JPH08248712A - Image forming device with sorter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To avoid such a situation that it is impossible to execute a copying operation before the repair of a sorter is completed by making possible to electrically separate the abnormal position and to restart the copying operation even in the case an abnormality occurs in the sorter. CONSTITUTION: A copying machine with a sorter is provided with a sorting mechanism 202 for sorting and discharging copying sheets, a sort bin driving part 203, a punch/staple driving part 204, or abnormality monitoring parts 206, 207 and 208 for monitoring whether or not the abnormality occurs in a take-out device driving part 205 for driving a take-out device 76 for stacking the copying sheets in a stacking part. When the occurrence of the abnormality is recognized by the abnormality monitoring parts 206, 207 and 208, an abnormality occurrence signal including abnormal position discrimination data is given to the main control part 200 by a sorter control part 201. The abnormal position is electrically separated by the main body control part 200 based on the abnormality occurrence signal. Then, the copying operation is automatically restarted while using other normal positions.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and more particularly, to a plurality of sheets on which one original image is formed when obtaining a plurality of copies of the same original. The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus provided with a sorter that can sort and discharge image forming sheets into a plurality of sort bins.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, an original is optically scanned, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the original is formed on a photosensitive member based on the scanning, and the electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image, and then the toner image is developed. Copiers that transfer a toner image to copy paper are widely used. In such a copying machine, in addition to an image forming unit that executes such a basic copying operation, an automatic document feeder that automatically supplies originals one by one as needed, and a large number of copy sheets. And an optional function executing means such as a large-capacity deck containing a lift for moving the copy paper to an appropriate position for feeding the paper, an intermediate tray used for copying on both sides of the copy paper, and the like.

The operation of the optional function executing means is controlled by a control device composed of an independent microcomputer or the like. Each of these control devices is electrically connected to a central control device that controls the image forming unit and controls the entire copying machine.
By the way, in the above copying machine, when an abnormality occurs in any of the optional function executing means, the abnormality occurrence is notified to the central control unit. For example, in the automatic document feeder, an abnormality may occur in the drive motor that drives the paper feed roller for taking in the original. At this time,
The control device, which controls the automatic document feeder, outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to the central control device. On the other hand, in the central controller,
The basic idea is to prohibit the operation of the entire copying machine including the basic copying operation when the above-mentioned abnormality occurrence signal is given.

[0004]

By the way, in the above copying machine, as one of the above-mentioned optional function executing means, when a plurality of copies are obtained from one original, a plurality of copy sheets are ejected. A sorter for sorting and discharging the paper tray may be provided. The operation of this sorter is controlled by an independent control device as in the case of the optional function executing means, and the control device is electrically connected to the central control device.

However, in the above conventional copying machine,
According to the above principle, even if the sorter is abnormal, the operation of the entire copying machine is prohibited. this is,
This is because if the copy sheet on which the original image is copied is discharged to the sorter when the sorter has an abnormality, a jam or the like may occur. Therefore, the copy operation could not be executed until the service person or the like came to repair the sorter. This defect is particularly noticeable when there are relatively many cases where it takes days to come to repair.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above technical problems and to provide an image forming apparatus with a sorter capable of executing an image forming process even when an abnormality occurs in the sorter.

[0007]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a sorter-equipped image forming apparatus including an image forming means for executing an image forming process for forming an original image on an image forming sheet. An image forming apparatus with a sorter including: and a sorter for performing a paper discharge process of discharging the image forming paper on which the original image is formed in the image forming means to a plurality of bins, wherein the sorter is When an abnormality occurs, the apparatus main body includes a signal output unit that outputs an abnormality generation signal, and the apparatus main body determines whether the sorter has an abnormality based on whether the abnormality output signal is output from the signal output unit. An abnormality occurrence determining unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred, and when the abnormality occurrence determining unit determines that an abnormality has occurred in the sorter, the sheet discharging process in the sorter is prohibited. A, wherein the execution of the image formation processing in the image forming means includes a control means for allowing.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the sorter is attached to the sheet discharging means for executing the sheet discharging processing and the sheet discharging processing. And a post-processing executing means for independently executing a plurality of post-processings to be performed respectively, wherein the signal output means is one of the paper discharging means and the plurality of post-processing executing means. When an abnormality occurs, the paper ejection means,
Or, a different abnormality occurrence signal is output for each of a plurality of post-processing execution means, and the abnormality occurrence determination means receives the abnormality occurrence signal from the signal output means, and the paper discharge means or a plurality of post-processing means. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred in any of the execution means, and based on the abnormality occurrence signal, it is determined whether the abnormality has occurred in the paper discharge means or the plurality of post-processing execution means. The control means prohibits the processing in the means determined to have an abnormality in the abnormality occurrence determination means, and the processing in the means other than the means determined to have an abnormality, and It is characterized in that the image forming means permits the execution of the image forming process.

An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein the apparatus main body has a sorter in the abnormality occurrence determining means, or the paper discharging means, or If it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in any one of the plurality of post-processing execution means, it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the sorter,
Further, it is characterized by further including an informing means for informing which of the plurality of post-processing executing means has an abnormality.

An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the sorter can be physically separated from the apparatus main body. A means for instructing physical disconnection of the sorter when the abnormality occurrence determination means determines that an abnormality has occurred in the sorter, the paper discharge means, or any of the plurality of post-processing execution means. The apparatus body further includes a disconnection determining means for determining whether or not the sorter is physically disconnected, and the control means includes the sorter or the paper discharge in the abnormality occurrence determining means. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the image forming means or any one of the plurality of post-processing executing means, the execution of the image forming processing in the image forming means is prohibited, and then the above-mentioned disconnection is performed. When the sorter in and determining means is determined to have been physically disconnected, and characterized in that to release the prohibition of the execution of the image forming process in the image forming means.

An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the image forming apparatus according to the fourth aspect, wherein the apparatus main body is provided with a discharge tray capable of receiving the image forming sheet to be discharged. A mounting part that can
The control unit further includes an attachment determination unit that determines whether or not the discharge tray is attached to the attachment unit, and the control unit prohibits execution of the image forming process in the image forming unit and then determines the disconnection. The image forming process in the image forming means is executed only when the sorter determines that the sorter is physically separated and the attachment determining means determines that the discharge tray is attached to the attachment portion. It is a feature that the prohibition of is removed.

[0012]

According to the structure of the first aspect, when an abnormality occurs in the sorter, the paper discharge process in the sorter is prohibited and the image forming process is allowed to be executed. Therefore, the sorter is repaired. It is possible to avoid a situation in which the image forming process cannot be performed until the end. According to the second aspect of the present invention, in the case where the sorter is provided with the sheet discharging means and the plurality of post-processing executing means, when an abnormality occurs in any one of the above means, the abnormality occurs. The processing by the above means is prohibited, and the processing by other means and the image forming processing by the image forming means are permitted.

For example, even if an abnormality occurs in the second sheet discharging means and the image forming sheets cannot be sorted and discharged into a plurality of bins, the sheets can be discharged into the non-sort bin. Further, for example, in the case where a stapling process for stapling a plurality of image forming sheets and a punching process for punching holes in the image forming sheet are set as the post-processing, the post-processing executing means that should execute the stapling process is described as Even when an abnormality occurs, the punching process is permitted to be performed by the post-processing executing means that should perform the punching process.

As described above, according to this configuration, even if any one of the plurality of means provided in the sorter has an abnormality, all the processing by the other executable means can be executed. The image forming apparatus can be used in a more normal state. According to the third aspect of the present invention, there is an abnormality in the sorter, the sheet discharging means,
Alternatively, since any one of the plurality of post-processing executing means is informed of the abnormality, it is possible to avoid delay in recognizing the abnormality due to the image forming processing being performed normally.

Further, in the configuration according to claim 4, the sorter,
Alternatively, when an abnormality occurs in any one of the paper discharging unit or the plurality of post-processing executing units, the separation of the sorter from the apparatus main body is instructed. Then, the execution of all the processes is prohibited until the separation is achieved, and when the separation is achieved, the execution of all executable processes is permitted.

For example, if the image forming process is allowed to be performed when an abnormality occurs in the sheet discharging means, the image forming sheet may be erroneously discharged to the abnormal bin and a jam or the like may occur. Therefore, in this configuration, the execution of the image forming process is restarted after the sorter is separated from the apparatus main body. However, at this time, since the sorter for receiving the image forming sheet is separated, the image forming process is executed only when the discharge tray is attached to the apparatus main body as in the configuration according to claim 5. Is more preferable.

[0017]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. <First Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a front view showing an external configuration of a copying machine according to a first embodiment to which an image forming apparatus with a sorter according to the present invention is applied. This copier includes a copier body 1, an automatic document feeder (hereinafter referred to as “RDH”) 2 mounted on the upper surface of the copier body 1, and a sorter 3 for receiving copy paper discharged from the copier body 1. , And a stacker 4 that stacks the copy sheets received by the sorter 3 together. On the upper front surface of the copy machine main body 1, there is provided an operation unit S by which an operator can instruct the operation of the copy machine.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the internal structure of the copying machine. A transparent document table 10 is arranged on the upper surface of the copying machine body 1. When copying, the document to be copied is placed on the image forming position (exposure position) J of the document table 10. The RDH 2 is a device for automatically supplying a document to the image forming position J of the document table 10. R
Paper feed rollers 23, 24 for taking out the originals set at the original set position 21 one by one from the lower side and supplying them to the image forming position J via a paper feed path 22 connected to the original table 10 in the DH 2. 25 and a conveyor belt 26 are provided.

Further, the RDH 2 executes a double-sided copy mode in which a double-sided original is copied onto both sides of a copy sheet, or a divided copy mode in which the double-sided original is divided and copied on one side of each of two copy sheets. A reverse roller 33 is provided for inverting the double-sided document that has been copied and feeding the double-sided document to the image forming position J at the time of printing.
The double-sided original that has been copied on one side is returned to the paper feed path 22 by the conveyor belt 26, the paper feed roller 25 is reversed, and the separation claw 34 closes the paper feed path 22 side to be guided to the reverse path 35. . The double-sided document guided to the reversing path 35 is rotated by the reversing roller 33 so that the reversing path 3
5 and is guided to the image forming position J.

The original on the original table 10 is conveyed by the conveyor belt 26. The copied document is guided to the paper discharge path 28 by the paper discharge roller 27, and is discharged to the document discharge position 31 via the relay roller 29 and the paper discharge roller 30. When all the originals set in the original setting position 21 are discharged to the original discharge position 31, the originals are automatically reset to the original setting position 21 by the original feeding plate 32.

Inside the copying machine main body 1, a document reading section 3 is provided.
6 is provided. The document reading unit 36 is provided on the document table 1
A light source 37 for illuminating and scanning the document presented at the image forming position J of 0 is provided. The light source 37 is reciprocally driven along the document table 10 in the left-right direction in FIG. 1 by receiving a driving force from an optical system motor (not shown). The light emitted from the light source 37 is reflected by the document placed at the image forming position J. The reflected light from the document is reflected by the first reflecting mirror 38 that is driven integrally with the light source 37, and further the second reflecting mirror 3
9, third reflecting mirror 40, fourth reflecting mirror 41, fifth reflecting mirror 42
Then, the light is reflected by the sixth reflecting mirror 43 and is applied to the photosensitive drum 45 provided in the image forming unit 44. Second reflector 3
When the light source 37 is driven, the ninth and third reflecting mirrors 40 are driven in the left-right direction in FIG.
As a result, the optical path length from the light source 37 to the photosensitive drum 45 is kept constant during the process of scanning the original with the light from the light source 37. Third reflecting mirror 40 and fourth reflecting mirror 4
A zoom lens 46 for forming an original image on the photosensitive drum 45 is arranged between the zoom lens 46 and the image pickup device 1.

The image forming section 44 has the above-described photosensitive drum 45 which is rotationally driven at a constant speed during copying, a main charger 47 and a developing device 48 which are sequentially arranged around the photosensitive drum 45 in accordance with the rotation direction thereof. , A transfer charger 49, a separation charger 50, and a cleaning device 51. The surface of the photoconductor drum 45 is uniformly charged by the main charger 47 and then exposed by the reflected light from the document. As a result, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the reverse image of the original is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 45. This electrostatic latent image is developed into a toner image by the toner supplied from the toner hopper 52 in the developing device 48. This toner image is transferred to the transfer charger 4
At 9, it is transferred to copy paper. The toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 45 after the toner image is transferred is removed by the cooling device 51. The separation charger 50 is for separating the copy paper from the surface of the photosensitive drum 45. The above main charger 4
7. The transfer charger 49 and the separation charger 50 are
Each function is realized by generating corona discharge.

In synchronization with the image formation in the image forming section 44, the upper deck 53A, the middle deck 53B, the lower deck 53C, the large capacity deck 54, and the manual feed tray 55.
Paper is fed from. Copy papers of different sizes are stored in the upper deck 53A, the middle deck 53B and the lower deck 53C. Also, large capacity deck 5
A large number of copy papers, which are particularly frequently used, are stored in No. 4. Further, the manual feed tray 55 is supplied with, for example, copy paper having a predetermined format.

In relation to the upper deck 53A, the middle deck 53B, the lower deck 53C, the large-capacity deck 54, and the manual feed tray 55, paper feed rollers 56A, 56B, 56C, 57 for taking out copy paper one by one, respectively. 58
Is provided. At the time of copying, one of the paper feed rollers 56A, 56B, 56C, 57, 58 is rotationally driven, whereby the upper deck 53A and the middle deck 53 are driven.
Copy paper is guided from any one of B, the lower deck 53C, the large-capacity deck 54, and the manual feed tray 55 to the paper conveyance path 60 extending to the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 45 via the relay roller 59.

A pair of registration rollers 61 are arranged in the vicinity of the photosensitive drum 45 on the sheet conveying path 60. The registration roller 61 temporarily stops the copy paper, and then feeds the copy paper toward the photoconductor drum 45 at the same timing as the rotation of the photoconductor drum 45. As a result, the copy paper is fed toward the photoconductor drum 45 at the timing of being aligned with the toner image on the surface of the photoconductor drum 45 at the position of the transfer charger 49.

The copy paper onto which the toner image has been transferred by the function of the transfer charger 49 is separated from the surface of the photosensitive drum 45 by the function of the separation charger 50, and then guided to the fixing device 63 by the conveyor belt 62. The fixing device 63 fixes the toner on the surface of the copy paper. The copy paper after the fixing process is conveyed by the conveyance roller 64 and the paper discharge roller 65 and guided to the sorter 3.

A path for conveying the copy paper between the conveying roller 64 and the discharge roller 65 is a reversal path 66 for reversing the copy paper after the fixing process, and the copying machine main body 1
An intermediate path 68 is provided at the center of the intermediate tray 68, and a transport roller 70 for transporting the copy paper is disposed at an appropriate interval on the intermediate tray 67, and the intermediate path 68 is branched and connected. The intermediate tray 67
Is used when executing the double-sided copy mode or the split copy mode.

The copy paper after the fixing process is once guided to the reversing path 66 by the functions of the separating claw and the reversing roller 69 (not shown), and then is guided to the intermediate path 68 by the reverse rotation of the reversing roller 69. And the intermediate tray 6
It is housed in 7. The copy papers stored in the intermediate tray 67 are taken out one by one by the paper feed rollers 71 and 72,
The sheet is guided to the conveyance path 73 which merges with the sheet conveyance path 60.
Then, the sheet passes through the sheet conveyance path 60 and again the photoconductor drum 45.
Be led to.

The sorter 3 is provided with a plurality of bins T. The copy paper discharged by the paper discharge roller 65 is
The paper is guided to the paper discharge path 74 and then guided to a predetermined bin T by a sorting mechanism (not shown). Among the plurality of bins T, the bin TN is a non-sort bin used when the copy sheets after copying are discharged without being sorted. When the copy sheets after copying are sorted and discharged, the remaining bins T1, T2, ..., Tm are used as sort bins.

The sorter 3 also includes sort bins T1 and T1.
2, ..., Punch / stapling unit 75 for performing punching processing for punching a plurality of copy sheets guided by Tm and stapling processing for fixing the plurality of copy sheets with a stapler or the like. Has been.
On the other hand, the sort bins T1, T2, ..., Tm are movable in the vertical direction. When performing punching or stapling, a sort bin T containing copy paper to be punched or stapled
, Tm are moved to positions corresponding to the punch / staple unit 75.

The stacker 4 is for executing a stacking process for stacking the copy paper, which has been stapled by the punch / stapling unit 75, in the stacking section D. The stapling-processed copy paper is taken out by the take-out device 76 provided in the stacker 4 and guided to the stack section D. In the following, the punching process, the stapling process, and the stacking process are collectively referred to as “post-processing”.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing the external configuration of the operation section S. A display unit 100 including a liquid crystal display element (LCD) or the like is arranged near the center of the operation unit S. A print key 101 to be pressed at the start of copying is arranged on the right side of the display unit 100 in FIG. Furthermore, on the left side of the display unit 100 in FIG.
A punch key 102 for setting a punch mode for performing the punching process and a staple key 10 for setting a staple mode for performing the stapling process.
3, and the plurality of sort bins T1, T2, ...
A sort copy key 104 for setting a sort mode in which the copy sheets after copying are sorted and discharged in Tm is arranged.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the electrical construction of the copying machine, particularly showing the electrical connection between the copying machine main body 1, the sorter 3 and the stacker 4. The copier body 1 includes, for example, a CPU, a ROM,
A main body control unit 200 including a microcomputer including a RAM is provided. The document reading section 36 and the image forming section 44 are connected to the main body control section 200.

On the other hand, the sorter 3 is provided with a sorter control unit 201 which is also composed of a microcomputer. The sorter control unit 201 sends the copied copy paper to the non-sort bin TN or a plurality of sort bins T1 and T2.
.., Tm, a sort bin drive unit 203 for driving the plurality of sort bins T1, T2, ..., Tm, and a punch / staple unit drive unit 20 for driving the punch / staple unit 75.
4 and the take-out device driving unit 205 for driving the take-out device 76 of the stacker 4 are connected.

Further, the sorter control section 201 includes an abnormality monitoring section 206 for monitoring whether or not any abnormality has occurred in the sorting mechanism 202, the sort bin drive section 203 or the sort bins T1, T2, ... Staple unit driver 204 or punch / staple unit 75
An abnormality monitoring unit 207 that monitors whether an abnormality has occurred in the
Further, an abnormality monitoring unit 208 for monitoring whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the extraction device driving unit 205 or the extraction device 76 is connected.

When the sorter control unit 201 determines that an abnormality has occurred in each of the abnormality monitoring units 206, 207 and 208, it outputs an abnormality occurrence signal to the main body control unit 200. At this time, the abnormality occurrence location identification data indicating in which location the abnormality has occurred, and, for example, the covers of the sort bins T1, T2, ..., Tm are simply left open, or an electrical abnormality occurs. The data that should be used to identify the details of the abnormality, such as a warning, is output simultaneously. On the other hand, in the main body control unit 200, when the abnormality occurrence signal is given, after determining whether or not the place where the abnormality has occurred is electrically separated, the sorter control unit 201 is controlled so as to respond to the determination result. To do.

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the above copying machine.
This is mainly for explaining the operation of the copying machine when an abnormality occurs in any part of the sorter 3 or the stacker 4. 5 and 6 are flowcharts for explaining sorter control in the main body control unit 200 provided in the copying machine main body 1, and FIG. 7 is a sorter control provided in the sorter 3. 6 is a flowchart for explaining control in unit 201.

In FIG. 5, when the power source (not shown) of the copying machine is turned on and the copying machine is started, the main body control unit 2
In 00, first, the sorter 3 is activated (step S1),
It is determined whether or not the location where the abnormality has occurred is already electrically disconnected until the previous copying operation (step S2). As a result, if it is determined that they are separated,
The sorter control is performed when the abnormal portion described later is separated. On the other hand, if it is determined that no abnormality has occurred up to the previous copy operation, first of all, an abnormality occurrence signal is output from the sorter control unit 201 as to whether or not there is an abnormality in the sorter 3 or the stacker 4. It is determined based on whether or not (step S3). As a result, if it is determined that the abnormality occurrence signal is not output, the sorter control according to the mode set by the operator is performed as usual (step S4).

On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the sorter control unit 201
Then, when it is activated in step S1 of FIG.
First, it is determined whether or not the place where the abnormality has occurred is already electrically separated by the previous copy operation (step P1). As a result, when it is determined that the device has been separated, control is performed in the case of separating an abnormal portion, which will be described later. On the other hand, if it is determined that no abnormality has occurred up to the previous copying operation, control is performed according to the sorter control in step S4 of FIG. 5 (step P).
2). When this control is being performed, the abnormality monitoring unit 20
When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred at any of the locations 6, 207, and 208 (step P3), the control of the step P2 is temporarily stopped (step P4), and the abnormality location identification data and the abnormality content identification data Output the added error occurrence signal. Then, it waits for the determination result as to whether or not it is necessary to separate the abnormal portion to be given from the main body control unit 200 (step P5).

On the other hand, in FIG. 5, when the above-mentioned abnormality occurrence signal is given to the main body control section 200 (step S
3) The operation of the copying machine main body 1 including the copy operation is once stopped abnormally (step S5), and it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality such that the abnormal portion must be isolated based on the abnormality content identification data. Determine (Step S
6). As a result, when it is determined that it is not necessary to electrically disconnect the abnormal portion such as when the cover of the sort bin 3 is left open, after determining whether or not the abnormality of the sorter 3 is released. (Step S7), the process proceeds to step S3 to restart the sorter control. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S6 is that it is necessary to electrically disconnect, the sorter control unit 201 is controlled to electrically disconnect the abnormal portion (step S6).
8). For example, the punch / staple unit driving unit 20
When an electrical abnormality occurs in No. 4, the sorter control unit 201 is controlled so as to electrically disconnect the punch / staple unit driving unit 204 from the sorter control unit 201.

On the other hand, in FIG. 7, the sorter control unit 201
Then, when it is instructed in step S8 of FIG. 5 that it is not necessary to electrically disconnect the abnormal portion, it is determined whether or not the abnormality is cleared (step P6), and it is determined that the abnormality is cleared. , The above-mentioned step P2, and the sorter 3
Control of etc. is restarted. On the other hand, step S8 of FIG.
When it is instructed that the abnormal place needs to be electrically isolated, the abnormal place is electrically separated (step P
7) Then, control is started in a state where the abnormal portion is electrically separated (step P8). For example, if the punch / stapling unit driving section 204 is an abnormal portion,
The sorter 3 in the sort mode or the sort mode in which the punching process or the stapling process in the staple unit is prohibited while the copy paper is discharged to the other non-sort bin TN
Controls such as are executed normally.

In the case where the control is performed in a state where the abnormal place is separated, when any of the abnormality monitoring units 206, 207, and 208 determines that an abnormality has occurred at the new place (step P9), the sorter is selected. Similar to steps P4 and P5, the control unit 201 temporarily stops the control (step P10), and then outputs an abnormality occurrence signal including abnormal portion identification data and abnormality content identification data,
It waits for an instruction as to whether or not it is necessary to electrically disconnect the abnormal portion (step P11).

On the other hand, in FIG. 6, the main body control unit 200 is in a state in which the previous abnormal point is electrically isolated until it is determined in step P9 of FIG. 7 that a new abnormality has occurred (step S9). The sorter control is executed (step S10). For example, when the punch / staple driving unit 204 is electrically separated, the document reading unit 36 and the image forming unit 44 are controlled to prohibit the copy operation when the punch mode and the staple mode are set, and The copy operation is permitted when the sort mode and the like are set.

At this time, it is preferable to display a message such as "Punch / staple mode cannot be set" on the display unit 100. According to this configuration, it is possible to prevent delay in recognition of a faulty part due to continuing copy operation. Therefore, repair or the like can be performed quickly. When it is determined that a new abnormality has occurred in step S9, step S5 is performed.
Similar to S6, the operation of the copying machine body 1 including the copy operation is once stopped abnormally (step S11), and the abnormal portion must be electrically separated based on the abnormality content identification data. It is determined whether or not (step S12). As a result, if it is determined that there is no need to electrically disconnect, it is determined whether or not the abnormality has been resolved (step S13), and if it is determined that the abnormality has been resolved, the process proceeds to step S10 described above. Restart sorter control. On the other hand, if the result of the determination in step S12 is that it is necessary to electrically disconnect, the process proceeds to step S8, and after instructing the sorter control unit 201 to electrically disconnect the abnormal portion, Restart sorter control.

In FIG. 7, in the sorter control unit 201,
When it is instructed in step P11 that it is not necessary to electrically disconnect the abnormal portion, after waiting for the abnormality to be released (step P12), the process proceeds to step P8 and the previous abnormal portion is electrically disconnected. Restart control in the disconnected state. On the other hand, if it is instructed that the abnormal portion needs to be electrically disconnected, the process proceeds to step P7, the abnormal portion is electrically disconnected, and then the control is restarted.

As described above, according to the copying machine of the first embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in any part of the sorter 3 or the stacker 4, after electrically disconnecting the abnormal part, Since the copy operation using the normal portion excluding the separated abnormal portion is continued, it is possible to avoid the situation where the copy operation cannot be performed until the abnormal portion becomes normal. Therefore, the service to the user (operator) can be improved. This effect is particularly effective when the image forming apparatus is used in a remote place where a service person or the like takes a relatively long time to come to repair. <Second Embodiment> FIG. 8 is a front view showing an external configuration of a copying machine according to a second embodiment to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied, in which the copying machine main body 1 and the sorter 3 are physically arranged. It shows a separated state. The copying machine of the second embodiment copies the sorter 3 itself unlike the first embodiment in which the copy operation is performed by electrically disconnecting the abnormality occurrence portion of the sorter 3 while the sorter 3 is connected to the copying machine main body 1. The copying operation is executed on condition that the copying machine is physically separated from the machine body 1.

The copying machine body 1 and the sorter 3 can be physically separated as shown in FIG. On the other hand, the copy machine main body 1 and the sorter 3 are normally connected by fitting the concave portion 1a of the copy machine main body 1 and the convex portion 3a of the sorter 3. The concave portion 1a and the convex portion 3a function not only as a fitting member but also as a set switch having electrical contacts with each other. Therefore, by monitoring the state of the set switch, it is possible to determine whether or not the sorter 3 has been disconnected from the copying machine body 1. Also, on the connection surface of the copier body 1 with the sorter 3,
An attachment portion 1b is formed on which the operator can manually attach the discharge tray B. The attachment of the discharge tray B is performed, for example, in order to receive copy paper instead of the sorter 3 when the sorter 3 is separated from the copying machine main body 1, as described later.

FIG. 9, FIG. 10 and FIG. 11 are flow charts for explaining the operation of the copying machine of the second embodiment, in the case where an abnormality occurs at any part of the sorter 3 or the stacker 4. This is mainly for explaining the operation of the copying machine. 9 and 10 are flowcharts for explaining the sorter control in the main body control unit 200 included in the copy machine main body 1, and FIG. 11 is the sorter control included in the sorter 3. 6 is a flowchart for explaining control in unit 201.

In FIG. 9, when the power (not shown) of the copying machine is turned on and the copying machine is activated, the main body control unit 2
In 00, first, based on the state of the set switch, it is determined whether or not the sorter 3 is connected to the copying machine main body 1 (step R1), and when it is determined that it is connected,
The sorter 3 is activated (step R2). After that, after determining whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the sorter 3 based on the abnormality generation signal to be given from the sorter control unit 201 (step R3), if no abnormality has occurred, the operator normally operates. The sorter control according to the set mode is executed (step R4).

On the other hand, in FIG. 11, the sorter control unit 20
In step 1, it is determined whether or not the sorter 3 is connected to the copying machine main body 1 based on the state of the set switch (step T1).
Waiting for the processing of step R2 of (step T2), the control according to the sorter control of FIG. 9 is executed as usual (step T3).

Here, in the sorter control unit 201, when it is determined that the abnormality has occurred in any of the sorter 3 or the stacker 4 in the abnormality monitoring units 206, 207, and 208 (step T4), the above-mentioned step T3 is executed. The control is once stopped abnormally (step T5), and an abnormality occurrence signal including abnormality content identification data is output to the copying machine main body 1. Then, the system waits for a determination result as to whether or not the sorter 3 to be provided from the main body control unit 200 should be separated from the copying machine main body 1 (step T6), and when it is instructed that the separation is not necessary,
After waiting for the abnormality to be cleared (step T7),
The control is restarted by shifting to step T3. On the other hand, if it is instructed that the sorter 3 needs to be detached, it waits for the sorter 3 to be detached from the copying machine body 1 while monitoring the state of the set switch (step T8).

On the other hand, in FIG. 9, when the main body control unit 200 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the sorter 3 as a result of the determination in step R3, the operation of the copying machine is temporarily stopped (step R5), Based on the abnormality content identification data, it is determined whether or not the sorter 3 should be separated from the copying machine body 1 (step R6). As a result, when it is determined that it is not necessary to separate the sheet, after waiting for the abnormality of the sorter 3 to be released (step R7), the process proceeds to step R4 to restart the sorter control.

On the other hand, if it is determined that the separation should be performed,
This is notified to the sorter control unit 201 (step R
8). Then, it is determined whether or not the sorter 3 is removed from the copying machine main body 1 based on whether or not the set switch is removed (step R9 in FIG. 10).
As shown in Fig. 12 (a), "The sorter has failed.
Please remove the sorter. Message and its contents are displayed on the display unit 100 (step R
10) The operator is urged to remove the sorter 3 from the copying machine main body 1. At this time, the copy operation remains stopped. On the other hand, when it is determined that the set switch is removed and the sorter 3 is removed from the copying machine body 1, the discharge tray B
It is determined whether or not is attached to the attaching portion 1b (step R11). In this determination process, when the sorter 3 is detached from the copying machine body 1, even if the execution of the copy operation is restarted, there is no bin to receive the copy paper, so that the copy operation can be restarted in a more normal state. This is a process for doing. When it is determined that the discharge tray B has been attached to the attachment portion 1b, execution of the copy operation is permitted (step R12), and a message "Ready to copy" is displayed as shown in FIG. 12 (b). Display it on part 100,
The operator is informed that the copy standby state is set.

As described above, according to the copying machine of the second embodiment, when an abnormality occurs at any part of the sorter 3 or the stacker 4, the sorter 3 is separated from the copying machine main body 1, and Since the copy operation is restarted on condition that the discharge tray B is attached to the attachment portion 1b,
For example, it is possible to avoid a situation where the copy paper is erroneously discharged to the sorter 3 in which an abnormality has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of jams and the like.

Moreover, since the fact that the discharge tray B is attached to the attachment portion 1b is also one of the conditions, the copying operation can be resumed in a more normal manner. <Third Embodiment> The copying machine according to the third embodiment is a sorter 3
, Sort bins T1, T2, ..., Tm
Alternatively, unlike the second embodiment in which the punch / staple unit 75 or the stacker 4 can be physically removed, and the copying operation is restarted on condition that the sorter 3 itself is separated from the copying machine main body 1. The copy operation can be restarted on condition that any one of the above mechanisms is removed as the abnormal portion.

FIG. 13 is a main body control section 200 in the copying machine of the third embodiment to which the image forming apparatus of the present invention is applied.
6 is a flowchart for explaining control when the punch / staple mode is set. Main body control unit 200
Then, it is determined whether or not the sorter 3 is connected based on the state of the set switch (step N1).
When it is determined that the punch / staple unit 75 is connected, it is determined whether or not the punch / staple unit 75 is connected (step N2). As a result, the punch / staple unit 7
When it is determined that the printer 5 is connected, it is determined whether or not the sorter 3 provided with the punch / staple unit 75 for executing the punch / staple mode is being separated from the copying machine main body 1 ( Step N3). As a result, when it is determined that the sheet is being separated, the message "Punch / stapling is not possible." Is displayed on the display unit 100 (step N7) to inform the operator that the punch / staple mode cannot be set. on the other hand,
If it is determined that the sorter 3 is not being separated, punch /
It is determined whether or not the sort bins T1, T2, ..., Tm from which the copy paper to which the staple mode is applied should be ejected are being removed (step N4). As a result, if it is being removed, the operator is informed that the punch / staple mode cannot be set in step N7.
On the other hand, if the punch / staple unit 75 itself is not being removed (step N5) if it is not being removed, the punch / staple mode setting is allowed only when it is determined that the punch / staple unit 75 is not being removed. (Step N6).

In the third embodiment, the control of the main body control unit 200 at the time of setting the punch / staple mode has been described. For example, in the above step N2, “sort bins T1, T2, ... If "Punch / Stapling mode" in steps N6 and N7 is changed to "Sort mode", the flowchart of FIG. The control of the main body control unit 200 at the time of setting the "mode" can be changed to the one described.

As described above, according to the copying machine of the third embodiment, when an abnormality occurs in any part of the sorter 3 or the stacker 4, the abnormal part is simply physically removed and the other parts are removed. Since the copy operation using the normal location can be resumed, the copy operation can be resumed in a more normal form than in the second embodiment. <Other Embodiments> The embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the present invention is applied to a copying machine is described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to other sorter-equipped image forming apparatuses such as a laser printer.

Besides, various design changes can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0060]

As described above, according to the image forming apparatus with a sorter of the present invention, even when an abnormality occurs in the sorter, the execution of the image forming process for forming the original image on the image forming sheet is continuously permitted. Therefore, it is possible to avoid a situation in which the image forming process cannot be executed until the sorter becomes normal. for that reason,
It is possible to improve the service to the user. It should be noted that this effect is particularly effective when the image forming apparatus is used in a remote place where a service person or the like takes a relatively long time to come to repair.

Particularly, according to the image forming apparatus with a sorter according to the second aspect, when the sheet discharging means or the plurality of post-processing executing means are provided in the sorter, an abnormality occurs in any one of the above means. Even at this time, the processing by other means and the execution of the image forming processing are permitted, so that the image forming apparatus can be used in a state closer to normal. Therefore, it is possible to further improve the service to the user.

Further, according to the image forming apparatus with a sorter according to the third aspect, when an abnormality occurs in any of the sorter, the sheet discharging means, or the plurality of post-processing executing means, the fact is notified. Therefore, it is possible to avoid delay in recognizing the occurrence of an abnormality due to the image forming process being performed normally. Therefore, repair or the like can be performed quickly. Further, according to the image forming apparatus with a sorter according to claim 4, when an abnormality occurs in any of the sorter, the sheet discharging means, or the plurality of post-processing executing means, the execution of the image forming processing is temporarily prohibited. After that, the sorter is separated from the main body of the device, and the image forming process is restarted.Therefore, a jam or the like caused by accidentally attempting to eject the image forming sheet to the sorter in which an abnormality occurs Can be avoided.

According to the image forming apparatus with a sorter according to the fifth aspect, not only is the sorter disconnected from the main body of the apparatus after the execution of the image forming process is temporarily prohibited due to an abnormality. Since the execution of the image forming process is restarted by attaching the discharge tray for receiving the image forming paper to be discharged to the apparatus main body, the image forming process can be executed in a more normal manner.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an external configuration of a copying machine according to a first embodiment to which an image forming apparatus with a sorter according to the present invention is applied.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an internal configuration of the copying machine.

FIG. 3 is a front view showing an external configuration of an operation unit included in the copying machine.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing an electrical configuration of the copying machine, particularly showing an electrical connection relationship between the copying machine main body 1, the sorter 3 and the stacker 4.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for mainly explaining the operation of the copying machine of the first embodiment when an abnormality occurs in any of the sorter or the stacker, and more specifically, in the copying machine main body. 6 is a flowchart for explaining sorter control in a main body control unit provided.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for mainly explaining the operation of the copying machine of the first embodiment when an abnormality occurs in any part of the sorter or the stacker, and more specifically, the copying machine. 6 is a flowchart for explaining sorter control in a main body control unit included in the main body.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart for mainly explaining the operation of the copying machine of the first embodiment when an abnormality occurs in any part of the sorter or the stacker, and more specifically, it is included in the sorter. 6 is a flowchart for explaining control in a sorting controller that is operating.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing an external configuration of a copying machine according to a second embodiment to which the image forming apparatus with a sorter of the present invention is applied, in which the copying machine main body and the sorter are physically separated from each other. Is shown.

FIG. 9 is a flow chart for mainly explaining the operation of the copying machine of the second embodiment when an abnormality occurs at any part of the sorter or the stacker, and more specifically, it is provided in the copying machine main body. 6 is a flowchart for explaining sorter control in the main body control unit.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for mainly explaining the operation of the copying machine according to the second embodiment when an abnormality occurs at any part of the sorter or the stacker, and more specifically, the copying machine main body. 3 is a flowchart for explaining sorter control in a main body control unit provided in the.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart for mainly explaining the operation of the copying machine of the second embodiment when an abnormality occurs in any part of the sorter or the stacker,
More specifically, it is a flowchart for explaining control in a sorter control unit provided in the sorter.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a display screen of a display unit when a sorter fails in the copying machine of the second embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining control at the time of setting the punch / staple mode of the main body control unit 200 in the copying machine of the third embodiment to which the image forming apparatus with a sorter of the present invention is applied.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 Copying Machine Main Body 1b Attachment Section 3 Sorter 4 Stacker 36 Document Reading Section 44 Image Forming Section 75 Punch / Staple Unit 76 Ejecting Device 100 Display Section 200 Main Body Control Section 201 Sorter Control Section 206, 207, 208 Abnormality Monitoring Section B Ejection Tray S Operation unit T bin TN non-sort bin T1, T2, ..., Tm sort bin

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (72) Inventor Hidehiro Tabuchi 1-2-2 Tamatsukuri, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Mita Industry Co., Ltd.

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An apparatus main body including an image forming unit that executes an image forming process for forming an original image on an image forming sheet, and the image forming sheet on which the original image is formed in the image forming unit is discharged to a plurality of bins. An image forming apparatus with a sorter having a sorter for performing a paper discharge process, wherein the sorter includes a signal output unit that outputs an abnormality occurrence signal when an abnormality occurs in the sorter, The apparatus main body includes an abnormality occurrence determination unit that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the sorter based on whether or not an abnormality occurrence signal is output from the signal output unit, and an abnormality is detected in the sorter in the abnormality occurrence determination unit. When it is determined that it has occurred, the control unit prohibits the paper discharge process in the sorter and permits the image forming process in the image forming unit. Sorter with the image forming apparatus, characterized in that it. 2. The sorter includes a sheet discharging unit that executes the sheet discharging process, and a sheet finisher executing unit that independently executes a plurality of sheet finishing processes that are attached to the sheet discharging process. If there is an abnormality in any one of the paper discharge means or the plurality of post-processing execution means, the signal output means generates a different abnormality for each paper discharge means or the plurality of post-processing execution means. A signal is output, and when the abnormality occurrence determination means receives an abnormality occurrence signal from the signal output means, an abnormality occurs in either the paper discharge means or a plurality of post-processing execution means. In addition to determining that the abnormality has occurred, based on the abnormality occurrence signal, it is determined which of the paper discharge means or the plurality of post-processing execution means has an abnormality, the control means, Abnormal occurrence The determination means prohibits the processing in the means determined to have an abnormality, and permits the processing in the means other than the means determined to have an abnormality and the execution of the image forming processing in the image forming means. The image forming apparatus with a sorter according to claim 1, wherein the image forming apparatus has a sorter. 3. The apparatus main body, when the abnormality occurrence determining means determines that an abnormality has occurred in any of the sorter, the paper discharging means, or a plurality of post-processing executing means, 3. The notification device according to claim 1, further comprising a notification unit for notifying that an abnormality has occurred, or which one of the paper discharge unit and the plurality of post-processing execution units has an abnormality. Image forming apparatus with a sorter. 4. The sorter can be physically separated from the main body of the apparatus, and the informing means is the sorter in the abnormality occurrence determining means, the paper discharging means, or a plurality of post-processing executions. When it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in any one of the means, it instructs the physical disconnection of the sorter, and the device main body separates whether or not the sorter is physically disconnected. The control means is further configured to determine that an abnormality has occurred in any of the sorter, the paper discharge means, or the plurality of post-processing execution means in the abnormality occurrence determination means. Then, the execution of the image forming process in the image forming unit is prohibited, and when the disconnection determining unit determines that the sorter is physically separated, the image forming process is performed. Sorter with the image forming apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that to release the prohibition of the execution of the image forming process in the stage. 5. The apparatus main body is provided with a mounting portion to which a discharging tray capable of receiving an image forming sheet to be discharged can be mounted, and it is determined whether or not the discharging tray is mounted to this mounting portion. The control means further inhibits the execution of the image forming processing in the image forming means, and then the disconnection determining means determines that the sorter is physically disconnected, and 7. The prohibition of execution of the image forming process in the image forming means is released only when the attachment determining means determines that the discharge tray is attached to the attaching portion. The image forming apparatus with a sorter according to item 4.