JPH10194570A - Finishing apparatus and image forming apparatus having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Problem] To finish even when the number of sheets exceeds the number of staples, or when the number of sheets is less than a predetermined number of bookbindings, by selecting finishing according to the number of sheets output in one bundle. Enable processing. SOLUTION: The number of sheets of a document 7 is detected by a counter, and the number of sheets output from one bundle output from a printer unit 101 based on a set image forming number and information on whether the document is one side or both sides. Is calculated,
Based on the calculation result, it is determined whether or not the number of sheets output is equal to or less than the stapling-capable number, and the stapling process is performed by the stapler 106 or the bookbinding device 107 performs the binding process.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a finishing device for performing a stapling process or a bookbinding process on a plurality of sheets on which images are formed, and an image forming apparatus having the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a stapling apparatus (hereinafter referred to as a "stapler") for aligning output sheets, which are sheets on which images are formed and output by an image output means (image output apparatus), and performing stapling processing such as binding processing. In a finishing apparatus such as a bookbinding apparatus that performs bookbinding processing such as glue processing or gluing processing, the number of sheets in one bundle that can be subjected to the finishing processing is limited. The bundle is divided into a plurality of books and a finishing process is performed.

Further, the bookbinding apparatus performs a bookbinding process of bonding a plurality of output paper bundles on which images are formed with a glue tape, and then stores the bookbinding bundle in a stacker. Therefore, if the number of sheets processed per bundle is small, the productivity of the bookbinding process is reduced.

Further, when a small number of output sheets per bundle are bound, it is difficult to handle a small number of output sheets as one bundle. As a result, the quality of the booklet bundle is reduced.

For this reason, in the conventional bookbinding apparatus, if the number of booklets per bundle is smaller than a predetermined number, bookbinding processing is prohibited or bookbinding is performed in a state where productivity is reduced. Processing was being performed.

[0006]

However, when a stapler is selected as a finishing device and stapling of output paper is performed, if the number of output papers is equal to or larger than the allowable number, the output paper bundle is divided into a plurality of bundles. Because of the processing, it is not always possible to perform finishing processing as desired by the user, and furthermore, it is not possible to confirm whether stapling processing or bookbinding processing has been performed until the output paper is finished and finally output. Has problems.

When a bookbinding apparatus is selected and bookbinding processing of output paper is performed, if the number of sheets for bookbinding processing of the output paper is equal to or less than a predetermined number, after a considerable time has elapsed since the copy start button was pressed. Otherwise, it is not known whether or not the bookbinding process is prohibited. Therefore, the productivity is reduced and the bookbinding process takes a long time, so that not only the efficient finishing process cannot be performed, but also the finishing process cannot be performed. .

In addition, when the number of output sheets is equal to or more than the permissible number of sheets in both the stapling processing and the bookbinding processing, it is not possible to confirm how many sheets are divided.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems. A first object of the present invention is to select a stapling process, and the number of sheets per bundle exceeds the allowable number. In the case where the finishing apparatus is divided into a number of books to perform stapling processing or to switch to the bookbinding processing, a finishing apparatus capable of performing a desired finishing processing and an image forming apparatus having the same are provided. To provide.

A second object of the present invention is to select a bookbinding process and switch the finishing process to a stapling process when the number of sheets per bundle is smaller than the number of sheets that can be bound. Provided is a finishing apparatus which enables selection of a finishing process even after the start of an image forming operation to perform a bookbinding process as it is, and can perform an appropriate finishing process in accordance with the number of sheets, and an image forming apparatus having the same. It is in.

[0011]

Therefore, in order to achieve the above object, the finishing apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention selects stapling, and the number of sheets per bundle exceeds the allowable number. In this case, a control means is provided for selecting whether the finishing process is divided into a number of books to perform the stapling process or switching to the bookbinding process, and performing control to perform a desired finishing process.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the bookbinding process is selected, and when the number of sheets per bundle is smaller than the number of sheets that can be bound, the finishing process is switched to the stapling process or the bookbinding process is performed as it is. And select
It is characterized in that control means for controlling so as to perform an appropriate finishing process according to the number of sheets is provided.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document feeder for placing a document, reading the document and sending the document information to an image output means, and an image output device based on the document information. A stapling unit for stapling a plurality of formed sheets; a bookbinding unit for binding the plurality of sheets; a setting unit for setting the number of images to be formed; and an image set by the setting unit. Based on the information on the number of sheets to be formed, the information on the number of sheets of the document, the information on the number of sheets of the image formed by the setting means, and the information on whether the document is single-sided or double-sided, one bundle output from the image output means A calculating means for calculating the number of output sheets is compared with whether or not the number of output sheets per bundle from the calculating means is equal to or less than the number of sheets that can be stapled. Wherein if it exceeds stapling number of sheets of the staple unit, the bookbinding unit is operated, if the or less stapling number of sheets, characterized in that a control means for operating said stapling means.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document feeder for placing a document, reading the document and sending the document information to an image output means, and an image output device based on the document information. A stapling unit for stapling a plurality of formed sheets; a bookbinding unit for binding the plurality of sheets; a setting unit for setting the number of images to be formed; and an image set by the setting unit. Calculating means for calculating the number of sheets output from the image output means on the basis of information on the number of sheets formed, information on the number of originals, and information on whether the original is single-sided or double-sided; The number of sheets output from a single bundle is less than or equal to the number of sheets that can be stapled, and if the comparison result exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled by the staple means, To, along with operating the staple unit by dividing the sheet number of output sheets one bundle output from the image output unit below the stapling number of sheets,
Control means for causing the stapling means to operate normally when the number of staples is equal to or less than the number of staples that can be processed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for selectively displaying a bookbinding processing mode or a staple processing mode, wherein the control means determines that the number of sheets output per sheet from the calculation means is the number of sheets that can be stapled. If the number exceeds the number of sheets output and the number of staples that can be processed, the number of divided bundles of the number of staples is calculated and bookbinding processing or stapling processing is displayed on the display unit.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document feeder for placing a document, reading the document and sending the document information to an image output means, and the image output means based on the document information. A stapling unit for stapling a plurality of formed sheets; a bookbinding unit for binding the plurality of sheets; a setting unit for setting the number of images to be formed; and an image set by the setting unit. Calculating means for calculating the number of sheets output from the image output means on the basis of information on the number of sheets formed, information on the number of originals, and information on whether the original is single-sided or double-sided; Whether or not the number of sheets output from one bundle is equal to or less than the number of staples that can be processed, and the comparison result exceeds the number of staples that can be processed. If it exceeds the binding process possible number of sheets,
The number of sheets output from the image output unit is divided into the number of sheets that can be bound, and the bookbinding unit is operated. If the number of sheets that can be stapled is less than the number of sheets that can be stapled, the stapling unit is operated normally. Control means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for selectively displaying a bookbinding processing mode or a staple processing mode, wherein the control means determines that the number of sheets output as one sheet from the calculating means is the number of sheets capable of bookbinding. If the number exceeds the limit, the number of divisions after the bookbinding processing is calculated from the number of sheets output and the number of sheets capable of bookbinding processing, and the bookbinding processing or stapling processing is displayed on the display unit.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for selectively displaying a bookbinding processing mode or a staple processing mode, wherein the control means is capable of stapling the number of sheets output from the calculation means in one bundle. When the number exceeds the number, a warning is issued and the content of the warning displayed on the display means is controlled.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document feeder for placing a document, reading the document and sending the document information to an image output means, and an image output device based on the document information. A stapling unit for stapling a plurality of formed sheets; a bookbinding unit for binding the plurality of sheets; a setting unit for setting the number of images to be formed; and an image set by the setting unit. Calculating means for calculating the number of sheets output from the image output means on the basis of information on the number of sheets formed, information on the number of originals, and information on whether the original is single-sided or double-sided; The number of sheets output from a single bundle exceeds a predetermined number of bookbinding processes. If the comparison result is equal to or less than the predetermined number of bookbinding processes by the bookbinding means, the step The pull means is operated, if it exceeds the predetermined bookbinding processing sheets, characterized by comprising a control means for operating said binding means.

According to the tenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for selectively displaying the bookbinding processing mode or the stapling processing mode, and the control means is configured to output one of the values from the calculating means.
When the number of sheets output in the bundle is equal to or less than the predetermined number of sheets for bookbinding, a warning is issued and the content of the warning displayed on the display unit is controlled.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a document feeder for placing a document, reading the document and sending the document information to an image output means, and an image output device based on the document information. A stapling unit for stapling a plurality of formed sheets; a bookbinding unit for binding the plurality of sheets; a setting unit for setting the number of images to be formed; and an image set by the setting unit. Calculating means for calculating an output number of one bundle output from the image output means based on information on the number of sheets formed, information on the number of originals, and information on whether the original is single-sided or double-sided; The number of sheets output per bundle is the first
The number of bookbindings exceeds the number of bookbindings and the number of sheets exceeds the second number of bookbindings, and the comparison result exceeds the first number of bookbindings by the bookbinding means and is equal to or less than the second number of bookbindings. And a control means for selectively operating either the stapling means or the bookbinding means, and operating the bookbinding means when the second bookbinding processing number is exceeded.

According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a display means for selectively displaying a bookbinding processing mode or a staple processing mode, and the control means is configured to output one of the signals from the calculating means.
The number of sheets output in the bundle exceeds the first bookbinding processing number;
If the number is equal to or less than the second bookbinding processing number, a warning is issued and the content of the warning displayed on the display unit is controlled.

[Operation] Based on the above configuration, the present invention provides information on the number of documents, information on the number of images formed by the setting means, and information on whether the document is single-sided or double-sided. , The number of sheets output per sheet output from the image output means is calculated. Then, based on the calculation result, it is determined whether or not the number of sheets output is equal to or less than the number of staples that can be processed. If the number of sheets output exceeds the number of staples that can be processed, bookbinding is performed.

Alternatively, when the number of sheets output per bundle exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled, the number of sheets output of one bundle output from the image output means is divided into the number of sheets that can be stapled or less and stapled. To do.

Further, in another invention, information on the number of originals,
The number of sheets output per bundle output from the image output unit is calculated based on the information on the number of image formation sheets set by the setting unit and the information on whether the document is single-sided or double-sided. Then, based on the calculation result, it is determined whether or not the number of sheets output per bundle is equal to or less than a predetermined number of sheets for bookbinding. If the number of sheets output is equal to or less than the number of sheets for bookbinding, the stapling process remains plastic. It is determined whether the bookbinding process is to be performed and the finishing process is performed.

[0026]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view showing an image forming apparatus provided with a finishing device of the present invention. FIG.
1, a copier as an example of an image forming apparatus includes a printer unit 101 as an image output unit, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as “ADF”) 102, a scanner unit 103 that reads a document to obtain image information, and an output sheet. Unit 104 for feeding paper, and operation unit 1 for setting and inputting the operation conditions of image formation
05, a stapler 106 as stapling means for performing stapling processing such as stapling of the output paper bundle, and a bookbinding apparatus 107 as bookbinding means for performing bookbinding processing such as gluing of the output paper bundle. ADF for automatic feeding of manuscript 7
Up to 200 originals 7 can be stacked on the tray 115 of the 102.

The printer unit 101 has a large-capacity print buffer memory (hereinafter, referred to as “PBM”) 108.
An image input from the DF 102 or an image sent from an external input device (not shown) is stored, and a sorting process such as page switching is performed after the storage. All images are PB
In order to accumulate the data in the M108, the print unit 101 reads out the first to last pages of the document one by one in order and prints them out.
6 and the bookbinding apparatus 107.

The paper supply unit 104 includes paper supply stages 109 and 110.
And the output paper set by the user. 11
Reference numeral 1 114 denotes a stacker for storing a bundle of output sheets stapled by the stapler 106 or the like. 1
Reference numerals 12 and 113 denote stackers for storing output bundles subjected to bookbinding processing by the bookbinding apparatus 107.

FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing the configuration of the stapler 106 which is a finishing device according to the present invention. In FIG. 2, reference numeral 201 denotes a transport path for transporting output paper, which has a carry-in port 202 for receiving output paper on which an image is formed in the printer unit 101, and a discharge port 203 for discharging output paper to the bookbinding apparatus 107. Roller pairs 20 on the way
4, 205, 206, and 207, a flapper 210 that branches the output paper to either the guide 208 or the guide 212, and a flapper 211 that branches to the guide 209 or the guide 212 are provided. The guide 208 is a passage for discharging the output paper to the paper discharge tray 213 when only one copy of the output paper is copied or when the finish of the image of the test print output paper is viewed.

Next, the alignment tray 223 for stacking and aligning output sheets will be described. The alignment tray 223 includes an upper guide 221, a lower tray 214, a stopper 220 against which the leading end of the output paper abuts, a propeller 216 made of an elastic body that sweeps the output paper toward the stopper 220, and Output paper is in the alignment tray 22
Paper storage means 2 for temporarily catching incoming to 3
24, staple unit 21 for performing stapling processing
9. Side sweeping means 2 for horizontal alignment of output paper
15 and grippers 217 and 218 for transporting the aligned output paper bundle to the lifting / lowering transport means 222 while nipping the bundle.

The elevating / lowering transporting means 222 receives the output paper bundle stapled by the staple unit 219 and transports it to the stackers 111 and 114.

Here, since the number of output sheets that can be aligned and stapled on the alignment tray 223 is 100,
For a stapling request in which one bundle exceeds 100 pages, this one bundle is divided into a plurality of pieces and a stapling process is performed (hereinafter, referred to as “divided staple”). At the time of divided stapling, first, the first to 100th pages are sequentially sent from the printer unit 101, and are stapled as a first divided bundle. Then, the first divided bundle stapled is transported by the lifting / lowering transport means 222 to the stacker unit 11.
1 or 114. Next, the second divided bundle is conveyed from the 101st page to the last page to the alignment tray 223, stapled, and moved up and down by the ascending / descending transport means 2.
At 22, the sheet is conveyed to one of the stacker units 114 and 111. That is, regarding storage of the stapled divided bundle, the first divided bundle is stored in the stacker 111 according to the user setting.
The second divided bundle is stored in the stacker 114, or the first divided bundle and the second divided bundle are
It is also possible to store them alternately at 114.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view showing the structure of a bookbinding apparatus 107 as a finishing apparatus according to the present invention. In FIG. 3, a transport path 1 for transporting output paper includes a carry-in port 1a for receiving output paper from the printer 101, a discharge port 1b for discharging output paper to a discharge tray (not shown), and a plurality of rollers provided in the middle. A pair 1c, guides 1d and 1e, and a flapper 1f for branching output paper to the guide 1d side of the discharge port 1b or the guide 1e side of the bookbinding apparatus 107.

Reference numeral 2 denotes an alignment tray for stacking and aligning output sheets. The alignment tray 2 includes an upper guide 2a, a lower tray 2
g, a stopper 2d against which the leading end of the output paper abuts, and a propeller 2 made of an elastic body that sweeps the output paper toward the stopper 2d.
c, side sweeping means 2 for performing lateral alignment of output paper
b and a gripper 2f for generally feeding the aligned output paper bundle to the heater 3 (binding means) while nipping the bundle. 6
Is a glue tape reel for binding the output paper bundle. The glue tape sent from the tape reel 6 is cut by a cutter (not shown) into a predetermined length corresponding to the thickness of the output paper bundle, and then supplied to the heater 3. Numeral 4 denotes a lifting / lowering transport means, and a job tray 4a for receiving a bookbinding-processed output sheet bundle from the gripper 2f is attached to the lifting / lowering transport means 4 in a vertically movable manner. The lifting / lowering transport means 4 receives the bookbinding bundle from the heater 3 and transports the bundle to the stackers 112 and 113 one by one.

Here, the number of sheets that can be bound by the bookbinding apparatus 107 is 200 sheets, so that one bundle is 200 sheets.
In the case of the bookbinding process that exceeds the number of sheets, the bookbinding process divided into a plurality of pieces is performed in the same manner as the stapler 106 (hereinafter, “divided bookbinding”).
). In addition, the stacker 11 for the output-bunch bundle divided and bound.
2 and 113, the first divided bundle is stacked by the user in the same manner as the stapler 106.
Alternatively, the second divided bundle may be stored in the stacker 112, or the first divided bundle and the second divided bundle may be alternately stored in the stackers 112 and 113.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram showing a copying machine provided with the finishing device of the present invention. In FIG. 4, a controller 410 of the printer unit 101 communicates with a controller 408 of the scanner unit 103 regarding transfer of image data 406. The image data 406 transferred from the scanner unit 103 to the printer unit 101 is a PB
It is stored in M108. Also, the controller 410
Communication is performed with the controller 409 of the operation unit 105 about information 403 on the image forming operation conditions set by the user, information 403 on the operation state of each device, and the like. Further, the controller 410 includes the controller 411 of the stapler 106 and the controller 4 of the bookbinding apparatus 107.
12 and communicate with each other regarding the operating conditions of the finishing device and the operating state of the device set by the user. The controller 408 of the scanner unit 103
Communication is performed with the controller 407 of 102 for information 401 regarding the image reading timing and the original 7. In the ADF 102, the number of documents can be counted by a document detection sensor 413 as a detection unit provided in the document conveyance path and a counter unit 414 as a detection unit inside the ADF 102. The original 7 is set on the ADF 102 or the platen, and an image read by the scanner unit 103 is processed by an image processing unit (not shown) and transferred to the PBM 108 as image data 406.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing the basic equipment configuration of the operation unit 105 for selecting and controlling the finishing device of the present invention. In FIG. 5, reference numeral 501 denotes a display such as a CRT as a display means, and a designation from a user is input by touch-type input. The display 501 is not limited to a CRT, but can be used in an LCD and an FLC as well. In addition to the touch-type input, there is a configuration in which an input is performed using a pointing device such as a mouse or an input pen. 502 is a keypad, 503 is a numeric keypad, 504 is a clear key, 505 is an enter key, 506 is a stop key, 5
07 is a reset key, 508 is a start key, and 509 is a standard menu screen in the display 501.
Reference numeral 510 designates a book mode setting portion for setting the original 7 on the platen and reading the original 7 by optical system movement scanning, 511 designates a single-sided copy mode designation portion for the flow reading image reading using the ADF 102, and 512 designates a similar flow reading. Designated portion of double-sided copy mode of image reading, designated portion 513 is designated portion of copy number, designated portion 514 is designated portion of copy magnification,
515, paper feed stages 109 and 110 attached to the copying machine main body;
A designation portion 516 for selecting a functional device such as the stapler 106 or the bookbinding device 107 is a designation portion for selecting a detailed copy mode when performing more detailed settings in the copy mode.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a screen when device selection is designated by the functional device 515 of FIG.
In FIG. 6, the main body of the copying machine and all accessories attached thereto are displayed, and it is possible to select which function to use. In FIG. 6, the sheet feeding unit 11 is used as a sheet feeding unit.
0, and bookbinding device 1 as output finishing means
07 is selected, and the stacker 113 is set to store the booklet bundle bound by the bookbinding apparatus 107. Reference numeral 601 denotes a designation portion for returning the display 501 to the standard menu screen 509. Reference numeral 604 denotes a display portion that displays a flow of output paper being sent to each functional device in real time.

Next, a control flow and a selection method of the finishing apparatus of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. A standard menu screen (copy mode selection screen) 509 is displayed using the operation unit 105 as a setting unit.
The user selects one of the DF one-sided document 511 and the ADF two-sided document 512, the number of copies 513, the copy magnification 514, and the like, and further selects the stapler 106 for performing the finishing process on the device selection screen 603, and
The W original 7 is set on the tray unit 115 of F102, and the copying operation is started (S701). Then, first, the ADF 102 operates to feed the document and start reading the document 7. While reading original 7, ADF1
The number of originals is counted by the original detection sensor 413 and the counter 414 (see FIG. 4) attached to the transport path in the printer 02, and the information 402 of the number of originals is sent to the controller 410 of the printer 101 via the controller 408 of the scanner 103. Will be transferred.

In this case, the ADF is used as the document feeder.
Although the number of originals is counted using the reference numeral 102, the number of originals can be easily counted using an RDF that circulates and transports the original 7.

The original image read by the scanner unit 103 is subjected to image processing, and the PBM of the printer unit 101 is sequentially processed.
108. The calculating means incorporated in the controller 410 of the printer unit 101 determines whether to perform double-sided copying or single-sided copying based on the calculation formula shown in Table 1 or 1
The number W of output pages per bundle is calculated based on image forming settings such as a setting that allows a plurality of documents to be reduced and printed out on a sheet of output paper (S702). For example, the calculating unit calculates that the output page number W is 200 when printing 100 double-sided originals on one side, and also calculates 200 single-sided originals as one set of four originals and one page. When the printout is performed in 4in1 to be output to the printer, the output page number W is calculated to be 50 sheets. That is, the information 402 on the number of documents and the operation unit 105
From the information with the controller 409 set by
The number W of output pages per bundle is calculated.

[0042]

[Table 1] Here, if the calculated number of pages W per bundle is 100 or less (S703), the controller 410 of the printer unit 101 transmits the controller 411 of the stapler 106.
The information 404 relating to the operation of the stapler 106 is transmitted, the image data is sequentially read from the first sheet from the PBM 108, printed out, and conveyed to the stapler 106. The stapler 106 performs alignment of output paper and stapling operation (S704). .

If the number W of output pages exceeds 100 (S703), a finishing device selection screen 801 as shown in FIG. 8 is displayed and a warning is issued, and the user is divided into several bundles as they are. Then, the user is allowed to select whether to perform stapling processing or to perform bookbinding processing by the bookbinding apparatus 107 without dividing (S705). When the user selects the split staple on the finishing device selection screen 801 (S706), the controller 410 of the printer unit 101 transmits the controller 41 of the stapler 106.
Then, the information 404, which is the divided staple, is transmitted to 1 to perform the divided stapling operation (S704). When the user selects the bookbinding process on the finishing device selection screen 801 (S706), the controller 410 of the printer unit 101 transmits the bookbinding process information 405 to the controller 412 of the bookbinding device 107 and prints out one by one in order. Then, the bookbinding operation is performed (S707).

FIG. 9 is a view showing a selection screen 901 for displaying the number of books S to be divided at the time of performing divided stapling on the selection screen 801 of the finishing apparatus shown in FIG. The number of books S is expressed as S = W / 10 using the number of output pages W per bundle.
Calculate from 0. If W / 100 is not divisible, the value obtained by rounding up the decimal point is S.

Next, referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, according to the present invention, the number of output pages W per bundle of the finishing apparatus is set to 20.
A control flow and a selection method when the number of sheets exceeds zero will be described. After counting the number of documents in the ADF 102, 1
If the number of output pages W per bundle exceeds 200, step S705 in the finishing device selection mode in FIG.
Then, a process as shown in FIG. 10 is performed. That is, when the number of output pages W is 100 or less in step S1001, the selection screen 801 or 901 of the finishing device is displayed as described above, and the user can select whether to perform divided stapling or bookbinding processing. (S1002). If the number W of output pages exceeds 200, the user is prompted to select whether to use divided staples or bookbinding on the finishing device selection screen 1101 shown in FIG. 11 (S1003). Here, it is also possible to display the number of books after division on the selection screen 1101, the number S of divided staples becomes S = W / 100 as described above, and the number T of divided booklets becomes T = W /
It becomes 200. T is a value obtained by rounding up the decimal point similarly to S.

In the finishing apparatus of this embodiment, when the number of output pages per bundle exceeds 100, a warning can be issued to the user by voice or lamp. <Second Embodiment> Next, a second embodiment according to the present invention will be described.

Hereinafter, a second embodiment of the selection and control method of the finishing apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be specifically described with reference to FIGS. Note that the configuration of the image forming apparatus including the finishing device of the present embodiment is the same as that of FIGS. 1 to 6 shown in the first embodiment, and a duplicate description will be omitted.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart for each processing of the stapler 106.

The stapling process of the stapler 106 is roughly divided into a bundle aligning process for aligning output sheets output from the printer unit 101, a binding stopping process for binding the bundle-aligned output sheet bundle, and a binding stopping process. And bundle transport processing for transporting the output paper bundle.

When the first bundle is aligned, as shown in FIG. 2, the sheet storage means 224 immediately descends to the upper portion of the output paper bundle and receives the next output paper to be aligned, thereby reducing the productivity. Without this, the bundle alignment process for aligning the second bundle of output sheets can be performed immediately as shown in FIG.

That is, the stapling process of the first bundle of output sheets aligned with the operation of the sheet storage means 224 is performed, and when the stapling processing is completed, the stapled output sheet bundle is moved up and down by the grippers 217 and 218. 222
Transported to Here, the time required for the binding stop processing of one bundle is 1.0 second, and the time required for conveying the staple bundle is 3.0 seconds. The copy output paper bundle alignment time Ts is:
Ts = W / P using the number of pages W per bundle and the print speed P of the printer unit 101. For example,
Print speed 110 ipm (110 sheets per minute)
When the printer outputs 50 pages, the copy output paper bundle alignment time Ts is about 27.3 seconds.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart for each processing of the bookbinding apparatus 107.

The bookbinding process includes a bundle alignment process for aligning output sheets output from the printer unit 101, a bookbinding process for binding an output sheet bundle subjected to the bundle alignment process, and a stacker 112 for binding the output sheet bundle one by one. , 113, and a bundle transfer process.

Since each process is divided into units, independent processes are possible. The output paper bundle alignment time Ts per bundle is represented by Ts = W / P using the number of pages W per bundle and the print speed P of the printer unit 101 as described above. The aligning tray 2 of the bookbinding apparatus 107 is provided with a sheet storage means (not shown), like the stapler 106, and as shown in FIG. 13, aligns the bundle of copy output sheets from the printer 101 without lowering the productivity. Can be performed.

The bookbinding processing time Tg per bundle is set to a time required for the gripper 2f to convey the output paper bundle to the heater 3, 3.0 seconds, and a time required for gluing the bookbinding tape to the output paper bundle. A total of 16.4 seconds, which is 10.0 seconds, and a time of 3.4 seconds required for the gripper 2f to pass the bookbinding bundle to the job tray 4a and return to the alignment tray 2 again.

The bundle transport time Tc for transporting the bundle of output sheets subjected to the bookbinding process is determined by raising the job tray 4a and moving the gripper 2.
f, the time required for the lifting / lowering means 4 to transport the booklet bundle to the stackers 112 and 113, and the time required for the lifting / lowering means 4 to return to the predetermined position. A total of 13.4 seconds, including 0 seconds, is required.

Here, since the bookbinding process requires 16.4 seconds and the booklet bundle transport process requires 13.4 seconds, the output paper bundle alignment time Ts is at least 16 times the bookbinding process time Tg required for the bookbinding process. In less than 4 seconds, bookbinding of the current output sheet bundle cannot be performed while aligning the next output sheet bundle. Here, Ts = W / P, and the print speed is 110
Assuming that ipm, the above relation is satisfied by 1
The number of pages W per bundle must be 30 or more. That is, if the number of pages W is 30 or less, it is necessary to reduce the printing speed of the printer unit 101 until the bookbinding process is completed, resulting in reduced productivity.

If the number of output sheets in one aligned bundle is 15 or less, the output bundle is conveyed from the alignment tray 2 to the heater 3, or the tape is bound to the output bundle in the bookbinding process. If the number of output sheets is 15 or less, the bookbinding process is prohibited.

The bundle transport time Tc for transporting the bound bundle is as follows: the time for receiving the bound bundle from the gripper 2f by raising the job tray 4a; 3.4 seconds; and the lifting / lowering transport means 4 moving the bound bundle to the stackers 112 and 113. , And a time of 20 seconds required for the lifting and lowering means 4 to return to the predetermined position, for a total of 13.4 seconds.

Since the bookbinding process requires 16.4 seconds and the booklet transport process requires 13.4 seconds, the output paper bundle alignment time Ts is at least the time Tg required for the bookbinding process.
16.4 seconds. Here, assuming that Ts = W / P and the print speed is 110 ipm, the number of output pages W per copy is 3 in order to satisfy the above.
Must be zero or more. That is, if the number of output pages W is 30 or less, it is necessary to reduce the printing speed of the printer unit 101 until the bookbinding process is completed, resulting in reduced productivity.

The printer unit 10 according to the second embodiment
The first controller 410 mutually communicates with the controller 408 of the scanner unit 103 regarding transfer of the image data 406. The image data 406 transferred from the scanner unit 103 to the printer unit 101 is stored in the PBM 108. Further, the controller 410 communicates with the controller 409 of the operation unit 105 about job information set by the user, information on the operation state of each device, and the like. Further, the controller 410 communicates with the controller 411 of the stapler 106 and the controller 412 of the bookbinding apparatus 107 with respect to a user-set job, an operation state of the apparatus, and the like.

The controller 408 of the scanner unit 103
Communicates with the controller 407 of the ADF 102 regarding image reading timing, document information, and the like.
In the ADF 102, the number of documents can be counted by a document detection sensor 413 provided in the document transport path and a counter unit 414 inside the ADF 102. Manuscript 7 is AD
F102 or set on the platen, and the scanner unit 1
The image read at 03 is processed by an image processing unit (not shown) and transferred to the PBM 108 as image data 406.

Next, a control flow and a selection method of the finishing apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

An ADF single-sided original 511 and an ADF double-sided original 5 are displayed on the copy mode selection screen 709 using the operation unit 105.
12, the number of copies 513, the copy magnification 51
In step S1401, the user selects the bookbinding apparatus 107 to perform finishing processing on the device selection screen 603, sets X documents on the tray unit 115 of the ADF 102, and starts a copy operation. Then, first, the ADF 102 operates to feed the document and start reading the document 7. While reading the original 7,
Document detection sensor 4 attached to the transport path in DF 102
13 and the counter unit 414 count the number of documents (see FIG. 4), and the controller 408 of the scanner unit 103
Is transmitted to the controller 410 of the printer unit 101 via the.

In this case, the ADF is used as the document feeder.
Although the number of originals is counted by using the reference numeral 102, the number of originals can be easily counted even by using an RDF that circulates and transports the original.

The original image read by the scanner unit 103 is subjected to image processing, and the PBM of the printer unit 101 is sequentially processed.
108. The calculating unit built in the controller 410 of the printer unit 101 calculates the number W of output pages per bundle from the calculation formula shown in Table 1 according to the image forming setting of the user (S1402). For example, the calculating means calculates that when 100 double-sided originals are printed out on one side, the number of output pages W is 200, and 100 single-sided originals are divided into four originals as one set. When the printout is performed in 4in1, the number of output pages W is calculated to be 25.

That is, the number of output pages W per bundle is calculated from the information 402 on the number of documents and the information from the controller 409 set by the operation unit 105.

If the calculated number of output pages W per bundle is 15 or less (S1403), the bookbinding process is prohibited, and a warning is issued to the operation unit 105 as shown in FIG.
Is displayed (S1404), and the user is allowed to select whether or not to switch to the stapling process (S1405). When the user switches to the stapling process, the printer unit 10
The first controller 410 sends information 40 relating to the operation of the stapler 106 to the controller 411 of the stapler 106.
4 is transmitted, the image data is sequentially read out from the PBM 108, printed out sequentially from the first copy, and conveyed to the stapler 106. The stapler 106 causes the copy output paper to be aligned and stapled (S1406).

Also, if the user does not perform the stapling process,
If the current job has been canceled (S1405),
The controller 409 of the operation unit 105 is
The cancellation information is transmitted to the first controller 410, and the information is transmitted from the controller 410 to each controller.

When the number of output pages W is 16 or more,
If the number of sheets is equal to or less than the number of sheets (S1407), the productivity is reduced. Therefore, a finishing apparatus selection screen 1601 as shown in FIG. 16 is displayed (S1408), and it is determined whether to perform the bookbinding processing or the stapling processing as it is. A selection is made (S1409). When the bookbinding process is selected on the finishing device selection screen 1601, the controller 410 of the printer unit 101 transmits the bookbinding information 405 to the controller 412 of the bookbinding device 107, prints out one copy at a time, and performs the bookbinding operation. (S14
10). When the stapling process is selected, the controller 410 of the printer unit 101
The information 406 that is a staple is transmitted to the controller 411 to perform a stapling operation (S1406). If the number of output pages W exceeds 30 in step S1407, bookbinding processing by normal operation is performed (S1410).

In the above-described embodiment, when the number of output pages per bundle is 30 or less, a warning may be issued to the user by sound or lighting of a lamp.

[0072]

As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, even when the number of sheets output exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled, it is possible to switch from stapling to bookbinding or to reduce the number of sheets output per bundle. The stapling process can be performed by dividing the stapling process into a number equal to or smaller than the number of sheets that can be stapled, so that the finishing process can be reliably performed.

According to another aspect of the present invention, even when the number of sheets output per bundle is equal to or less than a predetermined number of bookbinding processes, the bookbinding process can be switched to the stapling process. In addition, it is possible to select whether to perform the bookbinding process or to switch to the stapling process, and there is an effect that the finishing process can be selected according to the number of output sheets.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus including a finishing device according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a stapler included in the finishing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram illustrating a bookbinding device included in the finishing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a control block diagram illustrating a copying machine including the finishing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a basic device configuration of an operation unit for selecting and controlling a finishing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a screen when device selection is designated by the functional device in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a control flowchart illustrating the operation of the finishing device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a screen when device selection is designated by the functional device in FIG. 5;

9 is a diagram showing the number S of divided volumes when performing divided stapling on the selection screen of the finishing device of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a control flowchart illustrating a case where the number of output pages per bundle W of the finishing apparatus according to the first embodiment exceeds 200.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen when the number W of output pages per bundle of the finishing apparatus according to the first embodiment exceeds 200.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart of the stapler according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart of the bookbinding apparatus according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a finishing device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a selection screen for selecting a stapler according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating a selection screen when device selection is designated by the functional device according to the second embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 7 Document 101 Image Output Unit (Printing Unit) 102 Document Feeding Device 106 Staple Unit (Stapler) 107 Bookbinding Unit (Bookbinding Device) 408 Control Unit (Controller) 409 Control Unit (Controller) 410 Control Unit (Controller) 411 Control Unit ( (Controller) 412 control means (controller) 413 detection means (document detection sensor) 414 calculation means (counter section)

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

Claims (12)

[Claims] If the number of sheets per bundle exceeds an allowable number, a stapling process is selected by dividing the finishing process into a number of stapling processes or switching to a bookbinding process. A finishing device provided with control means for controlling so as to perform a desired finishing process. 2. When a bookbinding process is selected and the number of sheets per bundle is smaller than the number of sheets that can be bound, the finishing process is switched to the stapling process or the bookbinding process is performed as it is. A finishing device provided with control means for controlling so as to perform an appropriate finishing process according to the above. 3. A document feeding device for placing a document, reading the document and sending document information to an image output means, and a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image output means based on the document information. In an image forming apparatus having stapling means for stapling a plurality of sheets and bookbinding means for binding the plurality of sheets, setting means for setting the number of image forming sheets, information on the number of image forming sheets set by the setting means, and a document The number of sheets output from the image output unit is calculated based on the information on the number of sheets, the information on the number of image formation set by the setting unit, and the information on whether the original is single-sided or double-sided. Calculating means for comparing whether the number of sheets output from the calculating means is equal to or less than the stapling-capable number of sheets, and comparing the comparison result with the status. Control means for operating the bookbinding means when the number of staples that can be processed by the pulling means exceeds the number of staples that can be processed, and controlling the staple means when the number of staples is less than or equal to the number of staples that can be processed. Forming equipment. 4. A document feeding device for placing a document, reading the document and sending document information to an image output means, and a plurality of sheets formed on the image output means based on the document information. In an image forming apparatus having stapling means for stapling a plurality of sheets and bookbinding means for binding the plurality of sheets, setting means for setting the number of image forming sheets, information on the number of image forming sheets set by the setting means, and a document Calculating means for calculating the number of sheets output from the image output means on the basis of the information on the number of sheets and information on whether the document is single-sided or double-sided; A comparison is made as to whether or not the number of output sheets is equal to or less than the number of staples that can be processed. A control for dividing the number of sheets output from the image output means into one or less sheets to be stapleable and operating the staple means, and when the number of staples is equal to or less than the stapleable number, controlling the staple means to operate normally. And an image forming apparatus. 5. A display device for selectively displaying a bookbinding process mode or a staple process mode, wherein the control device is configured to, when the number of sheets output from the calculation device exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled, be displayed. 5. The image forming apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the number of divided bundles of the number of staples is calculated from the number of sheets output and the number of staples that can be processed, and bookbinding processing or stapling processing is displayed on the display unit. 6. A document feeding device for placing a document, reading the document and sending document information to an image output means, and a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image output means based on the document information. In an image forming apparatus having stapling means for stapling a plurality of sheets and bookbinding means for binding the plurality of sheets, setting means for setting the number of image forming sheets, information on the number of image forming sheets set by the setting means, and a document Calculating means for calculating the number of sheets output from the image output means on the basis of the information on the number of sheets and information on whether the document is single-sided or double-sided; A comparison is made as to whether the number of output sheets is equal to or less than the number of staples that can be processed, and the comparison result exceeds the number of staples that can be stapled. When the number of sheets exceeds the number of sheets, the number of sheets output from the image output unit is divided into the number of sheets that can be bound and the bookbinding unit is operated. ,
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that normally operates the stapling unit. 7. A display unit for selectively displaying a bookbinding processing mode or a staple processing mode, wherein the control unit is configured to, when the number of sheets output from the calculation unit exceeds one of the number of sheets capable of bookbinding, be displayed. The image forming apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the number of divisions after the bookbinding processing is calculated from the number of sheets output and the number of sheets capable of bookbinding, and the bookbinding processing or stapling processing is displayed on the display unit. 8. A display unit for selectively displaying a binding processing mode or a staple processing mode, wherein the control unit issues a warning when the number of sheets output from the calculation unit exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled. 8. The warning content to be displayed on the display means by issuing a warning is controlled.
The image forming apparatus as described in the above. 9. A document feeder for placing a document, reading the document and sending document information to an image output means, and a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image output means based on the document information. In an image forming apparatus having stapling means for stapling a plurality of sheets and bookbinding means for binding the plurality of sheets, setting means for setting the number of image forming sheets, information on the number of image forming sheets set by the setting means, and a document Calculating means for calculating the number of sheets output as one bundle output from the image output means, based on the information on the number of sheets and information on whether the document is single-sided or double-sided; Compare whether or not the number of output sheets exceeds a predetermined number of bookbinding processing, the comparison result,
Control means for operating the stapling means when the number of bookbinding processing units is equal to or less than a predetermined number of bookbinding processing sheets, and operating the bookbinding means when the number of bookbinding processing sheets exceeds the predetermined number of bookbinding processing sheets. Image forming apparatus. 10. A display unit for selectively displaying a bookbinding processing mode or a staple processing mode, wherein the control unit is configured to output, when the number of sheets output from the calculating unit one sheet bundle is equal to or less than the predetermined bookbinding processing number. The image forming apparatus according to claim 9, wherein a warning is issued and the content of the warning displayed on the display unit is controlled. 11. A document feeder for placing a document, reading the document and sending document information to an image output means, and a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image output means based on the document information. In an image forming apparatus having stapling means for stapling a plurality of sheets and bookbinding means for binding the plurality of sheets, setting means for setting the number of image forming sheets, information on the number of image forming sheets set by the setting means, and a document Calculating means for calculating the output number of one bundle output from the image output means on the basis of the information on the number of sheets and information on whether the document is single-sided or double-sided; A comparison is made as to whether the number of sheets exceeds the first number of sheets to be bound and the number of sheets to exceed the second number of sheets to be bound, and the comparison result exceeds the first number of sheets to be bound by the bookbinding means. Control means for selectively operating either the stapling means or the bookbinding means when the number of bookbindings is equal to or less than the number of bookbindings, and operating the bookbinding means when the number of sheets exceeds the second bookbinding processing number. An image forming apparatus comprising: 12. A display device for selectively displaying a bookbinding processing mode or a staple processing mode, wherein the control unit determines that the number of sheets output from the calculation unit in a bundle exceeds the first bookbinding processing number, and 12. The image forming apparatus according to claim 11, wherein when the number of sheets to be bound is equal to or less than 2, a warning is issued and the content of the warning displayed on the display unit is controlled.