JPH0281863A - Device for controlling after-treatment of sheet - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid nonconformity based on a stapling operation exceeding the limit number of stapling sheets by controlling so as to suspend a copying operation when the discharged number of sheets per bin is conformed to the limit number of stapling sheets and executing a stapling operation with that number. CONSTITUTION:At the time of a sorting mode, a value corresponding to the number of sheets of copying paper discharged into each bin 55 of a sorter is counted by a counting means. Then, the value counted by this counting means is compared with the previously set limit number of sheets of a stapling means 61 by a comparing means and, when it is judged that the value corresponding to the number of copying paper discharged into each bin is conformed to the limit number of stapling sheets, control is made so as to suspend a copying operation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a post-processing control device for sheets discharged from a copying machine and collated by a sorter.

To collate sheets that have been copied from a multi-page manuscript in page order, the automatic document feeder feeds the manuscript in page order to the copying machine's manuscript reading section, and the input means is used to feed the manuscript in page order. This is done by making the required number of copies for each input page and discharging the output copies one by one into each bin of the sorter in page order.

If the copies ejected from the copying machine into each bin of the sorter in page order are automatically stapled, the post-processing effort can be saved and work efficiency can be improved. Therefore, the present inventors
Separately, a sorter has been proposed that has a means for automatically stapling a group of copies discharged into each bin of the sorter. In that case, if the stapler operates regardless of the number of copies in each bin that you are trying to staple, it will ensure that the stapler will staple when the number of copies exceeds the number of copies that can be processed by the stapler. Problems such as staples not being able to be inserted, or staples not being inserted and falling into the device have occurred.

When copying with a copying machine using an automatic document feeder 1. In addition to the normal "one-sided → one-sided mode" that copies from a one-sided original to one side of copy paper, you can also copy two one-sided originals onto one sheet. In many cases, it is possible to copy each side of a double-sided original onto two sheets of copy paper. In any case in each mode, it is necessary to perform control so that stapling is not performed when the number of copies discharged into each bin of the sorter exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled.

The sorter also discharges sheets one by one into each bin in page order [In addition to sort mode J, a "stack mode" in which multiple sheets of originals copied from the same original are stacked into one bin can be implemented; In that case as well, it is necessary to perform control so that stable binding is not performed when the number of copies discharged into each bin of the sorter exceeds the number of copies that can be stabilized.

Problems to be Solved by Akira In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention has been developed in such a way that copies are made not only in "single-sided → single-sided mode" but also in "single-sided → duplex mode" and "r-duplex → single-sided mode" and stored in each bin of the sorter in sort mode. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sheet post-processing control device that controls the number of ejected copy sheets so as not to exceed the stapling limit number of sheets of a stapler and perform a stable stapling operation.

Flat paper for problem solving In order to solve the above problem, there is provided a means for counting a value corresponding to the number of copy sheets discharged into each bin of the sorter in the sorting mode, and a value counted by the counting means. A means for comparing the number of copies with a preset stable binding limit number is provided, and when it is determined by the comparing means that the value corresponding to the number of copies discharged into each bin matches the stable binding limit number of sheets. In this case, the copying operation may be interrupted.

The first invention of the present application is characterized in that when copying is performed in "one-sided → one-sided mode", the number of passed original sheets is used as a value corresponding to the number of copy sheets discharged into each bin of the sorter.

The second invention of the present application uses a value of 1/2 of the number of fed original sheets as a value corresponding to the number of copy sheets discharged into each bin of the sorter when copying is performed in "single-sided → double-sided mode". It is characterized by having been.

The third invention of the present application is that when copying is performed in "duplex → single-sided mode", a value twice the number of fed originals is used as a value corresponding to the number of copy sheets discharged into each bin of the sorter. It is characterized by

The fourth invention of the present application provides that regardless of the copy mode,
The present invention is characterized in that, as a value corresponding to the number of copies discharged into each bin of the sorter, a value obtained by dividing the number of passed copies and the designated number of copies for each original is used.

According to the configuration of each of the above inventions, the copying operation is interrupted when it is determined that the value corresponding to the number of copy sheets discharged into each bin of the sorter matches the stable binding limit number of sheets of the stapler. The stable processing operation is executed with that number of sheets, and problems such as stabilization mistakes that occur when performing the stable binding operation on the number of copies exceeding the stable binding limit number do not occur.

(The following is a blank space) No. 10 Below, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on 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, reference numeral 1 denotes the fourth mirror of the exposure optical system;
3 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 is an electrostatic charger, 7 is a photoreceptor drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor that detects the surface temperature of the photoreceptor drum 7, and 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 is an exposure illumination unit consisting of a halogen lamp, etc., and 15 is an illumination unit. The first scanning mirror 16, which forms the first carriage together with the unit 14, etc., is the second mirror and third mirror which forms the second carriage. 18 is the fixing section that fixes the toner image transferred to the transfer paper; 19 is the fixing section 18
20 is a sorter (with a post-processing function) that sorts the transfer paper after it has been ejected, 26 is a separating claw, and 21 is a conveyor belt. shows. 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 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 35 is a transfer charger, 35 is a registration roller, and 34 is a developer collection container for collecting old developer when replacing the developer.

3 and 6 are PTC (pre-transfer charger), 38 is a drum heater for increasing the temperature of the photoreceptor drum 7, and 37
39 is a toner cartridge for replenishing consumed toner, and 4o is a drum shaft that rotatably supports the photosensitive drum 7.

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. Simultaneously with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 7, a static eliminating lamp 9, PT
C36, separation charger 27, transfer charger 28, eraser 5, cleaning unit 12, bias roller 13, PCC 25, and quenching charger 11 are driven. Cleaning unit 12 and static elimination lamp 9
After passing through, 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'
The original placed on the contact glass 4 by the first scanning mirror 15 . The illumination unit 14 and the like are scanned by the first carriage. The reflected light image is the first
Scanning mirror 15, second mirror 16, third mirror 17. Lens 101. The image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 7 via the fourth mirror, the dustproof glass, and the screen 2.

After the photoreceptor drum 3 is charged by a 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 7. Form a latent image. 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. First paper 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 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 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 large. Next, the transfer paper is separated from the photoreceptor drum 7 by the separating claw 26, and the thus separated transfer paper is transferred to the fixing section 1 by the conveyor belt 21.
Send to 8. The transfer paper sent to the fixing section 18.

Here, heat and pressure are applied to the toner, thereby fixing the toner image on the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper is discharged to the sorter 20 via the reversing section 19. When performing double-sided copying or the like, the paper is discharged to the double-sided paper feed tray 22 via the reversing unit 19.

Since a small amount of toner image remains on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 7 after transfer, the FCC 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. 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.

Following this, upper and lower transport belts 44, 42, switching claws 46, and switching guide plates 45, 47 for transporting copies upwards.
is provided. A pair of paper ejection rollers 48 and 49 and a paper ejection tray 54 are provided on the upper path defined by the switching claw 46.
The lower path by the switching claw 46 is a plurality of bins 55 (20 in the illustrated example) provided vertically parallel to the bottom.
It follows the copy vertical feed path along the copy insertion side of the.

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 around 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 paper is 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 copying is performed along the switching guide plate: upper 47 by the paper ejection roller pair 4.
8. [9] The paper is discharged to 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 claw 64 operates to discharge the copy of the J2 page 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°: upper 53, and the guide is moved accordingly. 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 post-processing can be performed on the copy of the first bin.

When post-processing is executed from this state, the post-processing unit moving motor 68 is turned on after the post-processing unit 61 is moved down, and the bin position sensor 58 is turned on by the second bin position detection piece 59.

Turn off the post-processing unit movement motor 68.

The post-processing unit 61 is stopped. Then, the post-processing for the second bin is performed, and when 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 a plurality of copy bundles can be performed.

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 of this embodiment is a 20-bin sorter, and is divided into two blocks of 10 bins each, with bin sensors 76, 79, and paper discharge sensors 77, 79, 79, 79, and 10 bin sensors in the upper block.
78, and the lower block has sensors 81.84 and paper ejection sensors 80.83. Further, the paper ejection tray 54 also has paper ejection sensors 98 and 99. These sensors are
It is a transmission type optical detection sensor consisting of an LED and a phototransistor. Paper ejection sensor 77.78, 80, 83°98.99 detects whether a copy has been ejected.
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 belt rotates in the opposite direction.

It stops at the position where the home sensor 91 is turned on by the home detection piece 94. This position 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 the 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 6o 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 and chuck: upper 109,: lower 110 and push plate 1
12 moves in direction B. When moving in direction B, the 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, and the moving rod 1o5° moving plate 113
, Chuck: Top 109. : The lower part 110 and the push plate 112 move in the entry direction. When moving in the input direction, 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 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, motor 1
07 is stopped, and then the post-processing unit 61 is activated, and after the post-processing is completed, the motor is rotated again in the G direction to return the copy bundle to the A direction. When the position detection piece 103 turns on the tip position detection sensor again, the motor 107 stops, the solenoid 114 turns off, the upper chuck 109 is raised by the coil spring 115, the copy bundle returns to its original position, and the end face presser The 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 moves the staple 11 in the cartridge 117.
9 can be pressed and bent.

The stable 119 is connected in a band shape with a thin tape and rolled up inside 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. 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 a control system according to the present invention.

This control is mainly performed by the CPU 300 and the ROM 301. R.A.
M302. IN port 303. OUT boat 304. I
This is a microcomputer system composed of 10 ports 305. By using the ROM 301 in which the program is written, the IN port 301 can be used while using the RAM 302 at any time.
3 receives various input signals and outputs controlled signals to the OUT port 304 to control the copying machine and sorter. Also, for controlling the sorter, post-processing operation after sorting copies is performed. (including stapling operations, etc.). Further, a control unit of the ADF 3 is connected to the I10 port 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, RAM30
A backup battery 306 is connected to 2 and serves as a non-volatile memory.

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

Reference numeral 201 is a start key 2 for instructing to start copying.
02 is a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copy sets etc. 2
03 is a clear/stop key for instructing to clear the set number and stop copying. 204 is a set number display that displays the number of copies set. 205 is a copy number display that displays the number of copies. 206 is a copy number display that displays the number of copies. An original sheet number display that displays the number of original sheets; 207 a paper size display that displays the size of copy paper set in each tray; and 208 a paper remaining amount that displays the remaining amount of copy paper set in each tray. The display 209 is automatically displayed based on the document size information, etc.

An automatic paper selection mode indicator shows that the mode for selecting the most suitable copy paper (automatic paper selection mode) is set, 210 is a paper key for selecting copy paper, and 211 is an indicator for which copy paper size. A paper size selection indicator indicates which paper size has been selected; 212 indicates that the copying machine is preparing; a please wait indicator; 213 indicates that the copying machine is ready; a ready-to-copy indicator; 214 is a sort key for instructing the sort mode, 215 is a sort mode indicator for indicating that the sort mode is set, 216 is a stack key for instructing the stack mode, and 217 is for indicating that the stack mode is set. Stack mode indicator to display, 21
8 is a DF key 219 for instructing automatic document feeder (ADF) mode; 22 is a DF mode indicator for indicating that automatic document feeder (ADF) mode is set;
0 is a staple key for instructing the staple binding mode, 221 is a staple mode indicator that indicates that the staple binding mode is set, and 222 is for making a double-sided copy from two single-sided originals. a single-sided/duplex mode key 223 for indicating that the single-sided/duplex mode is set;
24 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 that indicates that the duplex/single-sided mode is set. Duplex duplex mode key, 227, for instructing to make a single duplex copy from a double-sided original.
228 is the duplex duplex mode indicator that indicates that duplex duplex mode is set, 228 is the sorter turbine paper forgotten indicator, 228 is the paper left indicator in the sorter, and 229 is a jam in the sorter. 330 is a jam indicator that warns of a jam in the copier body, etc. 231 is a paper supply indicator that warns that the selected copy paper is out, 232 is a staple ( (needle) is missing. A staple supply indicator 233 is a staple impossible indicator that warns that stapling is not possible, and 234 is a staple limit indicator that warns of a staple limit.

Description of Flow of Operation and Control Next, the operation and control of the sheet post-processing apparatus of the embodiment including the first, second, and third inventions will be described with reference to flowcharts.

(Overall operation explanation) The overall operation flow will be explained one by one according to FIG.

0 Input the set number from the numeric keypad 202 using the set number input routine.

0 Select sort or stack mode.

0 It remains in a wait state until the start key 20 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.

0 Clears the copy number counter and ejected paper number counter.

0 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.

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

0 If the number of copies reaches the set number, if it is sort mode, check whether it is single-sided duplex mode or double-sided single-sided mode, and if it is single-sided duplex mode, compare the number of original sheets ÷ 2 and the maximum number of stapled sheets.

If the duplex/single-sided mode is selected, the number of original sheets x 2 is compared with the maximum number of stapled sheets, and if the mode is other than the above, the number of original sheets is compared with the maximum number of stapled sheets. When the number of sheets matches the maximum number of stapled sheets, wait for the sheets to be ejected to the sorter, turn the transport drive motor to 0FFL, interrupt the copying operation, execute post-processing, and end the process.If they do not match, the ADF eject the original.

The single-sided and duplex mode is a mode in which one double-sided copy is obtained from two single-sided originals.

The double-sided/single-sided mode is a mode in which two single-sided copies are obtained from one double-sided original.

A document discharge signal is sent to the OADF 3 to discharge the document on the contact glass.

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

0 If there is no document, wait until it is discharged to the sorter, and then turn off the l1g feed drive driver.

0 Execute stapling post-processing and end.

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.

0 Checks whether the numeric keypad 202 has been pressed.

0 Stores the pressed numeric keypad data in the RAM 302.

Q: Lights the set number display 204 according to the set RAM data.

0 Return with the stapling impossible indicator 233 set to 0FFL.

(Description of Sorter Mode Set Flow) The sorter mode set flow is shown in FIG.

0 Checks whether the sort key 214 or stack key 216 has been pressed.

For sort keys.

0 Check if you are already in sort mode.

0 If it is already in the sort mode, the sort mode is reset, the sorter paper forgotten indicator 228 is turned off, and the process returns.

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 If it is already in the stack mode, reset the stack mode and return by turning the sorter paper forgotten indicator to ○FFL.

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

0 Vin sensor: Check upper 76, if there is no paper,
Turn on the deflection claw of the first bottle, select the first bottle wandering, and then return.

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

0 If both the upper and lower bin sensors detect the presence of paper,
Turn on the sorter paper forgotten indicator 228 and return.

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

0 Clear the original number counter.

0 Turn on the transport drive motor.

0 Check whether it is in the sort and stack mode. If it is in the sort and stack mode, raise the switching claw 46 so that copies are conveyed to the bin side. If it is not in the sort and stack mode, lower the switching claw 46 and move it to the 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.

0 Add 1 to the original sheet number counter.

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

0 Checks the sort mode, and if it is the sort mode, jumps to ma (Fig. 17) 6 If the mode is not the sort mode, checks the stack mode, and if the mode is not the stack mode, checks the paper ejection sensor of the paper ejection tray.

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

0 If in stack mode, check the bin paper ejection sensor.

0 When the paper ejection sensor is ONL, count up the paper ejection counter.

Checks whether the number of set sheets and the number of ejected sheets are equal (checks whether all copies of - sheets of originals 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 deflection claw for the bottle one bottle below the current one, and return.

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

O Turn off the current bottle deflection claw for the next stack operation.
, turns on the bin deflection claw one bottle below the current one.

0 Checks whether the set number of sheets and the number of ejected sheets are equal (checks whether all copies of - sheets of the original have been ejected), and if they have been ejected, the current bin is moved for the first 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.

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

Next, the control of the operation of the sheet post-processing device according to the fourth embodiment of the invention will be explained with reference to a flowchart.

During this control flow, overall operation, initial setting 1 flow, AD
Flows other than F document feeding are the same as in the previous embodiments. Therefore, the different parts will be explained below.

The overall operation flow is shown in FIG. 19.

0 Input the set number from 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.

0 Waits until the start key is pressed.

○ 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.

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

0 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.

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

0 If the number of copies reaches the set number, and if in sort mode, compare the comparison number with the maximum number of staples, and if the comparison number matches the maximum number of staples, wait for the number of copies to be ejected to the sorter, and then turn the conveyance drive motor to 0FFL, Aborts the copy operation, performs post-processing, and exits. If they do not match, eject the original from the ADF.

The comparison number of sheets is the number of sheets passed divided by the number of sheets set.

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.

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

0 Clear the paper passing counter.

O Turn on the transport drive motor.

0 Check whether it is sort and stack mode,
If it is in the sorting mode, the switching claw 46 is raised so that the copies are transported to the bin side, and if it is not in the sorting or stacking mode, the switching claw 46 is lowered so that the copies are discharged to the paper output tray side.

0 Return.

(Description of ADFg document feeding flow) A document feeding signal is output to the OADF to feed the document, and the process returns.

Effects As described above, according to the present invention, when copies ejected from a copying machine are collated by a sorter and automatically stapled by a stapler, the number of ejected sheets per bin is at the stable limit regardless of the copy mode. Since the copying operation is controlled to be interrupted when the number matches the number of sheets, stapling processing is executed with that number of sheets, and problems caused by stapling operations exceeding the stable limit number of sheets can be avoided.

[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. FIGS. 19 to 21 show a float yard of another embodiment of the operation of the present invention, which differs from the flow of the above embodiment. 3... Automatic document feeder 20... Sorter 46... Switching claw 54... Output tray (output tray without stapling function) 55... Bin 61... Post-processing unit (Staple binding means) 20
6... Original sheet number display 214... Sort key 220... Stable key 233... Stable impossible indicator 234... Staple limit indicator 300... CPU 301/ROM 302... RAM diagram and 1! -J Figure Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 20 Figure 21

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) Automatic document feeding means for automatically feeding a document consisting of a plurality of pages in page order to a document reading position and automatically ejecting the document after reading; means for reading the document and copying it onto a sheet; means for reading the document and copying it onto a sheet; In a sheet post-processing control device having means for discharging each page one by one into a plurality of bins in page order, and means for stapling the bundle of sheets discharged in page order to each bin, It has means for counting the number of originals, and means for comparing the number of originals counted by the counting means with a preset maximum number of stapling sheets, and the number of originals matches the maximum number of stapling sheets by the comparing means. A sheet post-processing control device characterized in that the sheet post-processing control device controls the copying operation to be interrupted when it is determined that the copying operation has occurred. (2) Automatic document feeding means that automatically feeds a single-sided document consisting of multiple pages to a reading position in page order and automatically ejects it after reading, and reads the two sheets of the document and prints multiple copies on both sides of one sheet. A sheet post-processing control device having means for copying and means for stapling the bundle of sheets copied on both sides, comprising: means for counting the number of originals fed by the automatic document feeder; and counting by the counting means. The value of 1/2 of the number of originals created,
means for comparing the number of sheets to be stapled with a preset limit number of sheets for stapling, and when it is determined by the comparing means that the value of 1/2 of the number of fed documents matches the limit number of sheets for stapling, A sheet post-processing control device that performs control to interrupt a copying operation. (3) Automatically feeds a double-sided document consisting of multiple pages to the document reading position in page order, automatically reverses it after reading the first side, automatically feeds it to the document reading position again, and automatically ejects it after reading the second side. automatic document feeding means; means for reading each side of the double-sided original and copying each side onto a separate sheet; and means for discharging the sheets copied on one side in page order into a plurality of bins, one page at a time. , a sheet post-processing control device having means for stapling a bundle of sheets discharged into each bin in page order, comprising means for counting the number of originals fed by the automatic document feeding means; means for comparing twice the number of originals fed and a preset limit number of sheets for stapling, and the comparing means indicates that the value twice the number of fed originals matches the limit number of sheets for stapling. A sheet post-processing control device characterized in that the sheet post-processing control device controls the copying operation to be interrupted when it is determined that the copying operation is interrupted. (4) automatic document feeding means for automatically feeding a document consisting of multiple pages to a reading position in page order and automatically ejecting it after reading; means for inputting the designated number of copies for one document; Means for copying the specified number of copies per page on a sheet; Means for discharging the sheets of the copied document into a plurality of bins one by one for each page; and stapling the stack of sheets discharged to each bin. A sheet post-processing control device having a means for counting the number of passed copy sheets, and a value obtained by dividing the number of passed copy sheets counted by the counting means by the specified number of copies inputted above, and stapling. means for comparing the maximum number of sheets to be stapled, and when it is determined by the comparing means that the value obtained by dividing the number of passed copy sheets by the specified number of copies matches the maximum number of sheets for stapling, the copying operation is performed. A sheet post-processing control device characterized by controlling to interrupt the process.