JPS62167173A - Sorter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To increase the speed for sorting recording paper sheets, by providing the waiting locations of a lift member for gripping the recording paper sheet and discharging it to a bin by paper discharge rollers at the locations corresponding to the lowermost, uppermost and central locations. CONSTITUTION:When a recording paper sheet P is supplied, receiving rollers 6, 7 supply it toward the direction of paper discharge rollers 15, 21 and the rollers 15, 21 wait at the location corresponding to the lowermost bin 9. When a paper sensor 23 senses the front end of the recording paper sheet P, the rollers 15, 21 rotate for a prescribed period of time and stop with the front end of the recording paper sheet gripped between them. Next, a lift member 10 and the rollers 15, 21 advance toward a selected bin 9 and stop at the location corresponding to the bin 9, and the rollers 15, 21 are rotated to discharge the recording paper sheet to the bin 9. The lift member 10 and the roller 15, 21 are returned to a waiting location in a prescribed period of time after the sensor 23 senses the rear end of the recording paper sheet P. The waiting location of the lift member 10 is such that it is positioned at a location corresponding to any arbitrary bin 9. With such an arrangement, recording paper sheets can be discharged to a plurality of bins which are nearest to the waiting location of the lift member 10, whereby the speed of a sorting operation can be increased.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a sorter that sorts recording sheets discharged from an image recording apparatus such as an electronic copying machine or a printer into a plurality of bins.

Prior Art Conventionally, a sorter has been constructed using a plurality of bins arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, a belt disposed near these bins to convey the recording paper in the upward or downward direction, and a belt connected to the belt. A recording paper conveying means comprising a suction fan or the like that sucks the recording paper, an elevating member disposed so as to be movable up and down between the recording paper conveying means and the bin, an elevating drive means for elevating the elevating member, and the above-mentioned a direction switching member disposed on the elevating member and directing the moving direction of the recording paper being moved by the recording paper conveyance means toward the bin; and a recording sheet disposed on the elevating member whose direction is switched by the direction switching member. There are known devices that include a pair of paper ejection rollers that eject paper into a bin.

However, with this sorter, it is necessary to change the conveying direction of the recording paper of the recording paper conveying means depending on the height of the recording paper ejection position of the image recording device, and to change the configuration of the direction switching member accordingly. , and has the disadvantage of a complicated configuration.

Purpose An object of the present invention is to provide a sorter that can easily respond to changes in the recording paper discharge position of an image recording device, has a simple configuration, and can speed up the recording paper sorting operation. There is a particular thing.

Structure The present invention provides a plurality of bins arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, an elevating member disposed near the bins so as to be movable up and down, and an elevating drive means for elevating the elevating member. A recording paper nipping means disposed on the elevating member to temporarily clamp the fed recording paper; a pair of paper ejection rollers disposed on the elevating member for discharging the recording paper into a bin; and a paper ejection roller driving means for rotating the paper ejection roller, and the elevating member is moved while the elevating member is being conveyed while being held at a predetermined standby position (with the recording paper being held by the recording paper holding means). After moving forward to a predetermined position at almost the same speed as the ejection speed of the recording paper of the image recording device, the recording paper is discharged into the bin by the paper ejection roller, and then the elevating member is moved back to the original standby position. The recording paper is discharged into a plurality of bins closest to the standby position of the elevating member.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates a sorter.

An electronic copying machine 2 is arranged adjacent to the exterior plate 1a of the sorter 1. On the exterior plate 2a of this electronic copying machine 2,
A paper discharge port 3 for discharging recording paper P is formed on the sorter 1 side. A pair of paper ejection rollers 4 are arranged in an internal button of the exterior plate 2a near the paper ejection port 30.

A paper receiving port 5 is formed in the exterior plate 1a of the sorter 1, facing the paper discharge port 3 of the exterior plate 2a of the electronic copying machine 2. A pair of receiving rollers 6.7 are arranged inside the exterior plate 1a near the paper receiving opening 50. These receiving rollers 6 , 7 are pressed together, and one receiving roller 7 is rotated by receiving roller drive means 8 . This receiving roller driving means 8 includes a motor 8a fixed to the exterior plate 1aK,
It consists of a pulley 8C fixed to the drive shaft 8b of the motor 8a, a pulley 8d fixed to the rotating shaft 7a of the receiving roller 7, and a belt 8e hooked around these pulleys 3c and 3d.

On the side of the receiving roller 6.7 in the feeding direction of the recording paper P, a plurality of bins 9 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction. These bottles 9 are supported by the exterior plate 1a, and most of the bottles 90 extend outward from the opening of the exterior plate 1a.

Between the receiving roller 6.7 and the bin 9, an elevating member 10 is arranged near the bin 9 so as to be movable up and down. A paper guide member 11 for guiding the recording paper P is arranged between the receiving roller 6.7 and the elevating member 10. The elevating member 10 is raised and lowered by an elevating drive means 12. This elevating drive means 12 includes two pairs of pulleys 12a and 12b arranged above and below, and a rotating shaft 12C of the upper pulley 12a.
A step motor 12d capable of forward and reverse rotation is placed near the step motor 12d, a worm gear 12f is fixed to the drive shaft 12e of the step motor 12d, and a rotation shaft 12c of the pulley 12a is engaged with the worm gear 12f.
The gear 12g fixed to and the pulleys 12a, 1
2b, and a pair of wires 12h to which both side plates 10a of the elevating member 100 are fixed.

Both ends of the rotating shafts 12C9121 of the pulleys 12a and 12b are supported by bearings fixed to the exterior plate 1a. The step motor 12d is fixed to the exterior plate 1a.

The elevating member 10 includes both side plates 10a and a holding plate 10b integrally fixed to these plates.

These both side plates 10a and the holding plate 10b have a receiving o.
- Two guide members 10 C# 10 d are provided to guide the recording paper Pft sent from the rollers 6 and 7.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guide member 10dK has two supporting members 13 protruding from the guide member 10dK. Bearings 142>2 are disposed in the long holes of these supporting members 13 so as to be movable up and down by a short distance, and the rotating shaft 15a of the paper discharge roller 5 is supported by these bearings 14. The guide member 10d
A holding member 16 is provided protruding from the holding member 16 .
A spring 17 is held in which presses the rotating shaft 15a of the paper ejection roller 15 downward.

The guide member 10d is also provided with two supporting members 18 protruding from the one-way clutch 1.
9 and a bearing 20 are provided, and a rotating shaft 21a of a paper discharge roller 21 is supported by the one-way clutch 19 and bearing 20. This paper ejection roller 21 is rotated by a paper ejection roller driving means 22. This paper discharge roller driving means 22 includes a motor 22a fixed to a holding plate iob of the elevating member 10, and a drive shaft 22 of this motor 22a.
It consists of a pulley 22e fixed to the pulley 22e, a pulley 22d fixed to the rotating shaft 21H of the paper ejection roller 21 so as to face the pulley 22e, and a belt 22e hooked around these pulleys 22C and 22d. The one-way clutch 19 does not prevent the paper ejection roller 21 from rotating in the direction of feeding the recording paper Pt-bin 9, and the paper ejection roller 21
prevents the recording paper P from rotating in the opposite direction to the direction in which it is fed to the bin 9.

A paper sensor 23 for detecting recording paper P is arranged between the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 and the receiving roller 6.7 and near the paper ejection rollers 15, 21. This paper sensor 2
Reference numeral 3 is a photosensor, which is fixed to the guide member 10d. The paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 are the receiving rollers 6.
A roller standby position sensor 24 is arranged at a predetermined position to detect that the roller is placed at a standby position to receive the recording paper P sent by the roller 7. This roller standby position sensor 24
consists of a photosensor, and the side plate 10a of the elevating member IO
By detecting that the discharging rollers 15 and 21 are placed at a predetermined position, it is detected that the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 are placed at the standby position.

When the recording paper P is sent between the receiving rollers 6.70 from the paper ejection roller 4 of the electronic copying machine 2, the receiving roller 6.7 sends the recording paper P in the direction of the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21. In this case, the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are in a standby position for receiving the recording paper P (in the illustrated embodiment, a position corresponding to the lowest bin 9) in a non-rotated state. When the paper sensor 23 detects the leading edge of the recording paper P, the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 move the recording paper P for a short predetermined period from this point on.
is rotated in the direction of feeding the recording paper P to the bin 9, and stops while clamping the leading end of the recording paper P.

When the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 clamp the recording paper Pi, the elevating member 10 and the paper ejection roller 15°21 move forward in the direction of the selected bin 9 to be used, and are at a position corresponding to the selected bin 9. Stop.

When the elevating member 10 and the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 move forward, the one-way clutch 19 prevents the paper ejection row 221 from rotating in the direction opposite to the direction in which the recording paper is fed to the Pt-bin 9. The recording paper P never comes off from the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21.

When the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 are selected and move forward to 79, the forward movement speed of the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 is as follows.
The speed is set to be approximately the same as the speed at which the recording paper P is discharged by the paper discharge roller 4 of the electronic copying machine 2. This is the paper ejection roller 15, 21
This is to prevent the recording paper P from being detached from the paper ejection roller 15.degree. 21 due to unnecessary resistance acting on the recording paper P when the recording paper P moves forward.

When the paper ejection rollers 15, 11 are placed at positions corresponding to the selected bin 9, the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 are rotated to eject the recording paper P to the bin 9, and the paper sensor 23
After a short predetermined period of time has elapsed from the time when the rear end of the recording paper P is detected, the rotation of the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 is stopped, and the elevating member 1° and the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 are returned to the standby position. When the elevating member 1o and the ejecting roller 15°21 are moved back, the elevating member 10 and the ejecting roller 15,
The backward movement speed of 21 is such that the paper ejection roller 15.
Since the recording paper P is not clamped, the feeding speed may be greater than the feeding speed of the recording paper P in the paper discharge row 24 of the electronic copying machine 2.

FIG. 5 shows the operation display panel 25 disposed on the upper surface of the exterior plate 2a of the electronic copying machine 2, which will be explained next.

The operation display panel 25 has information for turning the power ON or OFF.
power key 26 to display power ON or OFF, power indicator 27 to display whether the power is ON or OFF, start key 28 to start copying, number of originals set key 29 to set the number of originals, and this number of originals set key 29 to set the number of originals. ON
a document number set display 3o that displays whether or not the number of original sheets has been set;
A copy number set key 31 for setting the number of copies, a copy number set display 32 that displays whether the copy number set key 31 is turned on or not, a numeric keypad 33 for inputting the number of originals or copies; A clear stop key 34 that clears the input value using the numeric keypad 33 and stops copying, an original set number display 35 that displays the number of originals set, and an executed original number display 36 that displays the number of originals that have been copied. , a copy set sheet number display 37 that displays the set number of copies; a copy execution sheet number display 38 that displays the number of sheets of recording paper P on which the bee has been executed; a sheet mode key 39 for setting the sheet mode; A sheet mode display 40 for displaying whether the stack mode is set, a stack mode key 41 for setting the stack mode, a stack mode display 42 for displaying whether the stack mode is set, etc. are provided.

After turning on the original number set key 29, press the numeric keypad 3.
3, the number of originals set is input, and when the number key 33 is input after turning on the number of copies set key 31, the number of copies set is input. The sheet mode refers to a mode in which a plurality of recording sheets Pe are discharged one by one into separate bins 9. The stack mode is a mode in which a plurality of recording sheets P are sequentially discharged into a plurality of bins 9 by the maximum number of sheets that each bin 9 can accommodate.

FIG. 6 shows the control device for the sorter 1 described above, which will be explained next.

The paper sensor 23, roller standby position sensor 24, power key 26, start key 28, original number set key 29,
Information such as the copy number set key 31, numeric keypad 33, sheet mode key 39 and stack remote key 41 is provided to the input port of the microcomputer 43.

The RAM of the microcomputer 43 is provided with a document sheet number set counter, a copy set sheet number counter, a total copy set sheet number counter, a discharge sheet number counter, a sheet mode flag, a used bin number counter, a lift flag, and the like. The seat mode flag becomes "1" when the seat mode key 39 is turned on, and becomes rOJ when the stack mode -4-41 is turned on. The used bin number counter counts the number of bins used in the sheet mode, and has the same value as the copy set sheet number counter. The elevation flag is set to "1" when the elevation member 10 is raised, and is set to "0" when the elevation member 10 is lowered.

The output port of the microcomputer 43 is connected to the receiving roller drive means 8, the elevating drive means 12, the paper ejection roller drive means 22, and the like.

An example of the operation of the sorter 1 described above will be explained in detail based on FIGS. 7 and 8. The flow shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is for a case where the standby position (home position) of the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 for receiving the recording paper P is a position corresponding to the lowest bin 9.

The ON signal of the power key 26 is activated by the micro combiator 4.
3, the ROM of the microcomputer 43
The operations are executed according to the programs shown in the flows of FIGS. 7 and 8 stored in the computer. FIG. 7 shows the main routine of the flow, and FIG. 8 shows the subroutine of the flow.

First, perform initial settings in step ①. In this initial setting, R, AM and input/output ports of the micro combinator 43 are cleared.

Next, in step (2), it is checked whether the start key 28 is ON. Start key 28 is turned on in step ■
If it is determined that this is the case, the receiving roller drive means 8 is turned ON in step (2), and then the bin 9 selected in this bin selection routine is passed through the bin selection routine in step (2).
In response to this, the ON time of the lifting/lowering driving means 12 is set in step (3).

Next, in step (2), it is checked whether the paper sensor 23 is ON. If it is determined that the paper sensor 23 is ON in this step (2), that is, if the paper sensor 23 detects the leading edge of the recording paper P, the paper ejection roller driving means 2
2'! After setting kON, it is checked in step (2) whether tx≧t1. This t! The paper sensor 23 is O.
tl is the elapsed time from the time when the paper sensor 23d becomes ON (the time when the paper ejection roller driving means 22 is turned on), and tl is the elapsed time from the time when the paper sensor 23d becomes ON (the time when the paper ejection roller driving means 22 is turned on). This is the predetermined time required to clamp the tip.

If it is determined that tx≧t1 in step (2) above, the paper ejection roller driving means 22e is turned off in step (2), the lift flag is set to "1" in step [phase], and step (2)
Turn on the elevating drive means 12 and turn on the paper ejection rollers 15, 21.
to rise (go). Next, in step 0, the paper ejection roller 15
, 21 has reached the bin 9 selected in the use bin selection routine of step (2), that is, whether or not the lifting drive means 12 has been turned on for the ON time of the lifting drive means 12 set in step (2). Check whether

If it is determined in step @ that the paper ejection roller 15.21 has not reached the selected bin 9, the process returns to step (2) and the elevating drive means 12 is held ON.

When it is determined that the paper ejection roller 15.21 has reached the selected bin 9 in step @, the elevating drive means 12
'! ) is turned OFF, and the paper ejection roller driving means 22 is turned ON in step 0, and then the paper sensor 23 is turned on in step @.
is OFF'.

If it is determined that the paper sensor 23 is OFF in the above step [phase], that is, if the paper sensor 23 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper P, the [discharged sheet number counter] +
After setting it to 1, it is checked in step ◎ whether ty≧t2. This ty is the paper sensor 23 in step [phase].
is the elapsed time since it was determined that the
In addition, t2 is a predetermined period required from when the paper sensor 23 is determined to be OFF in step [phase] until the recording paper P discharged by the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 is detached from the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21. It's time.

If it is determined that ty≧12 in step ◎ above, the paper ejection roller and the driving means 22 are turned off in step [phase],
In step 0, the lift flag is set to rOJ, and in step [phase], the lift drive means 12 is turned on, and the paper discharge roller 15 is turned on.
, 21. Next, in step O, it is checked whether the roller standby position sensor 24 is ON.

If it is determined in step O that the roller standby position sensor 24 is not ON, the process returns to step O and the lifting drive means 12'l
? Keep it ON.

If it is determined that the roller standby position sensor 24 is ON in step O, the lifting drive means 12 is turned OFF in step O.
After placing the paper ejection roller 15.21 in the standby position as F, in step [phase] [total copy set number counter]
= [Discharged sheet number counter].

In this step O, [total copy set number counter] = [
If it is determined that it is not the ejected sheet number counter], the process returns to step (2).

In step [phase], [total copy set number counter] = [
If it is determined that the number of ejected sheets is the number of sheets ejected, the operation is stopped.

Next, the usage bin selection routine shown in FIG. 8 will be explained.

First, in step O, it is checked whether [seat mode flag]=1. If it is determined that [seat mode flag) = 1 in this step [phase], that is, if it is determined that the sheet mode is in effect, then A-
BC=D (where 0≦D(B), find C and D. Here, A above is the value of the paper discharge counter, B is the value of the used bin number counter, and C and D are 0. Or it is a positive integer.Based on D obtained in step [phase], the (D+1)th bin 9 from the bottom is selected as the bin 9 to be used in step [phase], and then the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined that the [sheet mode flag] is not 1 in the above step [phase], then in step O, A-Ep=e (however, 0
≦G≦E) Find F and G.

Here, E is the maximum number of recording sheets P that can be stored in one tray 79, and F.

and G is O or a positive integer. Based on the F obtained in step @, in step [phase], the CF+1)th bin 9 from the bottom is selected as 79, and then the process returns to the main routine.

Next, an example of the operation of the printer 1 described above when the standby position (home position) for receiving the recording paper Pt of the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 is a position corresponding to the uppermost bin 9 is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. This will be explained based on the diagram.

The ON signal of the power key 26 is activated by the microcomputer 4.
3, the ROM of the micro combinator 43
The operations are executed according to the programs shown in the flows of FIGS. 9 and 10 stored in the computer. FIG. 9 shows the main routine of the flow, and FIG. 10 shows the subroutine of the flow.

First, perform initial settings in step [Phase]. In this initial setting, the RAM and input/output ports of the microcomputer 43 are cleared.

Next, in step [phase], it is checked whether the start key 28 is ON. Start key 2 at step [phase]
8 is ON, the receiving roller drive means 8 is turned ON in step O, and then the process goes through the use bin selection routine in step [phase], and then steps are performed corresponding to the bin 9 selected in this use bin selection routine. Set 08 hours of the elevation drive means 12 in [Phase].

Next, in step [stock], it is checked whether the paper sensor 23 is ON. If it is determined that the paper sensor 23 is ON in this step [Yes], that is, if the paper sensor 23 detects the leading edge of the recording paper P, the paper ejection roller driving means 22 is turned ON in Step [Phase], and then in Step [ phase]
Check whether x≧t1. This tx is the elapsed time from the time when the paper sensor 23 was turned on, and tl is the elapsed time from the time when the paper sensor 23 was turned on (the time when the paper ejection roller laboratory movement means 22 was turned on) to the time when the paper ejection roller 15 was turned on.
21 is the predetermined time required to clamp the leading edge of the recording paper P.

If it is determined that tx≧t1 in the above step [phase],
In step (2), the ejection roller driving means 22 is turned OFF, in step [phase], the elevation flag 'krOJ' is set, and in step [phase], the elevating and lowering driving means 12 is turned on, and the ejection roller 15.21 is lowered (forward movement). )do. Next, in step @, it is checked whether the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 have reached the bin 9 selected in the bin selection routine of step [phase],
That is, the lifting drive means 1 set in step [phase]
It is checked whether the elevating/lowering drive means 12 was turned on for 08 hours of 2.

If it is determined in the above step @ that the paper discharge roller 15.21 has not reached the selected bin 9, the process returns to step [phase] and the elevating drive means 12 is kept ON.

When it is determined in step @ that the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 have reached the selected edge 9, the elevating drive means 12 is moved to step O.
'? OFF, and turn off the paper ejection roller driving means 22iON in step @, and then check whether the paper sensor 23 is OFF in step @. If it is determined that the paper sensor 23 is OFF in step @, That is, when the No. 11 paper sensor 23 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper P, the [discharged sheet number counter] is incremented by 1 in step @, and then it is checked in step @ whether ty≧t2. This ty is the elapsed time from the time when it was determined that the paper sensor 23 is OFF in step @, and t2
is the predetermined time required from the time when the paper sensor 23 is determined to be OFF in step @ until the recording paper P discharged by the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 detaches from the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21.

If it is determined that ty≧t2 in step @, the ejection roller driving means 22f is turned OFF in step @, the lift flag is set to "1" in step O, and the elevating drive means 12 is turned on in step @ to eject the paper. Raise (backward movement) the paper roller 15.21. Next, in step @, it is checked whether the roller standby position sensor 24 is ON. If it is determined in step @ that the roller standby position sensor 24 is not ON, the process returns to step @ and holds the elevation drive means 12e ON.

If it is determined that the roller standby position sensor 24 is ON in step @, the elevating drive means 12 is turned OFF in step [stock] and the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 are placed in the standby position, and then in step Set number counter〕
= [Discharged sheet number counter].

In this step ■ [total copy set number counter];
If it is determined that it is not the ejected sheet number counter], the process returns to step [phase].

If it is determined in step (2) that [total copy set sheet number counter] = [ejected sheet number counter], the operation is stopped.

Next, the usage bin selection routine shown in FIG. 10 will be explained.

First, in step 0, it is checked whether [seat mode flag]=1. If it is determined that [seat mode flag] = 1 in this step O, that is, if it is determined that the sheet mode is set, A-BC is
=D (where O≦D(B), find C and D.

Here, the above person is the value of the paper discharge counter, B is the value of the used bin number counter, and C and D are 0 or positive integers. Based on the D obtained in step 0, in step 2, the (D+1)th bin 9 from the top is selected as the bin 9 to be used, and then the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined in step O above that [sheet mode flag] is not 1, then in step [phase] A-EF=G (however, O
≦q≦E) Find F and G at K.

Here, E is the maximum number of recording sheets P that can be stored in one bin 9, and F and G are O
or a positive integer. Based on F determined in step O, the (F+1)th bin 9 from the bottom is selected as the bin 9 to be used in step [phase], and then the process returns to the main routine.

Next, an example of the operation of the above-mentioned printer 1 when the standby position (home position) for receiving the recording paper P of the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 is a position corresponding to the reference bin 9 in the center is described in the 11th example. This will be explained based on FIGS. 13 to 13.

The ON signal of the power key 26 is activated by the microcomputer 4.
3, the ROM of the micro combinator 43
The operations are executed according to the programs shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 13 stored in the computer. 11 and 12 show the main routine of the flow, and FIG. 13 shows the subroutine of the flow.

First, in step O, initial settings are performed. In this initial setting, the RAM and input/output ports of the microcomputer 43 are cleared.

Next, in step [phase], it is checked whether the start key 28 is ON. Start key 2 at step [phase]
8 is ON, the receiving roller driving means 8'i is turned on in step O, and then, after going through the usage bin selection routine in step 2, the elevator is moved up and down in step O in accordance with the bin 9 selected in this usage bin selection routine. The ON time of the driving means 12 is set.

Next, in step 0, it is checked whether the paper sensor 23 is ON. When it is determined that the paper sensor 23 is ON in this step O, that is, when the paper sensor 23 detects the leading edge of the recording paper P, the paper ejection roller and drive means 22t are turned ON in step O, and then in step [phase]. tx≧t1
Check whether it is. This tx is the paper sensor 23
is the elapsed time since the time when tl was turned on, and tl
is a predetermined time required for the paper ejection roller 15°21 to grip the leading edge of the recording paper P from the time when the paper sensor 23 is turned on (the time when the paper ejection roller driving means 22 is turned on).

If it is determined that tx≧t1 in the above step [phase],
In step [phase], the paper discharge roller driving means 21e is turned off, and in step [phase], it is checked whether the lift flag is 1 or not. If it is determined that the lift flag=1 in step [phase], the lift driving means 12 is turned on in step O, the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 are raised, and the process proceeds to step e. If it is determined in step [phase] that the lift flag is not 1, then in step [phase] the lift driving means 12 is turned on and the paper ejection rollers 15, 21'! Go down to the step.

In step [phase], it is checked whether or not the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 have reached the bin 9 selected in the bin selection routine of step O. It is checked whether the elevating/lowering drive means 12 has been turned on for a certain amount of time.

When it is determined that the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 have reached the selected bin in step 2 above, the elevating drive means 12 is turned off in step [phase], and then the elevating flag is set in step O.
Check whether it is 1 or not.

If it is determined that the elevation flag is 1 in step ◎, the elevation flag is set to 6o in step @, and if it is determined that the elevation flag is not 1 in step ■, the elevation flag is set to 'kl' in step [phase], and then the elevation flag is set to 'kl' in step [phase]. Then, the paper ejection roller driving means 22ft is turned ON, and the recording paper p=2 is ejected to the bin 9 by the paper ejection roller 15.21.

In the next busy step [phase], it is checked whether the paper sensor 23 is OFF. Paper sensor 23 turns OFF at step @
If it is determined that this is the case, the [discharged sheet number counter] is incremented by 1 in step [phase], and then it is checked in step 0 whether ty≧t2. This ty is the elapsed time from the time when it was determined that the paper sensor 23 is OFF in step [phase], and t2 is the time that has elapsed since the paper sensor 23 was determined to be OFF in step [phase].
fi: After determining that it is OFF, the paper ejection rollers 15 and 2
This is the predetermined time required until the recording paper P discharged by 1 is detached from the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21.

If it is determined in step 0 that ty≧t2, then in step [phase] the paper ejection roller driving means 22t is turned off, and then in step [phase] it is checked whether the lift flag=1. If it is determined in step O that the elevation flag is 1, the elevation drive means 12 is turned on in step [phase], and the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21t are raised, and then the process proceeds to step [phase]. If it is determined in step 0 that the elevation flag is not 1, then in step O the elevation driving means 12iON is activated to lower the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21, and then the process proceeds to step O.

In step O, the roller standby position sensor 24 is ON.
Check whether it is. If it is determined in step 0 that the roller standby position sensor 24 is ON, step O
Then, the elevating drive means 12 is turned off and the paper ejection rollers 15, 2 are turned off.
1 at the standby position, and then in step [YES] it is checked whether [total copy set sheet number counter]=[ejected sheet number counter]. If it is determined in step [Yes] that [total copy set sheet number counter] is not equal to [ejected sheet number counter], the process returns to step [phase]. If it is determined in step [Yes] that [total copy set sheet number counter] = [ejected sheet number counter], the operation is stopped.

Next, the use bin selection routine of step [phase] shown in FIG. 13 will be explained.

First, in step O, it is checked whether [sort mode flag]=1. If it is determined that [sort mode flag] = 1 in step [phase], that is, if it is determined that the sort mode is selected, then A-BC is determined in step [phase].
=D (where 0≦D(B), find C and D.

Here, the above A is the value of the paper discharge counter, B is the value of the used bin number counter, and C and D are O or a positive integer. Next, in step O, check whether D=O or not, and if it is determined in step O that 1) is not 0, then in step [phase], D=2m+1 (however, 922
m) or not? To check. Here, m is O or a positive integer.

If it is determined in step [phase] that D=Q, then in step [phase] the central reference bin 9 is selected as the bin 9 to be used, and then the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined that D=2m+1 (however, 952m) in the above step [phase], in step O, the (m+1)th bin 9 upward from the reference bin 9 in the center is selected as the bin 9 to be used, and in step After setting the lift flag to 1, return to the main routine. In the above step [phase] D=2m+1
(However, if it is determined that it is not 952 m), step [
Select the m-th bin 9 downward from the standard bin 9 in the center as the bin 9 to be used, and set the lift flag to O in step O.
and then return to the main routine.

If it is determined that the [sort mode flag] is not 1 in the above step [phase], that is, if it is determined that the stack mode is selected, then in the step [phase], A-EF operator G (however, O≦
Find F and q in G≦E).

Here, E is the maximum number of recording sheets P that can be stored in one bin 9, and F and G are 0 or positive integers. Next, in step O, it is checked whether F=0 or not, and if it is determined that F=O is not in step [phase], F=2n+1 (however, F≧2
n). Here n is O or a positive integer.

If it is determined that F=O in the above step [phase], the reference bin 9 in the center is selected as the bin 9 to be used in step O, and then the process returns to the main routine. In the above step [phase], F = 2 n + 1 (however, F≧2n)
If it is determined that this is the case, in step [phase], the (n+1)th bin 9 from the standard bin 9 in the center upwards is selected as the bin 9 to be used, and in step O, the lift flag is set to 1, and then the process returns to the main routine. I'm sorry. If it is determined that F=2n+1 (however, F≧2n) is not determined in the above step [phase],
In step O, the n-th bin 9 downward from the reference bin 9 in the center is selected as the bin 9 to be used, and in step O, the lift flag is set to O, and then the process returns to the main routine.

In addition, in the embodiment in which the standby position of the paper ejection rollers 15, 21 is a position corresponding to the reference bin 9 in the center, a detection piece is provided protruding from the side plate 10a of the elevating member 10, and this Detection may be performed using a roller standby position sensor 24 having a detection piece disposed at a predetermined position.

In the embodiment described above, the recording paper holding means 44, which temporarily clamps the recording paper P when the paper discharge roller 15.21 moves forward to the selected bin 9, discharges the leading edge of the recording paper P. Although it is configured to be held between the paper rollers 15 and 21 themselves, as shown in FIG. A recording paper holding means 44 may be provided to temporarily hold the recording paper.

This recording paper clamping means 44 includes two elastic clamping pieces 44a that are fixed to the lower surface of the guide member 10d and can be easily elastically deformed, and two elastic clamping pieces 44a that are fixed to the upper surface of the guide member 10d and formed in a hole in the guide member 10d. It consists of two lenses 44C that are moved downward by the elastic clamping pieces 44ai by the actuator 44b. The elastic clamping piece 44a is attached to the guide member 10C when the renoid 44c is OFF.
It is located at a sufficient distance from the MP to avoid any obstruction to recording or movement of the MP. The above paper ejection rollers 15, 2
When the pressure at the tip of the recording paper P is reached between the elastic clamping piece 44a and the guide member 10d, when the renoid 44C is turned on, the renoid 44C is turned on.
The actuator 44b of C moves the elastic clamping piece 44a downward, and the elastic clamping piece 44a presses the recording paper P against the guide member 10d, thereby clamping the recording paper P with the guide member.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned implementation side pressure, and the standby position of the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 (that is, the standby position of the elevating member 10) can be set to a position corresponding to any one of the plurality of bins 9. and the standby position of the paper ejection roller 15.21 [When ejecting the recording paper P to the nearest plurality of bins 9, the recording paper P is sequentially ejected from the upper bin 9, and then the paper ejection roller 15. The recording paper P is sequentially ejected from the bin 9 that is farthest from the standby position of the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21, or the recording paper Pi is ejected sequentially from the bin 9 that corresponds to the standby position of the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21. After sequentially discharging the recording sheets P to the bins 9 of
They may be sequentially discharged from the top to the bottom bin 9.

Further, the present invention can be applied to the case of classifying recording paper of an image recording device such as a printer.

Effects The printer of the present invention can easily adapt to changes in the recording paper ejection position of the image recording device because the elevating member can be placed on standby at a position corresponding to any one of the plurality of bins. This is simple, and since the recording sheets are discharged into a plurality of bins closest to the standby position of the elevating member, the sorting operation of the recording sheets can be speeded up.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a computer according to the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing the main parts of the above-mentioned computer, FIG. 3 is a partially cut-away front view showing the main parts of the same computer, and FIG. 4 5 is a partially cutaway side view showing the main parts of the above-mentioned computer, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing the operation display panel of the electronic copying machine that discharges recording paper into the above-mentioned computer, and FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing the control device of the above-mentioned computer. 7 to 13 are flowcharts for explaining the operation of the same computer as above, and FIG.
The figure is a partially cutaway perspective view showing another embodiment of the recording paper holding means of the same printer. 9... Bin, 10... Elevating member, 12... Elevating/lowering drive means, 15, 21... Paper ejection roller, 22... Paper ejection roller driving means, 44... Recording paper nipping means, P...
Recording paper figure 8

Claims (4)

[Claims] (1) A plurality of bins arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, an elevating member disposed near these bins so as to be able to rise and fall, an elevating drive means for elevating the elevating member, and the elevating member. A recording paper holding means disposed on the member and temporarily clamping the recording paper being fed; a pair of paper ejection rollers disposed on the elevating member and discharging the recording paper into a bin; and these paper ejection rollers. and a paper ejection roller driving means for rotating the roller, and the elevating member is placed in a predetermined standby position and the elevating member is moved to the predetermined position while the recording paper being fed is held by the recording paper holding means. After the forward movement, the recording paper is ejected into a bin by a paper ejection roller, and then the elevating member is moved back to its original standby position, and the recording paper is placed in multiple bins closest to the elevating member's standby position. A sorter characterized by discharging. (2) The sorter according to claim 1, wherein the standby position of the elevating member is a position corresponding to the lowest bin among the plurality of bins. (3) The sorter according to claim 1, wherein the standby position of the elevating member is a position corresponding to the highest bin among the plurality of bins. (4) The sorter according to claim 1, wherein the standby position of the elevating member is a position corresponding to a central reference bin among the plurality of bins.