JPH10250908A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select a process as to whether priority is given to processing efficiency or to high grade finish depending on the number of bundled paper sheets by rotating the direction of a stored image so that a stapling position relative to an image formed on a paper sheet is identical to the specified position. SOLUTION: A user arbitrarily inputs a copy mode and specifies a stapling position relative to an image. Documents set with an ADF 12 are fed in sequence for reading an image and storing the image in a memory. Then, the number of sheets to be delivered is calculated on the basis of the specified copy mode and the number of the sheets carried with the ADF 12, and a comparison is made between the calculated number of delivery sheets and the preset number of sheets. When the delivery number is equal to or less than the preset number, a trailing end stapling mode is selected and the 180-degree rotation of an image direction is specified. When the delivery number exceeds the preset number, a leading end stapling mode is selected. According to this construction, a suitable stapling position with due consideration of high grade finish and productivity can be automatically selected. depending on the number of bundled streets.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus in which an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer is connected to a finisher for performing a stapling process on a plurality of output sheets. The present invention relates to an image forming system whose position can be arbitrarily changed.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As one form of an image forming system,
2. Description of the Related Art Some image forming apparatuses such as copiers and printers are provided with a post-processing apparatus that performs stapling on a plurality of sheets output from the image forming apparatus. Here, this post-processing device is referred to as a finisher.

In a finisher that performs such a stapling process, sheets output from a copying machine, a printer, or the like are temporarily stored in an alignment stacking tray in order to align the end portions of the sheets, and thereafter, the sheets are output to the end near the stapling means. A stapling process is generally performed by driving a staple. This is to reduce the transport distance of the sheet bundle before performing the stapling process as much as possible, and to prevent the sheet bundle from becoming irregular due to the transport.

[0004]

As an application of an image forming system provided with such a finisher, for example, in a copying machine, a copy source document consisting of a plurality of pages is set, and each page is copied to form a plurality of copies. A set of stapled sheets may be obtained. Here, the operation of obtaining one stapled sheet bundle is referred to as one job.

In a conventional finisher, as described above,
Since the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle on the side closest to the stapling means, the trailing end of the sheet bundle remains in the sheet aligning / stacking unit during the stapling operation. Until the stapling process of the sheet bundle in the sheet stack is completed and the trailing end of the sheet bundle comes off from the sheet alignment stacking unit, the accommodating operation to the next set of sheet alignment stacking unit cannot be performed. It is necessary to wait until the stapling process and the conveyance are completed, and there is a problem that the overall processing efficiency is deteriorated when stapling a plurality of jobs.

In order to solve such a problem, if the stapling process is performed on the rear end portion of the sheet bundle in the transport direction during the stapling process, the trailing end of the sheet bundle remains in the sheet aligning / accumulating portion. Thus, the copying of the next job can be started without waiting for the previous stapling process, and the sheets can be stored in the sheet aligning / stacking section.

However, when stapling the rear end portion in the transport direction when the number of sheets in one sheet bundle is large, the transport distance in the state before the stapling process is inevitably long. At the time of stapling, the end portion of the sheet may be disturbed and the appearance may be poor.

Therefore, a first object of the present invention is to determine whether to prioritize processing efficiency or good finishing after stapling when performing a plurality of stapling processes, the number of sheets in a sheet bundle per job. The purpose of the present invention is to provide an image forming system which selects the image forming system in accordance with the conditions.

A second object of the present invention is to select, when performing a plurality of stapling processes, whether to prioritize the processing efficiency or to prioritize good finishing after stapling according to a user's judgment. To provide an image forming system.

[0010]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming means for forming and outputting an image on a sheet, and storing information on the image to be formed. Image information storage means, calculating means for calculating the number of output sheets for one job which is formed and output by the image forming means, and binding position designating means for designating a binding position for an image when stapling by stapling means Staple position selecting means for selecting either the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding for a sheet bundle of one job in accordance with the number of output sheets of one job obtained by the arithmetic means, and the staple position In accordance with the staple position selected by the selection means, the binding position for the image formed on the sheet becomes the position designated by the binding position designation means. Sea urchin, an image forming system characterized by having an image processing means for rotating the orientation of the image stored in said image information storage means.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, information of an image to be formed is stored in the image information storage means, and the number of stored images and a predetermined number of images for each image are stored. The number of outputs (for example, one image is output on a plurality of sheets such as two sheets or three sheets per image, or a plurality of images are output together on one sheet, or two images are output. Is set on the both sides of one sheet of paper, and the number of output sheets is output. Then, the stapling position selecting means determines either the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding in accordance with the number of sheets of output paper obtained by the calculating means. At this time, the stapling position for the specified image is not changed between the front stapling and the rear stapling. As processed
The image processing means rotates the direction of the image. Then, an image is formed on the sheet. The sheet on which the image is formed is output, and 1
After the sheet bundle for the job is accumulated, either the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding is performed by the stapling means according to the selected stapling position.

A second aspect of the present invention for achieving the second object.
According to the invention described above, an image forming unit that forms and outputs an image on a sheet, an image information storage unit that stores information of an image to be formed, and a sheet after image formation output from the image forming unit are aligned. Aligning means, stapling means for performing either leading edge binding or trailing edge binding on a sheet bundle aligned by the aligning means, and a binding position designation for designating a binding position for an image when stapling is performed by the stapling means. Means, image processing means for rotating the orientation of the image stored in the image information storage means, so that the binding position for the image formed on the paper is the position specified by the binding position designation means, An image forming system comprising:

According to the second aspect of the present invention, information of an image to be formed is stored in the image information storage means. Then, so that the stapling position of the image does not change between the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding, for example, in either case of the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding, the image is stapled to the right or left side. The image processing means rotates the direction of the image. Then, an image is formed on the sheet. After the sheet on which the image is formed is output and the sheet bundle for one job is accumulated and aligned in the aligning unit, either the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding is performed by the stapling unit.

[0014]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG.
An embodiment of the present invention will be described.

FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional explanatory view showing an embodiment in which a finisher 100 is connected to a copying machine 10 as an image forming system to which the present invention is applied, and FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration showing a main part of the finisher 100. FIG.

In this specification, the direction in which the paper is transported is referred to as a "paper transport direction", and the direction orthogonal to the paper transport direction is referred to as a "paper transport orthogonal direction". Also,
The paper orientation when the longitudinal direction of the paper is along the paper transport direction with respect to the paper transport direction is referred to as “vertical”, and the paper orientation when the longitudinal direction of the paper is orthogonal to the paper transport direction is “horizontal”. That.

<Copier 10> The copier 10, to which the finisher 100 is connected, reads an image on the document surface, temporarily stores it in a memory, performs various image editing processes as necessary, and then executes a known electrophotographic method. This is a so-called digital copying machine that forms an image on a sheet and discharges the copied sheets one by one from the sheet discharging unit 10b.

The copying machine 10 has an automatic document feeder 12 (hereinafter, referred to as an ADF) mounted on an upper portion thereof. The ADF 12 sends one or a plurality of documents (groups of documents) set on the tray 14 one by one onto a platen glass (not shown) of the copying machine 10, and places the documents on the tray 16 after image reading is completed. To be loaded and loaded.

The copying machine 10 of the present embodiment is a so-called first page system for starting a copying operation from the first page of a document group or the like.
A document group or the like is set with the first page facing upward. In the first page system copier, for example, in the case of two-sided copying in which a single-sided original is copied on the front and back of one sheet, there is no need to specify or detect whether the original group is an odd number or an even number, and the copying operation can be performed quickly. And the like.

The original set on the platen glass by the ADF 12 or the like is read by an image reader (not shown) built in the copier 10, converted into digital data, and stored in the memory of the control unit. Is done. The copy operation is executed by reading out the image data and adding necessary editing, for example, changing the page order, image inversion processing, or copy processing on both sides.

[Paper Inversion Switching Mechanism] The copying machine 1
A paper reversing mechanism 20 for reversing the front and back of the copied paper is provided in the vicinity of the zero discharge unit 10b. The copying machine 10 has a first path 21 for reversing the paper by the paper reversing mechanism 20 and then discharging the paper from the discharge unit 10b.
After the sheet is inverted by the sheet reversing mechanism 20, the sheet is circulated in the copying machine 10 and a second path 22 for further copying (duplex copying) on the back side of the copied surface, and without passing through the sheet reversing mechanism Has three paths, namely, a third path 23 for directly discharging from the discharge section 10b. 3 above
The two paths are selectively switchable.

The copying machine 10 determines whether or not the copied sheet is to be folded, is stapled, and is based on the operation mode set by the user and the sheet size to be copied. It is determined whether or not the processing is performed, and the information is output to the finisher 100.

<< Schematic Configuration and Schematic Operation of Finisher 100 >> [Schematic Configuration] The finisher 100 of the present embodiment performs printing on the sheets P discharged from the discharge unit 10b of the copying machine 10 and conveyed one by one as necessary. Selective or a combination of folding processing such as folding and Z-folding (Z-folding), punching processing for filing holes at the end of paper P, and stapling processing for stapling a bundle of paper. It is what you do. In addition, the finisher 100 determines the transport mode, stacking mode, folding mode, and the like of the paper P on the assumption that the finisher 100 is used by being connected to a copier 10 or a printer as an image forming apparatus of a first page system. .

As shown in FIG. 2, the finisher 100 includes a carry-in section 150 for carrying the paper P discharged from the discharge section 10b into the finisher 100, and a paper for forming a fold on the paper P conveyed one by one. Folding device 200, 1
A punching device 300 for punching a filing hole in a sheet P conveyed sheet by sheet, and a sheet P before the stapling process.
A post-processing tray unit 400 for stacking and aligning the sheets, a stapling apparatus 500 disposed downstream of the post-processing tray unit 400 for stapling the stacked and aligned sheet bundle, and a stapled sheet bundle or stapling process. A stacking tray unit 600 capable of storing any of the sheets that are not used,
And a paper discharge tray unit 110 on which the paper P discharged from the finisher 100 is stacked.

The loading section 150 includes the transport roller 101 and a guide plate. The paper folding device 200 includes a plurality of paper folding rollers 207, 208, and 209, and folds the paper P between the paper folding rollers 207, 208, and 209. Further, the stapling apparatus 500 is configured to be movable in two directions, that is, the sheet conveyance direction and the sheet conveyance orthogonal direction of the sheet bundle stacked and aligned in the post-processing tray unit 400.

In order to convey the paper P toward each part in the finisher 100, conveyance rollers 104, 106, and 111 for conveying the paper one by one to the post-processing tray 400 are arranged in the paper conveyance path. In addition, a conveyance path for conveying the sheet bundle from the post-processing tray section 400 to the accumulation tray section 600 includes sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 1.
Reference numerals 15, 116 and 117, and 119 and 120 are provided, and a transport roller 121 for directly transporting the paper P to the stacking tray 600 is provided. A discharge roller 109 for discharging the sheet P to the discharge tray unit 110 and a post-processing tray unit 400
Roller 113 for discharging paper P to the stacking tray 6
00, a discharge roller 122 for discharging a sheet or a sheet bundle,
123 are arranged.

In order to switch the transport destination of the paper P, a plurality of switching claws 201, 103, 107 are provided along the paper transport path.
Is provided. A switching claw 201 disposed between the carry-in section 150 and the paper folding device 200 switches whether or not the paper P is fed into the paper folding device 200. This switching claw 20
The punching device 300 is disposed downstream of the loading unit 15.
Drilling can be performed on either the paper conveyed from zero or the paper conveyed from the paper folding device 200. The switching claw 103 disposed on the downstream side of the punching device 300 is used to convey the paper P toward the discharge tray unit 110 or the post-processing tray unit 400, or to directly convey the paper P toward the accumulation tray unit 600. Switch. The switching claw 107 disposed downstream of the switching claw 103 switches between transporting the paper P toward the discharge tray unit 110 and transporting the paper P toward the post-processing tray unit 400.

In order to drive and stop each section in the finisher 100, a plurality of sensors 10 for detecting the sheet P are provided in the middle of the sheet or sheet bundle conveyance path.
2, 105, 108, 112, 118, 124, 225
And so on.

Further, the finisher 100 of the present embodiment
Has a guide unit 160 for preventing a discharge failure when a sheet bundle subjected to saddle stapling as in a weekly magazine is discharged to the accumulation tray unit 600. Guide means 160 in the illustrated example
Is a movable auxiliary guide member 12 that supports the lower surface of the bundle of sheets discharged from the discharge rollers 122 and 123.
5 is comprised.

The stacking tray 600 is formed by a well-known method.
It can be moved up and down depending on the amount of sheets or sheet bundle to be discharged, and is gradually moved downward as the amount of sheets or sheet bundle increases.

[Outline Operation] As described above, the finisher 100 is capable of performing a plurality of sheet post-processings (folding, punching, and stapling). Can be arbitrarily selected.

For example, when the user selects a mode in which stapling is not performed, the discharge unit 10 of the copying machine 10
The sheet P discharged from b is subjected to a process selected by the user by the folding device 200 and the punching device 300,
Rollers are conveyed toward the discharge tray unit 110 or the accumulation tray unit 600, and are stacked on these tray units 110 and 600.

On the other hand, when the user selects the stapling mode, the user first selects the sheet P by the paper folding device 200 and the punching device 300, similarly to the case where the stapling mode is not selected. Is performed. Then, the predetermined number of sheets P that have been folded or punched are conveyed toward the post-processing tray unit 400, and are sequentially stacked and aligned on the post-processing tray unit 400. Thereafter, the stacked and aligned sheets P are conveyed by rollers as one sheet bundle and sent to the stapling apparatus 500.

After stapling at a position desired by the user in the stapling apparatus 500, the stapled sheet bundle is conveyed by a roller toward the stacking tray section 600 and stacked on the stacking tray section 600.

In the finisher 100, means for processing each conveyed sheet, that is, the paper folding device 20
0 and the punching device 300 are arranged at the most upstream branch point (switching claw 103) of the transport path to each of a plurality of sheet stacking units (collectively, the discharge tray unit 110, the post-processing tray unit 400, and the stacking tray unit 600). Is located further upstream than the position where it is performed. For this reason, it is possible to discharge the sheet that has been subjected to the sheet processing (folding and punching in this embodiment) for each sheet to any of the sheet stacking units.

Hereinafter, the main mechanism of the finisher 100 according to the present invention will be described in detail.

<< Post-processing Tray Unit 400 >> FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a schematic configuration of the post-processing tray unit 400 and a stapling apparatus 500 provided downstream thereof.

For convenience of explanation, the post-processing tray 401
The alignment along the paper transport direction (FD direction) when the paper is transported from the printer to the stapling apparatus 500 is referred to as “FD alignment”.
The alignment along the paper transport width direction (CD direction), which is a direction perpendicular to the paper transport, is also referred to as “CD alignment”.

The post-processing tray section 400 has a post-processing tray 401 for temporarily storing the sheet, which has already been turned upside down at the upstream portion and is discharged by the discharge roller 113, face down, and a sheet in the post-processing tray 401. Outlet 401a
Leading edge stopper 409 which is arranged at the edge and performs FD alignment of paper
And a pair of horizontal alignment plates 402 for performing CD alignment of the sheet discharged by the discharge roller 113, and the leading end stopper 40 by contacting the leading end of the sheet discharged by the discharge roller 113.
Rear end stopper 4 for stably performing FD alignment by
03, and first sheet bundle transport rollers 114 and 115 that transport a predetermined number of sheets stored in the post-processing tray 401 to the stapling apparatus 500 as one bundle.

The post-processing tray 401 has a sheet discharge port 4
01a is arranged to be inclined downward at a predetermined angle. A pair of horizontal alignment plates (hereinafter, also referred to as “horizontal alignment plate pairs”) 402 are symmetrically movable along the CD direction, and the rear end stopper 403 is movably arranged along the FD direction. . The FD alignment and the CD alignment are performed in the post-processing tray 401.
Is performed each time a sheet is stored in the printer. The first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 include a lower roller 114 and an upper roller 115, and the upper roller 115 moves substantially vertically and is configured to be able to press against or separate from the lower roller 114. I have.

The horizontal alignment plate pair 402 is
The post-processing tray 4 is composed of a plate member having a height dimension (L1) larger than the maximum height of the sheet bundle that can be accommodated thereon.
01 are attached to a pair of racks 420 provided along the CD direction on the back side of the drive unit 01, respectively. Rack 420
Are mounted facing each other so as to sandwich a gear 421 that is rotationally driven by a stepping motor 408. As the gear 421 rotates, the horizontal alignment plate pair 402 moves symmetrically along the CD direction. Specifically, the horizontal alignment plate pair 402 is
At the time of forward rotation of 8, it moves in the direction approaching each other, and at the time of reverse rotation, it moves in the direction away from each other.

In the standby position of the horizontal alignment plate pair 402,
There is a first standby position and a second standby position. The first standby position is a standby position before the sheet is discharged by the discharge roller 113. The second standby position is a standby position that is slightly larger than the sheet size and waits for the sheet to be ejected by the ejection roller 113, though it is changed according to the sheet size to be ejected. The horizontal alignment plate pair 402 includes a first standby position, a second standby position, and a discharge roller 113.
Thus, the sheet discharged can be freely moved between alignment positions for CD alignment.

A plurality of sensors used for positioning the horizontal alignment plate pair 402 are provided on the lower surface of the post-processing tray 401. The horizontal alignment plate pair 402 is integrally provided with a light shielding plate for blocking light from each sensor. Attached to. The light shielding plate shields the light from the sensor, whereby the first and second standby positions are located. The positioning of the alignment position of the horizontal alignment plate pair 402 is performed by controlling the number of pulses applied to the stepping motor 408 and controlling the rotation amount of the gear 421.

The tip stopper 409 is connected to a bottom plate 409a.
And the closing part 4 rising from the tip of the bottom plate part 409a.
09b, and is attached to the lower surface of the post-processing tray 401 so as to be rotatable around a fulcrum 430 provided on the bottom plate 409a. The front end stopper 409 is urged by a spring or the like to
01 is in contact with the projection on the lower surface. The closing portion 409b of the leading end stopper 409 forms an alignment reference side in the paper transport direction of the paper stored in the post-processing tray 401. Then, by pulling a link arm (not shown) connected to the bottom plate portion 409a backward by a solenoid, the closing portion 409b of the leading end stopper 409 rotates in an arc around the fulcrum 430 and moves downward, and The sheet discharge port 401a for carrying out the bundle to the stapling apparatus 500 is opened.

The rear end stopper 403 is connected to the plate-shaped member 412.
And a sponge member 411 attached to the surface of the plate-shaped member 412 that is in contact with the sheet, and a structure 413 supporting the plate-shaped member 412. The plate member 41
A substantially upper half of 2 is formed in a round shape slightly curved toward the sheet discharge port 401a from a direction perpendicular to the upper surface of the post-processing tray 401.

The following advantages are obtained by forming the plate-shaped member 412 of the rear end stopper 403 into a round shape. That is, regardless of the number of sheets already ejected and stored on the post-processing tray 401, the sheet size, or the presence or absence of the folding process, the stapling device 5
The trailing end of the sheet (corresponding to the leading end of the sheet when discharged from the discharge roller 113) in the sheet conveying direction when the sheet is conveyed toward 00 is always stably abutted on the plate member 412 of the rear end stopper 403. . As a result of this contact, the sheet is moved in the direction opposite to the direction in which the sheet is ejected. As a result, the leading end of the sheet along the sheet transport direction contacts the leading end stopper 409, and FD alignment is ensured. Further, the Z-folded paper has a state in which the trailing edge of the paper along the paper transport direction is slightly raised due to the fold. For this reason, by using the plate-shaped member 412 having an R-shaped upper portion, the sheet bundle including the Z-folded paper can be uniformly pushed into contact with the leading end stopper 409, and the sheet bundle including the Z-folded paper can be stapled. The deviation in the sheet conveyance direction when the sheet is conveyed to the printer 500 can be reliably corrected.

The structure 413 of the rear end stopper 403 is engaged with a spiral shaft 404 provided at the center of the lower surface of the post-processing tray 401 so as to extend in the sheet transport direction.
The spiral shaft 404 is connected to a drive motor 40 composed of a DC motor via a drive transmission unit (not shown) composed of a gear train.
6. Then, the rear end stopper 403 moves forward and backward by a desired amount along the sheet conveying direction by rotating the spiral shaft 404 by appropriately rotating the drive motor 406 in the forward and reverse directions.

<< Stapling Device 500 >> [Structure of Stapling Device 500] FIG. 4 shows a stapling device 500 including first and second sheet bundle conveying rollers 114-1.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram shown together with FIG.
FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing a configuration of the No. 0.

The stapling apparatus 500 performs a stapling process at a predetermined position of a sheet bundle nipped and conveyed by first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 located upstream of the stapling apparatus 500 in the sheet conveying direction. Yes, the head unit 501 and the anvil unit 5
02 and a support mechanism 5 for supporting both these units 501 and 502 movably and rotatably in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance.
20, a first drive mechanism 521 for moving both units 501 and 502 and a second drive mechanism 522 for rotating
Having. The stapling apparatus 500 is configured such that a member for connecting or connecting the head unit 501 and the anvil unit 502 does not cross the sheet transport path.

Further, a downstream side of the stapling apparatus 500 is provided with a second
The sheet bundle transport rollers 116 and 117 and a second staple position used for positioning the staple position with respect to the sheet bundle as described later.
A sensor 118 is provided.

The head unit 501 is a unit that cuts and folds staples housed in a staple cartridge (not shown) one by one, folds the staples into a U-shape, and punches out a sheet bundle with the staples. The unit 501 has a sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a staple stored in a staple cartridge.

The anvil unit 502 is a unit that bends the legs of the staples from which the sheet has been punched inward and receives the impact of the stapling operation by the head unit 501. The unit 502 includes a receiving plate that bends the staples inward and a support plate that receives the impact of the stapling operation.

As shown conceptually in FIG. 5, the support mechanism 520 includes a frame 510 having a pair of side walls 509a and 509b, and a support shaft extending in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance and supported by the frame 510. 503, 506. Side wall portions 509a and 509 in frame 510
b is set to be at least the dimension of the paper that can be passed in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction. Support shafts 503, 5
A support shaft 503 is inserted through the head unit 501 and a support shaft 506 is inserted through the anvil unit 502. Both units 501, 50
Numeral 2 is movable along the support shafts 503 and 506 in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance, and is rotatable about the support shafts 503 and 506.

The first drive mechanism 521 has a spiral shaft 504 inserted into the head unit 501 and a spiral shaft 507 inserted into the anvil unit 502. The spiral shafts 504 and 507 extend in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance and are supported by the frame 510. The rotation of the spiral shaft 504 causes the head unit 501 to move in the sheet conveyance orthogonal direction while being guided by the support shaft 503, and the rotation of the spiral shaft 507 causes the anvil unit 502 to move in the sheet conveyance orthogonal direction while being guided by the support shaft 506. Go to

The second drive mechanism 522 has a drive shaft 505 inserted through the head unit 501 and a drive shaft 508 inserted through the anvil unit 502. Each of the drive shafts 505 and 508 extends in a direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance and is supported by the frame 510. Drive shaft 505
Due to the rotation of the head unit 501, the driving force for performing the stapling operation is transmitted, and the head unit 501 rotates around the support shaft 503. By the rotation of the drive shaft 508, the anvil unit 502 performs the needle bending operation. The driving force for the rotation is transmitted to rotate around the support shaft 506. Each unit 501,
The drive shaft 505,
For 508, a shaft having a rectangular cross section that does not cause slippage is used. In the case where the drive shaft is formed of a round bar member, slippage between the drive shaft and each of the units 501 and 502 may be eliminated by a key and a key groove.

Each of the units 501 and 502 is
The plurality of inserted shafts 503 to 505 and 506 to 508 make it possible to move linearly and independently in parallel along the sheet conveyance orthogonal direction.

The head unit 501 and the anvil unit 502 are provided with a spiral shaft 50 having the same phase.
By the rotation of 4, 507, it moves along the sheet conveyance orthogonal direction. A timing belt 511 is stretched around each of the spiral shafts 504 and 507. This belt 5
11 is connected to the drive motor 512. The drive motor 512 is composed of a DC motor,
3, the rotation amount can be controlled. With this configuration, each of the units 501 and 502 can be moved by the same amount of movement. The first drive mechanism 521 includes the spiral shafts 504 and 507 and the timing belt 5.
11, a drive motor 512 and the like.

A home position sensor 516 is attached to the frame 510 to detect the home position of each of the units 501 and 502. The home position sensor 516 is a light transmission type sensor and the head unit 5
01 with the home position sensor 516.
, Both of the units 501 and 502 can be moved to the home position. The moving distance of the units 501 and 502 is set based on this home position.

The head unit 501 and the anvil unit 502 are driven by needle driving by the rotation of the drive shafts 505 and 508. Each drive shaft 505, 50
8, a belt 514 is stretched. The belt 514 is connected to a drive motor 515. With this configuration, each of the units 501 and 502 can be driven at an arbitrary position in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance to perform the stapling. The second drive mechanism 522 includes these drive shafts 5
05, 508, a belt 514, a drive motor 515, and the like.

[Description of Operation] Head unit 501 and anvil unit 502 of stapling apparatus 500
Is initially stopped at the home position where the sensor 516 is shielded from light. The sheet discharged from the copying machine 10 is conveyed to the post-processing tray 401 and stacked and aligned. And
When sheets for one job are stacked on the post-processing tray 401, the sheet bundle is conveyed toward the stapling apparatus 500.

First sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 as conveying means for conveying the sheet bundle to the stapling apparatus 500.
Are configured such that the moving distance of the sheet bundle can be controlled by the amount of rotation. The first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 11
By 5, the sheet bundle is conveyed and stopped so that any selected staple position on the sheet bundle matches the stapling operation position.

Thereafter, the drive motor 512 for movement is driven while the amount of rotation is detected by the pulse disk 513, and the belt 51 is driven.
1, the spiral shafts 504, 507 are driven to rotate. As a result, each of the units 501 and 502 moves by the same amount of distance toward the selected staple position.

When both units 501 and 502 stop at the selected staple position, drive motor 515 is driven, and drive shafts 505 and 508 are driven to rotate via belt 514. As a result, the units 501 and 502 are each driven to rotate, and stapling is performed.

When staple processing is performed on a plurality of points on a straight line along the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance, after the first stapling is completed, both units 501 and 502 are driven by the drive motor 512 for movement. It is driven to move to the next stapling position, and thereafter, the drive motor 515 is driven to perform stapling. By repeating this operation sequentially, the stapling process for a plurality of locations is completed.

[Paper Bundle Conveying Mechanism] FIGS. 6A to 6C
3 is a configuration diagram illustrating first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115. FIG.

Referring to FIG. 4, the stapling device 50
The first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 formed of a pair of upper and lower rollers are disposed in the upstream part of the second sheet bundle, and the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 11 composed of a pair of upper and lower rollers are also arranged in the downstream part.
7 are arranged. First sheet bundle conveying rollers 114, 1
15 nip position and second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 11
The distance from the nip position 7 is set to a dimension slightly shorter than the smallest size of the conveyed sheets.

The first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 are
The pressure contact / separation movement is free by driving the first DC motor. The rollers 114 and 115 are driven to rotate by a stepping motor (not shown), and the number of rotations of the stepping motor is controlled to control the transport amount of the sheet bundle. Second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117
Is similarly configured, and the first DC motor drives the first
The pressure contact / separation movement is free independently of the sheet bundle transport rollers 114 and 115. The rollers 116, 1
Reference numeral 17 is rotated by the same stepping motor that drives the rollers 114 and 115, and controls the transport amount of the sheet bundle. The rollers 114 to 117 are all of the same type,
It is composed of low hardness rollers having the same shape. However, the roller diameter of the rollers 116 and 117 is
The diameter is smaller than 4, 115.

As shown in FIG. 6A, the lower roller 114 and the upper roller 115 of the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 are connected via a drive transmission mechanism 131a having at least one idle gear 135. I have. As described above, the lower roller 114 is arranged such that the roller surface protrudes from the sheet stacking surface of the post-processing tray 401. The drive transmission mechanism 131a includes the idle gear 13
5. Each support shaft 13 of the lower roller 114 and the upper roller 115
Link mechanism 560 for connecting 5a, 114a, 115a
And the link mechanism 560 causes the idle gear 1
The center distance between the lower roller 35 and the lower roller 114 and the center distance between the idle gear 135 and the upper roller 115 are regulated. A long hole 561 is formed in a casing (not shown) that rotatably supports the support shaft 114a of the lower roller 114, and the support shaft 115a of the upper roller 115 is formed in the long hole 561.
Are slidably inserted. When the link mechanism 560 operates by driving the first DC motor, the upper roller 115
The support shaft 115a is guided by the long hole 561 and moves between the separated position (FIG. 13B) and the press-contact position (FIG. 14C).

One end of a spring 562 for applying a pressing force is connected to the support shaft 115a of the upper roller 115. The length of the long hole 561 is such that the upper roller 115
In such a state that the support shaft 115 a is in contact with the upper roller 115, the support shaft 115 a is set to a length that does not abut the end of the long hole 561, and only a predetermined pressing force by the spring 562 is applied to the upper roller 115.

The idle gear 135 and the lower roller 114
Pulley 5 attached to each support shaft 135a, 114a
A belt 136 is stretched between 63 and 564. A gear 565 attached to the support shaft 115 a of the upper roller 115 meshes with the idle gear 135. The rotational driving force of the stepping motor is lower roller 114
, The upper and lower rollers 11
The rotation driving force can be transmitted to the upper roller 115 even when the upper and lower rollers 4 and 115 are not pressed against each other.

The support shaft 115a of the upper roller 115 has
(B) As shown in (C), at least one one-way clutch 134 that allows only rotation in the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure is attached. The one-way clutch 134 prevents the upper roller 115 from rotating when the link mechanism 560 operates to lower the upper roller 115 from the separated position to the pressure contact position.

Although not shown, the second sheet bundle transport roller 1
16 and 117 are similarly configured.

As shown in FIG. 4, a first sensor 137 for detecting the edge of the conveyed sheet bundle is provided near the downstream of the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115. A second sensor 118 is provided near the downstream of the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117. Each sensor 1
Each of 18, 18 is installed at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the stapling position.

Note that at least the first sheet bundle conveying roller 1
The paper conveyance path between the first and second sensors 114 and 115 and the second sensor 118 is formed of a straight conveyance guide.

The leading end of the sheet bundle is aligned by the leading end stopper 409 during temporary accumulation. In this state the first
Since the press-contact of the sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 is started, the leading end of the sheet bundle is held by the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 while being aligned. Since the sheet conveying path from the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 to the staple position is not bent and has a straight straight shape, the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 pinch and convey the sheet bundle to the staple position. Even when the stacking operation is performed, the leading end of the sheet bundle remains aligned.

If the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 11
If the paper transport path downstream from 5 in the transport direction is curved in an arc shape, the paper bundle is long along the guide plate with a small radius of the arc, and is shortened along the guide plate with a large radius of the arc,
The leading end of the sheet bundle is inclined with respect to the guide plate. If the staples are driven vertically into the guide plate in this state, the sheet bundle will be bound diagonally.

Therefore, the first sheet bundle conveying roller 11
4 and 115 stapling the stapling device 5
When stapling by 00, the sheet conveying path from the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 to the stapling position must be straight.

Further, as will be described later, in the present embodiment, the sheet bundle nipped and transported by the first sheet bundle transport rollers 114 and 115 is transferred to the second sheet bundle transport roller 116.
117, the first sheet bundle transport roller 11
4 and 115, the stapling device 500 performs stapling processing on the sheet bundle nipped and transported only by the second sheet bundle transport rollers 116 and 117. Until the sheet bundle nipped and transported by the transport rollers 114 and 115 is nipped by the second sheet bundle transport rollers 116 and 117, the leading end of the sheet bundle must be kept aligned. Therefore, the first sheet bundle conveying roller 11
It is necessary that the sheet conveyance path from the fourth and 115 to the second sensor 118 which is the position of the sheet bundle at which the second sheet bundle conveyance rollers 116 and 117 start nipping is a straight shape.

Incidentally, the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 11 holding the sheet bundle downstream from the staple position in this way.
7, the transport path downstream of the second sensor 118 does not need to be straight, but may be curved, for example, in an arc shape. By doing so, it is possible to prevent the entire apparatus from becoming large.

[Staple Position Control] When the staple mode is selected, the sheets are stacked on the post-processing tray 401. At this time, the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 are used.
Are separated from each other. When the temporary stacking of paper is completed,
The first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 shift to the pressure contact state to pinch the sheet bundle, and the leading end stopper 409 is retracted outside the sheet bundle conveying path. Then, the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 are rotated to convey the sheet bundle, and the staple position is determined along the sheet conveying direction.

In the staple mode, (1) leading edge binding for binding the leading end along the sheet bundle transport direction, (2) saddle binding for binding the central portion of the sheet bundle along the sheet bundle transport direction, and (3) paper binding Since there are three modes, that is, the rear end binding for binding the rear end portion along the bundle transport direction, the positioning operation differs according to each mode. Hereinafter, the positioning operation of each mode will be described with reference to FIG.

(1) Leading edge binding The leading edge of the sheet bundle is temporarily stopped at the leading edge stopper 409
The FD alignment has already been performed with the closing portion 409b of the serving as a regulating surface. Therefore, in the leading edge binding mode, in order to determine the staple position, the sheet bundle may be conveyed by a predetermined amount regardless of the sheet size. More specifically, the distance from the end portion of the leading end portion of the sheet bundle to the position to be stapled (usually 10 m
m) of the first sheet bundle transport roller 11
The sheet bundle is conveyed by 4 and 115.

Thereafter, the rollers 114 and 115 are stopped, and
The stapling device 500 is operated to perform the stapling process on the sheet bundle, and after the stapling process is completed, the conveyance of the sheet bundle is resumed, and the leading end of the stapling device is moved to the second sheet bundle conveying roller 116.
When the number reaches 117, the conveyance is stopped. Then, the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117 shift to the pressure contact state, hold the leading end of the sheet bundle, and rotate the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117 to resume the conveyance of the sheet bundle.

The first DC motor is driven while the sheet bundle is being conveyed, and only the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 are separated. Thereafter, the sheet bundle is transferred to the stacking tray 600
Is transported by the second sheet bundle transport rollers 116 and 117.

The transport amount of the sheet bundle is controlled by managing the number of pulses of the stepping motor because the first and second sheet bundle transport rollers 114 to 117 are driven to rotate by the stepping motor.

(2) Saddle stitching In the saddle stitching mode, the stapling process is performed on the central portion of the sheet bundle along the sheet conveying direction.
The amount of paper bundle transport for stapling varies depending on the paper size. Further, the transport amount is longer than that in the leading edge binding mode.

Since the transport of the sheet bundle is performed by using a stepping motor, it is theoretically possible to control the transport amount even if the transport amount becomes long by controlling the number of pulses. However, the sheet bundle transport roller 11
Since variations in the diameter and nip width of 4-117 cannot be completely eliminated, the longer the transport amount, the more the
The error included in the amount actually conveyed increases. Therefore, in order to reduce this error, the sheet bundle is conveyed in the saddle stitching mode as follows.

First, the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 11
5, the sheet bundle is transported by the second sheet bundle transport roller 1
When the leading end of the sheet bundle is detected by the second sensor 118 disposed downstream of the sheets 16 and 117, the conveyance of the sheet bundle is stopped when the sheet bundle is further conveyed by a predetermined amount according to the sheet size. Then, a stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle.

At this time, since the leading end of the sheet bundle has sufficiently reached the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117, the sheet bundle is nipped by the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117. Then, while rotating the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117 to restart the sheet bundle conveyance, the first DC motor is driven while conveying the sheet bundle to separate only the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115. State. Thereafter, the sheet bundle is nipped and conveyed toward the accumulation tray section 600 by the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117.

The saddle stitching mode is accepted only for a sheet having a length twice or more the minimum length of the conveyed sheet.

By the way, in order to shorten the total time required to convey the sheet bundle and to enhance the productivity, the first sheet bundle conveying roller 11 is used in the case of the leading edge binding and the saddle stitching.
Before performing the separating operation of the stapling device 50,
0, the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 11 located upstream of
5 and the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116, 1
In both cases, the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 are separated from each other in the middle of the conveyance.

(3) Rear End Binding In the rear end binding mode, first, the first sheet bundle transport roller 11
4 and 115, the sheet bundle is nipped and conveyed, and when the leading end of the sheet bundle reaches the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117 sufficiently, the conveyance is stopped, and the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117 are stopped.
To hold the sheet bundle.

When the nipping by the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117 is completed, the first DC motor is driven and the first DC motor is driven.
The sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 are separated. At this time, the conveyance of the sheet bundle is stopped. This is different from the case of the leading edge binding and the saddle stitching described above, in that the stapling process has not been performed yet at the time when the sheet bundle is nipped by the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117.
When the conveyance of the sheet bundle is resumed without waiting for the sheet bundle conveyance rollers 114 and 115 to completely separate, the first sheet bundle conveyance rollers 114 and 115 and the second sheet bundle conveyance roller 116
If there is a shift in the start timing of 117 or a slight shift in the transport speed, each sheet in the sheet bundle shifts, so that such a shift of the sheet bundle is prevented.

After the separation operation of the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 is completed, the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and
By rotating 117, the conveyance of the sheet bundle is restarted. When the leading edge of the sheet bundle is detected by the second sensor 118, the sheet is further conveyed by a predetermined amount according to the sheet size. When the first sensor 137 detects the trailing end of the sheet bundle, the trailing end portion of the sheet bundle has exited the leading end stopper 409. Therefore, the leading end stopper 409 is closed, and if there is a next job, the trailing end is stopped. The accumulation of sheets on the processing tray unit 400 is started in advance. When the sheet bundle is conveyed to the staple position, the conveyance of the sheet bundle is stopped again, and the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle.

After the stapling process is completed, the conveyance of the sheet bundle by the second sheet bundle conveying rollers 116 and 117 is restarted, and the sheet bundle is nipped and conveyed to the stacking tray 600 as it is.

As described above, in the case of the rear end stapling, it is possible to start stacking the sheets on the post-processing tray unit 400 for the next job before the stapling process is completely completed. This is because, as shown in FIG. 8A, when the stapling process is performed on the rear end of the sheet bundle P ′, the sheet bundle P ′ has already passed through the front end stopper 409 of the post-processing tray unit 400. At this point, the leading end stopper 409 is closed and the sheets P for the next job can be accumulated. On the other hand, in the above-described front end binding and saddle stitching, FIG.
As shown in (B), a part of the sheet bundle P ′ remains in the post-processing tray 400 at the time of the stapling process.
When the stapling process of the sheet bundle P 'is completed, the sheet bundle P'
Must wait until the sheet has completely exited the post-processing tray section 400 before the next job can be accumulated. Therefore, when there are a plurality of stapling processes, the productivity of the copying machine and the finisher as a whole is improved by the rear end binding.

In the above-described transport mode, the second sensor 1
Although the transport amount to be controlled is set based on the position of the first sheet bundle 18, the transport in the rear end binding mode is performed based on the position of the first sensor 137 disposed downstream of the first sheet bundle transport rollers 114 and 115. It is also possible to set the amount. In such a conveyance mode, the sheet bundle is conveyed by a predetermined amount after the trailing end of the sheet bundle is detected by the first sensor 137. Therefore, it is only necessary to convey the sheet bundle by a fixed amount regardless of the sheet size. In addition, since the first sensor 137 and the staple position are relatively close to each other, the transport amount to be controlled is short, which is advantageous in improving the positioning accuracy.

[Relationship Between Staple Position, Sheet Bundle, and Image] Here, the relationship between the staple position and the sheet bundle, and the relationship between the staple position and the image will be described in detail.

First, the relationship between the staple position and the sheet bundle is as follows.
When the staple position is the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding,
There is a difference in the transport distance of the sheet bundle. This occurs because the sheet bundle is conveyed to the staple position as described above.

As the transport distance becomes longer, the consistency of the sheet bundle cannot be maintained. This is because, as shown in FIG. 9, when the sheet bundle P 'is conveyed by the first sheet bundle conveying rollers 114 and 115 in a state before the stapling as in the case of the rear end binding, the sheet P in the central portion of the sheet bundle P' gradually increases. Is shifted so as to protrude. The protruding portion increases as the transport distance increases and as the number of sheets in the sheet bundle increases. Therefore, in the case of the rear end binding, in the case of A4 vertical binding or A3 paper binding in which the transport distance is long, or when the number of sheets is large, the finished appearance is poor. On the other hand, in the leading end stapling, since the transport distance is short, the stapling process is performed before the variation of the sheet bundle occurs during the transport, so that the sheet bundle after stapling is neatly arranged. However, as described above, when the productivity of the front end binding and the productivity of the rear end binding are compared, the productivity of the rear end binding is higher.

Therefore, in the present embodiment, when the appearance after stapling becomes poor, that is, when the number of sheets in the bundle is large or when the sheets are bound in the vertical direction, the leading edge binding is selected, and higher productivity is prioritized. In this case, the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding is automatically selected so that the trailing edge binding is performed.

As described above, when the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding are automatically selected, the problem is the staple position (binding position) with respect to the image.

Staple position (binding position) with respect to the image
Here, as shown in FIG. 10, as shown in FIG. 10, when the copied image is viewed from the front, the right edge of the sheet is bound to the right (FIG.
(A)), the binding on the left side of the paper is defined as left binding (FIG. (B)), and the binding on the upper end of the paper is defined as vertical binding (FIG. (C)).

In this case, a problem arises when the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding are automatically selected as described above. For example, when it is desired to perform right binding on an image, the leading edge binding in FIG. As shown in FIG. 11A, the right binding is performed. However, if the rear binding is used as it is, the left binding is performed as shown in FIG. 11B. Similarly, in the vertical binding, as shown in FIG. 12A, the upper end of the image is bound at the front binding, but if this is used as the rear binding as it is, as shown in FIG. This results in the lower end being bound.

Therefore, in this embodiment, the leading edge binding,
With the automatic selection of the rear-end binding, the orientation of the image to be output can be output by rotating the image 180 degrees (upside down) when the front-end binding is selected and when the rear-end binding is selected. ,
The staple position difference for such an image is eliminated. For example, in the case of right binding, when leading binding is selected, output is performed as shown in FIG. 11A to perform right binding, and when trailing binding is selected, FIG.
As shown in FIG.
By outputting in a state where the paper is rotated by an angle, right binding is performed even when the rear end binding is performed in the transport direction.

Similarly, in the case of vertical binding, when the rear end binding is selected when the number of sheets in the bundle of sheets to be stapled is small, FIG. 14 is different from FIG. By rotating the image by 180 degrees and outputting as described above, the upper end portion is bound to the image even at the time of rear end binding.

[Stapling Position Selection Operation] FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the flow of the above-described automatic selection of the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding and the image rotation operation.

First, the user of the copying machine arbitrarily inputs a copy mode from the operation panel (S1). At this time, the binding position for the image is also specified. Here,
It is assumed that the designated copy mode is stapling, and the number of copies per image, double-sided copying, and the like are also specified here.

Next, the originals set by the ADF 12 are sequentially sent to read an image and store it in a memory (S2).

Next, the designated copy mode (such as the designated number of copies per image) and the ADF 12
The number of sheets x for one job to be output is calculated from the number of originals conveyed by the printer (S3). Specifically, for example, when one-sided copy is designated on one sheet of each document image, the number of read documents becomes the output number x as it is,
When double-sided copying is specified, the output number x = number of original sheets / 2 when the number of original sheets is even, and the output number x = number of original sheets / 2 + 0.5 when the number of original sheets is odd.

Next, the calculated number of output sheets x is compared with a predetermined number of sheets a (S4). Here, the predetermined number a is a threshold value for determining whether to perform front-end binding or rear-end binding, and this value is the first sheet bundle conveying roller 114, 1 described above.
It varies depending on the hardness of the sheet bundle and the degree of slippage of the sheet bundle. For example, about 15 to 20 sheets are bounded when binding A4 landscape paper. It is more beautiful to bind. Similarly, in A3, the number is about 10 to 15 sheets. Note that this value also has a subjective aspect of the user (how much deviation in the finished paper is tolerated).
It may be changed depending on the productivity. A smaller value may be set as the value of a if cleanliness is desired, and a larger value may be set if faster productivity is desired.

Next, in step S4, the output number x
Is determined to be equal to or smaller than the predetermined number a, the rear end binding is selected, and 1 is set to the binding flag B (S5). Then, the user specifies that the image is rotated by 180 degrees (S
6). On the other hand, when the output number x exceeds the predetermined number a, the leading edge binding is selected and 0 is set in the binding flag B (S
7).

Subsequently, the image is output on the paper and the output paper is accumulated on the post-processing tray 400 (S
8). When outputting an image on a sheet, if the rotation of the image is designated in step S6, the image rotated 180 degrees is output.

Next, after the stacking of the sheets on the post-processing tray 400 is completed, if the binding flag B is 1 (S
9), rear end binding is performed (S10). On the other hand, the binding flag B
If is 0, the leading edge binding is performed.

Then, the stapled sheet bundle is discharged to the stacking tray 600 (S12).

<< Configuration of Control System >> A control system for controlling each of the above-described processes will be described. FIG. 16 is a block diagram of a control system for performing each processing.

The main components of this control system are a copying machine CPU 910 for controlling the operation of the copying machine, an ADF CPU 950 for controlling the operation of the ADF 12, and a finisher CPU 980 for controlling the operation of the finisher. Each CPU
Has a ROM 9 in which respective control programs are stored.
11, 951, 981 and a RAM 912 as a work area,
952 and 982 are provided.

The copying machine CPU 910 has an image memory 825 for storing the read image, and an image for performing image processing such as image rotation and enlargement / reduction based on the image information stored in the image memory 825. A signal processing unit 820 is provided. Further, the image signal processing unit 820
The CCD line sensor 822 of the image reader is connected via an A / D converter 821 that converts the read analog signal into a digital signal. Further, the image signal processing unit 820 converts the output image information from the digital signal into an analog signal. A laser 832 of an image forming apparatus (not shown) is driven via a D / A converter 831 that converts the signal into a signal.

To the finisher CPU 980, each drive means such as a motor and a solenoid for executing the operation of each part of the finisher, and each sensor provided in the paper transport path of the finisher are connected. Also, the RO connected to the finisher CPU 980 may be used.
In M981, a value of the predetermined number a, which is a threshold value for determining the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding, is stored.

Here, the copying machine CPU 910 performs basic operations (eg, image reading, storage in memory, image editing, image formation on paper, output, etc.) as well as the above-described output number x Is calculated. Specifically, A
The number of documents counted when the DF 12 performs the document feeding operation under the control of the ADF CPU 950 is the ADF CP.
The output number x is calculated based on the number of originals obtained from U950 and the copy mode input from the operation panel OP as described above. Then, the calculated output number x is transmitted to the finisher CPU 980, where a selection is made between the front-end binding and the rear-end binding. A rotation instruction is given. Thereby, as described above, the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding is automatically selected and executed.

In the above-described embodiment, the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding are automatically selected. However, the user may arbitrarily select the binding from the operation panel. Automatically determines whether or not to rotate the image based on the stapling position specified for the image and the staple position (leading edge binding or trailing edge binding) arbitrarily selected. For example, when right binding is specified and then rear binding is specified, an image rotation instruction is given, and control is performed so that right binding is performed even with rear binding.

[0122]

According to the present invention described above, the following effects can be obtained for each claim.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding are automatically selected according to the number of sheets to be stapled. An appropriate staple position is automatically selected in consideration of the performance.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding are arbitrarily selected. Therefore, priority is given to productivity according to the purpose of the user, or good finishing after stapling is performed. Can be executed according to the user's judgment.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a drawing showing a schematic configuration of a finisher to which the present invention is applied and a copying machine to which the finisher is connected.

FIG. 2 is a drawing showing an overall configuration of the finisher shown in FIG.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing a schematic configuration of a post-processing tray shown in FIG. 2 and a stapling device provided downstream thereof.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration of the stapling apparatus shown in FIG. 2 and the periphery thereof.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a configuration of the stapling device shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a view showing a configuration of a first sheet bundle conveying roller shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a view for explaining a binding operation by the stapling apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a view for explaining a difference between a rear end binding and a front end binding in the finisher.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for explaining a sheet shift at the time of conveying a sheet bundle.

FIG. 10 shows a staple position (binding position) with respect to an image;
It is a drawing for explaining.

FIG. 11 is a view for explaining a staple position in a sheet bundle conveyance direction in the case of horizontal binding;

FIG. 12 is a view for explaining a staple position in a sheet bundle conveyance direction in the case of vertical binding.

FIG. 13 is a view for explaining 180-degree rotation of an image in the case of horizontal binding.

FIG. 14 is a diagram for explaining 180-degree rotation of an image in the case of vertical binding.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of control when selecting the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding in the finisher.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system for controlling operations of the copying machine and the finisher according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Copy machine, 100 ... Finisher, 114, 115 ... 1st sheet bundle conveyance roller, 116, 117 ... 2nd sheet bundle conveyance roller, 500 ... Staple device, 820 ... Image signal processing part, 825 ... Image memory, 910 ... CPU for copying machine, 950: CPU for ADF, 980: CPU for finisher.

Claims (2)

[Claims] An image forming means for forming and outputting an image on a sheet, an image information storing means for storing information of an image to be formed, and an image forming means for forming and outputting an image by the image forming means. Calculating means for calculating the number of output sheets; binding position specifying means for specifying a binding position for an image stapled by the stapling means; and sheets for one job in accordance with the number of output sheets for one job obtained by the calculating means Staple position selecting means for selecting either the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding for the bundle, and the binding position for the image formed on the sheet is determined according to the staple position selected by the staple position selecting means. An image in which the orientation of the image stored in the image information storage unit is rotated so that the position is set by the binding position specifying unit. Image forming system comprising: the management means. 2. An image forming means for forming and outputting an image on a sheet, an image information storing means for storing information of an image to be formed, and a sheet after the image forming output from the image forming means are aligned. Aligning means; stapling means for performing either leading edge binding or trailing edge binding on a sheet bundle aligned by the aligning means; and binding position designating means for designating a binding position for an image when stapling is performed by the stapling means. Image processing means for rotating the orientation of the image stored in the image information storage means, such that the binding position for the image formed on the paper is the position designated by the binding position designation means. An image forming system comprising: