JPH01139470A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make it possible to obtain a necessary number of copies each having necessary number of sheets at only one time of input of an image forming signal by setting a number of sheets to be stored in each bin and a number of bins to be used in accordance with one original so that sheets are distributed and stored in the set number for each bin to be used, respectively. CONSTITUTION:In such a condition that a multiple grouping mode is selected by a sorter mode selection key 151 on a sorter panel 150 and indicating LEDs 155 are turned on, a number of bins to be used for sorting sheets, that is, a number M of copies is inputted through a ten keyboard 124 on a copying machine panel 120. Further, a number of sheets in each copy, to be stored in each bin, that is, a number B of stored sheets, is inputted through the ten keyboard 124 in such a condition that a multiplying key 133 is turned on, and then an equal key 17 is manipulated so as to reset the mode before repeating the above-mentioned steps so that the number B of stored sheets is set to Z1, Z2... for the bins to be used. Further, when a print key 121 is depressed, the number M of copies each having the number B of sheets are automatically sorted. Thus, it is possible to aim at enhancing the facility of use.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus, and particularly to an image forming apparatus that can sort and store sheets discharged from an image forming apparatus main body into a plurality of bins.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In recent years, various sorters have been provided as options for copying machines in order to improve the versatility and functionality of paper handling. This type of sorter typically can accommodate sheets in three modes. The first mode is a sorting mode in which each copy of a document is sequentially distributed to each bin to perform page alignment, and the second mode is a grouping mode in which copies of each document are distributed to each bin. The third is a non-sort mode in which the items are stored in one bin (usually the topmost bin) without being distributed.

By the way, in conventional sorters, control for shifting the bins to be accommodated is performed based on the number set as the number of copies. Therefore, from one manuscript, for example,
To make 15 copies of 5 copies each, (1) Set the grooving mode and set the number of copies to 5 copies.
” and turn on the print key 15 times. ) I had no choice but to adopt the method of making 14 copies in sorting mode.

In either method, it is not enough to operate the print key once, which is complicated, and in the second method, the result is a grandchild copy, which deteriorates the image.

That is, in conventional sorters, the sorting mode and the grouping mode are each executed independently, and it is impossible to simultaneously perform a process that combines both modes.

Means for Solving the Problems Therefore, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention includes: (i) means for setting the number of sheets to be stored in each bin based on one document; and (i) used for sorting sheets. (d) distributing the number of sheets set by the storage number setting means into the number of bins set by the bin setting means;
It is characterized by comprising a control means for controlling the accommodation.

In other words, in the present invention, the number of copies B is input as the number of sheets to be stored in each bin based on one document, and the number of copies M is input as the number of bins used for sorting the sheets. As a result, the sorter automatically sorts B copies into M copies by inputting only one image forming start signal. The number B can be set to a different value for each bin, and in this case, the sheets are sorted into 20 copies in the first bin and 23 copies in the second bin. becomes.

Embodiment [Overall Configuration] As shown in FIG. 1, the image forming apparatus according to the present invention is mainly configured with an electrophotographic copying machine (1), and optionally includes an automatic paper feeder (15) and an automatic document feeder. (30) (hereinafter referred to as ADF) and a sorter (40) are attached.

The copying machine (1) uses a well-known electrophotographic method, and a photosensitive drum (2), which is rotated in the direction of arrow (a), is first given a certain electric charge by a charger (3). Then, the optical system (4) scans in the direction of the arrow (b), whereby the original set at a predetermined position at the ADF (30) is exposed to slit light. Thereby, the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum (2) is converted into a toner image by a magnetic brush type developing device (5), and is transferred onto a sheet by a transfer charger (6).

Sheets are stored in the nilevate-type and cassette-type automatic paper feeders (10), (11) inside the copying machine (1), or in the three-stage paper feeder cassette (1) of the automatic paper feeder (15) installed outside the machine.
6), (17), and Us).
The sheets are fed one by one and sent to the transfer section at a predetermined timing by a pair of timing rollers (19). The sheet after the transfer is sent to the fixing device (21) by the conveyor belt (20), where the toner image is fixed, and then sent from the ejection roller pair (22) to the sorter (40), and then the ejection roller pair Just before (22), the passage is detected by the discharge switch (SWI). The copying machine (1) also has a built-in paper refeeding device (25) for double-sided copying and composite copying, and a sheet conveyance switching claw <26) for this purpose is provided in front of the ejection roller pair (22). is set up.

On the other hand, the photoreceptor drum (2) continues to rotate in the direction of the arrow (a) even after the transfer, and the remaining toner can be wiped away by the blade-type cleaning device (7), and the eraser lamp (8)
) to erase residual charges and prepare for the next copy operation.

The ADF (30) is well known in itself, and feeds the original placed on the original tray (31) between the pair of paper feed rollers <3.
2>, the sheets are fed one by one, and the conveyor belt (34) rotates to set them at a predetermined position on the document table glass (29). After image exposure, the original is discharged onto the output tray (36) through the reversing conveyance path (35>) by the rotation of the conveyor belt (34). A document reversing unit (37) is provided for reversing the document and returning it onto the document platen glass (29).

The sorter (40) includes a bin assembly in which a plurality of bins (41) (20 sheets in this embodiment) are vertically provided at predetermined intervals, and moves vertically along the sheet receiving side of each bin (41). A possible gate (42>), pairs of rollers (45), (46), (47) for conveying sheets discharged from the copying machine (1) to the gate (42), and an endless belt (48>, not shown). It is made up of retractable tape.

The sheet discharged from the discharge roller pair (22>) of the copying machine (1) passes through the roller pairs (45) to (47) to the gate (42).
(42> roller pair (43)
and distributed to each bin (41). When a predetermined number of sheets have been distributed to the bins (41), the gate (42) shifts to a position corresponding to the bin (41) one step below, and similarly distributes the conveyed sheets. In this way, the gate (42) sequentially distributes the sheets to the bins (41), . to return to.

Furthermore, the sorter (40) is equipped with a switch (40) for detecting that the gate (42) has returned to the home position.
SW2), a transmission type photo sensor (Se
l) has been installed.

[control panel] In this embodiment, the operation panel is as shown in FIG.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, a copying machine panel (120), an ADF panel (140), a sorter panel (150), and (7) are installed at three locations.

Copy machine handle (120) c, print key (121) for starting copy operation when ADF (30) is not in use, interrupt key (122) for temporarily suspending multi-copy operation, copy operation Clear/stop key (1
23), a numeric keypad group (124) for setting the number of multi-copy sheets, etc., a display section (125) for displaying the number of copies and the status of the copier 1), up-down keys (125) for setting the copy density, etc. 126), (127)
and its display LED group (128), sheet selection key (129) for selecting copy sheet size and its display LED group (130), magnification selection key group (131) for selecting copy magnification and its display LED Group (1
32) etc. are provided.

Additionally, add/subtract/multiply/divide keys (133) for handling multi-grouping modes specific to the present invention and detailed below.
, (134), (135), (136) and an equal key (137) are installed.

The ADF panel (140) is provided with only a start key (141) for starting the ADF operation. When this start key (141) is turned on, the originals on the original tray (31) are automatically moved one after another onto the original platen glass (2).
9) The paper is transported upward and the copying operation is started.

The sorter panel (150) has a sorter mode selection key (1
51) and its display section, the non-sort mode display L E
D (152) and sorting mode display LED (1
53) and grouping mode display LED (154)
) and multi-grouping mode display L E D (15
5) and are installed. Sorter mode selection key (15
1) Each time you press it, it switches between non-sort mode and sort mode.

The grouping mode and the multi-grouping mode are sequentially switched, and the corresponding L E D (152).

(153), (154), and (155) light up in sequence.

[Control Procedure] Next, the copying machine (1) and the sorter (40
) will be explained with reference to FIG. 5 and subsequent figures.

FIG. 5 shows the main routine of the microcomputer which is the center of control. The microcomputer itself is well known, and although not shown, its input/output ports are connected to various switches, sensors, etc. of the above-mentioned copying machine (1).

When the microcomputer is reset and the program is started, in step (51), the random access memory is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode. Next, in step (S2), an internal timer is started.

This internal timer determines the time required for the main routine, and its value is set in advance at the initial setting of step (Sl).

Next, in steps (S3) to (S6), each subroutine described in detail below is sequentially called, and when the processing of all subroutines is completed, the end of the internal timer is waited for in step (S7), and step ( Return to S2).

The time length of one routine is used to count various timers in each subroutine.

FIG. 6 shows the input processing subroutine executed in step (S3).

First, in step (510), a subroutine (described in detail in FIG. 7 below) for setting the operation mode of the sorter (40) is executed, and in step (SO), the multi-grooving mode flag is used to set the operation mode of the sorter (40). It is determined whether the multi-grooving mode is selected as the mode. This flag indicates the selection of multi-grooving mode when "1.".

Therefore, if the flag is reset to 10,
In step (512), the set number (A) as the number of copies is entered using the numeric keypad group (124) on the copier panel (120).
is completed, the selected sheet size (SX) is input in step (513), and the ADF is
It is determined whether the use of (30) is selected. If use is selected, select A in step (515).
The DF mode flag is set to "1", and if it is not selected, the manual mode flag is set to "1" in step (516).

Then, in step (529), print key (121) is pressed.
It is determined in step (530) whether or not the ADF start key (141) has been turned on.

When either one is turned on, the copy flag is set to "1" in step (531), other input processing is executed in step (517), and the process returns to the main routine.

If both keys (121) and (141) remain off, the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step (511) that the multi-grooving mode is fully selected, step (51
8), use the numeric keypad group (124) to input the number of bins to be used for sorting the sheets, that is, the number of copies (M>).Next, in step (519), the number of copies input earlier (M) is set to "20". In this embodiment, the number of bins of the sorter (40) is 20, so if the number of copies (M) input here is greater than "20",
In step (522), the warning flag (F2) is set to "1.", a warning that the number of bins has been exceeded is issued, and the process returns to the main routine. If the number of copies (M) is "20" or less, then
In step (Sho), it is determined whether the multiplication key flag is "1" or not. This multiplication key flag is set on the copier panel (120
) When the multiplication key (133) above is turned on, it is set to "1.", and when it is turned on again, it is reset to "0". Therefore, if the multiplication key flag is set to "1", the numeric keypad group (12
4), the digit (B) is input. The number of copies (B) means the number of copies to be stored in each bin (41) based on one original.

On the other hand, in the step (520), the multiplication key flag is set to "0".
”, step (5) is determined.
23), it is determined whether the equal key flag is 11. This equal key flag is set to "1" when the equal key (137) on the copier panel (120) is turned on.
．． When the switch is set to "0" and turned on again, it is reset to "0" and is used to individually set the number of sheets stored in each bin (41).

Therefore, if the equal key flag is set to "1", the number (Zn) is input as the number of sheets stored in the n-th bin in step (524), the equal counter is incremented in step (525), and 526) calls the count value (Y) of the equal counter, and in step (527) it is determined whether the count value (Y) is equal to the number of copies (M). If they are equal, the number of bins (M) used for sorting the sheets is determined. ) has already been entered, so set the equal key flag to 10 in step (528).
and returns to step (523). At this time, the equal key flag has been reset to "0", so the answer is N in step (523).

It is determined that this is the case, and the process moves to step (513).

FIG. 7 shows the sorter (
40) shows the sorter mode setting subroutine.

In this subroutine, each step (540), (5
42).

At (544) and (546>, it is determined whether non-sorting mode, sorting mode, grouping mode, or multi-grouping mode is selected, respectively. If the selection is complete, the respective steps (541) and (543) are performed.

(545), (547> non-sort mode flag,
Sorting mode flag, grouping mode flag.

Set the multi-grouping mode flag to "1".

Although not shown, each step (541).

At (543), (545), and (547), when the set mode flag is set to "1",
Flags of other modes for which no power has been set are reset to "0". For example, in step (541), the non-sorting mode flag is set to 11'', and then the sorting mode, grouping mode, and multi-grouping mode flags are reset to 10''.

FIG. 8 shows a subroutine of copy system processing executed in step (S5) of the main routine.

First, in step (550), the ADF mode flag is set to "1".
', and if '1', step (551)
It is determined whether the copy flag is "11" or not, and if it is "1", copy processing is allowed, but step (
In step 552), the ADF control subroutine is executed, and the process moves to step (S54). Further, if it is determined in step (550) that the ADF mode flag is "10", then in step (553) the copy flag is "1.
It is determined whether or not, and if it is "1", the process moves to step (S54). Steps (551), (553) -t:'
If the copy flag is determined to be "0" in either case,
Return to main routine.

Next, steps (554), (556), (558
) and (560) respectively set the non-sort mode flag,
After confirming that the sorting mode flag, grouping mode flag, and multi-grouping mode flag are rl, steps (S55), (557),
<559), (561) Tenon sort mode processing,
Sorting mode processing.

Each subroutine of grouping mode processing and multi-grouping mode processing is executed. Furthermore, step (5
At step 62), a copy processing subroutine is executed, and at step (563), other processing subroutines are executed.

Note that the steps (552), (S55), (S
57), (S59).

The subroutine that can be executed in step (562) is the same as the conventional procedure, and its details will be omitted.

FIG. 9 shows the subroutine of the multi-grouping mode process executed in step (561).

First, in step (570) it is determined whether there are any sheets in the bin (41), and if there are, it is determined in step (571) whether or not the sheet number counter is "0". If it is “0”, the previously copied sheet has been forgotten and remains in the bin (41), so step (S72) is executed.
Set the warning flag (Fl) to "1" with
) warns you that a sheet has been left behind and returns to the main routine. If the number of sheets counter is not 4011, it means that the sorter (40) is distributing the sheets, so step (5)
79).

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step (570) that there is no sheet in the bin (41>), then in step (573) a switch (SWZ) is used to check whether or not the gate (42) has returned to the home position. Judgment. Switch (SWZ
> is not on, a sorter wait signal is output in step (574) to instruct the copier (1) to wait for copy processing, and in step <575> the gate (42) is output.
to the home position (top bin position).

Next, when it is confirmed in step (S76) that the switch (SWZ) is turned on and the gate (42) has returned to the home position, the sorter weight is released in step (578), and the process moves to step (579). do. If it is determined in the step (573) that the switch (SWZ) is turned on, the gate (42) has already returned to the home position, so the step (S7) is immediately performed.
9).

Next, in step (S79), it is determined whether the sheet ejection switch (swl) of the copying machine (1) is on-edge. When the switch (SWI) is on, that is, the leading edge of the copied sheet reaches the discharge roller pair (22), the sorter conveyance motor is turned on in step (580), and the sheet is sent through the gate (42) to the bin. (41).

Next, in step (581), it is determined whether the sensor (Set) provided immediately before the bin (41) is off-edge.

That is, when the trailing edge of the sheet passes the sensor (Sel), it is assumed that the sheet is stored in the bin (41), the sorter timer (Ta) is started in step (582), and the sheet number counter is incremented in step (583). . When the end of the timer (Ia) is confirmed in step (584), the sorter transport timer (Ta) is turned off in step (585), and the current count value (Wn) of the sheet number counter is turned off in step (S86). call.

Next, in step (587), it is determined whether the multiplication key flag is "1" or not. If it is set to "1", that is, as determined in step (520) during the input processing subroutine, the key ( 133) is turned on, it is determined in step (588) whether the count value (W) of the sheet number counter is an integral multiple of the set number (B). Multiplication key (13
3) is on, the number of sheets distributed to each bin (41) is constant at the number of sheets (B), so every time the count value (W) reaches an integral multiple of the number of sheets (B) , in step (589), the gate (42) is moved to the lower stage one bin at a time, and the value of the bin counter (P) is incremented.

On the other hand, in the step (587), the multiplication key flag is set to "0".
”, it is determined in step (590) whether the equal key flag is “1” or not. If it is set to "1", that is, if the equal key (137) is turned on as determined in step (S24), the count value (W) of the sheet number counter is set in step (591). It is determined whether it is equal to the added value of the number Zn.

If the equal key (137) is turned on, each bin (4
1) The number of sheets distributed is ZIZv+, 69. corresponding to each bin (41). Since Znte exists, the currant value (W
> is the added value for each Zn (Σzn; where P is the value of the bin'n-1 counter, and the initial value is set to "1".

) is reached at step (592) and gate (42)
is moved down one bin at a time, and the value of the pin counter (P) is incremented.

FIG. 10 shows the copy processing subroutine executed in step (562).

First, in step (5110), it is determined whether the multi-grooving mode flag is 11''. If it is set to "1", that is, if the multi-grouping mode is selected, it is determined in step (5111) whether or not the multiplication key flag is "1". If set to ``1,'' each bin (41) will contain (B) copied sheets, and after resetting the multiplication key flag to ``0'' in step (5112), in step (5120) The optical system (4) determines whether or not it has scanned the number of copies, that is, the number of copies (M) x number of copies (B), and if YES, sets the scan end flag to 11 in step (5121).
”, and if NO, a copy process subroutine is executed in step (5123). This subroutine is a routine for executing a normal copying process by the copying machine (1), and its details will be omitted.

In step (5127), it is confirmed that the scan end flag is "1°", and in step (5128), the scan end flag is reset to "0".
At step 29), the copy flag is reset to 10'' and various counters are cleared, and at step (5130), other processing subroutines are executed.

On the other hand, in the step (Sill), the multiplication key flag is set to "
If it is determined that the value has been reset to 0, step (
5113), it is determined whether the equal key flag is "1" or not, that is, the number of sorts is changed for each bin (41). If YES, in step (5114) set the equal key flag to "
0. After resetting to , the optical system (4) is set to Z+ + Z! in step (5115). ＋ 、 、 、 、 、 、
, , + Determine whether or not the number of ZM sheets has been scanned, and if YES, proceed to the step (5121),
If NO, the process moves to the step (5123).

Furthermore, if it is determined in step (5110) that the multi-grouping mode is not selected, in step (5116) it is determined whether the optical system (4) has scanned a predetermined number of sheets, and if YES is selected, If there is a step (5121)
, if NO, the process moves to step (S123).

With the above control, the set number of copies are made in each bin (41
) will be distributed and accommodated.

FIG. 11 shows multi-processing as a modification of the subroutine executed in step (561).

In this subroutine, each time one sheet is stored in each bin (41), the gate (42) is shifted by one bin.
Distribution is performed by reciprocating the set number (B) of sheets. Therefore, as a result, the steps (587), (588), (
589), the same number (B) of copies will be distributed to a predetermined bin (41).

Steps (570) to (S83) here are similar to the subroutine shown in FIG. 9, and when the sheet number counter is incremented in step (S83), step (5
100) moves the gate (42> down one bin, the step (Slot) increments the bin counter,
In step (5102), the current count value (P) of the pin counter is called. Then, in step (5103), the count value (P) of the pin counter and the number of copies (M) are compared, and if they are not equal, that is, if the bin count value (P) has not reached the number of copies (M), step (5103) is performed. 5108) to confirm the end of the sorter transport motor timer (T8),
In step (5109), the sorter conveyance motor is turned off.

On the other hand, in the step (5103), the value of the pin counter (
When it is determined that P) has reached the number of copies (M), step (
5104), the gate (42) is moved to the home position. Switch (SW2”) at step (5105)
When it is confirmed that is turned on, step (5107
) to clear the pin counter and repeat the step (5108
).

The process returns to the main routine via (st09).

In the above multi-processing, the gate (42) is moved up and down by the input number of copies (M>).

Therefore, when the Yako gate (42) returns to the home position during copy processing, it is necessary to issue a sorter wait command. FIG. 12 shows a copy processing subroutine in such a case.

First, in step (5120), it is determined whether the optical system (4) has scanned the number of copies, that is, the number of copies (M> x number of copies (B)), and if YES, step (5121
) sets the scan end flag to "1", and if No, executes the copy process subroutine in step (5122). This subroutine is for copying machine (1)
This is a routine that executes the normal copying process, so the details are omitted.

In step (5127), the scan end flag is 11.
After confirming that it is, reset the scan end flag to 10'' in step (5128), and proceed to step (51).
At step 29), the copy flag is reset to 10'' and various counters are cleared, and at step (5130), other processing subroutines are executed.

On the other hand, after executing the copy process processing in step (5122), it is determined in step (5123) whether the optical system 4) has scanned an integral multiple of the number of copies (M), and N
If o, the process moves to the step (5127). YE
If S, the sorter weight is commanded in step (5129), and after confirming that the gate (42) has returned to the home position by turning on the switch (SW2) in step (5125), the sorter weight is commanded in step (5126). The wait is canceled and the process moves to the step (5127).

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above description, the present invention provides means for setting the number of sheets to be stored in each bin based on one document, and means for setting the number of bins used for sorting sheets. and,
Equipped with a control means for distributing and storing a set number of sheets into a set number of bins, the required number of copies can be obtained by simply inputting a single imaging start signal, making it easy to use. The image quality is extremely good, and there is no need to worry about image deterioration as there will be no grandchild copies.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the image forming apparatus according to the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the entire apparatus, and FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4 is a plan view of the operation panel, FIGS. 5 to 10 are flowcharts showing control procedures, and FIGS. 11 and 12 are flowcharts showing modified examples of the control procedures. (1) Copy machine, (40> Sorter, (41)
...Bin, (42)...Gate, (SWI)...
Sheet discharge detection switch, (SW2)...Gate home position return detection switch, (Set)...
Switch for detecting seat accommodation.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In an image forming apparatus equipped with a sorter capable of sorting and storing sheets ejected from an image forming apparatus main body into a plurality of bins, an image forming apparatus that stores sheets in each bin based on one document means for setting the number of sheets to be stored, means for setting the number of bins used for sorting sheets, and distributing the number of sheets set by the number of sheets to be accommodated setting means into the number of bins set by the bin setting means. , and a control means for accommodating the image forming apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the number of accommodated sheets setting means is capable of setting the number of accommodated sheets corresponding to each bin.