JP3600629B2 - Image forming processing system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
[Industrial applications]
The present invention includes an automatic document feeder that conveys a document, an image forming apparatus that forms an image of the document conveyed by the automatic document feeder on an image forming medium, one non-sort bin and a plurality of sort bins, The present invention relates to an image forming processing system including a sorter device having a sorting unit for selectively sorting an image forming medium discharged from the image forming apparatus into a non-sort bin or a plurality of sort bins.
[0002]
[Prior art]
2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in a copying machine or the like as an image forming apparatus, an automatic document feeder that receives a plurality of documents and supplies the documents one by one to a document table is used, and a sorter device (sorter) for sorting copied sheets. Is used.
[0003]
In such a copying machine, a sort mode using a sorter is often selected when a document is set in the automatic document feeder.
However, in general, in a current copying machine, copying is performed in a state where a non-sort mode is selected as an initial mode.
[0004]
For this reason, every time a document is set on the automatic document feeder, the sort mode must be selected on the operation panel, which is very troublesome.
[0005]
Therefore, there is a demand by the user for a sort mode to be automatically selected when a document is set in the automatic document feeder.
However, such an apparatus has a drawback that the sort mode is selected even when the number of copies set to the automatic document feeder is one or the number of copies exceeding the number of sorts is set. is there. When the number of originals is one, there is a disadvantage that copy paper is discharged to the sort bin. Further, there is a disadvantage that the sorter limit message is displayed even if the user originally used the copy number set exceeding the sort limit.
[0006]
Further, even if the user selects a mode other than the sort mode such as the non-sort mode, the staple sort mode, and the group mode from the operation panel before setting the original in the automatic document feeder, When a document is set on a document, the mode is automatically switched to the sort mode, and the mode to be selected must be reset.
[0007]
Also, when the number of copies set by the operation panel is one, when the document is set in the automatic document feeder, the mode is automatically switched to the sort mode, and the copy paper is discharged to the sort bin. There is a disadvantage that it will.
[0008]
That is, if the sort mode is automatically selected when a document is set in the automatic document feeder, if the number of copies set is one or more than the number of copies that can be sorted, In the case of an exceptional condition such as a case where the non-sort mode or the group mode is set before the set of, the operability is deteriorated.
[0009]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, the present invention is desired to be capable of automatically selecting a sort mode when a document is set in the automatic document feeder and appropriately detecting and eliminating an exceptional condition at the time of selection. When a document is set in the automatic document feeder, the sort mode can be automatically selected, and exceptional conditions in this selection can be properly detected and eliminated, and image forming with good operability can be performed. It is an object to provide a processing system.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
An image forming processing system according to the present invention includes an automatic document feeder that conveys a document, an image forming apparatus that forms an image of the document conveyed by the automatic document feeder on an image forming medium, one non-sort bin, and a plurality of non-sort bins. A sorter device comprising a sorting bin, and a sorting device having a sorting means for selectively sorting the image forming medium discharged from the image forming device to a non-sort bin or a plurality of sort bins. A sort mode, a group mode, a staple mode, and a non-sort mode are automatically selected when a document is set in the automatic document feeder; and A sort key for selecting a sort mode that can be operated before setting the document in the automatic document feeder; setting means for setting the number of copies before or after setting the document in the automatic document feeder; A mode setting unit that prohibits the sort mode and sets the mode to the non-sort mode when the set number of copies is one.
[0014]
[Action]
According to the present invention, there is provided an automatic document feeder configured to transport a document, an image forming apparatus configured to form an image of the document transported by the automatic document feeder on an image forming medium, and one non-sort bin. A sorter device comprising a plurality of sort bins, and a sorter device having a sorting means for selectively distributing the image forming medium discharged from the image forming device to a non-sort bin or a plurality of sort bins, wherein the image forming device comprises: A sort mode, a group mode, a staple mode, and a non-sort mode are automatically selected when a document is set in the automatic document feeder; and A sort key for selecting a sort mode that can be operated before setting the document in the automatic document feeder; and setting means for setting the number of copies before or after setting the document in the automatic document feeder. When the number of copies set by the setting means is 1, the sort mode is prohibited and the non-sort mode is set.
[0015]
【Example】
Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 2 shows an internal configuration of a copying machine 1 as an image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and a photosensitive drum 12 is rotatably provided at a substantially central portion in a main body 11 of the copying machine. A charger 13, an exposure unit 14, a developing unit 15, a transfer charger 17, a peeling charger 18, a cleaner 19, and a static eliminator 20 are sequentially arranged around the photosensitive drum 12 along the rotation direction. .
[0016]
An exposure system 21 is provided in an upper portion of the main body 11. The exposure system 21 includes an exposure lamp 22, first to third reflection mirrors 23, 24, 25, a zoom lens block 26, and fourth to sixth reflection mirrors 27, 28, 29.
[0017]
Further, on one side of the main body 11, a paper feed cassette 30 and a large-capacity paper feeder (LCF) 31 for 1000 sheets or more are provided.
If the most frequently used paper (for example, A4 size) P is set in the large-capacity paper feeding device 31, the number of times the paper runs out can be reduced.
[0018]
The paper (image forming medium) P fed from the paper feed cassette 30 or the large capacity paper feeder 31 is transported along a paper transport path 32 provided in the main body 11. .
[0019]
A registration roller 33, the transfer / separation chargers 17 and 18, a conveyance belt 34, a fixing device 35, and a pair of paper discharge rollers 36 are sequentially provided in the paper conveyance path 32 along the conveyance direction of the paper P.
[0020]
A document table 38 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 11, and an automatic document feeder 39 is provided on the document table 38.
On the other hand, a sorter device 51 is provided in the paper discharge section of the main body 11. The sorter device 51 includes a transport roller 56 for transporting the paper P from the paper discharge unit of the main body 11, a gate unit 54 for sorting the paper P transported by the transport roller 56 between a sorting time and a non-sorting time. A transport path 52 for transporting the paper P sorted by the gate means 54, a plurality of bins 53a opposed to the outlet of the transport path 52 and arranged to be vertically movable by a bin moving mechanism (not shown), It is constituted by a paper discharge tray 55 from which the paper P sorted by the gate means 54 at the time of non-sorting is discharged.
[0021]
The transport path 52 includes a transport guide 57a and a transport roller 57b.
In the vicinity of the transport roller 56, a detector 58 for detecting the insertion of the sheet P from the paper discharge section of the main body 11 into the sorter device 51 is provided. In the vicinity of the transport roller 57b, bins 53a,. A detector 59 for detecting the conveyance of the sheet P to the sheet P is provided.
[0022]
When the non-sort mode is selected, the sheets P sorted by the gate unit 54 are discharged to the sheet discharge tray 55. When the sort mode is selected, the sheets P sorted by the gate unit 54 are described above. By being stored in the bins 53a,..., Documents having a partial configuration for the originals O,... Are stored in the bins 53a,. Are stored in the bins 53a, so that a plurality of copies of the originals O,... For each original are stored in the bins 53a, respectively.
[0023]
The sorter device 51 is provided with a finisher 100 for stapling and storing the partially configured documents stored in the bins 53a,.
[0024]
When the staple sort mode is selected, the finisher 100 staples and stores a part of the documents stored in the bins 53a,. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, each time the sheet P is stored in each of the bins 53a (53b,...), The sheet is aligned by the guide bar 101 toward the side to be stapled. When all the sheets P are stored in the bins 53a,..., The bin 53a moves to a position facing the stapler unit 102, and the stapler unit 102 moves from the position shown by the broken line in FIG. The paper holding arm 103 holds down the paper P on the bin 53a and performs stapling by the stapler unit 102. Thereafter, the guide bar 101 and the stapler unit 102 return to the positions indicated by the broken lines in FIG. You. The amount by which the finisher discharge tray 104 is lowered is determined to some extent by the number of sheets P to be discharged, and decreases stepwise every time a part of the sheet P is discharged.
[0025]
Then, the bin 53b moves to a position opposing the stapler unit 102, the stapler unit 102 moves from the position shown by the broken line in FIG. 4 to the position shown by the solid line, and the paper holding arm 103 holds the sheet P on the bin 53b and staplers. The stapling is performed in the unit 102. Thereafter, the guide bar 101 and the stapler unit 102 return to the positions indicated by the broken lines in FIG. 4, and the stapled paper P is discharged onto the finisher discharge tray 104 by a take-out mechanism (not shown) provided below the bin 53b. You.
[0026]
Thereafter, the stapling process for the bins 53c containing the sheets P is performed in the same manner as described above.
In FIG. 2, a gate means 50 is provided near the discharge roller pair 36 to switch between discharging the paper P out of the main body 11 and guiding the paper P to the reversing paper feed section 49. The sheet P guided to the reversing sheet feeding unit 49 is conveyed again along the sheet conveying path 32 after the sheet P is turned upside down.
[0027]
During ordinary copying, light is scanned by the exposure system 21 on the original O placed on the original placing table 38, and the reflected light is formed on the photosensitive drum 12 whose surface is charged by the charger 13. The image is formed to form an electrostatic latent image. The electrostatic latent image is visualized by supplying a developer from the developing device 15. At this time, when the paper P is supplied from the paper feed cassette 30 or the large-capacity paper feed device 31, the paper P is sent to the image transfer portion 12a between the photosensitive drum 12 and the transfer charger 17, and The visible image on the drum 12 is transferred to the paper P. The sheet P on which the image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 12 by the action of the separation charger 18, sent to the fixing device 35 by the transport belt 34, and the image is fixed. The sheet P on which the image has been fixed is discharged through the discharge roller pair 36, and is selectively discharged onto the discharge tray 55 or the bins 53a in the sort unit via the gate means 54 of the sorter device 51. Will be. The discharge by the discharge roller pair 36 is detected by a detector 45 as a discharge switch.
[0028]
When a plurality of copies of the document O are copied and sorted, the gate unit 54 is switched to the sort unit side, so that the sheet P is transported through the transport path 52 and selectively exited to the exit of the transport path 52. Are assigned to the corresponding bins 53a,... And are sorted. The bins 53a are moved up and down (up and down) by a bin moving mechanism (not shown) so that they face the outlet of the transport path 52, respectively.
[0029]
In the case of double-sided copying, the sheet P is guided to the reversing sheet feeding section 49 by switching the gate means 50 to the reversing sheet feeding section 49 side, and after the sheet P is turned upside down, the sheet P is returned to the sheet conveying path 32 again. The sheet is conveyed along, the image is transferred to the back side, fixed, and discharged.
[0030]
The automatic document feeder 39 includes a document supply table 61, a feed-out unit 62, a reversing unit 63, a transport unit 64, a paper discharge unit 65, a paper discharge tray 66, and a document detector 67.
[0031]
One original O or a plurality of originals O to be supplied are placed on the original supply table 61. The one-pass take-out unit 62 takes out and transports the documents O on the document supply table 61 one by one. The reversing section 63 guides the original O from the one-pass take-out section 62 to the transport section 64 as it is, or reverses the original O from the transport section 64 and returns it to the transport section 64. The transport unit 64 transports the document O from the reversing unit 63 and sets the document O at a reference position on the document table 38, transports the document O on the document table 38 to the reversing unit 63, and discharges the document O. The sheet is conveyed to the paper section 65. The paper discharge unit 65 discharges the document O from the transport unit 64 to a paper discharge tray 66.
[0032]
The original detector 67 optically detects whether or not the originals O,... Are placed on the original supply table 61, for example.
An operation panel 70 for inputting various copy conditions, a copy start signal for starting a copy operation, and the like is provided on an upper front portion of the main body 11.
[0033]
As shown in FIG. 5, the operation panel 70 includes a sort key 71, a staple display 71a, a sort display 71b, a group display 71c, a document feeder key 72, a status display 73, a cassette selection key 74, and an operation guide key 75. , Automatic paper selection key 76, automatic magnification selection key 77, magnification display section 78, magnification setting key 79, original size setting key 80, paper size setting key 81, message display section 82, number of copies display section 83, automatic exposure key 84 , Density setting key 85, preheating key 86, interrupt key 87, numeric keypad 88, copy key 89, set key 90, recall key 91, duplex mode setting key 92, binding margin setting key 93, edit setting key 94, frame erase setting key 95, a page continuous shooting setting key 96, and an all clear key 97.
[0034]
The sort key 71 is a key used for selecting a sort mode, a group mode, and a staple mode. The staple display 71a is turned on in the staple mode. The sort indicator 71b is lit in the sort mode. The group indicator 71c is lit in the group mode. The document feeder key 72 is a key used to select a continuous feed mode or a single feed mode. The state display section 73 is for guiding and displaying the selection state of the paper feed cassette, the selection state of the original, the paper jam, and the like. The cassette selection key 74 is a key used when selecting a cassette. The operation guide key 75 is for setting an instruction of the operation guide. The automatic paper selection key 76 is a key for setting a mode for automatically selecting paper. The automatic magnification selection key 77 is a key for setting a mode for automatically selecting a magnification. A magnification display section 78 displays a copy magnification. The magnification setting key 79 is for manually setting the copy magnification. The document size setting key 80 is for setting the size of the document O. The paper size setting key 81 is for setting the size of the paper P. The message display unit 82 provides various operation guidance. The copy number display section 83 displays the number of copies. The automatic exposure key 84 is used to set automatic exposure. The density setting key 85 is for manually setting the copy density. The preheating key 86 is a key to be input at the time of preheating. The interrupt key 87 is a key input at the time of interrupt copying. The ten keys 88 are used to set the number of copies. The copy key 89 is for instructing the start of copying. The set key 90 is a key used to store frequently used combinations of copy modes. The recall key 91 is a key used to call a stored combination of copy modes. The duplex mode setting key 92 is for setting various duplex modes. For example, one side of the original O is copied using both sides of the paper P, both sides of the original O are copied onto both sides of the paper P, both sides of the original O are copied using one side of the paper P, or book copy. Is set. The binding margin setting key 93 is for setting a binding margin. The edit setting key 94 is a key for selecting a trimming copy or a masking copy. The frame erasing setting key 95 is for setting frame erasing. The page continuous shooting setting key 96 is for setting page continuous shooting. . The all clear key 97 is for instructing all clear.
[0035]
It is initially set that the sort mode is automatically selected when the document O is set on the document supply table 61 of the automatic document feeder 39.
This initial setting can be changed by a service person as shown in the flowchart of FIG.
[0036]
For example, when the power switch (not shown) is turned on while simultaneously pressing the “0” key and “8” key of the numeric keypad 88, the system mode (serviceman mode) is selected, and the initial setting of the sort mode is changed. By inputting the corresponding code “6” using the numeric keypad 88, the sort mode is set to the initial setting change mode. In this mode, the sort mode is set by inputting “1” with the numeric keypad 88, and the group mode is set by inputting “2” with the numeric keypad 88, and “3” is input with the numeric keypad 88. Thus, the staple sort mode is set, and by inputting “0” with the ten keys 88, the non-sort mode is set. The above mode is stored in an internal memory 111a described later.
[0037]
FIG. 1 shows a control circuit of an image forming processing system including the copying machine 1, the automatic document feeder 39, and the sorter device 51.
That is, the copying machine 1 is provided with a CPU 111 for controlling the entire copying machine 1. The CPU 111 includes an image forming unit 112 for forming an image, an operation panel 70 for inputting various copy conditions and a copy start signal for starting a copy operation, and an interface connected to the automatic document feeder 39 for transmitting and receiving signals. 113 is connected. The image forming unit 112 corresponds to each unit of the internal configuration of the copying machine 1 described with reference to FIG.
[0038]
Further, on the automatic document feeder 39 side, a CPU 115 for controlling the entire automatic document feeder 39 is provided. The CPU 115 includes an interface 116 connected to the copying machine 1 for transmitting and receiving signals, and a motor (not shown) for rotating the rollers (not shown) of the one take-out unit 62, the reversing unit 63, the conveying unit 64, and the paper discharging unit 65. ), And the original detector 67 are connected.
[0039]
Further, on the sorter device 51 side, a CPU 118 for controlling the entire sorter device 51 is provided. The CPU 118 includes an interface 119 connected to the copying machine 1 for transmitting and receiving signals, a driving circuit 121 for driving a motor 120 for rotating the transport rollers 56 and 57b, and a solenoid 122 for rotating the gate means 54. , A driving circuit 125 for driving a bin moving mechanism 124 for vertically moving the bins 53a,..., A driving circuit 127 for driving a solenoid 126 for moving the guide bar 101, and a solenoid 128 for moving the stapler unit 102 129, a driving circuit 131 for driving a solenoid 130 for moving the paper holding arm 103, a driving circuit 133 for driving a driving mechanism 132 for vertically moving the finisher discharge tray 104, and the detectors 58 and 59. Is connected.
[0040]
Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.
That is, when the document O is set on the document supply table 61 of the automatic document feeder 39, the document detector 67 detects the document O. The detection signal from the document detector 67 is supplied to the CPU 111 via the CPU 115 and the interfaces 116 and 113. At this time, since the sort mode is set as the initial setting mode in the internal memory 111a of the CPU 111, the CPU 111 turns on the sort indicator 71b of the operation panel 70 and displays the sort mode setting. Further, the CPU 111 supplies a signal indicating the sort mode to the CPU 118 via the interfaces 113 and 119.
[0041]
Further, before the original O is set on the original supply table 61 or after the original O is set on the original supply table 61, the number of copies is input by the ten keys 88.
Thereafter, when the copy key 89 is turned on, the CPU 111 supplies a document pull-in start signal to the CPU 115 via the interfaces 113 and 116. The CPU 115 drives the transport mechanism 97 according to the document pull-in start signal. As a result, the first document O is pulled into the automatic document feeder 39 and set at the reference position on the document table 38.
[0042]
As a result, the copy sheet P fed from the sheet cassette 30 or the like is copied by the image forming unit 112 with respect to the first document O, and then is discharged to the sorter device 51.
[0043]
Next, the second document O is pulled into the automatic document feeder 39 and set at a reference position on the document table 38.
As a result, the copy sheet P taken out of the sheet cassette 30 or the like is copied by the image forming unit 112 with respect to the second document O, and is then discharged to the sorter device 51.
[0044]
Thereafter, the document O is sequentially drawn into the automatic document feeder 39, an image corresponding to the document O is copied onto a copy sheet P, and is discharged to the sorter device 51.
Further, the CPU 118 of the sorter device 51 is in the sort mode, and the gate means 54 is switched to the sort side, that is, the transport path 52 side, and the bin 53a faces the outlet of the transport path 52.
[0045]
As a result, the first sheet P discharged from the copying machine 1 is discharged through the discharge roller pair 36, conveyed through the conveying path 52 through the gate means 54 of the sorter device 51, and stored in the bin 53a. You.
[0046]
Next, the CPU 118 drives the bin moving mechanism 123 to cause the bin 53b to face the outlet of the transport path 52.
Thus, the second sheet P discharged from the copying machine 1 is discharged via the pair of discharge rollers 36, conveyed through the conveying path 52 through the gate means 54 of the sorter device 51, and stored in the bin 53b. You.
[0047]
Thereafter, the papers P discharged from the copying machine 1 are stored in the bins 53a by the vertical movement of the bins 53a, and as a result, the settings for the originals O,. .. Are stored in bins 53a,.
[0048]
The CPU 111 selects a non-sort mode, a group mode, and a staple mode other than the initial setting mode by the sort key 71 of the operation panel 70 before the detection signal for the document O is supplied from the document detector 67. In this case, switching to the initial setting mode is prohibited. As a result, even if the detection signal is supplied from the document detector 67, the mode remains selected by the operator.
[0049]
If the detection signal from the document detector 67 is no longer supplied when the pull-in process for the first document O is performed, the CPU 111 determines that the document O is one and sets the sort mode. Prohibit, change to non-sort mode, and output to CPU 118.
[0050]
As a result, the CPU 118 of the sorter device 51 is in the non-sort mode, and the gate means 54 is switched to the non-sort side, that is, to the sheet discharge tray 55 side. As a result, in the sorter device 51, the paper P discharged from the copying machine 1 is discharged to the discharge tray 55.
[0051]
When the number of copies set by the ten keys 88 on the operation panel 70 is “1”, and before the detection signal from the document detector 67 is supplied, the CPU 111 uses the ten keys 88 on the operation panel 70 to When the number of copies is set by the operator, the sort mode is prohibited, the mode is set to the non-sort mode, and output to the CPU 118.
[0052]
As a result, the CPU 118 of the sorter device 51 is in the non-sort mode, and the gate means 54 is switched to the non-sort side, that is, to the paper discharge tray 55 side. As a result, in the sorter device 51, the paper P discharged from the copying machine 1 is discharged to the discharge tray 55.
[0053]
As described above, in the apparatus including the main body of the copying machine, the automatic document feeder, and the sorter device for sorting the copied sheets discharged from the main body of the copying machine, when the original is set in the automatic document feeder, A sort mode is set as a mode, and in the case of one document (when there is no next document), the sort mode is prohibited and the non-sort mode is selected.
[0054]
Thus, when the original is set in the automatic document feeder, the sort mode is automatically selected. This eliminates the trouble of setting the sort mode from the operation panel every time. The discharged sheets are not stored in the sort bin, and the operability of the user can be reduced.
[0055]
Also, if another non-sort mode, staple sort mode, or group mode other than the sort mode as the initial mode is selected (or canceled after selection) before setting the original in the automatic document feeder, Even if a document is set on the apparatus, the processing can be performed as it is in another mode other than the initial mode selected as it is, and operability for the user can be improved except for miscopying.
[0056]
If the number of originals set in the automatic document feeder is one, the number of copies exceeding the number of sorts is set, or the number of copies set by the operation panel is one, the non-sort mode is used. Is selected. As a result, the sheets discharged from the copier are not stored in the sort bin, and the message of the sorter limit is not displayed, so that the operability of the user can be reduced.
[0057]
Furthermore, a sort mode and a non-sort mode can be arbitrarily selected as an initial mode when setting an original in the automatic document feeder, thereby enriching variations in functions.
[0058]
Therefore, when a document is set in the automatic document feeder, an exceptional condition is appropriately detected and eliminated for a function of automatically selecting a sort mode.
[0059]
In the above embodiment, the sorter device is provided with a finisher for stapling. However, for example, as shown in FIG. 8, the sorter device may not be provided with a finisher. In this case, the staple sort mode is not performed.
[0060]
【The invention's effect】
As described in detail above, according to the present invention, when a document is set in the automatic document feeder, the sort mode can be automatically selected, and the exceptional condition at the time of this selection can be appropriately detected and eliminated. It is possible to provide an image forming processing system with good operability.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the overall configuration of a copying machine and an automatic document feeder according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a sectional view showing an internal configuration of the copying machine.
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a finisher.
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration of a finisher.
FIG. 5 is a plan view showing a configuration of an operation panel.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an initial setting change operation.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the copying machine.
FIG. 8 is a sectional view showing an internal configuration of a copying machine for explaining another embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Copier
39 Automatic document feeder
O ... manuscript
P… Paper
51: Sorter device
53a, ... bottle
55 ... paper ejection tray
67 ... Original detector
70 ... Operation panel
111, 115, 118 ... CPU
111a: Internal memory

Claims (2)

An automatic document feeder for conveying a document, an image forming apparatus for forming an image of the document conveyed by the automatic document feeder on an image forming medium, and one non-sort bin and a plurality of sort bins; An image forming processing system comprising a sorter device having a sorting means for selectively sorting the image forming medium discharged from the printer into a non-sort bin or a plurality of sort bins,
The image forming apparatus is
A sort mode, a group mode, a staple mode, and a non-sort mode are automatically selected when a document is set in the automatic document feeder; and
A sort key for selecting a sort mode operable before setting a document in the automatic document feeder;
Setting means for setting the number of copies before or after setting a document on the automatic document feeder;
Mode setting means for prohibiting the sort mode and setting the non-sort mode when the number of copies set by the setting means is 1,
An image forming processing system comprising: 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an initial setting means for setting a mode automatically selected when a document is set in the automatic document feeder to one of a sort mode, a group mode, a staple mode, and a non-sort mode. Image forming processing system.

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