JPS63225066A - Copying device equipped with sorter - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To carry out sorting even for a number of document free from interruption by assorting bins according to the number of pieces of the document and carrying out control so that each copied paper sheet for one document is successively piled for each bin. CONSTITUTION:A controller 24 for controlling sorting is equipped with a CPU 31. An ROM 33 into which a sorting controlling program is written, data memorizing RAM 34, and a control board 35 for exchanging a variety of data between the copying machine are connected with the controller through a bus 32. Further, a switch 37 between the program sorter mode and the normal mode and a forward switch 38 for multipage sorter mode are installed onto a key switch board 36. When multipage sorter mode is set, the forward switch 38 is pressed by a prescribed number of times, and the selection for a distribution pattern is executed.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a copying machine connected to a sorter, and particularly to a copying machine that can sort a relatively large number of documents at once without any trouble. This invention relates to a copying machine with a sorter.

``Prior Art'' When making multiple copies of a manuscript, it is convenient to organize them in advance in association with distribution destinations. For this purpose, a sorter is often connected to a copying machine. The sorter includes a plurality of pins for accommodating sorted sheets.

The most basic way to use a sorter is to store multiple copies of a single document one by one on each pin.
(see publication). FIG. 15 is for explaining this, and shows the first pin B-1, the second pin B-2, etc.
are distributed to different destinations -1, K-2, etc.
Copied paper is stored in correspondence with the above.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-44464 proposes a sorter that enables various types of sorting in response to the needs of copying machine users.

FIG. 16 is for explaining the sorting method according to this proposal. Here, A in the same figure is the “stack function”
It represents. The stacking function is a function that sequentially stacks copies of the same type on one pin. In the figure, three copies 11 of the first original are stacked on the first pin B-1, and three copies 12 of the next original are stacked on the second pin B-2. The third pin B-3 contains three copies 1 of the last original.
3 will be stacked.

In contrast, B in the figure shows a "pin skipping function". The pin skip function is a function that advances two or more pins at a time. In the figure, the pins are advanced to the third and fifth pins B-3 and B-5.

Finally, C in the same figure represents the "pin advance prohibition function". This function is used to stack copies without advancing the pin.
It is prohibited to advance the pin to pin B-2 or later.

"Problems to be Solved by the Invention" By the way, the maximum number of original documents of an automatic document feeder, or the number of documents that can be sorted by one pin, is about 80 sheets.

Therefore, an automatic document feeder (ADF) that automatically feeds documents to an exposure location can only set about 80 documents at a time.

Therefore, if you are copying a large number of originals, use the most basic distribution pattern shown in Figure 15 and set the originals within the maximum number of copies on the sorter into the automatic document feeder. Regarding this, we will first carry out copying work. After the copying machine completely stops copying, the copied sheets are removed from the sorter and the same process is repeated for the remaining originals.

In this way, with conventional copying machines with a sorter, when handling documents with more than the maximum number of copies per sorter, it is necessary to remove the copies from the sorter several times, and the extracted copies must be sorted manually. There was a problem that the work took a long time.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a copying apparatus with a sorter that is capable of sorting documents that are within the maximum number of copies of one or more documents at one time.

"Means for Solving the Problems" The present invention provides (i) a pin allocation means for allocating pins provided in a sorter according to the number of originals; and (ii)
A copying apparatus with a sorter is provided with a paper sorting control means for sequentially stacking copied sheets of paper at a rate of one sheet for each original with respect to each pin allocated by the pin allocation means.

In other words, the present invention is applicable when the number of copies per original is relatively small; (a) a plurality of pins are grouped in correspondence with the total number of originals, and (b) each group is Copied sheets of paper to be distributed are stored one by one in these pins, as if they were individual pins.

According to the present invention, if the number of copies per original is relatively small, many pins can be assigned to one group, and if one group is composed of relatively many pins, for example, hundreds of pins can be assigned to one group. It becomes possible to perform sorting on the original document at one time.

"Example" The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to Examples.

Overview of the Apparatus FIG. 2 shows the external appearance of a copying apparatus with a sorter used in an embodiment of the present invention. This copying apparatus with a sorter has a configuration in which a 50-pin sorter 22 is connected to a copying machine 21. The copier 21 is equipped with a console panel 23 for inputting various copying conditions such as the number of copies and sorting method, and for displaying various statuses of the apparatus. A controller 24 is placed there.

FIG. 1 shows the circuit configuration of a controller portion as a main part of this sorter-equipped copying machine. The controller 24 is equipped with a CP[J (central processing unit) 31. The CPU 31 is connected to various parts within the controller via a bus 32 such as a data bus. Of these, ROM
33 is a read-only memory in which a program for controlling sorting and the like is written. RAM3
4 is a random memory for temporarily storing various data.
This is access memory. The copying machine control port 35 is a port for exchanging various data with the copying machine 21 (FIG. 2). The key switch port 36 is a port for inputting data from a mode changeover switch 37 and a forward switch 38 arranged on the controller 24.

Here, the mode changeover switch 37 has a "program sorter mode" as a mode for sorting, and a "9300 copy mode" as a mode for performing normal copying with the "9300" type copying machine as the copying machine of this embodiment. This switch is used to change the mode between the two modes. However, if this mode changeover switch 37 is pressed while copying is being performed in the multi-page sorter mode, which will be explained next, the mode will become interrupt copy mode, and the copy Interrupts are possible.

The display port 41 includes various display lamps (light emitting diodes) 42 arranged on the controller 24 as well.
This port is used to control the lighting and display various information on the display window 43. A three-digit number is displayed on the display window 43. If the forward switch 38 is pressed while the number "000" is displayed here, the copying machine with sorter will display the "multi-page" number. "soak mode". In this "multi-page sorter mode," it is possible to sort documents that are larger than the number of pins. In this "multi-page sorter mode," the distribution pattern indicating the distribution status is numerically displayed in the first digit of the display window 43. The distribution pattern advances by one pattern each time the forward switch 38 is pressed.In the copying machine with sorter of this embodiment, eight types of distribution patterns are prepared, and the eighth pattern is After it is displayed, the pattern returns to the first pattern again and the above steps are repeated.

FIG. 3 shows various parts arranged on the controller. The mode changeover switch 37 and forward switch 38 described above are arranged at the lower left portion of the operation panel 51 of the controller. When the copying machine with sorter is set to the "program sorter mode," the forward switch 38 is used to advance the reception number. That is, each press of the forward switch 38 advances the reception number by one. If you proceed forward and hold the button, the reception number will advance by one every 0.3 seconds through the processing of the CPU 31. To advance the reception number one by one, set the mode changeover switch 37 to "9300 copy mode". This forward switch in state 3
Just press 8.

Note that when the mode changeover switch 37 and the forward switch 38 are pressed simultaneously in the "program sorter mode", a reset operation is performed.

In other words, "the processing in the data frame currently in progress in the program sorter mode returns to the beginning of that data frame. Since this is not directly related to the present invention, a detailed explanation will be omitted.

A display window 43 is arranged in the upper left part of the operation panel 51. The above-mentioned reception number and distribution pattern will be displayed on the display window 43.

Eight display lamps 42 are arranged in one row to the right of the display window 43 of the operation panel. Here, the program sorter mode lamp is a lamp that indicates that the copying machine is set to the program sorter mode. The 9300 copy mode lamp is a lamp that indicates that the copying machine is set to copy mode.

The interrupt copy lamp is a lamp that displays the state in which interrupt copy is being performed. The program sorter mode copying lamp is a lamp that lights up while copying is being performed in the program sorter mode. The multi-page sorter mode lamp is a lamp that lights up when the copying machine is set to the multi-page sorter mode. The data transmission/reception lamp is a lamp that indicates, when this sorter-equipped copying apparatus is connected to a general-purpose computer (not shown), that data is being exchanged with the computer.

The communication error lamp is a lamp that is displayed when a communication error occurs with, for example, a general-purpose computer.

The please wait lamp is a lamp that indicates the standby state of the copying machine.

Outline of Input Operation An example of the process from turning on the power to the copying machine with a sorter configured as described above until the copying operation in the "multi-page sorter mode" is started will be explained.

(i) First, the operator turns on the power of the copying machine with sorter. At this point, the operation panel 51 of the controller
The Please Wait lamp above will light up.

When the copying machine 21 becomes ready for copying after a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the "Ready to copy" lamp (not shown) on the console panel 23 lights up, and the please wait lamp on the operation panel 51 turns off.

(ii) Even before the “Ready to copy” lamp on the console panel 23 lights up, the operator can
Forward switch 38 can be operated, thereby placing the sorting copier into a "multi-page soak mode."

(iii) After setting the copying machine with sorter to the "multi-page soak mode," select the distribution pattern by pressing the forward switch 38 a predetermined number of times. A total of 8 types are available in the device.The last two digits of the display window 43 display the maximum number of copies for the selected distribution pattern (maximum number of copies per document).The operator can: The number of copies must be set to a number that does not exceed this maximum number of copies.If the operator accidentally sets the number of copies that exceeds the limited number of copies and makes a copy, these The excess amount will be stacked all at once on a specific pin of the sorter 22.

The number of copies is set by operating a numeric keypad (not shown) on the console panel 23. In this embodiment, when the number of copies is small, a maximum of 2000 originals can be sorted.

(iv) After completing the above work, remove the console spring 2.
．． ', y-' The star button (not shown) on l3 is pressed 1, and the copy operation in the multi-page sorter mode is started.

Explanation of Distribution Patterns Next, the eight types of distribution patterns in this embodiment will be explained in order with reference to FIGS. 4 to 11.

FIG. 4 shows the first distribution pattern and the sorting process. When this first distribution pattern is selected, the numerical value "1.24" is displayed on the display window 43. Here, the first number "1" is the number of the distribution pattern, and the second number "24" indicates the maximum number of copies per original (number of distribution destinations). In this first distribution pattern, the pins are divided into a total of 24 groups 61 to G24 of 2 pins each, as indicated by thick lines in the figure. The reason why the 50th pin and the 25th pin are excluded from the classification is to prevent copies of one distribution destination from being sorted across the upper and lower two levels. If these pins are also used for sorting, document 1
It becomes possible to sort up to 25 copies per sheet.

In this first distribution pattern, one distribution destination is assigned to two pins, so the number of manuscripts is 80 to 16.
0 sheets are expected. In other words, the pins on the right side of each group are stacked with copies from the first original to the 80th original, and if the number of originals exceeds 80, the pins on the left are stacked with copies of the 81st to 160th originals. Copies up to the original are stacked one after another. In addition, in this soak 22, the number of sheets accommodated in one pin is 80 sheets.

If the size of the pin or the thickness of the paper differs, it is possible to program the number of sheets accommodated in one pin (the number of distribution destinations set for one pin) to increase or decrease accordingly.

FIG. 5 shows the second distribution pattern. The number "2.16" displayed on the display window 43 means that the number of distribution patterns and the maximum number of copies per original are "2".
and "16" are displayed. This distribution pattern is divided into a total of 16 groups 61 to G16, which is 8 groups fewer than that of the first distribution pattern. As a result, the maximum number of copies per original document will be reduced by 8, but a space S of 1 pin will be placed between each group.
Mistakes when taking sheets out of the sorter 22 are prevented.

FIG. 6 shows the third distribution pattern. As can be seen from the display window 43, the maximum number of copies per original in this case is 12.

For this reason, the 50 pins are divided into 12 groups 01 to G12, so the number of pins assigned to one group is 3 pins. Therefore, the total number of manuscripts is 3 pins,
In other words, the number has increased to 240 sheets. Therefore, in the normal case, the regular distribution pattern is used for the number of original documents ranging from 161 to 240 sheets. Also in this distribution pattern, spaces S are arranged between each group G1 to G12. It goes without saying that if the space S is not provided, the number of originals can be greater than this.

FIG. 7 shows the fourth distribution pattern. In this distribution pattern, four pins correspond to one group, and 50 pins are divided into 10 groups 61 to GIO and used. The maximum number of documents that can be sorted is 320, so normally 241 to 3
This distribution pattern will be used for up to 20 originals.

FIGS. 8 to 11 show fifth to eighth distribution patterns, respectively. Each of these is 5.
7.12.25 pins are associated with each other. Therefore, in the fifth distribution pattern shown in Figure 8, from 321 to 4
The sixth distribution pattern shown in FIG. 9 corresponds to originals from 401 to 560. Furthermore, in the seventh distribution pattern shown in Figure 10, 56
The number of originals from 1 to 960 is supported, and in the eighth distribution pattern shown in FIG. 11, the number of originals from 961 to 2000 is supported.

Actual operation of the apparatus Next, the operation of this copying apparatus with a sorter will be explained with reference to a flowchart.

FIG. 12 shows a method for starting the multi-page sorter mode. The CPU 31 shown in FIG. 1 monitors whether the power to the copying machine 21 (FIG. 2) is turned on through the copying machine control port 35 (step 2). Copy machine 21
is turned on (Y), the controller 24 sets it to "9300 copy mode" (step
). In this state, the CPU 31 monitors whether the mode changeover switch 37 is pressed (step 2) and maintains the apparatus in the "9300 copy mode" unless the switch is pressed. If the mode changeover switch 37 is pressed (Y), the mode of the apparatus is changed to the "program sorter mode" (step 2).

When this sorter-equipped copying machine is set to the "program sorter mode," the operator displays the desired reception number on the display window 43, thereby simplifying the complex copying process of associating distribution destinations with the number of copies for each. The reception number can be selected by pressing the forward switch 38 (step ■).

By the way, when setting the apparatus to the "multi-page sorter mode" of the present invention, the forward switch 38 is pressed while the reception number is "000" (step 2).

If a distribution pattern is selected in this "multi-page sorter mode" (step 2) and the start button of the copying machine 21 is pressed, the copying operation will begin. When the mode selector switch 37 is pressed in this "multi-page sorter mode" (step 2), the apparatus is changed to the "9300 copy mode" again.

FIG. 13 shows more specifically the operation when changing from the "multi-page sorter mode" to the "9300 copy mode." With the "multi-page sorter mode" set (steps ), when the copying is completed (Step ■; Y), and when the paper is removed from all the pins of the sorter 22 (Step ■; Y), pressing the mode changeover switch 37 becomes effective for the first time at this point (Step ■; Y).
, the device shifts to the "9300 copy mode" (step ■).

Note that "termination of the multi-page sorter mode" can also be realized by turning off the power of the copying machine 21.

Now, in this copying machine with sorter, the mode is set to "930".
Even without changing to the zero copy mode, normal copying operations can be performed by interrupt processing while the "multi-page sorter mode" is set. FIG. 14 shows the state of the copying operation at this time. That is, the CPU 31 monitors whether or not the mode changeover switch 37 is pressed (step ■), and when it is pressed (Y).
If a copy is currently being performed, the interrupt copy lamp 42 shown in FIG. 3 is turned on upon completion of the copy, and the interrupt copy mode is entered (step 2). In this interrupt copy mode, the operator operates the console panel to clear the display indicating that the automatic document feeder and soak 22 are being used. The currently set number of copies is also cleared, and a new number of copies is set at the time of interrupt processing. When the original is manually set on the platen of the copying machine 21 and the start button is pressed, the copying operation is started by interrupt processing.

This interrupt copy mode is set by the mode changeover switch 37.
Continues until is pressed again (step ■). That is, when the interrupt processing is completed, the operator presses the mode changeover switch 37 again (Y) to return the apparatus to the "multi-page sorter mode" (step (2)). At this point, it is necessary to return the usage state of the automatic document feeder and sorter 22 to the previous state, and to set the number of copies again.

Note that even when the copying machine 21 is stopped, if there is some kind of failure in the operation of the copying machine 21, such as when a paper jam occurs in the original or copy paper, or when there is no paper in the supply tray. If this occurs, interrupt copying cannot be performed. If such a situation occurs, interrupt copying must be performed after these failures are resolved.

In the embodiment described above, it was decided to select a distribution pattern and perform sorting in multi-page sorter mode.
The distribution pattern may be automatically selected by specifying the number of manuscripts. In addition, in the embodiment, an example was explained in which spaces S were placed on the pins of the sorter, but display means such as light emitting diodes are provided for each pin, and by changing the lighting state of these or changing the color of the light emitted, it is possible to distinguish between groups. The identification may be performed.

"Effects of the Invention" As described above, according to the present invention, a plurality of sorter pins are reorganized into one group according to the number of originals, so
Even if there are many documents, sorting can be performed without interrupting the operation of the copying machine, and errors in manual sorting can be eliminated.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

1 to 14 are for explaining one embodiment of the present invention, of which FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of a controller as a main part of a copying machine with a sorter, and FIG.
The figure is a perspective view of a copying machine with a sorter, FIG. 3 is a plan view showing the main parts of the operation panel 51 provided in the controller, FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing the sorting state according to the first distribution pattern, and FIG. is an explanatory diagram showing the sorting state according to the second distribution pattern, FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing the sorting state according to the third distribution pattern, FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the sorting state according to the fourth distribution pattern, and FIG.
9 is an explanatory diagram showing the sorting state according to the fifth distribution pattern, FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing the sorting state according to the sixth distribution pattern, FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing the sorting state according to the seventh distribution pattern, Fig. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing the sorting state according to the eighth distribution pattern, Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing how to start the multi-page soak mode, and Fig. 13 is a case of changing from "multi-page sorter mode" to "9300 copy mode". Flowchart showing the operation of
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing how interrupt copying is performed, FIG. 15 is an explanatory diagram showing a conventional sorting method, and No. 161ffl is an explanatory diagram showing a previously proposed sorting method. 21... Sorter, 22... Copy machine, 2
4...Controller, 31...CPU, 33...ROM. 37...Mode selection switch, 38...
・Forward switch, 43...Display window, G...Group. Applicant: Fuji Xerox Co., Ltd. Agent

Claims (1)

[Claims] In a copying system that can sort the sheets of paper by feeding copied sheets into a sorter equipped with a predetermined number of pins and storing them in the pins in a predetermined order, the pins are connected to the number of originals. and a paper sorting control means for sequentially stacking copied sheets one by one for each original to each pin allocated by the pin allocation means. A copying machine with a sorter.