JP2001058758A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an image forming system capable of generating a new printing mode, paper folding function, and stapling function such as two-folding and concealed binding, with the image plane located inside so that any other person can not see the contents of the image. SOLUTION: An image forming system is composed of a switchback part to make a sheet upside down, a folding part to give a fold to the sheet, and a stapling part to staple a bundle of sheets. Any sheet received from a receipt hole and having an image on one surface can select any of the two modes from an operation panel, i.e., the internal folding mode where the sheet is folded into two with the image surface positioned inside and the external folding mode where the sheet is folded into two with the image surface positioned outside. Also the sheet can undergo a stapling process for concealing the image contents on the side opposite the stapling position originally designed for book- binding.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system having a post-processing device capable of performing post-processing such as folding and stapling on a sheet on which an image has been formed by a copying apparatus, a printer, or the like. More specifically, the present invention relates to an image forming system having a post-processing device capable of performing a new form of folding or stapling according to the form of an image formed on a sheet by a copying apparatus or a printer body. is there.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as an image forming system, there is a system in which a post-processing device for automatically folding a printed sheet and binding it with staples is connected to a copying machine or a printer body. In such a post-processing apparatus, it is possible to fold the output sheet in two or fold it into three in a Z-shape, or to staple the edges and the center of the output sheet. In addition, the copying apparatus is provided with an automatic document feeder, which automatically sends a plurality of source documents,
Can be copied.

In such a conventional post-processing apparatus, it is possible to perform folding in two with the image on the outside and aligning both open end faces of the sheet, and to perform stapling only near the open end face of the folded sheet. It was possible. That is,
A mode corresponding to so-called bag binding was possible. It was also possible to change the page order, print a total of four pages on the front and back of a single sheet, and close the center of the sheet in saddle stitching or bookbinding called weekly magazine binding.

[0004]

However, since such a device has come to be used as a network printer, it has become necessary to select a sheet discharged from each of the many discharged sheets. For this reason,
Others will see the image content of the discharged sheet. However, as the demand for not wanting others to see the contents of the image has gradually increased, folding the image inside and stapling so that the bound sheet bundle cannot be opened. The need came out. Also, in the above-described weekly magazine binding, when the number of sheets is large, the sheet end faces are not aligned, so that the appearance is poor. On the other hand, in the case of bag binding, the appearance is good, but only two pages are printed on one sheet, which is not preferable from the viewpoint of resource saving.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve such a conventional problem. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming system capable of setting a new print mode, a paper folding function, and a staple function.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An image forming system made to solve the above problems includes a reversing means for reversing a sheet, a crease means for forming a fold on a sheet, and an image forming apparatus on one side received from a receiving port. And a first selecting means for selecting an in-fold mode in which the image plane is folded inward and an outer folding mode in which the image plane is folded in two with the use of the reversing means. ing.

In this image forming system, a sheet on which an image is formed is folded in two by a crease unit. Before the image-formed sheet is conveyed to the crease means, there is provided a reversing means for turning the sheet upside down, so that the crease means always forms the image only by making a fold in a single direction. This makes it easy to select between inward folding, which folds inward, and outer folding, which folds the image in half.
Since the inward folding is possible, it is possible to meet a demand that the contents of the formed image are not desired to be seen by others. In addition, since it is possible to select between inside folding and outside folding, it has become possible to select a new mode while maintaining the conventional functions.

In this image forming system, it is desirable that the first selecting means can select the inner folding mode and the outer folding mode for each sheet in one job. By making such a selection possible, it is not necessary to divide sheets in one job that are not desired to be seen by others and sheets that may be seen by others into separate jobs, and the efficiency of copying is increased.

The image forming system may further comprise a stapling means for performing a stapling process on an open end of the sheet folded in half by the crease means when the in-fold mode is selected by the first selecting means. Is desirable.

[0010] By being able to perform such a stapling process, it is possible to more reliably prevent an image from being viewed by others.

In the image forming system, it is desirable to have a folding position adjusting means which can selectively change the folding position when the in-fold mode is selected by the first selecting means.

As described above, when performing in-folding in which an image is folded inward, the folding position can be changed, so that inward folding can be performed so that only a part of the surface on which the image is formed can be seen. It becomes possible. In this part only visible,
If the name or the like is described, it is possible to understand who discharged the sheet without looking at the entire contents of the image.

Further, in this image forming system, when the folding position adjusting means changes the folding position, it is preferable that the stapling position at the open end is also changed in conjunction with the folding position.

Since the stapling position at the open end is changed in conjunction with the change in the folding position, there is no need to separately change the stapling position. Therefore, there is no waste of staples due to forgetting to change the staple processing position, and the change setting can be easily performed.

On the other hand, the image forming system includes a crease forming means for forming a fold on the sheet, a temporary stacking tray for temporarily stacking the sheets, and a fold by the crease forming means for stacking the sheet bundle stacked on the temporary stacking tray. A sheet conveying means for conveying in a crossing direction, a stapling means for performing stapling on a sheet bundle conveyed by the sheet conveying means, and a fold side end binding for performing stapling on a fold side end of the folded sheet bundle The apparatus may further include a second selection unit capable of selecting between a mode and an open-side binding mode in which stapling is performed on an open-side end of the folded sheet bundle.

Since it is possible to fold a sheet having images on both sides and bind the fold side end, the sheet end faces are aligned when the number of sheets is large, which is a problem in the conventional weekly magazine binding. It is possible to eliminate poor appearance due to the absence. Also, 4 sheets on the front and back of one sheet
Since printing for pages can be performed, it is preferable from the viewpoint of resource saving. Further, since the open end can be bound, the formed image cannot be easily seen. Furthermore, since the fold side end binding and the open side end binding can be selected, a new mode can be selected while maintaining the conventional functions.

Further, the image forming system has a reversing means for reversing the sheet, and the second selecting means determines whether or not the folding side edge binding mode and the open side edge binding mode use the reversing means. You may make it select according to.

Whether or not the sheet is to be reversed may be determined depending on whether to perform inward folding or outward folding as described above. For this reason, the selection between the fold side end binding mode and the open side end binding mode is also determined by the inner fold or the outer fold.

If only one sheet has an image formed thereon, it is not necessary to bind the fold side end of the folded sheet. Therefore, it is desirable that the image forming system includes a staple prohibiting unit that prohibits stapling when the fold side edge binding mode is selected for a job including only one sheet.

This image forming system is capable of selecting a concealment mode in which staple processing is performed also on the end opposite to the end where stapling is required by the mode selected by the second selection means. It is desirable to have a means.

By having such a mode, it is possible to obtain a bound sheet in which the inside cannot be easily seen by others.

Alternatively, the image forming system includes a temporary stacking tray for temporarily stacking sheets, sheet conveying means for conveying a sheet bundle stacked on the temporary stacking tray,
A stapling means for stapling the sheet bundle conveyed by the sheet conveying means, a front end binding mode for stapling the front end of the folded sheet bundle in the conveying direction of the sheet conveying means, and a rear side end mode A third selection means capable of selecting a rear end binding mode in which stapling is performed on a portion, and an end opposite to the end where stapling is required by the mode selected by the third selection means. A concealment mode selection unit that can select a concealment mode for performing the stapling process may be provided.

With this configuration, a sheet bundle that is not folded can be easily obtained without being seen by others.

Further, this image forming system has a staple moving means for moving the staple means in a direction intersecting with the conveying direction by the sheet conveying means. When the concealment mode is selected, the staple means is provided by the second selecting means. It is desirable to perform stapling at least at two places in the moving direction of the staple moving means at the end where stapling is required according to the mode selected by (1).

In this image forming system, the stapling means for performing the stapling process can be moved in a direction intersecting the sheet conveying direction. Therefore, even when various sheet sizes are selected, a single stapling unit can perform stapling processing at a plurality of positions at one end. The stapling end for concealment and the stapling end for bookbinding can be distinguished by the number of stapling points.

[0026]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming system according to the present invention. The image forming system according to the present embodiment
A post-processing device 50 that performs folding processing, stapling, and the like on a copied sheet is attached to a copying apparatus 10 provided with an automatic document feeder 20. First, the copier 1
The schematic configuration and operation thereof will be described. Copier 1
FIG.

The copying apparatus 10 is a so-called digital copying machine, and is roughly divided into an image reader section IR and an image processing section PR. The image reader IR reads the image data of the document to be copied, temporarily stores it in a memory, and performs various image editing processes as necessary.
Then, based on the image data transferred from the image reader section IR, the image processing section PR reproduces the image of the document on a sheet by a well-known electrophotographic process. Copy operation is performed by reading image data.
Necessary editing, for example, changing the page order, image reversal processing, or copying processing on both sides is executed.

The image reader section IR is further divided into an image reading section 11 and an automatic document transport section 20 thereon. The image reading unit 11 has a platen glass 111 on which a document is placed, and an exposure lamp 112 which is arranged directly below the platen glass 111 and irradiates the document placed on the platen glass 111. ing. Then, reflection mirrors 113 and 11 for polarizing the optical path of the reflected light of the original are provided.
4, 115 and a lens 116 having a focusing and zooming function
And a CCD sensor 117 as an image reader. Further, an optical system motor 11 for driving the optical system
8 and a shading correction plate 119 installed on the platen glass 111 to correct the sensitivity variation of the CCD sensor 117. In addition, the CCD sensor 11
Image processing unit 12 that processes the image signal obtained by
0 and a memory unit 130 for storing image data output from the image processor 120. further,
A plurality of reflection sensors 102 for detecting the size of a document set on the platen glass 111 are also provided. on the other hand,
At the left end of the platen glass 111, a document reference plate 101 for positioning is arranged.

Next, the schematic configuration of the automatic document feeder 20 will be described with reference to the internal schematic structure diagram of FIG. The automatic document feeder 20 is attached to the upper surface of the platen glass 111 so as to be openable and closable.
1. A fast page system that picks up a document placed on the top from the top is adopted. The automatic document feeder 20 includes a paper feed unit 210, a reading unit 220, and a paper discharge unit 240. The paper supply unit 210 includes a paper supply tray 211 on which a document is placed, and a pickup roller 214 that picks up the document on the paper supply tray 211 from the top.
And a separation roller pair 215 for sending out only the top one of the originals protruded by the pickup roller 214, and a conveyance roller pair 216 disposed downstream of the separation roller pair 215. The paper feed tray 211 is
The push-up portion 2 is provided on the side facing the pickup roller 214.
12 and a lever 213 that presses the push-up portion 212 against the pickup roller 214.

The reading section 220 includes a first reading roller pair 222 for receiving a document from the aforementioned conveying roller pair 216.
And a second reading roller pair 22 located downstream thereof.
And 3. A slit glass 198 and a pressing plate 221 are provided between the two roller pairs. The slit glass 198 is a window through which the image reading unit 11 reads an image of a document conveyed by the first reading roller pair 222 and the second reading roller pair 223. The pressing plate 221 holds the original on the slit glass 19.
8. A scooping guide 199 is provided immediately downstream of the slit glass 198. Further, a detection sensor 225 for detecting a document size is provided upstream of the first reading roller pair 222.

At a position downstream of the second reading roller pair 223, a first switching claw 231 is provided for double-sided reading.
, A first reversing roller 232, a second switching claw 233
And a second reversing roller 234. In the paper output unit 240, in order to store the document that has been read,
A discharge roller pair 241 and a document discharge tray 242 are provided.

Returning to FIG. 1, the image processing section PR has an optical scanning section 13, a processing section 12, a transport section 14, and a process control section 120 for controlling these sections.
The optical scanning unit 13 includes a semiconductor laser 131 that emits laser light, and a polygon mirror 135 connected to a polygon scanner 134 that rotates at high speed to reflect the laser light emitted from the semiconductor laser 131. ing. Further, a toroidal lens 136 and an fθ lens 137 for polarizing the laser beam are provided, and further, folding mirrors 138a, 138b, and 138c are provided.

The process unit 12 includes a photosensitive drum 121
, A charging charger 125, a developing device 122, a transfer charger 126, a separation charger 127, and a cleaning device 124. The transport unit 14 includes a paper feed cassette 151 for stacking and storing sheets, a manual tray 161, a fixing roller pair 176, and a discharge roller pair 177 for discharging the copied sheets from the copying apparatus 10.
And equipped. Further, a pickup roller 154 for feeding stored sheets, a feeding roller 155, and a separation roller 156 are arranged in the sheet feeding cassette 151.
In addition, a pair of transport rollers 171, 172, 173 and a pair of timing rollers 174 are provided. Further, a sensor 175 for detecting the leading edge of the sheet conveyed from the conveying roller pair 173 and performing a certain operation to correct the skew of the sheet with respect to the timing roller pair 174, and a sensor 175 for partially ensuring this operation. An upstream conveyance path 179 having a wide paper passage is provided. The sensor 175
Is also used to determine the size of the sheet supplied from the manual feed tray 161.

On the other hand, a pickup roller 162 for feeding a sheet manually fed to the manual feed tray 161 and a feed roller 1
63 and a separation roller 164 are provided. Upstream of the discharge roller pair 177, a switchback unit 190 and
A switchback transport unit 180 for transporting to the switchback unit 190 is provided. Further, there is provided a front / back inversion conveyance section 140 for conveying the sheet turned upside down by the switchback section again upstream of the timing roller pair 174.

The switchback transport section 180 has a switching claw 181 driven by a solenoid (not shown) and a transport roller pair 182. Switchback unit 190
Are a pair of transport rollers 191 rotatable in two directions, a pair of transport rollers 192 configured to be rotatable only in a direction for transporting the sheet downstream, a transport guide 193, and a detection sensor 1
95 and a back-feed prevention mylar 196 at the rear end of the sheet.

The reversing transport unit 140 includes a first transport roller pair 141, a second transport roller pair 142, and transport guides 143 and 144 for a sheet that has been reversed by the switchback unit 190.

Next, the operation of the copying apparatus 10 will be described. First, reading of a document in the automatic document feeder 20 of the image reader IR will be described. The copying apparatus 10 according to the present embodiment is a so-called first page system that starts a copying operation from the first page of a group of documents or the like. For this reason, the first sheet feeder 210 of the automatic document feeder 20
A document group or the like is set with the page facing upward. In a first page copying machine, for example, in the case of two-sided copying in which a single-sided original is copied on the front and back of one sheet, there is no need to specify or detect whether the original group is an odd number or an even number. And the like.

Paper feed tray 211 of automatic document feeder 20
The original placed with the first page facing upwards
When the copy start key OP1 on the operation panel shown in FIG. 15 is pressed, the pickup roller 214 is pressed down against the uppermost surface of the document by a drive source (not shown), and rotates after a certain time to convey the document downstream. And the separating roller pair 21
5 and are conveyed to the reading unit 220 via the conveying roller pair 216 one by one. At this time, in the reading unit 220, the first reading roller pair 222 is stopped. For this reason, the leading edge registration and skew correction of the document are performed. At the same time, the detection sensor 225 detects that the document has been conveyed. Then, the size in the direction perpendicular to the plane of FIG. 2 is determined by a detection sensor (not shown).

Next, a stepping motor (not shown) connected to the first reading roller pair 222 starts rotating. Then, the document is conveyed by the first reading roller pair 222 and passes over the slit glass 198, guided by the scooping guide 199 to the second reading roller pair 223, and further conveyed. At this time, in the image reading unit 11, the CCD sensor 117 first reads the shading correction plate 119 and corrects the variation of each pixel of the CCD sensor 117. After that, the exposure lamp 112 is driven by the optical system motor 118 to turn the slit glass 198 on.
The exposure lamp 112 and the reflection mirrors 113, 114, and 115 are slid so as to be located immediately below and fixed at this position. Thus, when the document passes through the slit glass 198, the image information is read by the image reading unit 11. On the other hand, the first reading roller pair 22
The detection sensor 225 measures the passage time of the document at the same time as the rotation of the document 2 starts. The original size such as A4 portrait or B5 landscape is determined from the data of the transit time and the above-described vertical size determination with respect to the paper surface.

After the reading is completed, the document exits the second reading roller pair 223 and is discharged onto the document discharging tray 242 by the discharging roller pair 241. At this time, the first switching claw 231 and the first reversing roller 23
It is inverted by 2 or the like and used for reading the back surface.

When the original double-sided mode is selected, the original supplied from the paper feed tray 211 is scanned on the front side, then the original is reversed by the first switching claw 231 or the first reversing roller 232, and the reverse side of the original is read. Read. After reading the back side, the sheet is turned over again and discharged and stored in the discharge tray 242 by the discharge roller pair 241.

As described above, the automatic document feeder 20 is provided with a single-sided original copy operation and a double-sided original copy operation, and is selected by an operator through an operation panel (not shown). When a plurality of originals are set, the above-described original feeding operation is sequentially repeated. On the other hand, as will be described later, data read by one image reading unit 11 by the image reading unit 11 is temporarily stored in the memory unit 130. For this reason, when the operator sets a plurality of copies, the reading is performed only once and the copying is performed a predetermined number of times.

In the image reader section IR, it is also possible to place an original on the original platen glass 111 and scan the exposure lamp 112 to read image information. In this case, the operator places one end of the original on the original platen glass 111 with the image side of the original facing downward.
Set according to. The image reading unit 11 illuminates while scanning the image of the set document, and reads the reflected light through the lens 116 by the CCD sensor 117.

When scanning this image, the CCD sensor 11
7 first reads the shading correction plate 119,
The variation of each pixel of the CD sensor 117 is corrected. After that, the exposure lamp 11 is driven by driving the optical system motor 118.
2 and the reflecting mirrors 113, 114 and 115 are slid and set at the document reference position SP. Then, the exposure lamp 112 and the reflection mirror 113
V / m with respect to the peripheral velocity V
(M is the copy magnification). At the same time, the reflection mirrors 114 and 115 move in the same direction at a speed of V / 2 m, thereby reading an image with a constant optical path length. In addition, simultaneously by a plurality of reflection sensors 102,
The size of the document set on the platen glass 111 is detected.

The image data obtained by the reading is temporarily stored in the memory unit 130, and is subjected to a copying process in the image processing unit PR. Image processing section P
In R, a laser beam corresponding to the image data is emitted from the semiconductor laser 131 under the control of the process control unit 120. The laser beam is applied to the photosensitive drum 121 via the polygon mirror 135, the toroidal lens 136 and the fθ lens 137, and further via the return mirrors 138a, 138b, 138c. At this time, the photosensitive drum 121 is rotating in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 1 and the surface is uniformly charged by the charging charger 125.

The photoreceptor drum 121 has a characteristic that the electric charge in the portion irradiated with the laser beam is removed, and the toner of the same polarity as the electrostatic latent image is attached to the portion from which the electric charge has been removed. Is possible. The laser beam corresponding to the above-described image data is irradiated by the charging charger 12.
5 immediately downstream. By the irradiation of the laser light, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image data is formed.
This electrostatic latent image is developed by the developing device 122 to become a toner image.

At the same time, the sheet is fed from the sheet cassette 151 based on the sheet size selected by the operator or based on the document size determined by the image reader IR based on the selected enlargement / reduction ratio. Is supplied. At this time, sheets may be supplied from the manual feed tray 161. The size of the sheet supplied from the manual feed tray 161 is determined by the sensor 175 as described above.

The sheet is a timing roller pair 174.
Is transferred to a transfer position between the photosensitive drum 121 and the transfer charger 126 after the tip registration and skew correction are performed by the printer. The timing at which the leading end of the supplied sheet reaches the photosensitive drum 121 is measured, and as described above, the laser beam corresponding to the image data is supplied to the photosensitive drum 121 charged in advance by the charger 125.
Irradiated on top. The developing device 122 attaches the toner to the portion of the photosensitive drum 121 irradiated with the laser beam, places the toner on the photosensitive drum 121, and transfers the toner image to the surface of the sheet by the transfer charger 126.

The sheet on which the desired transfer has been completed is separated without being wound around the photosensitive drum 121 by performing AC discharge by the separation charger 127 or by the action of the separation claw. The sheet on which the toner has been transferred is fixed to a fixing roller pair 176.
And is conveyed toward the switching claw 181. The switching claw 181 is set so as to convey the conveyed sheet in the direction of the switchback unit 190. Therefore, the sheet on which the above-described transfer processing has been performed is
It is conveyed toward the switchback unit 190.

After a predetermined time from the detection of the leading edge of the sheet by the detection sensor 186, the conveying roller pair 182 is rotated downward. At this time, the conveying roller pair 191 rotates freely as the sheet is conveyed. Thus, the sheet transferred to the front surface is conveyed into the conveyance guide 193. Then, when the trailing edge of the sheet is detected by the detection sensor 186, the conveying roller pair 182 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction of the arrow d. At the same time, the switching claw 181 is switched, and the sheet transferred to the front surface is conveyed in the direction of the discharge roller pair 177 in an inverted state. By such processing, the sheet is turned over and then discharged. Thus, copying for one sheet is completed.

In a paper folding unit 800 described later,
When the operator selects a folding process or a center folding process in which the image formed surface is on the inside, the sheet is turned over and the sheet is discharged from the copying apparatus 10.
On the other hand, when the operator selects the two-fold processing or the Z-fold processing in which the image-formed surface is outside,
The switching claw 181 is switched, and the sheet is discharged from the copying apparatus 10 without being turned over.

When the mode in which copying is performed on both sides of the sheet is selected, the sheet subjected to the above-described transfer processing is subjected to the above-mentioned sheet reversal processing before being discharged out of the copying apparatus 10. Similarly, the switchback unit 190
Transported to At this time, the detection signal from the detection sensor 186 is ignored. Further, the conveying roller pair 182 is configured to rotate freely as the sheet is conveyed.
Then, after a predetermined time from the detection of the leading edge of the sheet by the detection sensor 195, the conveying roller pair 191 is rotated downward. As a result, the sheet transferred to the front surface is conveyed into the conveyance guide 193.

After a certain period of time from the detection of the trailing edge of the sheet conveyed by the pair of conveying rollers 191 by the detection sensor 195, the pair of conveying rollers 191 is rotated in the direction opposite to the direction c. Then, the sheet is conveyed to the front / back reversal conveyance unit 140 because the back-feed prevention mylar 196 is provided.
The sheet turned upside down by the switchback unit 190 is conveyed to the upstream of the timing roller pair 174 by the conveying roller pairs 141 and 142, and the above-described transfer processing is performed again on the back surface of the sheet. Then, after the transfer processing of the back surface is performed, the sheet is switched to the switchback unit 190.
The switching claw 181 is switched so as not to be conveyed. Therefore, after performing the transfer process on the back surface, the direct discharge roller pair 1
It is ejected from the copying apparatus 10 via the printer 77. By such processing, the transfer processing is performed on both the front and back surfaces of the sheet.

In a paper folding unit 800 described later,
Even when the operator selects the two-folding process or the center-folding process with the image-formed surface inside, the sheet is discharged from the copying apparatus 10 without performing the reverse of the sheet after performing the backside transfer process. On the other hand, when the Z-folding process or the two-folding process with the image-formed surface outside is selected, the sheet is turned over again and the sheet is discharged from the copying apparatus 10.

As a mode for performing copying on both sides of a sheet, there are the following modes in addition to the double-side copy mode. That is, the page order is changed, four pages are copied on both sides of one sheet, and a stapling process is performed on the fold side edges of a plurality of folded sheets. There is a weekly magazine mode that staples the center.

The image transfer when performing the left-opening process in the bookbinding mode will be described with reference to FIG. N sheets of originals D1 and D in which an image is formed only on the surface of A4 portrait size
A case will be described in which a mode for binding 2, 2,..., Dn-1, Dn at the same magnification is selected. In this case, first
The original is read and the memory unit 130 stores image data for four pages. And 4 on the front and back of one sheet
The image data for one sheet is transferred. For this,
Paper cassette 151 containing A3-size sheets
Supplies a sheet next to A3. Then, as shown in FIG. 3, an image of the original D1 (hereinafter, referred to as an original) is provided on the front side of the sheet.
The same applies to other pages simply called D1) and D4. At this time, D1 is transferred to the right side of the sheet, and D4 is transferred to the left side of the sheet. Next, upside down is performed, and D2 and D3 are transferred to the back side of the sheet. At this time, D
2 is transferred to the left side of the sheet, and D3 is transferred to the right side of the sheet. By performing the transfer in this manner, D2 is arranged on the back surface of the place where D1 is transferred, and D4 is arranged on the back surface of the place where D3 is transferred. The page order is changed and transferred from D5 onward so that the second and subsequent sheets also have this arrangement.

Since D1 and D4 have been transferred onto the surface of the sheet, it is necessary to perform two-fold processing with the surface facing outward. For this reason, the sheet is conveyed in the direction of the switchback unit 190, and is discharged from the copying apparatus 10 after reversing the sheet again. In the image transfer in the bookbinding mode according to the present embodiment, the case where D1 and D4 are transferred to the surface of the sheet has been described, but D2 and D3 may be transferred to the surface of the sheet. In this case, the sheet is directly discharged from the copying apparatus 10 without performing the sheet reversing process again after the image transfer on both sides.

Also, the case where the A4 length original is transferred to the A3 width sheet in the bookbinding mode at the same magnification has been described, but the A4 length original is transferred to the A4 width sheet at a 50% scale. Transfer in the bookbinding mode is also possible by changing the page order described above.

In the case of right opening, it is only necessary to switch the left and right sides of the image to be transferred to one side of the sheet. That is, D1 is transferred to the left side and D4 is transferred to the right side on the front side of the sheet. Then, upside down is performed, and D2 is transferred to the right side and D3 is transferred to the left side on the back side of the sheet. Subsequent processing may be the same as in the case described above.

Next, a control flow for determining whether or not to invert the sheet before discharging the sheet from the copying apparatus 10 when the folding process is selected by the operator will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether the transfer to the sheet is performed on both sides (S1). If both sides are set (S1: Yes), it is determined whether or not D1 and D4 are copied on the front side of the sheet (S2). If printing is to be performed on the front side (S2: Yes), the sheet is inverted again before being discharged from the copying apparatus 10 (S5). If printing is to be performed on the back side (S2: No), the sheet is discharged without being inverted (S4). Returning to S1, if the transfer to the sheet is not performed on both sides (S1: No), it is determined whether the two-fold mode in which the transfer surface to the sheet is inside or the outside is the other half-fold mode. (S3). In the case of the inside folding mode (S3: Yes), inversion is performed before the sheet is discharged from the copying apparatus (S5). In the case of the two-fold mode in which the outside is set (S3: No), the inversion is not performed (S4).
Discharge.

Next, returning to FIG. 1, the schematic configuration and operation of the post-processing device 50 will be described. The post-processing device 50
The paper is discharged through a discharge roller pair 177 of the copying apparatus 10 and
Folding processing such as folding in two or Z-shape (Z-folding) is performed on sheets conveyed sheet by sheet, and stapling processing for stapling the sheet bundle is performed. The post-processing device 50 is assumed to be connected to the copying apparatus 10 of the first page system or a printer when determining the sheet conveyance mode, stacking mode, or folding mode. The post-processing device 50 is roughly divided into a carry-in section 750, a sheet folding section 800, a post-processing tray section 400, a staple section 500, an accumulation tray section 600, and a discharge tray section 710.

The carry-in section 750 carries the sheet discharged through the discharge roller pair 177 into the post-processing device 50.
When the sheet folding process is selected by the operator, the sheet is then conveyed to the sheet folding section 800 and the sheets conveyed one by one are creased. Further, when the stapling process is selected by the operator, the sheet is conveyed to the post-processing tray unit 400, where the sheets are stacked and aligned before the stapling process. Then, the sheet bundle is conveyed to the staple unit 500 disposed downstream of the post-processing tray unit 400 and subjected to stapling processing on the stacked and aligned sheet bundle. The staple-processed sheet bundle is conveyed to and stored in the stacking tray 600. On the other hand, in the sheet discharge tray unit 710, sheets not subjected to the stapling process that are discharged from the post-processing device 50 are stacked.

The loading section 750 includes a pair of transport rollers 701 and a guide plate. The sheet folding unit 800 includes a plurality of sheet folding rollers 807, 808, 809, and folds the sheet by sandwiching the sheet between the sheet folding rollers 807, 808, 809. Further, the staple unit 500 is configured to be movable in a direction orthogonal to the sheet conveying direction of the sheet bundle stacked and aligned in the post-processing tray unit 400.

In order to convey the sheet to each section in the post-processing device 50, pairs of conveying rollers 704, 706, and 711 are arranged in the sheet conveying path. Further, in order to convey the sheet bundle, a pair of sheet bundle conveying rollers 714, 715, and 716 are arranged on the conveying path of the sheet bundle. At the end positions of the respective transport paths, a pair of discharge rollers 709 for discharging sheets to the paper discharge tray unit 710 and a pair of discharge rollers 71 for discharging sheets to the post-processing tray unit 400 are provided.
3. A discharge roller pair 718 that discharges a sheet or a sheet bundle is disposed on the stacking tray 600.

A plurality of switching claws 801 and 707 are provided in the middle of the sheet conveying path to switch the sheet conveying destination. A switching claw 801 arranged between the carry-in section 750 and the sheet folding section 800 switches whether or not to feed the sheet into the sheet folding apparatus 800. The switching claw 707 disposed downstream of the switching claw 801 switches between transporting the sheet toward the discharge tray unit 710 and transporting the sheet toward the post-processing tray unit 400.

Further, in order to determine the timing of driving and stopping each unit in the post-processing device 50, a plurality of sensors 70 for detecting sheets are provided in the middle of the sheet or sheet bundle conveyance path.
2, 705, 708, 712, 719, 724, etc. are arranged.

[Schematic Operation] In the post-processing device 50,
As described above, a plurality of sheet post-processings (folding and stapling) are possible. The operator can arbitrarily select these processes from the operation panel OP of the copying apparatus 10 shown in FIG.

Returning to FIG. 1, for example, when the operator selects a mode in which folding is performed and stapling is not performed, the sheet discharged through the discharge roller pair 177 of the copying apparatus 10 is a paper. The folding unit 800 performs a paper folding process selected by the user. Then, the sheet is conveyed by a roller toward the discharge tray section 710 and is stacked.

On the other hand, when the operator selects a mode in which folding and stapling are performed,
First, the sheet is subjected to a sheet folding process selected by the user by the sheet folding device 800. The predetermined number of folded sheets are conveyed toward the post-processing tray unit 400, and are sequentially stacked and aligned on the post-processing tray unit 400. Thereafter, the stacked and aligned sheets are conveyed by rollers as one sheet bundle and sent to the staple unit 500. Further, after stapling at a position desired by the user in the stapling section 500, the stapled sheet bundle is conveyed by a roller toward the stacking tray section 600 and stacked on the stacking tray section 600.

In the post-processing apparatus 50, the sheet folding section 800 for processing each conveyed sheet is provided with a sheet discharge tray section 710 for stacking sheets or sheet bundles, a post-processing tray section 400, and an accumulation tray section. It is located further upstream of 600. For this reason, 1
Sheets that have been subjected to folding processing for each sheet in a job can be discharged.

Hereinafter, the main mechanisms of the post-processing device 50 will be sequentially described in detail.

<< Paper Folding Section 800 >> FIG. 5 is a sectional view showing the structure of the paper folding section 800. As shown in FIG. The paper folding section 800 is engaged with a rail member (not shown) extending in the front-rear direction of the post-processing device 50, and is built in such that it can be pulled toward the front side (the front side in FIG. 1). The folding unit 800 includes a loading unit 851 that guides a sheet to be folded into the folding unit 800 and a registration unit 852 that corrects the inclination of the sheet loaded into the folding unit 800. Further, the first folding position of the sheet received from the resist unit 852 is regulated.
A transport unit 853 and a paper folding unit 85 that folds a sheet
4 and a second transport unit 855 for regulating the second folding position
And Further, a discharge unit 856 for discharging the folded sheet from the paper folding unit 800 is provided.

[Carry-in Unit 851] The carry-in unit 851 includes a switching claw 801 that guides the sheet selected for the paper folding process to the paper folding unit 800, and a pair of transport rollers 802 that transports the sheet guided into the paper folding unit 800. , 803. Further, a solenoid (not shown) for rotating the switching claw 801 and a sheet detection sensor 825 for detecting a sheet carried into the paper folding section 800 are provided.

[Resist Unit 852] Resist unit 852
Are registered roller pairs 805 and 806 provided on the downstream side of the carry-in section 851, and registered roller pairs 805 and 806.
And a paper folding motor (not shown) for driving the motor. The guide 860 disposed upstream of the pair of registration rollers 805 and 806 is
06 is formed so that the leading end of the sheet surely abuts.

When a sheet is carried in through the pair of conveying rollers 802 and 803, a sheet detection sensor 825 detects the trailing end of the sheet. After the inclination is corrected, the sheet is conveyed downstream by the pair of registration rollers 805 and 806 after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[First Conveying Unit 853] The first conveying unit 853 provided on the downstream side of the registration unit 852 moves in and out of the sheet conveying path according to the sheet size and the paper folding mode, and contacts the leading end of the sheet. A first folding stopper 815 for regulating the first folding position of the sheet,
1st according to the sheet size and folding mode determined in
And a solenoid 816 for changing the sheet contact position of the folding stopper 815.

[Paper Folding Section 854] Registration Roller 80
The paper folding unit 854 provided between the downstream position of the first folding stopper 815 and the downstream position of the first folding stopper 815 has three folding rollers 807, 808 and 809. Each of the paper folding rollers 807, 808, and 809 has a straight shape.

The paper folding rollers 808 and 809 are in pressure contact with the paper folding roller 807, and the paper folding rollers 807 and 808 form a pair, and the paper folding rollers 807 and 809 form a pair. No. Hereinafter, the pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 808 will be referred to as “the paper folding roller pair 80”.
7,808 "and a pair of paper folding rollers 807, 809
Is also referred to as “a pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 809”. In the paper folding unit 854 in the present embodiment, the paper folding process is performed by the pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 808 with the upper surface side of the sheet carried into the post-processing device 50 facing outward.

[Second transport unit 255] Paper folding roller pair 80
7,808 and a pair of folding rollers 807,809
The second transport unit 855 provided between the second folding stopper 819 that contacts the leading edge of the sheet and regulates the second folding position of the sheet, and a second folding stopper 819 that corresponds to the sheet size. A solenoid 817 for switching the sheet contact position, and a direction in which the leading end of the sheet folded first by the pair of folding rollers 807 and 808 is directed toward the pair of folding rollers 807 and 809 or a direction toward the second folding stopper 819. Switching member 81 for selectively guiding to
8 and a solenoid (not shown) for rotating the switching member 818.

[Discharge Unit 856] The discharge unit 856 is provided downstream of the pair of sheet folding rollers 807 and 809, and has discharge roller pairs 803 and 804. The roller 803 is
These rollers also constitute the transport roller pairs 802 and 803.

[Explanation of Operations in Various Folding Modes] The paper folding section 800 includes (1) Z-folding, (2) two-folding, and
(3) It corresponds to three paper folding modes of center folding. When paper folding is selected by the operation panel provided in the copying apparatus 10, the operation in each mode is controlled.

(1) Z-folding mode The Z-folding mode is a mode in which a large-sized sheet (A3 or B4) is folded in a Z-shape and finished to a size approximately half the length along the sheet conveying direction.

The sheet discharged via the discharge roller pair 177 of the copying apparatus 10 is conveyed to the switching claw 801 and is carried into the paper folding section 800 by the rotation of the switching claw 801. Then, the sheet is sandwiched between the conveying roller pairs 802 and 803. The sheet is further conveyed, and after performing an operation of correcting the inclination of the sheet front end in the registration unit 852,
The inside of the conveyance guide 840 is conveyed toward the first folding stopper 815.

Immediately after the copy start is instructed, the position of the first folding stopper 815 is determined by the solenoid 816 according to the sheet size and the folding mode. After the leading edge of the sheet abuts on the first folding stopper 815, if the sheet is further conveyed, the pair of sheet folding rollers 807, 80
8, a loop is formed near the folding roller pair 8
07,808. Thus, the first folding is performed. Here, the shape of the guide 864 near the pair of folding rollers 807 and 808 is configured such that a loop of the sheet is formed in a direction toward the pair of folding rollers 807 and 808.

The first folding position is set at the paper folding section 800.
From the edge of the sheet, which is on the leading edge side when the sheet is conveyed, is approximately of the total sheet length in each sheet size.
The first folding stopper 815 is provided at a predetermined position so that the solenoid 8 can be folded at a position substantially 3/4 of the entire length of the sheet.
16 is moved. That is, the first folding stopper 815 and the paper folding roller pair 807 along the transport guide 840,
The position of the first folding stopper 815 is moved so that the distance between the first folding stopper 815 and 808 is equal to approximately 3/4 of the total sheet length. In the present specification, such a first fold is defined as “3/4 fold (3/4 fold)” for convenience of explanation. Further, the length of the sheet is approximately 1
The first fold performed at the ／ position is defined as “quarter fold (１ ／ fold)”, and the first fold performed at approximately the ２ position is defined as “2 fold”. One fold (1/2 fold) "
Is defined.

When the "Z-folding" is instructed from the copying apparatus 10, the switching member 818 operates to the position where the sheet is guided toward the second folding stopper 819. The leading edge of the sheet conveyed by the pair of sheet folding rollers 807 and 808 abuts on a second folding stopper 819 that moves according to the sheet size.

The leading end of the sheet folded first by the pair of sheet folding rollers 807 and 808 is placed on the conveyance guide 8.
After contacting the second folding stopper 819 along 41, the sheet is further conveyed by the pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 808. Then, a loop is formed in the vicinity of the pair of folding rollers 807, 809, and finally, the pair of folding rollers 807, 809.
809. As a result, the second folding is performed. The second folding position is a position that is approximately の of the entire sheet length. The second folding stopper 819 is approximately 1/1 of the entire sheet length.
It is moved by the solenoid 817 to a predetermined position so as to be folded at the position 2. That is, the transport guide 84
Folding stopper 819 and paper folding roller pair 8 along
The position of the second folding stopper 819 is moved so that the distance between the second folding stopper 819 and the second folding stopper 819 becomes equal to the length of approximately 略 of the entire sheet length.

Also in this case, the pair of paper folding rollers 807,
The shape of the guide 865 near 809 is configured such that the loop of the sheet is shaped in the direction toward the pair of folding rollers 807 and 809. The sheet on which the second folding is performed and the Z-folding is completed is conveyed by a pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 809 toward the discharge unit 856, and is discharged by the discharge roller 80.
The sheet is ejected from the paper folding unit 800 by 3,804.

In the Z-fold mode, a so-called mixed loading process in which a folded sheet and an unfolded sheet are mixed and post-processed is possible. For example, it is possible to perform a mixed loading process of a Z-folded sheet of A3 width and a non-folded sheet of A4 length, and a mixed loading process of a B4 width folded sheet and a B5 vertical unfolded sheet. In these mixed loading modes, when a sheet to be folded is carried into the post-processing device 50 after a sheet not to be folded, the sheet to be folded can be carried into the post-processing device 50 at a normal sheet interval. . However, conversely, after the sheet to be folded, the unfolded sheet is placed in the post-processing device 5.
In the case of carrying the sheet into the post-processing unit 0, if a sheet not to be folded is carried into the post-processing device 50 at a normal sheet interval, there is a possibility that the order of pages may be out of order or a problem such as collision between sheets may occur. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in the latter case, the sheet that has been folded is replaced by the sheet folding unit 80.
The next sheet not to be folded is not carried into the post-processing device 50 until the sheet is discharged from zero. This prevents problems such as page order disorder.

Also, considering the good appearance after the mixed processing, it is preferable that the above-mentioned second fold does not protrude outside than the unfolded sheet. For this reason, it is preferable that the second folding position is slightly shifted from the half position of the entire sheet to the sheet edge on the leading end side when the sheet is carried into the sheet folding section 800.

(2) Two-fold mode The two-fold mode includes, as shown in FIG. 6A, a stepless folding mode in which the sheet is folded in two at the center and the open end of the sheet is aligned. As shown in FIG. 6 (b),
There is a step folding mode in which the sheet is folded in two at a position slightly deviated from the center and the open end of the sheet is shifted by a distance L. The sheet discharged through the discharge roller pair 177 of the copying apparatus 10 undergoes the same process as that in the Z-fold mode described above, and
The sheet is conveyed toward the folding stopper 815.

In the stepless folding mode, the first folding stopper 815 is set at the half-fold position in accordance with the sheet size.
Move the position of. In the step folding mode, the position of the first folding stopper 815 is moved to a position L / 2 away from the half folding position in accordance with the sheet size. Then, through a process similar to that in the above-described Z-folding mode, the sheet is caught by the pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 808, and
Is folded. The distance L for shifting the open end of the sheet can be arbitrarily set by the operator from the operation panel shown in FIG.

When "two-fold" is instructed by the copying apparatus 10, the switching member 818 operates to a position where the sheet is guided toward the pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 809. Then, the sheet conveyed by the pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 808 is caught by the pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 809, is conveyed to the pair of discharge rollers 803 and 804, and is discharged from the paper folding unit 800. .

As described above, in the present embodiment, the sheet folding process is performed with the upper side of the sheet carried into the post-processing device 50 facing outward. Therefore, when a sheet having an image-formed surface on the upper surface side is carried into the post-processing device 50, an outer fold with the image-formed surface on the outside is performed. In addition, when a sheet having an image-formed surface facing down is carried into the post-processing device 50 by being turned upside down by the switchback unit 190 in the copier 10, the image-formed surface is changed. Inward folding will be performed inside.

(3) Center-folding mode The center-folding mode is a method in which a fold is formed in the center of a sheet in advance in order to perform a stapling process on the fold portion of the sheet bundle having a fold in the center as in a weekly magazine. Mode.

The sheet discharged via the discharge roller pair 177 of the copying apparatus 10 is conveyed toward the first folding stopper 815 in the same manner as in the above-described Z-fold mode and double-fold mode. Since the position of the fold is the same in the middle folding mode as in the mode in which the open side edges of the sheets are aligned in the two-fold mode, the first folding stopper 81 is similar to that in the two-fold mode.
5 is controlled. Then, the sheet is caught by the pair of paper folding rollers 807 and 808, and the first folding is performed.

When "center folding" is instructed from the copying apparatus 10, the switching member 818 pushes the sheet to the second folding stopper 81.
9 is moved to a position to guide toward 9. The first folded sheet is subjected to a second folding by a pair of folding rollers 807 and 808.
The sheet is conveyed toward the folding stopper 819. Loading unit 851
A predetermined time after the trailing edge of the first folded sheet is detected by the sheet detection sensor 825 provided in the sheet folding unit 800, the pair of rollers 802 and 80
The rotation driving directions of 5 and 807 are switched from forward rotation (direction of arrow a in the figure) to reverse rotation (direction of arrow b in the figure).

By the reverse rotation of the roller pairs 802, 805 and 807, the fold formed at the center of the sheet comes out of the paper folding roller pairs 807 and 808. Further, the sheet edge, which has become the rear end when the sheet is loaded into the sheet folding section 800, becomes the leading end and is guided by the sheet folding switching claw 801 maintained in the same state as when the sheet is loaded. Then, the sheet is discharged from the sheet folding unit 800 via a path indicated by an arrow W. In this way, it is possible to convey the sheet with the creased central portion to the downstream side in an open state. Note that all folding modes are accepted only when the length of the sheet in the conveyance direction is longer than the length in the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction.

The copying apparatus 10 operates based on the operation mode set by the operator and the sheet size to be copied.
It is determined whether the sheet to be copied is to be folded and the information is output to the post-processing device 50. The post-processing device 50 controls the switching of the switching claw 801 disposed upstream of the sheet folding unit 800 based on the information output from the copying device 10 and the first and second folding stoppers 815 according to the folding mode. And 819 are controlled.

<< Post-processing Tray Unit 400 >> FIG. 7 is a sectional view showing the structure of the post-processing tray unit 400. The post-processing tray unit 400 includes a post-processing tray 401 that temporarily stores sheets discharged by a discharge roller pair 713 for performing stapling processing. Further, a leading end stopper 409 that is arranged at the sheet discharge port 401a of the post-processing tray 401 and performs alignment (hereinafter, also referred to as “FD alignment”) in the sheet conveyance direction, and a conveyance width direction of the sheet discharged by the discharge roller pair 713. (Hereinafter also referred to as “CD alignment”).
Further, a rear end stopper 403 for abutting the front end of the sheet discharged by the discharge roller pair 713 to stably perform FD alignment by the front end stopper 409 and a predetermined number of sheets stored in the post-processing tray 401 are combined. And a first sheet bundle transport roller pair 714 that transports the bundle to the staple unit 500 as one bundle.

The post-processing tray 401 is arranged such that the sheet discharge port 401a is inclined downward at a predetermined angle. The pair of horizontal alignment plates 402 are symmetrically movable along the transport width direction, and the rear end stopper 403 is movably disposed along the transport direction. The CD alignment is performed each time a sheet is stored in the post-processing tray 401. On the other hand, the FD alignment is performed every time a sheet is stored in the post-processing tray 401 or every time a predetermined number of sheets are stored. Also,
The first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 is composed of a lower roller and an upper roller, and the upper roller moves in a substantially vertical direction, and is configured to be capable of being pressed against or separated from the lower roller.

[Alignment of Sheets in Post-Processing Tray Unit 400] The procedure for transporting the sheet bundle after completion of stacking and alignment in the post-processing tray unit 400 to the staple unit 500 and the schematic configuration of the staple unit will be described with reference to FIG. explain.

The procedure for aligning sheets in the post-processing tray 400 will be described below. When the sheets are temporarily accumulated on the post-processing tray 401 for performing the stapling process, first, the leading end of the sheet when discharged by the discharge roller pair 713 is brought into contact with or collided with the rear end stopper 403. Then, the FD alignment is performed by bringing the leading end of the sheet into contact with the leading end stopper 409 by the rebound force due to the contact and the weight of the sheet. The horizontal alignment plate pair 40
2 is moved in the CD direction to perform CD alignment. In the vicinity of the upstream of the discharge roller pair 713, the trailing edge of the sheet is detected, and the post-processing tray 40
A sheet discharge detection sensor 712 that detects that the sheet has been discharged toward 1 is disposed.

When the stacking of a plurality of sheets on the post-processing tray 401, the CD alignment and the FD alignment are completed, the upper roller of the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 is moved down, and the sheet bundle in the post-processing tray 401 is removed. , The first crimped state
The sheet bundle is nipped by a pair of sheet conveying rollers 714. Further, the leading end stopper 409 is rotated, the closing portion 409b moves downward, the sheet discharge port 401a is opened, and the second conveying path 442 including the staple section 500 is opened. Then, when the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 is rotationally driven, the sheet bundle is conveyed toward the staple unit 500 through the sheet discharge port 401a.

<< Staple Unit 500 >> [Configuration of Staple Unit 500] The configuration of the staple unit 500 will be described with reference to FIG. 8 to 14 show various staple modes.

The stapling section 500 performs a stapling process at a predetermined position of a sheet bundle nipped and conveyed by the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714. The staple unit 500 is configured such that a member that connects or connects the head unit 501 and the anvil unit 502 does not cross the sheet conveyance path.

The head unit 501 is a unit that cuts staples stored in a needle cartridge (not shown) one by one, folds the staples into a U-shape, and punches out a sheet bundle with the staples.
Support shafts 513 and 514 extending along the sheet conveying direction are inserted into the head unit 501.
Furthermore, a spiral shaft 515 is provided, and the spiral shaft 515 can be rotated by the motor M2. The rotation of the spiral shaft 515 allows the sheet to move in the sheet conveyance orthogonal direction. Further, a motor M1 for driving the head unit 501 and a cam link mechanism 516 for performing the stapling operation are provided. Further, it has a sensor for detecting the presence / absence of staples stored in the needle cartridge.

The anvil unit 502 is a unit that bends the legs of the staple needle from which the sheet has been punched inward and receives the impact of the stapling operation by the head unit 501. The anvil unit 502 includes support shafts 522, 5 extending in the sheet conveying direction.
23 is inserted. Further, a spiral shaft 524 is provided, and the spiral shaft 524 can be rotated by the motor M3. The rotation of the spiral shaft 524 makes it possible to move in the sheet conveyance orthogonal direction.

A staple receiving member 521 for receiving the staples and bending the staples into a U-shape to bind the sheet bundle,
And a support plate that receives the impact of the needle driving operation. Since the motors M2 and M3 are synchronized, the rotation of the spiral shafts 515 and 524 having the same phase allows the head unit 501 and the Albin unit 502 to move integrally in the sheet conveyance orthogonal direction. It has become.

To detect the home position of each of the units 501 and 502, a light transmission type sensor 517 is attached. By detecting the light shielding plate provided on the head unit 501 by the sensor 517, both the units 501 and 502 can be moved to the home position. Based on this home position, unit 50
A moving distance of 1,502 is set. With this configuration, it is possible to drive the cam link mechanism 516 provided in the head unit 501 at an arbitrary position in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveyance to perform the stapling.

[Description of Operation] The head unit 501 and the anvil unit 502 of the staple unit 500 are initially stopped at the home position where the sensor 517 is shielded from light. The sheet discharged from the copying apparatus 10 is conveyed to the post-processing tray 401 and stacked and aligned. And one
The sheets of the same mode in the job are stored in the post-processing tray 401.
When stacked on top, this sheet bundle is
It is transported toward zero.

A first sheet bundle transport roller pair 714 as transport means for transporting the sheet bundle to the staple unit 500 includes:
The moving distance of the sheet bundle can be controlled by the rotation amount. The first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 conveys and stops the sheet bundle so that an arbitrary selected staple position on the sheet bundle matches the stapling operation position.

Thereafter, the motors M2 and M3 are driven,
The spiral shafts 515 and 524 are driven to rotate. As a result, each of the units 501 and 502 moves by the same amount of distance toward the selected staple position. When both units 501 and 502 stop at the selected staple position, the motor M1 is driven and the cam link mechanism 516 performs stapling.

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

[Sheet Bundle Conveying Mechanism] A first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 composed of a pair of upper and lower rollers is disposed upstream of the staple unit 500, and a second pair of upper and lower rollers is also disposed downstream. Sheet bundle transport roller pair 715
Is arranged. First sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714
Nips and conveys the sheet bundle before stapling, and the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 mainly nips and conveys the sheet bundle after stapling. The distance between the position of the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 and the position of the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 is set to be slightly shorter than the smallest size of the conveyed sheets.

The upper roller of the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 can move freely under pressure by the driving of the first DC motor. The upper and lower roller pairs 714 are both rotationally driven by a stepping motor (not shown).
By controlling the rotation speed of the stepping motor, the transport amount of the sheet bundle is controlled. The second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 is similarly configured, and the upper roller is driven by the second DC motor to cause the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 71 to operate.
The pressure contact / separation movement can be freely performed independently of the pressure control device 4.
The upper and lower second sheet bundle conveying roller pairs 715 are driven to rotate by the same stepping motor that drives the roller pair 714 to control the amount of sheet bundle conveyance.

A first sensor 737 for detecting the edge of the conveyed sheet bundle is provided near the downstream of the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714, and similarly, a second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 is provided. Near the downstream of the second sensor 738
Is provided. Each of the sensors 737 and 738 is installed at a position separated by a predetermined distance from the staple stapling position.

[Staple Position Control] When the staple mode is selected, the sheets are stacked on the post-processing tray 401. At this time, the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 is separated from each other. When the sheet stacking is completed,
The upper and lower rollers of the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 shift to the pressure contact state to clamp the sheet bundle, and the leading end stopper 409 is retracted outside the sheet bundle conveying path. Then, the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 is rotated to convey the sheet bundle, and the staple position is determined along the sheet conveying direction.

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

(1) Leading Edge Binding Leading edge binding involves a) a fixed distance from the leading edge of the sheet (usually 10
(approximately mm) at the position where the stapling process is performed, and b) the stapling process where the stapling process is performed at the open side end where the open end of the sheet is shifted by the distance L and folded in half.

At the leading end of the sheet bundle, the FD alignment is already performed during the temporary accumulation, with the closing portion 409b of the leading end stopper 409 serving as a regulating surface. Therefore, in the leading edge binding mode, in order to determine the staple position, the sheet bundle needs to be conveyed by a predetermined amount regardless of the sheet size. a) In the case of fixed-position binding, the first sheet bundle is conveyed by an amount obtained by adding a fixed distance (about 10 mm) from the end surface of the leading end of the sheet bundle to the distance from the closing portion 409b of the leading end stopper 409 to the stapling apparatus 500. The sheet bundle may be conveyed by the roller pair 714. Also,
b) In the case of the step binding, since the distance L to be shifted is determined by the operator, the sheet bundle may be conveyed by the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 by an amount obtained by adding the distance L to the aforementioned fixed distance. After the sheet bundle is conveyed by the predetermined amount, the roller pair 714 is stopped, and the stapling device 5 is stopped.
00 is operated to perform stapling processing on the sheet bundle.

After the stapling process is completed, the conveyance of the sheet bundle is resumed, and the leading end is moved to the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 7.
When the number reaches 15 sufficiently, the conveyance is stopped. At this time, the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 is in a separated state. After the conveyance of the sheet bundle is stopped, the second sheet bundle conveyance roller pair 715 shifts to the pressure contact state to pinch the leading end of the sheet bundle, and the second sheet bundle conveyance roller pair 715 is rotated to restart the conveyance of the sheet bundle. I do. 1D while conveying the sheet bundle
By driving the C motor, the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 is driven.
Only the separated state. Thereafter, the sheet bundle is moved toward the stacking tray section 600 to the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 71.
5 to be conveyed.

The first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 and the second
Since the sheet bundle transport roller pair 715 is driven to rotate by the stepping motor, the transport amount of the sheet bundle is controlled by managing the number of pulses of the stepping motor.

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

Since the conveyance of the sheet bundle is performed by using a stepping motor, it is theoretically possible to control the conveyance amount even if the conveyance amount becomes long by controlling the number of pulses. However, since the variation in the diameter of the sheet bundle conveying rollers 714 and 715 cannot be completely eliminated, the error included in the actually conveyed amount increases as the conveying amount increases. Therefore, in order to reduce this error, the sheet bundle is conveyed in the saddle stitching mode as follows.

First, when the sheet bundle is nipped and conveyed by the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714, and the leading end of the sheet bundle is detected by the second sensor 738 disposed downstream of the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715, it is determined according to the sheet size. When the sheet bundle is further conveyed by the predetermined amount, the conveyance of the sheet bundle is stopped. After stopping the conveyance of the sheet bundle, the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle.

At this point, since the leading end of the sheet bundle has sufficiently reached the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715, the sheet bundle is nipped by the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715. Then, while rotating the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 to restart the conveyance of the sheet bundle, the first DC motor is driven while conveying the sheet bundle, and the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 is driven.
Only 14 is separated. Thereafter, the sheet bundle is nipped and conveyed toward the accumulation tray section 600 by the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715.

(3) Rear End Binding In the rear end binding mode, first, the sheet bundle is nipped and conveyed by the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714, and the leading end of the sheet bundle has sufficiently reached the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715. At this point, the conveyance is stopped, and the sheet bundle is nipped by the second sheet bundle conveyance roller pair 715. When the nipping by the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 is completed, the first DC motor is driven to bring the first sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 into the separated state. First
After the separation operation of the sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 is completed, the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 is rotated to restart the conveyance of the sheet bundle.

When the leading end of the sheet bundle is detected by the second sensor 738, the conveyance of the sheet bundle is stopped when the sheet bundle is further conveyed by a predetermined amount according to the sheet size. After stopping the conveyance of the sheet bundle, the stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle.

After the stapling process is completed, the conveyance of the sheet bundle by the second sheet bundle conveying roller pair 715 is restarted, and the sheet bundle is directly conveyed by being pinched and conveyed toward the stacking tray 600.

In the above-described transport mode, the transport amount to be controlled is set based on the position of the second sensor 738.
With reference to the position of the first sensor 737 disposed downstream of the first sheet bundle conveyance roller pair 714, the conveyance amount in the rear end binding mode can be set. In such a conveyance mode, the sheet bundle is conveyed by a predetermined amount after the trailing end of the sheet bundle is detected by the first sensor 737. Therefore, it is only necessary to convey the sheet bundle by a fixed amount regardless of the sheet size. In addition, since the first sensor 737 and the staple position are relatively close to each other, the transport amount to be controlled is shortened, which is advantageous in improving the positioning accuracy.

There are three types of staple modes: a normal staple mode shown in FIG. 8, a paper folding staple mode shown in FIGS. 9 to 13, and a mixed staple mode shown in FIG. ing. The normal staple mode is a mode for stapling a sheet bundle consisting only of sheets without folding, the paper folding staple mode is a mode for stapling a sheet bundle consisting only of folded sheets, and the mixed staple mode is a sheet without folding. This is a mode for stapling a sheet bundle on which a sheet bundle folded with a sheet is folded. The stapling process in each mode will be described.

A) Normal stapling mode (FIG. 8) In this mode, a sheet transferred on one side or both sides is stacked, and a two-point stapling process of stapling two points at a front end or a rear end in the conveyance direction, and conveyance is performed. There is a one-point stapling process that staples a substantially central point at the front end or rear end in the direction. When the concealment mode is selected, the stapling process is performed at a substantially central point at the end opposite to the end where the stapling is performed.

B) Paper folding staple mode (FIGS. 9 to 1)
3) This mode is described in the explanation of the folding mode.
There are stapling processes corresponding to three types of paper folding modes: Z-fold (FIG. 9), two-fold (FIGS. 10 and 12), and center-fold (FIG. 13). Z-folding (FIG. 9) and two-fold outer folding (FIG. 10) include two-point stapling or one-point stapling. In the two-fold inner fold (FIG. 11), only the concealment mode exists in both the stepless and stepless folds. In the case of the concealment mode, the operation is performed for each transferred sheet. In the bookbinding mode for binding sheets shown in FIG. 3 (FIG. 12), stapling processing for bookbinding includes two-point stapling or one-point stapling at the folding side end. When the concealment mode is selected, a stapling process is performed at substantially the center of the open end. In the case of the center folding mode (FIG. 13), the stapling process is performed at substantially two central points of the creased sheet.

C) Mixed stapling mode (FIG. 14) This is a mode in which paper folding processing is performed for each sheet corresponding to each document in one job, and stapling processing of stacked sheets is performed. This mode includes two-point stapling and one-point stapling.

In the case of the fixed mode, when the number of copies is one, it is not necessary to perform the stapling process, so that the stapling process cannot be selected by the operator.

<< Sheet Discharge Unit 550 >> Returning to FIG. 7, the sheet bundle discharged from the post-processing tray 401 and stapled by the staple unit 500 is stacked on the stacking tray 601 of the stacking tray unit 600. In order to convey such a sheet bundle, a sheet discharge unit 550 is provided. This sheet discharge unit 550 is known,
Since it does not form a main part of the present invention, a detailed description is omitted.

<< Accumulation Tray Section 600 >> Accumulation tray section 60
Reference numeral 0 includes a stacking tray 601 that stacks a sheet bundle and that can be moved up and down according to the amount of stacking, and a lifting mechanism that moves the stacking tray 601 up or down. Further, the tray angle (the inclination angle of the sheet stacking surface from the horizontal position) can be variably adjusted according to the post-processing state of the discharged sheet. Since the stacking tray section 600 is known and does not form a main part of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0139] In addition, a punch unit 300 for punching a hole for a sheet on which stapling is not performed is provided.
Although provided downstream of the paper folding section 800, this configuration is publicly known and does not form a main part of the present invention, so that detailed description is omitted.

[Operation Panel] The operation panel OP is shown in FIG. The operation panel OP is provided above the copying apparatus 10 for inputting an overall operation instruction including the copying apparatus 10 and the post-processing apparatus 50. The operation panel OP is provided with a start button OP1 for supporting the start of copying, a numeric keypad OP for inputting numerical values such as the number of copies, and a touch panel OP3 for performing detailed settings such as copy density and magnification. Further, a select key OP4 for designating a binding method of a sheet after copying and a display lamp OP4a thereof.
To OP4e, select key OP5 for designating how to fold the sheet after copying, and display lamps OP5a to OP4
5c, OP5ba, OP5bb, OP5baa, OP5
bab, a select key OP6 for issuing a staple instruction or a punch instruction, and display lamps OP6a and OP6b thereof are provided.

Of these, the display lamp OP4a is a lamp indicating concealed binding, and the display lamp OP4b is the end 2
It is a lamp that indicates dot binding. The display lamp OP4c
Is a lamp indicating one-point binding at the end, and an indicator lamp OP4
e is a lamp indicating bookbinding. On the other hand, the display lamp O
P5ba is a lamp that indicates an inward fold with the image surface inward of the two folds, and a display lamp OP5bb is a lamp that indicates an outer fold with the image surface outward in the fold. The display lamp OP5baa is a lamp that indicates a stepless fold in which the open ends are aligned among the inward folds.
Reference numeral 5bab denotes a ramp indicating a step-folding in which the open end is shifted among the in-folds. The indicator lamp OP5c is at the end 2
It is a lamp that indicates the center folding for the point binding and the edge single point binding. Further, in addition to the screen shown in FIG. 15, each screen shown in FIGS. 16 to 21 is appropriately displayed on the touch panel OP <b> 3 according to the selection status of the operation mode.

<< Configuration of Control System >> A control system for controlling each of the above-described processes will be described with reference to a block diagram of a control system for performing each process of FIG. The center of this control system is
Copying device CPU 910 for controlling the operation of the copying device, C for the automatic document feeding portion for controlling the operation of the automatic document feeding portion 20
A PU 950 and a post-processing device CPU 980 that controls the operation of the post-processing device. Each CPU has a ROM 911, 951, 98 in which a control program is stored.
1 and RAMs 912, 952, and 982 as work areas.

An image memory 925 for storing the read image and an image for performing image processing such as rotation and enlargement / reduction of the image based on the image information stored in the image memory 925 are stored in the CPU 910 for the copying apparatus. Signal processing unit 920
Is provided. Also, the image signal processing unit 920
Is a CCD sensor 11 which is an image reader shown in FIG.
7 is connected via an A / D converter 921 for converting a read analog signal into a digital signal, and further, an image signal processing unit 920 converts the output image information from a digital signal into an analog signal. A converter 931
The semiconductor laser 13 of the optical scanning unit 13 shown in FIG.
1 is driven.

Various driving devices and sensors are connected to the post-processing device CPU 980 in order to execute the above-described operations of the respective components of the post-processing device. Also, CPU for post-processing device
The ROM 981 connected to the 980 stores a value of a “predetermined distance” used when calculating the moving distance of the first folding stopper 815, a value of a predetermined number of sheets which is a threshold value for determining the leading edge binding and the trailing edge binding, and the like. Have been.

Here, the copying apparatus CPU 910 calculates the number of output sheets in addition to the basic operations of the copying apparatus (eg, image reading, storage in memory, image editing, image formation on sheets, output, etc.). Also do. Specifically, FIG.
The automatic document feeder 20 shown in FIG.
The number of documents counted when the document feeding operation is performed under the control of the control unit 50 is obtained from the CPU 950 for the automatic document feeder, and the output number is calculated based on the number of documents and the copy mode input from the operation panel. Then, the calculated number of output sheets is transmitted to the post-processing apparatus CPU 980. In this embodiment, since the image of the document is transferred to the sheet without rotating, the leading edge binding is automatically selected in the mode in which the sheet is not folded. However, the operator makes a selection between front-end binding and rear-end binding based on the threshold value, whether or not to prioritize productivity, and when the rear-end binding is selected, the CPU 910 for the copying apparatus is selected. It is also possible to give an instruction to rotate the image. As a result, the leading edge binding or the trailing edge binding as described above is automatically selected and executed.

In addition to the automatic selection of the front binding and the rear binding, the user can arbitrarily select the binding from the operation panel. In this case, the binding position for the designated image and the arbitrarily selected binding can be selected. It is also possible to automatically determine whether or not to rotate the image based on the stapled position (leading edge binding or trailing edge binding). For example, when right binding is specified and rear end binding is specified, an image rotation instruction is given, and control is performed so that right binding is performed even with rear end binding.

<< Regarding Finish in Each Mode Operation >> When the original D is set on the original platen glass 111, the image side is set downward and the position where the stapling process is to be performed is on the right side. When the document D is set in the automatic document feeder 20, the position where the stapling process is to be performed is set to the left side in the drawing with the image surface facing upward. In this case, various mode selections are made on the operation panel O of the copying apparatus 10.
Can be performed on P. Various modes such as paper folding can be selected in the same mode for all the jobs set in the automatic document feeder 20.
The mode can be changed for each document in the job. Hereinafter, control for each mode will be described.

First, the control in the case where the paper is not folded will be described.
This will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. When the sheet is received by the post-processing device 50 (S11), it is determined whether or not the operator has selected stapling from the operation panel OP (S12). If the stapling process is not selected (S12: No), the sheet is discharged as it is (S22), and the routine exits. The discharge destination in this case is the discharge tray 710.

If the stapling process is selected (S12: Yes), the sheet is transferred to the post-processing tray section 40.
It waits for one job to accumulate at 0 (S13). 1
When the job is accumulated (S13: Yes), it is determined whether the job has a plurality of sheets (S14). If the job is only one sheet (S14: No), there is no need for stapling, so that sheet is discharged as it is (S22), and the routine exits. In this case, the sheet is discharged to the stacking tray unit 600 without passing through the stapling unit 500. If the stapling process is selected for a job that is known in advance to be only one sheet, a warning may be issued before the start of copying to alert the operator (S55 in FIG. 26: No). As well).

If the job includes a plurality of sheets (S14: Yes), the sheet bundle stacked on the post-processing tray 400 is conveyed to the leading edge binding position of the stapling section 500 (S15). . Then, it is determined whether or not the operator has selected concealment binding from the operation panel OP (S16). If concealed binding has not been selected (S16: No), it is further determined whether or not the operator has selected two-point binding from the operation panel OP (S19). If two-point binding is selected (S1
9: Yes), a two-point stapling process is performed on the leading end binding position (S20). If two-point binding is not selected (S
20: No), a one-point stapling process is performed on the leading end binding position (S21). When the stapling process in S20 or S21 is completed, the sheet bundle is discharged to the stacking tray 600 (S22), and the process exits from this routine.

If concealed binding is selected in S16 (S16: Yes), two-point stapling is performed at the leading edge binding position without determining whether to select two-point binding (S17). Then, the sheet bundle is conveyed to the rear end binding position of the stapling section 500 (S18). Then, one-point stapling is performed at that position (S21).
This is concealment binding. When stapling is completed,
The sheet bundle is discharged to the stacking tray 600 (S2).
2), exit this routine. Here, the stapling process for bookbinding is performed at the leading binding position, and the stapling process for concealment is performed at the trailing binding position. However, the reverse is also possible. The number of hit points may be another number (S47 in FIG. 25, S5 in FIG. 26).
8, S61, S62, S78, S82, S83 in FIG.
The same). In addition, concealment binding can be performed on a sheet bundle including a large-sized sheet that has been Z-folded.

Next, control in the case of single-sided double folding will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. The single-sided double-folding is executed by selecting the double-folding mode while the screen of FIG. 16 is displayed on the touch panel OP3. In the case of this mode, first, as shown in FIG. 24, it is determined whether the image is to be inside or not outside (S30). This determination depends on whether the operator selects “inside the image” or “outside the image” while the screen of FIG. 17 is displayed on the touch panel OP3. When the method of folding the image inward is selected (S30: Yes), the reverse discharge mode is set (S31). Therefore, in this case, the printed sheet is inverted by the switchback unit 190 and then accepted by the post-processing device 50. If the method of folding the image to the outside is selected (S30: No), the non-reverse discharge mode is set (S32). Therefore, in this case, the printed sheet is directly received by the post-processing device 50 without passing through the switchback unit 190.

In the case of inward folding (S30: Yes), the post-processing device 50 performs processing according to the subroutine of FIG. When the sheet is received by the post-processing device 50 (S41), it is determined whether or not the operator has selected step folding from the operation panel OP (S42). If step folding is selected (S42: Yes), the sheet is folded in two at the step position in the sheet folding section 800 (S44). That is, while the screen of FIG. 20 (displayed by selecting “change of the folding position” on the screen of FIG. 17) is displayed on the operation touch panel OP3, the shift amount (step L) input by the operator is adjusted according to the shift amount. Then, the position of the first folding stopper 815 is moved by L / 2 compared to the case of folding in the center, and the folding process is performed in that state. Thereby, the step folding with the step L is performed. If step folding is not selected (S42: N
o), folding in the center is performed as usual (S4).
3).

When the sheet is folded in S43 or S44, the sheet is conveyed out of the folding section 800 with the fold side first. Next, it is determined whether the operator has selected stapling processing from the operation panel OP (S
45). In the case of inward folding, stapling of the fold-side end is not necessary, and the selection here means the presence or absence of concealment binding. If the concealment binding is not selected (S45: No), the sheet is processed by the stapling unit 50
It is discharged without passing through "0" and exits from this routine (S48). The discharge destination in this case is the discharge tray 710.

When concealed binding is selected (S4
5: Yes), the sheet is sent to the post-processing tray unit 400, switched back there, and then conveyed to the leading edge binding position of the stapling unit 500 (strictly, a position advanced by the step L) (S46). ). Then, a one-point stapling process is performed (S47). This is concealment binding. That is, in this case, the stapling process is performed for each sheet. When the stapling process is completed, the sheet is discharged and the process exits from this routine (S48). In this case, the discharge destination is the accumulation tray unit 600.

In the case of the outside folding (S30: No), the post-processing device 50 performs the processing according to the subroutine of FIG. When the sheet is received by the post-processing device 50 (S51), the sheet is folded in two at the center in the paper folding section 800 (S52). When the sheet is folded in half, the sheet is folded in the paper folding section 800 with the fold side first.
It is carried out from. Next, it is determined whether the operator has selected the stapling process from the operation panel OP (S53). If the stapling process is not selected (S53: No), the sheet is discharged as it is (S63), and the routine exits. The discharge destination in this case is the discharge tray 710.

When the stapling process is selected (S53: Yes), the sheet is transferred to the post-processing tray section 40.
It waits for one job to accumulate at 0 (S54). 1
When the job is accumulated (S54: Yes), it is determined whether the job has a plurality of sheets (S55). If the job is only one sheet (S55: No), there is no need for stapling, so that sheet is discharged as it is (S63), and the process exits from this routine. In this case, the sheet is discharged to the stacking tray unit 600 without passing through the stapling unit 500.

If the job includes a plurality of sheets (S55: Yes), the sheet bundle accumulated in the post-processing tray 400 is conveyed to the leading end binding position of the stapling section 500 (S56). . Note that after the post-processing tray section 400, the front and back of the sheet (bundle) are reversed.
Then, it is determined whether or not the operator has selected covert binding from the operation panel OP (S57). If concealed binding has not been selected (S57: No), it is further determined whether or not the operator has selected two-point binding from the operation panel OP (S60). If the two-point stapling is selected (S60: Yes), a two-point stapling process is performed on the leading edge stapling position (S61). If the two-point binding is not selected (S60: No), one-point stapling is performed on the leading edge binding position (S62). When the stapling process in S61 or S62 is completed, the sheet bundle is discharged to the stacking tray 600 (S63), and the process exits from this routine.

If concealed binding is selected in S57 (S57: Yes), two-point stapling is performed at the leading edge binding position without determining whether to select two-point binding (S58). Then, the sheet bundle is conveyed to the rear end binding position of the stapling section 500 (S59). Then, one-point stapling is performed at that position (S62).
This is concealment binding. When stapling is completed,
The sheet bundle is discharged to the stacking tray 600 (S6).
3), exit this routine. Note that the number of hit points at each position and the presence or absence of concealment binding are determined by the operation touch panel OP3.
18 (displayed by selecting "Staple" on the screen of FIG. 17) can be selected by the operator.

In S30, it is also possible to specify whether to fold inward or outward for each sheet. For this purpose, "page designation" is selected while the screen of FIG. 17 is displayed on the touch panel OP3. Then touch panel OP3
As shown in FIG. 21, a page number button is displayed according to the number of pages of the document. In this state, the page to be folded inward may be pressed and highlighted.

Next, control in the case of bookbinding by double-folding on both sides will be described with reference to the flowchart in FIG. In this mode, while the screen of FIG. 19 (displayed by selecting “bookbinding mode” on the screen of FIG. 17) is displayed on the operation touch panel OP3, the operator can select the opening direction as well. In this case, the sheet on which D1 and D4 are transferred to the front surface and D3 and D2 are transferred to the back surface is discharged from the copying apparatus 10. When the sheet is received by the post-processing device 50 (S71), the sheet is folded in two at the center in the paper folding section 800 (S72). At this time, the surface on which D1 and D4 are transferred is on the outside. When the sheet is folded in two, the sheet is carried out of the sheet folding section 800 with the fold side first. Next, it is determined whether the operator has selected the stapling process from the operation panel OP (S73). If the stapling process has not been selected (S73: No), the sheet is discharged as it is (S84), and the routine exits. The discharge destination in this case is the discharge tray 710.

If the stapling process is selected (S73: Yes), the sheet is processed by the post-processing tray processing unit 40.
It waits for one job to accumulate at 0 (S74). 1
When the job is accumulated (S74: Yes), it is determined whether the job has a plurality of sheets (S75). If the job is only one (S75: No), the sheet is discharged as it is (S84), and the process exits from this routine. In this case, the sheet is sent to the staple processing unit 5.
Then, the sheet is discharged to the stacking tray section 600 without passing through 00.

If the job includes a plurality of sheets (S75: Yes), it is determined whether or not the operator has selected concealment binding from the operation panel OP (S76). When concealment binding is selected (S7
6: Yes), the sheet bundle stacked on the post-processing tray unit 400 is transported to the leading end binding position of the stapling unit 500 (S77). Then, a one-point stapling process is performed at that position (S78). This is concealment binding. And
The sheet bundle is conveyed to the rear end binding position of the stapling section 500 (S79). Then, the process proceeds to S82 without deciding whether to select the two-point binding.

If the concealment binding is not selected in S76 (S76: No), the sheet bundle accumulated in the post-processing tray section 400 is transported to the rear end binding position of the stapling section 500 (S80). Then, it is determined whether or not the operator has selected two-point binding from the operation panel OP (S81). If two-point binding is selected (S
81: Yes), and proceed to S82. If the two-point binding is not selected (S81: No), the process proceeds to S83.

In step S82, a two-point stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle. On the other hand, in S83, a one-point stapling process is performed on the sheet bundle. That is, only when the concealment binding is not selected (S76: No) and the two-point binding is not selected (S81: No), the one-point stapling process is performed on the rear end binding position. If the concealment binding is selected (S76: Yes), the two-point stapling process is performed at the rear end binding position regardless of the selection of the two-point binding. When the stapling process in either S82 or S83 is completed, the sheet bundle is discharged to the stacking tray 600 (S84), and the process exits from this routine.

In the present embodiment, in the case of two-folding, control is performed to determine the stapling processing position for concealed binding by first selecting whether to perform inward folding or outward folding. However, since inward or outward folding is usually determined by the upper and lower sides of the image surface of the sheet conveyed to the paper folding unit 800, control may be performed to determine the stapling processing position for concealed binding depending on whether the sheet is turned upside down.

In this embodiment, the switchback unit 190 is provided in the copying apparatus 10 to reverse the sheet in the copying apparatus 10.
It may be provided within 0.

As described in detail above, in the image forming system 1 according to the present embodiment, the switchback unit 190 which is a reversing unit for reversing the sheet, and the paper folding unit 800 which is a creasing unit for folding the sheet. And Then, for the sheet having an image on one side received from the receiving port, the switchback unit 190 is provided.
Can be selected from the operation panel OP depending on whether or not to use the inside folding mode in which the image plane is folded inward and the outer folding mode in which the image plane is folded in two outside. This gives
The paper folding unit 800 can easily select an inner fold that folds an image inward and an outer fold that folds an image in half only by always making a fold in a single direction. Since the inward folding is possible, it is possible to meet a demand that the contents of the formed image are not desired to be seen by others. Further, since the user can select between in-fold and out-fold, it is possible to select a new mode while maintaining the conventional functions.

Further, the image forming system 1 can select the inner folding mode and the outer folding mode for each sheet in one job from the operation panel OP. By making such a selection possible, it is not necessary to divide the sheets in one job that are not desired to be seen by others and the sheets that may be seen by others into separate jobs, so that copying efficiency is reduced. Go up.

The image forming system 1 has a staple unit 500 for performing stapling processing on the open end of the sheet folded in half by the paper folding unit 800 when the in-fold mode is selected. I have. By performing such a stapling process, an image can be more reliably prevented from being viewed by others.

Further, when the in-fold mode is selected, the two-fold position at which the two-fold position can be selectively changed can be adjusted.

As described above, when performing the inward folding in which the image is folded inward, the folding position can be changed, so that the inward folding can be performed so that only a part of the surface on which the image is formed can be seen. It is possible. In this part only visible,
If the name or the like is described, it is possible to understand who discharged the sheet without looking at the entire contents of the image.

Further, in the image forming system 1, when the folding position is changed by adjusting the position of the first folding stopper 815 which is the folding position adjusting means, the stapling position at the open end is linked to the folding position. Is changed.

Since the stapling position at the open end is changed in conjunction with the change in the folding position, there is no need to separately change the stapling position. Therefore, there is no waste of the staples due to forgetting to change the stapling position, and the variable setting can be easily performed.

On the other hand, the image forming system 1 includes a paper folding section 800 serving as a fold section for forming a fold on a sheet.
And a post-processing tray unit 400 which is a temporary stacking tray for temporarily stacking sheets, and transport the sheet bundle stacked on the post-processing tray unit 400 in a direction intersecting the folds formed by the paper folding unit 800. And a staple unit 500 as staple means for performing staple processing on the sheet bundle conveyed by the sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714 and the like.
And Then, a selection is made between a fold side end binding mode in which stapling is performed on the fold side end of the folded sheet bundle and an open side end binding mode in which stapling is performed on the open side end of the folded sheet bundle. Is possible.

By folding a sheet having images on both sides into two and binding the fold side end, when the number of sheets is large, which is a problem in the conventional weekly magazine binding, the sheet end faces are aligned. It is possible to eliminate poor appearance due to the absence. Also, 4 sheets on the front and back of one sheet
Since printing for pages can be performed, it is preferable from the viewpoint of resource saving. Further, since the open end can be bound, the formed image cannot be easily seen. Furthermore, since the fold side end binding and the open side end binding can be selected, a new mode can be selected while maintaining the conventional functions.

In the case where only one sheet has an image formed thereon, it is not necessary to bind the fold side end of the folded sheet. Therefore, the image forming system does not perform the stapling process when the fold side edge binding mode is selected for a job including only one sheet.

In the image forming system 1, a concealment mode in which stapling is performed on the end opposite to the end where stapling is required in the selected mode can be selected from the operation panel OP.

With such a mode, the inside of a bound sheet cannot be easily seen by others.

Further, the image forming system 1 has a motor M3 for moving the staple position in a direction intersecting the conveying direction by the sheet bundle conveying roller pair 714. When the concealment mode is selected, the stapling section 500 is provided.
The stapling process is performed at at least two positions in the moving direction by the motor M3 on the end portion where the stapling process is required to bind the sheet bundle.

In the image forming system 1, the position where the stapling process is performed can be moved in a direction intersecting the sheet conveying direction. Therefore, even when various sheet sizes are selected, a single stapling section 500 can perform stapling processing at a plurality of locations on one end. The stapling end for concealment and the stapling end for bookbinding can be distinguished by the number of stapling points.

This embodiment is merely an example.
It does not limit the invention in any way. Accordingly, the present invention can of course be variously modified and changed without departing from the gist thereof.

[0183]

As described above, the present invention enables new bookbinding with good appearance and small number of sheets to be used. In addition, it is possible to fold a sheet printed on one side in two, with the image on the inside. In addition, there is a concealment mode in which the folded sheet cannot be easily opened by binding near the open end of the folded sheet. Can be set. Since the concealment mode can be selected even in the bookbinding mode, a bound sheet bundle cannot be easily opened. By setting such a mode, it is possible to sufficiently respond to a user's request that the user does not want another person to view the formed image. In addition, it is possible to respond to a request that a third party does not want to see it when distributing it to others. In this case, a concealment mode that cannot be easily opened while only a part of the image is visible can be selected.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an automatic document feeder in the copying apparatus.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an image transfer state in a bookbinding mode.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating inversion processing control when a two-fold mode is selected.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a paper folding unit in the post-processing device.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram illustrating a paper folding state in a two-fold mode.

FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram of a post-processing tray unit and a staple unit in the post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram showing types of modes for performing a stapling process.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing types of modes for performing a stapling process.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing types of stapling processing modes.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing types of stapling mode.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram showing types of modes for performing a stapling process.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating types of modes for performing a stapling process.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram showing types of modes for performing a stapling process.

FIG. 15 is a configuration diagram of an operation panel provided in the copying apparatus.

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a touch panel on an operation panel.

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a touch panel on an operation panel.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a touch panel on an operation panel.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a touch panel on an operation panel.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a touch panel on an operation panel.

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating an example of a screen of a touch panel on an operation panel.

FIG. 22 is a control block diagram of a copying apparatus and a post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing control in the case where no paper folding is performed.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart illustrating control for setting whether or not the sheet is to be inverted in the case of folding in two.

FIG. 25 is a subroutine showing a control in a case where two-folding of in-fold is selected.

FIG. 26 is a subroutine showing a control in a case where two-folding of outer folding is selected.

FIG. 27 is a subroutine showing control when bookbinding is selected.

[Explanation of symbols]

 190 Switchback section 500 Staple section 800 Paper folding section 815 First folding stopper 400 Post-processing tray section

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ───

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] August 4, 2000 (200.8.4)

[Procedure amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[Claims]

[Procedure amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0009

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, in this image forming system, the first selecting means is configured to print each sheet by inputting a page designation on the touch panel.
To perform a selection of bad hair in the fold mode and the outer folding mode
It is desirable that

[Procedure amendment 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0010

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0010] This ensures that, do not want to be seen by others sheet
And sheets that can be seen by others in separate jobs
That it has no longer need separate.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0013

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

Further, in this image forming system, when the folding position adjusting means changes the folding position, it is preferable that the stapling position at the open end is also changed in conjunction with the folding position. And adjust the folding position
Means are folded in two according to the amount of shift entered by the operator.
It is desirable to change the position.

[Procedure amendment 5]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0014

[Correction method] Change

[Correction contents]

[0014] stapling the open side end, operations
The stapling position is changed in conjunction with the change of the half-folding position based on the shift amount input by the operator, so there is no need to separately change the stapling position. Therefore, there is no waste of staples due to forgetting to change the staple processing position, and the change setting can be easily performed.

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A reversing means for reversing a sheet, a crease means for forming a fold on the sheet, and an in-fold mode for folding an image side inward on a sheet having an image on one side received from a receiving port. An image forming system comprising: a first selection unit that selects an outer folding mode in which an image plane is folded in two outwards depending on whether or not the reversing unit is used. 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein said first selecting means is capable of selecting between the inner folding mode and the outer folding mode for each sheet in one job. Image forming system. 3. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when an in-fold mode is selected by the first selecting unit, a stapling process is performed on an open end of the sheet folded by the crease unit. An image forming system, comprising: a stapling unit for applying an image. 4. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein a folding position can be selectively changed when an in-fold mode is selected by said first selecting means. An image forming system comprising: 5. The image forming system according to claim 4, wherein when the folding position is changed, the folding position adjusting means also changes the stapling position at the open end in conjunction with the folding position. An image forming system characterized by changing. 6. A creasing means for creasing a sheet, a temporary stacking tray for temporarily stacking sheets, and a sheet bundle stacked on the temporary stacking tray in a direction intersecting the fold by the creasing means. A sheet conveying means for conveying, a stapling means for stapling a sheet bundle conveyed by the sheet conveying means, and a fold side end binding mode for stapling the fold side end of the folded sheet bundle. An image forming system comprising: a second selection unit that can select an open-side end binding mode in which stapling is performed on an open-side end of a folded sheet bundle. 7. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a reversing unit for reversing a sheet, wherein the second selecting unit performs a stapling process on a fold side end of the folded sheet bundle. An image forming system for selecting a fold side end binding mode and an open side end binding mode for stapling an open side end of a folded sheet bundle by using or not using the reversing means; . 8. The image forming system according to claim 6, further comprising a staple prohibiting unit that prohibits stapling when the fold side edge binding mode is selected for a job including only one sheet. Image forming system. 9. The image forming system according to claim 6, wherein a concealment mode in which stapling is performed also on the end opposite to the end where stapling is required by the mode selected by the second selection means. An image forming system comprising a selectable concealment mode selection unit. 10. The image forming system according to claim 9, further comprising a staple moving means for moving said staple means in a direction intersecting a conveying direction of said sheet conveying means, wherein said staple mode is selected. The stapling means performs stapling at least at two positions in the moving direction of the staple moving means at an end where stapling is required in the mode selected by the second selecting means. system. 11. A temporary stacking tray for temporarily stacking sheets, sheet conveying means for conveying a bundle of sheets stacked on the temporary stacking tray, and performing a stapling process on the sheet bundle conveyed by the sheet conveying means. Stapling means for applying, a front end binding mode for stapling the front end of the folded sheet bundle in the conveying direction of the sheet conveying means, and a rear end binding mode for stapling the rear end. And a concealment mode capable of selecting a concealment mode in which stapling is also performed on the end opposite to the end where stapling is required by the mode selected by the third selection. An image forming system comprising mode selection means. 12. The image forming system according to claim 11, further comprising staple moving means for moving said staple means in a direction intersecting a conveying direction of said sheet conveying means, wherein said staple mode is selected. The stapling means performs stapling on at least two positions in the moving direction of the staple moving means at the end where stapling is required in the mode selected by the third selecting means. system.