JP2012006666A - Image forming device and control method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming device that properly bundles a plurality of copies of stapled sheet bundles, and a control method.SOLUTION: The image forming device is provided with a staple function and includes a first staple part that staples a prescribed number of sheets so as to make it into a sheet bundle, and a second staple part that further staples a plurality of copies of the sheet bundles. The first staple part and the second staple part have different configurations. The first staple part and the second staple part are configured to use staple needles having different sizes and to execute stapling at different corner parts of the sheet. The second staple part is configured to cut the tips of the staple needle, penetrating through and protruding from the plurality of copies of the sheet bundles, without folding them back and to make a cut in at least one part of the staple needle stapling the plurality of copies of the sheet bundles.

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus and a control method, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus including a post-processing unit and a control method for controlling post-processing.

  When a large amount of printed material is output by an image forming apparatus such as a printer, post-processing such as stapling for binding a plurality of printed materials with a staple needle is often performed, and various proposals have been made regarding staples.

  For example, Patent Document 1 below discloses a sheet processing apparatus that performs various processing by combining a plurality of staples with a stapler that can use a plurality of staples. It is described that, by changing, a document bundle is distinguished or the staple needle size is changed to switch between a large size for a thick document and a small size for a thin document. Patent Document 2 below discloses a document processing system that divides one document into a plurality of parts and staples only that part.

JP 2006-151592 A JP 2003-91380 A

  In stapling, there are staple needles at the same position on the paper. Therefore, if the stapled paper bundles are stacked, the thickness of the staple portion is increased and the balance is deteriorated. To solve this problem, a method of manually stapling and clipping a bundle of a plurality of stapled sheet bundles is performed.

  However, these methods are inconvenient because the user himself has to perform stapling and clipping. In addition, when the number of pages and the number of copies increases and the printed matter becomes thick, problems such as inability to perform binding by manual stapling and lack of an appropriately sized clip also occur.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a main object thereof is to provide an image forming apparatus and a control method capable of appropriately collecting a plurality of stapled sheet bundles.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides an image forming apparatus having a stapling function, wherein a first stapling unit that binds paper in units to form a paper bundle and a plurality of paper bundles are combined. The first staple unit and the second staple unit are different in configuration from each other.

  According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method in a system including a control apparatus that transmits a job and instructs printing, and an image forming apparatus having a stapling function, wherein the sheet is bound to the image forming apparatus in units of copies. A first stapling unit that forms a sheet bundle and a second stapling unit that further binds the plurality of sheet bundles, and the number of copies specified in the job exceeds a predetermined reference value Further, the second stapling unit is caused to execute processing.

  According to the image forming apparatus and the control method of the present invention, it is possible to appropriately combine a plurality of stapled sheet bundles.

  The reason is that the image forming apparatus is provided with a second staple unit that performs a staple process different from the normal staple process in addition to the first staple unit that performs the normal staple process, and the first staple unit. This is because a process of binding the plurality of sheet bundles that are bound in step 2 by the second staple unit is performed.

  In addition, the staple stapled by the second staple unit can be easily identified by changing the staple needle size or changing the staple position during the staple processing of the second staple unit. is there.

  Further, when stapling the second staple unit, the second staple unit is stapled by cutting a portion protruding from the paper without folding the tip end portion of the staple needle or by cutting the staple needle. This is because the staples thus made can be easily removed.

  Further, the control unit or image forming apparatus that instructs printing determines whether the number of pages or the number of copies of the printed matter exceeds a predetermined reference value, and if the reference value is exceeded, stapling is performed on the second staple unit. This is because an instruction to execute is given.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the control apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a post-processing device in an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows the whole operation | movement of the control apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating an overall operation of the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing (language analysis processing) of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating processing (printing processing) of the image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows the printer driver setting screen displayed on the control apparatus which concerns on one Example of this invention. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a printer driver setting screen (when the number of copies is selected and staples are selected) displayed on the control device according to the embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows an example of a PJL command. It is a figure which shows an example of a job setting table. FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a staple state of normal staples and the number of copies together. It is sectional drawing which shows the structure of the staple needle | hook of a staple collectively. It is a perspective view explaining the conventional problem.

  When a user prints a meeting material or the like, the document is often printed in a plurality of copies and each document is stapled. However, as shown in FIG. 15A, in the staple, the staple needle protrudes from the front and back surfaces of the sheet bundle. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 15B, there is a problem that when the number of copies of the sheet bundle increases, the staple portion becomes bulky and the balance is deteriorated, and the sheet bundle collapses during carrying.

  In order to solve this problem, methods of stapling a plurality of stapled paper bundles together and manually stapling or clipping are used. However, these methods are troublesome for the user, and the number of pages and the number of copies When the printed matter becomes thicker and the printed matter becomes thicker, there are problems that the staple cannot be stapled by a manual staple or there is no clip of an appropriate size.

  A method of automatically stapling a bundle of a plurality of stapled paper bundles is also conceivable. In that case, a staple needle for binding each document and a staple needle for binding a plurality of paper bundles are provided. It is necessary to make it easy to distinguish, and to make it easier to remove staples for binding a plurality of paper bundles when distributing a document. Furthermore, it is necessary to ensure that a stapling process for binding a plurality of paper bundles is instructed reliably.

  Accordingly, in one embodiment of the present invention, a staple process different from a normal staple process is performed on an image forming apparatus including a post-process unit, in addition to a staple unit (normal staple unit) that performs a normal staple process. A stapling unit (a set of stapling units) is provided, and a plurality of sheet bundles stapled by the normal stapling unit are further stapled by the stapling unit.

  In addition, since the staples used for stapling together need to be removed when using printed materials, the staples can be easily distinguished from normal staples by changing the size of the staples, changing the position of the staples, etc. It can be easily removed by cutting it without turning it back or making a cut. Further, the control device (printer driver) or the image forming apparatus can determine whether the number of copies is necessary based on the number of pages, the number of copies, or the like, and can automatically instruct staples when the number of copies is necessary. To.

  As a result, even when carrying a plurality of stapled paper bundles, the load does not collapse and fall apart, and the user can save time and effort to manually staple or clip.

  In the field of commercial printing, a method of banding or boxing a plurality of stapled paper bundles is used. However, a special device is required to perform banding and boxing automatically. This is time consuming and consumes resources such as belts and boxes, and is not suitable for office use. On the other hand, stapling is generally performed for office use, and the stapling technology has been established. Therefore, the method of the present invention can obtain a great effect particularly for office use.

  In order to describe the above-described embodiment of the present invention in more detail, an image forming apparatus and a control method according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a printing system according to the present exemplary embodiment, FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control device, FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an image forming apparatus, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a post-processing unit in the image forming apparatus. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing processing of the control apparatus, and FIGS. 6 to 8 are flowcharts showing processing of the image forming apparatus. 9 and 10 are diagrams showing a printer driver setting screen displayed on the control device, FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a PJL command, and FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a job setting table. is there. FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a state after staples for binding a plurality of sheets and staples for binding a plurality of sheet bundles, and FIG. 14 shows a state of binding a plurality of sheet bundles. It is sectional drawing which shows the form of the staple needle in the staple to stop.

  As illustrated in FIG. 1, the printing system 10 according to the present exemplary embodiment includes one or a plurality of client devices (hereinafter, referred to as a control device 20) that instructs printing of a document created by a document creation application, and the control device 20. And one or a plurality of image forming apparatuses 30 such as a printer (MFP: Multi Function Peripheral) that executes printing based on the instruction of the control unit. They are connected via a communication network such as an area network (WAN) or a wide area network (WAN). Hereinafter, each device will be described in detail.

[Control device]
As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 20 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 21, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 22, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 23, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 24, a network I / F 25, an operation. Unit 26, display unit 27, and the like.

  The CPU 21, ROM 22, RAM 23, and HDD 24 constitute a control unit. The CPU 21 reads out an OS (Operating System), application software, and a printer driver for controlling the image forming apparatus 30 from the ROM 22 or HDD 24, expands them in the RAM 23, and executes them. To do. The ROM 22 stores a program and the like for controlling the operation of the entire control device 20. The RAM 23 stores data necessary for control by the CPU 21 and data that needs to be temporarily stored during the control operation. The HDD 24 stores a program such as a printer driver and data such as a reference value that is a criterion for determining whether to perform stapling.

  The printer driver causes the control device 20 to function as a setting unit, a print data generation unit, an instruction unit, and the like.

  The setting unit displays a screen (hereinafter referred to as a printer driver setting screen) for allowing the user to set items that can be set for the image forming apparatus 30 on the display unit 27, and enables various items to be set. To do. Also, if necessary, it is determined whether the number of prints or the number of copies set on the printer driver setting screen exceeds a predetermined reference value, and if the reference value is exceeded, a plurality of paper bundles are bound. Instructs execution of stapling.

  The print data generation unit includes print data (PS (Post Script), PCL (Printer Control Language), etc.) for printing a document created by application software under the printing conditions and post-processing conditions set on the printer driver setting screen. Data in a page description language (PDL) format or PDF (Portable Document Format) data is generated.

  The instruction unit transmits the print data generated by the print data generation unit to the image forming apparatus 30 and instructs the image forming apparatus 30 to perform printing.

  The network I / F 25 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card), a modem, and the like, and enables communication with the image forming apparatus 30.

  The operation unit 26 includes a keyboard, a mouse, and the like, and enables operations such as setting various items related to document creation and printing.

  The display unit 27 is configured by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or the like, and displays various screens such as a printer driver setting screen described later.

  In FIG. 1, a personal computer is shown as the control device 20, but the control device 20 may be any device that can control the image forming apparatus 30.

[Image forming apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 3, the image forming apparatus 30 includes a CPU 31, ROM 32, RAM 33, HDD 34, network I / F 35, display operation unit 36, language analysis unit 37, image processing unit 38, printing unit 39, post-processing unit 40, and the like. These are connected via a bus.

  The CPU 31, the ROM 32, the RAM 33, and the HDD 34 constitute a control unit 31, and the CPU 31 reads various programs from the ROM 32 or the HDD 34, develops them in the RAM 33, and executes them. The ROM 32 stores a program for controlling the operation of the entire image forming apparatus 30. The RAM 33 stores data necessary for control by the CPU 31 and data that needs to be temporarily stored during the control operation. The HDD 34 stores a program for controlling the operation of the image forming apparatus 30, print data acquired from the control apparatus 20, and the like.

  The network I / F 35 is configured by a NIC, a modem, or the like, and enables communication with the control device 20. In this embodiment, print data or the like is received from the control device 20.

  The display operation unit 36 includes a display unit such as an LCD and an operation unit such as a touch panel that covers the display unit. The display operation unit 36 displays icons, key buttons, and the like on the LCD according to a display signal from the CPU 31 and is input from the touch panel or the like. The operation signal is output to the CPU 31. The display operation unit 36 may be configured integrally, or may be configured separately into a display unit and an operation unit.

  The language analysis unit 37 analyzes the print data input from the control device 20 via the network I / F 35 and creates intermediate data.

  The image processing unit 38 converts the intermediate data created by the language analysis unit 37 into printable bitmap data.

  The printing unit 39 prints the bitmap data created by the image processing unit 38 on a sheet.

  The post-processing unit 40 performs predetermined post-processing on the paper printed by the printing unit 39. Specifically, a first staple unit (usually referred to as a normal staple unit 40a) that binds a predetermined number of printed materials and a second bundle that further staples a plurality of sheet bundles that are stapled by the normal staple unit 40a. A staple unit (the number of copies is collectively referred to as a staple unit 40b) and other post-processing units 40c such as a punch unit for punching a printed material and a folding processing unit for folding the printed product into two or four folds are included.

  The structure of the staple unit 40b together with the normal staple unit 40a will be described with reference to FIG. The post-processing unit 40 includes, for example, a normal stapling unit 40a, a group of stapling units 40b, an intermediate stacker that holds sheets or sheet bundles, a movable sheet discharge unit that stacks discharged sheets or sheet bundles, sheets, There are provided a conveying unit such as a switching gate, a roller pair, and a belt for conveying the sheet bundle to the normal staple unit 40a, the number of copies collectively to the staple unit 40b, and the movable paper discharge unit.

  The paper output from the printing unit 39 is conveyed as it is to the movable paper discharge unit or to the normal stapling unit 40a according to the angle of the switching gate.

  In the former case, the paper output from the printing unit 39 passes through the receiving unit, is sandwiched between the conveying roller pair, passes through the path above the switching gate, and is movable outside the apparatus by the conveying roller pair and the discharge roller pair. The paper is discharged to the paper discharge unit.

  In the latter case, the paper output from the printing unit 39 passes through the receiving unit, is sandwiched between the pair of transport rollers, passes through the path below the switching gate, is sandwiched and sent out by the pair of downstream transport rollers, It is discharged into the space above the mounting table of the first intermediate stacker arranged in an inclined manner. The discharged paper slides and rises on the mounting table, and then slides down on the inclined surface of the mounting table by its own weight. The trailing end comes into contact with the movable stopper member of the staple unit 40a and stops. Then, the side alignment in the width direction of the paper is tapped to perform width alignment, and the staple processing is performed by the normal staple unit 40a at this stop position.

  The sheet bundle stapled by the normal staple unit 40a is discharged from the front end side of the normal staple unit 40a and conveyed to the movable paper discharge unit, or is discharged from the rear end side of the normal staple unit 40a and the number of copies is summarized. Are conveyed to the staple unit 40b.

  In the former case, the sheet bundle discharged from the front end side of the normal staple unit 40a is discharged onto a movable paper discharge unit outside the apparatus by a pair of transport rollers and a discharge roller pair.

  In the latter case, the sheet bundle discharged from the rear end side of the normal staple unit 40a is sandwiched and sent out by a pair of downstream conveying rollers, and is discharged to the space above the mounting table of the second intermediate stacker that is inclined. The The discharged sheet bundle slides down on the inclined surface of the mounting table due to its own weight, and the rear end portion comes into contact with the movable stopper member of the staple unit 40b and stops. Then, the width alignment is performed by tapping the side edges in the width direction of the plurality of sheet bundles, and at the stop position, the stapling process is performed by the stapling unit 40b collectively. The stapled plurality of sheet bundles are pushed upward obliquely on the placement surface of the placement table, and are discharged onto a movable discharge portion outside the apparatus by a discharge roller pair.

  FIG. 4 is an example of the post-processing unit 40 of the present embodiment. If the staple processing by the normal staple unit 40a and the stapling processing by the staple unit 40b can be performed together, the configuration and operation are appropriately determined. It can be changed.

  For example, in FIG. 4, since the sheet bundle subjected to the stapling process by the normal staple unit 40a is discharged from the rear end side of the normal staple unit 40a and conveyed to the staple unit 40b, the both ends of the sheet are stapled. However, if a function for reversing the conveyance direction of the sheet bundle is provided, the sheet can be stapled on the same side. Also, when the stapling position is set for the number of copies collectively in the print data, it is possible to select whether to reverse the transport direction of the sheet bundle based on the position.

  In FIG. 4, the staples are driven from the same side of the sheet because the front and back of the bundle of sheets subjected to the staple processing in the normal staple unit 40 a are maintained and conveyed to the staple unit 40 b. If the function of reversing the front and back of the bundle is provided, staples are driven from different sides of the paper (for example, the normal staple unit 40a is driven from the front side of the paper and the number of copies is stapled from the back side of the paper. You can also

  In this embodiment, the language analysis unit 37 and the image processing unit 38 are provided in the image forming apparatus 30, but the processing of the language analysis unit 37 and the image processing unit 38 is connected to a communication network by a RIP (Raster Image). It may be configured to be executed by a controller.

  In this embodiment, the control unit (printer driver) of the control device 20 determines whether the number of printed sheets and the number of printed copies exceed a predetermined reference value. If the number exceeds the reference value, the number of copies is collectively executed. The control unit of the image forming apparatus 30 determines whether the number of printed sheets or the number of copies exceeds a predetermined reference value, and if the number exceeds the reference value, the number of copies is collectively operated to operate the staple unit 40b. It is good.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the printing system 10 of this embodiment will be described. First, operation | movement of the control apparatus 20 is demonstrated with reference to the flowchart figure of FIG.

  When the user performs a predetermined operation on the screen of the document creation application, the control unit 21 activates the printer driver, and the printer driver causes the display unit 27 to display a printer driver setting screen 50 as shown in FIG. Performs print setting using the printer driver setting screen 50 (S100).

  The printer driver setting screen 50 includes, for example, a paper field for setting the document orientation, document size, output size, paper feed tray, and the like, and a bookbinding field for setting the binding position, print type, page allocation, staple, punch, and the like. And an output field for setting an output method, the number of copies, a paper discharge tray, and the like. Also, the output field is provided with a button for stapling the number of copies together. As shown in FIG. 9, when the number of copies specified in the output field is 1, it is grayed out so that the number of copies cannot be selected. As shown in FIG. 10, when the number of copies specified is 2 or more (here, 10), the number of copies can be checked together.

  When various print settings are made on the printer driver setting screen 50, the printer driver outputs the print settings set on the printer driver setting screen 50 as PJL, and the document data is a page description language (PDL) such as PostScript or PCL. And instructing the image forming apparatus 30 to perform printing (S110).

  Note that the method of instructing the image forming apparatus 30 to “staple the number of copies” is not particularly limited. For example, as shown in FIG. 11, a new PJL command (BUNDLESTAPLE) is prepared and the number of copies is stapled together. Can set BUNDLESTAPLE to ON and set BUNDLESTAPLE to OFF when the number of copies is not bundled.

  Here, the configuration is such that whether or not the number of copies is stapled is set, but the staple position can also be set for the number of copies collectively, and the number of places to staple the number of copies can be specified. For example, if the stapling is set to be performed at two diagonal positions, a plurality of sheet bundles can be held more reliably.

  In this example, the user selects “Bulk Staples” on the printer driver setting screen 50. However, the printer driver (setting unit) obtains the number of pages of the printed material and the set number of copies, and the number of pages and the number of copies is determined. It may be configured to determine whether or not a predetermined reference value is exceeded and to automatically set “staple all together” when the reference value is exceeded (for example, when the number of copies is 10 or more). .

  Next, the operation of the image forming apparatus 30 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 shows the overall operation of the image forming apparatus 30, FIG. 7 shows details of language analysis processing, and FIG. 8 shows details of printing processing.

  When the image forming apparatus 30 receives the print data from the control apparatus 20, the language analysis unit 37 performs a language analysis process for the print data (S200). Specifically, as shown in FIG. 7, PJL analysis processing (S201) and PDL analysis processing (S202) are performed to convert the data into intermediate data. This intermediate data is data before the print data is expanded into bitmap data after language analysis processing, and can be stored in a smaller capacity than the bitmap data. In addition, since intermediate data of the same format is generated from PostScript and PCL, there is an advantage that the processing after conversion to intermediate data can be shared by PostScript and PCL.

  In this language analysis process, the PJL command portion of the print data shown in FIG. 11 is analyzed, and various parameter values are stored in the job setting table shown in FIG. Since the job can be set also in the PDL analysis process, if the same information exists, the PDL analyzed version is overwritten and saved. The setting priority order in the job setting table is the order of setting from the display operation unit <PJL setting <PDL setting.

  Returning to FIG. 6, the image processing unit 38 rasterizes the intermediate data in band units to create bitmap data (S210), transmits the bitmap data to the printing unit 39 for each band, and the printing unit 39 A printing process is executed based on the bitmap data (S220). Also in this image processing and printing processing, necessary settings (for example, paper size (PAPER), number of copies (QTY), etc.) are made with reference to the job setting table of FIG.

  The printing process will be described in detail. As shown in FIG. 8, first, raster data is printed for all pages (S221). Next, it is determined whether the FINISH column of the job setting table is set to STAPLE (S222). If it is set to STAPLE, the printed sheet is stapled using the normal stapling unit 40a (S223). This operation will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The control unit controls the switching gate to convey each sheet to the first intermediate stacker, and when all the sheets of sheets have been conveyed, causes the normal stapling unit 40a to execute a staple process. .

  Next, it is determined whether the setting in the number of copies designation (QTY) field is greater than 1 (S225). If greater than 1, after subtracting 1 from QTY (S224), the process returns to step S221 and repeats the same processing. , Process the specified number of copies.

  When the processing for the designated number of copies is completed, it is determined whether the number of copies in the job setting table is set to ON (S226). If it is set to ON, the number of copies is set to the staple unit 40b. A plurality of sheet bundles each stapled by using the are stapled together (S227). This operation will be described with reference to FIG. 4. The control unit controls the discharge direction of the sheet bundle subjected to the stapling process by the normal staple unit 40a, conveys each sheet bundle to the second intermediate stacker, and all the sheet bundles are transferred. When transported, the number of copies is collected and the stapling unit 40b is caused to execute stapling processing. At this time, if the stapling position of the staple is set together with the print data, the control unit may determine whether to reverse the sheet bundle based on the stapling position and control the transport system. it can.

  FIG. 13 is a top view of a printed matter (a plurality of sheet bundles) created by performing the above processing. As shown in FIG. 13A, each sheet bundle is stapled by staples of normal staples. At the same time, since all the paper bundles are bound together by the staples of the staples, even when carrying a plurality of stapled paper bundles, the load does not collapse and fall apart. This eliminates the need for the user to manually staple and clip.

  FIG. 13A shows a configuration in which normal staples and the number of copies are stapled together in the same corner area of the paper. However, since the staples of the number of copies are removed at the time of use, normal staples are used. It is preferable to be easily distinguishable from other staples.

  For example, when the post-processing unit 40 has the configuration shown in FIG. 4, as shown in FIG. 13B, the staples are collectively placed on the side opposite to the normal staples as shown in FIG. , In the upper left of the document), it is possible to easily identify the staples of the staples together. In FIG. 13B, the normal staple and the number of copies are stapled together at both ends of the long side of the paper. However, the configuration may be performed at both ends of the short side or at the diagonal position. Good.

  13 (a) and 13 (b), the staples of the staples have the same size as the normal staples and the number of copies. For example, as shown in FIG. By changing the form (here, the size) of the staple needle driving direction (whether it is driven from the front side or the back side), the staple needles of the staples can be easily identified.

  In addition, as with normal staples, staples can be folded and fixed at the tip of the staple needle that has passed through multiple printed bundles, but the staples of the staple can be removed at the time of use. Therefore, it is preferable to have a structure that can be easily removed.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14A, a configuration may be adopted in which a portion protruding from the surface of the print bundle is cut after the staple needle has passed through a plurality of print bundles. In this configuration, the sheet bundle can be easily detached from the open end of the staple needle. However, if the staple needle is driven from the side of the hand (the lower side of the figure) as shown in the figure, a plurality of sheet bundles are conveyed. Can be put together to the extent that it can withstand. The structure for cutting the staple needle is not particularly limited. For example, the staple unit 40b is provided with a blade that moves along the surface of the sheet bundle, and after the staple needle has penetrated, the blade is attached to the surface of the sheet bundle. And move along.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (b), a thin portion may be formed by cutting a part of a staple needle whose end portion is bent and fixed. In this configuration, if two or more cuts are provided (for example, the upper left corner and the upper right corner in the figure), the staple needle can be divided into two or more, and the staple needle can be easily removed. This incision may be performed after the staple needle has been stapled, or a staple needle provided with a notch in advance may be used.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 14 (c), staple needles that are shorter than the thickness of a plurality of sheet bundles are driven slightly shifted from the front and back sides of the sheet bundle, and a plurality of sheet bundles are formed with two staple needles. It is good also as a structure which fixes. As a method of adjusting the length of staple needle legs, a plurality of types of staple needles having different leg lengths may be prepared, or the length of staple needle legs may be adjusted depending on the thickness of a plurality of paper bundles. You may drive in after adjusting the thickness. The two staples may be driven from the front and back at the same time, or the staples may be driven from one side and then the sheet bundle may be turned over and driven from the other side.

  13 and 14 show variations of the staple position, the staple needle size, and the staple needle structure together with the normal staple and the number of copies, but these can be arbitrarily combined.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said Example, The structure and control can be changed suitably, unless it deviates from the meaning of this invention.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, “the number of copies together stapling” is specified on the display unit 27 of the control device 20, but it may be set on the display operation unit 36 of the image forming apparatus 30.

  The present invention is applicable to an image forming apparatus including a printer driver that operates on a control device and a post-processing unit.

10 Printing System 20 Control Device 21 CPU
22 ROM
23 RAM
24 HDD
25 Network I / F
26 Operation unit 27 Display unit 30 Image forming apparatus 31 CPU
32 ROM
33 RAM
34 HDD
35 Network I / F
36 Display Operation Unit 37 Language Analysis Unit 38 Image Processing Unit 39 Printing Unit 40 Post Processing Unit 40a Normal Stapling Unit 40b Number of Copies Staple 40c Other Post Processing Unit 50 Printer Driver Setting Screen

Claims (10)

An image forming apparatus having a stapling function,
A first stapling unit that binds paper in units to form a paper bundle;
A second staple unit for further binding the plurality of copies of the sheet bundle;
The first staple unit and the second staple unit have different configurations.
An image forming apparatus. The first staple unit and the second staple unit use different staple sizes.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1. The second staple unit has a function of cutting without folding the tip end portion of the staple needle protruding through the plurality of sheet bundles.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The second staple unit has a function of cutting at least one location of a staple needle that is stapled to the plurality of sheet bundles.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein: The first staple unit and the second staple unit staple the different corners of the paper.
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. The first staple unit and the second staple unit are driven by staples from different sides of the paper;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A control unit that causes the second stapling unit to execute processing when the number of copies specified in the job exceeds a predetermined reference value;
The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus. A path for transporting the sheet bundle to the second staple unit, and a mechanism for controlling the conveyance direction of the sheet bundle;
When the staple position of the second staple unit is set in the job, the control unit operates the mechanism so that the plurality of sheet bundles are stapled at the set staple position. Control,
The image forming apparatus according to claim 7. A control method in a system including a control device for sending a job and instructing printing and an image forming apparatus having a stapling function,
The image forming apparatus is provided with a first staple unit that binds sheets in units to form a bundle of sheets, and a second staple unit that further binds the plurality of sets of sheet bundles,
Causing the second stapling section to execute processing when the number of copies instructed in the job exceeds a predetermined reference value;
A control method characterized by that. A mechanism for controlling the transport direction of the sheet bundle in a path for transporting the sheet bundle to the second staple unit;
When the staple position of the second staple unit is set in the job, the operation of the mechanism is controlled so that the plurality of sheet bundles are stapled at the set staple position;
The control method according to claim 9.

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