JP2600241B2 - Sorter with finisher - Google Patents

Description

Description: TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention distributes a sheet discharged from a copying machine or the like,
The present invention relates to a sorter with a finisher that is stapled by stapling means, and particularly to a control means therefor.

2. Related Art and Problems There have recently been developed various options such as an automatic document feeder and a sorter for performing sorting and grouping of copied sheets in response to a demand for automation of paper handling of a copying machine, and have been put to practical use. As one of the final forms, there is a demand for a sorter with a finish that automatically staples and stacks the sheets distributed and stored in the sorter, and has already been put to practical use in some large copying machines.

By the way, in the sorter with a finisher of this type, when the operator notices the necessity of the stapling process during the copying process without selecting the finishing mode for performing the stapling process at the time of the first mode setting, It is complicated and extremely uneconomical to cancel the copying process so far, reset the mode, and start the copying process again.

Means for Solving the Problems Therefore, a sorter with a finisher according to the present invention includes: (a) a selection means for selecting a finishing mode in which the stapling means staples; and (b) a sorting operation or a sorting operation of the sorting unit. And control means for receiving the selecting operation of the selecting means even after the end.

In other words, in the above configuration, even if the copy process is being performed without selecting the finish mode,
If the copy processing is in the sorting mode, there is no problem to shift to the stapling processing. Even during the sorting operation or after the sorting operation is completed, the selection operation by the finish mode selection means is accepted, and the processing in the finish mode is performed. Is executed. This eliminates the waste of reselecting the finish mode and restarting the copy process.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of a sorter with a finisher according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Overall Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the sorter with a finisher (40) is attached to the side of the copying machine (1). The copying machine (1) has an automatic paper feeder (15). Automatic Document Feeder (3
0) (hereinafter referred to as ADF).

The copying machine (1) is based on a well-known electrophotography method. First, a fixed charge is applied to a photosensitive drum (2) which is driven to rotate in an arrow (a) direction by a charging charger (3). Then, the original set at a predetermined position by the ADF (30) is subjected to slit exposure by the optical system (4) scanning in the direction of the arrow (b). As a result, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum (2) is converted into a magnetic brush type developing device (5).
Is transferred to a sheet by a transfer charger (6).

Sheets are fed in a three-stage paper cassette (16) of an elevator type and cassette type automatic paper feeder (10), (11) inside the copier (1) or an automatic paper feeder (15) attached outside the machine.
Sheets are selectively fed one by one from one of (17) and (18) and sent to the transfer section at a predetermined timing by a pair of timing rollers (19). The sheet after the transfer is sent to a fixing device (21) by a conveyance belt (20), where the toner image is fixed. Then, the sheet is sent from a pair of discharge rollers (22) to a sorter (40), and a pair of discharge rollers is formed. Immediately before (22), the passage is detected by the discharge switch (SW3) (see FIG. 2). Further, the copying machine (1) has a built-in re-feeding device (25) for performing double-sided copying and composite copying, and a sheet transport switching claw (26) for that purpose is provided in front of the discharge roller pair (22). is set up.

On the other hand, the photosensitive drum (2) continues to rotate in the direction of the arrow (a) even after the transfer, and the blade type cleaning device (7)
The residual toner is wiped off by the, and the residual charge is erased by the eraser lamp (8) to prepare for the next copy operation.

The ADF (30) is a well-known device and has a document tray (3
1) The original placed on the original is fed one by one by the feed roller pair (32), and set at a predetermined position on the original table glass (29) by rotation of the transport belt (34). After the image exposure, the document is discharged onto the discharge tray (36) through the reversing conveyance path (35) by the rotation of the conveyance belt (34).

As shown in FIG. 2, the sorter (40) includes a sorter section (41) for distributing sheets to each bin (60), a staple section (90) having a stapler (100) for binding sheets, and a stapling process. Stack section (11
0), the staple section (90) is arranged below the sorter section (41), and the stack section (110) is arranged below the staple section (90).

[Structure and Operation of Sorter Unit] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the bin (60) has a claw (60a) on the sorter unit (41) side to prevent backflow of the sheet, and a laterally protruding portion. A trunnion (61), and the trunnion (61) is engaged with a vertically extending groove (65a) formed in a guide unit (65) attached to a frame of the sorter (40), The movement of the bin (60) is restricted in the vertical direction. Each bin (60) is supported in a stacked state on the bin receiver (62), and the trunnion (6) is rotated with the rotation of the floating cam (50) described below.
1) is shifted to increase the bin interval.

The sorter unit (41) is connected to the discharge roller pair (2
Both the sheet transport unit (42) and the bin (60) opposing to 2) move up and down relative to each other, so that the copier (1)
The sheets discharged from the bins are distributed and stored in each bin (60).
As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet conveying section (42) includes an upper unit (52) having a guide surface (52a) and a guide surface (43).
a) with the lower unit (43) and the feed roller (4
7), a pinch roller (55), and the sheet passes between the guide surfaces (52a) and (43a), and the roller (47),
It is transported from (55) to each bin (60).

The lower unit (43) is provided at the end on the bin (60) side at right angles to the sheet conveying direction [arrow (c)] with both ends of a support shaft (44) being shown in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 7, by engaging the rail (65b) provided on the guide unit (65) via the collar (45), the guide unit (65) can swing up and down, and can be moved to the copier (1) side. The provided pin (46) is supported by the guide member (66), so that it can slide horizontally.

A roller shaft (47a) to which a plurality of delivery rollers (47) are fixed is rotatably mounted on the support shaft (44), and a swing plate (48) is suspended on the roller shaft (47a). .
The rocking plate (48) is connected by a rod (49), and the lower portion is located between the backflow preventing claws (60a) of the bin (60).
Further, at both ends of the support shaft (44), notches (50a), (50a) are formed on the outer peripheral portion at intervals of 180 ° as shown in FIGS.
The floating cam (50) formed with a) is fixed. The floating cam (50) is intermittently rotated by 180 ° at a drive source different from that of the feed roller (47) to support the lower unit (43), and the trunnion (61) contacts the outer periphery. By contacting the bottle (60)
Also supports the rear end. Also floating cam (50)
Can move up and down from the bottom bin position (X ₁ ) to the top bin position (X ₂ ) as shown in FIG. 7, and the position of each position is determined by the detection switch (SW1),
(SW2). In addition, the third
As shown in the figure, the lower unit (43) is provided with a rotatable actuator (51) with a pin (51a) as a fulcrum, and the actuator (51) is rotated by contacting a sheet to be conveyed. A photo sensor (Se1) that turns on and off is provided.

On the other hand, the upper unit (52) is configured such that the engagement piece (53) of the bin (60) is engaged with the rail (65b),
It is swingable in the vertical direction, and the bin (54) provided on the copying machine (1) side engages with the guide member (68) provided on the upper lid (67) of the sorter (40), thereby allowing horizontal movement. It is slidable in the direction. A pinch roller (55) is rotatably mounted on the upper unit (53) via a support shaft (55a), and a static elimination brush (56) for a sheet to be conveyed is installed. The pinch roller (55) has its own weight. , And can be driven to rotate by being pressed against the delivery roller (47).

Further, a transmission type photosensor (Se5) (see FIG. 2) having an optical axis located at the rear end of each bin (60) is installed in the sorter section (41), and a sheet to each bin (60) is provided. The presence or absence of distribution accommodation is detected.

In the above structure, the floating cam (50) is notched (50a) by rotating the trunnion (61) to the outer peripheral portion by reversing by 180 ° in the opposite direction to the arrow (d).
The trunnion (61) shifts downward and slides in contact with the next trunnion (61). By repeating this operation, each bin (60) is shifted downward by one stage, and
Moves upward. Floating cam (50) when the sort mode is selected, located in the bottom bin position (X ₁₎ shown in FIG. 7, gradually increasing spacing each bin (60) while moving sequentially upward from this position . The sheet discharged from the copying machine (1) passes between the guide surfaces (52a) and (43a), is held between the feed roller (47) and the pinch roller (55), and is separated by the floating cam (50). Each of the opened bins (60) is sequentially distributed and accommodated from the lower bin (60). Further, by rotating the floating cam (50) forward in the direction of the arrow (d), each bin (60) is sequentially shifted upward and moved downward together with the transport section (42).

In the sorter unit (41) having the above configuration, sheets can be stored in three modes. The first is a sort mode for distributing one document to each bin (60) for each copy and aligning pages, and the second is distributing the copy to each bin (60) for each document. This is a grouping mode. Third one bottle without distribution (60)
In the non-sort mode.

[Configuration and Operation of Fix Cam] Next, a description will be given of a fix cam (70) and a transfer unit (80) for transferring the sheets distributed and accommodated in each bin (60) to a staple tray (91) described below. .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the fix cam (70) has a spiral groove (70) on its outer periphery with which the trunnion (61) can be engaged.
a) is engraved three times, and can be rotated forward and backward by a motor (not shown) via a support shaft (71). That is, the fix cam (70) rotates forward in the direction of the arrow (e), thereby causing the trunnion (61) of the bin (60) shifted to the bottom bin position (X ₁ ) by the floating cam (50) to form a spiral groove. Guide to (70a) and lower to the sheet take-out position (X ₃ ).

On the other hand, at the sheet take-out position (X ₃ ), as shown in FIG. 8, the receiving member (72) is vertically movable on the support shaft (71) and is urged upward by the coil spring (73). is installed in a state of being, trunnion dropped to the take-out position (X ₃₎ (61)
Is held elastically. At the take-out position (X ₃ ), a take-out roller (75), a pinch roller (76) and a sheet guide (78) pressed against the take-out roller (75) by its own weight are installed. Between the positions taken out from the bottom bin position (X ₁₎ (X _3), as shown in FIG. 2, the seat back flow prevention guide (79) is installed. The seat guide (78)
As shown in FIG. 8, it is installed so as slightly higher than the sheet backflow prevention claws of the upper surface of the guide surface (78a) is removal position each bin inclined drops _{(X 3) (60) (} 60a) .
The pinch roller (76) is, as shown in FIG.
It is rotatably supported by a support shaft (77a) via 7), and can be connected to and separated from the take-out roller (75) by turning on and off a solenoid (not shown).

Further, a drive pulley (86) and a gear (87a) are integrally fixed to the lower end of the support shaft (71) of the fix cam (70), as shown in FIG. Gear (87
The gear (87c) is meshed with the gear (87c) via b), and the disc (88) can rotate integrally with the gear (87c). Disk (88)
The notch (not shown) is formed, and the photo sensor (Se2) detects the notch, whereby the rotation speed of the fix cam (70) can be controlled.

As shown in FIG. 2, the transport section (80)
5), (76) and the transport rollers (81a), (81b) to (83)
a), (83b) and guide plates (84a), (84b), (85
a) and (85b). Transport rollers (81
a), (82a), and (83a) are transfer rollers (8
1b), (82b), and (83b) are made of a sponge material and can absorb the thickness of the laminated sheet.

In the above configuration, when the sheet distribution by the sorter section (41) is completed, the fix cam (70) is rotated in the direction of the three-turn arrow (e). This at the bottom bin position trunnion (61) of the bottle (60) in the (X ₁₎ is guided in a helical groove (70a), and lowered to the take-out position (X _3), it is held receiving at member (72) You. At this take-out position (X ₃ ), the bin (60) is inclined at an angle larger than the bottom bin position (X ₁ ), and the sheets stored and distributed are placed on the guide surface (78a) of the guide (78) by their own weight. The power to slide down while being guided works. Removal roller (7
5) overlaps bin (60) and bin (6
0) is the take-out position (leading edge of the sheet when it reaches the X ₃₎ the roller (75), (76) has become such a form is挾着between, the sheet roller (75), (76 ) To be transported to the transport rollers (81a) and (81b). At this time, even if the sheet is curled downward, the sheet is guided by the guide (78) and the take-out roller (75), so that the sheet surely goes over the backflow prevention claw (60a) and the guide plates (84a) and (84b). Conveyed in between. Even if the sheet curls upward, it is guided by the backflow prevention guide (79), and the guide plate (84a),
(84b).

The sheet of the pinch roller (76) is a roller (81a), (81
At the point of time when the sheet is conveyed in step b), the solenoid (not shown) is turned off, so that it is retracted upward from the take-out roller (75) (initial state) and the bin (60) is moved to the take-out position (X ₃ ) as described above. Is reached, the solenoid is turned on, and the sheet is sandwiched by the take-out roller (75). Here, the take-out roller (75), the transport rollers (81a), (81)
b), (82a), (82b), (83a), and (83b) are respectively driven to rotate, and the sheets are fed from the conveying rollers (83a) and (83b) as shown by the arrow (f) in FIG. (9
1) Sent over.

Meanwhile, the floating cam (50), in this time of extraction, as shown in FIG. 6, located at a position corresponding to the bottom bin position (X _1), Fikusukamu (70)
The trunnion (61) of the bin (60) immediately before being fed into the container is held, and at this position (X ₁ ), the trunnion (61) intermittently reverses by 180 ° in the direction opposite to the arrow (d).
Are sequentially sent to the fixture cam (70). In the present embodiment, since the inclination angle of the bin (60) lowered to the take-out position (X ₃ ) is increased and the sheet easily slides out by its own weight, the bottom bin position (X ₁ ) and the take-out position (X ₃ )
, In other words, the stroke of the bin (60) moving between them is set large. Therefore, the torque of the fix cam (70) when the trunnion (61) moves up and down is reduced as much as possible by making the spiral groove (70a) formed on the outer peripheral portion of the fix cam (70) three times. By holding the trunnion (61) (shown in FIG. 6 (A)) immediately before being sent to the fix cam (70) by the floating cam (50), this trunnion (61) It is prevented from being fed into the spiral groove (70a) at the second and third rotations.

As described above, each bin (6) is rotated by rotating the floating cam (50) by 180 ° and rotating the fix cam (70) three times.
0) is lowered to the take-out position (X ₃ ) one by one, and the sheets distributed and stored in the bins (60) are conveyed onto the staple tray (91) through the conveyance section (80).

Each bottle has fallen to the take-out position (X ₃₎ (60)
Is held in a state of being urged upward by the receiving member (72), and after the sheet is taken out from all the bins (60) in which the sheet is distributed and stored, the fix cam (70) is turned to the arrow (e).
When the floating cam (50) is driven forward in the direction indicated by the arrow (d), it returns upward.

[Structure and Operation of Staple Unit] As shown in FIG. 2, the staple unit (90) includes a staple tray (91), a motor (93) for vibrating the staple tray (91),
Guide plate (95), stopper (96), stapler (10
0). The staple tray (91) is installed swingably around the support shaft (92), and is vibrated by the centrifugal force of the weight (94) when the eccentric weight (94) is rotated by the motor (93). With this vibration, the sheet sent from the conveyance section is guided by the guide plate (95),
Align while regulating with stopper (96).

As shown in FIG. 11, the stapler (100) fixes the motor output shaft (101) and swings the cam (102) around the head with the swingable arm (104) using the pin (103) as a fulcrum. (Ten
5), the head (105) moves upward through the arm (104) by the rotation of the cam (102) in the direction of the arrow (g) by the motor, and the staple (106) is moved to the tray. (91) The upper aligned sheet is bound. The staples (106) are housed in a cartridge (107), and are transported from the motor output shaft (101).
It is sent to the head at 08).

The stopper (96) is rotatably installed by a solenoid (not shown) with the support shaft (97) as a fulcrum, and is always located on the lower end of the staple tray (91) to position the leading end of the sheet. The stopper (96) retracts downward when the solenoid is turned on, and releases the sheet positioning.

In addition, this stapler (100) has a staple (10
6) A photo sensor (Se3) for empty detection and a staple motor rotation speed detection sensor (Se4) are installed. The sensor (Se3) directly detects the staple needle (106), and the sensor (Se4) is a motor output shaft (Se4). Disk (109) fixed to 101)
Notches (109a) are detected.

Further, a photo sensor (Se6) for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet on the staple tray (91) and a switch (SW4) for detecting attachment / detachment of the stapler (100) are provided in the staple portion (90). .

In the above configuration, the sheet conveyed from the conveyance section (80) onto the staple tray (91) is the motor (93)
The tray (91) vibrates based on the rotation of the
The guide plate (95) and the stopper (96) regulate and align the motor, the motor (93) stops, and the staple motor is driven to perform the binding. The bound sheet slides down from the tray (91) when the stopper (96) retreats from the tray (91) when the solenoid is turned on, is guided by the guide plate (98), and is stored on the stack tray (111). Is done. Such stapling, the bin (60) is lowered to the take-out position (X ₃₎ at Fikusukamu (70), the sheet is Kaee repeated each time conveyed onto the staple tray (91).

Note that the empty detection of the staple (106) does not necessarily have to be performed by the sensor (Se3). That is, during the stapling operation, the sensor (Se4) detects the rotation speed of the staple motor. Then, when the staple (106) disappears and the head (105) hits idly, the torque decreases and the rotation speed of the motor increases. Therefore, it can be determined that the staple (106) is empty based on such an increase in the number of rotations.

[Structure of Stacking Unit] The stacking unit (110) is constituted by a stack tray (111), and finally stacks and stores sheets bound by the stabilizer (100). On the back side of the stack tray (111), a reflection-type photo sensor (not shown) is provided to detect the presence or absence of a sheet on the tray (111). Further, as shown in FIG. 12, the stack tray (111) has a stapled portion of the sheet (S), that is,
A notch (111a) is formed in a portion where the portion bound by the staple (106) is located. As a result, when the sheets stapled by the stapler (100) are stacked and stored on the tray (111), the stapled portion falls down into the notch (111a) by its own weight, and only the stapled portion becomes bulky. Is prevented, and the loading capacity increases accordingly.

The same effect can be achieved by providing a depression instead of the notch (111a).

[Operation Panel] In this embodiment, the operation panel is shown in FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 15 and FIG. 15, the copier panel (120), the ADF panel (140), and the sorter panel (150) are installed at three places.

The copier panel (120) has a print key (12) for starting a copying operation when the ADF (30) is not used.
1), an interrupt key (122) for temporarily stopping the multi-copy operation, a clear / stop key (123) for stopping the copy operation or canceling the set number, and a numeric keypad for setting the number of multi-copy ( 124), a display unit (12) for displaying the number of copies and the status of the copying machine (1).
5) Up / down keys (1 to set copy density)
26), (127) and its display LED group (128), a sheet selection key (129) for selecting a copy sheet size and its display LED group (130), and a magnification selection key group for selecting a copy magnification ( 131) and its display LED group (132) are provided.

The ADF panel (140) is provided with only a start key (141) for starting the ADF operation. When the start key (141) is turned on, the document tray (31)
The upper original is automatically conveyed onto the original platen glass (29) automatically, and the copying operation is started.

Use the sorter mode selection key (15
1) and the non-sort mode display LED (15
2), sort mode display LED (153), grouping mode display LED (154), finish mode selection key (15
5) and non-finish mode display LED that is the display section
(156), a finish mode display LED (157), a finish start key (158) and its display LED (159). The LED (159) turns on to indicate that the finishing process is being performed, and blinks to indicate that a copy is to be removed from the staple tray (91). Also, an LED (160) for displaying a warning for removing a sheet from the bin (60), an LED (161) for displaying the empty staple (106), and an LED (162) for indicating a setting failure of the stapler (100) are provided. Is provided. Each time the sorter mode selection key (151) is pressed, the mode is sequentially switched to the non-sort mode, the sort mode, and the grouping mode, and the corresponding LEDs (152), (153), (154)
Lights up. Finish mode selection key (155) is also 1
Each time the button is pressed, the mode switches between the non-finish mode and the finish mode, and the corresponding LED (156), (15
7) lights up. Finish start key (158) is 1
Each time the button is pressed, the start of the finishing operation and its cancellation are output, and the LED (159) is lit at the start.

[Control Circuit] FIG. 16 is a block diagram of the control circuit. A copying machine panel (120), an ADF panel (140), and a sorter panel (150) are connected to the microcomputer (CPU). ), The ADF process means (171) is connected, and the sorter process means (172) and the finish process means (173) are connected to exchange signals.

FIG. 17 shows the main part of the control circuit. The input / output port of the microcomputer (CPU) has a print switch (12
1), ADF start switch (141) and built-in display LEDs (180), (181), sorter panel (150)
Switches (151), (152), (153) and display LEDs
(152)... Are connected.

[Control Procedure] Next, a control procedure based on the copying machine (1), the sorter (40) and the control circuit will be described with reference to FIG.

FIG. 18 shows a main routine of the microcomputer (CPU).

The microcomputer (CPU) is reset,
When the program starts, in step (S1), the random access memory is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings for setting each device to the initial mode are performed. Next, the internal timer is started in step (S2). This internal timer determines the time required for the main routine, and its value is set in advance in the initial setting of step (S1).

Next, in steps (S3) to (S8), subroutines to be described in detail below are sequentially called, and when the processing of all subroutines is completed, in step (S9), the end of the internal timer is awaited. Return to S2). Various timers in each subroutine are counted using the length of time of this one routine.

FIG. 19 shows a subroutine of the input process executed in the step (S3).

First, in step (S10), the number (A) is inputted by the ten-key group (124) on the copier panel (120), and the sheet size (S _X ) selected in step (S11) is inputted. In S12), it is determined whether the use of the ADF (30) is selected. If the use is selected, the ADF mode flag is set to "1" in step (S13), and if not, the ADF mode flag is reset to "0" in step (S14).

Next, a subroutine for setting a sort mode is executed in step (S15), a subroutine for setting a finish mode is executed in step (S16), and it is determined whether or not the sort mode flag is "1" in step (S17). If the sort mode flag is "0", the sorting and stapling processing is not executed, so the process proceeds to step (S22). If the sort mode flag is "1", the sorter (4) is executed in step (S18).
The number of bins (a) set in (0) is input, and in step (S19), the set number (A) is compared with the number of bins (a). If the number (A) is equal to or smaller than the number of bins (a), the sort mode can be executed. In step (S20), it is determined whether the finish mode flag is "1". If the finish mode flag is "0", the process proceeds to step (S22). If the finish mode flag is "1", the process proceeds to step (S21).
It is determined whether the sheet size (S _X ) input in 11) is A4 size or B5 size. The sheet size that can be stapled in the present embodiment is A4 or B5, and if YES, other input processing is executed in step (S22).

Further, in step (S23), the print switch (121)
Is turned on, and if it is turned on, the copy flag is set to "1" in step (S24) to enable copy processing. If it is not turned on, it is determined in step (S25) whether or not the ADF start switch (141) is turned on.
4) is executed, and if it is not turned on, this subroutine ends.

On the other hand, when it is determined in the step (S19) that the set number (A) is larger than the bin number (a), the step (S26)
To set the warning flag (F1) to "1", and to step (S2
Step 7) prohibits system operation. This warning flag (F1)
Indicates that the number of distributions exceeds the number of bins. Next, in steps (S28) and (S36), similarly to steps (S23) and (S25), whether the print switch (121) is turned on and whether the ADF start switch (141) is turned on Is determined. If YES in this step (S28) or (S36), that is, if the intention of the operator to execute copying is confirmed even if a warning is issued, the non-sort mode flag is set to "1" in step (S29). To switch to non-sort mode processing, reset the warning flag (F1) to "0" in step (S30), release the prohibition of system operation in step (S30a), and set the copy flag to " Set to "1".

In the step (S21), the sheet size (S _X ) is set to A
If it is determined that the size is other than 4 size or B5 size, the stapling process is impossible, so the warning flag (F2) is set to “1” in step (S31), and the system operation is prohibited in step (S32). . This warning flag (F2) is for displaying that the selected sheet size is incompatible. Next, in steps (S33) and (S38), as in steps (S23) and (S25), whether the print switch (121) is turned on and whether the ADF start switch (141) is turned on Is determined. If YES in this step (S33) or (S38), that is, if the intention of the operator to execute copying is confirmed even if a warning is issued, the finish mode flag is reset to "0" in step (S34). Prohibits stapling, resets the warning flag (F2) to "0" in step (S35),
In step (S35a), the prohibition of the system operation is released, and in step (S39), the copy flag is set to “1”.

FIG. 20 shows a sort mode setting subroutine executed in the step (S15).

In this subroutine, it is determined whether or not the sorter mode selection key (151) has been switched from off to on in step (S40), and if not, the process immediately returns to the main routine. When the key (151) is turned on, it is determined in steps (S41) and (S43) whether the non-sort mode flag and the sort mode flag are each "1". If the non-sort mode flag is set to "1", the sort mode flag is set to "1" in step (S42). If the sort mode flag is set to "1", the grouping mode flag is set to "1" in step (S44). If both the non-sort mode flag and the sort mode flag have been reset to "0", the non-sort mode flag is set to "1" in step (S45).

FIG. 21 shows a finish mode setting subroutine executed in the step (S16).

First, in step (S50), it is determined whether or not the finish mode selection key (155) has been switched from off to on. If not, the process immediately returns to the main routine. When the key (155) is turned on, it is determined in step (S51) whether or not the finish mode flag is "0". If it has been reset to "0", the finish mode flag is set to "1" in step (S52). ”, And sets the allowable number of staples (Cb) in step (S53). Next, in step (S54), the staple permission sizes are set to A4 and B5, and in step (S55), the sort mode flag is set to "1" to allow processing in the sort mode.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (S51) that the finish mode flag has been set to "1", the finish mode flag is reset to "0" in step (S56), and the allowable number of staples is set in step (S57). (C
Cancel the setting of b). Next, the setting of the staple permission size is canceled in step (S58), and the sort mode flag is reset to "0" in step (S59) to prohibit the processing in the sort mode.

FIGS. 22a and 22b show steps of the main routine (S4).
Execute the subroutine of the display process executed by.

First, in step (S60), it is determined whether the ADF mode flag is "1". If "1", the ADF mode flag is determined in step (S61a).
Copy start display LED in mode not using (30)
Turn off (180) and display ADF start in step (S61b)
Turn on the LED (181). If the ADF mode flag is "0", the LED (180) is turned on in step (S62a), and the LED (181) is turned off in step (S62b).

Next, in steps (S63) and (S65), it is determined whether the non-sort mode flag and the sort mode flag are each "1". If the non-sort mode flag is "1", the non-sort mode display LED (152) is turned on in step (S64a), and the LEDs (153) and (15) are set in steps (S64b) and (S64c).
Turn off the light in 4). If the sort mode flag is "1", the LED (152) is turned off in step (S66a), and step (S6)
The sort mode display LED (153) is turned on in 6b), and the LED (154) is turned off in step (S66c). If both the non-sort mode flag and the sort mode flag are "0", the LEDs (152) and (153) are turned off in steps (S67a) and (S67b), and the grouping mode display LE is set in step (S67c).
Turn on D (154).

Next, in step (S68), it is determined whether or not the finish mode flag is "1".
In step 9a), the non-finish mode display LED (156) is turned off, and in step (S69b), the finish mode display LED (1) is turned off.
57) lights up. If the finish mode flag is "0", the LED (156) is turned on in step (S70a), and the LED (157) is turned off in step (S70b). Subsequently, in a step (S71), it is determined whether or not the finish processing flag is “1”. The finishing processing here means that the sheets distributed and stored in the bins (60) in the sorter section (41) are taken out of the bins (60) and conveyed onto the staple tray (91) in the conveying section (80). Means a series of operations for performing stapling processing with the staple (100) after matching, and storing the staples in the stack tray (111). When the above series of operations is continued, the finish processing flag
It is set to "1". Therefore, if the finish processing flag is "1", the finish start display LED (159) is turned on in step (S72a), and if "0", the LED (159) is turned off in step (S72b).

Next, in step (S73), it is determined whether or not the warning flag (F1) is "1".
In a), the display unit (125) indicates that the number of bins is over, and if "0", this display is turned off in step (S73b). In step (S74), it is determined whether or not the warning flag (F2) is "1".
In a), the display unit (125) indicates that the sheet size is incompatible, and if "0", this display is turned off in step (S74b). In step (S75), it is determined whether or not the warning flag (F3) is "1".
In a), the display unit (125) indicates that the finish mode is disabled, and if "0", this display is turned off in step (S75b). In step (S76), the warning flag (F
It is determined whether or not 4) is “1”. If “1”, the display unit (125) displays that the document is empty in step (S67a), and if “0”, step (S76b). Turn off this display with. In step (S77), a warning flag (F5)
Is determined to be “1”, and if “1”, the step (S7
In step 7a), the display unit (125) indicates that the finishing capacity is over. If it is "0", this display is turned off in step (S77b). In step (S78), it is determined whether or not the warning flag (F6) is "1". If "1", the LED (159) is turned on and off in step (S78a) to remove the sheet from the staple tray (91). Indicate what you need,
If "0", this display is turned off in step (S78b). In step (S79), it is determined whether or not the warning flag (F11) is "1". If "1", the LED is determined in step (S79a).
(160) is lit to indicate that the sheet needs to be removed from the bin (60).
Turn off this display in b).

Next, in step (S80), it is determined whether or not the copy flag is “1”, and if it is “1”, in step (S80a),
If "0", the display unit (12
In 5), the number of copies or the number of remaining copies is displayed. Subsequently, other display processing is executed in step (S81), and this subroutine ends.

FIG. 23 shows a subroutine of copy system processing executed in step (S5) of the main routine.

First, it is determined whether or not the ADF mode flag is “1” in step (S90). If it is “1”, it is determined in step (S91) whether or not the copy flag is “1”. If copy processing is permitted, step (S95)
To execute the ADF control subroutine, and shift to step (S97). Also, in the step (S90), the ADF
If it is determined that the mode flag is "0", it is determined in step (S96) whether or not the copy flag is "1".
If it is “1”, the process proceeds to step (S97). If it is determined in steps (S91) and (S96) that the copy flag is "0", the process returns to the main routine.

Next, in steps (S97) and (S100), it is determined whether the non-sort mode flag and the sort mode flag are “1”, respectively. If the non-sort mode flag is "1", a non-sort mode processing subroutine is executed in step (S99). If the sort mode flag is "1", a sort mode processing subroutine is executed in step (S101). Further, if both the non-sort mode flag and the sort mode flag are "0", a subroutine of grouping mode processing is executed in step (S104). Subsequently, a subroutine for copy processing is executed in step (S105), and a subroutine for other processing is executed in step (S106).

The subroutine executed in the steps (S99) and (S104) is the same as the conventional procedure, and the details are omitted.

FIG. 24 shows a subroutine of ADF control executed in the step (S95).

First, in step (S120), it is determined whether or not there is a document in the document tray (31) by turning on and off the sensor. If there is, in step (S133), whether or not the warning flag (F4) is "1" Is determined. This warning flag (F4) is set to "1" in step (S131) described below when the document is not on the tray (31), but is reset to "0" in step (S134) if it is "1". I do. Then, a document feed processing subroutine is executed in step (S121), an original size detection subroutine is executed in step (S122), and an original transport processing subroutine is executed in step (S123). Step (S1
In step 30), it is determined whether or not the document count is "0". If the count is "0", the warning flag (F4) is set to "1" in step (S131) to prepare a document empty display, and step (S1)
At 32), the copy flag is reset to "0" and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, in step (S124), it is determined whether or not the optical system (4) has scanned the number of copies, and if so, the scan end flag is set to "1". And
After confirming that the scan end flag is "1" in step (S126), the scan end flag is reset to "0" in step (S127), and a document discharge processing subroutine is executed in step (S128). Step (S12
In 9), a subroutine for other processing is executed.

This ADF control subroutine is the same procedure as the conventional one, and the steps (S121), (S122),
Details of (S123) and (S128) are omitted.

FIGS. 25a and 25b show a subroutine of the sort mode process executed in the step (S101). In this subroutine, the operation of the sorter bin (60) is made different depending on whether or not the finish mode is selected. This is because the order in which sheets are taken out from the bin (60) differs depending on whether the finish mode is selected or not, and the order of distribution to the bin (60) is different. When the finish mode is selected, the sheets are distributed from the lower bin (60) to be sent to the staple section (90). When the finish mode is not selected, the sheets are directly distributed to the staple section (90). Dispense from bottle (60).

Specifically, it is determined in step (S140) whether or not the finish mode flag is “1”. If “1”, the sensor (in step (S141)) determines whether or not there is a sheet in the bin (60). The determination is made based on ON and OFF of Se5). If there is no sheet, it is determined in step (S141a) whether or not the warning flag (F11) is "1". This warning flag (F11) indicates that the sheet is
0), steps (S158) and (S
161) is set to "1", but if it is "1", it is reset to "0" in step (S141b), and step (S141b)
Release the prohibition of system operation in c). Then, step (S142) in Botomubin detection switch (SW1) is turned on whether, i.e., bin (60) is located in the bottom bin position (X ₁₎ a home position at the time of the finish mode is selected, in the finish mode It is determined whether sheet distribution is possible. Therefore, if YES is determined in the step (S142), the process directly proceeds to the step (S148), and the bin operation for performing the sorting operation, that is, the rotation direction flag is set to “reverse rotation of the floating cam motor (not shown)”. Reset to "0". NO in step (S142)
If by performing the following steps (S143) ~ (S147) to move the bottle (60) of the bottom bin position (X _1). That is, in step (S143), the floating cam (5
The motor of 0) is rotated forward, and a sorter weight is applied in step (S144). The sorter weight means that the copying operation is prohibited so that the sheet is not fed into the sorter section (41) while the bin (60) is moving. After confirming that the bottom bin detection switch (SW1) is turned on in step (S145), the motor of the floating cam (50) is turned off in step (S146), and the sorter weight is released in step (S147). At (S148), the floating cam rotation direction flag is reset to "0", and the rotation direction of the floating cam (50) thereafter is reversed.

On the other hand, when the finish mode is not selected, the presence or absence of a sheet in the bin (60) is checked by turning on and off the sensor (Se5) in step (S149), and if there is no sheet, the top in step (S150). Whether or not the bin detection switch (SW2) is ON, that is, whether or not the bin (60) is located at the top bin position (X ₂ ), which is the home position in the non-finish mode, and the sheet distribution in the non-finish mode is possible Is determined. Therefore, if YES is determined in the step (S149), the process directly shifts to the step (S156), and the floating cam rotation direction flag is set to “1” to allow the floating rotation of the floating cam (50).
If NO in step (S149), the following steps (S151)
Run-a (S155) is moved to the bottle (60) the top bin position (X _2). That is, the motor of the floating cam (50) is reversed in step (S151), a sorter weight is applied in step (S152), and after confirming that the top bin detection switch (SW2) is turned on in step (S153), (S154) Floating cam (50)
Turn off the motor. Subsequently, the sorter weight is released in step (S155), the floating cam rotation direction flag is set to "1" in step (S156), and the subsequent rotation direction of the floating cam (50) is set to normal rotation.

In the steps (S141) and (S149), the bin (60)
If it is determined that there is a sheet in the area, step (S157),
In step (S160), it is determined whether or not the copy count is "0". If the count is "0", the warning flag (F11) is set to "1" in steps (S158) and (S161) to display the copy removal. led
Prepare to turn on (160), and execute steps (S159) and (S159).
In 162), the system operation is prohibited, and the process returns to the main routine.

Next, in step (S163), it is determined whether the discharge switch (SW3) of the copying machine (1) is on edge. That is, after the leading end of the sheet reaches the discharge switch (SW3), the sorter conveyance motor is turned on in step (S164), and it is determined in step (S165) whether the sorter discharge sensor (Se1) is off-edge. That is, a discharge sensor at the rear end of the sheet (Se1)
Passing is regarded as accommodating sheets in the bin (60), and if it is an off-edge, the sorter transport motor timer is started in step (S166). Then, in step (S167), the number of sheets is incremented, and in step (S168), the process waits for the end of the sorter transport motor timer and then proceeds to step (S169).
To turn off the sorter transport motor. Then, step (S1
At 70), it is determined whether or not the sheet conveyed earlier is the last sheet. If it is the last sheet, the floating cam rotation direction flag is inverted at step (S171). That is, if the floating cam rotation direction flag is "0", it is set to "1", and if it is "1", it is reset to "0". If it is not the last sheet, the floating cam rotation direction flag is checked in step (S172) to continue the sorting operation. If it is "0", the floating cam motor is turned on reversely in step (S173), and if it is "1". In this case, the normal rotation is turned on in step (S174). That is, sheets are moved from the lower bin (60) to the upper bin (60) and the upper bin (6).
Distribute by reciprocating from 0) to the lower bin (60).

Next, in step (S175), it is determined whether or not the finish mode flag is “1”.
The process proceeds to 75c), and if it is "0", that is, if the finish mode is not selected, it is determined in step (S175a) whether the finish mode selection key (155) has been switched from off to on. If the key (155) is not switched on, that is, if the finish mode is not selected, this subroutine is terminated. If the key (155) is turned on, it is determined that the finish mode has been selected at this time, the finish mode is set to "1" in step (S175b), and the process proceeds to step (S175c).

Hereinafter, in step (S175c), the number of sheets per bin (M) is calculated, and in step (S176), the number of sheets per bin (M) and the allowable number of staples (Cb) [see step (S53)] Compare. If the number of sheets per bin (M) exceeds the allowable number of staples (Cb), a warning flag (F5) is set to "1" in step (S177) to prevent occurrence of staple failure. Prepare to display the finish capacity over. Further, in step (S178), the copy flag is reset to "0",
In a step (S179), it is determined whether or not the print switch (121) is turned on. In a step (S180), it is determined whether or not the ADF start switch (141) is turned on. When it is confirmed that the operator intends to execute the copy even if a warning is issued, the finish mode flag is reset to “0” in step (S181), and the warning flag (F5) is set to “0” in step (S182). , And the copy flag is set to "1" in step (S183) to enable execution in the sort mode, and this subroutine ends.

If the copy operation is terminated and the finishing process is performed when the warning of the finisher capacity excess is issued by executing the steps (S176) and (S177),
The finish start switch (158) may be turned on [see steps (S206) and (S207)].

FIG. 26 shows a subroutine of the copy process executed in the step (S105).

First, in step (S190), it is determined whether or not the optical system (4) has scanned the number of copies. If YES, the scan end flag is set to "1" in step (S191), and NO
If so, the subroutine of the copy process is executed in step (S192). This subroutine is for copier (1)
Is a routine for executing a normal copy process according to the present invention, and details thereof are omitted.

Next, after confirming that the scan end flag is “1” in step (S193), the scan end flag is reset to “0” in step (S194), and step (S1)
In 95), the copy flag is reset to "0", and in step (S196), a subroutine of other processing is executed.

FIGS. 27a and 27b show steps of the main routine (S6).
Shows a subroutine of the finishing process executed by the subroutine.

First, in step (S200), it is determined whether or not the finish mode flag is “1”. If "1", it is determined in step (S201) whether or not the finish mode prohibition flag is "1". If "0", the process proceeds to step (S206). If "1", the process proceeds to step (S202). The ON / OFF of the sheet detection sensor (Se6) on the staple tray (91) is checked to check for the presence or absence of a sheet on the staple tray (91). If the sheet detection sensor (Se6) is turned on and it is determined that there is a sheet on the tray (91), the inconvenience that the existing sheet is stapled together with the sheet to be sent to the tray (91) from now on and the stapling process is allowed. Since there is a possibility that the number of stapled sheets may be exceeded, the step (S202
In a), the warning flag (F6) is set to "1" to prepare for displaying a warning that the sheet should be removed from the staple tray (91), and this subroutine is terminated.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step (S202) that there is no sheet on the staple tray (91), the process proceeds to step (S203).
After resetting the finish mode prohibition flag to “0” in step S204, it is determined in step (S204) whether the warning flag (F6) is “1”.
In step 5), the warning flag (F6) is reset to "0".

Next, in step (S206), it is determined whether or not the finish start switch (158) has been turned on. If it is on, it is determined in step (S207) whether or not the finish processing flag is "0".
In a), set the finish processing flag to “1”,
If it is "1", the finish processing flag is reset to "0" in step (S207b).

Next, in step (S208), the number of sheets per bin (M) is calculated, and in step (S209), it is determined whether or not the number of sheets per bin (M) is one. That is, the number of sheets (M) distributed and stored in each bin (60) is 1
There is no need to staple sheets. Therefore, if it is determined in step (S209) that the number of sheets per bin is one, the warning flag (F3) is set to "1" in step (S209a), and preparations are made to display that the finishing mode is disabled. Then, in step (S209b), the finish mode flag is reset to “0” to release the finish mode, and in step (S209c), the finish processing flag is reset to “0”.

If the number of sheets per bin (M) is not one, it is determined in step (S210) whether or not the warning flag (F3) is "1". If "1", a warning is issued in step (S211). The flag (F3) is reset to “0”. Next, in step (S212), the presence / absence of a sheet on the staple tray (91) is checked again by turning on / off the sensor (Se6).
In order to prevent stapling failure, the warning flag (F6) is set to "1" in step (S212a), and
In b), the finish mode prohibition flag is set to "1", and in step (S212c), the finish processing flag is reset to "0", and this subroutine ends.

If there is no sheet in the staple tray (91), it is determined in step (S213) whether or not the finish processing flag is "1". If "1", the finish processing is executed for the first time. That is, the subroutine of the bin moving process is executed in the step (S214), the subroutine of the sheet take-out process is executed in the step (S215), and the subroutine of the stapling process is executed in the step (S216). After these processes are completed, the presence or absence of a sheet in the bin (60) is determined in step (S217), and the presence or absence of a sheet on the staple tray (91) is determined in step (S218).
At step 19), the finish processing flag is reset to "0".

In this finish processing subroutine, the release of the finish mode prohibition is performed in step (S20
In step 2), it is detected that the sheet has been removed from the staple tray (91), and in step (S205), the warning flag (F
6) is reset to "0". Then, the restart of the finish processing may be automatically performed via the timer after the release of the finish mode prohibition,
It may be performed by inputting the finish start switch (158).

FIG. 28 shows a subroutine of the bin moving process executed in the step (S214).

First, in step (S220), the presence or absence of a sheet in the bin (60) is determined by turning on and off the sensor (Se5). Although this situation cannot occur in practice,
This may occur if the operator removes a sheet from the bin (60) immediately after the copy is completed. If there is a sheet, step (S22
In 1), it is determined whether the bottom bin detection switch (SW1) is on. If not switch (SW1) is turned on, to move the floating cam (50) to the bottom bin position (X _1), is rotated forward motor floating cam (50) in step (S222), step (S223) When the off edge of the floating cam rotation detection switch is confirmed at step (S224), the motor is turned off at step (S224). Then, the step (S222), (S223), (S224) is continued until the floating cam (50) is moved to the bottom bin position (X _1).

Positive when the floating cam (50) is moved to the bottom bin position (X _1), i.e., when the Botomubin detection switch (SW1) is determined to have turned on in the step (S221), the fix cam motor in step (S225) In step (S226), it is determined whether the fix cam rotation detection sensor (Se2) is on-edge. If on-edge, which at will can bottom bin position bottle (60) which is in the (X ₁₎ is dropped across to the sheet take-out position (X _3), incrementing the bin counter at step (S227), step (S228) To turn off the fix cam motor.

Next, in step (S229), the bin counter sets the number (A).
It is determined whether it is equal to [see step (S10)].
If bin counter is smaller than the set number (A), it executes a process of moving the next bin (60) to a sheet take-out position (X _3). That is, the floating cam motor is reversed in step (S230), and when the off edge of the floating cam rotation detection sensor is confirmed in step (S231), the floating cam motor is turned off in step (S232). This in, the next bin (60) is able to move to the bottom bin position (X _1). This step (S230),
(S231) and (S232) are repeated until the bin counter becomes equal to the set number (A).

When the bin counter becomes equal to the set number (A), the stapling process has been completed. After confirming that there is no sheet in the bin (60) in step (S233), the bin position reset subroutine is performed in step (S234). Execute

FIG. 29 shows a subroutine of the sheet take-out process executed in the step (S215). This subroutine performs a process to transport the sheet take-out position (X ₃₎ to drop bins (60) up to the staple tray through the transfer means of the sheet (80) (91).

First, a sheet take-out position at step (S240) (X ₃₎
It is determined whether or not there is a sheet in the bin (60) descending at the time when the sensor (Se5) is turned on and off. If there is no sheet, a warning is appropriately displayed (not shown in the flowchart) and the process proceeds to step (S246). When the presence of the sheet is confirmed, in step (S241), the fix cam rotation detection sensor (Se2)
Is off edge, in other words, whether the fix cam (70) has started to rotate forward. When it is determined that the edge is off-edge, that is, when the fix cam (70) starts normal rotation and the bin (60) starts to descend to the sheet take-out position (X ₃ ), the pinch roller (76) in step (S242).
Is turned on, and the pinch roller solenoid timer is started in step (S243). When the sheet on the bin (60) starts descending based on the forward rotation of the fix cam (70), the solenoid is turned on in the bin (60), and the sheet is taken out at the sheet take-out position (X ₃ ). ) And the pinch roller (76).

Then, step (S244) on whether or not Fikusukamu rotation sensor (Se2) is on edge, in other words, the bin (60) determines whether it has completed the descent to the sheet take-out position (X ₃₎ If it is determined that the edge is on-edge, the sheet take-out motor is turned on in step (S245). The sheet is now rolled (75), (76), (81a), (81
The paper is conveyed to the staple tray (91) by b) or the like. When the end of the pinch roller solenoid timer is confirmed in step (S246), the pinch roller solenoid is turned off in step (S247). This causes the pinch roller (76) to retreat upward from the take-out roller (75).
This is, the next bin (60) bottom bin position (X ₁₎
This is because the pinch roller (76) is retracted from the take-out position (X ₃ ) before starting to descend from the bin, thereby preventing interference with the sheets distributed and stored in the bin (60).

Next, in step (S248), when the sensor (Se6) of the staple tray (91) is turned on and it is confirmed that sheets are stored in the tray (91), the sheet take-out motor is turned off in step (S249), End the subroutine.

FIG. 30 shows a subroutine of the stapling process executed in the step (S216).

First, in step (S251), it is determined whether the sensor (Se6) of the staple tray (91) is on-edge.
This sensor (Se6) turns on when a sheet is conveyed onto the tray (91). Therefore, if it is an on-edge, the vibration motor (93) is turned on in step (S252) to align the sheets on the tray (91), and the vibration motor timer is started in step (S253). On the other hand, it is determined in step (S251) that it is not the on-edge, and the sensor (Se6) is on in step (S254). That is, when it is determined that a sheet is already in the tray (91), the process proceeds to step (S255).

Next, when the end of the vibration motor timer is confirmed in step (S255), the vibration motor (93) is turned off in step (S256), and the staple motor is turned on in step (S257). Then, in step (S259), when it is determined that the rotation detection sensor (Se4) of the staple motor is on-edge, that is, the head (105) moves and the staple needle (10
When the sheets are bound in 6), the staple motor is turned off in step (S260), and the stopper solenoid is turned on in step (S262). As a result, the stopper (96) is retracted from the tray (91), and the sheet slides down from the tray (91) and is stored on the stack tray (111).

Next, in step (S263), it is determined that the sensor (Se6) of the staple tray (91) is off-edge,
If it is determined that the sheet has been discharged to the stack tray (111), the stopper solenoid is turned off in step (S264) to return the stopper (96) to the tray (91), and this subroutine ends.

That is, in the present embodiment, when the finish mode is not selected in the subroutine of the sort mode processing (see FIGS. 25a and 25b), if the finish mode is selected in the middle [Step (S175)]. NO, in step (S175a)
YES], the finish mode flag is set to “1” [Step (S175c)], and the processing in the finish mode is accepted. As a result, it is possible to select the finishing mode again during the sorting without selecting the finishing mode in the initial mode setting.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the selection operation of the finish mode selection means is accepted even during the sorting operation or after the sorting operation is completed. Thus, the process can be shifted to the stapling process without interruption, and the usability is improved, and the paper and toner are not wasted, which is economical.

[Brief description of the drawings]

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings show an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an entire copying machine, FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of a sorter with a finish, FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the conveying unit, FIG. 6 is an explanatory view of a floating cam and a fix cam, FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a floating cam, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a sheet take-out position. Fig. 9, Fig. 9 is a plan view showing the engagement relationship between the trunnion and the fix cam, Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view showing the rotation detection unit of the fix cam, Fig. 11 is a plan view of the stapler, Fig. 12 is a stack tray. Perspective view, thirteenth
FIGS. 14, 14 and 15 are plan views of the operation panel, and FIGS.
Figure 17 is the control circuit diagram, Figure 18, Figure 19, Figure 20, Figure 21,
Figures 22a, 22b, 23, 24, 25a, 25b
Figure, Figure 26, Figure 27a, Figure 27b, Figure 28, Figure 29, Figure 30
The figure is a flowchart showing the control procedure. (1) Copier (40) Sorter with finisher (41) Sorter (60) Bin (90)
Staple section (91) Staple tray (100)
…… Stapler, (110) …… Stack section, (155) ……
Finish mode selection key, (X ₁ ) Bottom bin position, (X ₂ ) Top bin position, (X ₃ )
… Sheet removal position.

Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-60-158465 (JP, A) JP-A-62-196677 (JP, A) JP-A-62-290678 (JP, A) JP-A-63-97577 (JP) JP-A-61-75769 (JP, A) JP-A-60-82566 (JP, A)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A finisher comprising: a sorter unit for receiving sheets discharged from a copying machine or the like and distributing the sheets to a plurality of bins; and a staple unit having staple means for stapling the sheets stored in each of the bins. In the attached sorter, a selection unit for selecting a finishing mode in which the stapling unit staples, and a control unit that receives a selection operation of the selection unit even during or after the sorting operation of the sorting unit, A sorter with a finisher, comprising: