JPS63147767A - Recording sheet sorting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enhance the efficiency of sorting work on a sheet exhaust tray in the sort mode and stack mode by performing control through combination of a circulative type automatic original feed device with a traveling type sheet exhaust type device. CONSTITUTION:When originals in the number of N are transcripted in the sort mode and exhaustion of sheets is completed, a motor 304 of an exhausting tray mechanism 300 is started, and transmission to a link mechanism 306 is made by gears 304a, 305, and a sheet exhaust tray 303 is put in parallel movement in the direction perpendicular to exhaustion. The said motor 304 stops when this movement causes a photo-sensor 307 fixed to a supporting table to cover two shutter plates 308 fixed to exhaust tray, which is moved in respective positions to stop. The same procedure is repeated, and sheets in a specific number are stacked on exhaust tray 303 alternately to continue till the set number of copies repeatedly. The same procedure is taken even in the stack mode. Accordingly sorting work can be done with good efficiency in any mode.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention 1491 The present invention relates to a recording paper sorting device, and more particularly to a recording paper sorting device that combines a circulating automatic document feeder and a movable paper output tray device. .

1 East 14 Conventionally, when sorting recording paper (hereinafter referred to as copy paper) ejected from an image forming device such as a copying machine, copies were made on a single paper output tray without using a paper collation device. Various apparatuses have been devised that perform sorting using means such as stacking sheets of paper alternately. Paper collation 5A! l! Compared to copying machines equipped with a paper collation device, copying machines without a paper collation device have features such as a simpler mechanism, lower price, and easier sorting. It was suitable for small-scale offices that do not have a The above-mentioned copy paper sorting can be done by, for example, placing the copy paper in the copy paper ejection section of the copy machine body.
There is known a device that sorts copy sheets by combining a paper discharge tray that is movably installed with respect to the discharge section and an automatic document feeder attached to the copying machine main body.

Originally, copy paper sorting involves copying a predetermined number of copies by an operator using a plurality of originals as one part; in other words, one cycle is the operation of forming a copy of one of the originals. A mode in which this cycle is repeated a set number of times for sorting (hereinafter referred to as sorting mode).
There is also a mode in which a set number of copies are made for each document among a plurality of documents, and this is repeated for all documents to sort them (hereinafter referred to as stack mode). It goes without saying that the sort mode and stack mode are currently essential functions. However, as mentioned above, when sorting copy sheets using a conventional combination of a movable paper ejection tray and an automatic document feeder, the device lacks a function corresponding to the sort mode, and the operator's intention There was a problem in that it was not possible to sort according to the requirements, making sorting work inconvenient and reducing work efficiency.

Additionally, there is the problem that the output tray movement mechanism malfunctions due to misalignment of the output tray due to an external force applied to an unnecessary window, and erroneous input from the copier main body control unit to the output tray drive control unit. There was a point.

An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to provide a recording paper sorting device that can efficiently perform sorting work according to the operator's intention, is small, lightweight, and highly reliable. be.

The recording paper sorting device of the present invention is attached as an image forming device to, for example, a copying machine body so as to be openable and closable, and has an automatic document feed function (hereinafter referred to as ADF mode) that automatically feeds multiple sheets of document. and a circulation-type automatic document feeder equipped with a document circulation transport function (hereinafter referred to as RADF mode) that automatically transports and inverts multiple sheets of document and discharges them in the same state as when copying, and a copying machine main body. A movable paper discharge tray device is attached to the copy paper discharge section of the machine and has a function of moving the paper discharge tray for stacking copy sheets. The recording paper sorting apparatus is controlled by a copying machine main body control section, which will be described later, and a circulating automatic document feeder control section (hereinafter referred to as RADF control section), which will be described later.

The present invention will be explained below with reference to an illustrated embodiment.

In FIG. 1, a copying apparatus 1 includes a copying machine main body 100,
A circulating automatic document feeder 200 attached to the upper part of the copying machine body so as to be freely openable and closable, and a movable paper discharge tray device 300 movably attached to the copy paper discharge section 112 of the copying machine body. It is configured. Note that when the circulating automatic document feeder 200 is in the open state on the copying machine main body 100, the automatic document feeding function and the document shield 1am are activated.
The feed function stops and the operator removes the contact glass 101.
Place originals one by one on top and perform the necessary copying operations.

When the circulation type automatic document feeder 200 is in the closed state, the copying operation is performed using the automatic document conveyance function and the 4@circle document conveyance function.

The copying machine main body 100 mainly includes a document tray 1 on which documents are placed.
10. A contact glass 101 on which a copy document carried in from the document tray is placed, a photoconductor 104 for forming a copy image, a charging charger 103 for uniformly charging the surface of the photoconductor, and the photoconductor. an optical system 102 that exposes the body to form an electrostatic latent image; a developing unit 105 that visualizes the electrostatic latent image with toner; Transfer charger 106 and photoreceptor 10 for transferring onto copy paper
Separation charger 107 for separating the copy paper from above 4.
, a cleaning unit 108 that removes the residual potential and residual toner on the photoreceptor, and a fixing unit 109 that presses and heats the copy paper to fix the toner image, and a paper discharge sensor that detects the discharge of the copy paper. 113 and various other sensors (not shown) are provided. The copying machine main body 100 has a conventionally well-known copy image forming function.

The WJ circular automatic document feeder @200 has a document tray 110.
before that? ri! A paper feed roller 201 that sends out a document, a carry-in roller 202 and a carry-in path 203, a conveyance belt 204 that feeds the document to a predetermined position on the contact glass 101,
A switching claw 205 that is driven by a solenoid (not shown) or the like and switches the conveyance path of the copied original. A reversing section 206 for reversing the document, and a transport path 208, A for guiding the document carried out from the reversing section, set when the 5RADF mode is set.
When the DF mode is set, a conveyance roller 207 that sends out the original that has been deflected by the switching claw 205, an ejection roller 210 that sends the original from the reversing section back to the original tray 110, an ejection path 209, an ejection belt 211, a solenoid (not shown), etc. are driven. It also includes a partition claw 212 that distinguishes between the uncopied original and the copied original on the original tray 110, an original detection sensor 213 that detects the presence or absence of an original on the original tray 110, and a partition claw 212 on the contact glass 101. A document position detection sensor 214 that confirms that the document is carried into a predetermined position and carried out from above the contact glass; and a reversing section sensor 215 that confirms that the document is carried into and out of the reversing section 206. A carry-out path sensor 2I6 that detects the carry-in of a document to the carry-out path 209. Sensors such as a document discharge sensor 217 for detecting discharge of a copied document onto the document tray 110 are provided.

The movable paper discharge tray device will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

The movable paper discharge tray 300 includes a paper discharge tray moving mechanism and a movement control section that controls the paper discharge tray moving mechanism.

The paper ejection tray moving mechanism is slidably installed along a support base 301 fixed to the lower part of the copy paper ejection section 112 of the copying machine main body 200 and guide parts 302 and 302 formed on the support base. a paper discharge tray 303 fixed to the lower part of the support base and having a worm gear 304a at the tip of a rotating shaft for moving the paper discharge tray; a flat/helical gear 305 meshing with the worm gear; A rim 306a has a gear portion that meshes with a helical gear; one end is rotatably fixed to the rim, and two other ends are rotatably attached to the lower surface of the paper discharge tray 303 by a bin 306b. It is composed of a fixed crank 306c and a link mechanism 306 formed from a fixed crank 306c.

The movement control unit includes a photosensor 307 that is fixed to the support stand 301 and that confirms the position of the moving paper discharge tray 303;
Two shielding plates 308, 308 are fixed to the lower surface of the paper output tray at an arbitrary interval (for example, 30 cm in this embodiment) and shield the photosensor at a predetermined position, and the copying machine main body control and a drive control circuit 309 that controls the motor 304 based on signal input from the photosensor.

Hereinafter, the operation will be explained based on this configuration.

A case will be described in which a sort mode is set in which each copy document is copied one by one to form a set of copies and this is repeated a set number of copies.

Select the sort mode on the 5 operation display panel (not shown) provided on the copying machine main body 100, and select the required number of copies N (N≧2
). A sort mode setting signal is transmitted from the copier main body control section to the RADF control section. When the copy start key on the operation display panel is turned on, a copy start signal is transmitted from the copier main body control section to the RADF control section. The first document from among the documents placed on the document tray 110 is carried into the circulating automatic document feeder 200 by the paper feed roller 201,
It passes through a carry-in path 203 and is sent to a predetermined position on the contact glass 101 by a conveyor belt 204 . At this time, the document position detection sensor 214 detects the introduction of the document, and a detection signal is output to the RADF control section.
A document conveyance completion signal is transmitted from the DF control section to the copying machine main body control section. Upon receiving this input signal, the copying machine main body control section instructs the start of a copying operation. The copy paper is carried into the copying machine main body 100 from the paper feed cassette 112, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 303 through a conventionally well-known copy image forming process. After the first document is scanned by the optical system 102, it is carried out from above the contact glass 101 by the conveyance belt 204. The switching claw 205 is switched and fixed to the position shown by the solid line in order to transport the original to the reversing section by a solenoid or the like (not shown). The first document passes through the switching claw and is carried into the reversing section 206. When the reversing section sensor 215 confirms that the document has been carried into the reversing section, the switching claw 205 is switched to the position indicated by the dotted line in the figure by the solenoid. The belt of the reversing section 206 is reversed and the original is carried out, and the original is transferred to the switching claw section,
It passes through the conveyance path 208 and is sent to the unloading path 209, where it is transported by the conveying belt 204, the unloading roller 210, and the ejecting belt 21.
1, and is again discharged onto the document tray 110. At this time, after the carry-out path sensor 216 detects that the first document is carried into the carry-out path 209, the paper feed roller 201 rotates, and the second document is transferred into the circulating automatic document feeder 200. will be transported to. The timing of transporting the original is set so that the first original is ejected onto the original tray 110 and the second original is placed at a predetermined position on the contact glass 101 at the same time. This eliminates the time lag in automatic document transport. The document tray 110 is partitioned by a partition claw 212 at a position indicated by a solid line in the figure, so as not to confuse a copied document and an uncopied document in one cycle of copying operation. Therefore, the document tray 110
The first original document discharged upward is separated from the Nth original document by the partition claw. The same operation is repeated thereafter, and when there is no original on the original tray 110, the original detection sensor 213 detects that there is no original, and the partition claw is released. When the document discharge sensor 217 detects that the Nth document, that is, the final document, has been discharged onto the document tray 110 again, the partition claw 212 returns to the position indicated by the solid line. After one cycle of copying operation has been completed, the original document will be copied again as the partition claw 212 is released.
The document is placed at the paper feeding position on the document tray 110 and is ready for the first cycle of copying operation. Further, when the document detection sensor 213 detects that there is no document, a document end signal is simultaneously transmitted from the RADF control section to the copying machine main body control section, and a timer in the copying machine main body control section is turned on. After a certain period of time has elapsed, the timer - counts up and a motor start signal is output to the drive control circuit 309. The timer count-up refers to the circulation type automatic document feeder 200.
At the time when the original is ejected, the ejection of the copy of the original is not completed and remains in the copying machine main body 100. This is a delay circuit for displacing the . This starts the motor 304, and the rotational force is transferred to the gear section 304 of the motor.
a. The rotational motion is transmitted to the link mechanism section 306 via the flat helical gear 305, and the rotational motion is converted into a linear motion in the link mechanism section, so that the paper discharge tray 303 moves in parallel perpendicularly to the paper discharge direction.

4@, and in FIGS. 5 and 6, the link mechanism part 3
The operation of 06 will be explained. The distance between the shielding plates 308, 308 and the moving distance of one end Z of the crank 306c in the link mechanism section 306 are configured to be the same. When the paper discharge tray 306 before movement is in a position where one of the two shielding plates fixed to the paper discharge tray shields the photosensor 307 on the support base 301, the link mechanism section 306 The state shown in Fig. 4 is reached. Paper output tray 303
The link mechanism section is in the state shown in FIG. 5 when it is moving. The support stand 301 is again secured by the other shielding plate 308.
When the upper photosensor 307 is blocked, the motor 304 stops and the paper discharge tray 303 completes its movement. At this time, the link mechanism section is in the state shown in FIG. 6. After confirming the completion of movement of the paper ejection tray, the copier main body control unit issues a command to start copying, and in order to form a second set of copies, the above-described predetermined copying operation is continued until there are no more originals on the original tray 110. The image process is repeated. Thereafter, the above-described operations are repeated in the same way until the initially set number of copies N is reached.
After reaching the point, the copying operation and the sorting of the copy sheets in the sort mode are completed.

Figure 7 shows that when the 2-sort mode is set, there are 3 originals,
The sorting when the set number of copies is N=3 shows the state in which the copy sheets are placed on the paper discharge tray 303 after the sorting is completed.

Next, the case where stack mode is set will be explained.

Select the stack mode on the operation display panel (not shown) and set the required number M (M≧2). A stack mode setting signal is transmitted from the copier main body control section to the RADF control section. When the copy start key on the operation display panel is turned on, a copy start signal is sent to the RADF from the copier main body control section.
It is transmitted to the control unit.

3 out of the originals placed on the original tray 110
A first document is carried into the circulation type automatic document feeder 200 by a paper feed roller 201, passes through a carry-in path 203 via a carry-in roller 202, and is fed to a predetermined position on the contact glass 101 by a conveyor belt 204. At this time, the document position detection sensor 214 detects the introduction of the document, a detection signal is output to the RADF control section, and the document conveyance completion signal is transmitted from the RADF control section to the copying machine main body control section.

Upon receiving this signal input, the copying machine main body control section instructs the start of a copying operation. The copy paper is carried into the copying machine main body 100 from the paper feed cassette 111, and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 303 through a conventionally known copy image forming process. The copying operation is repeated M times, which is the set number of copies, and after completing 1M times, the first document is carried out from above the contact glass 101. The switching claw 205 is switched to the position indicated by the chain line in the figure, and the first
The first sheet of the original passes through the switching pawl, and the conveyance roller 207
It is fed into the closed path 209 via the. below.

A series of document conveyance means in the circulation type automatic document feeder 200 is the same as the document conveyance means when the sort mode is set as described above, and is used to eject the first document and feed the second document. The timing of transporting the original is set so that the original is placed a on the contact glass 101 at the same time. Next, when it is confirmed that M copies have been discharged onto the paper discharge tray 303, the paper discharge tray 303 is moved in parallel using the same moving means as used when setting the sort mode described above. After confirming the completion of the movement, the copying operation is started for the second original. Thereafter, similar operations are repeated, and when the document detection sensor 213 confirms that there is no document on the document tray 303, the copying operation is completed.

FIG. 8 shows the stacked state of copy sheets on the paper discharge tray 303 after sorting is completed when there are three originals and the set number of sheets is M when the stack mode is set.

Next, the control system will be explained.

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of the control circuit of the copying apparatus according to this embodiment.

The control circuit is composed of a copying machine main body control section that is provided in the copying machine main body 1oo and is a main control section of the copying apparatus 1, and an RADF control section that is provided in the circulation type automatic document feeder 200. A microcomputer CPU1 controls the copying machine main body control section. The microcomputer CPU 1 has various sensors including a copying process control unit, an operation display unit, a drive control circuit 3e9 for the movable paper ejection tray device 300, and a paper ejection sensor 113 via the I10 board. Connected to sensor unit, etc. Operation switches and indicators on the operation display panel (not shown) are included in the operation display unit, and are used to display information corresponding to instructions from the microcomputer CPU, such as the operation status of the copying machine 1 and the transmission of various information from the machine to the operator. In addition, the operator issues instructions to the microcomputer CPUI, such as a copy start instruction, a paper discharge mode such as sorting or stacking, the number of copies (N), and the number of copies (M). The copying process control unit controls the copying process by driving a main motor (not shown), various chargers, relays, clutches, etc. in the copying machine main body 100 in response to instructions from the microcomputer CP TJ 1.

The drive control circuit 309 is a microcomputer CPUI.
The motor 304 is driven to displace the paper discharge tray 303 in response to an instruction from the photo sensor 307, and the motor is stopped based on an input signal from the photosensor 307.

A microcomputer CPU 2 controls the RADF control section. The microcomputer C
The output boat of p TJ 2 has switching claws 2o5. Solenoids (not shown) that drive the partition mold 212, etc., and the Q feed belt upper belt 20
A drive unit such as a motor that drives the 4-input roller 202 and the like is connected via a driver (not shown) or the like. The input boat includes a document detection sensor 213, a document position detection sensor 2145, a reversing section sensor 215. Export path sensor 216,
A sensor unit having various sensors such as a document discharge sensor 217 is connected.

The microcomputer CP TJ 1 and the microcomputer CPU2 are connected to each other via an I10 port by a serial bus consisting of a transmission line TXD and a reception line RXD. Through the serial bus, a copy start signal, a sort mode setting signal, a stack mode setting signal, a copy cycle end signal, etc. are applied from the microcomputer CPU1 to the microcomputer CPU2, and a document transport signal is applied from the microcomputer CPU2 to the microcomputer CPUI. A completion signal (whether or not the document has been placed on a predetermined position on the contact glass), a document end signal (whether or not there are no documents on the document tray), etc. are applied.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of the drive control circuit 309 of the movable paper discharge tray device 300, and FIG. 11 shows a timing chart of each part inside the drive control circuit 309 in FIG. It's ours. In the timing chart, a high level in the figure represents an operational ON state.

pt is an operation signal from the microcomputer CPU 1, P-2 is a position detection signal of the paper output tray 303, 30
7 is a photo sensor that detects the position of the paper output tray 303;
L-3 is a NOT gate that inputs the signal from the photosensor, L-1 is an AND gate that inputs the signal from L-3, and L-2 is an AND gate that inputs the signal from the microcomputer CP TJ1. Gate, L-4 is L-1, L
-2 is an exclusive OR gate, L-5 is a flip-flop, and 304 is a motor for displacing the paper discharge tray 303. Copy paper output January, paper output tray 30
3 is in a stopped state, and the output of the output terminal Q of the flip-flop L-5 is at a low level. Therefore, the output of L-1 is always at a low level even if the photosensor 307 is shielded by the shielding plate 308 or not. At the same time, the output of one output terminal Q of flip-flop L-5 is at a high level. Next, when the paper discharge sensor 113 detects that a predetermined amount of copy paper has been discharged onto the paper discharge tray 303 in one cycle of copying, an operation signal S-1 is input from the microcomputer CPUI to the drive control circuit 309. The output of L-2 becomes high level. An exclusive OR gate outputs a high level only when the input levels are different from each other. Therefore, the output of L-4 becomes high level.

A pulse is input to the input terminal C of the flip-flop L-5. Terminal Q of flip-flop L-5.

This output is inverted when the input pulse, which is the signal to terminal C, falls from high level to low level. Therefore, the output of terminal Q is high level, and the output of terminal Q is low level. Since the output of the terminal Q becomes high level, the power of the motor 304 is turned on, the motor rotates, and the paper discharge tray 303 starts moving. Also, since the output of this terminal becomes low level, the output of L-2 always becomes low level regardless of the operation signal S-1 from the microcomputer CPtJ1. In other words, at this time, the error pulse E-1 is sent to the microcomputer CP as an erroneous input.
Even when the output is output from U1 to the drive control circuit 309, one of the inputs to L-2 is at a low level as described above, so the output of L-2 does not change, and the movable paper ejection tray device 300 malfunctions. can be prevented.

When the paper discharge tray 303 moves a certain distance, one of the blocking plates 308 fixed to the bottom surface of the paper discharge tray blocks the photo sensor 307.

The output of the photosensor changes from low level to high level, is inverted from high level to low level by L-3, and the output of L-1 becomes low level. The falling pulse generated by this is applied to the flip-flop L-5.
is input to terminal C of flip-flop L-5, and the outputs of terminals Q and Q of flip-flop L-5 are inverted again. The output of the terminal Q becomes low level, the motor 304 stops, and the paper discharge tray 303 completes its movement. Also, since the output of the output terminal Q has become low level, the output of L-2 becomes the photo sensor 307.
It is always at low level regardless of the input from.

In other words, even if the paper ejection tray 303 moves during paper ejection and the photo sensor 307 is unshielded, and there is an erroneous input signal E-2 to the drive control circuit 309, the L-2
Since one of the inputs is at a low level, there is no change in the output of L-2, and malfunction of the movable paper discharge tray device 1300 can be prevented.

As described above, the motor OF is controlled by the drive control circuit 309.
Input signal from photosensor 307 and motor O at F time
By canceling the operation input signal from the microcomputer CP Ul at the time of N, it is possible to prevent input chattering and malfunction of the movable paper ejection tray device 300 due to erroneous input.

FIG. 12 is a timing chart of each part of the copying machine when setting the sort mode. The setting conditions for this example are:
Assume that there are 3 originals and the set number of copies is N=3.

P-1 is a copy start signal, P-2 is a paper ejection sensor 113
P-3 is a document discharge signal detected by the document discharge sensor 217, P-4 is a start signal for a timer built in the microcomputer CPU 1, and P-5 is a motor 304 activation signal. After the copy start key is turned on, the above-described copying process is started, and after scanning is completed, the document discharge sensor 217 confirms that the document has been discharged, and then the paper discharge sensor 113 confirms that the copy sheet has been discharged. Since there are three originals in this embodiment, the timer is turned on at the same time as the original ejection sensor 217 detects that the third original has been ejected onto the yK original tray 110 again, and an arbitrary set time elapses. After that, the timer counts up.

An operation signal is applied from the microcomputer CP TJ l to the drive control circuit 309, and the motor 304 is started. The paper discharge tray 303 stops after moving an arbitrary distance. Next, the second copy operation is performed by the microcomputer CP.
An operation signal is applied from the UI to the drive control circuit 309, and the motor 304 is started.

The paper discharge tray 303 stops after moving an arbitrary distance.

Subsequently, the copying operation for the second copy is started. Set number of copies N
=3, the copying operation ends when the discharge sensor 112 confirms that the third copy of the final document, that is, the third document, has been discharged.

FIG. 13 is a timing chart of each part of the copying machine when the stack mode is set. The setting conditions of this embodiment are three originals and the set number of sheets M=3. In addition, P-1, P-
2, P-3, P-4, and P-5 represent the same signals as in the sort mode described above. Copy start key ON
Thereafter, the copying process described above is started. In this embodiment, since M"3 is used, the optical system 10 is operated three times for one document.
Scanning (copying) according to step 2 is performed, and after the scanning is completed, the ejection of the original is confirmed by the ejection sensor 216, and at the same time, the timer is ONL and counts up after an arbitrary set time elapses. Microcomputer CP TJ
1, an operation signal is applied to the drive control circuit 309, and the motor 304 is started. The paper discharge tray 303 stops after moving an arbitrary distance. Subsequently, the copying operation for the next original is started.

When the discharge sensor 112 confirms that the third copy sheet of the final document, that is, the third document, has been discharged, the copying operation ends.

Next, the control flow of the present invention will be explained using a flowchart.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the control program for the sorting mode.

When the sorting mode routine starts, it is checked whether the number of copies (number of copies) in the copy set is two or more copies (copies). In the case of one copy (copy), perform RET TJ RN (hereinafter referred to as RET). If it is confirmed that there are two or more sheets (copies) and then either sort mode or stack mode is specified, the process proceeds to connector R1 and connector A, respectively. If the above specification is not specified, perform RET.

FIG. 15 shows the control flow shown in FIG.

This is a schematic flowchart for the case where the sort mode is selected, that is, for the connector R.

In the initial state, RFLAG in the microcombi beam CPU is normally set to H=011, and the number of copies can be freely set until copying starts. When the operator turns on the copy start key on the operation display panel, RFLAG is set to ";1" and the set number of copies N is stored. Microcomputer CPU
A copy start signal is transmitted from the microcomputer CPU 2 to start the copying operation. Next, each time the copied original is discharged onto the original tray 201, the microcomputer CPU2 determines whether or not it is the final original. When the document detection sensor 213 detects that there is no document and the paper ejection sensor 113 confirms that the document that was carried into the circulating automatic document feeder @200 immediately before the document detection sensor 113 detects the document is out, the microcomputer CP tT 2
A final document discharge signal is transmitted from the microcomputer CPU 1 to the microcomputer CP TJ 1.
The timer of the delay circuit is turned on. At the same time, the microcomputer CPU1 counts the number of times the final document is ejected. For example, when the final original of the first set is ejected, the microcomputer CP TJ 1 stores a count of 1 as the number of times the final original is ejected. When the timer counts up, the microcomputer CPUI compares the set number of copies N with the counted number and determines whether the condition ``set number of copies≦discharge count'' is satisfied. If the count has not reached the set number N, an operation signal is output from the microcomputer CP TJ 1 to the drive control circuit 309, and the motor 304 is turned ON.
,, RET.

The above-mentioned series of operations is based on ``Setting number of copies ≦ Ejection count''
This will continue until the condition is satisfied. When it is confirmed that the above conditions are satisfied, the microcomputer CPU
RFLAG of I is reset to 31=OII, the copy operation is completed and RET is completed.

FIG. 16 shows a schematic flowchart of connector A when the stack mode is selected in the control flow shown in FIG. 14.

At'LAG in the microcomputer CPU2 is normally set to j#==OII in the initial state, and the set number of copies can be freely set until the start of copying. When the operator turns on the copy start key on the operation panel, APLAG is set to 1'' and the set number of copies is stored.

A copy start signal is transmitted from the microcomputer CPU1 to the microcomputer CPU2, and a copying operation is started. When it is confirmed that the set number of copies of the original have been ejected onto the original tray 110, the microcomputer CPU 2 determines whether or not the original is the final original.
It is judged by. If the manuscript is not the final manuscript,
After each microcomputer CPU 1 finishes scanning a predetermined number of times with its optical system, it is determined whether the document is the final document. If it is not the final document, a document discharge signal is transmitted from the microcomputer CPU2 to the microcomputer CPU1, and the timer of the delay circuit of the microcomputer CP TJ1 mentioned above is turned on.

After the timer counts up, an operation signal is output from the microcomputer CPU 1 to the drive control circuit 309, and the motor 304 is turned on and RET is performed. The series of operations described above are continued until it is confirmed that the ejected document is the final document. When it is confirmed, AFLAG of the microcomputer CPU1 is reset to 0'' and copying starts. This operation is repeated until it is confirmed that it is the final manuscript, and it is confirmed that it is the final manuscript. AFLAG"=O'" is reset, the copying operation is completed, and RET is performed.

Next, we will explain other embodiments.The recording paper sorting device that combines the circulating automatic document feeder and the movable paper output tray device that has been described so far can also be applied to other special modes. Be able to do it. As the special mode, one interrupt mode, continuous page copying mode, etc. are known. Hereinafter, cases in which the present invention is applied to each mode will be briefly described.

Interrupt mode means that while the original (A) is being copied, another original (B) is copied.
) is a function used when copying. As two modes of using the interrupt mode, for example, when copying another document (B) while copying a document (A) with a set number of sheets H, an interrupt key on an operation display panel (not shown) is turned on. The copying operation for the original (A) is interrupted, and when it is confirmed that all the copy sheets have been ejected from the copying machine main body 100, the paper ejection tray 303 is moved. When the copying operation for the interrupt document CB) is completed and it is confirmed that all the copy sheets have been discharged, the paper discharge tray moves and returns to its original position. The copying operation for the original (A) can be restarted, and copying continues for the remaining number of sheets out of the set number of sheets.

The page continuous copying mode is a function used when copying the left and right sides of a two-page spread document, respectively. One way to use the page continuous copy mode is to place, for example, a two-page spread document on a contact glass, and turn on a page continuous copy key on an operation display panel (not shown). Set the required number of copies and turn on the copy start key to copy the set number of copies to the left half. When it is confirmed that all the copy sheets have been discharged from the copying machine main body 100, the paper discharge tray 303 moves. After the movement is completed, the set number of copies are made to the right half, and when it is confirmed that all the copy sheets have been ejected, the paper ejection tray moves and returns to its original position.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the special mode control program.

When the special mode routine starts, it is checked whether 1-interrupt mode or continuous page copying mode is specified.
If either one is specified, the connector W,
Proceed to connector P. If the above specification is met, perform RET.

FIG. 18 shows 1 in the flowchart shown in FIG. 17.
This is a schematic flowchart of the connector W when the interrupt mode is selected.

WFLAG in the microcomputer CPUI is "=
0'', and when Ill = O#l, the signal level of the paper ejection sensor 113 of the copying machine main body 100 is checked.This is done when the copying operation is interrupted by an interrupt. This is to confirm that all copy sheets have been ejected by the copying operation.When the signal level is low, an operation signal is output from the microcomputer CPUI to the drive control circuit 309, and the output tray 3
03 moves. When the signal is at high level, RET is performed. After the movement of the paper discharge tray 303 is completed, when the operator turns on the copy start key, WFLAG is set to 1l=1#''.After the copying operation by interruption is completed.

When the interrupt mode is released, the ejection of all copy sheets due to the copying operation is confirmed, and when the ejection is confirmed, an operation signal is output from the microcomputer CPUI to the drive control 309, and the paper ejection tray 303 is moved. At the same time, WFLAG
is reset to "=0" and performs RET.

FIG. 19 shows a schematic flowchart of the connector P when the page continuous shooting mode is selected in the control flow shown in FIG. 17.

PFLA in microcomputer CP TJ 1
After confirming that G = 0'' and the set number of copies is 2 or more, the operator presses the copy start key.
If N is selected, the set number of copies is stored, and the left half of the two-page spread document is copied. Microcomputer CPT
The JI counts the number of ejected copy sheets using the ejection sensor 113, and performs RET until the condition ``set number of copies≦number of ejected sheets'' is satisfied. When this condition is reached and it is confirmed that the signal level of the paper ejection sensor 113 is low level, the drive control circuit 3 is sent from the microcomputer CPUI.
An operation signal is output to 09, and the paper discharge tray 303 moves. At the same time, PFLAG is set to "=1". After the paper output tray movement is completed, the remaining right half is copied,
RET is performed until the condition ``set number of copies ≦ number of ejected sheets'' is satisfied. When the condition is reached and it is confirmed that the signal level of the paper ejection sensor 113 is low level, the drive control circuit 309 is sent from the microcomputer CP TJ l. An operation signal is output to and the paper output tray 303 moves.At the same time, PFLAG is reset to II = OIt and R
ET.

According to the present invention, by increasing the number of sorting forms, it is possible to realize sorting according to the operator's intentions, improve work efficiency1, and provide a recording paper sorting device that is small, lightweight, and highly reliable. be able to.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view of a copying machine equipped with a recording paper sorting device which is an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a plan view of a movable paper output tray device which is an embodiment of the present invention. , FIG. 3 is a side view of the movable paper discharge tray device shown in FIG. 2, FIGS. 4 and 5, and FIG. 6 are side views. FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of the operation of the link mechanism section of the movable paper output tray device shown in FIG. The perspective view shown in FIG. 8 relates to one aspect of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the state of stacking of copy sheets on the paper output tray when the stack mode is set, and FIG. 9 is a schematic system configuration of a copying machine equipped with the recording paper sorting device shown in FIG. 1. Block diagram showing. Fig. 1O is a drive control circuit diagram of the movable paper discharge tray device shown in Fig. 2, Fig. 11 is a timing chart of each part in the drive control circuit shown in Fig. 10, and Fig. 12 is a sort mode setting. FIG. 13 is a timing chart of each part of the copying machine when the stack mode is set, and FIGS. 14 and 15 are timing charts of each part of the copying machine when the stack mode is set.
16 is a flowchart of a control program according to one embodiment of the present invention, FIGS. 17 and 18 are flowcharts of a control program according to another embodiment of the present invention. 1... Copying device, 100... Copying machine main body. 200... Circulating automatic document feeder, 204...
・Transport belt, 205...Switching claw, 212...
Partition claw, 300...Movable paper output tray device, 306
... Link mechanism section, 307 ... Photo sensor. 309... Drive control circuit.

Claims (2)

[Claims] (1) As a recording paper sorting device that sorts recording paper ejected from an image forming device that forms an image on a sheet, a circulation device that has an automatic document conveyance function and a circulation conveyance function and is attached to the image forming device The image forming apparatus is characterized by a combination of a type automatic document feeder and a movable paper ejection tray device which has a function of moving a paper ejection tray for stacking the recording paper and is attached to the recording paper ejection section of the image forming apparatus. Recording paper sorting device. (2) The movable paper ejection tray device includes a paper ejection tray moving mechanism and a drive control circuit that controls the paper ejection tray movement mechanism. recording paper sorting device.