JP2018005256A - Image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To ensure that sheets of paper having images formed thereon are in appropriate order in product ejected into a paper ejection tray, even when a post-processing device does not perform a folding process.SOLUTION: A post-processing device includes a stacking tray 329 and a saddle stitching tray 331, ejecting paper conveyed from a printer unit 313 into the stacking tray 329 and ejecting a generated bookbound item into the saddle stitching tray 331. The processing unit of the printer unit 313 causes multiple sheets of paper to be ejected into the stacking tray 329 by the post-processing device for a case 1 where the number of multiple sheets of paper is larger than a prescribed number of sheets of paper, and causes multiple sheets of paper to be folded and a bookbound item to be ejected into the saddle stitching tray 331 for a case 2 where the number of multiple sheets of paper is less than or equal to the prescribed number of sheets of paper. The order of images on a plurality of pages formed by the printer 313 for the case 1 and the order of images on a plurality of pages formed by the printer 313 for the case 2 are mutually different.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 24A

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus that forms images of a plurality of pages of a bookbinding product on a plurality of sheets.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a post-processing device is known that performs a saddle stitching process in which a center of a plurality of sheets is bound, and then the bound sheets are folded in two and output in the form of a book (see Patent Document 1). . In this post-processing apparatus, as shown in FIG. 25A, sheets conveyed from a printing apparatus (not shown) are loaded into stacking trays 101 and 102 and saddle stitching according to the type of finishing process set by the user. The paper is discharged to one of the processing trays 103. For example, when the finishing process is not executed, the paper is discharged to the stacking tray 101. When the normal stapling process is executed, the paper is discharged to the stacking tray 102, and when the saddle stitching process is executed, the paper is discharged to the saddle stitching processing tray 103.

  In the saddle stitching processing unit of the post-processing device, there is a limitation on the number of sheets that can be saddle stitched as a limitation on the device. Conventionally, when image data exceeding the limit on the number of sheets that can be saddle stitched is input, the paper output destination of the post-processing device is automatically changed so that the sheet is not conveyed to the saddle stitching processing unit. An apparatus has also been proposed (see Patent Document 2).

JP 2010-168134 A JP 2002-331730 A

  In recent years, as shown in FIG. 25B, a post-processing device has been proposed that achieves a reduction in size by sharing a transport path for performing stapling and a transport path for performing saddle stitching. When performing the saddle stitching process, the post-processing apparatus switches the paper that has entered the conveyance path 104 for performing the stapling process to reverse the rotation of the conveyance roller pair 106 and conveys the sheet to the conveyance path 105. The post-processing apparatus employs a method of executing the saddle stitching process on a plurality of sheets accumulated in the intermediate tray for performing the saddle stitching process.

  However, when the bookbinding process is executed using the post-processing apparatus shown in FIG. 25B, the saddle stitching process is executed after the paper on which the image is printed is switched back. In the formation order, a book with correct page order cannot be obtained.

  Further, since the paper discharge destination varies depending on whether saddle stitching is specified, it is necessary to flexibly switch the order of image formation on the paper during the bookbinding process according to the paper discharge destination. For this reason, when using paper that cannot be printed on both sides, such as thick paper with a large basis weight, as a book cover, the user should consider whether the image is to be formed on the front or back side of the cover after considering the paper discharge destination. It is necessary to designate printing with consciousness, and a high-level operation technique is required of the user. Even if the user designates printing using an advanced operation technique, if image data exceeding the limit of the number of sheets that can be saddle-stitched is input, it is discharged to a stacking tray that does not execute saddle-stitching processing. Since paper is used, there is also a problem that a product intended by the user cannot be obtained.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problem, and even when the post-processing apparatus does not perform folding processing, the order of the sheets on which the images of the products discharged to the discharge tray are formed is appropriate. The purpose is to do.

  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes a first tray, a second tray, a stacking unit, and a folding unit, and the paper transported from the image forming apparatus is not reversed. The paper discharged from the first tray is reversed, the paper conveyed from the image forming apparatus is reversed, the reversed paper is stacked on the stacking unit, and is folded into the plurality of stacked paper using the folding unit. An image forming apparatus connectable with a post-processing device that executes processing to generate a bookbinding product, and discharges the generated bookbinding product to the second tray, wherein images of a plurality of pages of the bookbinding product are displayed. In the first case where the image forming means for forming on a plurality of sheets and the post-processing device receive an instruction to execute the folding process and the number of the plurality of sheets is larger than a predetermined number, the plurality of sheets are When ejected to one tray In the second case where the instruction to execute the folding process is received and the number of the plurality of sheets is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the generated bookbinding is performed by executing the folding process on the plurality of sheets using the folding unit. Processing means for discharging an object to the second tray, and the image order of the plurality of pages formed by the image forming apparatus in the first case, and the image formation in the second case. The order of the images of the plurality of pages formed by the apparatus is different from each other.

  According to the present invention, even when the post-processing device does not perform the folding process, it is possible to make the order of the sheets on which the images of the deliverables discharged to the discharge tray are formed appropriate.

1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a figure which shows schematic structure of a finisher. FIG. 4 is a schematic partial view of a finisher in a state where a trailing edge of a sheet is detected by a trailing edge detection sensor. FIG. 6 is a schematic partial view of the finisher in a state where the leading edge of the sheet is in contact with the nip of the skew correction roller. FIG. 5 is a schematic partial view of the finisher in a state where the leading end of the sheet is abutted against a stopper. FIG. 4 is a schematic partial view of a finisher in a state where a sheet bundle moves downstream in the conveyance direction. FIG. 5 is a schematic partial view of a finisher discharged to a saddle stitching processing tray by a bundle conveying roller pair. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a controller in the printing apparatus. FIG. It is a figure which shows the external appearance structure of the operation part in a printing apparatus. It is a figure which shows an example of the standard screen displayed on the display part on an operation part. It is a figure which shows an example of the application mode setting screen displayed on a display part. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of a document size selection screen displayed during bookbinding displayed on the display unit. It is a figure which shows an example of the finishing setting screen at the time of bookbinding displayed on a display part. It is a figure which shows an example of the paper selection screen of the text at the time of bookbinding displayed on a display part. It is a figure which shows an example of the saddle stitch setting screen at the time of bookbinding displayed on a display part. It is a figure which shows the application mode setting screen after the application mode setting displayed on a display part. It is a figure which shows an example of the screen after the application mode setting displayed on a display part. (A)-(c) It is a figure for demonstrating the layout method of the image at the time of a bookbinding process. (A)-(d) It is a figure for demonstrating the layout method of the image at the time of a saddle stitch bookbinding process. It is a figure which shows an example of the setting screen of the cover at the time of bookbinding displayed on a display part. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a cover sheet setting screen for bookbinding displayed on the display unit. (A)-(c) It is a figure for demonstrating the layout method of the image at the time of a bookbinding process when a cover is additionally set. (A)-(d) It is a figure for demonstrating the image layout method at the time of the saddle stitch bookbinding process when a cover is additionally set. 6 is a flowchart showing a flow of bookbinding processing in the printing apparatus (No. 1). 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of bookbinding processing in the printing apparatus (part 2). (A) is a figure which shows schematic structure of the conventional paper post-processing apparatus. (B) is a figure which shows schematic structure of the other conventional paper post-processing apparatus.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the present embodiment, a multifunction apparatus having functions such as a copy, a printer, and a facsimile will be described as an example of a printing apparatus. However, the printing apparatus may be a single function apparatus.

  In FIG. 1, the printing apparatus includes a scanner unit 301, a document feeder (DF) 302, and a printer unit 313 having a color four-color drum, and is connected to a paper feed deck 314 and a finisher (paper post-processing device) 315. Has been. Both the paper feed deck 314 and the finisher 315 are configured to be connectable to a printing apparatus.

  First, a reading operation performed mainly by the scanner unit 301 will be described.

  When a reading operation is performed with a document set on the document table, the user sets the document on the document table 307 and closes the DF 302. When an open / close sensor (not shown) detects that the DF 302 is closed, a reflective document size detection sensor (not shown) in the housing of the scanner unit 301 detects the size of the set document. When the document size is detected, the light source 310 irradiates the document, and the irradiated light enters the CCD 343 via the reflection plate 311 and the lens 312. The CCD 343 converts the incident light into a digital signal and sends it to a controller (not shown) of the scanner unit 301. The controller performs desired image processing on the sent digital signal to convert it into a laser recording signal, and stores it in a memory as image data.

  When a document is set on the DF 302 and a reading operation is performed, the user places the document face up on the tray of the document setting unit 303 of the DF 302. When the document is placed, the document presence / absence detection sensor 304 detects that the document is set. When the controller detects that a document has been set by the document presence / absence detection sensor 304, the controller rotates the paper feed roller 305 and the conveyance belt 306 to convey the document to a predetermined position on the document table 307. When the original is conveyed to a predetermined position, the controller performs a reading operation similar to the reading operation on the original table, and stores the image data in the memory. Then, the document for which the reading operation has been completed is discharged to the document discharge tray 309 via the conveyance roller 308.

  When there are a plurality of originals set on the DF 302, the controller discharges the original whose reading operation has been completed, and simultaneously feeds the next original via the paper supply roller 305, and reads the next original. Perform the action. In this way, a plurality of document reading operations are performed.

  Next, a printing operation performed by the printer unit 313 will be described.

  The recording signal (print image data) once stored in the memory in the controller is transferred to the printer unit 313, and the recording laser for each color of Yellow, Magenta, Cyan, and Black in the laser recording unit (not shown). Converted to light. Then, the recording laser light is applied to the photoreceptors 316 of the respective colors, and an electrostatic latent image is formed on each photoreceptor 316. Then, toner development is performed with the toner supplied from the toner cartridge 317, and the visualized image is primarily transferred to the intermediate transfer belt 321. Thereafter, the intermediate transfer belt 321 rotates in the clockwise direction. Then, when the paper fed from the paper cassette 318 or the paper feed deck 314 through the paper feed conveyance path 319 reaches the secondary transfer position 320, the image is transferred from the intermediate transfer belt 321 to the paper. The sheet onto which the image has been transferred is fixed with toner by pressurization and heat in a fixing device 322, and is conveyed through a paper discharge conveyance path. Then, the sheet is discharged to a discharge port 325 to the finisher 315.

  In the case of duplex printing, after the paper passes through the fixing device 322, the flapper 327 switches the conveyance path, the paper is switched back and sent downward, and is fed again to the secondary transfer position 320 via the duplex printing paper conveyance path 330. Thus, a double-sided printing operation is realized.

  Next, the operation performed by the finisher 315 will be described.

  The finisher 315 performs post-processing on the paper according to the user setting. Specifically, the finisher 315 has functions such as stapling (one place, two places binding), punching (two holes, three holes, four holes), and saddle stitching processing.

  The finisher 315 includes stacking trays 328 and 329. For the paper that has passed through the paper discharge port 325 to the finisher 315, the paper discharge destination is sorted according to the user setting, for example, for each function of copy, printer, and FAX. For example, when used as a printer, monochrome printing / color printing, paper size, 2UP / 4UP printing / N-UP printing, duplex printing, stapling, punching, saddle stitching, slip sheet, front cover, back cover, etc. Various settings are possible.

  Next, the configuration and operation of the finisher 315 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In FIG. 2, the finisher 315 includes conveyance roller pairs 31 to 39, leading edge detection sensors 50 and 53, a trailing edge detection sensor 48, a stapler 42, a thrust plate 43, a stopper 44, and folding rollers 45 and 46. The bundle conveying roller pair 47 is provided. The finisher 315 may be configured to operate in response to a command from the controller of the printing apparatus, or may be configured to operate using a unique controller.

  The paper conveyed from the printing apparatus is discharged to one of the stacking trays 328 and 329 and the saddle stitching processing tray 331 according to the type of finishing processing set by the user. For example, when the finishing process is not executed, the paper is discharged to the stacking tray 328. When the normal stapling process is executed, the paper is discharged to the stacking tray 329, and when the saddle stitching process described later is executed, the paper is discharged to the saddle stitching processing tray 331. For example, the transport path from the sheet entrance of the finisher 315 to the stacking trays 328 and 329 is, for example, the first transport path.

  The paper transported from the printing apparatus is transported by the transport roller pairs 31, 37, and 38 until the rear end of the paper reaches the rear end detection sensor 48. When the trailing edge of the sheet is detected by the trailing edge detection sensor 48, the pair of conveying rollers 37 and 38 holding the sheet are stopped (FIG. 3).

  Next, the paper is switched back by the reverse rotation of the conveying roller pairs 37 and 38, and is conveyed until the leading edge of the sheet reaches the leading edge detection sensor 50 by the conveying roller pair 36. When the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 50, the conveyance roller pair 36 holding the sheet is decelerated and the leading edge of the sheet is abutted against the nip of the skew correction roller pair 51 (FIG. 4). .

  Even after the leading edge of the sheet hits the nip of the skew correction roller pair 51, the conveyance roller pair 36 continues to rotate for a while. Then, after the paper forms a loop in the loop space, the conveyance roller pair 36 stops.

  Next, the skew feeding correction roller pair 51 starts to rotate. When the sheet is skewed, the skew correction is corrected by the skew correction roller pair 51. Then, the sheet whose skew has been corrected is conveyed in the direction of the conveying roller pair 39. When the leading edge of the sheet is detected by the leading edge detection sensor 53, the sheet is conveyed by a predetermined amount from that time, and the leading edge of the sheet is abutted against the stopper 44 (FIG. 5). At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, the paper is positioned by the stopper 44 so that the binding position by the stapler 42 comes to the center of the paper.

  By repeating the above operation, a plurality of sheets are sequentially conveyed to the conveyance path 41 (accumulation tray). When all the sheets constituting the bookbinding product are conveyed into the conveyance path 41 (accumulation tray), the sheets are aligned in the width direction by a width direction alignment plate (not shown), and the sheet bundle is conveyed inside the conveyance path 41. Form. At this time, the paper transported into the transport path 41 (accumulation tray) is transported sequentially from the paper corresponding to the inside of the text of the bookbinding product, and transported so that the paper corresponding to the bookbinding cover is the last. . If it is set to perform the saddle stitching process, the stapler 42 performs the binding process for the sheet bundle. When the sheet bundle is bound by the stapler 42, the stopper 44 supporting the sheet bundle moves to the downstream side in the transport direction. Accordingly, the sheet bundle moves downstream in the transport direction (FIG. 6).

  The stopper 44 positions the sheet bundle so that the central portion of the sheet bundle comes to the position of the thrust plate 43. Then, the tip of the abutting plate 43 comes into contact with the portion where the fold of the sheet bundle positioned by the stopper 44 is formed, and the sheet bundle is pushed into the nip of the folding rollers 45 and 46 to form a crease in the sheet bundle. . Then, the sheet bundle on which the fold is formed by the folding rollers 45 and 46 is discharged to the saddle stitching processing tray 331 by the bundle conveying roller pair 47 (FIG. 7).

  Next, a controller that controls the scanner unit 301, the printer unit 313, and the network interface unit of the printing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of a controller in the printing apparatus.

  The main controller 401 mainly includes a CPU 402, a bus controller 403, and various I / F controller circuits. The CPU 402 and the bus controller 403 control the operation of the entire device. The CPU 402 operates based on a program read from the ROM 404 via the ROM I / F 405. The operation of interpreting PDL (page description language) code data received from an external PC and developing it into raster image data is also described in this program and processed by software. The bus controller 403 controls data transfer input / output from each I / F, and controls bus arbitration and DMA data transfer.

  The DRAM 406 is connected to the main controller 401 by a DRAM I / F 407, and is used as a work area for the CPU 402 to operate and an area for storing image data.

  A codec 408 compresses the raster image data stored in the DRAM 406 by a method such as MH / MR / MMR / JBIG / JPEG, and reversely compresses and stores the code data stored in the raster image data.

  The SRAM 409 is used as a temporary work area for the codec 408. The codec 408 is connected to the main controller 401 via the I / F 410. Data transfer between the codec 408 and the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403 and DMA-transferred.

  The graphic processor (Graphic) 424 performs image rotation, image scaling, color space conversion, and binarization processing on the raster image data stored in the DRAM 406.

  The SRAM 425 is used as a temporary work area for the graphic processor 424. The graphic processor 424 is connected to the main controller 401 via the I / F. Data transfer between the graphic processor 424 and the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403 and is DMA-transferred.

  The network controller 411 is connected to the main controller 401 via an I / F 413 and is connected to an external network via a connector 412. The network is generally Ethernet (registered trademark). Print data received from an external PC is controlled by the network controller 411 and sent to the CPU 402. The CPU 402 stores the sent print data in the DRAM 406 or the HD 440 and processes it.

  An expansion connector 414 and an I / O control unit 416 are connected to the general-purpose high-speed bus 415. In this embodiment, transmission / reception of commands to / from the finisher 315 is performed through the general-purpose high-speed bus 415. The I / O control unit 416 is equipped with two channels of an asynchronous serial communication controller 417 for transmitting and receiving control commands to and from the CPUs of the scanner unit 301 and the printer unit 313. The I / O control unit 416 is connected to the scanner I / F 426 and the printer I / F 430 via the I / O bus 418.

  The panel I / F 421 is connected to the LCD controller 420, and displays an I / F for displaying on the liquid crystal screen on the operation unit 501 shown in FIG. 9, and a key input I / F for inputting hard keys and touch panel keys. F.

  An operation unit 501 illustrated in FIG. 9 includes a liquid crystal display unit, a touch panel input device attached to the liquid crystal display unit, and a plurality of hard keys. A signal input from the touch panel or the hard key is transmitted to the CPU 402 via the panel I / F 421 described above. The liquid crystal display unit displays the image data sent from the panel I / F 421. The liquid crystal display unit displays function display, image data, and the like in operation of the printing apparatus. The operation unit 501 will be described later.

  The real-time clock module 422 is for updating / saving the date and time managed in the device, and is backed up by a backup battery 423.

  The E-IDE I / F 439 is for connecting an external storage device. In the present embodiment, the CPU 402 is connected to the hard disk drive 438 via the E-IDE I / F 439, and stores image data in the HD 440 and reads image data from the HD 440. The connectors 427 and 432 are connected to the scanner unit 301 and the printer unit 313, respectively, and are composed of a synchronized step synchronization serial I / F 428 and 433 and a video I / F 429 and 434.

  The scanner I / F 426 is connected to the scanner unit 301 via a connector 427 and is connected to the main controller 401 via a scanner bus 441 and has a function of performing predetermined processing on an image received from the scanner unit 301. Have. Further, the scanner I / F 426 has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the scanner unit 301 to the video I / F 429. Data transfer from the scanner bus 429 to the DRAM 406 is controlled by the bus controller 403.

  The printer I / F 430 is connected to the printer unit 313 via the connector 432, and is connected to the main controller 401 via the printer bus 431. The printer I / F 430 has a function of performing predetermined processing on the image data output from the main controller 401 and outputting the processed data to the printer unit 313. Further, the printer I / F 430 has a function of outputting a control signal generated based on the video control signal sent from the printer unit 313 to the printer bus 431. Transfer of raster image data developed on the DRAM 406 to the printer unit 313 is controlled by the bus controller 403, and is DMA-transferred to the printer unit 313 via the printer bus 431 and the video I / F 434.

  The SRAM 436 is a memory configured to retain stored contents even when the entire apparatus is powered off by the power supplied from the backup battery 423, and is connected to the I / O control unit 416 via the bus 435. Yes. Similarly, the EEPROM 437 is a memory connected to the I / O control unit 416 via the bus 435.

  Next, the operation unit 501 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The user performs various print settings via the operation unit 501. A reset key 502 is a key for canceling a setting value set by the user. A stop key 503 is a key for canceling an active job. A numeric keypad 504 is a key for inputting numerical values such as numeric values.

  The display unit 505 includes a touch panel and a liquid crystal display unit, and displays various screens on the liquid crystal display unit based on instructions from the CPU 402 and receives instructions from the user via the touch panel.

  A start key 506 is a key for starting a job such as reading a document. A clear key 507 is a key for clearing settings and the like. The lamp 508 is turned on when a job is being executed or when an error has occurred in the printing apparatus or the finisher 315 to notify the user of the apparatus status.

  Next, a screen displayed on the display unit 505 of the operation unit 501 will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a standard screen displayed on the display unit 505.

  Tabs 1201 to 1204 displayed at the top of the screen are tabs for selecting each function that can be executed by the printing apparatus. From left to right, a copy function (simple), a copy function (quick), a transmission / fax function, and a box function are shown.

  The copy function (simple) and the copy function (quick) are functions for printing image data of a document read by the scanner unit 301 by the printer unit 313 and performing finishing processing such as stapling and saddle stitching as necessary. is there. The user can make settings related to the copy function while the copy function (simple) or the copy function (quick) is selected. The copy function (quick) is a function that can set more settings on a single screen than the copy function (simple).

  The transmission / fax function is a transmission function such as FAX transmission, e-mail transmission, or transmission to a file server. The box function is a function for storing image data read by the scanner unit 301 in the HD 440, or a function for operating or printing data stored in the HD 440.

  When the tab for each function described above is selected, a screen for setting each detail is displayed.

  The screen shown in FIG. 10 is a copy setting screen in a state where the copy function (simple) is selected, and accepts various settings relating to copying from the user. The copy setting screen shown in FIG. 10 includes, for example, a button for selecting color / monochrome / auto, a button for designating one side / both sides, a button for designating a copy magnification, and a finishing process. Buttons are included. There are two types of buttons for performing the finishing process. The first type is a “finish” button. The “finish” button is a button for displaying a screen for accepting a setting for executing a stapling process in which the edge of the paper is bound by a stapler. The second type is an “application mode” button. The “applied mode” button is a button for displaying a screen for accepting a setting for executing finishing processing such as saddle stitching processing by the finisher 315 connected to the printing apparatus.

  When a user wants to obtain a bookbinding product that has undergone bookbinding processing, the user performs settings via the screens shown in FIGS. 10 to 17 in order to cause the printing apparatus and finisher 315 to execute the processing. When the setting for executing the bookbinding process is performed by the user, the printing apparatus generates an image in which a page to be printed is laid out based on the setting, and executes printing according to the generated image. Then, the finisher 315 performs an appropriate finishing process based on the setting.

  First, the user presses an “application mode” button 1205 on the screen shown in FIG. When the “applied mode” button 1205 is pressed, a screen shown in FIG. 11 is displayed on the operation unit 501. When a “bookbinding” button 1301 on the screen shown in FIG. 11 is pressed, a screen for setting the bookbinding processing as shown in FIG. 12 is displayed. The user designates the size of the document to be read by the scanner unit 301 via the screen shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 12, an A4 size document is designated as the document size. When the “Next” button 1301 shown in FIG. 12 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 13 is displayed. The user sets whether the bookbinding product is left-opened or right-opened via the screen of FIG. When the “Next” button 1401 on the screen of FIG. 13 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 14 is displayed. The user selects the paper size of the bookbinding text via the screen shown in FIG. The user can also set whether or not to attach a cover to the bookbinding product via the screen of FIG. The function of attaching a cover to a bookbinding product will be described later.

  When the “Next” button 1501 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 14, the screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed. The screen shown in FIG. 15 is a screen for setting the finished product. The bookbinding finish has the following three forms.

Form 1: Saddle stitch (executes saddle stitch bookbinding)
Form 2: Saddle folding (execution of the middle folding bookbinding process)
Form 3: No saddle stitching (execution of bookbinding layout processing)
In the case of Form 1, the sheet printed by the printing apparatus is conveyed to the finisher 315 and accumulated at the position shown in FIG. 5 inside the finisher 315 by the stopper 44. When a predetermined number of printed sheets are prepared, a binding process is performed in which the center of the sheets is bound by the stapler 42. Thereafter, the sheet on which the binding process has been executed is folded in two by the thrust plate 43 and the folding rollers 45 and 46, conveyed by the bundle conveying roller pair 47, and discharged to the saddle stitching processing tray 331. .

  In the case of Form 2, the sheet printed by the printing apparatus is conveyed to the finisher 315 and accumulated in the position shown in FIG. 5 inside the finisher 315. Then, when a predetermined number of printed sheets have been prepared, folding processing is performed in which the paper is folded in two by the thrust plate 43 and the folding rollers 45 and 46, and is conveyed by the bundle conveying roller pair 47 to the saddle stitching processing tray 331. The paper is ejected. In this case, the binding process is not executed.

  In the case of Form 3, page images are arranged in a bookbinding layout, but the sheets are discharged without performing binding processing or folding processing. In this case, the sheet is discharged to the stacking tray 328 instead of the saddle stitching processing tray 331.

  When the bookbinding finish is set on the screen shown in FIG. 15 and the “OK” key 1601 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 16 is displayed. The CPU 402 holds the settings received via the screens shown in FIGS. 12 to 15 in the DRAM 406. Then, when displaying the screen shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 402 displays on the screen that bookbinding is set. When the “close” key 1701 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 16, the CPU 402 displays the screen shown in FIG.

  When the start key 506 on the operation unit 501 is pressed while the screen shown in FIG. 17 is displayed, the CPU 402 reads the document by the scanner unit 301 and prints by the printer unit 313 according to the settings stored in the DRAM 406. Start operation.

  By performing the operations as described above, the user can obtain a bookbinding product on which the bookbinding process has been executed.

  However, there is an upper limit on the number of sheets that can be processed at a time due to the ability of the finisher 315 (capability of binding sheets and folding ability of sheets). For example, since the capacity of the folding rollers 45 and 46 is limited, only 25 sheets can be folded at a time. When the number of sheets necessary for printing an image in the saddle stitching process exceeds 25, the CPU 402 discharges the sheets to the stacking tray 328 without performing the binding process and the folding process. In this case, the user separately obtains a bookbinding product by performing a binding process and a folding process on the sheet by using a sheet post-processing apparatus dedicated to bookbinding called an offline finisher.

  FIG. 18A to FIG. 18B illustrate image layouts and print results when the bookbinding layout process is executed and discharged to the stacking tray 328 and when the saddle stitching process is executed and discharged to the saddle stitching processing tray 331. 18 (c) and FIGS. 19 (a) to 19 (d) will be specifically described.

  18A to 18C are diagrams for explaining a layout method for each page of a document image when left-bound bookbinding layout processing is executed and discharged onto the stacking tray 328.

  When paper is discharged to the stacking tray 328, for example, the image of each page of the document indicated by reference numeral 801 in FIG. 18A is laid out and held on the DRAM 406 as indicated by reference numeral 802 in FIG. When the layout is completed, the images of the paper corresponding to the outside of the bookbinding product are printed in the order of the images of the paper corresponding to the inside of the bookbinding product. When the layout of the images after the layout is as shown in FIG. 18B, the CPU 402 makes the first table, the first back, the second front, the second back, the third front Print in the order of the back of the third sheet. Then, the printed paper is discharged to the stacking tray 328 by the conveyance roller pairs 31 to 35. Then, the discharged printing result is as shown in FIG.

  FIGS. 19A to 19D are diagrams for explaining a layout method of each page of a document image when left-open saddle stitch bookbinding processing is executed and discharged to the saddle stitch processing tray 331. FIG. is there.

  When paper is discharged to the saddle stitching processing tray 331, the image of each page of the document indicated by reference numeral 901 in FIG. 19A is laid out and held on the DRAM 406 as indicated by reference numeral 902 in FIG. When the layout is completed, printing is performed in the order of the paper image corresponding to the inside of the bookbinding product to the paper image corresponding to the outside of the bookbinding product. When the layout of the images after the layout is as shown in FIG. 19B, the CPU 402 makes the first table, the first back, the second front, the second back, the third front Print in the order of the back of the third sheet. The printed paper is transported by the transport roller pairs 31, 37, 38 until the rear end of the paper reaches the rear end detection sensor 48, and then the paper is switched back by reverse rotation of the transport roller pairs 37, 38. Then, the data are sequentially accumulated in the conveyance path 41 (second conveyance path). Then, after executing the binding process, the folding process is executed and the sheet is discharged onto the saddle stitching processing tray 331. The discharged printing result is as shown in FIG. When the number of sheets required to print the held image is 25 or less, the CPU 402 executes binding processing and folding processing by the layout method shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C and FIGS. 19A to 19D, the bookbinding material discharged to the stacking tray 328 and the bookbinding paper discharged to the saddle stitching processing tray 331 are used. Since the objects differ only in the presence or absence of the binding process and the folding process, two types of bookbinding products having the same image layout can be obtained.

  On the other hand, when setting the bookbinding process using FIGS. 11 to 16, the user presses an “attach cover” button 1502 included in the screen shown in FIG. 14 to add a cover to the bookbinding product. Can be used. For example, when the “Next” button 1501 on the screen of FIG. 14 is pressed while the “Apply cover” button 1502 is selected, the screen shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. The user can set which side of the cover the image is printed on the screen shown in FIG. Here, the setting of “Copy” or “Do not copy” is accepted for each of the front cover front, back cover back, back cover front and back cover back. Then, when the “Next” button 1801 on the screen of FIG. 20 is pressed, the screen shown in FIG. 21 is displayed. The user selects the paper size of the bookbinding cover via the screen shown in FIG. Then, when the “Next” button 1901 is pressed on the screen shown in FIG. 21, the screen shown in FIG. 15 is displayed.

  22A to 22C illustrate a layout method for each page of a document image when a bookbinding layout process for attaching a cover to a left-opened bookbinding product is executed and discharged onto the stacking tray 328. FIG. FIG.

  When paper is discharged to the stacking tray 328, the image of each page of the document indicated by 1001 in FIG. 22A is laid out and held on the DRAM 406 as indicated by 1002 in FIG. When the layout is completed, printing is performed in the order of the paper image corresponding to the book cover and the paper image corresponding to the book text. Here, when a paper that cannot be printed on both sides, such as thick paper with a large basis weight, is used as a book cover, it cannot be switched back and conveyed to the duplex printing paper conveyance path 330. Only the front cover back and the back cover front as shown in FIG. 20 can be printed. When the layout of images after layout is as shown in FIG. 22B, the CPU 402 first prints the first sheet (cover). The CPU 402 then reads the second front (text), the second back (text), the third front (text), the third back (text), the fourth front (text), Print in the order of the back (text) of the fourth page. Then, the printed paper is discharged to the stacking tray 328 by the conveyance roller pairs 31 to 35. The discharged print result is as shown in FIG. 2B> Q (c).

  FIG. 23A to FIG. 23C show a layout method of each page of an original image when a saddle stitch bookbinding process for attaching a cover to a left-open bookbinding product is executed and discharged to the saddle stitch processing tray 331. It is a figure for demonstrating.

  When paper is discharged to the saddle stitching processing tray 331, the image of each page of the document indicated by 1101 in FIG. 23A is laid out and held on the DRAM 406 as indicated by 1102 in FIG. When the layout is completed, the images are printed in the order of the paper image corresponding to the bookbinding text to the paper image corresponding to the bookbinding cover. When the layout of the images after the layout is as shown in FIG. 23B, the CPU 402 first has the first front (text), the first back (text), the second front (text), The back of the second page (text), the front of the third page (text), and the back of the third page (text) are printed in this order. Finally, the CPU 402 prints the fourth front (cover). The printed paper is transported by the transport roller pairs 31, 37, 38 until the rear end of the paper reaches the rear end detection sensor 48, and then the paper is switched back by reverse rotation of the transport roller pairs 37, 38. , And sequentially accumulate in the transport path 41. Then, after executing the binding process, the folding process is executed and the sheet is discharged onto the saddle stitching processing tray 331. The discharged print result is as shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 22A to 22C and FIGS. 23A to 23D, even when a cover is attached to the bookbinding product, the bookbinding product and the saddle stitching which are discharged to the stacking tray 328 are used. A bookbinding product discharged to the processing tray 331 is different only in the presence or absence of binding processing and folding processing. For this reason, in the screen shown in FIG. 20, when a paper that cannot be printed on both sides is used as a book cover, the user is conscious that only the side corresponding to the inside of the cover can be printed regardless of the paper discharge destination. Set the cover.

  Next, the flow of bookbinding processing in the printing apparatus will be described with reference to FIGS. 24A and 24B. This process is a process realized by the CPU 402 executing a program stored in the ROM 404.

  In FIG. 24A, first, when the CPU 402 receives a job execution request with the start key 506, the CPU 402 starts processing. For example, when a request for executing a copy job for printing an image of a document read by the scanner unit 301 by the printer unit 313 is received, the CPU 402 lays out and prints the image of the document, and prints the printed paper. The illustrated process is performed. When the print job execution request for printing the image received from the external PC is received by the printer unit 313, the CPU 402 lays out and prints the image received from the PC, and displays the image on the printed paper. Perform the process.

  In step S5001, the CPU 402 determines whether or not bookbinding is designated. If it is determined that bookbinding is specified, the CPU 402 proceeds to step S5004, and if it is determined that bookbinding is not specified, the process proceeds to step S5002.

  When the process has proceeded to step S5002, the CPU 402 determines the paper discharge destination as the stacking tray 328, and proceeds to the process in step S5003. In step S5003, the CPU 402 executes normal printing processing based on settings other than the bookbinding processing received from the user. For example, this corresponds to the case where the post-processing by the finisher 315 is not executed, the printing is performed by the printing apparatus, and the paper is discharged.

  On the other hand, when the process has proceeded to step S5004, the CPU 402 determines whether saddle stitch binding is designated. Step S5004 is an example of a first determination unit. If it is determined that saddle stitch binding is designated, the CPU 402 proceeds to step S5006, and if it is determined that saddle stitch binding is not designated, the CPU 402 proceeds to step S5005. When the process has proceeded to step S5005, the CPU 402 determines the paper discharge destination as the stacking tray 328, and proceeds to the process in step S5 + 009. Step S5005 is an example of a paper discharge destination determination unit.

  On the other hand, when the process has proceeded to step S5006, the CPU 402 calculates the number of output sheets per copy, and the process proceeds to step S5007. As shown in FIG. 18B, when two pages of images are laid out on one page, the number of output sheets per copy is calculated by a calculation formula of (total number of pages + 3) / 4. Step S5006 is an example of calculation means.

  In step S5007, the CPU 402 determines whether or not the number of output sheets per copy exceeds the number of saddle stitchable sheets that can be processed by the finisher 315. Step S5007 is an example of a comparison unit. If it is determined that the saddle stitchable number has been exceeded, the CPU 402 proceeds to step S5005, and if it is determined that the saddle stitchable number has not been exceeded, the process proceeds to step S5008 in FIG. 24B.

  In step S5009, the CPU 402 determines whether or not it is designated to attach a cover. Step S5009 is an example of a second determination unit. If it is determined that a cover is designated, the CPU 402 proceeds to step S5010. If it is determined that a cover is not designated, the CPU 402 proceeds to step S5011.

  When the process has proceeded to step S5010, the CPU 402 performs the layout of each page by the method shown in FIG. 22B, and the process proceeds to step S5012.

  In step S5012, the CPU 402 performs image forming processing on the paper corresponding to the cover, and advances the processing to step S5013.

  In step S5013, the CPU 402 controls to discharge the paper corresponding to the cover without executing the binding process and the folding process, and advances the process to step S5014. In this case, the sheet is discharged to the stacking tray 328 instead of the saddle stitching processing tray 331.

  On the other hand, when the process has proceeded to step S5011, the CPU 402 performs the layout of each page by a method as shown in FIG. 18B, and the process proceeds to step S5014.

  In step S5014, the CPU 402 performs image forming processing on the paper corresponding to the text, and proceeds to step S5015. In step S5015, the CPU 402 controls to discharge the sheet corresponding to the text to the stacking tray 328 without executing the binding process and the folding process. Steps S5009 to S5015 are an example of first control means. In particular, step S5010 is an example of a third control unit.

  On the other hand, when the process has proceeded to step S5008 in FIG. 24B, the CPU 402 determines the paper discharge destination as the saddle stitching processing tray 331, and the process proceeds to step S5016. Step S5008 is an example of a paper discharge destination determination unit.

  Next, in step S5016, the CPU 402 determines whether or not it is designated to attach a cover. Step S5016 is an example of a second determination unit. If it is determined that a cover is designated, the CPU 402 proceeds to step S5017. If it is determined that a cover is not designated, the CPU 402 proceeds to step S5018. Thus, the paper discharge destination is determined based on the comparison result of the comparison means.

  When the process has proceeded to step S5017, the CPU 402 performs the layout of each page by the method shown in FIG. 23B, and the process proceeds to step S5019. In step S5019, the CPU 402 performs image forming processing on the paper corresponding to the text, and proceeds to step S5020.

  In step S5020, the CPU 402 performs control so that sheets corresponding to the text are sequentially stored in the conveyance path 41 after being switched back by the conveyance roller pairs 37 and 38.

  In step S5021, the CPU 402 performs image forming processing on the paper corresponding to the cover, and advances the processing to step S5022.

  In step S <b> 5022, the CPU 402 switches back the paper corresponding to the cover by the conveyance roller pairs 37 and 38, accumulates the paper inside the conveyance path 41, executes the binding process, executes the folding process, and performs the saddle stitching process. Control is performed so that the paper is discharged onto the tray 331.

  On the other hand, when the process has proceeded to step S5018, the CPU 402 performs the layout of each page by the method shown in FIG. 19B, and the process proceeds to step S5023. In step S5023, the CPU 402 performs image forming processing on the paper corresponding to the text, and advances the processing to step S5024.

  In step S5024, the CPU 402 causes the paper corresponding to the text to be switched back by the conveyance roller pairs 37 and 38, and then sequentially accumulates in the conveyance path 41, executes the binding process, executes the folding process, and performs the saddle stitching. Control is performed so that the paper is discharged to the processing tray 331. Steps S5016 to S5024 are an example of second control means. In particular, step S5017 is an example of a fourth control unit.

  Since the order of image formation is controlled by controlling as described above, the user can obtain a bookbinding product having the same image layout even at different paper discharge destinations of the paper post-processing apparatus equipped with the switchback mechanism. Further, even when the number of output sheets per copy exceeds the number of sheets that can be saddle stitched, the user can obtain a bookbinding product having the same image layout, so that it is possible to improve the user's work efficiency when specifying the bookbinding processing. Become.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the number of sheets that can be saddle stitched in the finisher 315 is 25 has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to these values.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the layout method of each page of the document image when the bookbinding product is left-opened has been described.

  The functions shown in the flowcharts in this embodiment can also be realized by executing software (programs) acquired via a network or various storage media by a processing device (CPU, processor) such as a computer personal computer.

315 Finisher 402 CPU
404 ROM
406 DRAM
501 Operation unit

Claims (10)

A first tray, a second tray, a stacking unit, and a folding unit are provided, and the sheet conveyed from the image forming apparatus is discharged to the first tray without being inverted, and is conveyed from the image forming apparatus. The reversed sheets are reversed, the reversed sheets are stacked on the stacking unit, and a folding process is performed on the plurality of stacked sheets using the folding unit to generate a bookbinding product, and the generated bookbinding is performed. An image forming apparatus connectable to a post-processing apparatus that discharges an object to the second tray,
Image forming means for forming images of a plurality of pages of the bookbinding product on a plurality of sheets;
When the post-processing device receives an instruction to execute the folding process and the number of the plurality of sheets is first larger than a predetermined number, the plurality of sheets are discharged to the first tray and the folding process is performed. In the second case where the number of the plurality of sheets is equal to or less than a predetermined number, the folding unit is used to execute a folding process on the plurality of sheets, and the generated book product is And a processing means for discharging to two trays,
The order of the images of the plurality of pages formed by the image forming apparatus in the first case is different from the order of the images of the plurality of pages formed by the image forming apparatus in the second case. An image forming apparatus.   2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined number of sheets is a maximum number of sheets that can be folded by the folding unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit is capable of forming images on both sides of a sheet.   4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit forms the images of the plurality of pages on one side of a sheet of paper. 5.   5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein in the third case where there is no instruction to execute the folding process, the plurality of sheets are discharged to the first tray. 6.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming unit includes a plurality of image forming units that form yellow, magenta, cyan, and black images.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that can specify whether the bookbinding product is to be left-opened or right-opened.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operation unit that can specify whether or not to form an image on the book cover.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operation unit can designate whether or not to form an image on the back cover of the bookbinding product.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 8, wherein the operation unit can designate a position to feed the cover sheet.

Images