JP2737371B2 - Sheet distribution and storage device - Google Patents

Description

Description: 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 a recording sheet. The present invention relates to an improvement in a sheet distributing and accommodating apparatus which enables post-processing such as stapling and punching after distributing and accommodating sheets.

[Conventional technology]

Generally, as a sheet distributing and storing apparatus called a sorter, a sheet conveying path is formed in a housing, and conveying rollers are appropriately disposed along the sheet conveying path, and are used for an image recording apparatus such as a copying machine or a printer. The recording sheet discharged from the sheet discharge port is transported to a preset sheet distribution stage, while one side of the housing includes:
In some cases, a plurality of bin trays are arranged in the vertical direction, and 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.

In many cases, post-processing such as stapling is usually performed on the recording sheets distributed and stored in the sorter described above. A post-processing unit such as a stapler is incorporated in the sorter, and the post-processing is automatically performed in the sorter. There is a request to make it happen.

As a sorter responding to such a request, for example, those described in JP-A-63-41360, JP-A-63-252872,
The one in Japanese Patent Publication No. 64-302 has already been known.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, in the former type (JP-A-63-41360), the post-processing by the stapler is performed after the recording sheet bundle distributed and stored in the bin tray is stored again in the post-processing tray. Inevitably, a post-processing tray must be provided separately from the bin tray, and a conveying means for conveying the recording sheet bundle to the tray for post-processing must be provided. In addition to the complication, when the recording sheet bundle is transferred to the post-processing tray, the recording sheet bundle once aligned in the bin tray may vary, and the post-processing by the stapler tends to be useless. There are technical issues.

In addition, the latter (JP-A-63-252872, JP-B-64-302)
Type), a stapler is arranged 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 (the recording sheets stored in the bin tray). (A stapling process for one corner of the bundle), so that the technical problem of the former type can be avoided, but one side edge of the recording sheet bundle is stapled at two locations. This causes a technical problem that the dual stapling process cannot be performed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made to solve the above-described technical problem, and it is possible to avoid a reduction in post-processing quality due to a post-processing unit such as a stapler while complicating the apparatus configuration, and to reduce a side of a recording sheet bundle. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet distributing and accommodating apparatus that enables post-processing by a post-processing unit such as a stapler at an arbitrary position along an edge.

[Means for solving the problem]

That is, as shown in FIGS. 1 (a) and 1 (b), for example, the present invention provides a recording sheet disposed in a housing 1 and discharged from a sheet discharge port 3 of an image recording apparatus 2 such as a copying machine or a printer. 4 is a preset sheet distribution stage S1
Sheet transporting means 5 for transporting the recording sheet 4 and bin trays 6 arranged vertically in one side of the housing 1 and sequentially moving to the sheet distribution stage S1 according to the distribution timing of the recording sheets 4. 6, a space inside the housing 1 that is located below or above the sheet conveying means 5 and extends in the width direction of the sheet conveying means 5 on the assumption that the recording sheets 4 are sequentially distributed and accommodated in the sheet conveying means 5. , A position moving means 8 for movably supporting the post-processing unit 7 over at least the width direction of the sheet conveying means 5, and when the sheet distributing and storing operation is completed, After the post-processing unit 7 is moved and set to a predetermined post-processing target position in a post-processing stage S2 different from the sheet distribution stage S1, each bin tray And a post-processing control means 9 for sequentially performing predetermined post-processing by the post-processing unit 7 at a position along one side edge of the recording sheet 4 distributed and accommodated therein. It is.

In such technical means, the sheet transporting means 5 may be appropriately changed in design as long as it can transport the recording sheet 4 to the sheet distribution stage S1. In this case, from the viewpoint of facilitating the handling of the discharged recording sheet 4 when the sorting process is unnecessary, a sheet storage tray is provided separately from the bin tray 6, and the recording sheet 4 is stored on the sheet storage tray side. It is preferable to design it.

Further, the number of the bin trays 6 can be appropriately selected according to the required sorting ability, and the configuration of the bin tray 6 can accommodate the discharged recording sheets 4 in a state where they are positioned at predetermined positions. It is necessary to change the design as appropriate, such as forming a positioning flange on the bin tray 6 itself, or using a vertical wall or the like of the sorter housing 1 as a positioning portion. Further, in order to align the recording sheets 4 accommodated in the bin tray 6 at a predetermined position, it is preferable to provide a sheet aligning means for aligning the recording sheets 4 with the positioning unit at predetermined timing.

Further, the moving means of the bin tray 6 may be appropriately changed in design as long as the bin tray 6 can be sequentially moved to the sheet distribution stage S1, but the height of the sorter housing 1 is reduced. From this viewpoint, it is preferable to set the gap between the bin trays 6 as narrow as possible within a range that does not hinder the sorting processing and the post-processing.

Furthermore, the post-processing stage S2 may be at least a portion different from the sheet distribution stage S1, but from the viewpoint of avoiding useless movement of the bin tray 6 when shifting from the sorting process to the post-processing,
It is preferable to arrange the post-processing stage S2 and the sheet distribution stage S1 close to each other.

The post-processing unit 7 includes a recording sheet 4
As long as the post-processing can be performed on one side edge portion and there is a request to change the post-processing target position, a stapler, a puncher, or the like can be appropriately selected.

In this case, the post-processing unit 7 may be retracted to a retreat position which does not interfere with the vertical movement of the bin tray 6 when post-processing is not performed, or may advance to the post-processing execution position when post-processing is performed, or 6
When the post-processing is performed, the target bin tray 6 in the post-processing stage S2 is advanced toward the post-processing unit 7 to perform the post-processing. The design can be changed.

Here, in the former type, it is necessary to design so that the post-processing unit 7 that has advanced to the post-processing execution position does not interfere with the target bin tray 6 in the post-processing stage S2 when the post-processing is performed. As a specific means, for example, a notch is formed in a portion of the bin tray 6 corresponding to the post-processing execution position, or in a type in which a gap between the bin trays 6 is set as narrow as possible, By devising the moving means, it is possible to appropriately select, for example, to increase the gap between the target bin tray 6 and the bin trays 6 above and below.

Further, in the latter type, it is necessary to design the recording sheets 4 accommodated in the bin tray 6 so as not to damage the alignment state. The upper tray is pulled out toward the post-processing unit 7 by the drawer supporting means provided on the post-processing stage S2, and post-processing is performed on the recording sheet 6 stored in the upper tray. Alternatively, a telescopic gripper is attached to the post-processing unit 7 side, and the recording sheet 4 in the target bin tray 6 is pulled out to the post-processing unit 7 by the gripper.
Can be appropriately selected, for example, by performing post-processing.

In addition, the post-processing unit 7 may normally include a single processing function unit. However, when the relative positional relationship between a plurality of post-processing target positions is fixed, a plurality of post-processing It may have a functional unit.

Further, post-processing by the post-processing unit 7 includes:
This may be performed for all bin trays that have been subjected to the sorting process. However, in a case where the recording sheet 4 is removed from the bin tray 6, it is possible to eliminate unnecessary post-processing operations by the post-processing unit 7. For example, it is preferable that a sheet presence / absence detecting means for detecting whether or not the recording sheet 4 in the target bin tray 6 exists is provided in the post-processing unit 7.

In addition, the position moving means 8 can move at least the post-processing unit 7 along a predetermined moving path, and can accurately stop the post-processing unit 7 at a predetermined post-processing target position. If it is designed, the design may be changed as appropriate.

Here, the movement path of the post-processing unit 7 may normally be a straight line along one side edge of the recording sheet 4, but in particular, when a stapler is used as the post-processing unit 7, From the viewpoint of improving the preservability of the recording sheet 4 by the corona stapling that applies stapling to the corner portion of the sheet 4, the staple position of the corner portion is inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the direction along one side edge of the recording sheet 4. In this case, for example, in this case, the position moving means 8 is opposed to a linear guide portion extending along one side edge of the recording sheet 4 and one side edge corner of the recording sheet 4. What is necessary is just to design so that it may be equipped with the curved guide part which bends.

Further, the post-processing control means 9 causes the post-processing unit 7 to perform predetermined post-processing. First, the post-processing unit 7 is moved to a predetermined post-processing target position and set.
After setting the target bin tray 6 to the post-processing stage S2, it controls only the post-processing unit 7 or the post-processing unit 7 and its associated mechanism (in the case of the bin tray movable type, bin tray pull-out means, etc.). is there.

In this case, each control function of the post-processing control means 9 can be appropriately selected according to the function to be realized.

For example, regarding the position control of the post-processing unit 7, the post-processing unit 7 is stopped at a predetermined post-processing target position based on information from the position detection sensor, or the post-processing unit 7 The amount of movement of the processing unit 7 from the reference position can be obtained, and the post-processing unit 7 can be appropriately selected by moving the post-processing unit 7 by the obtained amount of movement.

Regarding the processing control of the post-processing unit 7, when the image recording apparatus is a copying machine with an ADF (Auto Document Feeder), and in the ADF use mode, when the copying of the last document by the ADF is completed. In a type in which the post-processing by the post-processing unit 7 is started, or in the type in which the sheet-presence detecting means is added to the post-processing unit 7, when the sheet-presence detecting means detects that the recording sheet 4 is not present, The post-processing operation for the recording sheet 4 in the target bin tray is canceled, and the next target bin tray is immediately moved to the post-processing stage S2. To move the post-processing unit 7 to
In a type in which post-processing is performed at each post-processing target position, the post-processing unit 7 may be moved to the post-processing target position for each bin tray 6 and post-processing may be performed each time. At the stage where the post-processing unit 7 is moved and set to one post-processing target position in consideration of the efficiency of the operation,
At the post-processing target position, a predetermined post-processing can be continuously performed on the recording sheets 4 stored in the bin trays 6, for example.

[Operation] According to the technical means described above, FIG.
As shown in (b), the recording sheets 4 discharged from the image recording apparatus 2 are sequentially conveyed to a sheet distribution stage S1 through a sheet conveying means 5 and sequentially distributed and stored in each bin tray 6.

When the sorting process of the recording sheets 4 is completed, the post-processing control unit 8 sequentially sets the target bin tray 6 to the post-processing stage S2, and sets a predetermined post-processing target position (M1 or M2 in FIG. 1 (b)). ), The post-processing unit 7 is moved and set, and then the post-processing unit 7 sequentially performs post-processing by the post-processing unit 7 at a post-processing target location along one side edge of the recording sheet 4 stored in the target bin tray 6.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in detail based on embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

Table of Contents I. Outline of the equipment II. Configuration of each part of the equipment (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 configuration of stapler (4-b) Stapler advance / retreat movement system (4-c) Stapler processing position movement system (4-d) Sheet presence detection system (5) Device control system III. Operation of device (1) Sorting process ( 2) Stapling process IV. Modification of device I. Outline of device FIGS. 2 and 3 show an ADF (Auto Document Fee) not shown.
1 is provided with a sheet distributing and accommodating apparatus (hereinafter, referred to as a sorter in this embodiment) 20 to which the present invention is applied.

In the figure, 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 is provided.

A plurality of (in this embodiment, 20) bin trays 40 are provided at positions facing the recess 23 so as to be vertically movable, and the projecting end of each bin tray 40 projects from the recess 23. It is supposed to be. On the other hand, on the top of the housing 21, a non-sorting tray 25 used when sorting processing is unnecessary is arranged.

Further, a sheet introduction port 26 is opened in the housing plate 21a corresponding to the sheet discharge port 11 of the copying machine body 10, and a recording sheet introduced from the sheet introduction port 26 is provided.
Numeral 12 is conveyed to each bin tray 40 or the non-sorting tray 25 via the sheet conveying system 30.

Further, a sheet aligning mechanism 70 is disposed 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 the sorting process, and performs stapling. At the time of processing, the recording sheet 12 is pressed.

Further, a stapler 100 is disposed in a space inside the housing 21 which is located below the sheet conveying system 30 and extends in the width direction of the sheet conveying system 30.
The part facing 00 is set as the post-processing stage S2. Then, the stapler 100 performs dual stapling on one side edge of the recording sheet 12 accommodated in the bin tray 40 located on the post-processing stage S2, or stapling a corner of the recording sheet 12. It is supposed to.

II. Configuration of Each Part of Apparatus (1) Sheet Transport System In FIG. 3, the sheet transport system 30 has a common sheet transport path 31 extending from the sheet inlet 26 to the inside of the housing 21.
A first sheet conveyance path 32 going downward from the common sheet conveyance path 31 and a second sheet conveyance path 33 going upward are branched, and the first sheet conveyance path 32 is a sheet distribution stage (where the recording sheet 12 is stored). The first sheet conveyance path 33 communicates with 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 at the leading end of each sheet conveying path 32, 33. Discharge rollers 36 and 37 are provided respectively. Further, immediately before the discharge roller 36 of the first sheet conveying path 33, the recording sheet
For example, a sheet exit sensor (hereinafter, sometimes abbreviated as EXIT SNR) 38 that outputs a high-level signal when 12 passes is provided.

Reference numeral 39 is provided in the common sheet conveying path 31.
A switching gate for switching and selecting one of the sheet conveying paths 32 and 33.

(2) Bin Tray (2-a) Basic Configuration In FIGS. 2 to 4, the bin tray 40 is arranged obliquely downward at a predetermined angle toward the opening 24 side of the recess 23, and in the width direction thereof. A flat plate-shaped tray base 41 slightly inclined toward the front side (corresponding to the width direction of the sheet conveying path 32), a positioning flange 42 erected on an edge of the tray base 41 on the opening 24 side, and Notches 43, 44, 45 for stapling by the stapler 80 formed at three places (two places sandwiching one corner and the center) on the side edge of the opening 24 of the tray base 41; 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 41, and a substantially notch formed near the positioning flange 42 on the back side in the width direction of the tray base 41. With a triangular tamper opening 47
In addition, as a configuration of the bin tray 40, the positioning flange
A reinforcing flange may be formed at one end edge or the like located on the back side of the tray base 41 adjacent to 42 so as to increase the rigidity of the bin tray 40.

Further, a housing plate which defines a portion on the front side of the recess 23 of the housing 21 functions as a positioning wall 48 of the recording sheet 12 accommodated in the bin tray 40.

Note that at least the protruding side edges 46a and 47a of the bin tray 40 of the gripping notch 46 and the tamper opening 47 are formed to be inclined at a predetermined angle with respect to the width direction of the bin tray 40, and the recording sheet is used during the sorting process. Care is taken so that when the 12 enters the bin tray 40, it is not blocked by the notch 46 or the edge of the opening 47.

(2-b) Bin tray moving system In FIGS. 4 to 6, a pair of engaging pins 51, 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.

The cam screw is provided on each of the housings 21 located on both sides in the width direction of the recess 23 corresponding to each of the engagement pins 51 to 53.
55 to 57 are rotatably erected, and each engagement pin 51 to 53
Are engaged with the cam grooves 55a to 57a of the respective cam screws 55 to 57.

In this embodiment, the pitch of each of the cam grooves 55a to 57a 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 tray 40 located at the sheet distribution stage S1 and the post-processing stage S2
Are in a continuous positional relationship, and the bin tray 40 located on the sheet distribution stage S1 and the bin tray 40 located above the bin tray 40
Set to sufficiently larger than the gap g ₀ between each gap g ₂ is another bin tray 40 between the bin tray 40 positioned bin tray 40 and on the upper and lower positioned in the gap g ₁ and post-processing stage S2 of between Have been. Here, the gaps g ₁ and g ₂ are set in a range that does not hinder the sorting process and the stapling process, and the gap g ₀ is set in a range where the bin tray 40 does not 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, a drive pulley 59 fixed to an output shaft of the bin drive motor 58, and the cam screw 55. Driven pulleys 60 to 62 attached to lower ends of 55 to 57, and a driving belt 63 stretched between the driving 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 driving motor 58 to the cam screws 55 to 57 at the same timing.

In this embodiment, each of the cam screws 55 to
At the stage where 57 rotates once, each bin tray 40 moves up or down by one pitch.

In FIG. 3, reference numeral 65 denotes an upper limit position detection sensor for detecting that the uppermost bin tray 40 has reached the upper limit position, and 66 denotes a lowermost bin tray 40.
Is a lower-limit position detection sensor that detects that has reached the lower-limit position.

(3) Sheet Alignment Mechanism In FIG. 7, the sheet alignment mechanism 70 is connected to a flat tamper 71 penetrating through the tamper opening 47 of each bin tray 40 and upper and lower ends of the tamper 71, respectively. A pair of movable support mechanisms 72 and 73 that support the tamper 71 so as to be able to move forward and backward along the width direction of the bin tray 40, and a sheet alignment drive system 80 that drives the movable support mechanisms 72 and 73 are provided.

In this embodiment, the movable support mechanisms 72, 73 rotatably support a ball screw shaft 75 between a pair of bearing brackets 74 (one not shown), and a nut 76 is screwed onto the ball screw shaft 75. The nut 76 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) 81, two drive pulleys 82 and 83 fixed to an output shaft of the tamper drive motor 81, and each movable support mechanism 72. , 73 ball screw shaft 75
Driven pulleys 84, 85 fixed to the drive pulleys 82, 83
And timing belts 86, 87 which are respectively stretched between the driven pulleys 84, 85.

The nut 76 of the lower movable support mechanism 73 is provided with a projecting piece 77 for position detection, and the projecting piece 77 is provided at a home position sensor 78 corresponding to the home position.
At this point (in this embodiment, 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 low level signal is output from the home position sensor 78, and the tamper 71 reaches the home position. It is designed to detect that.

(4) Stapler (4-a) Basic configuration of the stapler In this embodiment, the stapler 100 uses the processing position moving system 125 to set the corona stapling position P0 corresponding to the notches 43, 44, and 45 of the bin tray 40, and the dual stapling. The movement is set to the positions P1 and P2. In this case, the stapler 100 set at the corona stapling position P0 is disposed so as to be inclined 45 ° above the horizontal plane as compared with the case where the stapler 100 is set at the dual stapling positions P1 and P2.

The basic configuration of the stapler 100 is, for example, as shown in FIG. 8A, a lower case 101a as a support base.
The base end of the movable arm 102 is rotatably supported by a pivot 103, and the movable arm 102 is provided with an upper case 101b coaxial with the movable arm 102 and biased toward the movable arm by a biasing spring (not shown). A staple storage section 104 is provided in the upper case 101b, and a driving mechanism 1 for driving a stapler 105 is provided at the tip of the movable arm 102.
06, and the driving force of the stapler drive motor 107 is
By transmitting the driving force to the movable arm 102 via a driving force transmission mechanism 108 including a cam 08b, a cam 108b, and a link arm 108c, the movable arm 102 is swung downward during a stapling operation, and FIGS. 8 (b) and 8 (c). As shown in the lower case
The stapler 105 is driven into the bundle of recording sheets 12 by the driving mechanism 106 which descends together with the movable arm 102 while the bundle of recording sheets 12 is held between the 101a and the upper case 101b.

(4-b) Staple advance / retract movement system As shown in FIG. 9 (a), the advance / retreat movement system of the stapler 100 attaches a guide rail 112 along the advance / retreat direction of the stapler 100 to the support bracket 111, and the guide rail 112.
On the upper side, a movable plate 113 on which the stapler 100 is installed is movably supported via a guide roller 114, while an advancing / retracting drive motor 115 is provided on the support bracket,
A cam arm 116 extending in the radial direction of the output shaft is fixed to the output shaft of the advance / retreat drive motor 115, and an engagement pin 117 is provided at a free end of rotation of the cam arm 116. An engaging plate 118 formed with an engaging slit 119 extending in the up-down direction is fixed, and the engaging pin 117 is movably engaged with the engaging slit 119 of the engaging plate 118.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9 (a), the stapler 100 is disposed at a retreat position B which does not interfere with the bin tray 40 during the vertical movement of the bin tray 40,
At the stage where the forward / backward drive motor 115 has rotated half a
As shown in FIG.
17 slides along the engagement slit 119 while the engagement plate 1
In order to push 18 toward the bin tray 40, the movable plate 113 advances to a predetermined position, and the stapler 100 is set to the stapling execution position A.

The stapler 100 located at the stapling execution position returns to the retreat position B shown in FIG. 9A again when the advance / retreat drive motor 115 further rotates half a turn, and thereafter, the advance / retreat drive motor 115 rotates half a turn. Each time the stapler 100 moves forward and backward.

The stapler 100 is placed on the support bracket 111.
The position detection sensors 121 and 122 are provided for detecting that the is located at any of the stapling execution position A and the retreat position B. The position detection sensors 121 and 122 are transmission optical sensors in which a light-emitting element and a light-receiving element are arranged to face each other. Position detection is performed by blocking.

(4-c) Stapler processing position moving system In FIGS. 10 to 12, 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 a stapler along the guide rail 126. Movable trolley 131 to move 100 and this movable trolley
And a stop position detection device 145 for detecting the stop position of the 131.

In this embodiment, the guide rail 126 includes a linear guide portion 127 extending along the rising flange 42 of the bin tray 40, and a curved guide portion 128 that curves to face a corner portion corresponding to the notch 43 of the bin tray 40. The guide rail 126 has a cut groove 129 formed in the longitudinal direction thereof, and a rack 130 is provided on one side edge of the cut groove 129.

In addition, the movable carriage 131 has a rectangular movable plate 1.
Guide rollers 133 are attached to both sides of 32.
It is movably provided on the upper surface of the guide rail 126 along the cut groove 129.

The support bracket 111 of the above-described stapler 100 is provided at one end of the movable plate 132 with the cut groove 129.
The support bracket 111 is bent downward in a substantially L-shape, and the stapler 100 is installed on the horizontal portion of the support bracket 111 via a stapler advance / retreat movement system. and again,
At the other end of the movable plate 132, a substantially inverted L-shaped support bracket 134 is bent downward through the cut groove 129, and a horizontal portion of the support bracket 134 has a drive motor for moving the processing position. (In this embodiment, a stepping motor) 135 is mounted, and 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 is provided. A transmission belt 139 is stretched between the pinion 136 and a driven pulley 138 fixed coaxially. Reference numeral 140 denotes a guide pulley rotatably supported by the movable plate 132 and engaged with one side edge of the cut groove 129 located on the opposite side of the rack 130.

Further, in this embodiment, the stop position detecting device 145
Are position detection sensors 146 for installing the stapler 100 at the corona stapling position P0, position detection sensors 147 and 148 for installing the stapler 100 at the dual stapling positions P1 and P2, and one side edge of the movable plate 132. And a protruding piece 149 that protrudes outwardly from the Each of the position detection sensors 146 to 148 has a light emitting element and a light receiving element opposed to each other at the upper and lower portions of the U-shaped case, and the protruding piece 149 reaches any of the position detection sensors 146 to 148. At this time, the optical path of the sensor 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. 13, reference numeral 150 denotes a drive motor 135.
Is a short-circuit switch that short-circuits the position detection sensor 14
The drive motor 135 is short-circuited when any of the outputs 6 to 148 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. 3 and 4, one sheet presence / absence detector 160 has a light emitting element 161 and a light receiving element 162 disposed above and below the recess 23 corresponding to the corner notch 45 of each bin tray 40. The recording sheet in any bin tray 40
If 12 exists, the optical path between the light emitting element 161 and the light receiving element 162 is blocked, and thereby the presence or absence of the recording sheet 12 is detected.

As shown in FIG. 8, the other sheet presence / absence detector 165 is a reflection type sensor (a sensor in which a light emitting element and a light receiving element are juxtaposed) buried at the tip of a lower case 101a as a support base. At the time when the recording sheet 12 is placed on the lower case 101a, irradiation light from the light emitting element is taken into the light receiving element and outputs, for example, a high level signal, thereby detecting the presence or absence of the recording sheet 12. Has become.

(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 is a CPU 1
The ROM 172 includes a sorting processing program (see FIGS. 15 and 16) and a stapling processing program (see FIGS. 20, 21, and 22). The CPU 171 executes each program, and performs input data processing while appropriately exchanging data with the RAM 173 to generate a predetermined control signal.

In such a system, the sheet exit sensor 38,
Upper limit position detection sensor 65, lower limit position detection sensor 66, sheet presence detection sensors 160 and 165, tamper home position sensor 7
8, stapler position detection sensors 121 and 122, corona stapling position detection sensor 146, dual stapling position detection sensors 147 and 148, stapling processing start switch 181 and stapling mode selection switch 182
Signals from the CPU 17 via the input interface 174.
1 as input data, and each control signal from the CPU 171 is transmitted to the sheet transport system 30 via the output interface 175.
Feed motor 183 for driving each roller, and switching gate 39
184, bin drive motor 58, tamper drive motor 80, stapler drive motor 107, stapler advance / retreat drive motor 115, processing position moving drive motor 13
5. The signals are sent to each control device such as the short-circuit switch 150, and each control device is appropriately controlled.

In this embodiment, data communication is performed between the CPU 171 provided on the copying machine body 10 and the CPU 171 provided on the copying machine main body 10 side. Various information is taken into the CPU 171.

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

At this time, a sorting selection signal is
The program is loaded into the CPU 171 and the sorting processing program is executed.

Then, first, the switching gate 39 selects the first sheet conveying path 32 by driving the solenoid 184, and the conveying rollers 34, 35 and the discharge rollers 36, 37 are driven by driving the feed motor 183. In this state, the recording sheet 12 discharged from the sheet discharge port 11 of the copying machine body 10 is used.
From the common sheet conveying path 31 to the first sheet conveying path 32
The sheet is sequentially conveyed to the sheet distribution stage S1, and is sequentially stored in the bin tray 40 which sequentially moves to the sheet distribution stage S1.

◎ Bin Tray Movement Control FIG. 15 shows a movement control flow 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 as a unit at the stage when the sheet exit sensor 38 changes from ON to OFF, so that each bin tray 40 is shifted by one pitch. Then, it is checked whether or not the final copy of the job, that is, the copy job for each page of the document (step ST3) is completed (ST3).

Next, if the final copy of the job has not been completed, the processing from ST1 to ST3 is repeated, and at the stage when the final copy of the job has been completed, whether or not all jobs, that is, the copy job of the entire original has been completed. Check (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 set each bin tray 40 to one.
It is lowered by the pitch (ST5, ST6), and it is checked whether the final copy of the job has been completed (ST7).

If the final 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, whether the bin home sensor (corresponding to the lower limit position detection sensor 66) has been turned on. After checking whether or not all the jobs have been completed (ST8), it is checked whether or not all jobs have been completed (ST9). At this time, if it is determined in ST9 that all the jobs have not been completed, the process returns to ST1 again to perform a series of subsequent processes.

In this process, if it is determined in ST4 or ST9 that all jobs have been completed, a series of sorting processes is completed.

If it is determined in ST8 that the bin home sensor 66 is not turned on, a FAIL display is performed (ST10).

◎ Tamper Movement Control FIG. 16 shows a movement control flow of the tamper 71 during the sorting process.

In the figure, the CPU 171 fetches the size information of the recording sheet 12 from the main body side CPU 176 (ST1), and drives the tamper drive motor 80 in the forward rotation according to the motor signal (R1 area) shown in FIG. 17 As shown in FIG.
Move and set the tamper 71 located at the home position indicated by the solid line to the reference position for each size indicated by the alternate long and short dash line (a position slightly larger than the storage position of the recording sheet 12) (ST
2).

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). It is checked (ST4) whether or not the final copy of the job is not completed, and the processing of ST3 and ST4 is 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 in accordance with the motor signal (R2 area) shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2B, the tamper 71 positioned at the size-specific reference position indicated by the solid line is moved to the edge position (indicated by a dashed line) of the recording sheet 12, and the recording sheet 12 is pressed against the positioning wall 48 and aligned. Then, it returns to the reference position by size again (ST5).

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 motor signal (R3 area) shown in FIG.
17 (b), 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). At this stage, the tamper operation at the time of the sorting process is terminated. Whether or not the home position has been returned is determined by the change of 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. 19) It is assumed that k documents are copied n sheets at a time using the ADF, and the copies are sorted.

At this time, as shown in FIG. 19 (a), first, the first document copy recording sheet 12 (1) is placed on the sheet distribution stage.
The bins are distributed and stored in the uppermost bin tray 40 (1) located at S1, and then the second bin tray 40 (2) is set on the sheet distribution stage S1 as shown in FIGS. 19 (b) and (c). After that, the recording sheet 12 is placed on the bin tray 40 (2).
(1) is distributed and accommodated, and thereafter, the recording sheets 12 (1) are sequentially distributed and accommodated in the bin trays 40 (3)... 40 (n) of the third to nth stages.

Next, when the copy operation of the second document is started, 2
The second original copy recording sheet 12 (2) is sequentially conveyed to the sheet distribution stage S1. Then, as shown in FIG. 19 (d), first, the recording sheets 12 (2) are distributed and stored in the bin tray 40 (n) of the n-th stage located at the sheet distribution stage S1, and then, FIG. 19 (e). ) (F), n-
The first bin tray 40 (n-1) is the sheet distribution stage
After being set in S1, the recording sheets 12 (2) are distributed and stored in the bin tray 40 (n-1), and thereafter, the bin trays 40 (n-2). The recording sheets 12 (2) are sequentially distributed and accommodated in 1).

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

In such a series of copy jobs,
Reference numeral 71 denotes a size-based reference position at the start of copying, as shown in FIGS. 19 (a) to (f).
The recording sheet 12 moves to the edge position of the recording sheet 12 in each bin tray 40, and the recording sheet 12 is aligned.

(2) Stapling process Basic stapling control The basic control flow of the bin tray 40 and the stapler 100 during the stapling process is shown in FIG.

In the figure, the CPU 171 first checks whether or not the copying machine body 10 is in the ADF use mode based on information from the main body side CPU 176 (ST1). Check whether or not (ST
2) At the stage when the final manuscript copy by ADF is completed, it is determined that all the sorting processes are completed (ST
3). When 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 (ST4). If the start switch 181 is on, the sorting process is started. It is determined that all have been completed (ST3).

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

After this, the stapling mode selection switch
In accordance with the information from 182, it is checked whether or not the stapling mode is the dual mode (ST7). If the stapling mode is the dual mode, the dual stapling process is executed (ST7).
8) On the other hand, if the mode is not the dual mode, the mode is determined to be the corner mode, and the corner stapling processing is executed (ST
9).

Then, at the stage where a series of stapling processing is completed, or when it is determined in ST5 that stapling processing is not required (the output of the light receiving element 162 of the sheet presence / absence detector 160 is at a high level), the next sorting processing is performed. As a preparation for (1), after returning each bin tray 40 to the sorting initial position so that the top bin tray 40 is disposed on the sheet distribution stage S1 (ST10), a series of processing is ended.

◎ Dual stapling process An example of the process of ST8 in FIG. 20 is shown in FIG. 21 (a).

In the figure, the CPU 171 first 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 moves the stapler 100 to the dual stapling position P1. Set (ST1).

At this stage, the basic stapling operation is performed (ST2), and it is checked whether or not the stapling target is the last bin tray 40 (ST3). If not, the bin tray 40 is moved up or down by one pitch. Then, the next bin tray 40 to be stapled is set to the post-processing stage S2 (ST4), and thereafter, the processes from ST2 to ST4 are repeated until the stapling target becomes the final bin tray 40.

Then, at the stage where the stapling process has been performed on the final bin tray 40, the movable carriage 131 is moved again by driving the drive motor 135, and the drive motor 135 is stopped based on the information from the position detection sensor 148. The stapler 100 is set at the stapling position P2 (ST5).

At this stage, the basic stapling operation is performed (ST6), and it is checked whether the stapling target is the last bin tray 40 (ST7). If not, the bin tray 40 is moved down or up by one pitch if not the last bin tray 40. Then, the next bin tray 40 to be stapled is set to the post-processing stage S2 (ST8), and thereafter, the processing from ST6 to ST8 is repeated until the stapling target becomes the final bin tray 40.

Then, in ST7, if it is determined that the stapling target is the final bin tray 40, the movable carriage 131 is moved by reversely driving the drive motor 135, and the drive motor 135 is stopped based on the information from the position detection sensor 146. Then, the stapler 100 is returned to the corona stapling position (the initial position in this embodiment) P0 (ST9), and at this stage, it is determined that the stapling process is completed (ST10).

FIG. 21 (b) shows an example of the processing of ST9 in FIG. 20.

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). To stop the drive motor 135 based on the information from the position detection sensor 146, and move the stapler 100 to the corona stapling position P0.
Is set (ST2).

Then, the stapler 100 moves to the corona stapling position P.
At the stage where it is confirmed that the number is 0, the basic stapling operation is performed (ST3), and it is checked whether or not the stapling target is the last bin tray 40 (ST4). Move up or down by the pitch, set the bin tray 40 for the next stapling to the post-processing stap S2 (ST5),
Thereafter, the processes from ST3 to ST5 are repeated until the stapling target becomes the final bin tray 40.

Then, 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).

基本 Basic stapling operation (stapler) FIG. 22 (a) shows the operation flow of the stapler 100 during the basic stapling operation.

In the figure, the CPU 171 first advances the stapling position A (see FIG. 9 (b)) to move the stapler 100 (ST1), and determines whether a stapling operation is required based on information from the sheet presence / absence detector 165. Check whether or not (ST2).

When it is determined that the stapling operation is required, the stapling operation is performed (ST3), and then the stapler 100 is moved backward to the retreat position B (see FIG. 9A) (ST4). If it is determined that the ring operation is not required, the stapler 100 is immediately moved backward to the retreat position (ST4), and the basic operation of the stapler 100 ends.

基本 Basic stapling operation (tamper) FIG. 22 (b) shows the operation flow of the tamper 71 during the basic stapling operation.

In the figure, the CPU 71 first sets the tamper 71 to move to the size-specific reference position (see FIG. 17 (a)) (ST1), and then the stapler 100 executes stapling based on information from the position detection sensor 121. It is checked whether or not the stapler 100 is at the position A (ST2). When 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.
3).

Next, it is checked whether or not the stapler 100 is at the retreat position B based on information from the position detection sensor 122 (S
T4) When it is determined that the stapler 100 is at the retreat position B, the tamper 71 located at the sheet holding position is moved to the size-specific reference position as shown in FIG. 17B (ST5).

Before the final stapling operation is performed, the basic stapling operation is terminated with the tamper 71 set at the reference position for each size, and it is determined that the final stapling operation has been performed (ST6). After returning the tamper 71 to the position (ST7), the basic stapling operation ends.

Specific Example of Stapling Processing (FIG. 23) It is now assumed that, for example, k originals are copied n sheets at a time using the ADF, sorted, and further dual stapling is performed.

At this time, if the number of documents k is an even number, as shown in FIG. 23 (a), when the sorting process is completed, the uppermost bin tray 40 (1) is placed in the sheet distribution stage.
Each bin tray 40 is arranged at the sorting initial position of being located at S1, and the stapler 100 is set at the corona stapling position (initial position) P0.

In this state, first, as shown in FIG. 23 (b), each bin tray 40 moves down by one pitch, the uppermost bin tray 40 (1) is set to the post-processing stage S2, and the mode selection switch 182 is set. To select the dual mode, the stapler 100 is set to the first dual stapling position P1, and the uppermost bin tray is set.
Staple on one side edge of the recording sheet 12 for 40 (1)
105 is driven.

Next, as shown in FIGS. 23 (c) and (d), the bin tray 40 is sequentially moved up by one pitch, and the bin trays 40 (2)... 40 (n) of the second and subsequent stages are sequentially moved to the post-processing stage S2. The stapler 100 set to move and set to the dual stapling position P1 sequentially staples 105 on one side edge of the recording sheet 12 for each bin tray 40 (2)... 40 (n) to be stapled.

Then, at the stage where the stapling for the final bin tray 40 (n) is completed at the dual stapling position P1, as shown in FIG. 23 (e), the stapler 100 is set to move to the second dual stapling position P2. Then, 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. 23 (f) and (g), the bin tray 40 sequentially moves down by one pitch, and the bin trays 40 (n-1)... 40 (1) from the (n-1) th stage to the top stage Are sequentially moved to the post-processing stage S2, and the stapler 100 set at the dual stapling position P2 causes one side edge of the recording sheet 12 to each bin tray 40 (n-1)... 40 (1) to be stapled. Staples 105 are sequentially driven.

Then, at the stage where the stapling process on the uppermost bin tray 40 (1) is completed, a series of stapling processes is completed, and as shown in FIG. 23 (h), each bin tray 40 returns to the sorting initial position. Along with
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 this case, the stapling process is performed. First, set each bin tray 40 to 1
Lower the bin tray 40 by the pitch
(N) is set on the post-processing stage S2, and the stapler 100 is set at the dual stapling position P1. Thereafter, each bin tray 40 is moved down by one pitch, and each bin tray 40 (n)... 40 (1) Stapling is sequentially performed on the recording sheets 12, and then the stapler 100 is set to the dual stapling position P1, and thereafter, the bin trays 40 are moved up by one pitch, and
40 (n)... Stapling is sequentially performed on the recording sheets 12 of 40 (1).

IV. Modification of Apparatus FIGS. 24 and 25 show a dual puncher for making two holes.

In FIG. 24, the puncher 200 is mounted on a movable plate 201 that can move forward and backward with respect to a support bracket (not shown). When punching is not performed, the puncher 200 is in a standby position shown by a solid line in FIG. At the time of execution, the sheet advances to a punching execution position indicated by a two-dot chain line and performs punching on one side edge of a bundle of 12 recording sheets.

In this embodiment, the basic configuration of the puncher 200 has one sheet mounting table 202 having a U-shaped cross section, and the sheet mounting table 202 has a through hole 203 that penetrates in a vertical direction. 203 is provided with a driving rod 204 which can be moved up and down.

, And the driving system of the driving rod 204 is the movable plate 201
For example, the puncher drive motor 205, the eccentric cam 206, and a transmission belt that transmits the driving force of the puncher drive motor 205 to the eccentric cam 206,
A driving force transmission mechanism 207 such as a pulley, and a swing arm 208 having one end connected to the driving rod 204 and oscillating according to the engagement state with the eccentric cam 206 to move the driving rod 204 up and down. ing.

In this embodiment, the puncher 200 is installed on a processing position moving system 210 together with a support bracket (not shown) and extends along one side edge of the recording sheet 12 in the bin tray 40 (indicated by an arrow D in the figure). ) As appropriate. In particular, the processing position movement control system in this modification is different from that in
The movement amount is uniquely set according to the size of the image, and the puncher 200 is moved by the movement amount.

In this modification, at least one side edge of the bin tray 40 corresponding to the pair of driving rods 204 of the puncher 200 has a cutout 44 similar to that of the embodiment so as not to hinder the driving operation by the puncher 200. , 45 are formed.

Next, an example of the punching process according to this modified example will be described in FIG.
Shown in the figure.

In the figure, the CPU 171 first determines that the sorting processing has been completed (ST1), and then checks whether or not punching processing is required (ST2).

And when it is determined that punching processing is required,
Set the bin tray 40 to the punching initial position (ST3),
The puncher movement amount (movement amount to two punching positions P1 and P2) according to the size of the recording sheet 12 is calculated (ST4),
First, the puncher 200 is set to move to the punching position P1 (ST5).

Thereafter, a basic punching operation is performed (ST6), and it is checked whether or not the punching target is the final bin tray 40 (ST7).
Is moved up or down by one pitch, and the next bin tray 40 to be punched is set on the post-processing stage S2 (ST8).
The processing from ST6 to ST8 is repeated until.

Next, at the stage where the final punching operation for the punching position P1 has been completed, the puncher 200 is moved to the punching position P2.
After setting (ST9), the punching basic operation is performed (ST10), and it is checked whether or not the punching target is the last bin tray 40 (ST11). If not, the bin tray 40 is lowered by one pitch. Alternatively, the bin tray 40 to be punched is set on the post-processing stage S2 (ST12), and thereafter, the processing from ST10 to ST12 is repeated until the punching target becomes the final bin tray 40.

Then, when the final punching operation for the punching position P2 is completed, the puncher 200 is returned to the initial position (ST13), and it is determined that a series of punching processes is completed (ST14).

In this modification, the puncher provided with one driving rod 204 is shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a pair of driving rods 204 may be arranged at predetermined intervals to perform the centering operation of the puncher. Alternatively, the punching basic operation may be performed for each bin tray 40 after the puncher position is moved and set according to the size of the recording sheet 12.

〔The invention's effect〕

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a post-processing unit such as a stapler or a puncher is disposed at a location facing one side edge of a recording sheet in the bin tray where the sorting process is completed, Since a predetermined post-processing can be performed on one side edge of the recording sheet, post-processing such as stapling and punching along one side edge of the recording sheet can be performed. As compared with the case where only post-processing is possible, the range of post-processing can be greatly expanded.

In particular, according to the present invention, the post-processing unit can be appropriately moved and set along one side edge of the recording sheet in the bin tray, so that one post-processing unit can be set without installing a separate post-processing unit. Post-processing at a plurality of locations can be easily performed by the unit, and optimization of a post-processing target location can be easily realized.

Further, since the post-processing is performed while the recording sheets for which the sorting processing has been completed are stored in the bin tray, a tray dedicated to the post-processing is separately provided,
There is no need to provide a transport means for transporting the recording sheet bundle to a tray dedicated to post-processing, which can avoid the complexity of the apparatus and, when transferring the recording sheet bundle to a tray dedicated to post-processing. Therefore, it is possible to effectively prevent the post-processing unit from deteriorating the post-processing quality.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, the post-processing stage is arranged close to the sheet distribution stage.
It is possible to reduce the movement span of the bin tray when shifting to the post-processing from the time when the sorting process is completed,
Accordingly, it is possible to shorten the transition time from the time when the sorting processing is completed to the time of the post-processing.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, in a type in which the post-processing unit includes a unit element that advances to the bin tray during the post-processing operation, while reliably avoiding interference between the bin tray and the post-processing unit, Since the height of the entire multi-level bin tray has been minimized,
The apparatus can be made compact as long as the post-processing is not hindered.

Furthermore, according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, it is confirmed whether or not there is a recording sheet in the target bin tray, and if it is confirmed that there is no recording sheet, the post-processing operation for the target bin tray is canceled. Since the process immediately proceeds to the post-processing operation process for the next target bin tray, the efficiency of the post-processing process without performing unnecessary post-processing operations can be improved.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the movement of the processing position of the post-processing unit during post-processing is minimized, so that the efficiency of the post-processing step is improved, and the post-processing time is reduced. Can be shortened.

According to the invention of claim 6, dual stapling along one side edge of the recording sheet or stapling with respect to the corner of the recording sheet is selectively realized by devising the position moving means of the stapler. In addition, the staple position of the corona stapling is angled with respect to the staple position of the dual stapling, so that the stapling mode can be freely selected according to the user's preference. Condition can be kept good.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1A is an explanatory view showing an outline of a sheet distributing and storing apparatus according to the present invention, FIG. 1B is an explanatory view showing a moving state of a post-processing unit according to the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing an embodiment of the sheet distributing and storing apparatus according to the present invention, FIG.
The figure is an end view taken along the line III-III in FIG. 2, FIG. 4 is a view as seen from the direction IV in FIG. 2, and FIGS. 5 and 6 are front views showing details of the bin tray moving system according to the embodiment. FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing details of a sheet aligning mechanism according to the embodiment, FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing details of a stapler according to the embodiment, and FIGS. 9 (a) and (b) are implementations. FIG. 10 is an explanatory view showing the advance / retreat operation state of the stapler according to the example, FIG. 10 is a plan explanatory view showing details of the stapler processing position moving system according to the embodiment, and FIG. 11 is an arrow viewed from the direction of line XI in FIG. FIG. 12 shows XII-XII in FIG.
FIG. 13 is a circuit diagram showing the principle of stopping the drive motor of the stapler processing position moving system, FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing the apparatus control system according to the embodiment, and FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a sorting process in the embodiment. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the bin tray of FIG. 16, FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing the operation process of the sheet alignment mechanism at the time of the sorting process in the embodiment, and FIG.
17 (a) and 17 (b) are explanatory diagrams showing details of the operation process of the sheet alignment mechanism, FIG. 18 is a timing chart showing an example of a drive signal for the sheet alignment mechanism, and FIG. 19 is a bin tray in a sorting process in the embodiment. FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram showing a specific operation example of the sheet aligning mechanism, FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a stapling process in the embodiment, and FIGS. 21 (a) and (b) are dual stapling processes and a corona stapling process A flowchart showing the
22 (a) and 22 (b) are flowcharts showing a stapler and tamper control process at the time of a basic stapling operation. FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram showing a specific operation example of a bin tray and a stapler in a stapling process in the embodiment. FIG. 24 is a modified example of the same device as FIG. 4 using a puncher as a post-processing unit, FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an example of a puncher,
FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing a punching process in a modified example. [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 8… Position moving means 9… Post-processing control means

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sheet distributing stage (S1) which is disposed in a housing (1) and discharges a recording sheet (4) discharged from a sheet discharge port (3) of an image recording apparatus (2).
A sheet conveying means (5) for conveying the recording sheet (4) and a plurality of stages arranged vertically in one side of the housing (1), and sequentially move to the sheet distribution stage (S1) according to the distribution timing of the recording sheet (4). A bin tray (6), wherein the recording sheets (4) are sequentially distributed and accommodated in each bin tray (6). The sheet distributing and accommodating device is located below or above the sheet conveying means (5), and One post-processing unit (7) disposed in a space in the housing (1) across the width of the sheet conveying means (5); and the post-processing unit at least across the width of the sheet conveying means (5). A position moving means (8) for movably supporting (7) and a post-processing stage (S2) different from the sheet distribution stage (S1) when the sheet distributing and storing operation is completed. After the post-processing unit (7) is moved and set to the post-processing target position, the post-processing unit is moved to a position along one side edge of the recording sheet (4) distributed and accommodated in each bin tray (6). And a post-processing control means (9) for sequentially performing predetermined post-processing according to (7). 2. The sheet distributing and storing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing stage (S2) is arranged close to the sheet distributing stage (S1). 3. A moving means for each bin tray (6), wherein the post-processing unit (7) includes a unit element which advances to the bin tray (6) during a post-processing operation. Secures at least a gap between the bin tray (6) located on the sheet distribution stage (S1) and the bin tray (6) located above the bin tray (6) to allow a sheet distribution operation from the sheet conveying means (5). At the same time, a gap is provided between the bin tray (6) to be post-processed located on the post-processing stage (S2) and the bin trays (6) positioned above and below the bin tray to allow the unit element to move forward. (6) A sheet distributing and storing apparatus characterized in that the interval is set as narrow as possible. 4. The sheet processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit detects whether or not the recording sheet exists in the target bin tray of the post-processing stage. The post-processing control means (9) performs post-processing operations on the recording sheet (4) in the target bin tray when the sheet-presence detecting means detects that the recording sheet (4) does not exist. A sheet distributing and storing apparatus for canceling and immediately moving a next target bin tray to a post-processing stage. 5. The post-processing unit according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit is moved to a plurality of post-processing target positions and post-processing is performed at each of the post-processing target positions. The processing control means (9) moves and sets the post-processing unit (7) to one post-processing target position, and the recording sheet (4) stored in each bin tray (6) at the post-processing target position. A sheet distributing and accommodating apparatus, wherein predetermined post-processing is continuously performed on the sheet. 6. The post-processing unit (7) according to claim 1, wherein the post-processing unit (7) is a stapler, and the position moving means (8) is arranged along one side edge of the recording sheet (4) in the bin tray (6). A sheet distributing and accommodating apparatus comprising: a linear guide portion that extends; and a curved guide portion that curves to face one side edge corner of a recording sheet (4) in a bin tray (6).