discharge tray 72.

  In the fifth conveyance path (5), the cover sheet C fed from the cover sheet feeding section 60, the sheet P carried in from the image forming apparatus 100, and the like pass through the path 17 and the stack-conveyance path switching section 68. It is a path to reach the saddle stitching mechanism 40 through. In the first transport control system described above, the fourth transport path (4), the third transport path (3), the reverse path 19 and the fifth transport path (5) are used. In the second transport control system, the fourth transport path (4) and the fifth transport path (5) are used.

  The fifth transport path (5) includes the normal saddle stitching mode in which the saddle stitching process is performed via the above-described reversing path 19 and the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75, and the reverse path 19 and the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75. In the saddle stitching mode in which productivity is prioritized without performing the saddle stitching process (hereinafter referred to as productivity priority mode), the front cover C is switched back or without being switched back, so that the saddle stitching mechanism is fed from the cover sheet feeding unit 60. Depending on whether it is transported to 40 as it is, the transport direction is different.

  In this example, when the productivity priority mode is set, the forward / reverse conveyance driving mechanism 75 is passed. The image forming apparatus 100 displays “Please set the cover C in a direction opposite to the cover direction of the normal saddle stitching mode”. In the post-processing device 200, the path control of the reverse path 19 by the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75 is a notification of operation confirmation information (hereinafter referred to as operation confirmation data D9) as to whether or not a confirmation key or the like has been pressed in the image forming apparatus 100. Is received and executed. The saddle stitching mechanism 40 is configured to have a two-part structure of an upper mechanism 40A and a lower mechanism 40B, and has a passage 43 through which the paper P can pass.

  The saddle stitching mechanism 40 includes a saddle stitch stopper 46 and a saddle stitch stacking unit 69, and two sets of staple binding mechanisms 401 and 402, for example, are arranged in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction. The staple binding mechanisms 401 and 402 can be moved by a staple driving unit 76 in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction. By the saddle stitching mechanism 40, the binding needles are hit at two locations in the center of the sheet width direction.

  In this example, when the saddle stitching mode is set, the sizes of cover C and paper P (length in the transport direction) are set, or the sizes of cover C and paper P are detected. Then, the saddle stitch stopper 46 moves to a predetermined position and stops. In conjunction with the activation of the saddle stitching stopper 46, the saddle stitching stopper is retracted and the passage 43 is opened.

  For example, the first cover C fed from the cover feed unit 60 and the plurality of sheets P carried from the image forming apparatus 100 pass through the passage 17 and the fifth transport path (5), The sheets are sequentially placed on the saddle stitch stacking unit 69. At this time, the end portion of the paper P is in contact with the saddle stitching stopper 46 and positioned.

  After the final sheet P is positioned and placed on the saddle stitching stack unit 69, the saddle stitching mechanism 401, 402 of the saddle stitching mechanism 40 binds to the sheet bundle P ′ composed of all the pages of the sheet P with the cover C attached. Process. By the saddle stitching processing by the staple binding mechanisms 401 and 402, the binding needle is driven into the central portion in the transport direction of the paper P.

  The sixth conveyance path (6) is a path in which the sheet bundle P ′ subjected to the saddle stitching process is folded by the folding processing mechanism 50, and the sheet bundle P ′ after the folding process reaches the booklet discharge tray 73. When the saddle stitching mode is set, the folding mechanism 50 swings the saddle stitch stopper 46 and opens the passage downstream of the passage 43. The sheet bundle P ′ subjected to the saddle stitching process is conveyed to the folding processing mechanism 50 and further conveyed on the stacking base 541 so that the leading end of the sheet bundle P ′ in the conveying direction comes into contact with the folding portion movable stopper 551. , Stop at a predetermined position. The folding portion movable stopper 551 can be moved to a predetermined position by setting or detecting the paper size and a driving unit (not shown).

  A sheet protrusion 56 is provided at the center of the stopped sheet bundle P ′ in the conveyance direction, that is, obliquely below the saddle stitching position. A folding roller 57, a conveyor belt 58, and a pressure roller 59 are installed obliquely above the saddle stitching position. In this example, the folding control signal S50 causes the protruding plate 561 of the sheet protruding portion 56 to move obliquely upward, and the leading end of the protruding plate 561 pushes up the central portion of the sheet bundle P ′ and passes through the sheet bundle P ′. Then, the nip portion of the folding roller 57 is pushed and swung and separated.

  After the leading end of the protruding plate 561 passes through the nip portion, the protruding plate 561 moves backward, and the central portion of the sheet bundle P ′ is pressed by the folding roller 57 to form a fold. This fold line coincides with the binding position of the binding needle onto the sheet bundle P ′ by the aforementioned saddle stitching process.

  The central portion of the booklet SA2 (see FIG. 13B) that has been creased by being squeezed by the folding roller 57 is nipped and conveyed by the pair of conveying belts 58, and sent to the nip position of the pair of pressure rollers 59 At this position, the crease is further firmly attached and fed into the booklet discharge tray 73. The seventh conveyance path (7) is a path for guiding the paper P that has been abnormally conveyed, such as double feeding, to the spare paper discharge tray 70. Thus, the configuration of the post-processing apparatus 200 and the conveyance path of the paper P and the cover C are configured.

  Next, a configuration example of a control system in the image forming system # 1 will be described with reference to FIG. An image forming system # 1 shown in FIG. 3 includes an automatic document feeder DF, an image reading unit 1, an image writing unit 3, an image forming unit 4, an operation display unit 9, a control unit 90, a post-processing device 200, and a large capacity sheet feeding. The apparatus 300 is configured.

  The image reading unit 1 includes an image sensor 1A (denoted as CCD in the drawing) and a scanner control unit 1B. The image sensor 1 </ b> A is connected to the image processing unit 2 of the control unit 90. The scanner control unit 1B is connected to the image control CPU 5, and controls the image reading unit 1 based on the scan control signal S1B. The image reading unit 1 reads the document d based on the scan control signal S1B and outputs image data D1. The scan control signal S1B is input from the image control CPU 5 via a serial communication line. The scan control signal S1B is a signal for controlling the scanning exposure of the image reading unit 1.

  The automatic document feeder DF has a DF control unit 55. The DF control unit 55 is connected to the image control CPU 5 and controls the automatic document feeder DF based on the DF control signal S55. The DF control signal S55 is input from the image control CPU 5 via a serial communication line. The DF control signal S55 is a signal for controlling the document transportation of the automatic document feeder DF.

  The control unit 90 includes an image processing unit 2, an image control CPU 5, a DRAM control IC 6, a compression / decompression IC 84, a program memory 85, a system memory 86 (RAM), an image memory 87, a nonvolatile memory 89, and an IO interface 95. Is done. In the control unit 90, for example, at the start of image formation, the booklet creation control is executed after all the document images are read by the image reading unit 1.

  The DRAM control IC 6 is connected to the image control CPU 5, program memory 85, system memory 86, image memory 87, nonvolatile memory 89, and IO interface 95. The program memory 85 stores a program for controlling the image writing unit 3, the image forming unit 4, the post-processing device 200, and the like. The system memory 86 stores a system program for starting up the image forming system # 1. A RAM is used as the system memory 86.

  The image memory 87 is provided with a compression memory 88. A DRAM is used for the image memory 87. The image data D1 input to the image processing unit 2 is input to the compression / decompression IC 84 under the control of the DRAM control IC 6. The compression / decompression IC 84 compresses the image data D1 and stores it in the compression memory 88 of the image memory 87 when storing the data.

  The nonvolatile memory 89 stores user data such as an IP address, for example. User data is set at initialization. The nonvolatile memory 89 is an EEPROM or the like that does not lose data even when the power is turned off.

  The operation display unit 9 has functions of a selection unit and a setting unit, and includes a display unit 91 (LCD) and an operation & control unit 92. The operation display unit 9 is operated to accept the selection of the side binding mode or the saddle stitching mode for the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 4. For example, the operation display unit 9 inputs operation data D92 for setting the cover set direction in the saddle stitching mode with cover insertion, and sets the binding processing mode.

  In the setting of the binding processing mode, the operation display unit 9 is capable of selecting whether to specify the cover set direction, confirming the designation, or invalidating the confirmation. The operation display unit 9 is also operated when setting image forming conditions in addition to the binding processing mode. A liquid crystal display device is used for the display unit 91, and a touch panel is provided on the display unit 91.

  The operation & control unit 92 has an input function using a touch panel in addition to an input tool such as a numeric keypad, and is connected to the image control CPU 5. The operation & control unit 92 controls to transfer the operation data D92 to the image control CPU 5 via the serial communication line, or to output the display data D91 input from the image control CPU 5 to the display unit 91. The operation data D92 is data for inputting selection of the side binding mode or the saddle stitching mode for the paper P on which the image is formed by the image forming unit 4, for example. The display data D91 is data for displaying, for example, the basic setting screen G1, the setting menu screen G2, the user setting screen G3, the copy setting screen G4 (see FIGS. 4 and 5) on the display unit 91.

  The image control CPU 5 constitutes an example of a control unit, and controls the post-processing device 200 from the operation display unit 9 based on the operation data D92. For example, the image control CPU 5 controls the post-processing device 200 based on the selection of the side stitching mode or the saddle stitching mode received by the operation display unit 9. The image control CPU 5 indicates that the selection of the saddle stitching mode is accepted by the operation display unit 9 and that the cover C is repositioned (aligned) in the opposite direction to the cover orientation of the saddle stitching mode. The operation display unit 9 is controlled to display.

  Furthermore, the image control CPU 5 accepts an operation for confirming the orientation of the cover C that is repositioned in the opposite direction to the cover orientation in the saddle stitching mode. This is acceptance of the productivity priority mode that constitutes an example of the third binding processing mode. The image control CPU 5 controls the post-processing device 200 to execute the productivity priority mode based on reception of this confirmation operation.

  The image control CPU 5 receives, for example, the first copy of the cover C based on the confirmation operation of the orientation of the cover C received by the operation display unit 9 and executes the productivity priority mode. 200 is controlled. Here, the productivity priority mode refers to the conveyance of one or more sheets of paper P on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface, and the paper P is placed in the opposite direction on the sheet bundle P ′ in which the sheets P are aligned. This is an operation for binding the sheet bundle P ′ with the cover sheet C attached. As described above, when the binding processing mode is the saddle stitching mode and it is desired to prioritize productivity, the binding processing time can be reduced by appropriately setting the setting direction of the cover C to the cover sheet feeding unit 60. Can be shortened.

  For example, the image control CPU 5 sets the side stitching mode, the saddle stitching mode, or the productivity priority mode in the post-processing device 200 and branches the first control, the second control, or the third control. Execute control. Here, in the first control, the first copy of the cover C placed in a predetermined direction is received, and one or more sheets P on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface are received. The sheet bundle P ′ in which the sheets P are aligned is simply subjected to the side stitching process.

  In the second control, the first sheet of the cover C placed in a predetermined direction is conveyed, the conveyance direction of the cover C is reversed, and one or more sheets on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface In response to the conveyance of the sheet P, the sheet P is bound by attaching the cover sheet C that has been inverted first to the sheet bundle P ′ in which the sheet P is aligned.

  In the third control, one or more sheets P having an image formed on a predetermined surface are transported, and the sheets P are previously placed in the opposite direction on the sheet bundle P ′ in which the sheets P are aligned. A cover C of the first copy is attached to bind the sheet bundle P ′. With such a function of the image control CPU 5, the productivity priority mode (high-speed processing mode) can be executed as an exception process in the saddle stitching mode, so that the process of reversing the transport direction of the cover C in the saddle stitching mode can be omitted. .

  In this example, when the selection of the productivity priority mode is accepted, an indication that the cover C is to be repositioned in the opposite direction to the cover direction of the productivity priority mode is displayed in the saddle stitching mode. The saddle stitching mode can be set by switching to a display indicating that the cover C is placed in a predetermined direction. For example, in the saddle stitching mode, when the designation of the cover set direction is selected in the image forming apparatus 100, the operation display unit 9 is made to input the cover set direction at the time of mode setting.

  When the operation display unit 9 is provided with such a setting function, even after the confirmation operation of the direction of the cover C to be repositioned in the direction opposite to the cover direction in the productivity priority mode is received, the operation display is performed. The unit 9 can return to the normal saddle stitching mode setting. The booklet SA2 creation control method in the post-processing apparatus 200 can be changed according to the cover set direction at that time.

  The IO interface 95 inputs image data D1 for creating a booklet or the like from the outside, or outputs image data D1 obtained by reading a document to the outside. A communication cable leading to the large-capacity paper feeding device 300 is connected to the IO interface 95, and paper feeding is controlled by the image control CPU 5.

  The image writing unit 3 includes a laser diode 3A (LD) and a printer control unit 3B. The laser diode 3 </ b> A is connected to the image writing unit 3. The laser diode 3A emits laser output light having a predetermined intensity based on the image data D1.

  The printer control unit 3B is connected to the image control CPU 5, and controls the laser diode 3A and the image forming unit 4 based on print control data D3B transferred from the image control CPU 5 via a serial communication line. The image forming unit 4 is connected to the printer control unit 3B. The laser output light emitted from the laser diode 3A is applied to the photosensitive drum 41 of the image forming unit 4 to form an electrostatic latent image. In the image forming unit 4, processing such as charging, exposure, development, transfer, separation, and cleaning is performed, and an image is formed on a predetermined surface of the paper P.

  The post-processing device 200 includes a paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10, a shift processing transport unit 20, a side stitching mechanism 30, a saddle stitching mechanism 40, a folding processing mechanism 50, a stack-transport path switching unit 68, and an FS control unit 96. have.

  The paper discharge-FS conveyance path switching unit 10 selects the first conveyance path (1) or the second conveyance path (2) based on the switching control signal S10, and conveys the paper P carried from the image forming apparatus 100. The destination is switched. The switching control signal S <b> 10 is output from the FS control unit 96 to the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10. The shift processing conveyance unit 20 operates to shift the paper P based on the shift control signal S20. The shift control signal S20 is output from the FS control unit 96 to the shift processing transport unit 20.

  The side binding mechanism 30 constitutes an example of a first binding processing unit, and operates to perform side binding processing on the sheet bundle P ′ based on the side binding control signal S30. For example, the side stitching mechanism 30 receives the first copy of the cover sheet C aligned in a predetermined direction and also receives one or more sheets of paper P on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface by the image forming apparatus 100. Thus, the operation is performed to bind the sheet bundle P ′ in which the cover C and the sheet P are aligned. The side stitching control signal S30 is output from the FS control unit 96 to the side stitching mechanism 30. As a result, the side stitching mechanism 30 can execute a side stitching process in which the front cover C is attached to the front face, one or more sheets P are aligned, and one side of the sheet bundle P ′ attached with the front cover C is bound. become.

  The saddle stitching mechanism 40 constitutes an example of a second binding processing unit, and operates to saddle stitch the sheet bundle P ′ based on the saddle stitch control signal S40. For example, when the normal saddle stitching mode is set, the saddle stitching mechanism 40 receives the first copy of the cover C aligned in a predetermined direction, reverses the transport direction of the cover C, and uses the image forming apparatus 100 to Upon receipt of one or more sheets P having an image formed on a predetermined surface, the inverted sheet C is attached to the sheet bundle P ′ in which the sheets P are aligned, and the sheet bundle P ′ is bound. To work. The saddle stitching control signal S40 is output from the FS control unit 96 to the saddle stitching mechanism 40.

  The folding processing mechanism 50 operates to fold the bundle of sheets P ′ after the binding processing based on the folding control signal S50. The folding control signal S50 is output from the FS control unit 96 to the folding processing mechanism 50. Thus, in the saddle stitching mechanism 40, the front cover C is attached to the front face, one or more sheets P are aligned, the central portion of the sheet bundle P ′ to which the cover C is attached is bound, and then the folding processing mechanism 50 Then, it becomes possible to execute the saddle stitching process for bending the central part.

  The stack-transport path switching unit 68 operates to switch the transport destination of the cover sheet C and the paper sheet P based on the transport path switching signal S68. The transport path switching signal S68 is output from the FS control unit 96 to the stack-transport path switching unit 68. For example, when the flat binding mode is set, the transport path switching signal S <b> 68 connects the path 17 and the path 21 and switches the transport path so that the transport destination of the cover C and the paper P becomes the flat binding mechanism 30.

  When the normal saddle stitching mode is set, the stack-transport path switching unit 68 connects the path 17 and the path 21 based on the transport path switching signal S68, and the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75 determines the transport direction of the cover C. The cover C is reversed and conveyed to the saddle stitch stacking unit 69 in the switchback state.

  When the productivity priority mode is set, the stack-conveyance path switching unit 68 connects the path 17 and the saddle stitch stacking unit 69 based on the conveyance path switching signal S68, and the cover sheet feeding unit 60 has already connected. The transport path is switched so that the cover C and the face-down paper P are transported to the saddle stitching mechanism 40.

  In this example, when the operation display unit 9 of the image forming apparatus 100 accepts the selection of the side stitching mechanism 30 or the saddle stitching mechanism 40 and the selection of the saddle stitching mechanism 40 is accepted, the cover in the saddle stitching mechanism 40 is further displayed. The fact that the cover C is aligned in the direction opposite to the direction of C is displayed, and the confirmation operation of the direction of the cover C aligned in the opposite direction in the saddle stitching mechanism 40 is accepted.

  The saddle stitching mechanism 40 receives conveyance of one or more sheets P having an image formed on a predetermined surface based on the operation confirmation data D9 for the direction of the cover C notified from the image forming apparatus 100, and receives the sheet P. Is attached to the first sheet cover C aligned in the opposite direction to bind the sheet bundle P ′.

  The FS control unit 96 receives post-processing device control data (hereinafter referred to as FS control data D96) from the image control CPU 5 via the printer control unit 3B, decodes the FS control data D96, and performs a switching control signal S10, A shift control signal S20, a side stitching control signal S30, a saddle stitching control signal S40, a folding control signal S50, and a conveyance path switching signal S68 are generated. The switching control signal S10 is used to select the first transport path (1) or the second transport path (in order to select the transport destination of the paper P carried from the image forming apparatus 100 in the simple paper discharge mode or the cover sheet insertion mode. 2) is a signal for switching.

  The shift control signal S20 is a signal for shifting a plurality of sheets P when the shift processing mode is set. The side stitching control signal S30 is a signal for performing the side stitching processing on the sheet bundle P ′ after the shift processing when the side stitching mode is set. The saddle stitching control signal S40 is a signal for saddle stitching processing of the sheet bundle P 'after the stacking process when the saddle stitching mode is set. The folding control signal S50 is a signal for folding the sheet bundle P ′ after the saddle stitching process in the booklet creation mode. The conveyance path switching signal S68 is a signal for switching between the normal saddle stitching mode and the productivity priority mode.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 6, an example of screen display at the time of mode setting in the display unit 91 of the operation display unit 9 as the first embodiment will be described. FIG. 4A is an explanatory diagram illustrating a display example of the basic setting screen G1 in the image forming apparatus 100. 4A is displayed on the display unit 91 of the operation display unit 9. The basic setting screen G1 shown in FIG.

  In the basic setting screen G1, selection icons for basic setting, document setting, image quality / density, application setting, and the like are displayed in addition to the character information “can be copied”. Below the basic setting selection icon, color and auto color item selection keys are displayed. Below the document setting selection icon, paper and automatic item selection keys are displayed. An item selection key such as a magnification is displayed below the image quality / density selection icon. Below the application setting selection icon, a print mode and single-sided / double-sided item selection keys are displayed.

  In the area around these selections and icons, items such as job display, setting contents, registration source, status, up arrow key, down arrow key, deletion, job details, finishing, continuous reading setting, non-rotating, remaining memory, etc. And selection keys are displayed. In either case, an item selection key can be selected by a touch panel function. On the operation display unit 9 around the display unit 91, a setting key 93, a start button 97, a numeric keypad (not shown), and the like are arranged. The setting key 93, the numeric keypad, the start button 97, and the like constitute the operation & control unit 92 shown in FIG.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set, when the setting key 93 of the operation display unit 9 shown in FIG. 4A is pressed, the display is switched from the basic setting screen G1 to the setting menu screen G2. In the setting menu screen G2, in addition to items such as job display, setting contents, registration source, status, up arrow key, down arrow key, deletion, job details, memory remaining amount, selection key, etc., the “menu key or numeric keypad” Please select an item with "text information is displayed.

  Below the character information, in addition to the item name of “setting menu”, “1”, “destination / box registration” selection key corresponding to the serial number “1, 2, 3, 4” Is displayed. In “2”, a “user setting” selection key is displayed. In “3”, a selection key of “administrator setting” is displayed. In “4”, a “consumable check” selection key is displayed.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set, when “2 user setting” in the setting menu shown in FIG. 4B is pressed (selected), the setting menu screen G2 changes to the user setting screen G3 shown in FIG. 5A. The display switches. On the user setting screen G3, in addition to items such as job display, bookmark display, setting menu, user setting, up arrow key, down arrow key, delete, job details, memory remaining amount, selection key, etc., the “menu key or The text information “Please select an item with the numeric keypad” is displayed.

  Below the character information, in addition to the item name “setting menu → user setting”, the serial number “1, 2, 3, 4, 5” corresponds to the serial number “1,” “original setting”. The selection key is displayed. In “2”, a “Duplex customization setting” selection key is displayed. In “3”, a “copy setting” selection key is displayed. In “4”, a selection key of “fax / scan setting” is displayed. “Printer setting” is displayed in “5”.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set, when “3 copy setting” in the setting menu shown in FIG. 5A is pressed (selected), the user setting screen G3 changes to the copy setting screen G4 shown in FIG. 5B. The display switches. In the copy setting screen G4, in addition to items such as job display, bookmark display, setting menu, user setting, copy setting, remaining memory capacity, selection keys, and the like, an item name of “setting menu → user setting → copy setting” is displayed. Is displayed.

  In addition to this, a “normal” selection key is displayed corresponding to the icon key of “select saddle stitch cover set direction”. Corresponding to the icon key of “booklet selection for saddle stitching”, a selection key of “automatic setting” is displayed. A “recommended magnification” selection key is displayed in correspondence with the “aggregation / booklet magnification” icon key. Corresponding to the “sort / group automatic switching” icon key, a “Yes” selection key is displayed. Corresponding to the “copy initial setting” icon key, the “factory setting value” selection key is displayed.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set, when “1 saddle stitch cover set direction selection” in the setting menu shown in FIG. 5B is pressed (selected), the settings shown in FIG. 6 are displayed from the copy setting screen G4. The display is switched to the value selection screen G5. On the setting value selection screen G5, in addition to items such as job display, bookmark display, setting menu, user setting, copy setting, remaining memory, selection keys, etc., the characters “can be set by selecting a key in the setting column” Information is displayed.

  Below the character information, in addition to the item name of “Setting Menu → User Setting → Copy Setting”, “Select Saddle Cover Setting Direction”, “Normal” Selection Key, “Saddle Stitch Booklet Selection”, “ "Auto setting" selection key, "Consolidation / Booklet magnification", "Recommended magnification" selection key, "Sort / Group automatic switching", "Yes" selection key, "Copy initial setting", "Factory setting" Adjacent to the “Set value” selection key, the “Normal (cover set direction priority)” selection key, the “Cover set direction specification” selection key, and the “Productivity priority (reverse set)” selection key are displayed. . Below these selection keys, a confirmation key (OK key) is displayed.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set and the productivity priority mode is set, the “productivity priority (reverse set)” selection key is pressed on the setting value selection screen G5 shown in FIG. Then, press (select) the OK key. At this time, the user resets the cover C in the cover sheet feeding unit 60 in the opposite direction to that in the normal saddle stitching mode. Then, when the confirmation key (OK key K4) is pressed (selected), operation confirmation information (hereinafter referred to as operation confirmation data D9) indicating that the cover C has been set in the reverse direction is later transmitted from the image forming apparatus 100. The processing device 200 is notified.

  In response to this notification, the post-processing apparatus 200 changes the transport path so as to pass the reverse path 19 by driving the forward / reverse transport drive mechanism 75 based on the operation confirmation data D9, and an image is formed on a predetermined surface. In response to the conveyance of one or more sheets P, the sheet bundle P ′ aligned with the sheet P is attached with the first cover C aligned in the opposite direction to bind the sheet bundle P ′. Become.

  The operation confirmation data D9 is notified from the operation & control unit 92 of the operation display unit 9 shown in FIG. 3 to the FS control unit 96 of the post-processing device 200 via the image control CPU 5 and the printer control unit 3B of the image writing unit 3. The As a result, the productivity priority mode can be executed as an exception process in the normal saddle stitching mode.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 7 to 28, booklet creation examples in the side-stitching mode, the saddle-stitching mode, and the productivity priority mode in the image forming system # 1 will be described in three parts.

[Side binding mode]
7 to 11 are diagrams for explaining an example of booklet creation in the side binding mode in the image forming system # 1. According to the sheet stacking example at the time of the side binding mode shown in FIG. 7A, the first set of front binding C for the front binding and the set of six sheets P1 to P6 after image formation are aligned (stacking). )

  According to the booklet creation example shown in FIG. 7B, the six sheets P1 to P6 are sequentially arranged with the cover C at the top. In the intermediate stacker 35, stack processing is performed in reverse order. After the stacking process, a sheet bundle P ′ with the cover C at the top is obtained. Then, a binding position is set on one side of the sheet bundle P ′, and a flat binding process is performed at the binding position with a binding needle such as the staple 28. Thereby, the booklet SA1 including the six sheets P1 to P6 with the cover C at the top is completed.

  According to the operation example (No. 1) of the post-processing apparatus 200 in the side binding mode shown in FIG. 8, first, the side binding mode for binding with the cover C is set. The user sets the cover C on the cover sheet feeding unit 60 with the front side facing up (face up).

  Next, in the operation example (No. 2), the cover C includes the fourth transport path (4), the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10, the second transport path (2), or the third transport path shown in FIG. It passes through the transport path (3) and is transported to the flat stitching mechanism 30. At this time, the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 connects the passage 13 and the passage 17. After the cover C has passed, the passage 17 and the inlet portion 11 are operated so as to prepare for loading of the paper P from the image forming apparatus 100. The cover C passes through the passage 17, the stack-conveyance path switching unit 68, the passage 21, the conveyance roller 22, and the passage 23 on the way. The stack-conveyance path switching unit 68 connects the passage 17 and the passage 21.

  The cover C reaches the intermediate stacker 35 of the side stitching mechanism 30. In this example, as in the operation example (No. 3) shown in FIG. By passing through the FS transport path switching unit 10, the second transport path (2), or the third transport path (3), the front and back are reversed and are accommodated in the intermediate stacker 35 in a face-down state.

  On the other hand, according to the example shown in FIG. 7 after image formation from the image forming apparatus 100, the six sheets P1 to P6 are carried in from the inlet portion 11 in a face-down state. After the passage of the sheet P6, the passage 17 and the passage 13 are connected so as to prepare for carrying in the second copy of the cover C from the cover sheet feeding section 60.

  The sheet P passes through the path 17, the stack-transport path switching unit 68, the path 21, the transport roller 22, and the path 23 on the way. The stack-conveyance path switching unit 68 connects the passage 17 and the passage 21. The paper P reaches the intermediate stacker 35 of the side stitching mechanism 30. Even if the paper P passes through the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10, the second transport path (2), or the third transport path (3), the face C is maintained in the face-down state and the cover sheet C is covered by the intermediate stacker 35. Are stacked one after the other.

  In the flat stitching mechanism 30, as in the operation example (No. 4) shown in FIG. 11, the flat stitching mode in which binding processing is performed by attaching the cover C is set. The first cover C fed via (4) and the six sheets P1 to P6 conveyed by the third conveyance path (3) are stacked, and then the side stitching mechanism 30 is processed. In this case, the binding process is performed by a staple 28 or the like at a predetermined position of the sheet bundle P ′.

  After that, as in the shift processing mode, the booklet SA1 that has undergone the side stitching process is placed on the discharge belt 38 with its rear end held by the claw portion 381 of the discharge belt 38, and the intermediate stacker 35 is placed. It slides on the surface and is pushed up obliquely upward, is sandwiched and conveyed by the discharge roller 26, and is discharged and stacked on the elevating discharge tray 72. The side binding process is similarly performed for the second and subsequent covers C and the sheets P1 to P6.

[Saddle stitching mode]
12 to 20 are diagrams for explaining an example of booklet creation in the normal saddle stitching mode in the image forming system # 1. According to the booklet creation example in the normal saddle stitching mode, for example, a set of a plurality of sheets P1, P2,. ) Is attached and the saddle stitching process is performed.

  In this example, prior to booklet creation in the saddle stitching mode, the image forming apparatus 100 performs imposition processing as shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B. For example, when the normal saddle stitching mode is designated and the start button 97 shown in FIG. 4A of the operation display unit 9 is pressed, the automatic document feeder DF is set in response to the pressing of the start button 97. The document d is sequentially read from the first page by the image reading unit 1. Image data D1 obtained by reading the document d is sequentially stored in the compression memory 88 of the image memory 87 in the control unit 90 via the image processing unit 2, DRAM control IC 6 and compression / decompression IC 84. At the same time, the number of read originals d is counted.

Here, regarding the original image obtained by reading, the number of originals is M, the number of sheets P used when forming the image of the read original d is n (an integer equal to or greater than 1), and the constant is k (0, M is the following equation (1), that is,
M = n × 4-k (1)
It is classified by. When the reading process of the original d is completed, the image forming order and the image forming position are determined based on the number n of sheets P and the number M of originals M obtained from the equation (1) (imposition processing). .

  In this example, the number of originals M of the read original d is 8 and is given as an example of the image forming process in the normal saddle stitching mode. Therefore, the compression memory 88 of the image memory 87 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 12A, image data D1 = R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, and R8 for 8 pages are stored in the read order.

  Then, an image forming order and an image forming position are determined for each of the image data D1 = R1 to R8. As a result, as shown in FIG. 12B, an R4 image is formed on the left half of the first surface (front surface) of the first page of paper P1, and an R5 image is formed on the right half. Note that the image formed on the paper P is an image after the mirror image processing is performed as described above.

  The sheet P1 on which the images R4 and R5 are formed is fed again to the transfer unit 42 via the conveyance path switching plate 81 and the automatic double-sided copy sheet feeding unit 82. On the second surface (back surface) of the paper P1, an R6 image is formed on the left half, and an R3 image is formed on the right half. The sheet P1 on which images are formed on both sides is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 as it is (with the second side up: face-down state) and is conveyed to the inlet 11 of the post-processing apparatus 200. The

  When the sheet P1 is transported from the image forming apparatus 100 to the post-processing apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. 12C, the second surface on which the R6 image and R3 are formed faces upward, and the R6 image is displayed. At the beginning, the sheet is conveyed in the direction of the arrow (left side) in the figure. It should be noted that an R5 image is formed at the back side portion of the portion where the R6 image shown in FIG. 12C is formed, and R4 is formed at the back side portion of the portion where the R3 image is formed.

  Subsequent to the image forming process described above, the R2 image is formed on the left half and the R7 image is formed on the right half of the first surface (front surface) of the paper P2 of the second page (see FIG. 12B). . The image formed on the paper P2 in the same manner as the paper P1 is an image after the mirror image processing is performed as described above.

  The sheet P2 on which the images R2 and R7 are formed is fed again to the transfer unit 42 via the conveyance path switching plate 81 and the automatic double-sided copy sheet feeding unit 82 shown in FIG. Then, on the second surface (back surface) of the paper P2, an R8 image is formed on the left half, and an R1 image is formed on the right half. The sheet P2 on which images are formed on both sides is discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 as it is (with the second side up: face-down state), and is conveyed to the inlet 11 of the post-processing apparatus 200. The

  When the sheet P2 is conveyed from the image forming apparatus 100 to the post-processing apparatus 200, as shown in FIG. 12C, the second surface on which the R8 image and R1 are formed faces upward, and the R8 image. Is conveyed in the direction of the arrow (left side) in the figure. It should be noted that an R7 image is formed at the back side of the portion where the R8 image shown in FIG. 12C is formed, and an R2 image is formed at the back side of the portion where the R1 image is formed.

  The above-described paper P1 and paper P2 proceed to the saddle stitching mechanism 40 via the fifth conveyance path (5) of the post-processing device 200 shown in FIG. At this time, the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 connects the inlet 11 and the passage 17, and the stack-transport path switching unit 68 operates to select the fifth transport path (5). The paper P1 and the paper P2 are stacked by the saddle stitch stacking unit 69.

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 12D, the saddle stitching mechanism 40 is arranged such that the sheet P1 is stored on the lower mechanism 40B side of the saddle stitching mechanism 40 and the sheet P2 following the sheet P1 is stored on the upper mechanism 40A side. Is configured. Further, the first surface (front surface) of each of the sheets P1 and P2 is stored so as to be directed to the lower mechanism 40B side. Positioning in the saddle stitching mechanism 40 of each sheet P1, P2 is performed by a positioning member (not shown).

  In this example, as shown in FIG. 13A, a cover C is inserted (placed) above the paper P1, P2 after image formation to create a booklet SA2 as shown in FIG. 13B. In this case, in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69, the sheets P1 and P2 are stacked first, and finally the cover C is stacked to form a sheet bundle P ′. When stacked in this manner, as shown in FIG. 13B, a booklet SA2 can be formed so that the cover C is on the upper side and the left side is the cover binding side.

  In this example, when the cover C of the booklet SA2 shown in FIG. 13B is turned over, “ABC1” is printed on the first page by the paper P2. On the second page, “DEF2” is printed using the paper P2. On the third page, “GHI3” is printed using the paper P1. On the fourth page, “JKL4” is printed using paper P1. On the fifth page, “MNO5” is printed with the paper P1. On the sixth page, “PQR6” is printed with the paper P1. On the seventh page, “STU7” is printed on the paper P2. On the eighth page, “VWX8” is printed using paper P2.

  When such a booklet SA2 is created, the cover C is set in the cover sheet feeding unit 60 shown in FIG. Cover C is set by the user. The cover C is set in an upright state as viewed from the user and in a face-up state. For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, the sheet is set in the cover sheet feeding unit 60 shown in FIG. 14B with the surface on which the image R and the image F are formed facing upward, and is fed with the image F at the top.

  As described above, the setting state of the cover sheet C, that is, the stacking direction of the cover sheet C with respect to the cover sheet feeding unit 60, is the setting state of the document d in the automatic document feeder DF shown in FIG. This is the same as the stacking direction of the documents d. Therefore, the operability when setting the cover C to the post-processing apparatus 200 can be improved.

  According to the operation example (No. 1) of the post-processing device 200 in the saddle stitching mode shown in FIG. 15, the cover sheet C is conveyed from the fourth conveyance path (4) to the reversing path 19 for each first copy, and the cover sheet C is made to wait on the reverse path 19. At this time, the user sets a plurality of cover sheets C (hereinafter, replaced by C = C1, C2, C3...) In the cover sheet feeding unit 60. The cover sheets C1, C2C3,... Are set in the cover sheet feeding section 60 with the print side up, that is, the front side is the front side (see FIG. 14B). Then, when the user selects the “saddle stitching mode” on the operation display unit 9 and the start button 97 of the operation display unit 9 is pressed, the cover sheet feeding unit 60 of the post-processing device 200 performs the operation. Paper feeding is started from the upper cover C1.

  According to the operation example (No. 2) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 16, the first cover C1 is conveyed to the reverse path 19 and waits for the stacking of the sheets P1 and P2. At this time, the stack-conveyance path switching unit 68 switches the path 17 to the reverse path 19 side. The cover sheet C1 is guided from the fourth transport path (4) to the reverse path 19 through the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10, the path 17, and the path 21. When the rear end of the cover C1 is transported to a position where it passes a sensor (not shown), the transport of the cover C1 is temporarily stopped. In addition, as long as the position which stops the cover C1 is a position which does not receive the drive from a 5th conveyance path (5), you may make it wait in the channel | path 21.

  When the leading edge of the cover sheet C1 is detected by a sensor (not shown), in the operation example (part 3) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 17, the feeding of the sheet P1 after the image formation is started from the image forming apparatus 100. The At this time, the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 selects the path 17, and the stack-transport path switching unit 68 saddle stitches the transport path so as to connect the path 17 and the fifth transport path (5). Switch to the stack unit 69 side. The paper P1 is carried from the image forming apparatus 100 into the post-processing apparatus 200. In the saddle stitching mechanism 40, the papers P1 and P2 after image formation are conveyed in order from the paper P1 having the most folding position inside the booklet SA2 after completion to the paper P2.

  Then, in the operation example (No. 4) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 18, the sheet P1 is transferred to the stack-conveyance path switching unit 68 and the fifth conveyance path (5) in a state where the conveyance of the cover sheet C1 is stopped. Is stored in the saddle stitch stacking portion 69. Further, following the paper P1, the paper P2 is sequentially guided to the fifth transport path (5).

  When the final paper P2 (final paper) is transported from the image forming apparatus 100, the transport path is switched. In this example, when the stack-conveying path switching unit 68 sequentially conveys the sheets P2 and P1 to the saddle stitch stacking unit 69, the conveying path is switched so as to connect to the reverse path 19 and the fifth conveying path (5). .

  Then, in the operation example (No. 5) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 19, the conveyance of the cover sheet C1 is resumed in response to the sheets P1 and P2 being stored in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69. At this time, the forward / reverse conveyance driving mechanism 75 operates so as to send the cover sheet C <b> 1 evacuated to the reverse path 19 into the saddle stitch stacking unit 69.

  For example, the fifth transport path (5) in which the cover C1 waiting on the reverse path 19 shown in FIG. 19 is reversely fed by the forward / reverse transport drive mechanism 75 and selected by the stack-transport path switching unit 68. Through the saddle stitching stack 69. At that time, the front cover C1 is switched back from the reverse path 19 by the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75, so that the cover P1 is transported starting from the image R side and is already stored in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69. The paper P2 is stacked and stored on a paper bundle P ′. The paper P1 and the paper P2 are stored in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69 in the state shown in FIG. 12D.

  In this way, when all of the sheets P1, P2, and the like for one job discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 are stored in the saddle stitching stack unit 69, the cover C1 is conveyed from the reverse path 19 to the saddle stitching stack unit 69. Can be resumed. In the saddle stitching mechanism 40, the staple binding mechanism 401 of the upper mechanism 40A and the staple binding mechanism of the lower mechanism 40B with respect to the sheet bundle P ′ composed of the cover C1 and the sheets P1 and P2 stacked in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69. In step 402, saddle stitching processing is executed using staples (not shown).

  After that, in the operation example (No. 6) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 20, the folding process is performed on the sheet bundle P ′ after the stapling process. At this time, the sheet bundle P ′ subjected to the saddle stitching process is folded by the folding mechanism 50, and the booklet SA2 after the folding process reaches the booklet discharge tray 73 through the sixth conveyance path (6). For example, in the folding processing mechanism 50, the saddle stitch stopper 46 swings to open the passage downstream of the passage 43. The sheet bundle P ′ subjected to the saddle stitching process is conveyed to the folding processing mechanism 50 and further conveyed on the stacking base 541 so that the leading end of the sheet bundle P ′ in the conveying direction comes into contact with the folding portion movable stopper 551. , Stop at a predetermined position.

  Thereafter, the protruding plate 561 of the sheet protruding portion 56 advances obliquely upward, and the tip end portion of the protruding plate 561 pushes up the central portion of the sheet bundle P ′, and moves the nip portion of the folding roller 57 through the sheet bundle P ′. Push it out and swing it away. After the leading end of the protruding plate 561 passes through the nip portion, the protruding plate 561 moves backward, and the central portion of the sheet bundle P ′ is pinched by the folding roller 57 to form a fold. The booklet SA2 (see FIG. 13B) in which the fold is formed is nipped and conveyed by the conveyor belt 58, and is fed to the nip position of the pressure roller 59. At this position, the fold is further firmly attached, and the booklet discharge tray 73 is placed. The paper is discharged.

  In this embodiment, since the reverse path 19 is empty after the first saddle stitching process for the first copy described above, conveyance of the second cover C2 is started. The conveyance of the second cover C2 may be started when the cover C1 is sent to the saddle stitch stacking unit 69. In the above-described example, an example is given in which the booklet SA2 is created by using a total of three sheets, the cover sheet C1 from the post-processing apparatus 200 and the sheets P1 and P2 from the image forming apparatus 100. When the booklet SA2 is output, the second cover C2 set in the cover sheet feeding unit 60 of the post-processing apparatus 200 is separated and conveyed at this time. The cover C2 of the second copy follows the cover C1 of the first copy.

  Note that the second cover C2 separated by the separation unit of the post-processing device 200 is transported to the reversing path 19 by the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10, the path 17, the path 21, and the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75. Then, until all the second copy sheets P1 and P2 are stored in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69, the process waits on the reverse path 19. Thereafter, the cover conveyance is resumed so that the cover C2 is conveyed to the fifth conveyance path (5) via the stack-conveyance path switching unit 68.

  Further, if the cover C2 or the like is an inappropriate cover having a size different from the predetermined size, the cover C2 is discharged as it is to the spare discharge tray 70 as shown in FIG. In such a case, in the state shown in FIG. 18, it is possible to discharge the cover of a different size onto the preliminary discharge tray 70 via the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75 without stopping the transport of the cover C2. .

[Productivity priority mode]
Next, with reference to FIG. 21 to FIG. 25, an example of creating a booklet in the productivity priority mode in the image forming system # 1 will be described. According to the placement example of the cover C bar (the upper line is omitted) in the productivity priority mode shown in FIG. 21, when creating the booklet SA2 as shown in FIG. 13B, the cover sheet feeding unit shown in FIG. 21B. At 60, the cover C bar is reversely set with respect to the cover C shown in FIG. 14B.

  Here, the reverse setting means that the cover C bar is set in a state viewed from the back of the paper, that is, in a face-down state when the productivity priority mode is set. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 21A, the sheet is set in the cover sheet feeding unit 60 illustrated in FIG. 21B with the surface on which the image R and the image F are formed facing down, and is fed with the image R as the head.

  The cover C bar set state as shown in FIG. 21B, that is, the stack direction of the cover C bar with respect to the cover sheet feeding unit 60 is set in the automatic document feeder DF shown in FIG. This is in the direction opposite to the stacking direction of the documents d with respect to the document feeder DF. As a result, in the productivity priority mode, a set of two sheets P1, P2 after image formation is aligned, and in contrast, for saddle stitching that is reversely set (reversed) in advance by the cover sheet feeding unit 60. The front cover C bar is attached so that saddle stitching can be performed.

  According to the operation example (No. 1) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 22, when the productivity priority mode is set, the reversing path 19 driven by the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75 is path-controlled. . In the image forming apparatus 100, an indication “set (place) a cover C bar (hereinafter rewritten as C = C1, C2, etc.) in a direction opposite to the cover direction of the normal saddle stitching mode”). Is made. In the post-processing apparatus 200, whether or not to pass the reverse path 19 by the forward / reverse conveyance driving mechanism 75 is notified of the operation confirmation data D9 output from the operation display unit 9 when the OK key K4 is pressed in the image forming apparatus 100. Is received and executed.

  In the post-processing device 200 shown in FIG. 22, when the notification of the operation confirmation data D9 is received from the image forming apparatus 100, the feeding of the paper P1 after the image formation is started from the image forming apparatus 100. At this time, the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 selects the path 17, and the stack-transport path switching unit 68 is connected to the path 17 and the fifth transport path (5). The paper P1 is carried from the image forming apparatus 100 into the post-processing apparatus 200. In the saddle stitching mechanism 40, in the same manner as in the normal saddle stitching mode, the paper P2 is conveyed in order from the paper P1 whose folding position is the innermost in the completed booklet SA2.

  In the operation example (part 2) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 23, the sheet P1 is fed into the saddle stitch stacking unit 69 via the stack-conveying path switching unit 68 and the fifth conveying path (5). Stored. Further, following the paper P1, the paper P2 is guided to the fifth transport path (5). When the final paper P2 (final paper) is transported from the image forming apparatus 100, the transport path is switched.

  In this example, in the operation example (part 3) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 24, the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 changes from the connection state between the inlet 11 and the path 17 to the fourth transport path ( The conveyance path is changed so as to connect 4) and the passage 17. The stack-conveyance path switching unit 68 maintains the current state as it is even after the sheets P2 and P1 are sequentially conveyed to the saddle stitch stacking unit 69. The change of the transport path and the current state maintenance of the stack-transport path switching unit 68 are for transporting the cover sheet C1 bar directly from the cover sheet feeding unit 60 to the saddle stitch stacking unit 69.

  Thereby, the cover C1 bar sent out from the cover sheet feeding section 60 passes through the fourth transport path (4), the paper discharge-FS transport path switching section 10, the path 17, and the fifth transport path (5). Thus, the saddle stitch stacking unit 69 is reached. The cover sheet C1 bar is conveyed with the image R side as the head, and is superimposed and stored on the sheet bundle P ′ including the sheets P1 and P2 already stored in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69. At this time, the paper P1 and the paper P2 are already stored in the saddle stitch stacking portion 69 in the state shown in FIG. 12D.

  As described above, when all of the sheets P1, P2, and the like for one job discharged from the image forming apparatus 100 are stored in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69, the saddle stitching stack unit 69 directly from the cover sheet feeding unit 60. The front cover C1 bar can be conveyed. Thereafter, in the saddle stitching mechanism 40, in the same manner as in the normal saddle stitching mode, the staple binding mechanism 401 of the upper mechanism 40A and the staple binding mechanism of the lower mechanism 40B are bound to the sheet bundle P ′ composed of the cover C1 and the sheets P1 and P2. The mechanism 402 executes saddle stitching processing using staples (not shown).

  Then, as shown in FIG. 20, the folding process is executed for the sheet bundle P ′ after the staple process. At this time, the saddle stitched sheet bundle P ′ is folded by the folding mechanism 50, and the folded booklet SA2 is discharged to the booklet discharge tray 73 through the sixth conveyance path (6). The

  Further, according to the operation example (No. 4) of the post-processing apparatus 200 shown in FIG. 25, the cover C2 bar of the second copy does not stand by the reverse path 19 as in the normal saddle stitching mode. Sheets P1 and P2 are guided to the saddle stitch stacking section 69 in the same manner as the first sheet P1 and P2. At this time, the stack-transport path switching unit 68 keeps the path 17 switched to the fifth transport path (5).

  After the second set of sheets P1 and P2 has been stacked in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69, the cover C2 bar passes from the fourth transport path (4) through the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 and the path 17 to the saddle stitch stack. Guided to part 69. Thereafter, in the saddle stitching mechanism 40, as in the normal saddle stitching mode, the staple binding mechanism 401 of the upper mechanism 40A and the staple binding of the lower mechanism 40B are bound to the sheet bundle P ′ composed of the cover C2 and the sheets P1 and P2. The mechanism 402 performs saddle stitching processing using staples (not shown).

  Thus, in the productivity priority mode, the sheets P1 and P2 after the image formation are first placed in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69 without waiting for the covers C1 and C2 in the reverse path 19 as in the normal saddle stitching mode. Then, after the stacking process is completed, the saddle stitching process can be performed by receiving the cover C1 bar or the like from the cover sheet feeding unit 60 directly.

  Next, with reference to FIGS. 26 to 28, an example of control in the saddle stitching mode in the image forming system # 1 will be described separately for the image forming apparatus 100 and the post-processing apparatus 200. FIG.

<Example of Control in Saddle Stitching Mode in Image Forming Apparatus 100>
In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set and the productivity priority mode is set, the “productivity priority (reverse set)” selection key is pressed on the setting value selection screen G5 shown in FIG. Then, the confirmation OK key K4 is pressed (selected). At this time, the user resets the cover C in the cover sheet feeding unit 60 in the opposite direction to that in the normal saddle stitching mode. Then, by pressing the OK key K4, the operation confirmation data D9 indicating that the cover C has been set in the reverse direction is notified from the image forming apparatus 100 to the post-processing apparatus 200.

  With these as control conditions, the image control CPU 5 starts control for the saddle stitching mode selection in step ST1 shown in FIG. At this time, the saddle stitching mode selection is controlled by pressing the setting key 93 on the basic setting screen G1 shown in FIG. 4A, selecting the user setting on the setting menu screen G2 shown in FIG. 4B, and the user shown in FIG. 5A. This is executed by selecting copy setting on the setting screen G3 and setting “booklet selection for saddle stitching” on the copy setting screen G4 shown in FIG. 5B.

  When the saddle stitching mode is selected, the process proceeds to step ST2, and the image control CPU 5 determines whether or not a cover sheet is inserted. At this time, the image control CPU 5 determines whether or not a cover is inserted on the copy setting screen G4 in response to selection of “saddle stitch cover set direction selection normal” or “saddle stitch booklet selection automatic setting”. Operation data D92 corresponding to these selections is output from the operation display unit 9 to the image control CPU 5.

  When the image control CPU 5 detects the presence of cover insertion based on the operation data D92 input from the operation display unit 9, the process proceeds to step ST3, and the image control CPU 5 executes the cover setting confirmation process. At that time, for example, a subroutine shown in FIG. 27 is called, and in step ST31, the operation display unit 9 first receives the setting of the cover C at the time of saddle stitching (saddle stitch cover setting). In step ST32, the operation display unit 9 waits for a setting mode related to the cover C on the copy setting screen G4. In this example, since “automatic setting for booklet selection during saddle stitching” is selected on the copy setting screen G4, the operation display unit 9 displays the setting value selection screen G5 on the display unit 91 in step ST33.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the setting value selection screen G5 corresponds to each of the circled numbers 1 to 3 in addition to “saddle stitch cover set direction selection normal” and “saddle stitch booklet selection automatic setting”. Then, a “Normal (cover set direction priority)” selection key K1, a “Cover set direction specification” selection key K2, and “Productivity priority (reverse set)” selection key K3 are displayed. A confirmation OK key K4 is displayed below these selection keys K1 to K3.

  In response to the pressing operation of the normal (cover set direction priority) selection key K1, the cover set direction designation selection key K2, and the productivity priority (reverse set) selection key K3 shown in FIG. The unit 9 receives the control of the image control CPU 5 and sets the setting information content in the system memory 86 or the like. The content of the setting information at this time is determined by the pressing operation of the selection keys K1 to K3 and the pressing operation of the OK key K4 provided therebelow. When the setting information content is set in the system memory 86 or the like, the process returns to step ST3 shown in FIG.

  Then, regarding the cover setting confirmation processing, the process proceeds to step ST4, and the image control CPU 5 branches the control into three according to the three selection items displayed on the setting value selection screen G5. In the above-described step ST4, when the cover set direction priority is set and the normal saddle stitching mode is executed (circled number 1), the process proceeds to step ST7, and the image control CPU 5 sets the no paper reversal mode. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST10.

  If the cover set direction is specified in step ST4 (circled number 2), the process proceeds to step ST5, and the image control CPU 5 displays a setting value selection screen G5 for confirming the cover set direction on the display unit 91. Display and enter settings. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST6, and the image control CPU 5 determines whether or not the front surface set is set in the setting direction of the cover C.

  Here, the front surface setting means that when the cover sheet C is set on the cover sheet feeding unit 60, the cover sheet C is set in an upright state as viewed from the user and in a face-up state (see FIGS. 14A and 14B). ). Surface set means the opposite of reverse set. When the front surface set is set, the process goes to step ST7, and the image control CPU 5 sets the mode (ii) without cover inversion. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST10.

  When the cover setting direction is always set to the productivity priority (reverse setting) mode in step ST4 (circled numeral 3) and when the surface set is not set in step ST6, that is, the reverse setting is set. If YES in step ST8, the image control CPU 5 sets the cover inversion mode (iii). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST10.

  If no cover is inserted in step ST2, the process proceeds to step ST9, and the image control CPU 5 sets the no cover mode (i). The no cover page mode (i) is a saddle stitching process for the sheet bundle P ′ without the cover sheet C attached. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST10. In step ST10, the image control CPU 5 detects the ON operation of the start button 97, transmits operation confirmation data D9 to the post-processing apparatus 200, and notifies (transfers) the side stitching mode, the normal saddle stitching mode, or the productivity priority mode. ) As a result, the image forming apparatus 100 can set the saddle stitch cover mode with cover insertion in the saddle stitch mode for the post-processing apparatus 200.

<Example of Control in Saddle Stitching Mode in Post-Processing Device 200>
Next, a control example in the saddle stitching mode in the post-processing device 200 will be described with reference to FIG. In this embodiment, regarding the binding processing mode based on the cover setting confirmation process (image processing setting operation) in the image forming apparatus 100, the case where no cover is set in the cover sheet feeding unit 60 is set to the no cover page mode (i), and the cover sheet is fed. When the front cover of the cover 60 is set, the case of performing saddle stitching after reversing in the reversing path 19 is set to the cover reversal-free mode (ii), the front cover in the front cover feeding section 60 is reversely set in advance, and the reversing path 19 is passed. Then, the case of saddle stitching processing is set to a cover reversal mode (iii).

  In the no cover mode (i), the operation is only a stack process in which the cover C is not involved. In the no cover inversion mode (ii), the booklet SA2 is generated by stacking the sheet bundle P 'after the cover C is inverted by the inversion path 19. In the cover reversal mode (iii), the booklet SA2 is generated by stacking the sheet bundle P 'after reversing the cover C in advance.

  With these as control conditions, the post-processing apparatus 200 receives the binding process mode information from the image forming apparatus 100 in step ST11 shown in FIG. The FS control unit 96 that has received the binding process mode information via the printer control unit 3B executes a process of confirming the setting information content when the saddle stitching mode is selected from the binding process mode information in step ST12.

  In this confirmation process, for example, “normal (cover set direction priority)” (circled number 1), “cover set direction designation” (circled number 2), or “productivity priority (reverse set)” (circled number). It is determined whether or not an ON flag for the confirmation OK key K4 is added in correspondence with any one of 3). By this confirmation processing, the FS control unit 96 controls the paper discharge-FS transport path switching unit 10 and the stack-transport path switching unit 68 in accordance with the normal saddle stitching mode or the productivity priority mode to perform the first transport control. The system is changed from the system to the second transport control system, or returned from the second transport control system to the first transport control system.

  In step ST13, the saddle stitching mechanism 40 stacks sheets P1, P2, etc. after image formation as shown in FIGS. 12D and 13B in both the saddle stitching mode and the productivity priority mode. In step ST14, the saddle stitching mechanism 40 determines whether or not the sheet P after image formation is the final sheet. Whether or not the paper P is the final paper is detected by, for example, detecting an output value of a counter or the like (not shown) and detecting the final paper based on the count-up value. When the paper P2 and the like after the image formation is the final paper, the process proceeds to step ST15, and the FS control unit 96 determines the binding processing mode based on the image processing setting operation.

  At this time, the FS control unit 96 performs three controls based on whether the binding processing mode is the no cover page mode (i), the no cover page reverse mode (ii), or the cover page reverse mode (iii). Branch to When the binding processing mode is the cover no reversal mode (ii), the process proceeds to step ST16, and as shown in FIGS. Saddle stitching is performed after reversing with. As a result, the cover sheet C can be stacked in the saddle stitch stacking unit 69 without being inverted on the cover sheet feeding unit 60. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST18.

  On the other hand, if the binding processing mode is the cover reversal mode (iii), the process proceeds to step ST17, and the cover C bar that has been reversely set in the cover sheet feeding section 60 as shown in FIGS. After joining the stack of sheets P ′, the saddle stitching process is performed. As a result, the cover sheet C bar that has been placed in reverse on the cover sheet feeding unit 60 in advance can be stacked by the saddle stitch stacking unit 69. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST18.

  If the binding processing mode is the coverless mode (i), the process proceeds to step ST18. In step ST18, the FS control unit 96 determines whether or not the stack processing is completed. When the stack processing is completed, the process proceeds to step ST19, and the FS control unit 96 executes saddle stitching processing and folding processing. At this time, in the saddle stitching mechanism 40, the staple binding mechanisms 401 and 402 are moved by the staple driving unit 76 in a direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction, and the binding needles are placed at the two central sorting positions in the width direction of the paper bundle P ′. It is made to strike.

  In the folding processing mechanism 50, a crease is formed in the sheet bundle P ′ subjected to the saddle stitching process. This fold line coincides with the binding position of the binding needle onto the sheet bundle P ′ by the aforementioned saddle stitching process. The central portion of the booklet SA2 in which the fold is formed is nipped and conveyed by the pair of conveying belts 58, and is fed to the nip position of the pair of pressure rollers 59, where the fold is further firmly attached, and the booklet is discharged. It is discharged to the tray 73.

  Thereafter, the process proceeds to step ST20, and the FS control unit 96 branches the control based on the presence / absence of the next binding object (next part). If there is a next binding target, the process returns to step ST13 and the above-described processing is repeated. If there is no next binding object, the process proceeds to step ST21, and the FS control unit 96 completes the binding process for the booklet SA2, etc.

  As described above, the image forming system # 1 according to the first embodiment includes the image forming apparatus 100 according to the present invention and the post-processing apparatus 200 according to the present invention. In the image forming apparatus 100, the image control CPU 5 places the cover C in a direction opposite to the direction of the cover C in the saddle stitching mode when the selection of the saddle stitching mode is accepted by the operation display unit 9. Display control is performed so as to display a message to reset.

  The operation display unit 9 receives an operation for confirming the orientation of the cover C that is repositioned in the direction opposite to the orientation of the cover C in the saddle stitching mode. The image control CPU 5 controls the post-processing device 200 to execute the productivity priority mode based on the confirmation operation of the orientation of the cover C received by the operation display unit 9.

  In the post-processing apparatus 200, the saddle stitching mechanism 40 includes one or more sheets P <b> 1 and P <b> 2 on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface based on the operation confirmation data D <b> 9 for the orientation of the cover C notified from the image forming apparatus 100. In response, the sheet bundle P ′ is aligned with the first cover C bar aligned in the opposite direction, and the sheet bundle P ′ is bound.

  With this control, the productivity priority mode can be executed as an exception process in the saddle stitching mode, so that the process of reversing the conveyance direction of the cover C in the saddle stitching mode can be omitted. As a result, when an image is formed on a large amount of paper P, and then the booklet SA2 is formed by the saddle stitching process, the binding process time can be significantly reduced for a user who wants to prioritize productivity. Therefore, the user-friendly image forming apparatus 100, post-processing apparatus 200, and image forming system # 1 can be provided.

  Next, a screen display example when the image processing mode is set in the image forming apparatus 100 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In this embodiment, a case where the saddle stitching mode is set by pressing the “finish” selection key K13 on the basic setting screen G1 in the image forming apparatus 100 shown in FIG. 4A will be described as an example. Each setting screen is displayed on the display unit 91 of the operation display unit 9.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set, when the “finish” selection key K13 is pressed on the basic setting screen G1 shown in FIG. 4A, the display is switched from the basic setting screen G1 to the finishing setting screen G6. . On the finishing setting screen G6, in addition to job display, bookmark display, remaining memory capacity, etc., character information “can be set by selecting a key in the setting column” is displayed.

  Below the character information, in addition to the item name of the “setting field”, selection keys “none” and “none” are displayed corresponding to icons such as “staple” and “punch”. Below the “none” and “none” selection keys, item icons for “corner”, “two holes”, and “two points” are displayed. Further, on the lower left of the “None” selection key, “Yes” and “No” selection keys are displayed corresponding to “Every copy”, “Each group”, and “Sort”. Below the “Yes” and “No” selection keys, a “Fold / Saddle Stitching Mode” selection key K5 is displayed.

  In this example, when the saddle stitching function is set and the selection key K5 for “folding / saddle stitching mode” is selected on the finishing setting screen G6 shown in FIG. 29A and the OK key K4 is pressed, finishing is performed. The display is switched from the setting screen G6 to the folding and stitching setting screen G7 shown in FIG. 29B. In the folding and saddle stitching setting screen G7, in addition to the job display and bookmark display, the text information of “Folding / saddle stitching can be set” is displayed.

  Below the character information, in addition to the item name “finish → folding / saddle”, selection keys “Yes” and “No” are displayed. Below the “Yes” and “No” selection keys, a “half-fold” selection key, a “saddle stitch” selection key K6 and a “three-fold” selection key are displayed.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set, if the selection key K6 for “saddle stitching” is pressed (selected) on the folding saddle stitch setting screen G7 shown in FIG. 29B, the saddle stitch setting screen G7 is displayed. The display is switched to the application setting screen G8 shown in FIG. 30A. In the application setting screen G8, in addition to job display and bookmark display, character information “Can be copied” is displayed.

  Below this character information, in addition to the item name of “Application Settings”, a “Page Edit” selection key K7, “Color Edit”, “Burst / Repeat”, “Binding”, “Image” Selection keys for “how to store”, “booklet”, “frame erase”, “stamp / page printing”, and “box save” are displayed.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set and the selection key K7 of “edit page” is selected on the application setting screen G8 shown in FIG. 30A, the page editing shown in FIG. 30B is made from the application setting screen G8. The display is switched to the setting screen G9. In the page edit setting screen G9, in addition to job display and bookmark display, character information of “Can be copied” is displayed.

  Below the character information, in addition to the item name “application setting → page edit”, a selection key of “OP slip”, a selection key K8 of “cover sheet”, and a selection key of “inter sheet” , A selection key for “folding page”, a selection key for “sorting”, and a selection key for “program job” are displayed.

In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set, when the “cover sheet” selection key K8 is selected on the page edit setting screen G9 shown in FIG. 30B and the OK key K4 is pressed, the page edit setting screen is displayed. From G9, the display is switched to the front cover paper setting screen G10 shown in FIG. 31A. In addition to the job display and bookmark display, for example, character information such as “the size of the inserted paper is different from the paper size / direction for the document” is displayed on the front cover paper setting screen G10.

  Below the character information, in addition to the item name “application setting → cover sheet → front cover paper”, a selection key area I of “main body” and a selection key area II of “host inserter” are displayed. The host inserter is the post-processing apparatus 200, and is operated to select the cover size in the selection key area II of “Host Inserter”.

  In the selection key area I of “main body”, a selection key of “LC (Large Capacity Feeder)” is displayed in “1” corresponding to the serial numbers “1, 2, 3, 4, 5”. Is done. In “2”, a selection key “B5” is displayed. In “3” to “5”, a selection key “A4” is displayed. In the selection key area II of “Host Inserter”, a selection key K91 of “F1 B5”, a selection key K92 of “F2 A4”, and a selection key K93 of “F2 A3” are displayed.

  In this example, when the saddle stitch function is set and the selection key K93 of “F2 A3” is selected on the front cover paper setting screen G10 shown in FIG. 31A and the OK key K4 is pressed, the front cover paper is set. From the setting screen G10, a setting direction setting screen G11 shown in FIG. 31B pops up on the front cover paper setting screen G10. The selection key K93 of “F2 A3” is displayed with its position shifted on the selection key K92 of “F2 A4” so as not to be hidden by the pop-up set direction setting screen G11. On the setting direction setting screen G11, a selection key K11 for “normally set cover page up →” and a selection key K12 for “reverse set cover page down →” are displayed.

  In this example, when the saddle stitching function is set and the productivity priority mode is set, the “reverse set front cover →” selection key K12 is pressed on the setting direction setting screen G11 shown in FIG. 31B. Select and press the OK key K4. At this time, the user resets the cover C in the cover sheet feeding unit 60 in the opposite direction to that in the normal saddle stitching mode. Then, by pressing (selecting) the OK key K4, operation confirmation data D9 indicating that the cover C has been set in the reverse direction is notified from the image forming apparatus 100 to the post-processing apparatus 200.

  As described above, according to the image forming system # 1 according to the second embodiment, when the productivity priority mode is set in the image processing mode setting of the image forming apparatus 100, the post-processing apparatus that receives a notification from the image forming apparatus 100 In 200, the reversing path 19 is path-controlled by the forward / reverse transport driving mechanism 75 based on the operation confirmation data D9 to change the transport path, and the transport of one or more sheets P having an image formed on a predetermined surface is received. Thus, the sheet bundle P ′ is bound by attaching the first cover C aligned in the opposite direction to the sheet bundle P ′ in which the sheets P are aligned.

  The operation confirmation data D9 at this time is sent from the operation & control unit 92 of the operation display unit 9 shown in FIG. 3 to the FS control unit of the post-processing device 200 via the image control CPU 5 and the printer control unit 3B of the image writing unit 3. 96 is notified. By this notification, the productivity priority mode can be set in the post-processing apparatus 200 as an exception process in the normal saddle stitching mode even by an input operation when the image processing mode is set in the image forming apparatus 100.

  As a result, similarly to the first embodiment, the process of reversing the transport direction of the cover C in the post-processing apparatus 200 in the saddle stitching mode can be omitted. Accordingly, when an image is formed on a large amount of paper P and then the booklet SA2 is formed by the saddle stitching process, the binding process time can be significantly shortened for a user who wants to prioritize productivity.

  The present invention is extremely suitable when applied to a post-processing system or the like that bundles a plurality of sheets after image formation, attaches a cover to the sheet bundle, performs saddle stitching, and then folds to create a booklet. is there.

# 1 image forming system 1 image reading unit 2 image processing unit 3 image writing unit 4 image forming unit 5 image control CPU (control unit)
9 Operation display part (selection part, setting part)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Paper discharge | emission FS conveyance path switching part 19 Inversion path | route 20 Shift process conveyance part 30 Flat binding mechanism (1st binding process part)
35 Intermediate stacker 40 Saddle binding mechanism (second binding processing unit)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 41 Photosensitive drum 42 Transfer part 50 Folding process mechanism 55 DF control part 60 Cover sheet feeding part 68 Stack-conveyance path switching part 69 Saddle stitching stack part 75 Forward / reverse conveyance drive mechanism 80 Paper discharge part 90 Control unit (control part)
93 Setting Key 96 FS Control Unit 97 Start Button 100 Image Forming Device 200 Post-Processing Device 300 Large Capacity Feeder

Claims (6)

In the post-processing device, the first cover of the cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction is received, and one or more sheets of paper having an image formed on a predetermined surface are transferred to align the cover and the sheets. The first binding processing mode is an operation for binding the bundle of sheets.
The post-processing apparatus receives a first copy of a cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction, reverses the transport direction of the cover sheet, and transports one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface When the second binding processing mode is set, the operation of attaching the inverted cover sheet to the bundle of sheets aligned with the sheet and binding the bundle of sheets is set as the second binding processing mode.
An image forming unit that forms an image on a predetermined surface of the paper;
A selection unit that receives selection of the first or second binding processing mode for the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit;
A control unit that controls the post-processing device based on the selection of the first or second binding processing mode received by the selection unit;
The controller is
In the case where selection of the second binding processing mode is accepted by the selection unit,
Display control to display that the cover is to be repositioned in a direction opposite to the cover direction of the second binding processing mode;
Accepting a confirmation operation for the orientation of the cover to be repositioned in the opposite direction to the cover orientation in the second binding processing mode;
Based on the accepted operation for confirming the orientation of the cover, it receives one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface, and places it on the bundle of sheets in which the sheets are aligned in the opposite direction. An image forming apparatus, wherein the post-processing device is controlled so as to execute a third binding processing mode in which a first cover that has been corrected is attached and a sheet bundle is bound. When the selection of the second binding processing mode is accepted,
Display indicating that the cover is to be repositioned in a direction opposite to the cover direction in the second binding process mode, and display indicating that the cover is to be mounted in a predetermined direction in the second binding process mode The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a setting unit that switches to the second binding processing mode and sets the second binding processing mode. The controller is
One or more sheets on which the first binding processing mode is set in the post-processing device, the first copy of the cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction is conveyed, and an image is formed on a predetermined surface The first control for binding the cover and the sheet bundle with the sheets aligned,
The second binding processing mode is set in the post-processing device, the first copy of the cover placed in a predetermined direction is received, the transfer direction of the cover is reversed, and an image is displayed on a predetermined surface. A second control for receiving one or more sheets of paper formed, aligning the sheets, attaching the inverted cover and binding the sheets; or
The third binding processing mode is set in the post-processing device, and one or more sheets having an image formed on a predetermined surface are conveyed, the sheets are aligned, and placed in the opposite direction. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the third control for binding the cover and the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned is executed in response to conveyance of the corrected first cover. The first cover of the cover placed in a predetermined direction is received, and one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface are received by the image forming apparatus, and the cover and the sheets are aligned. A first binding processing unit for binding a bundle of sheets;
Upon receiving the first copy of the cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction, the transport direction of the cover sheet is reversed, and one or more sheets on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface by the image forming apparatus are transported. A second binding processing unit that binds the cover by attaching the inverted cover to the sheet bundle in which the sheets are aligned,
In the image forming apparatus, when the selection of the first or second binding processing unit is accepted and the selection of the second binding processing unit is accepted, the orientation of the cover in the second binding processing unit is further Is displayed when the cover is displayed in the opposite direction, and the second binding processing unit accepts an operation for confirming the orientation of the cover that is aligned in the opposite direction.
The second binding processing unit includes:
Based on the cover direction confirmation operation information notified from the image forming apparatus, one or more sheets having an image formed on a predetermined surface are received and aligned, and the sheets are aligned in the opposite direction. A post-processing apparatus that receives the conveyed first cover and binds a bundle of sheets in which the cover and the sheets are aligned. The first binding processing unit includes:
The cover is attached to the front, one or more sheets are aligned, and a side binding process for binding one side of the sheet bundle to which the cover is attached is executed.
The second binding processing unit includes:
The front cover is attached to the front, one or more sheets are aligned, a center portion of a bundle of sheets attached with the cover is bound, and then a saddle stitching process is performed in which the center portion is folded. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 4. In the post-processing device, the first cover of the cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction is received, and at least one sheet of paper having an image formed on a predetermined surface is received to align the cover and the paper. The first binding processing mode is an operation for binding the bundle of sheets.
The post-processing apparatus receives a first copy of a cover sheet placed in a predetermined direction, reverses the transport direction of the cover sheet, and transports one or more sheets of paper on which an image is formed on a predetermined surface When the second binding processing mode is set, the operation of attaching the inverted cover sheet to the bundle of sheets aligned with the sheet and binding the bundle of sheets is set as the second binding processing mode.
An image forming unit that forms an image on a predetermined surface of the paper;
A selection unit that receives selection of the first or second binding processing mode for the paper on which an image is formed by the image forming unit; and
An image forming apparatus having a control unit that controls the post-processing device based on the selection of the first or second binding processing mode received by the selection unit;
A first binding processing unit that executes the first binding processing mode; and
A post-processing device having a second binding processing unit for executing the second binding processing mode;
The control unit of the image forming apparatus includes:
In the case where selection of the second binding processing mode is accepted by the selection unit,
Display control to display that the cover is to be repositioned in a direction opposite to the cover direction of the second binding processing mode;
Accepting a confirmation operation for the orientation of the cover to be repositioned in the opposite direction to the cover orientation of the second binding processing mode;
Based on the accepted operation for confirming the orientation of the cover, it receives one or more sheets of paper having an image formed on a predetermined surface, aligns the sheets, and then places the sheets in the opposite direction on the sheet bundle. An image forming system, wherein the post-processing device is controlled to execute a third binding processing mode in which a first cover that has been re-applied is attached and a sheet bundle is bound.

Images