JPH0286552A - Image former - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To get rid of any stapling miss due to an improper stapling by selecting such an optimal maximum stitching thick stapler for thickness of a copying paper bundle from plural pieces of staplers according to that of the copying paper bundle discharged to a storage means, and installing a means moving to the stitching position. CONSTITUTION:Thickness of sheets of copying paper discharged to a paper storage means is detected by a detecting feeler of a height sensor. An optimal maximum stitching thick stapler unit for this detected thickness is selected from plural pieces of stapler units 129 - 132, and this selected stapler unit is moved to an operable position (stitching position) and positioned by rotation of a rotary support plate 133 or a mobile means. In consequence, any stapling miss attributable to such a possibility that a staple is too long or short is obviable before it happens.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention comprises a means for forming an image of an original on copy paper, a means for storing the copy paper on which the image has been formed, and a stapling device for stapling the copy paper stored in the storage means. The present invention relates to post-processing of image forming apparatuses such as copying machines, facsimile machines, printers, etc.

[Prior art]

2. Description of the Related Art Copying apparatuses have been known that have a built-in stapling device and use the stapling device to staple copied sheets.

Conventionally, stapling was always performed using a stapler with the same stapling ability, regardless of the number of copies. For this reason, if a post-processing device that uses large staples is used to staple a large number of copies, for example, the staples may be too long and staple errors may occur. However, there were drawbacks such as the staples digging into the copy bundle and damaging the copy bundle.

Conversely, when a large number of copies are stapled using a post-processing device that uses small-sized staples, stapling errors may occur because the staples are short, or the large number of copies may not be stapled. There was a problem.

(Problems to be Solved by the Invention) An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and provide an image forming bag r that can perform appropriate stapling depending on the number of copies.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention solves the above problem by providing a stapling device that includes a plurality of staplers having different maximum stapling thicknesses, a means for detecting the thickness of a stack of copy sheets discharged into a storage means, and a stapling device that responds to a detection signal from the thickness detecting means. This has been achieved by an image forming apparatus characterized in that there is a means for selecting from the plurality of staplers a stapler with a maximum stitching thickness that is optimal for the thickness of a stack of copy sheets and moving it to a stitching position.

C Effect] According to the present invention, the thickness of the copy paper stored in the copy paper storage section is detected, and a stapler having an appropriate maximum stitching thickness is selected from among a plurality of staplers according to the detected thickness. and move to the binding position.

According to the present invention, it is no longer possible to cause staple errors due to staples being too long or too short.

〔Example〕

The details of the present invention will be explained based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

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

In FIG. 1, the symbol l is the fourth mirror of the exposure optical system;
is a dustproof glass to prevent toner stains on lenses, mirrors, etc.; 3 is an ADF (automatic document feeder); 4 is a contact glass; 5 is an eraser (Icy slump);
6 is a charger, 7 is a photosensitive drum using a selenium photoconductor, and 8 is the surface of the photosensitive drum 7! ! 9 is a static elimination lamp, 1o is a lens, 1
1 is a quenching charger (charger after cleaning), 12 is a cleaning unit, 13 is a bias roller, 25 is an FCC (charging before cleaning), 1
4 is an exposure lighting unit consisting of a halogen lamp, etc.; 1;
5 is a first scanning mirror 16 which forms a first carriage together with a lighting unit 7) 14, etc.; 17 is a second mirror and a third mirror which forms a second carriage; 18 is a toner transferred to a transfer paper; A fixing section for fixing the image, and a reversing section for controlling the ejection direction and ejection surface of the transfer paper after fixing in the fixing section I8;
Reference numeral 20 indicates a sorter for sorting the transfer paper after it has been discharged, 26 indicates a separating claw, and 21 indicates a conveyor belt.

The sorter 20 is provided with a staple device for binding documents and a punch for perforating documents if necessary.

Further, 22, 23, 24, 33 are trays for stocking and supplying transfer paper, 22 is a double-sided paper feed tray, 2
Reference numeral 3 designates a "first paper feed tray," 24 a second paper feed tray, and 33 a third 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 dust collecting roller for removing paper dust from transfer paper, 27 is a separation charger,
28 is a transfer charger, 35 is a registration roller, 34 is a developer collection container for collecting old developer when replacing developer;
36 is a PTC (pre-transfer charger), 38 is a drum heater for increasing the temperature of the photosensitive drum 7, 37 is a developing unit, 39 is a toner cartridge for replenishing consumed toner, and 40 is for rotating the photosensitive drum 7. Possible supporting 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 4o and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copying 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 2B, eraser 5, cleaning unit 12, bias roller 13, FCC 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 formed on the photosensitive drum 7 via the first scanning mirror 15, the second mirror 16, the third mirror 17, the lens 10, the fourth mirror 1, and the dustproof glass 2.

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

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

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

Next, the paper feeding roller unit 29 is operated again at the paper feeding timing, and the transfer paper is sent through the vertical paper transport section 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 rollers 35 are driven at the timing when the leading edge and the leading edge of the transfer paper match.

The toner image on the photoreceptor drum is transferred to transfer paper by a transfer charger 28. At this time, the surface of the photoreceptor 7 is very smooth, and therefore the Hl m photoreceptor drum 7
Since the adhesion between the transfer paper and the transfer paper is large, by lowering the potential of the transfer paper using the separation charger 27, the photosensitive drum 7
This reduces the adhesion between the paper and the transfer paper. Next, the separation claw 26
The transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 7 by the transfer belt 21, and the transfer paper thus separated is sent to the fixing section 18 by the conveyor belt 21. Heat and pressure are applied to the toner on the transfer paper sent to the fixing section 18, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed to the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper is discharged via the reversing section 19. The paper is discharged to a paper section, for example, the sorter 20. 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 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 structure of the soak 20 as a paper discharge section of this embodiment will be explained based on FIGS. 2 to 8.

As shown in FIG. 2, an input log guide 43 is provided at the receiving opening for receiving paper such as transfer paper discharged from the copying machine, followed by an upper and lower conveyor belt 44 for conveying the copy to the side. .42, switching claw 46, upper switching guide plate 4
5. A temporary lower switching guide 47 is provided. Switching claw 4
A pair of paper ejection rollers 48, 49 and a paper ejection tray 54 are provided in the upper path by the switching claw 46, and a plurality of paper sheets (in the example shown in the figure) are arranged in parallel with the vertical direction and arranged upwardly. 20 sheets) of the bin 55 on the paper (copy) insertion side.

A deflection claw 64, a pair of rollers including a conveyance roller 62, and a discharge roller 63 are provided at a position corresponding to each bin on the transfer route, and a plurality of conveyance rollers 62 provided at appropriate intervals are provided with a pair of rollers. A driven roller 65 is in pressure contact with the vertical feed path. The above-mentioned conveyance healds 44 and 42, paper discharge rollers 48 and 49, conveyance rollers 62, and discharge rollers 63 are driven by the drive motor 41.

Two boos IJ53 are placed on the upper and lower sides of the bottle group.
and 69 are supported on the machine frame, and the lower shaft is connected to the motor 68 for moving the aftertreatment unit.
A post-processing unit moving belt 66 is passed between the pair of pulleys, and a chuck unit 60 and a post-processing unit 61 are attached to these belts via a guide unit 51. In order to guide the guide unit 51, a guide rail 67 is provided on the side of the bin group in the vertical direction over almost the entire height of the sorter.

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

If we are currently in the normal paper ejection mode (a mode in which paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 54), the switching claw 46 is lowered and the paper is moved along the upper switching guide plate 47 to the paper ejection roller pair 48.
49, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge tray 54.

Also, now, sort mode (sort mode in page order)
If it is the stack mode (a mode in which pages are sorted), the switching claw 46 is raised and the paper is conveyed downward along the temporary lower switching guide 45. The paper conveyed by the conveyance roller 62 and the driven roller 65 is discharged to the bin 55 at the location where the deflection claw 64 is activated.

The deflection claw 64 moves according to the mode (sort or stack).

In the sort mode, the deflection claw 64 of the 1st bin operates and the second copy of the first page is ejected to the first bin 55, and the deflection claw of the 2nd bin operates and the second copy is ejected to the second bin 55 to be discharged. Also, the first sheet of the second piece is discharged to the first bin 55, and the second sheet is discharged to the second bin 55, respectively. In this way, in the sort mode, the pages are ejected into one bin in the order of pages 1, 2, 3, and so on.

In the stack mode, the deflection claw 64 operates so as to discharge all of the first page of paper into the first bin and to discharge the second page of paper into the second bin. In this way, in the stack mode, sheets of the same page are discharged into one bin and are sorted page by page.

In addition, the deflection claw 64 can be used in sort mode or stack mode.
If there is a jam in the vicinity, there is a function to discharge the sheets after the jammed sheet in front of the switching claw 46 from within the sorter.

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 paper is inserted from the manual feed table 52, it is also possible to discharge the paper to each bin and sort it according to the mode. The post-processing function that performs post-processing on the sheets sorted in this way will be described 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, the post-processing unit moving belt 66 is moved up and down via the lower pulley 69 and the upper pulley 53, and the guide unit is moved accordingly. 51 up and down. The guide unit 51 has a car, and the guide rail 67
It is designed to move along the

The chuck unit 60 is a unit for post-processing a bundle of paper (6).
This is a device that transports the device to the first position and returns it to the original position after post-processing.

In FIG. 2, the home sensor 5 is detected by the home detection piece 57.
6 is turned on, and the paper stored in the first bin is ready for post-processing. When post-processing is executed from this state, the post-processing unit movement motor 68 is turned on after the post-processing unit 61 is turned on, and the post-processing unit 61 is lowered.
8 is turned on and the post-processing unit movement motor 68 is turned off.
Then, the post-processing unit 61 is stopped. Then, post-processing for the second bin is performed. Then, when the execution of post-processing for the paper in a predetermined bin is completed, the post-processing unit 61
to the home position.

In this way, post-processing of a plurality of copy bundles can be performed.

The sheets stored in a plurality of bins (20 in the figure) 55 can each be subjected to post-processing by a post-processing device 61, for example, a stapling device, and the paper discharge tray 54 is connected to the post-processing device 6.
Here, the paper discharge tray 54, which cannot be subjected to post-processing according to No. 1, is referred to as a non-post-processing discharge paper storage section, and the bin 55 is referred to as a discharge paper storage section, and is included in the storage section.

The third view is a view from the opposite side of the second view.

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

The sorter in this embodiment is a 20-bin sorter, each with 1
It is divided into two blocks of O bins, and the upper block has a bin sensor of 7 stones, 79, and a paper ejection sensor of 77.78.
There is a bin sensor 81.84 and a paper ejection sensor 80.83 in the lower block. Further, the paper ejection tray 54 also has a paper ejection sensor 99. These sensors are
It is a transmission type optical detection sensor consisting of an LED and a phototransistor. The paper ejection sensor 77.78.80.83.98.99 detects whether paper has been ejected, and the bin sensor 76.79.81.84 determines whether there is paper in the bin. be. Such a bin sensor makes it possible to use the lower block if there is a copy on the upper block.

In order to perform copy post-processing, multiple sheets of paper must be aligned, so the sorter of the present invention has the following features:
It comes with joggers as described below.

In FIGS. 3 and 5, the rotation of the pulley 85 by the jogger moving motor 82 is transmitted to the drive shaft 96 via the jogger drive belt 86, and the drive shaft 96 rotates. The upper jogger moving heald 73 and the lower jogger moving belt 88 are driven by the rotation of the boot 1J74.87 fixed to the drive shaft 96, and the shaft fixing unit 72 fixed to the upper jogger moving belt 73 and the lower jogger drive belt 8 The alignment shaft drive unit 95 fixed to is moved. The shaft fixing unit 72 functions to support the end of the alignment shaft 71. Then, the size detection sensor 93 attached to the shaft drive unit 95 detects one of the predetermined size detection pieces 92 and stops the jogger drive belt 82. Then, when the paper is ejected to the bin 55, the paper ejection sensor 77
．． 78 or 80.83 is detected, the alignment shaft drive unit 95 is activated, the alignment temporary 70 is moved by the alignment shaft 71, and the sheets are aligned. The alignment temporary 70 is attached to an alignment shaft 71. After finishing the post-processing, the jogger moving motor 82 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 the position for maximum size. In this way, each time the sheets are ejected, they are aligned and prepared for post-processing operations.

In FIG. 4, which is a view from the top of FIG.
5 has a notch so that the alignment shaft 71 can be moved to a position where the minimum size of paper can be aligned. Further, the alignment plate 70 rotates as shown by the arrow to align the sheets. At this time,
In order to hold the other edge of the paper in place, an edge presser plate 97 is used.
There is. This end face presser plate 97 is attached to the chuck unit 60.
It is designed to move according to the movement of.

As shown in FIG. 5, which is a view from the right side of FIG. It can be stopped at. The shaft fixing unit 72 also stops in synchronization with the alignment shaft drive unit 95. Further, the rightward movement in FIG. 5 is to the position where the home sensor 91 corresponding to the maximum copy size is activated by the home detection piece 92.

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

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

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

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

Then, when the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the paper stack is
It can be brought in direction B. When the presser 112 returns to the direction B, the end presser plate 97 attempts to return to its original position due to the spring 111, but since the paper stack is already on top, it remains stopped at the paper stack. When the moving plate 113 reaches the home position, the motor 107 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 paper bundle to the A direction. When the position detection piece 103 turns on the tip position detection sensor 104 again, the motor 10
7 stops, the solenoid 114 is set to 0FFL, the upper chuck finger 109 is raised by the coil spring 115, the sheet stack returns to its original position, and the end face presser 97 is also moved to the upper position by the spring 11.
1 returns to the original position. And motor 107
rotates in the H direction, returns the moving plate 113 to the home position, and stops. In this manner, the chuck unit 60 carries the stack of sheets discharged onto the bin to the post-processing device and returns them to their original position.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a stapler as an example of the post-processing unit 61.

This stapler presses and bends staples 119 supplied from a cartridge 117 when a motor 116 is turned on by an electric signal. The staples 119 are connected in a band shape with a thin tape and are stored in the cartridge 117 in a rolled-up manner. Furthermore, 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 5. FIG.

When the output shaft of the motor 120 supported by a base plate 123 that is movable by rollers 90 guided by rails 89 makes one rotation, the alignment temporary 70 engages with the cam 121 attached to the output shaft 120 and the cam 121. arrow A through the lever 122 and the alignment shaft 71 to which the lever 122 is fixed.
B Rotates back and forth in a fan shape in the force direction. In this manner, motor 120 rotates once each time a sheet is ejected into the bin to align the copies.

The post-processing unit 61 shown in FIG.
1 shows an example of a multi-stapler unit having a multi-stapler unit.

Stapler unit 129.130.131.13
2 are provided with staplers having different maximum stitching thicknesses, and are fixed to the rotary support plate 133 at predetermined angular intervals. A gear 13 is attached to a central shaft fixed to a rotation support plate 133.
6 is fixed, and the gear 136 meshes with a worm 135 fixed to the output shaft of the motor 134. Motor 1
When 34 is energized, the rotation support plate 133 is rotated. A home position detection hole 137 is formed in the rotation support plate 133. The position where the home position detection hole 137 is detected by the home position sensor 138 is the home position of the rotary support plate 133, that is, the home position of the multi-stapler unit.

Furthermore, each stapler unit 1 is mounted on the rotating support plate 133.
Each stapler unit 129 has a center position detection hole 139 for detecting the center position of 29, 130, 131, and 132, that is, the stapling operable position.
．． 130, 1 film is provided for 131 and 132. When the staple position sensor 140 detects the set position detection hole 139, the stapler unit corresponding to the set position detection hole is set to the operable position. Home position sensor 1
38 and the set position sensor 140 can be located at angular positions on each side, but they can also be located at the same position. Normally home position detection hole 139
The set position detection hole 139 is connected to the rotation support plate 13.
In order to ensure reliable detection, it is convenient to form them at different radial positions with respect to the central axis of 3.

The motor 134 is energized by a signal from the control unit to rotate the rotary support plate 133, and when the rotary support plate 133 is stopped when the corresponding cent position detection hole 139 is detected, the selected desired stapler unit is activated. Set in possible position. Therefore, the paper bundle 141 is
The chunk unit shown in the figure inserts the stapler in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7, and the stapler unit is actuated by the staple drive signal to perform the stapling operation.

A plurality of stapler units 129.130.131.
In order to select one of the sheets 132, the height of the sheet bundle 143 discharged to the bin 55 of the sorter is detected. copy bundle 14
As shown in FIG. 10, a shaft 145 is rotatably supported above a stack of sheets 141, and a detection lever 144 is fixed to the shaft 145. The detection lever 144 allows the ejected paper to move smoothly to the detection lever 1.
It is formed into a curved shape so that it can pass under 44.

The detection lever 144 is pushed up by the paper as shown by the arrow and rotates the shaft 145. Detection filler 1 is installed on the shaft 145.
46 is fixed. A plurality of height detection sensors are arranged on the sorter. Although the figure shows an example in which a first height sensor 147 and a second height sensor 148 are arranged, the number of sensors is not limited to 27 and is determined depending on the type to be detected. In the example of FIG. 10, the paper stack is thin until the detection filler 146 turns on the first height sensor 147, and after the first height sensor 147 turns on, the second rear height 2 height -14
8 indicates a medium-thick paper stack, and after the second height sensor 14 turns ON, a thick paper stack is indicated. The thickness of the stack of sheets to be stapled is detected by the operation of the detection filler 146 of the height sensor, and a stapler unit that corresponds to the thickness by 8 mm is selected and the rotary support plate 133 is rotated to the operable position. Set to .

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the control system in the present invention.

This control is performed mainly by the CPU 300 and the ROM 30L RA
M302, IN boat) 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 3o can be used while using the RAM 302 at any time.
The copying machine and the sorter are controlled by receiving various input signals from the three types and outputting controlled signals to the OUT port 3o4. The control of the sorter also includes processing operations (such as stapling operations) after sorting the sheets. Further, a control unit of the ADF 3 is connected to the I10 boat 305 and exchanges signals with the CPU 300. A.D.
F3 feeds the original onto the contact glass according to a signal from the CPU, and discharges the original when exposure is completed. In addition, in double-sided original mode (double-sided single-sided mode, double-sided duplex mode), after the exposure of the first side is completed, the paper is reversed and fed onto the contact glass again, and when the exposure of the second side is completed, it is reversed and ejected. It looks like this. Further, a battery 306 for a back amplifier is connected to the RAM 302, and serves as a nonvolatile memory.

FIG. 11 shows a part of the operation section of the above-mentioned copying apparatus.

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 number of copies and stop copying; 204 is a cent number display that displays the number of copy cents; 205 is a copy number display that displays the number of copies; 206 is a display that displays the number of original sheets. A document sheet number display 207 is a paper size display 208 that displays the copy paper size set in each paper feed tray.
209 is a paper remaining amount indicator that displays all of the copy paper that has been sent in each tray, and 209 is set to a mode (automatic paper selection mode) that automatically selects the most suitable copy paper based on document size information, etc. 210 is a paper key for selecting copy paper; 211 is a paper size selection display for displaying which copy paper size is selected; 212
213 indicates that the copying machine is preparing, please wait indicator, 213 indicates that the copying machine is ready,
Copyable display, 214 is a sort key for instructing sort mode, 215 is a sort mode indicator for indicating that the sort mode is set, 216 is a stack key for instructing stack mode, 217 is a stack The stack mode display indicates which mode is set, 218 is the DF key to indicate automatic document feeder (ADF) mode, and 219 indicates that automatic document feeder (ADF) mode is set. Display D
F mode display, 220 is a staple key for instructing the staple binding mode, 221 is a staple mode display that indicates that the staple binding mode is set, 222 is a double-sided copy from two single-sided originals. A single-sided/duplex mode key 223 indicates that the single-sided/duplex mode is set; 224 indicates a single-sided copy of two sheets from one double-sided original; Double-sided single-sided mode key for instructions,
225 is a duplex single-sided mode surfacer that indicates that the duplex single-sided mode is set; 226 is a duplex duplex mode key that instructs to make one double-sided copy from one double-sided original; 227 is a duplex duplex mode 228 is a sorter bin paper forgotten indicator to warn that copy paper remains in the sorter bin; 229 is a sorter jam indicator to warn of a jam in the sorter; 230 is a jam indicator that warns of a jam in the main body of the copying machine, etc.; 231 is a paper replenishment indicator that warns that the selected copy paper is out; and 232 is a staple replenishment indicator that warns that there is no staple. 233 is a stapling impossibility indicator that warns that stapling is not possible, and 234 is a stapling limit indicator that warns of stapling limits.

235 is a manual stapling mode key for instructing the start of stapling on the copy paper on the sorter bin, unlike the stapling key 220 which automatically staples following collation in the sort mode, and 236 is a manual stapling mode key. This is a manual stapling mode indicator indicating that the mode is in progress.

The operation of the post-processing device of the image forming apparatus will be explained below.

In FIG. 13, when the power is turned on to the image forming apparatus, the image forming apparatus starts, the number of sheets to be set is entered manually from the numeric keypad in a set sheet number input subroutine, and the sort or stack mode is selected by a sorter mode set subroutine.

Determine whether or not a document is set in the ADF. If it is set, check the copy prohibition status, and if copy is prohibited, the process will end. If copy is not prohibited, it will remain in standby mode until the start key is pressed. becomes.

Here, copy prohibition means a state such as after copying has been interrupted.

When the start key is pressed, drive system motors such as the main motor are turned on.

Next, the document is fed as shown in FIG.

That is, a document feed signal is sent to the ADF, and the document is placed in a copyable position on the contact glass.

Then, clear the copy number counter, etc., and check whether the sort or stack mode is selected. When the sort or stack mode is selected, the switching claw 46 is raised to output the paper to the bin 55. When the sort or stack mode is not selected, the switching claw 46 is lowered and the paper is output to the bin 55.
so that it is discharged.

In this state, a copying operation is performed under copying control, and stapling control and paper ejection control are performed on the paper that has been ejected after copying.

Stapling control is performed by the subroutine shown in FIG. 17, which detects the height of the ejected paper, selects the most suitable stapler capable of stapling, and sets an over status if stapling is not possible. In FIG. 17, first, the over status is reset, and the height of the stack of sheets is detected by the height sensors 147 and 148. The stapling capacity, that is, the thickness that can be stapled, is set as Stapler A ≦ Stapler 8 ≦ ... ≦ Stapler n. Check whether stapler A can perform stapling. If possible, select stapler A, and staple If possible, check each stapler in turn to see if stapler B is possible, etc., and select a stapler with an appropriate staple capacity. 0 Selected stapler
Rotate and set it to the set position, that is, the position where stapling is possible. If the paper thickness is such that it cannot be stapled by any stapler, an over status is set and the process returns.

Paper ejection control is performed by the subroutine shown in FIG.
Control ejection according to sort or stack mode.

First, it is checked whether the paper ejection sensor is ON, and when the paper ejection sensor is ON, the paper ejection counter is counted up by 1 to check whether the mode is sort mode or stack mode. When in sort mode, turn off the deflection claw of the current bin.
and set the deflection claw of the bin one bin below the current one to ONL, so that the paper is ejected to the bin one bin below.

The return operation is repeated until the number of discharged sheets reaches the set number, and when the set number is reached, the deflection claw is turned OFF' F L for the next sorting operation, and the deflection claw of the bin at the tip of the bin block is turned ON and returned. .

In the stacked mode, it checks whether all the copy sheets for one document have been ejected, that is, whether the number of ejected sheets has reached the set number. If the set number is not reached, the process returns, and when the number of cents is reached, the next For the stack operation, the deflection claw is set to 0FFLI, the deflection claw below the bin is ONL, that is, the deflection claw of the bin just one below is ONI, and returned.

After stapling control and sheet ejection control, it is checked whether there is an over status in the stack mode, and if the over status is present, the stapling impossible indicator is turned on.

In this way, the copying operation is repeated until the number of copies reaches the set number.

After copying one sheet of document is completed, if it is in the sort mode, the over status is checked, and if it is set, the stapling impossible display is turned on.

When the copying of one sheet of the original is completed, a document ejection signal is sent to the ADF, and the original on the contact glass is ejected.

If there is a document remaining in the ADF, feed the next document and repeat the above operation. If there is no document, wait until the document is ejected to the sorter, turn the main motor to 0FFL, and turn the drive motor back on. Turn off.

If the status is not over and stapling is possible, the post-processing subroutine performs the stapling operation and ends the process. If the status is over, the process ends without post-processing.

The subroutine for inputting the number of cents is as shown in FIG. 15, and checks whether the numeric keypad has been pressed.
Store the pressed numeric key data in the RAM, turn on the cent number display according to the set RAM data, turn off the stapling impossible display, and return.

The mode set subroutine for the sorter is shown in FIG. 16, and checks whether the sort key or stack key has been pressed.

When the sort key is pressed, it checks whether it is already in sort mode, and if it is already in sort mode, it resets the sort mode and turns on the sorter paper forgotten indicator.
FF and return.

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

When the stack key is pressed, it is checked whether the stack mode is already in effect, and if it is already in the stack mode, the stack mode is reset, the sorter paper forgotten indicator is turned off, and the process returns. If not, set stack mode and reset sort mode.

When the sort mode or the stack mode is set, it is checked whether there is paper in the upper bin sensor, and if there is no paper, the deflection claw of the first bin is turned on, the first bin ejection is selected, and the process returns. If there is paper, check whether there is paper in the lower bin sensor, and if there is no paper, turn ON the deflection claw of the 11th bin, that is, the 1st bin of the lower bin group, select 11th bin discharge, and return. .

If both the upper and lower bin sensors detect the presence of paper, the sorter paper forgotten indicator is turned on and the process returns.

The post-processing subroutine is as shown in FIG. 19, in which a forward drive signal is sent to the chuck unit to advance the chuck toward the bin, and a close drive signal is sent to the chuck unit to nip a stack of sheets (copies). Then, a backward drive signal is sent to the chuck unit to pull the paper stack toward the staple unit.

When a stack of sheets is inserted into the stapling unit, a stapling drive signal is sent to the stapling unit 7 to perform a stapling operation.

When the stapling operation is completed, a forward drive signal is sent to the chuck unit to return the paper stack to the bin, and an open drive signal is sent to the chunk unit to release the paper stack.

A post-processing completion check is performed, and if there is still a stack of sheets to be processed, the post-processing unit is moved to the next bin and the above-mentioned operations are repeated.

Returns after processing all paper bundles.

In this specification, copy paper is not limited to paper copied by a copying device, but broadly refers to paper on which an image is recorded by a facsimile machine, a printer, etc.

[Effects] According to the present invention, it is possible to select a stapler with the optimum maximum stapling thickness according to the thickness of the paper bundle and staple it, eliminating stapling errors caused by inappropriate stapling and improving the stapling work. sex has improved.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the overall configuration of a copying system to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the sorter, and FIG. 3 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the sorter. 4 is a partially cutaway top view, FIG. 5 is a side view of the sorter seen from the right side of FIG. 2, FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the chuck unit, and FIG. Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the post-processing unit, Figure 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the alignment shaft drive unit, Figure 9 is a perspective view of the multi-stapling unit, and Figure 10 is the paper thickness detection device on the bin. 11 is a plan view showing a part of the operation panel of the copying machine, FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the control system, and FIGS. 13 to 19 show main operations and controls related to the present invention. It is a flowchart which shows a flow. 20... Sorter (storage means) 55... Bin (storage means) 61... Stapling device 129.130.131.132... Stapling unit 133... Rotation support plate (transfer means) 134...・Motor (moving means) 143... Sheet of paper 144... Height detection lever 146... Detection filler 147.148... Height sensor (1 other person) Fig. Funeral drawing Fig. 8 Whole Fig. Made by a

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An image forming apparatus comprising means for forming an image of a document on copy paper, means for storing the copy paper on which the image has been formed, and a stapling device for stapling the copy paper stored in the storage means, The stapling device includes a plurality of staplers having different maximum stapling thicknesses, a means for detecting the thickness of the stack of copy sheets discharged into the storage means, and a means for detecting the thickness of the stack of copy sheets discharged into the storage means, and a means for detecting the thickness of the stack of copy sheets according to a detection signal of the thickness detecting means. An image forming apparatus comprising means for selecting a stapler with the maximum stitching thickness from the plurality of staplers and moving the stapler to a stitching position.