JPH04299194A - After-treatment apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To miniaturize an apparatus and reduce its cost by equipping a deflection.means freely movable relative to a bin and by detecting the home position of stapling means and carrying means through a means for detecting the standby position of the deflection means. CONSTITUTION:A transfer paper delivered from the copying machine side by a deflection unit 10 is carried, while vertically moving e.g. along stages of a bin 26, and guided into the bin 26 set beforehand. Then, the transfer paper placed and accumulated on the bin 26 is bound by a staple unit 46. On the other hand, because the home position of the deflection unit 10 can be detected by an upper-limit detection sensor 51, said unit is returned to the home position and the next action is started after the return of the unit to the home position is confirmed when the deflection unit 10 hinders another action of the sorter- stapler or when it is necessary to make the starting point of an action clear. Also, when the staple unit 46 also hinders another action or when it is necessary to make the starting point of a stapling action clear, the staple unit 46 is required to be returned to its home position. The output of the upper-limit detection sensor 51 is used for the purpose of confirming the return of the staple unit to the home position.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Industrial Application Field] This invention is attached to an image forming apparatus, etc., and is used for sorting, stacking, or stapling of sheets such as recording media or originals discharged from the image forming apparatus. This invention relates to a post-processing device that performs post-processing.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art Post-processing devices are indispensable for efficiently processing images after they are formed by image forming devices such as copying machines and printers.As the number of documents increases, the processing efficiency increases. Functionality becomes increasingly important. For this reason, a post-processing device has been proposed that automatically performs a series of operations such as sorting, binding, and ejecting bound documents on recording sheets on which images have been formed by an image forming apparatus. Examples of this include JP-A-60-179756, JP-A-63-139877,
There are also techniques disclosed in publications such as JP-A-63-147775.

Among these, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 63-179756 discloses a plurality of recording sheet storage trays (bins) arranged in multiple stages, and a tray that is movable with respect to these bins and that stores recording sheets in the bins. A sorting means for sorting the sheets, a recording sheet binding means provided on the opposite side of the sorting means through the bins and movably relative to the bins, and a recording sheet binding means provided in each bin for discharging the recording sheets from above the bins. A recording sheet post-processing device is disclosed that includes a discharge means for discharging recorded sheets and a stacking means for stacking the discharged recording sheets.

Furthermore, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 139877/1983 discloses a plurality of bins arranged in multiple stages, a sorting means that allows the bins to be moved and sorts recording sheets into each bin by moving them, and 1 record sheet from the bin
The recording sheet includes a discharging means for discharging one set at a time, a binding means for temporarily storing and binding the discharged recording sheets one set at a time, and a stacking means for removing the bound recording sheets one by one from the binding means and accumulating them. A recording sheet post-processing device is disclosed.

Further, JP-A-63-147775 discloses a plurality of bins arranged in multiple stages, a sorting means that makes the bins movable and sorts recording sheets into each bin by moving them, and A binding means provided at a fixed position for binding the recording sheets of the bin, a recording sheet take-out means provided at a fixed position for taking out the bound recording sheets on the bin, and a stacking means for accumulating the taken-out recording sheets. A recording sheet post-processing device is disclosed.

[0006]

[Problem to be solved by the invention] However, JP-A-63-
The technique disclosed in Publication No. 179756 has the following problems.

1) Since the sorting means and the binding means are provided separately, installation space for each is required;
In addition to increasing the size of the device itself, separate drive mechanisms are required for each of the sorting means and the binding means, making the structure complex and, of course, increasing costs.

2) Since each bin is provided with means for discharging recording sheets from above the bin, it not only impedes the sheet storage capacity of the bin, but also complicates the structure and increases costs.

3) When the recording sheets are discharged from the top of the bin to the stacking means, since there is no means for guiding the recording sheets, jams, folds, etc. of the recording sheets occur, and the discharge of the recording sheets is unstable.

[0010] Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 139877/1987 has the following problems in addition to the problem 1 above.

4) Since the sorted recording sheets are ejected one set at a time and bound one by one, the productivity of post-processing is low, and if the processing speed of the main body of the image forming apparatus is high, image forming The processing speed cannot follow the processing speed of the main body of the apparatus, and the processing speed drops to the processing speed of the post-processing device, resulting in a decrease in overall productivity.

5) When guiding the sheet bundle from the bin to the binding means, since the recording sheets are not bound, the conveying force is not transmitted to the entire sheet bundle, making it impossible to ensure the reliability of sheet guidance.

Furthermore, the technique disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 147775/1983 has the following problems.

6) Since the sorting work and the binding work are performed by moving the bins, a space for moving the bins is required, which increases the size of the apparatus itself and increases the cost accordingly.

7) Since the take-out means for taking out the recording sheets on the bin is separately provided on the side of the opening of the bin, the entire post-processing device becomes large-scale and costs increase.

8) Since the bottle opening side is installed in a shielded manner, there is a problem in operability when dealing with paper jams, etc.

The present invention has been made in view of the actual state of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide a small and inexpensive post-processing device. Another object of the present invention is to provide a post-processing device with excellent operability and high productivity.

[0018]

[Means for Solving the Problems] The above object is to provide a recording medium that guides the recording medium ejected from the image forming apparatus side to a plurality of bins arranged in multiple stages to accommodate the recording medium, and performs preset processing on the recording medium. In the post-processing device, a deflecting means is provided movably relative to the bin and guides the recording medium ejected from the image forming apparatus into a preset bin, and binds the recording media accumulated on the bin. A binding means, a deflection means standby position detection means for detecting a standby position of the deflection means, and a binding means position detection control means for detecting the position of the binding means in accordance with a detection output from the deflection means standby position detection means. This is achieved by being prepared.

In this case, furthermore, an ejecting means is provided for ejecting the bundle of recording media on the bin bound by the binding means from the bin, and the ejecting means is controlled in accordance with the detection output from the deflecting means standby position detecting means. It is preferable to further provide a carrying-out means position detection control means for detecting the position.

[0020]

[Operation] According to the above means, the recording medium ejected from the image forming apparatus is conveyed by the deflecting means in a direction transverse to the recording medium mounting surface of the bottle, for example, vertically along the steps of the bottle, and Guide it into the set bin. Then, the recording media placed on the bin and accumulated are bound by a binding means. Since the standby position of the deflection means, in other words, the home position, can be detected by the deflection means standby position detection means, it is necessary to clarify when the deflection means interferes with other operations of the post-processing device or the starting point of the operation. Sometimes, it is necessary to return it to the standby position and move on to the next operation after confirming that it has returned to the standby position. Furthermore, when the binding means becomes a hindrance to other operations or when it is necessary to clarify the starting point of the binding operation, it is necessary to return to the standby position, that is, the home position of the binding means. For this confirmation, the detection output of the deflection means standby position detection means detected by the binding means position detection control means is used.

Furthermore, the bundle of recording media bound by the binding means is transported out of the bin by the transporting means, making it unnecessary for an operator to take out the recording media from each bin. At this time, when the unloading means becomes a hindrance to other operations or when it is necessary to clarify the starting point of the operation, it is necessary to return it to the standby position (home position). Whether or not the deflection means has returned to the home position is confirmed by the unloading means position detection control means based on the output of the deflection means standby position detection means.

[0022] Specifically, this effect is (1-3,
4, 5, 6, 7) and (2-3, 5, 6, 9).

[0023]

Embodiments Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(1) General configuration (1-1) Overall overview (1-1-1) Configuration of copying machine First, we will explain the sorter/stapler as a post-processing device and the copying machine as an image forming device according to the embodiment. I will give an overall overview.

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram showing a state in which a post-processing device (hereinafter referred to as a sorter/stapler) according to an embodiment of the present invention is connected to a copying machine main body, and FIG. 2 is a side view of the sorter/stapler. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the sorter/stapler.

In FIG. 1, the copying machine 1 uses a belt-shaped photoreceptor (
A writing optical system 90 that guides the
9 and written by the writing optical system 909, the photoreceptor 9
Developing unit 910 that develops the latent image formed on 0;
10 is transferred to a transfer paper (recording sheet) P.
A first transfer station 231 transfers the image to a transfer paper P, a first separation charger 100 separates the transfer paper P on which the image is transferred from the photoreceptor 90, and further transfers the image to a transfer paper P different from the transfer paper P transferred at the first transfer station 231. A second transfer station 232 that transfers the image, a fixing section 190 that fixes the image to the transfer paper P to which the image has been transferred, a cleaning section 920 that cleans the photoreceptor 90 after transferring the image, and a static neutralizer that removes the charge from the photoreceptor 90 after cleaning. part 930, a charger 940 for charging after static electricity removal;
The image forming system 950 basically includes an image forming system 950, and a transfer paper P conveying system 960 that supplies the transfer paper P to the image forming system 950 and discharges the transfer paper P.

The conveying system 960 is configured to alternately convey the transfer paper P to the first transfer station 231 and the second transfer station 232, respectively. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the second transfer station 232 is set to a known corona transfer type transfer structure.

When copying is performed using this type of copying machine 1, the first transfer paper P is fed by the feed roller 201,
First branch claw 20 interlocked with branch paper feed solenoid 114
After branching off at 2, it enters the first conveyance path 203. The transfer paper P in the conveyance path 203 passes through an intermediate roller 204 and waits at a registration roller 205 section.

The second transfer paper P is fed by the feed roller 201 in the same way as the first transfer paper P at a certain timing from the start of conveyance of the first transfer paper P, and after being branched by the first branching claw 202, the second transfer paper P is The paper enters the transfer paper stack section 211 via the second transport path 212. The leading edge of the transfer paper in the stack section 211 is regulated by the second registration roller 206, the transfer paper P is conveyed by the stack section intermediate roller 207, and the transfer paper P is completely stored in the transfer paper stack section 211.

The transfer paper stack section 211 is composed of different inclined surfaces, and has a substantially V-shape with respect to the surface of the photoreceptor 90.
Since the transfer paper P is stored in this V-shaped stack section in a curved manner, it is considered that the space length in the sheet conveyance direction can be saved. Furthermore, since the stack section 211 is provided with the elastic member 208, even when the transfer paper P is stored in a curved manner, the second registration roller 208 can be reliably moved.
It is possible to hold the transfer paper P in the nip. The first transfer paper P is fed again at a timing synchronized with the leading edge of the image on the photoreceptor 90, transferred at the first transfer station 231, and separated at the first separation station 100. The separated transfer paper P passes through the first conveyance section 209 and the second conveyance section 210 and is fixed at the fixing section 190.

The second transfer paper P is fed again at a timing synchronized with the leading edge of the image formed immediately after the first transfer paper image, and transfer is performed at the second transfer station 232. The separated transfer paper P passes through the third conveyance section 234 and then reaches the fixing section 19.
It is fixed at 0.

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

Latent images are formed on the photoreceptor 90 at minute intervals with almost no gap between latent images. By alternately transferring the latent images at the first and second transfer stations 231 and 232 and making the distance between the transfer sheets minute, the number of copies per unit time is increased. In the conventional system having only one transfer station, it is not possible to prevent the occurrence of transfer paper intervals due to the transfer paper stop time during registration adjustment of the transfer paper, or in other words, the increase in the conveyance interval between the transfer papers. The feeding order of the first and second transfer paper is that the transfer paper corresponding to the second formed latent image is fed out before the transfer paper corresponding to the first formed latent image, and the first transfer paper is fed first. The transfer paper may be fed to the stack section 211 via the second conveyance path 212, and subsequently transferred to the first conveyance path 203 for the second time.

Next, the configuration of the conveyance path will be described.

The path length of the first conveyance path 203 is set to be longer than the maximum transfer paper size that can be stored in the transfer paper stack section 211, so that during registration standby, the first conveyance path 203 is completely
It is stored within 3.

The transfer paper stack section 211, the second transfer station 232, and the third conveyance section 234 are held by a holding means (not shown) and set to be removable, so that it is also possible to use only the first transfer station 231. ing. Further, at this time, the mode selection for only the first transfer station 231 is automatically set.

First transfer station 23 on photoreceptor 90
1. Since the distance between the second transfer stations 232 is longer than the maximum size of transfer paper stored in the transfer paper stack section 211, even if development is performed without a gap between latent images, the two transfer stations will transfer the image. It is possible to do this.

First transfer station 23 on photoreceptor 90
The distance between the second transfer station 232 and the fixing nip (the distance between the third transfer station 232 and the third transfer station 232)
4) plus the distance from the first transfer station 23
1 and the interval via the first and second conveyance sections 209 and 210. Also, the linear velocity of the photoreceptor and the first, second,
The linear speeds of the three conveyance units 209, 210, 234 and the first and second registration rollers 205, 206 are approximately equal. That is, the first transfer paper is transferred to the first transfer station 231.
When the trailing edge of the first transfer sheet is transferred at the second transfer station 232 and fixed via the first and second conveyance sections 209 and 210, the trailing edge of the first transfer sheet is transferred to the second transfer sheet which is transferred at the second transfer station 232 and fixed via the third conveyance section 234. It is located with almost no gap between the leading edge of the transfer paper and the transfer paper. This transfer paper interval is approximately equal to the interval between latent images. However, there are cases where the transfer paper interval is slightly wider than the latent image interval due to transport slips, etc., but the interval is minute.

(1-1-2) General structure of sorter/stapler As shown in FIG. 1, the sorter/stapler 1000 relays and conveys transfer paper from the fixing section 190 and conveyance path 227 of the copying machine 1 to the discharge port 235. They are connected via line 2. This sorter/stapler 1000 sorts (sorts) transfer sheets discharged from the copying machine main body 1, and staples (
This machine has a function for automatically taking out a stack of stapled copy sheets from a sorting bin.
It is now possible to continuously execute multiple different job commands that are accepted by .

Sorter/stapler 10 according to this embodiment
00, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a guide plate 5, a direction change belt 4, a registration guide plate 7, a sorting conveyance path 9, a deflection unit 10, a drive belt 11, a vertical conveyance belt 12, a vertical conveyance belt drive It mainly consists of rollers 13, drive pulleys 14, and sorting bins (hereinafter simply referred to as bins) 26.

The bins 26 are tilted and fixed at predetermined intervals so that the front side (operating surface side at the time of installation) is higher, and drive pulleys are installed at the upper and lower ends of the lowered side, which is the rear side B. A drive belt 11 is stretched between 14 and 14, and the deflection unit 10 is moved up and down by this drive belt 11. Further, in this embodiment, three vertical conveyor belt drive rollers 13 are provided coaxially with these drive pulleys 14, and the vertical conveyor belt 12 is stretched between the upper and lower corresponding vertical conveyor belt drive rollers 13. There is. Furthermore, facing the movement path of the deflection unit 10, an upper limit detection sensor 51 and a lower limit detection sensor 52 are provided at the upper and lower ends in the movement direction, respectively, for detecting the upper and lower limits of movement of the deflection unit 10. Note that details of these configurations will be described later.

In the present sorter/stapler 1000, as shown in FIG. 4, the transfer paper P discharged from the copying machine main body 1 in the direction of arrow M in FIGS.
The direction change belt 4, which rotates in the direction of arrow N, sends the material to the sorting vertical conveyance path 9 on the back side, and the deflection unit 10, which moves vertically up and down the sorting vertical conveyance path 9, sends it below the direction change belt 4. Sorting is performed into a plurality of bins 26 located therein. The bundle of transfer paper that has been sorted is transferred to the deflection unit 10.
The stapling unit 46, which is provided at the same location and moves together with the deflection unit 10, performs the stapling.

The stapled bundle of transfer sheets is sent out again to the vertical conveyance path 9 by the drawer rollers 24 provided in the deflection unit 10, and is discharged to the stacker 32 at the bottom of the sorter. By doing this, the operator can
All you have to do is take out the stack of stapled transfer paper from the machine. Similarly, the copied sheets are sequentially processed.

Sorter/stapler 10 according to this embodiment
In the 00, three mechanisms for sorting a plurality of bins 26, stapling, and pulling out a stack of stapled copy sheets from the top of the bins 26 are provided on a single base (deflection unit), and are moved up and down by the same drive mechanism. Furthermore, when sorting, the bin 26
The drive of the bottle discharge roller 23 and the drawer roller 24 is also obtained from the deflection unit drive mechanism.

(1-2) Changing the Direction of Copy Paper FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the principal part of the four parts of the direction changing belt. In the same figure, a guide plate 5 and a direction change belt 4 are located downstream of the belt discharge roller 3 following the relay conveyance path 2 in the conveyance direction.
They are arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the direction in which the transfer paper is conveyed. As a result, the transfer paper P discharged from the copying machine body 1 passes through the relay conveyance path 2 and is transferred by the belt discharge roller 3 in a direction perpendicular to the copy paper conveyance direction (arrow M direction) of the copying machine body 1 (arrow N in FIG. direction) and is discharged onto the direction changing belt 4 which rotates in the same direction.

At the time of ejection, the transfer paper P is pulled by the belt from the leading edge of the top surface of the direction change belt 4 in the moving direction, but since the rear end in the ejecting direction is held by the belt ejecting roller 303,
There is no possibility that the transfer paper P will be slanted.

Further, the entire surface of the transfer paper P is moved by the direction changing belt 4.
If the transfer paper P is received by the guide plate 5, the rear end of the transfer paper P in the direction of movement of the upper surface of the direction change belt 4 may be caught in the direction change belt 4.

The moment the transfer paper P is released from the belt discharge roller 3, its traveling direction changes from arrow M to arrow N and is conveyed in the direction of movement of the upper surface of the direction changing belt 4. The transfer paper P conveyed to the back side by the direction conversion belt 4 comes into contact with the registration roller 6 provided on the downstream side of the direction conversion belt 4 in the conveyance direction, stops once, and after aligning the leading edge position, the transfer paper P is transferred to a sorting vertical It is sent to the conveyance path 9.

A registration guide plate 7 is provided above the direction change belt 4 for introducing the transfer paper P into the registration section, and a ball 8 that is biased by a leaf spring or the like and can rotate in any direction is provided.
By pressing the transfer paper P against the direction conversion belt 4, the transfer paper P and the direction conversion belt 4 are prevented from slipping.

As can be seen from the plan view of FIG. 5 showing the relationship between the guide plate 5, the direction conversion belt 4, the registration rollers 6, and the belt discharge roller 3, the conveyance speed of the belt discharge roller [V
mm/sec], transfer paper size in ejection direction a [mm
], when the belt conveyance direction b [mm] and the stop time at the registration section are t [sec], the conveyance speed v [mm/sec] of the direction conversion belt is v≧bV/(a-Vt). If there is a relationship, even if the interval between the transfer sheets P conveyed from the copying machine main body 1 is zero, the next transfer sheet P will overlap the transfer sheet P discharged onto the direction conversion belt 4 first. There isn't.

(1-3) Driving the deflection unit FIG. 6 is a schematic perspective view showing the main structure of the sorter/stapler 1000. As can be seen from the figure, the drive belt 11 that moves the deflection unit 10 up and down is driven by a drive pulley 14 provided coaxially with a vertical conveyance belt drive roller 13 that drives the vertical conveyance belt 12. For the drive belt 11, six pulleys are provided on the side of the deflection unit 10, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. The three on the side where the drive belt 11 moves upward are the first rising pulley 15, the second rising pulley 16, and the third rising pulley 17 from above, and the three on the side where the belt moves downward are the first descending pulley from above. 18, 2nd lowering pulley 1
9. A third descending pulley 20, one of the first and second ascending pulleys 15, 16, and one of the first and second descending pulleys 18, 19 can be stopped by an electromagnetic clutch, brake, etc. put.

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

As shown in FIG. 13, a rising clutch 70 is provided coaxially with the first rising pulley 15, and when this rising clutch 70 is turned ON, the rotation of the rising pulley is stopped. Similarly, the first descending pulley 18 is connected to the descending clutch 7.
1 is provided coaxially with the lower pulley 18, 19, 20 and the pinion 22 by turning off the lowering clutch 71 and the stop clutch 72 shown in FIG. , deflection unit 1
0 rises in the direction of arrow U at the same speed as the moving speed of the drive belt 11 (FIG. 8).

Turn on the descending clutch 71 and lower the descending pulley 1.
8, 19, 20, and turn off the rising clutch 70 and stop clutch 72, and the rising pulleys 15, 16, 1
7 and pinion 22 are allowed to rotate freely, the deflection unit 10 descends in the direction of arrow D at the same speed as the movement speed of the drive belt 11 (FIG. 9).

Turn the ascending clutch 70 and descending clutch 71 to O.
FF, the ascending pulleys 15, 16, 17 and descending pulleys 18, 19, 20 are free to rotate, and the stop clutch 7 is
2 is turned ON to stop the rotation of the pinion 22, the deflection unit 10 is stopped (FIG. 10).

In this way, in this drive mechanism, the drive belt 11
can be kept rotating at all times, and the same drive shaft and drive source as the vertical conveyor belt 12, which also always rotates in the same direction, can be used. Furthermore, as shown in FIGS. 13, 14, and 15, the rotational drive of the bottle ejection roller 23 and drawer roller 24 provided in the deflection unit 10 can also be obtained from the rotation of the lowering pulleys 18, 19, and 20. Note that the rotation of the lowering pulleys 18, 19, and 20 is stopped only when the deflection unit 10 is lowered, but if the deflection unit 10 moves at a speed higher than the moving speed of the vertical conveyance belt 12, the transfer paper is moved by the bin ejection roller 23. No paper jams will occur. Conversely, the rising pulleys 15, 16,
17, the bin ejection roller 23 may stop when the deflection unit 10 is raised, possibly causing a paper jam. Therefore, in this embodiment, the driving force for the bottle discharge roller 23 is obtained from the lowering pulley 20 side.

(1-4) Deflection unit stop positions There are as many stop positions for the deflection unit 10 during sorting as there are bins 26. In this embodiment, the deflection unit 10 includes a reflective position sensor 50 provided in the deflection unit 10 as shown in FIG.
detects the bin one level below the target sorting bin and stops. The stop position when sorting to the lowest bin is detected by the lower limit detection sensor 52 of the deflection unit 10. In this embodiment, the bin 26 that performs the stapling operation is located two levels below the sorting bin (one level below the bin detected by the position sensor 50). The upper limit detection sensor 51 of the deflection unit 10 detects the stop position when stapling the uppermost bin. Since the bins 26 that perform the pulling operation are the same as those used during sorting, the stop position is detected in the same manner as during sorting. sorting,
Bin 26 that performs three operations: staple and draw
Even if they are different, if the difference between the stop positions is set to be an integral multiple of the bin interval, there is no need to provide dedicated stop positions and sensors for each operation.

(1-5) Sorting operation The transfer paper P sent to the sorting vertical conveyance belt 9 by the registration roller 6 is moved downward by the endless vertical conveyance belt 12 hooked on the upper and lower vertical conveyance belt driving rollers 13. It is transported, deflected toward the bins 26 by the sorting guide plate 25 of the deflection unit 10, and further discharged to the target bin 26 by the bin discharge rollers 23 (FIGS. 6, 15, and 16).

As a means for urging the transfer paper P to the vertical conveyance belt 12, the transfer paper P is moved from the registration section to the vertical conveyance belt 12.
The wire 2 crawled from the wire pulley 27 provided at a position where it abuts to the position where it is deflected by the sorting guide plate 25.
8 is used. This wire 28 is above the deflection unit 10. A wire is also required below the deflection unit 10 to urge the transfer paper bundle, which is sent again to the vertical conveyance path 9 by the drawer rollers 24 after stapling is completed, to the vertical conveyance belt 12, so as shown in FIG. One wire 28 is passed from above the deflection unit 10, avoiding the bins 26 group.
If the wire 28 is crawled downward, the winding mechanism for the wire 28 becomes unnecessary.

(1-6) Stapling operation In this sorter/stapler 1000, when the direction of the transfer paper P is changed, the trailing edges in the discharge direction by the belt discharge roller 3 are aligned, and the sorted transfer paper P is also aligned with the main body of the copying machine regardless of size. 1 side, a side fence 29 is provided on the image forming apparatus side of the bin 26, as shown in the schematic diagram of the bin in FIG. 17 and the enlarged view of the essential parts of the bin in FIG.
After adjusting the posture of the transfer paper bundle by the jogging bar 30 and the side fence 29 driven by, the stapling operation is started.

The position of the deflection unit 10 after sorting is completed varies depending on the number of documents, but the stapling operation can be started from any position, and if the sorting has finished at the top bin, the deflection unit 10 will move up to the upper limit position. then start stapling from the top bin and move downward. If the sorting ends in the lower bin, the bins move up two bins and stapling starts upward from that position.

As shown in FIGS. 16 and 19, the staple unit 46 provided at the bottom of the deflection unit 10 is retracted to a position where it does not obstruct the passage of copy paper during sorting (FIG. 19 - solid line position), and the staple unit 46 is time, deflection unit 1
0 stops at the target bin 26, moves in the direction of the bin 26, and staples the bundle of transfer sheets (position shown by the one-dot chain line in FIG. 19).

Thereafter, the staple unit 46 returns to the retracted position and then moves to the next bin 26. The staple unit retracted position is detected by a staple unit home position sensor (not shown).

Note that the stapling position is preferably on the copying machine main body 1 side because the copying machine main body 1 side of the bundle of transfer sheets is aligned. The staple position of the bin 26 is cut out as a staple notch 42, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Further, an end fence 31 for aligning the bin discharge roller 23 side of the sorted transfer paper bundle is not provided at the stapling position.

The movement of the staple unit 46 and the stapling of the bundle of transfer sheets are performed by a staple moving motor and a staple driving motor (not shown). Furthermore, the binding mechanism uses a conventionally known technique.

(1-7) Draw-out operation After completing the stapling of all the transfer paper bundles, the transfer paper bundles are carried out again to the vertical conveyance path 9 by the drawer rollers 24, conveyed downward by the vertical conveyance belt 12, and finally Stacker 3 below the lower bin
Release to 2. This withdrawal operation starts from the top bin. The drawer roller 24 receives driving force from the bottle ejection roller shaft 33 via a belt or the like, rotates in the same direction as the bottle ejection roller shaft 33, and is supported by a drawer bracket 34 that can rotate around the bottle ejection roller shaft 33. ing. At the time of sorting and stapling, the drawer roller 24 is housed vertically below the bottle ejection roller 23, but during the drawer operation, it moves in the horizontal direction of the bottle ejection roller 23 and to the outside of the deflection unit 10. In this embodiment, the sector gear 3 is attached to the drawer bracket 34 as shown in the schematic configuration diagrams of FIGS. 15 and 20.
5 is provided, and the drawer roller 24 is moved via the gear 47 by a drawer roller motor 74 connected to the worm gear 36.

Since the end fence 31 of the bin 26 becomes an obstacle when drawing out the transfer paper, it is made so that it can be rotated and retracted downward from the bin. Further, a part of the drawer bracket 34 is used as an end fence retracting lever 37, and the end fence 31 is retracted downward by pushing the pressing part 38 of the end fence 31 extended to the lever position.

The drawing operation will be explained below with reference to FIGS. 21, 22 and 23.

After stapling is completed, the deflection unit 10 rises to the upper limit position and moves the drawer roller 24 to the horizontal position, as shown in FIG. Thereafter, the deflection unit 10 descends to the target bin and moves the drawer roller 24 downward. When the maximum number of sheets of transfer paper is loaded in the bin 26, Figure 22
As shown in FIG. 3, an end fence retraction lever 37 and a pressing portion 38 are associated with each other so that the end fence 31 is completely retracted below the bin 26 at a position where the drawer roller 24 contacts the top surface of the transfer paper stack. After the rear end of the transfer paper bundle is pulled out from the bin 26, the drawer roller 24 is returned to the horizontal position,
The deflection unit 10 moves to the next bin 26. that time,
The shunting lever 37 or the drawer bracket 34 pushes the pressing part 38, and the end fence 31 is moved as shown in FIG.
It descends while pushing back downwards. Then, transfer paper bundles are similarly pulled out from the following bins 26.

[0070] The pulled-out transfer paper bundle passes through the first discharge roller 39
The discharge belt 41 hooked on the second discharge roller 40 is brought into contact with the vertical conveyance belt 12, and the vertical conveyance belt 1
2 and the wire 28 and discharged to the stacker 32 below the bottom bin. In addition, in FIG. 17, the bin 26 has a jogging bar notch 44 and a copy paper take-out notch 45 formed in addition to the staple notch 42 described above, and a remaining paper sensor 60 (to be described later) detects the transfer paper remaining in the bin 26. Remaining paper detection opening 43 for detecting (remaining paper)
is formed.

(2) Control configuration of sorter/stapler Sorter/stapler (post-processing device) 1000 and copying machine main body 1
They are connected by serial transmission and reception.

A schematic configuration of the control circuit of the sorter/stapler 1000 is shown in FIGS. 24 and 25. Although FIGS. 24 and 25 are originally one diagram, they are shown as two diagrams for convenience. This control circuit basically consists of a CPU80,
ROM81, RAM82, and four first to fourth I
/O gates 83, 84, 85, 86, an AD conversion input unit 88 that AD converts and inputs the output from each unit 87 to be detected to the CPU 80, and first and second I/O gates 83, 84. an input section 89 for inputting outputs from each section 87 to the input section 89;
A driver 91 for driving each section 90 to be controlled according to control signals from I/O gates 85 and 86 and a driver 91 for driving each section 90 to be controlled according to a drive control signal from the fourth gate 86. It is composed of an H-type driver 92 for Furthermore, ROM81 and RAM
A latch 93 is inserted in the bus between 82 and each I/O gate 83, 84, 85, 86. The TxD terminal and RxD terminal of the CPU 80 are respectively connected to the system control circuit of the copying machine main body 1. Further, reference numeral 94 is a decoder. Note that each unit 87 to be detected and each unit 90 to be controlled are blocks (87, 87,
90).

The contents of the data sent from the system control circuit of the copying machine body 1 to the sorter/stapler 1000 are shown in FIG. 50, and the contents of the data sent from the sorter/stapler 1000 to the system control circuit of the copying machine body 1 are shown in 5
1, respectively.

(2-1) Schematic control of sorter/stapler A schematic control procedure of the sorter/stapler 1000 is shown in FIG.
6 is shown in the flowchart. In this process, the status of the sorter/stapler 1000 side (jam flag, door open, bin paper remaining, staple abnormality, staple end)
It is determined whether or not the mode can be executed based on the operator's key input (mode selection) and the state of the copying machine main body 1 (paper, various abnormality flags), etc., and if it is possible, the sorter/stapler 1000 is given the necessary information for mode processing. The data (paper size, bin data...), etc. are transmitted, and if the execution is not possible, the mode is prohibited or changed, and a warning means (guidance display) indicating that the mode cannot be selected is executed (step S26).
-1, 2, 3).

[0075] When the copy operation is executed (step S2
6-4), basically performs operation processing that matches the data sent from the copying machine main body 1 (staple, sort/stack, tray...), but common processing is performed from the copying machine main body 1. The transfer paper conveyed to the sorter/stapler 1000 is sent to the bin paper ejection sensor 5 of the sorter/stapler 1000.
5 (FIG. 16), when the transfer paper is discharged, the sheet discharge flag is set to "1" and transmitted to the copying machine main body 1 side. Upon receiving the flag, the copying machine main body 1 determines that the transfer paper is being ejected (not a jam) based on the signal. When the carriage moves (when discharging sheets into each bin in the stapling, sorting, and stacking modes), the post-processing device 1000 side uses the numerical value of the bin data sent from the copying machine main body 1 and the current position of the actual carriage. An operation is performed so that the bin counters become equal, and the transfer paper is discharged onto each bin 26 by repeating the operation. If a jam occurs during the above operation, jam flags 1, 2, and 3 are set depending on the position where the jam occurs. This is to detect in which part (position) of the sorter/stapler 1000 the jam has occurred when the jam flag is sent to the copying machine main body 1 (step S26-5).

In sort, stack mode, etc., when the final transfer paper is ejected (the "sheet ejection flag = 1" for the final paper),
To complete the series of copying operations (sorting operations), the copying machine main body 1 sends "motor ON flag = 0" to the sorter/stapler 1000, and the sorter/stapler 1000
The drive motor on the side stops and the next copy mode processing is accepted, but in the staple mode, the stapling unit 46 in which a carriage is installed is used to staple the transfer paper on each bin according to the position of the bin data. Determine the bin and perform stapling operation (step S
26-6, 7).

During the stapling operation, the sorter/stapler 1000 side, which staples all the transfer sheets on the bin in the order in which they are sent according to the bin data, sets the stapling execution flag to "1" and ends the stapling operation. Then,
Set the stapling execution flag to "0". Then, the stapling execution flag for each bin is set from “0” → “1” → “
0'' to the copying machine main body 1 (step S26
-8,9).

When stapling is completed, the transfer paper on the bin is dropped onto the stacker 32 provided below for stacking.
From the copier main body 1 to the sorter/stapler 1000 side
Send drop mode flag=“1”. This causes the sorter/stapler 1000 to execute the drop mode, but
The selection of the execution bin is determined by the bin data from the copying machine main body 1. When the dropping operation for each bin is completed, the dropping flag is changed from "1" to "0" and transmitted to the copying machine main body 1 side. When all the bottles have been dropped, the copier main unit 1
The motor ON flag=“0” is transmitted from the step S26-10, 11, and 12.

The general timing for conveying the transfer paper to each bin 26 and jogging (aligning) the transfer paper placed on the bin 26 is shown in the timing chart of FIG. 52.

Each process will be explained below with reference to flowcharts.

(2-2) Initial processing step S26
The initial processing subroutine -2 is processed according to the procedure shown in FIG. In this process, first each port, R
The contents of AM, the flag, and the counter are cleared and set to the initial state (step S27-1). Next, the connection flag of the sorter/stapler 1000, in other words, the sorter/stapler connection flag is set to "1" (step S
27-2), serial data is transmitted and received with the system control circuit (not shown) of the copying machine main body 1 as shown in FIGS. 50 and 51 (step S27-3), and if there is no transmission/reception error (step S27). -4) Set the initial request flag to “1” (step S27-5)
. Then, initial processing is executed (step S27).
-6). The initial request flag is a flag that becomes "1" when the program is initialized, such as when the power is turned on. When it becomes "1," the flag is set to return each sensor and drive parts to their home positions, and the When the processing is completed, it becomes "0". In addition, the initial processing here includes the staple end flag, door open flag, jam flag, bin remaining paper flag, drawer roll home request flag, jogger home request flag, staple unit home request flag, and carriage home request flag, as described above. This is a process to initialize flags such as flags.

The staple end flag becomes "1" when a sensor detecting the presence or absence of a staple detects that there is no staple in the staple unit 46. The door open flag is a flag indicating the open/closed state of the door, and is "1" when the door is open and "0" when the door is closed. The jam flag becomes "1" when a jam occurs inside, and in this embodiment, jam flags 1, 2, and 3 are set as flags indicating the location where the jam occurs. The bin remaining paper flag becomes “1” if there is transfer paper in even one of the 20 bins 26.
becomes. The drawer roller home request flag is a flag that performs processing to return the drawer roller 24 to the home position when it becomes "1", and becomes "0" when it returns to the home position. When the jogger home request flag becomes "1", processing is performed to return the jogging bar 30 to the home position. Further, the staple unit home request flag is a flag that, when set to "1", performs processing to return the staple unit 46 to the home position. Furthermore, when the carriage home request flag becomes "1", the carriage is moved to the top, that is, the upper limit detection sensor 5
This is a flag that performs processing to return to the position detected by 1.

Specifically, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 28, this process first checks whether the initial request flag is set to "1" (step S28-1), and then checks if it is set to "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), if it is not ON, set the staple end flag to "0" (step S28-4) and check whether the door open switch is ON (step S2).
8-5). When it is determined in this step S28-5 that the door open switch is ON, the door open flag is set to "1" (step S28-6), and when it is determined that the door open switch remains OFF, the door is opened. Set the flag to “0” (step S28
-7) Check whether the discharge sensor is in the paper presence state (step S28-8).

[0084] If the ejection sensor is in the paper presence state, this indicates that the transfer paper is jammed, so the jam flag 1 is set to "1" (step S28-9).
If paper is not present, it is checked whether the registration sensor 54 is in a paper present state (step S28-10). If paper is present, a jam has occurred at the registration position, so the jam flag 1 is set to "1" (step S28-11), and if paper is not present, the bin ejection sensor 55 (FIG. 2) is set to indicate paper present. (Step S28)
-12). If the bin ejection sensor 55 determines that there is paper in step S28-12, there is a jam at the bin ejection position, so the jam flag 2 is set to "1" (step S28-13), and it is determined that there is no paper present. When the paper is present, the first release sensor 56 (FIG. 16) is checked to see if there is paper (step S28-
14). If it is determined in step S28-14 that there is paper, the jam flag 3 is set to "1" (step S28-14).
-15), when it is determined that there is no paper present, the second emission sensor 57 (Fig. 16) directly determines whether there is paper (
Step S28-16).

If it is determined in step S28-16 that there is paper, the jam flag 3 is set to "1" (step S28-16).
8-17), if it is determined that there is no paper, step S
The state of jam flags 1, 2, and 3 is confirmed directly from 28-16 (step S28-18). If jam flags 1, 2, and 3 are all “1”, set the jam flag to “1”.
” (step S28-19), and if not, check whether the remaining paper sensor 60 (FIG. 16) is ON (step S28-20). If the remaining paper sensor 60 is ON, the bin The remaining paper flag is set to "1" (step S28-21), and if it is not turned on, the drawer roll home request flag is set (step S28-21).
22), jogger home request flag (step S
28-23), sets the staple unit home request flag (step S28-24) and carriage home request flag (step S28-25) to "1", and further transmits each flag to the system control circuit side of the copying machine main body 1. (Step S28-26), and set the initial request flag to "0" (Step S28-26).
-27) Return. In this way, the initial processing is completed.

(2-3) Staple home processing The stapling unit 46 advances from the home position to the stapling position to perform stapling. Therefore, it is necessary for the staple unit 46 to return to the home position when sorting the transfer sheets or dropping the transfer sheets so as not to interfere with the operation of these transfer sheets. Therefore, the return operation of the staple unit 46 to the home position must be performed reliably.

Referring to the flowchart of FIG. 29 below,
The process of returning the staple unit 46 to the home position will be described.

In this process, first, it is checked whether the staple unit home request flag is "1" (step S29-1), and if it is "1", the staple unit home position sensor is "H".
” level (step S29-2). The staple unit home position sensor is composed of a photo interrupter, and is attached to the staple unit 46 by driving a staple moving motor composed of a stepping motor (not shown). When the sensor filler reaches the sensor position and blocks the optical path, it outputs an "H" level, and when it does not block the optical path, it outputs an "L" level.

When it is determined in step S29-2 that the level is "L", the staple reverse flag is set to "1",
The staple forward flag is set to "0" (step S29-3), and it is checked whether a rising signal from the staple unit home position sensor is output (step S29-4). Note that step S29-
The staple reverse flag in 3 is to rotate the staple moving motor in the direction of moving the staple unit 46 closer to the home position when this flag is "1", and the staple forward flag is to rotate the staple moving motor in a direction that moves the staple unit 46 closer to the home position when this flag is "1". The stapling unit 4
6 is rotated in the direction of movement.

If the rising signal of the staple unit home position sensor is not outputted in step S29-4, the process returns; if it is outputted, the process moves in the reverse direction by 5 pulses (step S29-5). and,
Set the staple reverse flag to “0” (step S
29-6) Return.

Further, when it is determined in step S29-2 that the staple unit home position sensor is at the "H" level, the staple reverse flag is set to "0" and the staple forward flag is set to "1" (step S29-2). S29-7) Check the output of the staple unit falling signal (Step S29-8)
. If the falling signal is not output in step S29-8, the process returns; if it is output, the staple forward flag is set to "0" (step S29-8).
-9), and after setting the staple counter to “0” (
In step S29-10), the staple unit home request flag is set to "0" and the process returns. The staple counter indicates the position of the staple unit 46, and is "0" on the home position side and "100" on the staple position side.

(2-4) Jogger Home Processing In order to perform stapling, it is necessary to align each transfer sheet of the bundle of transfer sheets placed on the bin 26. A jogging bar 30 and a jogger fence 61 are used for this paper alignment. The jogging bar 30 and the jogger fence 61 must advance into the bin 26 only when aligning the sheets, and must retreat from the bin 26 when the transfer sheets are sorted. Therefore, it is necessary to return the jogging bar 30 and the jogger fence 61 to their home positions, and to move them from their home positions to the paper alignment position.

In this process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 30, it is first checked whether the jogger home position flag is "1" (step S
30-1). If it is "1", it is further checked whether the jogger home position sensor 59 (FIG. 31) is at "H" level (step S3
0-2). The jogger home position sensor 59 is composed of a photo interrupter, and when the sensor filler attached to the jogger fence 61 blocks the optical path of the jogger home position sensor 59, "
It outputs "H" level, and outputs "L" level when not shielded.

When it is determined that the level is "L" in step S30-2, the jogger reverse flag is set to "1" and the jogger forward flag is set to "0" in step S30-3 to move the jogger fence 61 to the home position. move it to the side. That is, after that, it is checked whether or not the jogger home position sensor 59 outputs a rising signal (step S3).
0-4), if the output is not present, return; if the output is, the jogger motor 73 is moved in the reverse direction by 5 pulses (step S30-5), and the jogger reverse flag is set to "0" (step S30-4). 6) Return.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S30-2 that the jogger home position sensor 59 is at the "H" level, the jogger reverse flag is set to "0",
Set the jogger reward flag to “1” (step S3
0-7) Check the jogger home position sensor falling signal (step S30-8). Then, if this falling signal is not output, return,
If it has been output, the jogger forward flag is set to "0" (step S30-9). Thereafter, the jogger counter is cleared (step S30-10), and the jogger home request flag is set to "0" (step S30-10).
11) Return.

Note that the jogger home position is the position at the moment when the filler provided on the jogger fence 61 passes through the optical path of the jogger home position sensor 59, as shown in FIG. becomes “H”, thereby clearing the jogger counter (steps S30-2 to S30-11)
. The jogger counter is a counter that indicates the position of the jogger fence 61, and "0" is set as the home position. Additionally, a jogging memory is provided that stores a target value for the movement position of the jogger fence 61, and when jogging each transfer paper, the value of this jogger counter is compared with the value stored in the jogging memory to set the value in advance. Move to the specified transfer paper size position.

(2-5) Drawer colohome processing bin 26
The drawer roller 24 pulls out the bound bundle of transfer paper and drops it onto the stacker 32. The drawer roller 24 transfers the driving force of the drawer roller motor 74, which is a DC motor capable of forward and reverse rotation, to the gear 47.
, a worm gear 36, a sector gear 35, a drawer bracket 34, etc., to swing between the home position and the operating position. Therefore, a control process is required to return the drawer roller 24 to the home position. FIG. 32 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of this drawer colohoming process.

In this process, first, it is checked whether the drawer colohome request flag is set to "1" (step S32-1). If it is not "1", return; if it is "1", check whether the drawer colo home position sensor is ON or not.
That is, it is checked whether the drawer roller 24 has returned to its home position (step S32-2). If the determination in step S32-2 is NO and the drawer roller 24 has not returned to the home position, the roller reverse flag is set to "1" and the roller forward flag is set to "0" (step S32-3) and the process returns. If it has returned, the drawer coro-home request flag is set to "0" (step S32-4), and both the coro-reverse flag and the coro-forward flag are set to "0" (step S32-4).
2-5), hold the position and return.

The roller reverse flag is a flag that moves the drawer roller 24 to the home position side, that is, the drawer roller 24 retraction side when set to "1".
The movement is performed by driving the drawer roller motor 74 in reverse. Further, the roller forward flag is a flag that moves the drawer roller 24 to the protrusion side when it is set to "1," and the movement of the drawer roller 24 is performed by normal rotation of the drawer roller motor 7.

(2-6) Carriage Home Processing The carriage that supports and moves the deflection unit 10 needs to stop the deflection unit 10 at a predetermined position, so the position must be controlled starting from the home position of the carriage. . Therefore, it is necessary to return the carriage to its home position, define the starting point with high precision, and evacuate it from the bin position when it is not needed. For this reason, a process is performed to return the carriage to its home position.

The control procedure for this process is shown in FIG. In this process, first, it is checked whether the carriage home request flag is "1" (step S3).
3-1), if it is "1", the process advances to step S33-2, and it is checked whether the staple unit home request flag is "1" (step S33-2). If it is not set to "1", it is further checked in step S33-3 whether the drawer colohome request flag is set to "1". When the drawer roller home request flag is determined to be "0" in this step S33-3, it means that a command to return the drawer roller 24 to the home position has not been issued, so whether or not the drawer roller 24 has returned to the home position is determined by upper limit detection. This is confirmed by turning ON/OFF the sensor 51 (step S33-4). If the upper limit detection sensor 51 is ON, it means that the vehicle has returned to the home position, so the drive motor for moving the carriage (not shown) is stopped (step S33-5), and the ascending clutch 70 and descending clutch 71 are turned on. The stop clutch 72 is turned off (step S33-6), the stop clutch 72 is connected (step S33-7), and the bin counter is set to "1" (step S33-8). Thereafter, the carriage home request flag is set to "0" (step S33-9) and the process returns.

The above-mentioned bin counter is a counter that indicates the position of the carriage, and indicates the value of [bin position (number of bins) - 2] when the transfer paper is discharged onto the bin 26, and "1" is displayed at the top. is set to . Therefore, the bin data is “1”
~22''.

On the other hand, in step S33-1, the carriage home request flag is "0", and in step S33-
2, the staple unit home request flag is “1”
”, and returns when the drawer colohome request flag is “1” in step S33-3. Also, in step S33-4, the upper limit detection sensor 51 is turned off.
In the case of F, the drive motor is turned on (step S33-
10), engage the ascending clutch 70, disengage the descending clutch 71 (step S33-11), and then disable the stopping clutch 7.
2 (step S33-12) and return.

(2-7) Jogger standby process The jogger fence 61 obstructs the sorting and stapling of transfer sheets, so it is necessary to keep it on standby. Therefore, the procedure in this control process will be explained with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 34.

[0105] In this process, first, it is checked whether the jogging flag is set to "1" (step S
34-1). The jogging flag is a flag that remains "1" until the transfer paper is detected by the bin discharge sensor 55 and jogging ends. When it is determined in step S34-1 that the jogging flag is "0",
In step S34-2, it is determined whether the staple mode is set, and if it is determined that the staple mode is set, the sort mode flag, stack mode flag,
The tray mode flags are each set to "0" and the staple mode flag is set to "1" (step S34-3).

[0106] When the processing of this step is completed, the presence or absence of transfer paper size data is checked (step S34-).
4) If there is no size data, return; if there is size data, select jogging data from the data table written according to the sheet size data (step S34-5) and write the selected jogging data to the jogging memory. (step S34-6). After writing in this manner, it is checked whether the value of the jogger counter and the value of the jogging memory are equal (step S34-7). If the two values are not equal as determined in step S34-7, the value of the jogger counter and the value of the jogging memory are compared in step S34-8. When the value of the jogger counter is larger than the value of the jogging memory, the jogger reverse flag is set to "1", the jogger forward flag is set to "0", and the jogger fence 61 is moved to the home position side (step S34-9), and the jogger fence 61 is moved to the home position side (step S34-9). After decrementing the jogger counter in accordance with the drive pulse, the process returns (step S34-10).

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S34-8 that the value of the jogger counter is smaller than the value of the jogging memory, the jogger reverse flag is set to "0", the jogger forward flag is set to "1", and the jogger fence 61 is activated. advance to the bin 26 (step S34-
11) The jogger counter is incremented in accordance with the jogger drive pulse (step S34-12), and the process returns.

Further, when it is determined in step S34-7 that the value of the jogger counter and the value of the jogger memory are equal, both the jogger reverse flag and the jogger forward flag are set to "0" (step S34-1).
3) Enter the jogging memory value into the jogger counter (step S34-14) and return.

Note that the standby position of the jogger fence 61 is the position of the transfer paper size + α, and normally this α is 10 m.
It is set to a value around m.

(2-8) Jogging The transfer paper stack stored in the bin 26 is jogged, that is, arranged, by the jogging bar 30 and the jogger fence 61. The actual processing procedure at this time will be explained with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 35 and 36.

In the process of FIG. 35, first, it is checked whether the staple mode is set (step S35).
-1). Then, only when the stapling mode is set, it is checked in the next step S35-2 whether or not the bin ejection sensor 55 is outputting a falling signal. If not outputting, return; if outputting, start 0.05 second timer and 0,20 timer respectively (
Step S35-3), and set the jogging flag to "1" (Step S35-4). Next, the sheet ejection flag is set to "1" (step S35-5), and the sheet ejection flag is transmitted to the system control circuit (step S35-6).
), and then sets the sheet discharge flag to "0" (step S35-7) and returns. Note that the sheet discharge flag herein is a flag that is set to "1" only when the transfer paper is discharged from the carriage, and the discharge of the transfer paper is detected by the bin discharge sensor 55.

In the process of FIG. 36, first, it is checked whether the staple mode is set (step S).
36-1), the process advances to step S36-2 only when the staple mode is set, and the jogging flag is set to "1".
Check if it is. When it is confirmed that the jogging flag is set to 1, it is checked whether the 0.20 second timer is counted up (step S36-3). If this step S36
-3, if it is determined that the 0.20 second timer is counted up, the 0.05 second timer and the 0.20 second timer are stopped and cleared (step S36-4), the jogging flag is set to "0", and the return is made. do.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S36-3 that the 0.20 second timer is not counting up, it is further checked whether the 0.05 second timer is counting up (step S36-6), If the count is not up, the process returns; if the count is up, jogging is performed by selecting jogging data from the data table written according to the sheet size data (step S36-7), and the jogging data is jogged. Write to memory (step S36-
8). After writing, check whether the jogger counter value and jogging memory value are equal (
Step S36-9).

If they are equal, return; if not, compare the jogger counter value with the jogging memory value (step S36-10); if the jogger counter value is greater than the jogging memory value, set the jogger reverse flag. is set to "1", the jogger forward flag is set to "0", the jogger fence 61 is moved to the home position side (step S36-11), and the jogger counter is subtracted in accordance with the jogger drive pulse (step S36-12). Return.

Further, when the value of the jogger counter is equal to or less than the value of the jogging memory in step S36-10, the jogger reverse flag is set to "0" and the jogger forward flag is set to "1" to advance the jogger fence 61 to the jogging position ( After step S36-13) and incrementing the jogger counter in accordance with the jogger drive pulse (step S36-14), the process returns.

[0116] Note that 0.0 in step S35-3
The timing of the 5 second timer and 0.20 second timer is shown in Figure 3.
As shown in the timing chart No. 7, the jogger fence 61 is set to be driven to the forward side 0.5 seconds after the output of the bin discharge sensor 55 falls, and driven to the return side 0.20 seconds after the fall of the output of the bin discharge sensor 55. There is. and,
The period from when the jogger fence 61 is driven to the forward side until it returns to the return side is the jogging state in the jogging memory, and at other timings it is in the standby state.

(2-9) Carriage movement processing When discharging transfer paper and stapling, the carriage is moved to the target bin 26 position and predetermined processing is performed, so control processing for moving the carriage is required. becomes. FIG. 38 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of this carriage movement process.

[0118] In this process, first, it is checked whether the bin ejection sensor is in the state of paper present (step S38-1). If there is paper present, it is checked whether the carriage home request flag is "1" (step S38-2). In these steps, the paper out status and carriage home request flag are set to “1”.
If it is determined that
-2, when it is determined that the carriage home request flag is "0", it is checked whether the staple start flag is "1" (step S
38-3).

If it is determined in this step S38-3 that the value is not "1", the bin data is received from the system control circuit side of the copying machine main body 1 (step S38-3).
4), 2 was added to the bin data (step S38-5)
After that, it is checked whether the bin counter and the bin data are equal (step S38-6). When it is determined that they are equal in step S38-6, the stop clutch 72 is engaged (step S38-7), and both the ascending clutch 70 and descending clutch 71 are disengaged (step S38-7).
38-1), then return.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S38-6 that the value of the bin counter and the value of the bin data are not equal, the stop clutch 72 is disengaged (step S38-9).
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 70
is connected, the descending clutch is disengaged to raise the carriage (step S38-11), and then the process returns. Further, when the value of the bin counter is less than the value of the bin data, the ascending clutch 70 is disengaged and the descending clutch 71 is engaged to lower the carriage (step S38-12), and then the process returns.

Further, when it is determined in step S38-3 that the staple start flag is "1", bin data is received from the system control circuit (step S38-13), and the staple unit home request flag is set to "1". ” (
Step S38-14). If it is "1", the staple unit 46 is controlled to return to the home position side, so the process returns; if it is not, it is checked whether the drawer co-home request flag is "1" ( Step S38-15). If this check determines that the value is "1", the drawer roller 24 is controlled to return to the home position, so the process returns; if not, the process from step S38-6 onwards is executed.

[0122] As another process, FIGS. 39 and 4
There is a control process shown in the flowchart of No. 0. In this process, first, as shown in Figure 39, it is checked whether the carriage home request flag is set to "1" (
Step S39-1), if so, return; if not, check whether the ascending clutch 70 is engaged (step S39-2). rising clutch 7
If 0's are connected, it is checked whether the bin counter has a value of 2 or less (step S39-3). If it is larger than 2, it is checked whether the output of the position sensor 50 is rising (step S39-4). If it has not risen, return; if it has risen, the value of the bin counter is subtracted by "1" (step S39-5).
) Return.

[0123] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S39-3 that the value of the bin counter is 2 or less,
It is confirmed whether the upper limit detection sensor 51 is turned on (step S39-6). If it is ON, it means that it has returned to the home position, so the bin counter is set to "1" (step S39-7), and the ascending clutch 7 is turned on.
0 and the descending clutch 71 are disengaged (step S39-8
), the stop clutch 72 is connected to stop the movement of the carriage (step S39-9), and the process returns.

Furthermore, when it is determined in step S39-2 that the ascending clutch 70 is OFF, the process shown in FIG.
0, in step S39-10, the lowering clutch 7
Determine whether 1 is connected. In this judgment, if the descending clutch 71 is not engaged, the stop clutch 72
to stop the movement of the carriage (step S39-1
1), Return.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S39-10 that the lowering clutch 71 is engaged, it is checked whether the value of the bin counter is 21 or more (step S39-12). If it has not reached 21, check whether the output of the position sensor 50 has risen (step S39-13), and if it has not risen, return; if it has risen, add "1" to the value of the bin counter ( Step S39-14) Return.

If it is determined in step S39-12 that the value of the bin counter is 21 or more, it is checked whether the lower limit detection sensor 52 is turned on (step S39-15). If not, it has not reached the lower limit position, so return; if it is ON, substitute "22" indicating the lower limit to the value of the bin counter (step S39-16), and set the ascending clutch 70 and descending clutch. 71 (step S39-17)
, connect the stop clutch 72 to stop the carriage (step S39-18), and return.

FIG. 41 is an explanatory diagram showing the relationship between the value of the bin counter, the bin position for discharging sheets, and the bin for stapling. Note that the bin 26 is 20 bins as described above, and the value of the bin counter is set to take values from 1 to 22, and the upper limit detection sensor 51 is turned ON at the position where the value of the bin counter corresponds to "1". , the lower limit detection sensor 52 is turned on at a position where the value of the bin counter corresponds to "22". In this way, the bin counter indicates the position of the carriage. For example, if the carriage is set at the position of "8" on the bin counter, the transfer sheet is detected by the bin ejection sensor 55 without moving the carriage position at all. When the transfer paper is ejected, the transfer paper is placed at the sixth position from the top, that is, (8-2
), and if a stapling operation is performed, this indicates that the bundle of transfer paper on the eighth bin from the top will be stapled. Therefore, the value of the bin counter is set to 20 from 3 to 22 during sheet discharge, and the value of the bin counter is set to 20 from 1 to 20 during stapling.

(2-10) Process of moving the stapling unit to the operating position In order to staple the bundle of transfer sheets with the stapling unit 46, it is necessary to move the stapling unit 46 to a preset position for stapling. This control processing procedure is shown in the flowchart of FIG.

In this process, first, it is checked whether the staple unit home request flag is set to "1" (step S42-1). If it is "1", the staple unit 46 returns to the home position and returns; if it is not "1", it is further checked whether the staple forward flag is "1" (step S42-2). . If it is determined in this step S42-2 that the value is not "1", the stapling start flag is not set to "1" since the staple start flag is not set to "1".
” (step S42).
-3). This staple start flag is set to “1” when the sorting of the transfer paper is completed and the stapling timing is reached.
This is the flag that becomes .

[0130] Therefore, in this step S42-3, "
If it is not "1", it is not the timing to staple, so return; if it is "1",
It is checked whether the value of the bin counter and the value of the bin data are equal (step S42-4). If they are not equal, return, and if they are equal, the staple forward flag is set to "1" and the staple reverse flag is set to "0" to move the staple unit 46 to the stapling position side (step S42-5), and drives the staple moving motor (not shown). It is added to the value of the staple counter in accordance with the pulse (step S42-6). Then, when the value of the staple counter reaches 100 (step S42-7), it means that the staple unit 46 has moved to the maximum extent, so both the staple forward flag and the staple reverse flag are set to "0" to stop the movement of the staple unit 46 (step S42-7). S4
2-8) Return.

[0131] Furthermore, when the staple forward flag is determined to be "1" in step S42-2, the staple unit 46 moves to the stapling position, so the process skips to step S42-6 and the subsequent processes are executed. do.

(2-11) Stapling Operation When the stapling unit 46 moves to the stapling position, the stapling operation is executed and the bundle of transfer sheets is stapled. This control processing procedure is shown in FIG.

In this process, first, it is checked whether the stapling flag is set to "1" (step S43-1). The staple execution flag is "1" when the staple start flag is "1", and "1" when the stapling operation is executed, and "1" when the stapling operation is completed.
If it is determined in this step S43-1 that the stapling execution flag is not set to "1", it is further determined in step S43-2 whether or not the stapling start flag is set to "1". Confirm. If it is not "1", return is made, and if it is "1", check whether the staple counter is "100" (step S43-3). If it is not "100", it is not in the state for stapling, so return, and if it is "100", set the stapling execution flag to "1" (step S43-
4) Turn on the staple drive motor (step S4)
3-5). Next, a one-second timer is started to detect locking of the staple drive motor (step S4).
3-6) Staple the bundle of transfer paper by rotating the staple drive motor once.

[0134] After that, check whether the staple home position sensor is turned on (step S).
43-7), if it is ON, the staple drive motor is stopped (step S43-8), and since stapling is completed, the stapling execution flag is set to "0" (step S43-9), and the 1-second timer is cleared. (Step S4
3-10). Then, the staple unit home request flag is set to "1" (step S43-11), and it is checked whether the staple end sensor is turned on (step S43-12). If it is not turned on, there are still staples. Therefore, the process returns as is, and if it is not turned on, sets the staple end flag, which indicates that there is no staple, to "1" (step S43-13) and returns.

[0135] Furthermore, when it is determined in step S43-7 that the staple home position sensor is not turned on, it is checked whether the one-second timer is counting up (step S43-14), and the one-second timer must be counting up. If the stapling is not completed yet, the program returns, and if the count is up, the stapling has not been completed completely, so the staple drive motor is stopped (step S43-15) and the stapling abnormality flag is set to "1". (Step S43-16) Return.

(2-12) Dropping Mode Processing The dropping mode is a mode in which the drawer rollers 24 are made to protrude and the bound bundle of transfer sheets is dropped onto the stacker 32. When this mode is executed, the carriage is first moved to the uppermost position where the upper limit detection sensor 51 is turned on, and then the drawer roller arm is protruded to drop the bundle of transfer paper.

In this process, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 44, first, it is checked whether the drop mode flag is set to "1" (step S44-1). And if the drop mode flag is “1”,
It is checked whether the drop execution flag is set to "1" (step S44-2). Note that the drop mode flag mentioned here is a flag that causes the drop mode to be executed when the stapling of the transfer paper on all the bins 26 is completed.
It becomes "1" at the start of drop mode. In addition, the dropping flag is set to “1” when the carriage and drawer roller complete the initial sheet dropping operation.
” This flag is set to “.

[0138] If the drop execution flag is set to "1" in step S44-2, it is further checked whether the coroforward flag is set to "1" (step S44-2).
44-3), if it is not "1", check whether the bin counter is "1" (step S44-4). If the value of the bin counter is not "1", the carriage has not returned to the home position, so each drawer co-home request flag is set to "1" (step S4).
4-5), the staple unit home request flag is set to "1" (step S44-6), the carriage home request flag is set to "1" (step S44-7), and the process returns.

On the other hand, if the value of the bin counter is "1" in step S44-4, it means that the user has returned to the home position, so a 1-second timer is started (step S44-8), and the colo-forward Set the flag to "1" (step S44-9), and check whether the 1-second timer has counted up (step S44-10).
. If the count is not up, return; if the count is up, clear the 1-second timer and stop it (step S44-11), set the coroforward flag to "0" (step S44-12), and then set the drop execution flag. is set to "1" (step S44-13) and returns.

Further, when it is determined in step S44-3 that the coroforward flag is "1", the process skips to step S44-10 and the subsequent steps are executed.

(2-13) Dropping Mode Operation The control procedure for the actual dropping operation from above the bottle 26 in the dropping mode will be described in detail below with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 45 to 48.

In this control procedure, first, the drop mode flag is "1" (step S45-1), the value of the bin counter is equal to the value of the bin data (step S45-2), and
The value of the bin counter is 3 or more (step S45
-3) is controlled under the condition. When control is started under this condition, it is first checked whether the drop-up flag is "1" (step S45-4). The drop-up flag is a flag that becomes "1" when the stapled transfer paper arrives at the first discharge sensor 56, and becomes "0" when the stapled transfer paper leaves the first discharge sensor 56. If this drop-up flag is not “1”, the drop-down flag is also set to “1”.
(Step S45-)
5). This drop-down flag indicates that the stapled transfer paper is located between the first and second release sensors 56 and 57.
This flag becomes "0" when it leaves the second release sensor 57.Then, this drop-down flag becomes "1".
If not, it is checked whether the loop counter has a value larger than 2 (step S45).
-6).

[0143] If larger than 2, jam flag 2
and the jam flag are set to "1" (steps S45-7 and S45-8), and the process returns. If it is less than 2, it is checked whether timer 3 has started (step S45-9). This timer 3 is the time required to raise the drawer roller arm once because the transfer paper drawer operation is incomplete. If it is determined in step S45-9 that the timer has not started, it is further checked whether timers 1 and 2 have started (
Step S45-10), if they have not started, start timers 1 and 2 (step S45-11), and set the coroforward flag to "1" (step S4).
5-12) Check whether the first release sensor 56 is turned on (step S45-13). Note that the timer 1 moves the arm of the drawer roller 24,
Timer 2 is a timer that indicates the travel time for contacting the transfer paper.
is a timer indicating the time period during which the arm of the drawer roller 24 is in contact with the transfer paper and stopped.

[0144] If it is determined in this step S45-13 that the first release sensor 56 is ON, the transfer paper is at the position of the first release sensor 56, so the coroforward flag is set to "0". (Step S45-14), clear and stop timers 1, 2, and 3 (Step S45-1)
5), set the drop-up flag to “1” (step S
45-16), start timer 4 (step S
45-17) Return. Note that the timer 4 is a timer for checking a jam at the first release sensor position, which starts when the transfer paper is pulled out and reaches the detection position of the first release sensor 56.

[0145] When it is determined in step S45-13 that the first release sensor 56 is not turned on,
Check whether timer 1 is counting up (step S45-18). If not, the arm movement has not been completed yet, and the process returns. If it is counting up, the coroforward flag is set to "0." ” (step S45-19) This time, timer 2
It is checked whether the count is up (step S44-20). Then, when the count up, timers 1 and 2 are cleared and stopped (step S45-2).
1), start timer 3 (step S45-2
2). Next, the roller reverse flag is set to "1" (step S45-23), the drawer roller 24 is moved to the home position side, and the timer 3 is waited for to count up (step S45-24). Then, when it counts up, timer 3 is cleared and stopped (step S45).
-25), sets the coro-reverse flag to "0" (step S45-26), adds "1" to the loop counter (step S45-27), and returns.

Further, when it is determined in step S45-4 that the drop-up flag is "1", as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 47, it is determined whether or not the timer 4 is counting up (step S45-2
8) If the count is up, the timer 4 is cleared and stopped (step S45-29), the jam flag 2 and the jam flag are each set to "1" (steps S45-30, 31), and the process returns.

On the other hand, when it is determined in step S45-28 that timer 4 has not counted up yet,
It is checked whether the first release sensor 56 is in the OFF state (step S45-32). If it is not OFF, return, and if it is OFF, set the drop-up flag to “0” (
Step S45-33), sets the drop down flag to "1" (Step S45-34), stops and clears the timer 4 (Step S45-35), sets the roller reverse flag to "1" and closes the drawer roller 24. It is driven to the home position side (step S45-36), starts timers 5 and 6 (step S45-37), and returns. Note that the timer 5 is a timer for raising the drawer roller arm to make the arm protrude, and the timer 6 is a timer for checking a jam of the transfer paper that has passed the detection position of the first release sensor 56. be.

[0148] When the drop down flag is determined to be "1" in step S45-5, the procedure shown in the flowchart of FIG. 48 is executed. In this procedure, first, it is checked whether or not timer 5 is counting up (step S45-38). If it is counting up, timer 5 is cleared and stopped (step S45-39), and the coro reverse flag is set to " 0” (step S45-40).
), and further confirms whether the timer 6 is counting up (step S45-41).

[0149] If the timer 6 is counting up, the timer 6 is stopped and cleared (step S45-4).
2), set jam flag 3 and jam flag “
1" and return. Step S45-41
When it is determined that the timer 6 has not counted up, it is further checked whether the second emission sensor 57 is in the OFF state (step S45-45), and if it is not OFF, the process returns, and if it is OFF, the controller is It is further checked whether the reverse flag is "1" (steps S45-46). If the corro-reverse flag is "1", the process returns to the home position, so the process returns; if it is not "1", timer 6 is cleared and stopped (steps S45-47), and the drop down flag is of"
0'' (steps S45-48) and returns.

Note that if the timer 5 has not counted up in step S45-38, step S45-4
Skip to step 6 and execute the processing from this step onwards.

[0151] Also, in step S45-9, timer 3
If has already started, the process skips to step S45-24, checks whether or not timer 3 is counting up, and then executes subsequent processing.

(2-14) Control of drive motor The drive motor of the carriage of the sorter/stapler 1000 is motor O.
Controlled by setting the N flag to "1" or "0". That is, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 49, if the motor ON flag is set to "1" (Yes in step S49-1), the drive motor is turned on and the flag is set to "0".
If so (No in step S49-1), the drive motor is turned off.

[0153]

[Effects of the Invention] As is clear from the above description, the present invention configured as described above has the following effects.

[0154] That is, a deflecting means that is movably provided with respect to the bin and guides the recording medium ejected from the image forming apparatus into a preset bin, and a binding means that binds the recording media accumulated on the bin. and a deflection means standby position detection means for detecting a standby position of the deflection means, and a binding means position detection control means for detecting the position of the binding means in accordance with a detection output from the deflection means standby position detection means. According to the invention described in claim 1, the recording medium discharged from the main body of the image forming apparatus is guided to a predetermined bin along the tiers of the bins by changing the conveyance direction by the deflecting means, and is bound in the bin by the binding means. Therefore, it can be constructed in a small size and at low cost. Furthermore, since the binding means position detection control means is configured to detect the position of the binding means using the detection output from the deflection means standby position detection means, it is necessary to provide a position detection means especially for the binding means. This eliminates waste and further reduces costs.

[0155] According to the invention according to claim 2, further comprising a carrying-out means for carrying out the bundle of recording media on the bin bound by the binding means from the bin, after the binding, the operator can remove the bound records. There is no need to take out a bundle of media from each bin, and recording media can be sorted following the empty bins carried out by the carrying means, so operability and productivity are improved.

According to the invention as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a carry-out means position detection control means for detecting the position of the carry-out means in accordance with a detection output from the deflection means standby position detection means. Since it is configured to detect the position of the carrying out means using the detection output from the position detecting means, there is no need to provide a position detecting means for the carrying out means, which reduces waste and further reduces costs. become.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

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

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 10 Deflection unit 24 Drawer roller 26 bottle 33 Bin discharge roller shaft 34 Drawer bracket 35 Sector gear 36 Worm gear 39 First discharge roller 40 Second discharge roller 41 Emission belt 46 Staple unit 51 Upper limit detection sensor 74 Drawer roller motor 1000 Sorter Stapler P Transfer paper

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A recording medium post-processing device that performs preset processing on a recording medium ejected from an image forming apparatus by guiding the recording medium into a plurality of bins arranged in multiple stages to accommodate the recording medium. a deflecting means which is movably provided to the image forming apparatus and guides the recording medium ejected from the image forming apparatus into a preset bin; a binding means which binds the recording media accumulated on the bin; The present invention is characterized by comprising a deflection means standby position detection means for detecting a standby position, and a binding means position detection control means for detecting the position of the binding means in accordance with a detection output from the deflection means standby position detection means. Post-processing equipment. 2. The post-processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a carrying-out means for carrying out from the bin the bundle of recording media bound by the binding means. 3. The post-processing according to claim 2, further comprising a carry-out means position detection control means for detecting the position of the carry-out means in accordance with a detection output from the deflection means standby position detection means. Device.