JPH09255224A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To sharply shorten the waiting time from the start of image formation to the completion of the stapling process by operating a stapling means in sequence each time the final copied sheet is stored in each storage section of a sorting means at the time of image formation with the sorting means and the stapling means. SOLUTION: When an operation is started, a main controller 50 reads the image of a document by the exposure scanning of an exposure system, and the image is formed on a copy sheet. At the time of copying with an automatic document feeding device 3, a sorter 5, and a staple unit 7, after the final document is fed from the automatic document feeding device 3 and a document sensor 4 detects no document, the staple unit 7 for each bin is operated in sequence when the prescribed time elapsed after the copied sheet corresponding to the final document passes through a sheet discharge switch each time. The stapling process is substantially completed when the storage of the sheet P into each bin 6 is completed, and the waiting time of a user is sharply shortened.

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.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art An image forming apparatus such as a copying machine reads an image of a document placed on a document table by exposing and scanning the image, and forms the read image on a copy sheet which is an image forming medium.

An automatic document feeder (A
By mounting the (DF), a plurality of documents can be automatically fed to the document table one by one. Further, by mounting a sorter having a plurality of storage units (referred to as bins), the copied sheets can be distributed and stored in each storage unit of the sorter one after another. In the case of a sorter having a stapling unit, the sheets contained in each bin can be bound separately for each bin.

[0004]

In stapling mode copying using a stapling unit, the stapling unit is started after a series of copying is completed and the final copied sheets are accommodated in all bins of the sorter. .

The user waits in front of the apparatus main body for the time required for the copying operation, the time required for accommodating each bin of the sorter, and the time required for the stapling process for each bin.

Of these, the stapling process is an additional process that follows after the copying is completed, so that the user may feel frustrated. It is desirable that the waiting time is as short as possible from the viewpoint of not causing irritation to the user and also from the viewpoint of improving work efficiency.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances,
The purpose is to significantly reduce the waiting time from the start of image formation to the end of stapling processing, which can eliminate user's irritation and improve work efficiency. To provide a forming apparatus.

[0008]

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document and forming the read image on a sheet. Then, sorting means for distributing and storing the image-formed sheets in the respective accommodating portions; stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in the respective accommodating portions of the sorting means, and the sorting means and A control means for sequentially operating the stapling means each time the final image-formed sheet is accommodated in each accommodating portion of the sorting means during image formation using the stapling means.

An image forming apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention is for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet. Document feeding means for automatically feeding the document table one by one; sorting means having a plurality of accommodating portions and distributing and accommodating the image-formed sheets into the accommodating portions; each accommodating portion of the sorting means Stapling means for binding sheets to be stored in each storage part; image forming using the document feeding means, the sorting means, and the stapling means, the image corresponding to the final fed document of the document feeding means has been formed Control means for sequentially operating the stapling means each time a sheet is stored in each storage portion of the sorting means.

An image forming apparatus according to a third aspect of the present invention exposes and scans an image of a document placed on a document table and forms the read image on a sheet. A document feeding unit that automatically feeds the documents one by one to the document table; a document detecting unit that detects whether or not a document is set in the document feeding unit; Sorting means for distributing and accommodating in each accommodating section; stapling means for binding sheets accommodated in each accommodating section of the sorting means for each accommodating section; document feeding means, sorting means, and stapling means And a control means for sequentially operating the stapling means each time an image-formed sheet is accommodated in each accommodating portion of the sorting means after the absence of a document is detected by the document detecting means during image formation using the. Provided.

An image forming apparatus according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is configured to expose and scan an image of a document placed on a document table and form the read image on a sheet. A document feeding unit that automatically feeds the documents one by one to the document table; a document detecting unit that detects whether or not a document is set in the document feeding unit; Sorting means for distributing and accommodating in each accommodating section; stapling means for binding sheets accommodated in each accommodating section of the sorting means for each accommodating section; document feeding means, sorting means, and stapling means When an image is formed using the sheet, after the absence of the original document is detected by the original document detecting unit, each time the image-formed sheet is stored in each storage unit of the sorting unit, the stapling unit is attached to the storage unit whose storage is completed. It comprises; a control means for operating sequentially.

An image forming apparatus according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet. Document feeding means for automatically feeding the document table one by one; sorting means having a plurality of accommodating portions and distributing and accommodating the image-formed sheets into the accommodating portions; each accommodating portion of the sorting means Stapling means for binding sheets to be stored in each storage section; sheet detecting means for detecting transfer of sheets to the sorting means; image using the document feeding means, the sorting means, and the stapling means At the time of forming, each time the image detecting sheet detects the image-formed sheet corresponding to the final fed document of the document feeding section,
Control means for sequentially operating the stapling means;

An image forming apparatus according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is configured to expose and scan an image of a document placed on a document table and form the read image on a sheet. A document feeding unit that automatically feeds the documents one by one to the document table; a document detecting unit that detects whether or not a document is set in the document feeding unit; Sorting means for distributing and accommodating to each accommodating section; stapling means for binding sheets accommodated in each accommodating section of the sorting means to each accommodating section; sheet detection for detecting transfer of sheets to the sorting means And a means for detecting the absence of a document by the document detecting means during the image formation using the document feeding means, the sorting means, and the stapling means, and then each time a sheet is detected by the sheet detecting means. It comprises; and control means for operating sequentially Le means.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus is for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet. Document feeding means for automatically feeding one by one to the document table; sorting means provided outside the apparatus main body and having a plurality of accommodating portions for distributing and accommodating the image-formed sheets in the accommodating portions. A stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in the respective accommodating portions of the sorting means to each accommodating portion; a paper discharge detecting means for detecting the discharge of the paper from the apparatus main body to the sorting means; the document feeding means During the image formation using the sorting means and the stapling means,
A control means for sequentially operating the stapling means each time the paper discharge detection means detects paper discharge after the document transfer means completes the final document transfer.

An image forming apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention exposes and scans an image of a document placed on a document table and forms the read image on a sheet. Document feeding means for automatically feeding one by one to the document table; sorting means provided outside the apparatus main body and having a plurality of accommodating portions for distributing and accommodating the image-formed sheets in the accommodating portions. A stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in the respective accommodating portions of the sorting means to each accommodating portion; a paper discharge detecting means for detecting the discharge of the paper from the apparatus main body to the sorting means; the document feeding means During the image formation using the sorting means and the stapling means,
Control means for sequentially operating the stapling means every time a predetermined time elapses after the detection of paper discharge by the paper discharge detection means after the completion of the final document feeding by the document feed means. .

According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, an image forming apparatus exposes and scans an image of a document placed on a document table, and forms the read image on a sheet. A document feeding means for automatically feeding the document table one by one; a document detecting means for detecting whether or not a document is set on the document feeding means; a document feeding means provided outside the apparatus main body and having a plurality of accommodating portions Then, sorting means for distributing and storing the image-formed sheets in the respective accommodating sections; stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in the respective accommodating sections of the sorting means to the accommodating section; Paper discharge detection means for detecting discharge of paper to the sorting means; When an image is formed using the document feeding means, the sorting means, and the stapling means, the document detection means detects that there is no document, and Elimination Each time the sheet discharge is detected by the detection means, and control means for operating the stapling means sequentially; comprises.

An image forming apparatus according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet. A document feeding means for automatically feeding the document table one by one; a document detecting means for detecting whether or not a document is set on the document feeding means; a document feeding means provided outside the apparatus main body and having a plurality of accommodating portions Then, sorting means for distributing and storing the image-formed sheets in the respective accommodating sections; stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in the respective accommodating sections of the sorting means to the accommodating section; Paper discharge detection means for detecting discharge of paper to the sorting means; When an image is formed using the document feeding means, the sorting means, and the stapling means, the document detection means detects that there is no document, and Each time the paper discharge paper detecting means is a predetermined time elapses after the detection is detected, and a control means for operating the stapling means sequentially; comprises.

[0018]

An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. First, FIG. 2 shows the internal structure of an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine. Manuscript table 2 on top of main body 1
Is provided, and an automatic document feeder (ADF) 3 is openably and closably mounted at a position corresponding to the document table 2. The automatic document feeder 3 automatically feeds the set originals one by one to the original table 2, and has a built-in original sensor 4 for detecting whether or not the originals are set.

A sorter 5 is mounted on the outer side of the main body 1 as a sorting means. The sorter 5 has a plurality of bins 6 arranged vertically as a storage unit for the sheets, and distributes a predetermined number of sheets (sheets P to be described later) on which an image has been formed, into the respective bins 6. Further, the sorter 5 is provided with a staple unit 7 for automatically binding the sheets accommodated in each bin 6 into each bin 6.

The photosensitive drum 20 is provided at the substantially central portion of the main body 1.
Are provided rotatably. Around the photosensitive drum 20, a charging charger 21, an exposure unit 22a, a developing unit 23,
Transfer charger 25, peeling charger 26, cleaner 2
7. The static eliminator 28 is sequentially arranged.

An exposure system 22 is provided in the upper part of the main body 1. The exposure system 22 includes an exposure lamp 41, first to third reflecting mirrors 42a, 42b and 42c, a variable magnification lens block 43, and fourth to sixth reflecting mirrors 42d and 4c.
2e, 42f.

The exposure lamp 41 is provided on a reciprocating carriage 40, and the original table 2 is moved by the forward movement of the carriage 40 to the right in the drawing and the light emission of the exposure lamp 41.
Exposure scanning is performed over the entire surface. By this exposure scanning, a reflected light image of the document placed on the document table 2 is obtained, and the reflected light image is projected onto the exposure section 22a by the respective reflection mirrors and the variable magnification lens block 43.

A plurality of paper feed cassettes 10 are provided at the bottom of the main body 1 as paper feed means. A paper feed cassette 11 is mounted on the side of the main body 1 as paper feed means. In these paper feed cassettes 10 and 11, as image forming media,
A large number of copy sheets P of different sizes are stored.

In response to an operation of turning on a copy key (not shown) and a detection result of a document size sensor (not shown), one copy sheet P is fed from any one of the sheet feeding cassettes 10 and 11. Taken out. Pick-up rollers 30a and 30b are provided respectively for this take-out. The copy paper P taken out is separated by the separator 31.
a and 31b separate from the paper feed cassette,
The photoconductor drum 20 is sent to the registration roller 32 and is transferred there.
Will wait for the rotation.

A paper stop switch 33 is provided near the registration rollers 32. The paper stop switch 33 detects the arrival of the paper P at the registration roller 32.

The charging charger 21 applies a high voltage supplied from a high voltage power source (not shown) to the photoconductor drum 20 to charge the surface of the photoconductor drum 20 with an electrostatic charge.
An electrostatic latent image is formed on the photoconductor drum 20 by this charging and the image formation from the exposure system 22 on the photoconductor drum 20.

The electrostatic latent image on the photosensitive drum 20 is developed by the developing device 2.
The image is visualized by receiving the developer (toner) in 3,
The process proceeds to the transfer charger 25. This transfer charger 2
5, the copy paper P is sent from the registration roller 32 in synchronization with the rotation of the photosensitive drum 20, and the copy paper P
The visible image on the photoconductor drum 20 is transferred to.

The copy sheet P on which the image is transferred is peeled from the photosensitive drum 20 by the peeling charger 26 and sent to the fixing roller 35 by the conveying belt 34. Then, the fixed copy paper P is discharged to the sorter 5 by the discharge roller 36.

A paper discharge switch 3 is provided near the paper discharge roller 36.
7 are provided. The paper discharge switch 37 detects the discharge (transfer) of the paper P from the main body 1 to the sorter 5. In addition,
After the transfer, the photosensitive drum 20 passes through the cleaner 27 and the static eliminator 28 to prepare for the next copy.

The main part of the control circuit is shown in FIG. Main control unit (with built-in main CPU) 50 for controlling the entire device
In addition, a copy control unit (built-in CPU for copying) 51, an ADF control unit (built-in CPU for ADF) 54, a sorter control unit (built-in CPU for sorting) 55, and an operation control unit (built-in CPU for operation) 56. Are connected.

The copy control section 51 controls the copy mechanism section 52 in response to a command from the main control section 50. Copying mechanism section 52
Shows the configuration of the main body 1 shown in FIG. 2 and its driving means in one. The operating state of the copy mechanism section 52 is detected by the sensor section 53 and fed back to the copy control section 51.

The ADF control section 54 functions as an interface between the main control section 50 and the automatic document feeder 3. The sorter control unit 55 functions as an interface with the sorter 5 (including the staple unit 7).

The operation control unit 56 functions as an interface between the main control unit 50 and the operation panel 57. The operation panel 57 is provided on the upper surface of the main body 1, and sets various copy conditions (number of sheets, magnification, etc.), gives an instruction to start copying, and displays information related to copying.

The main controller 50 has the following [1] and [2] as main functional means. [1] Copying means for reading an image of an original placed on the original table 2 by exposure scanning of the exposure system 22 and forming the read image on the copy paper P.

[2] At the time of copying by using the automatic document feeder 3, the sorter 5, and the stapling unit 7, after the final document is fed from the automatic document feeder 3 and the document sensor 4 detects that there is no document, Every time the copied sheet P corresponding to the final fed document is stored in each bin 6 of the sorter 5, a control unit that sequentially operates the stapling unit 7 for the bin 6 that has been stored.

Next, the operation of the above configuration will be described with reference to the time charts of FIGS. 3 and 4. The time chart of FIG. 3 relates to copying itself, and
And operation of a main motor for driving various rollers, operation of a scan motor that reciprocates the carriage 40 for exposure scanning, and feed clutch for transmitting power of the main motor to a sheet feeding system such as pickup rollers 30a and 30b. Of the main motor, the operation of the registration clutch for transmitting the power of the main motor to the registration roller 32, and the operation of the paper discharge switch 37.

The time chart of FIG. 4 shows the detection operation of the document sensor 4, the preparation (standby) operation of the stapling unit 7, the operation of the paper discharge switch 37, and the actual operation of the stapling unit 7 in relation to the stapling process. .

When a plurality of originals are set on the automatic document feeder 3 and the staple sort mode is set on the operation panel 57 of the main body 1, the staple control mode is recognized by the main control unit 50 and the input of a copy start request is awaited. Becomes

When a copy start operation is performed on the operation panel 57, the documents set in the automatic document feeder 3 are sent to the document table 2 one by one. Then, the image on the original sent to the original table 2 is read by exposure scanning, and the read image is formed via the photosensitive drum 20. This image formation, so-called copying, is repeated for the number of sheets set on the operation panel 57.

In this way, a plurality of sheets of copied paper P having the same image are obtained from one original, and the paper P is ejected one after another by the paper ejection roller 36. The ejected sheets P are supplied to the sorter 5, and are sequentially accommodated in the bins 6 one by one.

After copying the set number of sheets, the original table 2
The upper document is discharged onto the automatic document feeder 3. Then, the next document set in the automatic document feeder 3 is fed to the document table 2 in the same manner as described above, and a new copy for the set number of sheets is repeated again.

When all the documents set in the automatic document feeder 3 are fed, the document sensor 4 detects "no document". Based on this detection, it is determined that copying is being performed using the final fed document, and the staple unit 7 of the sorter 5 is in the standby state.

Each time each copied sheet P corresponding to the final fed document passes through the sheet discharge switch 37, the sheet discharge switch 37 is turned on / off. This on / off period is indicated by T in FIG.

That is, when the copied sheet P reaches the sheet ejection switch 37, the sheet ejection switch 37 is turned on, and when the copied sheet P passes the sheet ejection switch 37, the sheet ejection switch 37 is turned off.

The stapling unit 7 sequentially operates for each bin 6 every time a predetermined time t ₁ elapses after the sheet discharge switch 37 is turned off. The predetermined time t ₁ is
The time until the paper P passing through the paper discharge switch 37 is set in the predetermined bin 6 of the sorter 5 and the paper P set in the bin 6
And the time it takes to complete the stapling edge justification procedure for.

As described above, each time the sheets P corresponding to the final fed document are stored in the respective bins 6 of the sorter 5, the stapling process for the bins 6 that have been stored is sequentially executed, By the time the storage of the paper P in each bin 6 is completed, the stapling process is almost completed, and the waiting time for the user can be greatly shortened.

Therefore, the user's feeling of irritation can be eliminated and the work efficiency can be improved. The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0048]

As described above, in the image forming apparatus of the present invention, at the time of image formation using the sorting means and the stapling means, every time the final image-formed sheet is stored in each storage portion of the sorting means. Since the stapling means is sequentially operated, the waiting time from the start of image formation to the end of the stapling process can be significantly shortened, which can eliminate the user's irritation and work. The efficiency can be improved.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a control circuit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of an internal mechanism of the embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a time chart for explaining the operation of the copy itself of the embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a time chart for explaining the stapling process of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main body 2 ... Manuscript stand 3 ... Automatic manuscript feeder 4 ... Manuscript sensor 5 ... Sorter 6 ... Bin 7 ... Staple unit 50 ... Main controller 54 ... ADF controller 55 ... Sorter controller

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document and forming the read image on a sheet, the image forming apparatus having a plurality of accommodating portions, and distributing the image-formed sheet to each accommodating portion. Sorting means for accommodating and storing the sheets; stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in the accommodating portions of the sorting means to the accommodating portions; a final image formation at the time of image formation using the sorting means and the stapling means An image forming apparatus comprising: a control unit that sequentially operates the stapling unit each time a sheet is stored in each storage unit of the sorting unit. 2. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet, the documents to be set are automatically fed to the document table one by one. A document feeding means for carrying out; a sorting means having a plurality of accommodating portions for accommodating and accommodating the sheets on which images have been formed and accommodating the accommodating portions; Stapling means for binding to the original;
During image formation using the sorting unit and the stapling unit, the stapling unit is sequentially operated every time an image-formed sheet corresponding to the final fed document of the document feeding unit is stored in each storage unit of the sorting unit. Control means;
An image forming apparatus comprising: 3. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table, and forming the read image on a sheet, the set documents are automatically fed to the document table one by one. A document feeding unit for detecting whether or not a document is set in the document feeding unit; and a plurality of accommodating portions for distributing the image-formed sheets to the accommodating portions and accommodating them. Sorting means; stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in the respective accommodating sections of the sorting means to the accommodating sections; the document feeding section, the sorting section, and the original when the image is formed using the stapling section Control means for sequentially operating the stapling means each time an image-formed sheet is accommodated in each accommodating portion of the sorting means after the detection means detects that there is no document. That the image forming apparatus. 4. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet, the set documents are automatically fed to the document table one by one. A document feeding unit for detecting whether or not a document is set in the document feeding unit; and a plurality of accommodating portions for distributing the image-formed sheets to the accommodating portions and accommodating them. Sorting means; stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in the respective accommodating sections of the sorting means to the accommodating sections; the document feeding section, the sorting section, and the original when the image is formed using the stapling section After the detection unit detects that there is no document, each time the image-formed sheet is stored in each storage unit of the sorting unit, the stapling unit is sequentially operated in the storage unit after the storage. An image forming apparatus characterized by including a; stage and. 5. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table, and forming the read image on a sheet, the documents to be set are automatically fed to the document table one by one. A document feeding means for carrying out; a sorting means having a plurality of accommodating portions for accommodating and accommodating the sheets on which images have been formed and accommodating the accommodating portions; Stapling means for binding to a sheet; sheet detecting means for detecting the transfer of sheets to the sorting means; and a final step of the original feeding means during image formation using the original feeding means, the sorting means, and the stapling means. An image forming apparatus, comprising: a control unit that sequentially operates the stapling unit every time the image-formed sheet corresponding to the fed document is detected by the sheet detection unit. 6. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet, the set documents are automatically fed to the document table one by one. A document feeding unit for detecting whether or not a document is set in the document feeding unit; and a plurality of accommodating portions for distributing the image-formed sheets to the accommodating portions and accommodating them. Sorting means; stapling means for binding sheets accommodated in respective accommodating sections of the sorting means for each accommodating section; sheet detecting means for detecting transfer of sheets to the sorting means; When an image is formed using the sorting means and the stapling means, the stapling means is sequentially operated each time the paper is detected by the paper detecting means after the absence of the original is detected by the original detecting means. That control means and; image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a. 7. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet, the set documents are automatically fed to the document table one by one. Document feeding means for storing; and sorting means provided outside the apparatus main body and having a plurality of storage portions for storing the image-formed sheets by distributing them to the storage portions; and each storage portion of the sorting means. Stapling means for binding sheets to be stored in each storage section; paper discharge detecting means for detecting discharge of paper from the apparatus body to the sorting means; document feeding means, sorting means, and stapling means When forming an image using, the control means for sequentially operating the stapling means each time the discharge detecting means detects the discharge of paper after the completion of the final document feeding by the document feeding means. Image forming apparatus characterized by. 8. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet, the set documents are automatically fed to the document table one by one. Document feeding means for storing; and sorting means provided outside the apparatus main body and having a plurality of storage portions for storing the image-formed sheets by distributing them to the storage portions; and each storage portion of the sorting means. Stapling means for binding sheets to be stored in each storage section; paper discharge detecting means for detecting discharge of paper from the apparatus body to the sorting means; document feeding means, sorting means, and stapling means When an image is formed using the stapling unit, the stapling unit is sequentially operated every time a predetermined period of time elapses after the sheet is detected by the sheet discharge detecting unit after the document is fed by the document feeding unit. An image forming apparatus characterized by including a; and control means to work. 9. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table and forming the read image on a sheet, the documents to be set are automatically fed to the document table one by one. A document feeding unit for detecting whether or not a document is set on the document feeding unit; a document detecting unit provided outside the main body of the apparatus and having a plurality of accommodating units, and a sheet on which an image has been formed. Sorting means for distributing and accommodating to each accommodating section; stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in each accommodating section of the sorting means to each accommodating section; detection of discharge of sheets from the apparatus main body to the sorting means A discharge detecting unit for detecting the absence of a document by the document detecting unit during the image formation using the document feeding unit, the sorting unit, and the stapling unit, and then detecting the discharge by the discharge detecting unit. Every time it is, and control means for operating the stapling means sequentially; image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a. 10. An image forming apparatus for exposing and scanning an image of a document placed on a document table, and forming the read image on a sheet, the set documents are automatically fed to the document table one by one. A document feeding unit for detecting whether or not a document is set on the document feeding unit; a document detecting unit provided outside the main body of the apparatus and having a plurality of accommodating units, and a sheet on which an image has been formed. Sorting means for distributing and accommodating to each accommodating section; stapling means for binding the sheets accommodated in each accommodating section of the sorting means to each accommodating section; detection of discharge of sheets from the apparatus main body to the sorting means A discharge detecting unit for detecting a discharge of a sheet by the discharge detecting unit after the absence of a document is detected by the document detecting unit during image formation using the document feeding unit, the sorting unit, and the stapling unit. Are each time predetermined time elapses after the detection, the control means for operating the stapling means sequentially; image forming apparatus characterized by comprising a.