JP2912378B2 - Sorter with stapler - Google Patents

Description

Description: BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sheet processing apparatus for sorting and stapling recording sheets sent from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine and a facsimile.

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus, for example, a sorter with a stapler as a sheet processing apparatus having a plurality of bins for sorting recording sheets sent from a copying machine, for example, a copy sheet, and having a stapler for binding a bundle of recording sheets stored in each bin. Is already known.

In the conventional sorter with a stapler, there are a type that outputs a detection signal indicating that the staple has run out when the stapler has run out, and a type that outputs a detection signal with a small amount remaining. Since the detection signal is output when the number of staples is reduced as much as possible, in a sorter with a large number of bins, the staples run out during staple work, and the staple work is interrupted when the staples run out. Will be.

In such a conventional sorter, there is a problem that a job is suddenly stopped in the middle of one job, resulting in poor work efficiency. Especially during copying work by an unskilled operator, even if a staple replenishment request is displayed, it cannot be replaced immediately, and the work will be interrupted until a staple is replaced by an accustomed person, causing discomfort to the operator. There was a problem that the working efficiency deteriorated.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet processing apparatus that solves the above-mentioned conventional problems and does not interrupt the operation for replenishing staples during a job.

Means for Solving the Problems The present invention solves the above problem by providing a sheet processing apparatus comprising: a sorter having a plurality of bins for sorting sheets, and a stapler for binding a sheet bundle stored in each bin of the sorter. Needle remaining amount detecting means for detecting that the remaining amount of staples stored in the stapler has reached a predetermined number equal to or greater than the total number of bins of the sorter; and Warning means for warning that the number has reached a predetermined number or more, and the staple remaining amount detecting means detecting that the remaining number of staples has reached a predetermined number equal to or greater than the total bin number of the sorter. And a control means for executing a stapling operation of the stapler while warning by the warning means.

According to the present invention, the staple remaining amount detecting means detects that the remaining amount of the staples in the stapler has become equal to or larger than the bin number of the sorter by a predetermined number, and the staple replenishment request is issued. Is displayed. Therefore, even if the staple replenishment request is displayed, the job being performed at that time must be continued until the last recording sheet bundle is completed without interrupting the binding operation of the recording sheets of all bins. Can be.

Embodiment The details of the present invention will be described based on an embodiment shown in the drawings.

First, an example of the entire configuration of a copying apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described with reference to a side view shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a fourth mirror of the exposure system,
2 is a dust-proof glass for preventing contamination of the lens, mirror, etc. by toner, 3 is an ADF (automatic document feeder), 4 is a contact glass, 5 is an eraser (erase lamp), 6
Is a charging charger, 7 is a photoreceptor, for example, a photoreceptor drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the photoreceptor drum 7, 9 is a static elimination lamp, 10 is a lens, and 11 is a quenching charger. (Charger after cleaning), 12 is a cleaning unit, 13 is a bias roller, 25 is a PCC (charger before cleaning), 14 is an illumination unit for exposure including a halogen lamp or the like, and 15 is a first carriage integrally with the illumination unit 14 and the like. The first to form
Scanning mirrors 16 and 17 are second and third mirrors forming a second carriage, 18 is a fixing unit for fixing a toner image transferred to a recording sheet, for example, a transfer sheet, and 19 is a fixing unit after fixing in the fixing unit 18. The reference numeral 20 denotes a sorter (with a post-processing function) for sorting the transfer paper after the paper is discharged, 26 denotes a separation claw, and 21 denotes a transport belt. The post-processing function refers to processing such as stapling or punching with a punch.

Further, 22, 23, 24, and 33 are trays for stocking and supplying transfer paper, 22 is a double-sided paper tray, 23 is a first paper tray, 24 is a second paper tray, and 33 is a third paper tray. Paper tray, 29 is a paper feed roller unit, 30 is a vertical paper transport unit, 32 is a horizontal paper transport unit,
31 is a paper dust removing roller for removing paper dust from the transfer paper, 27 is a separation charger, 28 is a transfer charger, 35 is a registration roller, and 34 is a developer collection container for collecting old developer when replacing the developer. 36, a PTC (pre-transfer charger); 38, a drum heater for raising the temperature of the photosensitive drum 7; 37, a developing unit; 39, a toner cartridge for replenishing consumable toner; 1 shows a drum shaft that rotatably supports the drum shaft.

Next, the operation of the copying apparatus having the above configuration will be briefly described. The photosensitive drum 7 is instructed to rotate on the drum shaft 40, and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copy command or the like. At the same time as the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7, the charge removing lamp 9 and the PTC 3 are used so that the toner attached to the photosensitive drum 7 and the uneven potential do not reach the charging charger 6 and the developing unit 37.
6, separation charger 27, transfer charger 28, eraser 5, cleaning unit 12, bias roller 13, PCC2
5. The quenching charger 11 is activated. After passing through the cleaning unit 12 and the neutralizing lamp 9, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 7 becomes zero.

The photosensitive drum 7 is driven by a main motor (not shown). At the start of driving, the control unit controls the front end of the image so that the front end of the image comes after the position where the image has passed through the cleaning unit 12.

When the photosensitive drum 7 is rotated to the home position, the original placed on the contact glass 4 by the ADF 3 is scanned by the first carriage integrated with the first scanning mirror 15, the illumination unit 14, and the like. The reflected light image is the first scanning mirror
The image is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 via the second mirror 16, the third mirror 17, the lens 10, the fourth mirror 1, and the dustproof glass 2.

After the photosensitive drum 7 is charged by the charging charger 6, the photosensitive drum is exposed to light by an eraser, that is, an erase lamp 5, to form an image frame suitable for a transfer paper or a photographed image. 7, a latent image is formed. At this time, in order to obtain a 1: 1 image, the photosensitive drum 7 and the first carriage are driven at the same speed.

The latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 37. In this case, a dark or light image can be obtained by applying a potential to the developing unit 37.

On the other hand, the two-sided paper tray 22, the first paper tray 2
3. The transfer paper stocked in the second paper feed tray 24 or the third paper feed tray 33 is fed by the paper feed roller unit 29 until a paper detection sensor (not shown) operates.

Next, at the paper feed timing, the paper feed roller unit 29 is operated again, and the transfer paper is sent to the registration roller 35 stopped in advance through the vertical paper transport unit 30 or the horizontal paper transport unit 32, and the toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is The registration roller 35 is driven at the timing when the leading edge of the transfer paper and the leading edge of the transfer paper match.

The toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to transfer paper under the action of the transfer charger 28. At this time, the surface of the photoconductor 7 is very smooth, and therefore, the adhesion between the photoconductor drum 7 and the transfer paper is large. Decreases adhesion to transfer paper. Next, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 7 by the separation claw 26, and the transfer paper thus separated is sent to the fixing unit 18 by the transport belt 21. The transfer paper sent to the fixing unit 18 is heated and pressurized by the toner here, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed on the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper is sorted via the reversing unit 19 by the sorter. Discharged to 20. When performing double-sided copying or the like, the sheet is discharged to the double-sided paper feed tray 22 via the reversing unit 19.

Since a small amount of toner image remains on the surface of the photosensitive drum 7 of the transfer paper, the PCC 25 is operated, and the cleaning unit 12 is operated.
The surface is cleaned with a cleaning brush and a cleaning blade inside, and the surface potential is made constant by the next quenching charger 11 and static elimination lamp 9.

These control timings mainly include pulses generated in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 7 or the photosensitive drum 7.
Is obtained by a reference pulse for driving.

Next, the configuration of the sorter 20 according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 2, an entrance guide plate 43 is provided at an entrance of a recording sheet, for example, a copy discharged from a copying machine, and subsequently, upper and lower transport belts 44, 42 for transporting the copy upward, A switching claw 46 and switching guide plates 45 and 47 are provided. In the upper path by the switching claw 46, a paper discharge roller pair
48, 49 and a paper discharge tray 54 are provided, and a lower path by the switching claw 46 is a copy insertion side of a plurality of (in the example of FIG. 20, 20) bins 55 provided in a vertical ascending manner. Following the copy vertical feed path along.

At a position corresponding to each bin in the vertical feed path, a roller pair of a deflection claw 64, a transport roller 62, and a discharge roller 63 is provided, and a plurality of rollers provided at appropriate intervals of the transport roller 62 are copied. The driven roller 65 is in pressure contact with the vertical feed path. The transport belts 44 and 42, the discharge rollers 48 and 49, the transport roller 62, and the discharge roller 63 are driven by a drive motor 41.

Two pulleys 53 are provided on the upper and lower sides of the bin group, respectively.
The shaft provided with 69 is supported by the machine frame, and the lower shaft is connected to a motor 68 for moving the post-processing unit. A post-processing unit moving belt 66 is stretched over two pairs of upper and lower pulleys, and the chuck unit 60 and the post-processing unit
61 are attached via a guide unit 51. To guide the guide unit 51, a guide rail 67 is provided on the side of the bin group in the vertical direction over almost the entire height of the sorter.

The recording sheet (copy) discharged from the copying machine is inserted from the entrance guide plate 43, is sandwiched by the pair of transport belts 42 and 44, and is transported upward.

Now, assuming that the mode is a normal paper discharge mode (a mode in which paper is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54), the switching claw 46 is lowered, and copying is performed along the upper switching guide plate 47 along with the paper discharge roller pair 48, 49.
Is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54.

Further, assuming that a sort mode (a mode in which pages are sorted in order) and a stack mode (a mode in which pages are sorted), the switching claw 46 is raised, and the copy is conveyed downward along the lower switching guide plate 45. You. The copy transported by the transport roller 62 and the driven roller 65 is
It is discharged to the bin 55 where the deflection claw 64 is operating. The deflecting pawl 64 performs a movement according to the mode (sort or stack).

In the sort mode, the deflecting pawl 64 of the first bin operates to discharge to the first bin 55, and the second copy of the first page is operated by the deflecting pawl of the second bin to operate the second bin 55. To be discharged.
The first page of the second page is in the first bin 55, and the second page is in the second bin 55.
Each is discharged to the bin 55. In this way, in the sort mode, the bins are discharged to one bin in the order of pages, such as 1, 2, 3,....

In the stack mode, the deflecting pawl 64 operates so that all copies of the first page are discharged to the first bin and the copies of the second page are discharged to the second bin. In this way, in the stack mode, a copy of the same page is discharged to one bin and sorted for each page.

Also, deflected claws during sort mode or stack mode
In the case where a copy jam occurs near 64, there is a function of discharging the copy in front of the switching claw 46 from the sorter in the copy after the jam copy. In this case, the switching claw 46 is switched at the time of a paper jam, and the copy that comes later is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54 without being jammed. The copy discharged to the output tray 54 is removed from the manual feed table 52 after the jam is removed.
Can be put into a predetermined bin by the manual feed roller 50.

In addition to the jam, when a copy is inserted from the manual feed table 52, the copy can be discharged to each bin according to the mode and sorted. A post-processing function for performing post-processing on the copy sorted in this manner will be described below.

The post-processing unit 61 means a stapler, a puncher, or the like. In order to move the post-processing unit to a position corresponding to each bin, the post-processing unit motor 68 is rotated, and the post-processing unit moving belt 66 is moved up and down via the lower pulley 69 and the upper pulley 53. 51 is moved up and down. The guide unit 51 has a car, and moves along the guide rail 67.

Chuck unit 60 is a post-processing unit that
It is a device that carries it to the position 61 and returns it to the original position again after the execution of the post-processing.

In FIG. 2, the home sensor 56
Is turned on, and post-processing can be performed on the copy of the first bin. When the post-processing is executed from this state, the post-processing unit 61 is lowered by turning on the post-processing unit moving motor 68 after the execution, and the bin position sensor 58 is turned on by the bin position detecting piece 59 of the second bin, so that the post-processing unit The moving motor 68 is turned off, and the post-processing unit 61 is stopped. Then, post-processing of the second bin is performed. Then, when the execution of the post-processing for the copy of the predetermined bin is completed, the post-processing unit 61 is moved to the home position.
In this way, post-processing of a plurality of copy bundles can be executed.

FIG. 3 is a view seen from the opposite side of FIG. In FIG. 3, description will be given of those which could not be expressed in FIG.

The sorter of the present embodiment is a 20-bin sorter, which is divided into two blocks of 10 bins each. The upper block has a bin center 76, 79 and a paper ejection sensor 77, 78.
Bin sensors 81 and 84 and paper ejection sensors 80 and 83 in the lower block
There is. The paper ejection tray 54 also has paper ejection sensors 98 and 99. These sensors are transmissive optical detection sensors consisting of LEDs and phototransistors. The paper ejection sensors 77, 78, 80, and 8 detect whether a copy has been ejected.
The bin sensors 76, 79, 81, and 84 determine whether there is a copy in the bin. With such a bin sensor, it is possible to use the lower block if a copy is on the upper block.

In order to perform post-processing of the copy, the plurality of copies must be aligned. Therefore, the sorter of the present invention is provided with a jogger as an aligning device described below.

3 and 5, the rotation of the pulley 85 by the jogger moving motor 82 is transmitted to the drive shaft 96 via the jogger drive belt 86, and the drive shaft 96 rotates. Drive shaft
A shaft fixing unit that drives the upper jogger moving belt 73 and the lower jogger moving belt 88 by the rotation of the pulleys 74 and 87 fixed to 96 and is fixed to the upper jogger moving belt 73
The aligning shaft drive unit 95 fixed to the lower jogger moving belt 88 and the lower jogger moving belt 88 is moved. The shaft fixing unit 72 functions to support the end of the alignment shaft 71. Then, one of the predetermined size detecting pieces 92 is aligned and the size detecting sensor 93 attached to the shaft driving unit 95 detects the jogger driving motor.
Stop 82. Then, when the copy is discharged to the bin 55, the paper discharge sensor 77, 78 or 80, 83 detects it, the alignment shaft drive unit 95 is operated, and the alignment plate 70 is moved by the alignment shaft 71 to align the copy. . The alignment plate 70 is mounted on the alignment shaft 71. Then, after the completion of the post-processing, the jogger moving motor rotates in the reverse direction, and the home sensor 91 is detected by the home detecting piece 94.
Stop at the position where it was turned on. This position is the position for the maximum size. In this way, each time a copy is ejected, it is aligned and prepared for a post-processing operation.

In FIG. 4, which is a view from the top of FIG. 2, the bin 55 has a notch so that the alignment shaft 71 can be moved to a position where the minimum size copy alignment is possible. Further, the alignment plate 70 rotates as indicated by an arrow, and aligns the copies. At this time, there is an end face pressing plate 97 for keeping the other end of the copy at a fixed position. The end face holding plate 97 moves in response to the movement of the chuck unit 60.

As shown in FIG. 5, which is a view from the right side of FIG. 2, the alignment shaft drive unit 95 is moved by the jogger moving belt 88 as shown by the arrow, and is adjusted to each copy size.
It can be stopped at the size detecting piece 92. The shaft fixing unit 72 also stops in synchronization with the alignment shaft drive unit 95. The rightward movement in FIG. 5 is to the position where the home sensor 91 adjusted to the maximum copy size is operated by the home detecting piece 92.

 FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the chuck unit 60.

The chuck unit 60 grasps the bundle of copies on the bin 55 and sends it to the post-processing unit (not shown in FIG. 6) 61.
At the end of the post-processing, and returns to the same state as when it was discharged onto the bin 55 again.

First, when the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the worm gear 100 rotates and the gear 101 moves in the I direction. Then, the spiral shaft 106 rotates, and the moving plate 113, the chuck upper finger 109, the chuck lower finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the direction B through the moving rod (there is a hole in the spiral) 105. Moving. When moving in the direction B, the home sensor 102 is turned on by the position detecting piece 103, and the motor 107 is stopped.

Conversely, when the motor 107 rotates in the G direction, the gear 101
Move in the J direction, and the moving rod 105, the moving plate 113, the chuck upper finger 109, the chuck lower finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the A direction. When moving in the direction A, the position detecting piece 103 turns on the front end position sensor 104 and stops the motor 107. Then, when the solenoid 114 is turned on, the upper finger 109 of the chuck is lowered in the direction D by the pull rod 108, and a bundle of copies (not shown) is grasped. At this time, the end face holding plate 97 is
By means of 112, it is lowered in the F direction so as not to hinder the movement of the copy bundle.

When the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the copy bundle is brought in the B direction. When the pressing plate 112 returns in the direction B, the end face pressing plate 97 attempts to return to its original state by the spring 111, but stops at the copy bundle because the copy bundle is already on the upper side. When the moving plate reaches the home position, the motor 107 is stopped, and then the post-processing unit 61 is operated. After the post-processing is completed, the motor is rotated again in the G direction to return the copy bundle to the A direction. When the position detecting piece 103 turns on the tip position detecting sensor 104 again, the motor 107 is stopped, the solenoid 114 is turned off, the upper finger 109 of the chuck is raised by the coil spring 115, the copy bundle returns to the original position, and the The holding plate 97 also returns to the original position by the action of the spring 111. Then, the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, pushes the moving plate 113 to the home position, and stops. Thus, the chuck unit 60 carries out the operation of transporting the copy bundle discharged onto the bin to the post-processing device and returning it to the original position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a stapler included in a stapling apparatus as an example of the post-processing unit 61.

In this stapler, the motor 116 is turned on by an electric signal.
Then, the staples 119 in the cartridge 117 are pushed and bent. The staples 119 are connected in a strip shape with a thin tape, and are rolled up in the cartridge 117. When the end of the staple passes through a near-end sensor (reflective sensor for optically reading) 118, a near-end signal is output. The remaining amount of the needle at the time when this signal is output is set to be larger than the number of bins of the sorter. For this reason, the stapling operation is not interrupted. For example, a sensor is arranged at the position of the same number of staples as the number of bins from the tip or at the position of the staples which is a predetermined number more than that, and the sensor detects that the last of the staples has passed, and the staples detects Indicates that it is gone and needs replenishment.

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

When the output shaft of the motor 120 supported by the base plate 123 movable by the roller 90 moved by the rail 89 makes one rotation,
The aligning plate 70 includes a cam 121 attached to the output shaft and the cam 1.
The lever 122 reciprocates in a fan-shaped manner in the direction of the arrow AB via the lever 122 engaged with 21 and the alignment shaft 71 to which the lever 122 is fixed. In this way, each time a copy is discharged to a bin, the motor 120
Can make one turn to make copies.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a control system in the present invention.

This control is based on CPU300, ROM301, RAM302, IN port
This is a microcomputer system including a 303, an OUT port 304, and an I / O port 305. I wrote the program
The ROM 301 allows the IN port 303 to be used while using the RAM 302 as needed.
, And outputs a controlled signal to the OUT port 304 to control the copier and the sorter.
The control of the sorter also includes a post-processing operation (such as a stapling operation) after sorting the copies. The control unit of ADF3 is connected to the I / O port 305,
Exchange signals with CPU300. The ADF 3 feeds the document onto the contact glass according to a signal from the CPU, and discharges the document when the exposure is completed. In the case of the double-sided original mode (double-sided single-sided mode, double-sided double-sided mode), after the exposure of the first side is completed, the sheet is inverted and fed onto the contact glass again. When the exposure of the second side is completed, the sheet is inverted and discharged. It has become. The RAM 302 is a nonvolatile memory to which a backup battery 306 is connected.

 FIG. 9 shows a part of the operation unit of the above copying machine.

Reference numeral 201 denotes a start key for instructing copy start, 2
02 is a numeric keypad for entering the number of copies, etc., 203
Is a clear / stop key for instructing clearing of a set number and copy stop, 204 is a set number display for displaying the number of copy sets, 205 is a copy number display for displaying the number of copies, and 206 is a document number display. The number-of-documents display 207 is a paper size display that displays the copy paper size set in each tray, the 208 is a paper remaining amount display that displays the remaining copy paper set in each tray, and 209 is An automatic paper selection mode indicator that indicates that the mode (automatic paper selection mode) for automatically selecting the optimal copy paper is set based on the document size information, etc., 210 is the other side paper for selecting the copy paper Key, 211 is a paper size selection display that shows which copy paper size is selected, 212 is a display showing that the copier is being prepared, wait display, 213 is a copy machine Display that the preparation is completed, can be copied, 214 is a sort key to indicate the sort mode, 215 is a sort mode display that shows that the sort mode is set, 216 is the stack mode 217 is a stack mode indicator that indicates that the stack mode is set, 218 is an ADF key that indicates the continuous document feed mode, and 219 is that the continuous document feed mode is set ADF mode indicator to display, staple key 220 to indicate staple binding mode, 22
1 indicates that the staple binding mode is set automatically, an auto staple mode indicator, 222 indicates the SADF key for instructing the one-sheet original feed mode, and 223 indicates the SAD
SADF mode display to show that F mode is set, 224 is an interrupt mode key for instructing to perform interrupt copy, 225 is an interrupt that shows that interrupt mode is set Mode indicator, 228 warns that copy paper remains in the saw turbine, saw turbine paper forgotten indicator, 229 warns of jam in the sorter, sorter jam indicator, 330 is inside the copier, etc. , A jam indicator, 231 warns that there is no copy paper selected, a paper supply indicator, 232 a warning that there is no staple, a staple supply indicator, 233
Is a staple impossible indicator that warns that stapling cannot be performed, and 234 is a staple limit indicator that warns the staple limit.

Hereinafter, the operation of the post-processing device will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

In FIG. 11 showing a flowchart of a program for performing the entire operation, first, a mode set routine is passed. If there is an instruction from a key of the operation unit, the mode designated in the mode setting routine is set. After passing through the mode set routine, it is checked whether the mode is the manual staple mode. If YES, staple binding is started for the copy bundle (recording sheet bundle) discharged to the bin of the sorter, and when it is completed for all the copy bundles, the process returns to the start again. If NO, check if it is ADF mode, if not, SAD
Go to check F mode. In the ADF mode, first, it is checked whether a document is set, and if it is not set, the process returns to the start. If the document is set, the start key is checked for ON. If the start key is not turned on, the process returns to the start, and if the start key is turned on, the operation shifts to the copying operation.

In the copying operation, first, the document set on the ADF is fed, the document is transported on the contact glass, and the document is read. Next, a tray containing a sheet (recording sheet) suitable for the document size is selected. Then, in order to align the copies discharged to the sorter, if the jogger is not moved, the jogger is moved to a predetermined size position and the copy is discharged. Next, copying is performed for the number of sheets set by the copy control routine. When that is completed, the original on the contact glass is ejected, and AD
If there is a document in F, feed the document again.

When there are no more documents in the ADF, it is checked whether or not the copy in the copying machine has been completely discharged, and the conveying motors of the copying machine and the sorter are turned off.

Next, it is checked whether or not the mode is the auto staple mode. If the auto staple mode is not set, the process returns to the start.

In the auto staple mode, the staple binding is automatically performed on the copied copy bundle. First, the processed counter is incremented by +1 to store the end of stapling of the first bin by binding the copy bundle of the first bin.
Move the stapler to the next bin and
Turn ON. Then, check whether the stop key is ON. If the stop key is not ON, the number of output bins is compared with the value of the staple processing counter, and if they do not match, the stapling process for each bin is performed again. Return. If they match, the processed counter is cleared and the display during operation is turned off.
F, move the stapler to the home, move the jogger to the home, and check the remaining needle sensor.

When the stop key is turned on, staple processing is interrupted without comparing the number of output bins with the value of the staple processing completed counter. That is, the display during operation is turned off, and the stapler and the jogger are moved to the home.

By checking the stapler needle remaining sensor (meow end sensor), if the sensor is ON, turn on the staple replenishment display, and if the sensor
If F is performed, the staple supply display is turned off.

 Next, the operation in the SADF mode will be described.

It checks whether the document is in the SADF mode. If YES, it is checked whether a document is set. If the document is set, a tray containing paper suitable for the document size is selected. Next, in order to perform the copy alignment operation, the jogger is moved to a position suitable for the size of the sheet, and the copy control operation is started. When the copying operation for the set number of sheets is completed, the manuscript is discharged, and the apparatus waits for the copy to be discharged to the sorter. When the paper is discharged, the conveying motors of the copying machine and the sorter are turned off.
Then, the process returns to the start, and waits for the next document insertion.

Next, an operation in a mode other than the ADF or SADF mode (for example, a mode in which a document is manually placed on a contact glass) will be described.

When the start key is turned on by checking the start key, the jogger is moved to perform the copy alignment operation, and the copy control operation is started. When the copying operation for the set number of sheets is completed, the motor is turned off after waiting for the copy to be ejected.
Return to start again.

In FIG. 12, which shows a flowchart of a program for performing the mode setting, first, it is checked whether or not the key is turned on. If the key is not turned on, the routine returns. If the key is turned on, the key receiving program is executed. This key ON check is a program that detects the rise of the key.

First, if the key turned on is the ten key, the data of the ten key turned on is set in the set number display and the process returns.

Next, if the key that has been turned on is a paper key, the paper feed tray is switched and set in the third, second, first, and third order each time the key is turned on, and the routine returns.

Next, if the ON key is an ADF key, it is checked whether or not the ADF mode is set. If not, the SADF mode is reset and the ADF mode is set. If it is already in the ADF mode, reset the ADF mode and return.

Next, if the key that has been turned on is the SADF key, it is checked whether it is in the SADF mode. If not, the ADF mode is reset and the SADF mode is set. If already in the SADF mode, reset the SADF mode and return.

Next, if the key that was turned on is an interrupt key, check whether it is in the interrupt mode. If not, store the current mode in RAM and set the standard mode for interrupts. , Set the interrupt mode and return. already,
If the mode is the interrupt mode, the interrupt mode is reset, the mode before the interrupt stored in the RAM is set, and the routine returns.

If the interrupt key is not ON, it is checked whether the mode is the interrupt mode, and if the mode is the interrupt mode, the routine returns. this is,
This is because the sort, stack, and staple modes are invalid in the mode within the interrupt. If not in interrupt mode, go to the next.

If the key turned on is a sort key, it checks whether it is in the sort mode. If not, the stack mode is reset and the sort mode is set. If the mode is already the sort mode, reset the sort mode and return.

Next, if the ON key is a stack key, it is checked whether the key is in the stack mode. If not, the sort mode is reset and the stack mode is set. If already in the stack mode, reset the stack mode and return.

Next, if the key that was turned on is the staple key, check whether there is paper in the bin of the sorter.If there is paper and the staple has not been completed, set the manual staple mode and return. If the sheet has been stapled, the process returns. If there is no paper, it is checked whether the mode is the auto staple mode. If not, the auto staple mode is set and the routine returns. If the mode is the auto staple mode, the auto staple mode is reset and the process returns.

In FIG. 13, which shows a flowchart of a program for performing the copy control operation, first, the number of copies is cleared and it is checked whether or not the ADF mode is set. If not in ADF mode, reset the auto staple mode. ADF
If the mode is the mode, check whether the staple key is ON, and if the key is not ON, go to the step of incrementing the number of copies by 1 without doing anything. When the key is turned on, it is checked whether the mode is the auto staple mode. If the mode is the auto staple mode, the auto staple mode is reset. If the mode is not the auto staple mode, the auto staple mode is set.

Next, the number of copies is incremented by one, one sheet is fed from the tray, and copy control (control of reading an image of a document and placing an image on the sheet) for one sheet is performed and discharged to any bin of the sorter. The jogger performs the aligning operation of the ejected sheets, and compares the set number of sheets with the number of copies.If they do not match, the sheet size is the same. If the sizes are not different, the process returns to the step of checking whether or not the ADF mode is set, and the copying operation for the set number is repeated. If the sizes are different, return the jogger to the home to release the operation and reset the auto staple mode.

 When the set number and the copy number match, the process returns.

Even in the auto-staple mode, where the stapler automatically binds after copying is completed, the sort, stack, and staple modes are disabled in the interrupt copy mode, so copy and interrupt before the interrupt copy mode It is possible to prevent a problem that the copy after the copy mode is stapled together.

Effects According to the present invention, when the staple remaining amount detecting means, that is, the sensor detects that the last staple has passed and the staple has been lost, the number of staples determined by the position of the sensor is contained in the stapler at that time. needle,
For example, the same number of staples as the maximum number of bins of the sorter or a predetermined number of staples are left. Therefore, even if a staple replenishment request is displayed because the staple has run out, the staple operation can be continued to the end without interrupting the operation of the job being executed at that time. As a result, the work efficiency is improved without the work being interrupted in the middle of the job, and the danger of uncomfortable work interruption by the operator due to the staples being eliminated is eliminated.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the overall configuration of a copying system to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the sorter, and FIG. 3 is the side of the sorter viewed from the opposite side of FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view, FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a part of the sorter cut away, FIG. 5 is a side view of the sorter viewed from the right side of FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the chuck unit, FIG. Is a perspective view showing a configuration of a stapler as a post-processing unit, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing a configuration of an alignment shaft driving unit, FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a part of an operation panel of a copying machine, and FIG. FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a control system, and FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control of parts related to the present invention. 20: Sorter 55: Bin 61: Stapling device 118: Sensor (needle remaining amount detecting means)

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A sheet processing apparatus comprising: a sorter having a plurality of bins for sorting sheets; and a stapler for binding a sheet bundle stored in each bin of the sorter, wherein a staple needle stored in the stapler is provided. Needle remaining amount detecting means for detecting that the remaining amount has reached a predetermined number equal to or greater than the total number of bins of the sorter; and the remaining amount of the staples has reached a predetermined number equal to or greater than the total number of bins of the sorter. Warning means for warning that the remaining amount of staples has reached a predetermined number equal to or greater than the total number of bins of the sorter, and a warning is issued by the warning means. And a control unit for continuing the stapling operation of the stapler.