JP3660510B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus including a post-processing device having a sort processing function and a staple processing function.
[0002]
[Prior art]
An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine includes a post-processing device that sorts and stores sheets on which image formation has been performed, and post-processing that performs a binding (staple) process on the sorted sheets Some are equipped with devices. As the post-processing device, for example, a 20-stage paper storage bin is provided, and when the sheets on which image formation has been completed are sequentially sorted and stored in each bin, the staple processing is sequentially performed and discharged out of the bin, In some cases, the operator has to take out the paper stored in each bin to the outside of the bin, and the image formed on one side of the bin is transported again to the image forming apparatus side to the other side. In some cases, after the image is formed on the side, the paper is returned to the bin side again, and the paper on which the image is formed on both sides can be sorted and stapled.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, such a post-processing apparatus cannot perform sorting processing or stapling processing exceeding the number of bins at a time, so the setting of the number of formed images (number of copies) in the sort mode is limited by the value of the number of bins. It was. Therefore, if you want to copy more than the number of bins, set the number of copies, remove the paper from the bin after copying, and transfer to the ADF (automatic document feeder) until the required number of copies is obtained. It is necessary to reset the manuscript, and the more copies required, the more the operator must manage the number of copies made and determine whether the required number has been obtained. It was bad.
[0004]
The present invention has been made in view of such a state of the art, and the object thereof is excellent in operability without impairing operability even when sorting processing and stapling processing exceeding the number of bins are performed. An object is to provide an image forming apparatus.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
To achieve the above object, the first means is provided with a plurality of bins for storing transfer paper, post-processing means for sorting and stapling the transfer paper, and automatic feeding of the original to the exposure position. Sort processing by document feeding means, image formation number setting means for setting the number of image forming sheets per document, and transfer sheets for one document are sorted one by one into the bin and repeated for the number of documents. If the copy mode is set and the set number of image formations is larger than the number of bins of the post-processing means, the image formation and sort processing for the number of bins of the post-processing means When the transfer paper is removed from the sorted bins and the document is detected again, copying and sorting are performed again for the number of bins in the post-processing device. In the image forming apparatus that repeatedly performs image formation for the number of sheets set by the means, when the copy mode for performing the sort process is set and the mode for performing the staple process is not set, Control means for selectively performing stapling after completion of repeated image formation and sorting is provided.
[0006]
The second means is characterized in that, in the first means, the control means automatically staples after the stapling process and after the sorting process until the number of subsequent image formations is reached. The image forming apparatus according to 1.
[0007]
According to a third means, in the image forming apparatus based on the same premise as the first means, when the copy mode for performing the sort process is set and the mode for performing the staple process is set, the staple operation is performed or the staple is performed. When there is no needle after the operation, control means is provided for notifying the operator to that effect and selectively performing cancellation setting of the mode for performing the staple processing.
[0008]
In this case, when the mode for performing the stapling process is set to be canceled, the control unit may be configured not to execute the stapling process in the mode for performing the subsequent sort / sort processing.
[0009]
According to a fourth means, in the image forming apparatus based on the same premise as the first means, when the copy mode for performing the sort process is set and the mode for performing the staple process is set, the staple operation is being performed or the staple is performed. When there is no needle after the operation, the control unit is provided to notify the operator to that effect and to enable the subsequent image forming operation even if the needle is not replaced.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0011]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. The image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment includes an apparatus main body 10, a post-processing apparatus (sort taper) 20, and a document feeder (DF) 30. The apparatus main body 10 includes four stages of paper feeding units 11a, 11b, 11c, and 11d (hereinafter collectively referred to as a paper feeding unit 11) for storing paper (transfer paper), a duplex unit 12, and a photoconductor. 13 and an electrophotographic process unit, an optical system 14, a fixing device 15, and a contact glass 16 provided around the photoreceptor 13. The sorter taper 20 includes a switching claw 21, a proof tray 22, a movable bin 23, a helicam cam shaft 24 (24a, 24b), a bin lift motor 25, a staple unit 27 including a stapler 26, and the like. The DF 30 includes a transport belt 31 that transports a document onto the contact glass 16, a document set sensor 32 that detects a document set, and other known mechanisms.
[0012]
In the image forming apparatus configured as described above, when the transfer paper image-formed by a known image forming process in the apparatus main body 10 is discharged from the main body discharge port to the sorter taper 20, the proof tray 22 is switched by the switching claw 21. Alternatively, the conveyance path is switched to the bin 23. Although only one bin 23 is shown in FIG. 1, a large number of bins 23 are engaged with the helicam camshaft 24 to form a multistage bin. When the transport path is switched to the bin 23 side, the transfer paper is discharged to a predetermined bin 23 at the position of the bin discharge roller pair 28. The bins 23 are sorted by facing the upper and lower sheets and the bin discharge roller pair 28 in order by rotating the helical cam shaft 24 in both directions by driving the bin lift motor 25 in both directions. Further, the presence / absence sensor 29 detects whether or not there is a sheet on any of the bins 23.
[0013]
The staple unit 27 performs stapling on the transfer paper that has been discharged to the bin 23, and the position of the staple unit 27 in the bin moving direction is fixed. The bin 23 is driven by the bin lift motor 25 to drive the bin 23. 1 is moved to the position shown in FIG. 1, the paper is chucked one by one by the chuck unit, the paper bundle is taken out to the position of the stapler 26, and after stapling, the paper bundle is returned to the bin 23. This operation is repeated for all bins to be stapled.
[0014]
The sorter transport drive system and stapler drive system are completely independent from the drive system of the main body of the machine. Once the transfer paper is transported into the sorter, the main body will be in a state where it is turned off, for example, jammed. Paper sorting and stapling can be performed without being affected.
[0015]
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. Control of the entire apparatus is performed by a main control unit 210 including a CPU 211, a ROM 212, a RAM 213, a nonvolatile RAM 214, a serial interface 215, a timer 216, and the like. The main control unit 210 detects a motor for driving the photosensitive member, various AC loads 221 such as a sheet feeding motor and a clutch in the sheet feeding unit 11 and the duplex unit 12, various DC loads 222, and the temperature of the fixing roller. Inputs of various sensors 223 such as a temperature sensor are connected. The document feeder (DF—here, the automatic document feeder ADF is used) 30, the sorter taper 20, and the operation unit 50 are connected via a serial interface I / F 215, and are necessary by serial communication. Exchange of control data.
[0016]
FIG. 3 is a front view of the operation unit 50 provided in the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment. The operation unit 50 includes hard keys such as numeric keys and touch panel keys arranged on the liquid crystal. That is, the operation unit 50 includes a numeric keypad 301, a liquid crystal display screen 302, a guidance key 303, a program key 304, a brightness adjustment knob 306, a mode clear / preheat key 307, an interrupt key 308, a start key 309, and a clear / stop key 310. Is provided.
[0017]
The numeric keypad 301 is a key for setting the number of copies, and the clear / stop key 310 is for clearing the number of copies input by the numeric keypad 301 or temporarily interrupting the copy operation. The liquid crystal display screen 302 is a touch panel that displays operation states and messages. A guidance key 303 is used when shifting to a mode for displaying a description of the function and a method of operation. A program key 304 is used to register and call frequently used settings. The brightness adjustment knob 306 is used when adjusting the brightness of the liquid crystal display screen 302. The mode clear / preheat key 307 is used when canceling the set contents or performing setting for entering a preheat state by continuously pressing for a predetermined time or longer. The interrupt key 308 is used to interrupt another document and copy another document. A start key 309 is a key for instructing the start of a copy operation.
[0018]
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of the display screen of the liquid crystal display screen 302. The liquid crystal display screen 302 includes a message area 401, a copy number display section 402, an automatic density key 403, an automatic paper selection key 404, a paper designation scaling key 405, a sort key 406, a stack key 407, a staple key 408, and a special document feed. A key 409, a slightly smaller key 410, a magnification (enlargement) key 411, and the like are arranged as a touch panel at a predetermined position together with a liquid crystal display. The touch panel is configured to input items displayed by touching a displayed screen with a finger or the like.
[0019]
The message area 401 displays messages such as “Can copy” and “Please wait”, and the copy number display section 402 displays the number of sheets set in the upper row and the number of copies in the lower row. An automatic density key 403 is used to automatically adjust and output the image density. An automatic paper selection key 404 is used to automatically select and output a paper according to the size and enlargement ratio of the document. A paper designation scaling key 405 automatically enlarges / increases according to the transfer paper size. This is a key to be used for performing reduction processing. A sort key 406 is a key for designating a process in which bins 23 are used to align partially formed sheets of paper in order of pages. A stack key 407 is a process for dividing sheets of imaged sheets by page using bins 23. Is a key that specifies. A staple key 408 is a key for designating a process of binding the sheets sorted on the bin 23 part by part using the stapler 26.
[0020]
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing a copy job division process in the sort mode. When the number of copies (number of copies) set by the operator is n and the number of bins of the sorter 20 is m, the number of copies required by the operator is the number of copies. This is realized by copying m times n / m times and finally copying n% (the remainder obtained by dividing n by m). For example, when n = 50 and m = 20, 20 copies are made twice and 10 copies are made once.
[0021]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when the sort mode and the staple mode are set. In this flowchart, first, when the copy mode is set by the operation unit 50 (step S101) and the start key 309 is pressed (step S102: Y), the number of copy copies n to be executed by the sorter bin number M and the set number N is shown. Is calculated (step S103), and the copying operation is started. When the copy operation is started, first, the document is fed onto the contact glass 16 by the DF 30 (step S104). Thereafter, a copy operation for the original is performed at a predetermined interval (step S105), and is repeated by the number of copies corresponding to the number of copies (step S106), and this is further repeated until the final original (steps S104 to 107). Although not shown, when the process proceeds from step S107 to step S104 or step S108, the document is discharged by the DF 30.
[0022]
When the paper on which all the images have been formed is discharged to the bin 23 (step S107: Y), a staple execution request signal is transmitted to the sorter stapler 20 (step S108). At this time, a signal for executing the staple processing is transmitted to all the discharge bins. When the staple processing for the sorter taper 20 is completed for all the bins 23 (step S109: Y), the copying for the number of copies n is completed, and the number of copies is added to the total number of copies (step S110). Here, the initial value of the total number of copies is zero.
[0023]
When the process of step S110 is completed, the set number of copies N set by the operator is compared with the total number of copies (step S111). If they match, the process returns. If not (step S111: N), a message instructing the operator to remove the paper from the bin 23 and reset the original is displayed on the message display section of the liquid crystal display screen of the operation section 50. 401 is displayed (step S112). Based on this display, the removal of the sheet from the bin 23 and the setting of the original on the DF 30 are completed (step S113: Y), and when the start key 309 is pressed (step S114: Y), the next copy operation is performed. The copy number n is recalculated from the sorter bin number M, the set number N, and the total number of copies, and the processing from step S103 is repeated. When the set number of copies is equal to the total number of copies (step S111: Y), the copy operation is terminated.
[0024]
<Process corresponding to first means>
Next, when the copy mode for performing the sort process is set and the mode for performing the staple process is not set, the staple process is selectively performed after the repeated image formation and the sort process are completed. The control procedure will be described with reference to FIG. This control corresponds to the control content of the first means described above.
[0025]
The processing shown in FIG. 7 is the same as steps S101 to S207 in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 from step S201 to step S207. Therefore, redundant description will be omitted, and processing after step S208 will be described. That is, when the image-formed sheets for all the originals are discharged to the bin 23 in step S207 (step S207: Y), the number of copies is added to the total number of copies (step S208), and (manual) stapling is performed on the operation unit 50. A message indicating that it is possible is displayed (step S209). Then, the set number of copies N set by the operator is compared with the total number of copies (step S210). If they do not match (step S210: N), a message for instructing the operator to remove the paper from the bin 23 and reset the original is displayed on the operation unit 50 (step S211). A display example of the liquid crystal display screen on the operation unit 50 at this time is shown in FIG.
[0026]
Next, it is checked whether or not the staple key 408 has been pressed. When the staple key 408 is pressed (step S212: Y), a staple execution signal is transmitted to the sorter stapler 20, and the staple is executed (step S213). When all the staple processing by the stapler 26 is completed for all the bins 23 (step S214: Y), it waits for the removal of the sheet from the bin 23 and the resetting of the original (step S215). If the staple key 408 is not pressed in step S212, the paper is not removed from the bin 23 and the original is not set (step S215: N), and the staple is not executed and there is a paper in the bin 23 (step S216: Y). In step S212, it is checked whether the staple key 408 has been pressed again (step S212), the removal of the sheet from the bin 23 and the setting of the original are confirmed (step S215: Y), and the start key 309 is pressed (step S217: Y) The number n of copies to be copied next is recalculated from the sorter bin number M, the set number N, and the total number of copies (step S203), and the processing after step S204 is repeated. When the set number of copies is equal to the total number of copies (step S210: Y), the copying is finished. Here, stapling can be executed, and stapling is executed by pressing the staple key 408 (steps S218 to S220).
[0027]
<Process corresponding to second means>
The control for automatically stapling after the stapling process and after the sorting process until reaching the subsequent number of image formations will be described with reference to FIG. This process corresponds to the second means. Since the processing shown in FIG. 8 is the same as steps S101 to S107 in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 described above from step S301 to step S307, overlapping description will be omitted, and processing after step S308 will be described. That is, when the image-formed sheets for all the originals are discharged to the bin 23 in step S307 (step S307: Y), the number of copies is added to the total number of copies (step S308), and whether or not the staple flag is set. Is checked (step S309). If the staple flag is set in this check (step S309: Y), a staple execution signal is transmitted to the sorter taper 20, and the staple is executed (step S310). On the other hand, if the staple flag is not set (step S309: N), a message indicating that (manual) stapling is possible is displayed on the operation unit 50 (step S312).
[0028]
When stapling is completed in step S311, or after displaying a message indicating that stapling is possible in step S312, the set number of copies N set by the operator is compared with the total number of copies (step S313). If the two do not match (step S313: N), a message instructing the operator to remove the paper from the bin 23 and reset the original is displayed on the operation unit 50 (step S314). Next, it is checked whether the staple flag is reset (step S315). If it is reset (step S315: Y), it is checked whether the staple key 408 is pressed (step S316). On the other hand, if it has been set (step S315: N), it will wait for paper removal from the bin 23 and document setting (step S320).
[0029]
If the staple key 408 is pressed in step S316, a staple flag is set (step S317), a staple execution signal is transmitted to the sorter taper 20, and the staple is executed (step S318). When the stapling operation by the stapler 26 is completed for all the bins 23 (step S319: Y), the paper removal from the bin 23 and waiting for the document to be reset are awaited (step S320). On the other hand, if the staple key 408 is not pressed in step S316 (step S316: N), it is confirmed in step S320 that the paper has been removed from the bin 23 and the original is reset, and the paper has not been removed from the bin 23. If no setting has been performed (step S320: N), it is checked in step S322 if the stapling operation has not been executed and there is paper in the bin 23. If the stapling operation has not been executed and there is paper in the bin 23, The processing after the staple key depression check in step S316 is repeated. If stapling is executed and there is no paper in the bin 23, the processing after the check in step S320 is repeated again.
[0030]
When it is confirmed that the paper is removed from the bin 23 and the original is set again (step S320: Y), and the start key 309 is pressed (step S321: Y), the number of copy copies n for the next copy operation is determined as the number of sorter bins. The calculation is recalculated from M, the set number of copies N, and the total number of copies (step S303), and the processing after step S303 is repeated. If the set number of copies and the total number of copies become equal in this process (step S313: Y), the copying is completed. Again, if the staple flag is reset (step S323: Y), the staple can be executed, and the staple is executed by pressing the staple key 408 (steps S324: Y, 325, 326).
[0031]
<Process corresponding to the third means>
When the mode for performing stapling processing is set when the copy mode for performing sorting processing is set, when the staple operation is performed or the staple-free state is set after stapling operation, the operator is informed and the A control for selectively performing the setting for canceling the mode for performing the stapling process will be described with reference to FIG. This process corresponds to the third means. The processing shown in FIG. 9 is the same as steps S101 to 107 in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 from step S401 to step S407, and therefore, a duplicate description will be omitted and the processing after step S408 will be described. That is, when the image-formed sheets for all the originals are discharged to the bin 23 in step S407 (step S407: Y), the number of copies is added to the total number of copies (step S408), and the cancel flag is reset or not. Is checked (step S409). If the cancel flag is reset in this check (step S409: Y), a staple execution signal is transmitted to the sorter taper 20, and the staple is executed (step S410). When the cancel flag is set (step S409: N) or when stapling is completed (step S411: Y), the set number of copies N set by the operator is compared with the total number of copies (step S417).
[0032]
On the other hand, if the stapling is not completed in step S411 and the needle is not present (step S412: Y), a message indicating that there is no needle is displayed on the operation unit 50, and the operator is informed (step S413). ). FIG. 12 is a display example of a liquid crystal display screen showing this display state. If the cancel key 412 is pressed on the operation screen, the staple is interrupted and a cancel flag is set (step S415), and the set number of copies N set by the operator is compared with the total number of copies (step S417). On the other hand, if the staple is replenished and the staple is present (step S416: Y), a staple execution signal is transmitted (step S410), and the staple is continued.
[0033]
If it is determined in step S417 that the set number N does not match the total number of copies, a message instructing the operator to remove the sheet from the bin 23 and reset the document is displayed on the operation unit 50 (step S418). . Then, when the paper is removed from the bin 23 and the original is set on the DF 30 (step S419: Y) and the start key 309 is pressed (step S420), the number n of copies to be subjected to the next copy operation is set to the number M of bins. Then, recalculation is performed from the set number of copies N and the total number of copies (step S403), and the subsequent processing is repeated. When the set number of copies N is equal to the total number of copies (step S417: Y), the copying is finished.
[0034]
<Process corresponding to the fourth means>
If the copy processing mode for sorting is set and the staple processing mode is set, and the staple is not being used during the staple operation or after the staple operation, the operator is informed and the Control for enabling the subsequent image forming operation even if the replacement is not performed will be described with reference to FIG. This process corresponds to the fourth means. Since the processing shown in FIG. 10 is the same as steps S101 to S507 in the processing procedure shown in FIG. 6 described above from step S501 to step S507, overlapping description will be omitted, and processing after step S508 will be described. That is, when the image-formed sheets for all the originals are discharged to the bin 23 in step S507 (step S507: Y), the number of copies is added to the total number of copies (step S508), and if there is a staple in the stapler 26 ( In step S509: Y), a staple execution signal is transmitted to the sorter taper 20, and the staple is executed (step S510). When the stapling is completed (step S511: Y), it is checked whether or not there is a needle (step S512). If there is no needle (step S512: N), the message area of the operation unit 50 indicates that there is no needle. Is displayed (step S513). If there is a needle (step S512: Y), the set number of copies N set by the operator in step S514 is compared with the total number of copies. If they do not match in this check (step S514: N), a message instructing removal of the sheet from the bin 23 and resetting of the original with respect to the DF 30 is displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the operation unit 50 (step S515). . Then, when the paper is removed from the bin 23 and the original is set (step S516: Y) and the start key 309 is pressed (step S517: Y), the number n of copies to be subjected to the next copy operation is set to the number of sorter bins. Recalculation is performed from M, the set number of copies N, and the total number of copies (step S503), and the subsequent processing is repeated. When the set number of copies and the total number of copies are equal (step S514: Y), the copying is finished.
[0035]
On the other hand, if there is no staple after stapling in step S512, and no needle is replenished before the start of the next copying operation, there will be no staple after the end of copying (step S509: N), as shown in FIG. A message indicating no needle is displayed (step S518). If the cancel key 412 on the operation screen is pressed (step S519: Y), the stapling is interrupted, and the set number of copies is compared with the total number of copies in step S514. Execute the process. On the other hand, when the staple is supplied and the staple is present (step S520), a staple execution signal is transmitted (step S510), and the staple is continued.
[0036]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, when the copy mode for performing the sort process is set and the mode for performing the staple process is not set, the image formation and the sort are repeatedly performed. To provide an image forming apparatus with excellent operability that does not impair operability even when sort processing or stapling processing that exceeds the number of bins is performed. Can do.
[0037]
According to the second aspect of the invention, after the stapling process is performed, the stapling is automatically performed after the sorting process until the number of subsequent image formations is reached, so that the operability can be further improved.
[0038]
According to the third aspect of the present invention, when the mode for performing the staple process is set when the copy mode for performing the sort process is set, or when the stapleless state is set during the staple operation or after the staple operation, In addition to notifying the operator to that effect, the release setting of the mode for performing the stapling process is selectively performed, so that image formation with excellent operability is performed without impairing the operability when a needle-free state is reached. An apparatus can be provided.
[0039]
According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, when the mode for performing the staple processing is set to be canceled, the staple processing is not executed in the mode for performing the subsequent sort processing, so that unnecessary staples can be avoided, and as a result Usability is improved.
[0040]
According to the arrangement of the fifth aspect, when the mode for performing the stapling process is set when the copy mode for performing the sorting process is set, or when the stapleless state is set during the stapling operation or after the stapling operation, In addition, the operator is notified of this, and the subsequent image forming operation can be performed even if the needle is not exchanged. Therefore, the copying operation can be continued even without the needle, and the usability can be improved. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a schematic configuration of an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the image forming apparatus according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a front view of an operation unit provided in the image forming apparatus according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a display screen of a liquid crystal display screen.
FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing copy job division processing in sort mode;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure when a sort mode and a staple mode are set.
FIG. 7 shows a case where the stapling process is selectively performed after the repeated image formation and the sorting process when the stapling process mode is not set when the copy mode for performing the sorting process is set. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure to be performed.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for automatically stapling after the sorting process until the number of subsequent image formations is reached after the stapling process is performed.
FIG. 9 shows that when a mode for performing stapling is set when a copy mode for performing sorting is set, and when a staple-free state is entered during stapling or after stapling, the operator is notified to that effect. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure which performs selectively canceling | release setting of the mode which performs the said staple process while notifying.
FIG. 10 shows that when the staple processing mode is set when the copy mode for performing the sort processing is set, and when the stapleless state is set during the stapling operation or after the stapling operation, the operator is notified to that effect. It is a flowchart which shows the control procedure which enables the image forming operation | movement after notifying and not exchanging a needle | hook not being performed.
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a display example of a message for instructing an operator to remove a sheet from a bin and reset a document.
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display example of a needleless message shown to the operator.
[Explanation of symbols]
11 Paper feed unit
12 Duplex unit
20 Post-processing equipment
30 Automatic document feeder
50 Operation unit
210 Main control unit
211 CPU

Claims (5)

A plurality of bins for storing transfer paper are provided, post-processing means for sorting and stapling the transfer paper, automatic document feeding means for feeding the document to the exposure position, and image formation per document An image forming number setting means for setting the number of sheets to be loaded, and a copy mode in which transfer paper for one document is sorted one by one into the bin and sorted by repeating the number of documents. When the set number of image formations is larger than the number of bins of the post-processing unit, image formation and sorting are performed for the number of bins of the post-processing unit, and transfer paper is removed from the sorted bins and By detecting the resetting of the original, the copying and sorting processes for the number of bins of the post-processing apparatus are performed again, and these processes are performed for the number of sheets set by the image forming sheet number setting unit. In the image forming apparatus to perform repeated until completion,
When the copy mode for performing the sort process is set and the mode for performing the staple process is not set, the staple process is selectively performed after the repeated image formation and the sort process are completed. An image forming apparatus comprising a control means for controlling the image forming apparatus. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the control unit automatically performs stapling after the stapling process and after the sorting process until the number of subsequent image formations is reached. A plurality of bins for storing transfer paper are provided, post-processing means for sorting and stapling the transfer paper, automatic document feeding means for feeding the document to the exposure position, and image formation per document An image forming number setting means for setting the number of sheets to be loaded, and a copy mode in which transfer paper for one document is sorted one by one into the bin and sorted by repeating the number of documents. When the set number of image formations is larger than the number of bins of the post-processing means, image formation and sorting are performed for the number of bins of the post-processing means, and transfer paper is removed from the sorted bins and the original When the reset is detected, copying and sorting are performed again for the number of bins of the post-processing device, and these processes are performed for the number of images set by the image forming number setting means. In the image forming apparatus to perform repeated until Ryosuru,
When the copy mode for performing the sort processing is set and the mode for performing the staple processing is set, when the staple operation is performed or when the staple is not present after the staple operation, the operator is notified of this, An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that selectively performs cancel setting of a mode for performing the stapling process. 4. The image forming apparatus according to claim 3, wherein when the mode for performing the stapling process is set to be canceled, the control unit does not execute the stapling process in the subsequent mode for performing the sort / sort process. A plurality of bins for storing transfer paper are provided, post-processing means for sorting and stapling the transfer paper, automatic document feeding means for feeding the document to the exposure position, and image formation per document An image forming number setting means for setting the number of sheets to be loaded, and a copy mode in which transfer paper for one document is sorted one by one into the bin and sorted by repeating the number of documents. When the set number of image formations is larger than the number of bins of the post-processing means, image formation and sorting are performed for the number of bins of the post-processing means, and transfer paper is removed from the sorted bins and the original When the reset is detected, copying and sorting are performed again for the number of bins of the post-processing device, and these processes are performed for the number of images set by the image forming number setting means. In the image forming apparatus to perform repeated until Ryosuru,
When the copy mode for performing the sort processing is set and the mode for performing the staple processing is set, when the staple operation is performed or when the staple is not present after the staple operation, the operator is notified of this, An image forming apparatus comprising control means for enabling a subsequent image forming operation even if the needle is not exchanged.

Images