DE4042539B9 - Paper handling device - Google Patents

Abstract

A paper handling device comprising:
a plurality of storage compartments (300);
a paper positioning device (316, 502) for positioning the sheets of paper that have been distributed into the plurality of trays (300);
paper moving means (402, 421) for moving the paper sheets tray (300) by tray (300) after the paper positioning device (316, 502) has positioned the paper sheets to a stapling position;
a stapler (401) for stapling the sheets of paper that have been moved to the stapling position by the paper moving means, the paper moving means (402, 421) returning the sheets of paper stapled by the stapler (401) to an original position;
characterized by the following features:
a) the paper positioning device (316, 502) designed as a pivoting or pushing unit is driven by a separate drive device (515), the paper positioning device (316, 502) being separated from the paper movement device (402, 421) by a separate drive device (409) is driven,
b) a control device to which a signal is supplied when the paper moving device (402, 421) the stapled paper sheets in ...

Description

The invention relates to a paper handling device as claimed in claim 1 GB 2 173 483 A is known.

Sheets of paper which for example, carried out by a copier or a printer have been, usually in individual subjects a sorter or a stacking device. The stacks sheets of paper are removed one by one from the subjects and then by means of bound, punched and then secured with a stapler or with bookbinder glue connected with each other. However, taking out the individual Piles of paper from the trays, to bind them or treat them in some other way, tedious and not efficient.

A Development younger Date in the field of the devices described above is a paper handling device, what stacks of paper in their compartments can staple or otherwise treat; such a facility is therefore also referred to as a sorting or stapling device. On example for this type of paper handling facility is a facility which distributes a predetermined number of sheets of paper to all subjects and the paper sheets Compartment for Subject stapled as described in Japanese Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 62-290655, 63-60871 and 63-116168. With a copier. one such sorting and stapling device is generally provided that the on the subjects distributed sheets of paper put in the right position, d. H. be positioned. If the sheets of paper in the individual subjects not put in the right position or properly arranged should, can they are not bound properly with the stapler. To a to promote efficient stapling, can be provided that as soon as a sheet of paper assigned to the last template the first tray reached, a stapling process on the first compartment begins without having to deliver a predetermined number of sheets of paper serviced to all trays becomes.

From the U.S. Patent 4,762,312 a paper handling device is already known which comprises a sorting device in order to distribute paper sheets which have been discharged from a corresponding copier over a number of compartments. The sorting device in turn comprises a positioning device in the form of a lower paper stop in order to bring the paper sheets which have been loaded into the number of compartments of the sorting device into the correct position. In addition, the known paper handling device also includes a stapling device for stapling the paper sheets which have been loaded into the number of compartments, the overall control being carried out by a control device for controlling the operation of both the sorting device, the stapling device and the positioning device.

From the U.S. Patent 3,937,459 a sorting device with vertically stacked sorting compartments is known. In this known sorting device, paper sheets can be fed to the individual compartments and can be aligned with one another at their edges with the aid of a positioning device in the respective compartments.

The GB 2 173 483 A relates to a device for sorting and stapling sheets, which is formed with a plurality of storage compartments, according to the preamble of claim 1.

The known device comprises Means for sliding movement introduced into the storage compartments leaves to stop. Even alignment of leaves should be accomplished in this way. The levers for the facilities to stop are adjusted either manually or mechanically. sliding or alignment bars are towards the stopping devices moved to leaves in the storage compartments align. A stapler is also arranged to in order for Stacks of paper are used in various storage compartments can. Lead the facilities to stop driven over a lever pivots.

The The object underlying the invention is a paper handling device to create at the without additional mechanical effort already stapled sheets in the individual subjects can be brought into a precisely defined position in order to make multiple use of the respective storage compartments to enable.

This The object is achieved by the listed in claim 1 Features solved.

Especially result in advantageous refinements and developments of the invention itself from the subclaims.

in the The following is the invention based on exemplary embodiments with reference closer to the drawing explained. Show it:

1 a front view of a paper handling device according to the invention;

2 a top view of the in 1 illustrated facility;

3 a rear view of the in 1 Darge set up facility;

4 a perspective view of one in the establishment of the 1 provided swivel device;

5 a plan view from which a relationship between the pivoting device and compartments can be seen;

6 a perspective view of a sliding part provided in the pivoting device;

7 a plan view of a swivel motor and associated elements, which are part of the swivel device;

8th u. 9 Graphs each showing a relationship between the rotation angle of the swing motor and the displacement;

10 a top view of a compartment;

11 a side view of the compartment;

12 a side view of the compartment from the right;

13 to 15 Sectional views of different parts of the subject;

16 a side view of a part of the compartment on which a discharge brush is provided;

17 a sectional view of another special shape of the compartment;

18 a perspective view of the overall structure of the embodiment of a stapling device;

19 a plan view of a support member;

20 a plan view of a stapler;

21 a front view of the stapler;

22 a side view of the stapler;

23 to 33 Front views showing the movements of various components of the stapler;

34 a front view of a feed spindle;

35 to 39 Front views showing how to replace a staple cartridge loaded in the stapler;

40 a front view of another special embodiment of the feed spindle;

41 a graph showing a relationship between the speed and the displacement associated with the feed shaft in 40 is attainable;

42 a schematic block diagram of a control system for controlling the paper handling device;

43A and 43B Flowcharts of a general flow, which is carried out by means of the control system;

44A to 44C Flowcharts of a booklet step sequence;

45A and 45B Flow charts of a process for operating the pivoting device;

46 a flowchart of a pan operation;

47 a flowchart representing a process for retracting the pivoting device;

48 a flowchart of a calculation process which is assigned to reserved booklets;

49 a flow chart for locking a pivoting movement;

50 a flowchart of a process for checking trays in which a pivoting movement has occurred;

51 a flow diagram of a treatment with a clamping device;

52 and 53 Flow charts relating to a double sorter;

54 a flowchart of a process when a door is opened while a stapling is in progress;

55 a flowchart related to a downward movement of an elevator;

56 a flowchart of up / down movements;

57 a flowchart of a fault relief procedure in an up / down movement;

58 a flowchart of a size shift error relief procedure;

59 a flowchart of an error detection during an up / down movement;

60 a flowchart of a swing error detection;

61 a flowchart of a fault detection in a swivel device;

62 a flowchart of a staple detection;

63 a flowchart of a general fault detection;

64 a flowchart of a size shift error handling;

65 a flowchart of handling an error during an up / down movement;

66 a flowchart of swivel error handling;

67 a flowchart of a clamping error handling; and

68 a flowchart of staple error handling.

In 1 a paper handling device according to the invention is shown. The device has guides arranged at the inlet 104a and 104b to receive sheets in the form of copies which are successively discharged from a copying machine or the like.

guides 107 . 109 . 110 and 111 , Transport rollers 106 . 108 . 112 and 113 and a selector part in the form of a claw 115 are after the tours 104a and 104b arranged to carry the incoming copies up. The dial part 115 is pivotable to thereby select one of two independent tracks, ie an upper track, which is from a guide 119 via a pair of discharge rollers 117 and 118 to a filing 119 runs, and a lower path, which by a guide 120 runs into a vertical transport path. The vertical transport path runs along the inlet sides of a number of in the embodiment shown 20 subjects 300 , The transport and discharge rollers 162 respectively. 163 are provided in pairs. Driven roles 165 are against some of the transport roles 162 pressed, which are arranged at a corresponding distance from each other. The transport rollers 106 . 108 . 112 and 113 who have favourited Discharge Rollers 117 and 118 who have favourited Transport Rollers 162 and the discharge rollers 163 are powered by an engine 200 driven.

As in 2 shown is a stapling or binding device 400 arranged on one side of the group of subjects. The stapler 400 consists of a stapler 401 , which serves as a stapler unit to be described later, from a device 402 to a stack of sheets of paper toward the stapler 401 to draw (being this facility 402 hereinafter referred to as a clamp) and from a mechanism to the stapler 401 and the clamping device 402 to one of the subjects 300 to move up and down. On the other side of the group of subjects is a swivel device 500 arranged, the sliding parts, which play the role of regulating devices to bring paper sheets into the correct position, ie to position or arrange them before the sheets are stapled, and have a device to move each sliding part into a position which is too fits a paper size.

3 shows a rear view of the in 1 illustrated facility. The twenty subjects 300 are in a first block or a first sorting unit 100 and a second block or a second sorting unit 101 divided, each having ten subjects. fan probe 176 and 179 and discharge sensor 177 and 178 are the top block (the first sorting unit) 100 assigned while fan feelers 181 and 184 and discharge sensor 180 and 183 the lower block (the second sorting unit) 101 assigned. The feelers 176 to 184 are each designed as photosensors, which have a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor. The discharge sensors 177 . 178 . 180 and 183 each respond to the discharge of a sheet of paper or a copy while the fan feelers 176 . 179 . 181 and 184 each on a copy in the assigned subjects 300 speak to. With the help of the fan probe 176 . 179 . 181 and 184 can the lower block 101 be used when the top block 100 is loaded with copies.

During operation, a copy carried out by a copying machine passes over the guides 104a and 104b into the paper handling facility and through the guides 107 . 109 . 110 and 111 and the transport rollers 106 . 108 . 112 and 113 promoted upwards. In a normal discharge process, the dialing part is 115 lowered the copy over the guide 114 and the discharge roller pair 117 and 118 to the discharge tray 119 to lead. In a sort operation (in which copies are sorted in the page order) or in a batch operation (in which copies are sorted page by page), the dialing part becomes 115 raised to the copy along the guide 110 to head down. A copy made using the transport rollers 116 and driven rollers 165 is promoted to a specific subject 300 distributed at which the assigned deflector is held in an effective position. The deflector 164 are adjusted according to the respective operating mode (sorting or batch mode).

In the sorting operation, the deflector assigned to the first compartment becomes 164 pressed to copy into the first compartment 300 unsubscribe. The second copy of the first page is made by the second subject 300 assigned deflector 164 in the second compartment 300 discharged. The first copy of the second page becomes the first subject 300 , and the second copy of the second page becomes the second tray 300 allocated. In this way, the first page and all subsequent pages are successively placed on the respective compartment in the sorting operation 300 distributed. In batch mode, all copies of the first page are discharged into the first bin, while all copies of the second page are discharged into the second bin.

Various means necessary for stapling the copies sorted by one of the two modes described above are described below. To staple a number of stacks of copies, they must be neatly arranged. In order to meet this requirement, the embodiment shown has the swivel device 500 , which is then based on 4 to 8th is described.

How out 4 and 5 every subject has to be seen 300 an upright contact surface at one edge 316 , A rear upright portion extends from another edge of the compartment 300 upwards, which is perpendicular to the edge at which the contact surface 316 is arranged. An incision 311 extends from the edge of the compartment 300 from which runs parallel to the edge at which the contact surface 316 is set. The incision 311 extends over a predetermined length in the direction of the contact surface 316 , A main wave 501 has a rectangular cross-section and extends upright through the incisions 311 the subjects 300 , A number of sliding parts 502 is in spaced locations, each one of the subjects 300 correspond to the shaft 501 appropriate. Every sliding part 502 bumps against the end of a stack of sheets of paper to put them in the correct position, ie to position what is still described. As in 6 shown, there is a sliding part 502 made of elastic sliding parts 502a and 502b which of the contact surface 316 opposite and serve to position deviations in particular on the sliding part 502 and the subject 300 take. When a sheet of paper is curved upward, the elastic part presses 502b against it, so that the sliding part 502 bumps firmly against the end of a stack of paper.

Generally L-shaped support parts 505 and 506 are at the top and bottom of the main shaft 501 appropriate. timing belts 507 and 508 are in an upper and a lower area of the subjects 300 arranged, and each runs in substantially the same direction as the incisions 311 , The supporting parts 505 and 506 are on the straps 507 respectively. 508 attached. The strap 507 is over pulleys 509 and 510 guided while the belt 508 over pulleys 511 to 513 running. The pulleys 509 and 511 , which are drive belts, are attached to the upper and lower ends of an upright drive shaft. The pulley 513 is on a drive shaft of an engine 515 supported.

As in 4 is a size sensing plate 530 firmly attached to the sorter. A size sensor 531 is on the lower support part 507 attached to serve as a size information sensing device. The size sensor plate 530 and the size sensor 531 work together to one position of the sliding part 502 to feel. A swing motor 520 is on the lower support part 506 appropriate. An eccentric wave 520a extends from the output side of the engine 520 up. A swivel arm 521 extends from the lower end of the main shaft 501 towards the engine 520 , The eccentric wave 520a sits loosely in a longitudinal slot 521 which is in the swivel arm 521 is trained. If the engine 520 is rotated, the arm 521 rotated, which in turn turns the main shaft 501 is rotated. The main shaft 501 therefore rotates the elastic sliding parts 502a of the individual sliders 502 between two different positions, which in 5 are represented by a solid or dash-dotted line. This rotary motion is sinusoidal, as in 8th is shown. As a result, the rotation at the top dead center is slowed down. The dash-dotted position of the elastic part 502a is chosen so that the part 502a abuts the end of a stack of paper with a predetermined pressure to secure the stack of paper against the abutment surface 316 to press.

As stated above, the swivel device 500 executed as a unit and is driven as a whole by the engine 515 emotional. When a size signal is supplied from the image forming device to the paper handling device, the motor 515 the top and bottom straps 507 and 508 turned. The result is that on the main shaft 501 attached sliding parts 502 in the forward direction to one end of in each subject 300 filed paper sta peln moves. The swivel device 500 is stopped in a predetermined position, which is by means of the size sensing plate 530 and the size sensor 531 has been felt. Then the engine runs 520 half a turn (180 °) in the forward direction and then backwards to its starting position. This will make the arm 521 once pivoted and shares its angular movement with the individual sliding parts 520a over the main shaft 501 With. Consequently, each sliding part 502a from the in 5 extended drawn position brought into the dash-dot position. If necessary, as in 9 illustrated the engine 520 can be moved more than 180 ° in the forward direction and is then returned to the initial position, so as to pivot the movement of each sliding part 502a to effect twice in one step.

If the elastic part 502a each sliding part 502 towards one end of one in the assigned subject 300 when the stack of paper is pushed, the opposite end of the stack of paper hits the contact surface 516 pressed and thereby brought into the correct position. At the same time, the sliding part pushes 502 when rotating the paper stack so that the end of the paper stack, which is perpendicular to the aforementioned end, against the upright part 308 of the subject 300 is pressed, as indicated by an arrow S in 5 is indicated. As a result, the paper stack is brought into the correct position in the tray in two mutually perpendicular directions. Because the pivotal movement by the forward and backward rotations of the motor 520 is carried out, the return to the starting position is easy, even if the sliding part 502 the paper stack does not move completely during the forward panning movement.

The stack of paper, as described above, on the tray 300 is put into the correct position, is then subjected to a stapling or similar operation and is then in one by an arrow X in 5 displayed direction pulled out. Since there are no obstacles in the x direction, the paper stack can be easily pulled out.

Based on 10 to 17 the structure of the intended subject 300 to promote accurate positioning of a stack of paper and stapling. In 10 and 11 are a top view and a side view of the subject 300 shown. As in 10 shown is the incision 311 essentially in the intermediate area of the subject 300 provided for the main shaft 501 can be moved according to the paper size. Two bridges 301 are next to the incision 311 arranged, between which a groove for receiving the slide 502 is fixed ( 15 ). As in 15 shown, the ridges serve 301 to lift up a sheet of paper P so that it can be securely positioned. As in 17 represented by the ridges 301 fixed gutter can be replaced by a simple recess.

Another advantage, which with the help of the webs 301 can be achieved is that the paper sheet P is provided with a certain elasticity and is therefore positioned with greater accuracy. On the subject 300 provided ribs 302b prevent a sheet of paper from entering the incision 311 slips. As in 13 shown, each rib runs 302b which near the incision 311 is arranged by the subject 300 out up and down to prevent a sheet of paper P from under the tray 300 device, and at the same time to prevent it from sliding into the incision in the compartment above. Ribs 302b are essentially 10 mm within the end of the paper size, particularly to guide the end of a sheet of paper that is easily into the incision 311 can reach.

As in 13 illustrated, the rib portion has that of the compartment 300 protrudes upward, a generally triangular, slightly oblique cross-section. Such a shape is advantageous for guiding a stapled and discharged paper stack so that it does not come off the ribs, such as the ribs 302 is detected. Every rib 302b has a height which is in the direction of the incision 311 increases like from 14 can be seen. This allows a large number of sheets of paper to be on the tray 300 be accommodated. As in 16 is shown, a discharge brush in the illustrated embodiment 322 on the subject 300 attached to increase the number of copies that are in the tray 300 can be accommodated. However, it is likely that the brush 322 takes up the discharged paper sheet P due to its curvature in order to achieve the stacking and positioning accuracy. ribs 302c who also on the subject 300 are provided, carry such a sheet of paper P to safely prevent it from the brush 322 is detected. These ribs 302c are also arranged to press opposite ends of different sizes of paper sheets P accordingly.

As in 11 shown, there is an approach 302e from the subject 300 out down. This approach 302e serves to push the end of paper sheets P down so that the clamping elements 421 the clamping device 402 can securely pinch the paper sheets P without hitting the end of the sheets.

In 11 extends a ledge 307 from the subject 300 out down. If that's the subject 300 assigned sheet P in one direction in the correct position, it can over the contact surface 316 ( 12 ) go out if it is very wavy. By the lead 307 an exact positioning of such a sheet P is promoted.

In 10 is the subject 300 with an incision 310 provided so that by means of the clamping device 402 Sheets of paper P which are in the compartment 300 are stacked, can be clamped. The subjects 300 are attached to the sorter in a certain angular position, for example at an angle of 25 ° to the horizontal. With this arrangement, paper sheets in the intended discharge direction are not only caused by the rotation of the slider 502 , but also brought into the right position by their weight.

12 is a right side view of the subject 300 and it shows how it is held. In 12 are side walls 315 and 315b and compartment brackets 312a and 312b shown. The field of expertise 300 is rigid with the compartment holder 312a connected that is close to the contact surface 316 is arranged, and is simply by the other compartment holder 312b kept because there is only a small space between the compartment 300 and the bracket 312b is provided. The space between the subject 300 and the compartment holder 312b takes a thermal expansion of the subject 300 on.

The stapler 400 is carried out as follows. As in 18 and 19 shown is the stapling device 400 on one side of the number of compartments 300 arranged. The stapler 400 instructs the stapler 401 and a paper moving device 402 on which at the bottom of a support member 403 are attached. The file 401 drives a staple into a stack of paper on one of the trays 300 is arranged. The paper moving device 402 grabs the stack of paper on the tray 300 and essentially transports it in a horizontal direction. Opposing ends 403a and 403b of the supporting part 403 are curved upwards or downwards. roll 404a and 404b are rotatable at the bent ends 403a respectively. 403b kept tert. Two parallel guide rails 405a and 405b run vertically along the ends of the compartments 300 , roll 404a and 404b are in the guide rails 405a respectively. 405b added so that the stapler 401 and the establishment 402 together along the ends of the compartments 300 are movable up and down. A strap 406a runs over pulleys 407a and 407b which are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other in the vertical direction. There is also a strap 406b over pulleys 407b and 407d guided, which in the same way as the pulleys 407a and 407c are arranged. The straps 406a and 406b run essentially parallel to one another along the compartments 300 , The bent ends 403a and 403b of the supporting part 403 are attached to the belt by means of screws 406a respectively. 406 attached. The lower pulleys 407c and 407d are on a wave 408 held so that they are rotated together. A pulley 410 is on the output shaft of an engine 409 appropriate. A strap 411 is over the pulley 410 and a pulley 412 guided. A drive gear 413 is on the same shaft as the pulley 412 attached and in meshing engagement with a gear 414 held. The rotation of the engine 409 is on such a gear arrangement on the pulley 407d transfer. In this arrangement, the belt 406a and 406b the file 401 and the paper moving device 402 moved up and down. A position sensor 415 is at the bent end 403a of the supporting part 403 attached while an upright sensing plate 416 , as shown, the position sensor 415 assigned. The plate 416 has approaches 416a which at predetermined intervals with respect to the subjects 300 are set. With such a position sensing mechanism, the stapler 401 and the paper moving device to the subjects 300 brought and stopped. An approach 403c is on the support part 403 provided and sets the upper limit position of the supporting part 403 in connection with a sensor 403d firmly. Especially when the approach 403c in the feeler 403d occurs, the engine 409 switched off, causing any further upward movement of the support member 403 is prevented.

Based on 20 becomes the movement of the stapler 400 explained. As shown, a sheet of paper 423c which the subject 300 is allocated in a through 423d displayed position and then carried out by the pivoting device 500 against the contact surface 316 pressed. At the start of a stapling process, the clamping device 421 brought from an extended reproduced position to a dash-dotted position. The clamping device is in the dash-dotted position 421 closed so that they have sheets of paper 423c attacks. Then the clamping device 421 returned to the extended position, which then leaves 423c in one position 423f to be brought. In this state, the stapler 401 the paper sheets 423c stapled. Then the clamping device 421 opened to the stapled sheets 423c release, and a push rod, which will be described, moves the paper sheets 423c to thereby bring them back into a position which is in the range of 423e to 423d lies. Such a sequence of steps is repeated for the other subjects, as will be described in detail later. As in 21 shown, has the paper moving device 402 the clamping device 421 , Capturing a pa pierstapels and a reciprocating mechanism 422 to the clamping device 421 to move back and forth in the horizontal direction. The clamping device 421 has a basic part 421a on which two arms 421z and 421s are rotatably supported. Through a solenoid 421c pressed, grab the arms 421z and 421s with their assigned clamping parts 421y and 421m a stack of paper.

The reciprocating mechanism 422 has a feed shaft 422a to the clamping device 421 on the subject 300 to move to and away from this. Axle stub, which at the ends of the feed shaft 422a protrude are in a U-shaped frame 422b held rotatable. One of the stub axles stands by the frame 422 a predetermined piece on the outside. As in 22 shown is a pulley 422 attached to the protruding end of the aforementioned stub axle. A strap 422d with a circular cross section is over the pulley 422c and an intermediate pulley. An engine 422f drives the pulley 422c over a gear 422e , the intermediate pulley and the belt 422d on. The feed shaft 422a has a groove in its peripheral surface, whereby a ball screw is formed. A basic part 421a has a round approach 421h with an internal thread for the feed shaft 422a , The motor 422f drives the feed shaft 422a and rotates it, which then turns the base 421a is moved back and forth. position sensor 422j and 422k are on the frame 422b at a predetermined distance from each other. A feeling part 422m is on the approach 421h provided to by the position sensors 422j and 422k to be felt. The clamping device 421 is between the position sensors 422j and 422k Movable back and forth.

When a stapling operation starts, the stapler 401 and the paper moving device 402 through the straps 406a and 406b moved up and down together ( 18 ). The file 401 and the device 402 become one of the subjects 300 brought, which is loaded with a stack of paper to be bound. According to an output signal from the position sensor 415 become the stapler 401 and the device 402 in a special subject 300 neighboring position stopped. At that moment the solenoid is 421c not excited, so the arms 421z and 421s hence the clamping parts 421y and 421m are held in their open position. Then the engine turns 422 the feed shaft 422a to the clamping device 421 towards the stack of paper in the tray 300 to move forward.

In 34 is a special version of a groove 430 , as mentioned above, in the peripheral surface of the feed shaft 422a shown. When the feed shaft rotates, it will be in the groove 430 matching balls 431 in a reciprocating motion, passing through the groove 430 are led. The feed shaft 422a has a blind part at its opposite ends 432 , which extends over an angular range of 180 ° and more. The ends of the idle parts 432 serve as stops to prevent the stopping position from being changed by the home. If the ball 431 against the respective ends of the groove 430 bump, the resulting impact is due to slippage through the circular belt 422d collected. This also applies if the circular belt 422d is replaced by a flat belt or similar device for transmission by friction.

40 shows another special version of the groove 430 in one transaction. The groove 430 the 40 is designed to control the speed of movement by changing the displacement relative to the angle of rotation. In this example it is assumed that the feed shaft 422a creates the entire shift by two turns (720 °). The movement is caused by the first revolution of the shaft 422a gradually accelerated and then decelerated at the next revolution. For example, if the shift A is 42 mm, the groove 430 be designed so that the first 90 ° of a rotational movement a displacement B of 3 mm, the next 90 ° of a rotation a displacement C of 4 mm, the third 90 ° of a rotation a displacement D of 6 mm and the fourth 90 ° of a rotation causes a shift E of 7 mm. From this it can be seen that the type of speed control with respect to the paper stack 423c is free from interference with positioning due to inertia or persistence, which occurs when the clamping parts 421y and 421m holding the paper stack 423c have started to move in the direction of the booklet position and stop there.

Once the clamping parts 421y and 421m When they reach a position where they can grab the stack of paper, they stop there and at the same time the solenoid 421c excited. Then, as in 24 shown, the clamping parts 421y and 421m closed to grasp the end portion of the paper stack. Such a procedure is described in detail using 21 to 27 described below.

If the solenoid 421c is excited, becomes a lever 421L around a fulcrum 421d turned. Then a connecting part 421j by a spring 421k Which on the lever 421L is attached to a fulcrum 421h turned. The rotational movement of the connecting part 421j is via an A gear 421g , which is firmly attached to the connecting part 421j on is brought to a B gear 421w transfer. The B gear 421w is firmly on an upper arm 421z attached so that the upper arm 421z around a fulcrum 421x counterclockwise, ie turned downwards, as at one point 421T is illustrated, whereby the upper clamping part 421y is lowered. Since the clamping section protrudes forward, as in 25 shown, a bolt falls 421V in an incision 422w which is in a push rod 422Z is trained. The gear 421w is in meshing engagement with a gear 421P held. As a result, the gear P is also rotated clockwise, which in turn causes a lower connecting part 421S which is rigid on the gear 421P is attached to a fulcrum 421R is rotated. The lower clamp part 421m is therefore about a fulcrum 421N moved upwards as in 21 is shown. Although a feather 421f the lower arm 421S biased in a clockwise direction, its preload is small enough to the lower clamping part 421m to be able to move, as stated above.

The displacements of the clamping parts 421y and 421m from their predetermined positions depend on the number of teeth of the gears 421g . 421w and 421P and the distances between the pivot points and the points of attack. In the illustrated embodiment, the A gear 421g , the B gear 421w and the C gear 421P 40 teeth, 32 teeth and 56 teeth. Therefore, the displacements of the gears can be expressed. In a ratio A: B: C = 1.25: 0.7. Furthermore, the distance between the pivot point is 421x of the upper arm 421z and the point of action 421T 52 mm, and the distance between the pivot point 421R of the lower arm 4215 and the point of attack 421N 37 mm. Hence, the displacement ratio is 1.25 × 52: 0.7 × 37, that is, 2.5: 1. Especially when the upper clamp part 421y moves down 2.5, the lower clamp moves 421m by 1 upwards.

The clamping force, which by means of the upper and lower clamping parts 421y and 421m has been exercised by the force of the spring 421k determines which on the solenoid 421c is attached. As in 21 is shown, the spring expands 421k more if the thickness of the from the clamping parts 421y and 421m stack of paper to be gripped becomes larger. In particular, the arrangement is designed so that the clamping force increases when the number of by the Klemmvor direction 421 sheets of paper to be gripped become larger; this excludes a shift or a similar process that is attributed to a small clamping force.

After that the engine 422f vice versa to the clamping device 421 return to the home position, gripping the stack of paper as in 26 is shown. The stack of paper therefore becomes substantially horizontal to the stapler 401 moved there. As soon as the end part of the paper stack reaches the end position, the paper stack is stopped there. As best in 23 . 25 and 27 is shown, the push rod 422z through the reverse rotation of the motor 422f in the in 27 reproduced position because the bolt 421V in the incision 422w is included. A slit 422T is continuously in a holding part 422X trained, and one on the push rod 422z protruding bolt is in the slot 422T added. There is also a slot 422 in the push rod 422z trained, and one on the holding part 422X protruding bolt 422P is in the slot 422R added. The holding part 422X is on the frame 422b except. The holding part 422X and the push rod 422z are by a spring 422N connected with each other. If in this embodiment the motor 422f reversed, the push rod 422z from the position in 25 in the position of 27 postponed. The push rod 422z itself is by the feather 422N pulled to the left like out 27 can be seen. Then the stapler 401 actuated to drive a staple into the end portion of the paper stack.

When the stapling is complete, the solenoid 421C de-energized. As a result, the upper part of the clamp 421y and the lower clamping part 421m by the force of the spring 421f opened, ie they are from the in 26 presented situation in the in 21 and 23 shown location brought back. At the same time the bolt comes 21V from the incision 422w the push rod 422z free. The push rod 422z is consequently under the action of the spring 422N from the position of the 38 in the position of 23 returned while the paper stack is being pushed to the starting position.

In 32 is a relationship between the push rod 422z , the supporting part 422X and the feather 422N shown to each other. The end of the push rod 422z is larger than the distance between neighboring subjects 300 so that the paper stack is securely in the tray 300 is brought back. Part of the holding part 422X stands diagonally upwards towards the compartment 300 in front. If such an extension on the holding part 422X missing, as in 33 shown, relatively soft sheets of paper P or strongly corrugated sheets of paper P slide up when they are pushed by means of the push rod 422z towards the subject 300 be moved. Then the stapler 401 and the paper moving device 402 pushed to the next tray and operated as described above to staple a stack of paper accommodated therein.

As in 28 shown, the contact surface 316 up from the edge of the compartment 300 before which the stapler 401 opposite. The investment area 316 is at the bottom of a wave 425 worn along the bottom of the compartment 300 runs. The investment area 316 is therefore in an in 29 reproduced, open position tiltable. The wave 425 is in turn through stock parts 423b rotatably supported by the opposite edges of the compartment 300 protrude downward. A coil spring 426 is around the wave 425 wound. The two ends of the coil spring 426 lie on the underside of the compartment 300 or on the back of the contact surface 316 on. The coil spring 426 spans the contact surface 316 towards the in 28 reproduced upright position. The investment area 316 is used in conjunction with the vertical movement of the stapler 401 through tiltable parts, ie a swiveling plate 427 and opened a release plate attached to the stapler 401 is supported. Part of the swiveling plate 427 is in one of the contact area 316 approach above 424a added. If the swivel plate 427 is rotated downwards, it abuts the edge of the cutout opening, creating the contact surface 316 is tipped down. If the swivel plate 427 is pivoted upwards, it touches the contact surface 316 not and is therefore freely rotatable. A role 428a is on the release plate 428 held and arranged in a position in which they are the plate 427 can touch. If the stapler 401 is moved up and down, touches the role 428a the swiveling plate 427 to rotate it.

During a sorting operation, the contact area 316 through the coil spring 426 held in the upright position as in 28 is shown. In this state, sheets of paper are fed to the tray one after the other 300 have been allocated exactly in the right position by placing their ends against the contact surface 316 bump. when the sorting operation ends, the stapler starts 401 to move down. Then comes the role 428a on the plate 428 on the stapler 401 is attached to the pivoting plate 427 of the subject 300 in plant, causing the plate 427 down into the in 29 reproduced position is rotated. The plate 427 then tilts against the action of the spring 426 the contact surface 316 , causing the tray 300 is opened. At this point, the investment area 316 and the plate 427 in a position below the surface of the compartment 300 lowered, as by a dash-dotted line in 29 is displayed. Then the stapling operation described above is carried out.

Once the stapled paper stack is in the starting position in the tray 300 is returned, or during such a stack of paper toward the tray 300 is pushed, the stapler 401 lowered to the next compartment. At this point the role moves 428a on the plate 428 away from the swivel plate 427 with the result that the contact surface 316 by the spring 426 is returned to its upright position. The tray opening and stapling movements described above are performed on all trays to which sheets of paper have been allocated.

After all piles of paper in the trays 30 are stapled, the stapler 401 raised to its top or starting position, which is above the first or top compartment 300 If the role 428a on the plate 428 in the case of return of the stapler 401 the bottom of the swivel plate 427 touched, the plate moves 427 just up, like in 30 is shown and rotates the contact surface 316 not at all. If the role 428a free from the plate 427 moves, the swiveling plate takes 427 due to their weight the 28 reproduced position.

In 31 is a variation on the basis of 28 to 30 arrangement described above. An elastic part 429 is for holding the swiveling plate 427 on the contact surface 316 appropriate. If the swivel plate 427 during the return of the stapler 401 through the role 428 , as stated above, is pivoted upward, it abuts the elastic member 427 and then springs into the in 28 reproduced position back.

Now, based on 35 to 39 replacing the staple cartridge in the stapler 401 described. In the illustrated embodiment, the stapler is 401 held upside down, since a copy housing, not shown, has a paper reversing device and discharges copies whose copy surface faces down.

If, as in 35 shown a release lever 480C is pushed up, it becomes a shaft 480F rotated clockwise. Then a wave slides 480e in a longitudinal slot so that a release claw 480B around a wave 480D is turned counterclockwise to by a shaft 480E to be released ( 36 ). If the wave 481E as mentioned, is a booklet section 481 around a wave 483 can be turned clockwise. The claw 480B is by a spring 480G returned to their initial position. If the stitching section 481 is moved clockwise, its shaft slides 482A in a slot and when locked by the slot is the stacking section 481 secured in this position. The stitching section is in the locked position 481 somewhat slanted with respect to the vertical and is slightly on the Au outside of the sorter in front, thereby replacing a staple cartridge 481C is relieved. After replacing the staple cartridge 481C becomes the lever 480C upwards or clockwise around the shaft 480F turned. This will make the wave 482A unlocked, which then causes the stitching section 481 counterclockwise around the shaft 483 can be moved. The lever 480C is by the spring 480G returned to the starting position. If, as in 39 shown, the booklet section 481 is moved counterclockwise, as stated above, the shaft pushes 481E against the claw 480B and open it. After the wave 480E from the claw 480B has moved away, the claw 480B by the spring 480G closed to the stitching section 481 lock in this position. This enables easy replacement of a staple cartridge.

In 42 There is shown a control system applicable in the illustrated embodiment, which is implemented as a microcomputer control system. The control system has a central processing unit (CPU) 600 , a read-only memory (ROM) 601 , a random access memory (RAM) 602 , Input / output elements 603 and 606 , a clock control unit (CTC) 604 and a universal asynchronous receiver / transmitter (UART) 605 , The ROM memory 601 programs are loaded. The central unit 600 receives output signals from an input system, ie from sensors and switches via a multipleger 607 and the input / output element 606 , The central unit controls accordingly 600 different consumers, which will be described later, via the input / output element 603 who have favourited CTC Unit 604 , different control units 608 . 611 . 615 . 616 , a phase signal generator 617 and an SSR unit 609 , The central unit 600 exchanges various states and command signals via the UART unit 605 , a recipient 612 and a control unit 613 with the copier.

The sensors and switches can be: an upper compartment sensor 631 , a specialist sensor 630 , an upper input sensor 629 , a lower input sensor 628 , a size output sensor 627 , a size sensor 531 , a sensor determining an initial position 626 , upper and lower home position sensors 403d , an upper and lower position sensor 415 , a sensor upstream of the clamping section 422j , a sensor downstream of the clamping device 422k , a stapler exit sensor 625 , a staple probe 624 , a paper probe 623 , a switch 622 on the top cover, a switch 621 on the left door, a switch 620 on the right door, an inlet sensor 619 and a paper discharge sensor 618 , The consumer (the output system) can use the drive motor (an AC motor), an indicator 656 for NO STAPLES, an indicator 655 for STAPLES, a deflector solenoid (SOL) 635 , a switching solenoid 634 , an electromagnetic clutch (C1) 421c , a stitching motor (DC motor) 632 , the motor (a reversible DC motor) 422f for the clamping device, the elevator motor (stepper motor) 409 , a size motor (stepper motor) 515 and a motor provided for a swiveling movement (stepper motor) 520 exhibit. The copier gives the sorter and stapler a sort start signal, a copy discharge signal, a mode signal, a size signal, a staple start signal, a staple end signal, a reset signal for a service technician call (an SC reset signal), etc. On the other hand, the sorter and the Stapler to the copier a discharge signal, a "door open" signal, a jam signal, a "short tray" signal, a failure signal, a "no staple" signal, a "end of stapling" signal, a "ready to stitch" signal, a signal "ready to sort", etc.

The operation and control, in particular of the illustrated embodiment, will now be described with reference to flow charts. In 43A and 43B the general operation of the embodiment is shown. First, an operation mode signal is received from the copier (step 54-1 ), and then a signal related to the set number received from the copier (step 54-2 ). After copier operation has started, the copier sends a "start sorter" signal (step 54-3 ). Accordingly, the drive motor 200 turned on (step 54-4 ) to start a sorting operation (steps 54-5 and 54-6 ). A waiting state is maintained before the "Start sorter" signal arrives. As in 43B In the sorting mode, a signal that indicates the size of sheets of paper that are fed from the copier arrives somewhat later than the "start sorter" signal (step 54-10 ). According to the size signal, it is determined whether the swivel device is ready or not (step 54-11 ). If the answer at step 54-11 is yes, the swivel device is brought into the appropriate position which matches the size signal (step 54-12 ).

The subroutines intended for general operation are in 45A and 45B shown. In 45A a subroutine is provided such that when the size signal has been received (step 56-1 ), Size position data matching the size signal is loaded into a size counter (step 56-2 ), and a swivel unit shift command is issued (step 56-3 ). Then the program returns (step 56-4 ). If the answer at step 56-1 is no, the program jumps back directly.

In 45 the swivel device sliding program is shown. If the swivel device cannot be moved (step 56-5 ) that jumps Program back (step 56-6 ). If the answer at step 56-5 yes, it is determined whether the swivel device can be swiveled or not ( 56-7 ). If the answer at step 56-7 yes is the engine 515 rotated clockwise at high speed (step 56-8 ). Whether the size sensor 531 from switched off to switched on or not, it is then determined (step 56-9 ). If the answer at step 56-9 is no, the program jumps back (step 56-6 ). If the answer at step 56-9 is yes, the so-called size counter is decremented by 1 (step 56-10 ), and is checked (step 56-11 ). If the size counter is 1, the speed of the motor 515 he lowers (step 56-12 ) and the program jumps back (step 56-13 ). If the size counter is 0 (step 56-14 ) the engine 515 switched off (step 56-15 ) and the program jumps back.

How out 43B the copier emits a discharge signal when a copy (sheet of paper) is discharged (step 54-13 ). When the discharge signal is received, the electromagnetic clutch (CL) is engaged (step 54-14 ). When the copy arrives at the sorter, the inlet sensor becomes 619 switched on (step 54-15 ), causing the switching solenoid 634 is excited (step 56-16 ). The sorter is now ready to allocate the copy from the tray. Among the deflector solenoids 635 to 654 , which are assigned to the individual compartments, the solenoid assigned to the first compartment becomes somewhat later than the switching on of the inlet sensor 619 excited, causing the copy to be fed into the tray (step 54-17 ). After the passage of a corresponding period of time that is necessary for the copy to lie completely in the compartment (eg 300 ms, step 54-18 ), the engine 520 turned on to move the slide to position the copy in the tray in the correct position (step 54-19 ). In particular, the sliding part is moved when the trailing edge of the copy is felt.

The pivoting movements of the sliding part are now based on the subroutine of 46 described. When the copy is fed into the tray, one of the upper and lower input sensors becomes 629 and 628 switched on. At the end of the discharge process, the sensor 629 or 628 switched from on to off (step 57-1 ). The rear edge of the copy is displayed by switching from the switched on to the switched off state. When switching the sensor 629 or 628 As mentioned above, a timer in the central processing unit 600 started (step 57-1 ). When a predetermined period of time, for example, 300 ms has passed, which is determined by monitoring the timer (step 57-3 ) the timer is stopped ( 57-4 ) and when the swivel unit is ready, the motor 520 switched on to start a swivel movement (step 57-6 ). This is repeated every time a copy is delivered to a subject. However, if the number of copies stacked one by one in the tray exceeds the number that is allowed in the stapler (30 copies in the illustrated embodiment), the panning movement is interrupted, thereby preventing sorting; the swivel unit is returned to the home position and the stapler unit is prevented from binding the copies on the tray.

The retraction of the swivel unit is in through a subroutine 47 played. If, as shown, a copy is placed in the first compartment (step 58-1 ) it is counted (step 58-2 ). If the number of copies to be ejected exceeds the number that can be stapled (step 58-3 ), the swiveling movement is interrupted (step 58-4 ) and the swivel unit is pulled back into the starting position (step 58-5 ). The next copy and all subsequent copies that are carried into the tray will not be placed in the correct position. At the same time, stapling of the copies previously delivered is prevented (step 58-6 ).

Next, stapling will be described. If in 43B a staple start command is received (step 54-20 ), stapling begins (step 54-21 ). When stapling ends (step 54-22 ) the stapler-slide unit is brought into the starting position (step 54-23 ). The stapling operation is performed according to a software command (step 54-24 ). Consequently, as in 43B indicated, the stapling operation in the illustrated embodiment can be controlled so that it takes place before the end of a sorting process, ie parallel to and alternatively with it, in order to support efficient paper handling. In the embodiment shown, two different types of stapling are possible, ie manual and automatic stapling. In manual stapling, sheets of paper are stapled after sorting, while in automatic stapling, stapling a stack of sheets of paper that have been completely allocated to the first compartment is automatically stopped without interrupting the sorting operation.

In 44A and 44B a subroutine intended for manual stapling is shown. A manual staple operation starts in accordance with a staple start signal which the copier emits after a sorting operation and when there are copies in the trays. First is the stapler 401 moved from the starting position to the compartment in which a paper stack to be stapled first is accommodated. The program then continues based on the value of a stitch sequence counter, as in 44A and 44B shown. In particular, when the stapler 401 reached the first compartment, the stitch sequence counter incremented from 0 to 1 (step 55-1 ). If the stitch sequence counter is 1, the motor 422f turned on to move the clamp forward (step 55-2 ). If the upstream sensor 422j , which is responsive to the end of the forward movement of the clamping device, is switched on (step 55-3 ) the clamping device is brought to a standstill (step 55-4 ) while the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 2 (step 55-5 ).

When the stitch sequence counter is 2 (step 55-69 ), the associated solenoid 421c turned on (step 55-7 ), and the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 3 (step 55-8 ). When the stitch sequence counter is 3 (step 55-9 ), the current state is held for 0.2s, and after 0.2 (step 55-10 ), the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 4 (step 55-11 ). When the stitch sequence counter is 4 (step 55-12 ), the engine 422f turned on to return the clamp to the home position (step 55-13 ). If the downstream sensor 422k is switched on (step 55-14 ), the return of the clamping device to the starting position is finished (step 55-15 ), and the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 5 (step 55-16 ).

When the stitch sequence counter is 5 (step 55-17 ), the paper sensor 623 checked to see if there are sheets of paper (step 55-18 ). If the answer at step 55-18 yes, stapling is performed (step 55-19 ). When stapling is finished (step 55-20 ), the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 6 (step 55-12 ). If the answer at step 55-18 no is no stapling. When the stitch sequence counter is 6 (step 55-25 ), the solenoid 421c switched off (step 55-23 ), a counter in which the stapled paper stacks stored in the trays are counted is incremented, and the swing motor is turned on to position the stapled paper stack (step 55-24 ). Then the counter for the stapled stacks of paper in the. Trays compared to a store that shows the number of trays loaded with stapled stacks of paper. If the counter reading is equal to the stored value (step 55-25 ), the staple sequence counter is reset to 0 and stapling is finished (step 55-26 ). Then the elevator motor 409 switched on to bring the stacker to the starting position (step 55-27 ). How the value in the memory is calculated and how the stapled paper stack is positioned will be described later. If the staple count is less than the stored value, the staple count is incremented to 7 (step 55-28 ). If the stitch sequence counter is 7, the current state is held for 0.3s, and after 0.3s has elapsed (step 55-30 ), the stitch sequence counter is reset to 0 (step 55-30 ). At the same time, the start is ordered to move the stapler to the next compartment, which is now based on 44C is described.

As in 44C shown, it is first determined whether or not to start moving the stapler has been commanded. If it has been ordered (step 55-50 ), the elevator motor 509 switched on and timer started (step 55-51 ). When a predetermined period of time has passed (step 55-52 ), the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 1 (step 55-53 ) to start moving the booklet to the next tray. Whether the sensor that detects the up / down position 413 has been turned on or not, it is then determined (step 55-54 ). If the answer at step 55-54 yes is the elevator motor 409 turned off to stop moving the stapler. In the illustrated embodiment, the stapler starts to staple the next bin about 100ms before the end of the shift in that bin, thereby shortening the stapling time. The sequence of steps described above is repeated until the count in the counter that counts the stapled stacks stored in the compartments is equal to the counter for the compartments reserved for them.

The automatic stapling operation is now based on 44A and 44B described. While a sorting process is in progress, the copier issues a staple start signal at the time when it carries out the first copy of the last original. After receiving the staple start signal and distributing the first copy of the last original, stapling begins when this copy is brought into position by the swivel device. In particular, the stapler 401 brought from the starting position to the compartment in which a paper stack to be stapled first is accommodated. Once the stapler 401 Having reached the first compartment, the operation continues based on the value of the stitch sequence counter, as in 44A and 44B is shown. If the stapler 401 positioned in the first compartment, the stitch sequence counter is incremented from 0 to 1 (step 55-1 ). If the counter is 1, the engine 422f turned on to move the clamp forward (step 55-2 ). If the upstream sensor 422j , which is responsive to the end of the forward movement of the clamp, is turned on (step 55-3 ) the clamping device is brought to a standstill (step 55-4 ) while the stitch sequence counter is incremented to two. If the counter is 2 (step 55-6 ), the solenoid 421c turned on (step 55-7 ) while the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 3 (step 55-8 ).

If the staple sequence counter is 3, the current state is held for 0.2 s, and after 0.2 s has elapsed (step 55-10 ) the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 4 (step 55-11 ). If the counter is 4, (step 55-12 ), the engine 422 switched on to bring the clamping device into the starting position (step 55-13 ). If the downstream sensor 422k , which responds to the end of the movement of the clamping device into the starting position, is switched on (step 55-14 ), the shift to the starting position is finished (step 55-15 ) while the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 5 (step 55-16 ). If the counter is 5 (step 55-7 ) becomes the output of the paper sensor 623 checked to see if there are sheets of paper (step 55-18 ). If the answer at step 55-18 yes, stapling is performed (step 55-19 ). When the end of stapling is determined (step 55-20 ) the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 6 (step 55-21 ). If the response of the paper sensor 623 is no, no stapling is performed. When the stitch sequence counter is 6 ( 55-22 ), the solenoid 421c switched off (step 55-23 ), the counter holding the stapled stacks in the trays is incremented and the swing motor is turned on to position the stapled paper stack. Then the value of the counter counting the stapled paper stacks is compared with the contents of the memory for the reserved bins. If they are the same (step 55-25 ), the stitch sequence counter is reset to 0, and the batch operation is ended (step 55-26 ). Then the engine 409 turned on to the stapler 400 to the starting position (step 55-27 ).

If the counter for the stapled paper stacks is smaller than the content of the memory for the reserved compartments, the counter value is compared with the contents of the memory, indicating which compartment has been swiveled to (step 55-33 ). If the counter for the stapled stacks is smaller than the content of the bin memory, the staple sequence counter is incremented to 7. If the counter content is equal to or larger than the memory content (step 55-33 ), the stapler is held in the current position and the swing movement is unlocked (step 55-38 ) in order to be able to carry out the swiveling movement. In this way, it is determined whether the paper positioner (swing motor) or the stapler (stapler 400 ) should be activated before the other.

If the sheets of paper are of a predetermined size (step 55-35 ) and the memory for swiveled compartments is 2 or more than the memory for compartments with stapled stacks, the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 7 (step 55-36 ). If the former is 1 or less larger than the latter, the stapler is held in the current position while the pivotal movement is released (step 55-37 ) to perform the swiveling. Locking a pan movement and the calculation associated with the pan pivoted storage will be described later. With the procedure described above, the pivoting movement can be effected at least twice in a paper stack of interest before the paper stack is stapled.

If, after the panning movement, the memory for pivoted compartments becomes larger than the memory for compartments with stapled stacks, or if, in the case of a predetermined size, the former is two more than the latter, the stitch sequence counter is incremented by 7 (step 55-28 ). If the staple sequence counter is 7, the current state is maintained for 0.3s and after 0.3s has elapsed, the start of a shift of the stapler to the next bin is commanded as shown in FIG 44B is described.

The number of reserved compartments reserved for stapling is determined using an in 48 shown subroutine calculated. In the illustrated embodiment, the calculation is performed in three different memories, that is, in a memory up to which bin copies of originals can be discharged while a sorting operation is in progress (hereinafter referred to as the last bin number memory), a memory to store up to which bin a maximum order can be discharged in a sort order (hereinafter referred to as the memory for the last maximum bin number) and from a memory to indicate to which bin a stapling operation should be carried out (which follows is called the memory with the reserved number of compartments). The contents of these memories are shifted as follows.

After the copier has started sorting during a copying process (step 59-1 ), the memory for the last bin number and the memory for the last maximum bin number are compared at a point in time at which a copy sheet is discharged into the first bin of the sorter (step 59-2 ). If the memory for the last compartment number is larger than the memory for the last maximum compartment number, the content of the memory for the last compartment number is replaced by the content of the memory for the last maximum compartment number (step 58-4 ), while 1 is used for the counter for the last compartment number (step 59-5 ). If copies are sequentially allocated to the second and subsequent trays, the contents of the counter for the last number of trays are incremented by 1 each time. The number assigned to a subject to which a copy to be carried out is constantly compared with the counter for the last maximum number of compartments (step 59-6 ), and one of them, which is smaller than the other, is loaded into the memory for the reserved compartment number (step 59-7 ). Since the content of the reserved tray number counter depends on the situation, the above-described procedure is practical even in the automatic stapling operation when stapling is performed while copies are being discharged.

In particular should now be ten, five and seven subjects for the first, second and third template can be reserved.

First, a copy of the first template is carried out in the first compartment. At this time, the last maximum number of compartments M and the last number of compartments stored in the respective memories are 0, so that the answer at step 59-3 no is. Then the memory for the last compartment number is loaded with 1 (step 59-5 ). At one step 59-6 , the number assigned to the subject in which a copy is to be put out and the contents of the counter for the last maximum number of subjects are compared. When a copy of the first template is fed into the tenth compartment, the current compartment number is 10 and the last compartment number M is 0, ie the current compartment number is larger than the last compartment number. Hence the answer is step 59-6 no, with the result that the memory for the reserved number of compartments is loaded with 0.

As a result, a copy of the second template is assigned to the first compartment. At this time, the last maximum compartment number is M 0, while the last compartment number discharged which has been counted up to the other program is 10. Hence the answer is step 59-3 yes, with the result that the last maximum number of compartments M becomes 10 against. If a copy of the second template has been carried out in the fifth compartment, this is in step 659-6 it is determined that the current compartment number is 5 and the last maximum compartment number M is 10. Consequently, the memory for the reserved compartment number is loaded with 5.

Finally, a copy of the third template is assigned to the first subject. At this time, the last maximum compartment number is M 10, while the last compartment number is 5, so the answer at step 59-3 no is. Then the last maximum number of subjects M remains 10. When a copy of the third template has been carried out in the tenth subject, the current number of subjects is 7, while the last maximum number of subjects is 10. Hence the answer is step 59-6 Yes. Then the counter for the reserved number of compartments is loaded with 7. Then a stitching operation is repeated for the subjects, on which copies of the last template have been distributed.

In the process described above, it is possible to use the binding device 400 to be activated on the compartments loaded with copies of the last template, ie to bind as far as possible sets of copies that have all pages. It may appear that this can be achieved without the complicated procedure described above. In particular, a simple process can be sufficient, in which the current number of compartments is monitored and entered into the memory for the number of reserved compartments. The above sequence of steps is intended to be used for the following purpose.

Seven, five and ten subjects should now be reserved for the first, second and third templates. First, a copy of the first template is assigned to the first or front compartment. At this point in time, the last maximum compartment number M and the last compartment number are each 0 and consequently the answer is in step 59-3 No. Then the memory for the last compartment number is loaded with 1 (step 59-5 ). This means that the last subject number is reset template by template. After the step 59-5 become the current compartment number and the last maximum compartment number in the step 59-6 compared. When a copy has been assigned to the seventh compartment, the current compartment number is 7 while the last maximum compartment number is M 0. At this point, the answer is step 59-6 no, with the result that the memory for the reserved number of compartments is loaded with 0.

After the copies of the first template are discharged into the first to seventh compartments, copies of the second template are distributed one after the other. When the copies of the second original have been distributed to the fifth bin, the current bin number is 5 and the last maximum bin number is M 7. The answer at the step 59-7 is therefore yes. Thus, the memory for the reserved number of compartments at the step 57-7 loaded with 5.

A copy of the third template is then placed in the compartment. At this point in time, the last number of compartments is M 7, while the last number of copies delivered is 5. Hence the answer is step 59-3 no, so that the last maximum number of compartments M 7 remains. If copies of the third template up to the tenth bin have been delivered, the current bin number is 10 and the last maximum bin number M is 7. The answer at step 59-6 is therefore no. The memory for the reserved number of compartments is then loaded with 7. In this state, stacks of paper are stapled up to the seventh tray. In particular, although copies of the last original have been allocated to the first to tenth compartments, only the originals which have been loaded into the first to seventh compartments are stapled. This prevents a single Ko pie, which is housed in the eighth to tenth compartments, is stapled. If only one original is copied, the content of the reserved sheet memory is 0 and, consequently, stapling of a single copy is naturally prevented.

In the procedure described above, the binding device is prevented 400 is operated at the subjects which, despite the allocation of copies of the last template, have only one template. This successfully precludes economic binding operations unless the number of copies corresponding to the last template is changed.

49 shows a subroutine for blocking the panning movement when stapling is given priority. As shown, it is determined whether a staple is in progress or not (step 60-1 ). If the answer at step 60-1 is yes, it is determined whether the solenoid of the clamp device has been turned on or not (step 60-2 ). If the answer at step 60-2 is yes, it is determined whether 0.3s have passed after the arrival of the clamping device in the starting position (step 60-3 ). If the answer at step 60-3 is no, the swiveling movement is permitted (step 60-4 ) and if the answer at step 60-2 is no, the pivoting movement is prevented (step 60-5 ). If the answer at step 60-3 yes, panning is prevented and the program jumps back. If the answer at step 60-1 is no, the program jumps back unconditionally while the swiveling movement is prevented.

50 shows a subroutine, which represents the calculation in connection with the memory for pivoted subjects. First of all, it is determined whether the pivotal movement has been performed once or not ( 61-1 ) and if the answer at step 61-1 the program jumps back. If the answer at step 61-1 is yes, the program returns after loading a memory for swiveled compartments with the number of "discharged" compartments (step 61-2 ). The words "number" for discharged compartments "mean up to which compartment copies have been discharged, while the words" storage for pivoted compartments "indicate up to which compartment the pivoting movement has taken place.

51 shows a subroutine for positioning a stapled paper stack. After a stapling process (step 62-1 ) becomes the solenoid 421c switched off. Then push the push rod 422z the stapled copies (sheets of paper) to bring them back to the area where the pivotable part of the pivoting device is rotatable. This is the end of a stitching process. At this point in time, a flag is set which indicates the end of a stapling process. Upon completion of a staple, which is determined based on such a flag, the stapler is moved to the next bin to perform another staple. If the solenoid for the clamping device is switched on during the stitching process on the next compartment, which in the step 62-2 a pivoting movement is started (step 62-3 ) so as to push the stapled paper stack in the previous tray into a predetermined position. The stapled paper stack thus pushed does not adversely affect the positioning of sheets of paper which are allocated to the next and subsequent trays.

The illustrated embodiment also points some of the functions and operations described so far special functions and operations. First is a block-by-block staple function the subjects divided into an upper and a lower block, and after one Sort copies into one of the blocks and staple them the copies are sorted into the other block and then stapled. This Function has two different modes, i.e. a mode A that only available is when the copy sizes which the upper and lower blocks have been assigned, are the same, and a mode B, which is only available if the copy size which assigned to one of the blocks is that later to be treated is greater than the copy size which is assigned to the other block, which was previously treated is. These modes are switched at the instigation of the user.

52 shows a subroutine to carry out the stitching of the block-by-block mode A. Sorting copies in one block after dealing with the other block is hereinafter referred to simply as "double sorting". If double sorting is selected and if it is not allowed (step 63-1 ) the sorting mode is blocked (step 63-2 ), and an alarm is generated. When double sorting is allowed, the paper size is felt. If the paper size desired for double sorting is the same as the previous paper size, the operation continues.

53 Fig. 12 shows a subroutine representing block-by-block mode B processing. If double sorting is not allowed (step 64-1 ) the sorting operation is prevented (step 64-2 ) and an alarm is generated. When double sorting is allowed, the paper size is felt. If the sensed paper size is equal to or larger than the previous paper size, the operation continues.

54 shows a subroutine which is carried out when a door is opened while stapling is in progress. When all doors, that is, a "stapler" door, a door, and an upper cover of the sorter, are closed, operation continues. When the "stapler" door is opened (step 65-2 ), the stitch sequence counter is reset to 0 (step 65-3 ), and all loads are switched off (step 65-4 ). If either the door or the top cover of the sorter is opened while the "stapler" door remains closed while stapling is in progress (which will be referred to as state 1 hereinafter; (step 65-5 ), the following sequence of steps is carried out. In particular, when the clamping device moves forward in the state, the staple sequence counter is reset to 0 (step 65-7 ), and the motor of the clamping device is switched off (step 65-8 ). If in state 1 the clamping device has already moved forward and 0.2s after switching on the solenoid 431c have not yet passed (step 65-9 ), the stitch sequence counter is reset to 0 (step 65-10 ), and the solenoid 421c is switched off (step 65-11 ).

Now, in state 1, the clamping device is said to have already moved forward and it should have passed 0.2s after the solenoid of the clamping device has been switched on (which is referred to below as state 2). If in the state 2 the clamping device moves back (step 65-12 ) the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 4, (step 65-13 ) and the operation continues. If in state 2 the clamping device has already moved back and a stapling process is in progress (step 65-14 ), the stitch sequence counter is incremented to 5 (step 65-15 ), and the operation continues. If in state 2 the clamping device has already moved backwards and the stitching action has ended, the stitching sequence counter is reset to 0 (step 65-3 ), and all loads are switched off (step 65-4 ).

If in the state 1 the elevator Mptpr 409 is operated (step 65-16 ), the stitch sequence counter is reset to 0 and all loads are switched off.

55 shows a subroutine to change the falling speed of the stapler depending on the tray on which a stapling operation is started. Especially if the current position of the stapler is not the starting position (step 66-1 ), a higher engine speed is selected (step 66-2 ), and the elevator motor 409 is rotated at a higher speed to lower the stapler (step 66-3 ). When the current position of the stapler is the home position, the decreasing speed is changed depending on the number of trays to be treated next. Especially when the stapler unit has to be stopped at the first compartment (step 66-4 ), the higher engine speed is selected (step 6-2 ), and the elevator motor 409 is excited (step 66-3 ). When the stapler unit stops on the second tray or one of the following trays (step 66-4 ), a lower motor speed is selected, and the elevator motor 409 is switched on (step 66-3 ).

Now becomes an acceleration and deceleration the up-down movement described. This possibility is provided to successively move at Start of an up-down movement to increase and when a predetermined speed is reached, a constant one Movement speed, and then the Movement speed from a position in front of an interested one Compartment to decrease, and if a predetermined speed is reached, a constant speed until a stop to the subject of interest.

56 shows in particular in subroutine, which is called up to 1ms each to effect the acceleration and deceleration function. As shown, after the elevator motor 409 has been turned on (step 67-1 ) if acceleration has not yet ended (step 67-2 ), an acceleration counter is incremented by 1 each time the subroutine is called (step 67-3 ). The ROM memory 601 stores a group of speed data associated with the values of the acceleration counter. Special speed data, which leads to the increasing value of the acceleration counter. fit into the CTC unit 604 written (step 67-5 ). The CTC unit 604 generates a frequency which is assigned to the speed data and leads it to 42 shown phase signal generator 614 to. The generator delivers accordingly 614 a phase signal to the Ronstantstrom driver stage 615 to the elevator motor 409 to drive at a speed which is assigned to the speed data. As soon as the acceleration counter reaches a predetermined value (step 67-6 ), the acceleration is ended (step 67-13 ), and the elevator motor 409 then turns at a constant speed.

After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, a delay begins (step 67-7 ). A delay counter is incremented by 1 each time the subroutine is called (step 67-8 ). At this point the ROM is storing 601 a group of speed data, through which the speed of movement based on the value of the Deceleration counter is decreased (step 67-9 ). Speed data that corresponds to the value of the deceleration counter is stored in the CTC unit 604 set (step 67-10 ). The CTC unit 604 again generates a frequency that corresponds to the speed data and supplies it to the phase signal generator 614 , The generator 614 outputs a phase signal to the constant current driver stage 615 , whereby the elevator motor is operated at a speed corresponding to the speed data. When the delay counter reaches a predetermined value (step 67-11 ), the delay is ended (step 67-12 ), and the elevator motor 409 is then driven at a constant speed. When the stapler unit arrives at a compartment of interest, the elevator motor 409 switched off, the acceleration and deceleration counters being cleared (step 67-14 ).

In 57 an error relief subroutine for an up / down movement is shown. If a fault in the elevator motor 409 is determined and if this counted error (step 68-1 ) the second mistake is (step 68-2 ), an error signal is sent to clear the counter (step 68-6 ) and to make a customer service technician call (step 68-7 ). However, if the error is the first error (step 68-2 ) and if the elevator motor 409 turns for an upward movement (step 68-3 ), the engine 409 started again (step 68-4 ) to continue operation. If the elevator motor 409 turns for an upward movement, a traffic jam signal is given (step 68-5 ). In particular, the arrangement is such that if there is an error in the stapler 401 or in the position device 502 occurs, a first interrupt signal to simply interrupt the discharge of sheets of paper from the copy housing, and a second interrupt signal is optionally generated to interrupt the discharge and to request an error reset signal. Then, the first interrupt signal is transmitted when an error occurs first, while the second interrupt signal is transmitted when an error occurs second. If necessary, the first and second interrupt signals can serve as a traffic jam or an error signal. The errors mentioned above do not only relate to the errors of the elevator motor 409 , but also on the errors of the stapler 401 and positioning device 502 ,

Based on 58 to 68 a treatment is described which is assigned to a different fault condition. In 58 a treatment is shown which is associated with a size movement error determination. As shown, it is determined whether the size shift motor has been turned on or not (step 69-1 ). If the answer at step 69-1 yes, it is determined whether a timer is in operation or not (step 69-2 ). If the answer at step 69-2 no, is stacked (step 69-3 ). It is then determined whether the size sensor is switched from switched off to switched on (step 69-4 ). If the answer at step 69-2 yes is the step 69-4 performed by the step 69-3 is skipped. If the answer at step 69-4 is yes, the timer is reset and started again (step 69-5 ) to see if a stop position of the size shift has been reached (step 69-6 ). If the answer at step 69-6 is no, it is determined whether the timer has expired or not (step 69-7 ). If the answer at step 69-7 is yes, an error signal is sent to the copier (step 69-8 ) and an error processing subroutine is executed (step 69-9 ). After the step 69-9 the size shift motor is switched off (step 69-10 ), the timer is reset and stopped (step 69-11 ) and the program then jumps back. If the answer is against the step 69-6 yes, the size shift motor is switched off (step 69-12 ), the timer is reset and stopped (step 69-13 ) and the program jumps back. If the answer at step 69-7 is no, the timer counts up (step 69-14 ) and the program jumps to the step 69-4 back. If the answer at step 69-1 is no, the program jumps back immediately.

59 Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing processing of an error detection during an up-down movement. This processing starts with one step 70-1 to determine whether or not the elevator motor has been turned on (step 70-1 ). If the answer at step 70-1 is yes, it is determined whether or not an up-down motion error timer is operating (step 70-2 ). If the answer at step 70-2 no, is started (step 70-3 ) and it is determined whether the up-down counter has switched from switched off to switched on or not (step 70-4 ). If the answer at step 70-2 yes is the step 70-4 by skipping the step 70-3 carried out.

When the up-down sensor has switched from switched off to switched on, as in the step 70-4 has been determined, the timer for the up-down motion error is reset and then started again (step 70-5 ). It is then determined whether the stapling unit has reached a stop position (step 70-6 ). If the answer at step 70-6 is no, it is determined whether or not the up-down error timer has expired (step 70-7 ). If the answer at step 70-7 is yes, an error signal is set on the copier (step 70-8 ) and an error processing subroutine is executed (step 70-9 ). After the step 70-9 the elevator motor is de-energized (step 70-10 ), the up-down motion error timer is stopped and reset, and then the program jumps back. If the answer at step 70-6 is yes, the elevator motor is switched off (step 70-12 ), the timer for up-down movement errors is reset and stopped (step 70-13 ), and the program then jumps back. If the answer at step 70-7 is no, the timer counts up (step 70-14 ) and the program jumps to the step 70-4 back. If the answer at step 70-1 is no, the program jumps back immediately.

60 Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing swivel error detection. As shown, it is determined whether the swing motor has been turned on or not (step 71-1 ); if it has been turned on, it is determined whether a pan error timer is in operation or not (step 71-2 ). If the answer at step 71-2 is no, the swivel error timer is started (step 71-3 ), and it is determined whether a swivel output sensor has switched from switched off to switched on or not. (Step 71-4 ). If the answer at step 71-2 yes is the step 71-4 by skipping the step 71-3 carried out. If the answer at step 71-4 is no, it is determined whether or not the pan error timer has expired (step 71-5 ). If the answer at step 71-5 is yes, an error signal is sent to the copier (step 71-69 and an error processing subroutine is executed (step 71-7 ). After the step 71-7 the swing motor is de-energized (step 71-8 ), the swing error timer is stopped and reset (step 71-9 ), and the program then jumps back. If the answer at step 71-4 yes, the swivel motor is de-energized (step 71-10 ), the swing error timer is stopped and reset (step 71-11 ), and the program then jumps back. If the answer at step 71-5 is no, the swing error timer counts up (step 71-12 ) and the program jumps to the step 71-4 back. If the answer at step 71-1 is no, the program jumps back immediately.

In 61 a clamping error detection procedure is shown. This procedure starts with one step 72-1 , in which it is determined whether the clamp motor has been turned on or not. If the answer at step 72-1 is yes, it is determined whether the pinch error timer is operating or not (step 72-2 ). If the answer at step 72-2 is no, the pinch error timer is started (step 72-3 ), and it is determined whether or not the clamp HS motor rotates forward (step 72-4 ). If the answer at step 73-2 is yes is by skipping the step 72-3 the step 72-4 carried out. If the answer at step 72-4 yes, it means that the clamp moves forward and it becomes a step 72-5 to see if the upstream sensor has switched from switched off to switched on. If the answer at step 72-5 is no, it is determined whether or not the pinch error timer has expired (step 72-6 ). If the answer at step 72-6 is yes, an error signal is sent to the copier (step 72-7 ), and an error processing subroutine is executed (step 72-8 ). After the step 72-8 the clamp motor is turned off (step 72-9 ), the pinch error timer is stopped and reset (step 71-10 ), and the program then jumps back. If the answer at step 72-4 is no, which means that the clamping device moves forward, it is determined whether the downstream sensor has switched from switched off to switched on or not (step 72-11 ). If the answer at step 72-11 no is the step 72-6 and followed the next steps. If the answer at step 72-5 or at the step 72-11 yes is, which means that the clamp moves forward or backward, the step becomes 72-9 executed because there are no errors. If the answer at step 72-6 is no, the pinch error timer counts up (step 72-12 ), and the program returns to the step 72-4 back if the answer at step 72-1 is no, the program jumps back immediately.

62 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a staple error determination. As shown, it is determined whether the staple motor has been turned on or not (step 73-1 ), and if it has been turned off, it is determined whether or not a staple timer is in operation (step 73-2 ). If the answer at step 73-2 is no, a staple error timer is started (step 73-3 ) and it is determined whether or not the sensor provided in the stapler exit point has switched from switched off to switched on or not (step 73-4 ). If the answer at step 73-2 is yes is by skipping the step 73-3 the step 73-4 executed. If the answer at step 73-4 is no, it is determined whether a staple error timer has expired or not (step 73-5 ). If the answer at step 73-5 is yes, an error signal is sent to the copier (step 73-6 ), and an error processing subroutine is executed (step 73-7 ). After the step 73-7 the stapling motor is switched off (step 73-8 ), the staple error timer is stopped and reset (step 73-9 ) and the program then jumps back. If the answer is against the step 73-4 is yes, the stapler motor is switched off (step 73-10 ), the staple error timer is stopped and reset (step 73-11 ) and the pro gram then jumps back. If the answer at step 73-5 is no, the staple error counter counts up (step 73-12 ) and the program jumps to the step 73-4 back. If the answer at step 73-1 is no, the program jumps back immediately.

63 Figure 4 shows a general method for detecting errors as described above. First, the size error detection program is executed (step 74-1 ) (in the 58 treatment shown, a program for detecting an up-down movement error (step 74-2 ) (in the 59 treatment shown), a program for a swivel error detection (step 73-4 ) (in the 60 treatment shown), a subroutine for error detection of the clamping device (step 74-4 ) (in the 61 treatment shown) and a subroutine for detecting a stapling error (step 75-5 ) (in the 62 treatment shown). It is then determined where an error has occurred (step 74-6 ). If there are no errors, the program naturally jumps back. If there is any error, it is determined whether or not a technician call (SC) reset signal corresponding to a system reset signal has been received from the copy housing (step 74-7 ). If the answer at step 74-4 is no, the program waits until a reset occurs and if a reset occurs, the error is localized.

In particular, it is determined in the illustrated embodiment whether or not the error is a size shift error (step 74-8 ). If the answer at step 74-8 yes is one is in 64 size error handling shown (step 75 ) carried out; otherwise, it is determined whether the error is an error in the up-down movement or not (step 74-9 ). If the answer at step 74-9 yes is one is in 65 processing of an up-down motion error shown (step 76 ); otherwise, it is determined whether the error is a swing error (step 74-10 ). If the answer at step 74-10 yes is one is in 66 Swing error processing shown performed (step 77 ). Otherwise, it is determined whether the error is a pinching error or not (step 74-11 ). If the answer at step 74-11 yes is one is in 67 shown clamping error treatment performed; otherwise, it is determined whether or not the mistake is a staple error (step 74-12 ). If the answer at step 74-12 yes is one is in 68 stapling error processing performed (step 79 ); otherwise a sorter / stapler ready signal is sent to the copier (step 74-13 ), and the program jumps back.

At the in 64 size shift error treatment shown, ie at step 75 it is determined whether or not the size output sensor has been turned on (step 75-1 ). If the answer at step 75-1 is no, which means that the swivel unit is not in the starting position, the direction of rotation of the size motor is reversed (step 75-2 ), the swivel unit is stopped in its starting position (step 75-3 ), and a determination of the size shift error is made (step 75-4 ). After the step 75-4 is at one step 75-5 determined whether or not there is a size shift error again. If the answer at step 75-5 is no, which means that the size shift error has been removed, the program jumps to the step 74-9 , which is indicated by the letter A, otherwise the program jumps to the step 74-7 , which is indicated by a letter F. If the answer at step 75-1 yes, the size motor is turned forward (step 75-6 ), the swivel unit is stopped for example in a position A3 (step 75-5 ), and then a size shift error determination is made (step 75-8 ). At one step 75-9 it is again determined whether there is a size shift error or not. If the answer at step 75-9 is no, the direction of rotation of the size motor is reversed (step 76-2 ); on the other hand, the program jumps to the step 74-4 as indicated by the letter F.

At the in 65 treatment of an up-down movement error, ie at the step 76 it is determined whether the sensor provided for this has been switched on or not (step 76-1 ). If the answer at step 76-1 is no, which means that the stapler is not in the home position, the direction of rotation of the elevator motor is reversed to raise the stapler (step 76-2 ), the stapling unit is stopped in the starting position (step 76-3 ), and then an up-down movement error detection is performed (step 76-4 ). After the step 76-4 becomes a step 76-5 to see if there is an up-down motion error. If the answer at step 76-5 is no, which means that the error in the up-down movement has been eliminated, the program jumps to the step 74-10 what is indicated by the letter B; otherwise it jumps to the crotch 74-7 , which is indicated by the letter F. If against the step 76-1 is yes, the elevator motor is rotated forward to lower the stapler (step 76-6 ), the stapling unit is stopped, for example, on the first compartment (step 76-6 ), and then the detection of an up-down movement error is performed (step 76-8 ). Whether or not there is an up-down motion error is then returned to the step 76-9 detected. If the answer at step 76-9 no, he will Elevator motor reversed in its direction of rotation (step 76-2 ), and the following steps are carried out. On the other hand, the step 74-7 and performed the subsequent steps as indicated by F.

At the in 66 Swivel error treatment shown, ie at step 77 the swing motor is excited (step 77-1 ), and then the swing error detection is performed (step 77-2 ). It is then determined whether there is a pan error or not (step 77-3 ). If the answer at step 77-3 is no, the program pans on the crotch 77-11 , as indicated by the letter C; otherwise the program jumps to the step 74.7 as indicated by the letter F.

At the in 67 shown clamping error treatment, ie at the step 78 it is determined whether the downstream sensor has been switched on or not (step 78-1 ). If the answer at step 78-1 is no, the clamp motor is reversed in its direction of rotation to move the clamp backward (step 78-2 ), the clamping error determination is carried out (step 78-3 ), and it is determined whether there is a movement error of the clamping device or not (step 78-4 ). If the answer at step 78-4 is no, the program jumps to the step 74-12 , as indicated by the letter D; otherwise it jumps to the crotch 74-7 , If the answer at step 78-1 yes, the clamp motor is driven forward to move the clamp forward (step 78-5 ), the clamping error determination is carried out (step 78-6 ), and it is then determined whether or not a pinching error exists (step 78-7 ). If the answer at step 78-7 is no, the program jumps to the step 78-2 ; otherwise it jumps to the crotch 74-7 ,

At the in 68 staple error treatment shown, ie at step 79 the stapling motor is switched on (step 79-1 ), and a staple error determination is made (step 79-2 ). Then it is determined whether a staple error exists or not (step 79-3 ). If the answer at step 79-3 is no, the program jumps to the step 74-13 , as indicated by the letter E; otherwise it jumps to the crotch 74-7 , which is indicated by the letter F.

• (1) Selbst wenn ein Heftvorgang auf halbem Weg unterbrochen wird, da zu wenig Papierblätter eingebracht waren, werden Papierblätter, die in Fächer geladen worden sind, welche auf ein Fach folgen, bei welchem der Heftbetrieb unterbrochen wird, in die richtige Lage gebracht d.h. positioniert. Wenn daher nach dem Einbringen (neuer) Papierblätter Kopien sortiert werden, brauchen die Papierblätter, welche zu diesem Zeitpunkt bereits in eine Anzahl Fächer geladen waren, nicht mehr positioniert werden. Hierdurch wird die auf einen Motor wirkende Belastung verringert und Papierstapel können geheftet werden, nachdem sie mittels eines preiswerten Kleinstmotors mit kleinem Drehmoment zuverlässig positioniert sind. Insbesondere werden die Papierpositionier- und Bindvorgänge in dem vorstehend beschriebenen Zweifach-Sortier- und Heftbetrieb zuverlässig durchgeführt.
• (2) Es können Papierblätter unterschiedlicher Größe sortiert werden und dadurch wird ein Zweifach-Sortierbetrieb durchgeführt, wodurch eine Handhabung von ausgetragenen Papierblättern gesteigert ist.
• (3) Da Papierstapel geringer Größe, welche in dem Sorter verteilt worden sind, nicht geheftet werden, ist derselbe Vorteil erreichbar, wie er vorstehend unter Punkt (2) angeführt ist.
• (4) Ein Heften von Papierstapeln, welche noch nicht positioniert sind, ist ausgeschlossen.

With the invention, various advantages not previously achieved have been achieved, which are listed below.

• (1) Even if a stapling process is interrupted halfway because too few sheets of paper have been inserted, sheets of paper that have been loaded into trays that follow a tray in which the stapling operation is interrupted are brought into the correct position, that is, positioned , Therefore, if copies are sorted after inserting (new) paper sheets, the paper sheets that were already loaded in a number of compartments at this point no longer need to be positioned. This reduces the load on a motor and stacks of paper can be stapled after they have been reliably positioned using a low-cost, small-torque motor. In particular, the paper positioning and binding operations are carried out reliably in the double sorting and stapling operation described above.
• (2) Paper sheets of different sizes can be sorted and thereby a double sorting operation is carried out, whereby handling of discharged paper sheets is increased.
• (3) Since small-sized paper stacks which have been distributed in the sorter are not stapled, the same advantage as that mentioned in item (2) above can be obtained.
• (4) Stapling stacks of paper that are not yet positioned is excluded.

Claims (8)

A paper handling device comprising: a plurality of trays ( 300 ); a paper positioning device ( 316 . 502 ) for positioning the paper sheets that are in the large number of storage compartments ( 300 ) were distributed; a paper moving device ( 402 . 421 ) to the paper sheets storage compartment ( 300 ) for storage compartment ( 300 ) after the paper positioning device ( 316 . 502 ) has positioned the sheets of paper in a stapling position; a stapling device ( 401 ) for stapling the sheets of paper that have been moved to the stapling position by the paper moving device, the paper moving device ( 402 . 421 ) through the stapling device ( 401 ) returns stapled sheets of paper to their original position; characterized by the following features: a) the paper positioning device designed as a swivel or push unit ( 316 . 502 ) is controlled by a separate drive device ( 515 ) driven, the paper positioning device ( 316 . 502 ) from the paper moving device ( 402 . 421 ) which is separated by a separate drive device ( 409 ) is driven, b) a control device to which a signal is supplied when the paper moving device ( 402 . 421 ) has moved the stapled sheets of paper into the original position in the storage compartment around the paper positioning device ( 316 . 502 ) act on the paper sheets, c) by means of the control device are a mode A and a mode B mode controllable in which the storage compartments ( 300 ) can be divided into blocks with the same and / or different copy size, whereby c1) mode A is only available if the copy sizes of two consecutive sheets, one of which has been discharged and one is about to be discharged, are the same , and if this is the case, the operation, ie sorting, positioning and stacking, is continued, while the pivoting or pushing unit otherwise (step 64-4 ) returned, stapling locked (step 64-5 ) and sorting and particularly copying is continued, and c2) mode B is only available if the copy size of the first of two consecutive copies, one being discharged and one in the process of being discharged, is not greater than that which is carried out, the sorting, positioning and stacking being carried out, while otherwise the swiveling or pushing unit is returned, the stapling is blocked and the sorting and in particular the copying is continued. Paper handling device according to claim 1, characterized through a first and a second sorting device for paper sheets, which from a corresponding device have been carried out on the number of storage compartments to distribute. Paper handling device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the stapling device ( 401 ) on one side of the number of storage compartments arranged one above the other ( 300 ) arranged along the number of storage compartments ( 300 ) can be moved in the manner of an elevator. Paper handling device according to claim 3, characterized by one of the compartments ( 300 ) assigned position sensing mechanism ( 403 . 415 . 416 . 416a ) to the stapler ( 401 ) and the paper moving device ( 402 . 421 ) with the respective subjects ( 300 ) to align. Paper handling device according to claim 4, characterized in that the paper moving device is a displaceable clamping device ( 421 ) for clamping and moving a sheet stack to be stapled and present in a compartment. Paper handling device according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by a push rod ( 422z ) which can be actuated after a respective stapling operation in order to push a stapled sheet stack back into the corresponding compartment. Paper handling device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the pivoting or pushing movement of the pivoting or pushing unit ( 501 . 502 ) can be triggered in a compartment with a stapled sheet stack if the clamping device ( 421 ) is activated on a next storage compartment during the stitching process. Paper handling device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the pivoting or pushing unit ( 501 . 502 ) a sliding part ( 502a ) to move stacks of paper.