JPH04101895A - Recording control apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent stapling inferiority or the trouble of a stapling apparatus and to utilize the max. capacity of the stapling apparatus by comparing the number of treated papers with a predetermined limit number of papers and controlling the permission and prohibition of the operation of a stapling means corresponding to the comparison result and automatically changing the limit number of papers corresponding to ON/OFF of a cover mode. CONSTITUTION:It is discriminated whether a stapling mode is in an ON state and, in the case of the ON state, it is discriminated whether a cover mode is in an ON state (front or front/back cover mode). In the case of the ON state of the cover mode, the valve of a number-of-page counter is compared with a predetermined limit value N1 and, when said value is larger than N1, a stapling limit display device 234 is turned ON and, when the value is not larger than N1, stapling treatment is executed. The value of the number-of-page counter is compared with a limit value N2 and, when said value is larger than N2, the stapling limit display device 234 is turned ON and, when the value is not larger than N2, stapling treatment is executed. The limit value N2 is the max. number of papers susceptible to stapling treatment determined by the quality and thickness of transfer paper and the capacity of a stapling treatment apparatus and the limit value N1 is a value considering the reduction quantity of the number of papers susceptible to stapling treatment accompanied by the use of a cover having large thickness.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a recording control device that controls a recording device such as a copying machine or a laser printer, and in particular to a stapling device that performs stapling processing on processed recording paper. The present invention relates to a control device for a recording device comprising:

[Prior Art] Copying machines use a post-processing device that performs a stapling process to easily bind copies that have been made, and use paper that is slightly thicker than normal transfer paper as a cover to bind a group of copies. A function has been proposed that automatically places images on the top and/or back side (hereinafter referred to as cover mode).

In the case of the cover mode, after the special paper serving as the cover is fed, image formation is omitted and the paper immediately heads to a predetermined paper ejection path.

Regarding the prior art of this type of cover mode, for example, the one disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-236124% is known.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] Incidentally, in stable processing, there is a limit to its operation, and if the copy bundle to be processed is too thick, it may result in malfunction or failure of the device itself. become. Therefore, when the number of copies to be subjected to stable processing is large, it is preferable to prohibit stable processing.

However, in the cover mode, since the paper used as the cover is thicker than general transfer paper, the number of sheets used for stable processing is smaller than the limit set based on the thickness of the general paper. However, the thickness of the copy bundle may exceed the limit, and there is a risk of stability failure. However, if the limit number of sheets is set to a small value, stable operation is prohibited even for a bundle of copies that can actually be processed when the cover mode is not set, so that the stable processing capability is substantially reduced.

Therefore, the present invention prevents stable defects and failures of the stable device that occur when processing paper with a thickness that exceeds the limit, and also prevents the stability device from reaching its maximum capacity in either the on/off state of the cover mode. The challenge is to make these capabilities available.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention includes a plurality of paper feeding systems, a recording means for recording an image on paper fed from the paper feeding systems, and a recording device for recording an image on paper fed from the paper feeding systems, A stable means performs stable processing on the recording paper, and when a cover mode is specified, the paper fed from one of the paper feed systems is sequentially recorded with an image by the recording means and sent to the paper ejection path. In a recording control device, the recording control device includes: a cover processing means that performs cover processing to send paper fed from another paper feeding system to a paper ejection path every time a predetermined recording condition is satisfied; a stable control means that compares the number of sheets with a limited number of sheets, controls permission or prohibition of operation of the stable means according to the result, and automatically switches the limit number of sheets of fill according to on/off of a cover mode; establish.

[Operation] In the present invention, by comparing the number of sheets to be stably processed with a predetermined Iyl limit number of sheets, it is automatically determined whether processing is possible or not, and if possible, the stabilizing means is operated. Allow, otherwise disallow. For example, when the cover mode is off, the limit number of sheets is set to N sheets,
When the cover mode is on, it is set to N-2 sheets. That is, in any mode, the limit number of sheets for each mode is set so that the actual thickness of the paper bundle to be stabilized matches the thickness and hardness that can be processed by the stabilizing device.

Therefore, regardless of whether the cover mode is on or off, stable processing can be performed up to the maximum number of sheets that the stabilizing device can handle, and processing is prohibited for bundles of filter paper that are too thick. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of stable defects and failures of the stable device.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become clear from the following description of an embodiment with reference to one drawing.

[Embodiment] FIG. 1 shows the overall structure of a mechanical section of a type of copying machine that implements the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, an automatic document feeder (ADF) 3 is arranged at the top of the main body of the copying machine.

The ADF 3 sequentially feeds out the original document on the N document device table sheet by sheet, positions it on the contact glass 4, and when the reading of the original image is completed, discharges the document to the document ejection table and feeds the next document. An optical scanning system for reading original images is provided below the contact glass 4. This optical scanning system is provided with a first carriage and a second carriage which are mechanically driven and scanned. The first carriage includes an exposure lamp unit 14 composed of a halogen lamp, etc., and a first mirror 1.
It is equipped with 5. The second carriage has a second mirror 1.
6 and a third mirror 17.

The light emitted from the exposure lamp unit 14 is reflected on the document surface, and the reflected light is reflected by the first mirror 15. 2nd mira 16 and 3rd
The light passes through the mirror 17, passes through the lens 10°, the fourth mirror 1, and the dustproof glass 2, and is irradiated onto the surface of the photoreceptor drum 7.

Around the photoreceptor drum 7, there is a charger 6, an erase lamp 5. Developing unit 37, pre-transfer charger (PTC) 36. Transfer charger 289 Separation charger 279 Separation claw 26° Cleaning unit 12
．． A bias roller 13, a quench blow charger 11, and the like are provided.

The photosensitive drum 7 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 33, and rotates counterclockwise at a constant speed upon receiving the driving force of a main motor (not shown) during image formation. The surface of the photoreceptor drum 7 is cleaned in advance and subjected to various static elimination actions, so that the surface potential becomes zero before the charger 6.

Thereafter, the surface is uniformly charged to a predetermined high potential by the charger 6. This surface is irradiated with reflected light from the original that has passed through the optical scanning system, and the surface potential changes depending on the intensity of the light. The first and second carriages of the optical scanning system are mechanically driven and moved in the left and right directions while sequentially guiding reflected light from each part of the document to the photoreceptor drum. A potential distribution corresponding to the density distribution of , that is, an electrostatic latent image is formed.

When the electrostatic latent image formed on the photoreceptor drum 7 passes through the developing unit 37, it is made visible by adsorption of toner, thereby forming a toner image.

On the other hand, in this example, six types of paper feeding systems are provided to hold the transfer paper or the cover and supply it to the recording section. 2
2 is a paper feed tray for double-sided copying, 23 and 24 are paper feed trays, and 40-1.40-2.40-3 is a paper feed cassette. At the predetermined paper feed timing, the paper feed tray 23
, 24. Paper feed force ttt 40-1° 40-2. 1 from the one selected from 40-3 by the paper feed roller 29.
Paper (transfer paper or cover) is fed out one by one. After the tip of the fed paper comes into contact with the registration roller 35 that has been stopped in advance and stops, the tip position of the paper changes to the tip position of the toner image in synchronization with the timing of forming the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 7. The photoreceptor drum 7 is sent toward the photoreceptor drum 7 at a predetermined timing so as to overlap with the photoreceptor drum 7 .

The toner image on the photoreceptor drum 7 is transferred by a transfer charger 28 onto a transfer sheet overlaid thereon. Also,
Due to the action of the separation charger 27, the potential of the transfer paper is lowered, and the adhesion between the transfer paper and the photosensitive drum 7 is reduced. Then, the transfer paper on which the toner image has been transferred is separated from the photosensitive drum 7 by a separation claw 26, and is conveyed by a conveyor belt 2. Heat and pressure are applied to the transfer paper in a fixing section 18 disposed on the conveyance path, thereby fixing the toner image onto the transfer paper. Transfer paper that has been fixed is usually
It passes through the reversing section 19 and is discharged to the sorter 20. When performing double-sided copying or the like, the transfer paper is directed from the reversing unit 19 to the double-sided paper feed tray 22 .

After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 7 passes through a cleaning unit 12 and its surface is cleaned by a cleaning brush and a cleaning blade in order to remove toner remaining on the surface. Further, the photosensitive drum 7 passes through a quenching charger 11 and a static elimination lamp 9 in order to make its surface potential uniform, in preparation for the next image forming process.

These control timings mainly depend on the photosensitive drum 7.
is generated based on the number of timing pulses that occur in synchronization with the rotation of the

Next, the structure of the sorter 20 connected to the main body of the copying machine according to the embodiment will be explained with reference to 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 transport bells 44, 42 for transporting the copies upward.
．． Switching claw 46. A switching guide plate 45,47 is provided. The upper paper ejection path, which is switched by the switching claw 46, is provided with a pair of paper ejection rollers 48, 49 and a paper ejection tray 54, and the lower paper ejection path is provided with a pair of paper ejection rollers 48, 49 and a paper ejection tray 54 along the copy vertical feeding path. The bins 55 are arranged parallel to each other. A deflection claw 64 is provided at a position corresponding to each bin on the vertical feeding path.
A pair of rollers including a conveying roller 62 and a discharge roller 63 are provided, and driven rollers 65 are pressed against the conveying roller 62 at predetermined intervals so as to sandwich the vertical copy feeding path. Conveyor belts 44, 42. Paper ejection rollers 48, 49. Conveyance roller 62. and the discharge roller 63 is driven by the drive motor 41
driven by.

Two pulleys 53 are provided at the upper and lower sides of the bottle group, respectively.
and 69 are pivotally supported on the machine frame, and the lower shaft is connected to a motor 68 for moving the post-processing unit. Post-processing unit moving belts 66 are passed around two pairs of upper and lower pulleys, and a chuck unit 60 and a post-processing unit 61 are attached to these belts via guide units 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 along almost the entire height of the sorter.

A copy (transfer paper) 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.

In the normal paper ejection mode (a mode in which copies are ejected to the paper ejection tray 54), the switching pawl 46 is lowered, and the copy is transferred to the paper ejection roller pair 4 along the upper part 47 of the switching guide plate.
8.49, and is discharged to the paper discharge tray 54.

In the sort mode (a mode in which copies are sorted one by one in page order) or the stack mode (a mode in which copies are sorted by page), the switching claw 46 is raised and the copies are moved downward along the lower part 45 of the switching guide plate. transported. The copy 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 operates according to the mode.

In sort mode, the first page created from the first page of the original
When copying the first page, the deflection claw 64 of the first bin operates to eject the first page to the first bin (the top row of 55), and the second page of the first page is ejected.
When copying the second sheet, the deflection claw of the second bin is activated and the sheet is ejected to the second bin (second row from the top of 55). Similarly, the third, fourth, and fifth copies are ejected into the third, fourth, and fifth bins. When the page of the original changes, it returns to the first bin again, then the first bin, the second bin, the third bin, and so on.

The bins to be ejected are switched in order, and one copy is automatically sorted and stored in each bin.

In stack mode, all copies made from the first page of the original are output to the first bin, all copies made from the second page of the original are output to the second bin, and the same goes for the third bin.
The positions of the bins are changed in order from the first bin to the fourth bin, and so on. Therefore, the copies are automatically sorted page by page and stored in each bin.

Also, when in sort mode or stack mode, the deflection claw 6
If a copy jams near 4, there is a function to eject the copies that are in front of the switching claw 46 from within the sorter after the jammed copy. This is to switch the switching claw 46 at the time of a jam so that the subsequent copy can be 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 from the manual feed table 52 by the manual feed roller 50 after removing the jammed paper.

In addition, even in cases other than jams, when a copy is inserted from the manual feed table 52, the copy is ejected to each bin according to the mode,
It is also possible to sort. The post-processing function that performs post-processing on copies 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, and the post-processing unit moving belt 66 is moved up and down via the upper and lower pulleys 69°53, and the guide The rail 51 is moved up and down. The guide unit 51 has a car and moves along a guide rail 67.

The chuck unit 60 transfers the copy bundle to the post-processing unit 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 56 is detected by the home detection piece 57.
is turned on, and the copy in the first bin is ready for post-processing. When the post-processing is executed from this state, the post-processing unit movement motor 68 is turned on after the execution, the post-processing unit 61 is lowered, and the bin position detection piece 59 of the second bin is
As a result, the bin position sensor 58 is turned on, the post-processing unit moving motor 68 is turned off, and the post-processing unit 61 is stopped. Then, post-processing is performed on the copy in the second bin. When the execution of post-processing for the copy of a predetermined bin is completed, the post-processing unit 61 is moved to the home position. In this way, post-processing can be performed on a plurality of copy bundles.

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

This will be further explained with reference to FIG.

The sorter 20 in this embodiment is a 20-bin sorter,
It is divided into two blocks of 10 bottles each.

Bin sensor 76°79 and paper ejection sensor 77 are installed on the upper block.
．． 78, and the lower block has sensors 81 and 84 and paper ejection sensors 80 and 83. Further, the paper ejection tray 54 also has a paper ejection sensor 98°99. These sensor groups are transmission type optical sensors composed of light emitting diodes and phototransistors. Paper ejection sensors 77, 78, 80, 83°98 and 9 detect whether a copy has been ejected or not.
9, and the bin sensors 76, 79, 81 and 88 detect whether there is a copy in the bin. By using these bin sensors, an automatic switching function is realized in which when there is a copy in the upper block bin, the lower block bin is automatically used.

In order to perform copy post-processing, multiple copies must be aligned. Therefore, the sorter 20 of the embodiment
is equipped with a jogger, which is explained below.

The jogger moving motor 82 rotates the jogger drive belt 86 via the pulley 85, and the drive shaft 96 rotates. As a result, the jogger moving belt (upper near 3, lower 88) moves via the pulleys 74, 87, and the shaft fixing unit 72 and shaft drive section 95 fixed thereto move.

Then, the size detection sensor 93 detects the position of the predetermined size detection piece 92, and the jogger drive motor 82 stops. When the copy is ejected to the bin, the paper ejection sensor 77
．． 78 or 80.83 is detected, the alignment shaft 71 moves,
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 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. 2. Please refer to 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. Further, the alignment plate 70 rotates as shown by the arrow to align the copies. At this time, an end face holding plate 97 is provided to position 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.

Please refer to FIG. The jogger moving belt 88 moves in the direction of the arrow and can be stopped at a size detection piece 92 according to each copy size. Also,
The movement in the right direction is to the position where the home sensor 91 adjusted to the maximum copy size is activated by the home detection piece 92.

FIG. 6 shows details of the chuck unit 60.

This will be explained with reference to FIG.

The chuck unit 60 grabs the bundle on the bin 55 and moves it to the post-processing unit 61 (not shown in FIG. 6).
It has the role of returning the paper to the same state as when it was discharged onto the bin 55 after finishing the post-processing.

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 chuck (upper: 109, lower: 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, and moving rod 1o5. Moving plate 113.
Chucks 109, 110 and push plate 112 move in the A direction. When moving in the A direction, 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 chuck 1
09 is lowered in the direction D by the pull rod 108 and grabs a copy bundle (not shown). At this time, the end pressing plate 97 is
It is lowered in the F direction by the push plate 112 and does not hinder 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 tries to return to its original position by the spring 11, but since the copy bundle is already on top, it stops at the copy bundle. 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, and the coil spring 1
15, the chuck 109 is lifted up, the copy bundle is returned to its original position, and the end face pressing plate 97 is also returned to its original position. Then, the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, and the moving plate 113
Press 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.

The configuration of the post-processing unit 61 is shown in FIG. In this example, a stapler is provided as a post-processing unit.

This will be explained with reference to FIG. When the motor 116 is turned on by an electric signal, this stapler
The stable 119 in 17 is pressed and bent. The stable 119 is connected in a band shape with thin tape and is rolled up inside the cartridge 117.

Further, when the end of the stable passes the near-end sensor (reflective optical sensor) 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. Please refer to FIG. motor 12
When 0 rotates once, the alignment plate 70 rotates in a fan shape in the force direction of arrow AB via the cam 121, the lever 122, and the alignment shaft 71. In this manner, each time a copy is ejected into a bin, motor 120 rotates once to align the copies.

FIG. 10 shows the configuration of the electrical equipment of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1. This will be explained with reference to FIG.

The main control unit 300 is a microcomputer system including a microprocessor 310° ROM 320
．． RAM330. Parallel l10340, serial l1
0350 and an A/D converter 360. R
The OM 320 stores in advance the operating program of the microprocessor 310 and various fixed data required during processing. Data exchange between the main control unit 300 and other control units is performed using parallel l10340.
Or via serial 110350. Analog signals output from various sensors and control units are
/D converter 360 into a digital signal and read by microprocessor 310.

This main control unit 300 includes an operation board 200, an optical system control board 410. Lamp control board 420. Heater control board 430. High voltage power supply unit 440. Automatic document feeder (ADF>3° sorter 20. Paper feed unit 45
0. Drivers 460 and 470 and a signal processing circuit 480 are connected. An electric motor M1 for scanning drive and an electric motor M2 for magnification adjustment are connected to the optical system control board 410, an exposure lamp LP is connected to the lamp control board 420, and a fixing motor M2 is connected to the heater control board 430. Heaters HTI and HT2 provided in the unit are connected, and a charging charger 6, a transfer charger 289, a separation charger 27, and a developing unit 37 are connected to the high voltage power supply unit 440.

As shown in FIG. 9, the operation board 200 is provided with various key switches and various indicators. Referring to FIG. 9, 201 is a start key for instructing the start of a copy operation, 202 is a numeric keypad for inputting a setting value for the number of copies, etc., and 203 is a clear/clear key for instructing to clear the set number and stop the copy operation. a stop key; 204 a set number display for displaying the set value of the number of copies; 205 a copy number display for displaying the number of processed copies; 206;
207 is a paper size display that displays the size of copy paper loaded in each tray and cassette; 208 is a paper remaining display that displays the remaining amount of copy paper in each tray and cassette; Quantity indicator, 2
09 is an automatic paper selection mode indicator that displays on/off of the automatic paper selection mode (a mode that automatically selects the most suitable copy paper according to the document size, etc.), and 210 selects the paper feeding system for feeding copy paper. 211 is a paper size selection display that shows the selected paper feed system, 212 is a display that shows that the copying machine is being prepared, and 213 is a display that shows that the copying machine is ready. 214 is a sort key for specifying the sort mode; 215 is a sort mode indicator for displaying the on/off state of the sort mode; 21
6 is a stack key for specifying stack mode, 2
17 is a stack mode display that displays the on/off state of the stack mode; 218 is a DF key for specifying the automatic document feed mode; 219 is a DF momo display that shows the on/off state of the automatic document feed mode; 220 is a stable key for specifying stable binding mode; 22
1 is a stable mode indicator that shows the on/off status of the stable binding mode, 222 is a single-sided duplex mode key that specifies the single-sided duplex mode (creating a double-sided copy from a single-sided original), and 223 is an on/off status of the single-sided/duplex mode. 224 is a duplex single-sided mode key that specifies duplex single-sided mode (to create two single-sided copies from a double-sided original); 225 is a duplex single-sided mode indicator that indicates the on/off status of duplex single-sided mode; mode display, 226 is a duplex duplex mode key that specifies duplex duplex mode (creating a duplex copy from a double-sided original), 227 is a duplex duplex mode indicator that indicates the on/on status of duplex duplex mode, and 228 is a cover mode ( The cover mode key 229-1 specifies the on/off state of front cover mode (a mode in which a cover is placed only on the top of the copy made from the first original). The front cover moto display 229-2 is a front and back cover that displays the on/off status of the front and back cover mode (a mode in which a cover is placed above the copy made from the first original and below the copy made from the last original). Mode display 230-1 is a sorter bin paper forgotten indicator that displays a warning that copy paper remains in the sorter bin; 230-2 is a sorter jam indicator that displays a warning that a jam has occurred in the sorter; 230-3
231 is a paper supply indicator that warns that the selected copy paper is out of stock; 232 shows a warning that there is no stable (needle); Stable replenishment indicator 233 is a stable impossible indicator that warns that stable processing is not possible, and 234 is a stable limit indicator that warns that stable processing is limited. This figure shows an outline of the normal operation procedure of the copying machine. Most of this processing is carried out by the microprocessor 31 of the main control unit 300.
Executed by 0. The details of the processing of the copying machine will be explained with reference to FIG.

A group of documents to be subjected to copy processing are stacked on the document table of the ADF 3. The number of copies to be made from each document, ie, the number of copies, is specified by the operator using the numeric keypad 202 on the operation board. In this case, in response to the operator's key operation, the step 1, a few cents, is executed.

The copying machine of this embodiment is equipped with a cover mode (a mode in which a cover is attached to a group of copies made), and this mode can be turned on or off by operating a cover key 228 provided on the operation board. can. In response to the operator's key operation in this case, the routine of step 2 is executed.

In step 3, a sensor detects whether a document is placed on the document table of the ADF 3, and identifies the presence or absence of the document. When the original is set, the process proceeds to step 4.

In step 4, it is determined whether the start key 201 on the operation board is turned on. While the start key is off, steps 2.3 and 4 are repeatedly executed. In addition,
During this repeated processing, if there are input operations on other various keys on the operation board, various processes (not shown) are executed in response thereto. When the start key is turned on, the process proceeds to step 5.

Step 5 executes an initialization routine to prepare for the copy process. In the next step 6, AD
A sheet of original is fed by controlling F3 and positioned at a predetermined image reading position on the contact glass. In the subsequent step 7, a counter for counting the number of processed copies (number of copies for each document) and a counter for counting the number of ejected copies are cleared.

Subsequently, routines for paper feeding control, copying control, and paper ejection control are executed. One copy is created by these processes.

In step 12, it is determined whether the number of copies for which processing has been completed and the number of copies specified in step 1 are equal. If they are not equal, go back to step 8 and make another
make a copy of the When the number of completed copies and the specified number of copies become equal, the process proceeds to the next step 13.

In step 13, the ADF 3 is controlled to eject the document on the contact glass. In the next step 14, AD
It is determined whether or not there is a document remaining on the document table of F3.

If there are any originals left, the process returns to step 6 and the above process is repeated until copies of all originals are completed.

When there are no originals left on the original table, the process advances to step 15 and waits until the final copy has been ejected. When paper ejection is complete,
Proceeding to step 16, the transport drive motor is stopped.

In the next step 17, a post-processing routine is executed. That is, in this example, stable processing is performed on the created copy group.

Each step 1.2 in FIG. 5.6.8. The contents of routines II and 17 are shown in FIG. 12a, respectively.

It is shown in FIG. 12b, FIG. 12c, FIG. 12d, FIG. 12e, FIG. 12f, and FIG. 12g.

Referring to FIG. 12a, in the set sheet number input routine,
Every time an input operation from the numeric keypad is detected, the input value is stored in RAM and R is displayed on the cent count display.
Displays the number of sheets set on AM.

Referring now to Figure 12b, in this example the cover key
In response to the operation 228, one of cover mode off, front cover mode, and front and back cover modes is selected as the cover mode. In other words, when both the front cover mode flag and the front and back cover mode flags are cleared (
When the cover key 228 is pressed during cover mode off), steps B1, B2. Since the process passes through B6 and proceeds to step B7, the front cover mode flag is set and the front cover mode is entered. In this case, the front and back cover moto flags are set and the sort mode flag is set (sort mode is entered). Also, if the cover key is pressed when the front cover mode flag is set and the front and back cover mode flags are cleared (front cover moto), the process proceeds to step 83 through steps B1 and B2, so the front cover mode flag is cleared. is reset and the front/back cover mode flag is set (enters front/back cover mode).

In this case as well, the sort mode flag is set. Further, if the cover key is pressed when the front cover mode flag is cleared and the front and back cover mode flags are set (in the front and back cover mode), steps B1, B2. B
6 and proceeds to B10, both the front cover mode flag and the front cover moto flag are reset (cover mode is turned off). Also, in this case, the sort mode flag is reset, so the sort mode is automatically canceled.

Next, the initial setting routine will be explained with reference to FIG. 12c.

In step C1, a counter for counting the number of originals is cleared, and in the next step C2, a transport drive motor is turned on. In step C3, the aforementioned sort mode flag is checked to identify whether the sort mode is on or off. If it is not the sorting mode, the process proceeds to step C4, where the switching claw 46 in the sorter is lowered to control the ejected copies to be directed toward the ejection tray. In the case of the sort mode, the process proceeds to step C5, where the switching claw 46 is raised to control the copies to go toward the bins in the sorter, the page number counter is cleared, and the stability limit display 23
Turn off 4.

In step 6 of FIG. 11, as shown in FIG. 12d,
Executes document feeding processing (sends a feeding signal to the ADF) and increments the document number counter by 1.

Next, the content of the paper feed control routine will be explained with reference to FIG. 12e.

In step E1, the content of the original sheet number counter for counting the number of fed original sheets is referred to, and it is determined whether the number is 1 or not, that is, whether or not the copy processing is for the first sheet of original. If it is the first document, proceed to F2, otherwise proceed to F6.

In step E2, the front cover mode flag is checked to determine whether or not the front cover mode is set.

If it is front cover mode, proceed to F3, otherwise F
Proceed to step 5. In step E3, the front and back cover mode flags are checked to determine whether or not the front and back cover mode is in effect. If it is front and back cover mode, proceed to F4, otherwise F
Proceed to step 5.

In step E6, the sensor detects whether or not there is a document remaining on the document table of the ADF, and if there is no document remaining, it is determined that the copy cycle is for the final document, and the process advances to F7, and if it is not the final document, F9 Proceed to. In step E7, it is determined whether the front and back cover mode is on by referring to the front and back cover mode flag, and if it is on, the process proceeds to F8;
If it is off, proceed to F9.

In steps E5 and F9, normal transfer paper is fed from the selected paper feed power center or tray, and in steps E4 and F8, special paper is fed from the predetermined paper feed cassette or tray.

The special paper is the paper that serves as the cover of the copy bundle, and is generally the same size and thicker as the selected ordinary transfer paper. The paper feeding system for feeding special paper includes paper feeding trays 23, 24 . Paper cassette 4Chl, 40-2.40
-3, and the special paper is stored in that tray or cassette in advance.

The special paper is fed in step E4 or F8 when copying the first original in front cover mode, and for the first and last original in front cover mode. Now is the time to copy it. In other copy cycles, plain paper is selected and fed as transfer paper.

Next, the contents of the paper discharge control routine will be explained with reference to FIG. 12f.

In step F1, the sort mode flag is checked to identify whether the sort mode is on or off.
Proceed to step 2. If it is not the sort mode, the process advances to F9, waits until the paper ejection sensor of the paper ejection tray detects the leading edge of the copy paper, and then increments the paper ejection counter by 1.

In the sort mode, after waiting for the bin paper ejection sensor to detect the leading edge of the copy paper in step F2, step F2
3 increments the paper ejection counter by 1. In the next step F4,
The biasing of the deflection claw of the currently selected bin is turned off, the biasing of the deflection claw of the bin one level below is turned on, and the paper ejection path (the bin from which copies are ejected) is switched. In step F5, the number of copies designated in step 1 is compared with the number of processed (already ejected) copies. If the two are equal, it means that all copies of the document being processed have been completed, so after turning off the deflection claw of the selected bin, the deflection claw of the topmost bin in the selected block is turned off. Turn on the momentum,
Clear the paper discharge counter and increment the page number counter by 1.

Next, the contents of the post-processing routine will be explained with reference to FIG. 12g.

In step G1, it is determined whether the stable mode is on, and if it is on, the process proceeds to step G2, where it is determined whether the cover mode is on (front or front/back cover mode).

If the cover mode is on, the process proceeds to step G3; otherwise, the process proceeds to step G5. In step G3, the value of the page number counter (equal to the total number of originals processed so far) is compared with a predetermined limit value N1, and if the value of the counter is greater than the limit value N, the process advances to step G4. , turn on the stability limit indicator 234, otherwise execute stable processing in step G6.Step G5
Now, compare the value of the page number counter with the limit value N2, and if the counter value is greater than N2, proceed to step G4 and turn on the steal pull limit display 234, otherwise execute stable processing in step G6. do.

The limit value N2 is the maximum number of sheets that can be stably processed, which is determined by the quality and thickness of the transfer paper normally used in the copying machine and the capacity of the stable processing device. The limit value N1 is N
This value is set to a value smaller than 2, which takes into consideration the reduction in the number of sheets that can be stably processed due to the use of thick special paper as a cover. Therefore, the total thickness of the copy bundle corresponding to the limit value N, and the limit value N
The total thickness of the copy bundle corresponding to 2 is approximately equal.

Generally, when attaching a cover only to the top side of a copy stack, the thickness of each cover sheet becomes larger than when attaching a cover to both the top and bottom sides, so the front cover mode and front/back cover mode are In either case, the difference in thickness is the same as in the case without a cover, so in this embodiment, the limit value is the same in the front cover mode and the front and back cover mode. However, the limit value may be controlled to be different between the front cover mode and the front and back cover modes.

[Effects] As described above, according to the present invention, reliable stable processing is always achieved regardless of whether the cover mode is on or off.
Furthermore, when the number of sheets of paper to be processed reaches the limit of the capacity of the stable device, its operation is prohibited, thereby reducing the probability of occurrence of stability defects or failure of the stable device.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a front view showing the overall internal structure of the copying machine of the embodiment, FIG. 2 is a front view showing the internal structure of the sorter connected to the copying machine of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is the inside of the ivy. 4 is a plan view showing a part of the sorter with a cutaway, FIG. 5 is a side view of the sorter seen from the right side of FIG. 2, and FIG. 6 is a rear view showing the structure.
7 and 8 are chunk units of the sorter, respectively. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the configuration of a post-processing blade and an alignment shaft drive unit. 9 is a plan view showing the appearance of the operation board of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram schematically showing the configuration of the electrical equipment of the copying machine shown in FIG. 1. FIG. 11 is a flowchart 1- showing an overview of the operation of the copying machine shown in FIG. 12a, 12b, 12c, 2d, 12e, 12f, and 12g are the 11th
3 is a flowchart showing in detail a part of the process shown in the figure. Automatic document feeder 4 Contact glass photoreceptor drum 20° sorter 2.23.24 Paper feed tray 0-1.4'O-2, 40-3 Paper feed power cent 6 Switching claw 54: Paper ejection tray 5゛ Bin 0゛Chasoku Unisol I-61 Post J'll Unit 4
Deflection claw 200: Operation board 01 Start key 20 Stable key 228° Cover key 00: Main control unit voice diagram Figure 4 Figure 6 Strategy 5 Figure Gate Figure 7\ Figure 8 Figure 12a Figure 12d Figure 12c Figure 12f diagram

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] A plurality of paper feeding systems, a recording device that records an image on paper fed from the paper feeding system, a stapling device that performs stapling processing on the ejected recording paper, and a cover mode. When specified, the paper is fed from one of the paper feed systems, and the recording means sequentially records an image on the paper and sends it to the paper ejection path, and each time a predetermined recording condition is met, paper is fed from the other paper feed system. In a recording control device, the recording control device includes a cover processing means for performing cover processing to send processed sheets to a paper ejection path; Compares the number of processed sheets with a predetermined limit number of sheets, and permits or prohibits operation of the stapling means according to the result. What is claimed is: 1. A recording control device comprising: a stapling control means for controlling the number of sheets and automatically switching the limited number of sheets according to whether a cover mode is turned on or off.