Sheet folding device and image forming system

Abstract

To provide a sheet folding device capable of preventing degradation of usability by setting a position for folding a sheet according to a folding method of a sheet bundle when generating a plurality of sheet bundles.SOLUTION: A job control unit, when a second number of sheets larger than a maximum number of double folding of sheets of a finisher is specified by information of the number of sheets, performs double folding for each sheet bundle being the sheets of the number equal to or less than the maximum number of double folding, and generates a plurality of sheet bundles to fold the second number of sheets. The job control unit, when folding the second number of sheets by folding the plurality of sheet bundles by the finisher, sets so that positions for folding the sheets by the finisher in each of the sheet bundles are different from one another according to information of the folding method (steps S7-S9).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 6

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a sheet folding device that folds sheets and an image forming system that forms images on sheets folded by the sheet folding device. [Background technology]

[0002] Multifunction peripherals are often connected to a finishing device that can perform post-processing including folding of sheets, and devices that can stack and fold multiple sheets are known. Furthermore, a finishing device has been disclosed that, when folding and bundling a number of sheets that exceeds the number that can be stacked and folded, divides the job to be folded and bundles the sheets, performs stack folding for each divided job, and changes the folding position for each job (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-121834 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] The finishing device described in Patent Document 1 performs an inward triple fold by folding one end and the other end toward the inside of the sheet. In the finishing device described in Patent Document 1, the inward triple fold is performed at a position where the distance between the fold positions in the subsequent job is wider than the positions where each end was folded inward in the inward triple fold in the preceding job. This prevents the sheets from getting mixed up when a user opens the generated sheet stack and then stacks it.

[0005] In such finishing devices, for example, when stacking a sheet bundle generated in a subsequent job inside a sheet bundle generated in a preceding job, it is difficult for the user to open each sheet bundle once and then stack them, which reduces usability.

[0006] The present invention aims to provide a sheet folding device that can prevent a decrease in usability when generating multiple sheet bundles by setting the sheet folding position depending on how the sheet bundle is folded. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present invention includes a sheet folding unit capable of overlap-folding a first number of sheets or less, and a control unit that controls the sheet folding unit in accordance with information on the number of sheets to be folded by the sheet folding unit and information on a folding method, and when the information on the number of sheets is a second number greater than the first number, the control unit folds the second number of sheets by causing the sheet folding unit to overlap-fold each sheet bundle containing the first number of sheets or less to generate multiple sheet bundles, and when the sheet folding unit folds each of the multiple sheet bundles to fold the second number of sheets, the sheet folding unit folds the sheets at different positions in each sheet bundle in accordance with the folding method information. death , When the folding method information is a first folding method in which the outside of a second sheet bundle to be folded after a first sheet bundle is placed inside a first sheet bundle among the plurality of sheet bundles, the folding position of the second sheet bundle is set to a position closer to the center of the sheets than the folding position of the first sheet bundle; when the folding method information is a second folding method in which the inside of a fourth sheet bundle to be folded after a third sheet bundle is placed outside a third sheet bundle among the plurality of sheet bundles, the folding position of the fourth sheet bundle is set to a position farther from the center of the sheets than the folding position of the third sheet bundle; and whether to execute the first folding method or the second folding method is determined based on the folding method information specified by the user. It is characterized by: [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to the present invention, when a plurality of sheet bundles are generated, the sheet folding positions are set according to the folding method of the sheet bundle, thereby preventing a decrease in usability. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0009] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2]1 is a block diagram showing the hardware configuration of a host computer and an image forming system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the software configuration of a printer driver and a controller according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a print job according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5] 5(a) is a diagram showing a case in which a sheet is folded in three in the image forming system according to the first embodiment, with the printed side facing outward and the edge on the left side in FIG. 5(a) being the side that opens first; (b) is a diagram showing a case in which a sheet is folded in three in the image forming system according to the first embodiment, with the printed side facing outward and the edge on the right side in FIG. 5(b) being the side that opens first; (c) is a diagram showing a case in which a sheet is folded in three in the image forming system according to the first embodiment, with the printed side facing inward and the edge on the left side in FIG. 5(c) being the side that opens first; (d) is a diagram showing a case in which a sheet is folded in three in the image forming system according to the first embodiment, with the printed side facing inward and the edge on the right side in FIG. 5(d) being the side that opens first. [Figure 6] 10 is a flowchart showing a control process when a job control unit according to the first embodiment causes a finisher to fold sheets in three and generate a bundle of sheets. [Figure 7] (a) is a diagram showing the initial folding positions of the first and second folds when the finisher according to the first embodiment performs an inward tri-fold, (b) is a diagram showing a case where the positions of the first and second folds are set closer to the center, and (c) is a diagram showing a case where the positions of the first and second folds are set farther from the center. [Figure 8]1A is a diagram showing a case where a plurality of sheet bundles are generated using a finisher without changing the positions of the first and second folds, and FIG. 1B is a diagram showing a state where the finisher according to the first embodiment folds the sheet bundle inward in three in a subsequent job and sets a smaller interval between the folding positions than the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job, and FIG. 1C is a diagram showing a state where the finisher folds the sheet bundle inward in three in a subsequent job and sets a larger interval between the folding positions than the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job. [Figure 9] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the interval between folding positions executed by a job control unit according to the second embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the interval between folding positions executed by a job control unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data table defining the types of sheets and the lengths by which the positions of the first and second folds are changed according to the third embodiment. [Figure 12] 13 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the interval between folding positions executed by a job control unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a data table defining the basis weight of a sheet according to a fourth embodiment and the lengths by which the positions of the first and second folds are changed. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] First Embodiment Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to Figures 1 to 8. First, a schematic configuration of an image forming system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference to Figure 1. Figure 1 is a cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus 200 and a finisher 240 serving as a sheet folding unit that constitute an image forming system 1 according to the first embodiment.

[0011] [Image formation system] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus 200 includes a printer unit 213 as an image forming unit that forms an image on a sheet S, and a scanner unit 212 as an image reading unit that reads an image from a document.

[0012] Scanner unit 212 is made up of scanner 301, which optically reads an image from an original, and document feeder (DF) 302, which transports the original to scanner 301. When an original is set on platen 303 and an image is to be read in scanner unit 212, DF 302 is opened, the original is placed on platen 303, and then DF 302 is closed to read the image of the original. When an original is set on DF 302 and an image is to be read in scanner unit 212, the original is placed on document setting unit 308 of DF 302. When an original is placed on document setting unit 308 and document presence / absence sensor 309 detects the original and starts reading the image, scanner unit 212 starts rotating paper feed roller 310 and conveyor belt 311, and the original is transported to a predetermined position on platen 303.

[0013] When scanning an image of an original, the scanner 301 illuminates the original with light from a light source 304 and scans the image with a CCD 307 via a reflector 305 and a lens 306. The CCD 307 converts the scanned image into a digital signal, performs desired image processing, and converts it into image data. The converted image data is stored in a storage unit 223 (see FIG. 2) of the image forming apparatus 200. When scanning an image from an original placed in an original setting unit 308 of the DF 302, after scanning is complete, the scanner 301 rotates a conveyor belt 311 to transport the original, and discharges the original onto an original discharge tray 313 via conveyor rollers 312 on the discharge side. When there are multiple originals placed in the original setting unit 308, the scanner 212 simultaneously conveys an original from the platen 303 and discharges it, and simultaneously feeds the next original via a paper feed roller 310, so that the next original is continuously read.

[0014] The printer unit 213 is used when printing image data stored in the storage unit 223 (see FIG. 2) onto a sheet S. The image data is irradiated onto photoconductors 314 of the four colors, yellow, magenta, cyan, and black, as recording laser light, and electrostatic latent images are formed on the photoconductors 314. The printer unit 213 performs toner development using toner supplied from toner cartridges 315 of the respective colors, and performs primary transfer of the toner images of the respective colors onto an intermediate transfer belt 316 in an overlapping manner.

[0015] Intermediate transfer belt 316 rotates in the direction of arrow A (clockwise direction) in Figure 1. In printer unit 213, sheet S is fed from paper feed unit 214 of paper cassette 317 or manual feed tray 318 through paper feed conveyance path 319 to secondary transfer unit 320. Then, the multiple toner image on intermediate transfer belt 316 is transferred onto a first side Sa (see Figure 5) of sheet S by the action of a secondary transfer bias voltage applied to secondary transfer unit 320.

[0016] The sheet S onto which the image has been transferred is heated and pressurized by a fixing device 321 to fix the toner image, and then conveyed to the paper discharge unit 215. If the sheet S conveyed to the paper discharge unit 215 is to be printed on one side, it is discharged to one of paper discharge ports 322, 323, or 324. On the other hand, if the sheet S conveyed to the paper discharge unit 215 is to be printed on both sides, the sheet S is switched to conveyance path P3 by a flapper 326, and the switched-back sheet S is conveyed again to the secondary transfer unit 320 via a double-sided printing conveyance path P4. Then, in substantially the same way as the toner image is transferred and fixed onto the first side Sa of the sheet S, an image is formed on the second side Sb (see FIG. 5), which is the backside of the first side Sa of the sheet S.

[0017] When the sheet S is discharged from the discharge outlet 322 or the discharge outlet 323, the flapper 326 switches to the conveying path P1 to convey the sheet S. When the sheet S is discharged from the discharge outlet 324, the flapper 326 switches to the conveying path P2 to convey the sheet S.

[0018] When the sheet S is discharged from the paper discharge port 322, it is discharged onto a center tray 322a provided above the printer unit 213. When the sheet S is discharged from the paper discharge port 323, it is discharged onto a finisher 240 connected to the printer unit 213. When the printer unit 213 discharges the sheet S from the paper discharge port 323, it transports the sheet S to the vicinity of the paper discharge port 322, switches the transport path using a flapper 325, and then switches back to discharge the sheet S from the paper discharge port 323. When the sheet S is discharged from the paper discharge port 324, it is discharged onto a side tray 324a provided on the side of the printer unit 213. Note that the printer unit 213 is configured to be able to discharge the sheet S from the paper discharge port 324 only when the finisher 240 is not attached.

[0019] The finisher 240 is used to perform post-processing on printed sheets in accordance with a function specified by the user, and the sheets S conveyed from the paper discharge port 323 are fed from the paper feed port 328. The finisher 240 performs post-processing such as stapling using a stapler 333, shifting the sheets S from the center of the conveyance path, and folding multiple sheets S into a bundle. The finisher 240 is also configured to be able to fold a single sheet S.

[0020] If post-processing is not performed on the sheet S fed from the paper feed port 328, the sheet S is conveyed to the conveying path P5 by the flapper 329 and discharged from the paper discharge port 331 to the paper discharge tray 330. On the other hand, if post-processing is performed on the sheet S fed from the paper feed port 328, the sheet S is conveyed to the conveying path P6 by the flapper 329.

[0021] A case will be described where a three-fold is performed as a folding process in the finisher 240. The sheet S conveyed from the paper feed port 328 to the conveying path P6 is conveyed to the conveying path 337, and then switched back and conveyed to the sheet stacking unit 335, where the number of sheets S to be folded in three and bundled is stacked. The finisher 240 of the first embodiment can fold at least one sheet in three, and can fold a maximum of five sheets (maximum number of folds) as a first number in three and bundle them while they are stacked in the sheet stacking unit 335.

[0022] The sheets S stacked on the sheet stacking unit 335 are pushed out by the folding blade 336a in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 1, and a first fold is performed on one edge of the sheets as they pass through the nip of the pair of folding rollers 336. After the first fold is completed, the sheets S are returned to the sheet stacking unit 335. Then, the sheets S are returned to the folding position 338, and are then pushed out by the folding blade 336a in the direction of the arrow B in FIG. 1, and a first fold is performed on the other edge of the sheets as they pass through the nip of the pair of folding rollers 336. The sheet stack, which has been folded in three after the second fold, passes through the conveying path 340 and is discharged to the discharge tray 332 with the folded-in shape and the edges of the sheets facing the discharge tray 332.

[0023] [Hardware configuration] An example of the hardware configuration of the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment and an example of the hardware configuration of the host computer 100 will be described with reference to FIG.

[0024] The image forming system 1 includes a printer unit 213 which is an image output device. The image forming apparatus 200 receives a job from a host computer 100 via a LAN (Local Area Network) 300.

[0025] The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 220 is a central processing unit for controlling each part and the entire image forming system 1. The RAM (Random Access Memory) 222 is a system work memory for the operation of the CPU 220. The RAM 222 also serves as a work area for temporarily storing received jobs, intermediate data generated for image forming processing, and input image data when performing rendering processing. The ROM (Read Only Memory) 221 is, for example, a boot ROM, and stores a system boot program. The storage unit 223 is, for example, a hard disk drive (HDD), and stores system software for various processes and received jobs.

[0026] The operation unit I / F 225 is an interface unit for the operation unit 211, which has a display unit for displaying various menus, job information, etc., and outputs operation screen data to the operation unit 211. In addition, the operation unit I / F 225 transmits information input by the user via the operation unit 211 to the CPU 220.

[0027] The network I / F 226 is an interface for exchanging information with an external device (host computer 100) via the LAN 300.

[0028] The CPU 220 , the ROM 221 , the RAM 222 , the storage unit 223 , the operation unit I / F 225 and the network I / F 226 are connected to a system bus 227 .

[0029] The image bus I / F 224 is an interface for connecting the system bus 227 to an image bus 230 that transfers image data at high speed, and is a bus bridge that converts data structures. The image bus 230 is connected to a RIP (raster image processor) 231 and device I / Fs 232 and 233.

[0030] The RIP 231 analyzes intermediate data (display list) generated from a job by processing by the CPU 220 based on instructions from the CPU 220, and develops the data into a raster image. The developed image is sent to the printer unit 213 via the system bus 227 and device I / F 233, or sent to the RAM 222 or storage unit 223 via the image bus I / F 224. The RIP 231 may be realized by either hardware or a general-purpose CPU and software running therein.

[0031] The device I / F 232 is an interface for receiving data from the scanner unit 212. The scanner unit 212 is connected to the device I / F 232 and generates a raster image from the scanned paper. The generated image is sent to the printer unit 213 via the system bus 227 and the device I / F 233, or sent to the RAM 222 or the storage unit 223 via the image bus I / F 224.

[0032] The device I / F 233 is an interface for transmitting data to the printer unit 213. The printer unit 213 is connected to the device I / F 233, and outputs an image generated in response to an instruction from the CPU 220 onto a sheet S (paper) fed from a paper feed unit 214, and discharges the sheet S to a paper discharge unit 215.

[0033] The finisher 240 is connected to the paper discharge unit 215 and performs post-processing such as the above-mentioned folding in three, sorting, stapling, etc. on the sheets output to the paper discharge unit 215 by the printer unit 213.

[0034] The CPU 120 of the host computer 100 is a central processing unit for controlling the entire host computer (each unit). The CPU 120 executes programs stored in the storage unit 123. Examples of programs executed by the CPU 120 include application programs, utility programs, printer driver programs, an OS (Operating System), and a network printer control program. While the CPU 120 is executing a program, the CPU 120 also controls the temporary storage of information, files, and the like required for the execution of the program in the RAM 122.

[0035] The ROM 121 is a storage medium that stores programs such as the basic I / O program, and various data such as font data and template data used in document processing. The RAM 122 is a storage medium that temporarily stores data, and functions as the main memory and work area of ​​the CPU 120. The storage unit 123 is one of the external storage devices, and functions as a large-capacity memory. As described above, the storage unit 123 stores application programs, utility programs, printer driver programs, the OS, the network printer control program, and related programs.

[0036] The operation unit I / F 125 is a user interface for the user to input instructions. The operation unit I / F 125 includes, for example, a keyboard and a mouse, and the user uses these to input instructions to the host computer 100.

[0037] The display 124 displays various programs executed on the host computer 100. The system bus 127 is a data transmission path within the host computer 100. The network I / F 126 is an interface for exchanging information with the image forming apparatus 200 via the LAN 300.

[0038] The software configuration of the printer driver 110 executed by the host computer 100 of the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0039] Printer control unit 101 of printer driver 110 controls each software unit running on CPU 120 from reading print data specified by the user to transmitting the print data as a job to image forming apparatus 200. Print setting unit 102 notifies job generation unit 103 of print setting information specified by the user, such as the number of copies to be printed, the number of overlapping folds, the folding pattern for inner tri-folding, and the page order of sheets. Job generation unit 103 reads the print data specified by the user and generates a print job to be transmitted to image forming apparatus 200 based on the print setting information notified by print setting unit 102. The generated print job is transmitted from job transmission unit 104 to job reception unit 205, which constitutes controller 210 of image forming apparatus 200.

[0040] The job control unit 201 of the controller 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 is software that runs on the CPU 220 (see FIG. 2) and controls jobs related to printing to perform printing. The job control unit 201 also controls hardware and software related to copy execution using the scanner unit 212. In other words, each software unit related to a print job shown in FIG. 3 is controlled by the job control unit 201 that runs on the CPU 220. This CPU 220 constitutes the control unit in the first embodiment.

[0041] The job analysis unit 202 receives a print job transmitted from the host computer 100 over the LAN 300 via the network I / F 226 and analyzes the received print job. The job analysis unit 202 notifies the job control unit 201 of print setting information obtained from the job analysis results. The job analysis unit 202 also obtains drawing information for printing each page from the print job and performs processing to generate intermediate data to be used in image formation processing.

[0042] The image data generation unit 203 generates raster format image data from the intermediate data generated by the job analysis unit 202. The job control unit 201 transfers the raster format image data generated by the image data generation unit 203 to the printer unit 213 for printing.

[0043] [Print Job] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of a print job 700 generated by the job generating unit 103. As shown in Fig. 4, the print job 700 is composed of a specific header 710a and a specific footer 710b at the beginning and end, respectively, so that the image forming apparatus 200 can recognize and process it as a print job.

[0044] The print job 700 includes a job start command 720a indicating the start of the job, a job end command 720b indicating the end of the job, and a job setting command 730 specifying job information and print settings valid for each job.

[0045] The job setting command 730 includes number of copies information 730a, number of overlapping folds information 730b, and post-processing information 730c. The number of overlapping folds information 730b is information specifying the number of sheets to be bundled by executing the print job 700 (number of overlapping folds), and constitutes information on the number of sheets to be folded by the finisher 240. The post-processing information 730c is information on how to fold sheets, indicating the content of post-processing to be performed by the finisher 240. For example, the post-processing information 730c is information specifying the content of post-processing, including how to fold the sheet bundle stacked in the sheet stacking section 335 of the finisher 240 in three. The post-processing information 730c also includes information specifying the folding pattern for the inward three-fold. Here, the information specifying the folding pattern is information specifying whether the printed side of the sheet will be on the outside or inside of the inward three-fold, and whether the edge to be opened first will be one edge or the other edge when the inward three-folded sheet bundle is opened. The post-processing information 730c of the first embodiment is configured to allow specification of four patterns: patterns a, b, c, and d. Details of patterns a to d will be described later.

[0046] The CPU 220 performs the print settings specified by the information included in the job setting command 730. Note that the job setting command 730 includes information that can specify many print settings in addition to the various types of information described above.

[0047] Furthermore, print job 700 includes a page start command 740a indicating the start of a page, a page end command 740b indicating the end of a page, and a page setup command 740c specifying print settings valid on a page-by-page basis. Print job 700 also includes drawing commands 750 for drawing text, images, and graphics. Print job 700 includes page start command 740a, page end command 740b, page setup command 740c, and drawing commands 750 for n pages, which is the number of sheets to be printed per copy, i.e., the number of pages per copy.

[0048] [Inner tri-fold] Among the post-processing steps performed by the finisher 240, "inner tri-folding" will be described with reference to FIG. 5. Inner tri-folding is a process of folding one end of a sheet and the other end of the sheet so that one side faces inward. In FIG. 5, the first side Sa, which is the printing side on which an image is formed in single-sided printing by the printer unit 213, is shown with hatching dots, and the second side Sb, which is the back side of the first side Sa, is shown in white. Note that in double-sided printing by the printer unit 213, the side on which an image is formed first is the first side Sa, and the side on which an image is formed after the image has been formed on the first side Sa is the second side Sb.

[0049] FIG. 5(a) shows a case where the sheet S is folded in three such that the first side Sa, which will be the print side, is visible, i.e., the print side is on the outside of the sheet S and the edge Sc on the left side in FIG. 5 becomes the cover that opens first. FIG. 5(b) shows a case where the sheet S is folded in three such that the print side is on the outside and the edge Sd on the right side in FIG. 5 becomes the cover that opens first. FIG. 5(c) shows a case where the sheet S is folded in three such that the print side is hidden by the folded edges and is therefore not visible, i.e., the first side Sa, which will be the print side, is on the inside of the sheet S and the edge Sc on the left side in FIG. 5 becomes the cover that opens first. FIG. 5(d) shows a case where the sheet S is folded in three such that the print side is on the inside and the edge Sd on the right side in FIG. 5 becomes the cover that opens first.

[0050] 5(a) and 5(b), when the printed surface is on the outside of the sheet S, the second surface Sb of the central portion Se sandwiched between the fold line Sca of the end portion Sc and the fold line Sda of the end portion Sd is on the inside. Also, when the printed surface is on the inside of the sheet S, as shown in Fig. 5(c) and 5(d), when the printed surface is on the inside of the sheet S, the first surface Sa of the central portion Se sandwiched between the fold line Sca of the end portion Sc and the fold line Sda of the end portion Sd is on the inside.

[0051] Image forming system 1 of the first embodiment is configured so that a user can specify the four inward tri-fold patterns shown in Figures 5(a) to 5(d) as a print job via operation unit 111 of host computer 100. When specifying as a print job, the first side Sa on which an image is formed first is specified as the printing side. Note that image forming system 1 may also be configured so that an inward tri-fold pattern can be specified as a print job via operation unit 211 of image forming apparatus 200.

[0052] When the fold-in-three pattern shown in Fig. 5(a) is specified, pattern a is set as post-processing information 730c included in print job 700. When the fold-in-three pattern shown in Fig. 5(b) is specified, pattern b is set as post-processing information 730c. When the fold-in-three pattern shown in Fig. 5(c) is specified, pattern c is set as post-processing information 730c. When the fold-in-three pattern shown in Fig. 5(d) is specified, pattern d is set as post-processing information 730c.

[0053] In the image forming system 1, when pattern a or pattern b is specified in the post-processing information 730c of the print job 700, the image forming system 1 is controlled so that the first side Sa, which will be the printing side, is on the outside of the sheet S, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. Specifically, when pattern a or pattern b is specified in the post-processing information 730c, the image forming system 1 forms an image on the first side Sa of the sheet S in the printer unit 213, and then switches the conveyance path to P1 by the flapper 326. The sheet S is conveyed to the vicinity of the paper discharge outlet 322, the conveyance path is switched by the flapper 325, and then the sheet S is switched back and conveyed from the paper discharge outlet 323 to the paper feed outlet 328, and is conveyed to the finisher 240 with the first side Sa facing downward. The finisher 240 performs an inward three-fold on the sheet S conveyed with the first side Sa facing downward, thereby enabling the inward three-fold to be performed so that the first side Sa, which will be the printing side, is on the outside.

[0054] In the image forming system 1, when pattern c or pattern d is specified in the post-processing information 730c of the print job 700, the image forming system 1 is controlled so that the first side Sa, which is the printing side, is on the inside of the sheet S, as shown in FIGS. 5C and 5D. Specifically, when pattern c or pattern d is specified in the post-processing information 730c, the image forming system 1 forms an image on the first side Sa of the sheet S in the printer unit 213, and then switches the conveyance path to P3 using the flapper 326. The sheet S passes through the double-sided printing conveyance path P4, the secondary transfer unit 320, and the fuser 321, and is conveyed to the conveyance path P1 switched by the flapper 326. The sheet S is then conveyed to the vicinity of the paper discharge outlet 322, has the conveyance path switched by the flapper 325, and is switched back and conveyed from the paper discharge outlet 323 to the paper feed outlet 328, so that the sheet S is conveyed to the finisher 240 with the first side Sa facing upward. In the finisher 240, by performing an inner three-fold on the sheet S that is conveyed with the first side Sa facing upward, it is possible to perform an inner three-fold on the sheet S so that the first side Sa, which is the printing surface, faces inward.

[0055] [Control process when performing inner tri-folding on a stack of multiple sheets] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control process when the job control unit 201 of the controller 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 of the first embodiment causes the finisher 240 to fold inside three sheets to generate a bundle of multiple sheets.

[0056] First, the job control unit 201 executes initial settings (S1) for the maximum number of sheets that the finisher 240 can fold at one time and the position at which the finisher 240 folds the sheets. As described above, the finisher 240 is configured to be able to fold a maximum of five sheets in three and bundle them together while they are stacked on the sheet stacking unit 335. In the processing of step S1, the job control unit 201 acquires information about the maximum number of sheets that the finisher 240 can fold, which is stored in the memory unit 223.

[0057] Details of the initial setting of the position where the finisher 240 folds a sheet will be described with reference to Fig. 7(a). Fig. 7(a) is a diagram illustrating the folding position (initial folding position) that is set by the initial setting when folding a sheet inward in three.

[0058] 7(a), by folding the sheet S in three, the sheet S is divided into an area 501 between the end Sc on one side and the first fold f1, an area 502 between the end Sd on the other side and the second fold f2, and an area 503 between the first fold f1 and the second fold f2. In each of the areas 501 to 503, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first fold f1 and the second fold f2, where the lengths in the direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the sheet S are approximately the same, as the initial folding positions when the finisher 240 folds the sheet S in three.

[0059] In other words, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first fold f1 and the second fold f2 that divide the inner surface 500 of the sheet S into three equal regions 501 to 503 by folding inward in three as the initial folding positions when the finisher 240 folds inward in three.

[0060] Next, the job control unit 201 determines whether the print job 700 has been received (S2). If it determines that the print job 700 has not been received (No), the process of step S2 is repeated until the print job 700 is received. If it determines that the print job 700 has been received (Yes), the job control unit 201 determines whether the post-processing specified in the post-processing information 730c included in the print job 700 is a three-fold (S3). In this process, the job analysis unit 202 analyzes the post-processing information 730c of the print job 700 and notifies the job control unit 201 of the analysis results. If the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that a three-fold is specified (Yes), the process proceeds to step S4. On the other hand, if the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that a post-processing other than a three-fold is specified (No), the job control unit 201 executes the post-processing specified in the post-processing information 730c of the print job 700 (S11). Then, upon completion of the print job 700, the job control unit 201 advances the process to step S2.

[0061] In the process of step S4, the job control unit 201 determines whether the number of overlapping folds specified in the overlapping fold number information 730b included in the print job 700 is greater than the maximum number of folds of the finisher 240 (S4). In this process, the job analysis unit 202 analyzes the overlapping fold number information 730b of the print job 700 and notifies the job control unit 201 of the analysis result. If the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the number of overlapping folds specified in the print job 700 exceeds the maximum number of folds of the finisher 240 (Yes), the process proceeds to step S5. On the other hand, if the job control unit 201 determines that the number of overlapping folds does not exceed the maximum number of folds of the finisher 240 (No), the job control unit 201 performs the inward three-folding specified in the print job 700 because it can perform the inward three-folding without dividing the received print job 700 (S10). Then, the job control unit 201 proceeds to the process of step S2 upon completion of the print job 700.

[0062] In the processing of step S5, the job control unit 201 divides the print job 700 and performs an inner triple fold because the sheet bundle with the number of overlapping folds specified in the print job 700 cannot be folded at once by the finisher 240 (S5). In this processing, the job control unit 201 first divides the print job 700 so that the number of overlapping folds specified in the overlapping fold number information included in the job is equal to or less than the maximum number of folds. Note that when dividing the print job 700, the job control unit 201 includes the post-processing information 730c included in the print job 700 in each of the divided jobs.

[0063] The division of print job 700 executed by job control unit 201 will be described using an example in which the number of sheets to be folded specified in the number-of-sheets-to-be-folded information 730b of print job 700 is 8 sheets, and the maximum number of sheets to be folded by finisher 240 is 5 sheets. In this case, job control unit 201 divides the print job 700 into a job in which the number of sheets to be folded specified in the number-of-sheets-to-be-folded information 730b is 5 sheets, and a job in which the number of sheets to be folded specified in the number-of-sheets-to-be-folded information is 3 sheets. Furthermore, job control unit 201 sets the order in which inner triple folding is to be performed for each divided job based on the page information included in the job.

[0064] After dividing print job 700 into multiple jobs, job control unit 201 performs a triple fold on the job that has been designated as the first job in the order of the multiple jobs. When job control unit 201 causes finisher 240 to perform the first triple fold after dividing print job 700, job control unit 201 performs a triple fold on the print job 700 so that the first fold f1 and the second fold f2 are positioned at the initial folding positions shown in FIG. 7(a).

[0065] In each job split from the print job 700, the number of overlapping folds specified in the overlapping fold number information is equal to or less than the maximum number of folds. Therefore, when the job control unit 201 executes the process of step S5 after executing the process of step S8 or S9 (described later), it executes an inner triple fold on the number of sheets specified in the job without dividing the job again.

[0066] Next, the job control unit 201 determines whether there is a job that has not been executed (S6). In this process, if it is determined that there is a job that has not been executed (Yes), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S7. On the other hand, if it is determined that there is no job that has not been executed (No), the job control unit 201 determines that the inner triple fold specified in the print job 700 has been completed, and proceeds to step S2.

[0067] In step S7, the job control unit 201 determines whether the post-processing information 730c specifies a pattern in which the print side is on the outside of the sheet stack (S7). In this process, the job analysis unit 202 analyzes the post-processing information 730c of the jobs split from the print job 700 and notifies the job control unit 201 of the analysis results. If the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the print side specified in the split job is on the outside, that is, that pattern a or pattern b is specified in the post-processing information 730c (Yes), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S8. On the other hand, if the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the print side specified in the split job is on the inside, that is, that pattern c or pattern d is specified in the post-processing information 730c (No), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S9.

[0068] In the process of step S8, since the print surface of the sheet bundle is on the outside, the job control unit 201 sets the folding positions to positions where the spacing between the folding positions for the inner tri-fold is small (S8), and proceeds to step S5.

[0069] Details of step S8, in which the finisher 240 reduces the interval between the folding positions of the sheet, will be described with reference to Fig. 7(b). Fig. 7(b) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the interval between the folding positions when folding the sheet inward in three is made smaller than the interval between the initial folding positions.

[0070] As shown in Fig. 7(b), the job control unit 201 sets the folding position to the position of the first fold line f1a, which is closer to the center in the direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the sheet S than the position of the first fold line f1 shown in Fig. 7(a). The job control unit 201 also sets the folding position to the position of the second fold line f2a, which is closer to the center in the direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the sheet S than the position of the second fold line f2 shown in Fig. 7(a). Here, the center in the direction perpendicular to the folding direction of the sheet S is the position that corresponds to the center line of the sheet S in the longitudinal direction.

[0071] In the first embodiment, when the job control unit 201 moves the folding positions closer, it sets the positions of the first fold f1a and the second fold f2a to positions that are closer to the center of the sheet S by a predetermined amount (for example, 2 mm) each time the processing of step S9 is executed.

[0072] As a result, in the image forming system 1, the job control unit 201 executes the process of step S9 once, so that the longitudinal lengths of the sheet S in the areas 501a and 503a are increased by 2 mm compared to the areas 501 and 503, respectively. Also, the longitudinal length of the sheet S in the area 502a is reduced by 4 mm compared to the area 502.

[0073] By performing the processing of step S5 after performing the processing of step S8, the image forming system 1 generates a sheet bundle in a subsequent job that has a narrower width in the center than the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job.

[0074] In the process of step S9, since the print surface of the sheet bundle is on the inside, the job control unit 201 sets the folding positions to positions where the spacing between the folding positions for the inner tri-fold becomes large (S9), and proceeds to the process of step S5.

[0075] Details of the process of step S9 in which the finisher 240 increases the interval between the folding positions of the sheet are described with reference to Fig. 7(c). Fig. 7(c) is a diagram illustrating a state in which the interval between the folding positions when folding the sheet inward in three is increased from the interval between the initial folding positions.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 7(c), the job control unit 201 sets the folding position to the position of the first fold f1b, which is farther from the center of the sheet S than the position of the first fold f1 shown in FIG. 7(a). The job control unit 201 also sets the folding position to the position of the second fold f2b, which is farther from the center of the sheet S than the position of the second fold f2 shown in FIG. 7(a). When moving the folding position, the job control unit 201 of the first embodiment sets the positions of the first fold f1b and the second fold f2b to positions farther from the center of the sheet S by a predetermined amount (e.g., 2 mm) each time the process of step S9 is executed. As a result, in the image forming system 1, by executing the process of step S10 once by the job control unit 201, the longitudinal lengths of the sheet S in areas 501b and 503b are narrower by 2 mm than those of areas 501 and 503, respectively. The longitudinal length of the sheet S in area 502b is also widened by 4 mm than that of area 502.

[0077] By performing the processing of step S5 after performing the processing of step S9, the image forming system 1 generates a sheet bundle in a subsequent job that has a wider central width than the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job.

[0078] In this way, the job control unit 201 of the first embodiment is configured to set the folding positions to be different for each sheet bundle by a predetermined length.

[0079] [Details on changing the folding position of a sheet stack] FIG. 8(a) shows a state in which five sheets are folded inward in three in a preceding job and a three-sheet stack is folded inward in three in a subsequent job when the folding position of the sheet stack is not changed for each job.

[0080] 8(a), in a sheet bundle 400 generated in a preceding job, an area 402 between the first fold f1 and the second fold f2 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the sheets S that is a distance 402w. In addition, in a sheet bundle 400a generated in a subsequent job, an area 402a between the first fold f1c and the second fold f2c has a length in the longitudinal direction of the sheets S that is a distance 402aw that is the same length as the distance 402w.

[0081] As described above, the number of sheets S to be combined into a sheet bundle is specified by the user as the number of overlapping folds in the print job 700. Therefore, the user can manually overlap the sheet bundle 400 generated in the preceding job and the sheet bundle 400a generated in the subsequent job to obtain the final product specified in the print job 700.

[0082] However, if the spacing 402w between the sheet bundles 400 generated in the preceding job and the spacing 402aw between the sheet bundles 400a generated in the subsequent job are the same length, it becomes difficult for the user to neatly overlap the sheet bundles 400 and 400a.

[0083] FIG. 8(b) shows a state in which five sheets are folded inward in three in a preceding job, and a three-sheet stack is folded inward in three in a subsequent job, with the spacing between the folding positions being smaller than that of the sheet stack generated in the preceding job.

[0084] As described above, the job control unit 201 executes the process of step S8 when pattern a or pattern b is specified as the pattern for an inner tri-fold in the post-processing information 730c, that is, when the first side Sa of the sheet S, which is the printing side, is on the outside of the sheet bundle. By executing the process of step S8 and then the process of step S5, the image forming system 1 generates a sheet bundle in a subsequent job that has a narrower width in the center than the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job.

[0085] In the sheet bundle 410 generated in the preceding job, the region 412 between the first fold f1 and the second fold f2 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the sheets S that is a distance 412w. In the sheet bundle 410a generated in the subsequent job, the region 412a between the first fold f1a and the second fold f2a has a length in the longitudinal direction of the sheets S that is a distance 412aw that is narrower than the distance 412w.

[0086] When the printed surface is on the outside, the sheet that becomes the cover of the sheet bundle generated by print job 700 is the outer sheet of sheet bundle 410 generated by the preceding job. Also, the user can obtain the final product specified in print job 700 by overlapping sheet bundle 410a generated by the subsequent job inside sheet bundle 410 so as to include it therein.

[0087] 8(b), the spacing 412aw between sheet bundles 410a generated by the subsequent job is narrower than the spacing 412w between sheet bundles 410 generated by the preceding job. This allows the user to easily overlap sheet bundles 410a on the inside of sheet bundle 410, thereby obtaining the final product specified in print job 700.

[0088] FIG. 8(c) shows a state in which five sheets are folded inward in third in a preceding job, and a three-sheet stack is folded inward in third in a subsequent job, with the spacing between the folding positions being larger than that of the sheet stack generated in the preceding job.

[0089] As described above, the job control unit 201 executes the process of step S9 when pattern c or pattern d is specified as the pattern for an inner tri-fold in the post-processing information 730c, that is, when the first side Sa of the sheet S, which is the printing side, is on the inside of the sheet bundle. By executing the process of step S9 and then the process of step S5, the image forming system 1 generates a sheet bundle in a subsequent job that is wider in the center than the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job.

[0090] In the sheet bundle 420 generated in the preceding job, the region 422 between the first fold f1 and the second fold f2 has a length in the longitudinal direction of the sheets S that is a distance 422w. In the sheet bundle 420a generated in the subsequent job, the region 422a between the first fold f1b and the second fold f2b has a length in the longitudinal direction of the sheets S that is a distance 422aw that is wider than the distance 422w.

[0091] When the printing surface is on the inside, the sheet that becomes the cover of the sheet bundle generated by print job 700 becomes the inner sheet of sheet bundle 420a generated by the subsequent job. Also, the user can obtain the final product specified in print job 700 by overlapping sheet bundle 420 generated by the preceding job inside sheet bundle 420a so as to include it therein.

[0092] 8(c), the spacing 422aw between sheet bundles 420a generated by the subsequent job is wider than the spacing 422w between sheet bundles 420 generated by the preceding job. This allows the user to easily overlap sheet bundles 420a on the inside of sheet bundle 420, thereby obtaining the final product specified in print job 700.

[0093] In this way, the job control unit 201 of the first embodiment divides the print job 700 when the number of sheets specified in the overlapping / folding number information 730b included in the print job 700 is the second number, which is greater than the number of sheets that can be overlapped and folded at one time by the finisher 240. By dividing the print job 700, the job control unit 201 folds the second number of sheets by generating sheet bundles of sheets each having a number of sheets equal to or less than the number that can be folded and bound by the finisher 240.

[0094] Furthermore, the job control unit 201 sets the sheet folding positions of the finisher 240 to be different for each sheet bundle depending on the sheet folding pattern specified in the post-processing information 730c. As described above, there are two types of sheet folding patterns: patterns a and b, in which the first side Sa, which is the printing side on which an image is first formed, is on the outside of the sheet bundle, and patterns c and d, in which the first side Sa is on the inside of the sheet bundle. The job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first and second folds of the sheet bundle to be generated in the subsequent job to positions closer to the center than the positions of the first and second folds of the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job. Furthermore, when patterns c and d are specified, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first and second folds of the sheet bundle to be generated in the subsequent job to positions farther from the center than the positions of the first and second folds of the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job.

[0095] With this configuration, the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment can easily overlap sheet bundles to obtain a high-quality final product when overlapping the outside of a sheet bundle to be generated next on the inside of a sheet bundle to be generated earlier, while preventing a decrease in usability.

[0096] Furthermore, the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment can easily overlap sheet bundles to obtain a high-quality final product, even when overlapping the outside of a previously generated sheet bundle with the inside of a subsequently generated sheet bundle, while preventing a decrease in usability.

[0097] In the cases of patterns a and b, sheet bundle 410 generated in the preceding job constitutes the first sheet bundle in the first embodiment. In the cases of patterns a and b, sheet bundle 410a generated in the job following sheet bundle 410 constitutes the second sheet bundle in the first embodiment. In the cases of patterns c and d, sheet bundle 420 generated in the preceding job constitutes the third sheet bundle in the first embodiment. In the cases of patterns c and d, sheet bundle 420a generated in the job following sheet bundle 420 constitutes the fourth sheet bundle in the first embodiment.

[0098] Furthermore, when patterns a and b are specified, the first embodiment uses a first folding method in which the outside of the sheet bundle generated in the subsequent job is overlapped on the inside of the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job. Furthermore, when patterns c and d are specified, the first embodiment uses a second folding method in which the inside of the sheet bundle generated in the subsequent job is overlapped on the outside of the sheet bundle generated in the preceding job.

[0099] [Summary of the first embodiment] As described above, the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment sets the folding position of the finisher 240 to be different depending on the folding method specified in the post-processing information 730c when folding more sheets than the number of sheets that the finisher 240 can fold and bundle at one time. With this configuration, the image forming system 1 of the first embodiment can easily overlap the sheet bundles when overlapping a sheet bundle to be generated first with a sheet bundle to be generated after the previous sheet bundle, thereby preventing a decrease in usability.

[0100] <Second embodiment> Next, an image forming system 1 according to a second embodiment will be described. The image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment is configured so that the user can specify the length by which the job control unit 201 sets the folding positions to be different for each sheet bundle. In this respect, the image forming system 1 according to the second embodiment differs from the first embodiment described above. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are used for components common to the first embodiment, and the same step numbers are used for control processes common to the first embodiment, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0101] [Setting the Folding Position Spacing] 9 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the interval between folding positions executed by the job control unit 201 of the controller 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 of the second embodiment. When executing the processes of steps S8 and S9 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the job control unit 201 executes the process for setting the interval between folding positions shown in FIG. 9 to set the folding positions.

[0102] In the second embodiment, the image forming system 1 is configured so that the user can input the length by which the folding position is to be changed through the print setting unit 102 of the printer driver 110 by operating the operation unit 111 as an input unit. When the length by which the folding position is to be changed is input, change information for the length by which the folding position is to be changed is included in the print job 700. Note that the image forming system 1 may also be configured so that the length by which the folding position is to be changed can be input through the operation unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 200, in which case the operation unit 211 constitutes the input unit.

[0103] 9, the job control unit 201 first determines whether the user has specified the length by which the folding position is to be changed (S21). In this process, the job analysis unit 202 analyzes the change information of the jobs divided from the print job 700 and notifies the job control unit 201 of the analysis results. If the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the divided jobs contain change information (Yes), the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, if the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the divided jobs do not contain change information (No), the process proceeds to step S23.

[0104] In the process of step S22, the job control unit 201 sets the position where the folding position is changed to a position according to the length specified in the change information (S22). In this process, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first and second folds according to the length specified in the change information.

[0105] The details of the processing of step S22 will be described using an example in which a length of 1 mm is specified as the length (change amount) by which the folding position is changed. When executing the processing from step S8 to step S22, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first fold f1a and the second fold f2a to positions that are closer to the center of the sheet S according to the change amount (1 mm). When executing the processing from step S9 to step S22, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first fold f1b and the second fold f2b to positions that are further away from the center of the sheet S according to the change amount (1 mm).

[0106] In this way, the job control unit 201 is configured to change the spacing between the first and second folds in accordance with the amount of change specified in the change information.

[0107] In the process of step S23, the job control unit 201 sets the position where the folding position is changed to a position according to a predetermined length (S23). In this process, the job control unit 201 executes the process of setting the positions of the first and second folds according to the predetermined amount executed in the first embodiment.

[0108] After executing the processing of step S22 or S23, the job control unit 201 has finished setting the folding positions of the sheet bundle to be generated in the subsequent job, so it ends the processing for setting the interval between the folding positions and proceeds to step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0109] [Summary of the second embodiment] As described above, the image forming system 1 of the second embodiment sets the folding positions of the finisher 240 to different positions depending on the folding method specified in the post-processing information 730c when folding more sheets than the number of sheets that the finisher 240 can fold at one time. Furthermore, when setting the folding positions of the finisher 240 to different positions, the image forming system 1 changes the folding positions by a length according to a change amount that can be input arbitrarily by the user. Therefore, the image forming system 1 of the second embodiment can set the folding positions of the sheet bundle to be generated next to the previously generated sheet bundle to a position desired by the user.

[0110] With this configuration, when overlapping a sheet bundle to be generated first with a sheet bundle to be generated next after the first sheet bundle, the image forming system 1 can easily overlap the sheet bundles to obtain a higher quality final product. Also, with this configuration, the image forming system 1 can prevent a decrease in usability when overlapping a sheet bundle to be generated first with a sheet bundle to be generated next after the first sheet bundle.

[0111] <Third embodiment> Next, an image forming system 1 according to a third embodiment will be described. The image forming system 1 according to the third embodiment is configured such that the job control unit 201 can set the different lengths of the folding positions for each sheet bundle based on information about the sheet type. In this respect, the image forming system 1 according to the third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first and second embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components common to the first and second embodiments, and the same step numbers are used for control processes common to the first and second embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0112] [Setting the Folding Position Spacing] 10 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the interval between folding positions executed by the job control unit 201 of the controller 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 of the third embodiment. When executing the processes of steps S8 and S9 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the job control unit 201 executes the process for setting the interval between folding positions shown in FIG. 10 to set the folding positions.

[0113] In the third embodiment, the image forming system 1 is configured so that a user can input the length for which the folding position is to be changed and the sheet type through the print setting unit 102 of the printer driver 110 by operating the operation unit 111 as an input unit. When the length for which the folding position is to be changed is input, the change information for the length for which the folding position is to be changed is included in the print job 700. When the information on the sheet type is input, the change information is included in the print job 700 as sheet type information. Note that the image forming system 1 may be configured so that the length for which the folding position is to be changed and the sheet type can be input through the operation unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 200, in which case the operation unit 211 constitutes the input unit.

[0114] 10, if the job control unit 201 determines in step S21 that the divided jobs do not contain change information based on the notified content (No), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S31. In step S31, the job control unit 201 determines whether the user has specified the type of sheets that make up the sheet stack (S31). In this process, the job analysis unit 202 analyzes type information of the jobs divided from the print job 700 and notifies the job control unit 201 of the analysis results. If the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the divided jobs contain type information (Yes), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, if the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the divided jobs do not contain a sheet type specification (No), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S23.

[0115] In the processing of step S32, the job control unit 201 sets the position where the folding position is to be changed to a position according to the type of sheet specified by the type information (S32). FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a data table that defines the type of sheet and the length by which the positions of the first and second folds are changed. The image forming system 1 stores the data table shown in FIG. 11 in advance in the storage unit 223. In the processing of step S32, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first and second folds based on the data table shown in FIG. 11 and the type information.

[0116] The details of the processing in step S32 will be described using an example in which cardboard is specified as the sheet type. Because the sheet type specified in the type information is cardboard, the job control unit 201 obtains that the length (change amount) by which the positions of the first and second folds are changed is 2.0 mm. When executing the processing from step S8 to step S22, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first fold f1a and the second fold f2a to positions that are closer to the center of the sheet S according to the change amount (2.0 mm). When executing the processing from step S9 to step S22, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first fold f1b and the second fold f2b to positions that are further away from the center of the sheet S according to the change amount (2.0 mm).

[0117] In this way, the job control unit 201 is configured to change the distance between the first and second fold lines in accordance with the sheet type information specified by the type information.

[0118] After executing the processing of step S22, S23, or S32, the job control unit 201 has finished setting the folding positions of the sheet bundle to be generated in the subsequent job, so it ends the processing of setting the interval between the folding positions and proceeds to step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0119] [Summary of the third embodiment] As described above, the image forming system 1 of the third embodiment sets the folding positions of the finisher 240 to different positions depending on the folding method specified in the post-processing information 730c when folding more sheets than the number of sheets that the finisher 240 can fold and bundle at one time. Furthermore, when setting the folding positions of the finisher 240 to different positions, the image forming system 1 varies the folding positions by a length depending on the type of sheet that the user can input. Therefore, the image forming system 1 of the third embodiment can automatically change the folding positions of a sheet bundle to be generated after a previously generated sheet bundle depending on the type of sheets on which images are formed.

[0120] With this configuration, when overlapping a sheet bundle to be generated first with a sheet bundle to be generated next after the first sheet bundle, the image forming system 1 can more easily overlap the sheet bundles to obtain a high-quality final product. Also, with this configuration, the image forming system 1 can prevent a decrease in usability when overlapping a sheet bundle to be generated first with a sheet bundle to be generated next after the first sheet bundle.

[0121] <Fourth embodiment> Next, an image forming system 1 of a fourth embodiment will be described. The image forming system 1 of the fourth embodiment is configured so that the job control unit 201 can set the different lengths of the folding positions for each sheet bundle from information on the basis weight of the sheets. In this respect, the image forming system 1 of the fourth embodiment differs from the first to third embodiments described above. Since the other configurations are the same as those of the first to third embodiments, the same reference numerals are used for components common to the first to third embodiments, and the same step numbers are used for control processes common to the first to third embodiments, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0122] [Setting the Folding Position Spacing] 12 is a flowchart showing a process for setting the interval between folding positions executed by the job control unit 201 of the controller 210 of the image forming apparatus 200 of the fourth embodiment. When executing the processes of steps S8 and S9 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 6, the job control unit 201 executes the process for setting the interval between folding positions shown in FIG. 12 to set the folding positions.

[0123] In the fourth embodiment, the image forming system 1 is configured so that a user can input the length for changing the folding position and the basis weight of the sheet through the print setting unit 102 of the printer driver 110 by operating the operation unit 111 as an input unit. When the length for changing the folding position is input, the change information for the length for changing the folding position is included in the print job 700. When the information on the basis weight of the sheet is input, the change information is included in the print job 700 as the basis weight information of the sheet. Generally, the basis weight of the sheet used for printing is made public, and the user can easily input the basis weight. Note that the image forming system 1 may be configured so that the length for changing the folding position and the basis weight of the sheet can be input through the operation unit 211 of the image forming apparatus 200, in which case the operation unit 211 constitutes the input unit.

[0124] 12, if the job control unit 201 determines in step S21 that the divided jobs do not include change information based on the notified content (No), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S41. In step S41, the job control unit 201 determines whether the user has specified the basis weight of the sheets that make up the sheet stack (S41). In this process, the job analysis unit 202 analyzes the basis weight information of the jobs divided from the print job 700 and notifies the job control unit 201 of the analysis result. If the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the divided jobs include basis weight information (Yes), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S42. On the other hand, if the job control unit 201 determines from the notified content that the divided jobs do not include a basis weight specification (No), the job control unit 201 proceeds to step S23.

[0125] In the processing of step S42, the job control unit 201 sets the position where the folding position is to be changed to a position corresponding to the basis weight of the sheet specified by the basis weight information (S42). FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a data table that defines the basis weight of the sheet and the length by which the positions of the first and second folds are changed. The image forming system 1 stores the data table shown in FIG. 13 in advance in the storage unit 223. In the processing of step S42, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first and second folds based on the data table shown in FIG. 13 and the type information.

[0126] The details of the processing of step S42 will be described using an example in which 120 [gsm] is specified as the sheet basis weight. Because the sheet basis weight specified in the basis weight information is 120 [gsm], the job control unit 201 obtains that the length (change amount) by which the positions of the first and second folds are changed is 1.5 mm. When executing the processing from step S8 to step S22, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first fold f1a and the second fold f2a to positions that are closer to the center of the sheet S in accordance with the change amount (1.5 mm). Furthermore, when executing the processing from step S9 to step S22, the job control unit 201 sets the positions of the first fold f1b and the second fold f2b to positions that are further away from the center of the sheet S in accordance with the change amount (1.5 mm).

[0127] In this way, the job control unit 201 is configured to change the intervals between the first and second folds in accordance with the information on the basis weight of the sheet specified by the basis weight information.

[0128] After executing the processing of step S22, S23, or S42, the job control unit 201 has finished setting the folding positions of the sheet bundle to be generated in the subsequent job, so it ends the processing of setting the interval between the folding positions and proceeds to step S5 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 6.

[0129] [Summary of the Fourth Embodiment] As described above, the image forming system 1 of the fourth embodiment sets the folding positions of the finisher 240 to different positions depending on the folding method specified in the post-processing information 730c when folding more sheets than the number of sheets that the finisher 240 can fold and bundle at one time. Furthermore, when setting the folding positions of the finisher 240 to different positions, the image forming system 1 varies the folding positions by a length depending on the basis weight of the sheets, which can be input by the user. Therefore, the image forming system 1 of the fourth embodiment can automatically change the folding positions of a sheet bundle to be generated after a previous sheet bundle depending on the basis weight of the sheets on which images are formed.

[0130] With this configuration, when overlapping a sheet bundle to be generated first with a sheet bundle to be generated next after the first sheet bundle, the image forming system 1 can more easily overlap the sheet bundles to obtain a high-quality final product. Also, with this configuration, the image forming system 1 can prevent a decrease in usability when overlapping a sheet bundle to be generated first with a sheet bundle to be generated next after the first sheet bundle.

[0131] <Other embodiments> Note that, when dividing the print job 700, the job control unit 201 in the first to fourth embodiments divides the print job 700 into a job that specifies the maximum number of sheets to be folded as the number of sheets to be folded, and a job that specifies a fractional number of sheets less than the maximum number of sheets to be folded as the number of sheets to be folded, but this is not limited to this. For example, in order to reduce the difference in the number of sheets included in the sheet bundles generated in each job, the job control unit 201 may specify the number of sheets to be folded in each divided job to be the same number that is less than the maximum number of sheets to be folded.

[0132] An example will be described in which the number of overlapping fold sheets specified in the overlapping fold sheet number information 730b of the print job 700 is 8 sheets, and the maximum number of fold sheets by the finisher 240 is 5 sheets. In this case, the job control unit 201 may be configured to divide the job into one job in which the overlapping fold sheet number information specifies 4 sheets and another job in which the overlapping fold sheet information specifies 4 sheets.

[0133] In the first to fourth embodiments, when folding sheets in half with a number of overlapping folds exceeding the maximum number of folds, the job control unit 201 sets the first fold and the second fold to different positions for each sheet bundle. However, this is not limiting. For example, even when folding in half is performed as post-processing, the job control unit 201 may be configured to set the folding positions to different positions for each sheet bundle when folding sheets in half with a number of overlapping folds exceeding the maximum number of folds.

[0134] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the job control unit 201 is configured to change the folding position of the sheet bundle in a subsequent job based on the folding position of the sheet bundle in a preceding job, but is not limited to this. The job control unit 201 may be configured to set the folding position of the sheet by the finisher 240 to a different position by setting the folding position in advance for each job. In such a configuration, the job control unit 201 may be configured to set the folding position of the sheet for each job by referring to parameters such as a specified value, a value input by the user, a value corresponding to the type of sheet, and a value corresponding to the basis weight of the sheet.

[0135] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the image forming system 1 is configured to invert the print side of the sheet S when the sheet S is fed to the finisher 240 using a transport path for double-sided printing on the sheet S, but is not limited to this. The image forming system 1 may be configured to invert the print side of the sheet S, for example, by switching the transport path using a flapper 325 and transporting the sheet S directly from transport path P1 to the paper discharge outlet 323, rather than switching back at the paper discharge outlet 322 and transporting the sheet to the paper discharge outlet 323. The image forming system 1 may be configured to invert the print side of the sheet S, for example, by transporting the sheet S to the vicinity of the paper discharge outlet 331, then switching back, and transporting the sheet S to the transport path P6 switched by a flapper 329.

[0136] That is, the image forming system 1 may be configured to reverse the print surface of the sheet S using a switchback-enabling configuration or a configuration that enables double-sided printing provided in the printer unit 213 or the finisher 240.

[0137] In the first to fourth embodiments, the image forming system 1 is an MFP (Multi Function Printer) including the image forming apparatus 200 and the finisher 240, but is not limited to this. The image forming system 1 may be, for example, an SFP (Single Function Printer) in which the image forming apparatus has a finishing function. When configured in this way, the image forming apparatus constitutes the image forming system.

[0138] Furthermore, in the first to fourth embodiments, the job control unit 201 of the CPU 220 is provided in the image forming system 1, but this is not limiting, and it may be provided, for example, in the finisher 240. In such a configuration, the finisher 240 constitutes a sheet folding device that includes a sheet folding unit and a control unit. [Explanation of symbols]

[0139] 1...Image forming system: 213...Image forming unit (printer unit): 220...Control unit (CPU): 240...Sheet folding unit (finisher): 410...First sheet bundle (sheet bundle): 410a...Second sheet bundle (sheet bundle): 420...Third sheet bundle (sheet bundle): 420a...Fourth sheet bundle (sheet bundle): S...Sheet: Sa...First side

Claims

1. a sheet folding unit capable of overlap-folding a first number of sheets or less; a control unit that controls the sheet folding unit in accordance with information on the number of sheets to be folded by the sheet folding unit and information on a folding method, The control unit When the information on the number of sheets is a second number greater than the first number, the sheet folding unit folds each sheet bundle including sheets having a number equal to or less than the first number, thereby folding the second number of sheets by generating a plurality of sheet bundles; When folding the second number of sheets by folding each of the plurality of sheet bundles by the sheet folding unit, the sheet folding unit is set to fold the sheets at different positions in each sheet bundle according to the folding method information, When the folding method information is a first folding method in which the outer side of a second sheet bundle to be folded after the first sheet bundle is overlapped on the inner side of a first sheet bundle among a plurality of sheet bundles, the folding position of the second sheet bundle is set to a position closer to the center of the sheets than the folding position of the first sheet bundle, When the folding method information is a second folding method in which the inside of a fourth sheet bundle to be folded after the third sheet bundle is overlapped on the outside of a third sheet bundle among the plurality of sheet bundles, the folding position of the fourth sheet bundle is set to a position farther from the center of the sheets than the folding position of the third sheet bundle, determining whether to execute the first folding method or the second folding method based on the folding method information designated by the user; A sheet folding device characterized by:

2. When folding the sheet in the first folding manner, the sheet folding unit performs an inner three-fold by folding one end and the other end of the sheet so that a first surface designated by a user faces outward.

2. The sheet folding device according to claim 1.

3. When folding the sheet in the second folding manner, the sheet folding unit performs an inner three-fold by folding one end and the other end of the sheet so that the first surface designated by the user faces inward.

2. The sheet folding device according to claim 1.

4. When the control unit sets the sheet folding positions of the sheet folding unit to be different for each sheet bundle, the control unit sets the positions to be different by a predetermined length.

4. The sheet folding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet folding device is a folding device for folding a sheet.

5. an input unit that allows input of information on the length to be changed when the sheet folding unit sets the folding position of the sheets to a different position for each sheet bundle; When the control unit sets the sheet folding position of the sheet folding unit to a different position for each sheet bundle, the control unit sets the folding position to a different length according to the input length information.

4. The sheet folding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet folding device is a folding device for folding a sheet.

6. The control unit controlling the sheet folding unit in accordance with information on the type of sheet to be folded by the sheet folding unit; When the sheet folding unit sets the folding position of the sheet to a different position, the folding position is set to a different length according to the type information.

4. The sheet folding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet folding device is a folding device for folding a sheet.

7. The control unit controlling the sheet folding unit in accordance with information on the basis weight of the sheet to be folded by the sheet folding unit; When the sheet folding unit sets the folding position of the sheet to a different position, the folding position is set to a different length according to the information on the basis weight.

4. The sheet folding device according to claim 1, wherein the sheet folding device is a folding device for folding a sheet.

8. The sheet folding device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, An image forming system comprising:

Images