JPH02297493A - Paper treating device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make it possible to replace a needle cartridge easily and in a short time by providing a system in which a paper treating device can move between a stampe position where a stapler binds a bundle of forms and a needle feed position, and also can be fixed at each position. CONSTITUTION:An engagement pawl 105 engages with an engagement pin 109 to retain a stapler 100 at an activation position. If the free end of a release lever 107 is pushed upward, this engagement is cancelled and the stapler 100 rotates 90 deg. or more around a shaft 99, moving to a needle feed position. In addition, a pin 114 of a lever 113 which is axially attached to a base 101 for the stapler 100 can move along a cam hole 115 formed on a plate part 98. The pin 114 is engaged with a lock recessed part 116 at the needle feed position to lock the stapler 100. The stapler 100 located at the needle feed position is out of the side of a main sorter system, so that an operator can replace a needle cartridge 104 easily and replenish needles. Thus easy replacement of the needle cartridge is possible.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of Industrial Application The present invention has a plurality of bins and staples movable along each bin, which are received from an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, sorted, and stacked onto each bin. The present invention relates to a paper processing device that has a function of stapling the ends of a stack of paper sheets and binding them into a book.

Prior Art In collation, in which multiple copies of a multiple-page original are arranged in page order, the automatic document feeder feeds the original in page order to the original reading unit of a copying machine, and the required number of sheets for each page is collected. This is done by making a copy of the image and discharging the ejected copies one by one into each bin of the sorter.

A device capable of automatically binding a stack of sheets discharged and stacked one by one into each bin of a sorter using a stapler is known, for example, from Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-63561, and each It has become possible to save the labor of manually taking out the stack of sheets loaded in the bin and manually stapling and binding them.

In the device disclosed in the above publication, the stack of sheets discharged and stacked in each bin of the sorter is completely pulled out of the bin,
The sheets are transferred to a tray that can be raised and lowered, where the ends of the paper bundle are stapled and bound, and the next bundle of sheets to be bound is pulled out to the upper east of the bound sheets that have already been stapled, and is bound there. A plurality of bound paper bundles are stacked on the 1-lay. Although this device has the advantage of making it easier to take out a bundle of bound sheets, the device for pulling out the bundle of sheets from the bin onto the tray and the space occupied by the tray are extremely large, resulting in increased costs and installation space. There are drawbacks such as an increase in

In view of this, the applicant has developed a sorter that can automatically staple and bind the stacks of paper sorted into each bin without significantly increasing the external size or installation space of the device. Proposed. The key point is that the bins are arranged in multiple rows in the vertical direction, and the end portions of paper bundles that are movable up and down along these bin groups are received from an image forming device such as a copying machine, sorted, and stacked in each bin. Hold it and pull it out to the extent that the area near the part to be stapled comes out of the bin. In this state, staple the ends of the stack of paper to form a book, and then return the bound stack of paper to its original position on the bin. The present invention is to include a sheet bundle moving means and a stapler for returning the sheet bundle to the original state.

The overall configuration of one example of the device will be explained based on the drawings.

FIG. 13 is a sectional view of the sorter as seen from the front. Inside the housing 1 of the sorter, there is a paper output tray 2 at the top, and a plurality of stages below it at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction (the example shown in the figure). In this example, 20 rows of bins 3 are installed in parallel with each other.

A switching pawl 6 is provided near the top end of the device in the paper transport path 5 following the paper intake port 4 from the copying machine, and a switching claw 6 is provided to switch the paper transport path to the paper output tray 2 and the paper insertion side of the plurality of bins 3. It is possible to switch to a paper vertical conveyance path 7 extending along the paper conveyance path 7. Pairs of transport rollers 8 are provided at appropriate intervals on the paper vertical transport path 7, and a deflection claw 9 and a pair of discharge rollers 10 are provided at positions facing the insertion openings of each bin.

A pair of discharge rollers 11 is provided on the path toward the paper discharge tray 2. Each of the above-mentioned conveyance rollers and discharge rollers are driven by a drive motor 12.

In the diagram of the bottle group, two pulleys 13al, 13b; 14a, 14 are located at the upper and lower parts of the front side, respectively.
A shaft 15, 16 having a diameter b is provided pivotally supported on the machine frame,
A motor 17 is connected to the lower shaft 16, and bells 1 to 18a, 18b are hooked between the upper and lower pairs of pulleys. A bracket 19 is fixed to the front running portion of the pair of belts, bridging the two belts and having the same inclination as the bin 3. A stapler unit 20 and a chuck unit 21 are attached to the lower surface of the bracket 19. In order to guide the bracket 19, a groove-shaped guide rail 22 is provided extending in front of the bin group over almost the entire height of the sorter, on which guide rollers provided on both sides of the bracket 19 fit and roll.

The paper ejected from the copying machine and inserted into the paper inlet 4 advances through the paper transport path 5, and when the normal paper ejection mode is selected, the paper is directed to the paper ejection tray 2 by the switching claw 6, and the paper is directed to the paper ejection tray 2 when the normal paper ejection mode is selected. In the stack mode (sorting mode) and stack mode (sorting mode by page), the paper faces the vertical transport path 7, and the deflection claw corresponding to each bin is inserted so that each paper is inserted into a designated bin depending on the mode. 9 and a pair of ejection rollers] and O operate, the paper is ejected onto each bin 3, and the first
As shown in Fig. 4, the rising portion 3a of each bin 3 is provided upright on the paper insertion side edge, and the bin fence 23 is retractably provided on the front side edges. They are collated and loaded.

When the mode in which the stack of sheets stacked on each bin is stapled and bound into a book is selected, as shown in FIG.
The motor 17 moves the bracket 19 to which 1 and 1 are attached to the position corresponding to the bin 3 on which the stack of sheets to be lined is placed, and the chuck 24 of the chuck unit 21 is moved to the position corresponding to the bin 3.
The chuck 24 is actuated by a solenoid (not shown) at the position of the notch 3b of the bin 3 to grip the paper bundle S from above and below, and the paper bundle S is pulled out to the position shown by the chain line. At this time, the bin fence 23 is pushed by the end face of the stack of sheets and falls down and retreats from the bin surface. In the pulled out state, the left end of the front end of the paper bundle enters the recessed part of the stapler of the stapler unit 20, and when the stapler is actuated by a solenoid (not shown) in response to a staple signal, the stapler is operated by a solenoid (not shown) in response to a staple signal.
Bind the corner portions of the paper bundle shown in 5 with staples. Next, the chuck 24 of the chuck unit 21 is extended toward the bin 3, the stack of sheets is placed on the bin 3 at its original position, the chuck is released and retracted to the position shown by the solid line, and the paper is moved to the next bin.

FIG. 15 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a stapler 100 used in the stapler unit 2O of this apparatus.

The staple 40 is in a state where the bent portions on both sides are stretched,
Cartridge 1 is connected in a band shape with thin tape.
The frontmost staple is always stored in the staple position 4 by a biasing means (not shown).
2 is on the way. During stapling, when the motor 43 is turned on by an electric signal, the staple operating section 103 located above the staple position 42 pushes and bends both sides of one staple at the front end of the staple band into a U-shape. When the staple is pushed down further, the folded portions on both sides of the staple pass through the stack of sheets, and the lower receiver reaches the portion 45.
The stapler is guided by the recess and bent inward to complete the stapling.

When stapling is completed, the motor 43 is turned off and the stapling operation section 103 is raised.

When the end of the staple is detected by the near-end sensor 46, which is a reflective photoelectric sensor, for example, a near-end signal is output, and a message indicating that the staple cartridge 104 should be replaced is displayed on the display section.

Incidentally, in many image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers, information is written in page order, and the paper is discharged and stacked in page order from the bottom into each bin of a paper processing apparatus with the front surface facing down. When binding such a bundle of sheets with a stapler, the stapler needs to be arranged so as to strike the staples from the bottom of the sheets.

In other words, the stapler is placed upside down and moved between the bins in this state.

In such a stapler arranged in an upside-down state, when the staple cartridge runs out, it is necessary to replace the staple cartridge from the bottom of the stapler, which poses a problem that it is difficult to replace the needle blade and the trichine.

In addition, as in the above configuration, there is a group of bins for sorting paper, a sorting section consisting of a sorting means, and a binding section that moves vertically along each bin and binds the bundle of sheets sorted into each bin. If the binding device is integrated, it is expensive, there is no freedom of choice for users who can use a simple binding device or users who do not need a binding device, and the structure is complicated during manufacturing or maintenance in the event of a failure. However, there are problems in that it requires a lot of effort and time, and causes a decrease in production efficiency, quality, etc., and variations.

By the way, in order to replace the stapler car 1 to the cartridge and maintain the stapler unit and chuck unit, the housing of the sorter 1 has a mechanism for moving the stapler unit and chuck unit on the front side as seen from the operator, as shown in Fig. 16. Stapler door 5 that can be opened and closed in the area corresponding to the range
0 is set.

In addition, the housing has a sorter door 51 on the front for maintenance and inspection of the equipment transport path inside the sorter, jam removal, etc.
is provided, and a sorter top cover 52 is provided on the top surface.

Generally, for safety reasons, in business machines such as copying machines, printers, and sorters, when the door of the housing is opened, the power supply is usually turned off immediately by a door switch.

Therefore, as described above, if a sorter that uses a motor to drive the stapler to perform stapling operations is controlled so that all the motors stop when the door is opened, the stapler will stop running when the door is opened in the middle of the stapling operation. The motor will stop immediately and the stapling operation will be interrupted.
The stapler often gets jammed or bent, or the stack of sheets gets stuck in the stapler and becomes locked.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above-mentioned problems of the conventional paper processing apparatus having the above-mentioned configuration, an object of the present invention is to provide a paper processing apparatus that facilitates maintenance work and the like.

More specifically, the first object of the present invention is to provide a paper processing device in which staple cartridges can be easily replaced even in a stapler that inserts sheets from below into a table.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a paper processing device that is simple in structure, easy to manufacture and maintain, and is inexpensive, although it includes a sheet sorting section and a binding section.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a paper processing apparatus in which the stapler does not become jammed even when the door of the housing of the apparatus is opened during the stapling operation.

A paper processing apparatus according to a first aspect of the invention that solves the first problem described above is such that the stapler is movable between a stapling position for binding a bundle of sheets and a position for replenishing staples, and that It is characterized by being able to be fixed to.

With the above configuration, the stapler is fixed at the stapling work position where sheets are stapled with the staples, and the stapling work is performed, but when the stapler runs out, the stapler is moved to the staple replenishing position where it is replaced with another staple cartridge that is easier to work with. is moved and fixed in that position. The needle replenishment position is set close to the work position by the sorter operator. In particular, if the stapler is configured to rotate from the stapling work position and move to the staple replenishment position, the stapler not only approaches the work position, but also changes the stapler's posture so that the staple exchange part of the stapler faces the work position. can also be done at the same time.

According to the present invention, the staple cartridge of the stapler can be replaced near the work position, and the staple cartridge can be replaced easily and in a short time.

A paper processing device according to a second invention that solves the second problem described above has the above-mentioned sorting unit and binding unit as separate units, and the binding unit is detachable from the sorting unit. Features.

Since the sorting unit and the binding unit are separate units, and the latter is detachable from the former, each unit can be manufactured independently, making manufacturing easier and making it easier for users to select the binding device. The degree of freedom is increased, and the binding unit can be easily separated from the sorting unit during maintenance.

A third invention for solving the third problem is that in the paper processing apparatus having the above configuration, when a door other than the stapler door is opened during stapling operation, the stapling operation is continued until the stapling operation of the stapler is completed. Control and hair features.

As described above, since the stapler motor is controlled as described above, even if a door other than the stapler door is opened during the stapling operation, the stapler motor does not stop immediately, but only after the current stapling operation is completed, so stapling is performed reliably. This prevents accidents such as needle jams.

However, when the stapler door is opened, the stapler motor immediately stops, so there is no danger. Originally, the stapler door was opened to replace the staple cartridge or to perform stapler maintenance and inspection, and at that time the stapler motor was stopped, so there is almost no possibility that the stapler motor would stop in the middle of stapling. .

Embodiments Below, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

First, the stapled parts 1- according to the first invention are
This will be explained with reference to FIG.

As mentioned above, in this paper processing apparatus, the stapler unit 20 is connected to the bracket 1 that moves up and down along the pin group 3.
9 is attached upside down from the orientation shown in FIG. 15.

The stapler shown in FIGS. 1 to 5 has the same structure and function as the stapler explained with reference to FIG. 5, but the shape of each member is slightly different.

The stapler unit 20 arranged upside down is the first
As shown in the figure, the stapler 100 includes a base portion 98 fixed to a bracket, and a stapler 100 rotatably supported on the base portion 98 by a support shaft 99. The stapler 100 includes a base 101 that is rotatably supported by a support shaft 99, and a base 101 that is rotatably supported by a support shaft 99.
It has a main body 102 fixed to the main body 102, a staple operation part 103, and a replaceable staple cartridge 104. Base part 98
An engaging claw 105 is rotatably supported by a shaft 106, and a release lever 107 is rotatably supported by a shaft 108.

Attached to the base 101 of the stapler 100 is an engagement pin 109 that engages the engagement claw 105 in the operating position shown in FIG.

One end of the release lever 107 is connected to one end of the engagement pawl 105, and at this time, an elongated hole 110 formed in one of the release lever 107 and the engagement pawl 105, in the illustrated example, is formed in the release lever 107. , a pin 111 formed on the engagement claw 105 in the illustrated example engages, and the swinging motion of the release lever 107 is transmitted to the engagement claw 105 as a reciprocating rotation. A spring 112 is stretched between the engagement claw 105 and the base portion 98, and the engagement claw 105 has a tendency to move to a position where it engages with the engagement pin 109.

In the state shown in FIG. 1, the engaging claw 105 engages with the engaging pin 109 to hold the stapler 100 in the operating position.

In this state, when the free end of the release lever 107 is pushed upward as shown in FIG. 90 around 99
It rotates by more than 0 and moves to the needle replenishing position shown in FIG.

A lever 113 is pivotally attached to the base 101 of the stapler 100 by a shaft 118, and a pin 114 attached to the free end of the lever 113 is movable along a cam hole (or cam groove) 115 formed in the base 98. It is. A pin 114 is engaged with the cam hole 115 at the staple replenishing position of the stapler 100, and a lock recess 116 that holds the stapler 100 is formed.
is formed. When the pin 114 engages with the lock recess 116, the stapler 100 is locked and held so that it cannot be moved from the position shown in FIG.

When the release lever 107 is released after the stapler 100 has moved from the operating position, the engagement claw 105 returns to its original position under the action of the spring 112, and the release lever 107 also returns to its original position as shown in FIG. In this returned position, the release lever 107 is positioned below the lock recess 116 in the drawing, and the pin 114 extends above the release lever 107.

The stapler 100 in the staple replenishing position is almost protruding from the side of the sorter main body, and is configured so that an operator can easily replace the staple cartridge ]-04 and replenish the staples.

After replacing the needle cartridge 104, when the release lever 107 is pushed up as shown in FIG. 4, the pin 114 comes into contact with the upper surface of the release lever 107 and is pushed down, releasing the engagement with the lock recess 11G. .

With the pin 114 unlocked, the stapler]-00 can freely rotate around the axis 99 to the operating position. By releasing the release lever 107, the engagement claw 105 returns to its initial state due to the action of the spring 112.

The stapler 100 can be returned to the operative position by rotating the stapler 100 counterclockwise in the figures to the operative position, either by hand or by providing suitable return means. At that time, as shown in Figure 5,
The engagement pin 109 hits the engagement claw 105 and cooperates with the external slope of the engagement claw 105 to move the engagement claw 105 as shown by the chain line.
After being pushed open and moved, it engages with the engaging claw 105 which returns due to the force of the spring 112.

With the above configuration, the stapler can move between the operating position where it performs stapling on a stack of sheets and the staple replenishment position where it replaces the staple cartridge and replenishes the staples, making it easy to replace the staple car 1 hedge. . In particular, by tilting the stapler up and down so that the stapler protrudes outside the side bracket of the sorter at the staple replenishing position, replacing the staple cartridge becomes easier.

Next, the second invention will be explained in detail.

FIGS. 6 to 8 show the first embodiment. Car @201
A sheet sorting unit 203 having multiple pins 203a is mounted and fixed on a movable table 202, and a space 202a is provided on the right side of the table 202 in which a binding section 204 having a binding tool 204a is placed. Figure 8 shows this space 2
This is a state in which the binding section 205 is placed on 02a and assembled together.

9 to 12 are diagrams showing other embodiments of the second invention. The sorting unit 1-213 is fixed to the movable table 212''2 by the axle 2]1, the binding section 214 is fixed to the movable table 216 by the axle 215, and the
16 in contact with the sheet sorting unit 213 and the binding unit 21
4 and the binding part 21 during maintenance.
The table 216 of 4 is connected to the table 214 of sheet sorting units 1 to 213.
It is now possible to move further apart. 217 is a guide rod, and A is the main body of the copying machine. As described above, since the binding unit is detachable from the sorting unit, it is possible to widen the selection range of products according to the user's needs, promote convenience, and further improve productivity and maintainability.

Next, an embodiment in which the third invention is applied to the sorter 1 shown in FIGS. 13 and 16 will be described.

As shown in FIG. 16, the housing of the sorter 1 is provided with a stapler door 50 in a portion corresponding to the movement range of the stapler unit 20 and chuck unit 21 on the front side as seen from the operator, and also has a stapler door 50 provided therein. A sorter door 51 and a sorter top cover 5 are installed on the front and top surfaces of the section for maintenance inspection of sorter internal equipment, conveyance path, jam removal, etc.
2 is provided.

The stapler door 50, the sorter door 51, and the sorter upper cover 52 are each provided with a detection means (door switch), not shown, for detecting the open/closed state of the door or cover.

If the staple door 50 is opened during the stapling operation and the stapler door open/close detection means detects this, the stapling operation is immediately interrupted. In the example, if at least one of the sorter door 51 and the sorter top cover 52 is opened, the stapling operation is controlled to continue until the stapling operation is completed.

Note that if the sorter door or sorter top cover is opened while the chuck section 24 (FIG. 14) of the chuck unit 21 is moving forward in order to pull out the stack of sheets to be bound from above the pins,
The chuck motor for moving the chuck section 24 back and forth is turned off and the stapling operation is not performed. If the sorter door or the sorter top cover is opened while the chuck unit 24 is retracting while holding the stack of sheets to be stapled, the stapling operation is controlled to continue until the stapling is completed.

By controlling as described above, if a door other than the stapler door is opened during a stapling operation, the stapling operation continues until the stapling operation is completed and then stops for the first time, thereby preventing stapler jams, etc. Accidents can be prevented. Further, when the stapler door is opened, the stapling operation is immediately stopped, so it is safe.

Next, one example of the control of the stapling operation described above will be explained in detail using a flowchart showing the flow of the control.

Before explaining the operation stop control of the stapler by opening the housing door or cover according to the present invention,
A sorter to which this invention is applied (for example, the one in Fig. 13)
General control of the stapling operation will be explained.

In this sorter, sheets are sorted and stapled sequentially from the top to the bottom of the stacked bins.

When a stapling start command is transmitted from the main body of the image forming apparatus, the elevator (bracket I-19 in FIG. 13) carrying stapler doors 1 to 20 moves to the first bin in the group of bins to be stapled.

The operation in that case will be explained using the flowchart shown in FIG.

When a stapling start command is received, first, calculation is performed to determine from which bin stapling is to be started.

This sorter is provided with 20 bins, with the top 10 bins forming a first block and the bottom 10 bins forming a second block.

First, determine whether the stapling target is the 1st block or the 2nd block, and if it is the 1st block, set 1 + (number of bins stapled so far) to the first bin counter that indicates which bin to start stapling from. ) and turn on the first bin movement command.

2, "Number of bins stapled so far" is the value of the stapled counter, and the stapled counter is counted when all staples are completed with one set of stapling operations, or when switching to another operation mode. 23=, the value becomes O.

The contents of the stapled counter are not cleared in the event of a jam, a cover, a door open, or a stapling interrupt command from the image forming apparatus, so the next time a stapling start command is sent, the stapled bins will be skipped. , start stapling from the top of the unstapled bins.

When the first bin movement command is turned on, the elevator motor (
The motor 17 in FIG. 13 is turned on, and the stapler 2
0 is falling.

When the stapler descends, a bin address sensor 54 detects a detection plate 53 (FIG. 13) provided corresponding to the position of each bin. When the bin address sensor 54 is just turned on, the value of the first pin counter is decremented by one, and when the value of the first pin counter reaches 0, the first bin movement command is turned off, the elevator motor 17 is stopped, and the stapler is moved to the first bin. Stop at the position.

Next, the stapling operation is started by inputting 1 to the stapling sequence counter.

Here, the flow of the stapling 1 operation will be explained with reference to FIG.

When the stapler finishes moving to the first bin, the value of the staple sequence counter is set from 0 to 1.

When the value of the staple frequency counter is 1, the chuck motor advances 21 chucks 24 to the ONL chuck unit 1.

The front chuck sensor that detects the end of the forward movement of the chuck unit is ONL, the forward movement of the chuck units 1 to 1 is completed, the stapling sequence counter is set to 2, and the operation proceeds to the next step.

When the value of the staple sequence counter is 2, the chuck solenoid is turned on, the paper is held by the chuck 24, the staple sequence counter is set to 3, and the operation proceeds to the next step.

When the value of the staple sequence counter is 3, the state is held for 0.2 seconds, and after 0.2 seconds, 4 is set to the staple sequence counter and the next operation is performed.

When the value of the staple sequence counter is 4, the chuck motor is turned on and the chuck unit is moved to the home position.

The post-chucking sensor that detects the completion of the home movement of the chuck unit is ONL, the home movement of the chuck units I~ is completed, the staple sequence counter is set to 5, and the operation proceeds to the next step.

When the value of the staple sequence counter is 5, the output of the paper presence/absence sensor is checked, and when it is a grindstone, the stapling operation is performed. The end of the stapling operation is detected, the staple sequence counter is set to 6, and the operation proceeds to the next step. When the output of the paper presence/absence sensor is that there is no paper, the stapling operation is not performed and the operation proceeds to the next step.

When the value of the staple sequence counter is 6, the chuck solenoid is turned to ○FFL/, the stapled pin counter is counted up, and the moving motor is moved to move the pins closer together. Then, the value of the staple reserved bin memory indicating the total number of bins to be stapled is compared with the value of the stapled counter. If the values match, O is set in the staple sequence counter to end the stapler operation, and then Turn on the vertical movement motor (numeral 17 in FIG. 13) to move the stapler unit to the home position.

When the value of the stapled counter is smaller than the value of the staple reservation bin memory, the staple sequence counter is set to 7 and the operation proceeds to the next step.

When the value of the staple sequence counter is 7, the state is held for 0.3 seconds, and after 0.3 seconds, an instruction is given to start moving the stapler to the next bin based on the subroutine shown in FIG. 19.

The operation of the subroutine shown in FIG. 19 will be explained below.

The start of stapler movement is determined, and when the stapler movement start is instructed, the vertical movement motor 17 is turned on, and at the same time, a one timer is started.

It is determined that the time is over, and when the time is over, the stapling sequence counter is set to 1 and the stapling operation for the next bin is started.

It judges 0N10FF of the vertical position sensor, and when it turns ON, the vertical movement motor finishes moving between ○FFL bins.

In this embodiment, the next bin stapler finishes moving approximately 1
The time is reduced by starting the stapling operation for the next bin before 00 m5ec.

The above operation is repeated until the value of the staple bin reservation counter and the value of the stapled completed counter match.

As long as the stapler door 50, sorter door 51 and sorter top cover 52 are all closed during the stapling operation,
The stapling operation continues as is.

Now, the response of the stapler when the door or cover of the sorter housing is opened during the stapling operation will be explained with reference to FIG.

If the staple door is opened during the stapling operation, the staple sequence counter is set to 0 and the entire load is turned off.

The stapler door is not opened during the stapling operation, but
The processing when either the sorter door or the sorter top cover is opened (state 1) will be described below.

If the chuck portion 24 of the chuck unit 21 (see FIG. 14) is moving forward in state 1, the staple sequence counter is set to 0 and the chuck motor is turned off. In addition,
In the flowchart of FIG. 20, for reasons of space, the "chuck part of the chuck unit" is simply expressed as "chuck unit."

If the chuck part has moved forward in state 1 and the chuck solenoid 37 is turned on within, for example, 0.2 seconds, the staple sequence counter is set to 0 and the chuck solenoid 37 is turned off.

The processing after the chuck portion of the chuck unit moves forward in state 1 and after 0.2 seconds after the chuck solenoid 37 is turned on (state 2) will be described below.

If the chuck portion of the chuck unit is retracting in state 2, the staple sequence counter is set to 4 and the operation continues.

In state 2, after the chuck portion of the chuck unit has retreated and if the stapling operation is in progress, the stapling sequence counter is set to 5 and the operation is continued.

If the chuck part of the chuck unit has retreated in state 2 and the stapler binding operation has been completed, the staple sequence counter is set to O and the entire load is turned off.

Further, in state 1, if the elevator motor is in operation, the staple sequence counter is set to O and the entire load is turned off.

Note that even when there is a jam or a stapling interruption command is received from the image forming apparatus main body, the flowchart in FIG.
The operation is controlled in the same way as when the sorter door or the sorter top cover is opened when the door cover is opened, the stapling operation being performed is completed, and then the elevator is raised and moved to the home position.

The embodiments in which the present invention is applied to the previously proposed sorter with stapler illustrated in FIGS. There are various configurations in which gripping, pulling out, and returning a stack of paper are performed electrically according to a preset sequence, such as those in which the upper and lower chucks of the chuck unit are displaced together, and Needless to say, the present invention is also applicable to cases where the moving speed is not constant and the speed at the beginning and end of the movement is slower than the intermediate speed.

Effects According to the first invention, the stapler can be moved between the operating position where it performs stapling operations on a stack of sheets and the staple replenishment position where it replaces the staple cartridge and replenishes the staples, making it easier to replace the staple cartridge. . In particular, by tilting the stapler up and down so that the stapler protrudes outside the side bracket of the sorter at the staple replenishing position, replacing the staple cartridge becomes easier.

Further, according to the second invention, since the binding unit is detachable from the sorting unit, the selection range of products is expanded according to the user's needs, and convenience is promoted, and productivity and maintainability are further improved. can be improved.

Further, according to the third invention, in the sorter equipped with a stapler as exemplified above, even if a door or cover other than the stapler door is opened during the stapling operation, the stapler will stop only after the stapling operation is completed. Accidents such as stapler jams can be prevented.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 5 are explanatory diagrams showing the structure of the stapler unit as an embodiment of the first invention sequentially showing changes over time when replacing the staple cartridge, and FIG. 6 is a sheet used in the first embodiment of the second invention. A front view of the sorting unit, FIG. 7 is a front view of the same binding section, FIG. 8 is a front view combining FIGS. 6 and 7, and FIG. 9 is a drawing of the binding section of another embodiment of the second invention. Fig. 10 is a plan view of the combined state, Fig. 11 is a plan view of the separated state, Fig. 12 is a front view of the second embodiment combined with a copying machine, and Fig. 13 is a plan view of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a side sectional view showing a schematic overall configuration of an example of a sorter with a stapler to which this device is applied, FIG. 14 is a plan view illustrating the relationship between the bins, the stapler, and the chuck unit, and FIG. 15 is the configuration of the stapler of the device. 16 is a perspective view showing the external appearance of the device, FIG. 17 is a flowchart 1 showing the flow of movement of the elevator to the first bin during stapling of the device, and FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of the device. Flowchart 1-1 shows the flow of stapling operation of the apparatus. FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the movement of the stapler between bins of the apparatus. FIG. 20 shows the door and cover of the housing of the apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. 7 is a flowchart showing a flow of the stapler response when opening. 1... Sorter (paper processing device) 3... Bin 17... Elevator motor 19... Bracket (elevator) 20... Stapler unit 21... Chuck unit 24... Chuck part 30/Chuck unit ! ~ 37... Chuck solenoid 43... Stapler motor 50... Stapler door 51... Sorter door 52... Sorter top cover 100... Stapler 201.211... Wheel 202.216... Base 203.213 ... Sheet sorting unit 204.21
4...Binding part 〇〇〇) （J）O

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) Bins provided in multiple stages in the vertical direction,
A paper processing device including a stapling means that is movable up and down along the group of bins and staples the vicinity of the end of a bundle of sheets received from an image forming apparatus, sorted, and stacked on each of the bins, the stapler A paper processing device characterized in that the device is movable between a stapling position for binding a bundle of sheets and a position for replenishing staples, and can be fixed at each of the positions. (2) The paper processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the stapler rotates around one axis between a staple position and a staple replenishing position. (3) Bins provided in multiple stages in the vertical direction,
a paper sorting unit having a distributing means for distributing paper to each of these bins; and a binding unit having a stapler that is movable up and down along the group of bins of the sorting unit and staples the bundles of paper stacked on each bin. A paper processing device comprising: The binding unit is detachably attached to the sorting unit. (4) Bins provided in multiple stages in the vertical direction;
It is installed so that it can move up and down along these bin groups, and grasps the ends of the stacks of paper received from the image forming apparatus, sorted, and stacked on each of the bins, pulls them out a predetermined distance, and returns them to their original positions. a stapler door provided in the device housing in front of a moving range of the stapling means; A paper processing apparatus having a door, characterized in that when a door other than the stapler door is opened during a stapling operation, the stapling operation is controlled to continue until the stapling operation of the stapling means is completed. Device.