JP2863784B2 - Sorter with step ring mechanism - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a plurality of distribution bins, distribution means for distributing sheets to the respective distribution bins while moving along the plurality of distribution bins, and the distribution unit. The present invention relates to a sorter with a step ring mechanism including a stapler for stepping and binding sheets stored in a distribution bin while moving along a bin.

2. Description of the Related Art In general, a sorter is connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and sorts a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus by distributing sheets by aligning pages in a plurality of distribution bins by a distribution unit. It is.

This sorter can be classified into various types according to a method of distributing sheets to distribution bins. As one type, a type in which a distributing means moves the ends of a plurality of distribution bins and discharges sheets to each distribution bin is known.

On the other hand, some sorters are provided with a step ring mechanism for stepping and binding sheets stored in a distribution bin.

As this step ring mechanism, there is known a step ring mechanism in which a stapler is movably provided along one side of a plurality of distribution bins to step a sheet (Japanese Utility Model Laid-Open No. 63-1853, Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. See 1-281258).

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, when the stapler is moved along one side of the plurality of distribution bins as described above, there is a problem that the stapler projects to one side of the sorter.

Therefore, in a sorter in which the distributing means moves the ends of the plurality of distribution bins and discharges sheets to each distribution bin, the stapler can move the ends of the plurality of distribution bins in the same manner as the distributing means. The provision has been filed by the same applicant as the present application (not disclosed).

In this apparatus, after the distributing means moves to distribute the sheets to the distribution bins, the stapler moves to step the sheets on the distribution bins.

According to this, the stapler does not protrude to one side of the sorter, and the entire sorter can be downsized.

By the way, in this type of sorter, the home position, which is a predetermined standby position in a non-operation state of both the distributing means and the stapler, is changed to a dispensing operation in which the ends of the dispensing bins are arranged and the distributing means dispenses sheets. The following inconvenience arises if it is set at one end of the region to be executed.

For example, it is assumed that a home position of the distributing means and the stapler is set near the first-stage distribution bin, and a set of four originals is copied in the three-copy mode.

In this case, the copier copies three copies of the first document and sequentially sends the copy sheets to the sorter. Then, while the distributing means moves, the first, second, and third
The copies are sequentially distributed one by one to the distribution bins of the first row.
Next, the first copy of the second document is distributed to the distribution bin of the third stage while the distribution means is stopped at a position opposite to the distribution bin of the third stage, and then the second and first distribution bins are distributed. The step and the distributing means return in the opposite direction to distribute the copy sheet of the second document.

Similarly, the distributing means distributes the copy of the third original to the distribution bins of the first to third stages while moving, and then distributes the copy of the fourth original to the distribution bins of the third to first stages. The distributing means distributes while moving.

Therefore, the distribution means returns to the vicinity of the first-stage distribution bin, and the distribution is completed.

However, if the distributing means is located in the vicinity of the first-stage distribution bin, the stapler moves next, and the copy sheet bundle on the distribution bin cannot be stepped. Therefore, after moving and retreating the distributing means to a position outside the first to third distribution bins,
The stapler is moved to step the copy sheet bundle on the first to third tier distribution bins.

That is, if the home positions of both the distributing means and the stapler are set to one end of the area where the end portions of the distributing bins are arranged and the distributing means executes the sheet distributing operation, the dispensing after the dispensing operation is completed. In some cases, the means must be moved to a position that does not hinder the movement of the stapler, which complicates the movement control of the distribution means,
There is a disadvantage that the start of the step ring of the stapler is delayed.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to move a stapler without moving and retreating a distributing means after a dispensing operation is completed.
An object of the present invention is to provide a sorter with a step ring mechanism that simplifies the movement control of the distributing means and speeds up the start of the step ring of the stapler.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, according to the present invention, the predetermined standby position in the inoperative state of the distributing means is such that the end of the dispensing bin is arranged and the distributing means distributes the sheets. The standby position is set near one end of the region where the operation is performed, and a predetermined standby position in the inoperative state of the stapler is set near the other end of the region.

[Operation] The distributing means only terminates the distributing operation and returns to the predetermined standby position in the inoperative state, and does not hinder movement from the predetermined standby position in the inoperative state of the stapler. Therefore, there is no need to move or retreat the distributing means to a position that does not hinder the movement of the stapler after the dispensing operation is completed.

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

 FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a vertical section of this sorter.

Referring to FIG. 1, the right side of the sorter is attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus (not shown) such as a copying machine.

A plurality of distribution bins 2 are vertically arranged in a frame 1 of the sorter. A guide member 3 is movably attached to the sheet carrying end side of the distribution bin 2.

Above the distribution bin 2, a dedicated bin 4 for storing sheets in a non-sort mode without sorting is provided.

A guide roller 5 for guiding a sheet such as a copy sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus into the sorter and a transport path 6 are provided. At the entrance, a sheet sensor 7 for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet is provided. In the sort mode, when a sheet is detected to be carried in, a guide roller 5, a conveyance belt 11, a suction unit
12 is driven.

The end of the transport path 6 is connected to the dedicated bin 4. On the other hand, a switching claw 9 for selecting whether the sheet is sent to the dedicated bin 4 or the distribution bin 2 is provided in the middle of the conveyance path 6 so as to be vertically swingable.

The transport direction of the sheet is switched by the switching claw 9 entering the transport path 6, and the sheet is sent to each distribution bin 2 via a transport unit and a distribution unit described later.

The conveying means conveys the sheet downward while sucking the sheet. The transport means includes a transport belt 11 having suction holes stretched between upper and lower pulleys 10, and a suction means 12 such as a fan for attaching a sheet to the transport belt 11.

The distributing means 13 separates the sheet from the conveying means and discharges the sheet to a selected distribution bin. The distributing means 13 separates the sheet from the transport belt 11 and guides the sheet to the distribution bin 2.
1b, and the discharge roller 14 provided on the separation guide members 131a and 131b and forcibly conveying the sheet toward the distribution bin. Further, the distribution means 13 is fixed to a pair of right and left timing belts 16 for raising and lowering stretched between the upper and lower pulleys 15.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pulley 15 below the distribution means 13 is connected by a connecting shaft 17. The pulley 18 provided on the connecting shaft 17 is connected to a pinion 25 of a motor 24 via a clutch mechanism 23 having a belt 19, a pulley 20, a shaft 21, a helical gear 22, a worm gear 231 and a gear 232. The clutch mechanism 23 interrupts the drive connection between the pinion 25 of the motor 24 and the helical gear 22.

The distribution means 13 is guided along a guide rail 28 via rollers 27 on both sides thereof. The guide rail 28 also serves as a guide for a stapler unit 30 described later.

A pair of photoelectric sheet sensors 29 each including a pair of light-emitting elements and light-receiving elements are installed at the heights of the upper and lower ends of the distributing means 13 and the lifting / lowering area of the stapler unit 30. 2 is to detect the passage of the sheet discharged to the printer 2. The sheet sensor 29 detects whether or not there is a sheet on the guide member 3 when the guide member 3 movably provided with respect to the distribution bin 2 is pulled to the step ring position of the stapler 55 as described later. It is also possible.

A stapler unit 30 is provided so as to ascend and descend the elevating area of the distribution means 13. The stapler unit 30 includes a stapler 55 described later, a sheet pressing means 26, and a guide member pulling means 57 (see FIG. 3).

The stapler unit 30 is connected to a pair of right and left timing belts 32 for lifting that are stretched between upper and lower pulleys 31 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The lower pulley 31 is the connecting shaft
Connected at 33. Pulley provided on this connecting shaft 33
Reference numeral 34 is connected to the pinion 25 of the motor 24 via a clutch mechanism 39 having a belt 35, a pulley 36, a shaft 37, a helical gear 38, a worm gear 391 and a gear 392. The clutch mechanism 39 interrupts connection between the pinion 25 of the motor 24 and the helical gear 38.

The stapler unit 30 is configured to be guided along the guide rail 28 via rollers 41 on both sides thereof.

The clutch mechanisms 23 and 39 select whether to drive the distribution unit 13 and the stapler unit 30. Also, the amount of elevation of the distributing means 13 and the stapler unit 30 is detected by slit discs 43 and 44 and photoelectric sensors 45 and 46 provided integrally with the respective worm gears 231 and 391, and for each distribution bin 2 It is designed to feed up and down accurately.

As shown in FIG. 1, the home position of the distribution means 13 is set near one end of the area where the distribution bins 2 are arranged (in this embodiment, the position facing the uppermost distribution bin 2). The home position of the stapler unit 30 is set near the other end of the area where the distribution bins 2 are arranged (in the present embodiment, below the lowermost distribution bin 2).

Positioning means for positioning the sheet discharged onto the distribution bin 2 with reference to a substantially center of the distribution bin 2 is provided. This positioning means is connected to a pulley 49 on one side of the uppermost distribution bin 2 via a pulley 47 and a belt 48 as shown in FIG.
And a pulley 51 via the pulley 49 and the belt 50.
And a pair of left and right positioning members 52 are coupled to the belt 50 so as to face each other. And this top distribution bin 2
As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of left and right positioning members 52 are connected to each distribution bin 2 via a connection shaft 53 as shown in FIG. That is, by rotating the belt 50 in the normal and reverse directions, the positioning members 52 are moved in the directions away from and in contact with each other, and push the sheets from the left and right to position the sheets distributed to the distribution bins with reference to the center of the distribution bin 2. ing.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of the stapler unit 30 and the guide member 3, and FIG. 4 is a rear view in which a part of the stapler unit 30 is omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the stapler unit 30
The stapler 55 and the sheet pressing means 56 are provided integrally on the base 54 so as to be movable in the width direction of the guide member 3,
Attraction means 57 for pulling the guide member 3 are provided at the left and right ends of the base 54.
Is provided.

Pressing means 56 is integrally provided on the side of the stapler 55. A running wheel 58 is provided on the stapler 55 and is connected to a belt 59. The belt 59 is stretched between a pair of pulleys 60, and one pulley 60 is connected to a motor 61.

That is, the rotation of the motor 61 causes the stapler 55 and the pressing means 56 to move horizontally in the width direction of the guide member 3 via the belt 59.

A square shaft 62 is supported on the base 54 via a bearing 63, and the square shaft 62 is penetrated by the holding means 56 and the pulling means 57,
The pulley 64 provided on the square shaft 62 is a belt 65 and a pulley 66
Through the motor 67. The forward / reverse rotation of the square shaft 62 causes the holding means 56 and the pulling means 57 to advance and retreat with respect to the guide member 3 via a pinion rack mechanism described later.

That is, by the forward / reverse rotation of the motor 67, the pressing means 56 and the pulling means 57 advance and retreat with respect to the guide member 3 via the forward / reverse rotation of the square shaft 62.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pulling means 57 and the guide member 3,
FIG. 6 is a vertical sectional view of the holding means 56, and FIG.
FIG. 55 is a longitudinal sectional view of FIG.

The drawing means 57 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5. FIG.

A pinion 68 is fitted to the square shaft 62, and the pinion 68
The rack 69 is engaged with the support frame 70.
Are provided integrally. A pin 72 of a lock member 75 is engaged with an elongated hole 71 formed in the support frame 70, and the lock member 75 is swingably fixed to the support frame 70 about a fulcrum shaft 74. An urging spring 76 for urging the lock member 75 downward is provided between the support frame 70 and the lock member 75.
Is interposed. On the other hand, a guide shaft 77 is fixed to the base 54, and the support frame 70 and the lock member 75 are fixed to the guide shaft 77.
Are slidably provided. That is, the forward and reverse rotation of the square shaft 62 causes the pinion 68, the rack 69, and the support frame 70 to rotate.
The lock member 75 moves back and forth along the guide shaft 77 via the. The pin 78 provided integrally with the lock member 75 and the elongated hole 79 provided in the support frame 70 regulate the range of movement of the lock member 75 in the front-rear direction. 75
a is a lock pin that engages with the guide member 3.

The guide member 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 3, and FIG.

The guide members 3 are provided movably with respect to the distribution bins 2 on the sheet carry-in end side of each distribution bin 2.

A regulating portion 80 for aligning and regulating one end of the sheet is provided upright at the sheet carry-in end of the guide member 3, and the stepper 55 and the pressing means 56 are used when the guide member 3 is retracted to the step ring position of the stepper 55. Notches 81a and 81b where are located are formed at the center in the width direction and at one end.

The guide member 3 and the base 54 of the stapler unit 30
Are formed in the sheet sensor 29, respectively. When the guide member 3 is drawn toward the stapler unit 30, the two through holes 82 and 83 overlap to form a sheet on the guide member 3. When there is no sheet, the beam of the sheet sensor 29 passes, but when there is a sheet on the guide member 3, the beam is cut off. Thus, the presence or absence of the sheet on the guide member 3 is detected, and the drive control of the stapler 55 is performed so that the step ring is performed only when the sheet is present.

Guide plates 84 are provided at the left and right ends of the guide member 3, and can be smoothly moved back and forth by rollers 86 provided on the side frames 85. Between the side frame 85 and the guide member 3, a return spring 87 for returning the pulled out guide member 3 is interposed.

Lock portions 88 are provided on the left and right sides of the guide member 3 to engage the lock pins 75a of the lock members 75 of the pulling means 57.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, pressing means
56 is explained.

A pinion 89 is fitted to the square shaft 62, and the pinion 89
The rack 90 is engaged with the support frame 91.
Are provided integrally, and the support frame 91 is
It moves back and forth along.

A solenoid 93 is provided on the upper part of the support frame 91,
A link 95 that swings back and forth around a fulcrum shaft 94 is connected to the lever 93a of the solenoid 93, and this link 95 is connected to a link 97 that swings up and down around the fulcrum shaft 94 via a buffer spring 96. Have been. The distal end of the link 97 is connected to a guide pin 98. The guide pin 98 is vertically moved along the elongated hole 99 and is connected to a sheet pressing member 100. A return spring 1 that separates the pressing member 100 from the seat between the link 97 and the support frame 91.
01 is interposed.

That is, by rotating the square shaft 62 forward, the pinion 89 and the rack 9 are rotated.
0, advance the holding member 100 through the support frame 91,
The solenoid 93 sucks the lever 93a and lowers the pressing member 100 via the link 95, the buffer spring 96, the link 97, and the guide pin 98 to press the sheet from above.

The stapler 55 will be described with reference to FIG. 2, FIG. 3, FIG. 4, and FIG.

The stapler 55 is a known one, and includes a motor 102, a gear 103 which is normally and reversely rotated by the motor 102,
A bracket 104 swings up and down by 3, an anvil 105 for stepping with the bracket 104 sandwiching a sheet bundle, and a needle storage unit 106.

The sorter configured as described above operates as follows.

When the sheet sensor 7 detects that the sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus enters the sorter, the guide roller 5 is driven to convey the sheet via the conveyance path 6.

In the sort mode, the sheet is sent downward through the switching claw 9 that has entered the transport path 6. At this time, the conveyance belt 11 of the conveyance means conveys the sheet downward while sucking the sheet. Also, a clutch 23 for the distribution means 13 is connected,
And the clutch 39 for the stapler unit is disengaged, the motor 24 is rotated forward, the pinion 25, the gear 232, the worm gear 231, the helical gear 22, the shaft 21, the pulley 20, the belt 19,
The distributing means 13 is moved to a position facing the selected distribution bin 2 via the pulley 18, the connecting shaft 17, the pulley 15, and the timing belt 16.

Accordingly, the sheet lowered by the conveyor belt 11 is separated from the conveyor belt 11 by the separation guide members 13a and 13b of the distribution bin 13 and guided to the distribution bin 2. Distribution bin 2
When the sheet sensor 29 detects that the sheet has been discharged, the distributing means 13 is controlled to move to a position facing the adjacent distribution bin 2, and discharges the next sheet to the next distribution bin 2.

Assuming that the copier uses the automatic document feeder and sets a condition that three sets of ten originals are to be copied in the sword mode, the copier first sets the first original to the first original. Then, three copies are successively made, and these copies are sequentially sent to the transport path 6 of the sorter.

The distributing means 13 peels off the leading one of the three copies from the conveyor belt 11 at the home position shown in FIG. 1, guides the sheet to the distribution bin 2 and discharges it.

A sheet sensor detects that the sheet has been discharged to the distribution bin 2.
29, the motor 24 is driven by a predetermined amount to
Is controlled to move to a position facing the adjacent lower distribution bin 2.

Then, the second copy of the copy is discharged to the distribution bin 2. When the third copy has been discharged to a predetermined distribution bin (third distribution bin (not shown) from the top), the field bin 13
Is stopped at that position, the first copy of the three copies created for the second document and conveyed continuously to the sorter side is first discharged to the distribution bin, and then the motor 24
To control the movement of the distributing means 13 to the position facing the adjacent upper distribution bin 2. For the second and third copies of the copy, the distributing means 13 is sequentially raised to discharge the copy.

The same control as described above is repeated for the third to tenth originals.

When the distribution of the sheets to the distribution bin 2 is completed, the distribution means 13 is at the home position shown in FIG.

The sheet discharged onto the distribution bin 2 slides down by its own weight along the inclination of the distribution bin 2, and one end of the sheet is aligned with the regulating portion 80 of the guide member 3. Further, by rotating the belt 50 of the positioning means in the normal and reverse directions, the positioning members 52 are moved in the directions of being separated from and in contact with each other, and the sheet is pushed from the left and right to be positioned with reference to the approximate center of the distribution bin 2.

Next, the clutch 23 for the distributing means is disengaged, and the clutch 39 for the stapler unit is connected, and the motor 24 is rotated forward to rotate the pinion 25, the gear 392, the worm gear 391, the helical gear 38, the shaft 37, and the pulley 36. Then, the stapler unit 30 is moved via the belt 35, the pulley 34, the connecting shaft 33, the pulley 31, and the timing belt 32, and stops at the position of the selected distribution bin 2.

Next, the motor 61 is driven to move the stapler 55 and the pressing means 56 integrally in the width direction of the guide member 3 via the pulley 60 and the belt 59, and stop at one of the notches 81a and 81b. I do. Depending on the stop position of the stapler 55, the center or the edge of the sheet in the width direction can be stepped.

Next, the pulley 66, the belt 65,
By rotating the square shaft 62 forward through the pulley 64, the forward rotation of the square shaft 62 causes the lock member 75 to project forward through the pinion 68 of the pulling means 57 and the rack 69, and the lock pin 75a of the lock member 75 to move. Sliding on the inclined portion of the lock portion 88 of the guide member 3,
Ascend and engage.

Further, by the rotation of the angular shaft 62, the pressing member 100 projects forward with the support frame 91 integrally via the pinion 89 and the rack 90 of the pressing means 56.

Next, the solenoid 93 of the holding means 56 is moved to its lever 93a.
Is pulled down, the link 97 is lowered via the link 95 and the buffer spring 96, and the sheet pressing member 100 presses the sheet on the guide member 3 from above through the lowering of the guide pin 98.

Next, when the motor 67 is rotated in the reverse direction to rotate the square shaft 62 in the reverse direction, the lock member 75 of the pulling means 57 is moved rearward, and the lock member 75 draws the guide member 3 toward the stapler unit 30. Due to the reverse rotation of the square shaft 62, the pressing member 100 of the pressing means 56 also moves backward while pressing the sheet.

When the guide member 3 is pulled into the stapler unit 30, the guide member 3 and the base 54 of the stapler unit 30 are moved.
The through holes 82 and 83 overlap to enable the photoelectric sheet sensor 29 to operate. When the sheet sensor 29 is ON (when the light receiving element receives light from the light emitting element), it is determined that there is no sheet on the guide member 3 and the guide member 3 is returned without executing the step ring. Then, the stapler unit 30 is moved to the next distribution bin 2.

On the other hand, when the sheet sensor 29 is OFF (when the light receiving element does not receive light from the light emitting element), it is determined that there is a sheet, and the stapler 55 steps the sheet.

After the step ring is completed, the solenoid 93 of the holding means 56
Is turned off (de-energized state), and the pressing member 100 is separated from the sheet by the action of the return spring 101.

Next, when the stapler unit 30 is slightly raised, the engagement between the lock portion 88 of the guide member 3 and the lock member 75 of the pulling means 57 is released, and the guide member 3 is returned by the return spring 87.

Next, the stapler unit 30 is moved to the adjacent distribution bin 2, and the above operation is repeated.

The home position of the stapler unit 30 is provided further below the installation area of the distribution bin 2 as shown in FIG. Is controlled along the distribution bin 2, but even if the step ring of each distribution bin 2 is executed while moving down to the uppermost distribution bin 2 position,
The step ring may be executed while ascending from the distribution bin 2 of the lowermost stage 2 of the above.

 According to the above sorter, the following effects can be obtained.

(1) The home position of the distributing means 13 is set near one end of the area where the ends of the distribution bins 2 are arranged and the sheet distributing operation is performed by the distributing means 13, and the home position of the stapler unit 30 is set. , Are set near the other end of the region.

Therefore, the distributing means 13 which has completed the distributing operation and returned to its home position does not hinder the execution of the step ring of the stapler unit 30.

Therefore, there is no need to move and retreat the distributing means 13 after the dispensing operation from the home position to a position where the movement of the stapler unit 30 is not hindered.
Can be simplified, and the execution of the step ring of the stapler unit 30 can be speeded up.

(2) Since the light distributing means 13 is set at a position facing the uppermost distribution bin 2 and the heavy stapler unit 30 is set below the lowermost distribution bin 2, the stability of the apparatus is improved. Good.

(3) The same area as the elevating area of the distribution means 13 is moved to the stapler 55
Are arranged so as to move up and down, so that the sorter can be downsized.

(4) The same area as the elevating area of the distribution means 13 is moved to the stapler 55
Are arranged so as to move up and down, the arrangement of the stapler 55 prevents the sorter from protruding in the width direction.

(5) The pair of photoelectric sheet sensors 29 disposed above and below the common elevating area of the distribution means 13 and the stapler 55,
Detection of passage of the sheet through the distributing means 13
It is possible to detect both whether or not there is a sheet on the guide member 3 drawn to the 55 side.

(6) Guide member 3 movably provided in distribution bin 2
Since only the sheet is moved to a position where the stepping can be performed together with the sheet and the sheet is stepped, the driving force can be reduced and the driving system can be downsized as compared with the case where the entire distribution bin 2 is moved to the stapler 55 side. it can.

(7) When the guide member 3 is pulled and stepped, the sheet on the guide member 3 is pressed by the member 100.
As a result, the sheet can be reliably pulled together with the guide member 3, and the curled sheet bundle is compressed to facilitate stepping.

(8) Since the guide member 3 is moved to the stapler 55 side while aligning one end of the sheet with the regulating portion 80 of the guide member 3 and pressing the sheet against the guide member 3 from above by the pressing means 56, the step Variation of the seat to be ringed during movement can be minimized.

(9) Since the sheet pressing means 56 and the pulling means 57 of the guide member 3 are integrally moved up and down together with the stapler 55 as the same stapler unit 30, the pressing means 56 is drawn separately from the stapler 55. The mechanism of the step ring system can be simplified as compared with the case where the means 57 is provided for each distribution bin.

(10) Since the pulling means 57 engages with the left and right sides of the guide member 3 and pulls it, the guide member 3 can be pulled stably.

(11) By moving the stapler 55 along the width direction of the guide member 3, stepling can be performed at a plurality of positions in the width direction of the sheet or at any position.

(12) Since the sheet pressing means 56 is moved along the width direction of the guide member 3 integrally with the stapler 55, even when the stapler 55 is moved along the width direction of the sheet, the vicinity of the stapler 55 is maintained. Thus, the sheet bundle can be compressed by the pressing means 56 to reliably perform step ringing.

(13) Holding means 56 and drawing means 57 by one motor 67
Can be moved forward and backward, and the driving mechanism of the pressing means 56 and the pulling means 57 can be simplified.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the above embodiment, the home position of the distributing means is set above, and the home position of the stepper is set below, but the home position of the distributing means is set below, and the home position of the stepper is set above. You may.

Further, in the above embodiment, the distributing means is set at a position facing the distribution bin of the first tier in the sheet distribution order, but may be in the vicinity of the distribution bin of the first tier.

Further, in the above embodiment, the sheet is pressed against the guide member provided at the front end of the distribution bin and is drawn to the stapler side. Alternatively, the entire distribution bin 2 may be drawn to the stapler 55 side (the eighth embodiment). (See FIG. 9), only the sheet from the distribution bin 2 may be nipped by the gripping means 107 and pulled to the stapler 55 (see FIG. 9), or the stapler 55 may be moved to the distribution bin 2 side (see FIG. 9). See Figure 10).

[Effects of the Invention] In the present invention described above, the predetermined standby position in the inoperative state of the distributing unit is one of the areas where the ends of the distribution bins are arranged and the sheet distributing operation is performed by the distributing unit. A predetermined standby position in the non-operating state of the stapler, which is set near the end, is set near the other end of the area.

Therefore, the distributing means which has completed the distributing operation and returned to the predetermined standby position in the inoperative state does not hinder the execution of the step ring of the stapler.

Therefore, it is not necessary to move the dispensing means after the dispensing operation from a predetermined standby position in the inoperative state to a position that does not hinder the movement of the stapler, it is not necessary to retreat, and it is possible to simplify the movement control of the distributing means, The execution of the step ring of the stapler can be accelerated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

1 to 7 show an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the entire sorter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a distribution bin, a guide, and a stapler unit. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the guide member and the stapler unit. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the stapler unit. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pulling means and the guide member. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the holding means. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the stapler. 8 to 10 are longitudinal sectional views of another embodiment. 2: distribution bin, 11: transport belt 12: suction unit, 13: distribution means 16: timing belt 30: stepper unit 32: timing belt 55: stepper, 56: holding means 57: pulling means

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page (58) Field surveyed (Int.Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B65H 39/11 B65H 37/04 B42C 1/12

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A distribution bin arranged in a plurality of stages, distributing means movably provided along an end of the plurality of distribution bins, and distributing sheets to the respective distribution bins; A stepper provided movably along the end of the dispensing bin and stepping a sheet on the dispensing bin, wherein a predetermined standby position in a non-operating state of the distributing means is provided. Is set near the one end of the area where the end of the distribution bin is arranged and the sheet distribution operation is performed by the distribution means, and the predetermined standby position in the inoperative state of the stapler is: A sorter with a step ring mechanism, which is set near the other end of the region.