JP3855596B2 - Image forming system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a post-processing apparatus used in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, a laser printer, or a facsimile, and an image forming system using the post-processing apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, as an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine or a laser printer, or a post-processing apparatus used in combination with the image forming apparatus, those provided with a perforation processing apparatus and a binding apparatus have been widely used. In general, these punching processing apparatuses and binding apparatuses automate punching work and binding work for filing complicated sheets. On the other hand, in order to further improve the convenience of the punching processing device and the binding device, a combination of a saddle stitch binding function combined with folding a sheet into two or Z-shaped (so-called Z-folding) is also seen. It is getting to be.
[0003]
As a technique related to the post-processing apparatus incorporating the saddle stitch binding function, for example, those disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 2534992, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-142728, or Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-60040, etc. There is.
[0004]
The automatic sheet processing apparatus according to Japanese Patent No. 2534992 discloses a sheet folding mechanism, an additional processing mechanism disposed downstream of the sheet folding mechanism, processing instruction input means, and sheet folding and additional processing according to the processing instruction input. In the automatic sheet processing apparatus including a control unit for controlling, the processing instruction input unit includes a sheet folding unit for selecting a sheet folding type and an additional process selection unit for selecting an additional process, and the control unit is a sheet folding selection unit. According to the fold type selected by the above, a means for prohibiting selection of the additional process by the additional process selecting means is provided.
[0005]
Further, the finisher according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-142728 is a finisher that receives sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus main body, conveys the sheets one by one, and folds the sheets in half. Setting means for setting a first paper folding mode in which the paper is folded in two and a second paper folding mode in which the paper is folded in two with the image forming surface on the outside; A sheet feeding roller, a sheet folding roller that folds the sheet in the middle of conveyance by the conveying unit, and when the first sheet folding mode is set, the sheet folding roller rotates in the forward direction. After the image forming surface is folded in half in the middle of conveyance, the paper folding roller is reversed and conveyed while the paper is opened by the conveying means, while the second paper folding mode is set. If the paper folding roller is forwardly rotated, the paper is folded in half while the paper is being conveyed with the image forming surface facing outward, and then the paper folding roller is reversed and the paper is folded in half by the transport means. And a control means for transporting the sheet in a state of being made.
[0006]
Further, the copying machine according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-60040 is a copying machine having an image repeat function for copying a plurality of images in a designated sheet, and recording a plurality of sheets copied using the image repeat function. The paper is configured to have punch hole means for making a punch hole for each image.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the conventional technique has the following problems. That is, the automatic sheet processing apparatus according to Japanese Patent No. 2534992 is configured to include means for prohibiting the selection of the additional process by the additional process selection means depending on the folding type selected by the sheet folding selection means. However, since the punching process is prohibited in the folding mode, the folding mode and the punching function cannot be combined, and there is a problem that the usability is poor.
[0008]
In addition, in the case of the finisher according to the above-mentioned JP-A-9-142728, the functions can be combined, but since the punching process is performed on the once folded sheet, a jam occurs when the processed sheet is conveyed. Even when it occurs or when multiple sheets are combined into a single set after processing, the sheet is switched back to perform folding processing, so the first sheet is folded and completely folded Since the second sheet cannot be folded until it is discharged, the productivity is low and the sheet is difficult to handle. Particularly, in the case of the finisher according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-142728, since the punching process is performed on the sheet that has been bent once, the fold line has a folding accuracy and a hole position when performing saddle stitch binding. There is a problem that the accuracy is reduced.
[0009]
Further, in the case of the copying machine according to the above-mentioned Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 11-60040, although punching processing is performed for each image, it is merely intended to improve convenience after cutting, and is saddle stitched. There is a problem that it is not a system that can deal with bookbinding or simply folding.
[0010]
Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and the object of the present invention is to perform a folding process and a punching process for the sheet, and to implement the sheet. An object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing apparatus and an image forming system using the post-processing apparatus that can improve folding accuracy and hole position accuracy even when a perforation process is performed on the substrate.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
[0016]
That is, claim 1 In the image forming system capable of forming a desired image on a sheet and performing post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed, A punching means capable of punching at least two holes on one side and a total of four or more holes at a substantially symmetrical position without folding the sheet, and a saddle stitch bookbinding means for performing saddle stitch binding on the sheet. The punching means performs a punching process on the sheet before performing the saddle stitch bookbinding function. Even if the saddle stitch binding mode is not selected, the punching process can be accepted. On the other hand, if the saddle stitch binding mode is not selected before the start of image formation, the punching process is prohibited. An image forming system characterized by the above.
[0019]
Also, Claim 2 The invention described in (2) is characterized in that when the punching mode is set, the saddle stitch binding mode is also automatically set. Claim 1 It is an image forming system of description.
[0020]
further, Claim 3 In the image forming system capable of forming a desired image on a sheet and performing post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed, A punching means capable of punching at least two holes on one side and a total of four or more holes in a substantially symmetrical position without folding the sheet; and a folding means for performing a folding process on the sheet; The means is an image forming system characterized in that the punching process is performed on the sheet before the folding process is performed.
[0021]
Furthermore, Claim 4 The invention described in the above is characterized in that the punching process can be accepted when the middle folding mode is selected in advance. Claim 3 It is an image forming system of description.
[0022]
or, Claim 5 According to the invention described in (2), the punching process can be accepted even when the half-folding mode is not selected, and the punching process is prohibited when the half-folding mode is not selected before the start of image formation. It is characterized by Claim 3 It is an image forming system of description.
[0023]
further, Claim 6 The invention described in (2) is characterized in that when the drilling mode is set, a half-folding mode is automatically set. Claim 3 It is an image forming system of description.
[0024]
Also, Claim 7 In the invention described in the above, the folding unit can perform a plurality of folding modes, and has a control unit that controls to set a punching process in the punching unit according to a setting state of the folding mode. Characterized by Claim 3 It is an image forming system of description.
[0025]
further, Claim 8 When the center folding mode is set, only the saddle stitching punching mode is set. When the Z folding mode is set, only the sheet edge punching mode is set. It is possible to select Claim 7 It is an image forming system of description.
[0026]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0027]
Embodiment 1
FIG. 1 shows an image forming apparatus F constituting an image forming system to which a post-processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied.
[0028]
In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an image input unit that reads an image of a document (not shown) using an ADF (Auto Document Feeder) or receives a series of image information from a host computer or the like. Is output to the laser scanning unit 2. The laser scanning unit 2 irradiates laser light on the photosensitive drum 3 uniformly charged in advance by the primary charger 4 based on image information at one or two exposure positions according to the image forming mode. Thus, an electrostatic latent image is formed. The electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 3 is developed with different color toners by one or both of the developing unit 5 and the developing unit 6 as necessary. Further, the toner image developed on the photosensitive drum 3 is fed from the paper storage unit 9 of the paper feed unit 10 (paper feed tray) and is fed on the recording paper S fed at a predetermined timing by the registration roll 11. Then, the image is transferred by the transfer roll 7. The recording sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred is conveyed to the fixing device 13 by the conveying belt 12, and the toner image is fixed on the recording sheet S by heat and pressure by the fixing device 13. The recording sheet S on which the toner image has been fixed passes through the discharge path 16 and is discharged as it is by the discharge roll 15 according to the image forming mode, or is directly discharged from the apparatus by the sheet reversing mechanism 14. Then, the paper is discharged from the discharge roll 15 to the outside of the apparatus in a state where the transport direction and the front and back sides are reversed as necessary, or to the image forming portion of the photosensitive drum 3 again via the duplex / multiple recording passage 26. It is conveyed and double-sided or multiple recording is performed.
[0029]
Incidentally, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 3 after the image forming process is removed by the cleaning device 8 is prepared for the next image forming process.
[0030]
FIG. 2 shows a paper reversing mechanism of the image forming apparatus.
[0031]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 14 denotes a paper reversing mechanism provided in the discharge portion of the image forming apparatus. A discharge passage 16 is provided between the transport roll 13 a and the discharge roll 15 of the fixing device 13 of the image forming apparatus. Is formed in a linear shape obliquely upward, and below the discharge passage 16 is an inlet passage 17 extending obliquely downward from the upstream side of the discharge passage 16 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper S, and The delivery passage 18 extending obliquely downward from the downstream side of the discharge passage 16 in the conveyance direction of the recording paper S is disposed so as to form a substantially triangular shape. A switching member 27 for switching the recording paper S discharged from the fixing device 13 between the discharge passage 16 side and the feed passage 17 side is disposed at the inlet portions of the discharge passage 16 and the feed passage 17 so as to be tiltable. ing.
[0032]
Further, a tri-roll 19 constituting a part of the paper reversing device 14 is disposed between the feeding passage 17 and the sending passage 18 of the paper reversing device 14. The tri-roll 19 has a nip portion between the first driven roll 19A and the driving roll 19B located in the feeding passage 17, and a nip portion between the driving roll 19B and the driven roll 19C located in the feeding passage 18. The driven roll 19A, the drive roll 19B, and the driven roll 19C are arranged in a state where they are in pressure contact with each other.
[0033]
Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the reversing passage 25 is connected to the lower end of the joining portion located at the lower ends of the feeding passage 17 and the sending passage 18 in an inclined state. Are formed so that a drawing portion 25A extending downward in the vertical direction and a double-sided / multiple recording passage 26 are branched. A switching member 20 for switching the conveyance direction of the recording paper S is disposed at a branch portion between the drawing portion 25A and the duplex / multiple recording path 26. A Mylar sheet or the like is disposed at the lower end of the switching member 20. A shield plate 31 made of a synthetic resin film is projected downward. The switching member 20 is disposed so that the shield plate 31 is in the position shown in the drawing in a normal state. A forward / reverse roll 21 and a pinch roll 22 for transporting the recording paper S are disposed at the upper end of the drawing section 25A so as to be in pressure contact with each other. The pinch roll 22 can be released from the pressure contact state with the forward / reverse rotation roll 21 by a solenoid 24 via a link 23.
[0034]
In FIG. 2, reference numeral 23 </ b> A denotes a fulcrum of the link 23, 24 </ b> A denotes an operation rod of the solenoid 24, and 29 denotes a detection unit of the recording paper detection sensor 28.
[0035]
In the paper reversing mechanism 14 configured as described above, the paper reversing operation is performed as follows.
[0036]
In the one-sided copy normal discharge mode in the image forming apparatus, the drive motor for driving the drive roll 19B of the tri-roll 19 of the sheet reversing mechanism 14 is stopped, and is arranged at the inlet of the discharge passage 16 as shown in FIG. The recording sheet S fixed by the fixing device 13 in a state where the provided switching member 27 is lowered is passed over the switching member 27 via the discharge passage 16 and is directly discharged from the discharge roll 15 to the outside of the apparatus. Discharged.
[0037]
In the single-sided copy reversal discharge mode in the image forming apparatus, the drive motor for driving the drive roll 19B of the tri-roll 19 of the paper reversing mechanism 14 is driven to drive the driven roll 19A, the drive roll 19B, and the driven roll 19C of the tri-roll 19. And are driven to rotate. As shown in FIG. 2, the switching member 27 disposed in the discharge passage 16 is pulled upward by a solenoid (not shown) and switched from the discharge passage 16 side to the inflow passage 17 side. Then, the recording sheet S fixed by the fixing device 13 is transported to the feeding path 17 with the transport direction being switched by the switching member 27, and the driven roll 19 </ b> A and the driving roll 19 </ b> B located in the feeding path 17. Is guided to the forward / reverse roll 22 in the forward rotation state via the reverse passage 25 by the driving force of the drive roll 19B. As a result, the recording sheet S is once guided into the reversing passage 25, but the upper end portion of the recording sheet S is located above the lower end portion of the shield plate 31 of the switching member 20.
[0038]
The recording sheet S once guided into the reversing passage 25 by the forward / reverse roll 22 is positioned at a position higher than the lower end of the shield plate 31 of the switching member 20, so that the forward / reverse rotation is reversed. It is conveyed again to the reverse passage 25 by the roll 22, and is guided to the nip portion constituted by the drive roll 19B and the driven roll 19C disposed in the delivery passage 18 through the reverse passage 25, and the conveyance force of the drive roll 19B. Is conveyed to the discharge roll 15.
[0039]
Further, in the double-sided copying mode in the image forming apparatus, the driving motor for driving the driving roll 19B of the tri-roll 19 of the paper reversing mechanism 14 is driven, and the driven roll 19A and the driving roll 19B of the tri-roll 19 are driven. Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the switching member 27 disposed in the discharge passage 16 is pulled upward by a solenoid (not shown) and switched from the discharge passage 16 side to the inflow passage 17 side. The operation up to the forward / reverse roll 22 in the forward rotation state is the same as that in the single-sided copy reverse discharge mode. When the reversal timing of the recording sheet S is delayed from the single-sided copy reversal discharge mode, the upper end portion of the recording sheet S is the lower end portion of the switching member 20 disposed at the branch portion between the reversing passage 25 and the duplex / multiple recording passage 26. The switching member 20 is switched to the double-sided / multiple recording path 26 side by its own weight. Therefore, the recording sheet S conveyed again by the reversible forward / reverse roll 22 is conveyed via the switching member 20 to the duplex / multiple recording path 26 with the surface on which the toner image is formed facing up. . The recording sheet S is conveyed again to the image forming section with the surface on which the toner image is formed facing down through the double-sided / multiple-recording passage 26 formed so as to be bent and folded. A toner image is formed on the back surface of S. The subsequent operation is the same as in the single-sided copy normal discharge mode, and the recording paper S on which the toner images are formed on both sides passes through the fixing device 13 and then passes through the discharge path 16 to the outside of the apparatus by the discharge roll 15. Discharged.
[0040]
If necessary, in the single-side multiplex recording mode, the recording sheet S on which the toner image is formed on one side is not conveyed to the drawing portion 25A of the reversing passage 25 by switching the switching member 20. Via the reversing passage 25 and the duplex / multiple recording passage 26, the toner image is conveyed again to the image forming unit so that the surface on which the toner image is formed is located on the photosensitive drum 3 side, and the toner is applied to the surface of the recording paper S. Multiple images are transferred and discharged in the same manner as in the single-sided copy normal discharge mode.
[0041]
By the way, in the image forming apparatus configured as described above, the recording sheet S is subjected to the folding process on the recording sheet S of A3 size or B4 size in accordance with the folding mode, the saddle stitching mode, or the like, as will be described later. When saddle stitching is performed, each image can be formed on the recording paper S in a state where the pages are allocated so that the images of the pages are in a predetermined order.
[0042]
FIG. 3 shows a post-processing apparatus used in combination with the image forming apparatus, and these image forming apparatus and post-processing apparatus constitute an image forming system.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 3, the post-processing device 40 has a sheet carry-in port 41 for carrying a sheet S such as a recording sheet on which an image is formed by the image forming apparatus F, on a surface in contact with the image forming apparatus F. Yes. The post-processing device 40 includes a sheet discharge port 42 and a stack tray 43 that accommodates the sheet S discharged from the sheet discharge port 42 on the surface opposite to the sheet carry-in port 41. The sheet discharge port 42 can also insert a sheet bundle into the inside from the outside, and the sheet discharge port 42 also has a function as a sheet bundle insertion port.
[0044]
Inside the sheet carry-in port 41, a punching processing device 44 is disposed as a punching unit for performing a punching process on the sheet S carried from the sheet carry-in port 41. Although not shown, a sheet loop absorption path for absorbing a loop of the sheet, a registration roll for correcting skew, and the like are provided on the upstream side of the punching processing device 44 as necessary. A perforated litter container 44 a is disposed below the perforation processing device 44.
[0045]
A transport roll 45 including a drive roll 45 a and a driven roll 45 b is provided downstream of the punching processing device 44, and immediately after the transport roll 45, a transport path for the sheet S is provided on the lower side. A sheet conveyance path switching member 48 that switches between a first conveyance path 46 and a horizontal second conveyance path 47 is disposed. A transport roll 49 including a drive roll 49 a and a driven roll 49 b is provided at the tip of the first transport path 46. Further, a transport roll 50 composed of a drive roll 50a and a driven roll 50b and a transport roll 51 composed of a drive roll 51a and a driven roll 51b are provided at the intermediate position and the tip of the second transport path 47. . The first conveyance path 46 and the second conveyance path 47 are for turning the sheets S upside down and stacking them as necessary.
[0046]
A compile tray 52 that accommodates a plurality of sheets S aligned in the horizontal direction in order to perform a stapling operation (sheet binding operation) is provided at the conveyance destination of the first conveyance path 46 and the second conveyance path 47 in the horizontal direction. It is arranged in a slanted and slanted state. The compile tray 52 has a sheet support plate 53 on which the sheet S that is carried in from the first conveyance path 46 and the second conveyance path 47 is placed and carried to the stapling position. The sheet support plate 53 forms a sheet carry-in path for carrying the sheet S to the stapling position. The outer end of the sheet support plate 53 is disposed adjacent to the inner end of the stick tray 43.
[0047]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a pair of upper and lower sheet guides 54 and 55 are disposed at a position away from the inner end of the sheet support plate 53 by a predetermined distance. A saddle stitching stopper 56 for positioning the edge of the sheet S when the saddle stitching operation is performed is provided at the left end of the sheet S. Further, adjacent to the edge of the sheet guides 54, 55 on the side close to the sheet support plate 53, a transport roll 57 including a drive roll 57a and a driven roll 57b is disposed. Between the saddle stitching stopper 56 and the conveying roll 57, another saddle stitching stopper 58 that can be moved in and out of a sheet path formed between the pair of upper and lower sheet guides 54, 55 is provided. The saddle stitching stopper 58 can be moved in and out of a sheet path formed between the pair of upper and lower sheet guides 54 and 55 by a solenoid (not shown).
[0048]
The saddle stitching stoppers 56 and 58 are members for positioning the sheet when the sheet is saddle stitched by a stapler described later. One saddle stitching stopper 56 is used for positioning a large sheet (for example, A3 vertical sheet), and the other saddle stitching stopper 58 is for positioning a small sheet (for example, B4 vertical sheet). Used for. A pair of upper and lower sheet guides 59a and 59b are disposed between the sheet support plate 53 and the transport roll 57, as shown in FIGS. The space between the lower sheet guide 59a and the upper sheet guide 59b forms a sheet path for allowing the sheet S to pass from the sheet support plate 53 to the transport roll 57, as shown in FIG. 4B. . The compile tray 52 is configured by elements indicated by the reference numerals 53 to 59 and a sheet alignment tamper (not shown) (a member for aligning the position in the width direction of the sheet).
[0049]
As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4B, a drive roll 60 a of the discharge roll 60 is disposed at the outer end of the sheet support plate 53 adjacent to the inner end of the stack tray 43. Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the driven roll 49 b disposed at the tip of the first conveyance path 46 is fixed to a rotating shaft 62 that is rotatably supported by the frame 61, and A gear 62a is fixed to one end. A discharge roll support arm 63 is supported on the rotary shaft 62 so as to be rotatable with respect to the rotary shaft 62. A rotating shaft 64 is rotatably supported at the distal end portion of the discharge roll support arm 63, and a driven roll 60b that can contact the driving roll 60a is fixed to the rotating shaft 64. The drive roll 60a and the driven roll 60b constitute a discharge roll 60.
[0050]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, a sheet aligning paddle 65 is fixed to the rotating shaft 64, and a gear 66a meshing with the gear 62a is attached to the end of the rotating shaft 64 via a clutch 66b. Has been. The clutch 66b is normally on, and at that time, the rotating shaft 64 and the gear 66a rotate integrally. When the clutch 66b is turned off by the action of a solenoid (not shown), the rotation shaft 64 and the gear 66a are in a state where the relative rotation is free. The sheet alignment paddle 65 is composed of a cylindrical portion having a smaller radius than the driven roll 60b and a plurality of elastic sheets extending radially from the cylindrical portion. And the outer periphery of the said elastic sheet is arrange | positioned outward rather than the outer peripheral surface of the said driven roll 60b.
[0051]
In the above configuration, when the drive roll 49a rotates, the driven roll 49b in contact therewith rotates, and at this time, the gears 62a and 66a rotate. At this time, as can be seen from FIG. 5, if the clutch 66b is on (normal time), the rotating shaft 64 rotates together with the gear 66a, so that the driven roll 60b fixed to the rotating shaft 64 and the sheet aligning paddles. 65 also rotates integrally. The discharge roll support arm 63 is rotatably connected to the rotation shafts 62 and 64. The periphery of the rotation shaft 62 of the discharge roll support arm 63 is formed in a semicircular shape, and a gear is formed on the peripheral surface thereof. This gear meshes with an output gear 67 a fixed to the output shaft of the motor 67.
[0052]
Accordingly, in FIG. 5, when the motor 67 rotates in the direction of arrow A1, the discharge roll support arm 63 rotates in the direction of arrow A2 around the rotation shaft 62, and moves away from the position (separated from the sheet support plate 53) shown in FIG. 4) and the position shown in FIG. 4B (position close to the sheet support plate 53). 4B (the position where the driven roll 60b is close to the sheet S on the sheet support plate 53 and the sheet alignment paddle 65 is in contact), the clutch 66b is in an off state (rotating shaft). When the drive roll 49a rotates with the gear 64a and the gear 66a coupled, the sheet alignment paddle 65 rotates with the driven roll 60b, the rotary shaft 62, the gears 62a and 66a, and the rotary shaft 64, as can be seen from FIG. At this time, the sheet alignment paddle 65 rotates so as to align the sheet S by moving the sheet S to the left in FIG.
[0053]
3, 4, and 6, the stapler 68 includes a needle launching portion 68 a and a needle bending portion 68 b that are separate from each other. The needle launching portion 68a is connected to the lower sheet guide 59a, and the needle bending portion 68b is connected to the upper sheet guide 59b. As shown in FIG. 4B, the needle launching portion 68a is supported by a pair of rod-shaped guides 69, 69 so as to be movable in the directions of arrows Y1-Y2 in FIG. Further, the needle bending portion 68b is supported by a pair of rod-shaped guides 70, 70 so as to be movable in the directions of arrows Y1-Y2 in FIGS.
[0054]
In FIG. 6, the downstream end of the needle launching portion 68a (the downstream end in the sheet conveying direction X) and the downstream end of the needle bending portion 68b are connected to timing belts 71 and 72, respectively. The timing belt 71 is supported by a timing pulley 74 fixed to a rotatable pulley shaft 73 and a rotating roll 75 a of a tensioner 75. The timing belt 72 is supported by a timing pulley 76 fixed to a rotatable pulley shaft 73 and a rotating roll 77 a of a tensioner 77. The pulley shaft 73 is rotationally driven by a drive motor 78 and a reduction gear 79. When the pulley shaft 73 is rotated, the needle launching portion 68a connected to the lower sheet guide 59a and the needle bending portion 68b connected to the upper sheet guide 59b simultaneously move in the Y1-Y2 direction. It is like that.
[0055]
7 and 8, the upper sheet guide 59b is formed with stopper access holes 80 on both sides of the needle bent portion 68b. Further, a stopper seat hole 81 (see FIG. 8) is also formed in the lower sheet guide 59a at a position corresponding to the stopper seat hole 80. 7 and 8, brackets 82 and 82 (see FIG. 7) are fixed to the upper surface of the upper sheet guide 59b outside the stopper access hole 80. As shown in FIG. The stopper support shaft 83 is rotatably supported by these brackets 82 and 82. A pair of end binding stoppers 84, 84 are fixed to the stopper support shaft 83. The end binding stoppers 84 and 84 are swung with the rotation of the stopper support shaft 83, and the tip portions thereof can protrude and retract downward from the stopper entrance / exit holes 80 and 80, respectively. The end binding stopper 84 is provided with a spring locking portion 84a, and a coiled tension spring 85 is provided between the spring locking portion 84a and the upper sheet guide 59b. The leading end of the end binding stopper 84 is normally held by the tension spring 85 in a state (operating position) protruding from the stopper access hole 80 into the lower sheet passage.
[0056]
The stopper support shaft 83 is attached with an arm 86 fixed thereto. As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, a pin 87 that can be engaged with the end binding stopper 84 is provided at the intermediate portion of the arm 86, and one end of the link 88 is rotated at the free end of the arm 86. The other end of the link 88 is connected to an operating member 90 that is advanced and retracted by a solenoid 89. As shown in FIG. 8A, the end binding stopper 84 is normally held by the tension spring 85 at a position where its tip protrudes from the stopper access hole 80 into the sheet path. In a state where the engaging portion 84a of the end binding stopper 84 is pulled by the tension spring 85, the pin 87 engaged with the intermediate portion of the end binding stopper 84 and the arm 86 supporting the pin 87 are shown in FIG. A) is pushed to the left. The arm 86 pushed leftward in FIG. 8A rotates clockwise, and the link 88 and the actuating member 90 of the solenoid 89 are pulled leftward by the free end. The connecting portion of the link 88 with the arm 86 is in contact with the solenoid stopper 91 so that the operating member 90 of the solenoid 89 does not move further to the left. In this state, the operating member 90 moves forward (projects from the solenoid 89).
[0057]
When the solenoid 89 operates and the operating member 90 moves backward (moves to the right in FIG. 8A), the arm 86 rotates counterclockwise. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8 (B), the end binding stopper 84 that engages with the pin 87 supported by the arm 86 swings counterclockwise, and the tip end portion thereof The sheet guide 68b is stored above the stopper access hole 80. In this state, the sheet can freely pass through the sheet path formed between the upper sheet guide 68b and the lower sheet guide 68a.
[0058]
Further, in the sheet path formed by the pair of upper and lower sheet guides 68a and 86b, as shown in FIG. 3, a branch path 92 leading to the lower sheet bundle folding means 94 is provided downstream of the saddle stitching stopper 56. Is connected. A sheet conveyance path switching member 93 is disposed at the connection portion of the branch path 92. The branch path 92 is used when a saddle-stitched sheet bundle composed of a plurality of sheets S that are saddle-stitched by the stapler 68 is conveyed to the lower sheet folding means 94. The sheet folding device 94 connected to the downstream side of the branch path 92 includes half-fold stoppers 95 and 96 for stopping the positioning of the saddle stitched sheet bundle carried from the branch path 92 according to the sheet size. Have. The middle folding stopper 95 is a stopper when the sheet size is large (for example, A3 size), and is fixedly arranged. On the other hand, the middle folding stopper 96 is a stopper when the sheet size is small (for example, in the case of B4 size), and is arranged so as to be able to enter and exit the sheet bundle passage.
[0059]
Corresponding to the position of the saddle stitching portion of the saddle stitching sheet bundle that has been positioned and stopped by the halffolding stopper 95 or 96, the pair of middle folding belt devices 97, 98 and the middle folding belt devices 97, 98 are provided. A folding plate 99 that is pushed in while folding the saddle stitching portion of the saddle stitching sheet bundle is disposed therebetween. The folding plate 99 is always held at a position outside the path of the saddle stitched sheet bundle (retracted position) by a return spring 100, but is advanced by the rotation of the eccentric cam 101, and the saddle stitched sheet bundle is moved to the belt for folding. It is configured to be pushed between the devices 97 and 98. The saddle-stitched sheet bundle folded by the half-fold belt devices 97 and 98 passes through the sheet bundle discharge passage 102 and is conveyed to the half-fold sheet discharge roll 103. The half-folded sheet discharge roll 103 includes a driving roll 103a and a driven roll 103b, and discharges the half-folded sheet bundle to the half-folded sheet tray 104.
[0060]
9 to 11 show a perforation processing apparatus mounted on the post-processing apparatus. This perforation processing apparatus can perforate at least two holes on one side and a total of four or more holes at a position substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line of the sheet without folding the sheet. It is configured so that it can be done at once. For convenience, in this embodiment, a total of 4 holes can be drilled at a time, 2 holes on one side, but the number of holes on one side can be realized with the same configuration with 3 holes, 4 holes, etc. Needless to say.
[0061]
As shown in FIG. 9, the punching processing device 44 includes an upper chute frame 110 and a lower chute frame 111, and the sheet S passes between the upper chute frame 110 and the lower chute frame 111. A slit-shaped passage is formed.
[0062]
The punching processing device 44 includes four punching blades 112 for simultaneously punching a total of four holes, two holes on one side of the sheet S, and two attached two punching blades 112 in a fixed state. A cam follower 113, a cam 114 for moving the two cam followers 113 up and down, and a shaft 115 for rotating the cam 114 are provided. As shown in FIG. 10, the cam follower 113 is formed in a frame shape having a rectangular cross section, and two drilling blades 112 are attached to the lower surface of the cam follower 113 downward with a predetermined interval. ing. Further, the cam follower 113 is moved up and down by a cam 114 arranged in a state of being fitted therein, and the punching blade 112 attached to the cam follower 113 is connected to the upper chute frame 110 and the lower chute. It moves so as to penetrate the frame 111. The perforating blade 112 is guided by a guide member 116 disposed on the upper portion of the upper chute frame 110, penetrates the upper chute frame 110, and enters a through hole 117 constituting a receiving blade perforated in the lower chute frame 111. By fitting, the sheet S is punched.
[0063]
Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the two cams 114 are attached to the shaft 115 at a predetermined distance. 9 and 11, a transmission gear 119 is attached to one end portion of the shaft 115 via a clutch 118, and the shaft 115 is connected to an intermediate gear 120 that meshes with the transmission gear 119. It is rotationally driven by a drive motor (not shown). A position detection plate 121 is fixed to the tip of the shaft 115 on the transmission gear 119 side, and the rotational position of the position detection plate 121 is detected by the photo interrupter 122. The position detection plate 121 and the photo interrupter 122 constitute home detection means 123 that detects the home position of the cam 114. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 11, the clutch 118 is provided with a clutch locking portion 124, and the leading end portion of a locking link 126 driven by a solenoid 125 is locked to the clutch locking portion 124. Thus, the shaft 115 can be driven to rotate intermittently at a predetermined timing. In FIG. 9, reference numeral 127 denotes a sheet detection sensor for detecting the leading edge or the trailing edge of the sheet S.
[0064]
In the punching processing apparatus 44 configured as described above, when the leading edge of the sheet S is detected by the sheet detection sensor 127, a predetermined amount of the sheet S is loaded according to the sheet size with the sheet leading edge detection signal from the sheet detection sensor 127 as a trigger. The sheet S is stopped so that the center portion C in the sheet feeding direction coincides with the center between the punching blades 112 as shown in FIG. Thereby, when the sheet S is folded in the middle, the four holes 128 overlap each other.
[0065]
Next, using this punching processing device 44, as shown in FIG. 12B, punching processing is performed on the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet S at positions symmetrical to the center line C of the sheet S. The case will be described. The sheet detection sensor 127 stops the sheet S at a predetermined position before the sheet S reaches the punching blade 112 on the downstream side, using the leading edge detection signal of the sheet as a trigger. Here, when the solenoid 125 is turned on and the locking link 126 is released from the locking portion 124, the drive is transmitted to the shaft 115, the cam 114 rotates, and the drilling process is performed. Thereafter, the conveyance of the sheet S is resumed, and this time, the sheet S is stopped at a predetermined position where the sheet S has passed through the upstream punching blade 112 using the trailing edge detection signal of the sheet S of the sheet detection sensor 127 as a trigger. Here, the solenoid 125 is turned on again to perform drilling processing. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 12B, the leading and trailing ends of the sheet S are perforated, and the holes 128 overlap when the sheet S is folded in half. The predetermined position at which the sheet S is stopped is generally about 12 mm from the sheet end at the center of the hole 128.
[0066]
Next, a general end punching process will be described using the punching processing device 44 as shown in FIG. This process is realized by ending the punching process once without performing the punching process twice by the same control as the method described in the punching process for the leading edge and the trailing edge of the sheet S.
[0067]
FIG. 13 shows a punching processing device 44 configured to open a whole hole in a sheet by a plurality of punching operations, and the basic configuration is the same as the punching processing device 44 shown in FIG. However, the punching processing device 44 is different in that the punching blades 112 are attached to the cam follower 113 one by one.
[0068]
Next, an outline of a plurality of punching operations in which punching processing is performed by stopping the sheet in the punching processing apparatus 44 will be described. Using the leading edge detection signal of the sheet S from the sheet detection sensor 127 as a trigger, the sheet S is conveyed and stopped until it reaches the first punching position, and the first punching operation is performed. Next, in order to perform the second punching, the sheet S is stopped again after conveying a predetermined amount of the sheet. Therefore, the second punching operation is performed, the conveyance is resumed, and the sheet S is sent out of the punching processing device 44.
[0069]
FIG. 14 shows a punching processing device 44 that performs the punching process without stopping the sheet.
[0070]
The perforating apparatus 44 is provided with an upper roll 134 as a rotating body having a perforating blade 133 projecting from the upper shaft 131 of the two shafts 131 and 132 arranged vertically, and a lower shaft. By attaching a lower roll 136 as a rotating body having a fitting hole 135 for fitting the perforating blade 133 to 132 and rotating the shafts 131 and 132 in synchronization with each other, as shown in FIG. A perforation process is performed while conveying the sheet.
[0071]
Next, an outline of a plurality of punching operations in which punching processing is performed in this punching processing device 44 without stopping the sheet will be described. Using the leading edge detection signal of the sheet S by a sheet detection sensor (not shown) as a trigger, the first punching operation is performed in anticipation of the timing when the sheet S reaches the first punching position. Next, a second drilling operation is performed at a predetermined timing. By doing so, various punching processes as shown in FIG. 12 can be performed without stopping the sheet S.
[0072]
FIG. 16 shows a display unit 140 of the control panel of the image forming apparatus. The display unit 140 of the control panel presses a corresponding function in accordance with the display screen, so that the image forming operation and post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus are displayed. Specifies the post-processing operation in. Further, as shown in FIG. 16, the display unit 140 of the control panel can select a staple process or a punch process on the “basic” screen. When the staple processing is selected, as shown in FIG. 17, it is possible to designate corner binding, double binding for binding two locations on one side, and saddle stitching for binding two central portions of the sheet. Further, when punching is selected, as shown in FIG. 18, a single end that punches two holes on one side of the sheet, a central double hole that punches a total of four on one side of the sheet, and a leading edge and a trailing edge of the sheet. It is possible to designate an end double or the like for drilling a total of 4 holes on each side.
[0073]
FIG. 19 is a principle block diagram of an electric circuit for controlling the operation of the image forming system. In this embodiment, an electric circuit for controlling the operation of the post-processing device 40 is provided inside the image forming apparatus. Accordingly, the image forming apparatus and the post-processing apparatus 40 are electrically connected to each other via a control code (not shown). However, the present invention is not limited to this, and it goes without saying that an electrical circuit for controlling the operation of the post-processing device 40 may be provided in the post-processing device 40 itself.
[0074]
The control panel 141 is used to input various instructions including setting of the operation mode of the post-processing device 40 to the image forming apparatus, and to display the input information and the operation state of the image forming apparatus. From the control panel 141, whether to operate the punching processing device 44 in the post-processing device 40, that is, whether to set the punch mode, whether to operate the stapler 68 as the binding means, or An instruction or the like for operating the folding means 94 is input.
[0075]
A signal from the control panel 141 is supplied to the microprocessor 142 together with input signals from the cam home sensor 123, the sheet detection sensor 127, and the like. Information about whether to set the punch mode, information about whether to operate the binding means 68, information about whether to operate the folding means 94, and the like are stored in a RAM or the like in the microprocessor 142.
[0076]
The microprocessor 142 controls the start and stop of rotation of the punch motor 144 and the rotation direction via the punch motor control circuit 143 according to these input signals, and conveys the paper via the paper conveyance motor control circuit 145. The motor 146 is controlled. The paper transport motor 146 rotates each roll 45, 49, 50, 51, 57, 60, 103 and the like. Further, the stapler 68, the folding means 94, and the like are driven by a motor control circuit, a motor, and a solenoid (not shown).
[0077]
In the above configuration, the image forming system according to this embodiment can perform the folding process and the punching process on the sheet in the following manner, and also performs the punching process on the sheet. However, it is possible to improve folding accuracy and hole position accuracy.
[0078]
That is, in the image forming system including the post-processing device, first, the content of the image forming operation to be performed and the content of the post-processing are set on the control panel 141 of the image forming device.
[0079]
First, as shown in FIG. 20, the microprocessor 121 determines whether or not the saddle stitching mode is set (step 101). If the saddle stitching mode is set, the punching process is set. It is determined whether or not there is (step 102). If the punching process is set, it is determined whether or not it is the double punch mode (step 103). If it is the double punch mode, a job including saddle stitching and double punching is executed (step 104). ) If the mode is not the double punch mode, an instruction is displayed on the image on the control panel 141 to select the double punch (step 105), and the process returns to step 102. On the other hand, if punching processing is not set in step 102, the set job is executed (step 106).
[0080]
In step 101, if the saddle stitching mode is not set, it is determined whether punch processing is set (step 107). If punch processing is set, the double punch mode is set. It is determined whether or not (step 108). If the double punch mode is selected, an instruction is displayed on the image so as to select the saddle stitching mode (step 109), and the process returns to step 101. If the double punch mode is not selected, the set job is left as it is. Execute (step 106). On the other hand, if the punch setting is not set in step 107, the set job is executed (step 106).
[0081]
As described above, in the first embodiment, when the saddle stitching mode is set and the punching process is set, it is determined whether or not it is the double punch mode. Since the job including saddle stitching and double punching is executed as it is and not in the double punching mode, the user is prompted to select the double punching mode. A job including saddle stitching and double punching can always be executed, and as shown in FIG. 12A or 12B, double punching processing is performed on the sheet S without folding the sheet S. After that, since a plurality of sheets S can be saddle stitched by the stapler 68, the saddle stitching and the double punching process can be combined and executed. It made. Further, since the punching process by the punching processing device 44 is executed in a state where the sheet S is not folded, the punching process is performed on the sheet S when the folding process and the punching process for the sheet S are combined. In this case, the sheet S is folded and no conveyance failure occurs, and the folding accuracy and hole position accuracy can be improved.
[0082]
In the first embodiment, even when the saddle stitching mode is not set, the punching process is set, and when the punching process is the double punching mode, the sheet S is folded in half. In this case, since the user is prompted to select the saddle stitching mode, it is possible to efficiently execute the double punch mode and the saddle stitching mode without operating mistakes. .
[0083]
FIG. 21 shows a modification of the first embodiment. In FIG. 20, the case where the saddle stitching mode is set has been described. In FIG. 21, the middle folding mode is set instead of the saddle stitching mode. In this case, only the saddle stitching mode in FIG. 20 is changed to the middle folding mode, and the same processing is executed thereafter.
[0084]
Embodiment 2
FIG. 22 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. In the second embodiment, the saddle stitching mode is selected. The punching process can be accepted even if the punching process is not performed. On the other hand, when the saddle stitch binding mode is not selected before the start of image formation, the punching process such as the double punching mode is prohibited. is there.
[0085]
That is, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 22, the operations (steps 201 to 206) when the saddle stitching mode is set are the same as those in the first embodiment shown in FIG. If the binding mode is not set, it is determined whether punch processing is set (step 207). If the punch processing is set, it is determined whether the double punch mode is set (step 207). 208). If it is the double punch mode, after accepting the double punch mode (step 209), it is confirmed again whether the saddle stitching mode is set (step 210).
[0086]
Next, the microprocessor 121 determines whether or not the saddle stitching mode is set (step 211). If the saddle stitching mode is set, the microprocessor 121 executes the set job (step 206). On the other hand, when the saddle stitching mode is not set, it is determined whether or not the image forming operation is started (step 212). When the image forming operation is started, the punching process is canceled, The job is executed (step 213). If the image forming operation is not started, it is checked again whether the saddle stitching mode is set (step 210). If the saddle stitching mode is set, the set job is checked. (Step 206, if the saddle stitching mode is not set), it is determined again whether or not the image forming operation is started (Step 212).
[0087]
As described above, in the second embodiment, even when the saddle stitching mode is not set, the punch processing is set, and when the double punch mode is set, the double punch mode is accepted. Check if the saddle stitching mode is set again, and if the saddle stitching mode is set, execute the set job as it is, and if the saddle stitching mode is not set, If the image forming operation is started depending on whether the image forming operation is started, the punching process is canceled and the job is executed. Therefore, when the saddle stitching mode is not set first and the double punch mode is set, it is possible to automatically prevent the double punching process from being erroneously executed as it is. It has become. If the image forming operation is not started, it is checked again whether the saddle stitching mode is set. If the saddle stitching mode is set, the double punch mode and the saddle stitching mode are executed as they are.
[0088]
FIG. 23 shows a modification of the second embodiment. In FIG. 22, the case where the saddle stitching mode is set has been described. In FIG. 23, the saddle stitching mode is set instead of the saddle stitching mode. In this case, only the saddle stitching mode in FIG. 22 is changed to the middle folding mode, and the same processing is executed thereafter.
[0089]
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0090]
Embodiment 3
FIG. 24 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment, and in this third embodiment, a double punch punching mode is set. When set, the saddle stitch binding mode is automatically set.
[0091]
That is, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24, the operation (steps 301 to 306) when the saddle stitching mode is set is the same as that in the first embodiment shown in FIG. If the binding mode is not set, it is determined whether punch processing is set (step 307). If the punch setting is set, it is determined whether the double punch mode is set (step 308). . If it is the double punch mode, the saddle stitching mode is automatically selected and the job is executed (step 309). On the other hand, when the punch process is not set or when the double punch mode is not set, the set job is executed as it is (step 306).
[0092]
As described above, in the third embodiment, even when the saddle stitching mode is not set, when the punching process is set and the double punch mode is set, the saddle stitching mode is automatically selected. However, since the job is executed, the inconvenience that the saddle stitching mode is not executed despite the double punch mode can be automatically avoided, and the operability is improved accordingly. Note that the saddle stitching mode may be automatically selected and the user may be confirmed whether or not to execute the double punch mode and the saddle stitching mode before executing the job.
[0093]
FIG. 25 shows a modification of the third embodiment. In FIG. 24, the case where the saddle stitching mode is set has been described. In FIG. 25, the saddle stitching mode is set instead of the saddle stitching mode. In this case, only the saddle stitching mode in FIG. 24 is changed to the middle folding mode, and the same processing is executed thereafter.
[0094]
Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the first embodiment, description thereof is omitted.
[0095]
Embodiment 4
FIG. 26 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same parts as those in the first embodiment will be described with the same reference numerals. In the fourth embodiment, the post-processing apparatus is a perforation. Means and a middle folding means that can be folded and Z-folded are provided.
[0096]
FIG. 26 is an explanatory view showing a post-processing apparatus provided with a punching means and an intermediate folding means that can perform folding and Z-folding.
[0097]
The sheet S discharged from the image forming apparatus passes through the entrance sensor 218 and is transported by the pair of transport rolls 201. The transport path is switched by the transport path switching member 216 as necessary, and punching processing and half-folding processing are performed. When at least one of them is executed, it is sent to the conveyance path 223. Further, when there is no need for post-processing, the sheet is sent to the conveyance path 222 side by the conveyance path switching member 216, discharged to the outside of the apparatus through the conveyance roll pair 209, 210, and accommodated in the accommodation tray 217. In addition, this apparatus is a structure which can further connect a processing apparatus downstream, and in that case, it is sent not to a tray but to the processing apparatus. When processing is necessary, as described above, it is sent to the conveyance path 223 side, and punching or folding processing is performed.
[0098]
Next, the punch mode will be described. After correcting the skew of the sheet S by the registration roller pair 203, the sensor 219 controls the stepping motor (not shown) using the detection of the trailing edge of the sheet S as a trigger, thereby controlling the conveyance roll pairs 204 and 205. The sheet S is temporarily stopped in accordance with the punch timing, and the punching processing device 44 performs the punching processing as described above.
[0099]
Next, the folding mode will be described. This apparatus can perform middle folding and Z folding. First, the middle folding mode will be described. The leading edge of the sheet S that has been sent is stopped by the first folding guide 214. Then, the sheet S bends, and when the bend eventually increases, the sheet S is bitten by the folding rollers 211 and 212. As a result, a fold is formed on the sheet S as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the switching member 224 is engaged with the folding rollers 212 and 213 to form a strong crease, and then is discharged to the outside of the machine through the pair of conveying rollers 208 and 210. The first folding guide 214 is movable in the directions of arrows H1-H2 according to the size of the processing target sheet and can be retracted from the transport path by a not-shown moving / retracting mechanism. When the folding process is unnecessary, the sheet S is withdrawn from the conveyance path and discharged without passing through the pair of folding rollers 206 and the like.
[0100]
Next, the Z folding mode will be described. The leading edge of the sheet S that has been sent is stopped by the first folding guide 214. Then, the sheet S bends, and when the bend eventually increases, the sheet S is bitten by the folding rollers 211 and 212. As a result, the sheet S is folded as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the sheet S advances with the fold line as the leading end, and is then guided to the conveyance path 225 by the switching member 224. A second folding guide 215 is provided in the transport path 225. After that, the folded tip of the sheet S comes into contact with the folding guide 215, and the sheet S is bent similarly to the first folding. As a result, as shown in FIG. 28, the second fold is formed on the sheet S, and the sheet S is in a Z-folded state. After that, it proceeds on the conveyance path provided with the conveyance roll pair 208 and is discharged out of the apparatus by the conveyance roll pair 210. The second folding guide 215 is also configured to be movable in the directions of arrows H3-H4 according to the processing target sheet size by a moving mechanism (not shown).
[0101]
In the folding device 230, when the folding process is not performed, the sheet S is not passed through the folding roller 211 or the like, and is discharged using the conveyance path provided with the conveyance roll pairs 206 and 207. In addition to improving the reliability, it is possible to perform the punching process even if any failure occurs in the folding device 230.
[0102]
In the fourth embodiment, the configuration in which the punching processing device 44 and the folding device 230 are integrally provided has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the folding device, and the punching means and the folding device are provided. May be separate. Needless to say, the perforating means and the folding device (for example, a knife method) can be realized by using known techniques and configurations.
[0103]
FIG. 29 shows the display unit 140 of the control panel of the image forming apparatus. The display unit 140 of the control panel presses the corresponding function in accordance with the display screen, whereby the image forming operation and post-processing apparatus of the image forming apparatus are displayed. Specifies the post-processing operation in. Further, as shown in FIG. 29, the display unit 140 of the control panel can select a staple process, a punch process, or a folding process on the “basic” screen. When the punching process is selected, as shown in FIG. 30, a single end punching two on one side of the sheet, a central double punching four in total on each side of the sheet, two on one side on the leading and trailing edges of the sheet. It is possible to specify an end double or the like for drilling a total of four holes each. In the case of a single end having two holes per side of the sheet, it is possible to combine one sheet with a Z-folded sheet. Further, in the case of the center double and the end double, it can be combined with a sheet folded in half. In addition, when the folding process is selected, as shown in FIG. 31, a middle fold that folds the sheet in two and a Z fold that folds the sheet in a Z shape leaving a binding margin at one end are designated. Can be done.
[0104]
In the above configuration, in the image forming system including the post-processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, the sheet folding process and the punching process can be performed in the following manner, Even when the punching process is performed, the folding accuracy and the hole position accuracy can be improved.
[0105]
That is, in the image forming system including the post-processing device, first, the content of the image forming operation to be performed and the content of the post-processing are set on the control panel 141 of the image forming device.
[0106]
First, as shown in FIG. 32, the microprocessor 121 determines whether or not the folding mode is set (step 401). If the folding mode is set, the microprocessor 121 determines whether or not the folding mode is set. (Step 402). When it is in the middle folding mode, the end single punch mode is prohibited, or when the end single punch mode is selected, a warning that the combination is not preferable is displayed on the display unit of the control panel 140, A warning is issued (step 403).
[0107]
On the other hand, when the folding mode is set and not the middle folding mode, it is determined whether or not the Z folding mode is set (step 404). When the folding mode is the Z folding mode, the center and end double punch modes are prohibited. Alternatively, when the center and end double punch modes are selected, a warning indicating that the combination is not preferable is displayed on the display unit of the control panel 140 and a warning is issued (step 405).
[0108]
In step 401, even when the folding mode is not set, if the center and end double punch modes are selected, a warning that the combination is not preferable is displayed on the display unit of the control panel 140. A warning is issued (step 405).
[0109]
If it is determined in step 404 that the fold mode is not set, the fold mode is not set although the fold mode screen is selected as shown in FIG.
[0110]
As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the half-fold mode is selected, the end single punch mode is prohibited, or when the end single punch mode is selected, the combination is not preferable. When a Z-folding mode is selected, a center and end double punch mode is prohibited, or when the center and end double punch mode is selected, a warning indicating an unfavorable combination is issued. Since it is configured as described above, it is possible to execute the punch mode and the folding mode by multiplying them, and when an unfavorable combination of the punch mode and the folding mode is set, the execution of the mode is prohibited. Or a warning is issued to ensure that the wrong punch and fold modes are not combined and executed. .
[0111]
In addition, since the punching process is performed without folding the sheet, the sheet is folded when the sheet folding process and the punching process are performed and the sheet is punched. Thus, there is no conveyance failure and the folding accuracy and hole position accuracy can be improved.
[0112]
Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0113]
Embodiment 5
FIG. 33 shows a fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the fourth embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the middle folding mode is shown. When set, only the saddle stitch punching mode can be selected, and when the Z-folding mode is set, only the sheet end punching mode can be selected.
[0114]
That is, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 33, the microprocessor 121 determines whether or not the folding mode is set (step 501). It is determined whether or not the folding mode is set (step 502). In the case of the middle folding mode, only the center and end double punch modes can be selected (step 503).
[0115]
On the other hand, if the folding mode is set and not the middle folding mode, it is determined whether or not the Z folding mode is set (step 504). If the folding mode is the Z folding mode, only the end single punch mode can be selected. (Step 505).
[0116]
In step 501, even when the folding mode is not set, only the end single punch mode can be selected (step 505).
[0117]
If it is determined in step 504 that the mode is not the Z-folding mode, as shown in FIG. 29, although the folding mode screen is selected, the folding mode is not set, and the process returns to step 501.
[0118]
As described above, in the fifth embodiment, when the middle folding mode is selected, only the center and end double punch modes can be selected, and when the Z folding mode is selected, only the end single punch mode is selected. Since it can be executed by multiplying the punch mode and the folding mode, only the preferred combination of the punch mode and the folding mode can be selected, and the wrong punch mode can be selected. And the folding mode can be reliably prevented from being executed in combination.
[0119]
Other configurations and operations are the same as those in the fourth embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted.
[0120]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, the folding process and the punching process can be performed by multiplying the sheet, and even when the punching process is performed on the sheet, the folding accuracy and the hole position accuracy are improved. A post-processing apparatus that can be improved and an image forming system using the post-processing apparatus can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an image forming apparatus used in combination with an image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a sheet reversing mechanism of the image forming apparatus used in combination with the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a post-processing apparatus used in combination with the image forming system according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A and 4B are configuration diagrams showing stapling operation positions, respectively.
FIG. 5 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a drive mechanism of the post-processing apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a perspective configuration diagram showing staple position control means.
FIG. 7 is a perspective configuration diagram showing a stopper portion.
FIGS. 8A and 8B are configuration diagrams showing the operation of the stopper, respectively.
9 (a) and 9 (b) are a plan view and a side view, respectively, showing a perforation processing apparatus.
FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing a main part of a perforation processing apparatus.
FIG. 11 is a configuration diagram illustrating a driving unit of the perforation processing apparatus.
FIG. 12 is an explanatory view showing a perforated state of the sheet.
FIGS. 13A and 13B are an instant view and a plan view, respectively, showing other perforation processing apparatuses.
FIG. 14 is a side view showing still another perforation processing apparatus.
FIG. 15 is an explanatory perspective view showing a usage state of the perforation processing apparatus shown in FIG. 14;
FIG. 16 is an explanatory diagram showing a display unit of the control panel.
FIG. 17 is an explanatory diagram showing a display unit of the control panel.
FIG. 18 is an explanatory diagram showing a display unit of the control panel.
FIG. 19 is a block diagram illustrating a control circuit of the image forming system.
FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 23 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing a post-processing apparatus used in combination with an image forming system according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIGS. 27A to 27F are explanatory views showing sheet punching processing and folding processing, respectively.
FIGS. 28A to 28C are explanatory diagrams showing sheet folding processing, respectively.
FIG. 29 is an explanatory diagram showing a display unit of the control panel.
FIG. 30 is an explanatory diagram showing a display unit of the control panel.
FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing a display unit of the control panel.
FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing the operation of the image forming system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
44: punching processing device, 110: upper chute frame, 111: lower chute frame, 112: punching blade, 117: through hole, 128: hole in sheet, S: sheet.

Claims (8)

In an image forming system capable of forming a desired image on a sheet and performing post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed, at least at a position substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line of the sheet 2 or more holes on one side, a total of 4 or more holes can be punched without folding the sheet, and saddle stitch binding means for performing saddle stitch binding on the sheet, Before performing the bookbinding function, the punching process is performed on the sheet, and the punching process can be accepted even when the saddle stitching bookbinding mode is not selected. If no is selected, the punching process is prohibited . 2. The image forming system according to claim 1, wherein when the punching mode is set, a saddle stitch binding mode is also automatically set.   In an image forming system capable of forming a desired image on a sheet and performing post-processing on the sheet on which the image is formed, at least at a position substantially symmetrical with respect to the center line of the sheet The punching means comprises two or more holes on one side, and a total of four or more holes can be punched without folding the sheet, and a folding means for folding the sheet. The punching means performs the folding process. An image forming system, wherein a punching process is performed on a sheet before performing the process. 4. The image forming system according to claim 3 , wherein the punching process can be accepted when the half-folding mode is selected in advance. Even when not selected folding mode, the made possible to accept the punching mode folding in the in the image formation start earlier if not selected, and inhibits the punching process according Item 4. The image forming system according to Item 3 . 4. The image forming system according to claim 3, wherein when the punching mode is set, a half-folding mode is also automatically set. Said folding means comprises a plurality of folding mode are possible embodiment, claim 3 depending on the setting state of the folding mode is characterized by having a control means for setting the drilling process in the punching means The image forming system described. When the middle folding mode is set, only the saddle stitch punching mode can be selected, and when the Z folding mode is set, only the sheet edge punching mode can be selected. The image forming system according to claim 7 .

Images