JP2002068580A - Sheet postprocessor - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To shorten processing time at staple sorting time. SOLUTION: This sheet postprocessor is provided with a fixed bin B, delivery units 2 and 4 movable to a position opposed to the bin and a staple means 200 movable in the longitudinal direction similarly to the delivery units and retreatable outside a moving locus range of the delivery units. Since binding fastening processing (simultaneous processing causing no interference between the delivery units and a stapler) of the bin other than a sorting processing bin can be performed even in sorting operation, the processing time at staple sorting time can be shortened.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet material distributing apparatus (generally referred to as a "sheet material distributing apparatus") which distributes and accumulates sheets sequentially discharged one by one from a sheet material output apparatus into a plurality of sheet trays (hereinafter referred to as "bins"). Sorters, collating machines, sorting machines
(Referred to as "classifier"). The sheet material output device specifically discharges (outputs) various image forming devices such as a copying machine, a printing device, and a printing machine, and other sheet materials (sheets such as cut sheet paper, cards, and thin sheets) one by one. Devices.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventional sheet material distributing apparatuses (hereinafter referred to as "sorters") can be broadly classified into bin moving sorters and fixed bottle sorters.

The bin-moving type sorter controls the movement of the entire bin arrangement with respect to a sheet material discharge port of a sheet material output device (hereinafter referred to as the present machine) so that sheet material inlets of individual bins are sequentially positioned. This is a method of distributing sheet materials to individual bins by moving.

When post-processing such as binding is performed, after the sheets on the bin are aligned by the aligning member, the binding device is extended from the side of the bin or the sheet stopper to a portion where the bin interval is widened so as not to interfere with the binding device. , And the sheets stacked on the bin were sequentially bound.

In the fixed-bin type sorter, the bin array is immovable, and a sheet is selectively switched from a sheet material outlet of the machine to a sheet inlet of each bin of the bin array by a guide plate, a deflection plate, or the like. A pass mechanism is formed, and the sheet material discharged from the sheet material discharge port of the apparatus is passed through the guide plate via the sheet path mechanism, and the deflecting plate 800 at a predetermined bin position is operated to sequentially feed the individual bins. This is a method of carrying and distributing (see FIG. 45).

As another bin fixed sorter, as shown in FIG. 46, a belt member 802 for conveying a sheet is disposed near the bin, and the sheet material is carried into the bin at a position facing the belt. For this reason, there is also a system having a vertically movable discharge roller 804 having a deflection plate 803 and a belt 805 which expands and contracts by the vertical movement of the pair of discharge rollers.

[0007]

However, the above-described conventional bin-moving sorter has the following drawbacks.

In the case of a bin moving type sorter, vibrations and noises are likely to occur because the bin itself moves up and down. In particular, when the sheets on the bin are to be bound at a plurality of locations, a plurality of cuts are made in the bin. A chip must be provided. In particular,
In the case of a high-speed copier or the like, since the bin moves at high speed, the notch causes the bin itself to be more likely to vibrate, so that it is necessary to increase the bin strength.

For this reason, the bottle fixed sorter is superior in the above items and the like.

However, in a bin-fixed sorter, post-processing such as binding from the sheet loading side to the bin (when there is a sheet stopper or the like on the sheet loading side) (for example, binding of two places near the center of the sheet). In this case, it is very difficult to dispose a binding device or the like on the sheet carry-in side (sheet stopper side) because the above-described guide plate, deflection plate 800 (), and belt member 802 () on the sheet carry-in side are in the way. there were.

In the bin-fixing sorter, as shown in FIG. 47, a stapler 810 is provided in the moving area of the deflecting plate which moves upward and downward, and the stopper _Bt side of the bin B is moved up and down to move the bin during stapling. the is also considered to constitute so as to move the stapler side, when the or a region thereof in the sheet material conveyed onto the bin B is deflected slope 803 for example, even attempt is made staple bin B ₁ ( (Position 810b) It was impossible to move the sheet conveyance path 811 upstream of the deflection plate 803 because the sheet path was interrupted.

For example, 803a which does not interfere with the deflection plate 803
I couldn't work without moving to the position.

Furthermore, in the above-mentioned conventional example: bin moving type sorter, sheets are stored only in the bin corresponding to the position of the sheet material outlet of the image forming apparatus, and simultaneously stored in other bins. I can't. When performing post-processing such as binding, the post-processing is started after all sheets are stored on the bin. Further, when performing post-processing such as binding in the conventional example: bin fixed sorter, post-processing is started after all sheets are stored on the bin. In this configuration, when distributing and stacking a plurality of sheet bundles on each bin, it is conceivable to operate the binding means or the like while distributing the final distribution sheet from the stacking end bin to distributing sheets to other bins. Since the processing speed of the binding processing operation is significantly slower than the processing speed of sheet distribution per bin, it has been difficult to increase the overall processing efficiency even if simultaneous processing is performed. As described above, in the conventional embodiment, there is a problem that the overall sheet processing efficiency including sheet post-processing is low.

[0014]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems, and it is easy to stap the binding of a bin-fixed sorter on the sheet loading side (such as binding at two places near the center of the sheet). It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus that can be configured.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a sheet post-processing apparatus having a plurality of sheet trays and having at least one movable sheet material sandwiching and conveying means, wherein a post-processing means for stapling sheets and the like is provided. A first position at which the post-processing means is movable in a first direction substantially parallel to the sheet nipping and conveying means, and a first position at which a sheet on a tray is stapled in a movement area in the first direction; It is configured to be movable in a second direction between the second positions outside the movement area of the nipping and conveying means.

Further, the present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and a plurality of bins of a fixed bin sorter are made into one block, and furthermore, a bin plate of one block is made variable and sheet processing different for each block, for example, By simultaneously performing the sheet transfer processing and the sheet binding processing, the overall sheet processing efficiency including the sheet post-processing is improved.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, an electrophotographic copying machine 100 is shown as a sheet material output device. This copying machine is provided with an automatic document feeder 102 provided at an upper portion and a sheet S of a copying machine main body 101 on a side for discharging a sheet S. It comprises a folding device 103 arranged and a sorter 1 arranged further downstream thereof.

The document 106 placed on the document table 105 of the automatic document feeder 102 is separated from the lower side in order, and is fed onto a platen glass 107 of the copying machine main body 101 via a path 109 to be copied. Optical system 1 of main body 101
10 and the platen glass 10
From the path 7, the sheet is discharged to the uppermost surface on the document table 105 via a path 111. The sheet S is fed from the deck 112,
The image is formed by the image forming unit 113, fixed by the fixing unit 115, and generally conveyed to the sheet entrance 10 of the sorter 1 through the folding device 103.

Here, the image forming process of the copying machine 100, which is the machine of the present invention, belongs to the well-known art, and therefore will not be described here.

[0021] The sorter 1 as shown in FIG. 1,2, B ₁ ~B
_n has a number of bins fixedly arranged in upper and lower stages, and a carry-in port 10 for carrying in the sheet S discharged from the copying machine main body 100 is provided. One sheet conveying path 11 is configured, and
A second sheet conveying path 12 is formed by branching off from the first sheet conveying path 11. The first sheet conveying path 11 includes an upper discharge roller pair 13 and the second sheet conveying path 1.
A lower discharge roller pair 15 is disposed downstream of the second discharge roller 2. Further, a pair of sheet relay rollers 18 and 19 for conveying the minimum size sheet are provided in each of the sheet conveying paths 11 and 12.

A pair of carry-in rollers 16 and a deflector 17 are arranged at a branch portion of the first and second sheet conveying paths 11 and 12, and the sheet S is displaced by the displacement of the deflector 17. The guide is selectively guided to the transport path 11 or the second sheet transport path 12.

FIG. 3 shows the first and second delivery units 2.4.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the vertical movement mechanism of FIG.

The vertical moving mechanism of the first delivery unit 2 includes:
A pair of main shafts 31 and 32 provided on the lower side and the upper side of the sorter so as to be supported by bearings in parallel with each other, and the respective main shafts 31 and 32
Pulleys 33.3 attached to the rear end and the front end of the pulley
3, 34, 34 and their pulleys 33, 34, 33,
34, a pair of vertical belts 35, 35 on the rear side and the front side, respectively, which are suspended from the front side, a power take-off pulley 36 attached to the rear end of the lower main shaft 31, and a forward / reverse rotation motor M1 for vertical movement.
And a drive pulley 37 attached to the output shaft of the motor M1.
And a belt 38 suspended between the drive pulley 37 and the power take-off pulley 36. The first delivery unit 2 has unit side plates 20 and 20 'at both ends fixed to the vertical belt pair 35 and 35 to be supported substantially horizontally.

When the vertical movement motor M1 is driven to rotate forward, the belt pairs 35, 35 rotate forward, and the first belt
Of the delivery unit 2 moves upward. Conversely, the motor M
When the belt 1 is driven in reverse, the belt pairs 35 and 35 rotate in reverse,
As a result, the unit 2 moves downward.

The above-mentioned belt pairs 35 are respectively composed of pulleys 33 fixed to a drive-side main shaft 31 and a driven-side main shaft 32.
Since the belts 35 are suspended around the pulleys 34 fixed to the unit 35, a rotational phase difference between the belts 35 does not easily occur, and the unit 2 moves up and down while maintaining the horizontal position.

Vertically extending vertical rails 39 are mounted on mounting portions (not shown) on the rear side and the front side of the sorter 1, respectively. And the rail fitting members 21 and 21 ′ attached to the outer surfaces of the unit side plates 20 and 20 ′ on the front side, respectively, so that there is play in the front-rear and left-right directions accompanying the vertical movement of the unit 2. Is pressed.

Next, the moving mechanism of the second delivery unit 4 will be described.

The moving mechanism comprises a pair of main shafts 51 and 52 provided on the lower side and the upper side of the sorter in parallel with bearings on the lower side and the upper side, and a pulley 5 attached to each main shaft.
3, 54 and a vertical belt 5 suspended between pulleys
5 and the lower power-up attached to the back end portion of the side shaft 51 a pulley 56 and vertical movement forward and reverse motor M ₂ and the motor M ₂ of the power-up and the drive pulley 57 and the driven pulley 57 mounted on the output shaft for And a belt 58 suspended between the pulleys 56.

The second delivery unit 4 has unit side plates 40 and 40 ', and is fixed to the vertical belt 55.

Two vertical rails 59, 59 'are attached and supported in the vertical direction to a mounting portion (not shown) on the rear side of the sorter 1, and each of the vertical rails 59, 59' is mounted on the rear side of the unit 4. The rail fitting member 41 attached to the outer surface of the unit side plate 40 is fitted.

The rail fitting member 41 has a hole 41a and an elongated hole 41b substantially matching the outer diameter of the rail (FIG. 6), and is fitted to the rails 59 and 59 ', respectively.

As a result, the back and forth and left and right play associated with the vertical movement of the unit 4 are suppressed, and the unit 4 moves up and down while maintaining a horizontal state.

[0034] In this way, the vertical movement motor M ₂ is forward rotation drive belt 55 is rotated in the forward direction, it sheet material of each bin B ₁ .about.B _n of the second delivery unit 4 is vertically multistage In conjunction the inlet side gradually moves downward, conversely, when the motor M ₂ is driven in reverse belt 55 is reversely rotated, it the unit 4 is Tomo moves increases.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, and 4C show a front view, a left side view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the first delivery unit 2 with a partial cutout.

The first delivery unit 2 includes a pair of sheet material guide plates 22 provided between the unit side plates 20 and 20 ′ on the back side and the front side and integrally and vertically opposed to the side plates.
A roller shaft 23 supported by bearings between the side plates 20 and 20 ';
A plurality (four in this example) of rubber-made rollers 24 attached at intervals along the length of the roller shaft 23, and an appropriate force is constantly applied to the upper surface of each roller 24 by a leaf spring 26. And the side plate 20 'on one side.
, A driving gear 27 attached to the rotating shaft of the motor, and a power take-off gear 28 meshed with the driving gear and attached to the shaft end of the roller shaft 23.
And sheet material detection sensors 29a and 29b (for example, a photocoupler including a light receiving element and a light source) provided on the sheet material exit side of the sheet material guide plates 22 and 22.

The contact nip between each roller 24 and the pressure roller 25 is located in a sheet material passage between the upper and lower sheet material guide plates 22 and 23.

FIGS. 5 (a), 5 (b) and 5 (c) show a front view, a left side view, and a cross-sectional view, respectively, of the second delivery unit 4 with a partial cutaway.

The second delivery unit 4 has a pair of sheet material guide plates 42, 42 'which are provided between unit side plates 40, 40' on the back side and the front side, and which are vertically opposed integrally with the side plates.
And two roller shafts 43, 43 'supported by bearings between the side plates 40, 40', and a plurality of roller shafts 43, 43 'mounted at intervals along the length of the roller shafts 43, 43' (in this example, one 4 on axis
Rollers 44, 44 'made of rubber, etc., a pressure roller 45 constantly pressed against the upper surface of each roller 44 by a leaf spring 46, 46' with an appropriate force, and a side plate 40 'on one side.
Sheet material conveying motor m ₂ mounted on the side, a driving gear 47 mounted on a rotating shaft of the motor, and a driving gear 47
A power take-off gear 48 and a pulley 49 are mounted on the shaft end of the roller shaft 43, and a pulley 49 'driven by the pulley 49 via a belt 51 and a sheet material are mounted on the shaft end on the front side of the roller shaft 43'. Sheet material presence detection sensors 49 (a), 4 provided on the sheet material exit side of the guide plates 42 and 42 '.
9 (b) (for example, a photocoupler including a light receiving element and a light source).

The second delivery unit 4 is provided with bin position detection sensors 50 (for example, photocouplers) for the bins _{B1 to Bn} .

Each roller 44, pressure roller 45, each roller 4
The contact nip between the 4 'and the pressure roller 45' is located in the sheet material passage between the upper and lower sheet material guide plates 42, 42 '.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show that the second delivery unit 4 is located at the sheet material entrance of the predetermined bin B _(1-n) , and the first delivery unit 2 is located at the second delivery unit 4.
A partially cutaway plan view in a position corresponding to
It is a cross-sectional view in a partial position.

The second delivery unit 2 detects and counts the position of each bin by detecting and counting the flag m protruding from the sheet material inlet side of each bin by the sensor 50 in the process of ascending or descending the predetermined bin. The movement / positioning stop control is performed with high precision to a position corresponding to the sheet material inlet.

The first delivery unit 2 and the second delivery unit 4 are provided with position detection sensors 30a and 30b (for example, photocouplers each including a light receiving element and a light source) for detecting the respective positions. In addition, the first delivery unit is controlled to stop moving and positioning with high precision to a position corresponding to the second placement unit 4 during the ascending or descending movement process.

Next, the moving mechanism of the stapler 200 will be described (FIGS. 6 and 10). The stapler 200 moves the bins B _{1 to} B _n vertically arranged in the first direction 201 (a direction substantially perpendicular to the paper conveyance direction) in which the stapler 200 moves to the pin side to staple the sheet on an arbitrary position on the pin. It is configured to be movable in a second direction arrow 202 (a direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction) that moves to an opposing position.

First, the mechanism for moving in the first direction will be described.

The stapler 200 is a stapler supporting member 2
51 (the stapler unit 25).
0). Further, side plates 270 'and 270 are provided on the front and back sides of the stapler unit 250, and the rail 2 is located between the side plates.
71, 271 'are provided, and a stapler holding unit 290 fixed by the front and back side plates is provided.

A fitting member 272 provided on the stapler unit 250 is fitted to the rails 271 and 271 '(272a is a positioning hole, and 272b is a round hole).・
It is configured to be movable in the direction of arrow 201 without rattling up and down.

A motor M4 is mounted on the front side plate 270 'of the stapler holding unit 290, and a pulley 274 is provided on the output shaft of the motor M4. Back side plate 2
The pulley 2 is rotatable around an idler shaft 273.
74 'is provided, and a belt 275 is suspended between the pulleys 274 and 274'.
0, the belt 275 is fixed.

The staple unit 250 can move in the direction of the arrow 201 by the forward / reverse operation of the motor M4.

Here, the staple unit 250 is connected to the second delivery unit 4 in a part of the moving area.
(Rear side of the line (a) in FIG. 6).

Further, since the rails 271, 271 ', belts and the like are provided outside the moving area of the first and second delivery units (between lines (b) and (c) in FIG. 6), There is no interference with the first and second delivery units during movement.

With the above configuration, the stapler 200
Is movable in the direction of arrow 201.

Next, a description will be given of a moving mechanism for moving to the position facing the bins B _{1 to} B _n (second direction (arrow 202)) (FIGS. 1 and 10).

The vertical movement mechanism of the staple unit 250 includes main shafts 231 and 232 provided on the lower side and the upper side of the sorter so as to be supported by bearings in parallel with each other.
Pulleys 233, 233, 234, 234 attached to the rear end and the front end of
33, 234, 233, 234, a pair of vertical belts 235, 235 on the rear side and the front side, respectively, which are suspended from the power take-off pulley 23 attached to the rear end of the lower main shaft 231.
6, a forward / reverse rotation motor M3 for vertical movement, a drive pulley 237 attached to an output shaft of the motor M3,
Belt 2 suspended between 37 and the power take-off pulley 236
38. The stapler unit 250 has unit side plates 270 and 270 'at both ends fixed to the vertical belt pair 235 and 235, and is supported substantially horizontally.

As described above, when the vertical movement motor M3 is driven to rotate forward, the belt pairs 235 and 235 rotate forward, and the staple unit 250 is moved up and down in each bin B
It moves up and down along _{1 to Bn} .

Conversely, when the motor M3 is driven in the reverse direction, the belt pairs 235 and 235 rotate in the reverse direction, and the unit 250 moves downward accordingly. The belt pair 235, 2
35 is a pulley 23 fixed to the drive-side main shaft 231 respectively.
3, 233 and a pulley 2 fixed to the driven-side main shaft 232
34, 234, the belt 235,
235, the rotation phase difference between the units is less likely to occur.
Moves up and down while keeping the level.

Vertical rails 239, 239 'are attached to and supported by mounting portions (not shown) on the rear side and the front side of the sorter, respectively.
The unit side plate 27 on the back side and the front side of the unit 250
0, 270 'rail fitting members 22 respectively attached to the outer surface
1, 221 'are fitted (221 is a round hole, 22
1 'has a round slot), thereby suppressing the vertical and horizontal and back-and-forth rattling accompanying the vertical movement of the unit 250.

Further, the staple unit 250
Above and below and on the second delivery unit 4 side, delivery unit position detection means 295a, 295b such as micro switches,
The staple unit 250 and the second delivery unit 4 do not collide with each other even if some abnormality occurs (FIGS. 2 and 6).

Next, a mechanism for moving the bin B when the stapler 200 performs stapling will be described (see FIGS. 6, 9 and 10). Bins B _{1 to} B _n described above
As shown in FIG. 6, four positioning boss members (301, 302, 303, 304) for movement are provided on the bin end surface, and the boss members are provided on each bin provided on the sorter 1 main body. The rails 321 and 3
22, 323, and 324 and supported so as to be movable in the direction of arrow 330.

Each of the bins B _{1 to} B _n is constantly subjected to a force in the direction of an arrow 305 by a biasing means 304 such as a spring to apply the bins B _{1 to} B to the rail stoppers 321A and 323A.
_{The n} bosses 301 and 303 are positioned in contact with each other.

As apparent from the above configuration, in this state, the bins B _{1 to} B _n can move in the arrow 306 direction.

On the far side plate 270 of the stapler holding unit 290, there is provided a bin moving means 310 rotatable about a central axis 311 by a motor M5. The bin moving means has a semicircular shape as shown in the figure, and a pressing member 312 is provided on the circumference. A pulley 317 is provided on a center shaft 311 of the bin moving means 310, and a pulley 318 provided on a drive shaft of the motor M5 and a belt 31 are provided.
The drive is transmitted via 9.

The bin moving means is normally positioned with the semicircular end face 3B facing the bin so as not to interfere with the bin B. However, when the bin B is pulled out in the direction of the arrow 306 due to stapling, it is not suitable. rotating the bin moving means is an arrow 314 direction by the signal from the illustrated control means to the position shown in FIG. 11, the bin pushing member 312 engages Binsutoppa B _t during rotation, 11 a predetermined bin B in the arrow 306 direction Move to the position indicated by the solid line. At this time, the bin B has the boss 30 described above.
1 to 304 and rails 321 to 324 are fitted,
Moves back and forth, left and right, up and down without rattling.

Further, the stapler 200 has moved to a predetermined position for performing sheet binding corresponding to the notch 325 or 326 or 327 of the bin. At this position, the sheet on the bin corresponds to the stapler by the bin moving operation. Position, where staple processing is performed.

After the above operation is completed, the bin moving means 3
The predetermined bin B is returned to the original position by the force of the above-mentioned urging means 304 by returning to the position of FIG.

When stapling another bin, the above-described stapler holding unit 290 moves to a predetermined bin position above or below and repeats the above operation. When stapling with the above-described configuration, only predetermined bins are pulled out to the stapler side, so that the upper and lower jaw (hammer, anvil) portions 200a and 200b of the stapler do not interfere with the upper and lower bins. Also, there is no need to greatly increase the bin interval for stapling as described in the bin moving sorter.

Next, the means for aligning sheets on the bin will be described (FIGS. 2, 6, and 12).

The bins B _{1 to} B _n are divided into two modules (X,
Y) A case in which B _{1 to} B _f and B _{g to} B _n are divided into two, for example, will be described. When n is an odd number, for example, B ₁
~ B {(n-1) / 2}, B {n-1) / 2 + 1} ~ B
_It can be divided into two modules like _n .

First, the first modules B _{1 to} B _f will be described. On the back side of the bin B, the upper end is an upper arm 425.
A rotation center shaft 427 having a lower end fixed to the lower arm 426 is supported by a support plate (not shown) provided on the sorter 1. An alignment member 438 having an alignment bar 436 is provided between the upper arm 425 and the lower arm 426. Here, the alignment rod 436 is provided so as to penetrate the notch 435 provided in each of the bins B _{1 to} B _f over all the bins. The alignment member 438 is configured to rotate about a rotation center shaft 427 via a gear train by a pulse motor (not shown) or the like.

At the near side of the bin, there is provided an alignment reference wall 450 for abutting and aligning the sheet with the alignment bar 436 during alignment. The alignment reference wall 450 is supported by two links 451, 452 via rotary shafts 451a, 452a, and the other end of the link is a cover member 455 formed integrally with the bin slide rail member.
Are rotatably supported by the rotating shafts 451b and 452b provided in. As shown in FIG. 12, a spring 453 is attached to one end of the link 452,
A stopper 457 (see FIG. 12, which is urged in the direction of an arrow 456 around the center b) and provided inside the cover member 455.
13), the alignment reference wall is located at 450A. Further, a lever 454 of a solenoid SL1 is attached to the link 452, and the link 452 moves in a direction of an arrow 458 by an ON operation of the solenoid from a control unit (not shown), so that the alignment reference wall is in a state of 450B. , As shown in FIG.
The front side of the bin is opened and the sheet S can be pulled out in the direction of the arrow 460.

The first module X of the bin groups B _{1 to} B _f at the upper part of the sorter has been described above.
_Since the second modules Y of _{g to Bn} also have substantially the same structure, each member of the second module Y in the drawing is _denoted by “′” for the main component of the first module X. A description of the configuration is omitted.

FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 show a case where a stacker 600 for taking out the sheets on the bin B is provided on the near side of the sorter 1 (at a position substantially perpendicular to the direction of feeding the sheets into the bin B). A receiving tray 606 is provided in the vicinity of the bin B and slightly below the predetermined bin B, and the tray 606 is moved up and down to a position corresponding to each bin B by a driving unit (not shown) when the sheet S is taken out. It has become. The tray 606 is provided with sheet take-out rollers 602 and 603 that move up and down together with the tray. The rollers take out sheets from the bin B and stack the sheets on the receiving tray 606. The operation will be described later in detail.

This embodiment has the above configuration, and its operation will be described below.

(A) Operation in Sort Mode i A document is set on the document table 105 of the automatic document feeder 102 of the copying machine main body 101 (FIG. 1), and a predetermined sort mode condition is controlled by a console unit (not shown). Input to the circuit and press the start key.

Ii. A standby signal on the sorter 1 side is started by a start key press signal. That is, for the first delivery unit 2, it is the home position 2 (A)
It is confirmed whether or not it is at a position corresponding to the upper discharge roller pair 13 of the sorter 1.

The second delivery unit 4 is located at a bin position as a predetermined home position 4 (A), for example, the top non-sort bin B _A.
It is confirmed by the control circuit whether the sheet is located at the position corresponding to the sheet material inlet.

The confirmation is made by a signal from detection means (not shown) such as a switch to a microphone which is turned on when each of the units 2 and 4 is located at the home position.

Iii. First and second delivery units 2.4
When one or both are not located at their respective home positions, one or both of the vertical motion motors M1 and M2 (FIG. 3) are rotated forward or backward, and the respective units 2.4 are rotated.
The operation of returning to the respective home positions (initial setting operation) is performed (FIG. 21A).

At the same time as or when the standby processing of i to iii on the iv sorter 1 side is completed or completed, the original 206 is sent to the platen glass 107 of the copying machine main body 101 by the original feeder.
The copying machine main body 101 is fed upward and enters a copying operation.

V At the same time, the sheet conveying motors m1 and m2 of the first and second delivery units 2.4 are respectively driven to rotate forward, and the cola-roller pairs 24.2.
5, 44, 45, 44 'and 45' are rotated forward to prepare for receiving the sheet material (FIG. 21B).
The second delivery unit 4 moves the uppermost position of the bin B ₁ for sorting by the drive of the vertical movement motor M ₂ to the (position corresponding to the sheet entrance portion) 4 (1). This second
Arrives at the delivery unit 4 by the flag m and the sensor 50.
The motor M ₂ is detected (FIG. 7) is stopped.

Vi The first sheet S ₁ which has been subjected to the image forming process in the copier 101 and has been discharged is fed from the carry-in port 10 to
It is guided by the deflector 17 displaced during the sorter standby processing, introduced into the first transport path 11, and introduced into the first delivery unit 2 via the upper discharge roller pair 13.

[0083] vii its introduction sheet S ₁ is in the vertical position the first waiting as a home position of the delivery unit 2 of the discharge roller pair 13 guide plate 22, 22
The leading end is guided by the guide plates 22 and enters the nip portion of the pair of roller rollers 24 and 25.

[0084] Since viii roller rollers pair 24, 25 is in a forward rotation state, the sheet S ₁ is directly conveyed between the guide plates 22, 22 to the front (FIG. 21 (c)).

[0085] ix roller roller pair of the sheet S ₁ passing between 24 and 25 tip sensor 29a, when it is detected 29b FIG 4 (c) the first sheet material delivery unit 2 at a predetermined timing The rotation of the transport motor m1 is stopped. Therefore, the distal end portion of the sheet S ₁ is held in a state of being stably firmly clamped between the rotation of the stopped roller rollers 24, 25.

[0086] x Simultaneously, the reverse rotation of the vertical movement motor M1 of the first delivery unit 2 is made, lowered while the unit 2 is nipping the leading end portion of the sheet S ₁ between the rollers, the roller pair 24, 25 Move. That is, the sheet material S
₁ will be transferred downwards, the same as the discharging speed of the sheet material S ₁ discharged downward movement speed of the unit 2 from the upper discharge rollers 13 of the sorter 1, downward movement speed that is slightly slower than the discharge rate , The sheet member between the roller-roller pair 24 and 25 and the upper discharge roller pair 13 is not subjected to an excessive load such as being pulled or broken, and an appropriate loop is not applied. Is transported downward with the state maintained.

Xi First delivery unit 2 that has moved down
There the highest stage bin B ₁ of the sheet material inlet portion to be reached at a position corresponding to the second delivery unit 4 waiting correspondingly located position detecting sensor 30a described above, by 30b (FIG. 7) Upon detection, the reverse rotation of the up / down motor M1 of the first delivery unit 4 is immediately stopped by the signal. That is, the downward movement of the first delivery unit 2 is stopped (FIG. 21D).

Xii At the same time, the normal rotation drive of the sheet conveying motor m1 of the first delivery unit 2 is restarted, and the sheet S ₁ sandwiched therebetween by the rotation of the roller-roller pair 24, 25 is removed. The sheet is conveyed between the sheet guide plates 42 on the second delivery unit 4 side (FIG. 21).
(E)).

Xiii The leading end of the sheet material S ₁ is guided by the guide plates 42 and enters the nip portion of the pair of rollers 44 and 45, 44 ′ and 45 ′ of the second delivery unit 4. The roller pressure of the roller roller pairs 44 and 45 and 44 'and 45' is the same as the roller roller pair 24 of the first delivery unit 2.
The roller pressure is set to be equal to or higher than the roller pressure of _No. 25, and the leading end of the sheet material S1 is a roller-roller pair 44.4.
5, 44 'and 45' are conveyed while securely held.

Xiv Roller roller pair 44, 45, 4
4 '- 45' sheet S ₁ which is the introduction because already in the normal rotation state is gradually being subsequently conveyed to the second delivery unit 4 to the front (FIG. 21 (f)).

[0091] is introduced into xv second delivery unit 4, the roller-roller pair 44, 45, 44 ', 45' the tip of the sheet S ₁ which is conveyed forward through between the sheet presence detecting sensor 49a When detected at 49b (Fig. 5
(C)), the vertical rotation motor M1 on the side of the first delivery unit 2 is driven to rotate forward by the signal, and the upward movement of the unit 4 is started. At this point, the leading end of the sheet material S ₁ is located at the roller / roller pair 44.
45, 44 ', 45' between fully transfer the sheet material S ₁ from the first delivery unit 2 side is clamped to the second delivery unit 4 side is made reliably.

Xvi At the same time, the sheet material conveying motor m1 on the first delivery unit 2 side is controlled to switch to the high-speed normal rotation state, that is, the roller 24 is rotated at an increased speed (FIG. 2).
1 (g)).

The high-speed rotation speed of the roller 24, that is, the sheet conveying speed V _R in the process of returning the first delivery unit 2 is equal to the roller-roller pair 4 of the second delivery unit 4.
Sheet material conveyance speed V ₁ by 4.45 and 44'.45 '
And the ascending movement speed (return speed) of the first delivery unit 2
It is substantially equal rate to the sum V ₁ + V ₂ of V _2. Therefore, even if the sheet material S ₁ is still passing through the first delivery unit 2 and has not been completely removed, even if the unit 2 is moved upward, the pulling force on the sheet material portion between the units 2 and 4, A load such as a rubbing force or a bending force is substantially not applied or greatly reduced.

Xvii When the first delivery unit 2 reaches the home position, that is, the position corresponding to the sheet material upper discharge roller pair 13, the forward rotation of the vertical movement motor M1 is stopped, and the sheet material transport motor m1 is moved up. Is switched to the normal rotation speed state before the rotation speed is switched to the high speed, and the apparatus waits to receive the sheet material discharged next from the upper discharge roller pair 13 (FIG. 21 (h)).

[0095] the rear end of the sheet S ₁ which handed over to the second delivery unit 4 side is provided between the first delivery unit 2 until the end returns to the home position as described above the first delivery unit 2 I'm out of the inside.

[0096] The first delivery unit 2 can speed V ₂ to return to the home position is better to as much as possible faster performed with a margin to receive the next sheet material, it is possible to ensure the transport Preferred.

Xviii On the other hand, the sheet material S ₁ delivered to the second delivery unit 4 side is
Unit 4 by the forward rotation of the rollers pairs 44, 45 44 ', 45' are introduced into the bin B ₁ of the highest stage that supports location.

[0098] xix sensor 49a · 4 things sheet rear end thereof the sheet S ₁ is introduced discharged into the bin 1a
9b, the second delivery unit 4 is detected.
The vertical movement motor M2 is rotated forward, and the downward movement of the unit 4 is started in the same manner as described above (FIG. 22A). It is advantageous that the unit 4 is moved down as fast as possible.

[0099] When the second delivery unit 4 and xx the downward movement has reached the position corresponding to the sheet entrance portion of the bin B ₂ of next order stage is detected by the flag m and the sensor 50 (FIG. 7) immediately forward rotation of the vertical movement motor M2 is stopped, the unit 4 waits at a position corresponding to the sheet entrance portion of the bin B ₂ of said next position stage (FIG. 22 (b)).

[0100] xxi the photographic machine body 101, the discharge introduction of the upper discharge roller pair 13 from the second sheet material S ₂ is made through the sheet path.

Xxii The same operations as those of vii to xvii are performed (FIGS. 22C to 22E).

Xxiii The second sheet material S ₂ is the second sheet material S ₂ .
Is located at the position corresponding to the _second sorting bin B2 from the top, and is introduced and discharged to the _second bin B2.

Xxiv When the sensors 49a and 49b detect that the _second sheet material has been introduced and discharged into the bin B2, the second delivery unit 4 is moved downward as in the case of xxix. .

[0104] xxv The second delivery unit 4 as in the xx waits stops at a position corresponding to a sheet material inlet of the bottle B ₃ at the third stage from the top is the next bin. The sheet distribution of up to bin B ₃ is performed by performing the above-described same operation (FIG. 23 (a)).

Then, when the second delivery unit 4 stands by at the position corresponding to the sheet material inlet of the bin B ₄ (or before), the deflector 17 is displaced and the sheet material S ₃ is moved to the second position. And is introduced into the first delivery unit 2 via the lower discharge roller pair 15. At this time, the first delivery unit 2 corresponding to the aforementioned bin B ₃ to the position of the lower home position 2 (B) Position 2
It has moved from (3) (FIG. 23A). Then, the sheet S ₄ is conveyed from the first delivery unit 2 to the second delivery unit 4 by the same operation as described above (hereinafter, receiving the sheet from the lower discharge roller pair 15), and the sheet S ₄ is transferred to the bin B ₄ . The sheet is discharged (FIG. 23B).

The above operation (operation using the second transport path 12) is sequentially performed from B _{4 to} B _n (FIG. 23).
(D)).

Here, the transfer path is switched by the deflector 17 when the maximum moving distance of the first delivery unit 2 from the discharge roller pair 13 or 15 becomes substantially equal. (FIG. 2).

That is, B₁ ~ B_Three Until the upper discharge row
The sheet from the pair 13 is distributed by the first delivery unit 2
(2_(A) From 2₍₃₎ ), And its maximum travel distance is l₁ In
You. B _(Four) ~ B_n Up to the system from the lower discharge roller pair 15.
Is distributed by the first delivery unit 2 (2_(Four) ~ 2
_(n) ), The maximum travel distance is from the discharge roller pair 15
Each one_Two , L_Three And this l₁ And l_Two , L_Three But almost the same
Sheet S and bin B_{A, 1 to n}
Sorted into. This means, for example, that the copying machine itself is a high-speed machine
In the case of, the first delivery unit 2 is inserted between the sheets S.
One discharge roller pair because it must be reciprocated
In order to distribute the sheet S from
Travel distance becomes large and you have to move at a very high speed
It depends. For this reason, it is divided into two paths
The moving distance is shortened, and a pair of upper and lower discharge rollers 13,
By making the maximum travel distance from 15 almost equal,
Reducing the maximum moving speed of the first delivery unit 2
It becomes possible. Here, the first transport path 11 and the second
From the deflector 17 of the transport path 12 to the discharge roller pair 13, 1
The distance to 5 is almost equal. This is a paper path
When switching, if one (11 or 12) is very short
On the long pass side 12 or 11 the first delivery unit is
Delivery to the delivery unit
The next paper is short before being delivered to one delivery unit.
Processing can be done in time
Operation of the copier body must be stopped or
The speed of one delivery unit must be further increased
It is because it will not be.

By the above operation, a plurality of bins
The sheet material is sequentially distributed. For example, a set of three
When performing J-joining of the copy sheet material of n parts, the first original
Bin B for the above distribution operation for the copy sheet of the draft₁ ~ B_n 
(Bin B₁ From Bin B_n ), And then the second element
Bin B for copy sheet of manuscript_n ~ B₁ (From n bin
(1 bin) in the reverse order.
And bin B again₁ ~ B _n If you do it in order, J collaboration
Work is carried out efficiently.

(B) Operation Steps in Non-Sort Mode Similar to A _{I to} A _{III in the} sort mode, standby processing is performed (at this time, a non-sort mode condition is input to the console unit (A _I )). In the above state, the first delivery unit 2 is located at the position 2 (A) corresponding to the upper discharge roller pair 13, and the second delivery unit 4 is located at the position 4 corresponding to the sheet material inlet of the uppermost non-sort bin B _A.
(A).

[0111] When the sorter 1 side the A _I to A _III to the standby processing simultaneously or completion of the document 206 is a platen glass 1 of the copying machine main body 101 by the document feeder 102
07 and the copying machine 101 enters a copying operation.

At about the same time, the sheet conveying motors m1 and m2 of the first and second delivery units 2 and 4 are driven to rotate forward, respectively, and the roller-roller pairs 24.2 of each unit 2.4 are respectively driven.
5, 44 and 45, 44 'and 45' are in the normal rotation state, ready for receiving the sheet material.

The first sheet S ₁ image-formed and discharged by the copying machine 101 is guided from the carry-in port 10 to the deflector 17 which has been displaced during the sorter standby process, and is introduced into the first transport path 11. It is introduced into the first delivery unit 2 via a discharge roller pair 13.

The introduced sheet material S ₁ enters the space between the upper and lower guide plates 22 of the first delivery unit 2 waiting at the position of the discharge roller pair 13 as a home position, and the leading end thereof is located at the guide plates 22. Guided to Laura
Enter the nip of roller pair 24/25.

[0115] Since the roller rollers pair 24, 25 is in a forward rotation state sheet S ₁ as it is the guide plates 22, 22
Between the guide plates 42, 42 of the second delivery unit 4, and the roller / roller pairs 44.4.
The sheets are conveyed forward by 5, 44 'and 45', and the sheets are sequentially carried into the non-sort bin B _A.

With the above configuration, in the case of the non-sort mode, it is not necessary to perform the movement operation of the first and second delivery units 2.4 as in the case of the sort mode, and the rotation of the roller pair is not required. There is no need for ON / OFF operation (FIG. 24).

In this embodiment, as described above, 2
The configuration having one path (11, 12) has been described. For example, as shown in FIG. 25, at the time of non-sorting, the sheet S branches off from the first conveying path 11 by the deflector 701 and passes through the non-sorting path 700. _A non-sort path for discharging from the non-sort discharge roller pair 702 to the non-sort bin B _A may be provided. In this configuration, when sorting, the first delivering unit maximum movement amount are approximately equal _{(l 4 ≒ l 5 ≒ l} 6 ≒ l 7) That bin B ₁ .about.B
_f receives the sheet from the discharge roller pair 13 and transfers the sheet to the second delivery unit 4 which stands by at the predetermined bin sheet entrance by moving up and down by l ₄ and l ₅ respectively. The bottle B _g ~B _n
Receives the sheet from the discharge roller pair 15 and transfers it to the second delivery unit 4 waiting at the predetermined bin sheet entrance by moving up and down by l ₆ and l ₇ respectively. At this time, the first and second
The length of the transport path is substantially equal for the same reason as described above (distances from 16 to 13, 15). Thus, for example, in the case of a sorter having the same number of bins as described above, it is possible to reduce the maximum movement amount of the first delivery unit.

That is, in the above-described case, the first delivery unit could move only downward because the position of the uppermost non-sort bin BA was set as the home position. However, in the example shown in FIG. Roller pairs 13 and 15
Can move up and down from a position facing the unit 2, so that the maximum movement distance of the unit 2 can be shortened. As a result, it is possible to cope with further high-speed machines. On the other hand, in the case of a low-speed machine, the sheet path may be configured as one for the above-described reason.

The distribution operation to each bin B is performed by the above-described operation. Next, the operation of the sheet material alignment and post-processing will be described using the upper bin group X (FIGS. 6 and 7).

The bin is transferred from the second delivery unit 4 to bin B.
When the sheet S is discharged, the sheet S is moved to the rear end stopper B._t Below
With its own weight on the bin B that is inclined
Par B _t Move towards. Then, as shown in FIG.
The member 438 is based on a pulse signal corresponding to the size of the sheet S.
From the standby position H by a pulse motor (not shown) or the like.
Moves by a predetermined amount in the direction of arrow E (reposition position)
S_(s) Is pressed against the matching reference wall 450. This allows
The side end of the sheet S opposite to the alignment member pressing portion is the sheet discharging position.
Move from E to F. The alignment member 438 then moves to the next sheet.
Returning to the standby position H in preparation for the discharge of the

The above operation is performed every time the sheet S is discharged or for all bins (B
₁ ~ B_f ) After loading the sheets on one bin B
A plurality of sheets S have their side edges
Stopper B_t Abuts and is aligned. The matching unit
Material 438 is all bottles B₁ ~ B _f Penetrating through,
All bottles B₁ ~ B_f The sheet S stored in the
It is. In this embodiment, the bin is divided into two bin groups X and Y, and
Alignment members 438, 438 'are provided respectively.
Therefore, if the number of copies exceeds the number of bins in the upper bin group,
The same sheet alignment processing is performed on the lower bin group.
Will be Then, the binding of the sheets S discharged to the bins B.
The binding can be selected, and the binding motor is not selected.
If not, the operation of the sorter 1 is temporarily terminated here.

Next, the case where the binding mode is selected will be described. To stop the binding, the binding staple 349 is moved by the operator's selection to the front side of the sheet S (FIG. 8A).
Alternatively, one location binding on the back side (FIG. 8B) and two locations binding at two locations near the approximate center of the sheet S (FIG. 8C).
The following three types are possible. The stapler 200 is further rotated by driving means (not shown) (arrow 2 in FIG. 6).
85) Binding with an angle α as shown in FIG. 8D is also possible.

Here, a description will be given of the binding at one place on the front side of the sheet S. When the binding stop mode is selected, the sheet S
The stapler holding unit 250 is moved up or down to the position of the predetermined bin B by the driving means after the completion of the stacking alignment on the bin. To the position of P ₁ of and Figure 6 at a position facing the B ₁ in the present embodiment a home position, in the time of stopping stapled sheet stack S on the bin B ₁ represents, vertical movement of the stapler holding unit 250 Is not performed. Next, the stapler unit 250 having the electric stapler 200 is moved to the home position P _{1 as} shown in FIG.
From moving by the aforementioned drive means P _2.

Next, when the completion of the movement of the stapler unit 250 is detected by a detecting means (not shown), the bin moving means 310 is driven and the pushing member 312 is moved to the bin B _1.
The engaging and Binsutoppa B _t, moving the bottles in the arrow 306 direction as described above. As a result, the end of the sheet S moves to a predetermined stapling position, a stapling permission signal is output from a control unit (not shown), and the electric stapler 200 is driven. As shown in FIG. Needle 3
49 is driven. When the driving of the needle 349 is completed, the bin moving means 310 is returned to the original position (FIG. 6), whereby the bin B returns to the original position and the binding of one bin is completed.

In the binding stopping operation of the plurality of bins B, the staple holding unit 250 is sequentially lowered while the position of the staple unit 250 in the direction of the arrow 201 (FIG. 6) is fixed to face the bin B. It stops at the position and performs the staple operation sequentially. Further, as each bin position detecting means, a detecting device such as the one used in the second delivery unit 4 (flabs and photocouplers provided in the bins) may be used.

[0126] Further, the rear side 1 places binding described above is performed in the stapler unit 250 the position of the P ₄ (FIG. 6). After the case of two points binding with binding by P _3, it may be controlled so as to move to the P ₄ position performs a stapling operation.

In this case, P_Three For the required number of bins
Staple after moving up or down and stapling
Plastic 200 to P_Four And move in the opposite direction
(Up and down) and perform stapling, or
P_Three After processing _Four And move to
Of course, it can be moved to the upper or lower bin.
In this embodiment, the above operation is performed by one stapling.
But P₁ 2 ke stapler 200 is placed at the position of
When binding at one place, use only one place and place at two places
If both move in the direction of arrow 201, the above operation is performed.
Of course, it does not matter if it is configured as follows.

Further, when the stapler unit is operating, the position where the second delivery unit 4 does not interfere, for example, the staple unit 250 is moved to the upper bin group X (B ₁ -B ₁ ).
If there subjected to staple processing in B _f) (staple unit _{250 (1) ~250 P 2 ~P} 4 position _(f)), for example, corresponds to the lower bins Y side B _g .about.B _n 26 to 4 _(g) to 4 _(n) .
(A)). Also, from the above state, the stapler unit 250
If is moving the unit 4 for the treatment of lower bins on top bins X moving, once moves the stapler unit 250 to a position P ₁ (FIG. 26 (b)),
After the stapler unit 250 moves the unit 4 to the upper position (B ₁ ~B _f) is moved to the lower bin group Y side, 250 the bottle side (or simultaneously moves both Yutto) (P ₂ to P ₄ ) Can be moved without interfering with each other (FIG. 26 (c)).

[0129] The reverse operation (the staple unit from the lower bins to the upper bins, the second delivery unit 4 from the upper bin group moving to the lower bins) in the case of the position of P ₁ a above the stapler unit 250 , And the operation in the reverse procedure described above may be performed.

When the above-mentioned alignment processing or alignment staple processing is completed, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the alignment reference wall 450 is moved from 450A to 45A by the aforementioned driving means.
0B, and the alignment member 438 moves to the null position, so that the end surface S _(s) of the sheet S moves from the bottom to the top, and the sheet S is taken out from the front (in the direction of arrow 460).
Can be easily performed.

In the present embodiment, since the bin group is divided into the upper part X and the lower part Y, the alignment of the sheets at the upper part (x) and
Even during the post-processing, the lower side (y) can be subjected to a batch extrusion process toward the front.

In this embodiment, a two-group configuration in which the bins B _{1 to} B _n are divided into two has been described. However, as shown in FIG. 19, there is only one matching member 438 and one matching reference wall 450. A configuration (a configuration that is not divided into bin groups) may be used, or it may be divided into three or more groups.

In addition, although the front side of the bin is described as an adjustable reference wall 450 that can move forward and backward, and the rear side is described as an alignment member 438,
A configuration having two alignment members may be used.

Further, in this embodiment, the sorter having two delivery units has been described, but it is needless to say that the sorter having only one delivery unit may be used (FIG. 20).
(A)).

[0135] In addition, further, although in the present embodiment was arranged Machi逃position P ₁ of the stapler 200 to the sorter front,
It may be configured to be on the back side.

[0136] Also, provided P ₁ to the sheet discharge roller pair side, may of course also be the discharge roller pair, such as retracted configuration when the stapler is vertically moved (FIG. 20 (b)).

Next, the operation of taking out the sheet S from the bin B when the stacker 600 is provided in the sorter 1 will be described (FIGS. 14, 15 and 16). The stacker 600 is provided with a sheet receiving tray 606 that moves up and down to a predetermined takeout bin position and stacks sheets, a sheet stopper wall 630, and sheet takeout rollers 602 and 603 that take out sheets from the bin. , P direction by a driving means (not shown). Further, the take-out roller 603 is
An arm 603b that supports the roller 603 around the center 3a is rotatable in the directions of arrows Q and R by a driving unit (not shown). As described with reference to FIGS. 12 and 13, the alignment reference wall 450 (450 ') is retracted to the near side, and the sheet S is moved to the near side by the alignment member 438 (438'). When the user travels from the bin end, the roller pair 602 and 603 and the tray 606 are moved to the predetermined bin position by the above-described operation to take out the sheets S on the bin B one by one.

The roller pair 602 and 603 and the tray 60
When the roller 6 has finished moving to the position facing the predetermined bin B, the roller pair 602, 603 moves a predetermined amount from the state of 602, 603 '(roller open state) in the direction of arrow O (position where the sheet S can be pinched). ) 602 ′ and 603 ′ ″, where the arm 603 b is rotated in the direction of arrow R to blip the sheet S in the state of 602 ′ and 603 ″, and in this state the sheet S is again moved in the direction of arrow P ( 603, 60
2), the roller pair is rotated in the U direction, and the sheets are conveyed and stacked on the sheet receiving tray 606. After the operation is completed, the roller pair 602 and 603 and the tray 606
Is moved to the next predetermined bin position, and the above operation is repeated one bin at a time to take out the sheets S on all the bins B.

Here, for sorting on the sheet receiving tray 606, the tray may be alternately moved one by one in the H direction, or the sheet discharge position of the roller pair 602, 603 may be changed alternately (in the direction of arrow P). Change the stop position of
May be performed.

Further, the tray 606 is sequentially shifted in the direction of the arrow V according to the amount of sheets S stacked. When the sheet S is discharged onto the tray 606, there is a possibility that the upper sheet S of the sheets already stacked on the tray 606 will move (shift) together when the next sheet is carried in. This can be prevented by providing an advancing / retracting sheet holding member or the like that holds the sheet on the tray from above only when the sheet is carried in.

As described above, the bin B is taken out to the tray 606 by using the roller pair. However, it is needless to say that the sheet may be pulled out by using a gripper or the like.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show an embodiment in which the sheet S on the bin B can be taken out to the stacker or the like without being pushed out by the aligning member 438. Since the details are the same as those of the above-mentioned stacker take-out section, detailed description of the same sections will not be given.

In the bin B, the notch 6
50 is provided, so that the end of the sheet S travels more than the bin end 651 during alignment. Then, as described above, the roller pair 602 and 603 move in the O direction, enter the bin notch 650 (602x, 603x), grip the sheet S, move again in the P direction, and move the sheet S to the tray 60.
6 is loaded.

In this case, the alignment reference wall 652 is provided for each bin (652-1 to 652-n), and is driven by a driving means (not shown) from 652A (alignment position) to 652B.
When the sheet is taken out to the (open position), only a predetermined bin can be moved. For this reason, stapling and sheet alignment of other bins can be performed even while the sheet of the predetermined bin is being taken out.

FIG. 2 shows a control flow in the embodiment of the present invention.
This will be described in detail with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS.

In the following flow chart, the following terms are used for explanation. Carriage 2: First delivery unit 2 Transport motor 2: Sheet transport motor m1 Pass sensor 2: Sheet material presence detection sensors 29a, 29b Carriage 1: Second delivery unit 4 Transport motor 1: Sheet transport motor m2 Pass sensor 1: Sheet material presence detection sensors 49a, 49b Sheet take-out rollers: sheet take-out rollers 602, 6
03 Sheet Loading Tray: Sheet Receiving Tray 606 First, control of this embodiment is performed by using an image forming apparatus, a document conveying apparatus,
The control of the sheet post-processing device (hereinafter, a sorter) and the control of a sheet bundle storage device (hereinafter, a stacker) are divided into an image forming apparatus, FIGS.
FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing control of the sorter, and FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing control of the stacker.

[0147] Using the body diagram 27 to 28, the operation of the image forming apparatus. Here, FIG. 27 shows main processing of the image forming apparatus,
FIG. 28 shows a sub-process of the image forming apparatus.

[0148] In the body main process 27, wait for the on-the copy key to first determine the start of the image forming operation, when it is turned on, step 20
Go to 03 (step 2001). In step 2003, it is determined whether the designated mode is the sort mode. If the selected mode is the sort mode, the process proceeds to step 2009, and the subsequent sort mode processing is performed. If not, the process proceeds to step 2005. Similarly, step 20
05, the operation mode is determined in step 2007, and the process proceeds to step 2011 in the group mode, to step 2013 in the stack mode, and to step 2015 in the non-sort mode otherwise.

In step 2009, the sort mode is designated as the sorter operation mode, and the sort initial signal for performing the sorter initial operation is set (step 2009).
2009). Next, a sorter start signal indicating the start of the operation of the sorter is set (step 2017). Then, as soon as the sorter is in the standby state (step 20).
21), proceed to step 2027. In step 2027, the main body operation unit determines whether the set number of copies (hereinafter, the number of copies: N) is 10 or less, and if it is 10 or less, the process proceeds to step 2031;
The processing is advanced to p2029. In step 2029,
Number of copies counter for forming an image as the first job (: N
b) is set to 10, and 10 is subtracted from the set number. In step 2031, the number is set as a number counter (: Nb) for forming an image as the first job, and the number is cleared. Then, in step 2033, a body sorting process described later is performed, and the sort initial signal and the sorter start signal are reset as soon as the process is completed. And s
The number is checked in step 2045, and if it is 0, the process is waited for in step 2055 (step 2055).
45) Then, post-processing such as clearing the memory and stopping the driving system is performed (step 2059), and the processing returns to step 2001. If the set number is not 0 in step 2045, the process proceeds to step 2017 again. At this time, the setting of the sort initial signal for performing the initial operation of the sorter for performing the processing continuous with the first job is not performed. By performing the above processing, the processing is continuously performed until the set number becomes zero.

In step 2011, the group mode is designated as the sorter operation mode, and a sort initial signal for performing the sorter initial operation is set.
In 2018, a sorter start signal indicating the start of operation of the sorter is set. Then, as soon as the sorter enters the standby state (step 2022), the process proceeds to step 2035. Then, the main body group processing is performed in step 2035, and the sort initial signal and the sorter start signal are reset as soon as the processing is completed (step 2041). And s
The number is checked in step 2047, and if it is 0, the end of the process is waited in step 2055, and post-processing such as clearing of the memory and stopping of the drive system is performed (step 20).
59), the process is returned to step 2001. Also, st
If the set number is not 0 in ep2047, repeat step20
The processing is advanced to 18. By performing the above processing, the processing is continuously performed until the set number becomes zero.
Note that the detailed description of the main body group processing is omitted because it conforms to the main body sort processing.

At step 2013, the stack mode is designated as the operation mode of the sorter, and a sort initial signal for performing the initial operation of the sorter is set.
In 2019, a sorter start signal indicating the start of the operation of the sorter is set. Then, as soon as the sorter enters the standby state (step 2023), the process proceeds to step 2037. Then, the main body stack processing is performed in step 2037, and the sort initial signal and the sorter start signal are reset as soon as the processing is completed (step 2042). And s
The number is checked in step 2049, and if it is 0, the end of the processing is waited in step 2055, and post-processing such as clearing the memory and stopping the driving system is performed (step 20).
59), the process is returned to step 2001. Also, st
If the numeric value is not 0 in ep2049, step 20 is performed again.
19 is processed. By performing the above processing, the processing is continuously performed until the set number becomes zero.
Note that the main body stacking process conforms to the main body sorting process, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

In step 2015, the non-sort mode is designated as the sorter operation mode, and a sort initial signal for performing the sorter initial operation is set.
In p2020, a sorter start signal indicating the start of the operation of the sorter is set. Then, as soon as the sorter enters the standby state (step 2024), the process proceeds to step 2039. Then, in step 2039, the main body non-sort processing is performed, and the sort initial signal and the sorter start signal are reset as soon as the processing is completed (step 2043). Then, the number is checked in step 2051, and if it is 0, the end of the processing is waited in step 2055, and post-processing such as clearing the memory and stopping the drive system is performed (step
p2059), and returns the process to step 2001. If the number is not 0 in step 2051, the st
The process is advanced to ep2020. By performing the above processing, the processing is continuously performed until the set number becomes zero. It should be noted that the main body non-sort processing conforms to the main body sort processing, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Body Sorting Processing The body sorting processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, the copy counter (Nb) is substituted into the copy buffer counter (NNN) (step 3001), and the sorter shift direction inversion signal is reset (step 3003). Next, a request to feed the document onto the platen glass is output to the document feeder (step 3005), and the completion is waited for (step 3007). At this time, it is determined whether the fed document is the last document (step 3008_1), and if it is the last document, the last document flag on the memory is set (step 3008_2). Next, step3
In step 009, an image forming process is performed on the document on the platen glass (step 3009). In the image forming process of step 3009, a sheet feeding operation from the sheet feeding unit of the main body, an image forming process by a known image forming method, and a shift discharge to a sorter are performed (detailed description will not be provided in this embodiment). . After the image forming process, the copy buffer counter is decremented (step 3011),
Steps 3009 and 3011 are repeatedly performed until the value reaches 0 (step 3013). Then, as soon as the number of copies buffer counter becomes 0, a sorter shift direction inversion signal is output (step 3015). Thereafter, a document discharge request is output to the document feeder (step 30).
17) Wait for the end (step 3019). Thereafter, in step 3021, a final document flag indicating that the document is the final document is checked.
The process is advanced to p3023, and if the original is not the final document, the process is returned to step 3001, and
The processing of step 3021 is performed. In step 3023, the final document flag is reset, and the process ends. By performing such processing, it is necessary to wait until the last original is detected.
Image formation is performed for each original, with the number of copies remaining.

Document Conveying Process Next, control of the document conveying device will be described with reference to FIG. When a document feed request is detected in step 1, a document feed process in step 3 is performed. The document feeding process is a process of separating a single document from a group of documents on a placing tray of a document feeder, feeding the document to a platen glass of an image forming apparatus, and stopping at an arbitrary image forming position. (Detailed description is omitted in this embodiment). At this time, when it is detected that the document is the final document, the final document signal is set (step 5 and step 7). Next, st
If a document ejection request is detected in ep9, step 1
1 is performed. The document discharging process is a process of feeding a document on a platen glass of an image forming apparatus to a document conveying device and discharging the document onto a mounting tray of the document conveying device (in the present embodiment, detailed processing is performed). Description is omitted).

Sorter Mode Processing First, in FIG. 30, the sorter mode processing, which is the processing of the entire sorter of this embodiment, will be described. step101
In step, it is determined whether or not there is a “sorter start signal” indicating that sheet discharge from the copying machine main body is to be started. If yes, a sorter initial process described later is performed in step. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 103. step1
If there is no “sorter start signal” at 01, step
The process returns to 101.

In steps 103 to 107, the mode relating to the storage of the sheet discharged from the copying machine is determined, and the process proceeds to each process described later. That is, in the case of the non-sort mode, a non-sort process (step 1
03, step 109), in the case of the sort mode, a sort process (step 105, step 111) described later, and in the case of the group mode, a group process (step) described later.
107, step 113), otherwise, the process proceeds to a stack process (step 115) described later. After each of the above processes, if the staple mode is set (s
Step 117) Staple processing (step 11) described later
9: described later). If a stacker is connected, a stacker discharge process (step 123: described later) is performed. If not, a bundle pushing process (step 125: described later) is performed, and the process returns to step 101.

Sorter Initial Processing Next, the sorter initial processing will be described with reference to FIG.
In step 151, it is determined whether or not an upper module flag indicating that the upper module in the sorter is to be used is set. If the upper module flag is not set, the upper module flag is set, and an initial setting for using the upper module is performed. . In the present embodiment, the upper 10 bins of the sorter bins are referred to as "upper modules" and the lower 10 bins are referred to as "lower modules", each of which is a separate module and can be independently controlled. At this time, it goes without saying that the module may be divided at an arbitrary position depending on the configuration. ste
Steps after p153 are initial settings for using the upper module, and steps after step 161 are initial settings for using the lower module. In step 155, the first delivery unit 2 (hereinafter, carriage 2) is moved to the initial position in the upper module, and the deflector is turned off to use the upper path. Here, the initial position of the upper module of the carriage 2 is the position of the discharge roller of the upper path. If there is a sorter initial signal, the second delivery unit 4 (hereinafter, carriage 1) is similarly moved to the initial position (step 157, step 15).
9). Here, the initial position of the upper module of the carriage 1 is the uppermost bin position. Then, the conveyance motor 2 is started to receive the sheet. At this time, the sheet conveying speed of the conveying motor 2 is set to be substantially the same as the sheet discharging speed from the copier body (= v0) (step 169).

When the upper module flag is set in step 151, the reset is performed in step 161 and the process proceeds to step 163. In step 163, the carriage 2 is moved to the initial position in the lower module, and the deflector is turned on to use the lower path. Here, the initial position of the lower module of the carriage 2 is the position of the discharge roller of the lower path. And
If there is an initial signal of the sorter, the carriage 1 is similarly moved to the initial position (step 165, st
ep167). Here, the initial position of the lower module of the carriage 1 is the position of 11 bins. Then, the conveyance motor 2 is started to receive the sheet. At this time, the sheet conveying speed of the conveying motor 2 is set to be substantially the same as the sheet discharging speed from the copying machine (= v0) (step 16).
9).

Non-Sort Processing Next, the operation in the above-described non-sort mode will be described with reference to FIG. When the path sensor 2 is turned on, one-sheet ejection processing is performed (step 207, step 215). The one-sheet discharging process will be described later. Then, after the one-sheet discharging process is completed, the process is advanced to step 207 again. step2
07, when the path sensor 2 is off, step 209,
Proceed to step 211. step209, step2
At 11, the ON / OFF of the path sensor 1 and the sorter start signal is checked. step209,
If either is on in step 211, step
Return processing to p207, and only when both are off
At 213, the transport motors 1 and 2 are turned off, and the non-sort processing ends.

[0160] Sort Processing Next, a description with the operation of the aforementioned sorting mode in FIG. 33. At step 309, the path sensor 2 is checked, and if the path sensor 2 is off, step 311, s
Proceed to step 313. Step 311, Step 31
In step 3, on / off of the path sensor 1 and the sorter start signal is checked. step 311, s
If either is on in step 313, step
The processing is returned to step 309, and only when both are off, step 3
At 15, the transport motors 1 and 2 are turned off, and the sorting process ends. If it is turned on in step 309, step
The processing is advanced to p317. In step 317, the alignment unit is retracted in order to perform the alignment operation on the discharged sheet later. Thereafter, a one-sheet discharging process described later is performed (s
step 319). After completion of the one-sheet discharging process, after confirming that the path sensor 1 is turned off (step 321), the sheet is aligned (step 323). And st
At step 325, depending on the presence or absence of the shift direction inversion signal, if there is, the process proceeds to step 333; otherwise, the process proceeds to step 327. In step 333, a shift direction inversion flag, which is a status on the memory for inverting the subsequent bin shift direction, is set, and the bin shift operation is not performed. Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 335. Also, step
If there is no shift direction inversion signal at 325, step 32
At 7, it is determined whether the shift direction inversion flag is on,
If it is off, the next storage bin will be down, so step 3
At 29, the carriage 1 is lowered by one bin. Also, ste
If the shift direction inversion flag is ON at p327, the carriage 1 is set at step 331 to raise the next storage bin.
Is raised by one bin. Thereafter, at step 335, the matching rod is evacuated, and the process returns to step 309.

[0161] Group Processing Next, a description with the operation of the aforementioned group mode in FIG. 34. At step 409, the path sensor 2 is checked, and if the path sensor 2 is off, step 411, s
Proceed to step 413. step411, step41
In step 3, on / off of the path sensor 1 and the sorter start signal is checked. step 411, s
If either is on in step 413, step
The processing is returned to 409, and step 4 is performed only when both are off.
At 15, the transport motors 1 and 2 are turned off, and the sorting process ends. If it is turned on in step 409, step
The process is advanced to p417. In step 417, the alignment unit is retracted to perform the alignment operation on the discharged sheet later. Thereafter, a one-sheet discharging process described later is performed (s
step 419). After completion of the one-sheet discharging process, after it is confirmed that the path sensor 1 is off (step 421), the sheet is aligned with the sheet (step 423). And st
At ep425, depending on the presence or absence of the shift signal, if there is, s
The process proceeds to step 427, and if no, the process proceeds to step 429. s
In step 427, the carriage 1 is lowered by one bin in order to lower the next storage bin. Then, step 429
Then, the matching rod is evacuated, and the process returns to step 409.

Stack Operation Next, the operation in the above-described stack mode will be described with reference to FIG. In step 509, the path sensor 2 is checked, and if the path sensor 2 is off, step 511,
Proceed to step 513. step511, step5
In step 13, ON / OFF of the path sensor 1 and the sorter start signal is checked. step 511,
If either is on in step 513, step
Return the processing to p509 and only when both are off
At 515, the transport motors 1 and 2 are turned off, and the sorting process ends. Also, if the switch is turned on in step 509, st
The process is advanced to ep517. In step 517, the alignment unit is retracted to perform the alignment operation on the discharged sheet later. Thereafter, a one-sheet discharging process described later is performed (step 519). After completion of the one-sheet discharging process, after confirming that the path sensor 1 is off (step 521), the sheet is aligned with the sheet (step 523). And s
In step 525, the number of stored bins in the currently stored bin is counted to determine whether or not the bin is full. If the bin is full, step 527 is performed. If the bin is not full, step 52 is performed.
Go to 9. In step 527, the carriage 1 is lowered by one bin in order to lower the next storage bin. Then s
In step 529, the matching rod is evacuated, and the process is performed.
Return to ep509.

The description of the stapling process by using the [0163] stapling now to FIG. 36. FIG.
6 is a flowchart showing the flow of the stapling process. First, in Step 601, the stapling position is initialized for a series of stapling processes. When the movement is completed, a module to be stapled is determined. That is, when the storage of the upper module has been completed, the “upper module staple flag” is set, and the module to be similarly performed is determined. That is, when the storage of the lower module is completed, the “lower module staple flag” is set (step 603, step 605, step 607,
step 609). Next, a stapler moving process is performed according to the determined flag (step 611).

Next, the stapler is moved to the first stapling position. In this way, by moving the stapler horizontally, one stapler can perform a plurality of stapling operations on one sheet bundle. In step 613, movement to one staple position is performed. Next, Step6
At 15, it is determined whether the binding mode is one-point binding or two-point binding. The binding mode is specified by the binding mode data sent from the main body through the serial communication described above. S
If it is determined in step 615 that there is one staple,
The program proceeds to Step 617 to perform staple processing at one place. If it is determined in Step 615 that two places are stapled, the program proceeds to two places stapling processing Step 619. Stapling process at one place St
Details of ep617 and the two-place stapling process Step619 will be described later. Step 617 or Step 619
After the stapling process is completed, the program
Proceeding to 621, it is determined whether the bundle that has been stapled is the final bundle of a series of stapling processes. If it is the last bundle, the stapler initial movement process is performed, and the stapling process is terminated. If it is not the last bundle, the stapler is shifted by one bin, and the process returns to Step 613 to continue the process.

The above-described stapler initial movement processing is performed as shown in FIG.
Will be described. At step 631, it is determined whether or not the stapler is currently at the initial position. If the stapler is at the initial position, the process is terminated. S if stapler is not in initial position
In step 633, the staple unit lateral movement motor (hereinafter, M4) is turned on, and the motor stops when the stapler moves out of the carriage movement area (step 635, step 635).
p637). When the stapler is outside the carriage moving area, the stapler does not come into contact with the carriage even when the stapler unit is moved up and down. Similarly, in step 639, the stapler unit vertical movement motor (hereinafter, M3) is turned on, and the motor is stopped as soon as the stapler comes to the initial position (step 641, step 643).

The above-described stapler moving process will be described with reference to FIG. If the upper module staple flag is not set in step 661, the process proceeds to step 677. If it is on, the upper module staple flag is reset in step 663, and the process proceeds to step 665. At step 665, it is determined whether or not the staple unit is presently located at the initial position of the upper module. If there is, the process proceeds to step 675;
M4 is turned on at 667, and the motor stops as soon as the stapler moves out of the carriage movement area (step 669).
Subsequently, M3 is turned on, and the motor is stopped as soon as the stapler reaches the initial position of the upper module (step 67).
1, step 673, step 675). Here, the initial position of the upper module of the stapler is the position of the uppermost bin. Similarly, if the lower module staple flag is not set in step 677, the process is terminated. If the lower module staple flag is on, the lower module staple flag is reset in step 679, and the process proceeds to step 681. At step 681, it is determined whether the staple unit is presently located at the initial position of the lower module. If there is, the process proceeds to step 691, and if not, the process proceeds to step 691.
M4 is turned on at 683, and the stapler stops the motor outside the carriage movement area (step 685).
Subsequently, M3 is turned on, and the motor is stopped as soon as the stapler comes to the initial position of the lower module (step 68).
7, step 689, step 691). Here, the initial position of the lower module of the stapler is the position of 11 bins.

Details of one-place stapling in the above-described stapling process will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. First, in Step 701, it is determined whether or not the stapler has a staple. If there is a needle, the program is Ste
Proceeding at p703, the bundle is held down by the alignment rod so that the bundle does not shift. Next, the process proceeds to Step 705, where stapling is performed. In Step 707, the alignment bar is retracted, and the one-point stapling process ends.

If it is determined in step 701 that there is no staple, the flow advances to step 709 to output a staple-out alarm to the main body and terminate the processing.

The details of the two stapling steps are as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 40. First, it is determined in Step 801 whether or not the stapler has a staple. If there is a needle, the program proceeds to Step 803, and the bundle is held down by the alignment bar so that the bundle does not shift. Next, the process proceeds to Step 805 to perform stapling. After the stapling is completed, the stapler is moved to the other stapling position in order to staple the other position (step 807). Then, the stapling operation and the matching saving are performed again (step 8).
09, step 811). The program moves the stapler to the initial stapling position for the subsequent processing, and ends the stapling processing at two places (step 81).
3). If it is determined in step 801 that there is no staple, the process proceeds to step 815, in which a stapleless alarm is output to the main body, and the process ends.

Next, the one-sheet discharging process will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 41 is a flowchart showing the one-sheet discharging process. Specifically, the sheet receiving unit receives a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus, and performs processing up to discharging to a desired storage bin. At the time of performing this processing, the sheet has entered the second carriage, and the path sensor 2 has detected the sheet. Therefore, ste
By stopping the conveyance motor 2 in p901, the sheet discharge front end is nipped. Next, the positions of the carriage 1 and the carriage 2 are compared. If the position is the same, the process proceeds to step 911. If the carriage 1 is at a higher position, the carriage 2 is raised (step 9).
05) If the carriage 1 is at a lower position, the carriage 2 is lowered (step 907). At this time, by setting the moving speed of the carriage 2 to be substantially equal to the speed of discharging the sheet from the image forming apparatus (= v0), problems such as pulling and buckling of the sheet paper can be avoided.

When the carriage 2 is moved to the same position, the movement of the carriage 2 is stopped.
And the sheet discharge speed (=
v0). Next, when the sheet sensor is detected by the path sensor 1 in step 913 (step 913), s
In steps 915 to 923, the carriage 2 is moved to the initial position of the carriage 2. Specifically, from the relationship between the position of the carriage 2 and the initial position of the carriage 2,
When the carriage 2 is at a position lower than the initial position of the carriage 2, the carriage 2 is raised, and
Is higher than the initial position of the carriage 2, the carriage 2 is lowered (step 917, step 9).
19, step 921). At this time, the transport speed of the transport motor 2 is v
Set to 0 + v1. This is to prevent a load from being applied to the sheet paper (step 915).
Then, when the carriage 2 moves to the initial position of the carriage 2, the movement of the carriage 2 is stopped, the conveying speed of the conveying motor 2 is returned to the sheet conveying speed, and the one-sheet discharging process ends (step 925).

Stacker discharging process The stacker discharging process will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined in step 4001 whether the post-processing of the upper module has been completed.
The process proceeds to step 4003, and if completed, proceeds to step 4003. The post-processing here is processing of a sheet bundle including staple processing. In step 4003, in order to take out the sheet bundle in the forward direction, the upper module alignment wall retracting solenoid is turned on, and the upper module alignment rod is moved to the pushing position, thereby pushing out the shift bundle in the forward direction. Further, an upper module stacker signal is set in order to notify the stacker that the sheet bundle has been pushed forward (step 4003). further,
In step 4005, it is determined whether or not the upper module sheet bundle has been removed, and as soon as the sheet bundle is removed, the upper module alignment wall retreat solenoid is turned off, the upper module alignment rod is moved to the retreat position, and the upper module stacker signal is reset (step 4007).

Next, it is determined in step 4009 whether post-processing of the lower module has been completed.
Proceed to ep4013, and if ending, step40
Proceed to 11. In step 4011, in order to take out the sheet bundle in the forward direction, the lower module alignment wall retracting solenoid is turned on, and the lower module alignment rod is moved to the pushing position to push the sheet bundle forward. Further, a lower module stacker signal is set in order to notify the stacker that the sheet bundle has been pushed forward (step 4011). Furthermore, step
At 4013, it is determined whether or not the lower module sheet bundle has been removed, and as soon as it is removed, the lower module matching wall retreat solenoid is turned off, the lower module matching rod is moved to the retreat position, and the lower module stacker signal is reset (st).
ep4015), and terminate the process.

Bundle Extrusion Processing The bundle extrusion processing will be described with reference to FIG. First, it is determined in step 5001 whether the post-processing of the upper module has been completed. If not completed, the process proceeds to step 5005. If completed, the process proceeds to step 5003. The post-processing here is processing of a sheet bundle including staple processing. In step 5003, in order to take out the sheet bundle in the forward direction, the upper module alignment wall retreat solenoid is turned on, and the upper module alignment rod is moved to the pushing position, thereby pushing the sheet bundle forward (step 5003). In addition, step 5005
Then, determine whether the sheet bundle of the upper module has been removed,
As soon as it is removed, the upper module alignment wall retreat solenoid is turned off, and the alignment bar of the upper module is moved to the retreat position (step 5007). Next, it is determined in step 5009 whether post-processing of the lower module has been completed. If not completed, the process proceeds to step 5013. If completed, s is set.
Proceed to step 5011. In step 5011, in order to take out the sheet bundle in the forward direction, the lower module alignment wall retreat solenoid is turned on, and the lower module alignment rod is moved to the pushing position to push the sheet bundle forward. Further, in step 5013, it is determined whether or not the sheet bundle of the lower module has been removed.
The lower module alignment wall evacuation solenoid is turned off, and the lower module alignment rod is moved to the evacuation position (step 501).
5), end the process.

Stacker Operation Processing The operation of the stacker will be described with reference to FIG. s
It is determined in step 6001 whether the upper module stacker signal has been output, and if it has not been output, step 6
011, if it is output, the process proceeds to step 6003. In step 6003, the sheet take-out roller is retracted, and is opened as a preparation state for sandwiching the sheet bundle later. In this retreat position,
Even if the sheet stacking tray on the stacker is moved up and down, it does not come into contact with the shift bundle projecting forward from the sorter side. Then, in order to move the position of the sheet stacking tray to the uppermost bin, which is the initial position of the upper module, the sheet stacking tray up / down motor is turned on (step 600).
5), stop when completed (step 6007, st
ep6009). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 6021.

Similarly, it is determined in step 6011 whether the lower module stacker signal has been output. If the lower module stacker signal has not been output, the process proceeds to step 6001. If the lower module stacker signal has been output, the process proceeds to step 6013. step60
In step 13, the sheet take-out roller is retracted, and is opened as a preparation state for inserting the sheet bundle later. Then, in order to move the position of the sheet stacking tray to the position of 11 bins, which is the initial position of the upper module, the sheet stacking tray up / down motor is turned on (step 601).
5) Stop when completed (step 6017, st
ep6019). Thereafter, the process proceeds to step 6021.

In step 6021, the opened sheet take-out roller is reciprocated with the sheet bundle being opened (step 6021).
Evacuate again (step 6023, step 602)
5). When the retraction is completed, the conveyance motor of the sheet take-out roller is rotated to convey the sheet bundle (step 6027, step 6029). The conveyance amount is counted based on the sheet size or the like, and when the completion of the removal is detected (step 6031), the conveyance is stopped, and the sheet removal roller is opened again (step 6031).
p6033). Then, when the removal of the last sheet bundle is completed (step 6035), the processing is ended. If the final sheet bundle has not been completely removed,
In order to adjust the position of the sheet bundle stacking tray to the position of the next sheet bundle, the sheet bundle stacking tray is moved by one bin (s
Step 6037), and upon completion, step 6021
The processing is returned to (step 6039).

Note that the sorter mode processing of this embodiment (FIG. 3)
In (0), the flow of the process is shown using a flowchart for explanation, but each process is configured to be capable of multitask processing, and a plurality of simultaneous executions are realized. That is, the sheet storing operation can be performed by the lower module (11 bins to 20 bins) of the sorter while the staple processing is performed by the upper module (1 bin to 10 bins) of the sorter. In addition, the upper module (1
It is also possible to perform the stacker discharge process in the lower module of the sorter (11 bins to 20 bins) while performing the sheet storage process in the bins (10 to 10 bins). Further, by providing the alignment members in each bin, it is possible to configure storage modules for the number of bins. As described above, the sorter is divided into a plurality of modules and independent control is performed, thereby enabling simultaneous processing of a plurality of operations. Further, by linking a stacker or the like, a system with a short stop time is realized.

Further, in this embodiment, 1 bin to 10 bins
The bins and 11 to 20 bins are controlled as modules, respectively, but the configurations of these modules can be arbitrarily combined and can be dynamically changed.
For example, 1 bin to 8 bins are the first module, 9 bins to 1 bin
It is also possible to independently perform sheet processing such as sheet conveyance and sheet binding, with 6 bins as the second module and 17 bins to 20 bins as the third module. Further, by providing the alignment member in each bin, it is possible to configure storage modules for the number of bins. As described above, the sorter is divided into a plurality of modules and independent control is performed, thereby enabling simultaneous processing of a plurality of operations. Further, by linking a stacker or the like, a system with a short stop time is realized.

Next, a processing method for performing the stapling processing will be described.

I. For example, in a sorter with a total of 20 bins, 8
A description will be given of the case where the collation and binding processing of 10 sets of copy sheet materials from one set of originals is performed (for example, in the case of binding at one place).

It is assumed that the processing time of one sheet of the copying machine (the time from the first bin to the second bin) is set to one.
Second, the sum of the vertical movement time of the stapler 200 and the binding operation time is 2 seconds. Then, under the above conditions, after the original is circulated by the original processing apparatus and 10 copies are sorted, and then stapling is performed, the total processing time is 8 (sheets) ×
10 (parts) x 1 (second) + 10 (parts) x 2 (seconds) = 100
(Seconds).

Of these, the stapling process after the end of the copying operation takes 10 (copies) × 2 seconds = 20 seconds, and the operator must wait for that time (20 seconds).

However, in the present embodiment, during the sorting process, the staple process can be simultaneously operated at a position that does not interfere with the second delivery unit 4, so that the following process is also possible. Same as above, 8 sheets 1 set 1
The case where the collating and binding processing of zero copy sheet materials is performed will be described.

(1) First, the original is circulated by the original processing apparatus, and, for example, _eight out of ten copies are sorted using the upper bins B _{1 to} B ₈ , and (2) another circulation is performed thereafter. Then, the remaining two copies B ₉ and B ₁₀ are copied and sorted.

Here, after the sorting of (8) of (1) is completed, the staple processing of (8) the upper eight parts (bins B _{1 to} B ₈ ) is performed simultaneously while the remaining two of (2) are being sorted.
After the stapling of 8 copies, (4) the lower 2 copies (B ₉ , B
Control is performed so that the staple processing of ₁₀ ) is performed continuously.

The processing time of the upper eight bins (B _{1 to} B ₈ ) is

[Outside 1]

The processing time of the lower two bins (B ₉ , B ₁₀ ) is

[Outside 2]

However, as described above, the lower bin sorting process (2) is simultaneously performed during the bin stapling process (3), so that the total processing time is as follows.

[0190]

[Outside 3]

The staple processing time after the copy operation is completed is

[Outside 4]

Thus, the waiting time from when the copy main body stops operating until when the operator takes out the sheet can be significantly reduced.

That is, by setting the staple processing time T ₁ (3) of the sheet bins sorted in the first cycle of the document and the sorting processing time T ₂ (2) of the second cycle of the document to substantially the same time, the copying machine stops. It is possible to shorten the waiting time for the staple process.

The above items can be described by simple equations as follows.

A: number of copies / 1 copy b: total number of copies c: number of copies to make in the first cycle Copy processing time (single copy time): t ₁ Staple processing time (1 copy staple time): t ₂ C × t ₂ ≒ a × (bc) × t _{1 When the} control unit controls the condition so as to satisfy this condition, the waiting time can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the first cycle of staples and the second cycle of sorting are started simultaneously with the end of the first cycle of sorting, but the last cycle of last copy (b sheets / 1 copy) It goes without saying that the above operation can be performed more efficiently by starting stapling sequentially from the bin stacked on the (a-th copy) bin (starting stapling during the stacking of the last copy paper).

II. Next, a sheet removing process will be described (when the stacker 600 is used).

For example, in a sorter 1 having a total of 10 bins, 8 sheets 1
A case in which 20 copies are made in a set will be described.

In the case of unbind bundle removal, the processing time for one sheet of the copying machine is 1 second, and the time required for removing the sheet bundle is 2 seconds (the tray and the roller pair are moved to the bin position and the sheets for one bin are removed). Time per bin loaded on the tray), the total number of bins is 10, so
If the document is circulated twice, the sheet bundle take-out time by the first document circulation is

[Outside 5]

For this reason, to create 20 copies, 2 × 100
Seconds = 200 seconds. Here, the time required for taking out the bundle after the copying operation by the circulation of the original is 10 (copies) × 2 seconds = 20 seconds (2). During this time, the copying operation of the copying machine is stopped and the bin is stopped. Must be emptied again, which translates into a waiting time of 2 × 20 seconds = 40 seconds when converted to 20 copies.

In this embodiment, since the sorting process and the bundle take-out process can be performed simultaneously, the following processes are also possible. A case of taking out a sheet bundle of 20 sets (10-bin sorter) of a set of eight sheets as described above will be described.

(1) First, the original is circulated by the original processing apparatus, and, for example, copy sorting of 5 copies out of 10 copies is performed using the upper bins B _{1 to} B ₅ , and (2) the original is further copied. By circulating, the remaining 5 copies (to be placed in bins _B6 to B10) are copied.

Here, after the five-part sorting in (1) is completed, the (5) upper part 5 is sorted during the remaining five-part sorting in (2).
At the same time, the bundles are taken out of the set (bins B _{1 to} B ₅ ), and after the completion of the set of 5 _sets, control is performed so that (4) the set of (B _{6 to 10} ) of the lower bin is taken out. .

Here, the processing time of the upper five bins (B _1-5 ) is

[Outside 6]

The processing time of the lower 5 bins (B _{6 to 10} ) is

[Outside 7]

The following is obtained.

As is clear from the above, the time T _{(3) for} taking out the bundle of the first five bins (B _{1 to} B _{5 )} is based on the sorting processing time T _{(2) for the} lower bin (B _{6 to 10} ). Since the length is short, T _{(3 )} <T ₍₂₎ , and the copier main body processing does not stop while the sheet bundle in the upper bin is being taken out.

[0208] (5) Then, when the next sorting operation by Ichi循the document again performs the foregoing bundle is removed and re-sorted in bins B _{1 to 5,} which has become empty. (6)
At this time, the sheet bundles sorted in the bin according to the above (2) are simultaneously taken out.

After the sorting of B _{1 to} B ₅ is completed in the same manner, (7) the bundle of B _{1 to} B ₅ is taken out, and (8)
At the same time, the lower bin B emptied by the operation of (5)
Sorting is performed on _6-10 , and (9)
_{6 to 10} sorted sheets are taken out. This completes the removal of the copy bundle of 20 copies.

Looking at the processing time,

[Outside 8]

As is clear from the above table, (3) and (2), (4) and (5), (6) and (7) are processed simultaneously, and T ₍₂₎ ≧ T _{( 3)} , T ₍₄₎ ≤ T ₍₅₎ , T ₍₆₎ ≤ T ₍₇₎
Therefore, sorting and bundle removal proceed simultaneously without stopping the main body copy operation. After the end of the copying operation, only the time T ₍₈₎ is the waiting time.

As described above, the total processing time is T ₍₁₎ + T ₍₂₎ + T
₍₅₎ + T ₍₇₎ + T ₍₈₎ = 170 seconds, and the waiting time T ₍₈₎ =
10 seconds, the processing speed can be remarkably shortened.

In this embodiment, the sorting and the bundle take-out are divided into five copies. However, as described above, it is sufficient to divide the number of bins so as to minimize the number of final processing copies ₍ to shorten T _(8)). Needless to say.

In the case of taking out a bound bundle, as described above, the processing time (1) of the copying machine is 1 second, the stapling time (2) is 2 seconds, and the time required for taking out the bundle (3) is 2 seconds, and 10 bins are set. 2 sorters of 8 pieces
Sorting of zero sets, sheet bundle binding, and bundle removal will be described.

A case where two originals are circulated when 20 copies are normally performed by a 10-bin sorter will be described.

The time until the completion of the bundle removal by the first cycle is

[Outside 9]

For this reason, it takes 2 × 120 seconds = 240 seconds to create 20 copies.

Here, the time required for taking out the bundle of staples after completion of the copying operation by circulating the original document is 10 copies × 2 seconds × 2 = 40 seconds (T ₍₂₎ + T ₍₃₎ ). The machine must stop copying and wait for the bin to empty. And this 2
When converted to 0 copies, a waiting time of 2 × 40 seconds = 80 seconds is required.

In this embodiment, since the sorting process, the stapling process, and the bundle take-out process can all be performed simultaneously, the following processes are also possible.

As described above, a case where a set of eight sheets is stapled and a bundle of 20 sheets (10 bin sorters) of sheet materials will be described.

(1) The document is first circulated by the document processing apparatus, and five out of ten copies are made using the upper bins (B ₁ to B ₅ ).
Sort the department.

(2) The original is circulated again, and the lower bin (B
Performs sorting of _6-10), and (3) at this time ((2) at a time) to (3) -1 the stapling process of _{B 1 to 5,} (3) -2 in bundles of _{B 1 to 5} extraction I do,
(4) then the document is Ichi循performs sorting of the (3) to the bin _{B 1 to 5,} which has become empty at -2.

(5) At this time (simultaneously with (4)) (5)-
1B Staple processing of _{6 to 10} and take-out of the bundle in (5) -2. (6) Circulating the original document again.
Perform sorting on bins B ₆ to ₁₀ that became empty at
(7) _{B 1 to 5} -1 When this ((6) at the same time) (7)
Stapling and taking out the bundle in (7) -2.
(8) Finally, stapling of bins B _{6 to 10} (8)-
1 and bundle removal (8) -2.

When this processing is tabulated,

[Outside 10]

[0225] The vertical lines indicate simultaneous processing.

Also, T ₍₂₎ ≧ (T _{(3) −1} + T _{(3) −2} ) T ₍₄₎ ≧ (T _{(5) −1} + T _{(5) −2} ) T ₍₆₎ ≧ (T _{(7) -1} + T _{(7) -2} ) Since the relationship of T ₍₈₎ ≥ (T _{(8) -1} + T _{(8) -2} ) holds, without stopping the operation of the copier body, The staple bundle is taken out, and the time for removing the staple bundle for the last five bins is a waiting time.

From the above, the total processing time is T ₍₁₎ + T ₍₂₎ + T
₍₄₎ + T ₍₆₎ + (T _{(8) -1} + T _{(8) -2} ) = 180 seconds and waiting time T _{(8) -1} + T _{(8) -2} = 20 seconds.

As described above, the processing speed can be significantly reduced.

Further, in this embodiment, the sorting bin group and the staple bundle take-out bin group are distributed to equally-distributed bin groups of five bins each. However, the last processing time (the sheet processing speed, the staple time, and the bundle take-out time) is determined as described above. T
_{(8) -1} + T _{(8) -2} ) group of the optimal number of bins to shorten (for example, upper 8 bins, lower 2 bins, etc. for all 10 bins)
Should be distributed to

III. Next, a description will be given of the simultaneous processing when the sorting, stapling, and bundle removal are divided into three bin groups.

In this embodiment, a case will be described in which a set of eight sheets (a nine-bin sorter) of a sheet staple bundle is taken out. (1) First, a document using the upper bin B _{1 to 3} is Ichi循by the document processor, performs sorting for the 3 of 9 parts. (2) again, the original Ichi循(two循目) is not an intermediate bin B ₄ ~
Perform a sorting to B _6. (3) At this time (simultaneously with (2)), staple processing of B _{1 to} B ₃ is performed simultaneously. (4) then allowed to re-circulate the document (3 _循目), performs sorting the _{B 7 to 9.} (5) performs at this time, ((4) at the same _time) and the sheet bundle is taken out of the after the staple processing of _{B 1 to 3,} a stapling process _{(6) B 4 to 6} at the same time. (7) Next, the document is cycled again (fourth cycle), and
In performing the sorting of the bottles _B 1~ ₃ became empty. (8) At this time (simultaneously with (7)), a bundle of _B4 to B6 is taken out, and (9) a stapling process of _B7 to B9 is performed simultaneously. (10) Next, one cycle (fifth cycle) is performed again, and sorting is performed on the bins B ₄ to ₆ emptied in (8). (11) In this case (simultaneously with ₍₉₎₎ was removed flux _{B 7 to 9,} performs staple processing _{(12) B 1 to 3.} (13) Next, the circulation is made once again (sixth circulation), and sorting is performed on the bins B ₇ to ₉ emptied in (10). (14) When the ((11) at the same _time), the bundle of _{B 1 to 3} is taken out, performs staple processing _{(15) B 4 to 6.} (16) Next, a bundle of _B4 to B6 is taken out, and (17) _{B7 to 9} of stapling are simultaneously performed. (18) Finally, take out the bundle of B7 to _B9 .

When this processing is tabulated,

[Outside 11]

The relationship is as follows.

T ₍₂₎ > T ₍₃₎ , T ₍₄₎ > T ₍₆₎ , T ₍₅₎ , T ₍₇₎ > T ₍₉₎ ,
If T ₍₈₎ T ₍₁₀₎ > T ₍₁₂₎ , T ₍₁₁₎ , T ₍₁₃₎ > T ₍₁₅₎ , T ₍₁₄₎ , the processing time after the end of the copy operation is T _{(17) )}
+ T ₍₁₈₎ .

Copy processing time, stapling processing time,
Depending on the bundle take-out time, etc., the processing may be performed separately for each of the above three bin groups.

In this embodiment, the processing is performed in three groups. However, the processing may be performed in four or more groups depending on the conditions. However, it is apparent that the number of bins in each group need not be evenly distributed.

Further, in the present embodiment, the bundle is taken out using the stacker 600. However, the same effect can be obtained, for example, when the bundle is taken out by the operation of the operator. That is, for example, if the take-out time (2 seconds) is the same as that described above in order to make the description easy to understand, the same effect can be obtained by performing the same operation as described above (a limitless sorter of a bundle without a stacker).

Further, it goes without saying that the operations I to III described above can be applied to all bin-fixed sorters regardless of the presence or absence of the delivery unit.

In the embodiments I to III, when a plurality of operations (for example, sorting and stapling) are performed, the following operation is performed after the operation of each module is completed. Upper 8 bins (B _1-
After the sorting of B ₈ ), the lower bin (B _9,10 ) is sorted, and the upper bin is stapled during the lower bin sorting. For example, even during the upper bin sorting, the eighth sheet (final The 8th bin that has finished loading during paper sorting can be stapled.
If the staple operation is started before the sorting of all the upper bins is completed, the processing time can be further shortened. Depending on the conditions of the bin module, for example, the upper bins (B _{1 to} B ₉ ) (B ₁₀ ) is also possible (the operator may select B
Only ₁₀ stapling processes need to be repeated).

This is an example in which, even when a plurality of operations are sequentially performed for each module, if the plurality of operations in the same bin do not overlap, the operations may be performed in the same module. The same effect can be obtained not only in the above-described embodiment but also in other embodiments (for example, an operation at the time of taking out a bundle).

[0241]

According to the present invention, the staple and the sheet can be taken out at the same time even during the sorting, so that the sheet post-processing apparatus can perform the sheet post-processing in a short time.

Further, according to the present invention, a plurality of bins of the fixed bin sorter are set as one block, and furthermore, the number of bins in one block is made variable so that different sheet processing such as sheet transfer processing and sheet binding processing can be performed simultaneously. By doing
It is intended to improve the overall sheet processing efficiency including sheet post-processing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic front cross-sectional view of an image forming apparatus (an image forming unit (system) including a sorter, a folding machine, and a copying machine) including a post-processing apparatus (sorter) according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front sectional view of the sorter.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the sorter.

FIG. 4 is a partially cutaway left side view (a), a back view (b), and a front sectional view (c) of the first delivery unit 2;

FIG. 5 is a partially cutaway left side view (a), a back view (b), and a front sectional view (c) of the second delivery unit 4;

FIG. 6 is a plan view of the sorter.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the first and second delivery units 2 and 4 at predetermined positions.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing stapling positions of staples.

FIG. 9 is a front view showing a bin moving mechanism.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view showing a main part of the sorter.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a main part of the sorter.

FIG. 12 is a front sectional view showing a reference wall moving mechanism of the sorter.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a reference wall moving mechanism of the sorter.

FIG. 14 is a front view of a sorter provided with a stacker.

FIG. 15 is a plan view of a sorter provided with a stacker.

FIG. 16 is a left side view illustrating a mechanism for sending a sheet bundle to a stacker.

FIG. 17 is a front view of a sorter (with a stacker) of another embodiment (second) according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a plan view of another (second) sorter (with a stacker) according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a front view of still another (third) sorter according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 (a) is a front view of a sorter of still another embodiment (fourth) according to the present invention, and FIG. 20 (b) is a partial front view of a sorter of still another embodiment (fifth) according to the present invention (b). ).

FIG. 21 is a diagram illustrating a series of operations of the sorter according to the embodiment of the present invention (sorting into the first bin).

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a series of operations of the sorter according to the embodiment of the present invention (sorting to the second bin).

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a series of operations of the sorter according to the embodiment of the present invention (sorting into the third bin).

FIG. 24 is an explanatory diagram of a non-sort operation of the sorter according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a front sectional view of still another (sixth) sorter according to the present invention.

FIG. 26 is an explanatory view of the operation of the delivery unit and the stapler unit according to the embodiment of the present invention (cross section taken along line XX in FIG. 6).

FIG. 27 is a flowchart illustrating control of the copying machine main body.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart illustrating a main body sorting process.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart illustrating a document conveying process.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a sorter mode process.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart illustrating a sorter initial process.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating non-sort processing.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a sorting process.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing group processing.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart illustrating stack processing.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating stapling processing.

FIG. 37 is a flowchart illustrating stapler initial movement processing.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart illustrating stapling movement processing.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart illustrating one-place stapling processing.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart illustrating stapling processing at two places.

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a discharging process.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart illustrating stacker discharge processing.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart showing a bundle pushing process.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating stacker operation processing.

FIG. 45 is a front sectional view of a conventional sorter.

FIG. 46 is a front sectional view of another conventional sorter.

FIG. 47 is a front sectional view of still another conventional sorter.

[Explanation of symbols]

 B Sheet tray (bin tray) 2, 4 Sheet material nipping and conveying means (delivery unit) 200 Post-processing means (staplers) 271 and 271 'Guide rail

Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Noriyoshi Ueda 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. (72) Inventor Yuji Takahashi 3-30-2 Shimomaruko, Ota-ku, Tokyo Canon Inc. F term (reference) 2H072 FC03 GA08 3F050 BD03 BD07 BE07 LA02 LA06 LB03 LB09 3F108 GA02 GA05 HA02 HA22 HA37 HA39

Claims (4)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of sheet trays for storing sheets, sheet discharge means for discharging sheets to the sheet tray, and sheet post-processing means for binding and stopping a sheet bundle on the sheet tray. In the sheet post-processing apparatus, when performing a post-processing by distributing and stacking a plurality of sheet bundles made of a plurality of sheet materials on each sheet tray by the sheet discharge unit, the plurality of sheet trays may be at least one sheet tray. Divided into multiple sheet tray groups consisting of
The sheet discharging means sequentially distributes and stacks the sheets in each of the sheet tray groups so that at least one of the plurality of sheet bundles is divided into the respective sheet tray groups, and finishes the sheet stacking in each of the sheet tray groups. A sheet post-processing apparatus for sequentially performing the sheet post-processing from a sheet tray. 2. A sheet post-processing apparatus comprising: a plurality of sheet trays for storing sheet materials; and sheet processing means for sheet materials stored and stacked in the sheet trays, wherein a plurality of sheet materials are stored in each of the sheet trays. When distributing and stacking and operating the sheet processing unit, the plurality of sheet trays are formed of at least one sheet tray depending on the operating conditions of the sheet processing unit and the conditions for carrying the sheet material into the sheet post-processing device. The sheet processing means is divided into a plurality of sheet tray groups, each of which can independently operate the sheet processing means, and the number of sheet trays of each sheet tray group on which the sheet material is stacked is determined by the sheet processing means operating condition and the sheet material sheet. A sheet post-processing apparatus characterized in that the sheet post-processing apparatus can be changed according to conditions for carrying the sheet into the post-processing apparatus. 3. The number of trays in a group of sheet trays for finally operating a sheet processing unit on a sheet on a sheet tray among the plurality of group of sheet trays, and the continuous operation of the finally processed sheet processing unit. 8. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 7, wherein the minimum number of sheets is not stopped. 4. A sheet transfer means for transferring the conveyed sheet material to a desired sheet tray, wherein the sheet processing means is provided.
Sheet aligning means for aligning the sheets stored in the sheet tray, sheet post-processing means for stapling the sheets stored in the sheet tray, sheet taking-out means for taking out the sheets stored in the sheet tray, sheet post-processing 3. The sheet conveying device according to claim 2, wherein said sheet conveying means is adapted to receive a sheet bundle comprising at least one sheet from said means and to store the sheet bundle. Item 3. A sheet post-processing device according to item 3.