JP3787076B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an improvement in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, or a printing machine, and in particular, a saddle stitching process in which a plurality of stacked sheets are bound at the center thereof, and a center folding process in which sheets are folded to form a weekly magazine. The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing system, a sheet post-processing apparatus, an image forming apparatus, and a sheet post-processing method that enable processing.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Stapling is applied to the center of a bundle of sheets on which images have been formed so as to enable saddle stitching as described above (so-called weekly magazine binding), and then folding in half along the staple is possible. As an example of the image forming apparatus, there is known an image processing apparatus described in JP-A-8-259092.
In this image processing apparatus, the sheet on which the image has been formed and fixed is once discharged to the tray 37, and when performing saddle stitching to be stapled at the center of the sheet, the tray 37 performs the stapling process.
Here, the sheet that has undergone the staple processing is reversed in the transport direction and proceeds to the half-fold processing section, where the half-fold processing is performed.
[0003]
In this apparatus, the half-folding process is an operation of folding a plurality of sheets, and the number of sheets that can be folded is limited.
Similarly, in the saddle stitching process, the number of possible sheets is limited.
If the number of sheets that can be processed is different, if the number of copies to be processed is equal to or less than the above limit number, the saddle stitching process and the half-folding process are performed, and either the saddle stitching process or the half-folding process is performed. When the limit number is exceeded, the processing is restricted in both cases, and only normal copying processing can be performed.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, if the number of sheets that can be folded is smaller than that of saddle stitching, the user may try to obtain weekly magazine binding even if folding manually.
Further, when the number of sheets that can be folded is larger than that of saddle stitching, the booklet may be bound by another binding process such as thread binding or thread binding after thread folding.
Furthermore, when the limit number of both saddle stitching and half-folding is exceeded, the binding and folding may be processed by a dedicated device having higher ability.
The apparatus as described above cannot respond to these user requests.
[0005]
Further, when only the binding process and the folding process are performed, the subsequent addition process can be performed more smoothly if the sorting is performed.
Also, paper finishing devices of various capability types have been prepared, and when replacing according to the user's request, it is necessary to replace the control software on the main body side, and it takes time for the replacement work.
SUMMARY An advantage of some aspects of the invention is to effectively utilize a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The invention described in claim 1An image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing device, a saddle stitching processing unit that has a stack unit that temporarily stacks sheets received from the image forming unit and binds the sheets in the center in the receiving direction when the sheets are stacked, and An intermediate folding processing section that folds the stacked sheets at the center in the receiving direction in a stacked state, a first discharge unit that directly discharges a bundle of sheets from the stack section to the first tray, and the intermediate folding processing section. A second discharge means for discharging the sheet bundle to the second tray, and N1 is the limit number of sheets that can be folded in half, and N1 is the limit number of sheets that can be bound in one book. N2, when N1 <N2 where N1 <N2 when the number of stacked sheets is N, a request to discharge the sheets in the stack portion by performing only saddle stitching by the first discharge unit when N1 <N <N2. Accept In the case of N1> N2, when N2 <N <N1, it is possible to accept a request to discharge the sheet in the stack portion by performing only the middle folding without the saddle stitching by the second discharging means, The image forming unit is provided with a receiving means for receiving these requests.
is doing.
[0007]
In the present invention, when the number of sheets to be post-processed exceeds the limit number of either the saddle stitching device or the center folding device, only the processing exceeding the limit number cannot be selected. Processing can be selected. In addition, when both the saddle stitching device and the half-folding device exceed the limit number, these two processes cannot be selected, but other processes, for example, the ejection before the saddle stitching and the middle folding are performed. It becomes possible. In this way, even when any post-processing function cannot be used, other functions can be selectively used, so that the post-processing apparatus can be used effectively.
[0008]
ContractClaim 3 is a case where a receiving means is provided on a terminal screen of a personal computer or the like capable of operating a printer, for example.The YuIt is convenient because the user can easily operate it.
[0009]
[0010]
In addition, the present inventionThe sheet post-processing device is controlled based on the processing content received by the image forming apparatus main body or the control terminal.
Since the number of processes exceeding the limit number of processes is limited by the image forming apparatus main body or the receiving means of the control terminal, it is possible to prevent a failure of the post-processing apparatus.
In addition, since the processing within the limit can be freely set by the accepting means, the post-processing device can be used effectively.
In addition, if such control is used, when the paper post-processing apparatus of another capacity type is replaced with, for example, a type in which the limit number of saddle stitching and center folding is reversed, the control software of the main body can be used as it is. .
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
In addition, the present inventionIn this case, since the saddle stitched paper and the folded paper are discharged to different trays, the paper is sorted according to the type of processing, and the configuration is easy to use.
For example, only sheets that can be saddle-stitched but cannot be folded in the middle can be collected in the discharge tray of the first discharge means (hereinafter referred to as the first discharge tray), so that only the sheets that are folded manually can be taken out.
Further, for example, only those that can be folded inward but cannot be saddle-stitched can be taken out to the discharge tray of the second discharge means (hereinafter referred to as the second discharge tray).
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
The present invention also providesThese include a sheet post-processing device built in the image forming apparatus, a device that is a separate unit, but that operates integrally, and a device that is integrally controlled.
[0018]
[0019]
[0020]
Also,BookinventionImage forming apparatusCan be executed by control from the sheet post-processing device, control from the image forming apparatus, or control from the computer side that performs output control in an output device such as a printer or a printing machine. .
[0021]
[0022]
Also bookinventionImage forming apparatusIn this case, since the sheets that are only saddle-stitched and the sheets that are folded in half are discharged to separate trays, the sheets are sorted according to the type of processing, and the configuration is convenient.
For example, only sheets that can be saddle-stitched but cannot be folded in the middle can be collected in the first discharge tray, so that only sheets that are folded manually can be taken out.
Also, for example, only those that can be saddle-stitched but cannot be saddle stitched can be taken out.
The paper post-processing method according to the present invention is a control from the computer that controls the output of the paper post-processing apparatus, the control from the image forming apparatus, or the output of the image output apparatus such as a printer or a printing machine. It can be executed by control or the like.
[0023]
[0024]
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings to help understand the present invention.
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing the entire image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
The following description will be focused on the characteristic configuration of this apparatus.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1, this apparatus is roughly composed of an image forming apparatus main body 1 on the right half and a finisher 2 on the left half.
The image forming apparatus main body 1 and the finisher 2 may be separate or integrated, but in the case of a separate body, it can be sold as an option to the main body 1 and is advantageous.
The image forming apparatus main body 1 generally includes a DF unit 1a that automatically supplies a document, an operation unit 1b that performs various operations and displays, and an optical system, a photosensitive member, a developing unit, a transfer unit, and a fixing unit. The image forming unit 1c has a sheet cassette layer 1d for supplying paper.
[0027]
Next, the finisher 2 will be described.
The finisher 2 is provided with a sheet receiving unit 20 at an upper portion on the right side thereof in contact with the image forming apparatus main body 1, and is connected to the first conveyance path 21.
The first conveyance path 21 is divided by a branching section 200 into a second conveyance path 22 and a third conveyance path 23 that are directed to the main tray (first discharge tray) 2t and the sub-tray 2y, and a fourth conveyance path that is directed to the binding and folding processing section. Branched to 24.
A saddle stitching processing unit (saddle stitching processing means) 210 that stacks sheets of images formed in order and staples in the center in the transport direction is disposed at the lower part of the branching unit 200, and further, an image is formed at the lower part thereof. A center folding processing unit (center folding processing means) 220 that stacks sheets and performs folding processing at the center in the conveying direction is provided.
[0028]
From the saddle stitching processing section 210, a fifth transport path 25 from the saddle stitch stacking section 2f toward the main tray 2t and a sixth transport path 26 toward the saddle stitching treatment section 220 are provided.
From the saddle stitching treatment section 220, a seventh conveyance path through which the folded sheet is conveyed is directed toward the saddle tray (second discharge tray) 2w.
On the left side of the finisher 2 opposite to the image forming apparatus main body 1, the above-described plurality of trays are arranged from the top in the order of the sub-tray 2y, the main tray 2t, and the saddle tray 2w, and the sheets are sorted respectively. It is like that.
[0029]
Next, the movement of the paper will be described for each post-processing form of the paper.
First, an image forming process for each sheet that is not subjected to the binding process for sheets (including various sheet-like forms) will be described.
The sheet after image formation and fixing discharged from the image forming unit 1c is discharged onto the main tray 2t through the transport rollers 2a, 2b and 2c.
Further, paper for interrupt copying or the like is configured to be discharged from the intermediate roller 2d to the sub-tray 2y via the upper transport roller 2x.
[0030]
When only the binding process is performed and the half-folding process is not performed, the sheet is guided from the transport rollers 2a and 2b to the lower transport roller 2e through the intermediate roller 2d and is bound below the intermediate roller 2d. It is temporarily discharged to the upper surface of the stack part 2f.
The intermediate roller 2d wraps the first sheet of the second and subsequent sheets when binding a plurality of sheets of paper individually, and waits for binding of the paper of the preceding section and discharging to the main tray 2t. There is to let you.
The first and subsequent sheets of paper wound around the intermediate roller 2d are aligned with the second sheet and the branching section 200 following the second sheet, and the first sheet and the second sheet overlap each other. The four conveying paths 24 are conveyed to the saddle stitching stack unit 2f.
[0031]
The binding stack portion 2f is a kind of paper tray, and a stopper 2g protrudes from the upper surface thereof, and the discharged paper stops when the leading edge collides with the stopper 2g.
Subsequent sheets are also discharged to the binding stack portion 2f, and collide with the stopper 2g to be sequentially stacked.
When the set number of sheets are stacked on the binding stack unit 2f, stapling is performed on the sheets.
In this case, there are two types of stapling processes: a saddle stitching process in which staples are driven into the center of the sheet in the conveyance direction, and a leading edge binding process in which staples are driven in the leading end in the conveyance direction.
Which process is to be performed is set in advance by the user from the operation unit. In accordance with the setting, the binding stack unit 2f on which the paper is placed on the stapler 2h moves in parallel with the conveyance direction of the paper, After positioning, the paper is stapled.
Thus, in this apparatus, the stapler 2h is fixed, and the binding stack portion 2f moves relative to the stapler 2h.
As a result, only one stapler 2h is sufficient, which is economical.
[0032]
The sheet thus stapled is moved along the stack surface in the upper left direction in FIG. 1 as the stopper 2g rises along the saddle stitching stack portion 2f, and is conveyed in the fifth direction by the conveying rollers 2v and 2c. The path 25 is discharged to the main tray 2t.
Further, a sheet bundle that is neither bound nor folded is discharged to the main tray 2t through a similar route.
[0033]
Next, a case where the middle folding process is performed will be described.
The stopper 2g for temporarily stopping the sheet bundle is connected to a solenoid or the like (not shown) so as to be controlled so as to be able to protrude and retract with respect to the upper surface of the binding stack portion 2f.
When the stapling process is completed, the stopper 2g is pulled downward from the upper surface of the binding stack portion 2f by a solenoid (not shown).
As a result, the sheet bundle is guided by the guide means of the sixth transport path 26 by the transport roller 2i and transported onto the bending stack portion 2j.
The bending stack portion 2j is also a kind of paper tray, and the front end of the bending stack portion 2j hits a stopper 2k provided at the bottom, and the sheet bundle stops on the bending stack portion 2j.
[0034]
A slit 2m perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction is formed at the center of the bending stack portion 2j, and a bending blade 2n is formed in the direction of the arrow 2p below the bending stack portion 2j corresponding to the slit 2m. It is provided so that it can appear and disappear.
The bending blade 2n advances in the direction of the arrow 2p with respect to the sheet stopped on the bending stack portion 2j to bend the sheet bundle.
The bending blade 2n and the sheet bundle move between the pressing rollers 2u while being sandwiched between the pair of pressing rollers 2u, and the sheet is bent.
In this way, the sheet with the bending crease advances through the seventh conveyance path 27 and is discharged to the saddle tray 2w by the discharge roller 2s.
[0035]
Further, when only the middle folding is performed without performing the saddle stitching, the stopper 2g is lowered without performing the binding operation on the binding stack unit 2f, and the sheet bundle is transferred from the sixth conveyance path 26 to the middle folding processing unit 220. Send it out.
Since the subsequent processing is the same as the half-folding processing after the above binding processing, the description thereof is omitted.
[0036]
Next, the control procedure when performing saddle stitching and center folding as described above will be described with reference to the functional block diagram of FIG. 2 and the control flow diagram of FIG.
Also, an example of the operation unit as a process receiving means will be presented and described in FIG.
[0037]
The hardware configuration of the control device of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment is as shown in FIG.
That is, a scanner unit 4, a printer controller 5, a user operation unit 1b, and the like are connected to the control unit 3 centering on the CPU.
A personal computer 7 as an operation terminal is connected from the printer controller 5 via a printer cable or a network cable.
The finisher unit 2 is also connected via the engine unit 6.
The finisher section 2 includes the various rollers 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2i, 2u, 2s, stoppers 2h, 2k, a bending blade 2p, and an actuator for operating the branching section 200.
[0038]
In the copying operation, image data read by the scanner unit 4 is taken into the memory copy unit of the control unit 3, and an instruction from the printer controller 5, an instruction from the operation unit 1b, a control program stored in the ROM, Accordingly, the control unit 3 operates the image forming apparatus main body to perform image formation.
Further, the finisher unit 2 operates in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 3, and the above-described binding processing and folding processing are performed.
[0039]
Next, taking weekly magazine binding as an example, a procedure (program) for calculating the number of sheets from the number of originals and selecting a binding and folding process that can be processed according to the calculated number of sheets will be described.
Here, the number of originals is M, the number of sheets is N, the limit number of half-folds that can be folded into one in this image forming apparatus is N1, and the limit number of saddle-stitched sheets that can be saddle-stitched in one is N2. .
The process is executed according to the flowchart of FIG.
Here, S1, S2,... Are processing procedure (step) numbers.
[0040]
In the figure, the area a surrounded by a solid line is a control when the image forming apparatus main body 1 is equipped with a finisher of a type in which the limit number of saddle folding does not exceed the limit number of saddle stitching (N1 = <N2). A region b surrounded by a dotted line is a control region when the image forming apparatus main body 1 is equipped with a finisher of a type in which the limit number of saddle folding exceeds the limit number of saddle stitching (N1> N2). .
A portion c surrounded by a double line is a determination result of whether or not saddle stitching / center folding is possible for each processing content, and is a content displayed on the user operation unit 1b or the operation terminal 7.
[0041]
The process starts from the original reading process (S1).
In step S1, when the document is read, the number of documents M is automatically calculated.
In the case of weekly magazine binding, there are left and right pages, which are on the front and back sides, so four originals are used on one sheet.
Therefore, the number N of sheets to be used is automatically calculated by N = (M + 3) / 4 (however, the fractional part is rounded down) (S2).
[0042]
Next, the type of the finisher 2 is determined (S3).
If the middle folding limit number does not exceed the saddle stitching limit number (N1 = <N2), Y is selected. If the middle folding limit number exceeds the saddle stitching limit number (N1> N2), N is selected.
[0043]
First, the case where the finisher 2 is of the (N1 = <N2) type will be described.
After it is determined as Y in S3, the number of sheets N is compared with the limit number N1 of half-folds (S4).
If N = <N1, Y is displayed, and a display indicating that both saddle stitching and center folding are possible is displayed on the operation unit 1b or the terminal 7 (S5).
If N> N1 in S4, the process proceeds to S6, where N is compared with the saddle stitch limit number N2.
If N = <N2, Y is determined, saddle stitching is permitted, and middle folding is prohibited (S7).
If N> N2, both saddle stitching and center folding are prohibited (S8).
[0044]
FIG. 4 shows a user operation unit 1b of a digital copying machine which is an image forming apparatus.
The user operation unit 1b includes a numeric keypad 1b2, a start key 1b3, a display panel 1b4, a post-processing operation unit 1b5, and the like.
The post-processing operation unit 1b5 includes a weekly bookbinding operation unit 1b1.
In this area, a saddle stitching setting key 1b15 for setting saddle stitching, a saddle stitching setting key 1b16 for setting saddle stitching, and an ejection / discharge for setting ejection in a sheet bundle without performing saddle stitching or folding. There is a setting key 1b17.
Green LEDs 1b12 and 1b14 that are turned on at the time of setting are arranged on the left side of the saddle stitching setting key 1b15 and the half-folding setting key 1b16. Red LEDs 1b11 and 1b13 that are lit only in the process that is prohibited in the above are provided.
[0045]
For example, when the saddle stitching / half-folding permission is set in step S5, the red LEDs 1b11 and 1b13 are not turned on, and the user can select the saddle stitching setting or the half-folding setting.
In step S7, since only the middle folding is prohibited, the red LED 1b13 is lit and the saddle stitching setting can be accepted, but the middle folding setting is not accepted and the green LED 1b14 is not illuminated even if the middle folding setting key 1b16 is pressed.
In step S8, since saddle stitching / saddle folding is prohibited, the red LEDs 1b11, 1b13 are lit and the saddle stitching / saddle folding cannot be set.
However, it is possible to set the discharge / discharge setting key 1b17 for setting discharge in a bundle of sheets without performing saddle stitching or folding.
[0046]
Here, the red LED is lit as a warning means for displaying the prohibited processing, and the setting is not allowed even if the setting key is pressed. Can be detected intuitively, and there is no such thing as incorrect setting.
In addition, since the green LED is turned on for the process for which the setting is permitted and the user has selected to set, it is easy to confirm the selected process.
In addition to the LED display, the display panel 1b4 may display a warning message such as "Cannot select half-folding" or a message such as "Saddle stitching is selected". May be performed.
[0047]
When the number of sheets N does not exceed N1 or N2 (S5 in FIG. 3), when the user sets both saddle stitching and half-folding and starts image formation with the start key 1b3, the image forming apparatus main body 1 performs an image in the form of a weekly magazine. The finisher 2 feeds the formed sheet from the sheet receiving unit 20 to the conveyance rollers 2a and 2b, and from the branch unit 200 to the fourth conveyance path 24, to the saddle stitching processing unit 210 to the saddle stitch stacking unit 2f, and to the saddle stitcher 2h. After that, the transport roller 2i transports the sixth transport path to the half-fold processing section, where the center folding process is performed.
When the user selects only the middle folding process, the saddle stitching process unit does not perform the saddle stitching process, and the sheet is conveyed to the middle folding process unit, and only the middle folding process is performed (S9).
The sheet bundle folded in the middle folding processing unit 220 is discharged from the seventh conveyance path 27 to the saddle tray 2w (S10).
[0048]
When the middle folding instruction is not issued in S9, the saddle stitch stacking portion 2f is discharged from the fifth transport path 25 to the main tray 2t (S11).
Here, when the user simply aligns the sheets and discharges them to the main tray 2t without performing saddle stitching or folding, it is only necessary to set the discharge key 1b17.
As a result, the green LED 1b18 is turned on, and it can be distinguished from the case where sheets of paper on which images are formed are discharged from the second transport path 22 one by one.
If both saddle stitching and half-folding are prohibited in S8, if the discharge key 1b17 is set (Y in S12), the sheet bundle once aligned in the saddle stitching stack portion 2f is discharged to the main tray 2t, and the discharge key If 1b17 is not set (N in S12), the sheet is not transported to the saddle stitch stack portion 2f (S13), and only the discharge from the second and third transport paths 22 and 23 is possible.
[0049]
As described above, the user can freely select various post-processing forms, and those that exceed the processing limit are displayed in advance, and the acceptance of processing is prohibited, It is possible to take measures in advance such as switching to another process or reducing the number N of sheets.
Also, failure of the post-processing device can be avoided beforehand.
In addition, since it is possible to take out what has not been subjected to half-folding into separate trays, it is convenient when additional processing is performed manually.
In addition, it is possible to prevent misalignment of sheets due to a mixture of folded and unfolded sheets stacked on one tray, and collapsing of stacked sheets that occur when a large number of sheets are stacked. .
[0050]
Next, the case where the finisher 2 is of the (N1> N2) type will be described.
In addition, the description which overlaps with the above-mentioned type is omitted as appropriate.
If the finisher 2 is of the (N1> N2) type, step S3 in FIG. 3 is N, and it is determined in S14 whether N is within the saddle stitching limit.
If N = <N2 (Y in S14), the saddle stitching / saddle folding operation unit 1b is permitted (S5), and thereafter, the same selection as the above-described type of finisher is possible (S5, S9, S10). Or the flow order of S5, S9, and S11 is possible).
If S14 is N, then it is determined whether N = <N1 (S15). If Y, that is, N1> = N> N2, only saddle stitching is prohibited, and the red LED 1b11 of the user operation unit 1b is lit (S16). ).
[0051]
Here, the user can select the middle fold, and thereafter, the process proceeds to step S9, where the middle fold Y or N is selected.
If Y, only the half-folded sheet is discharged to the saddle tray 1w (S10). If N, a bundle of sheets that are neither saddle-stitched nor center-folded is discharged from the saddle-stitch stack portion 2f to the main tray 2t. (S11).
When it is not possible to perform the middle folding in S15 (N> N1> N2), the user operation unit 1b prohibits both the saddle stitching and middle folding (S17), and the user selects whether or not only the sheet alignment is performed in the saddle stitching stack unit 2f ( If S18, Y, the sheets are once stacked on the saddle stitching stack unit 2f and then discharged to the main tray 2t (S11). If N, the sheets are fed from the second conveyance path 22 without putting the sheets into the saddle stitching stacking unit 2f. Each sheet is discharged to the main tray 2t (S19).
[0052]
As described above, this type of finisher can achieve the same operability as the above-described type of finisher, and therefore, the same effect as that of the above-described type of finisher can be obtained.
If such control is performed on the image forming apparatus side, post-processing of various combinations can be executed as it is simply by replacing the finisher, which makes it easy to meet various paper post-processing requests of the user.
For example, if the folding unit and saddle stitching processing unit are replaceable units and can be combined with units with different processing capabilities, just input the magnitude relationship of the folding / saddle stitching capability to the main unit, The same control can be used and is convenient.
[0053]
The accepting means is provided in printer driver software installed for outputting image data to the image forming apparatus main body 1 in a computer (operation terminal 7) connected to the printer controller 5 of the image forming apparatus main body 1, for example. May be.
FIG. 5 shows an example of a screen for setting image data printing conditions.
The screen 100 is used to set paper discharge conditions, and includes a duplex printing setting area 102, a sort setting area 103, a staple setting area 104, a punch setting area 105, a print number setting section 106, and a booklet setting area. 101 is arranged.
[0054]
When the mode setting unit 111 in the booklet setting area 101 is popped up and “weekly magazine binding” is selected, three selection items of saddle stitch 112, center folding 113, and discharge 114 appear below it.
For example, if you want to select saddle stitching, use the mouse to specify saddle stitch selection 112. If you want to select saddle stitching, use your mouse to specify saddle stitch selection 112. If you want to select discharge from the saddle stitch stacking section 2f, eject. Selection 114 is indicated with a mouse.
In FIG. 5, saddle stitching is selected, and this setting is confirmed when the confirmation key 107 is clicked, and image data is transmitted to the image forming apparatus 1 by clicking the print start key (not shown), and image formation and paper Post-processing is executed according to the set conditions.
[0055]
Further, when the information on the image forming apparatus side is transmitted to the printer side, and the saddle stitching or saddle stitching exceeds the limit number of sheets, the selection item portion cannot be set.
In FIG. 5, the half-fold selection 113 cannot be set.
These function in the same manner as the weekly bookbinding operation unit 1b1 in the user operation unit 1b of the image forming apparatus main body described above.
As a result, the user can freely select various post-processing forms, and for those that exceed the processing limit, the acceptance of the processing is prohibited in advance, so transfer to other processing or paper Measures such as reducing the number N can be taken in advance.
Also, failure of the post-processing device can be avoided beforehand.
[0056]
As described above, in this embodiment, when the number of sheets to be post-processed exceeds the limit number of either the saddle stitching apparatus or the half-folding apparatus, only the process exceeding the limit number is selected. As a result, other processing can be selected.
In addition, when both the saddle stitching device and the half-folding device exceed the limit number, these two processes cannot be selected, but other processes, for example, the ejection before the saddle stitching and the middle folding are performed. It becomes possible.
In this way, even when any post-processing function cannot be used, other functions can be selectively used, so that the post-processing apparatus can be used effectively.
[0057]
In addition, if this type of control is used, the control software of the main body can be used as it is when replacing with a paper finishing device of another capacity type, for example, a type in which the limit number of saddle stitching and center folding is reversed. it can.
[0058]
Further, since the saddle stitched paper and the folded paper are discharged to different trays, the paper is sorted according to the type of processing, and the configuration is easy to use.
For example, only sheets that can be saddle-stitched but cannot be folded in the middle can be collected in the first discharge tray, so that only sheets that are folded manually can be taken out.
In addition, only those that can be saddle-stitched but cannot be saddle-stitched can be taken out to the second discharge tray.
[0059]
In addition, the present invention can be executed by control from the paper post-processing device, control from the image forming apparatus, or control from the computer side that performs output control in an output device such as a printer or a printing machine. Is.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the present invention providesImage forming apparatusIn the case where the number of sheets to be post-processed exceeds the limit number of either the saddle stitching device or the half-folding device, only the processing exceeding the limit number cannot be selected, and as a result, other processing is performed. Selectable. In addition, when both the saddle stitching device and the half-folding device exceed the limit number, these two processes cannot be selected, but other processes, for example, the ejection before the saddle stitching and the middle folding are performed. It becomes possible. In this way, even when any post-processing function cannot be used, other functions can be selectively used, so that the post-processing apparatus can be used effectively.
[0061]
AlsoBookinventionImage forming apparatusIn the user interface that the user selects post-processing.do it,For example, when a receiving means is provided in the operation unit of the image forming apparatus main body such as a copying machine, a printer, or a facsimileOrFor example, when receiving means is provided on the terminal screen of a personal computer or the like that can operate the printerThere isBoth are convenient because they are easy to operate.
[0062]
AlsoImage forming apparatus of the present inventionIs controlled based on the processing content received by the image forming apparatus main body or the control terminal.
Since the number of processes exceeding the limit number of processes is limited by the image forming apparatus main body or the receiving means of the control terminal, it is possible to prevent a failure of the post-processing apparatus.
In addition, since the processing within the limit can be freely set by the accepting means, the post-processing device can be used effectively.
In addition, if such control is used, the paper post-processing apparatus of another capacity type, for example, a type in which the limit number of saddle stitching and half-folding is reversed as in claims 5 and 6 is replaced. The control software of the main body can be used as it is.
[0063]
AlsoImage forming apparatus of the present inventionIn this case, since the saddle stitched paper and the folded paper are discharged to different trays, the paper is sorted according to the type of processing, and the configuration is easy to use. For example, only sheets that can be saddle-stitched but cannot be folded in the middle can be collected in the discharge tray of the first discharge means (hereinafter referred to as the first discharge tray), so that only the sheets that are folded manually can be taken out. Further, for example, only those that can be folded inward but cannot be saddle-stitched can be taken out to the discharge tray of the second discharge means (hereinafter referred to as the second discharge tray).
[0064]
AlsoImage forming apparatus of the present inventionIs stacked in the saddle stitching stack in the state before bookbinding, but both the saddle stitching process and the half-folding process exceed the limit number, so it is effective when discharging once and transferring to another process. Further, the bundle of sheets is discharged in a state of being aligned, and is sorted into the first discharge tray, so that it is easy to use.
[0065]
AlsoOf the present inventionThe image forming apparatus includes the above-described sheet post-processing apparatus in the image forming apparatus, and these sheet post-processing apparatuses are built in the image forming apparatus, or are separate from each other but operate integrally. Moreover, what is controlled integrally is also included.
These have the same effect as the paper post-processing apparatus.
[0066]
AlsoImage forming apparatus of the present inventionIf the number of sheets to be post-processed exceeds the limit number of either the saddle stitching device or the half-folding device, only the processing exceeding the limit number cannot be selected, and as a result, other processing is selected. It is possible.
In addition, when both the saddle stitching device and the half-folding device exceed the limit number, these two processes cannot be selected, but other processes, for example, the ejection before the saddle stitching and the middle folding are performed. It becomes possible. In this way, even when any post-processing function cannot be used, other functions can be selectively used, so that the post-processing apparatus can be used effectively.
The paper post-processing method according to the present invention is a control from the computer that controls the output of the paper post-processing apparatus, the control from the image forming apparatus, or the output of the image output apparatus such as a printer or a printing machine. It can be executed by control or the like.
[0067]
AlsoImage forming apparatus of the present inventionIn this case, since the saddle stitched paper and the folded paper are discharged to different trays, the paper is sorted according to the type of processing, and the configuration is easy to use.
For example, only sheets that can be saddle-stitched but cannot be folded in the middle can be collected in the first discharge tray, so that only sheets that are folded manually can be taken out.
Also, for example, only those that can be saddle-stitched but cannot be saddle stitched can be taken out.
The paper post-processing method according to the present invention is a control from the computer that controls the output of the paper post-processing apparatus, the control from the image forming apparatus, or the output of the image output apparatus such as a printer or a printing machine. It can be executed by control or the like.
[0068]
AlsoImage forming apparatus of the present inventionIs stacked in the saddle stitching stack in the state before bookbinding, but both the saddle stitching process and the half-folding process exceed the limit number, so it is effective when discharging once and transferring to another process. Further, the bundle of sheets is discharged in a state of being aligned, and is sorted into the first discharge tray, so that it is easy to use.
The paper post-processing method according to the present invention is a control from the computer that controls the output of the paper post-processing apparatus, the control from the image forming apparatus, or the output of the image output apparatus such as a printer or a printing machine. It can be executed by control or the like.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram of an entire image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a control block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a control procedure of the control system.
FIG. 4 is a conceptual diagram illustrating a user operation unit of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a computer setting screen of the control system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Image forming device
2 Finisher (paper post-processing device)
3 Control unit (first and second control means)
7 Instruction terminal
25, 2t first discharging means
27, 2w 2nd discharge means
101 Booklet setting area (accepting means)
210 Saddle stitching processing means
220 Folding processing means
1b1 Weekly magazine binding operation section (accepting means)
1c Image forming unit
2f Saddle stitching stack

Claims (3)

An image forming apparatus provided with a sheet post-processing device, a saddle stitching processing unit that has a stack unit that temporarily stacks sheets received from the image forming unit and binds the sheets in the center in the receiving direction when the sheets are stacked, and An intermediate folding processing section that folds the stacked sheets at the center in the receiving direction in a stacked state, a first discharge unit that directly discharges a bundle of sheets from the stack section to the first tray, and the intermediate folding processing section. And a second discharge means for discharging the sheet bundle to the second tray,
In the case where N1 <N2, where N1 is the limit number of sheets that can be folded in one book, N2 is the limit number of sheets that can be saddle stitched in one book, and N is the number of sheets to be stacked. Can accept a request to discharge the sheets of the stack portion by only saddle stitching by the first discharge means when N1 <N <N2, and when N1> N2, N2 <N <N1 It is possible to accept a request to eject the sheets in the stack unit without performing saddle stitching by the second ejecting unit, and to accept the request in the image forming unit. Image forming apparatus . The first discharge means discharges the stacked sheets while changing the transport direction, and the second discharge means discharges the stacked sheets via the half-fold processing unit without changing the transport direction. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is an image forming apparatus . The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the receiving unit is an instruction terminal that instructs an image forming output from the image forming apparatus.

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