JP2713731B2 - Image recording device - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image recording apparatus such as a copying machine, a printing machine, and a printer, and more particularly, to an image having a sorter for automatically sorting sheets on which images are recorded. The present invention relates to an improvement in drive control of a sorter in a printing apparatus.

<Prior Art> A sorter is known in which a sorter is connected to a main body of an image recording apparatus, and a sheet on which an image is recorded and sent out is automatically sorted by a sorter. In order to cope with an increase in the type of paper and the number of paper sheets, an apparatus of this type that can be driven by connecting a plurality of sorters to a main body has been proposed.

For example, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Sho 61-23081 discloses a plurality of control means for driving and controlling various sorters and a selecting means for selecting a control means corresponding to a sorter to be used, so that any sorter can be used. An image recording apparatus is disclosed.

Also, JP-A-56-147154 and JP-A-57-2103
No. 60 discloses an apparatus in which an arbitrary sort bin is designated from among a plurality of sort bins provided in a sorter and a sorting operation is started from the bin.

In addition, multiple sorters are divided into four blocks A, B, C
And D, and when A block is specified, A → B →
Drive in the order of C → D, and when B block is specified, B
D is driven in the order of C → D. When the C block is designated, it is driven in the order of C → D. When the D block is designated, D is driven.
Techniques for driving only blocks have also been developed.

<Problems to be Solved by the Invention> Among the above-mentioned prior arts, although any specified sorter can be driven, only the sorter can be driven. If the number of sheets to be sorted is larger than the number of sheets, sorting cannot be performed for the number of sheets exceeding the number of sort bins. There is a drawback that it will be sorted out. Therefore, despite the fact that a plurality of sorters are provided, it cannot be said that the plurality of sorters are fully utilized.

Also, a disadvantage of the above or other technique is that the sorter or sort bin that is driven last is always determined. In such a configuration, even if the sorting of paper is started from an arbitrary sort bin or an arbitrary block of the sorter, the sort bin or the block for starting the sorting is limited by the number of sheets to be sorted. That is, it is necessary to confirm that there are as many sort bins as the number of sheets from the sort bin or block for starting sorting to the last sort bin or block that is driven and controlled.

Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide an image recording apparatus having a plurality of sorters, wherein the plurality of sorters can be used more effectively.

<Means for Solving the Problems> The present invention relates to a main body for recording an image on paper, and a plurality of units connected to the main body for sorting the paper on which the image is recorded and sent from the main body. In an image recording apparatus including a sorter, a determination unit that determines a sort mode in which a sorter is driven to automatically sort sheets by a sorter, a designation unit that designates one of the plurality of sorters, and the determination unit When the sort mode is determined,
With the sorter designated by the designation means at the top,
An image recording apparatus comprising: a drive control unit that can cyclically drive the plurality of sorters in a predetermined order so that the order is repeated.

In the image recording apparatus, each of the plurality of sorters has a predetermined number of sort bins for sorting, and the drive control unit counts the number of sheets sent from the main body. Then, it is determined that the sheets are sorted in all the sort bins of the driven sorter, and the next sorter is driven.

Furthermore, in addition to the above-described configuration, the image recording apparatus according to the present invention further includes a preset unit that can previously input and set the number of sheets on which images are to be recorded, and a preset unit that exceeds a total value of the sort bin numbers of the plurality of sorters. And changing means for forcibly changing a preset value to be set to the total value of the number of sort bins when the preset number is input and set by the preset means.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image recording apparatus comprising: a main body for recording an image on a sheet; and a plurality of sorters connected to the main body for sorting a sheet on which the image is recorded and sent from the main body. In the apparatus, a determination unit that determines a sort mode for automatically sorting sheets by driving a sorter, a specification unit that specifies one of the plurality of sorters, and a storage that stores a sorter specified by the specification unit Means for, when the sort mode is determined by the determining means, starting with the sorter designated by the designating means at the head, driving the plurality of sorters cyclically in a determined order so that the order is repeated. Drive control means, and all the sorters are driven once by the drive control means, and the sorters stored in the storage means are restored. When it becomes so as to be dynamic,
An image recording apparatus comprising: an end / stop unit that ends or stops the drive control of the sorter by the drive control unit.

<Operation> According to the present invention, unified driving priorities are determined for all sorters, unlike the conventional apparatus, and the sorter to be driven last is not always determined. Therefore, when the sorter to be driven first is designated by the designation means,
Starting from the sorter, a plurality of sorters can be driven cyclically in a determined order so that the order is repeated. Therefore, regardless of which sorter is specified by the user, all of the plurality of sorters can be driven, and the plurality of sorters can be effectively used.

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

In the following description, an electrophotographic copying machine will be described as an example of an image recording apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to such a copying machine, but may be applied to a printer, a printing machine, and other image recording apparatuses. Is described in advance.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a copying machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. This copying machine includes a copying machine main body 1 and two sorters, a first sorter 2 and a second sorter 3 connected in series to the main body 1.

A plurality of detachable paper cassettes 4, 5,
6, and a large-capacity paper storage unit 7 is also mounted.

A contact glass (not shown) for setting an original is provided on the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1. Then, by performing the copy operation, the paper cassettes 4, 5, 6
Alternatively, paper is taken in from the large-capacity paper storage unit 7, the image of the set document is copied onto the paper, and the first sorter 2
Alternatively, it is sent to the third sorter 3. Since a mechanism for such a copying operation is already known, a description thereof will be omitted.

The copier body 1 further includes an ADF (Automat) for automatically setting an original on the above-mentioned contact glass.
ic Documents Feeder) 8 is provided. The ADF 8 is provided with a document detection sensor 15 at a position below the leading end of the document tray 14 as shown in a schematic sectional view of FIG. The sensor 15 is used for controlling a first sorter 2 and a second sorter 3, which will be described later.

The first sorter 2 includes, for example, 20 sort bins 9a, 9b, 9
, 9t, and has a function of automatically discharging sheets sent from the main body 1 to the sort bins 9a, 9b, 9c,. The second sorter 3 has the same configuration and has 20 sort bins 10a to 10t.

The number of sort bins provided in the sorter may be 20 or more, or may be less than 20. Moreover, the sort bin numbers of the first sorter 2 and the second sorter 3 may be different from each other.

A switching claw 11 is provided above the inside of the first sorter 2 as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. When the switching claw 11 is in the state shown in FIG. 4A, the sheet P sent from the copying machine body 1 is taken into the first sorter 2 and discharged to any of the sort bins. On the other hand, when the switching claw 11 is in the state shown in FIG. 4B, the paper P sent from the copying machine main body 1 is transported by the transport roller 12 and the transport belt 13.
And transmitted to the next second sorter 3.

A paper detection switch 31 is provided at the entrance 30 of the paper P, so that the number of papers P sent from the copying machine main body 1 can be detected.

Similarly, the second sorter 3 has a paper detection switch.
There are 32.

The internal configuration for sorting the sheets in the first sorter 2 and the second sorter 3 is already described in other documents and is known, and has no direct relation to the features of the present invention. The description in is omitted.

FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of the operation panel 16 provided on the front side of the upper surface of the copying machine main body 1. The operation panel 16 includes a sort key 17 for specifying a sort mode in which the sorter functions to automatically sort copy paper, a numeric keypad 18 for presetting the number of copies and the number of copies, and for inputting other numerical information. A sorter designation key 19 for designating either the first sorter 2 or the second sorter 3 is provided. And in connection with the sorter designation key 19, the first
LE for illuminating that sorter key 2 has been specified
An LED 21 is provided for lighting and displaying that the D20 and the second sorter 3 have been designated.

The sorter designation key 19 and the LEDs 20 and 21 may be provided not on the copying machine body 1 but on the first sorter 2 or the second sorter 3.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of this embodiment. The control circuit is mainly composed of a microcomputer 24. The microcomputer 24 includes a microcomputer 241 for controlling the main body, a microcomputer 242 for controlling the first sorter, and a microcomputer 243 for controlling the second sorter. Therefore, instructions and data can be exchanged between the microcomputers at high speed as needed.

Sort key 17, numeric keypad 18, sorter designation key described above
Signals from 19 and the document detection sensor 15 are provided to the main body control microcomputer 241. The microcomputer 241 includes a copying machine main body 1
A main body drive circuit 27 for driving various mechanisms provided therein and an LED driver 28 for turning on / off the LEDs 20, 21 are connected.

The first sorter control microcomputer 242 is supplied with a signal from the sheet detection switch 31. The first sorter drive circuit 25 for driving the first sorter 2 and the switching claw 11 described above. A switching circuit 26 for switching between the two is connected.

The second sorter control microcomputer 243 is supplied with a signal from the sheet detection switch 32, and is connected to a second sorter driving circuit 29 for driving the second sorter 3.

FIG. 1 shows a first sorter control microcomputer 24 among the control operations performed by the control circuit of FIG.
9 is a flowchart showing a control operation performed by a second and second sorter control microcomputers 243.

Next, the control operation of the sorter in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following description, the microcomputers 241, 242, and 243 will not be individually described, but will be described using a generic term of the microcomputer 24 unless otherwise required.

When the sorter control operation starts, the microcomputer 24 determines whether or not the sort mode is set (step S1).
This is performed based on whether a pulse signal is input from the sort key 17 or not. Then, if the mode is not the sort mode, another process is executed (step S10).

In the case of the sort mode, it is determined whether or not the first sorter 2 has been designated (step S2). In this embodiment, the designation of the first sorter 2 or the second sorter 3 is performed by the sorter designation key 19.
Can be freely selected by the user. Therefore, this determination is normally made based on the signal from the sorter designation key 19, but in this embodiment, if the signal from the sorter designation key 19 is not given, the first sorter 2 is designated. It is determined.

When the microcomputer 24 determines that the first sorter 2 has been designated, the microcomputer 24 sets the switching claw 11 of the first sorter 2 to the state shown in FIG. 4A by the switching circuit 26 and controls the first sorter driving circuit 25, The sort processing is performed by one sorter 2 (step S3). During the sorting process, the number of sheets is counted based on the ON / OFF pulse of the sheet detection switch 31, and the number of sheets given to the first sorter 2 exceeds the number of sort bins "20" of the first sorter 2.
It is determined whether the 21st sheet has been reached (step S4) or the number of copies (or the number of copies) preset by the numeric keypad 18 has been reached (step S5).

More specifically, for example, when copying 15 copies of a manuscript having two pages, steps S3 → S4 → S5
→ While repeating the control operation of S3, the count value of the number of sheets matches the preset value “15” (step S5). Accordingly, the microcomputer 24 next determines whether or not the document has been completed (step S6). This determination is made in the case of this embodiment by AD
The determination is performed based on the output of the document detection sensor 15 provided in the F8. When the ADF 8 is not provided, the determination is performed based on a key input signal that is manually operated. At this stage, the original of the second page should be mounted on the original tray 14 of the ADF 8 because the original of two pages is being copied. Therefore, since a signal indicating that a document still remains is given from document detection sensor 15, microcomputer 24 advances the control to step S2.

Then, the same control and processing as described above are performed, and in step S5, when it is determined that the sheet count value is the same as the preset value "15" and the process proceeds to step S6, the original remains from the original detection sensor 15 this time. The microcomputer 24 terminates the control because no signal is given.

On the other hand, when 25 copies of all two originals are to be made, for example, while the control of steps S3 → S4 → S5 → S3 is repeated, the microcomputer 24
Based on the output of 31, it is determined that the 21st sheet is supplied to the first sorter 2 (step S4), and the sorting process by the first sorter 2 is terminated, and subsequently, the second sorter 3 Causes sorting.

(Step S7). Specifically, the switching circuit 26
The switching claw 11 of the sorter 2 is brought into the state shown in FIG. 4B, and the second sorter driving circuit 29 is controlled to drive the second sorter 3. Even during the sorting process by the second sorter 3,
In the same manner as during the sorting process by the first sorter 2, the number of sheets given to the second sorter 3 is counted based on the ON / OFF pulse of the sheet detection switch 32 provided in the second sorter 3, and the number of sheets is counted as the second number. It is determined whether the number of sorted bins exceeds the sort bin number “20” and reaches the twenty-first sheet (step S8) or the preset number of copies (“25” in this case) (step S9). .

Then, when the number of sheets counted based on the signal from the sheet detection switch 32 reaches the preset value “25” (step S9), the microcomputer 24 sends the document based on the output of the document detection sensor 15 as described above. It is determined whether or not to end (step S6).

Then, when 25 copies of the first document are copied among all two documents, the process returns to step S2, and the same control is repeated for the second document. On the other hand, when 25 copies of the second document have been copied, the control ends.

In the above control operation, when the second sorter 3 is designated by the sorter designation key 19, the microcomputer 24
Control proceeds from step S2 to step S7.
Is performed. If the number of copies or the number of copies exceeds the number of sort bins "20" of the second sorter 3, the sort processing by the first sorter is subsequently performed (steps S8 and S3).

As described above, in this embodiment, the sorter designated by the sorter designation key 19 is first driven to perform sort processing, and if the number of sheets or the number of copies exceeds the number of sort bins of the sorter, the sorter continues. Sort processing by the other sorter is performed. Therefore, the two sorters can be used effectively.

The advantages of this embodiment will be described with a specific example. For example, let us consider a case where, in a case where sheets sorted by being copied and sorted in the sort bin of the first sorter 2 still remain, 25 copies (or 25 copies) of a new document are to be obtained. In such a case, the second sorter 3 is designated by the sorter designation key 19, and the copy operation is started. Then, by the time the twentieth copy is performed, the sheets that have been copied and sorted in the sort bin remaining in the first sorter 2 are taken out. Then, the 25 sheets (or 25 copies) newly copied by the second sorter 3 and the first sorter 2 are properly sorted.

It should be noted that, in the case of a conventional apparatus, 25 sheets (or 25 parts) from the second sorter 3 as described above are described.
When the sorting of the sheets was started, the sorting process control was reset or stopped when the sorting process of the 20 sheets was performed. Therefore, the 25 sheets (or 25 copies) described above could not be properly sorted.

In the embodiment described above, the first sorter 2 and the second sorter 3 are connected to the copying machine main body 1. However, the number of sorters connected to the copying machine main body 1 is not limited to two. The number may be three or more. In such a case, the microcomputer 24 determines a plurality of sorters such as a first sorter → a second sorter →... → an nth sorter (n is a positive integer, n ≧ 3) → a first sorter. What is necessary is just to be able to drive cyclically so that the order may be repeated according to the order.

Further, when one sorter is connected to the copying machine body 1, the sort bins of the one sorter are divided into a plurality of groups so that independent drive control can be performed for each group, and each group is formed into a loop. It can be made to be able to be driven continuously.

Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the number of sheets supplied to the first sorter 2 is determined based on a signal from a sheet detection sensor 31 provided at the entrance 30 of the first sorter 2, and the second sorter 3 In the above case, the determination is made based on the signal from the paper detection switch 32. Instead, a sensor provided inside the copying machine main body 1 (for example, a sensor provided on the paper transport path) may be used. The number of sheets may be counted based on this signal.

In the flowchart of FIG. 1, when the preset value is “41” or more, the loop of steps S3 → S4 → S5 → S3 and the loop of steps S7 → S8 → S9 → S7 are alternately and continuously executed. However, in consideration of the total number of sort bins “40” of the first sorter 2 and the second sorter 3, in the sort mode, the number of copies (or the number of copies) can be preset only to “40” using the numeric keypad 18. It is preferable to configure.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a control operation for correcting a preset value required for such a configuration. This control operation is performed by the microcomputer 241 for controlling the main body of FIG.
Can be executed by

Referring to FIG. 7, the main body control microcomputer 241 receives an input of a preset value of the number of copies (or the number of copies) from the numeric keypad 18 (step S11), and determines whether or not the mode is the sort mode. (Step S
12). If the mode is not the sort mode, the inputted preset value is stored as it is in a preset counter constituted by an internal register or the like (step S16), and the control is terminated.

On the other hand, in the case of the sort mode, the main body control microcomputer 241 includes a first sorter control microcomputer 242 provided in each sorter connected to the copying machine main body 1.
Then, based on the data from the second sorter control microcomputer 243, it is determined how many sorters are connected to the main body 1 (step S3). If no sorter is connected to the main unit 1, control is passed to step S1.
Proceed to 6.

In this embodiment, since two sorters are connected to the main body 1, the number N of the sorters is determined to be N = 2.
The magnitude of the preset value input by the ten keys 18 and (N × 20; 20 is the number of sort bins of each sorter) is determined (step S14). In the case of this embodiment, since N = 2, specifically, it is determined whether or not the preset value is “40” or less.

If the preset value is equal to or less than "40", the preset value is stored in the preset counter as it is (step S16). If the preset value exceeds "40", regardless of the preset value, "forcibly""40" (generally N * 20) is stored in the preset counter (step S15), and the control is terminated.

If the above configuration is adopted, the number of copies (the number of copies) exceeding “40” which is the total number of sort bins of the first sorter 2 and the second sorter 3 cannot be preset in the sort processing mode. The second sorter 3 is effectively used, and optimal sorting can be performed for 40 sheets (or 40 copies) or less.

If the control shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7 is performed, in the sort mode, “4
Even if an attempt is made to preset a value exceeding "0" as the number of copies (or the number of copies), the display on the display unit (not shown) is forcibly set to "40", so that the user is required to make 40 copies (or 40 copies).
Copies can be confirmed, and even if the number of copies (or the number of copies) of "41" or more is input, it is not mistaken that only 40 copies or 40 copies can be made.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing another sorter control operation performed by the control circuit of FIG.

A characteristic of the control shown in FIG. 8 is that, when the designation of the first sorter 2 or the second sorter 3 is determined, a flag corresponding to the designated sorter is set (steps S21 and S22), and the paper sort is performed by one of the sorters. Before the sort processing of 20 sheets is performed and before proceeding to the sort processing by the other sorter, the state of the flag corresponding to the other sorter is determined. If the flag is set, the sort processing by the other sorter is not performed. (Steps S23, S24, S25).

As a result, similarly to the above-described preset number of sheets correction processing control (see FIG. 7), it is possible to prevent the sort processing from being repeated alternately and forever by the two sorters, and to reduce the total number of sort bins of the two sorters. Sort processing of more than “40” sheets is prohibited.

The detailed description of each step of the flowchart of FIG. 8 is the same as that of the flowchart of FIG. 1 described above, and the corresponding steps are denoted by the same step numbers, and description according to the flow is performed. Is omitted.

The flowchart of FIG. 8 shows the control operation when two sorters are connected to the copying machine main body 1. When three or more sorters are connected, designation of one of the sorters is performed. Is set, the flag corresponding to the designated sorter is set, and when the sort processing is shifted from one sorter to the next sorter, the state of the flag corresponding to the next sorter is determined, and If the flag is not set, the sort processing by the next sorter is performed, and if the flag is set, the sort processing is ended without performing the sort processing by the next sorter.

<Effects of the Invention> Since the present invention is configured as described above, a plurality of sorters can be effectively used in an image recording apparatus having a plurality of sorters.

In particular, a sorter for starting sorting of sheets can be freely selected, sorting is performed by the number of sort bins of the sorter, and if there are sheets to be sorted, sorting is performed by the next sorter. In other words, with the specified sorter at the top,
Drive control is performed cyclically so that the order is repeated,
Until all sorters are driven once, a plurality of sorters can be driven sequentially. Therefore, the sorter can be used freely, for example, a desired sorter can be designated and the sorting of the sheets can be started from the sorter, and the operability is improved.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing a control operation of a sorter according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a front view showing an external configuration of one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic sectional view of the configuration of the ADF. 4A and 4B are schematic partial cross-sectional views showing a part of the internal configuration of the first sorter 2. FIG. FIG. 5 is a partial plan view of an operation panel provided on the copying machine main body 1. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a control circuit of this embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of correcting the preset value in this embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control operation according to another embodiment of the present invention. In the drawing, 1... The copying machine body, 2.
...... second sorter, 9a-9t, 10a-10t ... sort bin, 15
.. Indicates a document detection sensor, 17 a sort key, 18 a numeric keypad, 19 a sorter designation key, and 24 a microcomputer.

Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-56-48644 (JP, A) JP-A-59-138560 (JP, A) JP-A-61-81361 (JP, A) JP-A-62-51565 (JP) , A)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] An image recording apparatus comprising: a main body for recording an image on paper; and a plurality of sorters coupled to the main body for sorting paper on which the image is recorded and sent from the main body. In the determination means for determining a sort mode to automatically sort the paper by driving the sorter, designation means for specifying any of the plurality of sorters, and when the sort mode is determined by the determination means, A drive control unit that can cyclically drive the plurality of sorters in a predetermined order, with the sorter designated by the designation unit at the top, so that the order is repeated. Image recording device. 2. The image recording apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of sorters has a predetermined number of sort bins for sorting, and said drive control means sends said sort bins from a main body. An image recording apparatus which counts the number of sheets fed, determines that the sheets are sorted in all sort bins of the driven sorter, and drives the next sorter. 3. An image recording apparatus according to claim 2, wherein said preset means is capable of inputting and setting in advance the number of sheets of paper on which an image is to be recorded, and said total number of sort bins of said plurality of sorters is exceeded. An image recording apparatus, further comprising: changing means for forcibly changing a preset value to be set to a total value of the number of sort bins when the number of copies is input and set by the preset means. 4. An image recording apparatus comprising: a main body for recording an image on paper; and a plurality of sorters connected to the main body for sorting paper on which the image is recorded and sent from the main body. A determination unit that determines a sort mode for automatically sorting sheets by driving a sorter; a designation unit that designates one of the plurality of sorters; and a storage unit that stores a sorter designated by the designation unit. When the sort mode is determined by the determiner, the sorters are cyclically driven such that the order is repeated in accordance with a determined order, with the sorter designated by the assigner as the head. Drive control means, and all sorters are driven once by the drive control means, and the sorters stored in the storage means are re-driven. And an end / stop unit for terminating or stopping the drive control of the sorter by the drive control unit when the operation is started.