JPS63134473A - Sorter with finisher - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To make a finisher function yet more multifarious, by installing an on-line mode, operating in making a body of a copying machine or the like a sorter part and a staple part work together, and an off-line staple mode performing a staple process independently. CONSTITUTION:Usually a body part of a copying machine 1 or the like, a sorter part 41 and a staple part 90 are controlled by an on-line in cooperation with one another, and a staple process at an off-line staple mode takes place at time other than during operation of the sorter part 41 or the staple part 90. Therefore, a staple function only is made independently actable without giving an adverse effect to the process at an on-line mode, so that a function the finisher 40 set up as one of options is yet more diversifiable.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sorter with a finisher that distributes sheets discharged from a copying machine or the like and staples them using a stapling means, and particularly to a control means thereof.

Raijutsu and its problems.

In recent years, in response to the demand for automation of paper handling in copying machines, various options such as automatic document feeders and sorters for sorting and grouping copied sheets have been developed and put into practical use. As one of the final forms, there is a need for a sorter with a finisher that automatically staples and stacks the sheets that have been distributed and accommodated in the sorter, and has already been put into practical use in some large copying machines.

By the way, in this type of sorter with a finisher, the main unit, sorter unit, and stapling unit of the copier etc. can be controlled online, and only the stapling function can be independently controlled offline while the sorter unit or stapling unit is in operation. When used in , it has the following problems. That is, if the sorter section is in operation, it is difficult to determine when to execute the finishing process, and online operations must be stopped one by one.Also, if the stapler section is in operation, the staple tray is , sheets that should be processed online and sheets that were processed offline are mixed together.

Between 1. In order to solve the problem more than the means for determining, the sorter with a finisher according to the present invention has an online mode in which the main body, sorter, and stapler of a copying machine etc. operate together,
The present invention is characterized in that it has an offline stapling mode in which stapling processing is performed independently, and includes a control means that prohibits stapling processing in the offline stapling mode while the sorter section or the stapling section is in operation.

In other words, in the above configuration, the main unit, sorter unit, and stapling unit of a copier or the like are usually controlled online in cooperation with each other, and stapling can be performed in offline stapling mode when the sorter unit or stapling unit is not in operation. becomes possible. This makes it possible to use the stapling function alone without adversely affecting processing in online mode.

Embodiment [Overall configuration] A sorter with a finisher (40) according to the present invention has a first
As shown in the figure, it is attached to the side of the copying machine (1), and the copying machine (1) has an automatic paper feeder (15) and an automatic document feeder (30) (hereinafter referred to as ADF). It is attached.

The copying machine (1) is based on the well-known single-child photography method, and a photosensitive drum (2), which is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow (a), is first charged with a certain amount of charge by a charger (3). When the application is complete, the optical system (4) scans in the direction of arrow (b), and the original set at a predetermined position in the ADF (30) is exposed to the slit. With this, the photoreceptor drum (2)
The electrostatic latent image formed on the top is transferred to a magnetic brush type developing device (5
) and transferred to a sheet by a transfer charger (6).

Sheets come from the Nilevate-type and cassette-type automatic paper feeding device inside the copying machine (1)! Selectively feed one sheet at a time from either ff1 (10), (11) or the three-stage paper feed cassette (16), (17), (1B) of the automatic paper feeder (15) installed outside the machine. Piece of paper, pair of timing rollers (19
) is sent to the transfer section at a predetermined timing. After the transfer, the sheet is transported to the fixing device (21) by the conveyor belt (20).
After fixing the toner image there, the toner is sent from a pair of discharge rollers (22> to a sorter (40),
Ejection switch (5W3) just before the ejection roller pair (22)
(See Figure 2), its passage can be detected. The copying machine (1) also has a built-in paper refeeding device (25) for performing double-sided copy 2 composite copying, and a pair of ejection rollers (22).
) is the sheet conveyance switching claw (26) for this purpose.
has been installed.

On the other hand, the photoreceptor drum (2) continues to rotate in the direction of the arrow (a) even after the transfer, and the remaining toner is wiped away by the blade-type cleaning device (7), and the eraser lamp (8)
) to erase the residual charge and prepare for the next copy operation.

The ADF (30) is well known in itself, and feeds a document placed on a document tray (31) into a pair of paper feed rollers (
32), the sheets are fed one by one, and set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (29) by rotation of the conveyor belt (34).

After image exposure, the original is discharged onto a discharge tray (36) through a reversing conveyance path (35) by rotation of a conveyance belt (34).

As shown in FIG. 2, the sorter (40) includes a sorter section (41) that distributes sheets to each bin (60), and a stapler section (90) that has a stapler (100) that staples the sheets.
and a stack section <110) for stacking and accommodating stapled sheets.
90) is disposed below the sorter section (41), and the stack section (110) is disposed below the staple section (90).

[Structure and operation of sorter section] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pin (60> has a claw (60a) on the sorter section (41) side that prevents sheets from flowing backwards,
The trunnion (61) is provided with a trunnion (61) projecting laterally, and this trunnion (61) engages with a vertically extending groove (65a) formed in a guide unit (65) attached to the frame of the sorter (40). By combining the bins (
60) is restricted in the vertical direction. In addition, each bin (60) can be fully supported when loaded on the bin holder (62), and the trunnion (61) is shifted with the rotation of the floating cam (50), which will be explained below, to widen the bin interval. It has become.

The sorter unit (41) is configured to handle a pair of discharge rollers (2) of the copying machine (1).
The sheet conveying section (42) and the bin (60) facing the copying machine (2) move relative to each other in the vertical direction.
The sheets discharged from step 1) are distributed and stored in each bin (60). As shown in FIG. 3, the sheet conveying section (42) includes an upper unit (52) having a guide surface (52a), a lower unit (43) having a guide surface (43a), and a feed roller (47). , a pinch roller (55), and the sheet passes between the guide surfaces (52a) and (43a) and is sent from the rollers (47>, (55) to each bin (6).
0).

The lower (1f unit (43)) has both ends of a support shaft (44) provided at the end on the bin (60) side perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction [arrow (c)] as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in the figure, by engaging with the rail portion (65b) provided on the guide unit (65) via the collar (45), it is possible to swing in the vertical direction, and the copying machine (1) side The bin (46) provided in the guide member (66) is fully supported by the guide member (66), thereby making it possible to slide in the horizontal direction.

The spindle (44) has a plurality of feed rollers (47).
A fixed roller shaft (47a) is rotatably mounted,
A swing plate (48) is suspended from the roller shaft (47a). The swing plate (48) can be connected by a rod (49), and the lower part thereof is located between the backflow prevention claws (60a) of the bottle (60). Further, on both ends of the support shaft (44), there are shown the lines shown in FIG.

As shown in FIG. 7, a floating cam (50) having notches (50a), (50a) formed at 180° intervals on its outer circumference is fixed. This floating cam (50) is intermittently rotated by 180° by a drive source different from the feed roller (47), and the lower unit (
43) and a trunnion (61) on the outer periphery.
The rear end of the bottle (60) is also supported by this contact. Further, the floating cam (50) can move up and down from the bottom bin position (X+) to the top bin position (X-) as shown in FIG. 7, and each position has a detection switch (SWI).

(SW2) allows detection. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3, the lower unit (43) has a bottle (51
An actuator (51) that is rotatable about a) and a photosensor (Sel) that is turned on and off when the actuator (51) contacts and rotates the sheet being conveyed are installed.

On the other hand, the upper unit (52>) is vertically swingable by engaging the engagement piece (53) on the bin (60) side with the rail part (65b), and also
The bin (54) provided on the side is connected to the top cover (
By engaging with a guide member (68> provided on the upper unit (53), the pinch roller (55) can be slid in the horizontal direction by engaging with a guide member (68>) provided on the upper unit (53).
), and a static electricity removal brush (56) for the conveyed sheet is installed, which can be rotatably attached via the pinch roller (55).
) is in pressure contact with the delivery roller (47) by its own weight and can be driven to rotate.

In addition, a transmission type photosensor (Se5) (see Fig. 2) whose optical axis is located at the rear end of each bin (60) can be installed in this sorter unit (41), and it is possible to insert sheets into each bin (60). It is designed to detect the presence or absence of distribution and accommodation.

In the above configuration, the floating cam (50) is rotated 180° in the opposite direction to the arrow (d) to cut out the trunnion (61) that slides on the outer circumference (5
0a), moves upward by itself, and shifts the taken-in trunnion (61) downward to come into sliding contact with the next trunnion (61). By repeating this operation, each bin (60) is shifted downward one step at a time, and the conveyance section (42) is moved upward. floating cam (
50) is a copying machine which is located at the bottom bin position (X,) shown in FIG. 7 when the sort mode is selected, and moves upward from this position sequentially to widen the intervals between the bins (60). The sheet ejected from (1) is placed on the guide surface (
52a) and (43a), and the feed roller (
47) and pinch rollers (55), each bin (60) is separated by a floating cam (50).
The upper and lower bins (60) can be distributed and accommodated sequentially.
Further, by rotating the floating cam (50) in the direction of arrow (d), each bin (60) can be sequentially shifted upward, and moves downward together with the conveyance section (42).

The sorter section (41) having the above configuration can accommodate sheets in three modes. The first is a sort mode in which each copy of one document is distributed to each bin (60) to perform page alignment, and the second is a sort mode in which copies of each document are distributed to each bin (60). It is in grooving mode. The third is one bin (
60) is a non-sort mode.

[Structure and operation of fix cam] Next, the fix cam (70) and the conveying section (80) for conveying the sheets distributed and housed in each bin (60) to the staple tray (91) described below will be explained. .

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the fix cam (70) has a spiral groove (7) on its outer circumference in which the trunnion (61) can be held.
0a) is carved three times, and can be rotated in forward and reverse directions by a motor (not shown) via a support shaft (71). That is, by rotating normally in the direction of arrow (e), the fix cam (70) moves the trunnion (61> of the bin (60), which has been shifted to the bottom bin position (Xt>) by the floating cam (50), into the spiral groove ( 70a) to lower the sheet to the sheet take-out position (X,).

On the other hand, at the sheet take-out position (X,), as shown in FIG. The trunnion (61) is installed in an open state and elastically holds the trunnion (61) that has been lowered to the take-out position (X,). This removal position (X
, ) are provided with a take-out roller (75), a pinch roller (76) and a sheet guide (78) that are pressed against the take-out roller (75) by their own weight. In addition, between the bottom bin position (Xt) and the take-out position (X,), as shown in Figure 2,
A sheet backflow prevention guide (79) is installed. As shown in FIG. 8, the upper guide surface (78a) of the sheet guide (78) is slightly higher than the sheet backflow prevention claw (60a) of each bin (60) that is tilted down to the take-out position (Xl). It is set up like this. As shown in FIG. 2, the pinch roller (76) is connected to the support shaft (7) via the arm (77).
7a), and can be moved toward and away from the take-out roller (75) by turning on and off a solenoid (not shown).

Further, at the lower end of the support shaft (71) of the fix cam (70), there is a drive pulley (86) as shown in FIG.
and the gear (87a) are integrally fixed, and the gear (87a)
is meshed with the gear (87c) via the gear (87b), and the disc (88) can rotate integrally with the gear (87c).A notch (not shown) is formed in the disc (88). By detecting this notch with the photosensor (Se2), the rotation speed of the fix cam (70) can be controlled.

As shown in FIG. 2, the conveyance section (80)
5), (76), and conveyance rollers (81a), (81b)
) ~(83a).

(83b), guide plate (84g), (84b),
(85a) and (85b). The conveyance rollers (81a), (82a), (83a) are made of rubber material, and the conveyance rollers (81b), (82b), (
83b) is made of a sponge material and is cut so as to be able to absorb the thickness of the stacked sheets.

In the above configuration, when the sorter section (41) finishes distributing sheets, the fix cam (70) is rotated three times in the direction of arrow (e). With this, the trunnion (61) of the bottle (60) in the bottom bin position (X,) is guided by the spiral groove (70a), and the trunnion (61) of the bottle (60) in the bottom bin position (X,
and is held by the receiving member (72).

At this take-out position (X,), the bin (60> is tilted at a larger angle than the bottom bin position (Xt), and the sheets being distributed and accommodated are guided by their own weight (78).
The take-out roller (75), which exerts a sliding force while being guided by the guide surface (78a) of
), the leading edge of the sheet passes through the roller (75).

(76), and the sheet is conveyed by the rollers (75) and (76).
), (81b>. At this time, even if the sheet is curled downward, it is guided by the guide (78) and take-out roller (75) to ensure that it passes over the backflow prevention claw (60a). guide plate (84a), (84b
).

Furthermore, even if the sheet is curled upward, it can be guided by the backflow prevention guide (79) and the guide plate (84a).

(84b).

The pinch roller (76) is a sheet roller (81g),
(81b), since the solenoid (not shown) is turned off in the initial state,
When the bin (60) is retracted upward from above the take-out roller (75) and reaches the take-out position (X,) as described above, the solenoid is turned on and the sheet is sandwiched between the take-out roller (75). Here, take out roller (75)
, transport roller (81a), (81b>, (82a)
), (82b), (83a).

(83b) are rotationally driven, and the sheet is transported as shown by the arrow (f) in FIG.
b) onto the staple tray (91).

On the other hand, when the floating cam (50) is taken out, the floating cam (50) is located at a position corresponding to the bottom bin position (xl), as shown in FIG.
The trunnion (
61) and 180° at this position (x8)
The rotation is intermittently reversed in the direction opposite to the arrow (d), and the trunnion (61) is sequentially fed into the fix cam (70). In this embodiment, in order to increase the inclination angle of the bin (60) that has descended to the take-out position (X,) and make it easier for the sheet to slide out under its own weight, the bottom bin position (X,) and the take-out position (xi) are In other words, the stroke of the bin (60) that moves between this interval is set large. Therefore, the torque of the fix cam (70) when the trunnion (61) moves up and down is reduced as much as possible by making three turns of the spiral groove (70a) carved on the outer circumference of the fix cam (70). Then, by holding the trunnion (61) [shown as (A) in Figure 6] just before it is fed into the fix cam (70) by the floating cam (50), this trunnion (61) is transferred to the fix cam (70). This prevents it from being fed into the spiral groove (70a) during the second and third rotations.

As described above, each bin (60) is lowered one step at a time to the take-out position (X,) by reversing the floating cam (50) by 180° and rotating the fixing cam (70) three times.
The sheets distributed and housed in each bin (60) are transported to the transport section (80).
) and onto the staple tray (91).

In addition, each bottle (60) that has descended to the take-out position (X,)
is held in an upwardly biased state by the receiving member (72), and after the sheets have been taken out from all the bins (60) in which the sheets are distributed and stored, the fix cam (70) moves as shown by the arrow (e). The floating cam (50) returns upward by being reversely driven in the opposite direction and by being driven forward in the direction of arrow (d).

[Structure and operation of stapling unit] The stapling unit (90) is the second r51! As shown in J.
A staple tray (91), a motor 93 for vibrating the staple tray, a guide plate (95), a stopper (96),
It is composed of a stapler (100). The staple tray (91) can be swingably installed around the spindle (92), and the eccentric weight (94) is moved by the motor (93).
By rotating the weight (94), it vibrates due to the centrifugal force of the weight (94). Due to this vibration, the sheets sent from the conveying section are aligned while being regulated by the guide plate (95) and stopper (96).

As shown in FIG. 11, the stapler (100) has a motor output shaft (101) fixed, and an arm (104) that can swing freely around a bin (103) as a fulcrum to connect the peripheral part of a cam (102) and the head. (105), the head (105) moves upward via the arm (104) when the cam (102) is rotated in the direction of the arrow (g>) by the motor.
A staple (106) staples the aligned sheets on the tray (91). The staple (106) is fully housed in the cartridge (107), and the motor output shaft (
It is sent to the head section by a conveyor belt <108) which is rotationally driven from 101).

The stapler (96) is rotatably installed around a support shaft (97) by a solenoid (not shown), and is normally positioned above the lower end of the staple tray (91) to position the leading edge of the sheet. When the solenoid is turned on, this strike 7z<(96) retreats downward and releases the positioning of the seat.

This stapler (100) also has staple needles (1
06) photo sensor for empty detection (Se3),
The rotation speed detection sensor (Se4) of the staple motor is installed, and the sensor (Se3)'' is connected to the staple needle (106).
The sensor (Se4) directly detects the motor output shaft (1
Notch (109a) of disk (109) fixed to
) is detected.

Further, this stapling unit (90) is equipped with a photosensor (Se6) that detects the presence or absence of a sheet on the staple tray (91), and a switch (SW4) that detects attachment/detachment of the stapler (100). .

In the above configuration, the sheet conveyed from the conveyance section (80) onto the staple tray (91) is transported by the motor (9
As the tray (91) vibrates based on the rotation of step 3), it is regulated by the guide plate (95) and the stopper (96) to complete alignment, the motor (93) stops, and the staple motor is fully driven to complete the binding. It will be done. 11 When the solenoid is turned on, the stopper (96) moves to the tray (
91) By retreating from above, it slides down from above the tray (91), is guided by the guide plate (98), and can be accommodated on the stack tray (111). Such stapling processing is repeated each time the bin (60) is lowered to the take-out position (X,) by the fix cam (70) and a sheet is conveyed onto the staple tray (91).

[Structure of Stack Unit The stack unit (110) is composed of a stack tray (111), and includes a stack tray (6) and a stack tray (11
1), as shown in FIG. 12, a notch (Uta) is completely formed in the stapled portion of the sheet (S), that is, in the portion where the portion bound with the staples (106) is located. With this, when sheets bound with the stapler (100) are stacked and stored on the tray (111), the stapled part will sag into the notch (lla) due to its own weight, and only the stapled part will become bulky. This will prevent this, and the loading capacity will increase accordingly.

[Operation panel In this embodiment, the operation panel is as shown in FIG.

As shown in Figures 14 and 15, the copying machine panel (120
), ADF panel (140), and sorter panel (150)
It is installed in three locations.

The copier panel <120) includes a print key (121) for starting the copy operation when the ADF (30) is not in use, an interrupt key (122) for temporarily suspending the multi-FP operation, and a stop key for stopping the copy operation. Clear/stop key (1
23), a group of ten keys (124) for setting the number of copies per multi-frame, a display section (125) for displaying the number of copies and the status of the copier (1), up/down keys for setting the copy density ( 126), (127) and its display LED group (128), a sheet selection key (129) for selecting the copy sheet size and its display LED group (130), a group of magnification selection keys for selecting the copy magnification ( 131) and its display LED group (132
) etc. are provided.

The ADF panel (140) is provided with only a start key (141) for starting the ADF operation. When this start key <141) is turned on, the originals on the original tray (31) are automatically moved one after the other on the original platen glass (2).
9) The paper is transported upward and the copying operation is started.

The sorter panel (150) has a sorter mode selection key <1
51) and its display section, the non-sort mode display L E
D (152) and sort mode display L E D (1
, 53) and grouping mode display L E D (15
4) Finishing mode selection key (155) and its display section, non-finishing mode display LED
(156) and finish mode display L E D (1
57), a finish start key (158) and its display LED (159) are provided. This L
E D (159) lights up to indicate that finishing processing is in progress, and blinks to display a warning to remove copies from the staple tray (91). Additionally, there is an LED (160) that displays a warning to remove sheets from the bin (6o), and a stapler (10).
6) LED (161) that indicates empty, LED (161) that indicates that the stapler (100) is set incorrectly
(162) is provided. Sorter mode selection key (
Each time 151) is pressed, it sequentially switches to non-sort mode, sort mode, and grouping mode, and the corresponding L E D (152), (153).

(154) lights up. Finishing mode selection key (
155) also switches between non-finish mode and finish mode each time you press it, and the corresponding L
E D (156) and (157) light up. Each time the finish start key (158) is pressed, it outputs the start and cancellation of the finish operation, and the LED (159) lights up at the time of start.

Kirani, offline stapling mode selection key (163
) and its display LED (164) are provided.

This LED (164) indicates that the offline stapling mode is selected by lighting up, and displays a warning that the offline stapling mode is not possible by blinking. This offline stapling mode is a mode in which only stapling processing is executed independently.

[Control Circuit] Figure 16 is a block diagram of the control circuit, and the microcomputer (CPU) includes a copying machine panel (120).

ADF panel <140), sorter panel (150)
is disconnected, and the copy process means (170)
, the three ADF professional means (171) are connected, and the sorter process means (172) and finisher process means (173) are connected, and their respective signals are exchanged.

Figure 17 shows the main parts of the control circuit, and the input/output ports of the microcomputer (CPU) include print switches,
The ADF start switch and the display LEDs (180), (181) built into them, the selection switches of the sorter panel (150), and the display LEDs (1
52)... etc. are connected.

[Control Procedure] Next, the control procedure based on the copying machine (1), the sorter (4o), and the control circuit described above will be explained with reference to FIG. 18 and subsequent figures.

FIG. 18 shows the main routine of the microcomputer (CPU').

The microcomputer (CPU) is reset,
When the program starts, in step (sl), the random access memory is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into an initial mode. Next, in step (s2), an internal timer is started. This internal timer determines the time required for the main routine, and its value is set in advance at the initial setting of step (Sl).

Next, in steps (S2a) to (s8), each subroutine described in detail below is sequentially called, and when the processing of all subroutines is completed, the end of the internal timer is waited for in step (s9), and step ( Return to s2). This one
The length of the routine is used to count the various timers in each subroutine.

FIG. 18a shows a subroutine for offline stapling processing that can be executed in step (52a).

First, in step (5300) it is determined whether the offline stapling switch (163) is turned on.

If it is not turned on, immediately end this subroutine, and if it is turned on, the offline stapling mode flag is set to 1"1" in step <5301>, and step <5301> is set to the offline stapling mode flag.
5302) to display offline stapling mode L E
Turn on D (164). Next, step (5303
), it is determined whether the sorter unit (41) or the staple unit (90) is in operation, and if either is in operation, a step (S309) is performed, and a warning flag (Flo) is set. Displays offline stapling mode disabled on the display. Next, step (531
1) Set the offline stapling mode flag to 10”.
Then, in step (5312), the offline stapling mode display LED (164) is turned off, and this subroutine is ended.

On the other hand, if it is determined in the step (5303) that neither the sorter unit (41) nor the staple unit (90) is in operation, the warning flag (Flo
) is "1" or not, and if "0.", step (
5307), and if it is ``1'', step (53
05) reset the warning flag (FIO) to "0",
In step (5306), cancel the display indicating that offline stapling mode is not possible displayed on the display, and in step (5306),
5307). Next, in step (5307), it is determined whether there is a sheet on the staple tray (91) by turning on or off the sensor (Se6), and if there is a sheet, that is, in order to perform offline stapling processing. When a sheet is inserted onto the tray (91), a stapling subroutine, which will be described in detail below, is executed in step (5214).

Subsequently, in step (5308), it is determined whether or not the offline stapling switch (163) is off, and the above-described offline stapling process is continued until this switch (163) is turned off. When the offline stapling switch (163) is turned off, the offline stapling mode flag is reset to r□ in step (S31t), and the offline stapling mode display LED (164) is turned off in step (5312). Cancels offline stapling processing and returns to the main routine.

FIG. 19 shows the input processing subroutine executed in step (B3).

First, in step (510), a set number (A) is inputted using a group of ten keys (124) on the copier panel (120).
The selected sheet size (s) is input in step (511), and A D F (30) is input in step (512).
Determine whether use of is selected. If use has been selected, the ADF mode flag is set to "1" in step (513), and if not, the ADF mode flag is reset to "o" in step (514).

Next, in step (515), a subroutine for setting the sort mode is executed, in step (516), a subroutine for setting the finish mode is executed, and in step (517), a subroutine for setting the finish mode is executed.
Determine whether the sort mode flag is "1." If the sort mode flag is "0.", the sorting and stapling processing will never be completed, so step
2), if it is "1", the number of bins (a) is input in step (518'), and the number (A) and the number of bins (a) are compared in step (519).

If the number (A) is less than or equal to the number of bins (a), the sort mode can be executed, and in step (520) it is determined whether the finish mode flag is rl. If the finish mode flag is "0", the process moves to step (522), and if it is "1", it is determined in step (521) whether the sheet size <SX> is A4 size or B5 size. In this embodiment, the sheet size that can be stapled is A4 or B5, and if YES, step (
522), other input processing is executed.

Furthermore, in step (523) it is determined whether or not the print switch is turned on, and if it is turned on, step (523) is performed.
24) sets the copy flag to 11'' to enable copy processing. Also, if it is not turned on, step (
At step 525), it is determined whether or not the ADF start switch is turned on. If it is turned on, the step (524) is executed, and if it is not turned on, this subroutine is ended.

On the other hand, in the step (519), the set number (A) is changed to the number of bins (
a), step (526)
Set the warning flag (Fl) to 11'' in step (
527) to prohibit system operation. This warning flag (
Fl) is for displaying that the number of distributions exceeds the number of bins. Next, step (528),
In (536), as in steps (523) and (525), it is determined whether the print switch is turned on or not, and
Determine whether the DF start switch is turned on.

YES in this step (528) or (536).

That is, when the operator's intention to execute the copy even if a warning is issued is confirmed, the non-sort mode flag is set to "1" in step (529) to switch to non-sort mode processing, and step 529 is executed. (530)
The warning flag (Fl) is reset to "O" in step (530a), the inhibition of system operation is canceled in step (530a), and the copy flag is set to "rl" in step (537).

Further, if it is determined in step (521) that the sheet size (S) is other than A4 size or B5 size,
Since stapling processing is not possible, step (531)
Set the warning flag (F2) to "1." in step (
532) to prohibit system operation. This warning flag (
F2) is for displaying that the selected sheet size is incompatible. Next, step (533)
, (538) in the step (523), <525
Similarly to >, it is determined whether the print switch is turned on and whether or not the ADF start switch is turned on. YES in this step (533) or (538),
That is, if the operator's intention to perform copying even if a warning is issued is confirmed, the finishing mode flag is reset to "0" in step (534) to prohibit stapling processing, and in step (535) warning flag (
F2) is reset to "rO", the inhibition of system operation is canceled in step (535a), and the copy flag is set to "1" in step (539).

FIG. 20 shows the sort mode setting subroutine executed in step (515).

In this subroutine, each step (540), (S
42).

In (544), it is determined whether the non-sort mode, sort mode, or grooving mode is selected, and if selected, each step (541>) is performed.

(543), (545) non-sort mode flag,
Set the sorting mode flag and grooving mode flag to “1”.
”.

FIG. 21 shows the finish mode setting subroutine executed in step (516).

First, in step (550) it is determined whether or not the finish mode has been selected. If it has not been selected, this subroutine is immediately terminated. If it has been selected, the finish mode flag is set to "1" in step (551). ”, and in step (552) set the permissible number of sheets to be stapled (C
b) Set 0 Next, in step (553), set the stapling permission size to A4, BS, and in step (55
In step 4), set the sort mode flag to "1" to allow processing in sort mode.

FIG. 22 shows a display processing subroutine executed in step (S4) of the main routine.

First, in step (560), the ADF mode flag is set to "1".
', and if '1', ADF mode display L
Turn on E D (180) and display "1. or "0. In either case, display L E D (15
2), (153).

(154) is lit to display the selected sorter mode. In step (563), it is determined whether the finish mode flag is "1" or not, and if it is rl, the finish mode is displayed in step (564).
(157) lights up.

Next, in step (565), it is determined whether or not the warning flag (Fl) is "1", and if it is "1", step (56
In step 6), the display unit (125) displays that the number of bins is over. In step (567), the warning flag (
It is determined whether or not F2) is 11'', and if it is ``rl'', a message that the sheet size is unsuitable is displayed on the display section (125) in step (568). In step (569), it is determined whether the warning flag (F3) is "1" or not, and if r I J, then in step (570) the display section (125) displays that the finish mode is not possible. Step (
571), it is determined whether the warning flag (F4) is rl, and if it is "1", the display section (12) is displayed in step (572).
5) indicates that the original is empty. In step (573), it is determined whether the warning flag (F5) is "1." If it is "1", the display section (
125) indicates that the finish capacity is over. In step (575), it is determined whether the warning flag (F6) is "1." If it is "1", step (57
In step 6), a message indicating that the sheet needs to be removed from the staple tray (91) is displayed on the display unit (125). In step (585), it is determined whether or not the warning flag (Fil) is "11", and if it is "1", then in step (586) L E
D (160) is illuminated to indicate that a sheet needs to be removed from the bin (60).

Next, in step (581'') it is determined whether the copy flag is '1', and if it is '1', in step (582),
r□, in step (583) the display section (
125) displays the number of copies or the number of remaining copies.

Subsequently, other display processing is executed in step (584), and this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 23 shows a copy system processing subroutine that can be executed in step (S5) of the main routine.

First, in step (590), the ADF mode flag is set to "1".
．． If it is 1, then Ste Nbu (591
), it is determined whether the copy flag is rl, and if it is ``1'', copy processing is permitted, so the ADF fund control subroutine is executed in step (595), and the process proceeds to step (597). Transition. Further, if it is determined that the ADF mode flag is "0" in step (590), the copy flag is set as "0" in step (596).
1”, and if it is “1”, step (597
). If it is determined in steps (591) and (596) that the copy flag is "0", the process returns to the main routine.

Next, steps (597), (5100), (51
02) are the non-sort mode flag and sort mode flag, respectively.

After confirming that the grooving mode flag is "1", step (599), (5101), (51
04>, each subroutine of non-sort mode processing, sort mode processing, and grooving mode processing is executed. Further, in step (5105), a copy processing subroutine is executed, and in step (5106), other processing subroutines are executed.

Note that the subroutines executed in steps (599) and (5104>) are the same as the conventional procedure, and the details thereof will be omitted.

FIG. 24 shows the ADF executed in step (595).
Shows the control subroutine.

First, in step (s120), it is determined whether there is a document in the document tray (31) by turning on or off the sensor, and if there is, the warning flag (F4) is set to rl,
Determine whether or not. This warning flag (F4) is set to "1" in step (5131) described below, but if it is "1", it is reset to "rO" in step (5134). Then, in step (5121), a document feeding process subroutine, in step (5122), a document size detection subroutine, and in step (5123), a document transporting process subroutine is executed. If there is no manuscript, go to step (5)
130), it is determined whether the original count is r□, and
．． If so, set the warning flag (F4) at step (5131).
is set to ``1.'' to prepare the document empty display, and in step (5132) the copy flag is reset to ``0.'' and the process returns to the main routine.

On the other hand, in step (5124), it is determined whether the optical system (4) has scanned one copy, and if it has scanned, sets the scan end flag to I''1''. Then, in step (5126''), the scan end flag is set to r.
1", reset the scan end flag to "0" in step (5127), and proceed to step (5127).
At step 512B), a document discharge processing subroutine is executed, and at step (5129), other processing subroutines are executed.

Note that this ADF control subroutine has the same procedure as the conventional one, and includes steps (5121) to (512).
3), details of (5128) are omitted.

25a and 25b show a subroutine for sort mode processing executed in step (5101). In this subroutine, the operation of the sorter bin (60) is made different depending on whether finish mode 1 is selected or not. This corresponds to the fact that the order in which sheets are taken out from the bin (60) is different depending on whether or not the finish mode is selected.
This is because the order of distribution to 0) is different. If the finishing mode is fully selected, move the sheet to the staple section (
If the sheet is not selected, the sheet is dispensed from the upper bin (60) to facilitate the operator's direct removal of the sheet.

Specifically, in step (5140) it is determined whether the finish mode flag is rl, and if r I J, in step (5141) the sensor ( Se5) is turned on or off, and if there is no sheet, a warning flag (F
il) is rl. This warning flag (F
il) HajJTl: Explanation t Russ f y Fu (5158
), (5161) Te'l can be set to J, but rl
'', it is reset to ``rO'' in step (5185), and the inhibition of system operation is canceled in step (S185a). Then, in step (5142), it is determined whether the bottom bin detection switch (SWI) is on or not, that is, whether the bottom bin detection switch (SWI)
is located at the bottom bin position (Xt), which is the home position when the finish mode is selected, and it is determined whether sheet distribution in the finish mode is possible. Therefore, if YES, the process directly proceeds to step (514g), where a bin operation is performed to perform a sorting operation.
That is, the rotation direction flag is reset to "O" to reverse the floating cam motor (not shown).

If NO, follow the steps (5143) to (5147).
) to move the bin (60) to the bottom bin position (X
, ). That is, in step (5143), the motor of the floating cam (50) is rotated in the normal direction, and in step (5144), the sorter weight is applied. Sorter weight means that while the bin (60) is moving, the sheet is being moved to the sorter section (41).
This means that copy operations are prohibited so that it is not sent to the Then, after confirming that the bottom bin detection switch (SWI) is turned on in step <5145), in step (5146), the floating cam (5145) is turned on.
) is turned off, the sorter weight is canceled in step (5147>), and the floating cam rotation direction flag is reset to "Oj" in step (5148>), and the subsequent rotation direction of the bloating cam (50) is set to reverse. .

On the other hand, if the finish mode is not fully selected,
The sensor (Se5) is turned on in step (5149).

Check the presence or absence of sheets in the bin (60) when turning off,
If there is no sheet, check whether the top bin detection switch (SW2) is on or not in step (5150), that is, whether the top bin detection switch (SW2) is on or not.
) is located at the top bin position (X, ), which is the home position in the non-finish mode, and it is determined whether or not sheet distribution in the non-finish mode is possible.

Therefore, if YES, proceed to step (5156).
, and set the floating cam rotation direction flag to "1".
to allow normal rotation of the floating cam (50). If NO, follow the steps (5151) to (5).
155) to move the bin (60) to the top bin position (X, ). That is, step (5151)
The motor of the floating cam (50) is reversed in step (5152), the sorter weight is applied in step (5152), the top bin detection switch (SW2) is confirmed to be turned on in step (5153), and the floating cam is rotated in step (Si20). Turn off the motor (50). continue,
In step (5155), the sorter weight is released, and in step (5156), the floating cam rotation direction plug is reset to 11'', and subsequent floating cams (5
The rotation direction of 0) is normal rotation.

Furthermore, if it is determined in steps (5141) and (5149) that there are sheets in the bin (60), it is determined in steps (5157) and (5160) whether the number of copies is counted as "0" or not. , '04, step (5
158).

At step (5161), the warning flag (Fil) is set to rl to prepare for lighting up the copy removal indicator LED (160), and at steps (5159) and (5162), system operation is prohibited.

Next, in step (5163), it is determined whether the ejection switch (SW3) of the copying machine (1) is on-edge. That is,
Waiting for the leading edge of the sheet to reach the discharge switch (SW3), turn on the sorter conveyance motor in step (5164),
In step (5165), it is determined whether the sorter discharge sensor (Set) is off-edge. That is, when the trailing edge of the sheet passes the discharge sensor (Set), it is considered that the sheet is stored in the bin (60), and if the sheet is off-edge, step (s166) is executed.
) to start the sorter transport motor timer. Then, in step (5167), the sheet number count is incremented, in step (5168), the sorter conveyance motor timer is waited for to end, and in step (5169), the sorter conveyance motor is turned off. Subsequently, in step (5170) it is determined whether the sheet conveyed earlier is the last sheet, and if it is the last sheet, the floating cam rotation direction flag is reversed in step (5171). That is, if the floating cam rotation direction flag is "0", it is set to "r'1", and if it is "1", it is reset to "0". In order to continue the sorting operation if it is not the last sheet, the floating cam rotation direction flag is checked in step (5172), and if it is "0", the floating cam motor is turned on in reverse in step (5173), and if it is "rl", the floating cam rotation direction flag is checked in step (5173). In step (5174), normal rotation is turned on. That is, the sheets are distributed by reciprocating from the lower bin (60) to the upper bin (60) and from the upper bin (60) to the lower bin (60).

Next, in step (5175) it is determined whether the finish mode flag is "1" or not, and if it is "1", step (5175) is performed.
5175a) to calculate the number of sheets per bin (M)
Then, in step (5176), the number of sheets per bin (11) is compared with the permissible number of stapled sheets (Cb) [see step (552)]. If the number of sheets per bin (M) is greater than or equal to the permissible number of stapling sheets (Cb), step (
5177) and set the warning flag (F5) to 11.
Prepare to display finisher capacity over. To Awn et al.
In step (5178), the copy flag is reset to "0." In step (5179), it is determined whether the print switch is turned on, and in step (5180), the ADF
It is determined whether the start switch is fully turned on or not, and if either one is turned on, that is, if the operator's intention to execute copying even if a warning is issued is confirmed, the finish mode is activated in step (5181). R□ the plug,
and set the warning flag (F) in step (5182).
5) to 10" and step (5183).
) sets the copy flag to "1" to enable execution in sort mode, and ends this subroutine.

Note that if you want to finish the copy operation and perform finish processing when the finisher capacity exceeds warning is issued by executing steps (5176) and (5177), it is sufficient to turn on the finish start switch. [See step (5205)].

FIG. 26 shows the copy processing subroutine executed in step (5105).

First, in step (5190), it is determined whether the optical system (4) has scanned one copy, and if YES, the scan end flag is set to 11 in step (5191), and if No, step At (5192), a copy process processing subroutine is executed. This subroutine is a routine for executing a normal copying process by the copying machine (1), and its details will be omitted.

Next, in step (5193), the scan end flag is set to r.
l, then reset the scan end flag to "rO" in step (5194), and proceed to step (5194).
In step 5195), the copy flag is reset to 10'', and in step 5196, other processing subroutines are executed.

FIG. 27 shows a finish processing subroutine that can be executed in step (S6) of the main routine.

First, in step (5200), it is determined whether the finish mode flag is rl, and if it is "0", the process immediately ends. If it is "1", it is determined in step (5201) whether or not finishing mode is prohibited, and if it is prohibited, in step (5202), the staple tray (9
1) The presence or absence of a sheet is checked by determining whether the upper sheet detection sensor (Se6) is on or off. If the sheet detection sensor (Se6) is turned on and it is determined that there is a sheet on the tray (91), there will be problems such as the inconvenience that the existing sheet will be stapled together with the sheet that will be sent onto the tray (91) from now on, and the stapling process will not be allowed. There is a risk that the number of pages to be bound will be exceeded, so step (5)
In step 203), the warning flag (F6) is set to 11'' to prepare for displaying a warning to remove the sheet from the staple tray (91), and in step 5204, the finishing mode is prohibited.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step (5201) that the finish mode has not been prohibited, or that there is no sheet on the tray (91) in step (5202), the warning flag (F6) is set in step (5201a). "1
．． If “1.”, step (5201
In b), reset to r□, and in step (5201c) cancel the prohibition of finish mode.Next, in step <5205>, reset the finish start switch (15g
) is turned on. If it is turned on, set the finish processing flag to "1" in step (5206).
The number of sheets (M) per bin is calculated in step (5207), and it is determined in step (5208) whether the number of sheets (M) per bin is one. That is, if the number of sheets (Pl) distributed and accommodated in each bin (60) is one, there is no need to staple.
Therefore, if it is determined in step (520g) that the number of sheets per bin is 1, step (5209)
Set the warning flag (F3) to 11'' in step <5210 to prepare to display finish mode not possible.
) to reset the finish mode flag to "0",
Cancel finish mode.

If the number of sheets (M) per bin is not 1, the warning flag (F3) is set to 11 in step (5208M>).
If rl, step (S208b
) to reset rO, 0 Next, step (5211
), the presence or absence of a sheet on the staple tray (91) is checked again by turning on and off the sensor (Se6)', and if there is a sheet, the above-mentioned Step (5203
) and (5204) to issue a warning and cancel finish mode. If you don't have a sheet, start
Execute finish processing. That is, step (521
2), the subroutine for bin movement processing, step (521
3), the subroutine for sheet take-out 9, step (
5214), each stapling processing subroutine is executed. After these processes are completed, the presence or absence of sheets in the bin (60) is determined in step (5215), and the presence or absence of sheets on the staple tray (91) is determined in step (5216).
In step 7), reset the finish processing flag to "0."

In addition, in this finish processing subroutine,
To cancel the finish mode prohibition, step (5202)
), it is detected that the sheet has been removed from the staple tray (91), and the warning flag (F6) is reset to "0" in step (S201b). The restart of the finish process may be performed automatically via a timer after the finish mode prohibition is released, or may be performed by inputting a finish start switch.

FIG. 28 shows the subroutine of the bin movement process executed in step (5212).

First, in step (5220), the sensor (Se5) is turned on.

The presence or absence of a sheet in the bin (60) is determined in the process, and if there is no sheet, the process immediately ends. Although such a situation cannot occur in practice, it can occur if the operator removes the sheet from the bin (60) immediately after copying is complete. If there is a sheet, it is determined in step (5221) whether the bottom bin detection switch (SWI) is on. If the switch (SWI) is not on, step (5) is performed to move the floating cam (50) to the bottom bin position (X,).
222), the motor of the floating cam (50) is rotated in the normal direction, and when the off-edge of the bloating cam rotation detection switch is confirmed in step (5223), step (
5224), the motor is turned off. In these steps (5222), (5223), and (5224), the floating cam (50) is at the bottom bin position (X
+).

The floating cam (50) is in the bottom bin position (
X,), i.e., the step (5221)
When it is determined that the bottom bin detection switch (SWI) is turned on, the fix cam motor is rotated forward in step (5225), and it is determined in step (5226) whether the fix cam rotation detection sensor (Se2) is on-edge.

If it is on-edge, this is the bottom bid position (
The bin (60) in the sheet take-out position (X, xl)
), the bin counter is incremented in step (5227), and step (522g>
Turn off the fix cam motor.

Next, in step (5229), the pin counter changes to the set number (A
) [see step (510)]. If the pin counter is smaller than the set number (A), a process is executed to move the next bin (60) to the sheet take-out position (xl). That is, the floating cam motor is reversed in step (5230), and the floating cam motor is reversed in step (5231).
”), when the off-edge of the floating cam rotation detection sensor is confirmed, the floating cam motor is turned off in step (5232).
will move to the bottom bin position (X,). This step (5230), (5231).

<5232) is repeated until the pin counter becomes equal to the set number (A).

When the pin counter becomes equal to the set number (A), the stapling process is completed, and after confirming that there are no sheets in the bin (60) in Step 2 (5233), the bin position is reset in Step (5234). Execute the subroutine.

FIG. 29 shows a subroutine for the sheet retrieval process executed in step (5213). This subroutine consists of the bin (
60) to the staple tray (91) via the conveying means (80).

First, in step (5240), the sheet take-out position (X
, ), the sensor (Sea) is turned on for the bottle (60) that has descended to the bottom.

It is determined whether or not there is a sheet, and if there is no sheet, an appropriate warning is displayed (not shown in the flowchart) and the process moves to step (5246). Once the presence of the sheet is confirmed, in step (5241') it is determined whether the fix cam rotation detection sensor (Se2) is off-edge, in other words, whether the fix cam (70) has started to rotate normally. When it is determined that the sheet is off-edge, that is, when the fix cam (70) starts normal rotation and the bin (60) begins to descend to the sheet take-out position (X,), step (
5242), the solenoid of the pinch roller (76) is turned on, and step (5243>) starts the pinch roller solenoid timer.When the sheet on the bin (60) starts descending based on the normal rotation of the fix cam (70), By turning on the solenoid in (60), the take-out roller (75>
It can be completely pinched with the pinch roller (76).

Next, in step (5244), it is determined whether the fix cam rotation detection sensor (Se2) is on-edge, in other words, whether the bin (60) has completed its descent to the sheet take-out position (xl), If it is determined that the sheet is on-edge, the sheet take-out motor is turned on in step (5245). The sheet is now on the roller (75).

(76), (81a), (81b), etc. to the staple tray (91), and when it is confirmed in step (5246) that the Vincirolan lenoid timer has ended, step (5247) is carried out. Turn off the pinch roller solenoid. With this pinch roller (76)
is retracted upward from the take-out roller (75). This causes the pinch roller (76) to be retracted from the take-out position (X,) before the next bin (60) starts descending from the bottom bin position (xl), and the sheets distributed and accommodated in the bin (60) are This is to prevent interference.

Next, in step (5241) the staple tray (91
) sensor (Se6) is turned on and it is confirmed that the sheet is stored in the tray (91), the sheet take-out motor is turned off in step (5249) and this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 30 shows a subroutine of the stapling process that can be executed in step (5214).

First, in step (5251) the staple tray (91
) is on-edge. This sensor (Se6) turns on when the sheet is completely conveyed onto the tray (91). Therefore, if it is on-edge, the vibration motor (93) is turned on in step (5252) to align the sheets on the tray (91),
A vibration motor timer is started in step (5253). On the other hand, in step (5251) it is determined that the device is not on-edge, and in step (5254) the sensor (S
e6) is on, that is, if it is determined that there is already a sheet on the tray (91), step (5255) is executed.
).

Next, when the end of the vibration motor timer is confirmed in step (5255), the vibration motor is turned off in step (5256), and the staple motor is turned on in step (5257). Then, when it is determined in step (5259) that the rotation detection sensor (Se4) of the staple motor is on-edge, that is, when the head (105) moves and the sheets are stapled with the staples (106), step The staple motor is turned off in step (5260), and the stopper solenoid is turned on in step (5262).

As a result, the stopper (96) is retracted from above the tray (91), and the sheet slides off the tray (91) and is stored on the stack tray (111).

Next, in step (5263) the staple tray (91
) sensor (Se6) is determined to be off-edge,
That is, when it is determined that the sheet has been discharged to the stack tray (111), the stopper solenoid is turned off in step (5264) and the stopper (96) is moved to the tray (9).
1) Return to the top and end this subroutine.

That is, in this embodiment, when the offline stapling mode is selected in the offline stapling processing subroutine (see FIG. 18a), [step (530)
0), confirm that the sheet is inserted onto the staple tray (91) by turning on and off the sensor (Se6) [YES in step (5307)], and execute the stapling process [step (5214) ] In other words, only offline stapling processing can be performed independently, and such offline individual stapling processing is prohibited while either the sorter section (41) or the stapling section (90) is operating, and neither of them is operating. If not, it is executed [step (5303)].

This allows, for example, to stop finishing processing in online mode without adversely affecting processing in online mode, or to move sheets to be processed in online mode and sheets processed in offline mode to the staple tray (91). There is no risk of them getting mixed up at the top.

As is clear from the above explanations, the present invention has an online mode and an offline stapling mode in which stapling is performed independently, and when the sorter section or the stapling section is in operation, the offline stapling mode is operated. Since stapling processing in staple mode is prohibited, it is now possible to use the stapling function independently without adversely affecting processing in online mode, allowing for more diversification of the functions of the finisher installed as an option. I can do it.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show one embodiment of the present invention, in which Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram of the entire copying machine, Fig. 2 is an internal configuration diagram of a sorter with a finisher, Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view of the sorter section, and Fig. 4 is a diagram of the sorter. 5 is a perspective view of the conveyance section, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of the floating cam and fixed cam, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of the floating cam, and FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the sheet take-out position. Fig. 9rsA is a plan view showing the engagement between the trunnion and the fix cam, Fig. 10 is a vertical sectional view showing the rotation detection part of the fix cam, Fig. 11 is a plan view of the stapler, and Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the stack tray. 13, 14 and 15 are plan views of the operation panel, FIGS. 16 and 17 are control circuit diagrams, and FIGS. 18 to 30 are flowcharts showing control procedures. (1) Copy machine, (40) Sorter with finisher, (41') Sorter section, (50) Floating cam, (60) Bin, (61)・
・Trunion, (70) ... Fix cam, (90)
... Staple part, (Zoo) ... Stapler, (
110)... Stack section, (163)... Offline staple mode selection key, (164)... Offline staple mode display L E D, (L)...
Bottom bin position, (X,)...Top bin position, (L)...Sheet take-out position.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A sorter unit that receives sheets discharged from a copying machine or the like and distributes them to a plurality of bins, a stapling unit that has stapling means that staples the sheets conveyed from each bin, and a stapling process. In a sorter equipped with a finisher, the main body of the copier, etc., the sorter section, and the stapling section operate together in an online mode, and an offline mode in which the stapling process is performed independently. 1. A sorter with a finisher, the sorter having a stapling mode, and further comprising a control means for prohibiting stapling in the off-line stapling mode while the sorter section or the stapling section is in operation.