JP2734790B2 - Sheet distribution and storage device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet distributing and accommodating apparatus for distributing and accommodating recording sheets discharged from an image recording apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer, and more particularly to stapling after distributing and accommodating recording sheets. The present invention relates to an improvement of a sheet distributing and accommodating apparatus that enables post-processing such as punching and punching.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In general, as a sheet distributing and accommodating apparatus called a sorter, a sheet conveying path is formed in a housing, and conveying rollers are appropriately arranged along the sheet conveying path. While conveying the recording sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port of the image recording apparatus to a preset sheet distribution stage, on one side of the housing, a plurality of bin trays are disposed in a vertical direction,
In some cases, each bin tray is sequentially moved to the above-mentioned sheet distribution stage in accordance with the distribution timing of recording sheets, and recording sheets are sequentially distributed and accommodated in each bin tray.

[0003] Post-processing such as stapling is often performed on the recording sheets distributed and accommodated in the sorter described above, and a post-processing unit such as a stapler is incorporated in the sorter. There is a request that the processing be performed automatically.

[0004] As a sorter responding to such a request,
For example, those described in JP-A-63-41360 and JP-A-63-252
No. 872, the one in Japanese Patent Publication No. 64-302 is already known.

However, in the former type (JP-A-63-41360), post-processing by a stapler is performed after a recording sheet bundle distributed and stored in a bin tray is stored again in a post-processing tray. Inevitably, a post-processing tray must be provided separately from the bin tray, and transport means for transporting the recording sheet bundle to the post-processing tray must be provided. Not only is the recording sheet bundle complicated, but also when the recording sheet bundle is transferred to the post-processing tray side, the recording sheet bundle once aligned in the bin tray may vary, and post-processing by the stapler tends to be useless. There was a problem.

The latter (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-252872,
No. 64-302), a stapler is provided near the sheet distribution stage that does not interfere with the sheet transport member, and post-processing by the stapler is performed on the bundle of recording sheets stored in the bin tray (stored in the bin tray). Stapling processing at one corner of the recording sheet bundle), so that the technical problem of the former type can be avoided, but one side edge of the recording sheet bundle is formed at two positions. However, there is a problem that dual stapling processing of stapling cannot be performed.

For this reason, the inventors of the present application have previously proposed a sheet distribution and accommodation device having the following configuration.

That is, a sheet conveying means disposed in the housing for conveying the recording sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port of the image recording apparatus to a preset sheet distribution stage; A bin tray, which is arranged in stages and sequentially moves to the sheet distribution stage in accordance with the distribution timing of the recording sheets, and a space in the housing located below or above the sheet conveying means and extending in the width direction of the sheet conveying means. One post-processing unit to be provided, position moving means for movably supporting the post-processing unit over at least the width direction of the sheet conveying means, and a predetermined post-processing stage different from the sheet distribution stage. After moving and setting the post-processing unit to the post-processing target position, the post-processing unit Cormorant a sheet distribution and storage apparatus having a post-processing control means for sequentially perform a predetermined post-processing by the post-processing unit to a plurality of locations.

As described above, as a configuration for moving the post-processing unit, post-processing (such as stapling processing) is performed on a plurality of locations along one side edge of the recording sheet bundle stored in the bin tray. Is made possible.

The post-processing mode in the sheet distributing and storing apparatus having such a configuration is a corner mode in which post-processing is performed at one corner on one side, which is a reference for alignment of recording sheets in a bin tray. It is possible to set a single mode in which post-processing is performed on one corner on the side opposite to the one side, a dual mode in which post-processing is performed on two intermediate portions of the recording sheet, and the like.

In the corner mode, the size (..., A4 size, B5 size,...) And posture (vertical orientation,
Regardless of the landscape orientation, post-processing can be performed by moving and setting the post-processing unit to a specific location. In the single mode, dual mode, etc., post-processing is performed depending on the size and orientation of the recording sheet. The position where the unit should be moved is different.

Therefore, conventionally, a plurality of selection buttons in which the size, posture, and mode (corner, single, dual, etc.) of the recording sheet are appropriately combined are arranged on an operation panel, and one of these buttons is operated by an operator or the like. The user has pressed down and selected, moved and set the post-processing unit to a position corresponding to this, and performed a predetermined post-processing.

[0013]

However, there are many combinations of recording sheet sizes, postures and modes.
Therefore, since the number of selection buttons increases, operability is poor for operators and the like. Also,
Due to the large number of selection buttons, there is a problem that an erroneous selection button is often pressed, and post-processing is often performed at an unexpected position.

The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and an object of the present invention is to reduce the number of selection buttons, improve operability, and reduce selection errors.

[0015]

For example, as shown in FIG. 1, a recording sheet 4 disposed in a housing 1 and discharged from a sheet discharge port 3 of an image recording apparatus 2 is set to a preset sheet distribution stage. Sheet transporting means 5 for transporting the sheet to S1, a bin tray 6 which is arranged in a plurality of stages vertically in one side of the housing 1 and sequentially moves to the sheet distribution stage S1 according to the distribution timing of the recording sheets 4;
One post-processing unit 7 located below or above the sheet conveying means 5 and disposed in the space inside the housing 1 across the width direction of the sheet conveying means 5; After moving and setting the post-processing unit 7 to a predetermined post-processing target position at a position moving unit 8 that movably supports the post-processing unit 7 and a post-processing stage S2 different from the sheet distribution stage S1. And a post-processing control unit 9 for sequentially performing predetermined post-processing by the post-processing unit 7 on a portion along one side edge of the recording sheet 4 in each bin tray 6.

A size detecting means 9a for detecting the size of the recording sheet 4 and the orientation in the feed direction is provided, and a plurality of post-processing modes (corner, single, dual And the like, and a mode selection means (switch) 9b corresponding to (i.e.) is provided on the operation panel. Thus, the post-processing target position for the recording sheet 4 in the bin tray 6 is determined.

The size detecting means 9a can be provided near the conveyance path of the recording sheet 4. Further, a signal from a size detecting means provided in the image recording apparatus 2 may be used together.

As a specific configuration of the mode selecting means 9b, for example, as shown in FIG. 2, pictures corresponding to corona staple, dual staple, and single staple are displayed irrespective of the paper size and posture. And a selection switch 9c corresponding to each of them.

[0019]

According to the present invention, by detecting the size and orientation of the target recording sheet 4, it is not necessary for the operator or the like to input the size and orientation of the recording sheet 4, so that the recording sheet 4 should be arranged on the operation panel. The selection switch 9c or the like may be a combination of the approximate position and number of the post-processing to be performed, and the number of selection buttons can be greatly reduced. This eliminates the need for the operator or the like to particularly recognize the size and orientation of the recording sheet, and merely selects the post-processing mode (corner, single, dual, etc.). Can be reduced.

[0020]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Table of Contents I. Outline of device II. Equipment components (1) Sheet transport system (2) Bin tray (2-a) Basic configuration (2-b) Bin tray moving system (3) Sheet alignment mechanism (4) Stapler (4-a) Basic stapler configuration (4- b) Stapler advance / retreat system (4-c) Stapler processing position moving system (4-d) Sheet presence detection system (5) Equipment control system III. Equipment operation (1) Sorting processing (2) Stapling processing

I. 3 and 4 show an ADF (Auto Document Feede) not shown.
r) a copying machine body 10 with a sheet distributing and accommodating device (hereinafter referred to as a sorter in this embodiment) 20 to which the present invention is applied.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 21 denotes a housing of a sorter 20, which is movable by casters 22. A recess 23 having a U-shaped cross section is formed along the vertical direction on the opposite side of the copying machine body 10 of the housing 21, and the inside of the housing 21 is formed on the side of the copying machine body 10 of the recess 23. An opening 24 leading to the opening is provided.

A plurality of (in this embodiment, 20) bin trays 40 are vertically movably disposed at the locations facing the recesses 23, and the projecting ends of the bin trays 40 are located within the recesses 23. It is arranged to protrude from. On the other hand, at the top of the housing 21, a non-sorting tray 25 used when sorting processing is not required is arranged, and although not shown, an operation panel having operation buttons, a display, and the like is arranged. Is provided.

Further, a sheet inlet 26 is opened in the housing plate 21a corresponding to the sheet outlet 11 of the copying machine body 10, and the recording sheet 12 introduced from the sheet inlet 26 is fed to the sheet transport system 30. Through the bin tray 40 or the non-sorting tray 25.

Further, a sheet aligning mechanism 70 is provided near the bin tray 40. The sheet aligning mechanism 70 aligns the recording sheets 12 in the bin tray 40 at a predetermined timing interval during a sorting process. The recording sheet 12 is pressed down during the stapling process.

A stapler 100 is disposed below the sheet conveying system 30 and in a space inside the housing 21 along the width direction of the sheet conveying system 30. Are set as the post-processing stage S2. The stapler 100 performs dual stapling on one side edge of the recording sheet 12 stored in the bin tray 40 located at the post-processing stage S2, or
The second corner is stapled.

II. Configuration of Each Part of Apparatus (1) Sheet Conveying System In FIG. 4, the sheet conveying system 30 has a common sheet conveying path 31 extending from the sheet introduction port 26 into the housing 21, and a sheet conveying path 31 extending downward from the common sheet conveying path 31. One sheet transport path 32 and an upward second sheet transport path 33 are branched, and the first sheet transport path 32 is connected to a sheet distribution stage (a target bin tray 4 in which the recording sheets 12 are stored).
0), while the second sheet conveying path 33 communicates to the non-sorting tray 25 position.

In the middle of the first and second sheet conveying paths 32, 33, an appropriate number of conveying rollers 34, 35 are provided at predetermined intervals, and each of the sheet conveying paths 32, 3 is provided.
Discharge rollers 36 and 37 are disposed at the distal end of 3 respectively. In addition, immediately before the discharge roller 36 in the first sheet conveying path 32, a sheet exit sensor (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as EXIT SNR) 38 that outputs a high-level signal when the recording sheet 12 passes is disposed. Has been established.

Reference numeral 39 denotes the common sheet conveying path 31.
And a switching gate for switching and selecting one of the sheet conveying paths 32 and 33.

(2) Bin tray (2-a) Basic structure In FIGS. 3 to 5, the bin tray 40 is
3 is a flat plate-shaped tray base that is obliquely arranged obliquely downward at a predetermined angle toward the opening 24 side, and is slightly obliquely arranged toward the width direction (corresponding to the width direction of the sheet conveying path 32). 41 and the opening 2 of the tray base 41
And a notch 4 for stapling processing by the stapler 100 formed at three positions on the side edge of the opening 24 of the tray base 41 at the four side edges.
3, 44, 45, a notch 46 for gripping the recording sheet 12 cut out at a substantially central portion of one side edge located on the front side in the width direction of the tray base 41, and a depth side in the width direction of the tray base 41. And a substantially triangular tamper opening 47 formed near the positioning flange 42. In addition, as a configuration of the bin tray 40, a reinforcing flange may be formed at one end edge or the like located on the inner side of the tray base 41 adjacent to the positioning flange 42 to increase the rigidity of the bin tray 40.

The housing plate defining the front side of the recess 23 of the housing 21 functions as a positioning wall 48 for the recording sheet 12 accommodated in the bin tray 40.

The notch 46 for gripping and the opening 4 for tamper are used.
7 at least in the protruding direction edge 46 of the bin tray 40.
a and 47a are formed so as to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the width direction of the bin tray 40. When the recording sheet 12 enters the bin tray 40 during the sorting process, the recording sheet 12 is blocked by the notch 46 or the edge of the opening 47. It is considered so that it cannot be done.

(2-b) Bin tray moving system In FIGS. 5 to 7, a pair of engaging pins 51 and 52 are provided on both sides in the width direction near the positioning flange 42 of the bin tray 40.
A V-shaped support arm 54 is attached to one side of the bin tray 40 in the width direction near the protruding direction of the bin tray 40, and an engagement pin 53 is protruded from the lower end of the support arm 54.

Cam screws 55 to 57 are rotatably provided on the housing 21 located on both sides in the width direction of the recess 23 corresponding to the engagement pins 51 to 53, respectively. 53 are the respective cam screws 55
To 57 cam grooves 55a to 57a.

In this embodiment, each of the cam grooves 55a to 55a
The pitch of 7a is not constant, and the pitch of the portion corresponding to the sheet distribution stage S1 and the post-processing stage S2 is set to be sufficiently larger than the pitch of the other portions.

More specifically, in this embodiment, the bin trays 40 located at the sheet distribution stage S1 and the post-processing stage S2 have a continuous positional relationship, and the bin tray 40 located at the sheet distribution stage S1 is located above the bin tray 40. The gap g ₁ between the bin tray 40 and the gap g ₂ between the bin tray 40 located on the post-processing stage S2 and the bin trays 40 above and below the bin tray 40 are sufficiently larger than the gap g ₀ between the other bin trays 40. It is set to be. Here, the gaps g ₁ and g
₂ is set in a range not interfering with the sorting processing and stapling processing, also, the gap g ₀ is set within a range in which the bin tray 40 are not in contact.

The drive system of each of the cam screws 55 to 57 includes a bin drive motor (stepping motor in this embodiment) 58 capable of rotating forward and backward, and a bin drive motor 58.
Drive pulley 59 fixed to the output shaft of the cam screw 55, driven pulleys 60 to 62 attached to the lower ends of the cam screws 55 to 57, the drive pulley 59 and the driven pulley 62
And a timing belt 64, which is wound between the driven pulleys 60 to 62 and transmits the driving force from the bin drive motor 58 to the cam screws 55 to 57 at the same timing. It is configured.

In this embodiment, when each of the cam screws 55 to 57 rotates once, each bin tray 4
0 moves up or down by one pitch.

In FIG. 4, reference numeral 65 denotes an upper limit position detecting sensor for detecting that the uppermost bin tray 40 has reached the upper limit position, and 66 denotes the lowermost bin tray 40 having reached the lower limit position. This is a lower limit position detection sensor that detects that the operation has been performed.

(3) Sheet Alignment Mechanism In FIG. 8, a sheet alignment mechanism 70 is formed by connecting a flat tamper 71 penetrating through the tamper opening 47 of each bin tray 40 and upper and lower ends of the tamper 71. A pair of movable support mechanisms 72 and 73 for supporting the tamper 71 so as to be able to advance and retreat along the width direction of the bin tray 40, and a sheet alignment drive system 80 for driving the movable support mechanisms 72 and 73.
And

In this embodiment, the movable support mechanism 7
2 and 73 rotatably support a ball screw shaft 75 between a pair of bearing brackets 74 (one not shown), screw a nut 76 onto the ball screw shaft 75, and
6 is fixed to the upper and lower ends of the tamper 71.

The sheet alignment drive system 80 includes a tamper drive motor (stepping motor in this embodiment) 8
1; two drive pulleys 82 and 83 fixed to the output shaft of the tamper drive motor 81; driven pulleys 84 and 85 fixed to the ball screw shafts 75 of the movable support mechanisms 72 and 73; Timing belt 8 which is stretched between the driven pulleys 82 and 83 and the driven pulleys 84 and 85, respectively.
6,87.

The nut 7 of the lower movable support mechanism 73
6 is provided with a projecting piece 77 for position detection, and this projecting piece 77 is provided corresponding to the home position. In this embodiment, a home position sensor 78 (in this embodiment, a transmissive optical element in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged to face each other). At the time of reaching the (sensor) position, for example, a low-level signal is output from the home position sensor 78 to detect that the tamper 71 has reached the home position.

(4) Stapler (4-a) Basic configuration of stapler In this embodiment, as shown in FIG.
0 is a predetermined position P0,
The movement is set to P1, P2, P3, and P4. The position P0 is a cone stapling position,
Positions P1 and P2 are "B5 size-vertical" and "B4 size-horizontal".
Is the dual stapling position corresponding to
1, P3 is a dual stapling position corresponding to "A4 size-vertical" and "A3 size-horizontal", and the position P3 is
A single stapling position corresponding to “B5 size-horizontal”, and a position P4 is a single stapling position corresponding to “A4 size-horizontal”. In addition, the stapler 100 set to the corona stapling position P0 is disposed in a state of being inclined by 45 ° on the horizontal plane as compared with the case where the stapler 100 is set to the other stapling positions P1, P2, P3, and P4. In this embodiment, "vertical" refers to the vertical direction in FIG. 5, and "horizontal" refers to the horizontal direction.

The basic configuration of the stapler 100 is as follows.
For example, as shown in FIG. 9, a base end of a movable arm 102 is rotatably supported on a lower case 101a as a support base by a pivot 103.
02, and an upper case 101b urged toward the movable arm 102 by an urging spring (not shown),
A staple storage unit 10 is provided in the upper case 101b.
4 and a driving mechanism 106 for driving a staple 105 at the end of the movable arm 102, so that the driving force of the stapler driving motor 107 is applied to the belt 1.
When the stapling operation is performed, the movable arm 102 swings downward by transmitting the movable arm 102 to the movable arm 102 via a driving force transmission mechanism 108 including a cam 08b, a cam 108b, and a link arm 108c, as shown in FIGS. In the state where the bundle of recording sheets 12 is held between the lower case 101a and the upper case 101b,
Staple 1 by the driving mechanism 106 that descends with
05 is applied to a bundle of 12 recording sheets.

(4-b) Stapler Advancing / Retracting System As shown in FIG. 12, the stapler 100 reciprocating / moving system mounts a guide rail 112 along the advance / retreat direction of the stapler 100 on a support bracket 111, Supports a movable plate 113 on which the stapler 100 is installed via a guide roller 114 so as to be movable, and on the support bracket 111, an advancing / retracting drive motor 115 is provided.
A cam arm 116 extending in the radial direction of the output shaft is fixed to the output shaft of
6, an engaging pin 117 is protruded from a free end, and an engaging plate 118 having an engaging slit 119 extending in a vertical direction is fixed to the movable plate 113. The engaging pin 117 is movably engaged with 119.

In this embodiment, the above stapler 10
As shown in FIG. 12, reference numeral 0 denotes a retracted position B which does not interfere with the bin tray 40 while the bin tray 40 is moving up and down. Since the engaging pin 117 of the cam arm 116 slides along the engaging slit 119 to push the engaging plate 118 toward the bin tray 40, the movable plate 113 advances to a predetermined position, and the stapler 1
00 is set as the stapling execution position A.

The stapler 100 located at the stapling execution position A returns to the retreat position B shown in FIG. 12 again when the advance / retreat drive motor 115 rotates a further half turn, and thereafter, the advance / retreat drive motor 115 rotates by a half turn. Each time the stapler 100 moves forward and backward.

On the support bracket 111,
Position detection sensors 121 and 122 for detecting that the stapler 100 is located at any of the stapling execution position A and the retreat position B are provided. Each of the position detection sensors 121 and 122 is a transmission type optical sensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are arranged to face each other. For example, a projecting piece 123 protruding from a part of the movable plate 113 has one of the position detection sensors 121 and 122. The position detection is performed by blocking the optical path 122.

(4-c) Stapler Processing Position Moving System In FIGS. 14 to 16, the processing position moving system 125 of the stapler 100 includes a guide rail 126 for regulating the movement path of the stapler 100 and the guide rail 126.
Trolley 131 for moving stapler 100 along
And a stop position detecting device 145 for detecting the stop position of the movable carriage 131.

In this embodiment, the guide rail 1
26 is a rising flange 42 of the bin tray 40.
A linear guide 127 extending along the bin tray 4
The guide rail 126 is formed with a notch groove 129 along the longitudinal direction. The notch groove 129 is formed in the guide rail 126 along the longitudinal direction. Is provided with a rack 130.

The movable carriage 131 has guide rollers 133 attached to both sides of a rectangular movable plate 132. The movable carriage 131 is movably disposed on the upper surface of the guide rail 126 along the cut groove 129. I have.

At one end of the movable plate 132, a support bracket 111 of the above-described stapler 100 is bent downward in a substantially L-shape through the cutout groove 129. The stapler 100 is installed via a stapler moving system. At the other end of the movable plate 132, a substantially inverted L-shaped support bracket 134 is formed to be bent downward through the cut groove 129. Drive motor (stepping motor in this embodiment) 13
5, a pinion 136 meshing with the rack 130 is rotatably supported on the movable plate 132, and a drive pulley 137 fixed to an output shaft of the drive motor 135 and the pinion 136 are coaxially fixed. A transmission belt 139 is stretched between the driven pulley 138 and the driven pulley 138. Reference numeral 140 denotes the movable plate 13
2 is a guide pulley rotatably supported by the guide groove 2 and engaged with one side edge of the cut groove 129 opposite to the rack 130.

Further, in this embodiment, the stop position detecting device 145 includes a position detecting sensor 146 for setting the stapler 100 at the corona stapling position P0,
Position detection sensors 147, 14 for installing stapler 100 at stapling positions P1, P2, P3, P4
8, 148a, 148b, and a protruding piece 149 protruding outward from one side edge of the movable plate 132. The position detection sensors 146, 147, and 14
8, 148a, 148b have light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements disposed opposite to each other at upper and lower portions of a U-shaped case, and any of the position detection sensors 146, 147, 148, 148a, 1
When the projecting piece 149 reaches the portion 48b, the sensor optical path between the light emitting element and the light receiving element is interrupted, and the level changes from a high level to a low level.

Further, in FIG. 17, reference numeral 150 denotes a short-circuit switch for short-circuiting the drive motor 135, and the position detection sensors 146, 147, 148, 148a, 1
The drive motor 135 is short-circuited when any of the outputs 48b changes from the high level to the low level, and the drive motor 135 is immediately stopped by the braking action. Reference numeral 151 denotes a motor driver for sending a drive signal to the drive motor 135.

(4-d) Sheet presence / absence detection system In this embodiment, two systems of sheet presence / absence detectors 16 are used to determine whether or not stapling processing is required.
0,165 are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the sheet presence / absence detector 160 has a light emitting element 161 and a light receiving element 162 above and below the recess 23 corresponding to the corner notch 45 of each bin tray 40. If the recording sheet 12 exists in any of the bin trays 40, the light emitting element 1
The optical path between the light receiving element 61 and the light receiving element 162 is blocked, so that the presence or absence of the recording sheet 12 is detected.

The other sheet presence / absence detector 165 is
As shown in FIG. 9, a lower case 101a as a support base
Is a reflection-type sensor (a sensor in which a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are provided side by side) provided at the tip of the light-receiving element. When the recording sheet 12 is placed on the lower case 101a, light emitted from the light-emitting element is And outputs a high-level signal, for example, to detect the presence or absence of the recording sheet 12 at the stapling position.

(5) Apparatus control system The apparatus control system in this embodiment is constituted by a microcomputer system as shown in FIG.

In the figure, the microcomputer system comprises a CPU 171, a ROM 172, and a RAM 173. The ROM 172 has a sorting processing program (see FIGS. 19 and 20) and a stapling processing program (see FIGS. 25 to 29). Are stored in advance, and the CPU 171 executes each program and
A predetermined control signal is generated by performing input data processing while appropriately exchanging data with the M173.

In such a system, the sheet exit sensor 38, the vertical position detection sensor 65, the lower limit position detection sensor 66, the sheet presence / absence detection sensors 160 and 165, the tamper home position sensor 78, the stapler position detection sensors 121 and 122, Ring position detection sensor 146, dual or single stapling position detection sensor 147, 148, 148a, 148b,
Signals from a start switch 181 for stapling processing, a stapling mode selection switch (button) 182, and the like are transmitted to the CPU 1 via an input interface 174.
The control signal from the CPU 171 is input to the feed motor 18 via the output interface 175 to drive each roller of the sheet conveying system 30.
3. Solenoid 18 for driving switching gate 39
4. It is sent to each control device such as the bin drive motor 58, the tamper drive motor 80, the stapler drive motor 107, the stapler advance / retreat drive motor 115, the processing position moving drive motor 135, the short circuit switch 150, etc., and controls each control device appropriately. It is supposed to. Selection switch 182
Is a switch for selecting any one of the corona stapling, dual stapling, and single stapling to be implemented, as shown in FIG.

In this embodiment, the copying machine body 1
The main body side CPU 176 provided on the 0 side and the CPU 17
1, and various information such as the document size (... B5 size, A4 size ...), posture (portrait or landscape), and the number of copies of the document by the ADF are stored in the CP.
U171 is taken in.

III. Operation of the Apparatus (1) Sorting Processing Outline of Processing It is assumed that the copying machine body 10 has been operated to copy a predetermined number of originals one by one using the ADF and sort the originals.

At this time, a sorting selection signal is taken into the CPU 171 from the main body side CPU 176, and the sorting processing program is executed.

Then, first, the switching gate 38 selects the first sheet conveying path 32 by driving the solenoid 184, and the conveying rollers 34 and 35 and the discharging rollers 36 and 37 are driven by driving the feed motor 183. You. In this state, the recording sheet 12 discharged from the sheet discharge port 11 of the copying machine main body 10 is sequentially conveyed from the common sheet conveying path 31 to the sheet distribution stage S1 through the first sheet conveying path 32. It is sequentially distributed and accommodated in the bin tray 40 that moves sequentially to S1.

FIG. 19 shows a flow of controlling the movement of the bin tray 40 during the sorting process.

In the figure, after the copy is started on the copying machine main body 10 side, the CPU 171 drives the bin driving motor 58 unit by unit at the stage when the sheet exit sensor 38 changes from ON to OFF, so that each bin tray 40 1
Ascend by pitch (step [hereinafter abbreviated as ST]) 1,
2) It is checked whether or not the final copy of the job, that is, the copy job for each page of the document has been completed (ST3).

Next, if the final copy of the job has not been completed, the processing from ST1 to ST3 is repeated.
At the stage where the final copy of the job has been completed, it is checked whether or not all jobs, that is, the copy job of the entire document has been completed (ST4).

Further, when all the jobs have not been completed, when the sheet exit sensor 38 has changed from ON to OFF, the bin drive motor 58 is unit-driven to lower each bin tray 40 by one pitch ( ST5
6) It is checked whether the final copy of the job has been completed (ST7).

If the last copy of the job has not been completed, the processing from ST5 to ST7 is repeated.
At the stage where the final copy of the job has been completed, it is checked whether or not the bin home sensor (corresponding to the lower limit position detection sensor 66) has been turned on (ST8), and then it is checked whether or not all the jobs have been completed (ST9). . At this time, ST9
If it is determined that all the jobs have not been completed, the process returns to ST1 to perform a series of subsequent processes.

In such a process, if it is determined in ST4 or ST9 that all jobs have been completed,
A series of sorting processing ends.

In ST8, the bin home sensor 6
If it is determined that No. 6 is not turned on, a FAIL display is performed (ST10).

(Tamper Movement Control) FIG. 20 shows the flow of movement control of the tamper 71 during the sorting process.

In the same figure, the CPU 171 is
The size information of the recording sheet 12 is fetched from the PU 176 (ST1), and the tamper drive motor 80 is driven to rotate forward in accordance with the motor signal (RA area) shown in FIG. Of the tamper 71 is set to the reference position for each size (a position slightly larger than the storage position of the recording sheet 12) indicated by the alternate long and short dash line (ST2).

Thereafter, by counting the ON → OFF signal of the sheet discharge sensor 38, the number of discharges of the recording sheet 12 is counted (ST3), and the job, that is, the final copy of the copy job for each page of the document is completed. It is checked whether or not the job has been completed (ST4). If it is determined that the final copy of the job has not been completed, the processes of ST3 and ST4 are repeated.

If it is determined in ST4 that the final copy of the job has been completed, the tamper drive motor 80 is rotated forward and reverse within a predetermined range according to the motor signal (R2 area) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 22, the tamper 7 located at the reference position for each size indicated by the solid line.
1 is moved to the edge position of the recording sheet 12 (indicated by a dashed line), the recording sheet 12 is pressed against the positioning wall 48, aligned, and then returned to the size-specific reference position (ST).
5).

Thereafter, it is checked whether or not all copy jobs have been completed (ST6). If it is determined that all copy jobs have not been completed, the processing from ST3 to ST6 is repeated.

If it is determined in ST6 that all copy jobs have been completed, the tamper drive motor 80 is driven in reverse rotation in accordance with the motor signal (R3 area) shown in FIG. As described above, the tamper 71 located at the reference position for each size indicated by the solid line is returned to the home position indicated by the two-dot chain line (ST7), and at this stage, the tamper operation in the sorting process is terminated.
It is determined whether the tamper home sensor 78 has returned to the home position by changing the tamper home sensor 78 from a low level to a high level signal, as shown in FIG.

Specific Example of Sorting Process (See FIG. 24) It is assumed that k sheets of originals are copied n sheets at a time using the ADF and are sorted.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 24A, first, the first original copy recording sheet 12 (1) is placed on the uppermost bin tray 40 located at the sheet distribution stage S1.
After the bin tray 40 (2) is set on the sheet distribution stage S1 as shown in FIGS. 24B and 24C, the bin tray 4
Recording sheets 12 (1) are distributed and stored at 0 (2), and thereafter, bin trays 40 (3).
In (n), the recording sheets 12 (1) are sequentially distributed and accommodated.

Next, when the copying operation of the second original is started, the second original copy recording sheet 12 (2) is sequentially conveyed to the sheet distribution stage S1. Then, Figure 2
4 (d), first, the sheet distribution stage S1
The recording sheets 12 (2) are distributed and stored in the bin tray 40 (n) of the n-th stage located at the position shown in FIG.
As shown in (f), the bin tray 40 (n
After -1) is set on the sheet distribution stage S1,
The recording sheet 12 (2) is placed on the bin tray 40 (n-1).
Are stored in the bin trays 40 (n-2)... 40 (1) from the (n-2) th stage to the top stage.
(2) is sequentially distributed and accommodated.

Thereafter, the same operation is repeated until the k-th original copy is completed.

In such a series of copy jobs,
As shown in FIGS. 24A to 24F, the tamper 71 is set to the reference position for each size at the start of copying, and each bin tray is set in turn from the first sheet to the end of each original copy job. The recording sheet 12 is moved to the edge position of the recording sheet 12 within 40, and the recording sheet 12 is aligned.

(2) Stapling process Basic control of stapling FIG. 25 shows a basic control flow of the bin tray 40 and the stapler 100 during the stapling process.

In the figure, the CPU 171 firstly executes the copying machine main body 10 based on information from the main body side CPU 176.
Check whether or not is in the ADF use mode (ST1).
In the DF use mode, it is checked whether or not the last original copy by the ADF has been completed (ST2). At the stage where the last original copy by the ADF has been completed, it is determined that all the sorting processes have been completed (ST4). If the copying machine body 10 is not in the ADF use mode, it is checked whether or not the manual start switch 181 at the start of the stapling process is on (ST3). If the start switch 181 is on, the sorting process is started. It is determined that all the processes have been completed (ST4).

Thereafter, it is checked whether or not the stapling processing is required according to the output of the first sheet presence / absence detector 160 (ST5). If it is determined that the stapling processing is required, the bin tray 40 is set to one. The bin tray 40 is moved down by the pitch, and the bin tray 40 is set at the initial stapling position so that the bin tray 40 at the uppermost stage or the bin tray 40 corresponding to the sorting number is located at the post-processing stage S2 (ST6).

Thereafter, it is checked whether the stapling mode is the dual mode, the single mode or the corner mode according to the information from the stapling mode selection switch 182 (ST7). Execute ring processing (ST
8) If the single stapling is performed, the single stapling process is executed (ST10), and if the single stapling mode is set, the corona stapling process is executed (ST9).

Then, when a series of stapling processes is completed, or when it is determined in step ST5 that stapling process is not required (the sheet presence detector 1
If the mode is not selected in ST7, or if the mode is not selected in ST7, the uppermost bin tray 40 is arranged on the sheet distribution stage S1 in preparation for the next sorting process. In the sorting initial position, each bin tray 40
Is returned (ST11), a series of processing ends.

FIG. 26 shows the process of ST8 in FIG. 25.

The CPU 171 first detects the size and posture of the recording sheet 12 (ST1). In this embodiment, the size and orientation of the original are detected by the CPU 176 of the copying machine main body, and
The information is received from the PU 176. Next, it is determined whether or not the detected size is appropriate (ST2). That is,
The sheet distributing and storing apparatus in this embodiment is a “B5 size-
"Vertical", "B4 size-horizontal", "A4 size-vertical", "A3 size-
It is possible to perform dual stapling for `` horizontal '', determine whether the detected size and posture are compatible with these sizes and postures, and if they are out of the target, The fact that there is an error in the mode selection by the mode selection switch 182 is displayed on the operation panel (ST
3), this process ends.

In ST2, the target recording sheet 1
If the size and posture of the CPU 2 are appropriate, the CPU 17
1 moves the movable carriage 131 by driving the drive motor 135, stops the drive motor 135 based on information from the position detection sensor 147, and sets the stapler 100 to the dual stapling position P1 (S
T4). This dual stapling position P1 is "B
"5 size-vertical", "B4 size-horizontal", "A4 size-vertical", "A
This is a common position for both "3 size-horizontal".

At this stage, the basic stapling operation is performed (ST5), and it is checked whether or not the stapling target is the last bin tray 40 (ST6). If not, the bin tray 40 is raised by one pitch. Alternatively, the bin tray 40 to be stapled is set on the post-processing stage S2 by moving it downward (S
T7) After that, the stapling target is the last bin tray 4
The processing from ST5 to ST7 is repeated until the value becomes 0.

At the stage where the stapling process has been performed on the last bin tray 40, the size and orientation of the target recording sheet 12 detected in ST1 are
Either "B5 size-portrait" or "B4 size-width" or "A
It is determined whether the image corresponds to “4 size-vertical” or “A3 size-horizontal” (ST8). If “B5 size-vertical” or “B4 size-horizontal”, the driving motor 135 is driven. The movable carriage 131 is moved, the drive motor 135 is stopped based on the information from the position detection sensor 148, and the stapler 100 is set at the dual stapling position P2 (ST9). In ST8, "A4 size-vertical" or "A
In the case of "3 size-horizontal", the movable carriage 131 is moved by driving the drive motor 135, the drive motor 135 is stopped based on information from the position detection sensor 148a, and the stapler is moved to the dual stapling position P3. 100 is set (ST10).

At this stage, the basic stapling operation is performed (ST11), and it is checked whether or not the stapling target is the last bin tray 40 (ST12). If not, the bin tray 40 is raised by one pitch. Alternatively, the bin tray 40 to be stapled is set on the post-processing stage S2 (ST13), and thereafter, the processes from ST11 to ST13 are repeated until the stapling target becomes the final bin tray 40.

If it is determined in ST12 that the object to be stapled is the last bin tray 40, the movable carriage 131 is moved by driving the drive motor 135, and the drive motor 135 is driven based on the information from the position detection sensor 146. Is stopped, and the stapler 100 is moved to the corona stapling position (initial position in this embodiment) P0.
Is returned (ST14), and at this stage, it is determined that the stapling process is completed (ST15).

シ ン グ ル Single stapling process FIG. 27 shows the process of ST10 in FIG.

First, the CPU 171 detects the size and posture of the recording sheet 12 (ST1). In this embodiment, the CPU 176 of the copying machine main body detects the size and orientation of the original, and
76 to receive this information. Next, it is determined whether the detected size and posture are appropriate (ST
2). In this embodiment, "B5 size-horizontal" and "A
If single stapling is possible for "4 size-horizontal" and the detected size and posture do not conform to these, a message is displayed on the operation panel to the effect that there was an error in the mode selection by the mode selection switch 182. (ST3),
This processing ends.

It is determined whether the size and posture detected in ST1 correspond to "B5 size-width" or "A4 size-width" (ST4), and correspond to "B5 size-width". In this case, the movable carriage 131 is moved by driving the drive motor 135, the drive motor 135 is stopped based on information from the position detection sensor 148a, and the stapler 100 is set to the single stapling position P3 (ST5). . In ST4, when it is determined that “A4 size-horizontal” is satisfied, the movable carriage 131 is moved by driving the drive motor 135, and the drive motor 135 is stopped based on information from the position detection sensor 148b. The stapler 100 is set at the single stapling position P4 (ST6).

At this stage, the basic stapling operation is performed (ST7), and it is checked whether or not the stapling target is the last bin tray 40 (ST8). If not, the bin tray 40 is raised by one pitch. Alternatively, the bin tray 40 to be stapled is set on the post-processing stage S2 by moving it downward (S
T9) After that, the stapling target is the last bin tray 4
The processing from ST7 to ST9 is repeated until the value becomes 0.

If it is determined in ST8 that the stapling target is the last bin tray 40, the movable carriage 131 is moved by driving the drive motor 135, and the drive motor 135 is moved based on the information from the position detection sensor 146. Is stopped, the stapler 100 is returned to the corona stapling position (initial position in this embodiment) P0 (ST10), and it is determined at this stage that the stapling process is completed (ST11).

FIG. 28 shows the processing of ST9 in FIG.

In the figure, the CPU 171 first checks whether or not the stapler 100 is located at the corona stapling position (initial position) P0 (ST1). Is moved, the drive motor 135 is stopped based on the information from the position detection sensor 146, and the stapler 100 is set to the corona stapling position P0 (ST
2).

Then, when it is confirmed that the stapler 100 is at the corona stapling position P0, the basic stapling operation is performed (ST3), and it is checked whether or not the stapling target is the last bin tray 40 (ST4). If the last bin tray 40 is not the last bin tray 40, the bin tray 40 is moved up or down by one pitch to set the next bin tray 40 to be stapled on the post-processing stage S2 (ST5). ST3 to ST until
The processing up to 5 is repeated.

At the stage where the stapling process has been performed on the last bin tray 40, it is determined that the stapling process has been completed (ST6).

In the above-described corona stapling processing, unlike the dual stapling processing or the single stapling processing shown in FIG. 26 or 27, the detection of the size and orientation of the recording sheet is not particularly performed. . This is because the recording sheet 12 is the bin tray 4
This is because the stapling position does not differ regardless of the size or posture of the recording sheet 12 because the recording sheet 12 is aligned along the positioning wall 48 by the tamper 71 or the like regardless of its size and posture. .

Basic Stapling Operation (Stapler) FIG. 29 shows the operation flow of the stapler 100 during the basic stapling operation.

In the figure, the CPU 171 first moves the stapler 1 to the stapling execution position A (see FIG. 13).
00 (ST1), and the sheet presence detector 16
It is checked whether or not a stapling operation is required based on the information from Step 5 (ST2). That is, it is detected whether or not the recording sheet 12 exists at the target stapling position, and it is determined that the stapling operation is required only when the recording sheet 12 exists.

Then, when it is determined that the stapling operation is required, the stapling operation is executed (ST3).
Thereafter, the stapler 100 is moved backward to the evacuation position B (see FIG. 12) (ST4). On the other hand, if it is determined that the stapling operation is not required, the stapler 100 is immediately moved backward to the evacuation position (ST4). Stapler 100
The basic operation of is ended.

Basic Stapling Operation (Tampering) FIG. 30 shows the operation flow of the tamper 71 during the basic stapling operation.

In the figure, the CPU 171 first moves and sets the tamper 71 to the reference position for each size (see FIG. 21) (ST1), and then the stapler 100 sets the stapling execution position based on the information from the position detection sensor 121. A (ST2), and if it is determined that the stapler 100 is at the stapling execution position A, the tamper 71 is moved to the sheet holding position as shown in FIG.
Is moved (ST3).

Next, it is checked whether or not the stapler 100 is at the retreat position B based on the information from the position detection sensor 122 (ST4). When it is determined that the stapler 100 is at the retreat position B, as shown in FIG. Then, the tamper 71 located at the sheet holding position is moved to the size-specific reference position (ST5).

Before the final stapling operation is performed, the tamper 7 is returned to the size-specific reference position.
When the basic stapling operation is completed with 1 being set, and it is determined that the final stapling operation has been performed (ST6), the tamper 71 is returned to the home position (ST7), and then the basic stapling operation is completed. I do.

A specific example of stapling processing (corresponding to the processing in FIG. 26) Now, for example, k originals are copied n sheets at a time using an ADF, and these are sorted, and further, dual stapling is performed. Suppose

At this time, assuming that the number of originals k is an even number, as shown in FIG. 31A, when the sorting process is completed, the uppermost bin tray 40 (1) is positioned at the sheet distribution stage S1. The bin trays 40 are arranged at the sorting initial position where the stapling is performed.
00 is set to the corona stapling position (initial position) P0.

In this state, as shown in FIG. 31B, first, each bin tray 40 is moved down by one pitch, and the uppermost bin tray 40 (1) is set to the post-processing stage S2, and the mode is selected. By selecting the dual mode with the switch 182, the stapler 100 is set to the first dual stapling position P1, and the recording sheet 12 for the uppermost bin tray 40 (1) is set.
A staple 105 is driven into one side edge of the staple.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 31 (c) and 31 (d), the bin tray 40 is sequentially moved up by one pitch.
The bin trays 40 (2)... 40 (n) of the second and subsequent stages are sequentially moved to the post-processing stage S2, and the bin trays 40 (2)... To be stapled by the stapler 100 set to the dual stapling position P1. 4
Staples 105 are sequentially driven into one side edge of the recording sheet 12 for 0 (n).

Then, the dual stapling position P1
At the stage where the stapling for the last bin tray 40 (n) is completed, as shown in FIG. 32 (e), the stapler 100 is moved to the second dual stapling position P2.
And a staple 105 is driven into one edge of the recording sheet 12 with respect to the last bin tray 40 (n).

Next, as shown in FIGS. 32 (f) and 32 (g), the bin tray 40 is sequentially moved down by one pitch.
Bin trays 40 (n-1) from the (n-1) th stage to the top stage ...
40 (1) are sequentially set to move to the post-processing stage S2,
Staples 105 are sequentially driven by the stapler 100 set at the dual stapling position P2 on one side edge of the recording sheet 12 for each bin tray 40 (n-1)... 40 (1) to be stapled.

At the stage where the stapling process for the uppermost bin tray 40 (1) is completed, a series of stapling processes is completed, and as shown in FIG. 32 (h), each bin tray 40 is moved to the sorting initial position. At the same time, the stapler 100 also returns to the corona stapling position (initial position) P0.

If the number of documents k is an odd number, the bin tray 40 (n) of the n-th stage is located at the sheet distribution stage S1 when the sorting process is completed. In the ringing process, first, the bin trays 40 are moved down by one pitch, the bin tray 40 (n) of the n-th stage is set on the post-processing stage S2, and the stapler 100 is set to the dual stapling position P1. Each bin tray 40 is moved downward by one pitch, and each bin tray 40 (n)... 40
The stapling is sequentially performed on the recording sheet 12 of (1), and then the stapler 100 is set at the dual stapling position P2. Thereafter, the bin trays 40 are moved upward by one pitch, and the bin trays 40 (1) are moved. … 4
Stapling is sequentially performed on the recording sheet 12 of 0 (n).

In the above embodiment, the case where the stapler is used as the post-processing unit has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a hole is formed in a predetermined portion of the recording sheet. It can be configured using a puncher.

[0123]

According to the present invention, as described in detail above, mode selection means corresponding to a plurality of post-processing modes such as a corner mode, a single mode, and a dual mode are provided on an operation panel, and selected by the mode selection means. The post-processing mode and the size and orientation of the recording sheet detected by the size detection means determine the position to be post-processed by the post-processing unit. The number of selection buttons and the like can be reduced as compared with those employing selection buttons and the like in which each mode is combined, thereby improving operability and reducing erroneous operations (erroneous selection). This has the effect that it can be performed.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory view showing an outline of a sheet distribution and storage device according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a mode selection means (switch) provided on an operation panel according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of a sheet distribution and storage device according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along the line aa in FIG.

FIG. 5 is an arrow view as viewed from a direction b in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a front view showing details of a bin tray moving system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing details of a bin tray moving system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view illustrating details of a sheet alignment mechanism according to the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of a stapler according to an example.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of a stapler according to an example.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating details of a stapler according to an example.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an advancing and retracting operation state of the stapler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an advance / retreat operation state of the stapler according to the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory plan view illustrating details of a stapling processing position moving system according to the embodiment;

FIG. 15 is a view as viewed in the direction of arrow c in FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 is a sectional view taken along line dd in FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram illustrating a principle of stopping a drive motor of a stapler processing position moving system.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram illustrating a device control system according to the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a bin tray during a sorting process in the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an operation process of a sheet alignment mechanism during a sorting process in the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram illustrating details of an operation process of the sheet alignment mechanism.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram illustrating details of an operation process of the sheet alignment mechanism.

FIG. 23 is a timing chart showing an example of a drive signal for the sheet alignment mechanism.

FIG. 24 is a schematic diagram showing a specific operation example of a bin tray and a sheet alignment mechanism in a sorting process in the embodiment.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing a stapling process in the embodiment.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of dual stapling.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of single stapling.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of a corpus stapling.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a stapler control process at the time of a basic stapling operation.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a tamper control process during a basic stapling operation.

FIG. 31 is a schematic view showing a specific operation example of the bin tray and the stapler in the stapling process in the embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing a specific operation example of the bin tray and the stapler in the stapling process in the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 S1 Sheet distribution stage S2 Post-processing stage 1 Housing 2 Image recording device 3 Sheet discharge port 4 Recording sheet 5 Sheet transport means 6 Bin tray 7 Post-processing unit 9a Sheet size detecting means 9b Mode selecting means 9 Post-processing control means

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] An image recording apparatus, comprising :
The recorded sheet to a preset sheet distribution stage.
Sheet conveying means for conveying the recording sheet, and the distribution timing of the recording sheet
To move to the above-mentioned sheet distribution stage according to the
After the number of bin trays and different from the above sheet distribution stage
Predetermined post-processing for post-processing target position in processing stage
And a post-processing unit for performing the following: a size detection unit for detecting the size and orientation of the recording sheet is provided, and the side opposite to the side serving as a reference for the widthwise alignment of the recording sheets in the bin tray Mode selection for selecting one of a plurality of post-processing modes including a first processing mode in which post-processing is performed at a corner of the recording sheet, and a second processing mode in which post-processing is performed at two locations in the middle of the recording sheet Means are provided on the operation panel, and the post-processing target position is determined from the size and orientation of the recording sheet detected by the size detection means and the post-processing mode selected by the mode selection means. A sheet distributing and storing apparatus characterized by the above-mentioned.