JP3670388B2 - Image forming apparatus - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and more particularly to an image forming apparatus having an image forming unit composed of a stencil printing device, a PPC, or the like, and a paper post-processing unit for storing paper discharged from the image forming unit. .
[0002]
[Prior art]
An image forming apparatus including a stencil printing apparatus is provided with various paper post-processing apparatuses. Examples of the sheet post-processing apparatus include a collating unit that collates printed sheets and a stacker that stacks printed sheets.
Corresponding to these collating sections and stackers, the image forming apparatus uses a sorting mode that uses the collating section (collating mode for collating printed paper separately for each section, group mode for classification purposes, and prevention of show-through. Target continuous mode) and non-sort mode for discharging to the stacker and stacking.
For this reason, the image forming apparatus discharges paper from a single paper discharge port, but in the sort mode, the paper is discharged to the collating unit, and in the non-sort mode, the paper is discharged to the stacker unit in a different direction from the collating unit. In this structure, the paper discharge port portion is divided into these two directions.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
In such a structure, for example, when an error occurs in the collating section during the sort mode operation for collation, there is a problem that the operator cannot restart the operation without removing the error.
At this time, naturally, it is impossible to obtain a printed matter which is the original purpose, and it is very inconvenient when an urgent work is required.
[0004]
There are various possible causes of errors occurring in the collating section. For example, the jam of the printed material at the collating section or the previous person using the collated section removes the printed material from the collating section. There are errors such as forgetting to remove paper due to forgetting to pull out and errors that make it impossible to use because the mechanism inside the collating unit is broken.
If the cause of the error is a jam of the printed material, the error can be easily canceled by removing the jammed printed material. In addition, if the error is that the paper is forgotten, it can be canceled by removing the printed matter of the previous user from each sort bin in the collating section, even if there is some complication.
[0005]
On the other hand, if the cause is that the collation mechanism is broken, the user cannot cancel the error.
However, in the conventional apparatus, when an error occurs in the collating unit, the operation of the entire image forming apparatus including the image forming unit and the stacker unit is prohibited accordingly, and it is desired to perform an operation that does not require the collating unit. However, there was a problem that no operation was possible until the error was cleared.
[0006]
The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and when an image forming apparatus is provided with a plurality of sheet post-processing apparatuses, even if an error occurs in a certain sheet post-processing apparatus, the entire apparatus can be avoided from being stopped. An object of the present invention is to provide an image forming apparatus capable of obtaining a printed matter even when the paper post-processing apparatus remains in an error state.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to achieve the above object, an image forming apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention relates to an image forming unit that forms a desired image on a printing medium and discharges it from a paper discharge port.
  Printed material discharged from the image forming unitCollating section with multiple sort bins to sortWhen,
  Printed material discharged from the image forming unitStacker unit provided to stackWhen,
  The printing medium provided at the paper discharge port of the image forming unit and discharged from the paper discharge portCollating part and stacker partSwitching means for switching the transport route to transport to either one of
  By the switching meansWhen it is determined that there is an error in the collating unit in a state where the conveying path is switched to the collating unit side, the operation of the collating unit is prohibited, and the conveying path is moved to the stacker unit side by the switching unit. When the stacker unit determines that there is an error in the state in which the stacker unit is capable of discharging the printing medium and the transport unit is switched to the stacker unit side by the switching unit. The operation is prohibited, the transport path is switched to the collating portion side by the switching means, and the print medium discharged from the paper discharge port is sorted and stored in each bin in the bin.And a control means that enables the control means.
[0008]
  Further, as described in claim 2,The control means determines that there is an error in the stacker unit, and stores the print medium in the collating unit, and stores the divided material in a plurality of bins in units of the number of bins in the collating unit.It is good also as a structure which enables.
[0009]
  According to a third aspect of the present invention, an image forming unit that forms a desired image on a printing medium and discharges it from a paper discharge port;
  A collating unit having a plurality of sort bins for sorting the printing medium discharged from the image forming unit;
  A stacker unit provided to stack the printing medium discharged from the image forming unit;
  A switching unit that is provided at a paper discharge port of the image forming unit and switches a conveyance path so as to convey a print medium discharged from the paper discharge port to either the collating unit or the stacker unit;
  Either a group mode in which a desired number of the printed materials discharged from the paper discharge port are sorted into each bin, or a continuous mode in which the printed materials discharged from the paper discharge port are distributed and stored one by one in each bin. Mode selection means for selecting
  By the switching meansWhen it is determined that there is an error in the collating unit in a state where the conveying path is switched to the collating unit side, the operation of the collating unit is prohibited, and the conveying path is moved to the stacker unit side by the switching unit. When the stacker unit determines that there is an error in the state in which the stacker unit is capable of discharging the printing medium and the transport unit is switched to the stacker unit side by the switching unit. The operation is prohibited, the transport path is switched to the collation unit side by the switching unit, and the printing medium discharged from the paper discharge port is stored in the collation unit by the mode selected by the mode selection unit.It is also possible to adopt a configuration having a control means that enables it.
[0010]
  The image forming unit forms a desired image on the substrate and discharges it.
  The discharged printing medium is stacked on the stacker unit or collated by the collating unit. For this reason, a switching unit for switching the print medium to either the stacker unit or the collating unit is provided at the paper discharge port of the image forming unit.
  Switching meansWhen the conveyance path is switched to the collation unit side, the collation unit determines that there is an error due to a jam or the like, and the operation of the collation unit is prohibited. Then, the conveyance path is switched to the stacker unit side by the switching unit, and the printed material can be discharged to the stacker unit. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is an error due to a jam or the like in the stacker unit while the transfer route is switched to the stacker unit side by the switching unit, the operation of this stacker unit is prohibited and the transfer route is collated by the switching unit. The printing medium discharged from the paper discharge port to the collating unit can be sorted and stored in each bin by a desired number.
  Also, when it is judged that there is an error due to a jam or the like in the stacker unit and the printed material is stored in the collating unit, it is divided and stored in a plurality of bins by the number of bins stored in the collating unit, or selected by the mode selection means It is also possible to store the printing medium discharged from the paper discharge port in the group mode or the continuous mode.
[0011]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an image forming apparatus according to the present invention. The image forming apparatus is schematically configured to include a stencil printing apparatus 1, a collating section (sorter 2) as a first and second sheet post-processing apparatus, and a stacker section (discharge tray 60). First, the configuration of the stencil printing apparatus 1 will be described.
[0012]
The stencil printing apparatus 1 includes a cylindrical plate cylinder 4 rotatably supported on a machine frame (not shown) around its central axis. The plate cylinder 4 has a porous structure and has a clamp mechanism 6 on the outer periphery. The clamp mechanism 6 locks one end of the stencil sheet 8.
[0013]
The plate cylinder 4 is drivably coupled to a sprocket 10 provided coaxially with the central axis 4a. The sprocket 10 is drivably coupled to the drive sprocket 11 of the plate cylinder drive motor 14 a of the plate cylinder drive mechanism 14 by an endless belt 12. The plate cylinder 4 is driven to rotate intermittently or continuously counterclockwise in the figure by the power of the plate cylinder drive motor 14a of the plate cylinder drive mechanism 14.
[0014]
A printing ink supply means 16 is provided in the cylinder of the plate cylinder 4. The printing ink supply means 16 is disposed so that the outer peripheral surface is in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 4. The printing ink supply means 16 includes a squeegee roller 20 that can rotate about its own central axis 18, and a doctor roller 22 that extends along the generatrix direction of the roller with a predetermined distance from the outer peripheral surface of the squeegee roller 20. have. The printing ink supply means 16 supplies the printing ink in the ink reservoir 24 to the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 4 when the squeegee roller 20 is driven to rotate in the same direction as the plate cylinder 4 in synchronization with the rotation of the plate cylinder 4. doing.
[0015]
As the squeegee roller 20 rotates, the printing ink in the ink reservoir 24 passes through the gap between the roller and the doctor roller 22, and at that time, the ink is weighed and has a uniform thickness on the outer peripheral surface of the squeegee roller 20. A printing ink layer is formed. The printing ink layer is supplied to the inner peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 4 along with the rotation of the squeegee roller 20 for printing. A press roller 26 that presses the printing paper P against the plate cylinder 4 is provided at a position outside the plate cylinder 4 facing the squeegee roller 20.
[0016]
A paper feed base 28 for setting printing paper P to be fed between the plate cylinder 4 and the press roller 26 is provided obliquely to the left of the plate cylinder 4. The paper feed table 28 is moved up and down by a driving device (not shown) corresponding to the amount of stacked printing paper P.
[0017]
The paper feed mechanism 30 includes a paper feed roller 32 made of rubber or the like, a pair of timing rollers 34, and the like. The paper feed roller 32 picks up one sheet at a time from the top of the printing paper P stacked on the paper feed table 28 and conveys it to the timing roller 34 side. The timing roller 34 temporarily holds the print paper P sent from the paper feed roller 32 in a bent state, and sends the print paper P to the press roller 26 at an appropriate timing.
[0018]
2A and 2B are a plan view and a side view of the paper feed base 28 portion.
On both sides of the paper feed table 28, guide plates 38 that abut the side edges of the set print paper P and guide and hold the print paper P are provided facing each other. Each guide plate 38 is provided with a rod-like gear 40. The rod-shaped gear 40 is provided in the paper feed stand 28 so as to extend in a direction perpendicular to the paper feed direction of the printing paper P along the surface of the paper feed stand 28. The rod-shaped gear 40 is fixed at a predetermined interval in the feeding direction of the printing paper P with the gear surfaces 40a facing each other.
[0019]
A rotary circular gear 42 that meshes with the gear surface 40a of each rod-shaped gear 40 is provided at the central portion of the front end portion of the paper feed table 28 on the paper feed side. A potentiometer 44 whose output (voltage) changes in conjunction with the rotation of the circular gear 42 is attached to the lower portion of the circular gear 42. When the guide plate 38 is operated together with the printing paper P, the respective bar gears 40 simultaneously move in opposite directions and the circular gear 42 rotates. The size of the printing paper P in the main scanning direction is detected by a potentiometer 44 attached on the shaft of the circular gear 42.
[0020]
A paper sensor 46 for detecting the presence or absence of the printing paper P set on the paper feed table 28 in the sub-scanning direction is provided at the center of the rear end of the paper feed table 28. The paper sensor 46 detects the presence or absence of the printing paper P in the sub-scanning direction. Then, the paper size of the printing paper P is determined by the potentiometer 44 and the paper sensor 46, and the size information of the regular size or the irregular size is obtained. For convenience of explanation, the direction perpendicular to the conveyance direction of the printing paper P is defined as the main scanning direction, and the conveyance direction of the printing paper P is defined as the sub-scanning direction.
[0021]
A plate discharging mechanism 48 is provided around the plate cylinder 4 and above the paper feed table 28. The plate discharge mechanism 48 peels and stores the used stencil sheet wound around the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 4 as the plate cylinder 4 rotates. A printing paper separation claw 50 is provided around the plate cylinder 4 at a position facing the paper feeding mechanism 30.
[0022]
The printing paper separation claw 50 is for removing the printed paper after printing from the plate cylinder 4. The printed paper peeled off by the printing paper separation claw 50 is conveyed to the paper discharge port 54 side by the paper discharge device 52. The paper discharge device 52 includes a belt conveyor device 56 and a suction device 58, and the printed paper that has been peeled off from the plate cylinder 4 by the printing paper separation claw 50 is sucked by the suction device 58, and the paper is conveyed by the belt conveyor device 56. It is transported to the discharge port 54 side.
[0023]
Behind the paper discharge port 54, a paper discharge table 60 as a stacker unit is provided.
The paper discharge tray 60 stores printed paper conveyed from the paper discharge device 52 when the non-sort mode is selected. A base paper storage unit 62 is provided above the paper discharge device 52. The base paper storage unit 62 stores a continuous sheet of stencil base paper 8 wound in a roll.
[0024]
A plate making mechanism 64 is provided between the base paper storage unit 62 and the plate cylinder 4. The plate making mechanism 64 has a thermal head 66 and a platen roller 68 facing the thermal head 66. The plate making mechanism 64 performs the plate making of the stencil paper 8 supplied from the base paper storage section 62 in a heat sensitive manner.
[0025]
Although not shown in the figure, the thermal head 66 has a plurality of heating elements at a constant interval in a horizontal row, that is, in the main scanning direction. The heating element of the thermal head 66 is configured to selectively generate heat in accordance with an image information signal read by a reading device (not shown). The stencil stencil sheet made by the plate making mechanism 64 is conveyed to the plate cylinder 4 side by the stencil sheet conveying roller pair 70. A cutter device 72 is provided between the plate making mechanism 64 and the plate cylinder 4 to cut the stencil sheet 8 when a predetermined amount of the stencil sheet has been wound around the outer peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 4.
[0026]
Next, the structure of the sorter 2 as a collation part is demonstrated. The sorter 2 includes a bin row 76 for storing printed sheets conveyed from the stencil printing apparatus 1 in a casing 74 that forms an outer casing. The sorter 2 is configured to be capable of multistage connection to the stencil printing apparatus 1. In the illustrated example, two sorters 2 including a first sorter 2 </ b> A at the front stage and a second sorter 2 </ b> B at the rear stage are connected and connected to the stencil printing apparatus 1.
[0027]
The first sorter 2A and the second sorter 2B have the same configuration except that only the first sorter 2A is provided with an introduction transport mechanism 80 described later. Therefore, only the configuration of the first sorter 2A will be described in detail using the enlarged view of FIG.
[0028]
The bin row 76 is composed of a plurality of bins 78 each made of the same rectangular plate member. The bins 78 are arranged in a layered manner at regular intervals d in the height direction (vertical direction) of the housing 74 and fixedly arranged near the rear portion inside the housing 74.
[0029]
On one side of the housing 74 facing the paper discharge port 54 of the stencil printing apparatus 1, an introduction transport mechanism 80 for introducing and transporting the printed paper from the stencil printing apparatus 1 into the housing 74 is provided. ing. The introduction transport mechanism 80 includes two belt conveyor devices, a front belt conveyor device 82 and a rear belt conveyor device 86.
[0030]
Each of the belt conveyor devices 82 and 86 is driven by driving means such as a DC motor, for example. Each of the belt conveyor devices 82 and 86 is provided with a plurality of suction devices 88 as blowers at predetermined intervals in the transport direction of the printed paper.
[0031]
The front belt conveyor device 82 takes in the printed paper discharged from the paper discharge port 54 of the stencil printing apparatus 1 while sucking it with the suction device 88 and conveys it to the rear belt conveyor device 86. The rear-stage belt conveyor device 86 conveys the printed paper taken in from the front-stage belt conveyor device 82 obliquely upward to the paper inlet 84 at the upper end of one side of the housing 74 while being sucked by the suction device 88.
[0032]
A bin guiding transport mechanism 92 is provided along the height direction (vertical direction) of the housing 74 at a lower portion of the paper introduction port 84 in the housing 74. Similarly to the introduction conveyance mechanism 80, the bin guide conveyance mechanism 92 includes a belt conveyor device 94 and a suction device 96, and is driven by a driving means such as a DC motor. The bin guide conveying mechanism 92 makes a U-turn at a corner portion bent by the belt conveyor device 94 while sucking the printed paper conveyed from the rear belt conveyor device 86 to the paper introduction port 84 by the suction device 96, The column 76 is conveyed downward in the vertical direction. In the vicinity of the outer periphery of the top portion of the belt conveyor device 94, a fan 97 is provided as a spraying device for pressing the printed paper conveyed from the introduction conveying mechanism 80 against the belt surface and bringing it into close contact.
[0033]
Above the bin row 76, a sorter passage transport mechanism 102 is provided for transporting the printed paper to the second sorter 2B connected to the subsequent stage. The sorter passage transport mechanism 102 includes a belt conveyor device 104 and a suction device 106 as in the case of the introduction transport mechanism 80 and the bottle guide transport mechanism 92, and is driven by a driving means such as a DC motor. The sorter passage transport mechanism 102 sucks the printed paper transported from the rear belt conveyor device 86 to the paper introduction port 84 by the suction device 106, and the paper discharge port at the upper end of the other side of the housing 74 by the belt conveyor device 104. The paper is discharged from 108 and conveyed to the paper inlet 84 of the second sorter 2B. The sorter passage transport mechanism 102 is not necessary when only one sorter 2 is connected to the stencil printing apparatus 1.
[0034]
A paper passage sensor 109 is provided on the exit side of the belt conveyor device 104 in the sorter passage transport mechanism 102. The paper passage sensor 109 detects the presence or absence of passage of printed paper that is conveyed on the belt conveyor device 104 and introduced from the paper discharge port 108 to the paper introduction port 84 of the second sorter 2B.
[0035]
A sorter switching plate 110 is provided in the vicinity of the paper introduction port 84 on the inlet side of the sorter passage transport mechanism 102. A sorter switching sensor 112 is provided in the vicinity of the paper inlet 84 on the inlet side of the sorter switching plate 110. The sorter switching sensor 112 detects a printed sheet introduced and conveyed from the introduction conveyance mechanism 80 to the sheet introduction port 84.
[0036]
The sorter switching plate 110 is controlled by an on / off operation of the solenoid 114 in accordance with the number of printed sheets conveyed to the first sorter 2A connected to the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the mode setting state. Is done. Here, a sorter switching mechanism 115 is constituted by the sorter switching plate 110, the sorter switching sensor 112, and the solenoid 114.
[0037]
In the gap between the bin row 76 and the bin guide transport mechanism 92, an indexer 116 for inserting printed paper into a predetermined bin 78 of the bin row 76 is provided. The indexer 116 has a rectangular shape with substantially the same width as the bin 78, and waits at the home position HP1 set at a position slightly above the uppermost bin 78 (78A) in the initial state. An indexer HP sensor 118 that detects the presence or absence of the indexer 116 is provided at the home position HP1.
[0038]
The indexer 116 is connected to driving means such as a DC servo motor, for example, via a driving belt 122 provided in the vertical direction of the bin row 76 in parallel with the bin guiding transport mechanism 92. An indexer sensor 124 composed of a transmissive photosensor is provided at the vertical position of the casing 74 so as to sandwich the indexer 116.
The indexer sensor 124 monitors the non-reaching or staying of the printed paper P passing over the indexer 116, and detects a jam error. Here, the indexer 116, the driving belt 122, and the indexer sensor 124 constitute an indexer lifting mechanism 125.
The indexer sensor sensor 124 may be configured by a photo interrupter, provided in the indexer 116, and configured to detect the printed paper P passing through the indexer 116.
[0039]
When the indexer 116 is driven by a DC servo motor serving as a driving unit via the driving belt 122, the indexer 116 receives a printed sheet conveyed by the bin guide conveying mechanism 92. Then, when the indexer sensor 124 detects that the printed paper is reliably stored in the bin row 76, the indexer 116 moves in units of pitch between the bins 78 with the home position HP1 as a reference position. Thereby, the printed sheets are inserted one by one into a predetermined bin 78 of the bin row 76.
[0040]
A switching plate 126 is provided on the inlet side of the upstream belt conveyor device 82 in the introduction transport mechanism 80. The switching plate 126 is controlled to be switched by turning on / off the solenoid 128 according to the mode setting state. Specifically, when the non-sort mode is set, the switching plate 126 is switched so that the printed paper is conveyed to the paper discharge tray 60 of the stencil printing apparatus 1. On the other hand, when the mode for using the sorter 2 is set, the switching plate 126 is switched so as to convey the printed paper to the first sorter 2A. Here, a switching mechanism 129 is constituted by the switching plate 126 and the solenoid 128.
[0041]
A sheet-like sheet body 130 wound in a roll shape is provided at a position immediately above the introduction end in the uppermost bin 78A. One end of the sheet body 130 is fixed to the housing 74 side, and the other end, which is an open end, is attached to the indexer 116. The sheet body 130 is fed out and wound in conjunction with the up-and-down movement of the indexer 116 to prevent rebound by the sub-scanning alignment plate 140 of the alignment mechanism 136 described later when the printed paper P is stored in the bin 78. Yes. The bin-side surface of the sheet body 130 is the alignment reference plane Y in the sub-scanning direction when aligning the sub-scanning direction of the printed paper inserted in the bin 78.₀It has become.
[0042]
Each bin 78 constituting the bin row 76 has a transport direction (sub-scanning direction) of printed paper inserted from the indexer 116 and a direction orthogonal to the transport direction (main scanning direction). Notch portions 132 and 134 having a predetermined length are formed. At positions corresponding to the notches 132 and 134, an alignment mechanism 136 that aligns printed sheets inserted in the bin 78 with a predetermined alignment reference plane is provided.
[0043]
FIG. 4 is a plan view of the alignment mechanism 136. Alignment reference plane X₀, Y₀Is set in the lower left corner of the figure. Specifically, the alignment reference plane Y in the sub-scanning direction₀Is set on the surface of the sheet body 130 on the bin side as described above. Also, the alignment reference plane X in the main scanning direction₀Is set on the inner wall surface of a cover member that is openable and closable with respect to the housing 74 so as to be opened when the printed paper in the bin 78 is taken out.
[0044]
The alignment mechanism 136 includes a main scanning alignment plate 138 that moves in the main scanning direction within the notch 132 that extends in a direction orthogonal to the transport direction of the printed paper, and a notch that extends in the transport direction of the printed paper. And a sub-scanning alignment plate 140 that moves in the sub-scanning direction within the section 134.
[0045]
The outermost position of the notch 132 is set to a main scanning home position HP2 that is a standby reference position when moving the main scanning alignment plate. A main scanning HP sensor 142 that detects whether or not the main scanning alignment plate 138 is positioned at the main scanning home position HP2 is provided in the vicinity of the outermost position of the notch 132. Similarly, the outermost position of the notch 134 is set to the sub-scanning home position HP3 that is the standby reference position when moving the sub-scanning alignment plate. A sub-scanning HP sensor 144 that detects whether or not the sub-scanning alignment plate 140 is located at the sub-scanning home position HP3 is provided in the vicinity of the outermost position of the notch 134. For example, pulse motors 137 and 139 as driving means are connected to the main scanning alignment plate 138 and the sub-scanning alignment plate 140, respectively.
[0046]
That is, when the pulse amount of the pulse motor that constitutes the driving means is determined based on the paper main scanning data set in advance according to the size of the printing paper, the main scanning alignment is performed by the pulse amount with reference to the main scanning home position HP2. The plate 138 moves in the main scanning direction. Further, when the pulse amount of the pulse motor that constitutes the driving means is determined based on the preset paper sub-scan data according to the size of the printing paper, the sub-scan alignment is performed by the pulse amount with reference to the sub-scan home position HP3. The plate 140 moves in the sub scanning direction.
[0047]
As described above, the main scanning alignment plate 138 and the sub-scanning alignment plate 140 move according to the size of the printing paper, so that the printed paper inserted into each bin 78 of the bin row 76 from the indexer 116 is aligned with the alignment reference plane X.₀, Y₀To be consistent.
[0048]
Here, the size of paper that can be stored in each bin 78 is limited by the positional relationship between the two alignment plates 138 and 140 and the positional relationship between the alignment plates 138 and 140 and the HP sensors 142 and 144. That is, the minimum size of paper that can be stored is the size when the two alignment plates 138 and 140 are moved from the home positions HP2 and HP3 by the maximum amount to positions where the alignment plates 138 and 140 do not interfere with each other. The maximum size of paper that can be stored is the size that can be stored in the bin 78 without interfering with any of the HP sensors 142 and 144.
[0049]
The stencil printing apparatus 1 and the sorter 2 configured as described above are connected by attaching the introduction transport mechanism 80 to the paper discharge port 54 of the stencil printing apparatus 1. The distribution and storing operation of the printing paper with respect to the bin row 76 of the sorter 2 is performed by a specific key operation provided on the operation panel 146 of the stencil printing apparatus 1 described below.
[0050]
FIG. 5 is a view showing a paper delivery table lifting mechanism of the present apparatus.
The paper discharge table 60 is moved up and down by a paper discharge table lifting mechanism 180. The paper discharge table elevating mechanism 180 includes a slider mechanism that holds the paper discharge table 60 so as to be movable up and down, and an elevator motor 181 that drives the paper discharge table 60 up and down via the slider mechanism.
The paper discharge stand 60 is controlled to be lowered in accordance with the discharge of the printed paper P from the stencil printing apparatus 1. In other words, the discharge tray lifting mechanism 180 is controlled by the control unit 170 so that the top surface position of the printed paper P stacked on the discharge tray 60 is substantially the discharge position of the paper discharge port 54. The configuration is such that P is aligned on the paper discharge tray 60.
[0051]
As shown in FIG. 5, the sheet discharge table 60 has an upper limit sensor 185 as an upper limit position, and the number of sheets from the upper limit position to the detection by the lower limit sensor 186 can be stacked.
A paper position sensor 183 that detects the position of the uppermost surface of the printed paper P on the paper discharge tray 60 is provided at the paper discharge port 54. Further, a paper presence / absence sensor 187 for detecting the presence / absence of printed paper P on the paper discharge tray 60 is provided on the paper discharge tray 60.
[0052]
FIG. 6 is a view showing an operation panel provided in the stencil printing apparatus. The operation panel 146 is provided with a numeric keypad 148, a number LED 150, a display 158 such as a liquid crystal panel, an operation mode key 160, a mode LED 162, a start key 164, and a stop key 166.
[0053]
The numeric keypad 148 is composed of 0 to 9 numeric keys, and is pressed when setting the number of prints.
The number-of-sheets LED 150 displays the number of printed sheets set with the numeric keypad 148. The display value of the number LED 150 is subtracted from the set value by one in synchronization with the printed paper being discharged by the printing operation by the stencil printing apparatus 1.
[0054]
The display unit 158 displays an error display when an error such as a jam occurs, and the paper size of the printing paper P detected by the paper feed mechanism 30.
[0055]
The operation mode key 160 includes a non-sort mode for storing printed paper using the paper discharge tray 60 and a sort mode (collation mode, group mode, continuous mode) for storing printed paper using the sorter 2. A push operation is performed when either one is selected. The operation mode key 160 loops and switches modes in the order of non-sort mode, collation mode, group mode, continuous mode, and non-sort mode every time it is pushed from the time of power-on.
[0056]
Here, the non-sort mode is a mode in which printed paper discharged from the paper discharge port 54 of the stencil printing apparatus 1 is directly discharged onto the paper discharge tray 60.
In the collation mode, when the stencil printing apparatus 1 sequentially prints a predetermined number of copies based on a document consisting of a plurality of pages, the same page of the printed paper P discharged from the paper discharge port 54 is stored in different bins 78. In this mode, collation is performed so that the printed matter having the same configuration as the original is stored in each bin 78. In this collation mode, a copy of a document composed of a plurality of pages is stored in each bin 78 in the same order as the document, so that the user does not need to manually create a printed material composed of a plurality of pages.
[0057]
The group mode is a mode in which the printed paper P discharged from the paper discharge port 54 of the stencil printing apparatus 1 is sorted into a bin 78 by a desired number. In this mode, for example, when a manuscript is distributed to students of all classes of a school year at a school or the like, the number of printed materials for each class can be stored in each bin 78. There is no need to sort the printed materials for each class. Here, a sort bin block can be formed by considering a plurality of bins 78 as one bin so as to cope with the number exceeding the number of bins stored.
The continuous mode is a mode in which printed sheets discharged from the sheet discharge port 54 of the stencil printing apparatus 1 are distributed and stored one by one in each bin 78 in order to reduce show-through of printed matter.
[0058]
Mode LED 162 displays the mode (collation mode, group mode, continuous mode) selected by operation mode key 160. When the mode LED 162 is not displayed, the non-sort mode is selected.
[0059]
The start key 164 is pushed when the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the sorter 2 are operated. The stop key 166 is pushed to stop the operations of the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the sorter 2.
[0060]
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the above-described image forming apparatus. In the figure, a control means (CPU) 170 constituted by a microprocessor or the like controls each mechanism in the apparatus based on a program and setting information stored in a ROM 172 as a storage means.
The control unit 170 is connected to a RAM 174 that stores settings such as the number of printed sheets and various sort modes input from the operation panel 146 as needed.
[0061]
The control means 170 outputs a rotation command to the plate cylinder drive mechanism 14 to control the rotation of the plate cylinder 4. A plate making command to the stencil sheet 8 is output to the plate making mechanism 64. A command for locking / releasing the stencil sheet 8 to the plate cylinder 4 is output to the clamp mechanism 6. A command for peeling the used stencil sheet 8 from the plate cylinder 4 is output to the plate discharging mechanism 48. A paper feed command for feeding the printing paper P is output to the paper feed mechanism 30 in conjunction with the plate cylinder drive mechanism 14. When the printed sheet P is discharged to the paper feed table 60, the elevator motor 181 is rotationally driven to lower the paper feed table 60 with respect to the paper discharge table lifting mechanism 180.
[0062]
As shown in FIG. 7, a control device 176 for controlling the operation of each mechanism of the sorter 2 is provided on the sorter 2 side.
The control device 176 and the control means 170 of the stencil printing apparatus 1 are electrically connected via a cable or the like, and control information is input / output to / from each other.
This control device 176 performs synchronous control for sequentially taking in on the sorter 2 side the printed sheets P that are successively discharged from the stencil printing device 1, and the control means 170 side is the center from this control means 170. The sorter 2 is controlled based on the control command.
When an error occurs in the sorter 2, this fact is output to the control means 170, and an error handling process is performed based on a control command from the control means 170.
For this reason, the control device 176 includes an introduction conveyance mechanism 80, a bin guide conveyance mechanism 92, a sorter passage conveyance mechanism 102, a sorter switching mechanism 115, an indexer lifting mechanism 125, a switching mechanism 129, and an alignment mechanism 136 provided in the sorter 2. A control command is output to each.
[0063]
The printed sheets P discharged from the stencil printing apparatus 1 are sorted into the bins 78 in the sorter 2 in a predetermined form, which will be described later, according to control commands to these mechanisms.
Further, although the operation panel 146 is provided on the stencil printing apparatus 1 side, a similar operation panel is provided on the sorter 2 side, and setting contents by operation of the operation panel are sent to the control means 170 of the stencil printing apparatus 1. It is good also as a structure. Further, the operation panel 146 may be provided in both the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the sorter 2.
[0064]
Next, the sorting operation of the sorter 2 configured as described above will be described.
When the printed paper P printed by the stencil printing apparatus 1 is sorted in various sort modes, the sorter 2 is used.
First, the mode switching plate 126 is switched to the sorter 2 side, and the sorter switching plate 110 is switched to the introduction transport mechanism 80 side. As a result, the printed paper discharged from the stencil printing apparatus 1 is conveyed to the bin guide conveying mechanism 92 via the introducing conveying mechanism 80.
[0065]
When the printed paper is guided and conveyed to the indexer 116 by the bin guide conveying mechanism 92, the indexer 116 moves in units of pitches between the bins 78 with the home position as a reference position, and one sheet for each bin 78. The printed paper P is inserted one by one.
In the sorter 2, the indexer 116 moves to a predetermined bin 78 in accordance with the sort mode (collation mode, group mode, continuous mode) selected by the operation mode key 160.
[0066]
The second sorter 2B is basically provided in a form in which the first sorter 2A is added in order to sort more printed sheets P.
The printed paper P is transported to the second sorter 2B by switching the sorter switching plate 110 of the first sorter 2A to the sorter passage transport device 102, so that the printed paper P passes through the sorter passage transport device 102. The second sorter 2B is inserted into each bin 78 in the same manner as the first sorter 2A.
In both the first and second sorters 2A and 2B, after the printed paper P is accommodated in the bin 78, the alignment mechanism 136 operates to align the printed paper P on each bin 78 at once.
Thereafter, the cover member is opened, and the printed paper P that is aligned on each bin 78 can be taken out.
[0067]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a transition from the standby state of the apparatus to the sort printing operation.
The control means 170 confirms whether the sort mode is set with the operation mode key 160 of the operation panel 146 (SP1), next confirms whether the number of prints is set with the numeric keypad 148 (SP2), and then starts the key 164. Is confirmed (SP3), and the sort printing operation is started when the above condition is satisfied.
[0068]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart of the entire sort printing operation.
When the sort printing operation is started, the printing operation (SP21) of the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the sorting operation (SP22) of the sorter 2 are processed simultaneously by the command of the control means 170.
Meanwhile, it is confirmed whether or not 1 is set in the error flag (SP23). If 1 is not set in the error flag, the process returns to SP11 until the set number of sheets is completed (SP24). End (SP25).
[0069]
When the error flag is set to 1, an error occurs in the sort operation (SP22), and an interrupt process occurs from (1) (SP31). The flowchart after that will be described after explaining the sort operation. Do.
[0070]
FIG. 10A is a flowchart of the sort operation in the sorter 2.
When the sort operation is started, the switching mechanism 129 switches so as to transport the switching plate 126 to the sorter 2 side (SP41). Specifically, the solenoid 128 is turned on and the switching plate 126 is moved downward (the position indicated by the solid line in FIG. 3).
Next, the introduction transport mechanism 80 is operated so that the printed paper P discharged from the paper discharge port 54 of the stencil printing apparatus 1 can be transported to the bin row 76 (SP42). Specifically, the transport belts of the front and rear belt conveyor devices 82 and 86 are transported, and at the same time, the suction device 88 is suctioned.
[0071]
Next, 1 is set in the register A of the control means 170 (SP43), the indexer elevating mechanism 125 is operated, and the indexer 116 is moved to the A bin (SP44). The A-th bin indicates one bin 78 in the bin row 76.
In the first case, A = 1, so that it moves to the uppermost bin 78A (first bin).
Next, the indexer sensor 124 confirms the presence or absence of the printed paper P (SP45). If the printed paper P cannot be detected, the unreached degree is monitored by a timeout process (SP46).
[0072]
If the presence or absence of the printed paper P can be confirmed, the register A is compared with the set number (SP47). If the register A is less than the set number, the register A plus 1 is set (SP48). , Return to SP44.
When the register A becomes equal to the set number, the indexer 116 is moved to the first bin (SP49). Thereafter, the operation of the introduction transport mechanism 80 is stopped (SP50), the switching plate 126 is turned off (SP51), and the operation is terminated.
[0073]
Referring to the timeout process in FIG. 10B, after the indexer 116 moves to the A bin, the actual time t of the printed paper P detected by the indexer sensor 116 with respect to the preset timeout time T is calculated. When it becomes larger (SP61), it is considered that a paper jam error has occurred during the conveyance, and 1 is set in the error flag (SP62).
Next, the process proceeds to the sort printing operation of FIG. 9 (SP31).
[0074]
Returning to FIG. 9, based on the error flag 1 transmitted in SP31, the control unit 170 stops the operation of the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the sorter 2 based on the determination in SP23 (SP26).
Next, the display 158 displays that a paper jam error has occurred (SP27). Next, it is monitored whether the paper jam error is cleared (SP28). If not cleared, it is further monitored whether the mode is switched to the non-sort mode (SP29).
When it is confirmed that the error is cleared or switched to the non-sort mode, the error display is cleared and the error flag is cleared (changed from 1 to 0) (SP30), and the printing operation can be continued ( Move to SP24).
[0075]
As described above, when an error occurs in the sorter 2 during the sort printing operation, the operator can remove the cause of the error and clear the error itself (for example, if the paper jam occurs, the printed paper P jammed by the operator is removed. The error can be cleared simply by removing it), or even if the error of the sorter 2 cannot be cleared, the operator can continue the printing operation by switching from the sort mode to the non-sort mode so that the sorter 2 is not used. Become.
By switching to the non-sort mode, the control unit 170 correspondingly switches the switching plate 126 of the sorter 2 to the paper discharge table 60 side as indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG.
[0076]
Thereby, printing in the stencil printing apparatus 1 can be resumed, and the printed paper P at this time is stacked on the paper discharge tray 60.
In the above description, the error in the sorter 2 has been described by taking an example of a jam of the printed paper P in the vicinity of the indexer 116. However, this error is also caused by a malfunction of each transport mechanism that transports the printed paper P in the sorter 2. In addition to malfunction of the stapling mechanism that closes the printed paper P, staple (needle) breakage, etc., there are paper jams as well as paper jams.
When an error occurs in any of these mechanisms, the cause of the error cannot be specified, and even if the sorter 2 remains in an error state, the operator simply releases the sort mode so as not to use the sorter 2 and switches to the non-sort mode. The remaining number of printing operations can be continued using the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the paper discharge tray 60.
[0077]
Next, FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the transition from the standby state of the apparatus to the non-sort printing operation.
The control means 170 confirms whether the non-sort mode is set with the operation mode key 160 of the operation panel 146 (SP71), then confirms whether the number of prints is set with the numeric keypad 148 (SP72), and then starts the key. 164 is pressed (SP73), then it is checked whether the paper presence sensor 187 of the paper discharge tray 60 is ON (the state where the printed paper P is not on the paper discharge tray 60). When the condition is satisfied, the non-sort printing operation is started.
During the non-sorting operation, the control unit 170 turns off the solenoid 128 of the switching mechanism 129 and moves the switching plate 126 upward so that the printed paper P is conveyed to the paper discharge tray 60 side (the position of the dashed line in FIG. 3). ).
[0078]
FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the non-sort printing operation.
When the non-sort printing operation is started, the printing operation (SP81) of the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the non-sorting operation (SP82) of the paper discharge tray 60 are simultaneously executed according to instructions from the control means 170.
Meanwhile, it is checked whether or not 1 is set in the error flag (SP53). If 1 is not set in the error flag, the process returns to SP81 until the set number of sheets is completed (SP54). (SP55).
[0079]
The error flag is set to 1 when a time-out error process (SP104), which will be described later, times out due to a paper jam or the like. This occurs in interrupt processing.
If the error flag is 1, the control means 170 controls to stop the operation of the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the paper discharge tray 60 (SP86). Next, the display 158 displays that a paper jam error has occurred (SP87).
[0080]
Next, it is monitored whether the paper jam error has been cleared (SP88), and if not cleared, it is further monitored whether the mode has been switched to the sort mode (SP89).
If it is confirmed that the error has been cleared or switched to the sort mode, the error display is cleared (SP90), and the printing operation can be continued.
[0081]
FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the non-sort operation.
When the non-sort operation is started, the control means 170 drives the elevator motor 181 in the CCW direction (ON) until the upper limit sensor 185 is turned on (SP101) (SP102), and raises the paper discharge table 60 to the upper limit position. .
In this state, printed paper P discharged from the paper discharge port 54 of the stencil printing apparatus 1 is sequentially stacked on the paper discharge tray 60.
[0082]
When it is confirmed that the upper limit sensor 185 is ON, the presence / absence of the printed paper P discharged by the paper position sensor 183 is checked next (SP103). Is monitored by timeout processing (SP104).
[0083]
FIG. 13B is a flowchart showing a time-out process in the paper discharge tray 60. This time-out process has the same processing contents as the time-out process in the sorter 2 described above (FIG. 10B). That is, when the actual time t of the printed paper P detected by the paper position sensor 183 becomes larger than the preset time-out time T (SP111), a paper discharge error (for example, jam) has occurred. And an error flag is set to 1 (SP112).
[0084]
As the printed paper P is sequentially discharged to the paper discharge tray 60, the uppermost position of the printed paper P becomes higher. In response to this, when the uppermost surface of the printed paper P is detected by the paper position sensor 183, the elevator motor 181 is driven in the CW direction (SP105), and the paper discharge table 60 is lowered by a predetermined amount.
Next, the paper position sensor 183 further checks the presence or absence of printed paper on the paper discharge tray 60 (SP106). If the printed paper P is confirmed, the drive of the elevator motor 181 is stopped (OFF) ( Return to SP107) and SP103.
[0085]
By the way, if the uppermost position of the printed paper P cannot be detected by the paper position sensor 183, the elevator motor 181 is continuously driven in the CW direction until the lower limit sensor 186 is turned off (SP108), and the paper discharge table 60 is moved. Lower.
When the lower limit sensor 186 is turned on (SP108), the lowering stops the drive of the elevator motor 181 (SP109), and the discharge table 60 is stopped at the lower limit position.
[0086]
Since the above-described lowering control of the paper discharge tray 60 is performed every time the uppermost position of the printed paper P is detected by the paper position sensor 183, even if the printed paper P is discharged from the stencil printing apparatus 1 one after another. The height position of the printed paper P can always be made constant with respect to the paper discharge port 54. As a result, the printed paper P can be stacked in an aligned state on the paper discharge tray 60 without being disturbed.
[0087]
When an error occurs in the paper discharge tray 60 during the non-sort printing operation shown in FIG. 13, the operator can remove the cause of the error and clear the error itself (for example, if the paper jams, the operator has jammed) By removing the printed paper P, the error can be cleared), or even if the error of the paper discharge tray 60 cannot be cleared, the operator does not use the paper discharge tray 60 by switching from the non-sort mode to the sort mode, The printing operation of the device can be continued.
By switching to the sort mode, the control means 170 correspondingly switches the switching plate 126 from the position of the one-dot chain line in FIG. 3 to the sorter 2 side as indicated by the solid line position.
[0088]
Thereby, printing in the stencil printing apparatus 1 can be resumed, and the printed paper P at this time is discharged to the sorter 2 side.
In the above description, the error at the paper discharge tray 60 has been described by taking the jam of the printed paper P in the vicinity of the paper discharge port 54 as an example. Not only paper jam but also paper jam.
When an error occurs in any of these mechanisms, the cause of the error cannot be specified, and even if the paper discharge tray 60 remains in an error state, the operator cancels the non-sort mode so as not to use the paper discharge tray 60, and sort mode It is possible to continue the printing operation for the remaining number of sheets using the stencil printing apparatus 1 and the sorter 2.
[0089]
When switching to a sort mode that uses the sorter 2 after an error occurs in the non-sort mode, the control means 170 controls the operation of the sorter 2 in a predetermined sort mode, and the selected sort mode is displayed on the display unit 158. Is displayed.
At this time, it is possible to set so that the sort mode close to the non-sort mode among the various sort modes is automatically selected. For example, if the group mode is set to be selected among the above sort modes, the printed sheets P are sorted, but the printed sheets P of the same document are stacked and accommodated by the number of sheets accommodated in a certain bin 78. It can be approximated to a non-sort mode, and it is possible to prevent the operator from being confused as much as possible by changing the mode, and the handling of the apparatus is not complicated.
[0090]
When the group mode is selected at the time of this mode change, it is desirable to set the entire unprinted printed paper P after the error occurs as one group. However, when the number of printed sheets P in one group is large, the group is divided into a plurality of bins 78 in units of the number of bins 78 accommodated.
In this way, when the printed paper P that was originally intended to be discharged in the non-sort mode is discharged using the sorter 2, the sorter 2 can be compared with the number of printed paper P that can be stacked on the paper discharge tray 60. When the number of sheets that can be accommodated in each bin 78 is small, the unprinted printed paper P remaining after the occurrence of an error is stored in the next bin 78 (one step lower) after the storage of a certain bin 78 is full. The printed paper P is stored using the bin 78).
[0091]
Further, when switching to the sort mode that uses the sorter 2 after the occurrence of an error in the non-sort mode, the control unit 170 may be configured to operate in the corresponding sort mode in response to the selection operation of the sort mode by the operator.
In other words, the sort mode after switching may be the continuous mode. In this continuous mode, the printed paper P is stored in the entire bin row 76, but the printed paper is not printed. The original purpose of obtaining P without show-through can be achieved.
As described above, whether to automatically change from the non-mode to the sort mode when an error occurs in the paper discharge tray 60 or to be changed by the operation of the operator is set in advance as a response to the error occurrence in the control unit 170. You just have to.
[0093]
【The invention's effect】
  In the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the printing medium discharged from the image forming unit is switched by the switching unit.Collating part or stacker partIt is discharged inEitheroneTowardsIf an error occurs, change the transport route, etc.TowardsSince the printing medium can be discharged, it is possible to prevent the entire apparatus from being unusable due to the occurrence of an error, and it is possible to quickly obtain a desired number of printing bodies. This is particularly suitable when a sudden work is required.In addition, when an error occurs in the stacker unit and the conveyance path is switched to the collating unit, the desired number of sheets to be printed is sorted and stored in each bin. It can be loaded and accommodated, and can be approximated to a non-sorting form, so that it is possible to prevent the operator from being confused as much as possible by changing the mode, and the handling of the apparatus is not complicated.
  In addition, when an error occurs in the stacker unit and a printing medium is stored in the collating unit, if the bins can be divided and stored in units of the number of bins in the collating unit, the stacker unit can be stacked. If the number of bins that can be accommodated in the collating portion is smaller than the number of print bodies, the print medium can be accommodated using the next bin after the bin is fully accommodated.
  Furthermore, when an error occurs in the stacker unit and the printing medium is stored in the collating unit, the printing medium discharged from the paper discharge port in the group mode or continuous mode selected by the mode selection unit can be stored. If an error occurs, the operator can specify the mode by the mode selection means.You will be able to choose.In addition, when the image forming unit is configured by a stencil printing apparatus, if the continuous mode is selected, it is possible to obtain the printing medium without show-through.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram showing an embodiment of an image forming apparatus of the present invention.
FIGS. 2A and 2B are a plan view and a side view of a paper feed base portion, respectively.
FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a sorter.
FIG. 4 is a plan view of an alignment mechanism.
FIG. 5 is a view showing a paper output tray lifting mechanism of the apparatus.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an operation panel.
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the image forming apparatus.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the transition from the standby state of the apparatus to the sort mode.
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing sort printing operation of the apparatus.
FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a sorter sorting operation.
(B) is a flowchart showing the timeout process of the sorter.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a transition from a standby state of the apparatus to a non-sort mode.
FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing a non-sort printing operation of the apparatus.
FIG. 13A is a flowchart showing a non-sorting operation of the paper discharge tray.
FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing a time-out process for the paper discharge tray.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Stencil printing apparatus, 2 ... Sorter, 28 ... Paper feed stand, 60 ... Paper discharge stand, 76 ... Bin row, 78 ... Bin, 116 ... Indexer, 126 ... Switching plate, 128 ... Solenoid, 136 ... Alignment mechanism, 158 ... Display, 160 ... Operation mode key, 170 ... Control means, 172 ... ROM, 180 ... Discharge stand lifting mechanism, 181 ... Elevator motor, 183 ... Paper position sensor, 185 ... Upper limit sensor, 186 ... Lower limit sensor, 187 ... Paper presence sensor.

Claims (3)

An image forming unit that forms a desired image on a printing medium and discharges it from a paper discharge port;
A collating unit having a plurality of sort bins for sorting the printing medium discharged from the image forming unit;
A stacker unit provided to stack the printing medium discharged from the image forming unit;
A switching unit that is provided at a paper discharge port of the image forming unit and switches a conveyance path so as to convey a print medium discharged from the paper discharge port to either the collating unit or the stacker unit ;
When it is determined that there is an error in the collating unit in a state where the conveying path is switched to the collating unit side by the switching unit, the operation of the collating unit is prohibited, and the conveying path is When it is determined that there is an error in the stacker unit in the state where the stacker unit side is switched to allow the printing medium to be discharged to the stacker unit, and the transport unit is switched to the stacker unit side by the switching unit. The operation of the stacker unit is prohibited, the transport path is switched to the collating unit side by the switching unit, and the desired number of the printed materials discharged from the paper discharge port to the collating unit are placed in each bin. An image forming apparatus having control means for enabling sorting and storing . When the stacker unit determines that there is an error and stores the print medium in the collating unit, the control unit can divide and store the plurality of bins in units of the number of bins in the collating unit. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1 . An image forming unit that forms a desired image on a printing medium and discharges it from a paper discharge port;
A collating unit having a plurality of sort bins for sorting the printing medium discharged from the image forming unit;
A stacker unit provided to stack the printing medium discharged from the image forming unit;
A switching unit that is provided at a paper discharge port of the image forming unit and switches a conveyance path so as to convey a print medium discharged from the paper discharge port to either the collating unit or the stacker unit;
Either a group mode in which a desired number of the printed materials discharged from the paper discharge port are sorted into each bin, or a continuous mode in which the printed materials discharged from the paper discharge port are distributed and stored one by one in each bin. Mode selection means for selecting
When it is determined that there is an error in the collating unit in a state where the conveying path is switched to the collating unit side by the switching unit, the operation of the collating unit is prohibited, and the conveying path is When it is determined that there is an error in the stacker unit in a state where the stacker unit side is switched to allow the printing medium to be discharged to the stacker unit and the transfer unit is switched to the stacker unit side by the switching unit. The operation of the stacker unit is prohibited, the transport path is switched to the collating unit side by the switching unit, and the collated unit is discharged from the paper discharge port according to the mode selected by the mode selecting unit. An image forming apparatus having a control unit that can store a printed body .

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