JPH0286550A - Sheet postprocessing controller - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To avoid any mooted point being produced by stapling operation of a sheet bundle in the number of sheets exceeding the limiting number by controlling a discharge means so as to be changed over to another discharge means other than a sheet sorting discharge means when a fact that the number of original sheets has accorded with the number of stapling limiting sheets is judged. CONSTITUTION:When a fact that a value equivalent to the number of sheets of copying paper discharged to each bin of a sorter has accorded with the stapling limiting sheet number of a stapler is judged, a discharge means 54 is changed over to another discharge means other than that of a sorting bin 55. Therefore the copying paper in the number of sheets exceeding the stapling limiting sheet number is not discharged to this sorting bin 55, so that such a mooted point as being produced by stapling the copying paper in the number of sheets exceeding the stapling limiting sheets of the stapler 61 is thus avoidable.

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 multiple copies of sheets 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 This is done by making copies of the input number of copies for each 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 is activated regardless of the number of copies in each bin to be stapled, 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. This may cause problems such as the staples not being able to be inserted, or the staples not being inserted and falling into the device.

When copying with a copying machine using an automatic document feeder, in addition to the normal "one-sided → one-sided mode" in which copies are made from one-sided originals to one side of copy paper, there is also a mode in which two one-sided originals are copied onto one sheet of copy paper. In many cases, it is possible to use "single-sided → duplex mode" to copy on both sides of paper, and "duplex → single-sided mode" to copy each side of a double-sided original onto two sheets of copy paper, but each of these In either mode, it is necessary to 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.

In addition to the "sort mode" in which the sorter discharges sheets one by one into each bin in page order, the sorter can also perform a "stack mode" in which multiple copies of the same document are collected in one bin. Also, if the number of copies discharged into each bin of the sorter exceeds the number of sheets that can be stapled, it is necessary to perform control so that stapling is not performed.

In view of the above-mentioned circumstances, the present invention is designed to copy in "single-sided → single-sided mode" as well as "single-sided → duplex mode" and "duplex → single-sided mode" and output the data to 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 so as not to perform a stapling operation when the number of sheets of copy paper exceeds the stapling limit number of sheets of a stapler.

Means for Solving the Problem In order to solve the above problem, a means for counting a value corresponding to the number of copy sheets ejected to each bin of the sorter (a discharge means for sheet sorting) in the sort mode, and Means is provided for comparing the value counted by the counting means with a preset limit number of sheets for stapling, and the value corresponding to the number of copies discharged into each bin matches the limit number of sheets for stapling by the comparing means. If it is determined that this is the case, the discharge means may be controlled to be switched to a discharge means other than the discharge means used for sheet sorting.

The first invention of the present application provides that when copying is performed in "one-sided→single-sided mode", the number of original sheets fed by the automatic original feeding means is calculated as a value corresponding to the number of copy sheets discharged into each bin of the sorter. It is characterized by the fact that it was used.

The second invention of the present application uses a value of 1/2 of the number of passed 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 passed originals is used as the 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 the number of pages (number of jobs) in a bundle of copy sheets is used as a value corresponding to the number of copies discharged into each bin of the sorter.

The fifth 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 by the designated number of copies for each document is used.

According to the configuration of each of the inventions described above, when it is determined that the value corresponding to the number of copy sheets discharged into each bin of the sorter matches the stapling limit number of sheets of the stapler, the discharge means is arranged to sort the sheets. Since the paper is switched to a discharge means other than the bin, the number of copies exceeding the stapling limit will not be ejected into the bin, and the number of copies exceeding the stapler's limit will not be ejected into the bin. The problems caused by stapling are avoided.

(The following is a blank space.) One embodiment 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;
゛ is a dustproof glass to prevent toner stains on lenses, mirrors, etc., 3 is ADF (automatic document feeder), 4 is
is contact glass, 5 is eraser (Icy slump)
, 6 is a charger, 7 is a photoconductor drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the photoconductor drum 7, 9 is a static elimination lamp, 10 is a lens, 1
1 is a quenching charger (charger after cleaning), 12 is a cleaning unit, 13 is a bias roller, 25 is PCC (charger before cleaning),
14 is an exposure lighting unit consisting of a halogen lamp, etc.;
15 is a first scanning mirror that forms a first carriage together with the illumination unit 14 etc. 17 is a second mirror and a third mirror that forms a second carriage 18 is a fixing mirror that fixes the toner image transferred to the transfer paper 19 is a reversing unit that controls the ejection direction and ejection surface of the transfer paper after fixing in the fixing unit 18, and 20 is a sorter (20) that sorts the transfer paper after it has been ejected.
26 is a separating claw, and 21 is a conveyor belt. The post-processing function refers to processing such as binding with staples and perforation with a punch.

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 reroller for removing paper dust from transfer paper, 27 is a separation charger, 28 is a transfer A charger, 35 a registration roller, and 34 a developer collection container for collecting old developer when replacing the developer.

36 is a PTC (pre-transfer charger), 38 is a drum heater for increasing the temperature of the photoreceptor drum 7, 37 is a developing unit, 39 is a toner cartridge for replenishing consumed toner, and 40 is the photoreceptor drum 7. A rotatably supported drum shaft is shown.

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, separate 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 3
The original placed on the contact glass 4 by
Scanning is performed by a first carriage integrated with a scanning mirror 15, an illumination unit 14, etc. The reflected light image is captured by the first scanning mirror 15. Second mirror 16, third mirror 17, lens 10. An image is formed on the photoreceptor drum 7 via the fourth mirror and the dustproof glass 2.

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

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

On the other hand, one 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. The transfer paper is separated from the photoreceptor drum 7 by a separating claw 26 that reduces the adhesion to the transfer paper, and the thus separated transfer paper is transferred to the fixing unit 1 by a conveyor belt 21.
Send to 8. The transfer paper sent to the fixing section 18.

At step 22, 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 to perform double-sided copying, etc. In this case, the paper is discharged to the double-sided paper feed tray 22 via the first reversing unit 19.

Since a small amount of toner image remains on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 7 after transfer, the PCC 25 is activated and the surface is cleaned with the cleaning brush and cleaning blade in the cleaning unit 12, and the next quenching charger 11 and static electricity removal are performed. 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.
, a switching pawl 46, and switching guide plates 45, 47 are provided. A pair of paper ejection rollers 48 are provided in the upper path by the switching claw 46.
．． 49 and a paper ejection tray 54 are provided, and the lower path by the switching claw 46 is arranged on the copy insertion side of a throat plate 55 for a plurality of sheets (20 sheets in the example shown) provided vertically parallel to the bottom. The copy follows the 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
The above-mentioned conveyance belts 44 and 42, the paper discharge rollers 48 and 49, the conveyance roller 62, and the discharge roller 63, which are in pressure contact with each other, are driven by the 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 22-bit 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 (the mode in which paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 54), the switching claw 46 is lowered, and 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°: 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 movement motor 68 is turned on after execution, and the post-processing unit 61 is lowered, and the bin position sensor 58 is set to ONL by the second bin position detection piece 59, and the post-processing unit The moving motor 68 is turned off and the post-processing unit 61 is stopped. Then, post-processing for the second bin is performed. Then, once the post-processing has finished running on the copy of a given bin,
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 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 designed 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 H direction. Then, the spiral shaft 106 rotates.

Moving rod (this has a spiral hole) 10
5, moving plate 113 and chuck: upper 109,:
The lower part 110 and the push plate 112 move in the B direction. When moving in direction B, the position detection piece 103 turns on the home sensor 102 and stops the motor 107.

Conversely, when the motor 107 rotates in the G direction, gear 1
01 in the J direction, moving rod 105, moving plate 113
, Chuck: Top 109. : The lower part 110 and the push plate 112 move in the entry direction. When moving in direction A, 1 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 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.
When the copy bundle is returned to the input direction and 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, the double chuck 109 is raised, the copy bundle is returned to its original position, and the end face presser plate 97 is also returned to its original position.

Then, the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, and the moving plate 11
Press 3 to the home position and stop. In this manner, the chuck unit 60 carries the copy bundle discharged onto the bin to the 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 7o 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. IN port 303. OUT port 304. I
It is a microcomputer system consisting of 10 ports, 3o5. ROM301 in which the program was written
Therefore, while using RAM 302 at any time, IN port 3
It receives various input signals from 03 and outputs controlled signals to the OUT port 304 to control the copying machine and sorter. Also, for controlling the sorter, it performs post-processing operations after sorting copies. (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, RAM3
A backup battery 3.6 is connected to 02 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 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 tray, and 208 is a copy paper size display that is set in each tray. A paper remaining amount indicator 209 displays the amount of copy paper remaining in the copy paper, and indicates that a mode (automatic paper selection mode) is set to automatically select the most suitable copy paper based on document size information, etc. .

An automatic paper selection mode display, 210 a paper key for selecting copy paper, 211 a paper size selection display 21 for displaying which copy paper size is selected;
2 indicates that the copying machine is preparing, and 213 indicates that the copying machine is ready. Copyable display, 214 is a sort key to indicate sort mode, 215 is a sort mode display to indicate that sort mode is set, 216 is a stack key to indicate stack mode, 217 is stack mode The stack mode indicator 218 indicates that the automatic document feeder (ADF) mode is set, and the DF key 219 indicates the automatic document feeder (ADF) mode.
F) DF mode indicator to indicate which mode is set.

220 is a staple key for instructing the stapling mode, 221 is a staple mode indicator for indicating that the stapling mode is set, and 222 is for making one double-sided copy from two single-sided originals. Single-sided/duplex mode key 223 is a single-sided/duplex mode indicator to indicate that single-sided/duplex mode is set; 224 is a double-sided mode key to indicate that two-sided copies are to be made from one double-sided original. a single-sided mode key, 225 a double-sided single-sided mode indicator to indicate that the double-sided single-sided mode is set; 226 a double-sided duplex mode key for instructing to make one double-sided copy from one double-sided original; 2
27 is a duplex duplex mode indicator that indicates that the open duplex mode is set; 228 is a sorter turbine paper forgotten indicator that warns that there is copy paper remaining in the sorter; Warn of jam. A sorter jam indicator 330 warns of a jam within the copying machine body, etc. A jam indicator 231 warns that there is no selected copy paper. A paper supply indicator 232 warns that there are no staples. A staple supply indicator 233 warns that stapling is not possible, and a staple impossibility indicator 234 warns of a stapling limit. This is a staple limit indicator.

(The following is a margin) 1 day of the flow of J' (1) First, the operation and control of the sheet post-processing apparatus of the embodiment including the first invention, second invention, and third invention will be explained in detail according to the flowchart.

(Overall operation explanation) 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 on the OADF. It remains in a wait state until it is set.

0 Waits until the start key is pressed.

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

0 Subroutine ADF document feeding.

A document feed signal is sent to the ADF, and the document is set in 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 according to sort or stack mode.

Control the ejection of copies created.

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.

O If there is still a document, feed the first document and repeat the copying operation described above.

Q: If there is no document, wait until it is ejected to the sorter, then turn off the transport drive motor.

○ Execute the stapling post-processing and exit.

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 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.

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

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

For sort keys.

O Check if you are already in sort mode.

O If it is already in the sort mode, reset the sort mode and return with the sorter paper forgotten indicator set to 0FFL.

O If it is not sort mode, set the sort mode,
Reset stack mode.

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

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

0 If not stack mode, set stack mode and reset sort mode 0 Check double bin sensor, if there is no paper, set first
Turn on the bin deflection claw, select the first bin discharge, and then return.

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

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

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

0 Clear the original sheet number counter.

O 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.

O 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.

Add 1 to the OyK manuscript number counter.

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

O Check the sort mode, if the sort mode is 2
Jump to (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.

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

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

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

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 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.

If it is in O sort mode, check the bin's paper ejection sensor, and if it turns on, increment the paper ejection counter by 1.

0 For the next discharge operation, turn off the current bin deflection claw,
Turn on the bottle deflection claw one bottle below the current one.

Checks whether the number of sheets set and the number of sheets ejected 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 bottle deflection claw for the first bottle of the block, and return.

0 When the number of set sheets = the number of discharged sheets, one job is completed.

O Check whether it is single-sided duplex mode or duplex single-sided mode. If it is single-sided duplex mode, compare the number of originals divided by 2 and the maximum number of staples. If it is cylindrical single-sided mode, compare the number of originals x 2 and the maximum number of staples. However, in a mode other than the above, the number of originals is compared with the maximum number of stapled sheets.

Then, when each number of sheets becomes larger than the maximum number of stapled sheets, the switching claw 46 is lowered and the process returns.

Single-sided and duplex mode means two single-sided originals or In this mode, one double-sided copy is obtained.

Duplex single-sided mode means one double-sided original In this mode, two single-sided copies are obtained.

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

If the mode is O sort and stack mode, stapling is performed for each bin and the process returns.

Unless O sort and stack mode.

Returns without performing stapling processing.

(2) Next, the control of the operation of the sheet post-processing device according to the embodiment of the fourth invention will be explained according to a flowchart. The overall operation and subroutines such as "number of sheets input", "sorter mode set flow", "discharge control flow", and "post-processing flow" are the same as in the previous embodiment. Therefore.

Portions that are different from the above embodiments will be explained below.

(Description of the flow of initial setting 1) The flow of initial setting 1 is shown in FIG. 19. 60 Clear the job counter.

0 Turn on the transport drive motor 6 0 Check whether it is in sort and stack mode,
If it is in the sort and stack mode, the switching claw 46 is raised so that the copies are transported to the bin side, and if it is not in the sort and stack mode, the switching claw 46 is lowered so that the copies are discharged to the paper output tray side.

0 Return.

(Explanation of ADF document feeding flow) FIG. 20 shows the flow of ADF document feeding.

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

(Explanation of the flow of Ma in sort mode) The flow of Ma is shown in FIG.

○ If it is in sort mode, check the bin paper ejection sensor, and if it turns on, add 1 to the paper ejection counter.

For the next discharge operation, set the current bottle deflection claw to 0FFL,
, turns on the bin deflection claw one bottle below the current one.

Checks whether the number of sheets set and the number of sheets ejected 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 bottle deflection claw for the first bottle of the block, and return.

When the number of O-set sheets = the number of wandering sheets, it means that one job has been completed, so add 1 to the job counter.

The comparison number of sheets is compared with the maximum number of stapled sheets, and when each number becomes larger than the maximum number of stapled sheets, the switching claw 46 is lowered and the process returns.

The comparison number of sheets is the number of jobs.

(3) Next, the operation of the embodiment of the fifth invention will be explained.

In this example, the overall operation and "Initial setting 1 flow"
The subroutines other than "flow in sort mode during sheet discharge control" are the same as in the embodiment of the fourth invention described above.

Therefore, only the different points will be explained below.

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

0 Clear the paper passing counter.

0 Turn on the transport drive motor.

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

0 Return.

(Explanation of Flow 2 in Sort Mode) Flow 2 is shown in FIG.

0 If in sort mode, check the bin's paper ejection sensor, and if it turns on, add 1 to the paper ejection counter.

Q Add 1 to the number of sheets passed counter.

For the O-th discharge operation, turn off the current bottle deflection claw and turn on the bottle deflection claw one bottle below the current one.

Q: Checks whether the set number of sheets is equal to the number of ejected sheets (checks whether all copies of the negative 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.

0 When the number of set sheets = the number of discharged sheets, one job is completed.

0 Compare the comparison number of sheets with the maximum number of stapled sheets, and when each number becomes larger than the maximum number of stapled sheets, lower the switching claw 46 and return.

The comparison number of sheets is the number of sheets passed ÷ the number of sheets set. I'm sorry about that.

Gaini Zhu As described above, according to the present invention, in the sort mode.

In addition, when post-processing copy sheets copied in staple mode, when the number of copy sheets output to each bin matches the stapling limit of the stapler, the output means is switched from the sorter to output other sheets. means(
This eliminates the need to staple a stack of sheets that exceeds the maximum number of sheets that the stapler can process. can be avoided.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

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 to 21 show float yards of other embodiments of the operation of the present invention that are different from the flow of the above embodiment, and FIGS. 22 and 23 show the flow of still other embodiments described above It is a flowchart of a part different from an example. 3... Automatic document feeding means 20... Sorter 46... Switching claw 54... Paper ejection tray (sheet ejection means) 55... Bin (sheet sorting and ejection means) 61...
Post-processing unit (staple binding means) 206... Original sheet number display 214... Sort key 220... Staple key 233... Staple impossible indicator 234... Staple limit indicator 300... CPU 301 ...ROM 302...RAM Agent Patent attorney Takehisa Ito (and 1 other person) Figure 3 Figure 15 Figure 19 Figure 22 C D

Claims (5)

[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; A sheet post-processing control device comprising: a plurality of sheet sorting paper ejecting means for ejecting each page one by one in page order; and means for stapling the bundle of sheets ejected to each of the above ejecting means in page order; an automatic document feeding means; means for counting the number of original sheets passed by the counting means; means for comparing the number of original sheets counted by the counting means with a preset staple binding limit number; 1. A sheet post-processing control device, characterized in that the sheet post-processing control device is controlled to switch the ejecting means to a ejecting means other than the sheet sorting ejecting means when it is determined that the number of sheets matches the binding limit number. (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 having a means for copying, a plurality of sheet sorting ejection means for ejecting the sheets copied on both sides in page order one by one, and means for stapling the bundle of sheets ejected to each of the ejection means in page order. The post-processing control device includes means for counting the number of originals fed by the automatic document feeding means, a value of 1/2 of the number of fed originals counted by the counting means, and a preset stapling limit. and a means for comparing the number of sheets, and when it is determined by the comparing means that 1/2 of the number of sheets to be fed matches the limit number of sheets for stapling, the ejecting means is used for sorting sheets. A sheet post-processing control device characterized in that the sheet post-processing control device performs control to switch to a discharge means other than the discharge means. (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 above-mentioned double-sided original and copying each side onto one side of a separate sheet; and means for sorting a plurality of sheets for ejecting the sheets copied on one side in page order one by one. A sheet post-processing control device comprising: a discharge means; and means for stapling the sheet bundle discharged in page order to each of the above discharge means; means for counting the number of originals fed by the automatic manuscript feed means; means for comparing twice the number of originals counted by the counting means with a preset limit number of stapled sheets; A sheet post-processing control device characterized in that, when it is determined that the number of sheets matches a limit number, the sheet post-processing control device is controlled to switch the ejecting means to a ejecting means other than the sheet sorting ejecting means. (4) Automatic document feeding means for automatically feeding a document consisting of multiple 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; and means for reading the document and copying it onto a sheet; A means for discharging each page one by one into a plurality of bins in page order, and a plurality of sheet sorting discharge means for reading the above-mentioned document and discharging each page one by one in page order. In the sheet post-processing control device having means for stapling the sheet bundle discharged in page order to each of the above-mentioned discharge means, a means for counting the number of pages of the copy sheet bundle, and a preset number of pages counted by the counting means. If it is determined that the number of pages counted by the comparing means matches the maximum number of stapled sheets, the ejecting means is set to a sheet ejecting means other than sheet sorting ejecting means. 1. A sheet post-processing control device, characterized in that the sheet post-processing control device performs control to switch between different means. (5) 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 inputting the designated number of copies for one document; and means for reading the document. a means for copying the specified number of copies per each page on a sheet; a plurality of sheet sorting ejection means for ejecting the sheets on which the original has been copied one by one in page order; A sheet post-processing control device having a means for stapling a bundle of sheets, a means for counting the number of passed copy sheets, and a means for counting the number of passed copy sheets counted by the counting means, divided by the number of copies specified above. means for comparing the value with the stapling limit number of sheets, 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 stapling limit number of sheets, A sheet post-processing control device characterized by controlling a discharge means to be switched to a discharge means other than a sheet sorting discharge means.