JP2019167182A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

To give a user an opportunity to recognize or avoid the situation prior to the execution of a needleless binding when the quality of the needleless binding part is likely to deteriorate depending on environment.SOLUTION: It is determined whether or not the environment is a low humidity environment (S40) based on the detection value of an environmental sensor. A confirmation image for prompting a user to confirm an item that affects the quality of a needleless binding part is displayed (S42). If necessary, an image forming condition and a needleless binding condition are changed (S46), and then the needleless binding is executed (S22). The confirmation image may include a message that prompts a change from the needleless binding to a needled binding.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 13

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus.

  The image forming apparatus includes, for example, an image forming unit and a post-processing unit. A post-processing unit may be incorporated in the image forming unit. The image forming unit is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet as a recording material. The post-processing unit is also called a finisher, and applies post-processing to a sheet or sheet bundle after image formation. As post-processing, needleless binding (needleless staple) and needled binding (needle staple) are known. There are several methods for needleless binding, and a typical one is a crimping method. The crimping method is a method of forming a needleless binding portion as an uneven mark by sandwiching a sheet bundle between an upper tooth row and a lower tooth row. Within the stapleless binding, fiber entanglement occurs between the sheets, which binds the sheets together.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-151858 describes that when the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle that is the target of stapleless binding is large, the sheet bundle is bound into a predetermined unit or less. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228561 describes that if the number of sheets targeted for stapleless binding is equal to or greater than a specified number, stapled binding is selected. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for displaying information on a sheet or a bundle of sheets that can be stapled without binding. Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-228561 describes that in the crimpless needleless binding, the pressing force is controlled according to the moisture content of the paper.

JP 2013-170067 A JP2015-001702A Japanese Patent Laying-Open No. 2015-227038 JP 2014-240126 A

  By stapleless binding to the sheet bundle, a stapleless binding portion is formed as an uneven trace. The quality of the stapleless binding portion varies depending on the environment in which the sheet bundle is placed. For example, in a low-humidity environment, there is a tendency that the binding force (binding force between sheets) tends to be lower than in a high-humidity environment. It is desirable to ensure that the quality of the stapleless binding does not violate user expectations.

  The object of the present invention is to make the user recognize or avoid the situation prior to the execution of the needleless binding when the quality of the needleless binding portion is likely to deteriorate depending on the environment. Is to give the opportunity to do.

  An image forming apparatus according to claim 1 includes a needleless binding device that forms a needleless binding portion as an uneven mark by executing needleless binding on a sheet bundle, an environmental sensor, and a detection value of the environmental sensor. And a control unit that executes a control to display a confirmation image for requesting the user to confirm the stapleless binding prior to the execution of the stapleless binding.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 2 is characterized in that the confirmation image includes a message requesting confirmation regarding at least one item that affects the quality of the stapleless binding portion under the current environment. .

  The image forming apparatus according to a third aspect is characterized in that the item is a sheet, and the confirmation image includes a list of sheets suitable for the current environment.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 4, the item is presence / absence of an image in a stapleless binding target portion in the sheet bundle, and the confirmation image includes an image in the stapleless binding target portion in the sheet bundle. A message requesting confirmation as to whether or not is included.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 5 is characterized in that the confirmation image further includes a message recommending image deletion.

  The image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect is characterized in that the confirmation image includes a message that prompts a change from the stapleless binding to the stapled binding.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 7 displays a first confirmation image corresponding to the high-humidity environment as the confirmation image when it is determined that the current environment is a high-humidity environment based on the detection value. When the current environment is determined to be a low humidity environment based on the detected value, a second confirmation image corresponding to the low humidity environment is displayed as the confirmation image. is there.

  The image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect is characterized in that the first confirmation image includes an explanation of a phenomenon that may occur when the stapleless binding is executed in the high-humidity environment.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 9 is characterized in that the second confirmation image includes an explanation of a phenomenon that may occur when the stapleless binding is executed in the low humidity environment.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 10, wherein the confirmation image is not displayed when it is determined that the current environment is neither a high humidity environment nor a low humidity environment based on the detection value. It is.

  In the image forming apparatus according to claim 11, the control unit determines whether or not the confirmation image is displayed based on a setting item affecting the detection value of the environment sensor and the quality of the stapleless binding unit. It is characterized by this.

  The image forming apparatus according to a twelfth aspect is characterized in that the setting item is an image quality mode, and the confirmation image includes a message urging to change the currently set image quality mode.

  The image forming apparatus according to claim 13 is characterized in that the setting item is the number of stapleless bindings, and the confirmation image includes a message for urging to change the currently set number of stapleless bindings. It is.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the first aspect, when the quality of the stapleless binding portion is likely to deteriorate depending on the environment, the user is aware of the situation prior to the execution of the stapleless binding. Or an opportunity to avoid the situation.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the second aspect, the user is given an opportunity to check items that affect the quality of the stapleless binding unit.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the third aspect, the user is given an opportunity to confirm the sheet.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fourth aspect, the user is given an opportunity to confirm the presence / absence of an image in the stapleless binding target portion.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the fifth aspect, the user is given an opportunity to recognize and instruct image erasing as an improvement measure.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the sixth aspect, the user is given an opportunity to recognize and instruct the binding method change as an improvement measure.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the seventh aspect, a confirmation image suitable for the environment is provided to the user from among the plurality of confirmation images.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the eighth aspect, it is possible to make the user recognize a problem that may occur in a high humidity environment.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the ninth aspect, it is possible to make the user recognize a problem that may occur in a low humidity environment.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the tenth aspect, the confirmation image is displayed according to the necessity.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the eleventh aspect, it is possible to determine whether or not the confirmation image is displayed from multiple angles.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the twelfth aspect, the user is given an opportunity to change the image quality mode.

  According to the image forming apparatus of the thirteenth aspect, the user is given an opportunity to change the number of stapleless bindings.

1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment. It is the schematic which shows a binding mechanism. It is a perspective view which shows a pair of tooth row | line | column. It is a figure which shows operation | movement of a binding machine without a needle | hook and a binding machine with a needle | hook. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st operation example (1st control example). It is a figure which shows the example of the 1st confirmation image displayed in a 1st operation example. It is a figure which shows the example of the 2nd confirmation image displayed in a 1st operation example. It is a figure which shows the example of the other confirmation image displayed in a 1st operation example. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd operation example (2nd control example). It is a figure which shows the confirmation image displayed in a 2nd operation example. It is a figure which shows the example of a management table. It is a figure which shows the example of an image deletion. It is a flowchart which shows the 3rd operation example (3rd control example). It is a figure which shows the example of the confirmation image displayed in a 3rd operation example. It is a figure which shows the example of a staple-less binding compatible paper list. It is a figure which shows the example of the other confirmation image displayed in a 3rd operation example. It is a flowchart which shows the 4th operation example (4th control example). It is a figure which shows the example of the confirmation image displayed in a 4th operation example. It is a flowchart which shows the 5th operation example (5th control example). It is a figure which shows the relationship between humidity and a threshold value.

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

(1) Image Forming Apparatus FIG. 1 shows a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to the embodiment. The X direction is the first horizontal direction, and the Z direction is the vertical direction (vertical direction). The direction orthogonal to the X direction and the Z direction is the Y direction as the second horizontal direction.

  The illustrated image forming apparatus 10 is a multi-function device that functions as a copier, a printer, a scanner, or the like, and is also referred to as a multifunction device. The image forming apparatus 10 includes an image forming unit 12 and a post-processing unit 14 connected in the X direction. The image forming unit 12 forms an image on a sheet of recording material. The post-processing unit 14 performs post-processing on the paper after image formation. In the illustrated configuration example, the post-processing unit 14 has a function of performing stapleless binding (needleless staple) and stapled binding (needle staple). As post-processing, in addition to these bindings, punching (punch), center folding, and the like are known. In the post-processing unit 14, one or a plurality of post-processing other than binding may be executed. A plurality of post-processing may be executed in the image forming unit 12.

  The image forming unit 12 includes a main body 16 and an upper portion 18 in the illustrated example. The upper part 18 is provided so as to be openable and closable with respect to the main body part 16, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) is incorporated therein. The main body portion 16 has a housing, and a configuration described below is accommodated therein.

  The paper feed cassettes (paper feed trays) 19 and 20 each store a plurality of stacked sheets. Each of the paper feed cassettes 19 and 20 is provided so that it can be pulled out. The sheets sequentially taken out from any of the sheet feeding cassettes 19 and 20 are conveyed along the sheet conveying path 22. A paper reversing device is provided on the paper transport path 22 as necessary. Note that the upstream side and the downstream side of the paper transport path 22 are relatively defined with respect to the paper flow.

  The image forming unit 12 shown in FIG. 1 includes an intermediate transfer unit 24. The intermediate transfer unit 24 includes an intermediate transfer belt 26 that rotates. A plurality of toner images corresponding to a plurality of colors are transferred (primary transfer) onto the intermediate transfer belt 26 by the image forming unit. The image forming unit includes a plurality of photosensitive drums corresponding to a plurality of colors. A plurality of toner images on the intermediate transfer belt 26 are transferred (secondary transfer) onto the paper. The sheet after the secondary transfer is sent to the fixing unit 28 where the fixing process is performed. The fixing processing temperature can be changed according to the selected image quality mode. The sheet after image formation is sent to the downstream side of the sheet conveyance path 22. For example, a post-processing unit may be provided in the middle part 22a. The post-processing unit may be assembled outside the housing. The image-formed paper is delivered from the image forming unit 12 to the post-processing unit 14. An image forming method other than the image forming methods mentioned above may be employed. When an image erasing process to be described later is instructed, a part of the image is erased in the image processing process and the image forming process in accordance with the image erasing condition, and an image after the image erasing process is formed on the sheet. Such processing is executed in the control unit 38 described below.

  A control unit 38 is provided in the main body unit 16. The control unit 38 includes a processor or the like that operates according to a program, and functions as control means. The control unit 38 controls the operation of each component included in the image forming apparatus 10. A user interface (UI) 40 is connected to the control unit 38. The UI 40 is configured by a liquid crystal display with a patch panel, for example. Necessary operation buttons (virtual buttons) are displayed on the screen, and a message or the like is displayed. Image processing conditions and post-processing conditions are designated by the user using the UI 40. For example, needleless binding is designated by the user using the UI 40. When a personal computer (PC) is connected to the image forming apparatus 10 via a network, image processing conditions and post-processing conditions may be designated on the PC. An image to be displayed on the UI 40 or the like is generated by the control unit 38.

  As will be described later, the control unit 38 controls the operation of the binding mechanism 44 that performs the needleless binding and the needled binding via the control board 56 in the post-processing unit 14. Means for controlling the binding mechanism 44 may be provided in the post-processing unit 14, or such means may be provided across the image forming unit 12 and the post-processing unit 14.

  The detection values of the temperature sensor 34 and the humidity sensor 36 constituting the environment sensor unit are input to the control unit 38. In the illustrated configuration example, the temperature sensor 34 and the humidity sensor 36 are provided in the vicinity of the fixing unit 28, but they may be provided at other positions inside the casing or outside the casing. Alternatively, an environment detection value may be input from the outside (see reference numeral 42). A sensor for measuring the paper quality or type of the paper, a sensor for measuring the moisture content of the paper, and the like may be provided, and output signals from these sensors may be used for control by the control unit 38.

  The post-processing unit 14 will be described. The post-processing unit 14 has a housing 43, and a binding mechanism 44 is provided therein. The sheet delivered from the image forming unit 12 is transported along the sheet transport path 32. If the stapleless binding or the stapled binding is designated as post-processing, the received paper is sent to the binding mechanism 44.

  The binding mechanism 44 has a function of performing needleless binding by a crimping method and a function of performing stapled binding using a staple needle. In the former pressure bonding method, a stapleless binding portion as an uneven mark is formed on a sheet bundle. In the embodiment, the binding mechanism 44 has a high binding capability for forming a needleless binding portion for a sheet bundle composed of, for example, ten sheets or several dozen sheets in the needleless binding. In order to align the sheets, the binding mechanism 44 is provided in an inclined state. The binding mechanism 44 includes a stacking plate 46 having an inclined posture, a needleless binding device 50 provided on the lower end side thereof, and a binding device 51 with a needle provided on the lower end side of the stacking plate 46. A sheet bundle 48 is placed on the stacking plate 46, and the stapleless binding device 50 performs needleless binding on the end of the sheet bundle 48, or the stapled binding device 51 performs stapled binding. . According to the needleless binding, as already described, a needleless binding portion is formed as an uneven mark. The sheets are coupled to each other by the binding action of the stapleless binding portion. The binding action is caused by the entanglement of the paper fibers between the papers, and the extent of this or the possibility of breakage in the stapleless binding portion depends on the environment, particularly humidity. Therefore, as will be described in detail later, information is provided to the user prior to stapleless binding depending on the environment. Note that a binding portion may be formed at a portion other than the end portion of the sheet bundle.

  The post-processing unit 14 has a control board 56. The control board 56 includes two PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) controllers that supply drive signals to the motor included in the needleless binding device 50 and the motor included in the needle binding device 51. The control unit 38 in the image forming unit 12 controls the operations of the two motors via the control board 56. The control unit 38 controls operations of various movable units included in the binding mechanism 44. The post-processed sheet bundle is discharged onto the discharge tray 54.

(2) Configuration and Operation of Binding Mechanism FIG. 2 shows a specific configuration of the binding mechanism 44. The illustrated configuration is an example, and various mechanisms can be adopted as the binding mechanism 44. In FIG. 2, the x direction is a direction in which the paper moves forward and backward on the stacking plate 46 functioning as a tray, the z direction is a direction perpendicular to the x direction, and is a direction orthogonal to the stacking plate 46. The x direction and the z direction are rotated by a certain angle in the counterclockwise direction with respect to the X direction and the Z direction shown in FIG. The direction orthogonal to the x direction and the z direction is the y direction, which coincides with the Y direction.

  A roller pair 57 is provided in the vicinity of the downstream end of the sheet conveyance path 32, and sheets sequentially fed from the roller pair 57 are stacked on the stacking plate 46. A sheet bundle 48 is constituted by these sheets. In stapleless binding, the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle 48 is, for example, in the range of 2 to 10, and the number of sheets is designated in advance. The sheet bundle 48 may be configured with a larger number of sheets. In binding with a needle, it is possible to bind a sheet bundle 48 having a number larger than the upper limit of binding without a needle. In addition, since a needle is used, a sufficient holding force can usually be obtained regardless of the environment.

  When aligning the sheet bundle 48, the paddle 58 rotates in the R1 direction, and this rotation exerts a force in the −x direction, that is, the S1 direction on each sheet. An end guide 62 is provided in the vicinity of the end portion in the −x direction of the stacking plate 46, and the position of each sheet in the x direction is aligned by the collision of each sheet with the end guide 62. The tamper unit 64 includes a pair of tamper members that press both ends of the sheet bundle 48 in the y direction, and the positions of the sheets in the y direction are aligned by the close movement of the pair of tamper members. As a method of aligning the sheet bundle 48, a method other than the method described above can be adopted.

  In FIG. 2, the needleless binding device 50 is schematically expressed with a slight exaggeration. In FIG. 2, the binding device 51 with a needle is conceptually indicated by a one-dot chain line.

  The stapleless binding device 50 performs a stapleless binding process on a selected portion of the sheet bundle 48 after the alignment state of the sheet bundle 48 is formed. The same applies to the binding device 51 with a needle. The stapleless binding device 50 has a pair of tooth rows, specifically, an upper tooth row 66 and a lower tooth row 68, and the end portion of the sheet bundle 48 is sandwiched between them with a constant load. At that time, the meshing state of the upper tooth row 66 and the lower tooth row 68 is formed. Thereby, a staple-less binding part as an uneven mark is formed. After executing the stapleless binding process, the sheet bundle 48 is conveyed in the + x direction, that is, the S2 direction. At that time, the roller pair 60 sandwiching the sheet bundle 48 rotates.

  FIG. 3 schematically illustrates a main part of the stapleless binding device. FIG. 3 shows a standby state before the stapleless binding operation. The needleless binding device has an upper movable base 70, a lower movable base 72, an upper tooth row 66 and a lower tooth row 68. The upper tooth row 66 is disposed downward on the lower surface of the upper movable base 70, and the lower tooth row 68 is disposed upward on the upper surface of the lower movable base 72. In the standby state, the upper movable base 70 and the lower movable base 72 are in positions separated from each other.

  In a state in which the end portion of the sheet bundle is inserted between the upper tooth row 66 and the lower tooth row 68, the upper movable base 70 and the lower movable base 72 move in a direction close to each other (binding operation). As a result, an engagement state of the upper tooth row 66 and the lower tooth row 68, that is, a kind of collision state occurs, and as a result, a stapleless binding portion is formed in the sheet bundle. Thereafter, the upper movable base 70 and the lower movable base 72 move in a direction away from each other (return operation), and return to the standby state. This operation is repeated for each needleless binding portion forming unit.

  The upper tooth row 66 and the lower tooth row 68 have, for example, a dozen teeth (convex portions). In the embodiment, the same one is used as the upper tooth row 66 and the lower tooth row 68 in order to reduce the manufacturing cost and to align the upper and lower teeth. The pair of teeth shown in FIG. 3 is merely an example, and various types of teeth can be used as the pair of teeth. Only one of the upper tooth row 66 and the lower tooth row 68 may be moved.

  FIG. 4 illustrates the upper surface of the stacking plate 46. An aligned sheet bundle 48 is placed on the stacking plate 46. Both ends of the sheet bundle 48 in the y direction are pressed by a pair of tamper members 64a and 64b. An end of the sheet bundle 48 in the −x direction is abutted against the end guide 62. In the illustrated configuration example, the needleless binding device 50 is movable along the rail 90 and performs a needleless binding operation at a designated location. In the illustrated configuration example, the binding device 51 with a needle is also movable along the rail 90, and performs binding with a needle at a designated place. However, the rail 90 is conceptually shown in FIG.

  For example, when the stapleless binding portion 74 is formed at the corner portion (upper left corner portion) of the sheet bundle 48, the stapleless binding device 50 is set at the illustrated position, and stapleless binding is executed at that position. When binding with a needle is executed by the binding device 51 with a needle, a plurality of sheets are bundled by the needle 91. In order to prevent physical interference between the needleless binding device 50 and the needled binding device 51, a mechanism for retracting both or one of them is provided. When such a mechanism is not provided, the movements of the needleless binding device 50 and the needled binding device 51 are controlled so that interference does not occur.

  A binding device 51 with a needle may be provided on the opposite side (lower side in FIG. 4) of the stacking plate 46. Further, a separate needleless binding mechanism and a needled binding mechanism may be provided.

(3) Operation Control FIG. 5 shows a first operation example. A first control example executed by the control unit will be described through the description of the first operation example. In addition, the same code | symbol or the same process number is attached | subjected to a corresponding element in each figure, and duplication description is avoided about the demonstrated element.

  For example, when the user instructs needleless binding on the UI, the operation illustrated in FIG. 5 is started. In S10, it is determined whether or not the confirmation screen display function (this function) is turned off. If this function is turned off, the process proceeds to S22. If this function is not turned off, it is determined in S12 whether the current environment is a high-humidity environment, a normal environment, or a low-humidity environment based on the detection value of the environment sensor. In that case, for example, if the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or higher than the upper threshold, it is determined to be a high humidity environment, and if the humidity is equal to or higher than the lower threshold and lower than the upper threshold, it is determined to be a normal environment. If the humidity is less than the lower threshold, it is determined that the humidity is low. The determination may be made based on temperature, or the determination may be made based on temperature and humidity.

  If it is determined in S12 that the environment is a high humidity environment, the first confirmation image is displayed on the UI in S14. As illustrated later, the first confirmation image includes an explanation of a situation that may occur in a high-humidity environment, a message that prompts the user to change to binding with a needle, an operation element for changing the binding method, and the like. In S16, it is determined whether or not an instruction to change to binding with a needle is instructed. When stitching with a needle is instructed, a stitching process with a needle is executed (this is a general one, and details thereof are not shown). If it is determined in S16 that the binding method has not been changed, the process proceeds to S22. If it is determined in S12 that the environment is normal, the process proceeds to S22.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S12 that the environment is a low humidity environment, the second confirmation image is displayed on the UI in S18. As illustrated later, the second confirmation image includes an explanation of a situation that may occur in a low-humidity environment, a message that prompts a change to binding with a needle, an operation element for changing the binding method, and the like. In S20, it is determined whether or not an instruction to change to binding with a needle is instructed. When the stitching with a needle is instructed, a stitching process with a needle is executed. If it is determined in S20 that the binding method has not been changed, the process proceeds to S22.

  In S22, needleless binding is executed. Even if needleless binding is performed as a result in high and low humidity environments, the user is given an opportunity to recognize what may happen if needleless binding is performed prior to that. It can be avoided that the result of the non-binding is significantly contrary to the user's expectation. In addition, since the user is given an opportunity to change the method, it is possible to prevent the needleless binding from being performed wastefully. Even if the user does not recognize that needleless binding is easily affected by the environment, the confirmation image displays that the user can confirm the necessity of needleless binding, the required holding force, etc. In consideration of this, it is possible to determine whether to maintain or change the binding method.

  Each confirmation image may be displayed on a display other than the UI. For example, when the post-processing is specified on the PC screen, it is better that the confirmation image is displayed in the screen. In the confirmation image, a message may be transmitted to the user not by text but by a mark, a symbol, an animation, or the like. Sound and light may be output together with the display.

  FIG. 6 shows an example of a first confirmation image displayed in a high humidity environment. The illustrated first confirmation image 100 includes an explanation of a situation that may occur when needleless binding is performed in a high-humidity environment (paper dust clogging and a decrease in holding power caused thereby). In addition, a message prompting selection of binding with a needle is included. Through the first confirmation image 100, the user can recognize that a strong holding force can be obtained by changing the binding method to binding with a needle and that the above situation can be avoided. In the embodiment, the first confirmation image 100 further includes a check box 102 as an operation element for selecting binding with a needle, and OK for erasing the first confirmation image 100 and proceeding with the process. A button 104 is included. Buttons, icons, etc. may be displayed as operation elements. The binding method may be changed by operating a physical button.

  FIG. 7 shows an example of the second confirmation image displayed in the low humidity environment. The illustrated second confirmation image 106 includes an explanation of a situation (holding force decrease) that may occur when needleless binding is performed under a low humidity environment. In general, in a low humidity environment, the moisture content of the paper is low, and the holding force of the stapleless binding portion tends to be reduced. This is notified to the user in advance. Further, the second confirmation image 106 includes a message that prompts selection of binding with a needle. Through such a message, the user can recognize that a strong holding force can be obtained by changing the binding method to the binding with needle and that the above situation can be avoided. In the embodiment, the second confirmation image 106 includes a check box 102 as an operation element for selecting binding with a needle, similarly to the first confirmation image described above. An OK button 104 for deleting and proceeding with the process is included.

  The confirmation images illustrated in FIGS. 6 and 7 are examples, and other confirmation images having the same function may be displayed. In the embodiment, the confirmation image includes information for prompting the change and an object to be operated, which exhibits a plurality of functions. A confirmation image 108 as shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed as the confirmation image. It is an image that asks for confirmation about the automatic change of the binding method. The check box 110 is checked from the beginning, and when it is desired to maintain the stapleless binding, the check box 110 is touched to remove the check.

  FIG. 9 shows a second operation example. A second control example by the control unit will be described through the description of the second operation example.

  In S30, it is determined whether the current environment is a normal environment or a low humidity environment based on the detection value of the environment sensor. For example, if the humidity detected by the humidity sensor is equal to or greater than a predetermined value, it is determined that the environment is normal, and if the detected humidity is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the environment is low. In a low-humidity environment, since the holding force of the needleless binding portion is likely to decrease, a confirmation image is provided to the user in S32 prior to the execution of needleless binding (S22). As will be exemplified later, the confirmation image includes a message that informs the user that the holding force of the stapleless binding portion may decrease when a predetermined condition is satisfied in the current environment. That is, the user is asked to confirm whether or not a predetermined condition is met. In S34, it is determined whether or not there is a condition change. Here, the conditions are image forming conditions, binding conditions, and other conditions. If there is an instruction to change the condition, in S36, the condition is actually changed according to the instruction. After that, needleless binding is executed in S22.

  In the second operation example, since the step of changing to binding with a needle is not provided, the second operation example can be applied to an image forming apparatus that does not have the binding function with a needle. Of course, in the second operation example, the user may be given an opportunity to change to binding with a needle.

  FIG. 10 shows an example of the confirmation image displayed at S32. In the illustrated example, the confirmation image 112 informs the user that the holding force of the stapleless binding portion is reduced when the image is included in the stapleless binding target portion in the sheet bundle in the current environment. , A message for requesting the user to confirm whether or not an image is included in the needleless binding target portion is included. In addition, a message recommending image deletion is also included. When requesting execution of image erasing, the check box 114 is checked. Image erasing is also called frame erasing, and some areas are excluded from image formation targets by image processing and image formation control in the control unit. When even one image is included in any of the binding target portions of a plurality of sheets constituting the sheet bundle, a tendency that the holding force of the stapleless binding portion tends to be weakened is recognized. Therefore, an instruction to erase the image is recommended if there is even one binding target portion (more precisely, the image forming surface) having an image. In the case of double-sided printing, it is desirable to check the presence / absence of images on the front and back sides.

  When instructing image erasing, a screen for instructing image erasing conditions may be newly displayed, and a portion to which image erasing is applied may be designated on the screen. Since the position and the number are known, the image erasing condition may be automatically determined from the needleless binding condition. In that case, for example, the management table 120 shown in FIG. 11 may be used. In FIG. 11, a plurality of binding types are shown on the left side 122. On the right side 124, a plurality of image erase types associated with a plurality of binding types are shown. The binding type is classified from the viewpoint of, for example, the binding position, the number of copies, the binding direction, and the like. The management table 120 specifies a binding type that matches the image erase type. A part for erasing the image is defined for each binding type.

  For example, in FIG. 11, when the binding type C is instructed, the image erase type C corresponding to the binding type C is specified on the management table 120. Image erasing is executed accordingly. More specifically, FIG. 12 shows an image erase region when the image erase type C is selected. In the example shown in the figure, two binding portions 128a and 128b are scheduled to be formed on the paper 126. In the entire area 130 where the image can be formed, the belt-like area 132 at the upper end is the image erasing area. . That is, even if an image reaches the band-like region 132, no image is formed. The area 134 excluding the area becomes an area where image formation is possible. Since the band-shaped region 132 includes the two binding portions 128a and 128b, no image is included in them. That is, the deterioration of the needleless binding portion quality due to the image inclusion is avoided.

  As described above, according to the automatic determination of the image erasing area, it is possible to reduce the setting burden on the user. In the above example, the band-shaped area is the erasing area, but the binding area or a local area including the binding area can also be the erasing area.

  FIG. 13 shows a third operation example. A third control example by the control unit will be described through the description of the third operation example.

  In S40, it is determined whether the current environment is a normal environment or a low humidity environment based on the detection value of the environment sensor. If it is a low humidity environment, a confirmation image is displayed in S42. In the confirmation image, confirmation of conditions (conditions or items that may affect needleless binding quality) is requested, and in certain cases, a message prompting the change of the conditions, a message recommending binding with needles, and binding An operation element for instructing a method change is included. In S44, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to change the condition from the user. If there is an instruction, the condition is actually changed in S46. In S48, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction to change the binding method, and if there is such an instruction, the stapled binding process is executed. In S22, needleless binding is executed.

  FIG. 14 shows an example of the confirmation image displayed in S42. The confirmation image 140 shown in the drawing includes a paper (paper type) list 142 suitable for the current environment (low humidity environment), a message for informing the possibility of a decrease in holding power when a paper not in the paper list is used, and a change in the binding method A check box 146 that is operated when changing paper (paper feed tray), a check box 148 that is operated when changing the binding method, and the like are included. The check box 146 is operated as long as the sheets included in the sheet list 142 are prepared on the sheet feeding tray.

  FIG. 15 shows an example of a management table that is referred to when displaying a paper list. In the illustrated example, the management table 150 includes a normal environment paper list 151 and a low humidity environment paper list 152. When the low humidity environment is determined, the paper list on the confirmation screen is generated by referring to the paper list 152 on the management table 150. In the normal environment, the paper list 151 is referred to as necessary.

  FIG. 16 shows another example of the confirmation image displayed in S42. The illustrated confirmation image 153 includes a message that informs the user that the holding force of the needleless binding portion may decrease when the needleless binding target portion includes an image, and the presence / absence of an image in the needleless binding target portion. A message requesting confirmation, a message prompting a change of the binding method, and the like are included. Further, a check box 154 for instructing image erasing and a check box 155 for instructing change of the binding method are included. Unlike the confirmation image shown in FIG. 10, the confirmation image shown in FIG. 16 includes a message for prompting a change of the binding method and a check box 155 for instructing the change of the binding method.

  FIG. 17 shows a fourth operation example. A fourth control example by the control unit will be described through the description of the fourth operation example.

  In S50, it is determined whether the current environment is a normal environment or a low humidity environment based on the detection value of the environment sensor. If it is a low-humidity environment, it is investigated in S52 whether or not a predetermined condition other than the low-humidity environment (condition for determining switching of confirmation display) is met. For example, it is determined whether the image quality mode is a high image quality mode. If the predetermined condition is not satisfied, the first confirmation image is displayed in S56. On the other hand, if the predetermined condition is satisfied, the second confirmation screen is displayed in S58. After the first confirmation image is displayed in S56, it is determined whether or not to change the binding method in S64, and when the change of the binding method is instructed, the stapled binding process is executed. On the other hand, after the second confirmation image is displayed in S58, it is determined in S60 whether or not there is an instruction to change a predetermined condition (for example, high image quality mode) to another condition (for example, normal image quality mode). If so, other conditions are actually set in S62. If it is determined in S60 that there is no instruction to change the condition, the process proceeds to S64. An example of the first confirmation image displayed in S56 is the confirmation image shown in FIG.

  FIG. 18 shows an example of the second confirmation image displayed in S58. In the illustrated second confirmation image 156, a message notifying that the high-quality mode, which is a predetermined condition, has been set, and holding the stapleless binding portion when the high-quality mode is executed in the current low-humidity environment A message notifying that there is a possibility that the power may be weakened, a message prompting to change the image quality mode, and a message prompting binding with a needle, and a check box 158 for instructing to change the image quality mode, instructing to change the binding method A check box 160 and the like are included.

  In the high image quality mode, the fixing temperature is raised above the specified temperature, which reduces the moisture content of the paper, and there is a risk that the holding force of the stapleless binding portion will decrease in combination with the low humidity environment. According to the above operation example, in the low humidity environment and the high image quality mode, it is possible to display a special confirmation image to give necessary information to the user and present a plurality of options as a countermeasure.

  FIG. 19 shows a fifth operation example. A fifth control example by the control unit will be described through the description of the fifth operation example.

  In S70, it is determined whether the current environment is a normal environment or a low humidity environment based on the detection value of the environment sensor. If it is a low humidity environment, it is determined in S72 whether or not the number of sheets constituting the sheet bundle is α or less. If it is determined in S72 that the number is α or less, the process proceeds to S22. In that case, the confirmation image is not displayed.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S72 that the number is not less than α, a confirmation image is displayed in S74. The confirmation image includes a message informing that there is a possibility that the holding force of the stapleless binding portion may be weakened in the current environment and the current stapleless binding number, and two or more sheets that are the target of stapleless binding. Messages that divide and bind in an arbitrary number are included, a message that prompts binding with needles, and an operation element for instructing split binding, an operation element for instructing binding with needles, and the like .

  In S76, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for split binding. If there is such an instruction, the split condition is designated or selected by the user in S78, and the process proceeds to S22. In S80, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction for binding with needle, and if there is an instruction, binding processing with needle is executed. If there is no instruction for binding with a needle, the process proceeds to S22.

  As described above, in the fifth operation example, it is determined whether to display a confirmation image in consideration of items that affect the quality of stapleless binding in addition to the environment. That is, whether or not to display a confirmation image is determined from multiple aspects. Whether or not to display the confirmation image may be switched in consideration of three or more items including the environment.

  As indicated by reference numeral 166 in FIG. 20, α as the threshold value may be changed according to the magnitude of humidity. Reference numeral 162 indicates a humidity range that is determined to be a low-humidity environment, and reference numeral 164 indicates a humidity range that is determined to be a high-humidity environment. In a low humidity environment, α is gradually reduced as the humidity decreases. In the case where the holding force of the stapleless binding portion becomes weaker as the humidity decreases, α may be varied in this way. α may be continuously changed. Incidentally, β is a threshold value for identifying a low humidity environment or a high humidity environment, and β may be changed based on factors other than humidity. For example, β may be changed based on temperature, device installation environment, or the like.

(4) Arrangement of Disclosure Items An image forming apparatus according to an embodiment includes a needleless binding device that forms a needleless binding portion as an uneven mark by executing needleless binding on a sheet bundle, an environmental sensor, And a control unit that executes control for displaying a confirmation image for requesting confirmation regarding the needleless binding to the user prior to the execution of the needleless binding based on the detection value of the environmental sensor.

  According to the above configuration, the confirmation image is displayed to the user prior to the needleless binding under a certain environment, so that the user can recognize a situation that may occur in the current environment or It becomes possible to give an opportunity to avoid the situation. As a result, it is possible to prevent a needleless binding result that is contrary to the user's expectation. In the embodiment, the needle-attached binding device is provided together with the needleless binding device. However, the above configuration can function even in an image forming apparatus that is not provided with the needle-attached binding device. The environmental sensor is, for example, a humidity sensor, a temperature sensor, or both. The confirmation image may be composed of a character string as a sentence, a figure symbolizing an item requiring confirmation, and the like.

  In the embodiment, the confirmation image includes a message requesting confirmation regarding at least one item that affects the quality of the stapleless binding portion under the current environment. The concept of the item may include an item related to image formation, an item related to stapleless binding, and the like. The message is composed of text in the embodiment, but may be composed of a figure or the like as described above. The same applies to other information. Anything that can be recognized by the user is sufficient.

  In the embodiment, the item is a sheet, and the confirmation image includes a list of sheets suitable for the current environment. According to this, it becomes possible for the user to refer to the list of sheets and determine whether or not the sheet that is the target for stapleless binding is appropriate. This gives the user an opportunity to change paper, an opportunity to change to binding with a needle, and the like.

  In the embodiment, the item is the presence / absence of an image in the stapleless binding target portion in the sheet bundle, and the confirmation image includes a message for confirming whether or not the needleless binding target portion in the sheet bundle includes an image. included. According to this, the user is given an opportunity to confirm the presence / absence of an image of the needleless binding target portion. In other words, when an image is included in the needleless binding target portion under a certain environment (especially in a low humidity environment), the quality of the needleless binding portion may be deteriorated, but this can be recognized by the user. Become. In the embodiment, the confirmation image further includes a message recommending image deletion. This gives the user an opportunity to select the function. Image erasing is to operate the image forming range so that the image is not included in the stapleless binding target portion, and its function is also called frame erasing. Such a general function is used to ensure the quality of the stapleless binding portion according to the environment. In the embodiment, an operation element (for example, a check box or a button) for instructing image deletion is displayed together with the message. Such an operation element may be displayed on an image other than the confirmation image.

  In the embodiment, the confirmation image includes a message that prompts a change from needleless binding to needled binding. According to this, it is possible to make the user recognize that the binding quality deterioration can be avoided by binding with a needle, and the user is given an opportunity to change the binding method. In the embodiment, an operation element for changing the binding method is displayed together with the message.

  In the embodiment, when it is determined that the current environment is a high-humidity environment based on the detection value, a first confirmation image corresponding to the high-humidity environment is displayed as the confirmation image, and the current confirmation is based on the detection value. When it is determined that the environment is a low humidity environment, a second confirmation image different from the first confirmation image and corresponding to the low humidity environment is displayed as the confirmation image. According to this, it is possible to provide a confirmation image suitable for the humidity state to the user. In the embodiment, when it is determined that the current environment is neither high humidity environment nor low humidity environment based on the detected value, the confirmation screen is not displayed.

  In the embodiment, the first confirmation image includes an explanation of a phenomenon that may occur when needleless binding is performed in a high humidity environment, and the second confirmation image may occur when needleless binding is performed in a low humidity state. Includes an explanation of the phenomenon. According to this, it is possible to determine whether or not to change the condition or the binding method after understanding the reason. It is important to ask the user for confirmation in both environments, because in a high humidity environment there can be another problem that is difficult to occur in a low humidity environment. However, the function of displaying the confirmation image may be turned off depending on the situation. If a confirmation image is displayed each time a needleless instruction is given under a certain environment, the operability may be lowered in some cases, or the user may be burdened unnecessarily, but if the function can be turned off, The occurrence of problems can be prevented.

  In the embodiment, the control unit determines whether or not the confirmation image is displayed based on the setting value that affects the detection value of the environment sensor and the quality of the stapleless binding unit. According to this configuration, whether or not to display a confirmation image can be determined from multiple angles. The concept of setting items includes setting items related to image formation, setting items related to stapleless binding, and the like. In the embodiment, the setting item is the image quality mode, and the confirmation image includes a message that prompts the user to change the currently set image quality mode. For example, when the fixing temperature is increased in the high image quality mode, the moisture content of each sheet is likely to decrease. Therefore, it is determined whether to display a confirmation image in consideration of both the environment and the environment.

  In the embodiment, the setting item is the number of stapleless bindings, and the confirmation image includes a message prompting the change of the currently set number of stapleless bindings. According to this configuration, it is determined whether or not to display the confirmation image in consideration of both the binding number and the environment.

  As described above, the configuration according to the embodiment displays the confirmation image prior to the needleless binding in view of the fact that the quality of the needleless binding portion changes depending on the environment (especially humidity), and the needle as it is. This gives the user an opportunity to reconsider whether or not to perform stapleless binding, and as a result, the user's expectations regarding the quality of the stapleless binding are not betrayed.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Image forming apparatus, 12 Image forming unit, 14 Post-processing unit, 34 Temperature sensor, 36 Humidity sensor, 38 Control part, 44 Binding mechanism, 50 Needleless binding device, 51 Needle binding device.

Claims (13)

A needleless binding device that forms a needleless binding portion as an uneven mark by executing needleless binding on a bundle of sheets;
Environmental sensors,
Based on the detection value of the environmental sensor, prior to execution of the needleless binding, a control unit that executes control to display a confirmation image for requesting confirmation regarding the needleless binding to the user;
An image forming apparatus comprising: The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The confirmation image includes a message for confirming at least one item that affects the quality of the stapleless binding portion under the current environment.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The item is paper,
The confirmation image includes a list of papers suitable for the current environment.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 2.
The item is the presence or absence of an image in the stapleless binding target portion in the sheet bundle,
The confirmation image includes a message for confirming whether or not an image is included in the staple-free binding target portion in the sheet bundle,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4.
The confirmation image further includes a message recommending image deletion.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The confirmation image includes a message that prompts a change from the stapleless binding to the stapled binding,
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
When it is determined that the current environment is a high humidity environment based on the detection value, a first confirmation image corresponding to the high humidity environment is displayed as the confirmation image,
When it is determined that the current environment is a low-humidity environment based on the detection value, a second confirmation image that is different from the first confirmation image and corresponds to the low-humidity environment is displayed as the confirmation image. The
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
The first confirmation image includes an explanation of a phenomenon that may occur when the needleless binding is performed in the high humidity environment.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 7.
The second confirmation image includes an explanation of a phenomenon that may occur when the needleless binding is performed in the low humidity environment.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
When it is determined that the current environment is neither a high humidity environment nor a low humidity environment based on the detection value, the confirmation image is not displayed.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1.
The control unit determines the presence or absence of display of the confirmation image based on setting values that affect the detection value of the environmental sensor and the quality of the stapleless binding unit.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.
The setting item is an image quality mode,
The confirmation image includes a message prompting to change the currently set image quality mode.
An image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11.
The setting item is the number of staples without binding,
The confirmation image includes a message prompting to change the currently set number of stapleless bindings.
An image forming apparatus.

Images