JPH04117867U - Post-processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] [Purpose] Post-processing the recording medium by providing a first guide means for guiding the recording medium to the deflecting means and a second guide means for guiding the recording medium discharged from the bin to the storage means, [Structure] Transfer paper discharged from a copying machine is guided by a deflection unit 10 by a vertical conveyance belt 12 and a wire 28 (first guide means), and the deflection unit 10 transfers the transfer paper to a bin 26. The recording medium is vertically moved and conveyed along the recording medium inlet, and guided to a preset bin 26. The transfer sheets sorted into the bins 26 are carried out from the bins 26 by the drawer rollers 24. Then, the transferred transfer paper is transferred to the vertical conveyance belt 12 below the deflection unit 10 and the wire 28 (second
guide means) and are guided to the stacker 32 and stored therein.

Description

[Detailed explanation of the idea]

0001

[Industrial application field]

This idea is based on a recording medium that is attached to an image forming device and is ejected from the image forming device. sorting, stacking, or stacking sheets such as documents or manuscripts; The present invention relates to a post-processing device that performs post-processing such as stapling.

0002

[Conventional technology]

Post-processing devices are used to process images after they are formed using image forming devices such as copiers and printers. It is essential for efficient processing, and as the number of documents increases, As a result, processing efficiency and functionality are becoming increasingly important. For this reason, the image Sorting, binding, and A post-processing device has been proposed that automatically performs a series of operations such as reading and ejecting bound documents. There is. Examples of this include JP-A-60-179756 and JP-A-63-1398. There are techniques disclosed in publications such as No. 77 and Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 63-147775.

0003 Among these, JP-A-63-179756 discloses a plurality of records arranged in multiple stages. Trays (bins) for storing recording sheets, movable with respect to these bins, A sorting means that sorts recording sheets into bins, and a sorting means that passes through the bins to the opposite side of the sorting means. A recording sheet binding means is provided and is movably installed with respect to the bin, and a recording sheet A recording sheet ejecting means installed in each bin that ejects sheets from above the bin, and A recording sheet post-processing device is disclosed, which includes a stacking means for stacking recorded recording sheets. It is.

0004 Furthermore, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-139877 discloses that a plurality of bins arranged in multiple stages and , the bins are movable and the recording sheets are sorted into each bin by moving them. a sorting means, and a discharge means for discharging the sorted recording sheets one set at a time from the bin. , a binding means for temporarily storing and binding recording sheets discharged one set at a time; A record comprising a stacking means for removing and stacking recording sheets one set at a time from the binding means. A sheet post-processing device is disclosed.

[0005] Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-147775 discloses a plurality of bins arranged in multiple stages. By making the bins movable, the recording sheets are sorted into each bin by moving them. a sorting means, a binding means provided at a fixed position for binding the recording sheets on the bins, and a binding means for binding the recording sheets on the bins; To take out the bound recording sheet on the printer. A recording sheet rear panel comprising a recording sheet storage means and an accumulation means for accumulating the retrieved recording sheets. A processing device is disclosed.

[0006]

[Problem that the idea aims to solve]

However, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 179756/1983 has the following problems. There is.

[0007] 1) Since the sorting means and binding means are provided separately, the installation space for each is In addition to increasing the size of the device itself, it also requires separate means for sorting and binding. A separate drive mechanism is required for each, making the structure complex and, of course, The cost will also be higher.

[0008] 2) Since each bin is equipped with a recording sheet ejecting means from above the bin, the sheet of the bin is This not only hinders storage capacity, but also complicates the structure and increases costs.

[0009] 3) A hand to guide the recording sheet when discharging the recording sheet from the top of the bin to the stacking means. Since there are no tiers, recording sheets may jam or fold, making it difficult to eject recording sheets. It is unstable.

0010 In addition, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 139877/1983 has problems other than the above-mentioned problem 1. , there are the following problems.

[0011] 4) Because it is configured to eject sorted recording sheets one set at a time and bind them one by one. , when the productivity of post-processing is low and the processing speed of the image forming apparatus itself is high. cannot keep up with the processing speed of the image forming device itself, and the processing speed is slower than the processing speed of the post-processing device. This slows down the processing speed and reduces overall productivity.

0012 5) When guiding the sheet bundle from the bin to the binding means, make sure that the recording sheets are not bound. As a result, the conveying force is not transmitted to the entire sheet bundle, ensuring reliable sheet guidance. I can't.

[0013] Furthermore, the technology disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-147775 has the following problems. be.

[0014] 6) Since the sorting work and binding work are done by moving the bins, space is required, the equipment itself becomes larger, and the cost increases accordingly. Become.

[0015] 7) A means for taking out the recording sheet on the bottle is provided as a separate unit on the side of the bottle opening. Because of this, the entire post-processing equipment becomes large-scale and costs high. Ru.

[0016] 8) Since the installation format shields the opening side of the bin, it is easy to use when clearing paper jams, etc. , there were problems with operability.

[0017] This idea was made in view of the actual state of the prior art, and the first The objective is to provide a post-processing device with excellent operability and high productivity. Also The second object is to provide a small and inexpensive post-processing device.

[0018]

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above first objective, the first means is to arrange a multi-stage storage system for storing recording media. The recording medium ejected from the image forming apparatus is guided into the plurality of bins set up for predetermined processing. In a recording medium post-processing device for processing, a recording medium is provided movably relative to the bin. , deflection means for guiding the recording medium into a preset bin, and ejection from the image forming apparatus side. a first guide means for guiding the deflected recording medium toward the deflection means; and a first guide means placed on the bin. An unloading means for unloading the loaded recording medium from the bin, and a A storing means for storing a recording medium and a recording medium carried out by the carrying out means are placed in front of each other. and a second guide means for guiding the storage device to the storage means.

[0019] The first purpose is to develop a binding means for binding a bundle of recording media accumulated on a bin. This can also be achieved by a second means.

[0020] Furthermore, a second object is to provide the first and second guide means with the same conveyor belt. This is achieved by the third means constructed from the above.

[0021]

[Effect]

According to the above means, the recording medium ejected from the image forming apparatus is transferred to the first guiding means. The recording medium is guided to the deflection means by the deflection means, for example, a recording medium of a bottle. It is conveyed by vertical movement along the body inlet and guided into a preset bin. inside the bottle The sorted recording media are carried out from the bins by a carrying unit. And carry out The recorded medium is guided to and accommodated in the storage means by the second guide means.

[0022] In addition, when there are multiple recording media, they are bound using a binding method and processed as one bundle. be managed. In addition, the first and second guide means may be constituted by the same conveyor belt. Then, the guidance to the deflection means and the guidance to the accommodation means can be performed in the same cycle, and the structure and easier control.

[0023] This action is specifically explained in detail in sections (1-5, 6, 7). .

[0024]

【Example】 Hereinafter, embodiments of this invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0025] (1) General configuration (1-1) Overall overview (1-1-1) Configuration of copying machine First, a sorter/stapler and an image forming apparatus as a post-processing device according to an embodiment This section provides an overall overview of copying machines.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a post-processing device (hereinafter referred to as a sorter/stapler) according to an embodiment of this invention. Figure 2 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the state in which the printer is connected to the copying machine main body. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sorter/stapler.

[0027] In FIG. 1, the copying machine 1 uses a laser beam reflected by a polygon mirror 163. a writing optical system 909 that guides the image to a belt-shaped photoreceptor (hereinafter simply referred to as a photoreceptor) 90; , develops the latent image written by the writing optical system 909 and formed on the photoreceptor 90. The developed image developed by the developing unit 910 is transferred to a transfer paper (recording sheet). The first transfer station 231 transfers the image onto the photoreceptor 9. The first separation charger 100 separates from 0, transfers at the first transfer station 231 a second transfer station 232 for further transferring onto a transfer paper P different from the transferred transfer paper P; A fixing unit 190 fixes the image to the transfer paper P onto which the image has been transferred, and a photoreceptor 9 after transferring the image. A cleaning section 920 that cleans the photoreceptor 90, and a static eliminator 93 that neutralizes the photoreceptor 90 after cleaning. 0, an image forming system 950 consisting of a charger 940 that charges after static electricity removal, and an image forming system The basic system starts with a transport system 960 for the transfer paper P that supplies the transfer paper P to the transfer paper P 950 and discharges the transfer paper P. It is structured as follows.

[0028] The conveyance system 960 transports the transfer paper P between the first transfer station 231 and the second transfer station. They are configured to be able to be conveyed alternately to the tubes 232. In this example of FIG. The second transfer station 232 is set to a known corona transfer type transfer structure. .

[0029] When copying with this type of copying machine 1, the first transfer paper P is transferred to the feed roller 201. The paper is fed by Therefore, after branching, it enters the first conveyance path 203. The transfer paper P in the conveyance path 203 is It passes through the intermediate roller 204 and waits at the registration roller 205 section.

[0030] The second transfer paper P is transferred to the first transfer paper P at a certain timing from the start of conveyance of the first transfer paper P. Like P, the paper is fed by the feed roller 201 and branched by the first branching claw 202. After that, the paper passes through the second transport path 212 and enters the transfer paper stack section 211 . Stats The leading edge of the transfer paper at the recording section 211 is regulated by the second registration roller 206, The transfer paper P is conveyed by the pick section intermediate roller 207, and the transfer paper P is completely transferred. The photos are stored in the photo paper stack section 211.

[0031] The transfer paper stack section 211 is composed of different inclined surfaces, and is oriented toward the photoreceptor 90 surface. It is approximately V-shaped, and the transfer paper P is curved and stored in this V-shaped stack part. This is designed to save space in the sheet conveyance direction. Also, Since the stack section 211 is provided with an elastic member 208, it is possible to bend the transfer paper P. Even when the transfer paper P is stored in a It is possible to hold it in your mouth. The first transfer paper P is the same as the leading edge of the image on the photoreceptor 90. It is fed again at the timing when the transfer period is taken and transferred at the first transfer station 231. Separation is performed at a first separation station 100. Transfer paper P after separation is transferred to the first conveyor. After passing through the feeding section 209 and the second conveying section 210, the image is fixed at the fixing section 190.

[0032] The second transfer paper P is timed in synchronization with the leading edge of the image formed immediately after the first transfer paper image. The second transfer station 232 performs the transfer. separation The subsequent transfer paper P passes through the third transport section 234 and is fixed at the fixing section 190.

[0033] Next, the relationship between the latent image on the photoreceptor 90 (including after development) and the transfer paper P will be described.

[0034] Latent images are formed on the photoreceptor 90 at minute intervals with almost no gaps between latent images. So The latent image is transferred alternately by the first and second transfer stations 231 and 232. The aim is to increase the number of copies per unit time by making the transfer paper interval minute. There is. In the conventional method with only one transfer station, the resist tone of the transfer paper is The transfer paper interval occurs due to the transfer paper stop time during alignment, in other words, the conveyance between the transfer papers It is not possible to prevent the interval from becoming longer. The first and second transfer paper feed order is , transfer the transfer paper corresponding to the second formed latent image to the transfer paper corresponding to the first formed latent image. First, the first transfer paper is fed out before the paper, and then the first transfer paper is sent out through the second conveyance path 212 and then Then, the second transfer paper is sent to the first conveyance path 203. You can take it out.

[0035] Next, the configuration of the transport route will be described.

[0036] The path length of the first conveyance path 203 is the maximum transfer paper that can be stored in the transfer paper stack section 211. It is set longer than the size, and is completely within the first conveyance path 203 when waiting for registration. will be stored in.

[0037] Transfer paper stack section 211, second transfer station 232, and third conveyance section 2 34 is held by a holding means (not shown) and set to be removable, and is attached to the first transfer station. It is also possible to use only the Shion 231. Also, at this time, the first Mode selection is set for only the transfer station 231.

[0038] Between the first transfer station 231 and the second transfer station 232 on the photoreceptor 90 The distance is longer than the maximum transfer paper size stored in the transfer paper stack section 211. Because of this, even if development is performed without latent image spacing, the transfer will occur at two transfer stations. It is possible to carry out photocopying.

[0039] Between the first transfer station 231 and the second transfer station 232 on the photoreceptor 90 The distance between the second transfer station 232 and the fixing nip (the distance between the third conveyance section 234 and The distance between the first transfer station 231 and the first and second transport sections 209, 210. Also, the photoreceptor linear velocity and the first and second , 3 transport sections 209, 210, 234, first and second registration rollers 205, 2 The linear velocity of 06 is approximately the same value. In other words, the first transfer paper is transferred to the first transfer station. When the image is transferred by the transfer unit 231 and fixed via the first and second conveyance units 209 and 210, the first The trailing edge of the transfer paper is transferred at the second transfer station 232 and transferred to the third conveyance section 234. The second transfer sheet is located at almost no interval from the leading edge of the second transfer sheet, which is then fixed. This transfer paper spacing The interval is approximately equal to the interval between latent images. However, due to reasons such as conveyance slip, In some cases, the spacing between the paper sheets may be wider, but the spacing is very small.

[0040] (1-1-2) Schematic configuration of sorter/stapler As shown in FIG. and is connected to the transfer paper discharge port 235 from the conveyance path 227 via the relay conveyance path 2. It is. This sorter/stapler 1000 is a type of Sorting photo papers, stapling, and stacking stapled copy paper stacks It has an automatic removal function from the sort bin, and it is accepted by the copying machine body 1. It is now possible to execute multiple different job commands in succession.

[0041] The sorter/stapler 1000 according to this embodiment is also shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Sea urchin guide plate 5, direction change belt 4, registration guide plate 7, sorting conveyance path 9, Deflection unit 10, drive belt 11, vertical conveyance belt 12, vertical conveyance belt drive roller 13, a drive pulley 14, and a sorting bin (hereinafter simply referred to as a bin) 26. It is mainly composed of

[0042] The bins 26 are installed at predetermined intervals so that the front side (operation surface side when installed) is higher. It is fixed at an angle to A drive belt 11 is stretched between the drive pulleys 14, 14, and the drive belt 11 The deflection unit 10 is moved up and down. Also, these drive pulleys In this embodiment, there are three vertical conveyor belt drive rollers 13 coaxially with the rollers 14. The vertical conveyor belt 12 is stretched between the upper and lower corresponding vertical conveyor belt drive rollers 13. It is set up. Also, facing the movement path of the deflection unit 10, the upper end in the movement direction Upper limit detection for detecting the upper and lower limits of movement of the deflection unit 10, respectively, at the lower end A sensor 51 and a lower limit detection sensor 52 are provided. In addition, the details of these configurations This will be discussed later.

[0043] In this sorter/stapler 1000, as shown in FIG. The transfer paper P discharged in the direction of arrow M is moved in the direction perpendicular to the discharge direction (Fig. The direction change belt 4 rotating in the N direction) sends the material to the sorting vertical conveyance path 9 on the back side. The direction is changed by a deflection unit 10 that moves vertically up and down the sorting vertical conveyance path 9. Sorting is performed into a plurality of bins 26 located below the belt 4. Sorting is finished The bundle of transfer paper obtained is provided in the deflection unit 10 and moves together with the deflection unit 10. The stapling unit 46 performs stapling.

[0044] The stapled transfer paper bundle is transferred to the drawer roller 2 provided in the deflection unit 10. 4, it is sent out again to the vertical conveyance path 9 and discharged to the stacker 32 at the bottom of the sorter. . By doing this, the operator can remove the stack of stapled transfer paper from the stacker 32. Just take it out. Similarly, the copied sheets are sequentially processed.

[0045] In the sorter/stapler 1000 according to this embodiment, the 3 drawers from above the bin 26 for sorting, stapling, and stapled copy paper stacks The mechanism is provided on a single base (deflection unit) and is moved up and down by the same drive mechanism. difference Furthermore, during sorting, the drive of the bin discharge rollers 23 and the drawer rollers 24 to the bins 26 is also deflected. Obtained from unit drive mechanism.

[0046] (1-2) Changing the direction of copy paper FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the main parts of the four parts of the direction change belt. In the figure, relay conveyance path 2 On the downstream side of the belt discharge roller 3 in the conveying direction, a guide plate 5 and a direction changing belt 4 are installed. are arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the transfer paper is conveyed by the belt discharge roller 3. child As a result, the transfer paper P discharged from the copying machine main body 1 passes through the relay conveyance path 2 and is delivered to the belt discharge. The direction perpendicular to the copy paper conveyance direction (arrow M direction) of the copying machine main body 1 by the output roller 3 It is discharged onto the direction changing belt 4 rotating in the direction (arrow N direction in FIG. 4).

[0047] At the time of discharge, the transfer paper P is pulled by the belt from the tip of the upper surface of the direction change belt 4 in the direction of movement. However, since the rear end in the ejection direction is held by the belt ejection roller 303, the transfer There is no possibility that the paper P will be slanted.

[0048] In addition, when the entire surface of the transfer paper P is received by the direction change belt 4, the direction of the transfer paper P can be changed. The rear end of the upper surface of the belt 4 in the direction of movement may get caught in the direction change belt 4, so do not The guide plate 5 receives the transfer paper P at the rear part in the direction of rotation.

[0049] The moment the transfer paper P is released from the belt discharge roller 3, its traveling direction is directed from the arrow M. N and is conveyed in the moving direction of the upper surface of the direction conversion belt 4. To direction change belt 4 The transfer paper P that has been transported further to the back side is placed on the downstream side of the direction conversion belt 4 in the transport direction. It comes into contact with the registered registration roller 6 and stops once, and after aligning the tip position, the vertical sorting roller It is sent to the conveyance path 9.

[0050] Above the direction change belt 4 is a registration guide plate that guides the transfer paper P into the registration section. 7, and a ball 8 which is biased by a leaf spring or the like and can rotate in any direction. By pressing the transfer paper P against the direction change belt 4, the transfer paper P and the direction change belt are This prevents the root 4 from slipping.

[0051] The guide plate 5, the direction conversion belt 4, the registration roller 6, and the belt ejector in Fig. 5 As can be seen from the plan view showing the relationship B3, the conveyance speed of the belt discharge roller [Vmm /sec], transfer paper size in discharge direction a [mm], belt conveyance direction b [mm] ], when the stopping time at the registration part is t [sec], the direction change belt is transported. The feed speed v [mm/sec] is v≧bV/(a-Vt) If the relationship is , then the interval between the transfer sheets P conveyed from the copying machine main body 1 is zero and However, the next transfer paper P overlaps the transfer paper P that was previously ejected onto the direction conversion belt 4. Never.

[0052] (1-3) Drive of deflection unit FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the main structure of the sorter/stapler 1000. Same figure As can be seen from the figure, the drive belt 11 that moves the deflection unit 10 up and down is A driving pulley provided coaxially with the vertical conveying belt drive roller 13 that drives the vertical conveying belt 12. 14. As for the drive belt 11, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. Six pulleys are provided on the sides of the deflection unit 10. Drive belt 11 moves up From above, the three on the side where the pulley 17, the first lowering pulley 18, the second lowering pulley from above, the three on the side where the belt moves downwards A pulley 19, a third descending pulley 20, and a first and second ascending pulley 15, 16. Either one of the first and second lowering pulleys 18, 19 is connected to an electromagnetic clamp. It should be possible to stop the rotation using a latch, brake, etc.

[0053] Also, six pulleys 15, 16, 17, 18, 19 on the side of the deflection unit 10, Further outside the deflection unit 20, a rolling prevention mechanism and a brake mechanism for the deflection unit 10 are provided. Ru. In this embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 7 to 12, a sorter/stapler 1000 is used. It is rotated by a rack 21 on the main body side and an electromagnetic clutch/brake etc. on the deflection unit 10 side. A pinion 22 that can be stopped is provided.

[0054] As shown in FIG. 13, a rising clutch 70 is installed coaxially with the first rising pulley 15. When this rising clutch 70 is turned on, the rotation of the rising pulley will stop. . Similarly, a descending clutch 71 is provided coaxially with the first descending pulley 18. A descending clutch 71 and a stop clutch provided coaxially with the pinion 22 shown in FIG. Turn off the switch 72 and rotate the lowering pulleys 18, 19, 20 and pinion 22. is free, the deflection unit 10 moves the arrow at the same speed as the moving speed of the drive belt 11. It rises in the direction of mark U (Fig. 8).

[0055] Turn on the descending clutch 71 to stop the rotation of the descending pulleys 18, 19, and 20, and Turn off the lifting clutch 70 and the stopping clutch 72, and turn the lifting pulleys 15, 16, 17, If the pinion 22 and pinion 22 are allowed to rotate freely, the deflection unit 10 It descends in the direction of arrow D at the same speed as the movement speed of (Fig. 9).

[0056] Turn off the ascending clutch 70 and descending clutch 71, and release the ascending pulleys 15, 16, 1. 7, and the lowering pulleys 18, 19, and 20 are free to rotate, and the stop clutch 72 is When the pinion 22 is turned on and the rotation of the pinion 22 is stopped, the deflection unit 10 is stopped (see Fig. 1). 0).

[0057] In this way, with this drive mechanism, it is possible to keep the drive belt 11 constantly rotating. , uses the same drive shaft and drive source as the vertical conveyor belt 12, which also always rotates in the same direction. can. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the deflection unit 10 has The rotation of the discharge roller 23 and the drawer roller 24 is also driven by the rotation of the lowering pulleys 18, 19, 20. It is possible to obtain from Note that the lowering pulley 1 is moved only when the deflection unit 10 is lowered. 8, 19, and 20 stop rotating, but the deflection unit 10 continues to move the vertical conveyor belt 12. If the transfer paper moves faster than the moving speed, it may cause a paper jam at the bin ejection roller 23. There is no such thing. Conversely, if rotation is obtained from the ascending pulleys 15, 16, and 17, the deflection unit 10, the bottle ejection roller 23 may stop and cause a paper jam. . Therefore, in this embodiment, the driving force of the bottle discharging roller 23 is transferred to the lowering pulley 20 side. It is configured so that it can be obtained from

[0058] (1-4) Stop position of deflection unit There are as many stopping positions for the deflection unit 10 during sorting as there are bins 26. In this example The deflection unit 10 is a reflective type provided in the deflection unit 10 as shown in FIG. The position sensor 50 detects the bin one level below the target sorting bin and stops. bottom bin The stopping position when sorting is detected by the lower limit detection sensor 52 of the deflection unit 10. know In this embodiment, the bin 26 that performs the stapling operation is located two levels below the sorting bin (located at (one level below the bin detected by the sensor 50). Staple to top bin The stopping position when performing this is determined by the upper limit detection sensor 51 of the deflection unit 10. Detect. Since the bin 26 that performs the pulling operation is the same as that used during sorting, the stopping position is It is detected in the same way as when dividing. Performs three operations: sorting, stapling, and pulling out. Even if the bins 26 are different, the difference in their stopping positions will be an integral multiple of the bin interval. If this is done, there will be no need to provide dedicated stop positions and sensors for each operation. There's no need.

[0059] (1-5) Sorting operation The transfer paper P sent to the sorting vertical conveyor belt 9 by the registration roller 6 is Conveyed downward by an endless vertical conveyor belt 12 hung on a vertical conveyor belt drive roller 13 is deflected in the direction of the bin 26 by the sorting guide plate 25 of the deflection unit 10, Furthermore, the bin is discharged to the target bin 26 by the bin discharging roller 23 (Fig. 6, Fig. 15, Figure 16).

[0060] As a means for urging the transfer paper P to the vertical conveyance belt 12, the transfer paper P is placed in a registration section or A sorting guide is inserted from a wire pulley 27 provided at a position where it contacts the vertical conveyor belt 12. The wire 28 is used, which has been crawled to a position where it is deflected by the board 25. This wire 28 is above the deflection unit 10. Staples are also completed below the deflection unit 10. After that, the transfer paper bundle sent again to the vertical conveyance path 9 by the drawer rollers 24 is transferred to the vertical conveyance belt 1. 2 is required, so one wire 28 is used as shown in Figure 6. Avoid the group of bottles 26 from above the deflection unit 10 and crawl below the deflection unit 10. Therefore, a winding mechanism for the wire 28 becomes unnecessary.

[0061] (1-6) Staple operation In this sorter/stapler 1000, when changing the direction of the transfer paper P, the belt discharge roller The rear edges in the discharge direction according to step 3 are aligned, and the sorted transfer paper P can also be processed by the copying machine regardless of its size. Since they are aligned on the main body 1 side, the schematic configuration diagram of the bin in Fig. 17 and the main components of the bin in Fig. 18 are shown. As shown in the enlarged view, a side fence 29 is provided on the image forming apparatus side of the bin 26, The jogging bar 30 and the side driven by the jogging motor 73 shown in FIG. After adjusting the posture of the transfer paper bundle by the fence 29, the stapling operation is started.

[0062] The position of the deflection unit 10 after sorting differs depending on the number of documents, but the position of the deflection unit 10 after sorting is The bin operation can be started from any position, and as long as sorting ends at the top bin. , the deflection unit 10 rises to the upper limit position and starts stapling from the top bin. Move downward. If the sorting ends in the lower bin, it will move up by two bins and the Start stapling upward from the position.

[0063] The staple unit 46 provided at the bottom of the deflection unit 10 is shown in FIGS. and as shown in Figure 19, it is evacuated to a position that does not obstruct the passage of copy paper during sorting (Figure 19). 19-solid line position), during stapling, after the deflection unit 10 stops at the target bin 26, It moves in the direction of the bin 26 and staples the bundle of transfer sheets (position indicated by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 19).

[0064] After that, the staple unit 46 returns to the retracted position and then moves to the next bin 26. Ru. The staple unit retraction position is the staple unit home position (not shown). Detected by a sensor.

[0065] Note that the stapling position is aligned with the copying machine body 1 side of the transfer paper stack, so the copying machine The main body 1 side is preferable. The staple position of the bin 26 is shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. A sea urchin staple notch 42 is cut out. Also, transfer paper stacks after sorting The end fence 31 that aligns the side of the bottle discharge roller 23 is also not provided at the staple position. stomach.

[0066] Movement of the staple unit 46 and stapling of the bundle of transfer paper are not shown. This is done using the staple movement motor and staple drive motor. In addition, the binding mechanism is Use known techniques.

[0067] (1-7) Pulling out operation After completing the stapling of all transfer paper stacks, pull out the transfer paper stack using the drawer roller 24. It is carried out again to the vertical conveyance path 9, conveyed downward by the vertical conveyance belt 12, and is transported to the lowermost bin by the vertical conveyance belt 12. Release to Tatsuka 32. This withdrawal operation starts from the top bin. drawer roller 24 obtains driving force from the bottle discharging roller shaft 33 via a belt, etc., and the bottle discharging roller shaft 3 A drawer bracket that rotates in the same direction as 3 and can rotate around the bottle ejection roller shaft 33. It is supported by a bolt 34. When sorting and stapling, the drawer roller 24 is stored vertically below the bottle ejection roller 23, but when the bottle is pulled out, the bottle is ejected. The output roller 23 moves horizontally to the outside of the deflection unit 10. In this example, Fig. 15 and 20, the sector gear is attached to the drawer bracket 34. gear by a pull-out roller motor 74 connected to a worm gear 36. The drawer roller 24 is moved via the roller 47.

[0068] The end fence 31 of the bin 26 will prevent the transfer paper from being pulled out, so it should be placed at the bottom of the bin. Make it possible to rotate and retreat. Also, a part of the drawer bracket 34 is attached to an end flap. Pressing the end fence 31 extending to the lever position with the end fence lever 37 When the end fence retraction lever 37 pushes the end fence 38, the end fence 31 is moved. Evacuate downward.

[0069] The withdrawal operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23.

[0070] After stapling is completed, the deflection unit 10 rises to the upper limit position as shown in Figure 21. Then, the drawer roller 24 is moved to a horizontal position. After that, the deflection unit 10 is pulled out. It descends to the target bin and moves the drawer roller 24 downward. Transfer paper in bottle 26 When the maximum number of sheets is loaded, the drawer roller 24 comes into contact with the top surface of the stack of transfer paper as shown in Figure 22. At this position, the end fence 31 is completely retracted below the bin 26. The dofuens evacuation lever 37 and the pressing portion 38 are related to each other. The trailing edge of the transfer paper stack is After being pulled out from the pull-out roller 26, the pull-out roller 24 is returned to the horizontal position, and the deflection unit 1 is 0 moves to the next bin 26. At that time, use the evacuation lever 37 or the drawer bracket. The button 34 presses the pressing part 38 and moves the end fence 31 downward as shown in FIG. It descends while retreating. Then, pull the transfer paper stack from the following bin 26 in the same way. I'll bring it out.

[0071] The pulled-out transfer paper bundle is hung on the first discharge roller 39 and the second discharge roller 40. The discharge belt 41 is brought into contact with the vertical conveyance belt 12, and the vertical conveyance belt 12 and It is conveyed downward by the wire 28 and discharged to the stacker 32 below the bottom bin. Na 17, the bin 26 jogs outside the aforementioned staple notch 42. A bar notch 44 and a copy paper take-out notch 45 are formed, and a remaining paper Remaining paper detection for detecting transfer paper (remaining paper) remaining in the bin 26 by the sensor 60 An opening 43 is formed.

[0072] (2) Control configuration of sorter/stapler There is no serial transmission between the sorter/stapler (post-processing device) 1000 and the copier main body 1. Connected by reception.

[0073] The schematic configuration of the control circuit of the sorter/stapler 1000 is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. vinegar. Although FIGS. 24 and 25 are originally one diagram, they are shown as two diagrams for convenience. ing. This control circuit basically includes a CPU 80, a ROM 81, a RAM 82, The first to fourth four I/O gates 83, 84, 85, 86 and the CPU 80 AD conversion input unit 88 that AD converts and inputs the output from each unit 87 to be detected. and input the output from each section 87 to the first and second I/O gates 83 and 84. input section 89, and third and fourth I/O gates according to instructions from the CPU 80. A driver for driving each part 90 to be controlled according to control signals from 85 and 86. Becomes a control target according to drive control signals from the driver 91 and the fourth gate 86 It is composed of an H-type driver 92 for driving each section 90. Furthermore, R A buffer between OM81 and RAM82 and each I/O gate 83, 84, 85, 86 A latch 93 is inserted into the base. T×D terminal and R×D terminal of CPU80 The children are respectively connected to the system control circuit of the copying machine main body 1. Also, code 9 4 is a decoder. In addition, each part 87 to be detected and each part to be controlled The section 90 is specifically shown in block (87, 90) in FIG.

[0074] Note that the data is sent from the system control circuit of the copying machine main body 1 to the sorter/stapler 1000. The contents of the transmitted data are shown in FIG. 50 from the sorter/stapler 1000 to the copying machine The contents of the data sent to the system control circuits are shown in FIG.

[0075] (2-1) General control of sorter/stapler A schematic control procedure of the sorter/stapler 1000 is shown in the flowchart of FIG. show. In this process, the status of the sorter/stapler 1000 side (jam flag, drive open, paper remaining in the bottle, staple abnormality, staple end), etc., and the operator key input (mode selection) and the status of the copier main unit 1 (paper, various abnormal flags). If the mode can be executed, the sorter/stapler 1 Send data necessary for mode processing (paper size, bin data, etc.) to 000. , if execution is not possible, a warning message will be provided to prohibit or change the mode, and to notify that the mode cannot be selected. Steps (guidance display), etc. are executed (steps S26-1, 2, and 3).

[0076] When a copying operation is executed (step S26-4), basically the copying machine main body 1 according to the data sent (staple, sort/stack, tray...). It performs operational processing, but the common processing is from the copying machine body 1 to the sorter/stape. The transfer paper conveyed to the sorter/stapler 1000 is detected by the bin paper discharge sensor of the sorter/stapler 1000. When the transfer paper is ejected from 55 (Figure 16), the sheet ejection flag is set to "1" and the copy is It is sent to the camera body 1 side. Upon receiving the above flag, the copying machine main unit 1 receives the signal. It is determined that the transfer paper is being ejected (not a jam). When the carriage moves (the stage When discharging sheets to each bin in pull, sort, and stack modes), post-processing equipment The machine 1000 side displays the bin data values sent from the copier body 1 and the current and actual values. At the position of the carriage, perform an operation that makes the bin counter equal to By repeating the operation, the transfer paper is discharged onto each bin 26. A jam occurs during the above operation. If so, jam flags 1, 2, and 3 are set depending on the position of occurrence. child This means that when the jam flag is sent to the copier main unit 1, the sorter/stapler 1000 This is to detect in which part (position) of the throat the jam has occurred (step S2 6-5).

[0077] In sort, stack mode, etc., when the final transfer paper is ejected (the "sheet ejection" of the final paper is output flag = 1”), the series of copying operations (sorting operations) is completed, so the copying machine The machine 1 side sends “motor ON flag = 0” to the sorter/stapler 1000, and the The drive motor on the data stapler 1000 side stops and accepts the next copy mode process. However, in staple mode, the transfer paper on each bin is stapled. Place the staple unit 46 in which the carriage is installed in the bin data position. Therefore, the bins to be bound are determined and the stapling operation is performed (steps S26-6, 7). .

[0078] Staple all the transfer papers on the bin in the order they are sent using the bin data above. During the stapling operation, the sorter/stapler 1000 side When the lag is set to “1” and the stapling operation is completed, the stapling execution flag is set to “1”. Then, the stapling execution flag for each bin is changed from “0” → “1” → It is transmitted as "0" to the copying machine main body 1 (steps S26-8 and 9).

[0079] When the stapling is completed, the transfer paper on the bin is stacked on the stacker installed at the bottom of the stack. 32, from the copier main body 1 to the sorter/stapler 1000 side. Sends the code flag = “1”. This causes the sorter/stapler 1000 side to drop. mode is executed, but the execution bin selection is based on the bin data from the copier main unit 1. It is determined. When the dropping operation is completed for each bin, the dropping flag changes from “1” to “0”. and sends it to the copying machine main unit 1 side. When all the bottles have been dropped, the copier The motor ON flag=“0” is transmitted from the main body 1 (step S26-10, 1 1,12).

[0080] Note that the transfer paper is conveyed to each bin 26, and the transfer paper placed on the bin 26 is jogged. The general timing for alignment is shown in the timing chart in Figure 52. Ru.

[0081] Each process will be described below with reference to flowcharts.

[0082] (2-2) Initial processing The initial processing subroutine of step S26-2 follows the procedure shown in FIG. will be processed. This process begins by identifying each port, RAM contents, flags, and The counter is cleared and set to the initial state (step S27-1). Then saw The connection flag of the sorter/stapler 1000, in other words, the connection flag of the sorter/stapler 1000. The lag is set to "1" (step S27-2), and a system (not shown) of the copying machine main body 1 is activated. Serial transmission and reception is performed using the control circuit and the contents shown in Figures 50 and 51 above. (Step S27-3), and if there is no transmission/reception error (Step S27-4) The initial request flag is set to "1" (step S27-5). and, Initial processing is executed (step S27-6). Please note that the initial request A flag is a flag that becomes “1” when the program is initialized, such as when the power is turned on. When it becomes "1", each sensor and drive parts are returned to their home position. The flag is set, and becomes "0" when the above processing is completed. Also, here Initial processing refers to the staple end flag, door open flap, etc. Rags, jam flags, bin paper flags, drawer roll home request flags, di jogger home request flag, staple unit home request flag, This process initializes flags such as the carriage home request flag.

[0083] The staple end flag is a sensor that detects the presence or absence of staples. When the sensor detects that there is no staple in the staple unit 46, it becomes "1". de The open flag is a flag that indicates the open/closed status of the door. When chained, it becomes “0”. The jam flag becomes “1” when a jam occurs internally. In this embodiment, jam flags 1, 2, and 3 are set as flags indicating the jam location. to There are 20 bin remaining paper flags, and there is transfer paper even in one bin on bin 26. becomes “1”. When the drawer colo home request flag becomes “1”, the drawer colo home request flag is set to “1”. A flag that performs the process of returning RO24 to its home position, returning it to its home position. becomes “0”. When the jogger home request flag becomes “1”, jogging starts. A process is performed to return the grab bar 30 to its home position. Also, the staple unit ho When the home request flag becomes “1”, the staple unit 46 is moved to the home position. This is a flag that performs processing to return to the original version. In addition, the Carriage Home Request Flag When the signal becomes “1”, the carriage is moved to the top, that is, by the upper limit detection sensor 51. This is a flag that performs processing to return to the detected position.

[0084] Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. Check whether the digital request flag is “1” (step S2). 8-1) If it is “1”, check whether the staple end sensor is ON. (Step S28-2). If the staple end sensor is ON The staple end flag is set to "1" (step S28-3) and turned ON. If there is no staple, set the staple end flag to “0” (step S28-4). It is checked whether the open switch is ON (step S28-5). this When it is determined in step S28-5 that the door open switch is ON, , the door open flag is set to “1” (step S28-6), and the door open switch is set to “1” (step S28-6). When it is determined that the switch remains OFF, the door open flag is set to “0”. (Step S28-7) Check whether the ejection sensor is in the paper presence state. (Step S28-8).

[0085] If the ejection sensor indicates paper present, the transfer paper may be jammed. Therefore, set jam flag 1 to "1" (step S28-9) and In addition, if paper is not present, the registration sensor 54 will remain in the paper present state. It is checked whether it is true (step S28-10). Be sure to have paper If there is a jam at the registration position, set the jam flag 1 to "1" (step S28-11), if there is no paper present, the bin ejection sensor 55 (Fig. 2 ) is set to have paper (step S28-12). Ste If the bin eject sensor 55 determines that there is paper in step S28-12, the bin ejects Since there is a jam at the exit position, the jam flag 2 is set to "1" (step S28- 13), when it is determined that there is no paper present, the first release sensor 56 (Fig. 16) is in a state with paper (step S28-1). 4). If it is determined in step S28-14 that there is paper, the jam flag 3 is set. Set it to “1” (step S28-15), and if it is determined that there is no paper, the The second release sensor 57 (FIG. 16) determines whether there is paper (step S28-1). 6).

[0086] If it is determined in this step S28-16 that there is paper, the jam flag 3 is set to "1". (step S28-17), and if it is determined that there is no paper, step S28 -16 directly check the status of jam flags 1, 2, and 3 (step S28- 18). If jam flags 1, 2, and 3 are all “1”, set the jam flag to “1”. 1" (step S28-19), otherwise the remaining paper sensor 60 (FIG. 16) is turned on (step S28-20). If the remaining If the paper sensor 60 is ON, the bin remaining paper flag is set to "1" (step S28- 21), if it is not turned on, just set the drawer colo home request flag (switch). step S28-22), jogger home request flag (step S28-2) 3) Staple unit home request flag (step S28-24) and carriage home request flag (step S28-25), respectively. 1” and then sends each flag to the system control circuit side of the copying machine body 1 (step step S28-26) and set the initial request flag to “0” (step S28-26). 28-27) Return. In this way, the initial processing is completed.

[0087] (2-3) Staple home processing The stapling unit 46 advances from the home position to the stapling position and staples. It is now possible to run a table. Therefore, the staple unit 46 When sorting paper or dropping transfer paper, return to the home position and use this It is necessary to avoid interfering with the operation of the transfer paper. Therefore, staple The return operation of the knit 46 to the home position must be performed reliably.

[0088] Hereinafter, referring to the flowchart in FIG. 29, the staple unit 46 will be moved to the home position. This section explains the process of returning to the section.

[0089] In this process, first, the staple unit home request flag is set to “1”. Check whether it is "1" (step S29-1), and if it is "1" Is the staple unit home position sensor at “H” level? (Step S29-2). The staple unit home position The motion sensor consists of a photo interrupter and a stepping motor (not shown). The staple unit 46 is attached by driving a staple moving motor consisting of a When the attached sensor filler reaches the sensor position and blocks the optical path, “H” output level, and output “L” level when the optical path is not blocked. It is set.

[0090] When it is determined in step S29-2 that the level is "L", the staple river Set the staple flag to “1” and the staple forward flag to “0” (step S2 9-3) The rising signal of the staple unit home position sensor is output. It is checked whether it is (step S29-4). Note that step S29 The staple reverse flag in −3 means that if this flag is “1”, the staple Rotate the moving motor in a direction that brings the staple unit 46 closer to the home position. The staple forward flag means that when this flag is “1”, the home In the direction away from the staple position, in other words, move the staple toward the staple position side of the transfer paper. The pull unit 46 is rotated in the direction of movement.

[0091] In step S29-4, the staple unit home position sensor starts up. If no signal is output, it returns, and if it is output, it reverses by 5 pulses. direction (step S29-5). And the staple reverse flag It is set to "0" (step S29-6) and returns.

[0092] Further, in step S29-2, the staple unit home position sensor is determined to be at “H” level, the staple reverse flag is set to "0" and the staple forward flag is set to "1" (step S29-7). Check the output of the staple unit falling signal (step S29-8) ). If the falling signal is not output in this step S29-8, the reset If the staple is turned and output, the staple forward flag is set to “0” (staple forward flag is output). Step S29-9), and after setting the staple counter to "0" (Step S29-9), -10), return with the staple unit home request flag set to “0” do. Note that the staple counter indicates the position of the staple unit 46. , the counter is “0” on the home position side and “100” on the staple position side. It is a ta.

[0093] (2-4) Jogger home processing To perform stapling, align each transfer paper in the stack of transfer papers placed on the bin 26. need to grow. For this paper alignment, there is a jogging bar 30 and a jogger fence 6. 1 is used. The jogging bar 30 and jogger fence 61 are aligned with paper. It advances into the paper bin 26 and retreats from the bin 26 when the transfer paper is sorted. must be maintained. Therefore, jogging bar 30 and jogger fence 6 1 to the home position, and also advance from the home position to the paper alignment position. processing is required.

[0094] In this process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30, first, the jogger home Check whether the position flag is "1" (step S30) -1). If it is “1”, the jogger home position sensor 59 ( 31) is at the “H” level (step S 30-2). The jogger home position sensor 59 is activated by a photo interrupter. The sensor filler is attached to the jogger fence 61. When the optical path of the jogger home position sensor 59 is blocked, the “H” level is output. When not shielded, it outputs "L" level.

[0095] When it is determined that the level is "L" in this step S30-2, the step Set the jogger reverse flag to “1” in Step S30-3, and set the jogger forward flag to “1”. the jogger fence 61 is moved to the home position side. vinegar That is, after that, the jogger home position sensor 59 starts up. Check whether the signal is output (step S30-4), and check if the signal is output. If not, return; if output, jogger motor 73 is reset by 5 pulses. (step S30-5), and set the jogger reverse flag to "0". (step S30-6) and return.

[0096] On the other hand, in step S30-2, the jogger home position sensor 59 is “H”. ” level, the jogger reverse flag is set to “0” and the jogger reverse flag is set to “0”. Set the guard word flag to "1" (step S30-7) and set the jogger home position. The fall signal of the motion sensor is checked (step S30-8). and, If this falling signal is not output, it returns, and if it is output, it returns to the job. The garforward flag is set to "0" (step S30-9). Then joga - Clears the counter (step S30-10) and returns the jogger home request The lag is set to "0" (step S30-11) and the process returns.

[0097] Note that the jogger home position refers to the jogger home position as shown in Figure 31. The filler provided in the base 61 passes through the optical path of the jogger home position sensor 59. This is the instantaneous position, and at this moment the jogger home position sensor 59 goes to “H”. As a result, the jogger counter is cleared (steps S30-2 to S30-11). ). The jogger counter is a counter that indicates the position of the jogger fence 61, and “0” is a counter that indicates the position of the jogger fence 61. It is set to the home position. Also, the moving position of the jogger fence 61 is A jogging memory that stores the target value is provided, and the jogging memory for each transfer paper is When jogging, compare the value of this jogger counter with the value stored in jogging memory. and move to the preset transfer paper size position.

[0098] (2-5) Drawer coloform treatment The bound bundle of transfer paper stored in the bin 26 is pulled out and dropped onto the stacker 32. The drawer roller 24 is a drawer roller motor 74 consisting of a DC motor capable of forward and reverse rotation. The driving force is transferred to gear 47, worm gear 36, sector gear 35, and drawer bracket 3. It is oscillated through a mechanism consisting of 4, etc., and is moved between the home position and the operating position. move. Therefore, a control process is performed to return the drawer roller 24 to the home position. It becomes necessary. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of this drawer colohoming process. It is the default.

0099 In this process, first, the drawer colohome request flag is set to “1”. It is checked whether or not it is the same (step S32-1). If it is not “1”, If it is, return, and if it is “1”, the drawer colo home position sensor is O. Check whether the drawer roller 24 has returned to its home position. It is checked whether or not (step S32-2). Judgment of step S32-2 If the answer is NO and the drawer roller 24 has not returned to the home position, the roller reverses. The flag is set to "1" and the coroforward flag is set to "0" (step S32-3). Return. If it has returned, set the withdrawal colohome request flag to “0” (step S32-4), and furthermore, the color reverse flag and the color forward flag are set. Both flags are set to "0" (step S32-5), and the positions are held. Return.

[0100] In addition, the roller reverse flag is “1” to move the drawer roller 24 to the home position. This is a flag that moves the drawer roller 24 to the side, that is, the retracting side of the drawer roller 24. The movement is performed by reversely driving the drawer roller motor 74. Also, Coro Forward The flag is a flag that moves the drawer roller 24 to the protruding side when set to "1". Movement of roller 24 is performed by normal rotation of drawer roller motor 7.

[0101] (2-6) Carriage home processing The carriage that supports and moves the deflection unit 10 moves the deflection unit 10 in its place. Since it is necessary to stop the carriage at a fixed position, the carriage should be stopped at a fixed position. position control. Then, return the carriage to its home position. , the starting point must be defined accurately, and the bin position must be evacuated when unnecessary. Must be. Because of this, the process of returning the carriage to the home position is It will be done.

[0102] The control procedure for this process is shown in FIG. In this process, first the carriage home Check whether the request flag is "1" (step S33- 1), if it is “1”, the process advances to step S33-2, and this time the staple unit is Check whether the home request flag is “1” (step S33-2). If it is not “1”, further step S33-3 Check whether the drawer colohome request flag is set to “1”. Ru. In this step S33-3, the drawer colohome request flag is determined to be “0”. When disconnected, a command is issued to return the drawer roller 24 to its home position. Therefore, check whether the upper limit detection sensor has returned to the home position. This is confirmed by turning ON/OFF 51 (step S33-4). And upper limit check If the sensor 51 is turned on, it means that the robot has returned to the home position. Therefore, the drive motor for moving the carriage (not shown) is stopped (step S33-5). , disengage the ascending clutch 70 and descending clutch 71 (step S33-6), and stop. Connect the stop clutch 72 (step S33-7) and set the bin counter to "1" ( Step S33-8). After that, set the carriage home request flag to “0”. Then (step S33-9), the process returns.

[0103] The bin counter shown above is a counter that indicates the position of the carriage. Indicates the value of [bin position (number of bins) - 2] when discharging onto 26. 1” is set. Therefore, the bin data has a value of "1 to 22".

[0104] On the other hand, the carriage home request flag is "0" in step S33-1 above. , the staple unit home request flag is "1" in step S33-2, If the drawer colohome request flag is “1” in step S33-3, then Each returns. Further, in step S33-4, the upper limit detection sensor 51 is turned off. In this case, the drive motor is turned on (step S33-10), and the ascending clutch 70 is engaged, the lowering clutch 71 is disengaged (step S33-11), and the stop clutch 71 is disengaged (step S33-11). 72 (step S33-12) and return.

[0105] (2-7) Jogger standby processing The jogger fence 61 protects these during sorting and stapling of transfer paper. Since it gets in the way of processing, it is necessary to make it wait. Therefore, this control process The procedure will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 34.

[0106] In this process, first check whether the jogging flag is set to “1”. (step S34-1). Jogging flag means that the transfer paper is This flag is detected by the sensor 55 and remains “1” until jogging ends. . When it is determined in step S34-1 that the jogging flag is "0" , it is determined in step S34-2 whether or not the staple mode is set, and the staple mode is set. When it is determined that it is in pull mode, the sort mode flag, stack mode Set the flag and tray mode flag to “0”, and set the staple mode flag to “0”. It is set to "1" (step S34-3).

[0107] After completing this step, check whether the transfer paper size data is present. (Step S34-4), if there is no size data, return; If there is, jog from the data table written according to the sheet size data. Select the jogging data (step S34-5) and store the selected jogging data in the jogging memory. writing data (step S34-6) and waiting. write like this After loading, check whether the jogger counter value and jogging memory value are equal. (Step S34-7). Based on the judgment in step S34-7, both values If they are not equal, the value of the jogger counter and the jog memo are entered in step S34-8. Compare the size with the value of Then, the jogger counter value is jogging memory When the value is greater than the value, the jogger reverse flag is set to “1” and the jogger forward flag is set to “1”. Set the dog flag to “0” and move the jogger fence 61 to the home position side. (Step S34-9), the jogger counter is decremented in accordance with the jogger drive pulse. After calculating, the process returns (step S34-10).

[0108] On the other hand, in step S34-8, the value of the jogger counter is equal to the value of the jogging memory. If it is determined that the jogger is too small, the jogger reverse flag is set to “0” and the jogger is - Set the forward flag to “1” and advance the jogger fence 61 toward the bin 26. (step S34-11), and rotate the jogger cowl in accordance with the jogger drive pulse. Then, the process adds the value (step S34-12) and returns.

[0109] Also, in step S34-7, the value of the jogger counter and the value of the jogging memory are are determined to be equal, the jogger reverse flag and jogger forward flag are determined to be equal. Both field flags are set to "0" (step S34-13), and the jogging memory value is set to "0" (step S34-13). is entered into the jogger counter (step S34-14) and the process returns.

[0110] Note that the standby position of the jogger fence 61 is the position of the transfer paper size + α, and the Usually, this α is set to a value of around 10 mm.

[0111] (2-8) Jogging process The bundle of transfer paper stored in the bin 26 is connected to the jogging bar 30 and the jogger fence. 61 for jogging, that is, for positioning. The diagram shows the actual processing procedure at this time. 35 and the flowcharts in FIG. 36.

[0112] In the process shown in Figure 35, first check whether the staple mode is set. (Step S35-1). And only when in staple mode, Is the bottle discharge sensor 55 outputting a falling signal in the next step S35-2? Please check it out. Returns if not outputting, 0.05 if outputting Start the second timer and 0 and 20 timers, respectively (step S35-3). , sets the jogging flag to "1" (step S35-4). Then, the sheet is ejected. The exit flag is set to "1" (step S35-5), and the system control circuit is instructed to eject the sheet. The output flag is sent (step S35-6), and the sheet output flag is set to "0". Then (step S35-7), the process returns. Note that the sheet ejection flap here A flag is a flag that is set to "1" only when transfer paper is ejected from the carriage. The ejection of the transfer paper is detected by a bin ejection sensor 55.

[0113] In addition, in the process of FIG. 36, first, check whether the staple mode is set. (step S36-1), and only when the stapling mode is set. Proceed to step S36-2 and check whether the jogging flag is set to "1". Ru. Then, when it is confirmed that the jogging flag is set to 1, 0.20 Check whether the second timer is counted up (step S36- 3). If the 0.20 second timer is counted up in step S36-3, If it is determined that the Then, the jogging flag is set to "0" (step S36-4) and the process returns.

[0114] On the other hand, if the 0.20 second timer has not counted up in step S36-3, When it is determined, it is also checked whether the 0.05 second timer is counting up. (step S36-6), and if the count has not increased, return If the count is up, the data written according to the sheet size data will be displayed. Select jogging data from the data table and jog (step S3) 6-7), further write the jogging data to the jogging memory (step S36-8). After writing, the jogger counter value and jogging memory value are It is checked whether they are equal (step S36-9).

[0115] If they are equal, return; if not, the value of the jogger counter and the jogger The value of the jogger counter is compared with the value of the jogger counter (step S36-10). If it is larger than the jogging memory value, set the jogger reverse flag to “1” and set the jogger reverse flag to “1”. Set the jogger forward flag to “0” and set the jogger fence 61 to the home position. (step S36-11), and rotate the jogger in accordance with the jogger drive pulse. After subtracting the gar counter (step S36-12), the process returns.

[0116] Further, in step S36-10, the value of the jogger counter is changed to the value of the jogging memory. In the following cases, the jogger reverse flag is set to “0” and the jogger forward flag is set to “0”. is set to "1" and the jogger fence 61 is advanced to the jogging position (step S 36-13), the jogger counter was added in accordance with the jogger drive pulse (step After step S36-14), the process returns.

[0117] Note that the 0.05 second timer and 0.20 second timer in step S35-3 As shown in the timing chart of FIG. 0.5 seconds after the fall of the output, the jogger fence 61 is driven to the forward side. It is set to be driven to the return side after 0.20 seconds. and , until the jogger fence 61 is driven to the forward side and returns to the return side. Jogging state in jogging memory, at other times Goes into standby mode.

[0118] (2-9) Carriage movement processing When ejecting transfer paper and stapling, the carriage is moved to the target bin 26. The control process for moving the carriage is Reasoning is required. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of this carriage movement process. It is a chart.

[0119] In this process, first check whether the bin ejection sensor is in the paper state. (Step S38-1). If there is paper, the carriage It is checked whether the home request flag is "1" (step S38-2). child In these steps, the paper out status and carriage home request flag are set to “1”. ”, the process returns and the carriage hoist is set in step S38-2. When it is determined that the request flag is “0”, stapling starts. It is checked whether the flag is set to "1" (step S38-3).

[0120] If it is determined in this step S38-3 that the value is not "1", the copy Bin data is received from the system control circuit side of the machine body 1 (step S38-4). , after adding 2 to the bin data (step S38-5), the bin counter and the bin data are It is checked whether the data and the data are equal (step S38-6). And this step When it is determined that they are equal in step S38-6, the stop clutch 72 is connected (step S38-6 is determined to be equal). step S38-7), both the ascending clutch 70 and descending clutch 71 were disengaged (step S38-7). After step S38-1), the process returns.

[0121] On the other hand, in step S38-6, the value of the bin counter and the value of the bin data are not equal. If it is determined that the Furthermore, the value of the bin counter and the value of the bin data are compared (step S38-10). . If the value of the bin counter is larger than the value of the bin data, the rising clutch 7 0 was connected, and the descending clutch was disengaged to raise the carriage (step S38-1). 1) After that, return. Also, when the value of the bin counter is less than the value of the bin data, disengaged the ascending clutch 70 and engaged the descending clutch 71 to lower the carriage. After (step S38-12), the process returns.

[0122] Furthermore, the staple start flag is "1" in step S38-3. When it is determined that the bin data is received from the system control circuit (step S 38-13), the staple unit home request flag is “1”. It is checked whether or not it is the same (step S38-14). If it becomes “1” The staple unit 46 is controlled to return to the home position. Return with , and if it is not, the drawer colohome request flag will be set to “1”. It is checked whether it is (step S38-15). With this check “ 1”, the drawer roller 24 returns to the home position. Since the control is such that the Continue executing the following processing.

[0123] In addition, as another process, the control process shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 39 and 40 There is. In this process, first, as shown in FIG. 39, a carriage home request is made. Check whether the flag is “1” (step S39-1), and If it is, return, and if it is not, check whether the ascending clutch 70 is connected. (Step S39-2). If the rising clutch 70 is connected, Check whether the bin counter has a value of 2 or less (step S39-3) ). If it is larger than 2, check whether the output of the position sensor 50 is rising. (step S39-4). If it is not standing up, return and stand up. If so, the value of the bin counter is subtracted by 1 (step S39-5) and the litter is Turn on.

[0124] Also, it is determined in step S39-3 that the value of the bin counter is 2 or less. When disconnected, check whether the upper limit detection sensor 51 is turned on ( Step S39-6). If it is ON, it means you have returned to the home position. Therefore, the bin counter is set to "1" (step S39-7), and the ascending clutch is 70 and lowering clutch 71 are disengaged (step S39-8), and stop clutch 72 is disengaged (step S39-8). is connected to stop the movement of the carriage (step S39-9) and return.

[0125] Furthermore, it is determined in step S39-2 that the ascending clutch 70 is OFF. When the Determine whether they are connected. With this judgment, the descending clutch 71 is not engaged. If not, connect the stop clutch 72 to stop the movement of the carriage (step S39- 11), Return.

[0126] On the other hand, it is determined in step S39-10 that the descending clutch 71 is engaged. Sometimes, check whether the value of the bin counter is 21 or more ( Step S39-12). If the output of the position sensor 50 does not reach 21, the output of the position sensor 50 Check whether it is standing up (step S39-13) and stand up. If not, return, and if it is, add 1 to the value of the bin counter. (Step S39-14) Return.

[0127] If the value of the bin counter is 21 or more in step S39-12, If it is determined that the lower limit detection sensor 52 is turned on, check (Step S39-15). If it is not, it has not reached the lower limit position. So, return and if it is ON, the value of the bin counter will be "22" which indicates the lower limit. (step S39-16), the ascending clutch 70 and the descending clutch 71 (step S39-17), and connect the stop clutch 72 to stop the carriage. (Step S39-18), return.

[0128] Figure 41 shows the value of the bin counter, the bin position for discharging sheets, and the bin position for stapling. FIG. Note that the bin 26 is 20 bins as described above. , the value of the bin counter is set to take values from 1 to 22, and the value of the bin counter is The upper limit detection sensor 51 turns ON at the position corresponding to "1", and the value of the bin counter The lower limit detection sensor 52 is turned on at a position corresponding to "22". Bin like this The counter indicates the position of the carriage. For example, the bin counter indicates the position of "8". If the carriage is set in the When the transfer paper is ejected from the bin ejection sensor 55 without being In other words, it is output to the (8-2)th bin 26, and if a stapling operation is performed, the upper This indicates that the bundle of transfer paper on the eighth bin is to be stapled. did Therefore, when discharging the sheet, the value of the bin counter should be 20 from 3 to 22. , Also, when stapling, the value of the bin counter is set to 1 to 20. is set.

[0129] (2-10) Processing of moving the staple unit to the operating position To staple the stack of transfer paper with the stapling unit 46, It is necessary to move the staple unit 46 to a preset position. child The control processing procedure is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

[0130] In this process, first, the staple unit home request flag is set to “1”. It is checked whether it is (step S42-1). Become “1” Since the staple unit 46 returns to the home position, it returns to "1". If not, is the staple forward flag set to “1”? Please check (step S42-2). If in this step S42-2 If it is determined that the position is not “1”, the unit will move to the staple position side. Furthermore, the staple start flag is set to "1". It is checked whether or not (step S42-3). This staple start flag is a flag that becomes "1" when the transfer paper is sorted and the stapling timing is reached. It's a rug.

[0131] Therefore, if it is not "1" in this step S42-3, the staple Since it is not the timing to read, it returns, and if it is “1”, the bin Check whether the counter value and the bin data value are equal (step S42- 4). Return if not equal, staple forward flag if equal is set to "1" and the staple reverse flag is set to "0" to turn the staple unit 46 on. The stapler is moved to the staple position side (step S42-5). Add to the staple counter value in accordance with the drive pulse of the moving motor (step S42-6). Then, when the value of the staple counter reaches 100 (step S 42-7) Since the maximum movement has occurred, the staple forward flag and Set both staple reverse flags to “0” and move the staple unit 46. Stop (step S42-8) and return.

[0132] Further, it is determined that the staple forward flag is "1" in step S42-2. When the stapling unit 46 is moved to the stapling position, the stapling unit 46 moves to the stapling position. The process skips to step S42-6 and the subsequent processes are executed.

[0133] (2-11) Staple operation When the staple unit 46 moves to the stapling position, the stapling operation is performed. The stack of transfer sheets is bound. This control processing procedure is shown in FIG.

[0134] In this process, first, check whether the stapling execution flag is “1” or not. Check (step S43-1). The stapling execution flag means If the stapling start flag is “1” and the stapling operation is executed, it becomes “1” and the staple start flag is “1”. This flag becomes "0" when the loop operation ends. In this step S43-1 When it is determined that the stapling execution flag is not “1”, the stapling Furthermore, in step S43-2, the staple start flag is set to “1”. confirm. If it is not “1”, return, and if it is “1”, step Check whether the pull counter is "100" (step S4). 3-3). If it is not "100", it is not in a condition to staple. , returns, and if it is "100", sets the stapling execution flag to "1". (Step S43-4) Turn on the staple drive motor (Step S43-4) -5). Next, set a 1 second timer to detect locking of the staple drive motor. Start (step S43-6) and rotate the staple drive motor once to transfer. Staple the stack of papers.

[0135] After that, check whether the staple home position sensor is turned on. (step S43-7), and if it is ON, turn on the staple drive motor. (step S43-8), and the stapling execution flag is displayed since the stapling is completed. Clear the one second timer (step S43-9). 43-10). Then, set the staple unit home request flag to “1”. (step S43-11), and whether the staple end sensor is turned on. Please check (step S43-12), and if it is not turned on, press STEP. There is still a staple, so return it as it is, and if it is not turned on, staple it. The staple end flag indicating that there is no staple is set to "1" (step S43). -13) Return.

[0136] Also, the staple home position sensor is turned ON in step S43-7. If it is determined that the 1 second timer is not counting up. Check it (step S43-14), and if it has not counted up yet, the Returns because the table is not completed, and if the count is up, the stage is returned. Since the pull has not been completed completely, the staple drive motor is stopped (step S4). 3-15) and sets the staple abnormality flag to "1" (step S43-16). Turn.

[0137] (2-12) Drop mode processing The drop mode means that the drawer rollers 24 are protruded to stack the bound bundle of transfer paper. This is a mode in which the number is lowered to 32. When running this mode, the high limit detection sensor is first After moving the carriage to the top position where the sensor 51 is turned on, The arm is made to protrude and the transfer paper stack is dropped.

[0138] In this process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. It is checked whether the lag is "1" (step S44-1). stop If the drop mode flag is “1”, the drop execution flag is “1”. (Step S44-2). In addition, the drop mentioned here The stapling mode flag means that the transfer paper on all the bins 26 will be dropped when stapling is completed. This is a flag that executes the drop mode, and becomes "1" when the drop mode starts. Ma In addition, the dropping flag indicates that the carriage and drawer roller are in the sheet dropping operation. This flag is set to "1" when the initialization for is completed.

[0139] If the dropping execution flag is set to "1" in step S44-2, further copying is performed. Check whether the low forward flag is “1” (step S44). -3), if it is not “1”, check whether the bin counter is “1” (step Step S44-4). If the value of the bin counter is not “1”, the carry ji has not returned to the home position, so each drawer colo home request Set the flag to “1” (step S44-5), and issue a staple unit home request. set the carriage home request flag to “1” (step S44-6). is set to "1" (step S44-7) and returns.

[0140] On the other hand, if the value of the bin counter becomes "1" in step S44-4, For example, since you have returned to the home position, start the 1 second timer (step S44-8), set the coroforward flag to "1" (step S44-9), Check whether the 1-second timer has counted up (step S44-10) ). Returns if not counted up, 1 second if counted up Clear and stop the timer (step S44-11), and set the coroforward flag to “ 0" (step S44-12), and further sets the dropping execution flag to "1". (Step S44-13) Return.

[0141] Further, it is determined that the coroforward flag is "1" in step S44-3. , skips to step S44-10 and executes the subsequent steps. go

[0142] (2-13) Drop mode operation The control procedure for the actual dropping operation from above the bottle 26 in the dropping mode is shown in Figure 4. The process will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts in FIGS. 5 to 48.

[0143] In this control procedure, first, the drop mode flag is set to "1" (step S45-1). ), the value of the bin counter and the value of the bin data are equal (step S45-2), and the value of the bin counter is equal to the value of the bin data (step S45-2). Control is performed on the condition that the value of the counter is 3 or more (step S45-3). be exposed. When control is started under this condition, the drop-up flag is set to “1”. First, it is checked whether or not (step S45-4). What is Otoshijo Flag? When the stapled transfer paper arrives at the first discharge sensor 56, it becomes “1” and the first This flag becomes “0” when the stapled transfer paper is removed from the release sensor 56. . If this drop-up flag is not set to “1”, then It is checked whether the flag is set to "1" (step S45-5). child The drop down flag means that the stapled transfer paper is detected by the first and second release sensors 5. When it is between 6 and 57, it becomes “1”, and when it passes through the second emission sensor 57, it becomes “0”. It's a flag. Then, when this drop down flag is not “1”, the Check whether the loop counter is larger than 2 (step S 45-6).

[0144] If it is larger than 2, set jam flag 2 and jam flag to “1”. Set (steps S45-7, 8) and return. If it is less than 2, the timer 3 has started (step S45-9). this tie Ma 3 means that the drawer roller arm is raised once because the transfer paper pullout operation is incomplete. It's time to learn. If the timer is not started in this step S45-9, When it is determined, it also checks whether timers 1 and 2 have started. (step S45-10), and if they have not started, start timers 1 and 2. (step S45-11), and sets the coroforward flag to "1". (Step S45-12), whether or not the first release sensor 56 is turned on. Check (step S45-13). Note that the timer 1 is connected to the drawer roller 24. Timer 2 is a timer that indicates the moving time for the arm to move and contact the transfer paper. This is a timer that indicates the time period during which the arm of the drawer roller 24 comes into contact with the transfer paper and stops. Ru.

[0145] In this step S45-13, it is determined that the first release sensor 56 is turned on. If so, the transfer paper is at the position of the first release sensor 56, so the transfer paper can be moved forward. Set the flag to "0" (step S45-14) and clear timers 1, 2, and 3. stop (step S45-15), and set the drop-up flag to "1" (step S45-15). S45-16), start timer 4 (step S45-17) and return. do. Note that the timer 4 refers to the time when the transfer paper is pulled out and the first release sensor 56 detects the transfer paper. Tie for jam check at the first release sensor position starting when the position is reached It's Ma.

[0146] It is determined in step S45-13 that the first release sensor 56 is not turned on. When disconnected, check whether timer 1 is counting up (start Step S45-18), if the count is not up, the arm movement has not yet been completed. If it is not completed, return, and if the count is up, send a coro forward flag. is set to "0" (step S45-19). This time, timer 2 counts up. It is checked whether there is one (step S44-20). And count up At that point, timers 1 and 2 are cleared and stopped (step S45-21), and timer 3 is is started (step S45-22). Then set the color reverse flag to “ 1" (step S45-23) and move the drawer roller 24 to the home position side. and waits for timer 3 to count up (step S45-24). So When the timer 3 is counted up, the timer 3 is cleared and stopped (step S45-). 25), set the color reverse flag to “0” (step S45-26), and Add "1" to the loop counter (step S45-27) and return.

[0147] Further, it is determined that the drop-up flag is "1" in step S45-4. 47, timer 4 starts counting. The count is counted up (step S45-28). If so, clear and stop timer 4 (step S45-29), and set jam flag 2 and and the jam flag are set to "1" (steps S45-30 and 31). ) Return.

[0148] On the other hand, it is determined in step S45-28 that timer 4 has not counted up yet. When disconnected, check whether the first emission sensor 56 is in the OFF state. (Step S45-32). Return if it is OFF, drop if it is OFF The upper flag is set to "0" (step S45-33), and the lower flag is set to "1". Set (step S45-34) and stop timer 4 and clear it (step S4 5-35), set the roller reverse flag to “1” and move the drawer roller 24 to the home position. (step S45-36), and starts timers 5 and 6. (Step S45-37) Return. In addition, timer 5 refers to the drawer roller. Timer 6 is a timer that raises the arm and makes the arm protrude. This is a timer for checking a jam of transfer paper that has passed through the detection position of the release sensor 56.

[0149] When the drop down flag is determined to be "1" in step S45-5, the The procedure shown in the flowchart No. 48 is executed. In this procedure, first, timer 5 Check whether the count is up (step S45-38), and If the timer is up, clear timer 5 and stop it (step S45-39). The color reverse flag is set to "0" (steps S45-40), and timer 6 is set to "0" (steps S45-40). Check whether the count is up (step S45-41).

[0150] Then, if timer 6 is counting up, stop and clear timer 6 ( Step S45-42), set jam flag 3 and jam flag to "1" respectively. Set to and return. Timer 6 counts up in step S45-41 When it is determined that the second emission sensor 57 is not in the OFF state, Check if it is OFF (step S45-45) and return if it is not OFF. If it is FF, further check whether the coro reverse flag is “1” ( Steps S45-46). If the color reverse flag is “1”, the home point Since it is processed to return to the position, it returns, and if it is not “1”, the timer Clear and stop the master 6 (steps S45-47), and set the drop down flag to "0". (Steps S45-48) and return.

[0151] Note that if the timer 5 has not counted up in step S45-38, Skipping to steps S45-46, the processing after this step is executed.

[0152] Further, if timer 3 has already started in step S45-9, step Skip to step S45-24 and check whether timer 3 is counting up. After approval, perform the subsequent processing.

[0153] (2-14) Control of drive motor The carriage drive motor of the sorter/stapler 1000 is set to the motor ON flag. Controlled by “1” and “0” sets. That is, the flowchart of FIG. As shown in , if the motor ON flag is set to "1" (step S4 9-1: Yes), if the drive motor is turned on and set to “0” (step S 49-1: No), the drive motor is turned off.

[0154]

[Effect of the idea]

As is clear from the previous explanation, it is movable with respect to the bin, and the recording medium A deflection means for guiding the body into a preset bin and a deflection means for guiding the body into a preset bin, and a deflection means for guiding the body into a preset bin, and a first guide means for guiding a recording medium toward the deflecting means; and a recording medium placed on the bin. An ejecting means for ejecting the medium from the bin, and a recording medium ejected by this ejecting means. and a storage means for accommodating the storage medium, and a storage means for storing the recording medium carried out by the carrying out means. According to the invention according to claim 1, further comprising a second guide means for guiding the first guide to the stage. The recording medium is guided by the means to the deflecting means, and after sorting, the recording medium is guided by the second guiding means. The recording medium is guided to the storage means, ensuring reliable operation and preventing jams. This improves operability and productivity.

[0155] In addition, the claim further includes a binding means for binding the bundle of recording media accumulated on the bin. According to the invention described in Section 2, it is possible to bind and process multiple recording media. This further improves operability.

[0156] In addition, the first and second guide means are constructed from the same conveyor belt. According to the invention described in Section 3, two guiding means can be configured with one mechanism. It can be made smaller and the cost is lower.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a sorter/stapler according to an embodiment of the present invention, viewed from the front, in a state where it is connected to a main body of a copying machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sorter/stapler in FIG. 1, seen from the left side.

FIG. 3 is a schematic configuration diagram of the sorter/stapler in FIG. 1 viewed from above.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a main part of a direction change belt section.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation of the direction change belt section when changing direction.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the main internal structure of the sorter/stapler.

FIG. 7 is a schematic configuration diagram showing an elevating mechanism of the deflection unit.

FIG. 8 is an operation explanatory diagram showing a state when the deflection unit is raised and lowered;

FIG. 9 is an operation explanatory diagram showing a lowering state of the vertical movement of the deflection unit.

FIG. 10 is an operation explanatory diagram showing a state when the vertical movement of the deflection unit is stopped.

FIG. 11 is a plan view showing a deflection unit stopping mechanism.

FIG. 12 is a side view showing a deflection unit stopping mechanism.

FIG. 13 is a plan view showing a stopping mechanism of each part of the deflection unit.

FIG. 14 is a front view showing a stopping mechanism for each part of the deflection unit.

FIG. 15 is a schematic perspective view of main parts showing the drive mechanism of each part of the deflection unit and the sorter/stapler.

FIG. 16 is a schematic configuration diagram showing the positions of various sensors of the deflection unit provided in each part of the sorter/stapler.

FIG. 17 is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a bottle.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of main parts mainly showing the state of the end fence of the notch of the bottle.

FIG. 19 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an operation when a stapler staples a bundle of transfer sheets.

FIG. 20 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation when a bundle of transfer sheets is pulled out by a drawer roller, and shows the state of the drawer roller during sorting and stapling.

FIG. 21 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation when a bundle of transfer sheets is pulled out by a pull-out roller, and shows a state when the pull-out roller is moved.

FIG. 22 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation when a bundle of transfer sheets is pulled out by the drawer rollers, and shows a state where the bundle of transfer sheets is pulled out by the drawer rollers and the end fence is retracted.

FIG. 23 is an explanatory diagram showing an operation when a bundle of transfer sheets is pulled out by a pull-out roller, and shows a state when the pull-out roller moves to the next bin.

FIG. 24 is a block diagram showing a part of the control circuit of the sorter/stapler, which is combined with the block diagram of FIG. 25 to form one control circuit.

25 is a block diagram showing a part of the control circuit of the sorter/stapler, which is combined with the block diagram of FIG. 24 to form one control circuit. FIG.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing an outline of control of the sorter/stapler.

FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for initial processing of the sorter/stapler.

FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing another control procedure for initial processing of the sorter/stapler.

FIG. 29 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for returning the stapler to the home position.

FIG. 30 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for returning the jogger fence to the home position.

FIG. 31 is an explanatory diagram showing the operation when detecting the home position of the jogger fence.

FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for returning the drawer roller to the home position.

FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for returning the carriage to the home position.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when the jogger is placed on standby at a standby position.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when actually jogging the transfer paper.

FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing another control procedure when actually jogging the transfer paper.

37 is a timing chart showing the timing of step S35-3 in FIG. 35. FIG.

FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when moving a carriage.

FIG. 39 is a flowchart showing another control procedure when moving the carriage.

FIG. 40 is a flowchart showing still another control procedure when moving the carriage.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the count value of a bin counter, the position of a bin for discharging transfer paper, and the position of a bin for stapling a bundle of transfer paper.

FIG. 42 is a flowchart showing a control procedure for protruding a staple unit when stapling a bundle of transfer sheets.

FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a stapling operation control procedure when stapling a bundle of transfer sheets by a stapling unit.

FIG. 44 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when the drawer roller is caused to protrude when the stapled transfer paper bundle is dropped from the bin to the stacker by the drawer roller.

FIG. 45 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when a stapled transfer paper bundle is dropped from a bin to a stacker by a pull-out roller, and together with FIGS. 46, 47, and 48, one control procedure is shown.

FIG. 46 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when a stapled transfer paper bundle is dropped from a bin to a stacker by a drawer roller, and together with FIGS. 45, 47, and 48, one control procedure is shown.

FIG. 47 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when a stapled transfer paper bundle is dropped from a bin to a stacker by a drawer roller, and together with FIGS. 45, 46, and 48, one control procedure is shown.

48 is a flowchart showing a control procedure when a stapled transfer paper bundle is dropped from a bin to a stacker by a pull-out roller; FIG. 45, FIG. 46, and FIG. 47 together show one control procedure;

[Figure 49] ON/O of sorter/stapler drive motor
3 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of FF processing.

FIG. 50 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of data transmitted from the copying machine main body to the sorter/stapler side.

FIG. 51 is an explanatory diagram showing the contents of data transmitted from the sorter/stapler to the main body of the copying machine.

FIG. 52 is a timing chart showing the relationship between detection timing and drive timing of various sensors of the sorter/stapler.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Copy machine 3 Belt discharge roller 10 Deflection unit 12 Vertical conveyor belt 13 Vertical conveyor belt drive roller 14 Drive pulley 24 Drawer roller 26 bottles 28 wire 32 Stacker 39 First discharge roller 40 Second discharge roller 41 Emission belt 74 Drawer roller motor 1000 Sorter Stapler P Transfer paper

──────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued from the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁵ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical display location G03G 15/00 113 7369-2H 114 7369-2H (72) Inventor Kazuyuki Nakahara Naka, Ota-ku, Tokyo 1-3-6 Magome Inside Ricoh Co., Ltd.

Claims (3)

[Scope of utility model registration request] 1. A recording medium post-processing device that guides recording media discharged from an image forming apparatus to a plurality of bins arranged in multiple stages for storing recording media, and performs predetermined processing on the recording media, comprising:
a deflection means that is movably provided with respect to the bin and guides the recording medium into a preset bin; a first guide means that guides the recording medium discharged from the image forming apparatus toward the deflection means; A carry-out means for carrying out the recording medium placed on the bin from the bin, a storage means for accommodating the recording medium carried out by the carry-out means, and guiding the recording medium carried out by the carry-out means to the storage means. A post-processing device comprising: a second guide means. 2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising binding means for binding the bundle of recording media accumulated on the bin. 3. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the first and second guide means are composed of the same conveyor belt.