JPS6374076A - Sorter with finisher - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent such a failure as a processing is continued in a state that a stapler position is shifted, or stapling cannot be executed, by providing a means for detecting whether a stapling means is attached or detached, and inhibiting a staple processing operation, when it is detected that the stapling means is not set normally. CONSTITUTION:A photosensor Se6 for detecting whether a sheet exists on a staple tray 91 or not, and a switch SW4 for detecting whether a stapler 100 is attached or detached are installed to a stapling part 90. This switch SW4 is turned on, when the stapler 100 is set to a prescribed position. Accordingly, if the switch is OFF, a stapler set failure is displayed, and a staple processing operation is inhibited. That is to say, when it is decided that the stapler detecting switch SW4 is OFF and the stapler 100 is not set normally, this staple processing operation is inhibited immediately. In such a manner, such a failure as the processing is continued in a state that a staple position is shifted, or stapling cannot be executed is prevented.

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 stable means, and particularly to a control means thereof.

Prior Art 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 conveyance devices and sorters for sorting and grouping folded 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 stabilizes and stacks the sheets distributed and housed 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, in which the stable means itself is attached and detached in order to replenish stable needles, if the stable means is not properly set at a predetermined position, the stable position may shift. , which has the problem of not being stable.

In order to individually resolve the problems beyond the means for solving the problems, the finish sorter according to the present invention includes: (i) stable means detection means for detecting premature detachment of the stable means; The present invention is characterized by comprising (control) means for prohibiting a stabilizing operation when the table means detecting means detects that the stable means is not set normally.

In other words, in the above configuration, if it is detected that the stabilizing means is not set normally, the stabilizing operation is prohibited. This prevents problems such as shifting of the stable position or continuation of processing in a non-stable state.

Embodiment [Overall configuration] The sorter (40) with a finisher 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 fully equipped.

The copying machine (1) is based on the well-known electrophotographic method, and a charger (3) first charges a certain amount of charge onto the photosensitive drum (2), which is rotated in the direction of arrow (a). When the optical system (4) scans in the direction of the arrow (b), 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 developing device M (5
), the toner image is separated and transferred to a sheet by a transfer charger (6).

Sheets are stored in the automatic paper feeder (10) and cassette (10), (11) inside the copying machine (1), or in the three-stage paper feeder cassette (15) of the automatic paper feeder (15) installed outside the machine.
6), (17), and (18) are selectively fed one by one, and sent to the transfer section at a predetermined timing by a pair of timing rollers (19). The sheet after the transfer is sent to the fixing device (21) by the conveyor belt (20), where the toner image is fixed, and then sent from the ejection roller pair (22) to the sorter (4o), and then the ejection roller Its passage is detected by the ejection switch <5W3) (see Figure 2) just before the pair (22).
1) has a built-in reprinting device (25) for double-sided copying and composite copying, and a sheet conveyance switching claw (26) for this purpose is installed in front of the ejection roller pair (22).

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)
> erases residual charges and prepares for the next copy operation.

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

After image exposure, the document 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 pin (60), and a stable section (90) that has a stapler (100) that binds the sheets.
and a stack section (110) for storing one stack of stable-treated sheets, the stable section (90) is disposed below the sorter section (41), and the stack section (110) is arranged at the lower part of the stable part (9o).

[Structure and operation of the sorter section] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the pin (60) has a claw (60a) in the sorter section (41Off!
) and a trunnion (61) projecting laterally, the cono trunnion (61) extending in the vertical direction formed in a guide unit (65) that is dimensioned in the frame of the sorter (40). By engaging with the groove (65a), movement of the pin (60) is restricted in the vertical direction. In addition, each pin (60) is supported while being loaded on a pin receiver (62), and the floating cam (50) described below is
) is rotated, the trunnion (61) is shifted to widen the pin spacing.

The sorter unit (41) is a pair of ejection rollers (2) of the copying machine <1.
By vertically moving both the sheet conveyance unit (42) and the pink 60) facing the copying machine (
1> are distributed and accommodated in each pin (60). As shown in the third section, 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). , pinch rollers (55), and the sheet passes between the guide surfaces (52a) and (43a) and passes from the rollers (47) and (55) to each pin (
60).

The lower unit (43) has both ends of a support shaft (44) provided at the end on the pin (60) side perpendicular to the sheet conveyance direction [arrow (C)] as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. As shown in Fig. 3, by engaging the rail portion (65b) provided on the guide unit (65) via the collar (45>), it is possible to swing vertically and also to move toward the copying machine (1) side. The provided pin (46) is supported by the guide member (66) so that it can be slid 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 rocking plate (48) is connected by a rond (49), and the lower part thereof is located between the backflow prevention claws (60a) of the pin (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 an interval of 18° on its outer periphery is fixed. This floating cam (50) is driven to rotate intermittently 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 pin (60) is also supported by this contact. The floating cam (50) can move up and down from the bottom pin position (Xl) to the top pin position (X,) as shown in FIG. 7, and each detection switch (swi) is located at each position. .

(SIJ2) can be detected. moreover,
As shown in Figure 3, the lower unit (43) has a pin (5
Actuator 51) rotatable around 1a) as a fulcrum
and a photosensor (Set) that is turned on and off when the actuator (51) contacts and rotates the conveyed sheet.

On the other hand, the upper unit (52) is vertically swingable by engaging the engagement piece (53) on the pin (60) side with the rail portion (65b), and also allows the upper unit (52) to swing vertically.
The pin (54) provided on the side is connected to the top cover (
By engaging with a guide member (68) provided at 67), it is possible to slide in the horizontal direction. A pinch roller (55) is attached to this upper unit (53>) on a support shaft (55a).
), the static eliminator brush (56) can be rotatably rejuvenated and transported at a rate that is fully installed, and 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 pin (60) can be installed in this sorter section (41), and sheets can be attached to each pin (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) and moves upward by itself, and shifts the taken-in trunnion black 1) downward to come into sliding contact with the next trunnion (61). By repeating this operation, each pin (60) is shifted downward one step at a time, and the conveyance section (42) is moved upward. floating cam (
50) is located at the bottom pin position (X,) shown in FIG. 7 when the sort mode is selected, and gradually moves upward from this position to widen the intervals between the pins (60). The sheet ejected from the copying machine (1) is placed on the guide surface (
52a) and (43a), and the feed roller (
47) and each pin (60) held by a pinch roller (55) and widened by a floating cam (50).
The pins are distributed and housed in order from the bottom pin (60) to the top.

Further, by rotating the floating cam (50) in the direction of the arrow (d,), the pins (60) are sequentially shifted upward and moved downward together with the conveyance section (42).

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

[Structure and operation of fix cam] Next, the fix cam (70) and conveyance section (80) for conveying the sheets distributed and accommodated on each pin (60) to the stable tray (91) described below will be explained. do.

As shown in FIGS. 6 and 8, the fix cam (70) has a spiral groove (7) on its outer periphery that can be engaged with the trunnion (61).
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, the fix cam (70) rotates normally in the direction of arrow (e), thereby moving the trunnion (61) of the pin (60) shifted to the bottom pin position (XI) 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 <XS>, as shown in FIG. The trunnion 〈61〉, which has been lowered to the take-out position (X,), is elastically held. 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. Further, as shown in Fig. 2, a sheet backflow prevention guide (79) is installed between the bottom pin position (Xl) and the take-out position fiT (L>). As shown in the figure, the guide surface (78a) on the upper surface is installed so that it is slightly higher than the sheet backflow prevention claw (60a) of each pin (60) tilted down to the take-out position (X, >. Laura (76)
As shown in Fig. 2, the support shaft (
The take-out roller (75) is rotatably supported at 77a) and is turned on and off by turning on and off a solenoid (not shown).
It can be attached and detached from the top.

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)
meshes with the gear (87c) via the gear (87b), and the disk (88>) can rotate integrally with the gear (87c).A notch (not shown) is formed in the disk (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), (81
b) ~(83a,).

(83b), guide plates (84a), (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 capable of absorbing the thickness of the sheets that are stacked together.

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 pin (60) in the bottom pin position (XI) is completely guided by the spiral groove (70a), and it is at the take-out position (X,)
and is held by a receiving member <72).

At this take-out position (X,), the pin (60〉) is inclined at a larger angle than the bottom pin position (X), and the sheets being distributed and accommodated are guided by their own weight (78〉).
The force of sliding down while being guided by the guide surface (78a) is applied. The take-out roller (75) overlaps the pin <60), and the pin (60) is in the take-out position (xl
), the leading edge of the sheet touches the roller (75>).

(76), and the sheet is transported by the rollers (75) and (76) to the transport roller (81a).
), (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 (84, a), (84
b> is transported between.

Moreover, even if the sheet curls upward, it is guided by the backflow prevention guide plate (84a).

(84b).

The pinch roller (76) is a sheet roller (81a),
(81b), since the solenoid (not shown) is turned off in the initial state, the pin (60) is retracted upward from above the ejection port (75), and the pin (60> is at the ejection position t as described above). (Xi), the solenoid turns on and the sheet is sandwiched between the take-out roller (75) and the take-out roller (75).
, transport rollers (81a), (81b), (82a)
, (82b), <83a).

(83b) are each rotated, and the sheet is transported to the central part (f> in FIG. 2) of conveying rollers (83a) and (83
b) onto the stable 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 pin position (XI) as shown in FIG.
The trunnion (
61) and rotate 180° at this position (Xl).
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 pin (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 pin position (XI>) and the take-out position M (Xs) are changed. In other words, the stroke of the pin (60) that moves between them is set large.Therefore, the spiral groove (70a) carved on the outer periphery of the fix cam (70) is rotated three times, and the trunnion ( The torque of the fix cam (70) when the trunnion (61) moves up and down is reduced as much as possible.Then, the trunnion (61) [(A in Fig. ) is held to prevent this trunnion (61) from being sent into the spiral groove (70a) during the second and third rotations of the fix cam (70).

As described above, by reversing the floating cam (50) by 180° and rotating the fixing cam (70) three times, each pin (60) is lowered one step at a time to the removal position fiffi (Xs), and each pin (60) is The sheets that have been distributed and accommodated are conveyed onto the stable tray (91) through the conveyance section (80).

In addition, each pin (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 sheet is taken out from all the pins (60) in which the sheet is distributed and accommodated, the fix cam (70) moves as indicated by the arrow (e). The floating cam (50) is rotated in the opposite direction and the floating cam (50) is rotated forward in the direction of arrow (d), thereby returning upward.

[Structure and operation of stable section] As shown in Fig. 2, the stable section (90) includes a stable tray (91) and a motor (93) that vibrates it.
, a guide plate (95>, a stopper (96), and a stapler (100). The stable tray (91) is installed to be swingable about a support shaft (92>), and is ) by rotating the eccentric weight (94), the centrifugal force of the weight (94) causes vibration.This vibration causes the sheet sent from the conveying section to be moved to the guide plate (95) and the stopper (96). It can be regulated and harmonized.

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

The stopper 96> is rotatably installed using a solenoid (not shown) about a support shaft 97) as a fulcrum, and is normally positioned above the lower end of the stable tray (91) to position the leading edge of the sheet. This stopper (96) retracts downward when the solenoid is turned on, releasing the positioning of the seat.

This stapler (100) also has staple needles (1
06) empty detection photo sensor (Se3) and stable motor rotation speed detection sensor (Se4) are installed, the sensor (Se3) directly detects the staple (106), and the sensor (Se4) detects the motor output shaft. (101
) is designed to detect a notch (109a) in a disc (109) fixed to the disc (109).

Furthermore, a photosensor (Se6) for detecting the presence or absence of a sheet on the stable tray (91) and a switch (SW4) for detecting premature detachment of the stapler (100) are installed in the stable section (90). has been done.

In the above configuration, the sheet conveyed from the conveyance section (80> onto the stable tray (91)) is transported by the motor (9
When the tray (91) is vibrated based on the rotation of the tray (91), it is regulated and aligned by the guide plate (95) and the stopper (96), the motor (93) is stopped, and the stable motor is driven. It is bound. When the solenoid is turned on, the bound sheets are moved from the stopper (96) to the tray (9
1) By retracting from above, it slides down from above the tray (91), is guided by the guide plate (98), and is accommodated on the stack tray (111). Such stable processing is repeated each time the pin (60) is lowered to the take-out position (X) by the fix cam (70) and the sheet is conveyed onto the stable tray (91). .

[Configuration of Stacking Unit The stacking unit (110) is composed of a stacking tray (111), and finally stores and stores sheets bound by the stapler (100). Stack tray (111
), as shown in FIG. 12, a notch (lla) is completely formed in the stable processed portion of the sheet (s), that is, the portion where the stapled portion with the stable staples (106) is located. With this, when sheets bound with the stapler (100) are stacked and accommodated on the tray (111), the stable processing part hangs down into the notch (lla) due to its own weight, and only the stable processing part becomes bulky. This will prevent this from happening, and the loading capacity will increase accordingly.

[control 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 has been installed in three locations.

The copying machine panel (120) includes a print key (121) for starting a copy operation when the ADF (30) is not in use, an interrupt key (122) for temporarily suspending a multi-copy operation, and a copy key (122) for starting a copy operation when the ADF (30) is not in use. Clear/stop key (1
23), a group of ten keys (124) for setting the number of multi-copies, 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 ( 125), <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 magnification selection key group for selecting the copy magnification ( 131) and its display LED group (13
2) 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 documents on the document tray (31) are automatically sequentially moved. Place 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 F display L E D (15
4) The finish mode selection key (155) and its display section, the non-finish mode display LED (
156) ,! : Finish mode display L E D
(157), the finish start key (15g) and its display L E D (159) are set, this L
A warning to remove the copy from the stable tray (91) is displayed by blinking E D (159).

Also, LED (160) displays a warning to remove the sheet from the pin (6o), stable needle f (106)
) to display empty L E D (161),
LED (
162) is provided. Sorter mode selection key (1
51) switches sequentially to non-sort mode, sort mode, and grouping mode each time it is pressed, and the corresponding L E D (152), (153), (15)
4) lights up. Finishing mode selection key <155
> Each time you press the button 431 times, the mode switches between non-finish mode and finish mode, and the corresponding LED
(156) and (157) are lit. Each time the finish start key (138) is pressed, it outputs the start and cancellation of the finish operation, and at the time of start, the LED (159>) lights up.

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

ADF panel (140), sorter panel (150)
is connected to the copy process means (170)
, ADF professional means (171) are connected, and a sorter process means (172) and a buini rasha 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 board of the microcomputer (CPU) includes a printed switch,
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 read directly.

[Control Procedure] Next, the control procedure based on the copying machine (1), the sorter (40), 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 <CPIJ).

The microcomputer (CPU) is reset,
When the program starts, in step (51), 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 (B2), 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 (B3) to (B8), 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 (B9), and step ( Return to B2).

The time length of one routine is used to count various timers in each subroutine.

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).
Sheet size selected in step (511) <SX)
is input, and in step (512) it is determined whether or not the use of the ADF (30) is selected. If use has been selected, the ADF mode flag is set to "11" in step (513), and if not, the ADF mode flag is reset to "0." 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.
It is determined whether the sort mode flag is "11" or not. If the sort mode flag is "OJ", sorting and stable processing will never be completed, so step (52)
2), enter the number of pins (,) in step <518), and input the number of pins (,) in step (519).
A> and the number of pins (8) are compared.

If the number of pins (A) is less than or equal to the number of pins (a), sort-4-code can be executed, and in step (520) it is determined whether the finish mode flag is 11. If the finish mode flag is "rO", 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 the embodiment, the sheet size that can be stably processed is A4 or BS, and if YES, other input processing is executed in step (522).

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.
In step 24), the copy flag is set to "1" 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 the pin number (
a), step <526).
Set the warning flag (Fl) to 11. and step <
527) to prohibit system operation. This warning flag (
Fl) is used to indicate that the number of distributions exceeds the number of pins. Next, step (528),
In (536), as in steps (523) and <525), 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 (836).

That is, when the operator's intention to execute copying even if a warning is issued is confirmed, the non-sort mode flag is set to 11'' in step (529) to switch to non-sort mode processing, and step (530) to reset the warning flag (Fl) to "rO" and proceed to step (53
7) sets the copy flag to "rl".

Also, in the step (521”), sheet size < SX
> is determined to be other than A4 size or B5 size, stable processing is impossible, so step (5)
At step 31), the warning flag (F2) is set to "1", and at step (532), system operation is prohibited. This warning flag (F2) is for displaying that the selected sheet size is incompatible. Next, step (5
33), (538) in the steps (523), (
525), it is determined whether the print switch is turned on and whether the ADF start switch is turned on. In this step (533) or (538)
Once the ES, i.e., the operator's intention to perform the copy despite warnings, is confirmed, step (534
) to reset the finish mode flag to 10'' to prohibit stable processing, and in step (535) reset the warning flag (F2) to O'', and in step (539)
Set the copy flag to r'1. Set to .

FIG. 20 shows a subroutine for setting the sort mode that can be 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 grouping mode is selected, and if selected, each step (541).

(543), (545) non-sort mode flag,
Sorting mode flag and grouping mode flag to 11
”.

FIG. 21 shows a subroutine for setting the finish mode that can be executed in step (516).

First, in step <550), it is determined whether or not the finish mode has been selected. If the finish mode 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 stable allowable number (c
Set b). Allowable number of stable sheets here (Cb)
is the value obtained by multiplying the allowable number of stapled sheets of the stapler (100) by the number of pins to be used (A). Therefore, as a result, the capacity per pin is specified. Next, in step (553), the stable permission size is set to A4.
, B5, and in step (554) the sort mode flag is set to "IJ" to permit processing in sort mode.

FIG. 22 shows a display processing subroutine executed in step (B4) of the main routine.

First, in step (560), the ADF mode flag is set to "1".
”, and if rl, ADF mode display L
Turn on E D (180) and display "1." or "0" in step (562).
2), (153).

(154) is lit to display the selected sorter mode. In step (563), it is determined whether the finish mode flag is "11" or not, and if it is "1", the finish mode display LED (157) is turned on.

Next, in step (565), the warning flag (Fl'')
If it is '1', step (5
In step 66), a message indicating that the number of pins is exceeded is displayed on the display section <125>. In step <567), it is determined whether the warning flag (F2) is "1." If it is "1", in step (568), the display section (125) displays that the sheet size is unsuitable. In step (569), it is determined whether the warning flag (F3) is "1" or not, and if it is "1", then in step (570) the display section (125) displays that the finish mode is not possible. Step (5
In 71), it is determined whether the warning flag (F4) is rl, and rl is set.

If so, in step (572), the display unit (125) displays that the deep manuscript is empty. Step (573
>, the warning flag (F5) is 11. Determine whether or not, r
l.

If so, in step (574), the display unit (125) displays that the finish capacity is over. In step (575), it is determined whether the warning flag (F6) is "1" or not, and if "1.", in step (576), the display section (
125) indicates that the sheet needs to be removed from the stable tray (91). In step (577), it is determined whether the warning flag (F7) is "1" or not.
If so, the stable needle empty display LED (161) is turned on in step (578). Step <5
85>, it is determined whether the warning flag (Fil) is "11" or not, and if it is "1.", the L E D
(160) is illuminated to indicate that the sheet needs to be removed from the pin (60).

Next, in step (581), the copy flag is set to 1″1.
Determine whether it is i% or not, and if "1.", step (582)
If it is "0", the number of copies or the number of remaining copies is displayed on the display section (125) in step (583). Subsequently, other display processing is executed in step (584), and this subroutine is ended.

FIG. 23 shows a subroutine of copy system processing executed in step (s5) of the main routine.

First, in step (590), the ADF mode flag is set to "1".
Determine whether it is ``Yo'' or not, and ``If it is IJ, step < 591)
It is determined whether the copy flag is "rl" or not, and if it is "1", copy processing is permitted, so step (
At step 595), the ADF control subroutine is executed, and the process moves to step (597). Further, if it is determined that the ADF mode flag is "o" in the step (590), the copy flag is set as "IJ" in step (S96).
It is determined whether or not it is "1", and if it is "1", the process moves to step (597). Step (591), (596) -1? If it is determined that the copy flag is "0" in either case, the process returns to the main routine.

Next, steps <597), (5100), (5102
) Non-sort mode flag, sort mode flag.

After confirming that the grouping mode flag is “IJ”, proceed to steps (599), (5101), (51
04) Execute subroutines of ten/sort mode processing, sort mode processing, and grouping mode processing. 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 conventional procedures, and the details thereof will be omitted.

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

First, in step (5120), it is determined whether there is a document in the document tray (31) by turning the sensor on or off, and if there is, the warning flag (F4) is set to 11 in step (5133).
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 "0" 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 (51)
30) to determine whether the original count is 10", r□,
If so, the warning flag (F4) is set to "1" in step (5131) to prepare a document empty display, the copy flag is reset to "0" in step (5132), 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 '1'. Then, in step (5126), the scan end flag is set to rl.
, then reset the scan end flag to 10'' in step (5127), and proceed to step (5127).
At step 128), a document discharge processing subroutine is executed, and at the same time, at step (5129), other processing subroutines are executed.

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

FIGS. 25a and 25b show a subroutine of sort mode processing executed in the step (Slot). In this subroutine, the operation of the sorter pin (60) is made different depending on whether the finish mode is selected or not. This corresponds to the fact that the order in which sheets are taken out from the pin (60) differs depending on whether or not finish mode is selected.
This is because the order of distribution to 0) is different. If finish mode is selected, move the sheet to the stable section (
The sheets are distributed from the lower pin (60) in order to feed the sheet to the sheet (90), and when the sheet is not selected, the sheet is distributed from the upper pin (60) to make it easier for the operator to take out the sheet directly.

Specifically, in step (5140) it is determined whether or not the finish mode flag is "1", and if it is "1", in step (5141) the sensor ( Se5) is turned on or off, and if there is no sheet, a warning flag (Fil
) is 11''. This warning flag (Fil
) is the step (5158) described below, (516
1), but if it is "1", it is reset to "10" in step (5185). Then, in step (5142), the bottom pin detection switch (SWI) is
') is on, that is, whether the pin (60) is located at the bottom pin position (X+), which is the home position when finishing mode is selected, and sheet distribution in finishing mode is possible. . Therefore, if YES, the process directly moves to step (5148) and the rotation direction flag is reset to "0" in order to perform the pin operation to perform the sorting operation, that is, to reverse the floating cam motor (not shown). . If NO, the following steps (5143) to (5147) are executed to move the pin (60) to the bottom pin position (Xl). That is, in step (5143), the motor of the floating cam (50) is prevented from rotating in the normal direction, and in step (5144), a sorter weight is applied. Sorter weight is a pin (6
0) means that the copy operation is prohibited so that the sheets are not fed into the sorter section (41) during movement.

After confirming that the bottom pin detection switch (SIJI> is turned on in step (5145), turn off the floating cam (50) motor in step (5146), and release the sorter weight in step (5147). In step (5148), the floating cam rotation direction flag is reset to 10'', and the subsequent rotation direction of the floating cam (50) is set to reverse.

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

Check the presence or absence of the sheet in pink 60) at off,
If there is no sheet, check whether the top pin detection switch (Sν2) is on or not in step (5150), that is, whether the top pin detection switch (Sν2) is on or not.
) is located at the top pin position (X, >, which is the home position in the non-finish mode), and it is determined whether 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 pin (60) to the top pin position (X direction).In other words, in step (5151) the motor of the floating cam (50) is reversely rotated, in step (5152) the sorter weight is applied, and in step (
After confirming that the top pin detection switch (SW2) is turned on in step (5153), the motor of the bloating cam (50) is turned off in step (5154). Next, in step (s1s5>, the sorter weight is released, and in step (5156), the floating cam rotation direction flag is reset to 11'', and the subsequent floating cam (50
) is assumed to be forward rotation.

Furthermore, if it is determined in steps (5141) and (5149) that there is a sheet in the pin (60), it is determined in steps (5157) and (5160) whether or not the number of copies is 10. 0”, step (5
158).

At step (5161), the warning flag (Fil) is set to "1" to prepare for lighting up the copy removal display 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. That is,
After waiting for the leading edge of the sheet to reach the discharge switch (SW3), the sorter conveyance motor is turned on in step (5164), and the sorter discharge sensor (Sel) is turned on in step (5165).
) is off-edge. In other words, when the trailing edge of the sheet passes the discharge sensor <5et, it is considered that the sheet is stored in the pin (60), and if the sheet is off-edge, the step (51)
65) starts the sorter transport motor timer. Then, in step (5167), the sheet number count is incremented, and in step (5168), the sorter conveyance motor timer is waited for to end, and in step (5169), the saw/event conveyance motor is turned off. Next, in step (5170), it is determined whether the sheet conveyed earlier is the last sheet,
If it is the last sheet, the floating cam rotation direction flag is reset to "0" in step (5171). 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 flag is checked in step (5172).
73), the floating cam motor is reversely rotated, and if it is '1', then normal rotation is turned on in step (5174). That is, in the finish mode, the motor is reversed to move the pin (60) through which the sheets are distributed from the lower stage to the upper stage, and in the non-finish mode, the motor is rotated forward to move the pin (60) through which the sheets are distributed. Move from the top to the bottom.

Next, in step (5175), it is determined whether the finish mode flag is "11" or not, and if it is "1", then the step (
5176), the sheet number count (N) and the stable allowable sheet number (Cb) [see step (552)] are compared. If the sheet number count (N) is greater than or equal to the stable allowable sheet number (Cb), in order to prevent stable defects from occurring, the warning flag (F5) is set to rl in step (5177), and the finisher capacity is exceeded. Prepare.

Kira, in step (5178) set the copy flag to rOl.
It is determined in step (5179) whether or not the print switch is turned on, and in step (5180)
In step (5181), it is determined whether the ADF start switch is turned on or not. Reset the transport mode flag to "OJ" and reset the warning flag (F5> to 10 in step (5182)), and in step <
5183) sets the copy flag to rl 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 over warning has been issued by executing steps (5176) and (5177), all you have to do is 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 "1" in step (5191), and if NO, the scanning end flag is set to "1". In step (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 (st93), the scan end flag is set to “
1", reset the scan end flag to "rO" in step (5194), and proceed to step (5194).
The copy flag is reset to "0" in step 5195), and other processing subroutines are executed in step 5196.

FIG. 27 shows a subroutine for finish processing 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 "70", the process immediately ends. "If it is an IJ, it is determined in step (5201) whether finish mode has been prohibited, and if it has been prohibited, in step (5202) the stable 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 already existing sheet will be finished with the stable processing along with the sheet that will be sent onto the tray (91) and the stable processing. Step (5) may cause the possibility of exceeding the allowable number of pages to be bound.
In step 203), the warning flag (F6) is set to 11'' to prepare for displaying a warning to remove the sheet from the stable tray (91), and in step 5204, the finish mode is prohibited.

On the other hand, if it is confirmed in step (5201) that the finish mode is not prohibited or that there is no sheet on the tray (91) in step (5202), the warning flag (F6) is set in step (5201a). is “1”
If it is "rl", step (5201
Reset to "0" in b). Next, step (520
In step 5), it is determined whether the finish start switch has been turned on. If it is on, step (5206)
Set the finish processing flag to 1'' in step (5207), calculate the number of sheets per pin (M), and check whether the number of sheets per pin (M) is 1 in step (5208). Determine whether That is, each pin (60
), there is no need for stabilization if the number of sheets (M) distributed and accommodated is one. Therefore, step (52
When it is determined that the number of sheets per pin is 1 in step 08), the warning flag (F3) is set to 11 in step 5209>, preparation is made to display finish mode not possible, and step 5210 is performed. The finish mode flag is reset to 101 and the finish mode is canceled.

If the number of sheets (M) per pin is not 1, the warning flag (F3) is set to "1" in step (S208a>).
If it is "1", step (s2osb
) to reset it to “0”. Next, step (5211
), the presence or absence of a sheet on the stable tray (91) is checked again by turning on and off the sensor (Se6), and if there is a sheet, then as above, in order to stabilize unnecessary sheets and prevent stabilization defects. , said step (5203)
, (5204) to issue a warning and cancel finish mode. If there is no sheet, finish processing is executed. That is, step (5212
), the subroutine for pin movement processing, step (5213
), the subroutine for sheet removal processing, step (5)
214), each stable processing subroutine is executed. After these processes are completed, the presence or absence of the sheet in the pin (60) is determined in step (5215), and the presence or absence of the sheet on the stable tray (91) is determined in step (5216). 5217
) to reset the finish processing flag to "0".

In addition, in this finish processing subroutine,
To cancel the finish mode prohibition, step (5202)
) detects that the sheet has been removed from the stable tray (91), and resets the warning flag (F6) to "0" in step (5201b). 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 a subroutine for pin movement processing executed in step (5212).

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

The presence or absence of a sheet within the pin (60) is determined at OFF, 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 pin (60) immediately after copying is completed. If there is a sheet, it is determined in step (5221) whether the bottom pin detection switch (SWI) is on. If the switch (SIjI) is not on (if so, step (5) is performed to move the floating cam (50) to the bottom pin position (X,).
222), the motor of the floating cam (50) is rotated in the forward direction, and when the off-edge of the floating cam rotation detection switch is confirmed in step (5223), step (522) is performed.
5224), the motor is turned off. In these steps (5222), (5223), and (5224), the floating cam (50) is at the bottom pin position (X,
).

The floating cam (SO) is in the bottom pin position (
When the bottom pin detection switch (SWl) is determined to have been turned on in step (5221), the fix cam motor is rotated forward in step (5225), and the fix cam rotation detection sensor is activated in step (5226). It is determined whether (Se2) is on-edge. If it is on edge, use this to set the bottom pin position (X
The pin (60) in , ) is at the sheet removal position t(X, )
The pin counter is incremented in step (5227), and the fix cam motor is turned off in step (5228).

Next, in step (5229), the pin counter changes to the set number (A
) [Step (510) Determine whether it is equal to the reference value. If the pin counter is smaller than the set number (A), the next pin (60) is moved to the sheet take-out position (X,). 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). This causes the next pin (60) to move to the bottom pin 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), it means that the pull process is completed, and step (5233) is completed.
) to confirm that there is no sheet inside the pin (60) by turning the sensor (Se5) on and off, and then step (5234)
) to execute the pin position reset subroutine.

FIG. 29 shows a subroutine for sheet retrieval processing that can be executed in step (5213). This subroutine consists of the pin (
A process of conveying the sheet from 60) to the stable lake 91) via the conveying means 80) is executed.

First, in step <5240), the sheet take-out position is
, ), the sensor (Se5) is turned on when the pink 60〉 descends.

In the off state, 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). When 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 pin (60) begins to descend to the sheet take-out position (X,), step <5
The solenoid of the pinch roller (76) is turned on in step <5242>, and the pinch roller solenoid timer is started in step <5243>. When the sheet on the pin (60) starts to descend based on the normal rotation of the fix cam (70), the sheet on the pin
60), the sheet is pinched between the take-out roller (75) and the pinch roller (76) at the sheet take-out position (xl).

Next, in step (5244), it is determined whether the fix cam rotation detection sensor (Se2) is on-edge, in other words, whether the pin (60) has completed its descent to the sheet take-out position (X,). , 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., until the stable tray (91) is fully conveyed, and when the end of the pinch roller solenoid timer is confirmed in step (5246), the pinch roller is transferred in step (5247). Turn off the 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 (Xl) before the next pin (60) starts descending from the bottom pin position (X,), and the sheets distributed and stored on the pin (60) are This is to prevent interference.

Next, in step (5248), the stable tray (91
) sensor (Se6) is turned on to confirm 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 the stable processing subroutine executed in step (5214).

First, in step (5250), it is determined whether the stapler (100) is set at a predetermined position by turning on or off the stapler detection switch (SW4). This switch (SW4) is turned on if the stapler (100) is set at a predetermined position. Therefore, if it is off, a stapler set failure is displayed in step (5298), the stable processing operation is prohibited in step (5299), and this subroutine is ended. Said switch (SW4)
is on, the warning flag (
F7) is 11''. This warning flag (F
7) is set to "1" in step (5277) explained below, but if it is "1", step (5291)
to reset to "rO". And step (5292
) to cancel the prohibition of stable processing operation, and then proceed to step (52
In step 93), it is determined whether the finish start switch has been turned on. If this switch is turned on,
In step (5294), it is determined whether the stapler set defective display is turned on, and if it is turned on, the stapler set defective display is canceled in step (5295);
In step (5296), the prohibition of stable processing operation is canceled.

Next, in step (5297) it is determined whether or not the finish start switch is turned on. If it is turned on, in step (5251) the stable tray (91) is
) is on-edge. This sensor (Se6) turns on when the sheet is completely conveyed onto the tray (91). Therefore, if it is on-edge, in step (5252) the vibration motor (93)
is turned on to align the sheets on the tray (91), and in step (5253) the shake b motor timer is started. On the other hand, if it is determined in step (5251) that the sheet is not on-edge, and in step (5254) it is determined that the sensor (Se6) is on or that there is already a sheet on the tray (91), step <525
Move on to 5).

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 stable motor is turned on in step (5257). Then, in step (5259), when it is determined that the rotation detection sensor (Se4) of the stable motor is on-edge, that is, when the head (105) is moved and the sheets are stapled with the staples (106). , the stable 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 completely accommodated on the stack tray (111).

Next, in step (5263), the stable 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.

Then, in step (5281>), it is determined whether the staple staple (106) is just before empty by turning on/off the stable staple empty detection sensor (Se3).

This sensor (Se3) is turned on if there is a staple (106), and turned off if there is not. Therefore, if it is off, in step (5277) the warning flag (F7) is set to "
1" to prepare to display stable needle empty, and stop the finishing operation in step (5278). As a result, the stable-processed sheets are completely discharged onto the stack tray (111), and further operations are stopped. Also, the reason why the stapler is empty is displayed is because if the machine stops in such a state, it is difficult for the operator to easily determine the cause, and the stapler (106)
This is to notify the timing of replenishment.

That is, in this embodiment, in the stable processing subroutine (see FIG. 30), if it is determined that the stapler detection switch (SW4) is off and the stapler (100) is not properly set, then [step ( 5250
), immediately terminate this subroutine and prohibit stable processing operations [step <5298), (5
299) ]. This prevents the problem of the stable position being shifted or lip reading being performed in a non-stable state.

As is clear from the above description, the present invention includes a stable means detection means for detecting premature disengagement of the stable means, and a means for detecting whether the stable means has been properly set. Since a control means is provided which prohibits the stable processing operation when it is detected that the stable processing is not performed, if the stable means is not set in the normal position, the subsequent stable operation is prohibited, and the stable position may shift. , it is possible to reliably prevent the problem of sheets being scattered on the stack tray due to stabilization in places where there are no sheets.

[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. 9 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 plan 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! , (40)... Sorter with finisher, <41>... Sorter section, (50)... Floating cam, (60)... Pin, (61)...
Trunnion, <70)...Fix cam, (90)
... Stable part, (100) ... Stapler, (1
06)... Staple needle, (109)... Disc, (
109a)...Notch, (110)...Stack portion, (Xl)...Bottom pin position, (Xt)
... Top pin position, (X,) ... Sheet take-out position, (Se3) ... Stable needle empty detection sensor.

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 pins, and a stable unit that has a stable unit that binds the sheets conveyed from each of the pins; In a sorter with a finisher that includes a stack section for stacking and accommodating sheets subjected to stable processing, a stable means detecting means detects attachment/detachment of the stable means, and a stable means detecting means detects that the stable means is normal. 1. A sorter with a finisher, comprising: a control means for prohibiting a stable processing operation when it is detected that the stable processing operation is not set.