JPH02233470A - Sorter with stapler - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent an arranging device from suffering from jamming by releasing the operation of the arranging device when the discharge of the record sheet of different size from that of the initial one into a bin is detected by a size information detecting means. CONSTITUTION:When the record sheets discharged from a copying machine are stored in the respective 55 of a sorter 20 one after another, an axis fixing unit 72 and an arranging axis driving unit 95 are moved by a jogger moving motor 82 until a size detecting sensor 93 detects one of given size detecting pieces 92, and an arranging plate 70 arranges record sheets by the rotation of an arranging axis 71. When record sheets are discharged into the respective bins 55, the sizes of the record sheets are detected by a size information detecting means, and when the record sheets of different sizes those of the already discharged record sheets exist, the arranging device stops its operation. It is thus possible to prevent the generation of jamming.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Industrial fist field The present invention relates to a sorter with a stapler.

2. Description of the Related Art Sorters having a plurality of bins for sorting and distributing recording sheets sent out from image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and facsimile machines are widely used.

In conventional sorters, the bins are moved relative to one stapler which is fixed in position, and the stack of recording sheets stored in each bin can be stapled using stable staples. A sorter with a stapler that stores recording sheets and binds them together using a stapler has been proposed. Although it is not publicly known, the present applicant has proposed a stapler that uses an aligning device to align recording sheets sorted and distributed into a plurality of bins, and moves the stapler to each bin to sequentially staple the bundles of recording sheets in each bin. We are proposing a sorter with If the sizes of the recording sheets discharged into the bins are different, the recording sheets may not only not be accurately aligned by the alignment device, but may also jam.

The present invention aims to improve a sorter equipped with a stapler that aligns recording sheets ejected into multiple bins using an aligning device and binds them together using a stapler, thereby eliminating the risk of jamming even when recording sheets of different sizes are ejected. Our goal is to provide a sorter with a stapler that eliminates this problem. Means for Solving Problems The present invention solves the above problem by providing a size information detection means for obtaining size information of a recording sheet to be discharged into a bin, and using the size information detection means to detect a recording sheet 1 of a different size from the first one. The problem was solved by a sorter equipped with a stapler, which is characterized in that the operation of the aligning device is canceled when the straying is detected.

According to the present invention, the size of the recording sheet is detected by the size information detection means when the recording sheet is discharged into each bin, and the detected information is sent to the control device.

When there is a recording sheet of a different size from the recording sheets that have already been discharged among the recording sheets that are being discharged one after another,
Based on the information that detects recording sheets of different sizes, the operation of the alignment device is canceled and alignment is stopped, thereby preventing the occurrence of jams.

Failure 1-■ The details of the present invention will be explained based on the embodiments shown in the drawings. First, an example of the overall configuration of a copying apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be explained based on the side view shown in FIG. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates the fourth mirror 2 of the exposure optical system.
is a dustproof glass to prevent toner stains on lenses, mirrors, etc., 3 is an ADF (automatic document feeder), 4 is a contact glass, 5 is an eraser (erase lamp), 6
7 is an electrostatic charger, 7 is a photoreceptor, for example, a photoreceptor drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor that detects the surface temperature of the photoreceptor drum 7, 9 is a static elimination lamp, 10 is a lens, and 11 is a quenching charger. (charger after cleaning), 12 is a cleaning unit, 13
25 is a bias roller, 25 is a PCC (pre-cleaning charger), 14 is an exposure illumination unit consisting of a halogen lamp, etc., and 15 is a first unit integrated with the illumination unit 14, etc.
First scanning mirror forming a carriage 16.17 are second and third mirrors forming a second carriage 18
1 is a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to a recording sheet, for example, a transfer paper; 19 is a reversing unit that controls the ejection direction and surface of the transfer paper after fixing in the fixing unit 18; and 20 is a transfer unit after the stray paper is transferred. A sorter (with a post-processing function) for sorting paper, 26 is a separating claw, and 21 is a conveyor belt. The post-processing function refers to processing such as stapling and punching.

moreover. 22, 23, 24, 33 are trays for stocking and supplying transfer paper, 22 is a double-sided paper feeding tray, 23
is the first paper feed tray, 24 is the second paper feed tray, and 33 is the third paper feed tray.
Paper feed tray, 29 is a paper feed roller unit, 30 is a vertical paper transport section, 32 is a horizontal paper transport section, 31 is a paper dust removal roller for removing paper dust from transfer paper, 27 is a separation charger, 28 is a transfer charger, 35 is a registration roller, 34 is a developer collection container for collecting old developer when replacing developer, 36 is P
TC (pre-transfer charger), 38 photosensitive drum 7
37 is a developing unit, 39 is a toner cartridge for replenishing consumed toner, and 40 is a drum shaft that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 7.

Next, the operation of the copying machine having the above configuration will be briefly described. Photoreceptor do. The ram 7 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 40 and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copy command or the like. Simultaneously with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 7, a static elimination lamp 9,
PTC36, separation charger 27, transfer charger 28
, eraser 5, cleaning unit 12, bias roller 13. PCC 25 and quenching charger 11 are activated. After passing through the cleaning unit 12 and the static elimination lamp 9, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 7 becomes zero.

The photosensitive drum 7 is driven by a main motor (not shown). At the start of driving, the leading edge of the image is controlled by the control unit so that the leading edge of the image is positioned after the position passing the cleaning unit 12.

When the photosensitive drum 7 has rotated to the fixed position, the ADF 3
The original placed on the contact glass 4 by
The image is scanned by a first carriage integrated with a scanning mirror 15, an illumination unit 14, etc. The reflected light image is captured by the first scanning mirror 15, the second mirror 16. An image is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 via the third mirror 17, the lens 10, the fourth mirror 1, and the dustproof glass 2.

After the photoreceptor drum 7 is charged by the charger 6, an eraser, that is, an erase lamp 5, illuminates unnecessary areas to create an image frame suitable for the transfer paper or the projected image, and then the photoreceptor drum is A latent image is formed on 7. At this time, in order to obtain a same-sized image, the photosensitive drum 7 and the first carriage are driven at the same speed.

A developing unit 37 visualizes the latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 as a toner image. In this case, the developing unit 37
A dark or light image can be obtained by applying a potential to.

On the other hand, the double-sided paper feed tray 22 and the first paper feed tray 2
3. The transfer paper stocked in the second paper feed tray 24 or the third paper feed tray 33 is fed by the paper feed roller unit 29 until a paper detection sensor (not shown) is activated.

Next, the paper feed roller unit 29 is operated again at the paper feeding timing, and the transfer paper is sent through the vertical paper transport section 30 or the horizontal paper transport section 32 to the registration rollers 35 that have been stopped in advance, and the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 7 is The registration roller 35 is driven at the timing when the leading edge of the transfer paper matches the leading edge of the transfer paper. The toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to a transfer paper under the action of a transfer charger 28. At this time, the surface of the photoreceptor 7 is very smooth, and the adhesion between the photoreceptor drum 7 and the transfer paper is therefore large. Decreases adhesion to transfer paper. Next, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 7 by the separating claw 26, and the thus separated transfer paper is sent to the fixing section 18 by the conveyor belt 21. Heat and pressure are applied to the toner on the transfer paper sent to the fixing section 18, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed to the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper is transferred to a sorter via the reversing section 19. It is discharged at 20. When performing double-sided copying, etc., the double-sided paper feed tray 2 is
2 is discharged. Since a small amount of toner image remains on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 7 after transfer, the PCC 25 is activated and the surface is cleaned with the cleaning brush and cleaning blade in the cleaning unit 12, and the next quenching charger 11 and static electricity removal are performed. Keep the surface potential constant using lamp 9. These control timings are mainly obtained from pulses generated in synchronization with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 7 or reference pulses for driving the photoreceptor drum 7. Next, the configuration of the sorter 20 of this embodiment will be explained based on FIGS. 2 to 8. As shown in FIG. 2, an entrance guide plate 43 is provided at the receiving entrance for recording sheets, e.g. copies, discharged from the copying machine, followed by upper and lower transport belts 44, 42 for transporting the copies upward. Switching claw 46, switching guide plate 45.4
7 is provided.

A pair of paper ejection rollers 48.4 is provided in the upper path by the switching claw 46.
9 and a paper discharge tray 54 are provided, and the lower path by the switching claw 46 is provided upwardly in parallel with the vertical direction.
It follows a vertical copy feeding path along the copy insertion side of the bin 55 containing several copies (20 copies in the example shown). A deflection claw 64, a conveyance roller 62, and a discharge port roller pair 63 are provided at a position corresponding to each bin on the vertical feed path, and a plurality of roller pairs of the conveyance roller 62 provided at appropriate intervals are provided. is the driven roller 65 across the copy vertical feed path.
are in pressure contact. The above-described conveyance belts 44 and 42, paper discharge rollers 48 and 49, conveyance roller 62, and discharge port roller 63 are driven by a drive motor 41.

A shaft equipped with two pulleys 53 and 69 is strategically supported at the upper and lower sides of the bin group, respectively, and the lower shaft is connected to a motor 68 for moving the post-processing unit. A post-processing unit moving belt 66 is stretched over the two pairs of upper and lower pulleys, and a chuck unit 60 and a post-processing unit 61 are attached to these belts via a guide unit 51. In order to guide the guide unit 51, a guide rail 67 is provided on the side of the bin group in the vertical direction over the entire height of the sorter.

The recording sheet (copy) discharged from the copying machine is inserted through the entrance guide plate 43. It is sandwiched between the pair of m conveying belts 42 and 44 and conveyed to the upper part.

If we are currently in the normal paper ejection mode (a mode in which paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 54), the switching claw 46 is lowered, and the copy is made by moving the paper roller pair 48 along the upper switching guide plate 47.
, 49 to the stray paper tray 54. Also, now, sort mode (sort mode in page order)
If it is the stack mode (a mode in which pages are sorted), the switching claw 46 is raised and the copies are conveyed downward along the lower switching guide plate 45. The copy conveyed by the conveyance roller 62 and the driven roller 65 is discharged to the bin 55 at the location where the deflection claw 64 is activated. The deflection claw 64 performs a movement appropriate to the mode (sort or stack). In the sorting mode, the deflection claw 64 of the first bin operates and the second copy of the first page is ejected to the first bin 55, and the deflection claw of the second bin operates and the second copy of the first page is ejected to the second bin 55. to be discharged. Further, the first page of the second page is discharged to the first bin 55, and the second page is discharged to the second bin 55. In this way,
When in sort mode, 1, 2, 3, ・
... are output in page order.

When in stack mode, all copies of the first page are copied to the first page.
The deflection pawl 64 operates to eject the second page copy into the second bin.

In this way, when in stack mode, copies of the same page are ejected into one bin and sorted by page. Also, during sort mode or stack mode, the deflection claw 6
If a copy jams near 4, there is a function to eject the copies that are in front of the switching claw 46 from within the sorter after the jam occurs. In this case, the switching claw 46 is switched in the event of a jam, and the later copies are discharged to the stray paper tray S4 without jamming. The copies discharged to the stray paper tray 54 can be placed into a predetermined bin from the manual feed table 52 by the manual feed roller 50 after the jam is removed.

In addition, even in cases other than jams, when copies are inserted from the manual feed table 52, the copies can be ejected to each bin and sorted according to the mode. Regarding the post-processing function that performs post-processing on copies sorted in this way,
The post-processing unit 61, which will be explained below, means a stapler, puncher, etc. In order to move the post-processing unit to the position corresponding to each bin, the post-processing 22-bit motor 68 is rotated, and the post-processing unit moving belt 66 is moved up and down via the lower pulley 69 and the upper pulley 53. The guide unit 51 has a wheel that moves the guide unit 51 up and down accordingly.
It is adapted to move along a guide rail 67.

The chuck unit 60 is a device that transports the covey bundle to the position of the post-processing unit 61 and returns it to its original position after performing the post-processing.

In FIG. 2, the home sensor 5 is detected by the home detection piece 57.
6 is turned ON, and the copy at the first bin opening can be post-processed.

When a post-processing operation is executed from this state, the post-processing unit movement motor 68 is turned on after execution, and the post-processing unit 61 is lowered, and the second pin, the bin position detection piece S9, turns on the bin position sensor 58, and the post-processing unit is moved. Turn off the motor 68 and stop the post-processing unit 61. Then, post-processing is performed for the second bin. When the execution of the post-processing for the copy of the predetermined bin is completed, the post-processing unit 61 is moved to the home position. In this way, post-processing of multiple covey bundles can be performed. Figure 3 is a view from the opposite side of Figure 2. Figure 3 explains what could not be expressed in Figure 2. The sorter of this embodiment is a 20-bin sorter, and is divided into two blocks of 10 bins each, with bin sensors 76.79 and stray paper sensors 77.79 in the upper block.
78, and the bottom block has a bin sensor 81.84 and a stray paper sensor 80.83. In addition, the paper output tray 54
There is also a paper ejection sensor 98.99. These sensors are transmissive optical detection sensors consisting of LEDs and phototransistors. Paper ejection sensors 77, 78, 80, 83, 98,
99, and the bin sensor determines whether there is a copy in the bin? 6.79, 81.84. Such a bin sensor makes it possible to use the lower block if there is a copy on the upper block.

In order to perform copy post-processing, multiple copies must be aligned. Therefore, the sorter of the present invention is equipped with a jogger as an alignment device, which will be described below. In FIGS. 3 and 5, rotation of the pulley 85 by the jogger moving motor 82 is transmitted to the drive shaft 96 via the jogger drive belt 86, and the drive shaft 96 rotates.

The upper jogger moving belt 73 and the lower jogger moving belt 88 are driven by the rotation of the pulley 74.87 fixed to the drive shaft 96, and the shaft fixing unit 72 and the lower jogger moving belt 8 are fixed to the upper jogger moving belt 73.
The alignment shaft drive unit 95 fixed to 8 is moved. The shaft fixing unit 1-72 functions to support the end of the alignment shaft 71. Then, the size detection sensor 93 attached to the shaft drive unit 95 detects one of the predetermined size detection pieces 92 and stops the jogger drive motor 82. The copy is then discharged into bin 55. The paper discharge sensor 77, 78 or 80, 83 detects this, the alignment shaft drive unit 95 is activated, and the alignment plate 70 is moved by the alignment shaft 71 to align the copies. The alignment plate 70 is the alignment shaft 7
It is attached to 1. After finishing the post-processing, the jogger moving motor rotates in reverse and stops at the position where the home sensor '91 is circled by the home detection piece 94. This position is the position for the maximum size. In this way, each copy is aligned as it is ejected and is ready for post-processing operations.

In FIG. 4, which is a view from the top of FIG.
5 has a notch so that the alignment shaft 71 can be moved to a position where copy alignment of the minimum size is possible. Further, the alignment plate 70 rotates as shown by the arrow to align the copies. At this time, an end face pressing plate 97 is provided to hold the other end of the copy in a fixed position.

This end face pressing plate 97 is adapted to move in accordance with the movement of the chuck unit 60.

As shown in Figure 5, which is a view from the right side of Figure 2,
The alignment shaft drive unit 95 is moved in the direction of the arrow by the jogger moving belt 88 to match each copy size.
It is preferable to stop at the size detection piece 92. The shaft fixing unit 72 also stops in synchronization with the alignment shaft drive unit 95. Further, the rightward movement in FIG. 5 is to the position where the home sensor -91 corresponding to the maximum copy size is activated by the home detection piece 92.

FIG. 6 is a detailed view of the chuck unit 60.

The chuck unit 60 grabs the stack of copies on the bin 55 and transfers it to a post-processing unit (not shown in FIG. 6).
61 and after finishing the post-processing, it returns to the same state as when it was discharged onto the bin 55 again.

First, when the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the worm gear 100 rotates and the gear 101 moves in the H direction. Then, the spiral shaft 106 rotates, and the moving plate 1 is moved through the moving rod 105 (which has a spiral hole).
13, the upper chuck finger 109, the lower chuck finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the B direction. When moving in the B direction, the home sensor 102 is set to O by the position detection piece 103.
N to stop the motor 107.

Conversely, when the motor 107 rotates in the G direction, the gear 1
01 in the J direction, moving plate 105, moving plate 113
, the upper chuck finger 109, the lower chuck finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the A direction.

When moving in the A direction, the position detection piece 103 turns on the tip position sensor 104 and stops the motor 107, and when the solenoid 114 is turned on, the upper chuck finger 1
09 is lowered in the direction D by the pull rod 108 and grabs a bundle of copies (not shown). At this time, the end face presser plate 97 is lowered in the F direction by the presser plate 112 so that it does not interfere with the movement of the copy bundle.

Then, when the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the copy bundle is brought in the B direction. When the push plate 112 returns to direction B, the end face press plate 97 attempts to return to its original position due to the spring 111, but since the copy stack is already on top, it stops at the copy stack. When the moving board reaches the home position, the motor 10
7 is stopped, then the post-processing unit 61 is activated, and after the post-processing is completed, the motor is rotated in the G direction again.
Return the coby bundle in eight directions. When the position detection piece 103 turns on the tip position detection sensor 104 again, the motor 107 stops, the solenoid 114 turns OFF, the chuck upper finger 109 is raised by the coil spring 115, the copy bundle returns to its original position, and the end face presser is pressed. Plate 97 and spring 111
It returns to its original position due to the action of . Then, the motor 107 rotates in the H direction to push the moving plate 113 to the home position,
Stop. In this way, the chuck unit 60
The copy stack discharged onto the bin is carried to the post-processing device and returned to its original position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a stapler included in a stapling device as an example of the post-processing unit 6l.

In this stapler, the motor 116 is turned on by an electric signal.
When the staple 119 in the cartridge 117 is
It is designed to press and bend.

The staples 119 are tied together in a strip with thin tape and rolled into the cartridge 117. Also,
When the end of the stable passes a near-end sensor (reflective sensor that reads optically) 118, a near-end signal is output. FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the alignment shaft drive unit 95 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. When the alignment plate 70 rotates once, the cam 12 attached to the output shaft
1 and the lever 122 that engages with the cam 121, and the lever 122 reciprocates in a fan-shaped manner in the direction of the arrow AB via the alignment shaft 71 to which the lever 122 is fixed.In this way, each time a copy is discharged into a bin, The motor 120 rotates once to align the copies. Figure 10 is a block diagram of the control system in the present invention. This control is centered around the CPU 300, ROM 301, RA
M302, IN port 303, OUT port 304, I
This is a microcomputer system configured with /O port 305. With the ROM 301 written with the program, the ZN port 30 can be used while using the RAM 302 at any time.
It receives various input signals from 3 and outputs controlled signals to OUT port 304 to control the copying machine and sorter. The control of the sorter also includes post-processing operations (such as stapling operations) after sorting copies. Further, the control section of the ADF 3 is connected to the I/O port 305, and exchanges signals with the cpuaoO. The ADF 3 feeds the original onto the contact glass in response to a signal from the CPU, and when the exposure is completed, moves the original onto the contact glass. In addition, in double-sided original mode (double-sided single-sided mode, double-sided duplex mode), after the exposure of the first side is completed, the paper is reversed and fed onto the contact glass again, and when the exposure of the second side is completed, it is reversed and ejected. Also, RAM302
A backup battery 306 is connected to serve as a non-volatile memory.

Figure 9 shows a part of the operation section of the above-mentioned copying machine. code 2
01 is a start key that instructs to start copying 202
203 is a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, etc.
204 is a set number display that displays the number of copy sets, 205 is a copy number display that displays the number of copies, and 206 is a document display that displays the number of original sheets. 207 is a paper size display that displays the copy paper size set in each tray; 208 is a paper remaining amount display that displays the remaining amount of copy paper set in each tray; 209 is a document An automatic paper selection mode indicator 210 indicates that a mode (automatic paper selection mode) for automatically selecting the most suitable copy paper based on size information, etc. is set; 210 is a paper key 211 for selecting copy paper; is a paper size selection indicator that displays which copy paper size is selected, 212 indicates that the copying machine is preparing, please wait display, 213 indicates that the copying machine is ready, Display that can be copied,
214 is a sort key for instructing the sort mode 21
5 is a stack mode display that indicates that the sort mode is set; 216 is a stack key that indicates that the stack mode is set; 217 is a stack mode display that indicates that the stack mode is set; 218 is a continuous document feed ADF key 219 is used to indicate the mode, and A is used to indicate that continuous document feed mode is set.
DF mode display, 220 is a staple key for instructing the stapling mode; 221 is an auto stapling mode display that indicates that the stapling mode is automatically set; 222 is for instructing the single document feeding mode SADF key 223 is a SADF mode indicator to indicate that SADF mode is set, 224 is an interrupt mode key to instruct interrupt copying, and 225 is interrupt mode set. An interrupt mode indicator 228 warns that there is copy paper left in the sorter, a paper forgotten indicator in the sorter, and 229 warns of a jam in the sorter.
A sorter jam indicator, 330, warns of a jam within the copying machine body, etc., a jam indicator, 231, a paper supply indicator, 232, warns that the selected copy paper is out.
Reference numeral 233 indicates a staple replenishment indicator which warns that there are no staples, 233 indicates a staple impossible indicator which warns that stabling is not possible, and 234 indicates a staple limit indicator which warns of a staple limit.

The operation of the post-processing device will be explained below based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 13.

In FIG. 11, which shows a flowchart of a program that performs the entire operation, first a mode set routine is passed. If there is an instruction from a key on the operation panel, the specified mode is set in this mode set routine. After passing through the mode set routine, check whether manual stapling mode is selected. If YES, stapling is started for the copy bundle (recording sheet bundle) discharged to the bin of the sorter, and when it is completed for all the copy bundles, the process returns to the start again. If NO. A.D.
Check whether it is F mode, and if it is not ADF mode, check SADF mode. In the ADF mode, first, it is checked whether or not a document has been set. If it is not set, the process returns to the start, and if it is set, it is checked whether the start key is ON. If the start key is not turned on, the process returns to start, and if the start key is turned on, the process moves to the copying operation. In the copying operation,
first. The ADF τ feeds the set original, conveys the original onto the contact glass, and waits for the original to be read. Next, select the tray containing the paper (recording sheet) that matches the original size. Then, in order to align the copies ejected to the sorter, if the jogger has not moved, move the jogger to a predetermined size position and eject the copies. Next, the set number of copies are made by the copy control routine. When this is completed, the document on the contact glass is ejected, and if there is still a document in the ADF, the document is fed again. When there are no originals in the ADF, it is checked whether the copies in the copying machine have been completely ejected, and the conveyance motors of the copying machine and sorter are turned off.

Next, check if you are in auto staple mode,
If auto stable mode is not set, return to start. In auto stapling mode, stapling is automatically performed on a stack of copies. First of all,
Stitch the copy bundle in the first bin.Increment the processed counter by 1 to remember the end of stapling for the first bin, move the stapler to the next bin, and turn on the in-operation display.
let Then, it is checked whether the stop key is ON, and if the stop key is not ON, the number of output bins is compared with the value of the staple processed counter, and if they do not match, the stabilization process is performed again for each bin. Return to the present. If they match, clear the processed counter, turn the operating display OFF, move the stapler to the home, move the stapler to the home, and check the staple remaining amount sensor.

When the stop key is turned on, stapling processing is interrupted without comparing the number of output bins with the value of the staple processed counter. In other words, turn off the display during operation,
Move the stapler and jogger to the home.

Stapler remaining staple sensor (near end sensor)
By checking, if the sensor is ON,
Turn on the staple supply display, and if the sensor is OFF,
Ft, the staple replenishment display is turned OFF.

Next, the operation in SADF mode will be described.

It checks whether it is in SADF mode, and if YES, it checks whether an original has been set, and if it has, it selects a tray containing paper that matches the original size. Next, in order to perform a copy alignment operation, the jogger is moved to a position that matches the side of the paper, and a copy control operation is started. When the copying operation for the set number of sheets is completed, the originals are ejected and the copies are waited for being ejected to the sorter. When the paper is discharged, the copying machine and sorter transport motors are turned off. Then, the process returns to the start and waits for the next manuscript to be inserted.

Next, operations in modes other than the ADF and SADF modes (for example, a mode in which a document is manually placed on a contact glass) will be described.

When the start key is turned on during the start key check, move the jogger to align the copies.
Start copy control operation. When the copying operation for the set number of sheets is completed, wait for the copies to be ejected, and then turn off the motor. and return to the start again.

In Fig. 12, which shows a flowchart of a program for mode setting, first, it is checked whether the key is turned on, and if it is not ON, it returns, and the key is turned on.
If it is L, execute the key reception program. This key ON check is a program that detects the rise of the key. First, if the ONL key is the 10 key, then the ONL key is the 10 key.
Set the data of the L and 10 keys on the set number display and return.

Next, if the ONL key is a paper key, turn the key ON.
Each time, set the paper feed tray in the order of 3rd → 2nd → 1st → 3rd, and then return. Next, if the ONL key is the ADF key, check whether it is in ADF mode. If it is not ADF mode, reset SADF mode and set ADF mode. If you are already in ADF mode. Reset the ADF mode and return.

Next, if ONL, the key is the SADF key, then SAD
Check whether the mode is F mode, and if it is not the SADF mode, reset the ADF mode and set the SADF mode. If you are already in SADF mode, SAD
Reset F mode and return.

Next, if the ONL key is an interrupt key, it checks whether it is in interrupt mode or not, and if it is not in interrupt mode, it stores the current mode in RAM and sets the standard mode for interrupts. Then, set the interrupt mode and return. If it is already in interrupt mode, reset the interrupt mode and enter RA. Sets the pre-interrupt mode stored in M and returns. If the interrupt key is not ON, it is checked to see if it is in interrupt mode, and if it is, it returns. this is,
This is because the sort, stack, and staple modes are invalid in the interrupt mode.

If it is not in interrupt mode, go to the next step. If the ONL key is a sort key, check whether it is in sort mode, and if not, reset stack mode and set sort mode. If it is already in sort mode, reset the sort mode and return.

Next, if the ONL key is a stack key, it is checked whether it is in stack mode, and if it is not in stack mode, the sort mode is reset and the stack mode is set. If it is already in stack mode, reset the stack mode and return. Next, if the ONL key is the staple key, check whether there is paper in the sorter bin, and if there is paper and the staple has not been completed, set manual stable mode and return. However, if the paper has already been stapled, the process returns. If there is no paper, it is checked whether the O1 staple mode is on, and if it is not the O1 staple mode, the auto stable mode is set and the process returns. If the mode is auto-stable, the auto-stapling mode is reset and the process returns.

In FIG. 13, which shows a flowchart of a program that performs copy control operations, first, the number of copies is cleared and it is checked whether the ADF mode is selected. If it is not ADF mode, reset the auto staple mode. If it is the ADF mode, it is checked whether the staple key is ON, and if the key is not ON, the process goes to the step of adding 1 to the number of copies without doing anything. When the key is turned on,
Checks whether the mode is auto-stable mode, resets the auto-stapling mode if it is the auto-stapling mode, and sets the auto-stapling mode if it is not the auto-stapling mode.

Next, add 1 to the number of copies, feed one sheet from the tray, and control copying for each sheet (read the image of the original,
control to place images on the paper), determine which bin of the sorter to output the paper to, and control it.
Align the stray paper with a jogger,
Compare the set number of sheets and the number of copies. If they do not match, check whether the paper sizes are the same. If the sizes are not different, go to the step of checking whether the ADF mode is on again and make copies for the set number of sheets. Repeat the action. If the sizes are different, return the jogger to the home position, cancel the operation, and reset the auto staple mode.

Returns when the number of set sheets and the number of copies match.

Even if you are in auto stapling mode, which automatically staples documents after copying is complete, if you are in interrupt copy mode,
Since the sort, stack, and stable modes are disabled, a problem such as a copy before the interrupt coby mode and a copy after the interrupt coby mode are stapled together can be prevented.

According to the present invention, when it is detected that a recording sheet of a different size from the recording sheet initially discharged into the bin is discharged, the operation of the alignment device is canceled and alignment of the recording sheets is stopped. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the occurrence of jams in the aligning device due to the ejection of recording sheets of different sizes.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the overall configuration of a copying system to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the sorter, and FIG. 3 is a side view of the sorter seen from the opposite side of FIG. 2. Cross section,
Figure 4 is a partially cutaway plan view, Figure 5 is a side view of the sorter seen from the right side of Figure 2, Figure 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the chuck unit, and Figure 7 is post-processing. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the stapler as a unit, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the aligning shaft drive unit, FIG. 9 is a plan view showing part of the operation panel of the copying machine, and FIG. 10 is the control system. The block diagram, FIGS. 11 to 13, is a flowchart 1 showing control of parts related to the present invention. 0... Sorter 5... Bin l... Stapling device 0... Aligning plate (aligning device) Cylinder diagram

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A plurality of bins that sort and distribute recording sheets sent from an image forming apparatus, an alignment device that aligns the recording sheets discharged to each bin, and a stapler that binds the bundle of recording sheets discharged and stored in each bin. A sorter with a stapler is provided with size information detection means for obtaining size information of a recording sheet discharged into the bin, and when the size information detection means detects discharge of a recording sheet of a different size from the first one, A sorter with a stapler, characterized in that the operation of the alignment device is released.