JP4706456B2 - Paper processing device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a paper processing apparatus for processing paper.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, some image forming systems represented by printers and copiers have a sheet processing apparatus for processing a sheet on which an image is formed added to an apparatus for forming an image on a sheet. As processing of paper, there is a method of folding a paper into a booklet, but a booklet that is simply folded has a curve near the back. Therefore, some paper processing apparatuses perform a square fold process that crushes and flattens the back of the booklet in order to improve the quality of the booklet (see, for example, Patent Documents 1 to 6).

  FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an outline of the square fold processing.

Part (a) to part (d) in FIG. 12 sequentially show how the booklet 511 is square-folded. As shown in Part (a), the booklet 511 is produced by folding the paper, but the paper 511a is not bent completely just by being folded once, so the vicinity of the spine 511a is curved. As shown in part (b), the booklet 511 is positioned by the back 511a of the booklet 511 coming into contact with the stopper 514 when the booklet 511 is transported with the back 511a at the top because of the square folding process. Flattened by being sandwiched from both sides of the booklet. When the booklet 511 is clamped by the clamping unit 512, the roller 513 is pressed against the booklet spine 511a as shown in part (c). The roller 513 moves along the spine 511a while pushing the spine 511a, and crushes the spine 511a of the booklet. As a result, the booklet spine 511a is flattened. In addition, the sheets constituting the booklet are bent at corners, and the flattening of the booklet 511 is also promoted. When the roller 513 finishes crushing the spine 511a, the holding unit 512 releases the booklet 511. The booklet 511 whose nipping has been released is carried out to the outside, and the nipping unit 512 waits for the next booklet to be conveyed. As shown in part (d), the spine 511a of the booklet 511 released by the clamping unit 512 is flattened.
JP 2001-260564 A JP 2004-345863 A Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-168012 JP 2004-196524 A JP 2004-209886 A JP 2004-210436 A

  However, the booklet 511 subjected to the above-described square folding process still has a bulge although the back of the booklet is flattened. That is, as shown in part (d) of FIG. 12, when the booklet 511 is released from the holding by the holding unit, the bulge returns. In particular, when the number of sheets constituting the booklet is relatively large, the sheet 511c inside the booklet is weak enough to be bent by the rollers 513, and flattening by the rollers 513 is difficult to promote.

  In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present invention is to provide a sheet processing apparatus that more reliably flattens a booklet.

The paper processing apparatus of the present invention that achieves the above-described object provides:
A booklet production unit that produces a booklet by folding a plurality of sheets;
A finishing section for finishing the booklet produced in the booklet production section,
The finishing section is
A sandwiching portion for flattening the booklet by sandwiching at least a portion of the booklet adjacent to the back of the booklet from both sides of the booklet;
A forming part that flattens the back by pressing the back of the booklet;
The booklet is held in the holding part to flatten the booklet, and the state in which the booklet is held in the holding part is held for a predetermined period until the next booklet produced by the booklet preparation part is finished. Then, the forming part is provided with a finishing processing control part for flattening the spine and releasing the booklet from the holding part.

  The booklet is flattened by the portion adjacent to the back being pinched by the pinching part, but according to the paper processing apparatus of the present invention, the state in which the booklet is pinched by the pinching part moves to the finishing process of the next booklet. The swell of the booklet does not return easily. Therefore, it is possible to flatten the booklet more reliably by using the period until the next booklet finishing process without waste. Further, since the back of the booklet is flattened when it is held and stabilized, flattening of the booklet by flattening of the back is also promoted.

  Here, in the sheet processing apparatus of the present invention, the finishing processing control unit operates the forming unit at a production end timing when the production of the booklet next to the booklet held by the holding unit is completed by the booklet preparation unit. It is preferable that when the operation by the forming unit is finished, the holding unit releases the holding of the booklet.

  Start the operation of the forming unit at the production end timing in the booklet preparation unit, and immediately process the next booklet according to the production end timing by causing the holding unit to release the holding of the booklet at the end of this operation Is possible. Therefore, the booklet can be surely flattened while suppressing a reduction in the processing speed of the booklet. Further, in a booklet production unit that produces a booklet by folding a plurality of papers, the period until the production is completed usually becomes longer depending on the number of papers. Since the holding period is adjusted according to the production end timing, a booklet with a large number of sheets can be surely flattened.

In the paper processing apparatus, the booklet production unit detects a completion of one booklet production by the booklet production unit, and outputs a production completion signal to the finishing processing unit. With
The finishing processing control unit starts the operation of the forming unit at the timing of receiving the production end signal output from the end sensor, and when the operation by the forming unit ends, the holding of the booklet is released to the holding unit. It may be allowed.

Further, the paper processing apparatus includes a carry-out sensor that outputs a production completion signal by detecting that the booklet has been carried out from the booklet production unit toward the finishing processing unit,
The finishing processing control unit starts the operation of the forming unit at the timing when the production end signal output from the carry-out sensor is received, and when the operation by the forming unit ends, the holding of the booklet is released to the holding unit. It may be allowed.

  By using a signal from a sensor provided in the paper processing apparatus or the booklet production unit, the timing at which the holding unit releases the booklet can be accurately synchronized with the timing of the actual production end in the booklet production unit. it can. Therefore, timing deviation can be reduced and the time until the next booklet is completed by the sheet processing apparatus can be utilized to the maximum.

  In the sheet processing apparatus, the finishing processing control unit obtains sheet number information indicating the number of sheets constituting the booklet, and the operation of the forming unit is performed at a formation start timing obtained based on the sheet number information. May be started, and at the end of the operation by the forming unit, the holding unit may release the holding of the booklet.

  By releasing the holding of the booklet at the formation start timing obtained based on the information indicating the number of sheets, the booklet with a larger number of sheets is held longer and the booklet is held longer. It becomes possible to ensure flattening. In addition, for example, the last booklet of the job is held in the holding unit, and the holding is released without being affected by the situation where the next booklet does not exist in the booklet preparation unit or the situation of the booklet production delay due to running out of paper. Timing can be maintained.

  Further, in the paper processing apparatus, the finishing processing control unit obtains paper thickness information indicating the thickness of the paper constituting the booklet, and the formation is performed at a formation start timing obtained based on the paper thickness information. The operation of the part may be started, and at the end of the operation by the forming part, the holding part may release the holding of the booklet.

  The time required for the booklet preparation unit to prepare the booklet depends on the time required for processing the individual sheets constituting the booklet. For example, in a printer or a copier, a relatively long time is required for image formation on a thick sheet. Cost. Here, it is possible to ensure flattening even for a booklet having a thick paper sheet by releasing the booklet from the holding unit according to the formation start timing based on the paper thickness.

  In the paper processing apparatus, the finishing processing control unit includes the formation start timing and a production end timing at which the production of the next booklet following the booklet sandwiched by the sandwiching unit is finished by the booklet production unit. The operation of the forming unit may be started at any earlier timing, and when the operation by the forming unit ends, the holding unit may release the holding of the booklet.

  By using the production completion timing, which is a signal from the sensor, together with the formation completion timing obtained based on the information on the paper, it is usually released from the clamping portion according to the timing at which the booklet production is actually completed. On the other hand, in the situation where the last booklet of the job is pinched in the pinching part and the next booklet does not exist in the booklet making part, or the booklet production delay due to out of paper, It is possible to release the booklet at the formation start timing determined in advance and carry out the booklet without delay in the next stage.

  Further, in the paper processing apparatus, the finishing processing control unit starts the operation of the forming unit when the production of the booklet by the booklet preparing unit is interrupted, and when the operation by the forming unit ends, the clamping unit The holding of this booklet may be released.

  When booklet production at the booklet production unit is interrupted, the booklet that has already been produced can be carried out without being retained in the device by flattening the back of the booklet and releasing the booklet. It becomes possible.

  As described above, according to the present invention, a sheet processing apparatus that more reliably flattens a booklet is realized.

  Embodiments of a sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an image forming system in which an embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus of the present invention is incorporated.

  The image forming system 1 includes an image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image on a sheet, and a post-processing apparatus 5 that performs post-processing of the sheet on which the image is formed by the image forming apparatus 2.

  The image forming apparatus 2 is an apparatus that forms an image on a sheet by an electrophotographic method and conveys the image to the post-processing apparatus 5. 22, 23, 24, 25.

  The post-processing device 5 includes a booklet production unit 4 that produces a booklet by folding paper, a square fold device 9 that finishes the booklet, and a stacker 10 that loads the booklet.

  The booklet preparation unit 4 stores paper and inserts it additionally as a cover of the booklet, a booklet finisher 7 that binds the paper, and then binds and folds the booklet and folds the booklet, and a trimmer 8 that trims the sides of the booklet. It consists of.

  The booklet finisher 7 includes a paper tray 71, a pair of folding rollers 72, and an extrusion unit 73. The sheets conveyed from the image forming apparatus 2 through the inserter 6 are bundled on the sheet tray 71. The push-out unit 73 is provided so as to be movable between the position of the center of the paper on the paper tray 71 and the position between the pair of folding rollers 72. The push-out part 73 is located in the center of the bundled paper. When the portion is pushed out between the pair of folding rollers 72, the paper pushed out between the folding rollers 72 is folded into two to form a booklet. The booklet is conveyed to the trimmer 8. The production of the booklet by the booklet production unit 4 ends when the sides of the booklet are trimmed by the trimmer 8. The booklet produced by the booklet finisher 7 is conveyed inside the trimmer 8 and the square folding device 9 with the back of the booklet at the top, and is carried out onto the stacker 10.

  FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a trimmer, a square fold device, and a stacker in the image forming system shown in FIG.

  The trimmer 8 includes conveying belts 81 and 82 for conveying a booklet, an unloading roller 83, a stopper 84 for positioning the booklet, a cutter 85 for cutting the booklet, a cutting waste box 86 for storing the cut waste, A cutter sensor 87 for detecting the position of the cutter and a carry-out sensor 88 for detecting that the booklet has been carried out are provided.

  The conveyor belts 81 and 82 convey the booklet produced by the booklet finisher 7 from the booklet finisher 7 into the trimmer 8. The stopper 84 is provided so as to be movable between a position where the booklet is transported and a position retracted from the transported path, and the stopper 84 is located at a position where the booklet is transported. The booklet conveyed by the conveyor belts 81 and 82 stops and is positioned by abutting against the stopper 84. The cutter 85 is provided so as to be movable up and down, and when the booklet is positioned by the stopper 84, the cutter 85 moves from top to bottom to cut the booklet edge. As a result, the booklets are trimmed. The cut waste is stored in the cut waste box 86. The cutter sensor 87 is attached to an upper position of the cutter 85 that does not cut the booklet. The cutter sensor 87 detects that the cutter 85 has returned from the bottom to the top after the cutter 85 has moved from top to bottom and cut the booklet edge, and the detected result is used as a cutter return signal as a control circuit (FIG. 3). Output to (see). The carry-out sensor 88 is attached in the vicinity of the carry-out roller 83. The carry-out sensor 88 detects that the booklet has been carried out from the carry-out roller 83 to the square folding device 9, and outputs the detected result to the control circuit (see FIG. 3) as a carry-out signal.

  The square folding device 9 includes conveying rollers 91 and 92 for conveying a booklet, a stop plate 94 for positioning the booklet, a clamping jaw 95 for holding the booklet, a roller 96 for flattening the back of the booklet, and a booklet. A puncher 97 for opening a hole, a carry-out roller 98 for carrying out the booklet to the stacker 10, and a carry-in sensor 99 for detecting that the booklet has been carried into the square folding device 9 are provided.

  The stop plate 94 is a member having a surface against which the booklet abuts, and is freely movable between a position where the booklet is transported and a position where it is retracted from the transported path. When the stop plate 94 is in a position to block the path of the booklet, the booklet conveyed from the trimmer 8 to the square folding device 9 with the spine at the top is positioned when the back of the booklet hits the stop plate 94. The clamping jaw 95 has a pair of members that sandwich the booklet from both sides, and clamps the booklet positioned by the stop plate 94 from both sides. Here, the stop plate 94 is disposed with a gap between the stop plate 94 and the clamping jaw 95 when the stop plate 94 is in a position to close the booklet path. For this reason, when clamping the booklet positioned by the stop plate 94, the clamping jaw 95 clamps the back portion of the booklet slightly protruding from the clamping jaw 95. That is, the clamping jaw 95 sandwiches the portion adjacent to the back of the booklet from both sides, and flattens the booklet. The roller 96 is attached so as to be movable along the back of the booklet sandwiched between the clamping jaws 95. Since the roller 96 moves while pushing the back of the booklet with a force sufficient to crush the back, the back of the booklet is crushed and flattened by the roller 96. The clamping jaw 95 holds the booklet while the roller 96 crushes the back of the booklet and after the roller 96 crushes the back of the booklet. The carry-in sensor 99 detects that the booklet has been conveyed from the trimmer 8 to the square folding device 9, and outputs a conveyance signal to the control circuit (see FIG. 3). The above-described carry-out sensor 88 of the trimmer 8 and the carry-in sensor 99 of the square folding device 9 are attached to different places, and the output timing of the detected signal is slightly different. It has the ability to detect that a booklet is carried out from the unit 4 toward the square folding device 9 and output the result as a booklet production end signal. In the present embodiment, the carry-out signal output from the carry-out sensor 88 is used as a booklet production end signal. The clamping jaw 95 corresponds to an example of a clamping portion according to the present invention. Further, the roller 96 corresponds to an example of a forming portion referred to in the present invention.

  The stacker 10 includes a transfer belt 12 for transferring a booklet and a stacking tray 13 on which the transferred booklet is loaded. The transfer belt 12 moves intermittently each time a booklet is carried out from the carry-out roller 11, and transfers the carried-out booklet in a partially overlapped state. The transferred booklet rides on the stacking tray 13 and is restricted from moving. Since the booklet is stacked on the stacking tray 13 and the transfer belt 12, a large number of booklets are stacked on the stacker 10.

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming system shown in FIG.

  The image forming apparatus 2 includes a control circuit 26 that controls the operation of the entire image forming system 1. Although not shown, the control circuit 26 is a central processing unit (CPU) that controls the overall operation of the image forming system based on a program, a ROM that stores programs and tables, and a temporary storage area in the CPU. A RAM to be provided and an interface circuit for relaying signals between the outside of the control circuit 26 and the CPU are provided. Further, a personal computer 40 of the user is externally connected to the image forming apparatus 2.

  The control circuit 26 causes the operation panel 21 to display a message prompting the user to input information representing the thickness of each size of paper stored in the paper trays 22 to 25 and the inserter 6. In addition, a message prompting the user to input information indicating the thickness of the paper stored in the inserter 6 is displayed on the operation panel 21. When the user inputs information by operating the operation panel 21, the input information is supplied from the operation panel 21 to the control circuit 26. As a result, the control circuit 26 obtains paper thickness information indicating the paper type from the user. In addition, prior to starting image formation, the control circuit 26 causes the operation panel 21 to display a message for prompting input of information indicating the size of the sheets constituting the booklet, the number of sheets, and the presence or absence of binding. When the user inputs information by operating the operation panel 21, the input information is supplied from the operation panel 21 to the control circuit 26. Thus, the control circuit 26 obtains from the user sheet size information indicating the size of sheets constituting the booklet, sheet number information indicating the number of sheets, and binding presence / absence information indicating the presence / absence of binding.

  When an image formation instruction is sent to the control circuit 26 from the operation panel 21 or the externally connected user's personal computer 40, the control circuit 26 controls the image forming apparatus 2 to form an image on the paper. . Further, the control circuit 26 controls operations of the booklet finisher 7, the trimmer 8, the square folding device 9, and the stacker 10. For example, the control circuit 26 controls the operations of the conveyance belts 81 and 82, the carry-out roller 83, the stopper 84, and the cutter 85 incorporated in the trimmer 8 shown in FIG. The operations of the conveying rollers 91 and 92, the stop plate 94, the roller 96, the clamping jaw 95, the puncher 97, and the carry-out roller 98 are controlled. Further, the control circuit 26 receives a cutter return signal output from the cutter sensor 87 of the trimmer 8, a carry-out signal output from the carry-out sensor 88, and a conveyance signal output from the carry-in sensor 99 of the square folding device 9. In addition to the above, the image forming apparatus 2, the booklet finisher 7, and the trimmer 8 are provided with sensors (not shown), and the control circuit 26 receives the outputs from these sensors, thereby allowing paper to be received. It detects that the production of the booklet was interrupted due to an abnormal stop such as clogging. In the present embodiment, the control circuit 26 receives a carry-out signal from the carry-out sensor 88 as a production end signal.

  The control circuit 26 corresponds to an example of a finishing process control unit referred to in the present invention. Further, the combination of the control circuit 26 and the square fold device 9 corresponds to an example of a finishing portion according to the present invention. Further, an example of the sheet processing apparatus according to the present invention is configured by a combination of the image forming apparatus 2 and the post-processing apparatus 5 having the square folding apparatus 9.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating image forming / binding processing in the image forming system.

  The image formation / binding process shown in FIG. 4 is realized by the control circuit 26 shown in FIG. 3 controlling the operation of each unit based on a program. Here, the flowchart of FIG. 4 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the image forming / binding process, the control circuit 26 first performs a paper information acquisition process (step S11). The control circuit 26 causes the operation panel 21 to display a message that prompts the user to input information indicating the thickness of the respective sizes of sheets stored in the sheet trays 22 to 25 and the inserter 6. In addition, a message prompting the user to input information indicating the thickness of the paper stored in the inserter 6 is displayed on the operation panel 21. When the operator operates the operation panel 21 to input information indicating the thickness, the input information is supplied to the control circuit 26.

  Next, the control circuit 26 performs bookbinding condition setting processing (step S12). The control circuit 26 displays a message on the operation panel 21. This message prompts the user to input information about the number of sheets constituting the booklet and the sheet size to be used. When the user operates the operation panel 21 to input information regarding the number of sheets and the sheet size, the input information is supplied to the control circuit 26 and a booklet production job is instructed. At this time, the control circuit 26 obtains sheet number information representing the number of sheets from the user. Further, the control circuit 26 obtains sheet thickness information indicating the sheet thickness corresponding to the used sheet size from the information on the used sheet size. A tray for storing the corresponding sheet is selected according to the sheet size information.

  Next, the control circuit 26 sets a formation start timing that is a timing at which the roller 96 (see FIG. 2) of the square folding device 9 starts an operation (step S13). In this embodiment, as will be described later, the control circuit 26 causes the roller 96 to start the flattening operation at the earlier of the production end timing at which the production end signal is received and the formation start timing. At the end of this, the clamping jaw 95 is released. The formation start timing is obtained based on the sheet number information and the sheet thickness information. Specifically, it is obtained according to the prediction of the time required to produce one booklet in the booklet finisher 7. Here, the sheet that is folded by the booklet finisher 7 to become a booklet is one in which images are formed on both sides by the image forming apparatus 2. For this reason, the time required for producing one booklet in the booklet finisher 7 is actually substantially equal to the time for image formation on all the sheets constituting one booklet in the image forming apparatus 2. The time for forming an image on all the sheets constituting the booklet is the product of the required time per sheet and the number of sheets constituting the booklet. The required time per sheet is about 1 second in the case of a sheet having a normal thickness. For example, the time required for producing one booklet composed of 30 sheets is about 30 seconds. In addition, in the image forming apparatus 2 that forms an image by the electrophotographic method, it takes time to thermally fix the toner onto the sheet when the sheet is a thick sheet having a relatively large thickness. When thick paper is used, the time required to form an image on one sheet is about 2 seconds. For example, the time required to produce one booklet composed of 30 thick sheets is about 60 seconds. .

  When the sheet thickness information represents a normal sheet in step S13, the control circuit 26 uses a value obtained by adding a certain additional time to the product of the number of sheets represented by the sheet number information and 1 second as the formation start timing. Set. When the paper thickness information indicates a thick paper, a value obtained by adding an additional time to the product of the number of sheets indicated by the paper number information and 2 seconds is set as the formation start timing.

  In the next image forming bookbinding process, the control circuit 26 controls the operations of the image forming apparatus 2, the booklet finisher 7, the trimmer 8, and the square folding apparatus 9 to form an image on the sheet selected by the user, and bookbinding. (Step S14). In this step, booklets are bound up to the number of books designated prior to the job instruction. As part of this image forming bookbinding process, the control circuit 26 performs a squarefold process each time a booklet is bound.

  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the square fold process, and FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an outline of the square fold processing in the present embodiment.

  The square fold process shown in FIG. 5 is realized by the control circuit 26 (see FIG. 3) controlling the operation of each unit based on a program. Here, the flowchart of FIG. 5 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 6 together.

  First, in step S21, the booklet is conveyed. The transport roller 91 transports the booklet P1 shown in part (a) of FIG. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 6, the booklet P <b> 1 that has been transported is abutted against a stop plate 94 disposed at a position 94 a that closes the path through which the booklet is transported, and is positioned.

  Next, the booklet P1 is clamped by the clamping jaw 95 (step S22). The clamping jaw 95 holds the booklet P1 positioned by the stop plate 94 from both sides of the booklet P1. At this time, the clamping jaw 95 sandwiches the portion adjacent to the back P1a of the booklet, so that the swelled booklet is flattened. In this state, the roller 96 is stopped. That is, the control circuit 26 holds the booklet P1 between the clamping jaws 95 to make it flat, but makes the roller 96 wait for the flattening of the back. In this step, the control circuit 26 starts counting the time set as the formation start timing in step S13.

  Next, the control circuit 26 determines whether or not a production end signal has been received (step S24). Here, if it is determined that the production end signal has been received, the control circuit 26 determines that the next booklet following the sandwiched booklet P1 has been produced by the booklet production unit 4, and the movement of the roller (step S27) and Release of clamping is performed (step S28).

  When it is determined in step S24 that the production end signal has not been received, the control circuit 26 determines whether or not the formation start timing has elapsed (step S25). Specifically, based on the counting result of the time started in step 22, it is determined whether or not the formation start timing set in step S13 has elapsed. If it is determined that the formation start timing has elapsed, the roller is moved (step S27) and the nipping is released (step S28).

  When it is determined in step S25 that the formation start timing has not elapsed, the control circuit 26 determines whether or not there is an abnormal stop (step S26). Here, the control circuit 26 discriminates signals output from various sensors (not shown) attached to the booklet finisher 7 and the trimmer 8, and booklet production is not interrupted due to an abnormal stop such as a paper jam. It is determined whether or not. If it is determined that the production of the booklet is interrupted (Yes in step S26), the control circuit 26 moves the roller (step S27) and releases the nipping (step S28). As a result, although the booklet remains in the booklet finisher 7 in a bundled state, the already produced booklet is carried out to the stacker 10 without staying in the square folding device 9.

  If it is determined in step S26 that booklet production has not stopped abnormally (No in step S26), the control circuit 26 repeats the processing from step S24. As a result, the control circuit 26 maintains the state in which the booklet is held between the clamping jaws 95.

  In step S <b> 26, the control circuit 26 starts the operation of the roller 96. As shown in part (c) of FIG. 6, after moving to a position 94 b retracted from the path along which the stop plate 94 is conveyed, the roller 96 pushes the booklet spine P <b> 1 a along the booklet spine P <b> 1 a, It moves from one end to the other end of the booklet spine P1a. The back P1a of the booklet is flattened by being crushed by a roller 96. Since the paper constituting the booklet is folded with a corner by the roller 96, flattening by the clamping jaw 95 is promoted. Further, at this time, the state in which the booklet P1 is held is stable as a result of being held, and the back P1a is flattened when the pinched state is stabilized, so that flattening is further promoted.

  At the end of the operation by the roller 96, the control circuit 26 causes the clamping jaw 95 to release the booklet (step S28).

  In the next step S <b> 29, the control circuit 26 causes the transport roller 92 to transport the booklet to open a hole in the puncher 97, and then causes the carry-out roller 98 to carry out the booklet. The carried out booklet is loaded on the stacker 10. The control circuit 26 repeats the square folding process from the beginning. Thereby, the state of the square folding apparatus 9 moves to the finishing process of the next booklet.

  By the processing of step S24, step S25, step S27, and step S28 described above, the control circuit 26 puts the booklet back on the roller 96 at the earlier of the timing at which the production end signal is received and the formation start timing. The flattening operation is started, and when the operation by the roller 96 is finished, the clamping jaw 95 releases the booklet so that the next booklet can be processed. Here, the formation start timing is obtained by predicting the required production time of the booklet based on the number and thickness of the booklet, and the timing of receiving the production end signal is actually the following: This is the production end timing when the production of the booklet trimmer 8 is completed. However, as for the formation start timing, since a little additional time is added to the time required for producing the booklet, the holding of the booklet is normally released by receiving the production end signal (step S24). Thereby, the timing at which the booklet is released is accurately synchronized with the actual production end timing at the trimmer 8. Therefore, the deviation of timing is reduced, and the booklet is flattened by making maximum use of time until the next booklet is completed by the paper processing apparatus without waste. On the other hand, if the last booklet of the job is clamped by the clamping jaw 95 and the next booklet does not exist in the trimmer 8, or if the booklet production time is abnormally long due to delay due to paper tray switching, for example, At the start timing, the roller 96 starts to operate, and when the operation by the roller 96 is finished, the clamping jaw 95 releases the booklet (step S25), and the booklet can be carried out to the stacker 10 without delay.

  Here, how the square folding device 9 processes the booklet will be described together with the processing by the trimmer 8.

  FIG. 7 is a diagram showing how a booklet is processed by the trimmer and the square fold device shown in FIG.

  From part (a) to part (g) in FIG. 7, the state in which the trimmer 8 and the square folding device 9 process the booklet is shown in order. In the trimmer 8 and the square fold device 9, the states shown from the part (a) to the part (g) are circulated and repeated. Here, the state shown in the part (g) will be described in order.

  As shown in part (g), the booklet P <b> 1 is conveyed from the trimmer 8 to the square folding device 9 by the carry-out roller 83 and the conveyance roller 91. At this time, since the stop plate 94 has moved to a position that closes the path of the booklet, the booklet P1 hits the stop plate 94 and is positioned. The clamping jaw 95 flattens by holding the booklet P1 positioned by the stop plate 94 from both sides. The stop plate 94 moves to a retracted position from the transport path.

  As shown in Part (a), the clamping jaw 95 keeps flattening while holding the booklet P1. Here, the next booklet P2 following the booklet P1 is conveyed to the trimmer 8 from the booklet finisher 7 (see FIG. 1).

  As shown in part (b), the booklet P2 is conveyed by the conveyor belts 81 and 82, and as shown in part (c), the booklet P2 comes into contact with the stopper 84 and is positioned. As shown in part (d), the cutter 85 moves downward and cuts the edge of the booklet P2. Next, as shown in part (e), the cutter 85 returns to the top, and the stopper 84 returns to the retracted position from the transport path. The conveyance belt 81 and the carry-out roller 83 convey the booklet P <b> 2 toward the square folding device 9. Until the state shown in part (e), the clamping jaw 95 holds the booklet P1 and the roller 96 is kept in a standby state, whereby the booklet P1 is sufficiently flattened.

  As shown in part (f), when the carry-out roller 83 continues to carry the booklet P2, the carry-out sensor 88 detects that the booklet P2 has been carried out from the trimmer 8 to the square folding device 9, and outputs a carry-out signal. . Here, in this embodiment, the carry-out signal from the carry-out sensor 88 is received by the control circuit 26 (see FIG. 3) as a production end signal, and the control circuit 26 detects the roller at the production end timing when the production end signal is received. The operation is started at 96, and when the operation by the roller 96 is finished, the clamping jaw 95 is released from holding the booklet P1. That is, the booklet nipping by the clamping jaw 95 is released at the production end timing in the state shown in part (f). The booklet whose nipping has been released is indicated by adding a symbol P0 to part (g) and part (a). As shown in part (g), this booklet P0 is transported by transport rollers 92, punched by punchers 97, and further transported to stacker 10 by unloading rollers 98 as shown in part (a). Loaded. The square fold device 9 moves to the finishing process of the next booklet indicated by the reference symbol P1.

  In this way, the control circuit 26 shows the state in which the booklet P1 is sandwiched between the clamping jaws 95 until the finishing of the next booklet P2 produced by the booklet production unit 4, that is, part (g). After holding the state from the state to the state shown in part (e), the back of the booklet P1 is flattened by the roller 96, and the clamping jaw 95 is released from holding the booklet P1. Specifically, in the present embodiment, the carry-out sensor 88 provided in the trimmer 8 detects that one booklet has been produced in the booklet production unit 4 and outputs a production completion signal, and the control circuit 26 holds the state in which the booklet P1 is held between the clamping jaws 95 until the production end timing at which the production end signal is received. As shown in Part (d) of FIG. 6, the booklet P <b> 1 is held flat by the clamping jaw 95 for a long period of time, so that the bulge does not easily return even after the holding is released, and is flattened reliably. Since the booklet producing unit 4 produces a booklet by folding a plurality of sheets, the period required for producing one book becomes longer as the number of sheets increases. In the present embodiment, a booklet with a larger number of sheets is configured so that the production end timing is delayed, and accordingly, the booklet is held longer and the booklet is reliably flattened. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, by using a signal from the carry-out sensor 88, it is possible to accurately synchronize the timing at which the holding of the booklet is released with the production completion timing at the booklet production unit 4. Therefore, the booklet P2 can be flattened by making maximum use of the period until the production of the booklet P2 is completed and the square folding device 9 moves to the finishing process of the next booklet. It should be noted that the last booklet in the booklet creation job is sandwiched between the clamping jaws 95 and the next booklet does not exist in the trimmer 8, or the designated paper is lost in the paper trays 23 to 25, and the booklet production unit 4 Thus, when the production of the next booklet is delayed, the production completion signal is not output from the carry-out sensor 88. Even at this time, as shown in step S25 of FIG. 5, the roller 96 starts to operate at the set formation start timing, and when the operation by the roller 96 ends, the holding of the booklet P1 is released. It is carried out to the stacker 10.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since it is not necessary to increase the clamping force by the clamping jaw 95, there is no problem of an increase in manufacturing cost due to an increase in device strength and rated power.

[First Modification]
In the above-described embodiment, the carry-out signal output by the carry-out sensor 88 that detects that the booklet has been carried out from the carry-out roller 83 to the square folding device 9 is used as the production end signal. A sensor that outputs a production completion signal indicating that one production has been completed may be a sensor attached to a location different from the above-described embodiment. Then, the 1st modification using the sensor attached to another part is demonstrated. In the description of the following modified example, the same elements as those in the embodiments described so far are denoted by the same reference numerals, and differences from the above-described embodiments will be described.

  In the first modification, the cutter return signal output from the cutter sensor 87 is used as the production end signal instead of the carry-out sensor 88 shown in FIG. That is, the control circuit 26 shown in FIG. 3 receives the carry-out signal from the cutter sensor 87 as the production end signal, and in step S24 in FIG. 5, the control circuit 26 displays the cutter return signal as the production end signal. The reception is discriminated, and the operation of the roller 96 is started at the timing when the cutter return signal is received, and when the operation by the roller 96 is finished, the clamping jaw 95 is released from holding the booklet P1. That is, the cutter sensor 87 functions as an end sensor that detects that one booklet production by the booklet production unit 4 is completed.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram showing how a booklet is processed in the first modification.

  From part (a) to part (g) in FIG. 8, the trimmer 8 and the square fold device 9 are shown in order of processing the booklet, and are shown in order from part (a) to part (d). The state and the state shown in part (g) are the same as the state shown in part (a) to part (d) and the state shown in part (g) shown in FIG. In FIG. 8, the illustration of the carry-out sensor 88 is omitted, and conversely, the cutter sensor 87 which is omitted in FIG. 7 is illustrated.

  As shown in part (g) of FIG. 8, the clamping jaw 95 flattenes the booklet P <b> 1 positioned by the stop plate 94 from both sides. As shown from part (a) to part (d), the clamping jaw 95 holds the booklet P1, and the state where the roller 96 is on standby is maintained.

  As shown in part (e), when the cutter 85 cuts the front end of the booklet P2 in the trimmer 8 and returns to the top, the cutter sensor 87 detects the return of the cutter 85, and the detected result is returned to the cutter. Output as a signal. The cutter return signal from the cutter sensor 87 is received as a production end signal by the control circuit 26 (see FIG. 3), and the control circuit 26 operates the roller 96 at the timing of receiving the carry-out signal as the production end signal. When the operation of the roller 96 is completed, the clamping jaw 95 is released from holding the booklet P1. That is, the operation of the roller 96 is started at the timing shown in Part (e) as the production end timing at which the production of the next booklet P2 by the trimmer 8 is finished, and when the operation of the roller 96 is finished, the clamping jaw 95 The booklet is unpinned.

[Second Modification]
In the above-described embodiment and the first modification thereof, the example in which the signal output from the sensor attached to the trimmer 8 is the production end signal has been described. However, the sensor that outputs the production end signal is the trimmer 8. You may use what was attached to parts other than. Then, the 2nd modification using the sensor attached to the square fold apparatus 9 is demonstrated. In the following description of the second modification, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in the embodiment described so far, and differences from the above-described embodiment will be described.

  In the second modified example, instead of the carry-out sensor 88 and the cutter sensor 87 shown in FIG. 2, a conveyance signal output from the carry-in sensor 99 attached to the square folding device 9 is used as a production end signal. That is, the control circuit 26 shown in FIG. 3 receives the conveyance signal output from the carry-in sensor 99 toward the control circuit 26 as a production end signal, and the control circuit 26 finishes production in step S24 of FIG. The reception of the conveyance signal as a signal is discriminated, and at the timing when the conveyance signal is received, the operation of the roller 96 is started, and when the operation by the roller 96 is finished, the clamping jaw 95 releases the clamping of the booklet P1. That is, the carry-in sensor 99 corresponds to an example of a carry-out sensor of the present invention that detects that a booklet has been carried out from the booklet preparation unit 4 toward the square folding device 9.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating how a booklet is processed in the second modification of the first embodiment.

  From part (a) to part (g) in FIG. 9, the trimmer 8 and the square folding device 9 process the booklet in order, as shown in parts (a) to (e). The state and the state shown in part (g) are the same as the state shown in part (a) to part (e) and the state shown in part (g) shown in FIG. In FIG. 9, the carry-out sensor 88 is omitted, and the carry-in sensor 99 which is omitted in FIG. 7 is illustrated.

  As shown in part (g) of FIG. 9, the clamping jaw 95 flattens the booklet P <b> 1 positioned by the stop plate 94 from both sides, and the roller 96 waits. As shown from part (a) to part (e), the clamping jaw 95 holds the booklet P1, and the state where the roller 96 is on standby is maintained.

  As shown in Part (f), when the carry-out roller 83 conveys the booklet P2, the carry-in sensor 99 detects that the booklet P2 has been carried out from the booklet preparation unit 4 toward the square folding device 9, and the detection result. Is output as a carrier signal. Here, in the second modification, the transport signal from the carry-in sensor 99 is received as a production end signal by the control circuit 26 (see FIG. 3), and the control circuit 26 receives the transport signal as the production end signal. At the timing when the roller 96 is received, and when the operation of the roller 96 is completed, the clamping jaw 95 releases the pinching of the booklet P1.

[Second Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment and its modification, an example has been described in which the sensor is used to detect that one booklet has been produced in the trimmer 4, but it is strictly that one booklet has been produced. If it is not necessary to make a determination, the sensor need not be used. Next, a second embodiment of the present invention that does not use a sensor will be described. In the description of the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in the embodiments described so far, and differences from the above-described embodiments will be described.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the square fold process according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  In the square fold process of the present embodiment, the production end signal reception determination in step S24 of FIG. 5 is not performed with respect to the square fold process shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the control circuit 26 determines whether or not the time set as the formation start timing has elapsed (step S25). Specifically, the time after the clamping jaws 95 sandwich the booklet is counted, and it is determined whether or not the formation start timing set in step S13 shown in FIG. 4 has elapsed. Here, when it is determined that it is the formation start timing, the control circuit 26 (see FIG. 3) performs the movement of the roller (step S27) and the release of the nipping (step S28).

Here, the formation start timing is obtained as a time required for producing one booklet in the booklet finisher 7, and is obtained based on the sheet number information and the sheet thickness information in the release time setting process in step S13. ing. In the second embodiment, the operation of the roller 96 is started at the formation start timing obtained by predicting the production time in the booklet production unit 4 based on the information indicating the number of paper sheets and the paper thickness. At the end of the operation of the roller 96, the holding of the booklet by the clamping jaw 95 is released. Therefore, the booklet processing by the squarefold device is performed in the same manner as shown in part (a) to part (g) of FIG. Here, the formation start timing is reached in the state shown in part (f), and the control circuit 26 starts the operation of the roller 96 at this timing, and releases the booklet P1 from the clamping jaw 95 at the end of the operation by the roller 96. Let In other words, without using a sensor, the state in which the booklet is held is maintained for a predetermined time until the next booklet finishing process is completed. It is possible to hold the booklet to ensure flattening. In addition, even when the last booklet in the print job is pinched by the pinching unit, the timing for releasing the pinching can be maintained in the same manner as other booklets.
[Third Embodiment]
In the above-described embodiment and its modification, it is determined whether or not the formation start timing obtained based on the sheet number information and the sheet thickness information has elapsed, the roller 96 is flattened, and the clamping jaw 95 is determined. However, if it is not necessary to carry out the last booklet of the print job at an accurate timing, the determination based on the formation start timing may not be performed. Next, a third embodiment of the present invention that does not make a determination according to the formation start timing will be described. In the description of the following embodiments, the same reference numerals are given to the same elements as those in the embodiments described so far, and differences from the above-described embodiments will be described.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the square fold process according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  In the square fold process of the present embodiment, the elapse time of the release time shown in step S25 is not performed with respect to the square fold process shown in FIG. In the present embodiment, the control circuit 26 determines whether or not a production end signal has been received (step S24). When it is determined that the production end signal has been received, the control circuit 26 determines that the next booklet following the sandwiched booklet P1 has been carried out from the carry-out roller 83 to the square folding device 9, and the movement of the roller ( Step S27) and release of clamping (step S28) are performed. When it is determined that the production end signal has not been received, the control circuit 26 determines whether or not the limit time has elapsed (step S125). Here, the limit time is the maximum time required for the booklet to be produced, and is a constant value regardless of the number of sheets in the booklet. Therefore, even when the last booklet of the print job is held between the clamping jaws 95 and the next booklet is not in the trimmer 8, the booklet is carried out after the limit time has elapsed.

  In the present embodiment, since the signal from the carry-out sensor 88 is used as a booklet production end signal, the operation of the roller 96 is started, and the timing of releasing the booklet at the end of the operation is the actual timing at the booklet production unit. It is possible to accurately synchronize with the timing of completion of the fabrication. Then, the booklet can be surely flattened using the period until the next booklet finishing process is completed without waste.

  In the above-described embodiment, the booklet preparation unit 4 has been described as including the inserter 6, the booklet finisher 7, and the trimmer 8. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the booklet preparation unit may not include a trimmer. In this case, when the folding of the paper is completed by the booklet finisher, the production of the booklet in the booklet production unit is completed, and the completion of booklet production is detected by the sensor in the booklet finisher.

  In the above-described embodiment, the roller 96 is described as moving in parallel to the booklet spine P1a. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the forming unit of the present invention may move the wide roller in an oblique direction with respect to the back of the booklet to shorten the moving distance of the roller.

  In the above-described embodiment, the roller 96 has been described as moving along the back of the booklet, but the present invention is not limited to this. The forming unit may be any unit that crushes the spine along the back of the booklet. For example, the position of the roller may be fixed and the booklet may be moved.

  Further, the shape of the roller 96 is not limited to a cylindrical shape. For example, the forming unit may be a roller having a truncated cone shape or a shape in which truncated cones are combined.

  In the above-described embodiment, the roller has been described as an example of the forming unit, but the present invention is not limited to this. The forming part of the present invention may be any member as long as it flattens the booklet by pressing the back of the booklet. For example, the forming part may be a member having a surface facing the back of the booklet and pressing the back of the booklet on this surface.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, it has been described that the clamping jaw 95 sandwiches the booklet from both cover sides, but the present invention is not limited to this. The sandwiching unit of the present invention may be, for example, two rollers that sandwich a booklet. In the present embodiment, the clamping jaws 95 are described as a pair. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the booklet may be sandwiched between a plurality of pairs of members.

  In the above-described embodiment, the control circuit 26 is described as being incorporated in the image forming apparatus 2. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, even if the control circuit is mounted on the square fold apparatus. Good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the formation start timing is described as being obtained based on the sheet number information and the sheet thickness information. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the formation start timing is determined by the number of sheets. It may be obtained based on either the information or the paper thickness information.

1 is a diagram illustrating an image forming system in which an embodiment of a sheet processing apparatus of the present invention is incorporated. It is a figure which shows a trimmer, a square fold apparatus, and a stacker among the image forming systems shown in FIG. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an electrical configuration of the image forming system illustrated in FIG. 1. 6 is a flowchart illustrating image formation / bookbinding processing in the image forming system. It is a flowchart which shows a square fold process. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a square fold process. It is a figure which shows a mode that a booklet is processed with the trimmer and squarefold apparatus shown in FIG. It is a figure which shows a mode that a booklet is processed in the 1st modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a mode that a booklet is processed in the 2nd modification of 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the square fold process in the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows the square fold process in the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure which shows the outline | summary of a square fold process.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Image forming system 2 Image forming apparatus 4 Booklet production part 5 Post-processing apparatus 6 Inserter 7 Booklet finisher 8 Trimmer 9 Square folding apparatus 10 Stacker 21 Operation panel 26 Control circuit 81, 82 Conveying belt 83 Unloading roller 85 Cutter 87 Cutter sensor 88 Unloading Sensor 91, 92 Conveying roller 94 Stop plate 95 Clamping jaw 96 Roller 97 Puncher 98 Unloading roller 99 Loading sensor P0, P1, P2 Booklet

Claims (8)

A booklet production unit that produces a booklet by folding a plurality of sheets;
A finishing section for finishing the booklet produced in the booklet production section;
The finishing section is
A sandwiching portion for flattening the booklet by sandwiching at least a portion of the booklet adjacent to the back of the booklet from both sides of the booklet;
A forming portion for flattening the back by pressing the back of the booklet;
Holding the booklet in the holding part to flatten the booklet, and holding the booklet in the holding part for a predetermined period until the next booklet produced by the booklet preparation part is finished Then, a sheet processing apparatus comprising: a finishing processing control unit that flattens the back of the forming unit and releases the booklet from the holding unit.   The finishing processing control unit starts the operation of the forming unit at the production end timing when the production of the next booklet of the booklet sandwiched by the clamping unit is completed, and at the end of the operation by the forming unit, The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit is configured to release the holding of the booklet. The booklet production unit includes an end sensor that outputs a production completion signal toward the finish processing unit by detecting that one booklet production by the booklet production unit has been completed,
The finishing processing control unit starts the operation of the forming unit at the timing of receiving the production end signal output from the end sensor, and when the operation by the forming unit ends, the holding of the booklet is released to the holding unit The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein This paper processing apparatus includes a carry-out sensor that outputs a production completion signal by detecting that the booklet has been carried out from the booklet production unit toward the finishing processing unit,
The finishing processing control unit starts the operation of the forming unit at the timing when the production end signal output from the carry-out sensor is received, and when the operation by the forming unit ends, the holding of the booklet is released to the holding unit The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein   The finishing processing control unit obtains sheet number information indicating the number of sheets constituting the booklet, starts the operation of the forming unit at the formation start timing obtained based on the sheet number information, and operates by the forming unit. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the holding unit releases the holding of the booklet at the end.   The finishing processing control unit obtains sheet thickness information indicating the thickness of the sheet constituting the booklet, starts the operation of the forming unit at a formation start timing obtained based on the sheet thickness information, and performs the formation The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein when the operation by the unit ends, the holding unit releases the holding of the booklet.   The finish processing control unit is the formation unit at the earlier timing of the formation start timing and the production end timing at which the production of the next booklet following the booklet held by the holding unit is completed by the booklet preparation unit 7. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the operation is started, and when the operation by the forming unit is finished, the holding unit releases the holding of the booklet.   The finishing processing control unit starts the operation of the forming unit when the production of the booklet by the booklet preparing unit is interrupted, and causes the holding unit to release the booklet when the operation by the forming unit ends. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein

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