JP2706275B2 - Sheet handling device with post-processing function - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet handling apparatus having a post-processing function, such as a copying machine, a facsimile, and a printer, having a function of performing stapling processing on sheets received in a plurality of bins. About.

2. Description of the Related Art A sorter that sorts or sorts sheets into a plurality of bins used in a copying machine or the like is conventionally known. And
After collating or sorting in this manner, post-processing such as stapling processing (punching needles and bundling) or punching processing (punching with a punch) of a sheet bundle stored in each bin is performed as necessary. It is convenient if it can be performed, and the appearance of such a sheet handling apparatus is desired.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention In the sheet handling apparatus as described above, a post-processing unit having a staple function or the like is provided in a sorter, and the post-processing unit is moved to a position of a bin on which a sheet bundle to be post-processed is placed. An apparatus that staples the sheet bundle can be considered.

In such a stapling process, a stapling error may occur, and a problem may occur in which the stapler does not completely stap the sheet bundle. If this is left unchecked, the operator will fail to take out the sheet bundle from the bin and dissipate the sheets.

Further, when a stapling error occurs, if the stapling is performed again to obtain a stapled sheet bundle, the working efficiency of the driver is improved.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet handling apparatus that solves the above-mentioned problems.

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention is directed to a sheet handling apparatus with a post-processing function having a function of performing stapling processing on sheets received in a plurality of bins, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems. Detecting means for detecting a staple miss in the above, a storing means for storing a bin position at which the detecting means detects a staple miss, and a control for controlling so as to re-staple a sheet received in a bin stored by the storing means. It is proposed that means be provided.

Further, the present invention proposes, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, that the control means controls the stapling position so as to re-staple the sheet.

Further, the present invention proposes, in order to solve the above-mentioned problem, that the control means performs control such that the staple width is widened and the sheet is re-stapled.

In the present invention, the staple miss detecting means in the stapling process is provided, and when the staple miss is detected by the staple miss detecting means, the bin is stored in the storage means, and the staple position is moved or the staple width is increased. Since re-stapling is performed (in the embodiment, the operation in this case is particularly shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 15 and 25 and subsequent figures), stapling can be performed without causing a staple miss due to re-staple on a stapled needle. A completed sheet bundle can be obtained.

First, an example of the entire configuration of a copying apparatus, which is an example of a sheet handling apparatus to which the present invention is applied, will be described with reference to the 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 charged charger, 7 is a photosensitive drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the photosensitive drum 7, 9 is a discharge 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 PC
C (charger before cleaning), 14 is an exposure illumination unit including a halogen lamp or the like, 15 is a first scanning mirror integrally forming a first carriage with the illumination unit 14 or the like, 1
Reference numerals 6 and 17 denote second and third mirrors forming a second carriage, 18 denotes a fixing unit for fixing the toner image transferred to the transfer sheet, 19 denotes a discharge direction of the transfer sheet after fixing by the fixing unit 18 and A reversing unit that controls the discharge surface, 20 is a sorter (with a post-processing function) that sorts transfer paper after discharge, 26 is a separation claw, 21
Indicates a conveyor belt. The post-processing function refers to processing such as stapling or punching with a punch.

Further, 22, 23, 24, and 33 are trays for stocking and supplying transfer paper, 22 is a double-sided paper tray, 23 is a first paper tray, 24 is a second paper tray, and 33 is a third paper 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 processor for collecting old developer when the developer is replaced. And 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, and 40, a photosensitive drum 7. 3 shows a drum shaft rotatably supported.

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 driven. 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 this time, the leading end of the image is a portion after the position where the control unit has passed the cleaning unit 12.

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, in order to obtain a 1: 1 image, the photosensitive drum 7 and the first carriage are driven at the same speed.

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 grade paper tray 33 is fed by the paper feed roller unit 29 until a paper detection (not shown) is operated.

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 a transfer sheet by a 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 applied with heat and pressure to the toner here, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed on the transfer paper. 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 brass 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 the entrance of the copy discharged from the copying machine, and subsequently, upper and lower transport belts 44 and 42 for transporting the copy upward, and a switching claw 46. , Switching guide plates 45 and 47 are provided. Switching claw 4
The upper path by 6 is provided with a pair of paper discharge rollers 48, 49 and a paper discharge tray 54, and the lower path by the switching claw 46 is a plurality of sheets provided in parallel with the up and down direction (example in the figure). Then 20
Of paper 55 along the copy vertical feed path along the copy insertion side of the bin 55.

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.
A chuck unit 60 as a chucking means and a post-processing unit 61 are attached to these belts 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 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 the paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54), the switching claw 46 is lowered, and copying is performed along a switching guide plate: upper 47 and a paper discharge roller pair 48, 49.
The paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54.

Further, assuming that a sort mode (a mode in which pages are sorted in order) and a stack mode (a mode in which pages are sorted), the switching claw 46 is raised, and the copy is conveyed downward along the switching guide plate: lower 45. Is done. 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, or 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 pulleys: lower 69 and upper 53, and the guide is accordingly moved. The unit 1 is moved up and down. Guide unit
51 has a car that moves along a 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. 12 is a structural partial view for explaining the operating part in further detail.

12 (a) and 12 (b), the switching claw 46 allows the copy conveyed by the conveyance belts 42 and 44 to transfer
Switching is performed when sending to 4 or each bin 55 of the distribution unit. When the switching solenoid 46-1 is turned on, the switching claw 46 moves in the direction of the arrow via the link 46-2, and the copy is sent to the distribution unit.

In FIGS. 12 (a) and 12 (c), the switching guide plate: 45 can be released at the switching section so that the jam can be easily removed when a jam occurs. Guide roller 45-
1 is in contact with a driven unit including a driven roller 65 of the upper distribution unit, and a guide plate is opened by opening the driven unit:
The lower 45 can be moved to the position indicated by the broken line. When the driven unit is set, the guide plate: lower 45 is returned by the spring.

12A and 12D, the manual feed sensor 52-2 is used.
Is turned on when the sort / stack keys 214 and 216 shown in FIG. 9 are turned on and sheets are set on the manual feed table 52, and the actuator 52-1 is lowered. At the same time, the transport drive motor 41, the clutch (not shown), the bin solenoid (55-1 in FIG. 12 (e)), and the switching solenoid 46-1 are turned on. About one second later, the manual solenoid 52-3 is turned on, the stopper 52-5 is lowered via the link 52-4, and the sheet is fed.

In FIGS. 12 (a) and (e), the normal bin solenoid
55-1 is off, and the deflection claw 64 is at the position indicated by the solid line, so as not to hinder copy conveyance. Vin solenoid 55−
When 1 is turned on, the deflecting lever 64-1 is rotated in the direction of the arrow, and the deflecting pawl 64 is also moved to the position indicated by the broken line. Solenoid 55-1 in the 20th bottle
Is not provided, and the deflection claw 64 is always in the open state by the spring.

 Each sensor in FIG. 12 (a) is as follows.

The entrance sensor 43-1 is a transmission type photo sensor, and performs jam detection and controls the drive clutch and the switching claw 46 in the sort / stack mode, and these are turned on when the entrance sensor 43-1 is turned on.

The registration sensor 44-1 is a reflection type photo sensor, controls the jam detection and the deflection claw 64 in the sort / stack mode, and turns on the bin solenoid 55-1 when the sensor is turned on.

The tray discharge sensor 45-1 is a transmission type photo sensor, and detects a jam of the discharge tray.

The manual feed sensor 52-2 is also a transmission type photo sensor, and controls the stopper 52-5, the deflection claw 64, and the like in the manual feed mode. When the manual feed sensor 52-2 is turned on, the transport drive motor
41, the clutch, the manual solenoid 52-3, the switching solenoid 46-1, and the bin solenoid 55-1 are turned on. When the manual feed sensor 52-2 is turned off, the manual feed solenoid is turned off.

The paper ejection sensors 77 and 78, and 80 and 83 are photosensors including a light emitting unit (LED) and a light receiving unit (phototransistor), and detect the reception of a copy to a bin (jam detection and counting of the number of received copies). .

The bin sensors 76 and 79, and 81 and 84 are photo sensors similar to the above-described paper discharge sensor, and detect the presence or absence of copying of the bin 55.

FIG. 12 (f) is a view showing the structure of the bin display,
Equipped with an LED 125 generated during operation inside 126, it indicates which bin is operating. Also, when an abnormality occurs, it functions as an abnormal position display and an abnormal mode display. Reference numeral 127 is a window.

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 described below.

The jogger drive belt 86 is rotated by the jogger moving motor 82 via the pulley 85, and the drive shaft 96 is rotated. Jogger moving belt through pulley 74,87 thereby: Top 7
3: The lower 88 moves, and the shaft fixing unit 72 and the alignment shaft driving unit 95 fixed thereto move. Then, one of the predetermined size detection pieces 92 is
Is detected, and the jogger drive motor 82 stops. When the copy is discharged to the bin, a discharge sensor 77, 78 or 80,
When the detection is made by 83, the alignment shaft drive unit 95 is operated, and the alignment plate 70 is moved by the alignment shaft 71 to align the copies. And
After the completion of the post-processing, the jogger moving motor rotates in the reverse direction, and stops at the position where the home sensor 91 is turned on by the home detection piece 94. 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.

 FIG. 4 is a view as seen from above in FIG.

The bin 55 has a notch so that the alignment shaft 71 can be moved to a position where the minimum size copy alignment is possible. Further, the alignment plate 70 rotates as indicated by an arrow, and aligns the copies. At this time, there is an end face pressing plate 97 for keeping the other end of the copy at a fixed position. The end face holding plate 97 is a chuck unit.
It moves according to 60 movements.

 FIG. 5 is a view seen from the right side of FIG.

With the jogger moving belt 88, the alignment shaft drive unit 95
Moves as shown by the arrow, and can be stopped at the size detecting piece 94 in accordance with each copy size. The rightward movement is to a position where the home sensor 91 adjusted to the maximum copy size is operated by the home detection piece 94.

 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 and the chuck: upper 109, lower 110 and push plate 112 move in the B direction via the moving rod (there is a hole in the spiral) 105. I do. 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 109, the lower 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. And
When the solenoid 114 is turned on, the upper chuck 109 is pulled.
It is lowered in the direction D by 108 to grab a bundle of copies (not shown). At this time, the end face pressing plate 97 is lowered in the F direction by the pressing plate 112 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 stops, the solenoid 114 turns off, and the coil spring 115 chucks:
The upper part 109 is raised, the copy bundle returns to the original position, and the end face pressing plate 97 also returns to the original position. Then, the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, returns the movable plate 113 to the home position, and stops. In this manner, the chuck unit 60 carries out the operation of transporting the copy bundle discharged onto the bin 55 to the post-processing device and returning it to the original position.

FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (h) are explanatory diagrams of a chucking error detecting means for detecting whether or not the chuck unit 60 serving as the chucking means has normally operated.

FIGS. 13A and 13B show the movement of the copy bundle P. FIG.
(A) figure is a state after the copy bundle P is aligned by the jogger, the chuck unit 60 grasps the copy bundle P, which is moved in the arrow discharge direction at right angles with X _A direction (X ₁ → X ₂ direction) are shown, (b) drawing the post-treatment after the end of X _B direction (X ₂ → X ₃ direction)
Shows the state of being moved back to the original position.

FIG. 13 (c), showing a state in which the grab (d) are copied bundle in view illustrating by拡出the chuck 109 and 110 parts, (c) drawing the chuck unit 60 is moved in the X _A direction chucking position. At this time, if the copy bundle is chucked normally,
The copy bundle is moved to the post-processing position, but if it is not chucked for some reason, the state is as shown in FIG. When post-processing is performed in this state, when the post-processing device is a stapler device as in the present embodiment, the stapler performs an empty shot, and the needle receiving table as shown in FIG.
The staples 133 'that have been hit at 132 will remain,
Normal stapling cannot be performed during the next process. In addition, an abnormal force is applied to the stapler itself, which may cause damage to the stapler. When a stamping device is provided as a post-processing device, a blank stamp is performed, and the result is that the previous blank stamp is transferred to the back surface of the next copy bundle at the next processing.

FIGS. 13 (e) and 13 (f) show a chuck sensor which is an example of a chucking error detecting means for preventing a malfunction due to the chuck abnormality. (E) is an example in which a light emitting element 130-1 and a light receiving element 130-2 are provided at predetermined positions near the chucks 109 and 110 as the chuck sensor 130, and the presence or absence of a copy bundle is detected. Also, (f) shows chucks 109 and 110.
This is an example of detecting the presence / absence of a copy bundle by making only the conduction, insulating the other parts, and using the chuck surface as an electrical contact. (G)
The figure is a circuit diagram in this case.

 FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the post-processing unit 61.

In this embodiment, the post-processing unit 61 is a stapler. However, the present invention can be applied to a case where a post-processing unit having another post-processing function such as a puncher is provided in addition to the stapler. .

In this stapler, the motor 116 is turned on by an electric signal.
When N is performed, 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 (optically reflective sensor) 118, a near-end signal is output.

FIGS. 14 (a) to (g) are explanatory views showing an example in which a detecting means for detecting a staple miss in the stapling process and a countermeasure for responding to a mistake are provided.

FIG. 14 (a) shows a state before stapling, and FIG. 14 (b) shows a normal stapled state.

FIGS. 14 (c) and (d) show a state in which a stapling abnormality has occurred, and is a diagram in a case where a staple miss detecting means is provided in the needle receiving table 132 shown in FIG. In the needle holder 132,
(C) In the figure, an insulator 136 is provided at the center and electrodes 13 are provided at both sides thereof.
4,135 are provided, and in FIG.
Sandwich the electrodes 134 'and 135' and the insulator 13
6 "constitutes a staple miss detecting means. As shown in FIGS. 3 (c) and (d), when a staple error occurs, it can be electrically detected. it can.

FIGS. 14 (e), (f), and (g) show an example of a countermeasure for re-stapling when an error occurs in stapling. In other words, as described above, if stapling is performed again at the same position when a stapling error occurs, problems such as occurrence of another stapling error and damage to the stapler occur, so the needle holder is moved when re-stapling. Means for doing so. Needle holders 13 having large and small needle receivers of width X ₂ × 2 and X ₁ × 2, respectively.
2-1,132-2 is provided, but usually used small hand cradle 132-2, when the staple miss re staple occurred, turns on the solenoid 137 to move the needle cradle in Y ₁ direction large hand cradle 132-1 is set at the use position, and the staple width is changed as shown in FIG. 9G so that the staple is re-stapled outside the missed needle.

As a countermeasure at the time of re-stapling, in addition to the above example, 7
The stapling device shown in FIG moved to Y _A -Y _B direction, and the like method to Zura the staple position.

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

When the motor 120 makes one rotation, the aligning plate 70 rotates in a fan shape in the direction of arrow AB via the cam 121, the lever 122, and the aligning shaft 71. In this way, each time a copy is discharged to a bin, the motor 120 makes one revolution to align the 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 a double-sided document mode (double-sided single-sided mode, double-sided double-sided mode), the document is turned over after the exposure on the first side is completed and fed again onto the contact glass, and then reversed after the exposure on the second side is completed. It is designed to eject paper. The RAM 302 has a backup battery.
306 is connected and is a non-volatile memory.

 FIG. 9 shows a part of the search section 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 a set number and a copy stop, 204 is a set number display for displaying the number of sets for displaying the number of copy sets, 205 is a number display for the number of copies for displaying the number of copies, and 206 is a copy number display for displaying the number of copies. A document number display 207 displays the number of documents, a paper size display 207 displays the copy paper size set in each tray, 20
8 is a paper remaining amount display that shows the remaining amount of copy paper set in each tray, and 209 is a mode (automatic paper selection mode) that automatically selects the optimal copy paper based on document size information etc. Automatic paper selection mode display to indicate that paper is being printed, 210 is a paper key for selecting copy paper, 211 is a paper size selection display that shows which copy paper size is selected, and 212 is copy Indicating that the machine is being prepared, please wait display, 213 indicates that the copier is ready, can be copied, 214 is a sort key for indicating the sort mode, 2
15 is a sort mode indicator that indicates that the sort mode is set, 216 is a stack key for indicating the stack mode, 217 is a stack mode indicator that indicates that the stack mode is set, and 218 is DF key for indicating the ADF mode, 219 for indicating the automatic document feeder (ADF) mode is set, 220 for indicating the staple binding mode A staple key 221 indicates that the staple binding mode is set. A staple mode indicator 222 indicates a one-sided duplex mode key for instructing to perform one-sided copying from two one-sided originals.
Is a single-sided duplex mode display that indicates that the single-sided duplex mode is set, 224 is a double-sided single-sided mode key for instructing two single-sided copies from one double-sided original, and 225 is a double-sided single-sided mode Is set, 226 is a two-sided duplex mode key for instructing to make one double-sided copy from one double-sided original, and 227 is a two-sided duplex mode set. 228 is a warning that there is copy paper left in the saw turbine, a saw turbine paper forgotten display, 229 is a warning of jam in the sorter, a sorter jam display, 230 is a warning for a jam in the copier body, etc., a jam display, 231 is a warning that there is no selected copy paper, a paper supply display, 232 is a warning that there is no staple (needle), S Puru supply indicator, 233 warns the inability staple, the staple can not display, 234 warns the staple limits, staple limit indicator.

 FIG. 11 is a circuit example of bin driving and bin display.

<Description of Operation> Next, the steps from sorting to post-processing steps of the copying apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the whole process. Details of each operation part are shown in FIG. 18 and thereafter. After explaining the whole flow in FIG.
This will be described with reference to FIG.

When the sort key 214, the staple key 220, and the DF key 218 are pressed on the operation panel shown in FIG.

First, it is determined whether or not the post-processing operation has been normally performed in the previous copy mode (15-1). If an abnormality occurs, the abnormality processing is performed according to the flow of FIG.

If the processing is completed normally, the used block / bin setting (see FIG. 18), the jogger movement to adapt to the copy paper size (FIG. 19), and the movement of the post-processing unit to the start bin according to the used block (FIG. 20) Figure 15-2).

After the above preprocessing is completed, the print key is depressed, but this is checked and the transport drive motor 41 shown in FIG.
Is turned on, and determines that sorting is not completed.
The sort mode shown in FIG. 21 is executed (15-3).

After a series of sorting operations, the paper ejection sensor 77, 78 or 80,
After checking the presence or absence of jammed paper in step 83, the chucking operation shown in FIGS. 23 and 24 is performed (15-4).

The chuck sensors 130-1 and 130- shown in FIG.
2 to determine whether the sheet bundle P has been detected, or (f) in FIG.
Whether the upper and lower chucks 109 and 110 are not conducting as in
As a result of judging the presence or absence of a chucking error due to a chucking error such as the above, when no abnormality has occurred in the chucking operation, and when the remaining amount of the staples 119 of the post-processing unit 61 shown in FIG. When the sensor 118 is off, the post-processing mode shown in FIG. 25 and thereafter is executed (15-5). When the staples reach the near end, after the sorting is completed, the stapleless processing shown in FIG.
12).

If no abnormality occurs as a result of the post-processing, the post-processing unit 61 is moved according to the flow of FIG. 28 (the chuck unit 60 is also moved at the same time), the post-processing of the next bin is executed, and all the bins are processed. When the post-processing is completed, normal completion of all staples is confirmed, and all operations are completed (15-6).

When there is a chucking error or staple error, an error is displayed (15-7), (15-8), and it is checked whether the copy set number and the bin position are the same (15-).
9), (15-10), if they are not the same, skip the post-processing operation of the bin in which the abnormality has occurred, move the post-processing unit to the next bin, and post-process the bin for which post-processing has not been completed. After finishing the post-processing for all the bins, go to the abnormal processing flow shown in FIG. 31 (a) (15-6), and after executing this, execute the flow of this figure after chucking (15-4) I do. However, in this case, if you make a chucking mistake,
The retry of the chucking operation is performed after the execution determination in FIG. 24, and the post-processing is subsequently performed.However, in the case of a staple miss, the staple execution determination in FIG. 26 determines that the re-stapling is performed only when the staple mode is changed. I do. If the bin where the error occurred is the last bin, (15-9), (15-1)
0) Immediately after the flow of FIG. 31 (a) is executed, the flow of FIG. 31 after the chucking (15-4) is executed as in the above case.

The jam processing (15-11) is the same as the normal sorter jam processing.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the names and brief descriptions of the registers used in this control, and FIG. 17 shows an example of the operation of the registers. Before describing each flow in FIG. 18 and thereafter, the operation of the register will be described first with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17.

It has two types of shift registers, POBNUS and POBNDS.
BNUS is for driving bin switching SOL., And POBNDS is for displaying bins in operation.

DBBNIL represents the bin used at the start. It also has four types of position registers for setting other abnormalities and modes.

The above register has a configuration of 8 bits x 3 bytes, of which 20 bits are used (the highest 4 bits are not used). This indicates the bin position information. DBBNIL is set to the lowest order when starting from one bin as shown in the bit configuration diagram of FIG.
Set 000400HEX or 1024 when using from 11 bins. The bits from the start bit to the end of use are set in DBBNNG and DBBNSN. To start from one bin
To start from OFFFFFHEX11 bin, set OFFCOHEX.

Next, how each register changes will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the lower 8 bits will be described.

As described with reference to FIG. 15, when a series of sorting operations is completed, the operations are shifted to post-processing. Here, when chucking is completed normally, the inverted signal of POBNDS and DBBNCN
Is added, the bit of the normal end is inverted. Similarly, when the inversion signal of POBNDS and DBBNSN are added to DBBNSN when the stapling ends normally, the bit of the normal end is inverted.
Next, POBNDS is shifted one bit to the left, and does the same thing as above.

If there is a staple miss at the N-th bin, the bit remains. The mode can be determined from the remaining bits when the last bin ends. If there is no bit in DBBNCN and there is a bit in DBBNSN, there is a staple miss. If there is a bit in DBBNCN and DBBNSN, there is a chucking mistake. If EXOR of DBBNCN and DBBNSN, 1
The information is already stapled. Furthermore, when there is a staple error in the re-staple mode, DBBNNG is added to DBBNSN AND P
If DBNDS + DBBNNG data is entered, the re-stapling disable flag is set.

FIG. 18 shows a flow of setting a used block / bin. In the apparatus of the present embodiment, the number of bins provided is 20, and each bin is divided into two blocks of 10 bins. The bin sensors 76, 79 and 81, 84 check whether or not each block already has a copy (18-1).
2) If the lower bin sensors 81 and 84 are on and there is a copy in the lower bin, the number of usable bins is set to 10 (18-3). If there is no copy in both the upper and lower bins, the same number is set to 20 (18-4). Set.

Next, the number of copy set copies and the number of usable bins are compared, and the flag set of block 2 is checked (18-5). If the number of usable bins is not smaller than the number of copy set copies, the block flag is set. If so, put the value in each register to use from 11 bins, otherwise use from 1 bin.

When upper bin sensors 76 and 79 are on, lower bin sensors 81 and 84
Is checked (18-7). If this is not on, the flag of block 2 is set (18-8), and the bin of the lower block is used.

 FIG. 19 shows a flow of the jogger movement.

If the home sensor 91 in FIG. 8 is not turned on (19-1), the jogger moving motor 82 is turned on to move the jogger to the right (19-2), and if the home sensor 91 is turned on (19-1). -3) Turn off the jogger motor 82 (19-
4) Set the home position. Subsequently, the data for each sheet size is input (19-5), and it is determined whether or not this is the A3 size (19-6). (In the case of A3, the jogger is not moved from the position because it is the maximum size (19-10) )) If the size is not A3 size, the jogger moving motor 82 is turned on to move the jogger to the left (19-7), and when the paper size reaches the paper size set by the size position counter (19-8), the motor is turned off. (19-9) to end the jogger movement and set the flag (19-10). The lower right figure is a partial view of FIG. 8 and shows the movement of the size detection sensor 93 with respect to the size detection agency 92.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart for moving the post-processing unit to the start bin position.

When the home sensor 56 of the post-processing unit is not turned on (20-1), the post-processing unit moving motor 68 is turned on to move the unit upward (20-2).
When 56 turns on (20-3), the motor 68 is turned off (20-3).
-4) Set the home position. Next, block 2 of bin 55
(20-5), if the flag is set, the motor 68 is turned on to move the post-processing unit downward (20-6), and the number of times the bin position sensor 58 has been turned on from the home position is counted. It counts and judges whether or not this has reached 10 (26-7). When it reaches 10, it means that the first position of the bin of block 2 has been reached, and the motor 68 is turned off (20-8) to perform post-processing. The movement of the unit is completed, its flag is set, and the stapler ready flag is set (20-9).

In addition, according to the determination of the flag set of block 2 (20-5),
If this is not set, it is only necessary to start from the home position of block 1 and there is no need to move the post-processing unit, and the process immediately proceeds to step 20-9.

FIG. 21 shows the flow of sorting. First, it is determined whether it is the first pass (21-1), and if it is the first pass, the bin to be used is output (21-2), and the deflection claw driving solenoid 55-1 shown in FIG. To turn the paper through the bin. Next, it is checked whether or not the paper has passed through the paper ejection sensors 77 and 78 or 80 and 83 (21-3), and the operation proceeds to the jogger operation (22-4).

In the jogger operation, as shown in FIG. 22 (a), a timer for rotating the jogger alignment plate 70 once is set, the jogger motor 120 is turned on, and the motor 120 is turned off after the time is up. When the copy of the copy is completed up to the last document, the flag is set (21-5), the jogger is returned to the home position by the operation of FIG. 22 (b) (21-6), and the transport drive motor 41 is turned off (21-6). 21-7) Reset (21-)
8).

FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 show the flow of the chucking operation. First, it is determined whether or not chucking can be executed (23-1), which is based on the flow of FIG. 24 (a).

In FIG. 24 (a), it is checked whether or not the staple mode is changed to the staple mode described in FIG. 14 by changing the staple width or position (24-1). After being discharged (24-2)
The chucking bin is checked (24-3), and if chucking is not completed, a bin display for executing this is output (24-4). In the re-stapling mode (24-1), it is determined whether the stapling has been completed, that is, the copy bundle is not inserted, and the chuck failure has occurred as shown in FIG. 13, or the stapling has occurred as shown in FIG. (24-5), and if it is not stapled, it outputs which bin it is (24-6) and goes to the direction to set the chucking execution flag. If stapled, the stapling width or position. If there is no staple mode change (24-7), the stapling is not performed again when the mode is not changed, so chucking is completed (24-8) and the execution flag is reset (24-9).

Since the chuck unit 60 is moved together with the post-processing unit 61 to the bin position to be post-processed, the flow of the movement is shown in FIG. 28, FIG. 30 (a), FIG. 31 (a) and FIG. , And the movement of the post-processing unit including the case of occurrence of an abnormality.

Returning to the chucking flow shown in FIG. 23, after execution is determined, the various flags are passed (23-2), and the chucking movement motor 107 shown in FIG. 6 is turned on and rotated in the direction H in FIG. 110 is moved to the chuck position in the direction A (23-3). When the tip position sensor 104 is turned on at a predetermined position (23-4), the motor 107 is turned off once to turn on the chatting solenoid 114 (23-5) to give a time for the chatting. Is turned on again to return to the home position, and when the home sensor 102 is turned on (23
-6) The motor 107 is turned off to set the chucking completion flag (23-7). If the chuck sensor 130 shown in FIGS. 13 (e) and 13 (f) is turned on (23-8), chucking is performed. Indicates the bins that were completed normally (23-9). ON / OFF of the sensors 102 and 104, the motor 107, etc.
FIG. 24 (b) shows the relationship of the OFF timing.

If the chuck sensors 130 (130-1 and 130-2) are not turned on (23-8), a chucking abnormality flag is set and the bin in which the abnormality has occurred is displayed (23-10). When this abnormality occurs, as shown in FIG. 29 (a), the chucking failure position is stored in the RAM 302 shown in FIG. 10, which is an example of the storage means, and the abnormality occurrence position of each bin is displayed. The LED 125, which is an example of the alarm means shown in (f), flashes as a short position display signal shown in FIG. 29 (e), and the stapling impossible display 233 shown in FIG. 9 flashes on the operation unit.

 Post-processing will be described with reference to FIGS. 25 to 32.

The staple execution determination (25-1) in FIG. 25 is performed according to the flow in FIG.

In FIG. 26, it is first determined whether the mode is the re-staple mode, that is, whether there is a mode (retry) for performing the stapling operation again when there is a stapling mistake (26-1).
If it is not a retry, it is determined whether or not the copy sheet of the last original has been discharged (26-2). If it has been discharged, the staple waiting bin number flag is reset (26-3). If not, (26-
4) Set the staple execution flag (26-5).
Go to the flow after 25-2. In the re-staple mode (26-1), depending on whether or not stapling has been completed once (26-1)
-6) If the stapling has not been completed, that is, if a stapling error has occurred, go to the stapling direction, and if the stapling has been performed once, change the staple position or change the staple width as shown in FIG. If there is a change in the staple mode (26-7), go to the direction of retry, but if there is no change in the mode, reset the staple execution flag etc. without retry to prevent jamming of the staples (26). -8).

Returning to FIG. 25, if the staple execution flag is set (25-2), the staple operation shown in FIG. 27 (a) is performed if there is no staple mode change (25-3). (25-4) If there is a mode change, the re-stapling operation shown in FIG. 27 (b) is performed (25-
5).

In the staple operation flow of FIG. 27A, the staple drive motor 116 of FIG. 7 is turned on first (27-1),
After setting the timer, the one-turn cam solenoid (not shown) is turned on and stapled, and after this time has elapsed, it is determined by the detecting means shown in FIG. 14 whether stapling has been performed normally (27-2). ). If there is an abnormality in the staple, an abnormality flag is set (27-3). After the stapling, the one-turn cam solenoid is turned off and the one-turn home sensor confirms that the one-turn cam has returned to the ohm position.
The staple driving motor 116 is turned off to increase the staple remaining amount by one (27-4). FIG. 27 (c) shows the timing relationship of the motor, solenoid, and the like in this case.

FIG. 27 (b) shows the case of re-stapling. To change the stapling width of the staple, which is an example of a mode change in the case of re-stapling, turn on the needle receiving solenoid 137 shown in FIG. 14 (e) and set a timer. After the cradle 132-1 is replaced, the staple operation starts. It should be noted that the same flow is performed when the staple position is changed instead of the width change.
The entire staple unit is moved in the direction of Y _A → Y _B as shown in the figure.

Referring back to FIG. 25, after stapling (25-4), if this is performed without any abnormality, the signal is put into a register, the number of staple waiting bins is decremented by 1, and a stapled flag is set (25-6). . After re-stapling (25-5), the same applies if re-stapling is performed without any abnormality. If an error occurs in re-staple (25-7), re-staple is prohibited because no further staple mode change is performed.
The staple mode change flag is set (25-8), and the stapled flag is set.

FIG. 28 shows the flow of the movement of the post-processing unit 61 (the chuck unit 60 is also moved at the same time as described above). The bin position is compared with the number of copy sets (28-1), and the post-processing is performed. When there is a bin that needs to be operated, the post-processing unit moving motor 68 shown in FIG. 2 is turned on, the post-processing unit 61 is moved downward (28-2), and is moved to that bin by turning on the bin position sensor 58. The post-processing movement motor 68 is turned off (28-3). If there is no copy to be processed, the motor 68 is turned on, the unit 61 is moved upward, and the second
When the home sensor 56 shown in the figure is turned on and the unit 61 returns to the home position, the motor 68 is turned off (28-4).

FIG. 29 (b) shows a stapling abnormality display. The staple position of the occurrence of the abnormality is stored in the RAM 302 which is an example of the storage means, and the LED 125 which is an example of the warning means is blinked as a position display with a long interval to display the abnormality occurrence position of each bin. Is for distinguishing from the case of abnormal chucking.) Further, the stapling impossible display 233 shown in FIG. FIG. 29 (c), (d)
Is the on / off state of the bin stapler ready flag
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a timing relationship of LED light emission when a staple is normal and when an abnormality occurs. FIG. 11E is a diagram comparing blinking display intervals when a chucking failure or a staple failure occurs.

FIG. 30 (a) shows a flow of the needleless processing. First ninth
The needleless display 232 in the figure is turned on and the home sensor 5 shown in FIG.
When the post-processing unit 61 is not at the home position, the motor 68 is turned on, the unit 61 is moved upward, and the motor 68 is stopped when the home sensor is turned on (30-).
1).

Next, when the jogger is not at the home position and the home sensor 91 shown in FIG. 8 is not turned on, the jogger motor 82 is turned on and the jogger is moved rightward to reach the home position and the home sensor 91 is turned on. If so, the motor 82 is stopped (30-2).

FIG. 30 (b) is a diagram showing the relationship between the timing of the chucking operation, each flag, and the movement of the post-processing unit when performing continuous stapling in the sort mode by the automatic document feeder.

FIG. 31 (a) shows a flow of the abnormality processing. First, it is determined whether or not the copy bundle in the bin in the block to which the abnormality has occurred has been ejected (31-1). If the abnormality is not "no staple" (31-2), a retry is performed. Another one
Depends on whether the staple key is pressed down (31-
3) When retrying, the restart bin is set to the value counted by the re-staple bin position sensor 58, the jogger is moved, and the post-processing unit is brought to the re-staple bin according to the flow shown in FIG. 4), 15th
Post-processing step (15-5) following chucking shown in the figure,
(15-6), is executed. In the case of the “needle not present” error, the error processing flow is performed after the operator changes the needle (31
-5). If the copy bundle in the bin of the abnormal block has already been ejected, no processing is required and the abnormal mode is cleared (31-6). This content is shown in FIG. 31 (b).

FIG. 32 shows a flow for moving the post-processing unit to the bin position for re-stapling. First, it is determined whether there is a restart bin where the start bin re-staples (32-
1) If NO, the post-processing unit movement motor 68 is turned on to move the same unit downward (32-2), and whether the counters of the bin position sensors 57 and 58 and the counter for re-stapling coincide with each other, that is, It is determined whether or not the bin position is the restart bin (32-3). When the bin value becomes the same value and the unit comes to the bin position of the restart bin, the motor 68 is turned off and the staple ready flag and the unit movement flag are set. (32-4).

Effect of the Invention In the present invention, a stapling error detecting unit and a storage unit for a missed bin are provided, and the staple position is moved or the staple width is changed to perform the staple operation again, so that a restaple sheet bundle is produced. As a result, the processing efficiency of the operator can be improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the overall configuration of a copying system to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the sorter, and FIG. 3 is a view of the sorter viewed from the opposite side of FIG. FIG. 4 is a side view of the sorter viewed from the right side in FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the chuck unit, FIG. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of a post-processing unit, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an alignment shaft driving unit, FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a part of an operation panel of a copying machine, and FIG. 11 is a circuit diagram, FIGS. 12 (a) to 12 (f) are partial detailed views of a sorter unit, and FIGS. 13 (a) to 13 (h) are examples showing chucking error detecting means. FIGS. 14 (a) to 14 (g) are explanatory diagrams showing examples of staple miss detecting means and the like, FIG. 15 is a flowchart, and FIG. Referred and easy illustration, FIG. 17 is an explanatory view showing an example of a register of the motion, 18 to FIG. 32 is a flow chart. 55 ... bin 61 ... post-processing unit 125 ... LED (warning means) 134, 135, 134 ', 135' ... electrodes (staple miss detecting means) 136, 136 ', 136 "... insulator (staple miss detecting means) 233 ... Staple disabled display (warning means) 300 CPU (control means) 302 RAM (storage means)

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued on the front page (72) Inventor Toshiya Tagawa 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Hideo Kikuchi 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Company, Ltd. (72) Inventor Masao Moriya 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Inside Ricoh Company (72) Hiroyasu Sumita 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company Inside Ricoh Company (72) Inventor Atsushi Komazawa 1-3-6 Nakamagome, Ota-ku, Tokyo Stock Company Ricoh Company (56) Reference JP-A-60-64802 (JP, A) JP-A-63-116168 ( JP, A) Japanese Utility Model Showa 63-88403 (JP, U)

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sheet handling apparatus with a post-processing function having a function of performing stapling processing on sheets received in a plurality of bins, wherein a detecting means for detecting a staple miss in the stapling processing, A sheet handling apparatus comprising: storage means for storing a bin position at which a stapling error is detected; and control means for controlling re-stapling of a sheet received in the bin stored by the storage means. 2. The sheet handling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control means controls the sheet so as to re-staple the sheet by shifting the stapling position. 3. The control means controls the sheet so as to re-staple the sheet by increasing the staple width.
The sheet handling device according to claim 1.