JPH10166706A - Sorting device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a sorting operation to be performed by only a sheet to be ejected onto a sheet ejection table without use of a large-scale and complicated mechanism and also use of supplies such as a sorting tape. SOLUTION: A slider 20 is provided outside an end plate 19 in the downstream side of a sheet ejection direction of a sheet ejection tray 18. The slider 20 is supported by a mobile table 21 is such a manner that the slider 20 is freely ascendable along the sheet contact face of the end plate 19 and also is freely movable forward/backward with a sheet 26 loading area, piercing the end plate 19. In addition, the slider 20 is caused to ascent to/descend from a specified sheet sorting position by a slider lifting means 22 and also is moved forward/backward with the paper loading area by a slider forward/backward moving means 23. Further, the slider 20 moves the sheet 26 which is ejected onto the sheet ejection tray 18 and is set at a specified sorting area in an opposite direction to the sheet ejection direction.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a sorting apparatus for a printing apparatus which sorts printed sheets while loading the sheets.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As a kind of printing apparatus, a thermal head is provided on a stencil master having a laminate structure in which a thermoplastic resin film and a Japanese paper fiber or a synthetic fiber of a porous support or a mixture of Japanese paper and a synthetic fiber are laminated. A master made by perforating and making a plate in contact with a heating element is wound around a rotatable plate cylinder having a structure in which a plurality of layers of resin or metal mesh mesh screens are wound, and an ink supply member provided inside the plate cylinder. 2. Description of the Related Art A thermal digital stencil printing apparatus that supplies ink, continuously presses a sheet with a press roller or the like, and oozes ink from an opening of the plate cylinder and a perforated portion of a master to perform printing is well known. .

Generally, this type of stencil printing apparatus is mainly used for obtaining a large amount of printed matter at high speed and at low cost, and an operation for performing printing can be performed by a very simple operation. . As one of post-processes of printed matter in this type of printing apparatus, there is a sorting operation of sorting printed matter discharged and stacked on a paper discharge tray for each predetermined number of sheets according to the required number of copies. In the conventional sorting operation, the operator sets a set number of sheets on the counter for each number of sheets to be sorted, and after printing of the set number of sheets is completed, sets the number of sheets to be printed again and sets the next number of sheets to be printed. A method has been adopted in which the printed materials are counted and sorted. However, in such a conventional sorting method, it is necessary to perform a troublesome operation such that the operator is always attached to the printing apparatus until printing is completed, or the printed matter is re-counted for each sorting number.

Therefore, recently, a method has been adopted in which a printing apparatus is provided with a memory function and sorting is performed by an input method called a memory mode or a class mode in which the number of sheets to be sorted is input using a numeric keypad or the like of an operation panel. Therefore, the work of the operator has been reduced.

[0005]

By the way, as a conventional method for judging the boundary of the sorting part of the printed paper, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 7-1722, the paper is discharged and stacked. There is a method of using a tape marker or the like that cuts and inserts a tape as a mark between papers using a tape cutter device. However, in such a method using a tape marker, a tape serving as a marker for sorting is cut off each time and cannot be reused, so that the tape is wastefully consumed and the tape placed on the paper at the sorting position is discharged. When the printed paper loaded on the output tray is moved from the output tray, the inserted tape may come off and the sorting position may not be determined. There is a drawback that the operator recounts the number of sheets to be sorted.

As another sorting method, one sheet of blank paper is conveyed in place of tape while printing is temporarily stopped.
There is also a method of using this blank paper as a mark of the boundary of the paper to be sorted.However, in this sorting method, for example, when the printed matter has a large solid print, a large brightness difference between the printed matter and the inserted blank paper is required. Can cause the blank paper insertion position to be determined relatively easily.However, if the printed material has only a few printed parts, it is difficult to distinguish between the printed material and the blank paper, and it is difficult to determine the paper boundary. was there.

On the other hand, as a method of sorting sheets to be discharged and stacked without using a supply of a sorting tape or the like,
"Sorting device" described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 6-78151,
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-98555 proposes an "apparatus for stacking sheet materials".

The "sorting device" described in Japanese Patent Publication No. Hei 6-78151 rotates the paper discharge table by 90 ° every time a predetermined number of sheets (discharges) are discharged onto the paper discharge table. By changing the direction in which the sheets are discharged, the direction of the printed sheets to be received on the sheet discharge table is changed by 90 ° every predetermined number of sheets, so that the sheets can be sorted. However, this sorting device is configured to sort the sheets by rotating the sheet discharge tray. For example, when sorting A3 size sheets,
A3 so that it is vertically long in the direction perpendicular to the paper discharge direction.
There is a drawback in that sheets of the same size must be stacked, and the size of the paper discharge tray increases, resulting in an increase in the size of the apparatus. Also,
In this sorting apparatus, since the paper output tray is rotated by 90 °, the configuration is complicated and expensive, and the weight is increased, so that the operability when storing the paper output tray in the printing press body is improved. Also decrease.

On the other hand, the "apparatus for stacking sheet materials" described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-98555 discloses a fixed stopper movable at a position different from that of a sheet stopper surface on the downstream side in the sheet (sheet material) discharge direction. A stopper is provided, and two pushing members are provided on the upstream side in the sheet discharging direction for pushing out the upstream end of the discharged and stacked sheet bundle.
By the cooperation of the movable stopper and the two pushing members, the stacking positions of the sheet bundle are alternately shifted to sort the sheets. However, with this device,
Since a large number of large cylinder devices are required to control the movable stopper and the two pushing members, there is a disadvantage that the device becomes large and complicated. Further, in this apparatus, the position of the stopper surface at the upstream end of the discharged paper is switched according to the vertical position of the movable stopper, so that the vertical position of the movable stopper and the upper surface position of the discharged sheet stack are accurately determined. If the vertical position of the movable stopper is slightly deviated from the upper surface position of the discharged stack of paper sheets, a gap is generated between the upper surface of the paper bundle and the stopper surface of the movable stopper, and the stacked paper sheets are stacked. An error occurs in the sorting position, and a movable stopper is strongly pressed against the upper surface of the sheet bundle to cause folds or scratches on the sheet.
For this reason, in this apparatus, it is necessary to control the vertical position of the movable stopper and the upper surface position of the discharged and stacked sheet bundle to be extremely accurate. It is necessary to maintain a very high degree of accuracy, and it is extremely difficult to sort paper whose thickness changes slightly due to moisture absorption, drying, etc. without error or damage, no matter how high the precision is. .

[0010]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the present invention raises and lowers a sheet discharge tray on which a sheet is stacked by ascending and descending to a sorting position of the discharged stacked sheet. At the sorting position, a slider having a paper abutting portion for moving the discharged stacked paper in a direction opposite to the paper discharging direction is provided. In this way, by moving the paper discharged and stacked in the paper contact portion of the slider provided on the paper contact surface side of the paper discharge tray in the direction opposite to the paper discharge direction, a large-scale and complicated mechanism can be used. In addition, the sorting can be performed only by the paper discharged onto the discharge tray without using a supply of a waste sorting tape or the like.

[0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS In a sorting apparatus according to the present invention, a discharge tray on which printed and discharged sheets are stacked is positioned downstream in a sheet discharging direction and is discharged and stacked in contact with the discharged sheets. Outside the end plate that aligns the edges of the paper,
The sheet is supported by the slider supporting means so as to be able to move up and down along the sheet contacting surface of the end plate and to be able to advance and retreat through the end plate with respect to the sheet loading area. The sheet is moved forward and backward from the sheet contact surface of the end plate by the slider advancing / retreating means with respect to the sheet stacking portion, and the sheet at a predetermined portion discharged onto the sheet discharge tray is moved in a direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction. A slider having a contact portion is provided.

The sheet contact portion of the slider may be of any type as long as it has a shape for moving the sheet of a predetermined portion discharged onto the sheet discharge tray in the direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction. However, for example, a stepped portion for holding the end of the discharged sheet on the end plate side at an end portion on the side of moving forward and backward with respect to the sheet stacking portion, or the sheet stacking from the sheet contact surface of the end plate. It is preferable to have a paper pressing portion that contacts the upper surface of the paper discharged and placed on the paper discharge tray in a state where the paper has advanced to the site side.

The slider advancing and retreating means moves the slider toward the loading portion side of the discharged sheet and moves the sheet in the direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction by the sheet contacting portion, so that the sheet abuts. After one or more printed sheets are discharged and stacked on the upper part of the sheet moved by the contact portion, the control to move the slider backward to the outside of the end plate is performed. This is preferable for preventing a position shift due to vibration or the like of the sheet moved by the contact portion.

The slider elevating means is configured to control the elevating position of the slider in advance in accordance with the sheet thickness and the set number of prints, in accordance with the sorting position of the sheets to be discharged and stacked. It is preferable to shorten the operation time until the slider moves up and down to the next sheet sorting position.

Further, the printing apparatus has sheet detecting means for detecting that a plurality of sheets have been fed at once based on the information of the sensor, and a plurality of sheets are fed at once by the sheet detecting means. When the paper is detected, the slider drive amount by the slider advance / retreat means is switched by switching the slider advance / retreat means so that the advance amount of the slider toward the paper stacking portion side is different from the normal advance amount. It is preferable to move the slider forward and backward in order to facilitate the discrimination of sheets fed a large number of sheets at the same time as sorting the sheets.

If the sheet stacking height of the preset sorting number is smaller than the height of the sheet contact end surface of the step of the slider, the slider elevating means moves the sorting position of the discharged sheets. The slider is lifted while flying step by step, and the sheets of the number of sorts are collectively held on the step of the slider raised to the sorting position, and the slider is moved forward and backward by the slider advance / retreat means. It is preferable to alternately move the sheet bundles one by one at a time in order to reduce the number of sheet sorting operations of the slider and reduce the time required for sheet sorting.

Further, the sheet contact surface of the step portion of the slider may be provided with a slope such that an upper portion of the sheet contact surface protrudes in a direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction, similarly to the above. Sometimes, it is preferable to prevent the paper held on the step of the slider from coming off the step.

Further, at the end of the slider that advances and retreats with respect to the sheet stacking portion, the sheet is discharged from the sheet contacting surface of the step of the slider with the end advanced to the sheet stacking portion. The slider may be provided with a rotatable pressing claw that protrudes in a direction opposite to the direction, and retracts in the sheet discharging direction from the sheet contact surface of the step portion of the slider in a state where the end is retracted from the sheet stacking portion. As described above, it is preferable to prevent the sheet held on the step of the slider from coming off the step when the sheet is moved.

Further, the paper pressing portion of the slider may be constituted by a roller which rotates in one direction which is rotatable only when the slider retreats to the outside of the end plate. This is preferable for simplification.

It is preferable to provide a high friction member on the sheet contact surface of the slider in order to eliminate slippage between the sheet contact portion of the slider and the sheet when the sheet moves.

In the same manner as described above, the provision of a protrusion on the sheet contact surface of the step of the slider can prevent slippage between the sheet contact portion of the slider and the sheet when the sheet moves. preferable.

Further, the sorting apparatus of the present invention can be configured by appropriately combining the above-described embodiments, and the present invention includes these.

[0023]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a stencil printing apparatus to which the present invention is applied. In FIG. 1, a plate making section, a sheet feeding section, a press section, a sheet discharging section, and the like are provided around the plate cylinder 1.

In the plate making section, a master 8 having a laminated structure in which a thermoplastic resin film and a Japanese paper fiber or a synthetic fiber of a porous support or a mixture of Japanese paper and a synthetic fiber are laminated is wound into a roll. The roll 8a is rotatably supported by holder means (not shown) for holding the roll core 8b. The master 8 is sandwiched between a platen roller 9 rotatably supported by a pair of plate making unit side plates (not shown) and a thermal head 10 having a large number of heating elements. Is rotated clockwise so that it is fed out of the master roll 8a.

The thermal head 10 is urged by a spring member (not shown) so as to press the master 8 against the platen roller 9.
(See below for details). On the downstream side of the master transport path of the platen roller 9, a pair of master transport rollers 12 supported between the plate making side plates and pressed and rotated in the same direction as the platen roller 9 are provided. The master transport roller 12 has a peripheral speed of the platen roller 9.
The speed is set slightly higher than the peripheral speed of the master 8, and the master 8 is given an appropriate tension by rotating while sliding with the master 8.

Thermal head 10 and master transport roller 1
2 is provided with a cutter 1 having an upper blade and a lower blade, such as a guillotine type or a rotary blade moving type, for cutting the master 8 made into plates to an appropriate length.
1 is provided across the master transport path. Also,
In the master transport path before and after the master transport roller 12, a master 8 transported by the master transport roller 12 is placed on the plate cylinder 1.
A master guide plate 13 fixed between the plate-making side plates is provided for guiding toward the master plate.

The plate cylinder 1 is formed by winding a plurality of layers of a mesh screen of a resin or a metal net on a porous cylindrical support so as to cover the outer periphery thereof. The driving force is transmitted by a drive transmitting means such as a gear (not shown) rotatably supported by the motor, and is rotated clockwise in FIG. Further, the plate cylinder 1 is configured to be able to be disengaged from the printing apparatus main body along with the ink pack and the like (not shown) along the rotation axis direction.

An ink roller 2 is provided inside the plate cylinder 1. The shaft of the ink roller 2 is rotatably supported by a side plate (not shown) fixed to the ink pipe 5, and is synchronized with the rotation of the plate cylinder 1 by drive transmission means such as a gear or a belt (not shown). The plate cylinder 1 is driven to rotate in the same direction.

At the side of the ink roller 2, a doctor roller 3 is provided with a slight gap from the outer peripheral surface of the ink roller 2. The doctor roller 3 supplies the ink supplied to the wedge-shaped ink reservoir 4 formed by the outer peripheral surface and the outer peripheral surface of the ink roller 2 to the outer surface of the ink roller 2 in a thin film form. To the ink reservoir 4, ink such as an ink pack provided outside the plate cylinder 1 is sucked by an ink supply device (not shown) and supplied as needed through an ink supply hole 5a of an ink pipe 5.

On the other hand, a non-opening portion is provided in a part of the peripheral surface of the plate cylinder 1, and a magnetic material is formed on the surface of the non-opening portion along one generatrix of the plate cylinder 1. Stage 6 formed by
Is provided. A clamper 7 rotatably supported by a clamper shaft (not shown) is integrally provided on the stage 6 in parallel with the stage 6. The clamper 7 is operated by a clamper opening / closing device (not shown). It is opened and closed at a predetermined position on one rotation path.

In the press section, a press roller 15 is disposed so as to face the ink roller 2 with the plate cylinder 1 interposed therebetween. The press roller 15 includes a pair of press roller arms 1.
6 is rotatably supported on the press roller arm 1
Reference numeral 6 is fixed to an arm shaft 16a rotatably supported by a casing side plate (not shown). Press roller arm 16
Is biased by a spring member (not shown) in a direction in which the press roller 15 is brought into contact with the plate cylinder 1, and the press roller 15 is moved toward and away from the plate cylinder 1 by rotation of a cam (not shown) or the like. Rocked. The press roller 15 is held at a position separated from the plate cylinder 1 by the press roller arm 16 being locked by a locking means (not shown).

The paper feed section is arranged upstream of the press section on the paper transport path. The paper supply unit includes a paper supply tray (not shown), a separation paper supply device that separates and feeds the sheets 26 stacked on the paper supply tray one by one, and a paper that is separately fed by the separation paper supply device. There is provided a pair of registration rollers 17 for transporting the sheet 26 between the plate cylinder 1 and the press roller 15 at a predetermined timing. Further, a paper sensor S1 in which a light emitting element 30 such as an LED and a light receiving element 31 such as CdS for detecting passage of the paper 26 and a light receiving element 31 such as CdS are arranged on the upstream side of the registration roller 17 on the paper transport path. It is arranged.

The information of the paper sensor S1 is input to a paper detection circuit 32 as a paper detection means for detecting that a plurality of papers have been fed at one time from the above-mentioned paper feeding unit. The sheet detection circuit 32 stores a voltage or the like generated according to the amount of light received by the light receiving element 31 of the sheet sensor S1 when only one sheet of paper 26 has passed, and based on the voltage fluctuation caused by a change in the amount of light, the sheet 26 Is determined to have passed a plurality of detection paths of the paper sensor S1.

The paper discharge unit is disposed downstream of the press unit on the paper transport path. The paper discharge unit includes a rotatablely supported peeling claw 14 for peeling a sheet 26 printed close to the plate cylinder 1 from the surface of the plate cylinder 1, and the printing cylinder 1 by the peeling claw 14. There is provided a sorting device that sorts and stacks the sheets 26 separated from the surface of the sheet and discharged from the printing apparatus main body by a predetermined number of sheets.

An embodiment of the sorting device according to the present invention is shown in FIGS. The sorting device includes a discharge tray 18 on which printed and discharged sheets 26 are stacked and a discharge tray 1.
8, an end plate 19 that is positioned downstream of the sheet discharge direction and abuts against the discharge sheet 26 to align the end surfaces of the sheets 26 to be discharged and stacked; a slider 20 disposed outside the end plate 19; Paper contact surface 19a
The slider 20 is supported to be able to move up and down along
A moving table 21 serving as a slider supporting means for penetrating the end plate 19 and supporting the slider 20 so as to be able to advance and retreat with respect to the stacking position of the sheet, and a moving table 21 (at the sorting position of the sheets 26 discharged and stacked on the sheet discharge tray 18). Slider elevating means 22 for elevating the slider 20), and slider elevating means 22
Slider 20 moved up and down to a predetermined paper sorting position by
And a slider advancing / retracting means 23 for moving the paper 26 at a predetermined portion discharged onto the paper discharge tray 18 in the direction opposite to the paper discharging direction by moving the paper back and forth from the paper contact surface 19a of the end plate 19 to the paper stacking portion. I have it.

As shown in FIG. 2, the slider elevating means 22 includes a feed screw 22a screwed substantially perpendicularly to a screw hole 21a formed in the movable base 21, and a feed screw 22a.
It comprises an elevating motor 22b for rotating a forward and reverse, and a guide rod 22c fitted in parallel to a feed screw 22a in an elevating guide hole 21b formed in the movable base 21. The slider advance / retreat means 23 includes a pinion 23a that meshes with a rack 20a formed on the slider 20,
It is constituted by an advancing / retreating motor 23b for rotating the pinion 23a forward and backward.

Feed screw 22a of slider elevating means 22
1 is rotatably supported by a holding member 24 provided integrally with the end plate 19, and the guide rod 22c is fixed to the holding member 24. As a result, the slider 20 is
Is rotated forward and reverse by the elevating motor 22b, so that it is moved up and down along the end plate 19 together with the movable table 21 guided up and down while being prevented from rotating by the guide rod 22c.

The pinion 2 of the slider advance / retreat means 23
Reference numeral 3a denotes a rack of the slider 20 which is fixed to a rotating shaft of an advance / retreat motor 23b fixed to the movable base 21 and is inserted and supported in a square advance / retreat guide hole 21c formed in the movable base 21 in this state. 20a. As a result, the slider 20 moves the pinion 23 a
b, the end plate 1 is guided by the advance / retreat guide holes 21c of the movable base 21 and
9 is moved back and forth in a direction substantially orthogonal to the direction of the reference numeral 9.

On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 1, in order to avoid interference with the slider 20 which is moved up and down and moved up and down as described above, the end plate 19 has an advancing / retreating end portion 20b of the slider 20 (discharge tray). Along the ascending / descending path (the end on the side that advances / retreats with respect to the sheet stacking portion 18), a slit-shaped window hole 19b larger than the advance / retreat end 20b of the slider 20 is provided. The paper contact surface 19a of the end plate 19 has a noise when the end surface of the paper 26 abuts on the paper contact surface 19a, and a buffer made of a rubber sheet or a cork sheet for preventing rebound. Member 1
9c is affixed. Further, the end plate 19
Slider lifting / lowering means 22 and slider advancing / retreating means 23 unitized on end plate 19 via holding member 24
At the same time, it is configured to be movable with respect to the paper discharge tray 18, and the position with respect to the paper discharge tray 18 is set to move according to the size of the paper 26 discharged to the paper discharge tray 18 in the discharge direction. ing.

Next, the operation of the sorting apparatus of the present embodiment configured as described above will be described. The operation of the sorting device is controlled by, for example, a control device as shown in FIG. 3, and its operation program is a storage circuit such as a ROM of a microcomputer (hereinafter simply referred to as a microcomputer 35) as a control circuit of the control device. Is written in advance.

In FIG. 3, an input port of the microcomputer 35 determines whether or not a plurality of sheets 26 are fed based on an input signal from the start button 33, the ten key 34, etc. of the printing apparatus 100 and a detection signal of the sheet sensor S1. An output signal of a sheet detection circuit to be detected, a sheet stacking height position sensor S2 for detecting a stacking height position of the sheets 26 discharged and stacked on the sheet discharge tray 18, and an advance / retreat position of the slider 20. A detection signal is input from the moving table elevating position sensor S4 for detecting the slider moving position sensor S3 and the moving position of the moving table 21. Printing from the output port of the microcomputer 35 as an interface for driving motors, solenoids, clutches, pumps, and the like of each part of the printing apparatus 100 such as a plate making unit, a paper feeding unit, a press unit, a paper discharging unit, and an ink supply unit. Device drive circuit 36 and sorting device 2
A predetermined drive signal is output to a lifting / lowering motor drive circuit 37 and a forward / backward motor drive circuit 38 as interfaces of the 00 lift / lower motor 22b and forward / backward motor 23b.

Here, the sheet stacking height position sensor S2 for detecting the stacking height position of the sheets 26 discharged and stacked on the sheet discharging tray 18 is provided with a sheet conveying position of the movable table 21 as shown in FIG. The sheet 2 includes a light reflection type sensor disposed on the lower surface on the upstream side of the path, and is discharged and stacked on the discharge tray 18.
6 to detect the presence or absence of reflected light from the end face. Microcomputer 35
Is based on the presence / absence of the detection signal of the sheet stacking height position sensor S2.
The moving table 21 is placed at a predetermined position (height) where the sorting is performed.
Is determined, and the drive of the elevating motor 22b is controlled. As shown in FIG. 2, the slider advance / retreat position sensor S3 for detecting the advance / retreat position of the slider 20 is a light transmission type sensor disposed on the inner surface of the moving table 21 on the downstream side of the paper transport path. Then, the presence / absence of the detection piece S3a disposed at the end of the slider 20 on the downstream side of the sheet conveyance path is detected. The microcomputer 35 determines whether or not the slider 20 has reached the last retreat position (initial position) based on the presence or absence of the detection signal of the slider reciprocation position sensor S3, and controls the driving of the reciprocation motor 23b. Further, the moving table elevating position sensor S4 for detecting the elevating position of the moving table 21 includes:
As shown in FIG. 2, a light transmission type sensor is provided on the outer surface of the moving table 21 on the upstream side of the sheet conveyance path, and detects the presence or absence of the detection piece S4a provided on the holding member 24. The microcomputer 35 determines whether or not the moving table 21 has reached the highest position (initial position) based on the presence or absence of the detection signal of the moving table elevating position sensor S4, and controls the driving of the elevating motor 22b.

In FIG. 1, when a document is set on a document reading unit (not shown) of the printing apparatus 100 and a number of sheets such as the number of prints or the number of sorting groups is input by a ten key 34 on an operation panel (not shown), Is input to the microcomputer 35 and stored. Thereby, the printing apparatus 1
In the case of 00, the printing operation is executed by controlling the number of prints for each predetermined number by the print number control means (not shown) based on the preset number of sorts as described above.

Thereafter, when the start button 33 of the printing apparatus 100 is turned on and a start signal is input to the microcomputer 35, the operation program shown in FIG. 4 is started. When the operation program is started, the positions of the moving table 21 and the slider 20 are changed based on the detection signals of the moving table elevating position sensor S4 and the slider moving position sensor S3.
It is determined whether each of the motors is at the initial position. If the motor is not at the initial position, the motor 22b and the motor 23b
Are respectively reversed, the moving table 21 and the slider 20
Are returned to the uppermost position and the last retreat position (initial position), respectively. When the initial setting operation is completed, a printing operation is started according to a predetermined process described below.

In the printing operation process, first, in FIG. 1, the plate cylinder 1 rotates in a predetermined direction, and the used master 8 wound around the plate cylinder 1 is moved by a plate discharging device (not shown).
It is peeled off from the surface of the plate cylinder 1 and stored and discarded in a plate discharging container (not shown). Next, the plate cylinder 1 which has finished the plate discharging is rotated and stopped until the clamper 7 reaches a portion facing the transfer path of the master 8 transferred from the plate making section. When the plate cylinder 1 is stopped, the clamper shaft is rotated by a clamper opening / closing device (not shown), and the clamper 7 is opened at a position separated from the stage 6 to enter a plate supply standby state.

On the other hand, the image information of the original set and read in the original reading unit is converted into an electric signal by an image reading element such as a CCD, and is converted via an A / D converter and a plate making control device. A pulse signal corresponding to the image information is supplied to the heating elements of the thermal head 10 arranged in the main scanning direction of the master 8. At the same time, the master transport motor including the stepping motor of the plate making section is turned on, the platen roller 9 and the pair of master transport rollers 12 are rotated, and the master 8 is transported in the sub-scanning direction. As a result, the thermal film of the master 8 is heated by the pulse signal corresponding to the image information.
The original image is punched and made on the master 8 by heat-perforation by the heating element of No. 0.

The master 8 that has been subjected to plate making is the master guide plate 1
3, the tip is inserted between the stage 6 and the opened clamper 7. Here, when it is determined that the leading end of the master 8 has reached a position where it can be clamped between the stage 6 and the clamper 7 based on the number of drive pulses of the master transport motor, the clamper 7 is closed by the clamper opening / closing device, and the stage 7 is closed. The leading end of the master 8 is attracted and clamped between the drum 6 and the clamper 7 by magnetic force, and the rotation of the plate cylinder 1 is resumed at substantially the same speed as the transport speed of the master 8, so that the plate cylinder 1 of the master 8 having undergone plate making is transferred to the plate cylinder 1. Is started. Next, when it is determined based on the number of drive pulses of the master transport motor that the perforating and stencil making on the master 8 has been completed, the cutter 11 operates to cut the master 8 into a predetermined length, and the platen roller 9 Then, the rotation of the pair of master transport rollers 12 is stopped, and the rear end of the cut master 8 is pulled out of the plate making section by the rotation of the plate cylinder 1, and the winding of the master 8 around the plate cylinder 1 is completed.

When the winding of the master 8 around the plate cylinder 1 is completed,
The sheets 26 stacked on the sheet feeding tray are separated and fed one by one by a separation sheet feeding device (not shown). The separated paper 26 is conveyed between the plate cylinder 1 and the press roller 15 at a timing by the registration roller 17. When it is determined by a sheet detection sensor (not shown) that the leading end of the sheet 26 has reached between the plate cylinder 1 and the press roller 15, the lock of the press roller arm 16 is released, and the press roller arm 16 is biased. Due to the elasticity of the spring, the back surface of the paper 26 is continuously pressed by the press roller 15. As a result, the paper 26 is pressed against the master 8 wound around the plate cylinder 1 and is supplied to the ink roller 2, and oozes through the plate cylinder 1 onto the surface of the master 8 perforated according to the original image. The transferred ink is transferred to the surface of the paper 26, and a document image is printed on the paper 26.

The printed paper 26 is peeled off from the surface of the master 8 by a peeling claw 14 which is brought into contact with and separated from the master 8 wound around the plate cylinder 1 at a predetermined timing. 15 and the paper output tray 18
Is discharged on top. The press roller 15 and the peeling claw 14 and the like that have finished discharging the paper 26 return to their initial positions, respectively, and are in a state of waiting for printing on the next paper 26. The sheet 26 discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 18 has an end face on the downstream side of the sheet discharge path (the leading end side of the sheet 26) having an end plate 19.
Abuts on the buffer member 19c of the sheet abutting surface 19a, the conveyance thereof is prevented, and the sheet is lowered by its own weight along the sheet abutting surface 19a of the end plate 19, and reaches a predetermined sheet loading portion of the sheet discharge tray 18. Be loaded.

As described above, first, printing is performed on the first set number of sheets, and the first set number of discharged sheet bundles 26A (see FIG. The sheet is discharged and stacked on the sheet stacking portion. When the printing of the first set number of sheets is completed, the printing operation of the printing apparatus 100 is temporarily stopped, and whether or not the next sort printing is set is determined by the numeric keypad stored in the microcomputer 35. 3
The determination is made based on the input data (number of sorts) from No. 4. Here, if it is determined that the next sort printing has not been set, the control operation ends.

On the other hand, in this step, if it is determined that the next sort printing is set, the elevating motor 22b is rotated forward, and the moving table 21 starts lowering from the initial position (the highest position). When the upper surface position (stacking height) of the first set of discharged sheet bundle 26A is detected by the sheet stacking height position sensor S2, the normal rotation of the elevating motor 22b is stopped, and the movable table 21 is moved to the predetermined position ( Height). The stop position of the moving table 21 at this time is, as shown in FIG.
Is set to be slightly higher than the upper surface position of the first set of discharged paper bundles 26A.

Next, when the movable base 21 is stopped at a predetermined position, the forward / backward motor 23b is rotated forward and the slider 20 is rotated.
Of the end plate 19 in the window hole 19b
Through the paper discharge tray 18 to the paper stacking position side,
When the slider 20 reaches the paper receiving position, the forward / backward motor 23b stops normal rotation, and the slider 20 stops at the paper receiving position. The paper receiving position of the slider 20 is
As shown in FIG. 5, a stepped portion 20c that holds the leading end of the sheet 26 formed on the reciprocating end 20b of the slider 20
The paper contact end face 20d of the end plate 19 is set at a position where it does not protrude from the paper contact face 19a of the end plate 19.

When the slider 20 is stopped at the sheet receiving position, the above-described printing operation is restarted, and only one sheet of paper 26 for printing the second set is fed and printed. Is discharged onto the discharge tray 18. When the discharge of the single sheet 26b is completed, the printing operation is temporarily stopped. The sheet 26b discharged onto the sheet discharge tray 18 is lowered along the sheet contact surface 19a of the end plate 19, and the leading end thereof is held by the step 20c of the slider 20, as shown in FIG. And 1
The sheets are stacked on the upper surface of the set number of discharge sheets 26A of the set.

When the discharging and stacking of the single sheet 26b is completed, the forward / backward motor 23b starts to rotate forward again, and the forward / backward end portion 20b of the slider 20 is moved to the upstream side of the sheet discharging path (paper 2).
6 rear end). Thereby, one sheet 26b held by the step portion 20c of the slider 20 is pushed back to the sheet rear end side in the direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction by the sheet contact end surface 20d of the step portion 20c. The sheet is moved to the indicated sheet pushing position. Here, the advance / retreat position of the slider 20 (the paper receiving position and the paper pushing position) is set by controlling the rotation amount of the advance / retreat motor 23b constituted by a stepping motor by the number of pulses output from the microcomputer 35.

In this manner, the step portion 20 of the slider 20 is
When one sheet of paper 26b held by the sheet c is pushed toward the rear end of the sheet by the sheet contact end face 20d of the stepped portion 20c,
The forward / backward motor 23b is rotated in the reverse direction, and the slider 20 returns to the initial position. Then, the slider advance / retreat position sensor S3
When the state where the slider 20 is returned to the initial position is detected, the drive of the forward / backward motor 23b is turned off and the movement of the slider 20 is stopped.

Thereafter, the lifting / lowering motor 22b is rotated in the reverse direction, the movable table 21 is returned to the initial position, the lifting / lowering motor 22b is stopped, and the second set is set in the same manner as the printing operation of the first set number. The printing operation for the remaining number of sheets is started. As a result, as shown in FIG. 7, the second set of discharged paper bundles 26B sandwiches the first sheet 26b of the second set moved to the rear end side of the paper by the advance / retreat of the slider 20, and the first set of discharged paper bundles 26B.
The sheets are stacked so as to overlap the set number of discharged sheets 26A of the set.

When the next third set of printing is set, the third set is placed on the second set of discharged paper bundles 26B, similarly to the first sheet 26b of the second set. After the first sheet of paper 26c is ejected and moved to the rear end side of the sheet by the movement of the slider 20, as shown in FIG.
The remaining number of sheets of the third set are printed and discharged and stacked on the first sheet 26c of the first set.

In this manner, the first sheet of the first sheet of the next set to be printed is moved toward the rear end of the sheet due to the advance / retreat of the slider 20, and the next sheet on the moved sheet is moved next. By repeatedly performing the discharge stacking of the set of sheets until the preset sorting number is completed, the discharge sheet bundle of each set stacked on the discharge tray 18 is moved to the rear end side of the sheet by the reciprocation of the slider 20. Sorting is performed for each set number of sheets by the first sheet of each set that has been moved. Therefore, according to the sorting apparatus of the present embodiment, a large-sized and complicated mechanism is not used, or the paper discharged onto the paper output tray is not used without using a supply such as a sorting tape that is wasted.
It is possible to sort only by the paper loaded and discharged.

By the way, in the sorting apparatus of the above embodiment,
The first sheet of the set number of sheets of each set is moved to the rear end side of the sheet by moving the slider 20 forward or backward. The last sheet of the set number of sheets may be used, or a plurality of sheets may be used.

Further, the slider advancing / retreating means 23 in the sorting apparatus of the above embodiment returns the slider 20 to the initial position immediately after moving one sheet held on the step portion 20c of the slider 20 to the rear end side of the sheet. As shown in FIG. 8, the slider advance / retreat means 23 moves the sheet held on the stepped portion 20c of the slider 20 to the rear end side of the sheet, and Part 20
c, after one or more printed sheets are discharged and stacked on top of the sheet held and moved by the end plate 1.
The slider 20 may be controlled to return to the initial position outside of the slider 9. As described above, one or more printed sheets are discharged and stacked on the upper part of the sheet held and moved by the step portion 20c of the slider 20, so that the sheet discharged and stacked on the moved sheet is discharged. Since the sheet acts as a weight, the sheet moved to the sheet rear end side
Following the return movement of the paper, it will not be pulled back to the leading edge of the paper, and will not be misaligned due to vibration during printing, etc.
It is possible to prevent the sheet bundle sorting function of the sheet moved to the rear end of the sheet from deteriorating. Such control is performed so that the leading end side of the discharge tray 18 is lower than the trailing end side of the paper in order to facilitate alignment of the end face of the discharged paper to the paper contact surface 19a of the end plate 19. This is particularly effective when the present invention is applied to a discharged paper tray.

The slider 20 in the sorting apparatus of the above embodiment is slidably supported on the moving table 21. As shown in FIG. It may be swingably supported. As described above, when the slider 20 is swingably supported on the movable base 21, the slider 20 can be directly driven by the advance / retreat motor 23b without the interposition of the rack 20a and the pinion 23a.
Can be simplified.

Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the slider 20 has an elastic member made of rubber, cork, or the like having a high elastic coefficient,
It may be provided with a high friction member 25 such as sandpaper. By providing the high friction member 25 on the sheet contact end surface 20d of the step portion 20c of the slider 20, the slider 20 is advanced, and the sheet held by the step portion 20c is moved by the sheet contact end surface 20d. When it is moved to the rear end side, it can be prevented from slipping off the step 20c.

As shown in FIG. 11, the slider 20 has an angle θ at which the upper portion of the sheet contact end face 20d projects toward the rear end of the sheet at the sheet contact end face 20d of the step portion 20c.
May be provided. In this manner, the sheet held by the step portion 20c of the slider 20 is made to have a similar shape to that of the example shown in FIG. 10 by making the sheet contact end surface 20d of the step portion 20c of the slider 20 be inclined. When the sheet is moved to the rear end side of the sheet by the contact end face 20d,
The inclination can prevent the step 20c from coming off.

As shown in FIG. 12, the slider 20 has a saw-toothed projection 27 (or a plurality of needle-like pins implanted or integrally formed on a paper contact end face 20d of a stepped portion 20c). Etc.) may be provided. As described above, the sheet contact end surface 2 of the step portion 20c of the slider 20
By providing the protrusion 27 at 0d, when the sheet held by the step portion 20c of the slider 20 is moved to the rear end side of the sheet by the sheet contact end surface 20d, the sheet end is locked by the protrusion 27. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sheet end from coming off the step 20c.

Further, with the stepped portion 20c advanced, the slider 20 protrudes from the sheet contact end surface 20d of the stepped portion 20c of the slider 20 toward the rear end of the sheet, as shown by a chain line in FIG. In a state where the step portion 20c of the slider 20 is retracted to the outside of the end plate 19, as shown by a solid line in FIG. As a result, the rotatable pressing claw 29 retracted to the leading end side of the sheet is
May be provided at the rear end of the sheet. By providing the rotatable pressing claw 29 at the end of the slider 20 on the rear end side of the sheet, the sheet is moved toward the rear end of the sheet by the sheet contact end face 20d of the slider 20 as described above. Is securely held on the step portion 20c of the slider 20 by the pressing claw 29, so that the leading end portion of the sheet can be prevented from slipping off the step portion 20c.

Further, in the sorting apparatus of the above-described embodiment, each time the slider 20 that has moved the first sheet 26 of the set number of sheets to the rear end side of the sheet returns to the initial position, the slider elevating means 22 moves the slider 26 up and down. The slider 21 is controlled to return the movable table 21 to the initial position.
In accordance with the thickness of the paper 26 and the set number of prints, the slider 2 is previously adjusted according to the sorting position of the paper to be discharged and stacked.
You may be comprised so that the raising / lowering position of 0 may be controlled.

That is, in this control, as indicated by the broken line in FIG. 4, the first sheet 26b of the second set number of sheets is set.
Is returned to the initial position after the slider 20 has moved to the rear end side of the sheet, the second set of sheets is integrated based on the number of printed sheets of the second set and the detection signal of a sheet thickness sensor (not shown) for detecting the thickness of the sheet 26. The number of pulses corresponding to the stacking height of the discharged sheet bundle 26B is read out from the RAM or the like of the microcomputer 35, and the elevating motor 22b composed of a pulse motor is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses in accordance with the set value thus read out.
The slider lifting / lowering means 22 is controlled so that is raised to the sorting position of the second set of discharged sheets and stopped there.

The thickness of the paper 26 is determined not by the above-described detection signal of the paper thickness sensor but by inputting the type of the paper to be used to the printing apparatus 100 to obtain the data stored in the RAM or the like in advance. Therefore, the thickness of the corresponding sheet may be read.

When the height of the second set of discharged sheets 26B is set to, for example, 10 mm, the first set of sheets 26b of the second set is set to the rear end of the sheet. After the slider 20 having moved to the original position returns to the initial position, the slider 20 is moved by the slider lifting / lowering means 22 to a position raised by 10 mm from the current position, and the slider 20 is sorted in advance into the second set of discharged sheets. Control to wait at the position.

As described above, the slider lifting / lowering means 22 adjusts the lifting / lowering position of the slider 20 in advance in accordance with the thickness of the paper 26 and the set number of printed sheets in accordance with the sorting position of each set of discharged paper to be discharged and stacked. By performing the control, the operation time until the slider 20 moves up and down to the next sheet sorting position can be shortened.

Further, the sheet stacking height of the preset number of sheets to be sorted corresponds to the sheet contact end surface 2 of the step portion 20 c of the slider 20.
If the height is less than the height 0d, the slider 20 is raised by the slider lifting / lowering means 22 while skipping the sorting position of the discharged paper one by one, and the number of sorted sheets is set on the stepped portion 20c of the slider 20 raised to this sorting position. The sheets are collectively held and the slider advance / retreat means 23
, The slider 20 may be moved forward and backward, and the set of discharged paper bundles of the number of sheets to be sorted may be alternately moved one by one.

That is, in this case, first, when the discharge stacking of the set number of discharge sheets 26A of the first set is completed,
The slider 20 advances to the paper receiving position shown in FIG. 5 and stops. Next, in this state, the second set of sheets is all printed continuously, and the second set of discharged sheet bundle 26B
Of the slider 20 are collectively held by the stepped portion 20c of the slider 20 which has been advanced to the sheet receiving position and stopped. When the discharge stacking of the second set of sheets is completed, the slider 20 is advanced to the sheet pushing position shown in FIG.
The set of discharged paper bundles 26B is the first set of discharged paper bundles 26A.
, And then the slider 20 is returned to the sheet receiving position. Next, printing is performed on the third set of sheets, and after one or more sheets of the third set of discharged sheets are discharged and stacked on the second set of discharged sheet bundle 26B, the slider 20 is moved to the initial position. Then, the carriage 21 is returned to the paper sorting position for the next set number of the set number of sheets and is on standby. When the discharge stacking of the third set of sheets is completed, the set number of discharged sheets of the fourth set is shifted from the third set of discharged sheets, similarly to the second set of discharged sheets 26B. Are moved together.

As described above, by arranging the set of discharged paper bundles of the number of sorted sheets so as to be alternately moved one by one, for example, 10 sheets of each set from the first set to the tenth set are set. When the sheets are discharged and stacked, the respective sets of the output sheets of the even-numbered sets are collectively moved to the positions alternately shifted with respect to the respective sets of the output sheets of the odd-numbered sets.
Since the first to tenth sets are sorted into a sheet bundle of ten sheets in each set, the number of sheet sorting operations of the slider 20 is reduced, and the time required for sheet sorting can be shortened.

By the way, the slider 2 in the above embodiment is
0 corresponds to a step 20c formed at the advancing / retracting end 20b.
The sheet of the sorting portion discharged to the discharge tray 18 is held, and the sheet is moved in the direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction. The slider 20 is, for example, shown in FIG. As described above, the sheet pressing portion that contacts the upper surface of the sheet discharged and placed on the sheet discharge tray 18 in a state where the sheet is advanced from the sheet contact surface 19a of the end plate 19 to the sheet stacking portion side at the reciprocating end portion 20b. 20e may be provided so that the sheet in contact with the sheet pressing portion 20e is moved to the sheet rear end side by the advance operation of the slider 20.

The slider 2 provided with the sheet pressing portion 20e
The operation of the sorting device using 0 is performed in the ROM of the microcomputer 35.
The control device shown in FIG. 3 is controlled according to an operation program written in advance in a storage circuit such as a storage device. FIG. 16 shows an example of an operation program of the sorting apparatus.
Shown in

That is, as in the case of the above-described embodiment, a document is set on a document reading section (not shown) of the printing apparatus 100, and the ten keys 34 on an operation panel (not shown) are used.
When the number of sorts such as the number of prints and the number of sorts is entered,
This sorting number is input to and stored in the microcomputer 35, and then, when the start button 33 of the printing apparatus 100 is turned on and a start signal is input to the microcomputer 35, FIG.
The operation program shown in FIG. 6 is started.

When this operation program is started,
The moving table 21 and the slider 2 are detected based on detection signals from the moving table elevating position sensor S4 and the slider moving position sensor S3.
It is determined whether or not the 0 position is the initial position. If not, the lifting motor 22b and the forward / backward motor 23b are reversed, and the moving table 21 and the slider 20 are moved to the uppermost position and the last position. It returns to the retreat position (initial position).

When the initial setting operation is completed,
In the same manner as in the above-described embodiment, the used master 8 is discarded, the original image is perforated and made on the master 8, the master 8 is wound around the plate cylinder 1, the sheet 26 is transported by the separate sheet feeding device, and the plate is fed. Printing of the original image on the paper 26 by the cylinder 1 and the press roller 15, peeling of the paper 26 from the master 8 by the peeling claw 14, and onto the discharge tray 18 by the conveying force between the plate cylinder 1 and the press roller 15. A series of printing operations such as discharge of the sheet 26 are started, and the printed sheet 26 is stacked on a predetermined sheet stacking portion of the discharge tray 18.

As described above, first, printing is performed on the first set number of sheets, and as shown in FIG. The sheet is discharged and stacked on a predetermined sheet stacking portion. When printing on the set number of sheets of the first set is completed, the printing apparatus 1
00 is temporarily stopped, and whether or not the next sort printing is set is determined based on the input data (number of sorts) from the numeric keypad 34 stored in the microcomputer 35. Here, if it is determined that the next sort printing has not been set, the control operation ends.

On the other hand, in this step, if it is determined that the next sort printing is set, the elevating motor 22b is rotated forward, and the moving table 21 starts lowering from the initial position (uppermost position). When the upper surface position (stacking height) of the first set of discharged sheet bundle 26A is detected by the sheet stacking height position sensor S2, the normal rotation of the elevating motor 22b is stopped, and the movable table 21 is moved to the predetermined position ( Height). The stop position of the movable table 21 at this time is determined by the sheet pressing portion 20e of the slider 20.
Is set to be slightly higher than the upper surface position of the first set of discharged paper bundles 26A.

Next, when the movable table 21 is stopped at a predetermined position, the forward / backward motor 23b is rotated forward and the slider 20 is rotated.
Of the end plate 19 in the window hole 19b
Through the paper discharge tray 18 to the paper stacking position side,
When the paper pressing portion 20e of the slider 20 reaches the paper pressing position, the forward / backward motor 23b stops normal rotation, and the slider 20 stops at the paper pressing position. This slider 20
Is the paper pressing position of the slider 20.
Are set at positions slightly advanced from the sheet contact surface 19 a of the end plate 19.

When the slider 20 is stopped at the sheet pressing position, the elevating motor 22b is rotated forward again, and the moving table 21 starts to descend from the predetermined position, and the sheet pressing portion 20e of the slider 20 is moved to the position shown in FIG. As shown, the sheet is pressed against the sheet pressing position on the upper surface of the first set of discharged sheet bundle 26A with a predetermined pressing force, and the normal rotation of the elevating motor 22b is stopped. At this time, the optimum pressing force of the sheet pressing portion 20e of the slider 20 against the upper surface of the discharged sheet bundle is determined as a position where the movable table 21 is lowered by a predetermined amount from the detection position of the sheet stacking height position sensor S2, It is stored in a RAM or the like.

When the lowering of the moving table 21 is stopped by the stop of the elevating motor 22b, the forward / backward motor 23b is rotated forward, and as shown in FIG.
0e is advanced to the rear end side of the paper, and the advance operation of the slider 20 causes the uppermost paper 26a of the first set of discharged paper bundles 26A pressed by the paper pressing portion 20e with a predetermined pressing force to be moved to the other end. Is moved to the trailing end side of the loaded paper. Then, when the slider 20 advances to the predetermined sheet pushing position, the forward / backward motor 23b is stopped, and the slider 20 stands by with the uppermost sheet 26a moved to the predetermined sheet pushing position.

Thereafter, the above-described printing operation is restarted, and one or more predetermined sheets of paper 26 for printing the second set are fed and printed, and discharged onto the discharge tray 18. One or more sheets of paper 26 discharged onto the tray 18 are lowered along the sheet contact surface 19a of the end plate 19, and moved to a predetermined sheet pushing position as shown in FIG. The sheets are stacked on the upper surface of the uppermost sheet 26a of the set number of discharged sheets 26A.

Then, the second set of one or more sheets 26
Is completed, the printing operation is stopped, and the elevating motor 22b is rotated in reverse by a predetermined amount.
The moving table 21 is slightly raised, and the sheet pressing portion 20e of the slider 20 is stopped at a position separated from the upper surface of the sheet 26a. Here, the advance / retreat position of the slider 20 and the movable table 2
The 1 elevating position is set by controlling the amount of rotation of the forward / backward motor 23b and the elevating motor 22b formed of a stepping motor by the number of pulses output from the microcomputer 35.

Next, the forward / backward motor 23b is reversed,
After the slider 20 is returned to the initial position and the slider advancing / retreating position sensor S3 detects that the slider 20 has returned to the initial position, the drive of the advancing / retreating motor 23b is turned off and the movement of the slider 20 is stopped. Similarly to the printing operation of the set number of sheets of the first set described above, the printing operation of the remaining number of sheets of the second set is restarted. As a result, as shown in FIG. 20, the second set of discharged sheet bundles 26B is moved to the rear end side of the sheet by the movement of the slider 20, and the first set of discharged sheet bundles 2B
The sheets are stacked so as to overlap the first set of discharged sheet bundles 26A with the uppermost sheet 26a of 6A interposed therebetween.

When the printing of the next third set is set, the number of prints of the second set and the integration of 2 based on the detection signal of a paper thickness sensor (not shown) for detecting the thickness of the paper 26 are performed. The number of pulses corresponding to the stacking height of the set of discharged paper bundles 26B is read from the RAM or the like of the microcomputer 35, and the elevating motor 22b composed of a pulse motor is rotated by a predetermined number of pulses in accordance with the read set value. The slider lifting / lowering means 22 is controlled so that the movable table 21 is raised to the sorting position of the second set of discharged sheets and stopped there.

For example, when it is set that the height of the second set of discharged paper bundles 26B becomes 10 mm, the moving table 21 is moved 10 m from the current position by the slider elevating means 22.
By moving the slider 20 to the position raised by m, the slider 20 is controlled in advance so as to rise to the sorting position of the third set of discharged sheets and wait.

As described above, the slider elevating means 22 sets the elevating position of the slider 20 in advance in accordance with the thickness of the sheet 26 and the set number of printed sheets, in accordance with the sorting position of each set of sheets to be ejected and stacked. By performing the control, the operation time until the slider 20 moves up and down to the next sheet sorting position can be shortened.

Thereafter, the uppermost sheet of the second set of discharged sheets 26B is moved toward the rear end of the sheet by the slider 20 as in the case of the uppermost sheet 26a of the first set of discharged sheets 26A. Thereafter, one or more sheets 26 of the third set are printed and discharged and stacked on the uppermost sheet of the second set of discharged sheet bundles 26B.

As described above, in a state where the uppermost sheet of the printed set is moved toward the trailing end of the sheet by the advance / retreat of the sheet pressing portion 20e of the slider 20, the next uppermost sheet is placed on the moved uppermost sheet. After discharging and stacking one or more sheets of the set, the operation of returning the slider 20 to the initial position and performing the remaining printing of the next set is repeated until the preset sorting number is completed. Each set of discharged sheet bundles stacked on the tray 18 is sorted by the set number of sheets by the uppermost sheet of each set moved to the rear end side of the sheet by the advance / retreat of the slider 20. Therefore, in this sorting device, similarly to the above-described embodiment, using a large-scale and complicated mechanism or without using a supply such as a sorting tape or the like that is wastefully consumed, the paper discharged onto the paper discharge tray is used. It is possible to sort only by the paper loaded and discharged.

Further, in this sorting apparatus, as shown in FIG. 19, the uppermost sheet of each group is moved to the rear end side of the sheet by the sheet pressing portion 20e of the slider 20, and the uppermost sheet is Is controlled so as to return and return the slider 20 to the initial position outside the end plate 19 after one or more printed sheets of the next set are discharged and stacked on the upper portion of the uppermost portion. The sheet discharged and stacked on the sheet acts as a weight, so that the uppermost sheet moved to the trailing end side of the sheet is pulled back to the leading end side of the sheet following the return movement of the slider 20, or during printing. It is possible to prevent the positional shift due to vibration or the like from occurring, and to prevent the sheet bundle sorting function of the sheet moved to the rear end side of the sheet from deteriorating. Such control is performed so that the leading end side of the discharge tray 18 is lower than the trailing end side of the paper in order to facilitate alignment of the end face of the discharged paper to the paper contact surface 19a of the end plate 19. This is particularly effective in a discharged paper tray.

The slider 2 in this sorting device
Numeral 0 is slidably supported on the moving table 21, but the slider 20 may be supported on the moving table 21 so as to be swingable, as shown in FIG. . As described above, when the slider 20 is swingably supported on the movable table 21, the slider 20 is moved by the reciprocating motor 23b without the interposition of the rack 20a and the pinion 23a, as in the above-described embodiment. Since it can be driven directly, the configuration of the slider advance / retreat means 23 can be simplified.

Further, the slider 2 in this sorting device
Reference numeral 0 denotes a serrated protrusion 20f (or a plurality of needle-like pins implanted or integrally formed) on the paper pressing portion 20e, rubber, cork, or the like, as shown in FIGS. Or a member provided with a high friction member 20g such as sandpaper. As described above, by providing the protrusion 20f and the high friction member 20g on the paper pressing portion 20e of the slider 20, when the paper pressed by the paper pressing portion 20e of the slider 20 is moved to the rear end side of the paper, It can be prevented from slipping off the paper pressing portion 20e.

The slider 2 in this sorting device
As shown in FIG. 24, the zero sheet pressing portion 20e may be formed of a roller 20h that rotates in one direction that can rotate only when the end plate 19 of the slider 20 retreats outward. As described above, by configuring the paper pressing portion 20e of the slider 20 with the roller 20h, when returning the slider 20 to the initial position, the moving table 21 is raised to separate the paper pressing portion 20e from the pressed paper. Since the slider 20 can be moved backward while the sheet is pressed by the roller 20h, the operation process of the sorting device can be simplified, and the speed of the sorting operation can be increased.

Further, the sorting apparatus includes a sheet sensor S including a light emitting element 30 and a light receiving element 31 for detecting the passage of the sheet 26 disposed across the sheet conveying path.
When it is detected based on the information 1 that a plurality of sheets have been fed at one time, the amount of advance of the slider 20 toward the sheet stacking portion side is different from the normal amount of advance. As described above, the slider drive amount by the slider advance / retreat means 23 may be switched to move the slider 20 forward / backward.

That is, when it is detected based on the information of the paper sensor S1 that a plurality of papers have been fed at one time, for example, as shown in FIG. Printing is interrupted when the paper is discharged to the paper tray 18,
The sheet pressing portion 20 e of the slider 20 is
And the slider drive amount by the slider advance / retreat means 23 is switched so that the slider 20 advances toward the rear end of the sheet so as to be smaller than the advance amount during the normal sorting operation. Let me advance.

As a result, the multi-fed paper is extruded to a position different from the normal sheet extruding position of the sheet, so that the multi-fed paper can be sorted out after the printing is completed. At the same time, it is possible to easily determine the number of sheets fed. Note that the control of the slider 20 at the time of feeding a large number of sheets can be applied to the slider 20 having the step portion 20c of the embodiment.

[0099]

As described above, according to the present invention, the paper at the sorting portion discharged and stacked on the paper discharge tray is moved to the rear end side of the paper by the paper abutting portion of the slider. Paper can be used as a mark for sorting a bundle of paper, so the paper discharged onto the paper output tray without using a large and complicated mechanism or using a supply of wasteful sorting tape or the like. Can be sorted only by the paper loaded and stacked.

At the sheet contact portion of the slider, a step portion for holding the end of the discharge sheet on the end plate side, or at the sheet discharge tray in a state where the sheet has advanced from the sheet contact surface of the end plate toward the sheet stacking portion. A paper pressing portion is provided which comes into contact with the upper surface of the paper discharged and placed thereon, and the paper at the sorting portion discharged and stacked on the paper output tray is moved to the rear end of the paper by the step of the paper contact portion or the paper pressing portion. By moving the paper to the side, the paper at the sorting portion can be smoothly moved.

Further, the sheet is moved by the sheet contact portion in a state where the slider is advanced to the loading portion side of the discharged sheet and the sheet is moved by the sheet contact portion in a direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction. After one or more printed sheets are discharged and stacked on the upper part of the sheet, by controlling the slider to retreat outside the end plate, the sheets discharged and stacked on the moved sheet are weighted. Act as
The paper moved to the rear end side of the paper is not pulled back to the front end side of the paper following the return movement of the slider, and the paper is not moved to the rear end side due to vibration during printing. It is possible to prevent the sheet bundle sorting function from being lowered.

Further, according to the thickness of the sheet and the set number of prints, the sorting position of the sheet to be discharged and stacked is adjusted.
By controlling the vertical position of the slider in advance, the slider can be made to wait at the next sorting position, so that the operation time until the slider moves up and down to the next paper sorting position can be shortened.

Further, based on the information of the sensor, the sheet detecting means detects that a plurality of sheets have been fed at once,
When it is detected that a plurality of sheets have been fed at one time, the slider advance / retreat so that the amount of advance of the slider toward the sheet stacking portion is different from the normal amount of advance. By switching the slider drive amount by means and moving the slider forward and backward, the multi-fed paper is extruded to a position different from the normal paper extruding position of the sorting portion, so that the multi-fed paper is printed after the printing is completed. It is possible to sort, and it is possible to easily discriminate sheets fed a large number of sheets at the same time as sorting the sheets.

Further, the sheet contact surface of the step portion of the slider is provided with a slope such that the upper portion of the sheet contact surface protrudes in a direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction, so that the step of the slider during the movement of the sheet is provided. Since the paper held by the paper can be prevented from coming off from the step, the paper moves off the step and the amount of movement of the paper becomes unstable, making it impossible to determine the sorting area or making it difficult to determine the sorting area. Can be prevented.

If the sheet stacking height of the preset number of sheets is smaller than the height of the sheet contact surface of the step portion of the slider, the sorting position of the discharged sheets is set by the slider lifting / lowering means. The slider is lifted while flying step by step, and the sheets of the number of sorts are collectively held on the step of the slider raised to the sorting position, and the slider is moved forward and backward by the slider advance / retreat means. In this configuration, the number of sheet sorting operations of the slider can be reduced by moving the sheet bundles alternately and collectively for each stage, so that the time required for sheet sorting can be shortened.

Further, the sheet is discharged from the sheet contact surface of the step portion of the slider at the end of the slider on the side which advances and retreats with respect to the sheet stacking portion with the end advanced to the sheet stacking portion. By providing a rotatable pressing claw that protrudes in a direction opposite to the direction, and retracts in the sheet discharging direction from the sheet contact surface of the step portion of the slider in a state where the end is retracted from the sheet stacking portion, When the paper is moved, the paper held on the step of the slider can be clamped by the holding claw, so that the paper comes off the step and the amount of movement of the paper becomes unstable, making it impossible to determine the sorting area, Can be prevented from becoming difficult.

Further, the slider is returned to the initial position by forming the paper pressing portion of the slider with a roller which rotates in one direction which is rotatable only when the slider is retreated outside the end plate. In this case, there is no need to raise the moving table to separate the paper pressing portion from the paper being pressed, and the slider can be moved backward while the paper is pressed by the rollers, thereby simplifying the operation process of the sorting device. It is possible to speed up the sorting operation.

Further, by providing a high friction member on the paper contact surface of the slider, it is possible to prevent the paper held on the step portion of the slider from slipping off the paper contact surface when the paper moves. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a situation in which the sorting amount cannot be determined due to the unstable amount of movement of the paper or the sorting portion cannot be easily determined.

Further, by providing a projection on the paper contact surface of the slider, the paper can be locked by the projection when the paper is moved, so that the paper comes off the paper contact surface and the movement amount of the paper becomes unstable. As a result, the sorting part can not be determined,
It is possible to prevent the determination of the sorting part from becoming difficult.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram illustrating an example of a printing apparatus equipped with a sorting device of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main part of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a control circuit of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of an operation of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an operation state diagram showing a state where the slider of the sorting device in the embodiment of the present invention has advanced to the sheet receiving position of the sorting position of the first set of sheet bundles.

FIG. 6 is an operation mode diagram showing a state in which the slider of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention has moved the first sheet of the second sheet bundle toward the rear end of the sheet.

FIG. 7 illustrates a state in which the slider of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention moves the first sheet of the third sheet bundle toward the rear end of the sheet and then retracts to the outside of the end plate. It is an operation | movement mode figure shown.

FIG. 8 shows a state in which the slider of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention moves the first sheet of the second sheet bundle to the rear end side of the sheet, and places one sheet on the moved sheet. FIG. 9 is an operation mode diagram illustrating a state where more than one discharge sheet is stacked.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a main part showing another configuration example of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a main part side view showing an example in which a high friction member is provided on the sheet contact end surface of the step of the slider of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a side view of a main part showing an example in which the sheet contact end surface of the step portion of the slider of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention is inclined.

FIG. 12 is a main part side view showing an example in which a projection is provided on a sheet contact end surface of a step portion of a slider of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a main part side view showing an example in which a rotatable pressing claw is provided at an advancing / retreating end of a slider of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an operation diagram illustrating a state in which a second bundle of sheets held on the stepped portion of the slider of the sorting apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention is collectively moved to the rear end side of the sheets.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a main part of a sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is an operation diagram illustrating a state in which the sheet pressing portion of the slider of the sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention is pressed against the sheet pressing position of the uppermost sheet of the first set of sheets.

FIG. 18 is an operation diagram illustrating a state in which the sheet pressing unit of the slider of the sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention has moved the uppermost sheet of the first sheet bundle to the sheet pushing position.

FIG. 19 shows a state in which the sheet pressing portion of the slider of the sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention has moved the uppermost sheet of the first sheet bundle to the sheet push-out position, and FIG. 7 is an operation diagram showing a state where one or more sheets of discharged paper of a second set are stacked.

FIG. 20 illustrates a state in which the sheet pressing portion of the slider of the sorting device according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured such that one or more sheets of the second set are placed on the uppermost sheet of the first sheet bundle moved to the sheet pushing position. FIG. 9 is an operation state diagram illustrating a state where the discharge sheets are retracted outside the end plate after being stacked.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of a main part showing another configuration example of the sorting apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a side view of a main part showing an example in which a projection is provided on a sheet pressing portion of a slider of a sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a main part side view showing an example in which a high friction member is provided in a sheet pressing portion of a slider of a sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a main part side view showing an example in which a roller that can rotate only when the slider is retracted is provided in the paper pressing portion of the slider of the sorting device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of the present invention, in which the sheet pressing unit of the slider of the sorting apparatus causes a large number of sheets fed and discharged and stacked to advance less than the advance amount of the sheet moved at the normal sorting position. FIG. 9 is an operation mode diagram illustrating a state where the sheet is moved to the rear end side by an amount.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 18 paper discharge tray 19 end plate 20 slider 20a slider rack 20b slider advance / retreat end 20c slider step 20d sheet contact end face of slider step 20e slider sheet pressing section 20f projection provided on slider sheet pressing section 20g High friction member provided on the paper pressing portion of slider 20h Roller provided on the paper pressing portion of slider 21 Slider 22 Slider elevating means 22a Feed screw 22b Elevating motor 22c Guide rod 23 Slider reciprocating means 23a Pinion 23b Reciprocating motor 24 Holding member 25 High friction member provided on paper contact end face of slider step 26 Paper 27 Projection provided on paper contact end face of slider step 29 Holding claw provided on advance / retreat end of slider 32 Paper detection circuit 33 Printing device Start button 34 Over 35 microcomputer 36 printer driver circuit 37 lift motor drive circuit 38 forward and reverse motor drive circuits S1 paper in the input paper sensor disposed in the path S2 paper loading height position sensor S3 slider forward and backward position sensor S4 moving platform lift position sensor

Claims (12)

[Claims] A printing apparatus provided with a print number control means for controlling the number of prints for each predetermined number of sheets, a discharge tray for stacking printed and discharged sheets, and a sheet discharge of the discharge tray. Plate which is located downstream in the direction and which aligns the end surfaces of the sheets to be discharged and stacked in contact with the discharge sheet, a slider disposed outside the end plate, and an end of the slider on the end plate side The slider is vertically movable along the sheet abutting portion provided on the portion and the sheet abutting surface of the end plate, and the slider is movable back and forth through the end plate with respect to the sheet loading portion. A slider supporting means for supporting the sheet, a slider elevating means for elevating and lowering the slider to a sorting position for the sheets discharged and stacked on the sheet discharge tray, and a predetermined sheet sorting position by the slider elevating means. Slider advance / retreat means for moving the raised / lowered slider from the sheet contact surface of the end plate to the sheet stacking portion and moving the sheet at a predetermined portion discharged onto the sheet discharge tray in a direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction. And a sorting device comprising: 2. The sheet contact portion has a step for holding an end of a discharged sheet on the end plate side, and the sheet held on the step by the slider advance / retreat means is brought into contact with the sheet on the step. 2. The sorting apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the sheet is moved in a direction opposite to a sheet discharging direction by the contact surface. 3. A sheet which comes into contact with an upper surface of a sheet discharged and placed on the sheet discharge tray in a state where the sheet contact portion is advanced from the sheet contact surface of the end plate toward the sheet stacking portion. A sheet pressing unit configured to move the sheet pressed by the sheet pressing unit in a direction opposite to a sheet discharging direction by a pressing force of the sheet pressing unit against a sheet when the slider advances by the slider advancing / retracting unit; The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein 4. The sheet advance / retreat means moves the slider toward the loading portion side of the discharged sheet and moves the sheet in the direction opposite to the sheet discharge direction by the sheet contact portion, and the sheet contact means moves the slider in the opposite direction. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein after at least one printed sheet is discharged and stacked on the sheet moved by the contact portion, the slider is controlled to retreat outside the end plate. Sorting device as described. 5. The slider lifting / lowering means is configured to control the lifting / lowering position of the slider in advance in accordance with the sheet thickness and the set number of prints, in accordance with the sorting position of sheets to be discharged and stacked. The sorting device according to claim 1, wherein 6. The printing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising sheet detecting means for detecting that a plurality of sheets have been fed at once based on the detection information of the sensor. The slider advancing / retracting means is configured such that when it is detected that the sheet has been fed at one time, the amount of advance of the slider toward the paper stacking portion is different from the amount of advance during normal sheet sorting. Switch the slider drive amount by
2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the slider is moved forward and backward.
Sorting device as described. 7. When the sheet stacking height of the preset number of sheets is smaller than the height of the sheet contact surface of the step portion of the slider, the slider elevating means moves the sorting position of the discharged sheets. While raising the slider while flying step by step, the sheets of the number of sheets to be sorted are collectively held on the step of the slider that has been moved to the sorting position,
The slider is moved forward and backward by the slider moving means,
3. The sorting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the sorting unit is configured to move the bundles of sheets corresponding to the number of sorted sheets alternately and collectively for each stage. 8. The sheet-contacting surface of a step of the slider is provided with a slope such that an upper portion of the sheet-contacting surface protrudes in a direction opposite to the sheet discharging direction. Sorting device. 9. A sheet discharging means for discharging the sheet from a sheet contact surface of a step portion of the slider at an end of the slider on a side which advances and retreats with respect to the sheet stacking part with the end advanced to the sheet stacking part. The slider is provided with a rotatable pressing claw that protrudes in a direction opposite to the direction and retracts in the sheet discharging direction from the sheet contact surface of the step portion of the slider in a state where the end is retracted from the sheet loading portion. 3. The sorting device according to claim 2, wherein 10. The sorting device according to claim 3, wherein the sheet pressing portion of the slider comprises a roller which rotates in one direction and is rotatable only when the slider retreats outward from the end plate. . 11. A sorting apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a high friction member is provided on a sheet contact surface of said sheet contact portion. 12. The sorting device according to claim 2, wherein a projection is provided on a sheet contact surface of the sheet contact portion.