JPH01227169A - Copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To facilitate the removal of copying paper for a new group of originals to be processed by calculating the necessary number of bins for the sorter based on the set content and selecting a pin for a specified group of originals according to that. CONSTITUTION:When carrying out a multi-job processing using a multiple number of original feeding units 401-403 and sorters 600 and 650, for a specified group of originals which do not need copying paper immediately, first priority is given to the copying actions of originals from other original feeding units, and when all such copying actions are completed and the copying machine is free, the copying actin of an original feeding unit where the specified group of originals are set is started. Then the copying paper on which the originals were copied are stored in the specified bins 620 or 670 according to the number of necessary bins for the sorter derived based on the set number of originals, number of copies, and the processing mode of the sorter, that is, for example, near the final bin which is the least used. Thus copying paper is not difficult to remove and the sorter can be used smoothly.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a copying machine equipped with a plurality of bins and a sorter having a function of automatically distributing copy sheets. The present invention relates to a multi-job function in which an apparatus (hereinafter referred to as ADF) is added.

[Conventional technology]

In a copying machine equipped with an ADF, for example, the time required for users to wait for their turn can be reduced by automatically processing copying operations sequentially for a group of individual documents of multiple users set on multiple paper feed trays. Various products have been developed that are equipped with a so-called multi-job function to reduce waste.

For example, in Japanese Patent Application No. 62-321924, the present applicant has proposed that for groups of originals that do not require copy paper immediately, the copying process of other groups of originals is performed with priority regardless of the order in which the originals are set, and other groups of originals are proposed a method that starts copying processing when there are no more originals waiting to be copied.

Particularly, in a copying machine having such a multi-job function, convenience for the user is improved by using a sorter for sorting copy sheets into document groups.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

Now, when a copying machine is equipped with a sorter that has the function of prioritizing processing of other document groups as described above, that is, document groups with a high degree of urgency, the copying machine will wait until all other document groups waiting to be copied are processed. , processing of the document group with low urgency is started, which is set to give priority to these documents. In this case, the copies of manuscripts with high urgency will be removed from the sorter relatively quickly, but the copies of manuscripts with low urgency will naturally be picked up by users late, and they will be left in the sorter for a long time. There are often For this reason, in a sorter that uses the bins from the top to make it easier for users to pick up copy sheets, the bins from the relatively high bins are emptied as copy sheets from groups of highly urgent documents are removed. Copy paper for less urgent document groups is used from the bin above it. As a result,
Thereafter, the copy sheets of the document group to be processed are stored from the bin below the bin in which they are being used, that is, until the copy sheets of the less urgent document group are removed, so that the copy sheets are placed downward. The problem is that it is located in such a location that it is difficult for users to access it.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and it is possible to perform processing in the copy paper sorter for a group of low-urgency documents set to give priority to a group of high-urgency documents, and then to The purpose of the present invention is to provide a copying machine in which copy sheets of a group of original documents can be easily removed.

[Means to solve the problem]

A copying machine according to the present invention includes a sorter that has a plurality of bins and has a plurality of processing modes related to distributing copy sheets to the bins, and performs copying processing of a plurality of document groups in a predetermined order. Then, for a specific document group, the number of originals and the number of copies are set for the specific document group in a copying machine that is configured to start copying processing after all other document groups are finished regardless of the order. a copy amount setting means, a mode setting means for setting a processing mode of the sorter for the specific document group, and a necessary number of bins for the sorter based on the contents set by the copy amount setting means and the mode setting means. The present invention is characterized in that it comprises means for calculating the number of bins to be determined, and means for selecting a predetermined bin of the sorter for the specific document group in accordance with the calculation result of the number of bins calculating means.

[Effect]

For a specific document group whose copying is started after the copy processing of all other document groups has been completed, the number of original documents, the number of copies, and the processing mode of the sorter are set. Then, the required number of bins for the sorter is calculated based on these settings, and a predetermined bin corresponding to the required number of bins is selected for the specific document group. By doing so, when copying of a specific document group is started, the copy paper is stored in the predetermined bin.

〔Example〕

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS The present invention will be specifically described below based on drawings showing embodiments thereof. FIG. 1 is a front view with a main part cut away showing the structure of a copying machine according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as the apparatus of the present invention). The copying machine main body 1 is placed on a desk 30, and the copying machine main body 1
ADF 300 is installed on the top of the screen, and a sorter 6 is installed on the right side.
00.650 are installed respectively.

In the figure, numeral 2 denotes a photosensitive drum having a photoconductive layer on its outer peripheral surface, and is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow a.

A charger 3 is disposed above the photosensitive drum 2, and applies a constant potential charge (positive charge in this embodiment) to the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

An image exposure device 9 is provided above the photosensitive drum 2 and the charger 3 and below the document table 35.
The image exposure device 9 includes an exposure lamp 10, a movable mirror 11.
12.13, a first lens consisting of a lens 14, a reflecting mirror 15, etc., and an exposure lamp 10 and a movable mirror 11.
A second slider consisting of a slider and movable mirrors 12 and 13 is moved in the direction indicated by the arrow by the drive of the slider drive motor 17.

That is, the light emitted from the exposure lamp 10 scans the original placed on the original platen 35 in the direction of the arrow by the movement of the first slider, and the reflected light is reflected by the movable mirror 10.
and the movable mirrors 12 and 13 of the second slider, respectively.
The light passes through the lens 14 and is reflected by the reflecting mirror 15 to reach the photosensitive drum 2, thereby forming an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original image on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2.

The moving speed of the first and second sliders is the same as that of the photosensitive drum 20.
(V/n) and (V/2n) (n is the copying magnification) for the peripheral speed (■) (constant regardless of whether it is the same magnification or reduction/enlargement)
It is. During reduction/enlargement, the lens moving motor 16 is driven, and during enlargement, the lens 14, which is shown at the same magnification position, moves in the opposite direction to the arrow mark, that is, in the direction away from the photosensitive drum 2, and in the direction of reduction. Sometimes they are moved in the same direction as the arrows indicate, that is, in a direction closer to the photosensitive drum 2.

The movement of each part of the image exposure device 9 is controlled by sensors SO+S.
Detected at 5 mag.

A developing device 4 is provided at a position on the side of the charger 3 in the rotational direction of the photosensitive drum 2 . The developing device 4 uses a magnetic brush method to develop an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 into a toner image.

A transfer charger 5 is provided below the photosensitive drum 2, that is, at a position on the photosensitive drum rotation direction side of the developing device 4. An electric field is applied to the photosensitive drum 2 from the lower surface thereof, and the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 is transferred onto copy paper by the developing device 4. A separation charger 6 is provided at a position on the photosensitive drum rotation direction side of the transfer charger 5.

The separation charger 6 applies an alternating current electric field to the copy paper immediately after transfer, thereby removing electricity from the copy paper and peeling it off from the surface of the photosensitive drum 2 .

A cleaning device 7 is provided at a position on the photosensitive drum rotation direction side of the separation charger 6. The cleaning device 7 uses a blade method to remove toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 2. An eraser lamp 8 is provided between the cleaning device 7 and the charger 3. The eraser lamp 8 uses light irradiation to remove charges remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 20 in preparation for the next copying process.

Reference numerals 18 and 19 indicate an upper case/gutter and a three-stage paper feed unit for storing copy paper, respectively, and these are removable from the upper and lower paper feed ports of the main body 1 of the copying machine. The paper opening is provided with a paper feed roller 20 for sending out the copy paper and size detection switches 181 (plurality) for detecting the size of the copy paper stored in the upper cassette 18.

The three-stage paper feed unit 19 is a cassette l-1 each having a paper feed roller (not shown) and a size detection switch (not shown).
9L 192 and 193 are mounted on a common conveyance section 190, and paper is fed from the upper side of the conveyance section 190 to the paper feed opening at the bottom of the upper cassette 18 of the copying machine main body 1, The paper feed port is provided with a paper feed roller 21 and size detection switches 194 (plurality) like the upper paper feed port. Instead of the three-stage paper feeding unit 19, a paper feeding power center similar to the upper paper feeding port can be attached to this lower paper feeding port, and at this time, the copy paper stored in the paper feeding power center is The copy paper is sent out by the paper roller 21, and the size of the copy paper is detected by the size detection switch 194.

That is, by using the upper cassette 18 and the three-stage paper feeding unit 19, it is possible to select and use the copy paper in four different sizes or in portrait or landscape orientation. This is done by each size detection switch.

The paper feed rollers 20 and 21 are each connected to a motor 3L32 and driven to rotate, and the copy paper sent out from the cassette is once stopped by contacting the timing roller pair 22, and then exposed to light. The toner image is sent out between the photosensitive drum 2 and the transfer charger 5 as shown by arrow C in synchronization with the rotation timing of the toner image on the drum 2 .

Here, the copy paper onto which the toner image has been transferred is transferred to a conveyor belt 23.
Then, the image is sent to the fixing device 24. The fixing device 24 uses heat to fuse and fix the toner image to the copy paper. The copy paper with the image fixed thereon passes through a pair of rollers 25 and is fed into the sorter 601 from the paper outlet 26 of the copying machine main body 1. A sensor 27 is disposed at the paper discharge port 26 to detect the discharge of copy paper from the copying machine main body l.

Now, the sorters 600 and 650 (hereinafter referred to as first and second sorters) according to the main part of the present invention have exactly the same configuration, and the first sorter is connected to the copying machine main body 1, The second sorter is connected to the first sorter by a bridge 700. The first sorter (or second sorter) has a plurality of bins 620 (or 670) arranged in parallel in the height direction for sorting and storing copy sheets in sorting mode or grooving mode. A sensor (not shown) is provided to detect the presence or absence of copied paper. A roller pair 604 (or 654) is installed at the copy paper entrance, and a sensor 612 detects the copy paper fed into the sorter.
(or 662), and immediately after the pair of rollers 604, a non-sorting path 614 (or 664) is provided for passing the copy paper.
A switching claw 603 (or 653) is installed to switch between transporting the paper to the sorting path 615 (or 665). Sort passage 615 (or 66
5) is an endless conveyor belt (609 (or 659)) for conveying the copy paper to the paper discharge unit 605 (or 655).
and a retractable tape 613 (or 663), and a sorting passage 615 (or 665).
The copy paper being conveyed is detected by sensor 610 (or 660). The paper ejection unit 605 (or 655
) comprises a paper ejection roller pair 606 (or 656) for ejecting the copy paper to each of the bins 620 (or 670),
Each bin 620 (
or 670) are configured to intermittently move up and down over the juxtaposed width.

The non-sorting passage 614 (or 664) is formed to discharge the copy sheets above the uppermost bin 620 (or 670), and the passage 614 (or 664) has a pair of relay rollers 607 (for this purpose). or 657), a pair of paper ejection rollers 608 (or 658) and a sensor 611 (or 661) for detecting the conveyance of copy paper are provided. Each of these roller pairs is rotationally driven by a sorter motor 601 (or 651).

At the paper ejection position of the paper ejection roller pair 608, an inlet for the copy paper of the bridge 700 having a conveyance path 701 therein is provided. whether copy paper is conveyed to the conveyance path 701;
Or the paper discharge section 70 configured on the inclined part of the bridge 700
A switching claw 703 is provided for switching between the two modes.

The conveyance path 701 of the bridge 700 is formed by a plurality of roller pairs and a guide plate, and the terminal end of the conveyance path 701, that is, the paper discharge port of the bridge 700 is connected to the copy paper inlet of the second sorter. and a pair of paper ejection rollers 6 of the second sorter.
A paper discharge tray 750 is attached to the paper discharge port provided with the paper discharge port 58.

In other words, when either the sorting mode or the grooving mode is set by using the first sorter and the second sorter in conjunction as described above, the copy paper is conveyed through the sorting path 615 and from the paper ejection unit 605. The bins 620 of the first sorter are distributed to each bin 620.
When all of the copies are stored and more bins are required, the copy sheets are conveyed through the non-sort path 614, sent to the second sorter by the bridge 700, and stored in the bins 670.

Now, the ADF 300 includes a document conveyance control section 301 that moves and stops the document on the document table 35, a document supply section 302 that supplies the document here, and the conveyance control section 301.
The document discharging section 303 receives and receives the document sent out from the document discharging section 303. The document conveyance control unit 301 conveys the document by a rotating belt 305 driven by a motor 306. A sensor 307 is provided on the document entrance side to detect paper feeding.

A sensor 308 is provided on the exit side to detect paper discharge.

The document supply unit 302 includes mutually separable document feed units 40L 402 and 403. The unit 401 is connected to the document transport side: 111 section 301, and is
02 is unit 401, unit 403, and unit 4.
It is connected to 02. The unit 402 includes a document tray 412 on which a plurality of documents can be placed, a feed roller 432 from which documents are sent out one by one, rollers 452a and 452b for document conveyance, and an operation panel 462. The other units 401, 403 are also equipped with exactly the same elements. Delivery roller 432. roller 4
52a and 452b are motors 4 provided in this unit.
42. The sensor 422 is connected to the original tray 41
2. Detects the presence or absence of the original on the paper.

FIG. 2 shows a specific example of this document feeding unit. As can be seen from the unit 402, connecting portions are formed at the front and rear of the casing to connect the units to each other. The front end of the casing is provided with connecting claws 402a, 402a that protrude forward at both ends in the width direction, and a connecting hole 401a formed at the rear end of the casing.

401a. Electrically, the connector 402c,
401c. Connector coupling establishes power and signal channels between each unit. Note that the unit 401 coupled to the document conveyance control section 301 is also based on
Holding the connector 402C on a wooden tablet, the transport control unit 30
1, but in order to make the connection more reliable, the cable 406 is led out from the unit 401, and the signal line connector 407 and power connector 408 are connected to the conveyance control unit 301 or the copying machine main body 1. You can.

As shown in FIG. 1, the document ejecting section 303 has upper and lower multi-stage ejection trays 511 to 515, and the document ejecting unit 501 is separable from each other using the ejecting trays as a unit.
, 502, 503, 504, and 505.

The ejection unit 501 is connected to the original conveyance control section 301, and the ejection unit 502 is connected to the original transport control section 301.
The unit 503 is connected to the unit 502, the unit 504 is connected to the unit 503, and the unit 505 is connected to the unit 504. When connected, a conveyance path 506 for the ejected document is established from the bottom to the top. In each of the seven discharge units,
Switching claws 531, 532, 533 for switching whether to guide the document to the transport path 506 or to the paper output tray
．． 534,535. In addition, the document is transferred to the transport path 506.
Roller pairs 541, 542, 543, 5 for feeding to
44,545. Switching claws 531 to 535
Each is operated by an electromagnetic solenoid connected to it. In addition, the roller pairs 541 to 545 are basically operated by a small motor provided in each unit, but a motor (not shown) externally attached to the document discharge section 303 or a document conveyance control section It may be operated by the driving force of the motor 301. Each paper output tray 511 to 515
Detectors 521 to 525 provided below detect the presence or absence of documents on each paper discharge tray.

FIG. 3 shows a specific example of this document ejection unit.

Connecting claws 550 and 550 formed on the lower surface of the casing of the discharge unit 502 are fitted into the connecting holes 55L and 551 to connect them to each other. Electrically, the connection is made by a male connector (not shown) provided to protrude downward from the bottom surface of the casing and a female connector 552c provided at the top of the casing. The elongated holes 561 and 562 in the width direction, together with the elongated holes on the lower surface of the casing, serve as an inlet and an outlet when a document passes between the units.

On the left side of the document ejection unit 501 is a document reversing unit (
When copying an original with images on both sides, the R unit 350 inverts the original that has been copied on one side and places it on the original platen 350 again.
A reversing motor 352 and a document detection sensor 351 for driving this are installed inside. Further, a document table 35 is provided at the rear end of the document conveyance control section 301.
Originals ejected from above are sent to original ejection units 501 to 50.
5 and the R unit 350.
is installed.

FIG. 4 shows an operation panel 70 provided at the front of the document table 35. As shown in FIG. 71 is a print key for starting the copying operation, and 72 is a display for the number of copies.

The numeric keys 80 to 89 are mainly used for inputting and setting the number of copies. 90 is a key for interrupt copying, 91 is a clear/strike key for canceling a setting or interrupting copying, and 7 is a push key. The paper select key 92 is a key for selecting the upper and lower paper feed ports, and when either is selected, the paper select key 92 is a key for selecting the upper and lower paper feed ports.
- 193 is detected by the size detection switch 181 or a detection switch provided at each cassette/gutter, and the paper size display sections 92a to 92d light up. The density of the copied image can be set in stages using exposure up/down keys 93 and 94. 93a is a display section showing the set density.

Numerals 100 to 103 are keys for selecting copy magnification, which are operated to reduce or enlarge the images displayed nearby. When selected, one of the display sections 100a and 102a lights up. In the normal case where reduction or enlargement is not selected, the initial mode is equal size, and the display section 103a lights up. In addition, the operation panel 70 is also provided with operation keys (not shown) for copying double-sided originals.

Fig. 5 shows the original document feeder (UNIS) 401.402.403
In FIG. 5, reference numeral 470 is a display section that displays the number of copies to be made for -sheets of the original. To set a numerical value and use that numerical value as the number of copies, operate the set key 476.

When the set key 476 is operated, the display section 476a lights up to indicate that the setting of the number of copies has been completed.

On the right side of the display section 470 is a display section 47 that displays the number of original sheets.
5 is provided, and the number of originals is set by an increment key 473 and a decrement key 474. 47
8.479.480.481 is 7/L/ which will be explained next.
Key switch 7 is used to select and set the original processing mode in the printer.If these switches are not operated, copying will be performed when the original is set in the original feeding unit equipped with the original tray in which the original is set. It is done in order.

The common feature of each multi-job mode 1 to 4 is that when there are no originals set in the job mode in other document feeding units and there is blank time in the copying machine, copying of the set original is started. and job 1 is -
When a job is started, the mode is such that even if a document is set in another document feeding unit, it is prohibited from being conveyed onto the document table 35 and copying is not permitted until the copying of the sent document group is completed. If this is set, for example, when the number of originals and copies is small, the original feeding unit will be emptied quickly, which will be advantageous for later users.

In job 2, when a document is set in another document feeding unit after the job is started, the specified number of copies of the document being copied at that point are made, and then the job is interrupted and the document is placed in another document feeding unit. This mode allows copying of originals set in the original feeding unit.

In job 3, when a document is sent to another document feeding unit after the job is started, one copy is made of the one document currently being co-feeded at that time, and then the job is interrupted and the other document is fed. This mode allows copying of originals set in the feeding unit.

Job 4 is a mode in which the copying completion time of the sent original can be specified. When the key switches 478 to 481 are selected, the corresponding display sections 478a to 481a are lit and the corresponding job mode is set. 484
is a time display section that displays the copy completion time set when job 4 is selected, and the time setting is performed using the increment key 482 and the decrement key 483.

Reference numeral 490 is a key switch for selecting the copy paper processing mode in the first and second sorters, and by repeatedly operating the key switch 490, the sorting mode, grouping mode, and non-sorting mode are sequentially switched, and the corresponding display section is switched. 491,492°493 are lit.

Figure 6.7.8 is a block diagram of the control circuit of the apparatus of the present invention, in which the microcomputer 201 (
CPU 1), a microcomputer 202 (CPU 2) for controlling the scanning optical system, a microcomputer 253 (CPU 3) for controlling the ADF 300, and a microcomputer 253 (CPU 3) for controlling the scanning optical system. Second
Microcomputer 280 (CPtl) for sorter control
4) Power is provided.

The CPt11 (201) has a switch matrix 2 consisting of a group of keys on the operation panel and switches for various sensors.
03 and copy number display section 72, LED 9 for various indications
2a to 92d, 93a, ..., 103a are connected via a decoder 207, and the size detection switch 18L194 detects the size of the copy paper and the sensor 27 detects paper discharge from the paper discharge port 2G. is also connected. The output port section for copying operation control includes a main motor (not shown), a developing motor, a timing roller clutch, clutches for the upper and lower paper feed rollers 2L and 22, and a charger 3. Respective drive circuits (not shown) such as the transfer charger 5 are connected thereto.

Further, the interrupt signal input terminal INT and data input terminal 5INISQLIT are connected to corresponding terminals of the CPU 2 (202), and perform data communication with each other. CPU
2 (202) includes a scan motor control circuit 205.2 that controls the drive of the slider drive motor 17.
A variable power lens control circuit 206 for controlling the drive of the lens moving motor 16 and sensors So and St for scanning control are connected.

FIG. 7 shows the CPU 3 (253
), the CPU 3 (253) is connected to a signal bus 260 for a document feeding section and a signal bus 270 for a document discharging section. Regarding the document conveyance control section, at least the sensor 30 is installed at the input port.
Original detection sensor 35 of 7° 308 and R unit 350
1 is connected, and the conveyor belt motor 306 is connected to the output port.
and the drive section of the reversing motor 352 are connected.

The signal bus 260 is configured to be extendable via the connector portion C1, and the connector portion C1 is connected to the female connector 4 in FIG.
01c and a male connector 402C. signal bus 2
60 includes an input/output expansion I built into each document feeding unit.
C261, 262, . . . are connected in parallel.

As this expansion IC, for example, Intel 8243 can be applied. The expansion IC 261 has a copy count display section 470 on the operation panel of this unit via a driver. Set completion display section 476a, document number display section 475. Display sections such as job display sections 478a to 481a, time display section 484, and sorter mode display sections 491 to 493 are connected, and keys 471 to 474, 476.478 to 481.49 are connected.
An operating unit such as 0 is connected. The document sensor 421 in the unit 401 is connected to an input terminal, and the document feeding motor 441 is connected to an output terminal via a driver. The expansion IC 262 built into the other units 402 and the unit 403 have exactly the same connection configuration.

Similarly to the bus 260 described above, the signal bus 270 can also be extended via the connector portion C2. The connector part C2 is the third
Male connector 551c and female connector 55 in the figure
Consists of 2c. Input/output expansion ICs 271, 272, . . . built in each document ejection unit are connected to the signal bus 270 in parallel. Expansion I built into the discharge unit 501
Basically, a solenoid that operates the document sensor 521 and document conveyance path switching claw 531 is connected to C271. Other discharge units 502.503. The expansion ICs of . . . have exactly the same connection configuration.

FIG. 8 shows the CPU 4 (2) that controls the first and second sorters.
80), and its input ports include the sensors 612 and 662 for detecting when copy sheets are carried into the first sorter or the second sorter, and the non-sort tray, that is, the bridge. 700 or paper ejection section 702
．． Sensor 6 that detects conveyance to the discharge tray 750
11,661, also sorting tray, that is, bin 62
a sensor 610 that detects being carried out to 0 or 670;
660 is connected to the output port, and the sorter motors 601, 651 and switching claws 603, 65 are connected to the output port.
Solenoids etc. that operate 3.703 respectively are connected.

The CPU 3 and CPU 4 are arranged to communicate with the CPU 1 via buses 275 and 285, respectively.

FIG. 9 shows a RAM map that defines the storage areas of the RAM built into the CPU 3 (253). The row number corresponds to the document feeding unit number, and the column number indicates the presence or absence of a document, the status of copying, copying order, number of copies, output unit number, job mode, number of documents, and various parameters such as sorter mode. corresponds to One section of the matrix has a length of one byte. The meaning of the parameter is "1 if there is a manuscript" and "0" if there is no manuscript. "Copying" is "1" if the document group is currently being copied, otherwise "O".
”. “Order” indicates the order in which the document group of the document feeding unit is copied. [The number of copies J is the number of copies per each sheet of the document group.

The "discharge unit number" indicates the number of the document discharge unit J from which the document sent out from the document feed unit 7 is discharged, and is associated in advance with one-to-one correspondence based on the feed unit. "Job mode" is the mode number shown in FIG. 5, and "0" indicates that the job mode is not set. "Number of originals" indicates the number of originals set in each original feeding unit. "Sorter mode" is a number indicating the processing mode of the sorter for the copy paper on which the document group has been copied; '1' corresponds to sorting mode, '2' corresponds to grouping mode, and '3' corresponds to non-sorting mode. .

Next, the CPU
1. The control procedure by the CPU 3 and CPU 4 will be explained.

FIG. 10 shows the main routine of CPU 1. When the power is turned on, the CPU 1 is reset, and the program starts, first, use the steering knob S1 to clear the RAM, initialize various registers, and make initial settings to put each device into the initial mode.

Next, an internal timer is started in SteSof S2.

This internal timer determines the time required for one routine of the main routine, regardless of the processing content in each subroutine described below, and its value is set in advance in initial setting step Sl.

Next, the subroutines shown in steps 33 to S6 are 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 S2
Return to The time length of this l routine is used to count various timers used in each subroutine.

Note that after the CPU 1 has called all the subroutines related to copying machine operations, in step S6, the CPU 2,
It performs data communication with CPU 3 and CPU 4.

FIG. 11 shows the paper selection routine in step S3, in which the paper selection key 92 is pressed when copying is not in progress.
When turned on (steps S31, 532), if the first paper feed (cassette 18 side) is currently selected on the on-edge, the uppermost paper feed section of the three-stage paper feed unit 9 is set to the three-stage paper feed unit 19. If the highest paper feed section is selected, the middle paper feed section is selected, and if the middle paper feed section is selected, the lower paper feed section is selected, and the lower paper feed section of the three-tier paper feed unit 19 is selected. If the paper section is selected, select the first paper feed and use the size detection switch provided in each paper feed section to detect the size of the loaded paper feed (steps 533 to 539). Turn on LEDs 92a-92d (step 540)
). Note that when a cassette is attached to the second paper feed port instead of the three-stage paper feed unit 19, the upper and lower paper feed ports are alternately selected by the same process.

Details of the copy operation routine are shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In this flow, the copy start flag is set when starting the copy operation.

Manual flag is automatic paper select (APS)
cents when a suitable paper cannot be found. Now, print key 7 in Step 7 S41
1, if the ADF is not installed, immediately set the copy start flag to "1" (step 5).
43). If using ADF, manual flag is “0”
When , the ADF ready signal from A leaf is judged and “1”
If so, the ADF start signal is set to "1" (steps S44 to S346).

On the other hand, when the manual flag is "1" and there is no compatible paper due to automatic paper selection, as will be described later, the manual flag is returned to "0" by turning on this print key 71, and then the copy start flag is set. “
1” (step S47. S4 controller).

If the print key 71 is not on-edge, the document position signal from the ADF is determined in step S50, and if it becomes "1", the automatic paper selection routine (step 551) determines that paper of the appropriate size is loaded. Look for a cassette. As a result, if there is compatible paper (manual flag = “0”), the copy start flag is set to “
1" (step 553) - Next, in FIG. 13, first determine the copy start flag. When it becomes "1", the main motor, developing motor, charging, and transfer chargers are turned on, and the selected paper feed is turned on. Mouth roller clutch CL
is turned on, the copy start flag is returned to "0", and timer A (TA) and timer B (T-8) are set respectively (Protock 10). Timer A controls the ON time of the clutch of either the paper feed roller 20 or the three-stage paper feed unit. Timer B controls the start of the scan. In block 11, a determination is made on timer A, and the paper feed roller clamp is turned off when the timer reaches the time. In block 12, a determination is made on timer B, and the scan signal is set to "1" when the time is up. block 1
3, when the timing signal becomes "1", the clutch notch of the timing roller 22 is turned on, and the timer C (T
-C) is set. Timer C controls the operation of this timing roller 22 in synchronization with image formation. Block 14
Then, determine the end of timer C, and use the timer to charge the battery.

Turn off the scan signal and timing roller clutch.

In block 15, it is determined whether the return signal transmitted when the first slider is about to return to the home position is "1", and when it becomes "1", it is determined whether or not copying for the multi-copy portion has been completed. If not, the copy start flag is set to "1" again.

If it has been completed, a home position signal is sent when the first slider returns to the home position, the developing motor and transfer charger are turned off, and a timer D (T-D) is set. In block 16, it is determined that the timer D has ended, and the main motor is turned off using the time amplifier. The final block 17 outputs a logic signal for actual operation.

FIG. 14 shows the flow of the automatic paper selection routine in the copy operation routine. step 550
In step 1, the multiplication result of the document size and magnification is stored in the A register, and then the content is compared with the actual size data of the paper size at the upper paper feed port and the paper feed port of the three-stage paper feed unit, and the result is matched. If there is a paper source, select it (
Steps 8502 to 5509), if there is none, a manual flag is set in step 5510 and the process returns to the main routine.

Figure 15 shows CPU 3 (253
) is the general flow of the program. When the program starts, initial settings such as clearing the built-in RAM and setting various registers are performed in step A1. next,
An internal timer is started and the subroutines shown here (steps A3 to A9) are sequentially called. In the final step A10, the end of the internal timer is determined, and when it ends, this timer is started again (step 'A2).
, execute the loop repeatedly. A software timer is used to measure the time of one routine made by the loop.

Note that data communication with the CPU 1 is performed by an interrupt routine independent of this main routine in response to an interrupt request INT from the CPU 1.

Next, the job management routine of step A3 is shown in FIG. First, step A301. A304. A310. A
After determining which job among jobs 1.2.3.4 has been selected and is being processed in step A317, it is determined whether a new document has been sent to another document feeding unit (step A302). .A305.8311.A31
8).

If a document is set in another document feeding unit and job 1 is being processed, job 1 will continue to be processed, that is, the newly sent document will be ignored and the original document will be processed. The process is ended (step A303).

Next, if job 2 is being processed, it is determined whether a predetermined number of copies have been completed for the one document being copied at that time (step A306); After completing Job 2, the process of Job 2 is interrupted and copying of the document newly set in another document feeding unit is started, and when this is completed, the interrupted process of Job 2 is resumed ( Step A306
~A309).

If job 3 is being processed, the one document being copied at that time will be transferred to the R unit 35 after finishing the copying of the one page, interrupting the processing of job 3, and transferring that document to the R unit 35.
0 (step A312) and starts copying the newly sent original. When this is completed, the original that had been saved in the R unit 350 is moved to the original platen 35.
Then, the processing of job 3 is restarted (steps A313 to 4316).

If job 4 is being processed, first the processing time A for the document newly sent to another document feeding unit is calculated.
is calculated based on the number of originals set on the operation panel of the original feeding unit 7) (step A319). Next, the time B from the current time to the time specified in job 4 and the remaining time C of job 4 are calculated (step A320.
A321). Then, in step A322, A+C
<B, that is, whether it is possible to accept the process for the newly set original and also finish the process of job 4 by the specified time, and if this is possible, the job Step A32 interrupts the process of step 4 and starts copying the newly sent original.
3) When that is completed, the interrupted processing of job 4 is resumed (step ^324.A325).

Q Figures 17 and 18 show the mode set routine in step A4 for setting the job mode and sorter mode described above. This shows the process that is determined based on the data.

First, go to step 401 or press key 471 (or 472) in step A403 to increment (or decrement) the numerical value displayed on display section 470 indicating the number of copies (step A402 (or A404)).
)).

Then, in steps A405 to A408, the numerical value displayed on the document number display section 475 is similarly incremented (
or decrement), and display the displayed value on edge of the cent key 476 as the set value on the display section (LED) 476a
is turned on (steps A409 and A410).

When the setting of the number of copies and the number of original sheets is completed, a mode memory routine to be described later is called (Step A411).
Next, the job and sorter mode are selected and set by book A1-86 shown in FIG.

First, on edge of key 478 (or 479.480.481), LED 478a (or LED 479a
, 480a, 481a) are off,
Turn this on and set the job mode of RAM address 1 to 1.
(or 2, 3.4). Here, an example is shown in which a document is set in the document feeding unit 7 401, and the RAM address N (=1) corresponds to the unit number N (=1).

On the other hand, LED 478a (or LED 479a,
480a, 481a) are turned on, they are turned off and the job mode of RAM address 1 is set to O1, that is, the job setting is canceled. Then, when job 4 is set in block A4, key 4 is set in block A5.
82 (or 483), the display time on the display section 484 is increased (or decreased) and the copy end time is set.

In the next block A6, the sorter mode is set.

If the LED 491 is on when the key 490 is turned on, it is turned off, the LED 492 is turned on, the sorter mode of RAM address 1 is set to 2, that is, the grouping mode, and the LED 492 is turned on. If so, turn it off and turn on LED 493, set the sorter mode to 3, i.e. non-sort mode, and if LED 493 is on, turn it off and turn on LED 491. Turn on and set the sorter mode to 1, that is, sorting mode.

FIG. 19 shows the mode memory routine. First, in steps A412 to A416, other UNISO)
The order in which the originals are copied is determined depending on whether an original is set in 402 or 403. That is, check the data in the document presence/absence area of RAM addresses 2 and 3, and set it to "0".
If it is 0'', rlJ is set, if it is ``O'' 1, then ``2'' is set, and if ``1'' is 1, then ``3'' is set in the area in the order of N=1. That is, in this example, the order of copying is normally in the order of cents of the original. When the order is set, "1" will be displayed in the document presence area, "0" will be displayed during copying, and the display section 470 will be displayed in the number of copies area.
, and the value on the display section 475 is entered in the area for the number of original sheets (steps A417 to A420). Next, in order to decide where to eject this document, the following ejection tray search routine is called, and the value of the A register is stored in RAM7)'.
Response 1 [Stored in area of unit number i. if,
If the A register is "0", there are documents in all trays of the ejection unit, and the ejection tray wait flag is "1".
is set (steps A421 to A424).

FIG. 20 shows the output tray search routine. First, in step A425, the A register is reset, and the output tray document presence/absence sensors 525, 524°, . . .
521 is off, that is, there is no document, 5, 4, . ..., set a value of 1 (step A426~
A435). As can be seen from this flow, there are priorities in the automatic allocation of discharge trays, and the priorities are sequentially lowered from the upper stage to the lower stage. This is because, like the sorter according to the subject matter of the present invention, it is easy for the user to remove the documents in the upper row.

Now, as described above, step A4 (first step) in FIG.
When the process of the mode set routine shown in FIG. 7) is completed, the document removal routine of step A5 is called next. This is to automatically advance the order of originals that are lower than the order of the removed original when the set original is removed for some reason. No wasted time is wasted in determining the processing for the removed document.

Ste-knob A6 is an ADF ready control routine that is used by the ADF 300 to inform the copying machine whether or not it is ready to start. If any of the document discharge trays is empty, it is possible to start and the ADF ready signal is set to "1". On the other hand, if a new start is not possible at this time, set the ADF ready signal to 0.
” (step A609). This determination is made by checking whether there is a document in any of the document trays or not by checking “
Only when it is judged as "1" for "Document existence" and then it is not "copying" (not "1"), and furthermore, when it is determined by the output tray search routine that there is no document in any of the output trays. , sets the ADF ready signal to "1" (step A608).

Step A7 is a document size detection routine, in which the static S(
Automatic paper selection 8! This function is called when the document size is automatically determined by applying IMs (automatic magnification selection function) or IMs (automatic magnification selection function). The standard document size is determined by

FIG. 22 shows the document control routine of step 88, in which processing related to document feeding and ejection is performed. First, the corresponding sensors 461 to 463 detect whether or not there is a document in the selected document feeding unit, and if there is an original fi%, then the CPU
If the ADF start signal from t is "1" or the ADF start request is "1", that is, if one of the document ejection trays is empty and the ADF can be started, the RAM address of the selected document feeding unit is "1". Set "Copying in progress" to "1" (Steps A301 to A304)
, the front side flag is determined, and if the mode is for copying the front side of the document, the front side flag is set to "1" and the conveyor belt motor 306 and the document feed motor of the corresponding document feed unit/nod are turned on ( Steps A305 to A307)
. Further, in step A302, if the ADF start signal is "O" and the ADF start request is also "0", determine the document feed flag, that is, the flag that controls the start of feeding of each of the second and subsequent documents; If it is "1", reset it and turn on both the above motors (step A).
303. ^808. A309).

Through the above processing, document feeding is started, and then CPt1
Step A310)
If this is "0", that is, in the case of one-sided copying, call the document feeding processing routine (step 8811), or "1".
”, that is, in the case of double-sided copying, a document feeding reversal processing routine is called (step A312).

FIG. 23 shows the original document feeding processing routine.

First, when a document is fed, the document conveyance control section 30
The sensor 307 provided at the end on the side of the document feeding unit 401 of No. 1 detects this, sets the flag K to "l" at the on-edge, and starts the timer A1 (steps A321 and A322). This timer A1 is provided to turn off the document feed motor, that is, to prevent the next document from being sent out before a predetermined process is completed. The time required to reach this point is set. Next, the flag K is determined, and if it is "1", the off-edge of the sensor 307, that is, the trailing edge of the document is detected, the flag K is reset, and the timer A2 is started (steps A323 to A3).
25). The timer A2 is set to the time required for the trailing edge of the document to reach a fixed position on the document table 35. Then, when the timer A1 and the timer A1 time-up, the document feeding motor and the conveyance belt motor 306 are turned off, respectively, and a signal indicating that the document has been placed in a fixed position is transmitted to the CPU 1 (steps A326 to A330).

FIG. 24 shows the document feeding reversal processing routine in step 8812. First, the document is fed and the sensor 30
7 turns on the solenoid of the switching claw 304 provided at the end of the R unit 350 of the document conveyance control section 301 and the reversing motor 352 of the R unit 350, respectively, and starts the timer D1 (step A33).
l-A833). In other words, if the document is R when the switching claw 304 is
Switch to send to unit 350 side, R unit 3
50 into the driving state. The timer D1 is provided for exactly the same purpose as the timer A1 shown in FIG.
When the time-up occurs, the document feed motor is turned off (to step 834.A335).

Next, when the conveyance belt motor 306 is rotating normally and the on-edge of the document detection sensor 351 of the R unit 350 is detected, that is, when the leading edge of the document enters the R unit 350, a flag K is set (steps A336 to 350). A338
). Then, when the off-edge of the original document detection sensor 351 is detected by the cent on the flag, that is, when the entire trailing edge of the original has entered the R unit 350, the flag K is reset and the conveyor belt motor 306 is reversed. (Steps A339 to A342).

Next, when the on-edge of the document detection sensor 351 is detected again while the conveyor belt motor 306 is in reverse rotation, that is, when the reversed document starts to come out from the R unit 350, the timer D2 is activated.
(Steps A343 to A345).

This timer D2 detects when the reversed original is detected by the original detection sensor 35.
1, the conveyor belt 305 is in reverse rotation after being detected by
The time required to reach a predetermined copying position on the original platen 35 is set by this.

Then, the solenoid of the switching claw 304, the conveyance belt motor 306, and the reversing motor 352 are all turned off by the time amplifier of the timer D2, and a document home position signal is sent to the CPU 1 (steps A346 to A350).

As described above, in this routine for copying a double-sided original, the original is first reversed and copying is started from the back side of the original.

This is done in consideration of the fact that by leaving the front side of the copy behind, the copy paper will not be ejected onto the paper ejection tray of a sorter or the like with the front side reversed.

Now, the original is set in the normal position by the original feeding processing routine of step 8811 or the original feeding reversal processing routine of step A312 described above in FIG.
Determine whether scanning of a predetermined number of copies has been completed, and if it has been completed, set a scan completion flag (
Step A313. A314).

Note that in the case of a double-sided original, scan one side, that is, the back side of a predetermined number of sheets in step 8812, stock the copy paper on which only the back side has been copied in the copier main body 1, and scan the front side as described later. When making a copy, the copy paper is re-fed.

Then, in step A316, a double-sided original signal is determined,
If it is "0", that is, it is a single-sided document, the front side flag and scan end flag are reset, respectively, and the document discharge processing routine is called (steps A318 and A319).

Further, when the double-sided original signal is "1" and the front side flag is "l", that is, when only the back side of the double-sided original has been copied, the original reversal processing routine is called (step A316.
A317. A320).

FIG. 25 shows the document reversal processing routine in step 8820. First, when the scan end flag becomes "1", it is reset in steps A351 and A352.
), then the solenoid of the switching pawl 304 is energized, the conveyor belt motor 306 is rotated forward, and the R unit I-350 is
The reversing motor 352 is turned on (steps A353 and A354). As a result, the original is conveyed into the R unit 350. After that, the process is almost the same as the document feed reversal processing routine in step A312, and the double-sided original whose back side has been copied and is positioned with the front side up is reversed by the R unit 350 and placed on the document table 350 with the back side facing up. The document is ejected to the top, and when the timer C times up, the document is set at the regular position, and the front surface flag is reset (steps A355 to A355).
369).

After the front side of the double-sided original is copied in this way, since step 8817 in FIG. 22 is "0",
As in the case of a one-sided original, the scan end flag is reset and the original discharge processing routine of step A319 is called.

FIG. 26 shows the document ejection processing routine. First, it is determined whether or not there is a document remaining in the selected document feeding unit, and if there is, the document feeding flag is set to "l". , if there is no conveyor belt motor 30
6 is turned on and timer B is started (steps 8870-A372).

Timer B is used to control the conveyance belt motor 306 when sending out the document to the ejection section, but the ejection sensor 308 may be used instead. Next, the discharge tray control routine (step A373) shown in FIG. 27 is called. This routine controls the paper passage path 506 of the ejected original so that the ejected original is ejected to a preselected original ejection unit. Note that when the document feed flag becomes "1", the document is fed and the conveyor belt motor 306 is also turned on, and the conveyor belt 305 conveys the new document and the copied document at the same time. documents are processed by the output tray control routine.

As shown in FIG. 27, the ejection tray control routine switches the ejection path switching claws 531 to 535 shown in FIG. 1 according to the number preset in the ejection unit number area in the RAM map shown in FIG. 9. On/off control of the electromagnetic solenoid that operates the For example, suppose that the output destination of the document currently being fed is unit number "5" (step A3
92), turn on the switching claws 531 to 534, and turn on the switching claws 535
is turned off (step A393).
06 passes from the bottom to the top without any problem, and the original is connected to the switching claw 53.
5, the paper is discharged onto the tray 515.

Now, for the final exposed original, proceed to step 874 in FIG. 26 by timer B's time update! The blow belt motor 306 is turned off, and the RAM address "copying in progress" of the selected document feeding unit is set to "0" and the "original presence/absence" is set to "0" (steps A375 to A375).
377). Next, the order update routine of step A378 is called. This routine consists of 1
RA? The contents of the address order area are decremented and the copy order is incremented by one.

In this embodiment, a configuration in which three document feeding units are connected is shown, and the order is determined as 2 or 3. If the order is 2, it is incremented to 1, and if it is 3, it is incremented to 2 (steps A394 to A399).

Also, if a new document is transferred 70 times into the unit that has just been completed, the mode memory routine shown in FIG. 18 will set 3 to 1 to 3 in "order" for that document.

When the processing of the order update routine is completed, it is determined in step 8879 in FIG. It is determined whether it is set (step A380). In other words, when the processing of one document feeding unit is finished and the processing of the unit set in the next order is to be started, the job mode registration of that unit is determined, and if this is not registered, the processing is continued in that order. ADF star: - Set the request to "1" and start processing (step A383). However, if any one of jobs 1 to 4 is registered in that unit, it is determined whether there is another document feeding unit waiting for copying (step A381), and if there is, that document feeding unit is sent to fh. First select step A38
2) Start the process.

Further, in step A381, if there is no other document feeding unit waiting for copying, that is, if a blank time occurs in the multi-job of the copying machine, processing of the document feeding unit in which the job mode is registered is started.

In the document feeding unit in which the job mode in which the process has been started is registered, the predetermined process is performed by the job management routine shown in FIG. 16, as described above.

Next, the control operation of the sorter according to the main part of the present invention will be explained. FIG. 29 is the general flow of the program in CPIJ 4 (280) that controls the first and second sorters. When the program starts, initial settings such as clearing the built-in RAM and setting various registers are performed in step 5800. Next, an internal timer is started, and in step 5802 a subroutine for sorting is executed.
In step 5803, subroutines for soak motor processing are sequentially called, and in the final step 5805, it is determined whether or not the internal timer has ended.When it is finished, this timer is started again (step 5801), and the loop is repeatedly executed, similar to other CPUs. The software timer is used to measure the time of one routine made by the loop. Also, C.P.
If there is an interrupt request from U1, communication with CPU1 is performed in step 5806.

Figures 30 and 31 show the sort processing routine of step 5802. First, if the "sorter mode" of the RAM address of the document feeding unit selected in step 5810 is 1, that is, the sorting mode, then Then, it is determined whether the "job mode" is set to one of 1 to 4 (step 5811).

If this has been set, then in step 5812, the bin of the sorter's final bin number + 1 minus the number of copies is designated as the initial bin, ie, the first bin in the series of bins to be used.

In other words, since the number of bins required for the job in the sorting mode is equal to the number of copies, the final bin number of the maximum usable number of bins in the system, that is, in this embodiment, starting from the topmost bin of the first sorter. The initial bin number is calculated by adding 1 to the number assigned to the bottom bin of the second sorter and subtracting the number of originals. A series of bins from the initial bin assigned to the second sorter to the final bin at the bottom of the second sorter are assigned for the job.

However, if the number of copies exceeds the total number of usable bins, the initial bin is set to 1, that is, the first bin.

Once the initial bin is specified, the next step is to determine whether the sorter is multiplexed as shown in this embodiment (step 5813).
, in the case of multiple bins, it is determined whether the specified initial bin is in the first sorter, and if so, the flag F is set to 1'' and the process proceeds to step 5820.
The process also proceeds to this step if the job mode is not set in step 5811, that is, if the sorter is in normal use.

On the other hand, in the case of a single sorter that is not multiplexed, or if the initial bin is not in the first sorter, that is, in the second sorter, the process proceeds to step 5815.

That is, when the normal sorter is used and the job mode is set and the initial bin is specified in the first sorter, the process goes to step 5820, and the job mode is set and the initial bin is specified in the second sorter. Otherwise, if there is a single sorter, proceed to step 5815. and steps 5820, 5821 or steps 5815, 581
6, the sensor 610 detects the off-edge, that is, the copy paper is carried out from the sorting path 615 to the first bin (initialized during normal use) or a designated initial bin, and then the number of copies is detected as the number of bins. If the over flag indicating whether the bin number has been exceeded is O, in the former case, the bin number of the first sorter is incremented (step 5822), and in the latter case, the bin number of the single sorter or the second sorter is incremented. Increment the bin number and set the flag G to °1゛Step 5
817, 5818), and sort the copy sheets into each bin. In the former case, if the bin number of the first sorter becomes the final bin number of the first sorter + 1 (step 5823), that is, in normal use, before copy sheets are ejected for the number of copies, the first sorter If all available bins have been filled, or all copy sheets have been accommodated from the initial bin specified by the job mode setting to the final bin of the first sorter, and the second sorter is to be used next, the following In steps 5824 and 5825, it is determined whether or not it is a multiple sorter and whether or not the flag F is set. When the second sorter is to be used next time due to the job mode settings, it is determined in step 5813 that it is a double series, and flag F is set in step 5819, so the step is performed to select the initial bin of the first sorter. 5827), that is, the bin number is returned to the initial bin for the copy paper of the second original, and then the bin number of the second sorter is incremented (step 58).
28). In addition, if it is a double sorter during normal use, the first bin of the first sorter is similarly selected (step 5826), and the bin number of the second sorter is incremented (step 5826).

If the bin number is not multiple in normal use, it is determined in step 5838 that the bin number has exceeded the maximum value, that is, it has exceeded all usable bins of a single sorter, and the over flag is set and the bin number is Select the non-sort mode of steps 5839 and 5840),
Eject excess copy paper to the non-sort tray. This non-sort mode is also selected in the same way when the final bin number of the second sorter is exceeded in the duplication, and in that case, it is performed by the first sorter.

Now, when the ejection of the number of copies of the single-sheet original is completed in this way (step 5829)
, then determine the flag G (step 5830), if it is set, i.e. if the sorting from the specified initial bin to each final bin in the single sorter or the second sorter has been completed, step 5830); 58
Step 5832) selects the specified initial bin again in step 31 and then resets the flag G to "0".
Similarly, sorting is performed for the copy paper of the second original.

On the other hand, if the flag G is not sent, that is, during normal use, or when the second
When sorting up to the last bin of the sorter is completed, the first bin of the second sorter is selected and the over flag is reset (steps 5833 and 5834), and flag F is determined in the next step 5835. During normal use, the flag F is not set, so the first bin of the first sorter is selected (step 5836), and if it is set, it is reset (step 58).
37) Sort the copy paper of the second original in the same way.

Now, in step 5810, the "sorter mode" is set to 1.
In the case of 2, that is, when the grooving mode is set, the "job mode" is set to one of 1 to 4, as shown in Figure 31, as in the case of the sorting mode, or The processing in the grouping mode is performed depending on whether the sorter is being used normally or not.

First, if the job mode is set, in step 5843, the bin with the value obtained by subtracting the number of originals from the final bin number of the sorter + 1 is similarly designated as the initial bin.

That is, the number of bins for the job used in the grooving mode is equal to the number of original sheets, and a series of bins from the designated initial bin to the final bin are thus allocated for the job.

Next, if the sorter is a single sorter or if it is a multiple sorter and the initial bin is the second
If specified in the sorter, flag I( is set to 11" (steps 5844 to 5846). Then, as in normal use, off-edge of sensor 610 is detected, over flag is determined, and flag I is set to 11" (steps 5844 to 5846). When this is completed, the bin number of the single sorter or the second sorter is incremented, and the flag H is reset, since the flag H is marked. Copy sheets are grouped into each bin (steps 3847 to 5853).

On the other hand, during normal use or when the initial bin is specified in the first sorter, the bin number of the first sorter is incremented in step 5851, and copy sheets are similarly grouped into each bin. If the bin number of the second sorter is to be transferred to the bin of the second sorter in duplicate, this is determined in steps 5854 and 5855, and the bin number of the second sorter is incremented (step 5856).

In addition, during normal use, if the bin number exceeds the maximum value of the system, that is, the last bin, an over flag is sent, and if it is single, it is sent to itself, and if it is multiple, it is sent to the first sorter, respectively. Select a mode (steps 3857-5859).

Further, if the "sorter mode" is not 2 in step 7 5841, that is, if it is 1, step 586
0 selects non-sort mode.

FIG. 32 shows the sorter motor processing routine of step 5803. First, if the leading edge of the copy paper to be discharged is detected by the on-edge of the sensor 27 at the paper discharge port 26 of the copying machine main body 1 (step 5861)
, turn on sorter motor 601 or both 601 and 651, and then cancel timer S (step 586).
2.5863). When the trailing edge of the copy paper is detected by the off-edge of the sensor 27, the timer S is started (
Steps 5864, 5865).

The timer S is set in advance for the time it takes for the copy sheets to be conveyed through the path in the sorter and distributed to each bin, and when this time-up is reached, the sorter motor is turned off (steps 5866 and 867). ).

To summarize the above, an original feeding unit set to job mode 1 to 4 will send cents to itself when all other original feeding units have finished copying the original and there is free time in the copying machine. Start copying the original. Based on the preset number of original sheets, the number of copies, and the processing mode of the sorter, the required number of bins for the copy paper are allocated starting from the last bin of the sorter, and the copy paper is stored in these bins. In other words, copy sheets that are not needed immediately are stored in a series of bins including the first bin, which would normally be stored when a sorter is used, and the last bin located at the farthest position. During the copying operation including the ejection process to the sorter, or after the copying is complete, if a new document is set in another document feeding unit without setting the job mode, the copy paper for that new document will be , so that they are used and stored from the first bin of the sorter as usual.

Note that in this embodiment, the required number of bins starting from the last bin of the sorter are allocated to accommodate the copy sheets of the original whose copy operation has been started by setting the job mode, but the present invention is not limited to this. The configuration is not limited to this, and a configuration may be adopted in which bins in the middle are used. Further, in this embodiment, a system is shown in which three document feeding units, five document ejection unit/narrows, and two sorters are connected, but the number of each unit is not limited to this.

〔effect〕

As described above, in the copying machine according to the present invention, when performing multi-job processing using a plurality of document feeding units and sorters, for a specific document group that does not require copy paper immediately, other document The copying operation of the document in the feeding unit is performed with priority, and when all of those copying operations are completed and there is free time in the copying machine, the copying operation of the document feeding unit in which the specific group of documents is set is performed. is started. Then, the copy paper on which the original has been copied is stored in a predetermined bin according to the required number of bins of the sorter, which is determined based on the preset number of originals, the number of copies, and the processing mode of the sorter.
For example, store it near the last bin that is least frequently used. Therefore, even if the user does not come to pick up the copy paper for a long time because the user does not need the copy paper immediately, the copy paper for a new group of documents set during or after copying will be , since they are used sequentially starting from the first bin of the sorter, it is not difficult to remove the copies.
The present invention has excellent effects such as being able to use a sorter smoothly.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a front view with a main part cut away showing the structure of a copying machine according to the present invention, Figs. 2 and 3 are perspective views of a portion thereof, and Figs. 6.7.
Figure 8 is a block diagram of the main parts of the control circuit, and Figure 9 is the CP.
ilA built into U? RAM map explanatory diagram, 1st
0 to 32 are flowcharts showing the CPU control procedure. 1...Copy machine main body 201, 202, 253, 280
...cpu300...ADF (automatic document feeder) 401-403...document feeding unit 501-5
05...Document ejection unit 600.650...Sorter 620,670...Bin 700...Prong patent Applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent Patent attorney Noboru Kono Fuyan 8 Diagram 10 Diagram 13 Figure 21 Figure 23 Figure 2S Figure 29 Figure 32 of Figure 2 et al.

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A sorter having a plurality of bins and having a plurality of processing modes related to distribution of copy sheets to the bins, and capable of copying a plurality of document groups in a predetermined order. Then, for a specific document group, the number of original sheets and the number of copies are set for the specific document group in a copying machine that is configured to start copying processing after all other document groups have finished regardless of the order. copy amount setting means; mode setting means for setting a processing mode of the sorter for the specific document group; and determining the required number of bins of the sorter based on the contents set by the copy amount setting means and the mode setting means. A copying machine comprising: means for calculating the number of bins to be determined; and means for selecting a predetermined bin of the sorter for the specific document group in accordance with the calculation result of the number-of-bins calculating means.