JPH10166754A - Apparatus and method for bookbinding - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To prevent deterioration of quality of bookbinding in the case of excessively heating a binding tape. SOLUTION: In the apparatus for bookbinding by using a binding tape coated with hot-melt adhesive, before a series of operations for bookbinding are executed, number of sheets (x) contained in a sheet supply deck 31 or 34 is compared with number (m) of originals P necessary for bookbinding. Only in the case of m<x, heating of the tape by a tape fusion bonding unit 79 is started, and supply of the sheet by a sheet feeder 3, image formation of the sheet by a printer 4, matching of the sheets by a matching tray 73 and bookbinding of sheet bundle by the heated tape are conducted. Meanwhile, in the case of m>x, the heating of the tape is not only conducted, but also other series of operations are not executed. Accordingly, interruption of the bookbinding due to insufficiency of the sheet is eliminated from the start of heating to the end of heating of the tape, thereby preventing excessive heating of the tape.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bookbinding apparatus and a bookbinding method for automatically aligning and binding a plurality of sheet materials, and more particularly to heating an adhesive tape.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a bookbinding apparatus (hereinafter referred to as an "online apparatus") which continuously performs operations from image formation on a plurality of sheet materials (hereinafter referred to as "paper") to its alignment and bookbinding online. Is known).

In this online apparatus, an image is sequentially formed on a sheet, a plurality of sheets on which image formation has been completed are aligned, and bookbinding is performed.

In the book binding of a sheet bundle, a roll-shaped bind tape coated with a hot-melt adhesive is used. In bonding the tape to the sheet bundle, (1) a roll-shaped bind tape is used. Is automatically cut into strips according to the size of the paper bundle, (2) the cut tape is placed on the bound portion of the aligned paper bundle, and (3) the tape is bound by the heater of the tape heating device. The tape is heated to melt the hot melt adhesive, and (4) the cut tape is pressed against the bound portion of the aligned paper bundle (the molten hot melt adhesive flows between the papers and (5) The left and right side heaters are used to bend the left and right ends of the bind tape with the left and right side heaters, and the both ends are adhered to the front and back sheets of the sheet bundle. It has adopted.

[0005]

By the way, in this type of apparatus, since it takes a long time to heat the bind tape, the heating of the bind tape is started before the image formation and alignment of all the sheets are completed. The bookbinding time was shortened.

[0006] Therefore, if the paper is not fed because the paper is lost in the middle, the bind tape is heated until the paper is re-fed, and the melting state of the adhesive of the bind tape is changed. I ca n’t manage it,
There was a possibility that the appearance quality and in-view quality of the bookbinding bundle might be impaired.

As a method for avoiding this, there is a method of switching the heating temperature of the tape to a low temperature when the paper feeding is interrupted. However, the above problem could not be completely avoided.

If the paper supply to the paper feeder is not performed for a certain period of time, the entire apparatus shifts to a standby state. In such a case, the heated bind tape is no longer used. However, there is a problem that the tape must be removed, the operation is troublesome, and the tape is wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a bookbinding apparatus and a bookbinding method that can reduce the working time.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a bookbinding apparatus and a bookbinding method for preventing deterioration in appearance quality and inward quality.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a bookbinding apparatus and a bookbinding method for preventing complication of work and waste of the adhesive tape.

[0012]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and has a sheet material feeding means for storing a plurality of sheet materials and sequentially feeding the plurality of sheet materials. Alignment means for aligning the plurality of sheet materials fed by the sheet material feeding means, tape heating means for heating the adhesive tape, and bookbinding by bonding the aligned plurality of sheet materials with the adhesive tape. Bonding means,
And the heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is started before the feeding of the sheet material to the aligning means is completed, wherein the number of sheet materials required for bookbinding is the sheet material feeding. If the number of sheet materials remaining in the unit is larger than the number of sheet materials remaining in the unit, the heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating unit is not performed, and the number of sheet materials necessary for bookbinding remains in the sheet material feeding unit. When the number of sheet materials is smaller than the number of sheet materials, heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is started, sheet material is fed by the sheet material feeding means, alignment of the sheet material by the alignment means, and The bookbinding is performed by the bonding unit.

In this case, a sheet number storing means for storing the number of sheet materials necessary for bookbinding, a remaining number calculating means for calculating the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means, and the sheet number storing means And a number comparing means for comparing the number of sheets required for bookbinding with the number of sheets remaining in the sheet material feeding means, based on a signal from the remaining number calculating means. If the number of sheet materials required for the sheet material is larger than the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means, the heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is not performed, and necessary for bookbinding. When the number of sheet materials is smaller than the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means, the heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is started, and the sheet by the sheet material feeding means is started. Feeding the integrity of the sheet material by the matching means, and carrying out the binding by the adhesive means,
It is preferable to do so.

A feed detecting means disposed between the aligning means and the sheet feeding means for detecting feeding of the sheet material, wherein the feeding of the first sheet material is detected by the feed detecting means; When the means detects, the heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means may be started.

Further, when the number of sheets required for bookbinding is larger than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet feeding means, heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is not performed, and It is preferable to display or warn that the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means is insufficient.

On the other hand, the remaining sheet number calculating means detects a total thickness of the sheet material remaining in the sheet material feeding means, and a sheet material thickness calculating a thickness per sheet material. Calculating means, and calculating the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means based on data from the remaining thickness detecting means and the sheet material thickness calculating means. Good.

In this case, the sheet material thickness calculating means includes:
Sheet type input means for inputting the type of sheet material; and thickness storage means for storing the thickness per sheet for each type of sheet material, and based on a signal from the sheet type input means. , Calculate the thickness per sheet material,
You may do so. Further, the sheet material thickness calculating means may be a sensor arranged on a sheet material conveyance path to detect a thickness per sheet material.

Further, the present invention provides a feeding step of sequentially feeding a plurality of stored sheet materials, an alignment step of aligning the fed plurality of sheet materials, and a tape heating step of heating an adhesive tape. And a bonding step of performing bookbinding by bonding the plurality of aligned sheet materials with the adhesive tape,
In the bookbinding method of ending the tape heating step almost at the same time as the end of the alignment step, if the number of sheet materials required for bookbinding is larger than the number of stored sheet materials, the tape heating step If the number of sheets required for bookbinding is smaller than the number of stored sheets, the tape heating step, the feeding step, the alignment step, and the bonding step are performed. , Characterized in that.

When the number of sheets required for bookbinding is smaller than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet feeding means based on the above configuration, the tape heating means heats the adhesive tape. At the same time, the plurality of sheet materials stored in the sheet material feeding means are sequentially fed to the aligning means, and the aligning means aligns the plurality of fed sheet materials. Then, the bonding unit performs bookbinding by bonding the plurality of aligned sheet materials with the adhesive tape.

On the other hand, when the number of sheets required for bookbinding is larger than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet feeding means, the adhesive tape is heated by the tape heating means. Absent.

[0021]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the overall configuration of the bookbinding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

The bookbinding apparatus C1 (hereinafter referred to as "on-line apparatus C1") has a document feeder (document feeder) 1 for sequentially feeding a document, and reads image data of the document conveyed by the document feeder 1. An image reading device (image reading device) 2; a printer device (printer device) 4 for writing image data read by the image reading device 2 on a sheet material (hereinafter referred to as “paper”); Feeding device (sheet material feeding means) 3 for sequentially feeding the sheets of paper through a printer device 4 to an alignment tray (aligning means) 73 described later, and alignment bonding for aligning and binding the fed sheets. It comprises a device 7 and an operation device 6 for performing various displays and operations.

Hereinafter, each configuration will be described. <Document Feeding Device 1> The document feeding device 1 includes a document placing table 12 on which a document P is placed, a paper feeding roller 11 for carrying out the document P from the document placing table 12, and a separation roller for separating documents one by one. And a document discharge tray 13 from which the document is discharged. <Image Reading Device 2> The image reading device 2 is a device for reading image information of the document P, and includes a document illumination lamp 21 for illuminating the document P, and a mirror for guiding the light reflected by the document P. It is composed of a group 22 and an optical system controller 23 that converts the guided reflected light into image data.

In the present embodiment, a document from which image data is read by the image reading device 2 is referred to as a "document", and is distinguished from a sheet on which the data is written. <Sheet Feeding Device 3> The sheet feeding device 3 is a device for feeding sheets, and includes a sheet feeding deck 31, a sheet feeding deck 34, and a sheet feeding roller for taking out sheets from these decks 31 and 34. 32, 35, and a transport path 33 from the sheet feeding deck 31
And a transport path 36 from the paper feed deck 34 and a transport path 37 for delivering sheets to the printer device 4.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are views showing the configuration of the sheet feeding deck 31, wherein FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG. 2B is a sectional view. The paper feed deck 31 includes a bottom plate (sheet material loading member) 405 on which a plurality of sheets are placed. The bottom plate 405 is a lifter type that moves up and down according to the remaining number of sheets. The height of the uppermost surface ”always coincides with the“ lower position of the paper feed roller 32 ”.

The bottom plate 405 is provided with lateral side regulating plates 402 and 404 and a vertical side regulating plate 403 so as to be freely movable.
And the vertical side regulating plate 403 regulates the longitudinal direction of the sheet.

On the other hand, the side plate stay of the sheet feeding deck 31
The distance measuring sensor (remaining thickness detecting means) 38 is a fixing member 40
1, and the distance measuring sensor 38 is
It is located at a position off the paper and facing the bottom plate 405 (see FIG. 3). This distance measuring sensor 38
Is an infrared reflection type sensor that includes a light emitting element (light emitting means) that emits infrared light for measurement and a light receiving element (light receiving means) that receives infrared light emitted from the light emitting element and reflected by the bottom plate 405. And the position of the bottom plate 405 (that is, the bottom plate 4
05 is detected, whereby the thickness of the entire sheet remaining on the sheet feeding deck 31 is detected.

The other sheet feeding deck 34 has the same configuration, and includes a lifter type bottom plate, a distance measuring sensor (remaining thickness detecting means) 39 for detecting the position of the bottom plate, and the like. <Printer 4> On the other hand, the printer 4 is a device for writing image information read by the image reader 2 on a sheet, and irradiates a laser beam in accordance with a signal output from the optical system controller 23. A laser unit 47, a photosensitive drum 45, a primary charger 46 for charging the photosensitive drum 45, a developing unit 49, a drum cleaner 43, a pre-exposure lamp 44 for removing residual charges, and a sheet from the photosensitive drum 45 , A transfer charger 50 for transferring a latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 45 to a sheet, and a fixing unit 51 for fixing an unfixed image on the sheet.
And is constituted by.

The fixing device 51 is heated by a fixing heater and a thermistor (not shown) so that the surface temperature becomes an appropriate temperature. <Alignment Bonding Apparatus 7> On the other hand, the alignment bonding apparatus 7 has an alignment tray 73, and the alignment tray 73 is arranged so as to be inclined so that the downstream side becomes lower. A sweeping member 75 is disposed above the sheet alignment tray 73, and the sweeping member 75 is driven to rotate in a counterclockwise direction. Further, the sheet alignment tray 73
A shutter 7 against which the leading end of the sheet is abutted
8 are arranged. In the present embodiment, the aligning tray 73, the sweeping member 75, and the shutter 78 constitute an aligning unit, and a plurality of sheets fed to the sheet aligning tray 73 are swept by the sweeping member. It is swept toward the shutter 78 by the member 75 and aligned.

On the other hand, in the aligning / adhering device 7, a transport path 72 located between the aligning tray 73 and the sheet feeding device 3 is provided.
A conveyance paper detection sensor (feed detection means) 90 is disposed in the printer, and the conveyance of the paper is detected by the conveyance paper detection sensor 90.

On the other hand, the aligning and bonding apparatus 7 includes a first tape reel 85 and a second tape reel 86 around which a bind tape (adhesive tape) is wound. And a cutter 87 for cutting the bind tape to a predetermined length. A tape fusion unit (tape heating means, adhesive means) 79 is disposed downstream of the sheet alignment tray 73 in the direction of inclination, and the tape fusion unit 79 heats the bind tape and adheres it to the sheet bundle. (That is, bookbinding of the aligned sheet bundle). In addition,
A tape carriage 88 is disposed between the cutter 87 and the tape fusion unit 79 described above, and the cut bind tape is supplied from the cutter 87 to the tape fusion unit 7.
9 is conveyed.

Further, the aligning / bonding apparatus 7 includes a clamp member 76 which can be moved from the aligning tray 73 to the tape fusing unit 79, and the aligned sheet bundle is transferred from the aligning tray 73 by the clamp member 76. It is conveyed to the tape fusion unit 79.

Further, the aligning and bonding apparatus 7 includes a tray member 81 for receiving a bundle of sheets (finished bookbinding product) bound by the tape fusing unit 79, stackers 83 and 84 for storing the bookbinding completed product, Finished bookbinding product with tray member 8
The carriage 82 includes a carriage 82 that can move up and down and is conveyed from the stacker 1 to the stackers 83 and 84, and a fan 89 that cools the finished bookbinding product.

The tape fusing unit 79 includes a tape guide (not shown) on which a bind tape is set.
And a back heater for heating the bind tape set in the tape guide, and side heaters arranged on both sides of the back heater.

As the bind tape, a type coated with a hot melt adhesive is used. <Control Circuit> As shown in FIG. 4, the online device C1 includes a main CPU 501, and the main CPU 501 controls the operations of the image reading device 2, the sheet feeding device 3, the printer device 4, and the operation device 6. Control. Further, the online device C1 includes a memory 502 for mainly storing data and a memory 503 for storing a program for controlling the online device C1.

On the other hand, the distance measuring sensors 38 and 39 are connected to the main CPU 501,
The control signals 504 and 506 are transmitted from the output port 1 to the distance measuring sensors 38 and 39, and conversely, the distance measuring sensor 3
8, 39 output signals 505 and 507
1 input port. In addition,
This output signal 507 is output from the distance measurement sensor 38 and the bottom plate 405.
Is 8-bit output data for detecting the distance (see details later).

As shown in FIG. 5, the memory 502 stores thickness data t and basis weight data g for various types of paper in a table. FIG.
The type of paper is merely an example, and the type of paper may be changed or increased as necessary.

Further, the operation sequence of the aligning and bonding apparatus 7 is controlled by the CPU 509.
The CPU 509 and the main CPU 501 are connected by a communication line 508. <Operating device 6> By the way, the operating device 6 described above is
The display unit 61 shown in FIG.
Various displays and settings are made in.

Reference numeral 302 denotes an area for setting a copy mode (mode for setting editing functions such as scaling, double-sided, multiplex, continuous page copying, and number of copies), and reference numeral 303 denotes an alignment bonding. This is an area of a device selection mode in which the selection of the apparatus 7 and the selection of the paper feed decks 31 and 34 are performed. If a saddle stitcher or stapler is connected to the online device C1, the selection / combination thereof can also be set in the device selection mode 303.

Reference numeral 304 denotes an area for a user mode in which default values of functions of the online device can be set so that the user can use the online device easily. When the user mode is selected, the display section 61 is switched to a display 310 as shown in FIG. 7, for example, so that various modes can be selected. Although only the paper thickness setting mode is shown in FIG. 7, it is needless to say that the mode is not limited to this, and another mode may be set.

When the thickness setting mode 311 is selected, the screen of the display section 61 is switched as shown in FIG. 8, and the selection of the paper feed decks 31 and 34 and the selection of the paper to be used are performed. ing.

That is, the display section 61 functions as a sheet type input means in that the type of paper to be fed is selected (input), and the memory 502 described above stores the thickness per sheet for each type of paper. It functions as thickness storage means in that it is stored in memory. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the sheet thickness calculating means is constituted by the display unit 61 and the memory 502, and the thickness per sheet is calculated by the memory 502 based on the signal from the display unit 61. ing. When the thickness per sheet is calculated, the number of sheets remaining in the sheet feeding device 3 (hereinafter, referred to as “remaining sheet number x”) is calculated based on the data. (Details will be described later).

The number of sheets required for bookbinding is set by the display section 61 described above, and the number is stored in the memory 502 described above. Therefore, the memory 502 also functions as a number storage unit for storing the number of sheets required for bookbinding.

Next, a bookbinding method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the bookbinding method according to the present embodiment, FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in calculating the number of remaining sheets, and FIG. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a relationship among 8-bit output data, sheet thickness data, and remaining number of sheets from a distance measuring sensor. FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating a state in which sheets are not stacked on a sheet feeding deck, and FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a state in which sheets are stacked on a sheet feeding deck.

When power is supplied, the online device C1
Performs an initial operation and shifts to a standby state (see S11 in FIG. 9), and the display unit 61 of the operation device 6 becomes, for example, a display 301 as shown in FIG. It becomes a state.

In this state, the user can set the number n of bound books, set the number m of sheets necessary for binding one book (hereinafter, referred to as “bound book number m”), When the selection, the setting of the paper type, and the like are performed (see S12 in FIG. 9), the online device C1 calculates the number of remaining papers (see S14, S15 in FIG. 9).

To select the paper feed decks 31 and 34 and to set the type of paper, select the user mode 304 on the display screen of FIG. 6 and switch the display screen to that shown in FIG. The screen shown in FIG. 8 may be displayed by selecting the paper thickness setting mode on the screen.

For example, when cangas is loaded on the paper feed deck 31 and a hammer mill is loaded on the other paper feed deck 34, the screen 321 shows “feed deck 1” → 325 What is necessary is to sequentially select “Cangas” → “paper feed deck 2” of 322 → “hammer mill” of 326 → “OK” of 329. By the end of this operation,
The display unit 61 returns to the screen 301 in FIG.

With the setting of the paper type, the memory 50
2, the sheet thickness t1 of the deck 31 (that is, 106) and the sheet thickness t2 of the deck 34 (that is, 80) are read from the data stored in FIG.
reference).

Next, the number x of remaining papers in the paper feed decks 31 and 34
Is calculated (see S14 in FIG. 9). Here, details of this calculation will be described with reference to FIG.

The main CPU 501 outputs a clock signal 508 to the distance measuring sensor 38 of the deck 31 (FIG. 10,
The distance measuring sensor 38 emits infrared rays 410 to the bottom plate 405 (see S31).

Then, the emitted infrared light 410 is reflected by the surface of the bottom plate 405 and received by the distance measuring sensor 38. Then, the distance measuring sensor 38 detects the reflected light 4
11 by detecting the reflection angle of the distance measurement sensor 3
8 and the bottom plate 405 are detected. Further, the distance measuring sensor 38 converts the detection result into 8 bits,
The bit output data 507 is transmitted to the main CPU 501 (see S32 in FIG. 10).

When the other sheet feeding deck 34 is selected, the distance measuring sensor 39 performs the same operation.

As described above, in the above-described S13, the deck 3
1 is read by the main CPU 501,
In S32 described above, the 8-bit output data 507 is read.

By the way, assuming that D: measurement data [DEC] from the distance measuring sensor C: constant [DEC] unique to the distance measuring sensor, the distance L from the deck bottom plate to the distance measuring sensor is L
[Cm] is

[0059]

(Equation 1) And h: the number of sheets converted into paper [sheets] of the distance from the bottom plate to the distance measurement sensor when there is no remaining number of sheets in the deck, the remaining number of sheets H in the deck is:

[0060]

(Equation 2) It is represented by

That is, the 8-bit output data 507 from the distance measuring sensor 38 is obtained by the above arithmetic expressions (1) and (2).
, The relationship between the sheet thickness data t1 and the number of remaining sheets H is obtained.

In the present embodiment, these values are
As shown in FIG. 11, a table is stored in advance, and the main CPU 501 stores the 8-bit output data 507
And the paper thickness data t1 and the paper type are input,
Referring to this table, the remaining number of sheets x according to the type of sheet x
Is calculated (see S33 in FIG. 10).

In FIG. 11, reference numeral 420 denotes
Reference numeral 421 denotes 8-bit output data from the distance measuring sensor 38, and reference numeral 421 denotes a distance [cm] from the deck bottom plate to the distance measuring sensor calculated from the above equation (1).
Reference numerals 424 and 426 denote the number of converted sheets of various types of paper (hammer mill, cangas, and thick paper).
Reference numerals 5 and 427 denote the remaining number of sheets of various types of paper calculated from the above equation (2).

For example, as shown in FIG.
If there is no paper, the 8-bit output data 50
The distance based on 7 (the distance from the bottom plate 405 to the distance measurement sensor 38) is 3.77 cm, and it can be calculated that the remaining number of sheets x is 0 with reference to the table shown in FIG.
Further, as shown in FIG. 13, a sheet (hereinafter referred to as “cangas”) remains on the deck 31 and the
When the bit output data 507 is 199 [DEC], the remaining paper number x can be calculated to be 29. When the 8-bit output data 507 is 59 [DEC], the remaining paper number x can be calculated.
Can be calculated to be 3021 sheets.

The remaining sheet number x can be calculated for the deck 34 in the same manner.

That is, in this embodiment, the thickness per sheet is calculated by the display unit 61 and the memory 502 (sheet material thickness calculating means), and the paper is fed by the distance measuring sensor (remaining thickness detecting means) 38. The thickness of the entire sheet remaining on the deck 31 is detected. Then, the main CPU 501 operates these display units 6.
1. Paper feeding decks (sheet material feeding means) 31, 34 based on data from the memory 502 and the distance measuring sensor 38.
The number of remaining sheets is calculated. In this regard, the main CPU 501 functions as a remaining number calculating means.

When the remaining number of sheets x is calculated in this manner, CP
The U501 compares the “number of bound sheets m” stored in the memory (number-of-sheets storage means) 502 with the above-mentioned remaining number of sheets x (see S15 in FIG. 9). That is, the CPU 501 has not only a function as a remaining number calculating unit but also a function as a number comparing unit.

When the number of bound sheets m is larger than the number of remaining sheets x (m> x), it is clear that one book is not completed with the current number of remaining sheets x. Means) not only the heating of the bind tape by 79, but also the transfer to the copy and bookbinding mode is stopped, and a paper replenishment display indicating that the number of sheets remaining on the paper feed deck 31 or 34 is insufficient, or a message indicating that. Is issued, and paper supply is prompted (see FIG. 9, S16).

Conversely, when the number of bound sheets m is smaller than the number of remaining sheets x (m <x), the main CPU 501
Issue a start command of the binding operation sequence
The CPU 509 starts the binding operation sequence for one book (see S18 in FIG. 9).

In the present embodiment, the bookbinding operation sequence includes an image reading step, a feeding step, an alignment step, a tape heating step, and a bonding step. Hereinafter, each step will be described with reference to FIG. <Image reading step> As described above, the copy / binding conditions are input by the operation device 6, the document P is set on the document loading table 12, and the start key is pressed. The transfer of P is started. This manuscript P
Are separated one by one by a separation roller 14 and conveyed to an image reading position g via a conveyance path a.

When the original P is conveyed to the image reading position g, the original P is illuminated by the original illumination lamp 21, and the reflected light is converted into image data by the optical system controller 23 via the mirror group 22. Is sent to a laser unit 47 of the printer device 4 described later. Thereafter, the document P is discharged from the image reading position g to the document discharge table 13. <Feeding process> On the other hand, in the paper feeding decks 31 and 34,
The paper feed roller 32 or 35 is driven to rotate, and a plurality of stored papers are sequentially fed to the printer device 4 via the transport path 37.

Then, an image is formed on a sheet in the printer device 4. The sheet on which the image formation is completed is conveyed to the alignment and bonding device 7 after being fixed by the fixing device 51.

At this time, the flapper 71 has been switched to the position shown in the figure, and the paper is transported to the paper alignment tray 73 via the transport path 72. <Alignment Step> The plurality of sheets conveyed to the sheet alignment tray 73 are swept toward the shutter 78 by the sweeping member 75 described above, and the leading ends thereof are regulated by the shutter 78 and aligned. Be loaded.

On the other hand, the CPU 509 drives the side regulating member 74 to the near side while setting the detection timing of the conveyance sheet detection sensor 90. Thus, the paper on the paper alignment tray 73 is moved toward the reference side (not shown) to perform alignment in the paper width direction. <Tape Heating Step> On the other hand, at the same time that the transport paper detection sensor (feed detection means) 90 detects that the first paper has been fed to the transport path 72, the CPU 509 sends the roll paper from the first tape reel 85. (Not shown), and cut into a predetermined length (the length in the width direction of the sheet bundle) by the cutter 87 to make the bind tape into a strip shape.

The tape carriage 88 moves up to the tape receiving position to receive the strip-shaped bind tape,
It descends to the delivery position of the tape fusion unit and delivers the bind tape to the tape fusion unit 79. The transfer of the tape from the tape carriage 88 to the tape fusion unit 79 is performed by rotation of a pair of rollers (not shown) in the tape carriage 88.

When the bind tape is set on a tape guide (not shown) in the tape fusing unit 79, the back heater starts heating the bind tape.

This tape heating step is completed at least almost at the same time as the end of the alignment step before the feeding of one sheet of paper to the alignment tray (alignment means) 73 is completed. .

On the other hand, when one bookbinding sheet bundle is conveyed to the sheet aligning tray 73 and the alignment is completed, the clamp member 76 clamps the sheet bundle. Simultaneously with the clamping, the shutter 78 moves to the retracted position, and the clamp member 76 linearly conveys the sheet bundle from above the alignment tray 73 to the tape fusion unit 79.

When a plurality of books are bound, even if one bookbinding sheet bundle is conveyed to the sheet alignment tray 73, the next sheet bundle of sheets is conveyed continuously. Become. In this case, the stop finger 77 operates at the same time when the transfer of one bookbinding sheet bundle to the sheet aligning tray 73 is completed, and several sheets of paper from the top of the next sheet bundle are temporarily moved. Start storing. Then, when the sheet bundle is carried out of the alignment tray 73 by the clamp member 76, the stop finger 77 is moved to the retracted position and the shutter 78 is returned to the abutting position. <Adhesion Step> When the sheet bundle is conveyed to the tape fusion unit 79, the already heated bind tape is pressed against the leading end surface (back surface) of the sheet bundle, and the back surface portion is adhered. After that, both sides of the leading end of the sheet bundle are pressed by the side heater to bind the sides of the sheet bundle.

As a result, the plurality of aligned paper sheets are bonded by the bind tape and bound.

When the binding of the side of the sheet bundle is completed,
The side heater is retracted, and the clamp member 76 attaches the sheet bundle (bound bookbinding product after binding) to the tape fusion unit 79.
And discharged onto the receiving tray 81.

Then, the receiving tray 81 is lowered, and the finished book is placed on the carriage 82. Further, the carriage 82 descends and stores the finished book in the stacker 83 or 84. Note that the finished bookbinding product is stacked 8
Which of 3, 84 is to be stored is specified in advance.

Thus, the bookbinding operation sequence for one book is completed (see S18 in FIG. 9).

On the other hand, when the bookbinding operation sequence for one book is completed, the count value (flag) n of the number of booklets is reduced by one (see S19 in FIG. 9), and it is determined whether or not the count value n is 0 (see FIG. 9, S19). (See FIG. 9, S20).

When n ≠ 0, the bookbinding operation sequence is repeated from the calculation of the number of remaining sheets x (FIG. 9, S1).
4 to S20).

When n = 0, the online device C
1 to a standby state (see S21 in FIG. 9),
The operation sequence of the online device C1 ends.

Next, effects of the present embodiment will be described.

According to the present embodiment, the conveyance sheet detection sensor 90 detects that the first sheet has been fed to the conveyance path 72.
Is detected, the binding tape is cut and transported to the tape fusing unit 79 to start heating the tape,
Before the feeding of one sheet of paper to the alignment tray 73 is completed, the heating of the tape is completed at least almost at the same time as the completion of the alignment process. Therefore, the time required for a series of operations such as an image reading process, a feeding process, an alignment process, a tape heating process, and a bonding process can be reduced.

Further, a series of operations such as a tape heating step of heating the bind tape and an image reading step, a feeding step, an alignment step, and a bonding step are performed when the number of bound sheets m is smaller than the number of remaining sheets x (m <X) only, and not performed when the number of bound sheets m is larger than the number of remaining sheets x (m> x). Therefore, the sheets do not run out during the heating of the bind tape, and the sheets are aligned. The end timing and the end timing of the heating of the bind tape can be matched. As a result, the melting state of the bind tape can be managed, and the appearance quality and inward quality of the bookbinding bundle can be improved. Further, there is no need to remove the bind tape once heated, which eliminates troublesome work and eliminates waste of the tape.

Particularly, as described above, the bind tape is heated after the transport paper detection sensor 90 detects that the first paper has been fed to the transport path 72. It will be sure.

On the other hand, when the number of bound sheets m is larger than the number of remaining sheets x (m> x), not only the heating of the bind tape but also the transition to the copying and binding mode is stopped, and the sheet feeding deck 31 or 34 is stopped. In such a case, a paper replenishment display indicating that the number of remaining papers is insufficient is performed, so that the bookbinding operation can be smoothly returned.

The sheet thickness calculating means includes a display unit 61 for selecting (inputting) the type of paper, and a display unit 61 for each type of paper.
The memory 502 stores the thickness per sheet, and the thickness per sheet is calculated based on a signal from the display unit 61. When the thickness per sheet is calculated, it is calculated based on the data. Therefore, the user only has to input the type of paper, and the operation is simpler than when directly inputting the thickness per sheet.

Further, the on-line device C1 according to the present embodiment comprises an image reading device 2 for reading image data of a document.
A document feeder 1 for sequentially transporting a document to the image reading device 2, and a printer 4 for writing image data read by the image reading device 2 on paper, and a paper feeder 3.
However, when the paper is fed to the alignment tray 73 via the printer device 4, a series of operations such as image reading, paper feeding, paper alignment, heating of the bind tape, and book binding are performed. It can be done smoothly.

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The same portions as those shown in FIGS. 1 to 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of a bookbinding apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as “on-line apparatus”) according to the second embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a control apparatus thereof. .

[0096] Online device C2 according to the present embodiment.
Has paper thickness sensors (sheet material thickness calculating means) 25 and 26 in the paper transport paths 33 and 36 as shown in FIG. 14 so as to detect the thickness per transported paper. Has become.

These paper thickness sensors 25 and 26 are connected to the main CPU 501 as shown in FIG. 15, and control signals 510 and 512 are supplied from output ports of the main CPU 501 to the paper thickness sensors 25 and 26, respectively. From the paper thickness sensors 25 and 26 to the A /
Output analog signals 511 and 513 are transmitted to the D port, respectively.

Now, when the main CPU 501 outputs control signals 510 and 512 to the sheet thickness sensors 25 and 26, the sheet thickness sensors 25 and 26 detect the sheet thickness based on the signals and detect the detected sheet thickness. Output analog signals 511 and 513 of 0 to 5 V according to the thickness are output to the main CPU 501. Then, the main CPU 50
1 calculates the sheet thickness t1 based on the signal.

In the present embodiment, the number of remaining sheets x of the decks 31, 34 is calculated using the sheet thickness t1.

The other structure is the same as that of the first embodiment.

Next, effects of the present embodiment will be described.

According to the present embodiment, the paper thickness sensors 25 and 26 are provided as sheet material thickness calculating means to detect the thickness of each conveyed paper, so that the type of paper is input. There is no need, and the operation is much easier.

Also, in the present embodiment, the same effects as in the above embodiment can be obtained.

That is, the image reading step, the feeding step,
In a series of operations such as the alignment process, the tape heating process, and the bonding process, the operation time can be reduced.

Further, the timing at which the alignment of the paper is completed and the timing at which the heating of the bind tape is completed can be matched without the paper running out during the heating of the bind tape. As a result, the melting state of the bind tape can be managed, and the appearance quality and inward quality of the bookbinding bundle can be improved. Further, there is no need to remove the bind tape once heated, which eliminates troublesome work and eliminates waste of the tape.

Particularly, since the bind tape is heated after the transport paper detection sensor 90 detects that the first paper has been fed to the transport path 72, the above-described effect is ensured. .

On the other hand, when the number of bound sheets m is larger than the number of remaining sheets x (m> x), a sheet replenishment display indicating that the number of sheets remaining on the sheet feeding deck 31 or 34 is insufficient. Therefore, the bookbinding operation can be smoothly returned.

Further, the online device C2 according to the present embodiment is an image reading device 2 for reading image data of a document.
A document feeder 1 for sequentially transporting a document to the image reading device 2, and a printer 4 for writing image data read by the image reading device 2 on paper, and a paper feeder 3.
However, when the paper is fed to the alignment tray 73 via the printer device 4, a series of operations such as image reading, paper feeding, paper alignment, heating of the bind tape, and book binding are performed. It can be done smoothly.

[0109]

As described above, according to the present invention,
Since the heating of the adhesive tape is started before the feeding of the sheet material to the alignment means is completed, the working time can be reduced.

The heating of the adhesive tape is performed only when the number of sheets required for bookbinding is smaller than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet feeding means. Is not performed when the number of sheets remaining in the sheet feeding means is larger than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet feeding means. The timing and the timing of finishing the heating of the adhesive tape can be matched. As a result, the melting state of the adhesive tape can be controlled, and the appearance quality and inward quality of the bookbinding bundle can be improved. Further, there is no need to remove the adhesive tape once heated, which eliminates troublesome work and eliminates waste of the tape.

In particular, a feed detecting means for detecting the feeding of the sheet material is disposed between the aligning means and the sheet material feeding means, and the feed detecting means detects the heating of the adhesive tape by the first sheet. If the feeding of materials is detected, the work time can be shortened, the appearance and internal quality of the booklet bundle can be improved, the work of removing the adhesive tape once heated can be avoided, and waste of the adhesive tape can be ensured. Can be prevented.

On the other hand, when the number of sheet materials necessary for bookbinding is larger than the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means, the heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is stopped. By displaying or warning that the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means is insufficient, the bookbinding operation can be smoothly returned.

The sheet material thickness calculating means is constituted by sheet type input means for inputting the type of sheet material and thickness storage means for storing the thickness per sheet for each type of sheet material. When the thickness per sheet material is calculated based on the signal from the sheet type input means, the operation is simpler than when the thickness per sheet material is directly input.

Further, when the sheet material thickness calculating means is a sensor arranged on the sheet material conveyance path to detect the thickness per sheet material, it is not necessary to input the type of the sheet material. The operation is further simplified.

Further, image reading means for reading image data of the document, document feeding means for sequentially transporting the document to the image reading means, printer means for writing the image data read by the image reading means on a sheet material, And, when the sheet material feeding means is configured to feed the sheet material to the alignment means via the printer means, image reading, sheet material feeding, sheet material alignment,
A series of operations such as heating the adhesive tape and binding the sheet material can be performed smoothly.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an exemplary sectional view showing the overall configuration of an online device according to a first embodiment;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are diagrams illustrating a configuration of a sheet feeding deck 31, wherein FIG. 2A is a plan view and FIG.

FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a state where sheets are placed on a sheet feeding deck.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a control device of the online device.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing thickness data t and basis data g for various types of paper.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing display contents of a display unit of the operation device.

FIG. 7 is a view showing display contents of a display unit when a user mode is selected.

FIG. 8 is a view showing display contents of a display unit when a thickness setting mode is selected.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a bookbinding method according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining the operation in calculating the number of remaining sheets.

FIG. 11 shows 8-bit output data from a distance measuring sensor,
FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a relationship between sheet thickness data and the number of remaining sheets.

FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which sheets are not stacked on a sheet feeding deck.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state where sheets are stacked on a sheet feeding deck.

FIG. 14 is an exemplary sectional view showing the overall configuration of an online device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a block diagram showing a control device of the online device.

[Explanation of symbols]

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 Document feeder (document feeder) 2 Image reader (image reader) 3 Paper feeder (sheet material feeder) 4 Printer (printer) 7 Alignment bonding device 25, 26 Paper thickness sensor (sheet material thickness) Calculation means) 31, 34 Paper feeding deck (sheet material feeding means) 38, 39 Distance measuring sensor (residual thickness detecting means) 61 Display unit (sheet material thickness calculating means, sheet type input means) 73 Matching tray (matching means) 79 Tape fusion unit (tape heating means, adhesive means) 90 Conveyed paper detection sensor (feed detection means) 405 Bottom plate (sheet material stacking member) 501 Main CPU (remaining number calculation means, number comparison means) 502 Memory (number storage) Means, sheet material thickness calculating means, thickness storing means) C1 online device (bookbinding device) C2 online device (bookbinding device) P manuscript

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Kiyoshi Okamoto 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Canon Inc.

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A sheet material feeding means for storing a plurality of sheet materials and sequentially feeding the plurality of sheet materials, and an alignment for aligning the plurality of sheet materials fed by the sheet material feeding means. Means, a tape heating means for heating the adhesive tape, and an adhesive means for bonding a plurality of aligned sheet materials with the adhesive tape for bookbinding, and feeding the sheet material to the aligning means. In the bookbinding apparatus which starts heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means before the end of, when the number of sheets required for bookbinding is larger than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet material feeding means, Does not perform heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means, and, if the number of sheets required for bookbinding is less than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet material feeding means, The heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is started, and the feeding of the sheet material by the sheet material feeding means, the alignment of the sheet material by the alignment means, and the bookbinding by the bonding means are performed. Bookbinding device. 2. A number storage means for storing the number of sheet materials necessary for bookbinding; a remaining number calculation means for calculating the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means; A number comparing means for comparing the number of sheets required for bookbinding with the number of sheets remaining in the sheet material feeding means, based on a signal from the remaining number calculating means, If the number of required sheet materials is larger than the number of remaining sheet materials in the sheet material feeding means, the heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is not performed, and the number of sheets required for bookbinding is reduced. When the number of sheet materials is smaller than the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means, heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is started, and sheet material feeding by the sheet material feeding means is started. , Alignment of the sheet material by the matching means, and carrying out the binding by the adhesive means, it bookbinding device according to claim 1, wherein. 3. A feed detecting means disposed between the aligning means and the sheet material feeding means for detecting the feeding of the sheet material, wherein the feeding of the first sheet material is detected by the feed detecting means. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein, when the means detects, the heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is started. 4. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adhesive tape is a bind tape coated with a hot melt adhesive. 5. When the number of sheets required for bookbinding is larger than the number of sheets remaining in the sheet material feeding means, heating of the adhesive tape by the tape heating means is not performed, and The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein a display or a warning indicating that the number of sheet materials remaining in the sheet material feeding means is insufficient is performed. 6. The remaining sheet number calculating means for detecting the thickness of the entire sheet material remaining in the sheet material feeding means, and the sheet material thickness for calculating the thickness per sheet material. Calculating means, and calculating the number of sheets remaining in the sheet material feeding means based on data from the remaining thickness detecting means and the sheet material thickness calculating means, The bookbinding device according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein 7. The sheet material feeding means has a sheet material loading member on which a plurality of sheet materials are placed and which moves in accordance with the remaining number of sheet materials, and wherein the remaining thickness detecting means comprises the sheet material. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the thickness of the entire sheet material remaining in the sheet material feeding means is detected based on the position of the stacking member. 8. The residual thickness detecting means includes a light emitting means for emitting light for measurement, and a light receiving means for receiving light emitted from the light emitting means and reflected by the sheet material stacking member, and 8. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the thickness of the entire sheet material remaining in the sheet material feeding means is detected based on a reflection angle of the reflected light. 9. The sheet material thickness calculating means includes sheet type input means for inputting the type of sheet material, and thickness storage means for storing the thickness per sheet for each type of sheet material. The bookbinding apparatus according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein a thickness per sheet material is calculated based on a signal from the sheet type input unit. 10. The sheet material thickness calculating means according to claim 6, wherein said sheet material thickness calculating means is a sensor arranged on a sheet material conveying path to detect a thickness per sheet material. The bookbinding device described in the item. 11. Image reading means for reading image data of a document, document feeding means for sequentially transporting the document to the image reading means, and printer means for writing the image data read by the image reading means on a sheet material. 11. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet material feeding unit feeds the sheet material to the alignment unit via the printer unit. 12. 12. A feeding step of sequentially feeding a plurality of stored sheet materials, an alignment step of aligning a plurality of fed sheet materials, a tape heating step of heating an adhesive tape, and an alignment step. A bonding step of bonding the plurality of sheet materials with the adhesive tape to perform bookbinding, wherein the tape heating step is completed almost simultaneously with the completion of the alignment step. When the number of sheets is larger than the number of stored sheets, the tape heating step is not performed, and when the number of sheets required for bookbinding is smaller than the number of stored sheets. Performing the tape heating step, the feeding step, the alignment step, and the bonding step.