JP2752740B2 - 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 apparatus, and more particularly, to an image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism capable of binding recorded recording paper.

[Conventional technology]

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 recording papers is stopped by a stapler is known. Such a general-purpose bookbinding mechanism has not been able to automatically book copied transfer paper (recording paper). Therefore, the applicant of the present application has proposed an image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism capable of automatically binding a copied recording sheet simultaneously with the present application.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, the proposal still had room for improvement in the consistency of the size of the various cover and transfer papers.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism capable of automatically binding a cover sheet and a transfer sheet of various sizes.

[Means for solving the problem]

In order to achieve such an object, the present invention provides an input unit for instructing and inputting the size of a cover to be bound, and a plurality of storage units which are detachable from the image recording apparatus main body and which store recording papers of different sizes. Recording paper storage means, and recording means for selectively taking out recording paper of a size corresponding to the size designated by the input means from the plurality of recording paper storage means and recording an image, A plurality of cover storage means for storing the cover paper, and a recording sheet selectively taken out of the cover storage means by the input means from the cover storage means and discharged from the recording means, and a bookbinding means for binding the cover. It is characterized by having.

Further, the recording unit of the present invention includes a first detection unit that detects the size of the document, and a first detection unit that determines whether the detected size of the document is the same as the cover size instructed by the input unit. A discriminating unit; and a variable-magnification recording unit configured to perform magnification recording of the original on the recording paper according to the size of the recording paper to be recorded when the result of the discrimination by the first determination unit is negative. I do.

Further, the recording unit of the present invention includes a second detection unit that detects each size of the recording paper of the plurality of recording paper storage units, and a cover sheet size in which the detected recording paper size is instructed from the input unit. And whether the size of the recording sheet is larger than the size of the cover sheet.
A discriminating unit, wherein the image recording apparatus or the bookbinding mechanism changes the size of the cover sheet instructed by the input unit to the recording paper recorded by the recording unit when the discrimination result of the second discriminating unit is affirmative. A paper folding means for folding the paper so as to be the same as that described above is further provided.

Still further, the recording unit of the present invention includes a third detection unit that detects each size of the recording paper of the plurality of recording paper storage units, and a detection unit that detects the detected size of the recording paper from the input unit. A third determining unit that determines whether or not the size matches the size, further comprising a warning unit that generates a warning when a result of the determination by the third determining unit is a negative determination.

(Operation)

In the present invention, the recording means automatically selects a recording sheet corresponding to the size of the cover only by the operator inputting an instruction on the size of the cover to be bound from the input means. As a result, the size of the recording paper matches the size of the cover, so that the bookbinding process can be automatically executed. Also, when the size of the original is different from the size of the designated cover, the variable-size recording is automatically executed, so that the bookbinding process using various kinds of covers is possible regardless of the size of the original. Furthermore, even if there is no recording paper corresponding to the cover size, if there is a large recording paper, the recording paper is folded by the paper folding means in accordance with the size of the cover. There is no need to prepare paper. Furthermore, when there is no recording paper adapted to the cover size, a warning is issued by the warning means, so that erroneous processing due to an operator's instruction error is prevented.

〔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 5000 denotes an input means 5100 for instructing and inputting the size of a cover to be bound, and a plurality of recording paper storage means 5200 detachable from the main body of the image recording apparatus and storing recording papers of different sizes. And a recording unit 5300 for selectively taking out recording paper of the same size as the size designated by the input unit from the plurality of recording paper storage units and recording an image.

6000 is a plurality of cover storage means 6100 for storing cover sheets having different sizes, a cover sheet of a size instructed by the input means is selectively taken out from the cover storage means, and a recording sheet discharged from the recording means is provided. This is a bookbinding mechanism having bookbinding means 6200 for binding a cover.

The recording unit includes a first detection unit 5301 that detects the size of the document, and a first determination unit that determines whether the size of the detected document is the same as the size of the cover sheet instructed by the input unit. 5302, and a variable-magnification recording unit that performs magnification recording of the original on the recording paper according to the size of the recording paper to be recorded when the result of the determination by the first determination unit is negative.
It has 5303.

Further, the recording unit detects a size of each of the recording sheets of the plurality of recording sheet storage units, and a second detection unit 5311 that matches the size of the detected recording sheet with the cover sheet size specified by the input unit. And a second discriminator 5312 for discriminating whether or not the size of the recording paper is larger than the size of the cover, and the bookbinding mechanism determines whether the second discriminator has a positive result. And a paper folding means 5313 for folding the recording paper recorded by the recording means so as to have the same size as the cover designated by the input means.

Still further, the recording unit is configured to detect a size of each of the recording sheets of the plurality of recording sheet storage units 5321, and the size of the detected recording sheet is determined by the input unit and the size of the cover sheet. Third to determine whether they match
A warning unit for generating a warning when the determination result of the third determination unit is negative.
It also has 5323.

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 embodiment, a laser printer (recording means) 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 that can perform variable-magnification recording. Further, the copying apparatus main body 1000 can be detachably provided with transfer paper cassettes (recording paper storage means) of different sizes. The transfer paper cassette is provided with a depression indicating the size of the transfer paper to be stored, and the microswitch (second and third detection units) detects the depression 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) as a first detection unit, and detects the size of the document. Original processing unit in the copier 1000
1001 is connected. 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.

The first transport unit 2100 is provided with a paper folding mechanism 2114. The paper folding mechanism 2114 is a well-known mechanism that folds the end of the transfer paper at a predetermined width. The paper folding mechanism 2114 may be provided on the copying apparatus main body side. Reference numeral 2200 denotes a second transport unit that sends a cover from the cover cassette 2400 (cover storage unit) to the bookbinding unit 2500.
2300 is a special tray for temporarily storing transfer paper. 2400
Is a cover cassette for storing the cover, and 2500 is a bookbinding unit for binding the cover and the transfer paper by gluing. 2600 is a cooling unit for cooling the heated glue spine, 2700
Is 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 2000 switches the conveyance direction of the recorded transfer paper between the direction of the conveyance path 2102 and the direction of the conveyance path 2103. 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 21012102 is connected to the first transport motor 2106
Is driven at the same transport speed as the copying body.

The flapper 2110 selectively switches between a transport direction to the temporary storage bins 2301 to 2305 and a transport direction to the transport path 2104. In the illustrated state, the transport direction is temporarily stored in bins 2301-2305.
It is set to be. 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 the first transfer sheet of the second copy is received, the temporary storage bin 2302 is shifted up by one step by the lead cam 2309 and the motor 2308, and the 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 is conveyed into the bookbinding device 2503, and then the heater of the heating unit 2505 heats and melts 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) A transfer sheet having the same size as the cover sheet instructed by the operator is selected, and copy control for the selected transfer sheet is executed.

b) Determine whether the document size matches the selected transfer paper size. It is determined whether or not there is a transfer sheet of the same size as the instructed cover size, and the type of the transfer sheet that is present is detected.

c) When the original size does not match the selected transfer paper size, variable-size recording is performed according to the size of the transfer paper.

d) When the transfer paper size is larger than the instructed cover size, an operation instruction for a process of folding the margin of the copied transfer paper according to the cover size is performed.

e) If there is no transfer paper suitable for the instructed cover size, a warning is displayed and a sound is issued, and the bookbinding process is prohibited.

The CPU 1101 operates as a first, second, and third determining 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 device 1101, a copying mechanism 1106 in the copying device, and a bookbinding device 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 the continuous copying is in the middle. 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 a document is automatically contracted / enlarged in accordance with the size of a 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 fixed-magnification / magnification keys, which are pressed when designating contraction / enlargement of a fixed 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, middle, 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 made up of green and orange LEDs. When ready (when copying is possible), green is lit, and when waiting (copying is impossible) is lit orange.

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 and address bus 30
05 is commonly connected, 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 relating to the transport of the transfer paper 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 in standby (during standby operation) or the bookbinding apparatus is busy (executing bookbinding operation) to 01
, Information on the size of the cover set in the cover cassette, information on the presence or absence of the cover in the cassette, information on the thickness of the cover, and information on abnormalities such as paper and cover jams in the bookbinding apparatus.

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. (Steps 508 → 510 in FIG. 7 (1)) Next, the data relating to the cover size and the thickness designated and input by the cover selection key 127 are written in the communication data. For example, in the case of bookbinding of five A4 originals and two copies in this example, A4 covers 1 to 5
The cover for the sheet is selected.

In addition, the CPU 1101 of the copying apparatus main body determines whether or not there is a transfer sheet having the same cover size as that instructed by the cover selection key 127. As described above, the type of the transfer paper cassette is identified by detecting the output level of the microswitch mounted on the main body of the copying apparatus in contact with the transfer paper cassette.

After confirming that there is the same transfer sheet as the cover size instructed and input by the cover selection key 127, the amount of white paste in accordance with the number of documents is obtained in step 511. In this example, when the number of originals is one to five, the paste white amount is 10 mm, and the original is five to ten.
The glue white amount is determined to be 12 mm for sheets, and the glue white amount is determined to be 14 mm for 10 to 20 documents. 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 glue white amount.
The CPU 1101 variably sets data by extracting data corresponding to the number of documents from the margin data table stored in the ROM 1103. Subsequently, 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, the transfer sheet having the cover size specified in the next step is further processed. Is confirmed and the designated cover size matches the original size, then the set number of copies is made in the image shift mode.

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 selecting a copy-related transfer sheet according to the present invention will be described. FIG. 8 shows a detailed control procedure of the copy processing in step 517 of FIG. 7 (1).

a) When the cover processing size is A4, the document size is A4, and the transfer paper size is A4 In FIG. 8, the cover size data specified by the operator is read from the RAM 1104, and it is detected that the cover size is A4. (Step 700 → 701). When the cover selection key 127 is not pressed, the default size is selected. Subsequently, the determination processing in step 704 detects that the A4 size transfer paper cassette is mounted in the copying apparatus main body. Next, in step 705, the transfer paper is taken out from the A4 size transfer paper cassette, and the image of the original is copied as it is.

b) When the cover size is A4, the document size is A3, and the transfer paper size is A4. In FIG. 8, the cover size data specified by the operator is read from the RAM 1104, and it is detected that the cover size is A4. (Step 700 → 701).

Subsequently, the determination processing in step 702 detects that an A4 size transfer paper cassette is mounted in the copying apparatus main body. Next, in step 703, it is detected that the document is A3 size larger than A4 size. Next, a magnification mode is set in step 705, and thereafter, in step 706, the image of the A3 size document is reduced (magnified) and copied to A4 size transfer paper.

c) In the case where the designated cover size is A4, the document size is A3, and the transfer paper size is A3. It is detected in step 702 that the A4 size transfer paper cassette is not mounted in the copying apparatus main body. In step 706, it is detected that an A3 size transfer paper cassette larger than the A4 size is set in the copying apparatus main body. Then, in step 707, if the original is larger than A4 size A
It is detected that the size is three and that the size of the original and the size of the transfer paper match. Thereafter, in step 709, the image of the A3-size document is copied as it is onto A3-size transfer paper.

If the size of the transfer paper is different from the size of the original, a scaling mode is set to perform a scaling copy in accordance with the size of the transfer paper (step 708 → step 709). In this procedure, when it is detected that the size of the transfer paper is larger than the cover, in step 710, the copied transfer paper is z-folded by the paper folding mechanism.

d) If the specified cover size is A4, the document size is B5, and the transfer paper size is B5. When it is detected in steps 702 and 706 that there is no transfer paper larger than A4 size, a buzzer sounds. Or after displaying a warning message on the liquid crystal display unit, the bookbinding mode is released (step 711 → step 712).

In this example, the case where the cover sheet of A4 size is instructed to be selected has been described. However, when another size is specified, the same processing as described above may be performed, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in the present embodiment, even when the size of the copied transfer sheet is larger than the size of the cover sheet selected and designated, z-folding is performed by the sheet folding mechanism, so that bookbinding is possible.

In addition, even when the size of the original is different from that of the transfer paper, the image of the original is automatically scaled to enable various types of bookbinding according to the size of the cover, as well as simplifying the operation of the operator. Be transformed into

Furthermore, if there is no transfer paper matching the cover size, a warning is issued and the copying process and the bookbinding process are not performed, so that not only an operation error of the operator is detected but also a wasteful copying process due to a key input error. Can be prevented beforehand.

〔The invention's effect〕

In the present invention, the recording means automatically selects a recording sheet corresponding to the size of the cover only by the operator inputting an instruction on the size of the cover to be bound from the input means. As a result, the size of the recording paper matches the size of the cover, so that the bookbinding process can be automatically executed. Also, when the size of the document is different from the designated cover size, the variable-size recording is automatically executed, so that the bookbinding process using a variety of covers is possible regardless of the document size. Furthermore, even if there is no recording paper corresponding to the cover size, if there is a large recording paper, the recording paper is folded by the paper folding means in accordance with the size of the cover. There is no need to prepare paper. Furthermore, if there is no recording paper adapted to the cover size, a warning is issued by the warning means, so that erroneous processing due to an operator's instruction error 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 Stipple device, 2311 Refeed roller, 2312 Tray paper detection sensor, 2400 Cover tray, 2401 Cover cassette (top), 2402 Cover cassette (middle) , 2403… cover cassette (bottom), 2500… bookbinding section, 2501… bookbinding 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…. 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.

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification symbol FI B65H 37/04 B65H 39/042 39/042 G03G 15/00 534 G03G 15/00 534 B41J 29/00 H (72) Inventor Kuroyanagi Satoshi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Hisashi Tahara 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl . ^6, DB name) B65H 37 / 04,39 / 042 B42C 11 / 06,1 / 12 B41J 29 / 00,13 / 00 G03G 15/00 534

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. An input means for instructing and inputting a size of a cover to be bound, a plurality of recording paper storage means detachable from an image recording apparatus main body and storing recording papers of different sizes, Recording means for selectively taking out recording paper of a size corresponding to the size specified by the means from the plurality of recording paper storage means and recording an image; and a plurality of cover storage means for storing cover sheets having different sizes. A bookbinding mechanism, comprising: a cover sheet having a size designated by the input means is selectively taken out from the cover storage means; and a recording sheet discharged from the recording means and bookbinding means for binding the cover sheet. Image recording device. A first detecting section for detecting a size of the original; and a first detecting section for determining whether or not the detected size of the original is the same as the size of a cover sheet instructed by the input section. A discriminating unit; and a variable-magnification recording unit configured to perform magnification recording of the original on the recording paper according to the size of the recording paper to be recorded when the result of the discrimination by the first determination unit is negative. The image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism according to claim 1. 3. The recording device according to claim 2, wherein the recording unit detects a size of the recording sheet of the plurality of recording sheet storage units, and a cover sheet size indicated by the input unit indicating the detected size of the recording sheet. And a second discriminating unit for discriminating whether or not the size of the recording paper is larger than the size of the cover sheet, wherein the image recording apparatus or the bookbinding mechanism discriminates the second discriminating unit. A paper folding means for folding the recording paper recorded by the recording means when the result of the determination is affirmative, so as to have the same size as the cover size instructed by the input means. 2. The image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism according to 1. 4. A recording apparatus comprising: a third detecting section for detecting each size of recording paper of the plurality of recording paper storage means; And a third determining unit for determining whether or not the second determination unit is in agreement with the first determination unit, further comprising a warning unit that generates a warning when a determination result of the third determination unit is a negative determination. 2. The image recording apparatus with a bookbinding mechanism according to 1.