JP2680109B2 - Sorter with stapler - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a sorter with a stapler. 2. Description of the Related Art A sorter that sorts and stores recording sheets formed by various image forming apparatuses such as a copying machine and a printer into a plurality of bins has been conventionally used.

There is a known sorter with a stapler in which one stapler is fixedly arranged as a post-processing device in a conventional sorter, and the bins are moved to pull out the recording sheet bundle stored in each bin to the binding position of the stapler to bind the stapler. Has been.

The applicant of the present invention is not yet aware of such a conventional sorter with a stapler, but the bins of the sorter are fixed in position, and one stapler is moved to the position of each bin so that the bundle of recording sheets stored in each bin is moved. We proposed a sorter with a stapler that makes it possible to bind sheets.

The sorter with stapler proposed so far is configured to align the recording sheets in each bin by the aligning device and move the aligned recording sheet bundle to the position of the stapler to bind it. Abnormal movement of the stapling device was not taken into consideration. If the stapling device binds the recording sheets with the alignment device moving abnormally, a situation occurs in which the unaligned recording sheet bundle is bound, resulting in binding failure.

Further, if the stapling device is bound while the movement of the stapling device is abnormal, not only the stapling of the recording sheets is not performed, but also the device is broken.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a stapler-equipped sorter that solves the problems caused by the movement abnormality of the aligning device and the stapling device.

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention has one of the above-mentioned problems, and includes an aligning device that aligns recording sheets stored in respective bins, and a sensor that detects a position of the aligning device. This problem was solved by a sorter with a stapler, which is characterized by prohibiting a mode for sorting into a plurality of bins when an alignment abnormality is detected by the position detection sensor.

Further, the stapler device has a moving device for moving the stapler device to the binding position of the recording sheet, and a sensor for detecting the position of the stapler device, and prohibits the operation of the stapler device when a staple abnormality is detected by the position detecting sensor of the stapler device. The above problem can also be solved by a sorter with a stapler.

Operation According to the present invention, when the position of the aligning device is detected by the detection sensor and the abnormality that the aligning device does not reach the predetermined position is detected, the aligning device abnormality is displayed on the display unit to inform the operator and at the same time the recording sheet is binned. It is also possible to prevent the secondary mechanical abnormality in the image forming apparatus, for example, by continuing the copying operation while the abnormal state is maintained.

On the other hand, when the position detection sensor detects the arrival of the stapling device at the position corresponding to each bin and detects an abnormality that the stapling device does not reach the predetermined position, the stapling device abnormality is displayed on the display unit to inform the operator at the same time. Prohibits operation and prevents damage due to binding failure or excessive operation.

Embodiment The details of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.

First, an example of the entire configuration of a copying apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to a side view shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a fourth mirror of the exposure system,
2 is a dust-proof glass for preventing contamination of the lens, mirror, etc. by toner, 3 is an ADF (automatic document feeder), 4 is a contact glass, 5 is an eraser (erase lamp), 6
Is a charging charger, 7 is a photoreceptor, for example, a photoreceptor drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the photoreceptor drum 7, 9 is a static elimination lamp, 10 is a lens, and 11 is a quenching charger. (Charger after cleaning), 12 is a cleaning unit, 13 is a bias roller, 25 is a PCC (charger before cleaning), 14 is an illumination unit for exposure including a halogen lamp or the like, and 15 is a first carriage integrally with the illumination unit 14 and the like. The first to form
Scanning mirrors 16 and 17 are second and third mirrors forming a second carriage, 18 is a fixing unit for fixing a toner image transferred to a recording sheet, for example, a transfer sheet, and 19 is a fixing unit after fixing in the fixing unit 18. The reference numeral 20 denotes a sorter (with a post-processing function) for sorting the transfer paper after the paper is discharged, 26 denotes a separation claw, and 21 denotes a transport belt. The post-processing function refers to processing such as stapling or punching with a punch.

Further, 22,23,24,33 are trays for stocking and supplying transfer paper, 22 is a double-sided paper feeding tray, 23 is a first paper feeding tray, 24 is a second paper feeding tray, and 33 is a third paper feeding tray. Paper tray, 29 is a paper feed roller unit, 30 is a vertical paper transport unit, 32 is a horizontal paper transport unit,
31 is a paper dust removing roller for removing paper dust from the transfer paper, 27 is a separation charger, 28 is a transfer charger, 35 is a registration roller, and 34 is a developer collection container for collecting old developer when replacing the developer. 36, a PTC (pre-transfer charger); 38, a drum heater for raising the temperature of the photosensitive drum 7; 37, a developing unit; 39, a toner cartridge for replenishing consumable toner; 1 shows a drum shaft that rotatably supports the drum shaft.

Next, the operation of the copying apparatus having the above configuration will be briefly described. The photosensitive drum 7 is rotatably supported by the drum shaft 40 and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copy command or the like. At the same time as the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7, the charge removing lamp 9 and the PTC 3 are used so that the toner attached to the photosensitive drum 7 and the uneven potential do not reach the charging charger 6 and the developing unit 37.
6, separation charger 27, transfer charger 28, eraser 5, cleaning unit 12, bias roller 13, PCC2
5. The quenching charger 11 is activated. After passing through the cleaning unit 12 and the neutralizing lamp 9, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 7 becomes zero.

The photosensitive drum 7 is driven by a main motor (not shown). At the start of driving, the image front end is controlled by the control unit so that the image front end comes to a portion after the position where the cleaning unit 12 has passed.

When the photosensitive drum 7 is rotated to the home position, the original placed on the contact glass 4 by the ADF 3 is scanned by the first carriage integrated with the first scanning mirror 15, the illumination unit 14, and the like. The reflected light image is the first scanning mirror
The image is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 via the second mirror 16, the third mirror 17, the lens 10, the fourth mirror 1, and the dustproof glass 2.

After the photosensitive drum 7 is charged by the charging charger 6, light is applied to an unnecessary portion by an eraser, that is, an erase lamp 5, to form an image frame suitable for a transfer paper or a projected image. 7, a latent image is formed. At this time, the photosensitive drum 7 and the first carriage are driven at the same speed in order to obtain an image of the same size.

The latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 37. In this case, a dark or light image can be obtained by applying a potential to the developing unit 37.

On the other hand, the two-sided paper tray 22, the first paper tray 2
3. The transfer paper stocked in the second paper feed tray 24 or the third paper feed tray 33 is fed by the paper feed roller unit 29 until a paper detection sensor (not shown) operates.

Next, at the paper feed timing, the paper feed roller unit 29 is operated again, and the transfer paper is sent to the registration roller 35 stopped in advance through the vertical paper transport unit 30 or the horizontal paper transport unit 32, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred. The registration roller 35 is driven at the timing when the leading edge of the transfer paper and the leading edge of the transfer paper match.

The toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to transfer paper under the action of the transfer charger 28. At this time, the surface of the photoconductor 7 is very smooth, and therefore, the adhesion between the photoconductor drum 7 and the transfer paper is large. Decreases adhesion to transfer paper. Next, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 7 by the separation claw 26, and the transfer paper thus separated is sent to the fixing unit 18 by the transport belt 21. The transfer paper sent to the fixing unit 18 is heated and pressurized by the toner here, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed on the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper is sorted via the reversing unit 19 by the sorter. Discharged to 20. When performing double-sided copying or the like, the sheet is discharged to the double-sided paper feed tray 22 via the reversing unit 19.

Since a small amount of the toner image remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 after the transfer, the PCC 25 is operated, and the cleaning unit 12 is operated.
The surface is cleaned with a cleaning brush and a cleaning blade inside, and the surface potential is made constant by the next quenching charger 11 and static elimination lamp 9.

These control timings are mainly determined by the photosensitive drum 7
Or a reference pulse for driving the photosensitive drum 7.

Next, the configuration of the sorter 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2, an entrance guide plate 43 is provided at an entrance of a recording sheet, for example, a copy discharged from a copying machine, and subsequently, upper and lower transport belts 44, 42 for transporting the copy upward, A switching claw 46 and switching guide plates 45 and 47 are provided. In the upper path by the switching claw 46, a paper discharge roller pair
48, 49 and a paper discharge tray 54 are provided, and a lower path by the switching claw 46 is a copy insertion side of a plurality of (in the example of FIG. 20, 20) bins 55 provided in a vertical ascending manner. Following the copy vertical feed path along.

At a position corresponding to each bin in the vertical feed path, a roller pair of a deflection claw 64, a transport roller 62, and a discharge roller 63 is provided, and a plurality of rollers provided at appropriate intervals of the transport roller 62 are copied. The driven roller 65 is in pressure contact with the vertical feed path. The transport belts 44 and 42, the discharge rollers 48 and 49, the transport roller 62, and the discharge roller 63 are driven by a drive motor 41.

Two pulleys 53 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the bin group, respectively.
The shaft provided with 69 is supported by the machine frame, and the lower shaft is connected to a motor 68 for moving the post-processing unit. A post-processing unit moving belt 66 is stretched over two pairs of upper and lower pulleys, and the chuck unit 60 and the post-processing unit
61 are attached via a guide unit 51. To guide the guide unit 51, a guide rail 67 is provided on the side of the bin group in the vertical direction over almost the entire height of the sorter.

The recording sheet (copy) discharged from the copying machine is inserted from the entrance guide plate 43, is sandwiched by the pair of transport belts 42 and 44, and is transported upward.

Now, assuming that the mode is a normal paper discharge mode (a mode in which paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54), the switching claw 46 is lowered, and copying is performed along the upper switching guide plate 47 along with the paper discharge roller pair 48, 49.
Is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54.

Further, assuming that the mode is the sort mode (sorting by page) and the stack mode (sorting by page), the switching claw 46 is raised and the copy is conveyed downward along the lower switching guide plate 45. It The copy transported by the transport roller 62 and the driven roller 65 is
It is discharged to the bin 55 where the deflection claw 64 is operating. The deflecting pawl 64 performs a movement according to the mode (sort or stack).

In the sort mode, the deflecting pawl 64 of the first bin operates to discharge to the first bin 55, and the second copy of the first page is operated by the deflecting pawl of the second bin to operate the second bin 55. To be discharged.
The first page of the second page is in the first bin 55, and the second page is in the second bin 55.
Each is discharged to the bin 55. In this way, in the sort mode, the bins are discharged to one bin in the order of pages, such as 1, 2, 3,....

In the stack mode, the deflecting pawl 64 operates so that all copies of the first page are discharged to the first bin and the copies of the second page are discharged to the second bin. In this way, in the stack mode, a copy of the same page is discharged to one bin and sorted for each page.

Also, deflected claws during sort mode or stack mode
In the case where a copy jam occurs near 64, there is a function of discharging the copy in front of the switching claw 46 from the sorter in the copy after the jam copy. In this case, the switching claw 46 is switched at the time of a paper jam, and the copy that comes later is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54 without being jammed. The copy discharged to the output tray 54 is removed from the manual feed table 52 after the jam is removed.
Can be put into a predetermined bin by the manual feed roller 50.

In addition to the jam, when a copy is inserted from the manual feed table 52, the copy can be discharged to each bin according to the mode and sorted. A post-processing function for performing post-processing on the copy sorted in this manner will be described below.

The post-processing unit 61 means a stapler, a puncher and the like. In order to move the post-processing unit to a position corresponding to each bin, the post-processing unit motor 68 is rotated, and the post-processing unit moving belt 66 is moved up and down via the lower pulley 69 and the upper pulley 53. 51 is moved up and down. There is a car on the guide unit 51 and it is designed to move along the guide rail 67.

Chuck unit 60 is a post-processing unit that
It is a device that carries it to the position 61 and returns it to the original position again after the execution of post-processing.

In FIG. 2, the home sensor 56
Is turned on, and post-processing can be performed on the copy of the first bin. When the post-processing is executed from this state, the post-processing unit 61 is lowered by turning on the post-processing unit moving motor 68 after the execution, and the bin position sensor 58 is turned on by the bin position detecting piece 59 of the second bin, so that the post-processing unit The moving motor 68 is turned off, and the post-processing unit 61 is stopped. Then, post-processing of the second bin is performed. Then, when the execution of the post-processing for the copy of the predetermined bin is completed, the post-processing unit 61 is moved to the home position.
In this way, post-processing of a plurality of copy bundles can be executed.

FIG. 3 is a view seen from the opposite side of FIG. In FIG. 3, description will be given of those which could not be expressed in FIG.

The sorter of this embodiment is a sorter of 20 bins, each of which is divided into two blocks of 10 bins, and the upper block has bin sensors 76, 79 and a paper ejection sensor 77, 78.
Bin sensors 81 and 84 and paper ejection sensors 80 and 83 in the lower block
There is. The paper ejection tray 54 also has paper ejection sensors 98 and 99. These sensors are transmissive optical detection sensors consisting of LEDs and phototransistors. The paper ejection sensors 77, 78, 80, and 8 detect whether a copy has been ejected.
The bin sensors 76, 79, 81, and 84 determine whether there is a copy in the bin. With such a bin sensor, it is possible to use the lower block if a copy is on the upper block.

In order to perform post-processing of the copy, the plurality of copies must be aligned. Therefore, the sorter of the present invention is provided with a jogger as an aligning device described below.

3 and 5, the rotation of the pulley 85 by the jogger moving motor 82 is transmitted to the drive shaft 96 via the jogger drive belt 86, and the drive shaft 96 rotates. Drive shaft
A shaft fixing unit that drives the upper jogger moving belt 73 and the lower jogger moving belt 88 by the rotation of the pulleys 74 and 87 fixed to 96 and is fixed to the upper jogger moving belt 73
The aligning shaft drive unit 95 fixed to the lower jogger moving belt 88 and the lower jogger moving belt 88 is moved. The shaft fixing unit 72 functions to support the end of the alignment shaft 71. Then, one of the predetermined size detecting pieces 92 is aligned and the size detecting sensor 93 attached to the shaft driving unit 95 detects the jogger driving motor.
Stop 82. Then, when the copy is discharged to the bin 55, the paper discharge sensor 77, 78 or 80, 83 detects it, the aligning shaft drive unit 95 is operated, the aligning plate 70 is moved by the aligning shaft 71, and the copy is aligned. . The alignment plate 70 is mounted on the alignment shaft 71. Then, after the completion of the post-processing, the jogger moving motor rotates in the reverse direction, and the home sensor 91 is detected by the home detecting piece 94.
Stop at the position where it was turned on. This position is the position for the maximum size. In this way, each time a copy is ejected, it is aligned and prepared for a post-processing operation.

In FIG. 4, which is a view from the top of FIG.
The notch 55 is provided with a notch so that the aligning shaft 71 can be moved to a position where copy alignment of the minimum size is possible. In addition, alignment plate 70
Rotates like the arrow to align the copies. At this time, in order to set the other end of the copy in place, the end face holding plate 97
There is. The end face holding plate 97 moves in response to the movement of the chuck unit 60.

As shown in FIG. 5, which is a view as viewed from the right side of FIG.
It can be stopped at the size detecting piece 92. The shaft fixing unit 72 also stops in synchronization with the alignment shaft drive unit 95. Further, the rightward movement in FIG. 5 is up to the position where the home sensor 91 adjusted to the maximum copy size is operated by the home detecting piece 92.

 FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the chuck unit 60.

The chuck unit 60 grasps the bundle of copies on the bin 55 and sends it to the post-processing unit (not shown in FIG. 6) 61.
At the end of the post-processing, and returns to the same state as when it was discharged onto the bin 55 again.

First, when the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the worm gear 100 rotates and the gear 101 moves in the I direction. Then, the spiral shaft 106 rotates, and the moving plate 113, the chuck upper finger 109, the chuck lower finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the direction B through the moving rod (there is a hole in the spiral) 105. Moving. When moving in the direction B, the home sensor 102 is turned on by the position detecting piece 103, and the motor 107 is stopped.

Conversely, when the motor 107 rotates in the G direction, the gear 101
Move in the J direction, and the moving rod 105, the moving plate 113, the chuck upper finger 109, the chuck lower finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the A direction. When moving in the direction A, the position detecting piece 103 turns on the front end position sensor 104 and stops the motor 107. Then, when the solenoid 114 is turned on, the upper finger 109 of the chuck is lowered in the direction D by the pull rod 108, and a bundle of copies (not shown) is grasped. At this time, the end face holding plate 97 is
By means of 112, it is lowered in the F direction so as not to hinder the movement of the copy bundle.

When the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the copy bundle is brought in the B direction. When the pressing plate 112 returns in the direction B, the end face pressing plate 97 attempts to return to its original state by the spring 111, but stops at the copy bundle because the copy bundle is already on the upper side. When the moving plate reaches the home position, the motor 107 is stopped, and then the post-processing unit 61 is operated. After the post-processing is completed, the motor is rotated again in the G direction to return the copy bundle to the A direction. When the position detecting piece 103 turns on the tip position detecting sensor 104 again, the motor 107 is stopped, the solenoid 114 is turned off, the upper finger 109 of the chuck is raised by the coil spring 115, the copy bundle returns to the original position, and the The holding plate 97 also returns to the original position by the action of the spring 111. Then, the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, pushes the moving plate 113 to the home position, and stops. In this way, the chuck unit 60 carries the copy bundle discharged onto the bin to the post-processing device and performs the operation of returning it to the original position again.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a stapler included in a stapling apparatus as an example of the post-processing unit 61.

In this stapler, the motor 116 is turned on by an electric signal.
Then, the staples 119 in the cartridge 117 are pushed and bent. The staples 119 are connected in a strip shape with a thin tape, and are rolled up in the cartridge 117. When the end of the staple passes through a near-end sensor (reflective sensor for optically reading) 118, a near-end signal is output. The remaining amount of the needle at the time when this signal is output is set to be larger than the number of bins of the sorter. Therefore, the stapling operation is not interrupted. For example, a sensor is arranged at the position of the same number of staples as the number of bins from the tip or at a position of a predetermined number of staples larger than that, and the sensor detects that the end of the staples has passed and the staples are Indicates that it has run out and needs to be replenished.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the alignment shaft drive unit 95 shown in FIG. 3 and FIG.

When the output shaft of the motor 120 supported by the base plate 123 movable by the roller 90 moved by the rail 89 makes one rotation,
The aligning plate 70 includes a cam 121 attached to the output shaft and the cam 1.
The lever 122 reciprocates in a fan-shaped manner in the direction of the arrow AB via the lever 122 engaged with 21 and the alignment shaft 71 to which the lever 122 is fixed. In this way, the motor 120
Can make one turn to make copies.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control system in the present invention.

This control is based on CPU300, ROM301, RAM302, IN port
This is a microcomputer system including a 303, an OUT port 304, and an I / O port 305. I wrote the program
The ROM 301 allows the IN port 303 to be used while using the RAM 302 as needed.
, And outputs a controlled signal to the OUT port 304 to control the copier and the sorter.
The control of the sorter also includes a post-processing operation (such as a stapling operation) after sorting the copies. The control unit of ADF3 is connected to the I / O port 305,
Exchange signals with CPU300. The ADF 3 feeds the document onto the contact glass according to a signal from the CPU, and discharges the document when the exposure is completed. In the case of the double-sided original mode (double-sided single-sided mode, double-sided double-sided mode), after the exposure of the first side is completed, the sheet is inverted and fed onto the contact glass again. It has become. In addition, a backup battery 306 is connected to the RAM 302 and is a nonvolatile memory.

 FIG. 9 shows a part of the operation unit of the above copying machine.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a start key for instructing a copy start, 2
02 is a numeric keypad for entering the number of copies, etc., 203
Is a clear / stop key for instructing clearing of the number of copies and stop of copying, 204 is a set number display for displaying the number of copy sets, 205 is a copy number display for displaying the number of copies, and 206 is for displaying the number of originals. The number of originals display, 207 is a paper size display that displays the size of copy paper set in each tray, 208 is a paper remaining amount display that displays the remaining amount of copy paper set in each tray, and 209 is Automatic paper selection mode indicator that indicates that the optimal copy paper selection mode (automatic paper selection mode) is set automatically from the document size information, 210 is a paper key for selecting copy paper Reference numeral 211 indicates a paper size selection display unit that displays which copy paper size is selected, and reference numeral 212 indicates that the copying machine is being prepared.
Wait indicator, 213 indicates that the copier is ready, can be copied Indicator, 214 indicates a sort key to indicate the sort mode, 215 indicates that the sort mode is set Sort mode indicator, 21
6 is a stack key for instructing the stack mode, 217 is a stack mode indicator for displaying that the stack mode is set, 218 is an ADF key for instructing the continuous document feed mode, and 219 is a continuous document feed mode. ADF mode display that indicates that staple binding mode is set, 220 is a staple key to indicate the staple binding mode, 221 is an auto staple mode display that indicates that the staple binding mode is set automatically Reference numeral 222 denotes a SADF key for instructing the single-sheet feed mode. Reference numeral 223 denotes a SADF mode display that indicates that the SADF mode is set.
Is an interrupt mode key for instructing to make an interrupt copy, 225 is an interrupt mode indicator that indicates that the interrupt mode is set, and 228 is a copy sheet remaining on the saw turbine. Saw turbine paper forgetting indicator to warn, 22
9 is a sorter jam indicator that warns of a jam in the sorter, 330 is a jam indicator that warns of a jam in the main body of the copier, 231 is a paper supply indicator that warns that there is no selected copy paper, 232 is a staple supply indicator that warns that there are no staples, 233 is a staple impossible indicator that warns that stapling cannot be done, 234 is a staple limit indicator that warns the staple limit, and 226 is a movement error of the stapling device. A stapler abnormality display device for displaying, and a jogger abnormality display device 227 for displaying a movement abnormality of a jogger as an aligning device.

The operation of the post-processing device will be described below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 17.

In FIG. 11 showing a flowchart of a program for performing the entire operation, first, a mode setting routine is passed. If there is an instruction from a key of the operation unit, the mode designated in the mode setting routine is set. After passing through the mode set routine, the sort or stack mode is checked. If either mode is found, the jogger is checked for abnormality, and if abnormal, the operation returns to the start and the copy operation cannot be performed. If it is not the sort or stack mode or if the jogger error is not found in the sort or stack mode, check whether it is the manual staple mode. If YES, stapling is started for the copy bundle discharged to the sorter bin, and when all the copy bundles are finished, the process returns to the start again. If NO, check whether it is ADF mode, and if it is not ADF mode, go to SADF mode. In the ADF mode, first, it is checked whether or not a document is set, and if it is not set, the process returns to START, and when it is set, the start key is turned ON. If the start key is not turned on, it returns to the start and the start key is turned on.
If so, the copying operation is started.

In the copying operation, first, the original set on the ADF is fed, the original is conveyed onto the contact glass, and the original is waited for to be read. Next, select a tray that contains paper that matches the size of the original. Then, in order to arrange the copies ejected to the sorter, if the jogger has not moved, the jogger is moved to a predetermined size position and waits for the copies to be ejected. Next, copying is performed for the number of sheets set by the copy control routine. When it is finished, the original on the contact glass is ejected, and if the original is still in the ADF, the original is fed again.

When there are no more documents in the ADF, it is checked whether or not the copy in the copying machine has been completely discharged, and the conveying motors of the copying machine and the sorter are turned off.

Next, it is checked whether or not the mode is the auto staple mode. If the auto staple mode is not set, the process returns to the start. If there is a stapler error in the auto staple mode, return to the start without doing anything. If the stapler is not abnormal, stapling is automatically performed on the copied copy bundle. First, the copy bundle of the first bin is bound, the processed counter is incremented by 1 to store the end of stapling execution for the first bin, the stapler is moved to the next bin, and the in-operation display is turned on. And
If the stop key is not turned on, the number of discharged bins is compared with the value of the stapled counter, and if they do not match, the process returns to the staple processing for each bin. If they match, the processed counter is cleared and the operating display is turned off.
Move the stapler to the home, move the jogger to the home, and check the staple amount sensor.

When the stop key is turned on, the stapling process is interrupted.

By checking the staple remaining amount sensor (near end sensor) of the stapler, if the sensor is on, the staple replenishment display is turned on, and if the sensor is off
If so, the staple replenishment display is turned off.

 Next, the operation in SADF mode will be described.

If YES in the SADF mode check, it is checked whether or not a document is set, and if it is set, the document is fed and a tray containing paper matching the document size is selected. Next, the jogger is moved to perform copy alignment operation, and copy control operation starts. When the copy operation for the set number of sheets is completed, the original document is ejected and waits until the copy is ejected to the sorter. When the paper is discharged, the conveying motors of the copying machine and the sorter are turned off. Then, the process returns to the start, and waits for the next document insertion.

Next, I will explain the operation in modes other than ADF and SADF modes (modes in which the original is manually placed on the contact glass).

When the start key is turned on by checking the start key, the jogger is moved to perform the copy alignment operation, and the copy control operation is started. When the copying operation for the set number of sheets is completed, the motor is turned off after waiting for the copy to be ejected.
Return to start again.

In FIG. 12, which shows a flowchart of a program for performing the mode setting, first, it is checked whether or not the key is turned on. If the key is not turned on, the routine returns. This key ON check is a program that detects the rise of the key.

First, if the key turned on is the ten key, the data of the ten key turned on is set in the set number display and the process returns.

Next, if the key that has been turned on is a paper key, the paper feed tray is switched and set in the third, second, first, and third order each time the key is turned on, and the routine returns.

Next, if the ON key is an ADF key, it is checked whether or not the ADF mode is set. If not, the SADF mode is reset and the ADF mode is set. If it is already in the ADF mode, reset the ADF mode and return.

Next, if the key that has been turned on is the SADF key, it is checked whether it is in the SADF mode. If not, the ADF mode is reset and the SADF mode is set. If already in the SADF mode, reset the SADF mode and return.

Next, if the key that was turned on is an interrupt key, check whether it is in the interrupt mode. If not, store the current mode in RAM and set the standard mode for interrupts. , Set the interrupt mode and return. already,
If the mode is the interrupt mode, the interrupt mode is reset, the mode before the interrupt stored in the RAM is set, and the routine returns.

If the interrupt key is not ON, it is checked whether the mode is the interrupt mode, and if the mode is the interrupt mode, the routine returns. this is,
This is because the sort, stack, and staple modes are invalid in the mode within the interrupt. If not in interrupt mode, go to the next.

If the key turned on is a sort key, it checks whether it is in the sort mode. If not, the stack mode is reset and the sort mode is set. If the mode is already the sort mode, reset the sort mode and return. Next, if the ON key is a stack key, it is checked whether the key is in the stack mode. If not, the sort mode is reset and the stack mode is set. If already in the stack mode, reset the stack mode and return.

Next, if the key that was turned on is the staple key, check whether there is paper in the bin of the sorter.If there is paper and staple has not been completed, set the manual staple mode and return. , If the sheet has been stapled, the process returns. If there is no paper, it is checked whether it is in the auto staple mode. If it is not the auto staple mode, the auto staple mode is set and the process returns. If the mode is the auto staple mode, the auto staple mode is reset and the process returns.

In FIG. 13, which shows a flowchart of a program for performing the copy control operation, first, the number of copies is cleared and it is checked whether or not the ADF mode is set. If not in ADF mode, reset the auto staple mode. ADF
If the mode is the mode, check whether the staple key is ON, and if the key is not ON, go to the step of incrementing the number of copies by 1 without doing anything. When the key is turned on, it is checked whether the mode is the auto staple mode. If the mode is the auto staple mode, the auto staple mode is reset. If the mode is not the auto staple mode, the auto staple mode is set.

Next, the number of copies is incremented by one, one sheet is fed from the tray, and copy control (control of reading an image of a document and placing an image on the sheet) for one sheet is performed and discharged to any bin of the sorter. The jogger performs the aligning operation of the ejected sheets, and compares the set number of sheets with the number of copies.If they do not match, the sheet size is the same. If the sizes are not different, the process returns to the step of checking whether or not the ADF mode is set, and the copying operation for the set number is repeated. If the sizes are different, return the jogger to the home to release the operation and reset the auto staple mode.

 When the set number and the copy number match, the process returns.

Even in the automatic staple mode in which the stapler automatically binds after copying is complete, the sort, stack, and staple modes are disabled in the interrupt copy mode. It is possible to prevent a problem such that the copy after the copy mode is stapled together.

In FIG. 14 showing the jogger movement subroutine, the jogger movement motor 82 is turned on so as to move in the direction of the predetermined size, and the detection piece of the predetermined size (the size of the copy to be ejected from now) is detected. Move the sensor until it turns on, then turn off the motor and stop it. If the size detection sensor for the specified size piece does not turn on even if the movement time to the specified size has elapsed while the motor is being driven (strictly, it is a time with a little margin from the movement time), the jogger Jogging error flag is set and the jogger error indicator is turned on
Let it.

In FIG. 15 showing the subroutine for moving the jogger to the home, the jogger moving motor 82 is turned on so as to move toward the home position, moved until the home sensor is turned on, and the motor is turned off and stopped. If the home sensor does not turn on even if the movement time to the home sensor elapses while the motor is being driven (strictly, it is a little longer than the movement time), it means that the jogger drive system is abnormal. Judge, set the jogger error flag, and turn on the jogger error indicator.

Sixteenth, showing a subroutine for lowering the stapler by one bin
In the figure, the stapler moving motor (post-processing unit motor 68) is turned ON so as to move it downward, and the next bin position detection piece 59 moves it until the bin position sensor turns ON and the motor is turned OFF and stopped. . If the bin position sensor does not turn on even if the movement time to the next bin elapses while the motor is being driven (strictly, it is a little longer than the movement time), the stapler drive system malfunctions. The stapler error flag is set and the stapler error indicator is turned on.

No. 17 showing subroutine for moving stapler to home
In the figure, the step movement motor (post-processing unit motor 68) is turned on so as to move it in the direction of raising it, moved until the home position detection sensor is turned on, and the motor is turned off and stopped. If the home position sensor does not turn on even if the movement time to the home elapses while the motor is being driven (strictly, it is a little longer than the movement time), it is judged that the stapler drive system is abnormal. Then, set the stapler error flag and turn on the stapler error indicator.

Although not shown in the drawings for resetting the abnormality flag and the abnormality indicator, the abnormality reset switch is provided in the copying machine, and the abnormality reset switch is used to reset these abnormalities.

Effect According to the present invention, when it is detected that the jogger does not reach the predetermined position due to the movement error of the jogger, that is, the alignment device, for example, the jogger error is displayed on the display unit, and the recording sheets are sorted by the sort mode or the stack mode. Prohibits sorting and distribution, and prevents secondary mechanical abnormalities due to unreasonable sort or stack modes and copying operations. Further, in the automatic stapling mode and the manual stapling mode, when it is detected that the stapling device having the stapler does not reach the predetermined position due to the movement abnormality, the stapling abnormality is displayed on the display unit and the stapling operation is prohibited.

When an abnormality occurs in the aligning device or the stapling device, the sorting and distributing operation of the recording sheets and the stapling operation are prohibited, so that a secondary mechanical abnormality is prevented from occurring due to an unreasonable operation, and a sorter with a stapler that operates reliably can get.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the overall structure of a copying system to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the structure of the sorter, and FIG. 3 is the side of the sorter viewed from the opposite side of FIG. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a part of the sorter cut away, FIG. 5 is a side view of the sorter viewed from the right side of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of a chuck unit. Is a perspective view showing the configuration of a stapler as a post-processing unit, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of an alignment axis drive unit, FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a part of an operation panel of a copying machine, and FIG. A block diagram of the control system, FIGS. 11 to 17 is a flow chart showing the control of the portion related to the present invention. 20 …… Sorter 55 …… Bin 58 …… Bin position sensor 59 …… Bin position detection piece 61 …… Stap device 68 …… Post-processing unit Motor (moving device) 92 …… Size detection piece 93 …… Size detection sensor 120,130,131,132 ...... Staple unit

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G03G 15/00 530 G03G 15/00 530 534 534

Claims (2)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sorter with a stapler, comprising: a sorter unit having a plurality of bins for sorting recording sheets sent from an image forming apparatus; and a stapling device for binding the recording sheets stored in each bin; The aligning device for aligning the recording sheets and a sensor for detecting the position of the aligning device, and prohibiting a mode for sorting into a plurality of bins when alignment abnormality is detected by the position detecting sensor of the aligning device. Sorter with stapler. 2. A sorter with a stapler, comprising: a sorter unit having a plurality of bins for sorting recording sheets sent from an image forming apparatus; and a stapling device for binding the recording sheets stored in each bin. A stapler with a moving device that moves to the binding position of the stapler and a sensor that detects the position of the stapling device, and prohibits the operation of the stapling device when a staple abnormality is detected by the position detecting sensor of the stapling device. Sorter.