JP2607243B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION <Industrial Application Field> The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more specifically, an image forming section for sequentially forming images on a set number of sheets, and an image forming apparatus. And a sorter for selectively discharging paper onto a plurality of bins.

<Prior Art> Conventionally, in an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, there is a strong tendency that an image can be sequentially formed on a large number of sheets at a time. In order to be able to automatically sort garbage, it is becoming common to attach a sorter.

Specifically, for example, the upper limit number of sheets at which image formation can be performed at one time is 999, the allowable sheet capacity of one non-sort bin of the sorter is 200 sheets, and the allowable sheet capacity of 20 sort bins is There are 50 of each.

Therefore, if it is attempted to sequentially form images on 201 or more sheets in the non-sort mode, the sorter cannot store all the sheets.

In order to solve such a problem, conventionally, when the number of sheets that can be accommodated in the non-sort bin is set to be equal to or more than the allowable number of sheets, the set number of sheets is automatically set to the allowable number of sheets. An optical sensor is attached, a paper amount is detected by the optical sensor, a state in which a predetermined amount of paper is discharged is detected by the optical sensor, and a paper discharge state for another bin is selected based on a detection signal (time opening). Showa 57-42450
Reference).

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> In the above-described configuration, the image forming apparatus cannot perform the image forming for the number of continuous images that can be set on the image forming apparatus side, and the image forming unit side There is a problem that the user cannot fully exercise his ability.

Further, in the above configuration, it is detected that the number of sheets stored in the non-sort bin has reached the allowable number of sheets, and at that time, the remaining sheets are sequentially stored in the sort bin.

In such a configuration, it is not clear which bin is to be selected. In particular, when an interrupt process is performed on the way, it is difficult to determine in which bin a sheet on which an image has been formed by an interrupt is stored. There is a problem that it is unclear and the paper cannot be easily taken out.

<Object of the Invention> The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and all sheets are selected even when a continuous image forming operation of a number larger than the allowable number of sheets in each bin of the sorter unit is selected. It is an object of the present invention to provide an image forming apparatus capable of reliably discharging paper to a bin on the sorter side and easily coping with an interruption process.

<Means for Solving the Problems> According to the configuration of claim 1, an image forming unit that sequentially forms and sends an image on a set number of sheets of paper, and stores the sent sheets of paper in a non-sort bin or a plurality of sort bins Determining means for determining whether the set number of sheets is the first state equal to or less than the number of non-sort bins that can be accepted or the second state that is larger than the number of sheets that can be accepted; When the first state is determined by the number detecting means for detecting the number of sheets sent from the image forming unit and the discriminating means, the sheet sent from the image forming unit is guided to the non-sort bin, and the discrimination means determines the second state. When the state is determined, the control unit guides the sheets sent from the image forming unit to the plurality of sort bins in order of a predetermined number based on the number detected by the number detecting unit. And a step.

In the configuration of claim 2, further comprising an interrupt processing instruction means capable of instructing an interrupt processing, wherein the control means is configured to execute the interrupt processing by the interrupt processing instruction means when the first state is determined by the determination means. When the interrupting process is instructed, the sheet on which the image forming process is performed is guided to the sort bin by the splitting. When the second state is determined by the determining unit, the interrupting process is instructed by the interrupting process instructing unit. In this case, the sheet subjected to the image forming process by the interruption is guided to the non-sort bin.

<Operation> According to the configuration of the first aspect, when the set number of image forming processes such as the number of copies is a number that can be accommodated in the non-sort bin, the paper is discharged onto the non-sort bin. The non-sort bin is usually the top bin of the sorter, and ejected paper is most easily taken out. When the set number is small, the non-sort bin is used, and it is convenient to take out the discharged sheets.

On the other hand, when the set number of sheets is larger than the allowable number of non-sort bins, the non-sort bin is not used, and a plurality of sort bins are used for storing sheets. Therefore, it is possible to continuously form a large number of images that cannot be accommodated by the non-sort bin alone, and it is possible to take out sheets on which images are formed by a predetermined number of sheets from the sort bin.

Specifically, as described in the related art, the upper limit number of images that can be formed at one time is 999.
Suppose that one non-sort bin among the sheets and the sorter has an allowable sheet storage number of 200 sheets, and 20 sort bins have an allowable sheet storage number of 50 sheets. In this case, for example, when the set number of sheets is 200 or less in the non-sort mode, all the sheets are discharged to the non-toso bin.

On the other hand, when the set number of sheets is 201 or more in the non-sort mode, the non-sort bin is not used, a plurality of sort bins are used instead, and 50 sheets are sequentially discharged to each sort bin. That is, 1 to 50 sheets: 1st sort bin, 51 sheets
Sheets are sequentially discharged to a plurality of sort bins, such as 100 sheets: second sort bin, 101 to 150 sheets: third sort bin, 151 to 200 sheets: fourth sort bin, 201 to 250 sheets: fifth sort bin, and so on. Therefore, even at the time of taking out, 50 sheets can be taken out at a time and can be taken out easily.

Furthermore, according to the configuration of claim 2, when the interrupt processing is instructed, the interrupt processing is performed on the sorter bin when the used bin is the non-sort bin, and on the non-sort bin when the used bin is the sort bin. The sheet on which the image forming process has been performed is discharged. Therefore, the discharge destination of the sheet by the interruption process can be clearly distinguished.

<Example> Hereinafter, an example will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing a copying machine with a sorter as one type of image forming apparatus, in which a plurality of main units 1 and a sorter 2 are connected via a copy paper transport path 3. Reference numeral 4 denotes a signal transmission line for electrically connecting the main unit 1 to the sorter 2, and reference numeral 6 denotes a mounting table on which the main body 1 is mounted.

More specifically, the copying machine main body 1 has a document table (not shown) at the top, an optical system (not shown), and a copy processing unit 11 (however, only the photosensitive drum is shown). , And the copy paper transport unit 12 (however, the transport roller 12a and the copy paper passage detection switch 12b
(Only one is shown in the figure), and further has a removable paper feed cassette 13 on one side of the copying machine main body 1. Reference numeral 5 denotes an operation panel.

The sorter 2 includes a copy paper transport path 21 for guiding the copy paper sent through the copy paper transport path 3 downward, and transport rollers 22, 23, and 24 arranged in the middle of the transport paper transport path 21.
And a guide member 25 including a solenoid 25a, a switching claw 25b, and a return spring 25c, and a bin 26 for storing copy paper. The bin 26 includes a non-sort bin 26a located at the uppermost position and a remaining 20 sort bins 26b, and the allowable number of copy sheets for each bin is, for example, 200 sheets for the non-sort bin 26a, 26b is set to 50 sheets each.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation panel 5 in detail. The number setting key 51 for setting the number of copies, an interrupt key 52,
A sort mode selection key 53 and a print key 54 are attached.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of a copying machine with a sorter, which includes a signal from a sheet passage detection switch 12b, a signal from a sheet number setting key 51, a signal from an interrupt key 52, and a signal from a sort mode selection key 53. Signal and the signal from the print key 54 via the input interface 43, respectively.
While being supplied to a central control unit 41 having a CPU, a RAM, a ROM, and the like, a control signal from the central control unit 41 is supplied to a control unit 43 for driving a solenoid via an output interface 44. The control signal from the control unit 43 is supplied to the solenoids 25a of the guide members 25.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the copying machine with a sorter having the above configuration. The description will be made sequentially according to the flow of the flowchart.

In the step, the number of copies set by the number setting key 51 is read, and in the step, it is determined whether or not the non-sort mode is selected by the sort mode selection key 53. If it is determined that the non-sort mode has not been selected, a sort mode or group mode process (not shown) is performed.

If it is determined that the non-sort mode is selected, it is determined in step whether or not the set number of copies read in step exceeds 200.

If the result of determination is that the set number of copies is 201 or more,
A sort bin is used (step S-), and when the set number of copies is 200 or less, a non-sort bin is used (step S,).

More specifically, the set number of copies is 200 in step S.
If it is determined that the number of sheets exceeds the limit, a copy operation is performed in a step, a simple calculation is performed in a step, and control is performed such that copy sheets are sequentially discharged to the sort bin 50 sheets at a time.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step that the set number of copies is equal to or less than 200, a copying operation is performed in step and the copy paper obtained by the copying is controlled to be discharged to the non-sort bin in step.

As described above, in the non-sort mode, whether to use the sort bin or the non-sort bin is switched depending on whether or not the set number of copies exceeds a predetermined number, for example, 200 sheets. This is one of the features.

Next, when the number of copies reaches the set number in step, the process ends.

If the number of copies has not reached the set number in step, it is determined in step whether or not the interrupt key has been operated. If the interrupt key has not been operated, the process returns to the step.

When the interrupt key is operated in the step, the set number of copies read in the step is
It is determined whether or not the number exceeds 200. As a result of the determination, 2
If the number exceeds 00 (if the number is 201 or more), the copy paper copied by the interrupt processing is discharged to the non-sort bin (step S-). On the other hand, if the set number of copies is 200 or less, the copy paper copied by the interrupt processing is discharged to the sort bin (steps 1 to 4).

Specifically, if it is determined in step that the set number of copies exceeds 200, the copy paper is discharged to the non-sort bin in step and the interrupt set number of copies is read in step and , An interrupt copying operation is performed, and it is determined whether or not the number of copies obtained by the interrupt copying operation in step has reached the set interrupt copying number read by the stapler. Then, the interrupt copy operation of the step and the determination of the step are repeated, and when the number of interrupt copies reaches the set number of interrupt copies, the step returns to the state before the start of the interrupt operation. Then, the operation returns to the step.

If the set number of copies is 200 or less in the step, the copy paper is discharged to the sort bin by the interruption in the step. Then, the interrupt set copy number is read in the step, the interrupt copy operation is performed in the step, and it is determined in the step whether the interrupt copy number has reached the interrupt set copy number. Then, the steps and the operations of the steps are repeated. When it is determined in the step that the number of interrupted copies has reached the set number of interrupted copies, the process proceeds to a step in which the copy paper is discharged to the no-sort bin. Then proceed to the steps.

By performing the control from step to step, when the sort bin is in use, the interrupt copy paper discharged by the interrupt processing is discharged to the non-sort bin, and when the non-sort bin is in use, the interrupt copy paper discharged by the interrupt processing is output. The paper is discharged to a sort bin. Therefore, the destination of the copy paper subjected to the interrupt processing can be easily understood.

In the above embodiment, since the number of copies is counted in the copying machine body 1 and a control signal for selecting a bin is supplied from the copying machine body 1, the configuration of the sorter can be simplified and the copying machine can be simplified. Also in the main body 1, since signals from necessary components are used regardless of the presence or absence of the sorter, there is no particular inconvenience that the configuration is complicated.

Further, since the sorter 2 is controlled by the control signal from the copying machine body 1 as described above, it is possible to easily cope with the case where the sorter 2 is replaced.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment. For example, the sorter counts the number of copies, and the sorter also controls the bin from which the copy paper is to be discharged based on the count value. In addition, instead of controlling the bin from which the copy paper is discharged by the guide unit 25, it is possible to control the bin from which the copy paper is discharged by moving the bin. It is possible to make various design changes within a range in which is not changed.

<Effects of the Invention> As described above, according to the configuration of the first aspect, when the set number of image forming processes such as the number of copies is a number that can be accommodated in the non-sort bin, the paper is discharged onto the non-sort bin. When the set number is larger than the allowable number of non-sort bins, the non-sort bin is not used, and a plurality of sort bins are used to accommodate sheets. Therefore,
The number of continuous images that can be formed on the image forming apparatus main body side is
Even when the number of sheets accommodated in any of the bins of the sorter is larger than that, the sheet on which the image has been formed can be discharged to the bin, and the sheet on which the image has been formed can be easily removed from the discharged bin.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, when the sort bin is in use, the paper discharged by the interrupt processing is discharged to the non-sort bin, and when the non-sort bin is in use, the paper discharged by the interrupt processing is discharged to the sort bin. The destination of the interrupted sheet can be found very easily.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an electric configuration of a copying machine with a sorter as a kind of the image forming apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the copying machine with a sorter. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the operation panel in detail. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a copying machine with a sorter. In the figure, 1 is a copying machine main body, 2 is a sorter, 25 is a guide member, 41 is a microcomputer, 51 is a number setting key,
52 indicates an interrupt key, and 53 indicates a sort mode selection key.

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming section for sequentially forming and sending an image on a set number of sheets; and a sorter section for selectively guiding the sent sheet to a non-sort bin or a plurality of sort bins. A determination unit configured to determine whether the set number of sheets is equal to or less than the acceptable number of non-sort bins in the first state and a second state greater than the acceptable number of sheets, and detecting the number of sheets sent from the image forming unit. When the first state is determined by the discriminating means, the sheet sent from the image forming unit is guided to a non-sort bin, and when the second state is determined by the discriminating unit, the sheet is sent from the image forming unit. Control means for guiding the sheets to be sorted to the plurality of sort bins in order of predetermined number of sheets based on the number of sheets detected by the number of sheet detection means. Apparatus. 2. An interrupt processing instructing means capable of instructing an interrupt processing, wherein the control means is configured to execute the interrupt processing by the interrupt processing instructing means when the determination means determines the first state. Is instructed, the sheet on which the image forming process is performed by the interrupt is guided to the sort bin, and when the second state is determined by the determining unit, the interrupt process is instructed by the interrupt process instructing unit. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet on which the image forming process is performed by interruption is guided to a non-sort bin.