JP2018144278A - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To perform a binding process by dividing one sheet bundle into several copies even if the number of paper bundles (total thickness) that can be bound by the binding device exceeds the upper limit. Provided is an image forming apparatus capable of performing a desired binding process. SOLUTION: When it is determined that the total thickness X of the paper bundle PT exceeds a predetermined value A before the paper bundle PT (a plurality of papers P) is bound by the binding devices 91 and 92. , The printing conditions for the paper bundle PT are changed by the adjusting processing means 40 and 45 so that the total thickness of the paper bundle PT is equal to or less than the predetermined value A, and the paper bundle PT printed under the changed printing conditions is obtained. On the other hand, the binding process is performed by the binding devices 91 and 92. [Selection diagram] Fig. 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a printer, a facsimile, or a complex machine in which a binding device that performs a binding process on a sheet bundle is installed.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, a binding device (stapler) for performing a binding process is widely installed (see, for example, Patent Document 1). .)

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses an apparatus capable of performing a binding process using a metal needle, performing a binding process without using a metal needle, and switching a binding process method.
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 determines whether the number of sheets to be printed is within the upper limit number that can be bound without using a metal needle, and determines that the number is not within the upper limit number. A technique for inquiring a user whether to switch to a binding process using a metal needle or cancel a setting change is disclosed.

The conventional image forming apparatus has an upper limit on the number (total thickness) of sheet bundles (a plurality of sheets) that can be bound by the binding apparatus. , One sheet bundle was divided into several copies for binding processing.
On the other hand, in Patent Document 1, when the number of sheet bundles exceeds the upper limit of the binding process without using the metal needle, the binding process is performed by switching to the binding process using the metal needle. The effect of reducing such problems can be expected to some extent. However, in such a case, the binding processing method is different from that originally specified by the user.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and the number of sheets (a plurality of sheets) that can be bound by the binding device exceeds the upper limit. However, an object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of performing a desired binding process without dividing a single sheet bundle into several copies and performing the binding process.

  An image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: an image forming apparatus main body that forms an image on a sheet; a binding apparatus that performs binding processing on a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus main body; and printing conditions for the sheet. An adjustment processing means for changing, and when the binding device determines that the total thickness of the plurality of sheets exceeds a predetermined value before performing binding processing on the plurality of sheets by the binding device, The print processing for the plurality of sheets is changed by the adjustment processing unit so that the total thickness of the sheets of paper is equal to or less than the predetermined value, and the binding is performed for the plurality of sheets printed under the changed printing conditions. A binding process is performed by the apparatus.

  According to the present invention, even if the number of sheets (a plurality of sheets) that can be bound by the binding device exceeds the upper limit, the number of copies of one sheet bundle is several. Thus, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus that can perform a desired binding process without performing the binding process separately.

1 is an overall configuration diagram illustrating an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic block diagram which shows a post-processing apparatus. It is a schematic block diagram which shows a binding apparatus. It is a schematic top view which shows the part in which the binding apparatus was installed in the width direction. It is an enlarged view which shows the uneven | corrugated | grooved part of a 2nd binding apparatus. It is a flowchart which shows the control at the time of printing. It is a flowchart which shows control of a 1st adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows control of a 2nd adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows control of a 3rd adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows control of a 4th adjustment process. It is a flowchart which shows control of a 5th adjustment process. It is a figure which shows the screen before changing the printing conditions of (A) adjustment processing in the operation display panel, and the screen after changing the printing conditions of (B) adjustment processing.

  Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. In addition, in each figure, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the part which is the same or it corresponds, The duplication description is simplified or abbreviate | omitted suitably.

First, the overall configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus 1 will be described with reference to FIG.
In FIG. 1, 1 is a copying machine as an image forming apparatus, 2 is a document reading unit that optically reads image information of a document D, and 3 is a photosensitive member that exposes light L based on the image information read by the document reading unit 2. An exposure unit for irradiating the drum 5 and an image forming unit 4 for forming a toner image (image) on the photosensitive drum 5 are shown.
Reference numeral 7 denotes a transfer unit (image forming unit) that transfers a toner image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 to a sheet P (sheet), and 10 denotes a document transport unit that transports the set document D to the document reading unit 2. , 12 to 14 are paper supply units in which paper P such as transfer paper is stored, and 17 is a registration roller (timing roller) for conveying the paper P toward the transfer unit 7.
Reference numeral 20 denotes a fixing device that fixes an unfixed image on the paper P, 21 denotes a fixing roller installed in the fixing device 20, 22 denotes a pressure roller installed in the fixing device 20, and 30 forms an image on the front surface. A double-sided conveyance unit 40 reverses the conveyed paper P toward the image forming unit, and an operation display panel 40 is used for displaying the status of the apparatus and inputting printing conditions.
Reference numeral 50 denotes a post-processing device that performs post-processing on the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1 and carried in. Reference numeral 61 denotes a stacking unit (internal tray) installed in the post-processing device 50. Is a tray (discharge tray) on which the post-processed paper P (or paper bundle) is discharged and stacked, 90 is a binding processing unit installed inside the post-processing device 50, and 91 and 92 are binding processing units. The binding apparatus installed in 90 is shown.

  Here, the post-processing device 50 in which the binding devices 91 and 92 are incorporated is detachably installed on the image forming apparatus main body 1, and one image forming apparatus (image forming system) together with the image forming apparatus main body 1. Is forming. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the binding devices 91 and 92 are installed outside the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the binding devices 91 and 92 are provided in the image forming apparatus. become.

With reference to FIG. 1, an operation during normal image formation in the image forming apparatus main body 1 will be described.
First, the document D is conveyed from the document table in the direction of the arrow in the drawing by the conveyance roller of the document conveyance unit 10 and passes over the document reading unit 2. At this time, the document reading unit 2 optically reads the image information of the document D passing above.
Then, the optical image information read by the document reading unit 2 is converted into an electric signal and then transmitted to the exposure unit 3 (writing unit). Then, from the exposure unit 3, exposure light L (laser light) based on the image information of the electric signal is emitted toward the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 of the image forming unit 4.

On the other hand, in the image forming unit 4, the photosensitive drum 5 rotates in the clockwise direction in the drawing, and an image is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 5 through a predetermined image forming process (charging process, exposure process, development process). An image (toner image) corresponding to the information is formed.
Thereafter, the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5 is transferred onto the paper P conveyed by the registration roller 17 in the transfer unit 7 as an image forming unit.

On the other hand, the sheet P conveyed to the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) operates as follows.
First, one of the plurality of paper feeding units 12, 13, and 14 of the image forming apparatus main body 1 is automatically or manually selected (for example, the uppermost paper feeding unit 12 is selected). To do.)
Then, the uppermost sheet P of the paper P stored in the paper feeding unit 12 is transported toward the position of the transport path K1.

  Thereafter, the sheet P passes through a conveyance path K1 in which a plurality of conveyance rollers are arranged, and reaches the position of the registration roller 17. Then, the sheet P that has reached the position of the registration roller 17 is conveyed toward the transfer unit 7 (image forming unit) at the same timing in order to align with the image formed on the photosensitive drum 5. .

  Then, after the transfer process, the sheet P passes through the position of the transfer unit 7 and then reaches the fixing device 20 through the conveyance path. The sheet P that has reached the fixing device 20 is fed between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22, and the image is fixed by the heat received from the fixing roller 21 and the pressure received from both members 21 and 22. . The sheet P on which the image is fixed is delivered from between the fixing roller 21 and the pressure roller 22 (a nip portion), and then discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1.

Note that when the “double-sided printing mode” for performing printing on both sides of the paper P (the front side and the back side) is selected, the paper P that has undergone the fixing process on the front side is described above. The paper is not discharged as it is when the “single-sided printing mode” is selected, but is guided to the double-sided conveyance path K2, and after the conveyance direction is reversed by the double-sided conveyance unit 30, the transfer unit 7 ( It is conveyed toward the position of the image forming unit. Then, an image is formed on the back surface of the sheet P by the same image forming process as described above at the position of the transfer unit 7, and then passes through the conveyance path through a fixing process in the fixing device 20. And discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1.
Note that the above-described setting of the printing condition for single-sided printing or double-sided printing can be performed by an input operation to the operation display panel 40.

Here, in the present embodiment, the post-processing device 50 is installed in the image forming apparatus main body 1, and the paper P discharged from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is transported to the post-processing device 50 and transported paper. Post-processing is performed on P.
Referring to FIG. 1, post-processing device 50 in the present embodiment transports paper P transported from device main body 1 to one of three transport routes K3 to K5, and performs different post-processing. It is comprised so that it can give. The first transport path K3 is a transport path for discharging the paper P transported from the image forming apparatus main body 1 to the first paper discharge tray 71 as it is without performing post-processing. The second transport path K4 stacks the sheets P transported from the image forming apparatus main body 1 on the stacking unit 61 (inner tray), and out of the two binding devices 91 and 92 (binding means) in the binding processing unit 90. Either of the sheets is bound to the trailing edge of the sheet, and the processed sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is discharged from the discharge port 50b toward the external tray 72 (second discharge tray) by the discharge roller 55. It is the conveyance route for. The third conveyance path K5 is configured such that the sheet P conveyed from the image forming apparatus main body 1 is once conveyed to the second conveyance path K4 and switched back, and then the sheet central portion by the third binding apparatus 83 (saddle stitching apparatus). This is a conveyance path for performing sheet folding processing (saddle stitching processing) and folding processing by the sheet folding blade 84 and the like, and discharging the sheet to the third sheet discharge tray 73 (see also FIG. 2).
The above-described switching of the three transport paths K3 to K5 is performed by a switching operation (rotation) of the branch claw 81.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 2, a first transport roller 51 and a paper detection sensor are installed in the vicinity of the carry-in port 50a of the post-processing apparatus 50, and the paper P detected by the paper detection sensor is the first. 1, and transported into the apparatus 50 by the second transport rollers 51 and 52. Then, based on the post-processing mode selected in advance by the user operating the operation display panel 40, the branching claw 81 rotates so that the paper P is guided to the desired transport paths K3 to K5.
When the mode in which no post-processing is performed is selected, the paper P transported to the first transport path K3 is discharged by the third transport roller 53 and is discharged onto the first paper discharge tray 71.

  When the “sort mode (sorting processing mode)” is selected, the paper P transported to the second transport path K4 is configured to be movable in the width direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 2). Each paper P is transported while being shifted in the width direction by a predetermined amount by the fourth transport roller 54, transported by the paper discharge roller 55 (fifth transport roller), and onto the external tray 72 (second paper discharge tray). It is loaded sequentially.

  Referring to FIG. 2, a filler 82 is provided above the external tray 72 so as to be rotatable about a support shaft at the upper end, and the external tray 72 is configured to be movable up and down by a moving mechanism. Then, a state in which the central portion in the transport direction of the sheets P sequentially stacked on the external tray 72 is in contact with the filler 82 is detected by a sensor installed in the vicinity of the support shaft of the filler 82, thereby The height of the stacked paper P is recognized. Then, the vertical position of the external tray 72 is adjusted according to the increase or decrease of the number of sheets P stacked on the external tray 72. Further, when the vertical position of the external tray 72 reaches the lower limit position, it is assumed that the number of sheets P stacked on the external tray 72 has reached the upper limit (full) and the post-processing device 50 to the image forming apparatus 1. A stop signal is transmitted to stop the image forming operation.

  When the “binding processing mode (staple mode)” is selected, the paper P transported to the second transport path K4 is transported by the fourth transport roller 54 without being shifted, and the stacking unit 61 ( It is sequentially stacked on the internal tray. Whenever the paper P (paper bundle PT) is placed on the placement surface of the stacking unit 61, the tapping roller 64 and the auxiliary transport roller 93 (see FIG. 3) disposed above the paper P can be referred to. ) Is moved from the retracted position to a position where the uppermost sheet P comes into contact with the uppermost sheet P, and the tapping roller 64 and the auxiliary conveying roller 93 are driven to rotate counterclockwise in FIG. It is conveyed (moved) toward the section 66 (end fence). As a result, the rear ends (rear ends in the transport direction) of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) abut against the fence portion 66, and the positions in the transport direction of the plurality of sheets P are aligned.

2 to 4, each time the paper P is placed on the stacking unit 61 by the jogger fence 68 (side fence) installed at both ends in the width direction of the stacking unit 61 (or After a desired number of sheets P are stacked, the sheet P is moved in the width direction so as to sandwich the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT), and the positions in the width direction of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) are aligned. Will be. Then, the binding processing is performed by one of the two binding devices 91 and 92 on the rear end of the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle) in which the transport direction and the width direction are respectively aligned. become.
Thereafter, the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) subjected to the binding process moves obliquely upward along the inclination of the placement surface by the movement of the discharge claw 67 in the sheet discharge direction, and is conveyed by the sheet discharge roller 55, It is discharged onto the external tray 72.
Note that the binding processing unit 90 in this embodiment is provided with two binding devices 91 and 92, and one of the binding devices is selected to perform the binding processing operation on the sheet bundle PT. become. The binding device is selected in advance by the operation of the operation display panel 40 by the user.

When the “saddle stitching process (folding process) mode” is selected, the sheet P is first transported to the second transport path K4 and the rear end portion thereof is sandwiched between the fourth transport rollers 54 and The four transport rollers 54 are reversely rotated to be switched back and transported to the third transport path K5. Then, the sheet P conveyed to the third conveyance path K5 is positioned at the position where the center portion of the sheet P faces the third binding device 83 (saddle stitching device) by the sixth to eighth conveyance rollers 56 to 58 (non-binding). It is conveyed to the position where the illustrated conveyance guide plate functions as a stacking unit. Then, after a desired number of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) is stacked at that position, the third binding device 83 performs a binding process on the central portion of the sheet bundle. Thereafter, the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT) subjected to the binding process are positioned so that the central portion of the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) faces the sheet folding blade 84 by the seventh and eighth transport rollers 57 and 58. It is conveyed to. At this time, the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is in a state where the leading end of the sheet P abuts against the stopper unit 85 (configured to be movable in the transport direction by the moving mechanism).
Then, the sheet P (sheet bundle PT) is folded by the folded portion being pressed by the sheet folding plate 86 in a state where the central portion is folded by the sheet folding blade 84 moving to the left in FIG. Will be. Thereafter, the folded paper P (paper bundle PT) is transported by the ninth transport roller 59 and discharged onto the third paper discharge tray 73. A series of processes (printing conditions) in which the binding process is performed on the central portion of the sheet bundle PT and the folding process is performed on the central portion is referred to as “saddle binding process”.

Hereinafter, the binding processing unit 90 (sheet processing apparatus) in the present embodiment will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS.
As described above with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, the post-processing device 50 according to the present embodiment includes a binding processing unit 90 (binding for performing binding processing on the sheet bundle PT therein. Devices 91, 92) are installed. In the binding processing unit 90, a stacking unit 61 (stacking unit) on which a plurality of sheets P are stacked as a sheet bundle PT, and the width direction of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the stacking unit 61 (FIGS. 2 and 3). The jogger fence 68 serving as an aligning means for aligning the positions of the sheet bundle PT and the conveying direction of the sheet bundle PT stacked on the stacking unit 61 (in FIGS. 2 and 3). A fence unit 66 (end fence) serving as an aligning means for aligning the positions of the stacking unit 61 and the vertical direction in FIG. 4, and a plurality of sheets P as a sheet bundle PT. Two binding devices 91 and 92 (binding means) that perform binding processing on the binding processing units M1 to M3 and N (binding unit) in the binding region M are installed.

  Specifically, the stacking unit 61 has a placement surface upward from one end side (the right side in FIGS. 2 and 3) to the other end side (the left side in FIGS. 2 and 3). It is formed to be inclined. The stacking unit 61 functions as a stacking unit that stacks sheets as a bundle of sheets. Binding devices 91 and 92 are provided below the inclined surface of the stacking unit 61 away from the paper discharge port 50b. The binding devices 91 and 92 perform binding processing on the sheet bundle PT with a predetermined range along the width direction of the sheet bundle PT as a binding area.

Here, two binding devices 91 and 92 are installed in the binding processing unit 90 in the present embodiment.
Specifically, referring to FIG. 4, a needle (metal needle) is placed on one end side in the width direction (the vertical direction in FIG. 3 and the left-right direction in FIG. 4) during the non-binding operation. The first binding device 91 configured to perform the binding process using the retraction is retracted, and the other end side in the width direction is configured to perform the binding process without using the needle (metal needle). The two-binding device 92 is retracted. The binding processing unit 90 also serves as a guide member that guides the first binding device 91 and the second binding device 92 so as to move in a predetermined direction (a width direction orthogonal to the conveyance direction of the paper P). Two functioning guide shafts are provided.

The first binding device 91 performs a binding process on the sheet bundle PT accumulated in the stacking unit 61 using a needle.
Specifically, the first binding device 91 receives a driving force from the first driving means and is positioned at one end in the width direction with respect to the sheet bundle PT stacked on the stacking unit 61 (FIG. 4). In FIG. 4, the sheet is moved toward the other end in the width direction (on the right side in FIG. 4), and is bound to the binding processing units M <b> 1 to M <b> 3 in the sheet bundle PT ( Binding processing with a needle).
Specifically, with reference to FIG. 4A, in the present embodiment, the transport direction (FIG. 4) with respect to the sheet bundle PT whose positions in the width direction and the transport direction are determined by the jogger fence 68 and the fence portion 66. The binding region M is divided into three binding processing parts M1 to M3, and the binding process is performed by setting substantially the entire region of the end portion of the binding part M to the binding region M. In the present embodiment, with respect to such three binding processing units M1 to M3, first, from the first reference position (the reference position positioned to the left of the left end of the sheet bundle PT in FIG. 4). The first binding device 91 is moved to the position of the first binding processing unit M3 located at the leftmost position (one end in the width direction) in the binding area M (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4A). Then, the binding process to the first binding processing unit M3 is performed. Next, the first binding device 91 is moved toward the position of the second binding processing unit M2 at the center in the width direction adjacent to the right (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4A). A binding process to the second binding processing unit M2 is performed. Finally, the first binding device 91 is moved to the position of the third binding processing unit M1 on the other side in the width direction adjacent to the right side (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4A) to move the third binding device 91 to the third position. After performing the binding process to the binding processing unit M1, the first binding device 91 is moved in the reverse direction to return to the first reference position.
In the present embodiment, the binding processing by the first binding device 91 is performed on the three binding processing units M1 to M3 that are substantially equally divided in the width direction in the binding region M. However, the number of binding processing units The position is not limited to this, and the binding process can be performed in various forms.
Moreover, a well-known thing can be used as the 1st binding apparatus 91 which performs the binding process operation using a metal needle.

On the other hand, the second binding device 92 performs a binding process on the sheet bundle PT collected on the stacking unit 61 without using a needle.
Specifically, the second binding device 92 receives the driving force from the second driving means, and is located at the other end in the width direction with respect to the sheet bundle PT stacked on the stacking unit 61 (see FIG. 4 is a position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 4 and moves toward one end in the width direction (to the left in FIG. 4) to bind the binding processing unit N in the sheet bundle PT (no needle). ).
Specifically, referring also to FIG. 5, the second binding device 92 presses the tooth-shaped uneven portions 92a1 and 92b1 against the sheet bundle PT to form unevenness in the thickness direction on the sheet bundle PT, thereby forming the sheet P. The binding process is performed by engaging each other. More specifically, in the second binding device 92, a first member 92a and a second member 92b are disposed in a substantially vertical direction. The first member 92a has a tooth-shaped uneven portion 92a1 formed on the upper surface. The second member 92b has a tooth-shaped uneven portion 92b1 meshing with the tooth-shaped uneven portion 92a1 of the first member 92a on the lower surface, and the sheet bundle PT is sandwiched between the first member 92a and the second member 92b. Thus, it is configured to be movable relative to the first member 92a. The binding process is performed with the sheet bundle PT sandwiched between the first member 92a and the second member 92b.
Referring to FIG. 4B, in the present embodiment, with respect to the sheet bundle PT whose position in the width direction and the conveyance direction is determined by the jogger fence 68 and the fence portion 66, the conveyance direction (vertical direction in FIG. 4). The binding process is performed by using a part (corner part) of the end of the process as the binding processing unit N. In this embodiment, with respect to such a corner binding processing unit N, first, from the second reference position (a reference position positioned to the right of the right end of the sheet bundle PT in FIG. 4). The second binding device 92 is moved to the position of the binding processing unit N located on the left side (the position indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4B), and the binding processing to the binding processing unit N is performed. To do. Then, after performing the binding process to the binding processing unit N, the second binding device 92 is moved in the reverse direction and returned to the second reference position.
In the present embodiment, the binding processing by the second binding device 92 is performed on one binding processing unit N located at the corner, but the number and position of the binding processing units are not limited to this. In addition, the binding process can be performed in various forms.

Hereinafter, the characteristic configuration and operation of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described in detail.
As described above, the image forming apparatus includes an image forming apparatus main body 1 that forms an image on the paper P, and a plurality of paper P (paper bundle PT) on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus main body 1. Binding devices 91 and 92 that perform binding processing are provided.
In the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, an operation display panel 40 and a control unit 45 are provided as adjustment processing means for changing printing conditions for the paper P. The operation display panel 40 is of a touch panel type, and is used for the user to select desired printing conditions by touching a panel screen (see FIG. 12). Input information of the operation display panel 40 is sent to the control unit 45, and the image forming apparatus is operated based on the selected printing condition (a printing operation is performed) under the control of each part of the image forming apparatus by the control unit 45. )
The “printing condition” includes all conditions for printing by the image forming apparatus, and includes conditions for the image forming operation as well as conditions for the post-processing operation performed by the post-processing device 50. Is also included.

  Here, in the present embodiment, the total thickness X of the plurality of sheets PT exceeds a predetermined value A before the binding devices 91 and 92 perform the binding process on the plurality of sheets P (sheet bundle PT). If it is determined (X> A), the adjustment processing means 40 and 45 adjust the plurality of sheets P so that the total thickness X ′ is equal to or less than a predetermined value A (X ′ ≦ A). The printing conditions for the paper P are changed, and the binding devices 91 and 92 are used to bind a plurality of papers P (the total thickness X ′ is reduced) printed under the changed printing conditions. Perform processing.

  That is, when the above-described “binding process mode” is selected, the sheet bundle to be subjected to the binding process is determined from various information input to the operation display panel 40 before the printing operation is started. When it is determined that the thickness X of PT (one sheet bundle PT to be subjected to the binding process) exceeds a predetermined value A, the printing operation is not started with the selected printing conditions. Thus, the printing conditions are changed so that the thickness X of the sheet bundle PT can be reduced without dividing the number of copies to be bound. Then, the printing operation is started according to the changed printing condition, and the binding process is performed on the sheet bundle PT whose overall thickness is reduced.

  In this way, changing the printing conditions so as to reduce the thickness of the sheet bundle PT without dividing the number of copies to be bound reduces the number of sheets bundle PT without dividing the entire image information into a plurality of copies. Or reducing the thickness of each sheet P without reducing the number of sheets bundle PT. The one sheet bundle PT subjected to the binding process by changing the printing conditions in this way has exactly the same image information as the entire image information of the one sheet bundle PT to which the binding process was first performed. Is included in the whole.

Such control is performed because there is an upper limit on the thickness of the sheet bundle PT that can be bound by the binding devices 91 and 92. Specifically, in the case of the first binding device 91 that performs binding processing using a needle, the upper limit thickness is determined by the length of the needle (the length of both U-shaped legs). Further, in the case of the second binding device 92 that performs the needleless binding process, the upper limit thickness is determined by the tooth depth of the tooth-shaped uneven portions 92a1 and 92b1.
In the present embodiment, even when the binding process by the first binding apparatus 91 is selected or when the binding process by the second binding apparatus 92 is selected, the selected binding apparatus is selected. And changing the printing conditions as described above based on the upper limit value that can be bound, and binding processing can be performed without dividing into multiple copies.
In particular, since the second binding device 92 that performs the binding process without a needle uses the special binding processing method described above, the second binding device 92 can perform the binding process compared to the first binding device 91 that performs the binding process with a needle. The upper limit is small. Therefore, when the second binding device 92 is selected, the frequency of changing the printing conditions as described above is increased compared to when the first binding device 91 is selected, and the effect of the present invention is achieved. Will be demonstrated more.

  When the characteristic control as described above is performed, the thickness X of the sheet bundle PT to be bound (including the thickness X ′ of the sheet bundle PT after changing the printing conditions) is operated. It is obtained from information related to the type (or thickness) of the paper P and the number of paper bundles PT input to the display panel 40 and sent to the control unit 45. Then, the control unit 45 compares the thickness X (X ′) of the sheet bundle PT with the predetermined value A stored in advance.

Specifically, the adjustment processing means 40 and 45 can change the printing conditions from single-sided printing to double-sided printing. That is, when “single-sided printing mode” and “binding processing mode” are selected as the initial printing conditions, the thickness X of one sheet bundle PT to be subjected to binding processing has a predetermined value A. If it is determined that the printing condition is exceeded, the printing condition is changed from “single-sided printing mode” to “double-sided printing mode”, and the printing operation is started.
By changing from single-sided printing to double-sided printing, the number of sheets of paper bundle PT can be reduced by half without dividing the entire image information into a plurality of copies. When the PT thickness is equal to or less than the predetermined value A), the binding process can be performed.

Further, the adjustment processing means may change the printing conditions so that the size of the paper P becomes larger. For example, when the paper feed unit that stores the A4 size paper P is selected so that the paper P to be passed is the A4 size, and the “binding processing mode” is selected as the first printing condition When it is determined that the thickness X of one sheet bundle PT to be bound is greater than a predetermined value A, the A3 size paper is set so that the paper P to be passed is A3 size. The printing condition is changed so that the paper feed unit that accommodates P is selected, and the printing operation is started. At this time, the image information for two sheets of A4 size before the change is printed on the changed A3 size sheet P.
By increasing the size of the paper P, it is possible to reduce the number of paper bundles PT without dividing the entire image information into a plurality of copies, so the thickness of the paper bundle PT is also reduced (the thickness of the paper bundle PT). When the value is equal to or less than the predetermined value A), the binding process can be performed.

In addition, the adjustment processing means 40 and 45 may change the printing condition from “normal printing” for printing one page per page to “collective printing” for printing a plurality of pages per page. That is, when “normal printing” and “binding processing mode” are selected as the initial printing conditions, the thickness X of one sheet bundle PT to be subjected to the binding processing exceeds a predetermined value A. If it is determined that the printing condition is satisfied, the printing condition is changed from “normal printing” to “combined printing” and the printing operation is started.
By changing from normal printing to aggregated printing, the total image information can be reduced according to the degree of aggregation of the sheet bundle PT without dividing it into a plurality of copies, so the thickness of the sheet bundle PT is also reduced. (The thickness of the sheet bundle PT becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value A), and the binding process can be performed.

In addition, the adjustment processing means 40 and 45 may change the printing conditions to “saddle stitching processing” in which the binding process is performed on the central portion of the sheet bundle PT and the folding processing is performed on the central portion. That is, when the “binding process mode” is selected as the first printing condition, and it is determined that the thickness X of one sheet bundle PT that is the target of the binding process exceeds the predetermined value A Then, the printing condition is changed to “saddle stitching processing mode” and the printing operation is started. At this time, the image information for two sheets of the sheet P before the change is separately printed on both sides of the sheet P to be subjected to the saddle stitching process, with the central part to be bound (folded) as a boundary. become.
By changing to the saddle stitching process, it is possible to reduce the number of the sheet bundle PT by half without dividing the entire image information into a plurality of copies, so that the thickness of the sheet bundle PT is also reduced by half (sheet bundle). When the PT thickness is equal to or less than the predetermined value A), the binding process can be performed.
In the present embodiment, as described above with reference to FIG. 1, the third transport path K5 (the transport path on which the third binding device 83 is installed) for performing the saddle stitching process, and the binding process. Since the second conveyance path K4 for carrying out printing (the conveyance path on which the first and second binding devices 91 and 92 are installed) is provided separately, the printing conditions are changed as described above. Then, the binding device selected first is changed. Such a problem can be avoided by setting the conveyance path for performing the saddle stitching process and the conveyance path for performing the normal binding process to the same conveyance path.

Further, the adjustment processing means 40 and 45 may change the printing conditions so that the paper P is thin. For example, the first printing condition is when a paper feed unit that contains plain paper is selected so that the paper P to be passed is plain paper, and “binding processing mode” is selected. When the thickness X of one sheet bundle PT to be bound is determined to exceed the predetermined value A, the sheet feeding unit that accommodates the thin sheet so that the sheet P to be passed is a thin sheet. The printing condition is changed so that is selected, and the printing operation is started.
By reducing the paper thickness of the paper P, the thickness of the paper bundle PT can be reduced without reducing the number of the paper bundle PT, so that the thickness of the paper bundle PT becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value A, and the binding process is performed. Can be performed.

Here, in the present embodiment, it is possible to configure so that the printing conditions to be changed can be selected by the adjustment processing means 40 and 45.
Specifically, the user touches the operation display panel 40 to change a plurality of printing conditions (for example, the five printing conditions described above) that can be changed by the adjustment processing units 40 and 45. Of these, one or more printing conditions can be changed.
FIG. 12 shows an example of the screen of the operation display panel 40 when the printing conditions for the adjustment process are selected as described above. It is assumed that “normal printing”, “single-sided printing”, and “A4 size” are selected as the initial printing conditions. Then, it is determined that the binding process is performed on the desired number of sheet bundles PT under such printing conditions, and it is determined that the thickness of the sheet bundle PT exceeds the predetermined value A. At this time, as shown in FIG. 12A, the screen of the operation display panel 40 changes, and a message indicating that the binding process cannot be performed is displayed as it is, so that the printing condition to be changed can be selected. In the example of FIG. 12B, “collective printing” and “double-sided printing” are selected as the printing conditions to be changed. Then, an execution button that allows touch operation after selection is pressed, and a printing operation (a printing operation with a binding process) is performed under the changed printing conditions. In the example of FIG. 12, “normal printing” is changed to “consolidated printing” that consolidates two pages into one page, and “single-sided printing” is changed to “double-sided printing”. The thickness (and number) of PT will be about 1/4 before the change.

Hereinafter, characteristic control related to the binding processing described so far will be described as a summary using the control flows shown in FIGS. Here, it is assumed that the binding processing mode is selected by the user.
First, as shown in FIG. 6, when the user selects various printing conditions (printing mode) (step S1) and presses the execution button to give a printing instruction (step S2), the selected binding process is performed. It is determined whether the number of sheets of one sheet bundle PT related to the mode is equal to or less than the number of sheets that can be bound (step S3). Specifically, it is determined whether the thickness X of the sheet bundle PT is equal to or less than a predetermined value A.
As a result, if it is determined that the number of sheets of the sheet bundle PT is equal to or less than the number of sheets that can be bound, the printing condition is changed as it is, assuming that the binding processing by the selected binding devices 91 and 92 is possible. The printing operation is executed without any operation (step S4).
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S3 that the number of sheets of the sheet bundle PT is not less than or equal to the number of sheets that can be bound, it is determined that the binding processing by the selected binding devices 91 and 92 cannot be performed and the printing conditions are set. Is performed (step S5), and after the condition of step S3 is satisfied, the printing operation is executed according to the changed printing condition (step S4).

Here, FIG. 7 is a control flow in the case of changing to double-sided printing as the adjustment process. As shown in FIG. 7, it is determined whether the initially set printing condition is double-sided printing (step S6). If double-sided printing has already been selected, the adjustment process is temporarily terminated and single-sided printing is performed. Is selected, it is changed to double-sided printing (step S7).
FIG. 8 is a control flow when the paper size is changed as the adjustment process. As shown in FIG. 8, it is determined whether or not the initially set paper size is A3 size or larger (step S8). If a paper of A3 size or larger has already been selected, the adjustment process is temporarily terminated. If a paper size smaller than the A3 size is selected, the paper size is changed to an A3 size paper (step S9).
FIG. 9 is a control flow when changing to consolidated printing as the adjustment process. As shown in FIG. 9, it is determined whether or not the initially set printing condition is consolidated printing (step S10). If consolidated printing has already been selected, the number of sheets to be consolidated on one page is further increased. In this way, the condition is changed (step S11), and if consolidated printing is not selected, it is changed to consolidated printing (step S12).
FIG. 10 is a control flow in the case of changing to the saddle stitching process as the adjustment process. As shown in FIG. 10, it is determined whether or not the initially set printing condition is the saddle stitching process (step S13). If the saddle stitching process has already been selected, the adjustment process is temporarily terminated. If the saddle stitching process is not selected, the saddle stitching process is changed (step S14).
FIG. 11 is a control flow when changing the thickness of the sheet as the adjustment process. As shown in FIG. 11, it is determined whether the initially set paper is thin paper (step S15). If the thin paper has already been selected, the adjustment process is terminated once and the thin paper is selected. If not, the paper is changed to thin paper (step S16).

As described above, in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment, the total thickness X of the sheet bundle PT is set before binding processing is performed on the sheet bundle PT (a plurality of sheets P) by the binding devices 91 and 92. When it is determined that the value exceeds the predetermined value A, the adjustment processing means 40 and 45 change the printing conditions for the paper bundle PT so that the total thickness of the paper bundle PT is equal to or less than the predetermined value A, and the change is made. The binding devices 91 and 92 perform the binding process on the sheet bundle PT printed under the specified printing conditions.
Thus, even if the thickness of the sheet bundle PT that can be bound by the binding devices 91 and 92 exceeds the upper limit, the binding process is performed by dividing one sheet bundle PT into several copies. And a desired binding process can be performed.

In the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the monochrome image forming apparatus 1. However, the present invention can also be applied to a color image forming apparatus.
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the electrophotographic image forming apparatus 1, but the application of the present invention is not limited to this, and other types of image forming apparatuses (for example, inkjet) Of course, the present invention can be applied to any type of image forming apparatus, stencil printing apparatus, etc., as long as the binding apparatus is installed outside or inside the apparatus.
And even if it is such a case, the effect similar to the thing of this Embodiment can be acquired.

In the present embodiment, another post-processing device (for example, a device that performs Z-folding processing on the paper P) is installed between the image forming apparatus main body 1 and the post-processing device 50. You can also.
Further, in the present embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus in which the post-processing device 50 capable of performing the binding process is externally attached to the image forming apparatus main body 1, but the application of the present invention is applied to this. Without being limited thereto, the present invention can naturally be applied to an image forming apparatus in which the binding device is built in the main body of the image forming apparatus.
In this embodiment, the present invention is applied to the image forming apparatus in which the two binding devices 91 and 92 are installed in the binding processing unit 90. However, one or three or more binding devices are installed. Of course, the present invention can also be applied to an image forming apparatus.
Even in such a case, substantially the same effect as that of the present embodiment can be obtained.

  In the present specification and the like, “paper” is defined to include not only transfer paper but also all sheets on which images are to be formed, and “paper bundle” refers to those papers. It is defined as a bundle.

  It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the present embodiment, and it is obvious that the present embodiment can be modified as appropriate within the scope of the technical idea of the present invention, other than suggested in the present embodiment. is there. In addition, the number, position, shape, and the like of the constituent members are not limited to the present embodiment, and the number, position, shape, and the like suitable for implementing the present invention can be achieved.

1 image forming apparatus main body (image forming apparatus),
40 operation display panel (adjustment processing means),
45 control unit (adjustment processing means),
50 aftertreatment devices,
90 binding processing unit,
91 first binding device;
92 Second binding device,
P paper, PT paper bundle (multiple paper).

JP, 2006-107482, A

Claims (8)

An image forming apparatus main body for forming an image on paper;
A binding device that performs a binding process on a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming apparatus main body;
Adjustment processing means for changing printing conditions for paper;
With
When it is determined that the total thickness of the plurality of sheets exceeds a predetermined value before the binding process is performed on the plurality of sheets by the binding device, the total thickness of the plurality of sheets is determined as the predetermined thickness. The adjustment processing means changes the printing conditions for the plurality of sheets so that the adjustment processing means does not exceed the value, and the binding device performs binding processing on the plurality of sheets printed under the changed printing conditions. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment processing unit changes a printing condition from single-sided printing to double-sided printing.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment processing unit changes a printing condition so that a size of the sheet is increased.   4. The adjustment processing unit changes a printing condition from normal printing that prints one page per page to consolidated printing that prints a plurality of pages per page. Image forming apparatus.   5. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment processing unit changes a printing condition to a saddle stitching process in which a binding process is performed on a central portion of a sheet bundle and a folding process is performed on the central portion. Image forming apparatus.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the adjustment processing unit changes a printing condition so that a paper thickness is reduced.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus is configured to be able to select a printing condition to be changed by the adjustment processing unit.   The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the binding device is configured to perform a binding process without using a needle.

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