JP4802701B2 - Bookbinding apparatus, bookbinding program, and bookbinding system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a bookbinding apparatus, a bookbinding program, and a bookbinding system that form a booklet by covering a sheet bundle with a cover sheet in a U-shape.

  An electrophotographic image forming apparatus has high-speed performance, multiple functions, a network function, and the like, and uses as a printing apparatus are expanded by connecting a large-capacity paper feeding apparatus and a large-capacity stacker.

  Further, as a bookbinding process, a bookbinding process is known in which a booklet is formed by covering a bundle of printed sheets in a U-shape with a cover sheet.

  When the image forming apparatus is used as a printing apparatus, it is possible to perform a series of processes from printing to bookbinding in a single system by connecting a bookbinding apparatus that binds printed matter.

In the bookbinding system described in Patent Document 1, an image forming apparatus in which an image forming apparatus and a downsized bookbinding apparatus are connected has been proposed. In the bookbinding apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a movable application roller that applies an adhesive to a lower back portion of a sheet bundle held upright at a predetermined position by a sheet bundle conveying unit includes a sheet of a maximum size sheet. Wait for the initial position outside the width area, and during the adhesive application process, move along the back of the paper bundle to perform the adhesive application, stick the cover sheet to the back of the paper bundle, and use the cover sheet to Is covered with a U-shape to form a booklet.
JP 2004-209870 A

  In the bookbinding apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, there is a step of cutting an excess portion of the cover by the cover cutting means prior to the case binding process. However, if the cut-off portion is small (for example, 2 mm or less), it is cut obliquely and left uncut. Such as cutting defects occur, and the quality of the finished booklet deteriorates.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a bookbinding apparatus, a bookbinding program, and a bookbinding system that can solve the above-described problems caused by defective cutting of a cover sheet and form a high-quality booklet.

  The above object is solved by the following bookbinding apparatus, bookbinding program, and image forming apparatus of the present invention.

  1. In a bookbinding apparatus that covers a sheet bundle in a U shape with a cover sheet and forms a booklet, this corresponds to the sheet bundle width information that is the distance from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge and the fore edge when the sheet bundle is covered. Input means for inputting cover sheet width information, which is the distance from one end of the cover sheet to the other end through the back, cutting means for cutting the end side of the cover sheet, and cutting of the cover sheet Storage means for storing a predetermined value that is the smallest possible width, and comparison means for comparing the predetermined value stored in the storage means with the sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information, and the cover sheet width information And a control means for controlling the cutting width of the cover sheet by the cutting means, and the control means is configured to perform a preceding operation when the comparing means determines that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value. Bookbinding apparatus cutting width and controls the cutting means to cut the end portion of the cover sheet to be a predetermined value.

2. In a bookbinding apparatus that covers a sheet bundle in a U shape with a cover sheet and forms a booklet, this corresponds to the sheet bundle width information that is the distance from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge and the fore edge when the sheet bundle is covered. Input means for inputting cover sheet width information, which is the distance from one end of the cover sheet to the other end through the back, cutting means for cutting the end side of the cover sheet, and cutting of the cover sheet Storage means for storing a predetermined value that is the smallest possible width, and comparison means for comparing the predetermined value stored in the storage means with the sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information, and the cover sheet width information And a control means for controlling the cutting means so that the edge side of the cover sheet is not cut when the comparing means determines that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value. Bookbinding apparatus according to claim.
3. When the comparing means determines that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value, the control means controls the cutting means so as not to cut the end side of the cover sheet, and the cover sheet is provided at the fore edge. 2. The booklet is formed by covering the sheet bundle with the cover sheet so that both end portions of the sheet protrude evenly with respect to the edge portion of the sheet bundle or evenly retract. Bookbinding equipment.

4). In a bookbinding apparatus that covers a sheet bundle in a U shape with a cover sheet and forms a booklet, this corresponds to the sheet bundle width information that is the distance from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge and the fore edge when the sheet bundle is covered. Input means for inputting cover sheet width information, which is the distance from one end of the cover sheet to the other end through the back, cutting means for cutting the end side of the cover sheet, and cutting of the cover sheet Storage means for storing a predetermined value that is the smallest possible width, and comparison means for comparing the predetermined value stored in the storage means with the sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information, and the cover sheet width information When the comparing means determines that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value, both end portions of the cover sheet protrude evenly from the small edge portion of the sheet bundle at the small edge portion. To, or retract evenly, bookbinding apparatus characterized by and a control means for determining a relative position when said cover sheet and the sheet bundle becomes booklet shape.
5. The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined value is changeable.
6). 6. The bookbinding apparatus according to 5, wherein the predetermined value is set by operating means.
7). The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of 1 to 6, wherein the cutting means is a rotary cutter having a rotary blade that is movable in a width direction of the cover sheet.
8). The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of 1 to 6, wherein the bookbinding apparatus includes an attaching portion that attaches a cover sheet to a back portion of the sheet bundle with an adhesive.

9 . In a bookbinding program for causing a bookbinding apparatus to execute a bookbinding process for forming a booklet by covering a sheet bundle in a U shape with a cover sheet, the sheet bundle width information and the sheet bundle, which are distances from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge The cover sheet width information, which is the distance from one end of the cover sheet corresponding to the fore edge to the other end through the back, and the minimum cuttable width of the cover sheet. The step of comparing a certain predetermined value with the sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information and the cover sheet width information, and when the cutting width is determined to be smaller than the predetermined value, the cutting width is A bookbinding program that causes the bookbinding apparatus to execute a step of cutting the end side of the cover sheet so as to be the predetermined value.

10 . In a bookbinding program for causing a bookbinding apparatus to execute a bookbinding process for forming a booklet by covering a sheet bundle in a U shape with a cover sheet, the sheet bundle width information and the sheet bundle, which are distances from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge The cover sheet width information, which is the distance from one end of the cover sheet corresponding to the fore edge to the other end through the back, and the minimum cuttable width of the cover sheet. A step of comparing a certain predetermined value with sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information and the cover sheet width information; and when the cutting width is determined to be smaller than the predetermined value, A bookbinding program that causes the bookbinding apparatus to execute a step of controlling so as not to cut the end side.
11. When it is determined that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value, the both end portions of the cover sheet at the fore edge portion protrude evenly with respect to the fore edge portion of the sheet bundle, or are retracted evenly. 11. The bookbinding program according to 10, wherein the bookbinding apparatus executes a step of covering the sheet bundle with a cover sheet.

12 . An image forming apparatus that forms an image on a sheet and discharges the sheet on which the image is formed, and a sheet bundle formed by stacking the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus are covered with a cover sheet in a U-shape. A bookbinding system comprising: the bookbinding apparatus according to any one of 1 to 8 that forms a booklet.

  According to the bookbinding apparatus, bookbinding program, and bookbinding system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent occurrence of cutting failure of the cover sheet such as oblique cutting and uncutting, and to improve the quality of the finished booklet after the case binding process.

  In addition, according to the bookbinding apparatus, bookbinding program, and bookbinding system of the present invention, it is possible to prevent cutting failures such as oblique cutting and uncutting of the cover sheet, so that productivity can be improved.

  A bookbinding apparatus of the present invention and an image forming apparatus including the bookbinding apparatus will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a bookbinding system including an image forming apparatus A, a bookbinding apparatus (post-processing apparatus) B, and a booklet storage apparatus C.

[Image forming apparatus A]
The image forming apparatus A includes an image forming unit in which a charging unit 2, an image exposing unit 3, a developing unit 4, a transfer charge eliminating unit 5, and a cleaning unit 6 are arranged around a rotating image carrier 1. The image forming means uniformly charges the surface of the image carrier 1 by the charging means 2 and then performs exposure scanning based on the image data read from the document by the laser beam of the image exposure means 3 to form a latent image. Then, the latent image is reversely developed by the developing means 4 to form a toner image on the surface of the image carrier 1.

  The sheet S, which is a sheet fed from the sheet storage means 7A, is sent to the transfer position. After the toner image is transferred onto the sheet S by the transfer neutralization unit 5 at the transfer position, the charge on the sheet S is erased and separated from the image carrier 1 and conveyed by the conveying unit 7B, and then heated and fixed by the fixing unit 8. Then, the paper is discharged from the paper discharge roller 7C.

  When image formation is performed on both sides of the sheet S, the sheet S heated and fixed by the fixing unit 8 is branched from the normal sheet discharge path by the conveyance path switching unit 7D and switched back by the reverse conveyance unit 7E. After the reversal, it passes through the image forming unit again, forms an image on the back surface of the paper S, and is discharged from the paper discharge roller 7C to the outside of the apparatus via the fixing unit 8. The paper S discharged from the paper discharge roller 7C is sent to the bookbinding apparatus B.

  The developer remaining on the surface of the image carrier 1 after image processing is removed by the cleaning unit 6 to prepare for the next image formation.

  On the upper part of the image forming apparatus A, an operation unit 9 having an input unit and a display unit is arranged.

[Bookbinding device B]
As shown in FIG. 1, the bookbinding apparatus B according to the present invention includes a sheet transport unit 10, a sheet discharge unit 20, a sheet bundle storage unit 30, a sheet bundle transport unit 40, an adhesive application unit 50, a cover sheet supply unit 60, and a cover sheet. A cutting means 70 and a cover exterior means (case binding means) 80 are provided. Each of these means is arranged in a column in a substantially vertical direction in the bookbinding apparatus B.

  FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the bookbinding apparatus B according to the present invention.

<Paper conveying means 10>
The paper S introduced into the paper transport unit 10 is nipped and transported by the transport rollers 11 and 12, and is branched into either the paper discharge unit 20 or the paper bundle storage unit 30 by the transport path switching unit G1.

  The conveyance path switching unit G2 disposed upstream of the conveyance roller 11 in the sheet conveyance direction branches the sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus A to either the conveyance path of the conveyance roller 11 or the conveyance path of the conveyance roller 12. . The sheet S conveyed to the conveyance path of the conveyance roller 12 is nipped by the conveyance rollers 13 and 14 and sent to the cover sheet exterior unit 80.

<Discharge means 20>
When the sheet conveyance is set, the conveyance path switching unit G1 blocks the conveyance path to the sheet bundle conveyance unit 40 and opens the conveyance path to the paper discharge unit 20.

  The sheet S passing through the conveyance path of the sheet discharge means 20 is nipped by the conveyance roller 21 and conveyed upward, and is discharged and stored on the fixed sheet discharge tray 23 at the top of the apparatus by the sheet discharge roller 22. On the fixed paper discharge tray 23, the paper S discharged from the image forming apparatus A can be directly received and a maximum of about 200 sheets can be stacked.

<Paper bundle accommodating means 30>
The paper S branched to the left in the figure on the downstream side in the paper conveyance direction by the conveyance path switching means G1 is sandwiched between the conveyance rollers 31, 32, 33, and 34 and is accommodated at a predetermined position of the paper bundle accommodation means 30 and sequentially stacked. Thus, a sheet bundle Sa composed of a predetermined number of sheets S is formed. The sheet bundle accommodating means 30 includes an inclined sheet placing table 35, a movable sheet rear end positioning member 36, a sheet width aligning member 37, a sheet bundle conveying roller 38, and the like.

<Paper bundle conveying means 40>
The sheet bundle Sa stacked on the sheet placing table 35 of the sheet bundle accommodating means 30 is conveyed obliquely downward by an unillustrated pushing means. Thereafter, the sheet bundle Sa is gripped by the gripping means 41 of the sheet bundle conveying means 40, and is swung so that the surface (back part) on which the adhesive coating process is performed on the sheet bundle Sa with the sheet bundle Sa held downward. Stopped at a predetermined position.

<Adhesive application means 50>
The adhesive application unit 50 supports an adhesive application member (also referred to as application roller) 51, a drive unit 52 that rotationally drives the application roller 51, an adhesive container 53 that stores the adhesive, and an adhesive container 53. The bookbinding apparatus B includes a moving body 54 that can move from an initial position on the back side of the bookbinding apparatus B to an adhesive application position on the front side, and a moving means 55 that reciprocates the moving body 54.

<Cover Supply Unit 60>
A cover sheet (hereinafter referred to as a cover sheet) K, which is a cover sheet accommodated in the cover stacking means 61 of the cover supplying means 60, is separated and fed by the paper feeding means 62, and is sandwiched between the transport rollers 63, 64, and 65. Then, it is conveyed to the cover cover means 80.

<Cover cutting means 70>
A cover cutting means 70 integrally formed on the right side of the cover exterior means 80 (described later) on the upper side of the cover supply means 60 in the figure is a length of the cover K in the conveying direction by a rotary cutter composed of a rotary blade 71 and a fixed blade 72. The length is cut to a predetermined length.

  The predetermined length is a length obtained by adding the length of the back portion of the sheet bundle Sa to the length of two sheets in the traveling direction of the sheet S. For example, in the case of the case binding process in which the cover K is pasted on the back of the sheet bundle Sa made of A4 size paper S, the maximum number of the sheet bundle Sa is 300 sheets and the thickness is about 30 mm. The predetermined length is set to 450 mm, which is twice the short side length of 210 mm of A4 size paper and the thickness of the sheet bundle Sa is added to about 30 mm, and the end portion of the cover sheet K is cut. A wide size of 450 mm or more is used for the total length of the cover K before cutting.

  Even when a booklet is produced by carrying out the case binding process for each paper S of A5 size, B5 size, and 8.5 × 11 inches (1 inch is 25.4 mm), the short side length and the paper bundle thickness Thus, a predetermined length is set.

  When the paper size, the number of paper sheets, and the paper thickness are selected or detected in the operation unit 9 of the image forming apparatus A, the control unit sets a predetermined cutting length of the cover sheet K. The length of the cover sheet K before cutting is determined in advance corresponding to the maximum number of sheets, and is stored in the cover sheet stacking unit 61 of the cover sheet supply unit 60.

<Cover cover means 80>
The cover cover means 80 receives and conveys the cover sheet K supplied from the cover sheet supply means 60, and conveys rollers 81 and 82 for stopping at a predetermined position, and pressurizing the cover sheet K against the adhesive application surface of the sheet bundle Sa. It includes a member 83, a moving casing 84 that supports the conveying rollers 81 and 82 and the pressure member 83, an alignment means 85, an elevating means 86 that enables the moving casing 84 to move vertically and vertically.

  When the cover cover means 80 stops at the lowered position and introduces the cover K, the aligning means 85 moves from the initial position according to the size of the cover K and presses both sides in the width direction of the cover K before the cutting process. Perform width alignment. The cover K whose width is aligned and the curvature is corrected is switched back in the direction opposite to the introduction direction, conveyed to the cover cutting means 70, and cut at a predetermined position.

  Further, before the cover cover means 80 adheres and bonds the cut cover sheet K to the back portion of the sheet bundle Sa in the lowered position, the aligning means 85 moves again from the initial position so that both side surfaces of the cover sheet K in the width direction are moved. Press to perform width alignment and place the cover K in place. Thereafter, the aligning means 85 returns to the initial position so as not to hinder the joining of the cover sheet K and the sheet bundle Sa, and then the cover sheet exterior means 80 is raised. When rising, the cover K is supported at a predetermined position.

  Therefore, the aligning means 85 installed on the cover covering means 80 that can be moved up and down performs positioning in the cover width direction before and after the cutting of the cover K by the cover cutting means 70, thereby improving the cover cutting accuracy and the sheet bundle Sa. Improvement in alignment accuracy with the cover sheet K and simplification of the structure are achieved.

  The elevating means 86 moves the movable casing 84 to the upper position by rotating the left and right belts. At this raised position, the center portion of the cover sheet K placed on the pressure member 83 is pressed and adhered to the adhesive application surface of the sheet bundle Sa. After the adhesive application processing to the sheet bundle Sa is completed, the adhesive application means 50 moves backward and retracts.

<Cover folding>
A cover folding means is provided on the upper part of the cover exterior means 80. The cover folding means has a pair of symmetrical bending members 88. The bending member 88 can be contacted and separated in the thickness direction of the sheet bundle Sa. The bending member 88 bends the cover K along the side edge of the adhesive-coated surface of the sheet bundle Sa, and superimposes the front cover and the back cover on the front and back surfaces of the sheet bundle Sa.

  After the cover sheet K folding process is finished, the cover sheet exterior means 80 is lowered and retracted by a predetermined amount by the descending drive of the elevating means 86, and then the discharge belt 87 is orthogonal to the lower position of the booklet Sb, that is, the conveyance direction of the booklet Sb. It moves from the position corresponding to the outside of the booklet Sb in the width direction to the position corresponding to the inside and stops. Thereafter, when the holding by the gripping means 41 is released, the booklet Sb descends and stops at a position where the lower portion of the booklet Sb contacts the upper surface of the discharge belt 87.

  A booklet Sb having a front cover and a back cover formed by attaching a cover K to the back (opposite side of the edge) of the sheet bundle Sa coated with an adhesive is provided by a discharge belt 87 disposed above the aligning means 85. It is discharged to an external booklet storage device C.

[Booklet storage device C]
The booklet Sb discharged by the discharge belt 87 is placed on the transportable belt 91 that can be moved up and down of the booklet storage device C shown in FIG. 1, sequentially discharged by the rotation of the transport belt 91, and stacked on the paper discharge tray 92. Be contained.

[Production process for bookbinding with cover]
<Conveying a stack of sheets and a cover>
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet bundle conveying unit 40 and the adhesive applying unit 50.

  A sheet bundle Sa composed of a predetermined number of sheets S stacked and aligned on the sheet placing table 35 of the sheet bundle accommodating means 30 is grasped by the grasping means 41. The sheet rear end positioning member 36 is swung by a driving means (not shown) and retracts below the sheet placing table 35. The gripping means 41 that grips the sheet bundle Sa moves in an obliquely downward direction as indicated by the broken line in the figure and then turns to hold the sheet bundle Sa in an upright state with the surface on which the adhesive coating process is applied on the lower side. , Stop at a predetermined position.

  On the other hand, the cover sheet K accommodated in the cover sheet stacking means 61 of the cover sheet supply means 60 is separated and fed by the sheet feeding means 62, and is sandwiched between the transport rollers 63, 64, 65, and the transport roller 81 of the cover cover exterior means 80. , 82 and stopped at a predetermined position.

  The cover sheet cutting means 70 disposed on the right side of the conveyance roller 65 in the drawing cuts the length of the cover sheet K in the conveyance direction to a predetermined length. That is, the length in the conveyance direction of the cover sheet K differs depending on the sheet size and the thickness of the sheet bundle Sa, so that the cover sheet can be obtained by inputting or detecting the sheet size, the number of sheets S, and the thickness of the sheet S in advance. The case length of K is calculated, and the excess portion of the cover sheet K is cut to the optimum length by the cover sheet cutting means 70 prior to the cover sheet sticking.

<Applying adhesive to paper bundle>
The moving body 54 of the adhesive application unit 50 is moved by a driving unit (not shown) in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the lower surface of the sheet bundle Sa held upright by the gripping unit 41.

  The moving body 54 starts moving from the initial position on the back side of the bookbinding apparatus B, is moved along the moving means 55, stops at a predetermined position on the front side of the bookbinding apparatus B, and then reversely drives to return to the initial position. To do.

  4 is a plan view of the adhesive applying means 50, FIG. 5 is a side view of the adhesive applying means 50 and the gripping means 41, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the adhesive applying means 50 and the gripping means 41.

  The application roller 51 immersed in the adhesive container 53 containing the adhesive N is rotated by the motor M and the driving means 52. The application roller 51 applies the adhesive N in the longitudinal direction of the lower surface of the sheet bundle Sa held in an upright state by the forward movement or reciprocation of the moving body 54.

<Adhesion between paper bundle and cover>
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the sheet bundle conveying unit 40 and the cover sheet exterior unit 80 when the sheet bundle Sa and the cover sheet K are bonded.

  After completion of the adhesive application process to the sheet bundle Sa, the lifting / lowering means 86 moves the movable casing 84 to a raised position as a predetermined position by a driving means (not shown). At this raised position, the center portion of the cover sheet K placed on the pressure member 83 is pressed and adhered to the adhesive application surface of the sheet bundle Sa.

<Bending the cover>
8A and 8B are cross-sectional views of the cover sheet covering means 80 and the sheet bundle Sa showing the folding process of the cover sheet K. FIG. 8A is a diagram at the beginning of cover folding, FIG. FIG. 8C shows the time when the cover folding is completed, and FIG. 8D shows the time when the cover bending is released.

  FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the cover sheet K and the sheet bundle Sa before the cover attachment process, FIG. 9B is a perspective view of the sheet bundle Sa to which the cover K is attached, and FIG. 9C is a sheet bundle. FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a booklet Sb produced by folding a cover K around Sa.

  After the cover sheet K is adhered to the sheet bundle Sa to which the adhesive N is adhered, the pair of folding members 88 are driven by a drive unit (not shown) in the ascending state of the cover sheet exterior unit 80 shown in FIG. The gripping member 41 that grips the sheet bundle Sa descends. When the sheet bundle Sa descends, the cover sheet K is sandwiched and lowered by the pair of bending members 88 and is bent from the side edge portion of the adhesive application surface of the sheet bundle Sa (see FIG. 8B).

  Thereafter, the pair of bending members 88 move in the horizontal direction toward the adhesive application surface side of the sheet bundle Sa and press and shape both sides of the sheet bundle Sa to form the booklet Sb.

<Ejection of booklet>
FIG. 10 is a front view showing the discharge process of the booklet Sb composed of the sheet bundle Sa and the cover K. FIG.

  After the cover sheet bending process is completed, the cover cover exterior member 80 is lowered and retracted by the lowering drive of the lifter 86, and then the cover support member 89 swings to lift a part of the cover sheet K (FIG. 10A). reference).

  The rotation of the discharge belt 87 is started by a driving means (not shown), and the sheet bundle Sa to which the cover sheet K is bonded is lowered, so that the lower end of the sheet bundle Sa comes into contact with the discharge belt 87 and is slid in the transport direction by the discharge belt 87. (See FIG. 10B).

  The booklet Sb in which the cover K is bonded to the sheet bundle Sa is placed on the surface of the rotating discharge belt 87, conveyed, and discharged outside the apparatus (see FIG. 10C).

<Control of cover edge cutting>
Hereinafter, the cutting control of the cover K before the cover sticking process to the sheet bundle Sa will be described.

  FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the sheet bundle Sa and the cover sheet K. FIG. FIG. 11B is a plan view of the cover K.

  Here, when the back portion of the booklet Sb is P1, the small edge portion of the booklet Sb is P2, and the end portions of the cover K corresponding to the case where the sheet bundle Sa is covered are Q1 and Q2, the paper width L is a booklet shape. In this case, the distance from the fore edge portion P2 to the back portion P1. The cover width Y is a distance between the ends Q1 and Q2 of the cover K passing through the back portion P1 when the booklet is formed.

The cover width Y of the cover K is a length obtained by adding the sheet bundle thickness X and the cover cutting width Z, which is the width of the area cut off by cutting the cover end side, to twice the sheet width L. Accordingly, the cover cutting width Z is expressed by the following equation. Z = Y− (2L + X)
Depending on the user, when performing the bookbinding process, there may be a case in which a cover K having a cover width Y that is the length for case binding the sheet bundle Sa is prepared in advance. In such a case, after the case binding process, for example, a cover K of about 0.1 to 2 mm is left, and the end of the cover K may protrude from the edge of the sheet bundle Sa. When the cover excess length (cover cutting width Z) of this level is cut, cutting defects such as oblique cutting and uncutting occur, and the quality of the finished booklet Sb is deteriorated.

  In order to prevent such cutting defects, a predetermined value that is the minimum cuttable width of the cover sheet K is set in advance and stored in the storage means. The comparison means compares a predetermined value (for example, 3 mm) Z1 that is the minimum width that can be cut by the storage means with the cover cutting width Z of the cover K. When the comparison unit determines that the cover sheet cutting width Z of the cover sheet K is smaller than the predetermined value Z1 during the cutting process of the cover sheet K, the control unit performs control so as to cut the end portion of the cover sheet K with the width of the predetermined value Z1. (Mode 1).

  Alternatively, when the comparison unit determines that the cover sheet cutting width Z of the cover sheet K is smaller than the predetermined value Z1 that is the minimum cuttable width during the cutting process of the cover sheet K, the control unit does not cut the edge of the cover sheet K. (Mode 2).

  In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the user can select between mode 1 and mode 2.

  The cutting process of the cover sheet K with the predetermined value Z1 which is the minimum width that can be cut is performed by the cover sheet K conveyance control in the cover sheet exterior unit 80.

  In FIG. 2, the sensor PS <b> 1 arranged in the vicinity of the conveyance roller 65 detects the passage of the front end portion of the cover sheet K conveyed from the cover sheet exterior unit 80 to the cover sheet cutting unit 70. After the passage of the leading edge of the cover sheet K is detected by the sensor PS1, after the predetermined time corresponding to the cover sheet cutting width Z has elapsed, the driving rotation of the transport rollers 81, 82, 65 is stopped, and the cover sheet K stops at a predetermined position. The rotary blade 71 moves to cut the cover sheet K and cut off the excess part.

  The sensor PS2 disposed in the vicinity of the conveyance roller 82 detects the passage of the front end portion of the cover sheet K conveyed from the cover sheet exterior unit 80 to the cover sheet cutting unit 70. After the passage of the leading edge of the cover sheet K is detected by the sensor PS2, after a predetermined time has elapsed, the driving rotation of the transport rollers 81, 82, 65 is stopped, and the cover sheet K stops at a predetermined position, and then the cover sheet exterior means 80 moves up and down. The cover 86 is raised by the means 86, and the cover K is brought into contact with and adhered to the adhesive application surface of the sheet bundle Sa.

  FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view and a perspective view of various booklets Sb subjected to case binding processing. Hereinafter, the cover width Y of the cover K and the case length (2L + X) of the sheet bundle Sa will be described.

  12 (a1) and 12 (a2), and FIG. 12 (c1) and FIG. 12 (c2) in FIG. 12, the cover cutting width Z of the cover K is the minimum width that can be cut before the cutting process. A booklet formed in a mode (mode 2) in which the edge of the cover sheet K is not cut when it is determined that the cover sheet cutting width Z is smaller than a predetermined value Z1 (for example, 3 mm) and the cover sheet cutting width Z is a positive value. In this case, the total length of the cover sheet K (cover sheet width Y) is longer than the wrap portion length (2L + X) of the sheet bundle Sa.

  12 (b1) and FIG. 12 (b2), and FIG. 12 (d1) and FIG. 121 (d2) are lengths that allow the comparison means to cut the cover sheet cutting width Z of the cover sheet K before the cutting process. In the mode (mode 1) or mode 2 in which the edge of the cover K is cut when it is determined that it is smaller than the predetermined value Z1 (for example, 3 mm), the cover cutting width Z is smaller than the predetermined value Z1 and The booklet Sb formed when the cover cutting width Z is a negative value is shown. In this case, the total length of the cover sheet K is shorter than the case length (2L + X) of the sheet bundle Sa.

  When the total length of the cover sheet K is longer than the case length (2L + X) of the sheet bundle Sa, as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 12A1 and the perspective view of FIG. When the end surface facing the surface and one end portion of the cover sheet K coincide with each other, only the other end portion of the cover sheet K has a shape protruding from the edge of the sheet bundle Sa.

  When the total length of the cover sheet K is shorter than the case length (2L + X) of the sheet bundle Sa, as shown in the sectional view of FIG. 12B1 and the perspective view of FIG. And the one end of the cover sheet K coincide with each other, only the other end of the cover sheet K does not reach the edge of the sheet bundle Sa.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the total length of the cover sheet K is longer than the case length (2L + X) of the sheet bundle Sa, but the cover sheet cutting width Z is smaller than a predetermined value Z1 (for example, 3 mm), the cover sheet exterior means 80 , The time after the front end portion of the cover sheet K passes by the sensor PS2 is controlled so that the center portion of the cover sheet K in the conveyance direction length (cover width) coincides with the center portion of the adhesive application surface of the sheet bundle Sa. The cover K is bound and subjected to case binding. As a result, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12C1 and the perspective view of FIG. 12C2, both ends of the cover sheet K have a shape protruding evenly from the edge of the sheet bundle Sa.

  Further, when the total length of the cover sheet K is shorter than the wrap portion length (2L + X) of the sheet bundle Sa and the cover sheet cutting width Z is smaller than a predetermined value Z1 (for example, 3 mm), the cover sheet K by the sensor PS2 is used in the cover sheet exterior means 80. The length of the cover sheet K in the transport direction is controlled so that the center portion of the cover sheet K in the transport direction length coincides with the center portion of the adhesive coating surface of the sheet bundle Sa. Are arranged so that the center part of the sheet coincides with the center part of the adhesive application surface of the sheet bundle Sa, and the cover sheet K is subjected to the case binding process. As a result, both ends of the cover sheet K have a shape that is evenly retracted into the edge of the sheet bundle Sa, as shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 12 (d1) and the perspective view of FIG. 12 (d2).

  FIG. 13 is a block diagram illustrating control of the image forming apparatus A and the bookbinding apparatus B.

  The main control unit 100 of the image forming apparatus A and the post-processing control unit 200 of the bookbinding apparatus B are connected by serial communication units 101 and 201.

  The main control unit 100 includes a sheet presence / absence detection unit disposed in the sheet storage unit 7A, a sheet size detection unit that detects the width and height of the sheet S, a sheet feeding unit, a first conveyance unit before transfer processing, and transfer processing. The second conveying unit, the image forming units 1 to 6, the storage unit, the comparison unit, the operation unit 9 including the input unit and the display unit, the serial communication unit 101, and the like are controlled.

  The post-processing control unit 200 includes a sheet conveying unit 10, a sheet aligning unit, a sheet stacking unit, a cover sheet supplying unit 60, a cover sheet aligning unit, a cover sheet cutting unit 70, an adhesive applying unit 50, and a moving unit for moving the adhesive applying unit. The cover presence / absence detecting means of the cover covering means 80, the cover size detecting means for detecting the width and height of the cover K, and the like are controlled.

  A program for executing the flow of each of the following embodiments is stored in a ROM (not shown) of the storage unit 80 of the post-processing apparatus B, and is expanded in the RAM at the time of execution, and post-processing control of the post-processing apparatus B Performed by means 200.

[Example 1]
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating the cover cutting process according to the first embodiment, which is executed by the post-processing control unit 200.

  Step S101: A copy start is received from the image forming apparatus A via the serial communication units 101 and 102, and the post-processing apparatus and the adhesive application control process are started.

  Step S102: The paper width L and the paper S detected by the paper size detecting means are transmitted from the main control means 100 to the serial communication means of the post-processing apparatus B via the serial communication means 101 and stored in the storage means 80. The cover width Y and the cover height are detected by the cover size detection means and stored in the storage means 80.

  Step S103: The cover sheet K is conveyed by the cover sheet supply means 60 and the cover sheet exterior means 80 and placed at a predetermined position.

  Step S104: Accept the sheet S conveyed from the image forming apparatus A and convey it to the sheet bundle accommodating means 30.

  Step S105: A plurality of sheets S of one booklet are transported and stacked on the sheet bundle accommodating means 30.

  Step S106: It is confirmed that a plurality of sheets S are stacked and completed in the sheet bundle accommodating means 30.

  Step S107: A sheet bundle thickness X (see FIG. 11) is determined based on the sheet thickness and the number of sheets set by the operation unit 9 based on the sheet thickness and the number of sheets transmitted from the image forming apparatus A, and stored in the storage unit 80. Remember.

  Step S108: The cover cutting width Z is calculated from the sheet width L, the sheet bundle thickness X, and the cover width Y before cutting stored in the storage unit 80.

  Step S109: The cover cutting width Z is compared with a predetermined value (for example, 3 mm) Z1 stored in the storage means 80.

  Step S110: When it is determined that Z ≧ Z1, the cover transport position to the cut portion of the cover cutting means 70 is set to be the cover cutting width.

  Step S111: The cover conveyance process to the cut part of the cover cutting means 70 is started.

  Step S112: Cover cutting processing is performed by the cover cutting means 70.

  Step S113: If it is determined in step S109 that Z <Z1, the cover sheet transport position to the cut portion of the cover sheet cutting means 70 is set at a position where the predetermined value Z1 is reached (see FIGS. 12 (a1, a2)).

[Example 2]
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating the cover cutting process according to the second embodiment.

  In this process, when the cover cutting width Z is less than the predetermined value Z1, the cutting process is not performed, and as shown in FIGS. 12 (c1, c2), both ends of the cover K protrude evenly from the edge of the sheet bundle Sa. The shape is to be made.

  The steps from the start of copying (step S201) to the cover cutting process (step S212) are the same as the steps from step S101 to step S112 described in FIG.

  Step S213: The cover cutting width Z stored in the storage means 80 is compared with a predetermined value (for example, 3 mm) Z1.

  Step S214: When it is determined that Z ≧ Z1, the front end position (front cover left end alignment position) of the cover sheet K is set to the same position as the sheet width L (see FIG. 11) stored in the storage unit 80.

  Step S215: The cover sheet K is transported to the front end position.

  Step S216: The cover sheet K is bonded to the glue application surface of the sheet bundle Sa.

  Step S217: If it is determined that <Z1 in step S213, the position is set to a position (projected position) longer than the sheet width L by a half position from the cover cutting width Z calculated in step S208. For example, when the sheet width L of the sheet bundle Sa is 210 mm, the sheet bundle thickness X is 30 mm, and the cover sheet width Y is 452 mm, the cover sheet cutting width Z is 452− (210 × 2 + 30) = 2 (mm), which is a predetermined value. Since it is less than the value Z1 of 3 mm, the cover cutting process is not performed. If the cover sheet cutting process is not performed, the entire length of the cover sheet K is left by 2 mm, so that the left end and the right end of the cover sheet K protrude from the end surface of the sheet bundle Sa by 1 mm each.

[Example 3]
FIG. 16 is a flowchart illustrating a cover cutting process according to the third embodiment.

  In this process, when the cover cutting width Z is less than the predetermined value Z1, the cutting process is not performed, and as shown in FIG. 12 (d1, d2), both ends of the cover K are retracted from the edge of the sheet bundle Sa. It is what.

  The processes from the start of copying (step S301) to the cover bonding process (step S316) are the same as the processes from step S201 to step S216 described with reference to FIG.

  Step S317: The cover sheet transport position to the cut portion is set to a position where the predetermined value Z1 (for example, 3 mm) is obtained. Then, it progresses to step S311 and starts conveying cover K to a cut part.

  Step S318: If it is determined in step S313 that Z <Z1, the position is set to a position shorter than the sheet width L by a half position from the cover cutting width Z calculated in step S308. For example, when the sheet width L of the sheet bundle Sa is 210 mm, the sheet bundle thickness X is 30 mm, and the cover width Y is 452 mm, the cover cutting width Z is 452− (210 × 2 + 30) = 2 (mm). Cutting 3 mm of the predetermined value Z1. When the edge of the cover K is cut by 3 mm, it is cut by 1 mm more than the original 2 mm, so the left edge of the cover K (the leading edge that is not cut) and the right edge (the leading edge that is cut) ) And 0.5 mm each from the end face of the sheet bundle Sa.

  It should be noted that the bookbinding apparatus B of the present invention is formed in an independent apparatus and the sheet bundle Sa processed by another image forming apparatus is loaded on the sheet bundle accommodating means 30, and then the adhesive coating process and the cover cover exterior process are performed. It is also possible to make case binding.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus including an image forming apparatus main body, a bookbinding apparatus, and a booklet storage apparatus. Sectional drawing of the bookbinding apparatus which concerns on this invention. Sectional drawing of a sheet | seat bundle conveyance means and an adhesive agent application means. The top view of an adhesive agent application means. The side view of an adhesive agent application means and a holding means. The perspective view of an adhesive agent application means and a holding means. Sectional drawing of a sheet bundle conveying means and a cover sheet exterior means at the time of adhesion of a sheet bundle and a cover sheet. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a cover cover means and a sheet bundle showing a cover folding process. The perspective view of a cover and a sheet bundle. The front view which shows the discharge process of the booklet which consists of a sheet bundle and a cover. The perspective view of a sheet bundle and a cover, and the top view of a cover. Sectional drawing and perspective view of the various booklets by which the case binding process was carried out. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating control of an image forming apparatus main body and a bookbinding apparatus. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a cover cutting process according to the first embodiment. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a cover cutting process according to the second embodiment. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a cover cutting process according to a third embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

9 Operation means 50 Adhesive application means 60 Cover sheet supply means 70 Cover sheet cutting means 71 Rotating blade 72 Fixed blade 80 Cover sheet exterior means (case binding means)
100 main control means 200 post-processing control means A image forming apparatus B bookbinding apparatus (post-processing apparatus)
K cover paper (cover, cover sheet)
L Paper width N Adhesive PS1, PS2 Sensor S Paper (sheet)
Sa Paper bundle (sheet bundle)
Sb Booklet X Paper bundle thickness Y Cover width Z Cover cut width Z1 Predetermined value

Claims (12)

In a bookbinding device that covers a sheet bundle in a U-shape with a cover sheet and forms a booklet,
The sheet bundle width information, which is the distance from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge, and the distance from one end of the cover sheet corresponding to the fore edge when the sheet bundle is covered to the other end through the back. An input means for inputting cover sheet width information;
Cutting means for cutting the end side of the cover sheet;
Storage means for storing a predetermined value that is the minimum width of the cover sheet that can be cut;
A comparison means for comparing the predetermined value stored in the storage means with the sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information and the cover sheet width information;
Control means for controlling the cutting width of the cover sheet by the cutting means;
And the control means cuts the end side of the cover sheet so that the cutting width becomes the predetermined value when the cutting means determines that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value. A bookbinding apparatus for controlling the cutting means. In a bookbinding device that covers a sheet bundle in a U-shape with a cover sheet and forms a booklet,
The sheet bundle width information, which is the distance from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge, and the distance from one end of the cover sheet corresponding to the fore edge when the sheet bundle is covered to the other end through the back. An input means for inputting cover sheet width information;
Cutting means for cutting the end side of the cover sheet;
Storage means for storing a predetermined value that is the minimum width of the cover sheet that can be cut;
A comparison means for comparing the predetermined value stored in the storage means with the sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information and the cover sheet width information;
Control means for controlling the cutting means so as not to cut the end side of the cover sheet when the comparing means determines that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value;
A bookbinding apparatus comprising: When the comparing means determines that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value, the control means controls the cutting means so as not to cut the end side of the cover sheet, and the cover sheet is provided at the fore edge. 3. The booklet is formed by covering the sheet bundle with the cover sheet so that both end portions of the sheet protrude evenly with respect to the fore edge portion of the sheet bundle or evenly retract. Bookbinding equipment. In a bookbinding device that covers a sheet bundle in a U-shape with a cover sheet and forms a booklet,
The sheet bundle width information, which is the distance from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge, and the distance from one end of the cover sheet corresponding to the fore edge when the sheet bundle is covered to the other end through the back. An input means for inputting cover sheet width information;
Cutting means for cutting the end side of the cover sheet;
Storage means for storing a predetermined value that is the minimum width of the cover sheet that can be cut;
A comparison means for comparing the predetermined value stored in the storage means with the sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information and the cover sheet width information;
When it is determined by the comparison means that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value, the both end portions of the cover sheet protrude evenly with respect to the fore edge portion of the sheet bundle at the fore edge portion or are retracted evenly. Control means for determining the relative position when the cover sheet and the sheet bundle are in a booklet shape,
A bookbinding apparatus comprising: The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the predetermined value is changeable. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined value is set by operating means. Said cutting means, bookbinding device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that a rotary cutter having a rotating blade movable in the width direction of the cover sheet. The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6 , further comprising an adhesive portion that adheres a cover sheet to the back portion of the sheet bundle with an adhesive. In a bookbinding program for causing a bookbinding apparatus to execute a bookbinding process for covering a sheet bundle with a cover sheet in a U-shape and forming a booklet,
The sheet bundle width information that is the distance from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge and the distance from one end of the cover sheet corresponding to the fore edge when the sheet bundle is covered to the other end through the back. Entering cover sheet width information;
A step of comparing a predetermined value, which is the minimum width that can be cut, of the cover sheet with sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information, and the cover sheet width information;
When it is determined that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value, cutting the end side of the cover sheet so that the cutting width becomes the predetermined value;
A bookbinding program that causes the bookbinding apparatus to execute. In a bookbinding program for causing a bookbinding apparatus to execute a bookbinding process for covering a sheet bundle with a cover sheet in a U-shape and forming a booklet,
The sheet bundle width information that is the distance from the back of the sheet bundle to the fore edge and the distance from one end of the cover sheet corresponding to the fore edge when the sheet bundle is covered to the other end through the back. Entering cover sheet width information;
A step of comparing a predetermined value, which is the minimum width that can be cut, of the cover sheet with sheet bundle thickness information, the sheet bundle width information, and the cover sheet width information;
When it is determined that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value, the step of controlling not to cut the end side of the cover sheet;
A bookbinding program that causes the bookbinding apparatus to execute. When it is determined that the cutting width is smaller than the predetermined value, the both end portions of the cover sheet at the fore edge portion protrude evenly with respect to the fore edge portion of the sheet bundle, or are retracted evenly. The bookbinding program according to claim 10 , wherein the bookbinding apparatus executes a step of covering the sheet bundle with a cover sheet. An image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet and discharging the sheet on which the image is formed;
The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8 , wherein a booklet is formed by covering a sheet bundle formed by accumulating sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus in a U-shape with a cover sheet.
A bookbinding system characterized by comprising:

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