JP2731265B2 - Image recording device with bookbinding mechanism - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus such as a copying machine, and more particularly, to an image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism capable of binding recorded recording paper.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a post-processing device of an image recording device, for example, a copy recording device, a bookbinding mechanism in which a bundle of recorded transfer paper (recording paper) is stopped by a stapler is known. Such a general-purpose bookbinding mechanism has not been able to automatically book a copied transfer sheet. Therefore, the applicant of the present application has proposed an image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism capable of automatically binding a copied transfer sheet simultaneously with the present application.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, there is still room for improvement in the proposal in that the number of transfer paper bundles on which the cover can be bound is limited.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism capable of performing bookbinding in a plurality of times even if the number of transfer papers that can be bound at once in the bookbinding mechanism is exceeded. To provide.

[Means for solving the problem]

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention is capable of binding a bundle of recording sheets recorded by an image recording apparatus, and
An image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism that has a bookbinding mechanism that selectively binds a bundle of recording sheets with a plurality of sizes of covers having a limit on the number of bound recording sheets in accordance with the size of the recording sheet, An output unit that outputs the number data according to the bundle of recording sheets; a determination unit that determines whether the number data output from the output unit is larger than the limit range; and a determination result of the determination unit. Detecting means for dividing the number data in the case of an affirmative determination, detecting a value of the number of sheets in which the value of the divided number falls within the limit range, and recording means for recording an image in units of the number of sheets detected by the detecting means It is characterized by having.

Further, the present invention is characterized by further comprising a warning means for issuing a warning when the value of the number of divided sheets does not become a value of the number of sheets falling within the limit range, and prohibiting the bookbinding process of the bookbinding mechanism. .

Further, the recording means of the present invention is for copying an original on recording paper, and the output means includes a counting means for counting the number of originals.

(Operation)

In the present invention, based on the number of sheets of recording paper output by the output means, the number of sheets of recordable paper is detected by the determination means and the detection means. Next, since the document is divided and recorded for each of the detected number of recordable sheets, the bookbinding mechanism can execute bookbinding for each divided and recorded recording sheet. Also. When the value of the number of divided sheets does not become a value of the number of sheets falling within the limit range, a warning is issued from the warning means and the bookbinding process is prohibited, so that bookbinding failure can be prevented beforehand. Furthermore, since the output unit is provided with a unit for counting the number of originals, it is possible to perform divided bookbinding in accordance with the number of originals.

〔Example〕

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

 FIG. 1 shows a basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 6000 designates a booklet capable of binding a bundle of recording papers recorded by the image recording apparatus 5000 and a cover of a plurality of sizes having a limited number of bound recording papers in accordance with the size of the recording paper. A bookbinding mechanism for selectively binding the bundle of recording papers.

Reference numeral 5100 denotes an output unit that outputs the number data according to the bundle of recording sheets.

Reference numeral 5200 denotes determination means for determining whether or not the number data output from the output means is larger than the limit range.

Reference numeral 5000 denotes a detection unit that divides the number data when the determination result of the determination unit is affirmative, and detects a value of a number in which the value of the divided number falls within the limit range.

Reference numeral 5400 denotes recording means for recording an image in units of the number of sheets detected by the detection means.

Reference numeral 5500 denotes a warning unit that issues a warning when the value of the number of divided sheets does not fall within the range of the limit, and prohibits the bookbinding process of the bookbinding mechanism. The recording means is for copying an original on recording paper, and the output means is provided with a counting means for counting the number of originals.

Prior to a specific description of the present invention, the entire apparatus will be described. FIG. 2 shows a basic device configuration of the embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1000 denotes a copying apparatus main body for selectively taking out a transfer sheet having the same size as the cover sheet specified by the operator and copying the original. In this example, a laser printer that forms a latent image on the photosensitive drum by exposing the photosensitive drum to laser light is used as the copying apparatus main body 1000 capable of performing variable-magnification recording. Further, it is possible to equip the copying apparatus main body 1000 with detachable transfer paper cassettes having different sizes. The transfer paper cassette is provided with a recess indicating the size of the transfer paper to be stored, and the microswitch detects the recess to identify the size of the transfer paper.

The copying apparatus main body 1000 detects the width and length of the document by a photo sensor (not shown), and detects the size of the document.
An original processing apparatus 1001 is connected to the copying apparatus main body 1000. The document processing apparatus 1001 feeds a document to an image reading position of the copying apparatus main body 1000 in synchronization with the copying process of the copying apparatus main body 1000.

Reference numeral 2100 denotes a first transport unit that transports the transfer paper sent from the copying apparatus main body 1000.

Reference numeral 2200 denotes a second transport unit that sends a cover from the cover cassette 2400 to the bookbinding unit 2500. 2300 is a special tray for temporarily storing transfer paper. Reference numeral 2400 denotes a cover cassette for storing the cover, and 2500 denotes a bookbinding unit that binds the cover and the transfer paper by gluing. Reference numeral 2600 denotes a cooling unit for cooling the heated glued spine, and reference numeral 2700 denotes a bookbinding tray for storing bound transfer paper. The first transport unit 2100 and the second transport unit 2200 operate as. The bookbinding unit 2500 includes a bookbinding device 2503 and a heating unit 2505.

FIG. 3 mainly shows a detailed configuration in each unit of the bookbinding apparatus 2000 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 3, a document processing apparatus 1001 is provided with a conveyance path 1002 for conveying a document. The flapper 2109 of the bookbinding apparatus (bookbinding mechanism) 2000 switches the transport direction of the recorded transfer paper between the direction of the transport path 2102 and the direction of the transport path 2103. The flapper 2109 is normally set on the side of the transport path 2102, and the transfer paper advances along the transport path 2102. The transport path 2102 is driven by the first transport motor 2106 at the same transport speed as the copying main body.

The flapper 2110 selectively switches between the transport direction to the temporary storage bins 2301 to 2305 and the transport direction to the transport path 2104.
In the illustrated state, the transport direction is temporarily stored in bins 2301-23.
It is set to be 05. Therefore, the transfer paper discharged from the copying apparatus main body 1000 is transported to the temporary storage bin.

The re-feed roller 2311 re-feeds the bundle of transfer sheets stored in any of the temporary storage bins into the bookbinding apparatus. The refeed roller 2311 is retracted above the temporary storage bin when the transfer sheet is being conveyed to the above temporary storage bin. When receiving the first transfer sheet of the second copy, the temporary storage bin 2302 is shifted up by the lead cam 2309 and the motor 2308,
A temporary storage bin 2302 is set along the transport path 2102.

When receiving the first copy of the second transfer paper, the lead cam 23
09 is reversed, the bin 2302 is shifted backward (down), and the bin 2301 is set along the transport path 2102. For example, one part is 5
When two copies of the transfer paper are received, the lead cam 2309 is moved by the operation control of the motor, and the first copy of the transfer paper is temporarily stored in the bin 2301, and the second copy of the transfer paper is received in the bin 2302. In each bin, a bundle of 5 sheets is produced. In order to align the side edges of these transfer paper bundles,
The swing rod 2306 is moved by a drive motor 2307 (not shown) so as to contact the transfer paper, and the side ends of the two bundles are aligned.

The bundle of five sheets of transfer paper having the aligned edges is stapled (temporarily stapled) by the stapling device 2310 prior to conveyance. The stipple device 2310 retreats from the temporary storage bin except at the time of stipple. The stapled bundle of transfer papers is sent out to the transport path 2104 by the re-feed roller 2311.

On the other hand, cover cassettes 2401 to 2403 are detachable from bookbinding apparatus 2000, and each cassette stores covers of different sizes.

In this example, the cassette 2401 has one bundle of A4 for 1 to 5 sheets.
A4 for 6 to 10 sheets per bundle on the cover of the size, cassette 2402
A4 cover for 11 to 20 sheets per bundle on the size cover, cassette 2403
The cover of the size is set.

Conveyance path 22 for conveying the cover from cover cassettes 2401-2403
01 to 2203 converge on a conveyance path 2204 to convey the cover into the bookbinding device 2503.

Each of the transport paths 2201 to 2203 is independently driven by a drive motor 2107, and by selecting a transport path to be driven,
Select a cover suitable for the transfer paper.

The drive motor 2107 is connected to the transport paths 2201 to 2203 and the transport path 2103.
2105, 2602, and 2604 are also independently driven via a transmission mechanism (not shown).

Cover set detection sensor 2502 provided in bookbinding device 2503
Detects that the cover has been transported into the bookbinding device 2503, and then heats the heater of the heating unit 2505 to melt the adhesive applied to the spine of the cover via the copper plate 2533 (not shown).

On the other hand, when the arrival of the cover is detected by the cover set detection sensor 2502, the sheet re-feed roller 2311 is driven, and the sheet re-feed path flapper 2110 is switched to the transport path 2104 side. For this reason,
The stapled transfer paper bundle is transferred from the transport path 2104 to the transport path 2105.
Is conveyed to the bookbinding device 2503 through the route of. Conveyance paths 2103 and 21
The flapper 2111 provided at the branch point of 04 switches between the conveyance path 2103 and the conveyance path 2104, and guides the bundle of transfer papers having a single transfer unit to the bookbinding device 2503 via the conveyance path 2103.

One side 2504 of the bookbinding device 2503 is movable, and is positioned such that the distance from the other surface is slightly larger than the number of transfer sheets.

The bundle of transfer papers and the cover set in the bookbinding device 2503 are bound together by a molten adhesive. The bundle after bookbinding is conveyed to the conveyance path 2602 by the retreating movement of the heating unit 2505. Juan 2603 is installed around the transport path 2604,
By cooling the bundle conveyed from the conveyance path 2602 along the conveyance path 2604 to a certain temperature or lower, the adhesive is cured.

The bundle that has reached a certain temperature is sent to the binding tray 2701 from the transport path 2604.
After being re-transported, it is discharged.

On the other hand, a sensor 2601 provided near the exit of the bookbinding device 2503
When the trailing end of the bound bundle is detected, the retracted heating unit 2505 returns to the home position and prepares for the binding of the next bundle.

Further, when the discharge of the bound bundle from the bookbinding device 2503 is detected, the bin 2301 currently set at the discharge position is shifted upward by the lead cam 2309, and the bin 2302 storing the second bundle is moved. It is connected to the transport path 2104. At the same time, a cover is fed from the cover cassette 2401. After the cover set detection sensor 2502 detects that the cover has arrived in the bookbinding device 2503 as in the case of the first bookbinding described above, the second bundle of stapled transfer paper from the bin 2302 is transferred to the bookbinding device 2503. And bookbinding is performed.

FIG. 4 shows a circuit configuration of a control system of the copying apparatus 1000 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 4, a CPU 1101, an operation unit 1102, a read only memory (ROM) 1103, a random access memory (RAM)
1104, an input / output interface (I / O) 1105 is connected to the common bus. A CPU 1101 controls the entire copying apparatus. The CPU 1101 executes the control procedures shown in FIGS. 7 (1), (2) and 8 in the bookbinding mode in addition to the normal copy processing, and executes the next copy processing according to the present invention.

a) The number of documents counted by the document processing apparatus 1001 (counting means) is compared with the number of documents that can be bound, and if the number of documents exceeds the number of transfer sheets that can be bound, the number of copies to be copied is determined. Control is performed to divide an original into appropriate numbers of copies and to perform copying in a divided manner.

b) When an appropriate cover for performing the divisional copying is not set, the operator is warned with a display or a sound to cancel the bookbinding mode and prohibit the bookbinding process.

The CPU 1101 operates as a determination unit and a detection unit.
The operation unit 1102 has various input keys to be described later, and inputs information relating to copy processing. The ROM 1103 stores a control procedure executed by the CPU 1101, and also stores parameters used for arithmetic processing of the CPU 1101. The RAM 1104 temporarily stores operation data of the CPU 1101 and image data read from a document.

To the I / O 1105, a document processing apparatus 1001, a copying mechanism 1106 in the copying apparatus, and a bookbinding apparatus 2000 are connected. With these devices
Information is exchanged with the CPU 1101.

Next, provided on the operation unit 1102 of the copying apparatus main body 1000,
Various keys for giving operation instructions to the copying apparatus main body 1000 and the bookbinding apparatus 2000 and the contents of the instructions will be described with reference to FIGS. 5 (1) to 5 (4).

 5 (1) to 5 (4) show the appearance of the operation unit.

In FIG. 5A, reference numeral 101 denotes an asterisk (*) key, which is used by an operator for setting a binding margin amount or setting a size for erasing a document frame.

An all reset key 102 is pressed to return the operation mode to the standard mode.

Reference numeral 103 denotes a preheating key, which is pressed to bring the entire apparatus into a preheating state or to release the preheating state. The button is also pressed when returning from the auto shut-off state to the standard mode.

A copy start key 104 is pressed to start copying.

A clear / stop key 105 is used as a clear key during standby and as a stop key during copying.
Here, the clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. Also used to cancel * (asterisk) mode. The stop key is pressed when continuous copying is interrupted. After the copy at the time of pressing is completed, the copy operation stops.

A numeric keypad 106 is pressed to set the number of copies. Also used to set * (asterisk) mode. It is also used to set the number of sheets for manual binding. A memory key 107 can register a mode frequently used by the user.

In FIG. 5B, reference numerals 108 and 109 denote copy density keys, which are depressed when manually adjusting the copy density. 11
0 is an AE key, which is depressed when automatically adjusting the copy density according to the density of the original or when canceling AE (automatic density adjustment) and switching to manual.

A cassette selection key 111 is depressed when selecting the upper cassette 18, the lower cassette 19, and the lower paper deck 20. When a document is set on the automatic document feeder 35, an APS (automatic paper selection device) can be selected. Reference numeral 112 denotes a same-size key, which is pressed to make a copy of the same size (original size).

In FIG. 5 (3), reference numeral 113 denotes an automatic scaling key, which is depressed when the original is automatically reduced or enlarged according to the size of the specified copy sheet. 114 and 115 are zoom keys, 6
Press to specify any magnification between 4 and 142%.
Reference numerals 116 and 117 denote constant-magnification / magnification keys, which are depressed when designating reduction / enlargement of the standard size.

Reference numeral 118 denotes a double-sided key, which is pressed to make double-sided copy from a single-sided original, double-sided copy from a double-sided original, or single-sided copy from a double-sided original. A binding margin key 119 is pressed to create a binding margin of a designated length on the left side of the transfer sheet.

A photo key 120 is depressed when copying a photo document. A multiplex key 112 is pressed to form an image on the same side of the transfer paper from two originals.

Reference numeral 122 denotes a document frame erasing key, which is pressed when the operator erases a frame of a standard size document, and the size is set by the * key. Reference numeral 123 denotes a sheet frame erasing key, which is pressed when erasing a frame according to the cassette size.

Reference numeral 124 denotes a continuous page copy key, which is depressed when copying the left and right pages of a document on separate sheets.

160 is a double-sided copy display.
Lights when one of two-sided copy is selected from one-sided original.

A bookbinding key 125 is depressed when operating in the bookbinding mode. Reference numeral 126 denotes a ridge direction selection key, which is pressed to select a right ridge or a left ridge.

A sort key 161 is lit in the standard mode when a sorter is provided. Press this button to cancel or set to the sort mode.

A group key 162 is pressed to copy a plurality of copies from one original and store the copies in the temporary storage bins of the bookbinding apparatus. Reference numeral 150 denotes an LCD (liquid crystal) message display, which is a transflective liquid crystal having 5 × 7 dots and one character, and has 40 characters, and uses two colors for a backlight. Normally, it is a green backlight, and an orange backlight is turned on when an error occurs or when copying is not possible. When the cover selection key 125 is pressed, the thickness of the cover in the designated cover cassette is displayed.

A magnification display 151 displays the set magnification in%. Returning to FIG. 5 (2), a magnification display 152 is turned on when the magnification is selected. 153 is a color phenomenon device display. 1
Numeral 54 denotes the number of copies, which indicates the number of copies or a self-diagnosis code.

Reference numeral 155 denotes a used cassette display, which indicates which of the upper, interrupted, and lower cassettes or decks has been selected. Reference numeral 156 denotes a document direction display, which indicates a document setting direction (vertical / horizontal). 157 is AE display, A
Lights when E (automatic density adjustment) is selected.

Referring back to FIG. 5A, reference numeral 158 denotes a preheating display, which is turned on when in the preheating state. Flashes when in the auto shut-off state. Reference numeral 159 denotes a ready / weight display, which is composed of green and orange LEDs. Green is lit when ready (when copying is possible), and orange when waiting (when copying is impossible).

In FIG. 5 (4), a display selection key 127 is pressed to select the upper cover cassette 2401, the middle cover cassette 2402, and the lower cover cassette (lower) 2403. Normal binding key
When the user presses 125, the auto mode of the cover cassette display unit 128 is selected. However, when a group of transfer papers is later placed on the temporary storage bin, this is not the case in manual binding. 12
Reference numeral 9 denotes a manual bookbinding key, which is pressed when bookbinding is performed manually.

FIG. 6 shows a circuit configuration of a control system of the bookbinding apparatus 2000 shown in FIG.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 3001 denotes a central processing unit (CPU), which controls the operation of the entire apparatus by executing a control procedure described later.

Reference numeral 3002 denotes a read-on memory (ROM) in which control procedures executed by the CPU 3001 are stored in advance.

3003 is a random access memory (RAM) and has a CPU 30
Various data such as the operation data 01 and the control data received from the copying apparatus 1000 are stored.

3004 is an input / output interface (I / O).
The control signal and the operation signal transmitted and received between 01 and each component of the bookbinding apparatus are transferred.

ROM 3002, RAM 3003, I / O 3004 are data, address path 300
5 is connected in common, and information transfer control is performed according to an instruction from the CPU 3001.

The I / O 3004 has a first transport drive system 3007 and a second transport drive system 300
8. The cover sheet feeding system 3009, the temporary storage bin driving system 3010, the width shifting driving system 3011, the heater driving system 3012, and the cooling driving system are connected.

The first transport drive system 3007 includes a motor, a flapper, and the like related to the transport of the transfer sheet in the first transport unit 2100 shown in FIG.

The second transport drive system 3008 includes a motor, a flapper, and the like related to the transport of the cover in the second transport unit 2200 shown in FIG.

The cover drive system 3009 includes a motor for driving a mechanism for selecting a cover from the display cassette 2400 shown in FIG. 2 and a drive circuit therefor.

The temporary storage bin drive system 3011 is a temporary storage bin shown in FIG.
It is composed of a motor for shifting 2300 and its driving circuit.

The width shifting drive system 3011 includes a motor for moving the width shifting plate 2504 in the bookbinding device 2503 shown in FIG. 3 and a drive circuit therefor.

The heater drive system 3012 includes a heater in the heating unit 2505 in the bookbinding device 2503 shown in FIG. 3 and a circuit for heating and driving this heater. The cooling drive system 3013 includes the cooling fan 2603 shown in FIG. 2 and its drive circuit. CPU3001
Transmits and receives information to and from the CPU of the copying apparatus 1000 by serial communication.

Information such as transfer paper size information, the number of copies, manual error information, and post-processing start information input from the operation unit 1102 of the copying apparatus 1000 is transmitted in the communication format shown in FIG. Further, the CPU 3001 of the bookbinding apparatus is moved from the CPU 11
Information indicating that the bookbinding apparatus is on standby (during standby operation), information indicating that the bookbinding apparatus is busy (executing bookbinding operation), information on the size of the cover placed in the cover cassette, Of the cover, the thickness information of the cover, and abnormal information such as paper in the bookbinding apparatus and a cover jam.

Next, the processing operations of the copying apparatus main body and the bookbinding apparatus relating to bookbinding will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 7 (1) and 7 (2). In this example, 5 A4 size originals are 2
Part of the book should be bound.

FIGS. 7 (1) and 7 (2) show a control processing operation executed by the CPU 1101 of the copying apparatus main body.

(I-A) Multiple copy bookbinding As initialization processing (step 501 in FIG. 7A),
Confirm that the voltage and temperature of the copying machine have reached the specified values. Next, it is confirmed that the document processing apparatus and the bookbinding apparatus connected to the copying apparatus have completed their operations and the copying operation can be started by turning on the end flag (step 502 in FIG. 7A). ). The end flag is flag information indicating a copy operation state, and is represented by off during operation and on during completion of operation. On / off of the end flag is determined based on operation information sent from the document processing apparatus and the bookbinding apparatus to the main body of the copying apparatus.

Next, in step 504, the level state of the key input signal from the operation unit is determined, and it is determined whether or not the bookbinding mode in which the manual feed tray is opened is designated. Since the present example is not the manual bookbinding mode, the procedure proceeds to step 505, and waits for the start key 104 to be pressed. Binding key 1 by operator
When 25 and the start key 104 are pressed, the bookbinding mode is selected, and the procedure proceeds from step 506 to step 507. A bind mode flag indicating the setting of the bookbinding mode is turned on, and this flag information is also sent to the bookbinding apparatus.

Then, based on the instruction input from the binding direction key 126 of the operation unit, it is determined whether the binding is the left binding designation or the right binding designation. If there is no designation input, the mode is automatically set to the left binding mode. In this example, left binding is specified, and as a result, the left bind mode flag is turned on, and this flag information is sent to the bookbinding apparatus. (Step 508 → 509 in FIG. 7 (1)) When the right binding is specified, the left bind mode flag is turned off (Step 508 → 510 in FIG. 7 (1)).

Next, an appropriate cover is selected based on the number and size of the documents detected by the document processing apparatus. In this example, A4,
A4, 1 to 5 cover sheets are selected for 5 sheets and 2 sets of originals. For example, A4, 25 sheets, and two sets of originals exceed the number of transfer sheets on which the cover can be bound, so the number of copies to be divided and the number of bound sheets are set to 5 each. When the size of the original is A4 or 24, there are two types of copying: two copies of 12 pages and four copies of 6 pages. Select The data on the size and thickness of the cover and the document set in this way are written in the communication data.

In step 511, the amount of white paste in accordance with the number of documents counted by the document processing apparatus 1001 is obtained. In this example, when the number of originals is 1 to 5, the amount of glue white is set to 10 mm, when the number of originals is 5 to 10, the amount of glue white is set to 12 mm, and when the number of originals is 10 to 20, the amount of glue white is set to 14 mm. . In addition, a shift recording mode of the original image is set in order to provide the set amount of the paste white area on the transfer paper. The shift amount of the original image is the same as the
By extracting data corresponding to the number of documents from the margin data table stored in M1103, the data is variably set on paper 1101.

Then, in step 512, the number of bookbinding copies is checked. When the number of bookbinding copies is one, the single bind flag is turned on, and when the number of bookbinding copies is plural, the single bind flag is turned off. After confirming in step 516 that there is no transfer sheet in the temporary storage bin in the bookbinding apparatus based on the empty flag information in the transmission information from the bookbinding apparatus, there is a transfer sheet having the cover size specified in this step. After it is confirmed that the designated cover size and the original size match, the set number of copies is made in the image shift mode and divided.

When it is detected that the transfer paper is present in the temporary storage bin, a warning is displayed on the liquid crystal display 150 to instruct the operator to remove the transfer paper.

When the copying of the original is completed by such a copy processing procedure, the start flag for instructing the bookbinding apparatus to perform bookbinding is turned on, and the flag information is written in the transmission data to the bookbinding apparatus (step 519 in FIG. 7 (2)). ). Next, after transmitting the above-mentioned transmission data to the bookbinding apparatus, the image shift mode is canceled and each flag used internally in software is reset (FIG. 7 (2), steps 520 → 521).

As described above, the control process on one side of the copying apparatus is completed, and the operation of the bookbinding apparatus is terminated (step 52 in FIG. 7 (2)).
1) Returning to step 502 in FIG. 7 (1), a standby state for a copy instruction of the next original is made.

(Ii-A) Single copy binding In FIG. 7 (1), after confirming the single copy binding mode, it is detected that the cover is set on the bookbinding apparatus side, and the copying operation is started (step 512 → 514 → 515). Except for this point, the process is the same as the above-described multi-copy bookbinding process.

(Iii-A) Bookbinding Operation Using the Manual Tray When the bookbinding mode of the manual tray is instructed from the operation unit, this is detected by the determination processing in step 504 of FIG. Proceeding to step 523 in FIG. 7 (2), the manual bind mode flag in the communication data is turned on. Also, the number of manual sheets input from the numeric keypad 106 of the operation unit and cover data selected and input by the cover selection key 127 are transmitted from the copying apparatus main body to the bookbinding apparatus together with the manual bind mode flag information. After the reception confirmation of the transmission information, each flag is reset to the initial state, and the operation of the bookbinding apparatus is awaited (the seventh state).
Steps 523 → 521 → 522 in FIG.

(Iv-A) Operation modes other than the bookbinding mode Since the bookbinding apparatus has a plurality of bins, a collating apparatus (sorter)
It is also operable. When the sorter mode is selected and input from the operation unit, steps 524 to 525 in FIG.
The communication sort flag is turned on in this order, and a sorter mode instruction is transmitted to the bookbinding apparatus.

To sort documents by group, the group flag is turned on. (Step 525 → 5 in FIG. 7 (1))
27) When simply performing a normal sort process, the normal flag is turned on (step 528), and the type of the sort mode is notified to the bookbinding apparatus based on the above flag information.

Thereafter, after the next operation is performed, initialization is performed and the process waits for a next copy instruction (steps 529 → 530 → 531 → 502).

Next, the operation of detecting the number of divided copies according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the bookbinding mode key 125 has been pressed (step 700). If the bookbinding mode key has not been pressed, a general copying operation (step 712) is performed, and a series of copying operations ends. Bookbinding mode key 125
Is pressed, the standby state is continued until the copy key 104 is pressed next time. After detecting that the copy key 104 has been pressed (step 701), in step 702 the document processing apparatus 1001
From the RAM 1104, the number of originals automatically counted in step 1 or the number of originals manually input by the operator using the original number setting key 130 is read. Next, in step 703, there are cover sheets currently set in the bookbinding apparatus, A1 size for 1 to 5 sheets, A4 size for 6 to 10 sheets, and A4 size 11 to 20 sheets for the number of sheets that can be bound. It is determined by numerical comparison whether or not this is the case. For example, when the number of documents is 5, A4 size 1-5
The cover for the sheet is selected. When the number of originals is 25, none of the above-mentioned covers is appropriate. So,
Divide the number of documents into two, and obtain the value "1
A suitable cover is searched by comparing 1 "with the number of sheets that can be bound on the cover. As a result, a cover for 11 to 20 sheets of A4 size is selected, and the type of cover selected as the cover to be bound is determined by the binding apparatus. If the cover for the A4 size 11 to 20 sheets is not set in the bookbinding apparatus, then the number of documents “25” is divided by the numerical value “3”, and the numerical value “ The cover for A10 size 6 to 10 sheets is selected based on "9." Also, "2" is set as the number of booklets (step 70).
7). Thereafter, a document copy process is performed for each divided copy number detected by the above calculation (steps 708 to 7).
09).

Even if such a division calculation process is performed, an appropriate cover may not be found. For example, if the number of documents is "5" and A4
This is the case where the covers for 1 to 5 sheets are not set. In this case, it is determined in step 703 that the bookbinding process is not possible, and the buzzer is instructed to generate a warning sound, and a warning message "No suitable cover" is displayed on the liquid crystal display.
Are displayed (steps 706 to 710). Next, in step 711, the bookbinding mode is prohibited. The prohibition mode is released when the number of documents is increased or when a cover cassette having an appropriate cover size is set in the bookbinding apparatus.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the present invention, an appropriate cover in accordance with the number of originals is automatically selected, and even when the number of originals exceeds the number that can be bound, divided bookbinding becomes possible. When split bookbinding is not possible, a warning is issued,
Since the bookbinding process is prohibited, bookbinding failure can be prevented.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a basic configuration of an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing a structure of a main part of the embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a detailed view of a main part shown in FIG. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control system of a copying apparatus main body according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIGS. 5 (1) to (4) are key arrangements of an operation unit according to the embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control system of the bookbinding apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 7 (1) to (2) and FIG. 8 show processing executed on the copying apparatus side. FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the types of information transferred from the copying apparatus to the bookbinding apparatus. 2100... 1st transport section, 2101... 1st pass, 2102... 2nd pass, 2103... Single part pass, 2104... 3rd pass, 2105... 4th pass, 2106. 2107 2nd conveying motor 2108 reversing roller 2109 single / multiple flapper 2110 refeed path flapper 2111 reversing flapper 2112 single unit reversal detection sensor 2113 Multiple unit reversal detection sensor, 2114… Paper folding mechanism, 2200… Second transport unit, 2201… Upper table feed path, 2202… Middle table feed path, 2203… Lower table feed path , 2204 ... Feeding feed path, 2205 ... Feeding flapper, 2300 ... Special tray, 2301 ... First storage bin, 2302 ... Second storage bin, 2303 ... Third storage bin, 2304 ... 4th storage bin, 2305… 5th storage bin, 2306 …… oscillating rod, 2307 …… oscillating rod drive motor, 2308 …… lead cam drive motor, 2 309… Lead cam, 2310… Stapling device, 2311… Refeed roller, 2312… Tray paper detection sensor, 2400… Cover tray, 2401… Cover cassette (top), 2402… Cover cassette (middle) , 2403… notation cassette (bottom), 2500… bookbinding section, 2501… bookbinding paper feed sensor, 2502… cover set detection sensor, 2503… bookbinding device, 2504,6001… width adjustment plate, 2505… Heating unit, 2506 …… Cooling temperature sensor, 2507 …… Width adjustment plate home sensor, 2508 …… Width adjustment plate home flag, 2509 …… Width adjustment drive motor, 2510 …… Swing unit drive motor, 2511 …… Pivoting rod drive motor, 2512… Pivoting rod home sensor, 2513 …… Pivoting rod home flag, 2514 …… Pivoting rod, 2516 …… Base, 2517,6002 …… Width-adjusting plate, 2518 …… Rotating plate, 2519 …… Base drive motor, 2520 …… S Screw shaft, 2521… Base home flag, 2522… Base home sensor, 2523… First heater, 2524… Second heater, 2525… Heater control circuit, 2526… Heating unit moving motor , 2527… heating unit home flag, 2528… heating unit home sensor, 2529… first heat roller, 2530… heat roller drive motor, 2531… heat roller home sensor, 2532… temperature detection sensor, 2533… … Copper plate, 2534… Heat roller horizontal rail, 2535… Heat roller vertical rail, 2536… Second heat roller, 2537… Cover, 2538… Transfer paper, 6003… Pressure member, 2601… After binding End detection sensor, 2602: 5th pass, 2603: binding cooling fan, 2604: cooling path, 2605: cooling temperature sensor, 2700: binding tray, 2701: binding tray, 3000: control unit, 3001 …… Central processing unit (CPU) 3002 read-only memory (ROM), 3003 random access memory (RAM), 3004 input / output interface (I / O), 3005 data address bus, 3006 serial communication, 3007 first Transport drive system 3008 Second transport drive system 3009 Cover feed system 3010 Temporary storage bin drive system 3011 Width drive system 3012 Heater drive system 100 Copy machine Control panel, 101: Asterisk key, 102: All reset key, 103: Preheat key, 104: Copy start key, 105: Clear / stop key, 106: Numeric keypad, 107: Memory key, 108 … Copy density key, 109… Copy density key, 110… AE key, 111… Cassette selection key, 112… Original size key, 113… Auto variable magnification key, 114… Zoom key, 115… Zoom key , 116 …… Constant magnification key, 117 …… Constant Double key, 118: double-sided key, 119: binding key, 120: photo key, 121: multiple key, 122: original frame erase key, 123: sheet frame erase key, 124: continuous page Copy key, 125… Binding key, 126… Touch direction selection key, 127… Cover selection key, 128… Cover cassette display, 129… Manual binding key, 150… Message display, 151… Magnification display, 152: Same size display, 153: Color developer display, 154: Number of copies displayed, 155: Cassette used, 156: Original direction display, 157: AE display, 158: Preheating display, 159 ... ... Ready / Wait display, 160 ... Duplex copy display, 161 ... Sort key, 162 ... Group key.

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Satoshi Kuroyanagi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Osamu Iwamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inside the corporation

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A cover sheet of a plurality of sizes capable of binding a bundle of recording sheets recorded by an image recording apparatus and having a limit on the number of bound recording sheets is selectively formed in accordance with the size of the recording sheet. An image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism having a bookbinding mechanism for binding the bundle of recording sheets, the output unit outputting number data according to the bundle of recording sheets, and the number data output from the output unit is limited to the limit. Determining means for determining whether or not the number is larger than the range; and if the determination result of the determining means is an affirmative determination, dividing the number data and setting a value of the number of divided numbers falling within the limit range. An image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism, comprising: detecting means for detecting the number of images; and recording means for recording an image in units of the number of sheets detected by the detecting means. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a warning unit for issuing a warning when the value of the divided number of sheets does not fall within the range of the limit, and prohibiting the bookbinding process of the bookbinding mechanism. Item 2. An image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism according to Item 1. 3. An image with a bookbinding mechanism according to claim 1, wherein said recording means is for copying an original on recording paper, and said output means is provided with a counting means for counting the number of originals. Recording device.