JPH0281862A - Device for controlling after-treatment of sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent mis-stapling by controlling so as to prohibit the copying action of a copying means when the number of specified copying sheets is judged to be larger than the limit number of stapling sheets by a comparing means, in a mode of discharging sheets copied from the same original into the same bin while a staple mode being selected. CONSTITUTION:In a mode of discharging sheets copied from the same original into the same bin 55 while a staple mode being selected, when the number of specified copying sheets is judged to be larger than the limit number of stapling sheets by a stapling means 61 by a comparing means, control is made so as to prohibit the copying action of a copying means. Thereby, no stapling operation for sheets above the limit number of stapling sheets is performed, preventing the occurrence of mis-stapling.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] Child! The present invention relates to a post-processing control device for sheets discharged from a copying machine and sorted by a sorter.

Prior Art Collation, in which multiple copies of sheets from a multi-page original are arranged in page order, involves feeding the original in page order to the original reading section of a copying machine using an automatic document feeder, and then inputting the information using an input means. This is done by making a designated number of copies for each page, and discharging the ejected copies one by one into each bin of a sorter in page order. This sorting mode is called "sort mode."

The sorter also makes it possible to sort copies of the same image by ejecting the designated number of copies made from multiple originals into the same bin for each copy from the same original. . This sorting mode is called "stack mode."

If copies ejected from a copying machine into each bin of a sorter can be automatically stapled, post-processing steps can be saved and work efficiency can be improved. Therefore.

The present inventors have separately proposed a sorter having a means for automatically stapling a group of copies discharged into each bin of the sorter. In this case, if the stapler is operated regardless of the number of copies in each bin to be stapled, if the number of copies exceeds the maximum number of copies that the stapler can handle, it will be ensured that the stapler will not be stapled. Otherwise, problems may occur, such as the staples not being able to be inserted into the device and falling into the device.

Therefore, regardless of whether the sort mode or the stack mode is selected, the stapling operation is controlled so that the stapling operation is not performed when the number of copies ejected to each bin of the sorter exceeds the maximum number of copies that can be stapled. It is necessary to do so.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention The present invention has been made to address the above-mentioned circumstances, and has been made to copy the number of copies designated by a designated number of copies input means from each document in a copying machine and output them to each bin of a sorter in a stack mode. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet post-processing control device that is controlled so that a stapling operation is not performed when the number of sheets of paper exceeds the stapling limit number of sheets of a stapler.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the sheet post-processing control device of the present invention provides a means for copying a document onto a sheet, a means for inputting a designated number of copies for one document, and a means for inputting a designated number of copies for one document, and a means for inputting a designated number of copies for one document. A means for discharging the sheets into the same bin, a means for stapling the bundle of sheets discharged into each bin, a means for comparing the designated number of copies with a preset limit number of stapling sheets, and the same document. If the mode is for discharging sheets copied from , into the same bin, and the stapling mode is selected, and the specified number of copies is determined to be greater than the stapling limit number by the above comparing means, the first invention The second invention is characterized in that the copying means is controlled to inhibit the copying operation, and in the second invention, the designated number of copies inputted by the designated number of copies input means,
A third aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the control is performed so that the number of sheets is replaced with the maximum number of stapled sheets, and a fourth aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the control is performed so that the stapling operation is not performed.
The present invention is characterized in that the sheet discharging means is controlled to be switched to a paper discharging tray other than a bin for sorting sheets and not having a stapling function.

Effects According to the configuration of the first aspect of the invention, if the designated number of copies is greater than the stapling limit number, no copying is performed and no stapling is performed.

According to the configuration of the second aspect of the invention, the designated number of copies is automatically replaced with the stapling limit number, so the number of sheets discharged into each bin becomes the stapling limit number.

According to the configuration of the third invention, if the designated number of sheets to be copied is larger than the stapling limit number of sheets, the designated number of sheets is copied and the sheets are discharged into each bin, but stapling is not performed. Problems caused by stapling more than the limit number of sheets do not occur.

According to the configuration of the fourth invention, if the specified number of copies is equal to or greater than the stapling limit, the sheets are not ejected to a bin for sorting, but are ejected to a paper output tray that does not have any other stapling function. Therefore, problems caused by stapling a bundle of sheets exceeding the stapling limit do not occur.

EXAMPLE An example of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

First, an example of the overall configuration of a copying apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described based on the side view shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 indicates the fourth mirror of the Russian aerosol system, and 2
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
1 is a charging charger, 7 is a photoconductor drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor that detects the surface temperature of the photoconductor drum 7, 9 is a static elimination lamp, 10 is a lens, 11 is a quenching charger (charger after cleaning) )
, 12 is a cleaning unit, 13 is a bias roller, 25 is a PCC (pre-cleaning charger), 14
15 is an exposure lighting unit consisting of a halogen lamp, etc.
A first scanning mirror 16 forms a first carriage integrally with the illumination unit 14, etc. A second scanning mirror 16 forms a second carriage, and a third mirror 18 forms a fixing mirror that fixes the toner image transferred to the transfer paper. part, 19 is a reversing part, 2 which controls the ejection direction and ejection surface of the transfer paper after fixing in the fixing part 18;
0 indicates a sorter (with a post-processing function) for sorting the transfer paper after it is discharged, 26 indicates a separation claw, and 21 indicates a conveyance belt. The post-processing function refers to processing such as stapling and punching.

Further, 22, 23, 24, and 33 are trays for stocking and supplying transfer paper, 22 is a double-sided paper feeding tray, and 23 is a tray for stocking and supplying transfer paper.
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 unit, 32 is a horizontal paper transport unit, 31 is a paper dust removal roller for removing paper dust from transfer paper, 27 is a separation charger, 28 is a transfer unit 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 is a drum heater for increasing the temperature of the photosensitive drum 7, 37 is a developing unit, 39 is a toner cartridge for replenishing consumed toner, 40 is capable of rotating the photosensitive drum 7 shows the supported drum shaft.

Next, the operation of the copying apparatus having the above configuration will be briefly described. The photosensitive drum 7 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 40 and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copy command or the like. At the same time as this photosensitive drum 7 rotates.

A static elimination lamp 9, a PTC 36, and a separation charger 2 are installed to prevent toner adhering to the photosensitive drum 7 and uneven potential from reaching the charging charger 6 and the developing unit 37.
7, transfer charger 28, eraser 5, cleaning unit 12, bias roller 13. PCC 25 and quenching charger 11 are driven. 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 this time, the leading edge of the image is determined by the control section to be the part 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
Scanning mirror 15. The zero-reflection light image scanned by the first carriage integrated with the illumination unit 14 etc. is transmitted to the first scanning mirror 15. Second mirror 16. Third mirror 17. An image is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 via the lens 1o, the fourth mirror, and the dustproof glass 2.

After the photoconductor 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 photoconductor drum is A latent image is formed on 7. At this time, in order to obtain an image of 7 equal magnification, 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 (not shown) is activated.

Next, the paper feeding roller unit 29 is operated again at the paper feeding timing, and the transfer paper is sent through the vertical paper transport section 3o 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 by a transfer charger 28. At this time, the surface of the photoreceptor 7 is very smooth, and therefore the adhesion between the photoreceptor drum 7 and the transfer paper is strong.

By lowering the potential of the transfer paper from the separation charger 27, the adhesion between the photosensitive drum 7 and the transfer paper is reduced 6
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. The transfer paper is sent to the fixing section 18, where heat and pressure are applied to the toner.
Thereby, the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed to the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper is discharged to the sorter 20 via the reversing section 19. When performing double-sided copying, etc., the reversing section 19
The paper is discharged to the double-sided paper feed tray 22 via the paper feed tray 22.

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 primary quenching charger 11 and static electricity are removed. The lamp 9 makes the surface potential constant.

These control timings are obtained mainly 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 opening for copies discharged from the copying machine, followed by upper and lower conveyor belts 44, 42 for conveying the copies upward.
, switching claw 46. A switching guide plate 45,47 is provided. A pair of paper ejection rollers 48 are provided in the upper path by the switching claw 46.
．． 49 and a paper output tray 54 are provided, and the lower path by the switching claw 46 is along the copy insertion side of a bin 55 that holds a plurality of sheets (20 sheets in the example shown) provided vertically parallel to the bottom. Continuing with the copy vertical feed path.

A pair of rollers including a deflection claw 64, a conveyance roller 62, and a discharge roller 63 are provided at a position corresponding to each bin on the vertical feed path, and a plurality of roller pairs provided at appropriate intervals of the conveyance roller 62 are used for copying. Driven roller 65 across the 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 roller 63 are driven by a drive motor 41.

Shafts provided with two pulleys 53 and 69, respectively, at the upper and lower sides of the bin group are supported by the machine frame, and the lower shaft is connected to a motor 68 for moving the post-processing unit. upper and lower 2
A post-processing unit moving belt 66 is passed between the pair of 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.

A copy discharged from the copying machine is inserted through the entrance guide plate 43, sandwiched between a pair of conveyor belts 42 and 44, and conveyed to the upper part.

Now assuming that the mode is 1 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 copying is carried out along the switching guide plate: upper 47 by the paper ejection roller pair 48.
．． 49, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 54.

Also, now, sort mode (mode to sort into pages)
In the stack mode (a mode in which pages are sorted), the switching claw 46 is raised and the copy switching guide plate is conveyed downward along the lower copy switching guide plate 45. The copy transported by the transport roller 62 and the driven roller 65 is
It is discharged into 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, etc. are stored in one bin.・
...is output to pages like this.

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

In this way, in the 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 in front of the switching claw 46 from the sorter after the jammed copy. In this case, the switching claw 46 is switched in the event of a jam, and the subsequent copy is ejected onto the paper ejection tray 54 without causing a jam. The copies discharged to the paper discharge tray 54 can be placed into a predetermined bin by the manual feed roller 50 from the manual feed table 52 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,
This will be explained below.

The post-processing unit 61 means a stapler, puncher, etc. In order to move the post-processing unit to a position corresponding to each bin, the post-processing unit motor 68 is rotated, and the post-processing unit moving belt 66 is moved up and down via the pulleys: lower 69 and upper 53, and the guide The rail 51 is moved up and down. The guide unit 51 has a car and is adapted to move along a guide rail 67.

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

In FIG. 2, the home sensor 5 is detected by the home detection piece 57.
6 is turned on, and the copy of the first pin can be post-processed.

When the post-processing is executed from this state, the post-processing unit movement motor 68 is turned on after the execution, and the post-processing unit 7 h 6
1 goes down, and the bottle position sensor 58 is ONL by the second bottle position detection piece 59.

The post-processing unit moving motor 68 is turned off to stop the post-processing unit 61. Then, post-processing for the second bin is performed. When the execution of post-processing for the copy of a predetermined bin is completed, the post-processing unit 61 is moved to the home position. In this way, it is possible to perform post-processing on a plurality of copy bundles.

FIG. 3 is a view from the opposite side of FIG.

In FIG. 3, things that could not be expressed in FIG. 2 will be explained.

The sorter in this embodiment is a 20-bin sorter.

It is divided into two blocks of 10 bins each, the upper block has the bin sensor 76.79 and the paper ejection sensor 77.78, and the lower block has the sensor 81.84.
and paper ejection sensor 80.83. In addition, the paper output tray 5
4 also has a paper ejection sensor 98.99. These sensors are transmissive optical detection sensors consisting of LEDs and phototransistors. The paper ejection sensor 77, 78, 80, 83°98 detects whether a copy has been ejected or not.
．． 99, and the bin sensors 76, 79, 81 and 88 determine whether there is a copy in the bin. This kind of pin 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 described below.

A jogger drive belt 86 is rotated by the jogger moving motor 82 via a pulley 85, and a drive shaft 96 is rotated. As a result, the jogger moving belts upper 73 and lower 88 move via the pulleys 74 and 87, and the shaft fixing unit 72 and shaft drive 95 fixed thereto move.

Then, the size detection sensor 93 detects the minus of the predetermined size detection piece 92, and the jogger drive motor 82 stops. Then, when the copy is ejected to the bin, the paper ejection sensor 77.
78 or 80 and 83 is detected, the alignment shaft drive unit 95 is activated, and the alignment plate 70 is moved by the alignment shaft 71 to align the copies. After finishing the post-processing, the jogger moving motor rotates in reverse and stops at the position where the home sensor 91 is turned on by the home detection piece 94. This position is
This is the position for maximum size. In this way, each copy is aligned as it is ejected and is ready for post-processing operations.

FIG. 4 is a view from above of FIG.

The bin 55 has a notch so that the alignment shaft 71 can be moved to a position where minimum size copy alignment is possible. Also,
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.

FIG. 5 is a view from the right side of FIG. 2.

The jogger moving belt 88 moves as shown by the arrow,
It can be stopped at the size detection piece 92 according to each copy size. Further, the movement in the right direction 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 ■ 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 and chuck: upper 109,: lower 110 and push plate 1
12 moves in direction B. When moving in direction B, the 1st position detection piece 103 causes the home sensor 102 to ONL,
Motor 107 is stopped.

Conversely, when the motor 107 rotates in the G direction, gear 1
01 in the J direction, moving rod 105, moving plate 113
, chuck: upper 109, : lower 110, and push plate 112 move in the A direction. When moving in direction A, position detection piece 1
03 turns on the tip position sensor 104, and the motor 10
Stop 7.

Then, when the solenoid 114 is turned on, the chuck upper 1
09 is lowered in the direction D by the pull rod 108 and grabs a stack 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 the B direction, the end face press plate 97 attempts to return to its original position by 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 copy stack in the input direction. When the position detection piece 103 turns on the tip position detection sensor again, the motor 107 stops, the solenoid 114 turns off, and the coil spring 1
15+ chuck: The upper part 109 goes up, the copy bundle returns to its original position, and the end face presser plate 97 also returns to its original position. Then, the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, and the moving plate 1
13 to the home position and stop. In this way,
The chuck unit 60 carries the copy bundle discharged onto the bin to a post-processing device and returns it to its original position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the post-processing unit 61.

A stapler will be illustrated and explained as an example.

When the motor 116 is turned on by an electric signal, this stapler staples the staples 11 in the cartridge 117.
9 can be pressed and bent.

The staples 119 are tied together in a strip with thin tape and rolled into the cartridge 117. Also,
When the end of the staple 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. FIG.

When the motor 120 rotates once, the alignment plate 70 rotates the cam 12.
1, lever 122, and alignment shaft 71, it rotates in a fan shape in the force direction of arrow AB. In this manner, motor 120 rotates once each time a copy is ejected into a bin to align the copies.

FIG. 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. I'N port 303. OUT port 304.
This is a microcomputer system configured with an I10 port 305. ROM301 in which the program was written
As a result, while using the RAM 302 at any time, the OUT port 304 receives various input signals from the IN port 303.
The copier and sorter are controlled by outputting a controlled signal. The control of the sorter also includes post-processing operations (such as stapling operations) after sorting copies. Further, a control unit of the ADF 3 is connected to the I10 boat 305 and exchanges signals with the CPU 300. The ADF 3 feeds the document onto the contact glass according to a signal from the CPU, and discharges the document after exposure is completed. In addition, in double-sided original mode (duplex 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. It is supposed to be done. Also, RAM
A backup battery 306 is connected to 302 and serves as a nonvolatile memory.

FIG. 9 shows a part of the operation section of the above-mentioned copying machine.

Reference numeral 201 is a start key for instructing to start copying;
202 is a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, etc.;
203 is a clear/stop key for instructing to clear the set number and stop copying; 204 is a set number display for displaying the number of copies set; 205 is a set number display for displaying the set number;
206 is a copy number display that displays the number of copies, 206 is an original number display that displays the number of originals, 207 is a paper size display that displays the copy paper size set in each 1-ray, and 208 is a display for each tray. The paper remaining amount indicator 209 displays the remaining amount of copy paper set, and indicates that a mode (automatic paper selection mode) is set that automatically selects the most suitable copy paper based on document size information, etc. 210 is a paper key for selecting the copy paper. 211 is a paper size selection display that shows which copy paper size is selected. 212 is a display indicating that the copying machine is preparing. The Please Wait indicator 213 indicates that the copier is ready. 214 is a sort key for instructing the sort mode; 215 is a sort mode indicator for indicating that the sort mode is set; 2
16 is a stack key for instructing stack mode 2
17 is a stack mode display that shows that the stack mode is set, and 218 is an automatic document feeder (A
DF key 219 for instructing the automatic document feeder W (ADF) mode is a DF mode display indicating that the automatic document feeder W (ADF) mode is set; 220 is a staple key for instructing stapling mode; 221 is a DF mode indicator for instructing the stapling mode; Displays that the staple binding mode is set. Staple mode display, 222 is a single-sided/duplex mode key for instructing to make one double-sided copy from two single-sided originals, 223 is a single-sided/duplex mode indicator for indicating that the single-sided/duplex mode is set. , 224 is a duplex/single-sided mode key for instructing to make two single-sided copies from one double-sided original; 225 is a duplex/single-sided mode indicator for indicating that the duplex/single-sided mode is set; 226 is a duplex/single-sided mode indicator 1 227 is a duplex duplex mode key for instructing to make one duplex copy from a double-sided original; 227 is a duplex duplex mode indicator for indicating that duplex duplex mode is set;
8 is a sorting turbine paper forgotten indicator that warns that there is copy paper left in the sorting turbine.

229 warns of a jam in the sorter. Sorter jam indicator, 330 warns of a jam within the copier body, etc. Jam indicator, 231 warns that the selected copy paper is out, paper supply indicator, 232 there is no staple Staple replenishment indicator warns you of
233 is a stapling impossible indicator that warns that stapling is not possible, and 234 is a stapling limit indicator that warns of stapling limits.

Description of Operation and Control Flow The operation and control flow of the embodiments of the sheet post-processing control apparatus of each invention will be described below with reference to flowcharts.

(1) Examples of the first invention The overall operation flow is shown in FIG.

0 Input the number of sheets to set using the numeric keypad using the set number input routine.

0 Select sort or stack mode.

Place the original on the OADF. It remains in a wait state until it is set.

In the O stack mode, it is checked whether the number of sheets set is greater than the maximum number of stapled sheets, and if it is, the process ends and copying is prohibited; if it is small, the start key is checked. Also, the number of sheets set is not checked in any mode other than the stack mode.

0 Waits until the start key is pressed.

0 Execute subroutine initial setting 1 by turning on the start key.

0 In subroutine ADF document feeding, a document feeding signal is sent to the ADF, and the document is set at a copyable position on the contact glass.

Q Clear the copy number counter and ejected paper number counter.

O Performs a copying operation and creates copies according to the number of sheets set.

O Controls ejection of created copies according to sort or stack mode.

0 Repeat the copying operation until the number of copies reaches the number of copies.

○ Sends a document eject signal to the ADF and ejects the document on the contact glass.

○ If there are still originals, feed the next original and repeat the above copying operation.

○ If there are no originals, wait until they are ejected to the sorter, then turn off the transport drive motor.

Executes O stapling post-processing and ends.

Each subroutine will be explained in detail below.

(Explanation for inputting the number of sheets in a set) FIG. 12 shows the input flow for the number of sheets to be set.

Checks whether the O numeric keypad has been pressed.

0 Stores the pressed numeric keypad data in RAM.

0 The set number display lights up according to the set RAM data.

Turn off the O stapling impossible indicator and return.

(Explanation of sorter mode set flow) The sorter mode set flow is shown in Fig. 13.

0 Checks whether the sort key or stack key is pressed.

For sort keys.

0 Check if you are already in sort mode.

O If it is already in sort mode, reset the sort mode, turn off the sorter paper forgotten indicator, and return.

0 If not in sort mode, set sort mode and reset stack mode.

For stacked keys 0 Check if you are already in stack mode.

0 Stack mode if already in stack mode
Reset and return the sorter paper forgotten indicator to ○FFL.

O If not in stack mode, set stack mode and reset sort mode.

0 Check the second Bin sensor, and if there is no paper, check the first one.
Turn on the bin deflection claw, select the first bin discharge, and then return.

0 If there is paper, check the pin sensor below, and if there is no paper, turn on the deflection claw of the 11th bin, select 11th bin discharge, and return.

0 If both the upper and lower bin sensors detect the presence of paper,
Turn the sorter paper forgotten indicator ON and return 6. (Explanation of the flow of initial setting 1) The flow of initial setting 1 is shown in FIG.

○ Turn on the transport drive motor.

O Check whether the mode is sort and stack. If the mode is sort and stack, raise the switching claw 46 so that copies are conveyed to the bin. If not, lower the switching claw 46 and move the copy to the paper output tray. It is made to be discharged to the side.

0 Return.

(Explanation of ADF document feeding flow) FIG. 15 shows the flow of ADF document feeding.

A document feed signal is output to the OADF to feed the document, and the process returns.

(Explanation of paper ejection control flow) FIG. 16 shows the paper discharge control flow.

O Check the sort mode, and if it is in sort mode, jump to Ma (Figure 17). If the mode is not the sort mode, the stack mode is checked, and if the mode is not the stack mode, the paper output sensor of the paper output tray is checked.

0 When the paper ejection sensor turns on, count up the paper ejection counter.

○ If in stack mode, check the bin paper output sensor.

O When the paper discharge sensor turns on, count up the paper discharge counter.

○ Checks whether the set number of sheets is equal to the number of ejected sheets (checks whether all copies of one original have been ejected), and if they have been ejected, the current bin is Turn off the deflection claw, turn on the deflection claw for the bottle one bottle below the current one, and return.

(Description of the flow in the sort mode) The flow of V is shown in FIG. 17. In the O sort mode, the paper discharge sensor of the bin is checked, and if ONL, the paper discharge counter is incremented by 1.

0 Turn off the current bottle deflection claw for the next stack operation.
F. Turn on the lower bin deflection claw of the current 1 bin.

0 Checks whether the set number of sheets and the number of ejected sheets are equal (checks whether all copies of one original have been ejected), and if they have been ejected, the current bin is used for the next ejection operation. Turn off the deflection claw, turn on the bottle deflection claw for the first bottle of the block, and return.

(Explanation of post-processing flow) The post-processing flow is shown in FIG.

0 If the mode is sort and stack mode, staple processing is executed for each bin and returns.

○ If the mode is not sort and stack mode, return without performing stapling processing.

(2) Example of the second invention The overall operation flow is shown in FIG.

0 Input the set number from the numeric keypad using the set number input routine.

0 Select sort or stack mode.

○ Place the original in the ADF. It remains in a wait state until it is set.

0 Waits until the start key is pressed.

○ Execute subroutine initial setting 1 by turning on the start key.

○ In the subroutine ADF document feeding, a document feeding signal is sent to the ADF, and the document is set in a copyable position on the contact glass.

○ Clear the copy number counter and ejected paper number counter.

O Performs a copying operation and creates copies according to the number of sheets set.

o Control the ejection of created copies according to sort or stack mode.

0 Repeat the copying operation until the number of copies reaches the set number.

A document discharge signal is sent to the OADF to discharge the document on the contact glass.

0 If there is still a document, feed the next document and repeat the above copying operation.

0 If there is no document, wait until it is ejected to the sorter and then turn off the conveyance drive motor.

0 Execute stapling post-processing and end.

Among the above subroutines, except for r set number of sheets manually J,
This is the same as that of the first invention.

(Explanation for inputting the number of sheets in a set) FIG. 20 shows the set sheet number input flow.

0 Check whether the numeric keypad has been pressed.

0 Stores the pressed numeric keypad data in RAM unless in stack mode. In the stack mode, the number of sheets set and the maximum number of stapled sheets are compared, and if the number of sheets set is larger, the maximum number of stapled sheets is stored in the RAM, and if the number of sheets set is smaller, the numeric keypad data is stored in the RAM.

0 The set number display lights up according to the set RAM data.

0 Return.

(3) Example of the third invention (Overall operation explanation) The overall operation flow is shown in FIG.

O Input the set number of sheets using the numeric keypad using the set number input routine.

○ Select sort or stack mode.

Place the original on the OADF. It remains in a wait state until it is set.

It remains in a wait state until the O start key is pressed.

Execute subroutine initial setting 1 by turning on the O start key.

0 In subroutine ADF document feeding, a document feeding signal is sent to the ADF, and the document is set at a copyable position on the contact glass.

O Clear the copy number counter and ejected paper number counter.

○ Performs a copying operation and creates copies according to the number of sheets set.

0 Controls ejection of created copies according to sort or stack mode.

○ Repeat the copying operation until the number of copies reaches the set number.

A document discharge signal is sent to the OADF to discharge the document on the contact glass.

0 If there are still originals, feed the first original and repeat the above copying operation.

If there are no originals, wait for them to be discharged to the sorter and then turn off the transport drive motor.

0 In stack mode, checks whether the number of sheets set is greater than the maximum number of staples; if it is, it ends and does not perform post-processing; if it is small, it executes post-processing,
Also, if it is not in stack mode, it will execute post-processing and exit.

Since each of the above subroutines is the same as the subroutine of the embodiment of the first invention, illustration and explanation of the flowchart will be omitted.

(4) Embodiment of the fourth invention The overall operation flow of this embodiment is shown in FIG.
The overall operation flow is the same as that for the embodiment of the second invention. However, in the above subroutine, the number of sheets set manually
is the same as the flow shown in FIG. 12 for the embodiment of the first invention, and only "initial setting 1" is different from that of any of the embodiments described above, so this will be explained.

(Explanation of the flow of initial settings 1) The flow of initial setting 1 is shown in FIG.

O Turn on the transport drive motor.

O Check whether the mode is sort and stack mode, if it is the sort mode, raise the switching claw 46 so that the copies are conveyed to the bin side, and if it is the stack mode, compare the number of sheets set with the maximum number of staples, and if the number of sheets set is If the value is large, reset the stack mode and press the switching claw 46.
lower. If the number of copies set is small, the switching claw 46 is raised so that the copies are conveyed to the bin side. If the paper is not in the sort or stack mode, the switching claw 46 is lowered so that the paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray side.

0 Return.

Effects As described above, according to the present invention, when a copying machine specifies the number of copies and makes copies, performs sorting in stack mode, and selects staple mode, due to operator error, copies with a value larger than the staple processing limit may be generated. Even when the number of sheets is specified, the stapling operation is not performed on sheets exceeding the stapling limit, so it is possible to prevent stapling errors from occurring.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the overall configuration of a copying system having a sorter to which the present invention is applied; FIG. 2 is a side sectional view of the sorter; FIG. 3 is a side sectional view of the sorter as seen from the opposite side; Fig. 4 is a partially cutaway plan view of the sorter, Fig. 5 is a side view of the sorter seen from the right in Fig. 2, Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the structure of the chuck unit, and Fig. 7 is the subsequent view. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the processing unit, FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the aligning shaft drive unit thereof, FIG. 9 is a plan view showing part of the operation section of the copying machine, and FIG. 10 is the control system related to the present invention. 11 is a flowchart showing the overall operation flow of one embodiment of the operation of the sheet post-processing control device of the present invention, and FIGS. 12 to 18 are flowcharts showing the flow of the subroutine, respectively. 19 and 20 are flowcharts of other embodiments of the operation of the present invention that differ from the flow of the above embodiments, and FIG. 21 shows a flowchart of still another embodiment that differs from the above embodiments. , and FIG. 22 is a flowchart of still another embodiment which is different from the above-mentioned embodiments. 3... Automatic document feeder 20... Sorter 46... Quadruple switching claw 54... Output tray (output tray without stapling function) 302... RAM 55... Bin 61... Post-processing unit (stapling means) 20
6... Original sheet number display 214... Sort key 220... Staple key 233... Staple impossible indicator 234... Staple limit indicator 300... CPU 301... ROM Fig. Figure 13 Figure 16 Figure 20 Figure 22

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A means for copying a document onto a sheet, a means for inputting the designated number of copies for one document, a means for discharging sheets copied from the same document into the same bin, and stapling the bundle of sheets discharged into each bin. and means for comparing the specified number of copies with a preset limit number of stapling sheets, and the mode is such that sheets copied from the same original are discharged into the same bin, and the stapling mode is selected. If the specified number of copies is determined to be larger than the stapling limit number by the comparison means, the sheet post-processing device controls the copying means to inhibit the copying operation. (2) A means for copying a document onto a sheet, a means for inputting the designated number of copies for one document, a means for discharging sheets copied from the same document into the same bin, and stapling the bundle of sheets discharged into each bin. means for comparing the specified number of copies with a preset limit number of stapling sheets, when the mode is for discharging sheets copied from the same original into the same bin, and the stapling mode is selected; If it is determined by the comparison means that the specified number of copies is greater than the maximum number of stapling sheets, the specified number of copies input by the input means is controlled to be replaced with the maximum number of stapling sheets. Features of sheet post-processing control device. (3) A means for copying a document onto a sheet, a means for inputting the designated number of copies for one document, a means for discharging sheets copied from the same document into the same bin, and stapling the bundle of sheets discharged into each bin. and means for comparing the specified number of copies with a preset limit number of stapling sheets, and the mode is such that sheets copied from the same original are discharged into the same bin, and the stapling mode is selected. If the specified number of copies is determined to be larger than the stapling limit number by the comparing means, the sheet post-processing control device is configured to perform control so as not to perform stapling. (4) A means for copying a document onto a sheet, a means for inputting the designated number of copies for one document, a means for discharging sheets copied from the same document into the same bin, and stapling the bundle of sheets discharged into each bin. and means for comparing the specified number of copies with a preset limit number of stapling sheets, and the mode is such that sheets copied from the same original are discharged into the same bin, and the stapling mode is selected. In this case, the sheet post-processing control device is characterized in that the above-mentioned ejection means is controlled to be switched to a paper ejection tray other than the sheet sorting bin that does not have a stapling function.