JPH11208976A - Bookbinding apparatus and control method for bookbinding system including the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To effectively prevent a sheet bundle from being collapsed at the time of heat bonding by effectively performing a bookbinding process of a sheet bundle using a bind tape with a glue. SOLUTION: A sheet bundle S2, which has been subjected to bookbinding by heating and bonding, is conveyed to a predetermined position while being held by sheet bundle holding means 90a, 90b, and waits until a predetermined waiting time or a predetermined timing is reached. The consolidation after bonding is performed effectively by carrying out. Also,
At the time of bookbinding processing, the apparatus can be controlled in the selected mode by selecting and inputting a bookbinding quality priority mode or a productivity priority mode.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a bookbinding apparatus and a control method for a bookbinding system having the same. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a bookbinding sheet bundle in which a plurality of sheets to be stacked are aligned. The present invention relates to an improvement in a bookbinding apparatus for performing bookbinding by heat treatment in a state in which the bookbinding apparatus is in contact with an adhesive surface of a bind tape and a control method of a bookbinding system including the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a plurality of sheets sequentially formed and discharged from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine are stacked and aligned to form a sheet bundle. Using a bind tape with glue of a predetermined width cut to a predetermined length, bookbinding is performed by heating and bonding in a state where the binding end of the sheet bundle is in contact with the bonding surface of the bind tape. Known online devices are known.

[0003] As described above, the binding means for a sheet bundle using a bind tape has a sufficiently strong binding structure for the sheet bundle and the quality of the binding mode as compared with the binding means using a staple in a normal case. It has the advantages of being expensive, having few missing pages, being able to cope with a large number of sheets, and the like. In addition, since it is an online device, it is easy to create a large number of booklets.

[0004]

However, in the case of the bonding process by heating the glued bind tape as described above, the amount of heat at the time of heating is left in the sheet bundle immediately after bonding, so that the sheet bundle is easily consolidated. It was not obtained, and was likely to lose its shape in the adhesion processing part during transport or stacking during bookbinding.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve such a problem in the conventional bookbinding apparatus. It is an object of the present invention to effectively perform a bookbinding process of a sheet bundle using a glued bind tape. It is another object of the present invention to provide a bookbinding apparatus capable of preventing shape collapse or the like at the time of heat bonding and a method of controlling a bookbinding system including the same.

[0006]

In order to achieve the above object, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a sheet discharged from an image forming apparatus or the like is stacked and aligned. Using a bind tape with glue of a predetermined width cut into a predetermined length corresponding to the end of the sheet bundle to be bound, and applying the bound end of the sheet bundle to the adhesive surface of the bind tape. In the bookbinding apparatus for carrying out the bookbinding finished product of the bound sheet bundle by applying the binding tape to the corresponding end portion while heating and bonding in the contact state, the binding end portion of the sheet bundle is A sheet bundle nipping means for nipping a portion to be removed from both sides, a sheet bundle conveying means for conveying a sheet bundle nipped by the sheet bundle nipping means to a predetermined bookbinding processing position; A tape holding means for receiving and holding the tape, and a heating means detachable from the bind tape held by the tape holding means. The heating means is held by the sheet bundle holding means and conveyed by the sheet bundle conveying means. The binding end of the sheet bundle to be bound is brought into contact with the adhesive surface of the bind tape held by the tape holding means, and at least the corresponding contact portion is heated and bonded by the heating means, and then the sheet The sheet bundle held by the bundle holding means is conveyed to a predetermined position and once waited, and after a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, the bookbinding completed product of the bound sheet bundle is carried out. I have.

[0007] The invention described in claim 2 of the present invention provides
2. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the waiting time after the bonding process is set in accordance with the number of sheets of the sheet bundle to be bound.

[0008] The invention described in claim 3 of the present invention provides:
2. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the waiting time after the bonding process is set by job information during the bookbinding operation.

Further, the invention according to claim 4 of the present invention provides:
The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a required cooling means is arranged near the standby position after the bonding process.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus or the like are stacked and aligned to form a sheet bundle, which corresponds to a binding end of the sheet bundle. Then, using a glued tape with a predetermined width cut to a predetermined length, the sheet bundle is heated and bonded in a state where the corresponding end of the sheet bundle is in contact with the bonding surface of the bind tape, and the book is thus bound. In a bookbinding apparatus for carrying out a bookbinding completed product of a sheet bundle bound by applying a binding tape to a corresponding end, a sheet bundle holding means for holding a portion excluding the bookbinding corresponding end of the sheet bundle from both sides. Sheet bundle conveying means for conveying the sheet bundle nipped by the sheet bundle nipping means to a predetermined bookbinding processing position; and a tape holding hand arranged at the bookbinding processing position for receiving and holding the bind tape. , And a heating means which enables disjunctive the bind tape held in the tape holding means,
A state in which the binding end of the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle holding means and conveyed by the sheet bundle conveying means is brought into contact with the adhesive surface of the bind tape held by the tape holding means, After the relevant contact portion is heated and bonded by the heating means, the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle holding means is transported to a predetermined position, temporarily stopped, and when the next sheet bundle is aligned. In accordance with the alignment timing of the predetermined number of sheets of the next sheet bundle, and when the alignment of the next sheet bundle has not been performed, after the elapse of a predetermined waiting time, the bookbinding finished product of the bound sheet bundle The feature is that it is carried out.

Further, the invention according to claim 6 of the present invention provides:
In the bookbinding apparatus according to the fifth aspect, the predetermined number of sheets to be matched with the alignment timing is determined according to the total number of sheets to be aligned with the sheet bundle.

[0012] The invention according to claim 7 of the present invention provides:
6. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined number of sheets to be aligned with the alignment timing corresponds to each of the total number of sheets to be aligned with the sheet bundle and a conveyance interval of the aligned sheet bundle to the bookbinding processing position. It is characterized by being determined.

Further, the invention according to claim 8 of the present invention provides:
The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein a required cooling means is arranged near the standby position after the bonding process.

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the control method of the bookbinding system including the bookbinding apparatus according to the first aspect, the quality of a bookbinding completed product of the bound sheet bundle is determined. In order to improve, the predetermined waiting time is calculated as a time until the sheet bundle after the bonding process is solidified to a required degree, and the image of the image generation device connected upstream is calculated in accordance with the calculation result. A bookbinding quality priority mode for performing control for delaying the generation timing, and a productivity priority mode for calculating the predetermined waiting time based on the image generation timing of an image generation apparatus connected upstream, with emphasis on productivity of the entire system. And selectively inputting each of these pieces of mode information to the apparatus control unit, and performing a corresponding bookbinding process control based on the input mode information. There.

Therefore, in the bookbinding apparatus according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, the sheet bundle that has been subjected to the bookbinding process after being heated and bonded is conveyed to a predetermined position while being held by the sheet bundle holding means, and is held for a predetermined waiting time or a predetermined time. Since the sheet is transported after waiting until the timing, the consolidation after the bonding is effectively performed, and there is no possibility that the bookbinding bundle immediately after the bonding may be out of shape.

In the bookbinding system control method including the bookbinding apparatus according to the ninth aspect, in bookbinding processing, the apparatus can be controlled in the selected mode by selecting and inputting a bookbinding quality priority mode or a productivity priority mode. Become.

[0017]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the bookbinding apparatus according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to FIGS.

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram showing an outline of an entire online system having an embodiment of a bookbinding apparatus according to the present invention.

In the apparatus configuration shown in FIG. 1, the online device 1 includes a reading / feeding device 201, an image forming device 2
02, the bookbinding device 203, and the sorting / storage device 204 are linked and deployed, and further, a GUI (Graphic U
ser Interface) is connected.

The reading / feeding device 201 has an original setting section 2 for setting an original (not shown) serving as a source of a formed image, and an optical system 3 for reading and scanning the original. On the lower side, a plurality of sheet feeding decks 6, 7 each of which stores a plurality of sheets S in different sizes.
And sheet feeding units 9 and 10 for feeding the sheet S are arranged, and the sheet S to be fed is conveyed to the sheet conveying path 12 of the image forming apparatus 202 on the downstream side via the sheet conveying unit 11. Is done.

The image forming apparatus 202 includes the optical system 3
A laser scanner 13 that scans a laser beam based on the image information read by the scanner, and an image forming unit 15 that is scanned by the laser scanner 13 and is developed with toner to form a toner image. The toner image is transferred and developed on the corresponding surface of the conveyed sheet S by the unit 15 to form an image. The sheet S on which the image has been formed is conveyed by the conveyance belt 16 and the conveyance roller pair 17.
The sheet is conveyed to the sheet conveying path 19 of the bookbinding apparatus 203 on the downstream side.

As will be described in detail later, the bookbinding apparatus 203 sequentially receives the image-formed sheets S branched from the sheet conveying path 19 and conveyed, and abuts the leading end of the sheet S on the abutting member 59. A sheet aligning tray 41 for stacking the stacked sheets S and aligning the stacked sheets S, an aligned sheet bundle and a tape heating device 56 for heating the bind tape, and a sheet bundle for handling the bookbinding completed product A support rod 605, a bookbinding transfer carriage 60 that holds the sheet bundle support rod 605 and is vertically movable, and a stacker 7 that stores the bookbinding completed product.
1, 72 and the like.

In the sorting device 204, an elevator 25 for feeding the sheet S conveyed from the sheet conveyance path 19 to a conveyance path 26, and a pair of conveyance rollers 27 arranged at a plurality of branch portions of the conveyance path 26, respectively. ,
And a discharge roller pair 29 that discharges and stacks the sheet S branched at each branch portion to the corresponding discharge tray 30.

On the other hand, the outlet 139 of the bookbinding apparatus 203
Is discharged from the discharge port 32 via the elevator 25 and the conveying roller pair 31 to the outside of the machine.

In the case where the sorting apparatus 204 is not connected to the bookbinding apparatus 203, the first
And a stacking tray (not shown) for stacking sheets S discharged from the second discharge port 139 and a stacking tray (not shown) for stacking finished book products discharged from the second discharge port 139 are used. .

Next, the configuration and operation and effect of the bookbinding device 203 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS.

Here, FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view schematically showing a detailed configuration of the bookbinding apparatus according to the present embodiment.

That is, in the device configuration of FIG.
A carry-in roller pair 20 is provided in a portion of the receiving port 19a for receiving the sheet S from the image forming apparatus 202, and a flapper 36 as a branching unit is disposed near the downstream side of the carry-in roller pair 20. The sheet conveying path 19 is branched by a pair of guide portions 33 and 34. In this state, when the flapper 36 is selectively switched to the upper position shown in the drawing, the sheet S to be carried in is guided to the guide portions 33 and 34, and the flapper 36 is moved downward from the upper position shown in the drawing. When the position is switched to the position, the sheet S is conveyed downstream along the sheet conveying path 19 as it is, and is conveyed to the sorting device 204 side from the discharge port 19 b via the conveying roller pairs 21 and 22.

A sheet aligning tray 41 having an upper guide plate 43 and being inclined so that the downstream side is lower is disposed downstream of the guide portions 33 and 34. On the side, an abutting member 59 for abutting the sheet S to be carried in is provided. A sheet bundle pre-heating heater 300 for pre-heating the front end of the sheet bundle S1 aligned on the sheet alignment tray 41 is disposed on the abutting surface of the abutting member 59. For example, a ceramic heater described later is used.

The sheet S conveyed onto the sheet alignment tray 41 by the pair of conveying rollers 39 is swept by a sweeping member 49 composed of a belt whose front end portion is rotatable around the upper left end portion in FIG. The sheet S is brought into contact with the abutting member 59 so as to be abutted and aligned, and the back of the sheet S in the width direction is moved to the reference side (not shown) by the side regulating member 50.

The blower fan 46 disposed above the upper guide plate 43 presses the sheet S conveyed onto the alignment tray 41 with air pressure to prevent the woven sheet S from bulging.

Further, reference numeral 53 denotes a clamp member for holding a designated number of sheet bundles, reference numeral 42 denotes an auxiliary guide plate for the sheet bundle, and reference numeral 55 denotes a stop finger (which operates when a single sheet bundle is stored. (The first few sheets of the next sheet bundle are temporarily stored).

Next, the bookbinding transfer carriage 60 for transferring the completed sheet bundle S1 has the following components.

That is, the bookbinding transport carriage 60 includes a housing 601 supported by a rotatable chain or the like so as to be vertically movable, a transport belt 603 provided on the housing 601 for forward and reverse rotation, and a transport belt 603. The trailing end of the sheet bundle S1 conveyed by the auxiliary guide plate 42 is supported by the trailing end support plate 604, thereby supporting the sheet bundle S1 and supporting the sheet bundle. A sheet bundle supported by a link 607 that is rotatable about the support shaft 606 from the end position to a position where the sheet bundle S1 can be retracted and that bends and stretches between a position where the sheet bundle S1 is received and a position where the sheet bundle S1 is passed to the belt 603. The sheet bundle support rod 605 has a support rod 605 and the like, and is swingable about a support shaft 606.

Here, the sheet bundle rear end support plate 604
After the clamp member 53 separates the sheet bundle S1 from the tape heating device 56, the clamp member 53 moves to a position supporting the sheet bundle end, and separates the clamp member 53 from the sheet bundle S1. The bundle ends are abutted and supported. Reference numeral 65 denotes a fan for cooling the bookbinding completed product, and air flows in the direction of arrow 66. Reference numerals 71 and 72 denote bookbinding transfer carriages 60.
Stacker for storing bookbinding finished products conveyed by
Reference numeral 0 denotes a guide rail for guiding the stackers 71 and 72 so that they can be pulled out.

Next, referring to FIG. 2 to FIG.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a first tape reel, and R2 denotes a second tape reel. A bind tape (set to the thickness of the sheet bundle plus a width w1 of α) 77 fed from each of the tape reels R1 and R2. Is cut by the cutter 79 to a predetermined length (corresponding to the width w2 of the sheet bundle S1 in the width direction).

Here, the operation when the bind tape 77 is supplied from the first tape reel R1 will be described.

The carriage C for transferring the bind tape 77 includes a tape receiving position C1 for receiving the bind tape 77 from the tape reel R1, and a back contact position H.
2 (see FIG. 2), the tape heating device 56 can move in the direction of an arrow 502 (see FIG. 2) between the tape heating device 56 and a tape supply position C2 where the bind tape 77 is supplied. ing.

As shown in FIG. 3 (a), the leading end of the bind tape 77 wound on the tape reel R1 is fed out by a pair of conveying rollers 81 and is waiting at a position immediately before the cutter 79. In use, the sheet is further fed by the conveying roller pair 81 and cut by the cutter 79 into a predetermined length. The cut bind tape 77 is supplied to the carriage C at the position C1 by the pair of conveying rollers 82, and is conveyed and held by the pair of rollers 83a, 83b, 83c in the carriage C as shown in FIG. .

After the carriage C to which the bind tape 77 has been supplied is moved from the position C1 to the position C2 as shown in FIG. 4, the roller pairs 83a, 83b and 83c are moved as shown in FIG. The supplied bind tape 77 is paid out in the direction of the arrow by the rotation of, and the fed bind tape 77 is moved by the transport roller pair 85 to the tape heating device 56 at the back contact position H. FIG. 5B shows a state in which the bind tape 77 fed from the carriage C is set on the tape heating device 56. The tape heating device 56 is provided with the sheet bundle S
1 is arranged in a state extending along a direction perpendicular to the edge in the height direction (horizontal direction on the paper surface in FIG. 13 described later).

FIGS. 6 to 9 show the sheet alignment tray 41.
The state in which the sheet S is carried into the sheet bundle S1 and the state in which the sheet bundle S1 that has been backed up is transferred to the back contact position H are sequentially shown.

First, referring to FIG.
When a bookbinding sheet bundle S1 corresponding to one book is carried in and aligned on 1, the clamp member 53 is operated in the direction of arrow G to clamp the sheet bundle S1. At the time of performing bookbinding of a plurality of copies, at this time, the stop fingers 55 are simultaneously actuated, and then the sheet bundle S1 clamped by the clamp member 53 is carried out from the sheet aligning tray 41 until the alignment is completed. The storage of several sheets S2 from the top of the sheet S to be started is started temporarily.

FIG. 7 shows a stage in which the butting member 59 is retracted to the standby position and the clamp member 53 moves the sheet bundle S1 linearly from above the sheet alignment tray 41 toward the back contact position H. I have. At this time, the auxiliary guide plate 42 moves from the lower portion of the sheet alignment tray 41 to the vicinity of the back contact position H at a constant speed in parallel with the sheet bundle S1 in conjunction with the movement of the clamp member 53, and the lower surface of the sheet bundle S1. Guide.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the sheet bundle S 1 is carried out of the sheet alignment tray 41 by the clamp member 53. The sheet bundle S1 is formed by the clamp member 53.
Is discharged from the sheet alignment tray 41, the butting member 59 returns to the butting position, the stop finger 55 is retreated from the storage position to the retreat position, and the sheet S2 corresponding to the stored number of sheets is The sheet S3 that is placed on the alignment tray 41 and aligned on the sheet alignment tray 41 is aligned.

FIG. 9 shows a state in which the front end of the sheet bundle S1 clamped by the clamp member 53 is abutted against the heater surface of the tape heating device 56 which is positioned and waiting at the back contact position H. I have. In this case, the sheet bundle S1 moves linearly while being guided by the auxiliary guide plate 42 on the lower surface while being clamped by the clamp member 53 as described above. The abutting member 59
Is longer than the length of the sheet bundle S1 to be bound.

FIG. 10 shows the detailed structure of the tape heating device 56.

That is, in FIG. 10, the tape heating device 56 has a back heater 56a for heating the bind tape 77, and the respective side heater members 51, which are disposed opposite to both sides of the back heater 56a.
52 is provided with side heaters 51a and 52a on the inside and rollers 51b and 52b on the side. Each of these heaters 5
6a and 51a, 52a may be ceramics heaters. In the vicinity of the side heaters 51 and 52, a pair of tape guides 86 and 87 having guide portions 86a and 87a at the opposed inner ends are respectively disposed. Are pivotally pivotable about support shafts 88 and 89 on the base side.

FIGS. 11 to 20 show the operation of the tape heating device 56, respectively. FIG. 11 shows the binding tape 77 transported by the transport roller pair 85 (see FIG. 5). But each tape guide 8
6, 87 and is supplied to the rear contact position H.

In FIG. 12, the bind tape 77
Is supplied to the back contact position H, as shown by the arrow, the back heater 56a moves to the bind tape 77 side and starts heating the bind tape 77.

Here, FIG.
As a result, the sheet bundle S1 aligned from the sheet alignment tray 41 is transferred to the back contact position H, and the sheet bundle S1 is
2 shows a state in which the end surface (rear surface) of FIG. At this time, the side ends of the sheet bundle S1 are connected to the upper and lower regulating guides 90a, 90a.
This is to prevent the sheet bundle S1 from spreading due to the curl and weight of each sheet S and the heat received from the tape heating means 56.

In FIG. 13, the bind tape 77
When the rear binding by pressing and abutting the sheet bundle S1 onto the bonding surface of the sheet bundle is completed, the side heater members 51 and 52 start moving in the conveying direction of the sheet bundle S1, as indicated by arrows in FIG. While retracting the tape guides 86 and 87 by the rollers 51b and 52b, the binding to both side surfaces of the sheet bundle S1 is started by lifting both ends of the bind tape 77. At this time, the upper and lower tape guides 86 and 87 are retracted rearward from the leading end of the sheet as the side heater members 51 and 52 move as shown in FIG. Next, the side heater members 51 and 52 press both sides of the leading end of the sheet bundle S1 to bind both side surfaces of the sheet bundle S1.

When the binding on both sides of the sheet bundle S1 is completed in this manner, the binding tape 77 here is used.
In order to perform the finishing operation of the bent portion of the sheet bundle, as shown in FIG.
While pressing both sides in step 1, ironing is applied in the direction of the arrow. Thereafter, as shown by arrows in FIG. 17, the side heater members 51 and 52 move to release the pressurization.

Next, as shown by an arrow in FIG. 18, the clamp member 53 pulls up the bound bookbinding product Sa from the back contact position H to a predetermined position, conveys it, and retracts it, as shown by the arrow in FIG. As can be seen, the bookbinding finished product S
a is transferred to a delivery position (see FIG. 21 described later) to the carriage 60 which also serves as a bundle cooling position.

At this time, the side heater members 51 and 52 and the rear heater 56a are connected to each other as shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 0, when the bookbinding finished product Sa is pulled up from the back contact position H and retracted, the next bind tape 7
7 to return to the standby position in order to receive the supply.

Here, FIG.
Shows a state in which the bookbinding completed product Sa transported to the delivery position to the carriage 60 also serving as the bundle cooling position while the lower surface side is guided by the auxiliary guide plate 42.

In FIG. 21, the carriage 60
The sheet bundle supporting rod 605 supports the lower surface of the sheet bundle S1 together with the auxiliary guide plate 42 by being moved in the direction D shown in FIG. 2 while the sheet bundle S1 is bound at the back contact position H. Is set to the position where In this case, the auxiliary guide plate 42 and the sheet bundle support rod 605
Are each formed in a comb-teeth shape so that they can cross each other and enter.

On the other hand, when the bookbinding finished product Sa is lifted and conveyed by the clamp member 53 and separated from the rear heater 56a, as shown in FIG. 22, the end of the bookbinding finished product Sa is lifted. The sheet bundle rear end support plate 604 swings and moves between the rear heater 56a. In this state, the consolidation is promoted by cooling the bundle bonding portion by a cooling fan (not shown). In this case, the cooling and fixing are performed until a predetermined time described later elapses or until a predetermined timing is reached. , And wait in this state.

FIG. 23 shows that after the standby, the clamp member 53 and the auxiliary guide plate 42 are returned to the predetermined positions of the sheet alignment tray 41, and the bookbinding completed product Sa
2 shows a state where the end of the sheet bundle abuts on the sheet bundle rear end support plate 604 and is supported by the sheet bundle support rod 605, that is, a state in which the bookbinding completed product Sa is delivered onto the sheet bundle support rod 605. . In this case, since the bookbinding completed product Sa is lifted above the track on which the auxiliary guide plate 42 moves by the sheet bundle supporting rod 605, these clamp members 53 and the auxiliary guide plate 42 are combined with the bookbinding completed product Sa. Can be easily returned to the position of the sheet alignment tray 41 without rubbing against the lower surface of the sheet.

After the clamp member 53 and the auxiliary guide plate 42 are returned to the position of the sheet alignment tray 41, the sheet bundle support rod 605 and the sheet bundle rear end support plate 604 are moved in the direction E shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 24, the delivered bookbinding finished product Sa is held in a horizontal state. Then, in this horizontal holding state, the bookbinding completed product Sa is placed on the belt surface of the transport belt 603.

FIGS. 25 and 26 show a state in which the bookbinding completed product Sa is stored in the stacker 71 or 72, respectively. That is, the bookbinding completed product Sa on the carriage 60 is transported by the transport belt 603 and the pushing member 60.
2 housed in the stacker 71 or 72.

When the bookbinding completed product Sa on the carriage 60 is not stored in the stacker 71 or 72, as shown in FIG. 27, the bookbinding completed product Sa is transferred from the second outlet 139 to the outside of the machine. Is discharged. The bookbinding completed product Sa discharged from the carry-out port 139 of the bookbinding device 203 is transferred to the elevator 25 in the lower part of the sorting and storing device 204 as shown in FIG. When the elevator 25 is moved up and down, the elevator 25 discharges and stores it in the predetermined discharge tray 30.
Further, when it is not necessary to store the bookbinding finished product Sa in the discharge tray 30, the finished product Sa is discharged to the outside of the sorting and storing device 204 as it is via the elevator 25 located at the lowermost layer.

On the other hand, when the unbound sheets S from the image forming apparatus 202 are discharged to the sorting and storing apparatus 204 via the bookbinding apparatus 203, the carriage 60 at the position shown in FIG. After moving to
The sheet S is received from a second carry-in entrance 91 below the stacker 72, and is conveyed to the lower left transport path 92 and the carriage 6
0, and the second discharge port 1 through the conveyance path 93 at the lower right side.
Let it be discharged from 39. That is, with this configuration, when the unbound book S is discharged to the outside of the bookbinding apparatus 203, the sheet S does not need to pass through the transport path 26 of the sorting and storing apparatus 204. It is possible to easily discharge.

Next, FIG. 29 shows the configuration of each of the stackers 71 and 72 provided in the bookbinding apparatus 203.
In this case, for example, one of the stackers 72
1 and can be engaged with the lock device 143, and the presence or absence of the engagement is indicated by an indicator 146. Further, the other stacker 71 is also provided with a handle 142, a lock device 145, an indicator 147, and the like. Reference numerals 70 and 70 denote the respective stackers 71 and
Each is a guide rail for pulling out 72.

As described above, the stackers 71 and 72 are
When the bookbinding completed product 51 is conveyed to one side, the other can be manually pulled out, so that the sample inspection and the removal of the bookbinding completed product Sa in the full stacker can be performed by the bookbinding apparatus. The bookbinding operation by the user 203 can be performed without stopping, and as a result, a continuous operation becomes possible.

Next, a description will be given of a waiting time for performing the standby in the state of FIG. 21 and a timing of releasing the standby.

Here, the book just bonded for book binding has heat. FIG. 30 (a) shows the relationship between the temperature of the tape surface immediately after bonding and the time. That is, as a result of examination, it has been found that when the temperature of the tape surface decreases to about 50 ° C., the temperature of the actually bonded portion becomes about 60 ° C., and it becomes difficult to lose the shape.

Based on this relationship, FIG. 30 (b) shows a correspondence table of standby time (cooling time) required for solidifying the bundle at the standby position according to the number of sheets to be bound. That is, for example, a standby time of about 27 seconds is required for a bundle of 150 sheets, and a standby time of about 7 seconds is required for a bundle of 30 sheets.

Therefore, using the cooling time shown here,
By sufficiently cooling the bundle, a mode that emphasizes prevention of bundle collapse is set as a bundle collapse prevention priority mode.

However, in the method of determining the cooling time based on the number of sheets in the bundle as described above, there is a disadvantage that it takes a long time from when the bundle is bonded to when the bundle is discharged to the stacker. Further, in the present embodiment, since the alignment of the next bundle is performed even while the bundle is being bonded and cooled, if the cooling time is long, it is necessary to wait for the bonding of the next bundle. No. Therefore, when producing a small number of bundles, the productivity of the entire system is determined by the cooling time. Thus, as another mode for determining the bundle cooling release timing, a method (mode) for determining the bundle cooling release timing based on the number of sheets of the next bundle after the adhesive bundle will be described.

In the bookbinding apparatus according to the present embodiment, the time required for transferring the bundle to the carriage after the cooling is released and allowing the next bundle to be received is about 3 seconds including some margin. This corresponds to a discharge time of five sheets, for example, in consideration of the productivity of 110 sheets / minute in the present embodiment. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the timing for canceling the bundle cooling is set to the time when the fifth sheet from the end of the next sheet to be bound is aligned. That is, if the end of alignment of the fifth bundle from the end of the next bundle is detected in this way, the control method for releasing the cooling of the previous bundle is set to the productivity priority mode in this case. However, in the productivity priority mode, if the bundle being cooled is the last bundle, there is no problem in cooling the bundle using the sufficient cooling time described above.

In the present embodiment, the two modes are controlled to be selectively executed by causing the user to input the respective modes by a mode input method described later.

Next, the hardware configuration in the case of the present embodiment will be described.

FIG. 31 is a hardware block diagram applied to the present embodiment.

In FIG. 31, reference numeral 1005 denotes a center heater, 1006 denotes a side heater, and 1007 denotes a lower side heater. Each heater consumes 700 W of power with respect to a voltage of 100 V AC. 1001, 1
Reference numerals 002 and 1003 denote temperature detectors for detecting the temperatures of the center heater, the upper side heater, and the lower side heater, respectively. The temperature detection signals from these temperature detectors are respectively analog-converted by the A / D converter 1011. The signal is converted into a digital signal and output to the control circuit unit 1025.

Reference numeral 1031 denotes the aforementioned GUI,
This screen is controlled and displayed by an output signal from the control circuit unit 1025. Then, the GUI 1031
Is also output to the control circuit unit 1025. The input of the bonding mode described later is performed by the GUI 1031, and the input data is input to the I / O control unit 1030.
Is output to the control circuit unit 1025 via the
27.

Here, the control circuit 1025 includes a central processing unit (hereinafter abbreviated as CPU) 1026 for performing arithmetic processing by a predetermined program and controlling the entire processing unit, a ROM for storing programs and predetermined data, A RAM 1 for temporarily storing data according to signal processing, and a memory 1 including an IC card or a floppy disk as a recording medium for writing and reading programs and data.
027, I / O control section 103 that controls transmission of input / output signals
0 and so on. The CPU 1026 is provided with a timer (not shown) for counting time.
The I / O control unit 1030 or the I / O control unit 1030 is provided with a plurality of registers and is used for temporarily storing and reading data signals.

Further, reference numerals 1008, 1009, and 1010 denote SSR1 and SSR for controlling switching of energization to each of the center heater, the upper side heater, and the lower side heater.
2, SSR3, which are the control circuit unit 1025
Is controlled by a control signal from Reference numeral 1031 denotes a group of motors used for driving the apparatus, and the operation is controlled by a control signal from the CPU 1030 when performing the bookbinding operation.

Next, a mode input method using the GUI will be described.

FIG. 32 shows an input screen for job designation.

In FIG. 32, reference numeral 32a-1 denotes a normal copy reception window, 32a-2 denotes the number of copies, 3
Reference numeral 2a-3 denotes a paper selection, and 32a-4 denotes a binding option selection button. When this button is pressed, a binding mode selection window screen described later appears. Reference numeral 32a-5 is a button for selecting a function used as a bin for sorting sorter pins, and reference numeral 32a-6 is a group sort button used for putting the same copy in one bin. Reference numeral 32a-7 denotes a button for designating creation of a book having the same contents as the original bundle as a bookbinding function. Reference numeral 32a-8 is a button for designating creation of a book by original copy of the original. Buttons 32a-5 and 32a-6 are for selecting the mode of the sorter, and 32a-7 and 32a-8 are buttons for selecting the mode of the bookbinding apparatus. Since simultaneous use of the bookbinding function and the sorter function is impossible, 32a-5 to 32a-
8 are exclusive choices. 32a-9 is a cancel button for canceling the input window here, and 32a-10 is a confirm button for confirming the selected mode.

FIG. 33 shows an input flowchart from this screen.

First, when the input screen of FIG. 32 is displayed, here, a state of waiting for button selection on the screen is set (step 32b-1). Then, when any of the buttons is selectively pressed, it is determined whether or not the pressed button is a binding option selection button (step 32b).
-2). If this is a bookbinding option selection button, the processing A described later is performed, and when this is completed, the process returns to the state of waiting for button selection on the screen (step 32b-1).

If they are different, it is determined whether or not the pressed button is a sort button of the sorter function (step 32b-3). If the button is the corresponding button, this button frame is made thicker and the other buttons (6, 7, 8 in FIG. 32) are made thinner to indicate that this mode is selected (step 32b-10). ), And returns to the state of waiting for button selection on the screen (step 32b-1).

If they are different, it is determined whether the pressed button is a group button for the sorter function (step 32b-4). If the button is the corresponding button, the button frame is made thicker and the other buttons (5, 7, 8 in FIG. 32) are made thinner to indicate that this mode is selected (step 32b-10). ), And returns to the state of waiting for button selection on the screen (step 32b-1).

If they are different, it is determined whether or not the pressed button is a sort button for the bookbinding function (step 32b-5). If it is the corresponding button,
This button frame is made thick and other buttons (5 in FIG. 32)
(6, 8) After narrowing the frame to display that this mode has been selected (step 32b-10), the process returns to the state of waiting for button selection on the screen (step 32b-1).

If they are different, it is determined whether the pressed button is a group button for the bookbinding function (step 32b-6). If the button is the corresponding button, the button frame is made thicker and the other buttons (5, 6, 7 in FIG. 32) are made thinner to indicate that this mode is selected (step 32b-10). After that, the process proceeds to the process A described later, and when this is completed, the process returns to a state of waiting for button selection on the screen (step 32b-1).

If they are different, it is determined whether or not the button is an OK button (step 32b-7). If the button is the corresponding button, the increase / decrease of bookbinding parameters is calculated and stored in the RAM from the paper type information such as the currently selected bookbinding sheet type and the number of bookbinding sheets, job information, and the like (step 32b-8). ). Thereafter, a copy operation is started (step 32b-9).

Next, bookbinding mode input processing A will be described.

When entering the state of the process A, an input screen shown in FIG. 34 is displayed.

In FIG. 34, reference numeral 33-1 denotes a GU
This is a mode input window screen of I. This screen is displayed by clicking an option setting button on a GUI normal screen (not shown). A productivity priority mode selection button 33-2 is selected by default and has a thick frame. 33-3 is a quality priority mode selection button. 33-4 is a cancel button for canceling this input window, and 33-5 is a confirm button for confirming the selected mode.

FIG. 35 shows an input flowchart from this screen.

First, when this screen is displayed, it is in a state of waiting for button selection on the screen (step 34-1). When any of the buttons is selectively pressed, it is determined whether or not the pressed button is a quality priority mode selection button (step 34-2). If this is a quality priority mode selection button, the frame of the quality priority mode selection button is displayed thick and the frame of the productivity priority mode selection button is displayed thin to notify the user that the quality priority mode selection button has been selected. After that (step 34-3), the process returns to the state of waiting for button selection (step 34-1).

If the button is a quality priority button, it is determined whether or not the button is a normal button (step 34-).
4) If the button is a productivity priority button, similarly, the frame of the productivity priority button is displayed thick and the quality priority button frame is displayed thin (step 34-5), and then a state of waiting for button selection (step 34-1). Return to).

If the button is not the quality priority button, it is determined whether or not the button is a cancel button (step 34).
-6) If it is a cancel button, this bonding mode selection window is canceled and the screen returns to the previous screen (step 34-9).

Further, if it is not a cancel button, O
It is determined whether or not the button is the K button (step 34-
7) If it is an OK button, it is determined that the mode in which the selected frame is displayed in bold is selected and stored in the RAM (step 34-8), and the screen returns to the previous screen (step 3).
4-9).

As described above, when the bookbinding option selection button is pressed or when the group mode for bookbinding is selected, the request for the bonding mode is automatically made in accordance with the above procedure, and the user inputs.

A job input and a copy start command are issued in the above procedure.

Next, a heater energizing method and a control method in the heater temperature control system will be described.

As described above, the power consumed by each of the heaters is 700 W in this case. However, in order to suppress the total power consumption consumed by the entire bookbinding apparatus to 1500 W or less, in order to suppress the power consumption, as shown in FIG. 36, on / off control is performed for the center heater, and for the upper and lower side heaters, For example, on / off control is performed by allocating time so that power is exclusively supplied every 200 ms.

As a result, the power consumption of the entire apparatus is reduced by 15
It becomes possible to suppress it to 00W or less.

Then, based on the temperature control temperature of the center heater, it is detected that each heater temperature is higher than each temperature control temperature based on the bonding mode input in the above operation procedure and the calculated bookbinding parameters. If so, the control is performed so that the power is cut off, and if it is detected that the power is low, the power is supplied.

Similarly, bookbinding control is performed based on the input bonding mode and the bundle bonding time of the bookbinding parameters calculated by increasing or decreasing.

In the present embodiment, each of the bundle back bonding time by the heater, the tape heating time, the heater temperature adjustment temperature, and the like is adjusted by the type of sheet, the number of sheets, etc., whereby complete adhesion and removal are performed. We made a booklet with quality priority possible, but apart from the tape used for normal bookbinding, we prepared a bookbinding tape coated with hot melt adhesive with different glue viscosity or melting point exclusively for quality priority,
The quality priority operation may be performed by a sequence in which the temperature at the time of normal bookbinding, the temperature adjustment temperature, the time for bonding the back of the bundle by the heater, and the time for heating the tape are the same.

[0104]

As described in detail in the above embodiments, according to the bookbinding apparatus of the present invention, the binding end of the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle holding means and conveyed by the sheet bundle conveying means is removed. In a state in which the sheet bundle is held in contact with the adhesive surface of the bind tape held by the tape holding means, at least the contact portion is heated and bonded by the heating means, and the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle holding means is held at a predetermined position. Once, and after a predetermined waiting time, a bound booklet of the bound sheet bundle is carried out, and on the other hand, the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle After being conveyed to a predetermined position and temporarily stopped, when alignment of the next sheet bundle is performed, in accordance with the alignment timing of a predetermined number of sheets of the next sheet bundle,
When the next sheet bundle is not aligned, the bookbinding finished product of the bound sheet bundle is carried out after the elapse of a predetermined waiting time, so that the consolidation after bonding is effectively performed. In particular, there is no fear that the bookbinding bundle immediately after bonding may be out of shape, and as a result, a high quality bookbinding finished product can be obtained.

In the control method of the bookbinding system including the bookbinding apparatus of the present invention, a predetermined waiting time is calculated as a time until the sheet bundle after the bonding process is solidified to a required degree,
According to the calculation result, the bookbinding quality priority mode for performing control for delaying the image generation timing of the image generation device connected upstream and the image generation timing of the image generation device connected upstream determine the predetermined waiting time. After selectively inputting each mode information with the productivity priority mode for calculating the to the apparatus control unit, the corresponding bookbinding process control is performed based on the input mode information.
At the time of bookbinding processing, by selecting and inputting the bookbinding quality priority mode or the productivity priority mode, device control in the selected mode becomes possible, so that it is possible to easily respond to a user request for the bookbinding device. There are beneficial benefits.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram showing an outline of an entire online system including an embodiment of a bookbinding apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged side view schematically showing a detailed configuration of the bookbinding device according to the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a unit that supplies a bind tape wound on a reel to a carriage.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a tape receiving position and a tape supply position of a carriage that transports a bind tape.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram sequentially showing means for setting a bind tape in a tape heating device by a carriage of a tape supply device.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of stacking sheets on a sheet alignment tray.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of conveying a sheet bundle aligned on a sheet alignment tray to a tape heating device.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of conveying a sheet bundle aligned on a sheet alignment tray to a tape heating device.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation of conveying a sheet bundle aligned on a sheet alignment tray to a tape heating device.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a detailed configuration of a tape heating device.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a bind tape is set in a tape guide.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a back heater is set on the back surface of the bind tape set on the tape guide.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the leading end of a sheet bundle abuts on a bind tape set on a tape guide.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the side heater has moved to the heating position while bending the bind tape.

FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a sheet bundle is bound by heating by a back heater and a side heater.

FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the side heater is performing ironing for finishing the bent portion of the bind tape.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a state in which the side heater after heating the bind tape is separated from the sheet bundle;

FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which the sheet bundle that has been bound has been moved to a carriage transfer position for conveying the sheet bundle to a stacker.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the side heater has returned to the standby position.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the back heater has returned to the standby position.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a bookbinding completed product is delivered to a carriage.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a bookbinding completed product is delivered to a carriage.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a bookbinding completed product is delivered to a carriage.

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a state in which a bookbinding completed product is placed on a conveyance belt surface of a carriage.

FIG. 25 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which the bookbinding completed product conveyed by the carriage is stored in the upper stacker.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a bookbinding completed product conveyed by the carriage is stored in a lower stacker.

FIG. 27 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which a bookbinding completed product conveyed by the carriage is discharged outside the apparatus from a discharge port at a lower portion of the bookbinding apparatus main body.

FIG. 28 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which an elevator in the sorting and storage device receives a bookbinding completed product discharged from a discharge port of the bookbinding device main body.

FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration of a stacker installed in the bookbinding apparatus.

FIG. 30 (a) is a graph showing an example of the relationship between the temperature and time of a bundle after bonding, and FIG. 30 (b) is a chart showing an example of the relationship between the number of bundles and the cooling time.

FIG. 31 is a circuit block diagram showing a hardware configuration of the present embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a diagram illustrating an input screen for job designation.

FIG. 33 is an input flowchart for job designation.

FIG. 34 is a diagram showing an input screen for specifying a bonding mode.

FIG. 35 is a bonding mode input flowchart.

FIG. 36 is a waveform chart showing the timing of energizing the heater.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Online device 2 Document setting part 3 Scanning optical system 6,7 Feeding deck 9,10 Feeding part 11 Sheet transport part 12 Sheet transport path 13 Laser scanner 15 Image forming part 16 Transport belt 17 Transport roller pair 19 Sheet transport path 19a Receiving port 19b First discharging port 20 Loading roller pair 21, 22 Transport roller pair 25 Elevator 26 Transport path 27 Transport roller pair 20 Transport roller pair 29 Discharge roller pair 30 Discharge tray 31 Transport roller pair 32 Discharge port 33, 34 Guide section 36 Flapper 41 Sheet alignment tray 42 Auxiliary guide plate 43 Upper guide plate 46 Blower fan 49 Sweeping member 50 Side regulating member 51, 52 Side heater member 51a, 52a Heater 51b, 52b Roller 53 Clamp member 55 Stop finger 56 Tape heating device 56a back heater 59 abutment member 60 bookbinding transfer carriage 65 cooling fan 70 guide rail 71, 72 stacker 77 bind tape 79 cutter 81, 82, 85 transport roller pair 83a, 83b, 83c transport roller pair 86, 87 tape guide 86a, 87a Guide portions 88, 89 Support shafts 90a, 90b Regulatory guide 91 Second carry-in port 92, 93 Conveyance path 139 Second discharge port 141, 142 Handle 143, 145 Lock device 146, 147 Indicator 200 Reading / sheet feeding device 201 Paper device 202 Image forming device 203 Bookbinding device 204 Sorting / storing device 300 Sheet bundle pre-heating heater 601 Housing 602 Pushing member 603 Conveying belt 604 Sheet bundle rear end support plate 605 Sheet bundle support rod 606 Support shaft 607 Lin 1005 Center heater 1006 Side heater 1007 Lower side heater 1001, 1002, 1003 Temperature detector 1011 A / D converter 1025 Control circuit unit 1026 CPU 1027 Memory 1030 I / O control unit 1031 GUI H Back contact position R1, R2 First , Second tape reel S, S2, S3 sheet S1 sheet bundle Sa bookbinding completed product

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A binding tape with a predetermined width, which is stacked and aligned to form a sheet bundle, and is cut into a predetermined length corresponding to a binding end of the sheet bundle. The sheet bundle is formed by heating and bonding in a state where the binding end of the sheet bundle is in contact with the bonding surface of the bind tape, and the binding process is performed by bonding the binding tape to the binding end in this manner. A sheet bundle clamping means for clamping a portion of the sheet bundle except for the end corresponding to the book binding from both sides, and a sheet bundle clamped by the sheet bundle clamping means in a predetermined bookbinding process. A sheet bundle conveying means for conveying the sheet to a position, a tape holding means arranged at the bookbinding processing position for receiving and holding the bind tape, and a bind table held by the tape holding means. Heating means capable of being separated from and connected to the sheet bundle, and binding the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle holding means and the binding end of the sheet bundle conveyed by the sheet bundle conveying means to be held by the tape holding means. A state in which the sheet bundle is held in contact with the adhesive surface of the tape, and at least the corresponding contact portion is heated and bonded by the heating means, and then the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle holding means is transported to a predetermined position, and then temporarily stopped. And after the elapse of a predetermined waiting time, unloading the bookbinding completed product of the bound sheet bundle. 2. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a waiting time after the bonding process is set according to the number of sheets of the sheet bundle to be bound. 3. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a waiting time after the bonding process is set based on job information during the bookbinding operation. 4. approaching a standby position after the bonding process,
The bookbinding device according to claim 1, wherein required cooling means is arranged. 5. A binding tape with a predetermined width and a predetermined width corresponding to a binding end of the sheet bundle, wherein the sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus and the like are stacked and aligned to form a sheet bundle. The sheet bundle is formed by heating and bonding in a state where the binding end of the sheet bundle is in contact with the bonding surface of the bind tape, and the binding process is performed by bonding the binding tape to the binding end in this manner. A sheet bundle clamping means for clamping a portion of the sheet bundle except for the end corresponding to the book binding from both sides, and a sheet bundle clamped by the sheet bundle clamping means in a predetermined bookbinding process. A sheet bundle conveying means for conveying the sheet to a position, a tape holding means arranged at the bookbinding processing position for receiving and holding the bind tape, and a bind table held by the tape holding means. Heating means capable of being separated from and connected to the sheet bundle, and binding the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle holding means and the binding end of the sheet bundle conveyed by the sheet bundle conveying means to be held by the tape holding means. A state in which the sheet bundle is held in contact with the adhesive surface of the tape, and at least the corresponding contact portion is heated and bonded by the heating means, and then the sheet bundle held by the sheet bundle holding means is transported to a predetermined position, and then temporarily stopped. When the next sheet bundle is aligned, the predetermined sheet number of the next sheet bundle is aligned with the alignment timing, and when the next sheet bundle is not aligned, a predetermined waiting time After the lapse of time, the bookbinding completed product of the bound sheet bundle is carried out. 6. The bookbinding apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the predetermined number of sheets to be matched with the alignment timing is determined corresponding to the total number of sheets to be aligned. 7. The predetermined number of sheets to be matched with the alignment timing is determined according to each of the total number of sheets to be aligned and a transport interval of the aligned sheet bundle to the bookbinding processing position. The bookbinding device according to claim 5, characterized in that: 8. approaching a standby position after the bonding process,
The bookbinding device according to claim 5, wherein required cooling means is arranged. 9. A method for controlling a bookbinding system including a bookbinding apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined waiting time is adjusted for the sheet after the bonding process in order to improve the quality of the bookbinding completed product of the bound sheet bundle. A bookbinding quality priority mode for calculating the time required for the bundle to be solidified to a required degree and performing control for delaying the image generation timing of the image generation device connected upstream in accordance with the calculation result; A productivity priority mode for calculating the predetermined waiting time based on the image generation timing of an image generation device connected upstream, with emphasis on productivity, and selectively outputs each of these mode information to the device control unit. A method for controlling a bookbinding system, comprising: inputting, and performing corresponding bookbinding processing control based on the input mode information.