JPH02233467A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] This bulletin contains application data before electronic filing, so abstract data is not recorded.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] 1! The present invention relates to an image forming apparatus having an image forming section, a sorter section, and a stapling device. D (1) Conventionally, copying machines, printers, etc., sorters with multiple bins for sorting recording sheets, and 1 fixedly placed on the sorter
An image forming apparatus is known that has two staplers and moves the bins so that a bundle of recording sheets stored in each bin is pulled out to the binding position of the stapler and stapled. Conventional image forming apparatuses, such as copying machines equipped with a sorter with a stapler, can perform a stapling operation for copying one job while copying the next job, and the stapling operation is slower than the copying speed. The copies of the next job are sorted before the stapling operation is finished for the copies of the previous job, and the copies of the next job are mixed together.
There was a possibility that stapling would be performed with the pages mixed together. To solve this problem, it is necessary to increase the speed of the stapling operation, but this is currently extremely difficult. To prevent subsequent copies of the first job from being mixed together, the operator should confirm that the stapling operation has been completed and then issue an instruction to start copying the next job. There is a danger that the machine may instruct the operator to start copying before the stapling operation is complete, so it is not enough to leave it to the operator's attention. An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and to provide an image forming apparatus that can always perform stapling reliably. The present invention has solved the above-mentioned problem with an image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is controlled to prohibit copying operations after the stapling process 31 is started by the stapling apparatus and until the stapling process is completed. According to the present invention, in the control section of the image forming apparatus, when the stapling device starts stapling a stack of recording sheets in the bin of the sorter section, the image forming apparatus does not hold the image until the stapling operation by the stapling device is completed in the flow of the program. The forming device, for example, a copying machine, is configured not to check whether a copy start key has been pressed, and the control unit cannot start the copying operation until the stapling operation is completed. At this time, the display section displays a message indicating that copying cannot be performed at present, that is, a message indicating that copying cannot be performed, ``Please wait.''Furthermore, when the message ``Please wait'' is displayed, press the copy start key. The details of the present invention will be explained based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

First, an example of the overall configuration of a copying apparatus as an example of an image forming apparatus to which the present invention is applied will be described based on the side view shown in FIG.

In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 1 indicates the fourth mirror of the Russian aerosol system, and 2
is a dustproof glass to prevent toner stains on lenses, mirrors, etc., 3 is an ADF (automatic document feeder), 4 is a contact glass, 5 is an eraser (erase lamp)
, 6 is an electrostatic charger, 7 is a photoreceptor, for example, a photoreceptor drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor for detecting the surface temperature of the photoreceptor drum 7, 9 is a static elimination lamp, 1
0 is a lens, 11 is a quenching charger (charger after cleaning), 12 is a cleaning unit, 1
3 is a bias roller, 25 is a PCC (pre-cleaning charger), 14 is an exposure illumination unit consisting of a halogen lamp, etc., and 15 is a first unit integrated with the illumination unit 14, etc.
First scanning mirror forming a carriage 16.17 are second and third mirrors forming a second carriage 18
19 is a fixing unit that fixes the toner image transferred to a recording sheet, for example, a transfer paper; 19 is a reversing unit that controls the ejection direction and surface of the transfer paper after fixing in the fixing unit 18; and 20 is a transfer unit after the stray paper is transferred. A sorter (with post-processing function) for sorting paper, 26 is a separating claw, and 21 is a conveyor belt. The post-processing function refers to processing such as stapling and punching.Furthermore, 22, 23, 24, and 33 are trays for stocking and supplying transfer paper, 22 is a double-sided paper feed tray, 23 is the first paper feed tray, 24 is the second paper feed tray, 33 is the third paper feed tray, 29 is the paper feed roller unit,
30 is a vertical paper transport section, 32 is a horizontal paper transport section, 31 is a paper dust collecting roller for removing paper dust TL from the transfer paper, 27 is a separation charger, 28 is a transfer charger, 35 is a registration roller, and 34 is a developing device. 36 is a PTC (pre-transfer charger); 38 is a developer collection container for collecting old developer when replacing the developer;
37 is a developing unit; 39 is a toner cartridge for replenishing consumed toner; 40 is for rotating the photosensitive drum 7; Possible supporting drum shaft is shown.

Next, the operation of the copying machine having the above configuration will be briefly described. The photosensitive drum 7 is rotatably supported by a drum shaft 40 and rotates counterclockwise in response to a copy command or the like. Simultaneously with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 7, a static elimination lamp 9, PT
C36, separation charger 27, transfer charger 28, eraser 5, cleaning unit l2, bias roller 13, FCC 25, and quenching charger 11 are operated. Cleaning unit 12 and static elimination lamp 9
After passing through, the surface potential of the photosensitive drum 7 becomes zero. The photosensitive drum 7 is driven by a main motor (not shown). At the start of driving, the leading edge of the image is controlled by the control unit so that the leading edge of the image is positioned after the position passing the cleaning unit 12 .

When the photosensitive drum 7 has rotated to the fixed position, the ADF 3
The original placed on the contact glass 4 by
Scanning is performed by a first carriage integrated with a scanning mirror 15, an illumination unit 14, etc. The reflected light image is formed on the photosensitive drum 7 via the first scanning mirror 15, the second mirror 16, the third mirror 17, the lens 10, the fourth mirror 1, and the dustproof glass 2.

After the photoreceptor drum 7 is charged by the charger 6, an eraser, that is, an erase lamp 5, illuminates unnecessary areas to create an image frame suitable for the transfer paper or the projected image, and then the photoreceptor drum is A latent image is formed on 7. At this time, in order to obtain a same-sized image, the photosensitive drum 7 and the first carriage are driven at the same speed. The latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 is visualized as a toner image by the developing unit 37. In this case, the developing unit 37
A dark or light image can be obtained by applying a potential to.

On the other hand, the double-sided paper feed tray 22 and the first paper feed tray 2
3. The transfer paper stored in the second paper feed tray 24 or the third paper feed tray 33 is transferred by the paper feed roller unit 29.
The paper is sent until the paper detection sensor (not shown) is activated. Next, the paper feeding roller unit 29 is operated again at the paper feeding timing, and the transfer paper is sent through the vertical paper conveying section 30 or the horizontal paper conveying section 32 to the register I-column 35 that has been stopped in advance, and is placed on the photoreceptor drum 7. The registration roller 35 is driven at the timing when the leading edge of the toner image matches the leading edge of the transfer paper.

The toner image on the photosensitive drum 7 is transferred to a transfer paper under the action of a transfer charger 28. At this time, since the surface of the photoreceptor 7 is very smooth and the adhesion between the photoreceptor drum 7 and the transfer paper is large, the potential of the transfer paper is lowered by the separation charger 27, thereby reducing the potential of the photoreceptor drum 7. This reduces the adhesion between the paper and the transfer paper. Next, the transfer paper is separated from the photosensitive drum 7 by the separating claw 26, and the thus separated transfer paper is sent to the fixing section 18 by the conveyor belt 21. Heat and pressure are applied to the toner on the transfer paper sent to the fixing section 18, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed to the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper is transferred to a sorter via the reversing section 19. He was expelled at the age of 20. When performing double-sided copying, etc., the paper is ejected to the double-sided paper feed tray 22 via the reversing unit 19. Since a small amount of toner image remains on the surface of the photoreceptor drum 7 after transfer, the PCC 25 is activated, the surface is cleaned with the cleaning brush and cleaning blade in the cleaning unit 12, and the next quenching charger 11 and static electricity removal are performed. Keep the surface potential constant using lamp 9. These control timings are mainly obtained from pulses generated in synchronization with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 7 or reference pulses for driving the photoreceptor drum 7. Next, the configuration of the sorter 2o of this embodiment will be explained based on FIGS. 2 to 8.

As shown in FIG. 2, an entrance guide plate 43 is provided at the receiving entrance for recording sheets, e.g. copies, discharged from the copying machine, followed by upper and lower transport belts 44, 42 for transporting the copies upward. Switching claw 46, switching guide plates 45, 4
7 is provided.

A pair of wandering paper rollers 48, 4 is provided on the upper path by the switching claw 46.
9 and a paper output tray 54 are provided, and the lower path by the switching claw 46 is along the copy insertion side of a bin 55 that holds a plurality of sheets (20 sheets in the example shown) provided vertically parallel to the bottom. Continuing with the copy vertical feed path. A deflection claw 64, a conveyance roller 62, and a discharge port roller pair 63 are provided at a position corresponding to each bin on the vertical feeding path, and a plurality of roller pairs of the conveyance roller 62 provided at appropriate intervals are provided. The driven roller 65 is placed between the copy vertical feeding path.
are in pressure contact. The above-mentioned conveyance belts 44, 42, stray paper rollers 48, 49, conveyance roller 62, and discharge port roller 63 are driven by a drive motor 41. A shaft equipped with two pulleys 53 and 69 is strategically supported on the upper and lower sides of the bin group, respectively, and the lower shaft is connected to a motor 68 for moving the post-processing unit. A post-processing unit moving belt 66 is stretched over the two pairs of upper and lower boots, and a chuck unit 60 and a post-processing unit 61 are attached to these belts via a guide unit 51. In order to guide the guide unit 51, a guide rail 67 is provided on the side of the bin group in the vertical direction over the entire height of the tenon of the sorter. The recording sheet (copy) discharged from the copying machine is inserted through the entrance guide plate 43. It is sandwiched between the pair of m conveying belts 42 and 44 and conveyed to the upper part.

Now, assuming that the normal wandering paper mode (mode in which wandering paper is ejected to the paper output 54), the switching claw 46 is lowered, and the copying is carried out along the upper switching guide plate 47 by the pair of paper ejection rollers 4.
8.49, the paper is discharged to the stray paper tray 54. Also, now, sort mode (sort mode in page order)
If it is the stack mode (a mode in which pages are sorted), the switching claw 46 is raised and the copy is transported downward along the lower switching guide cutout 45 by the transport roller 62 and the driven roller 65. The copied copies are discharged into the bin 55 at the location where the deflection claw 64 is activated. The deflection claw 64 performs a movement appropriate to the mode (sort or stack). In the sorting mode, the deflection claw 64 of the first bin operates and the second copy of the first page is ejected to the first bin 55, and the deflection claw of the second bin operates and the second copy of the first page is ejected to the second bin 55. to be discharged. Further, the first page of the second page is discharged to the first bin 55, and the second page is discharged to the second bin 55. In this way,
When in sort mode, 1, 2, 3, etc. are stored in one bin.・
The pages are output in order like this. When in stack mode, all copies of the first page are copied to the first page.
Eject the second page into the bin and copy the second page into the second bin. The deflection pawl 64 operates to discharge the liquid. In this way,
In stack mode, copies of the same page are ejected into one bin and sorted by page. Also, in sort mode or stack mode, the deflection claw 6
If a copy jams near 4, there is a function to eject the copies located in front of the switching claw 46 from the sorter after the jam occurs. This allows the switching claw 46 to be switched in the event of a jam so that later copies can be ejected onto the loitering tray 54 without jamming. The copies ejected to the paper ejection tray 54 can be placed into a predetermined bin from the manual feed table 52 by the manual feed roller 50 after the jam is removed. In addition, even in cases other than jams, when copies are inserted from the manual feed table 52, the copies can be ejected to each bin according to the mode and sorted. After post-processing is performed on the copies sorted in this way, Regarding processing functions,
This is explained below. The post-processing unit 61 means a stapler, puncher, etc. In order to move the post-processing unit to a position corresponding to each bin, the post-processing unit motor 68 is rotated, and the post-processing unit moving belt 66 is moved up and down via the lower pulley 69 and the upper boolean 53, and the guide is moved accordingly. The unit 51 is moved up and down. There is a car in the guide unit 51,
It is adapted to move along a guide rail 67.

The chuck unit 60 is a device that transports the covey bundle to the position of the post-processing unit 6l and returns it to its original position after performing the post-processing.

In FIG. 2, the home sensor 5 is detected by the home detection piece 57.
6 is turned on, and the copy at the first bin opening can be post-processed.

When post-processing is executed from this state, the post-processing unit movement motor 68 is turned on after the post-processing unit 61 is turned on, and the post-processing unit 61 is lowered, and the second bin position detection piece 59 causes the bin position sensor 58 to be ONL. The moving motor 68 is turned off and the post-processing unit 61 is stopped. Then, post-processing for the second bin is performed. Then, once the post-processing has finished running on the copy of a given bin,
The post-processing unit 61 is moved to the home position. In this way, post-processing of multiple copy bundles can be executed. FIG. 3 is a view from the opposite side of FIG.

Figure 3 explains what could not be expressed in Figure 2. The sorter of this embodiment is a 20-bin sorter, divided into two blocks of 10 bins each, with bin sensors 76.79 and stray paper sensors 77.79 in the upper block.
78, and there are bin sensors 81, 84 and stray paper sensors 80, 83 in the lower block. In addition, the paper output tray 54
There is also a paper ejection sensor 98.99. These sensors are transmissive optical detection sensors consisting of LEDs and phototransistors. The stray paper sensors 77, 78, 80, 83, 98, . . . detect whether or not a copy has been ejected.
99, and the bin sensors 76, 79, 81, and 84 determine whether there is a copy in the bin. Such a bin sensor makes it possible to use the lower block if there is a copy on the upper block.

In order to perform copy post-processing, a plurality of copies must be aligned. Therefore, the sorter of the present invention is equipped with a jogger as an alignment device, which will be described below. In FIGS. 3 and 5, the rotation of the booley 85 by the jogger moving motor 82 is transmitted to the drive shaft 96 via the jogger drive belt 86, and the drive shaft 96 rotates.

The rotation of pulleys 74 and 87 fixed to the drive shaft 96 drives the upper jogger moving belt 73 and the lower jogger moving belt 88, and the shaft fixing unit 72 and the lower jogger moving belt 8 are fixed to the upper jogger moving belt 73.
Move the alignment shaft drive 22 1/95 fixed to 8. The shaft fixing unit 72 functions to support the end of the alignment shaft 71. Then, the size detection sensor 93 attached to the shaft drive unit 95 detects one of the predetermined size detection pieces 92 and stops the jogger drive motor 82. When the copy is ejected to the bin 55, the paper ejection sensor 77, 78 or . 80.83 is detected, the alignment shaft drive unit 9S is activated, the alignment plate 70 is moved by the alignment shaft 71, and the copies are aligned. Me plate 70 is aligned with axis 71
installed on. Then, after finishing the post-processing, the gas moving motor rotates in reverse and stops at the position where the home sensor 91 is turned on by the home detection piece 94. This position is the position for maximum size. In this way, each copy is aligned as it is ejected and is ready for post-processing operations.

In FIG. 4, which is a view from the top of FIG.
5 has a notch so that the alignment shaft 71 can be moved to a position where the minimum size cobby alignment is possible.Also, the alignment plate 70 rotates as shown by the arrow to align the copies. At this time, there is an end face holding plate 9 in order to hold the other end of the copy in a fixed position.

This end face pressing plate 97 is adapted to move in accordance with the movement of the chuck unit 60.

As shown in Figure 5, which is a view from the right side of Figure 2,
The alignment shaft drive unit 1-95 can be moved in the direction of the arrow by the jogger moving belt 88 and stopped at the size detection piece 92 according to each copy size. The shaft fixing unit 72 is synchronized with the alignment shaft drive 221/95.
will also stop. Further, the rightward movement in FIG. 5 is to the position where the home sensor 91 corresponding to the maximum copy size is activated by the home detection piece 92.

FIG. 6 is a detailed diagram of the chuck unit 60. The chuck unit 60 grabs the stack of copies on the bin 55 and transfers it to a post-processing unit (not shown in FIG. 6).
61, and after finishing the post-processing, it returns to the same state as when it was discharged onto the bin 55 again. First, when the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the worm gear 100 rotates and the gear 101 moves in the H direction. Then, the spiral shaft 106 rotates, and the moving plate 1 is moved through the moving rod 105 (which has a spiral hole).
13, the upper chuck finger 109, the lower chuck finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the B direction. When moving in the B direction, the home sensor 102 is set to O by the position detection piece 103.
N to stop the motor 107. Conversely, when the motor 107 rotates in the G direction, gear 1
01 in the J direction, and the moving rod 105, moving @l13
, the upper chuck finger 109, the lower chuck finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in eight directions. When it moves in eight directions, the position detection piece 103 turns on the tip position sensor 104 and stops the motor 107. Then, when the solenoid 114 is turned on, the upper chuck finger 109 is lowered in the direction D by the pull rod 108 and grasps a bundle of copies (not shown). At this time, the end face presser plate 97 is lowered in the F direction by the presser plate 112 so that it does not interfere with the movement of the copy bundle. Then, the motor 107
When rotated in the direction, the copy bundle is brought in the B direction. When the push plate 1l2 returns to the direction B, the end presser 97 attempts to return to its original position due to the spring 111, but since the copy bundle is already on top, it stops at the cobby bundle. When the moving plate reaches the home position, the motor 107 is stopped, then the post-processing unit 61 is activated, and after the post-processing is completed, the motor is rotated again in the G direction to return the copy bundle in the eight directions.
When the position detection piece 103 turns on the tip position detection sensor 104 again, the motor 107 stops, the solenoid 114 turns OFF, the chuck upper finger 109 is raised by the coil spring 115, and the copy bundle returns to its original position, and the end face The holding plate 97 also returns to its original position by the action of the spring 111. Then, the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, pushes the moving plate 113 to the home position, and stops. In this manner, the chuck unit 60 carries the coby bundle discharged onto the bin to the post-processing device and returns it to its original position. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a stapler included in a stapling device as an example of the post-processing unit 61. This stabler is operated by an electric signal to turn the motor 116 on.
When the staple 119 in the cartridge 117 is
It is designed to press and bend. The staple 119 is
The cartridge 11 is connected in a band shape with thin tape.
It is rounded to within 7. Also, the end of the staple is the near-end sensor (reflective sensor that reads optically) 118'! When t passes, a near-end signal is output. Figure 8 is. 4 is a detailed view of the alignment shaft drive unit 95 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. When the output shaft of the motor 120, which is supported by a stand 123 movable by a roller 90 moved by a rail 89, rotates once, the alignment plate 70 moves from the cam 12 attached to the output shaft.
1, a lever 122 that engages with the cam 121, and the lever 122 reciprocatingly rotates in a fan shape in the direction of arrow AB via an alignment shaft 71 to which the lever 122 is fixed. In this manner, each time a copy is ejected into a bin, the motor 120 rotates once to align the copies. 101st! 1 is a block diagram of a control system in the present invention.

This control is mainly performed by the CPU 300 and the ROM 301. R.A.
M302, IN port 303, OUT port 304, I
This is a microcomputer system consisting of /O port 30S. By using the ROM 301 in which the program is written, the RAM 302 can be used at any time. IN port 30
In response to various input signals from the OtJT boat 304, the OtJT boat 304 outputs controlled signals to control the copying machine and the sorter. Sorter control also includes post-processing operations (such as stapling operations) after sorting copies. Further, a control section of the ADF 3 is connected to the I/O boat 305 and exchanges signals with the CPU 300. The ADF 3 feeds the original onto the contact glass according to the signal from the CPtJ, and discharges the original after exposure is completed. In addition, in double-sided original mode (WJ side single-sided mode, double-sided double-sided mode), after the exposure of the first side is completed, the paper is reversed and fed onto the contact glass again, and when the exposure of the second side is completed, it is reversed and the paper is transferred. It is supposed to be done. Also,. R.A.
A backup battery 306 is connected to M302 and serves as non-volatile memory. Figure 9 shows a part of the operation section of the above-mentioned copying machine. Reference numeral 201 is a start key for instructing to start copying, 202 is a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copy sets, etc., and 203 is a clear/stop key 20 for instructing to clear the set number and stop copying.
4 is a set number display that displays the number of copies set; 2
05 is a copy number display that displays the number of copies, 206
207 is an original number display that displays the number of originals, and 207 is each 1-
A paper size display 208 displays the copy paper size set in the tray, a paper remaining amount display 208 displays the remaining amount of copy paper set in each tray, and a paper size display 209 automatically displays the size of the copy paper set in each tray. , an automatic paper selection mode display that shows that the mode for selecting the most suitable copy paper (automatic paper selection mode) is set; 210 is a paper key 211 for selecting copy paper; a paper key 211 is used to select which copy paper size; 212 is a please wait indicator that indicates that the copying machine is preparing; 213 is a ready-to-copy indicator that indicates that the copying machine is ready; 214 215 is a sort key for instructing the sort mode; 215 is a sort mode display screen to indicate that the sort mode is set;
16 is a stack key for instructing stack mode, 2
Reference numeral 17 indicates a stack mode display that indicates that the stack mode is set; 218 indicates an ADF key that indicates continuous document feed mode; and 219 indicates an ADF mode display that indicates that continuous document feed mode is set. ,
220 is a staple key for instructing the stapling mode, 221 is an auto stapling mode indicator that indicates that the stapling mode is automatically set, and 222 is an SA for instructing the single document feeding mode.
DF key 223 is a SADF mode display function that indicates that SADF mode is set, 224 is an interrupt mode key that is used to instruct interrupt copying, and 225 is an interrupt mode key that indicates that interrupt mode is set. Interrupt mode display amount to be displayed, 228 is a sorter turbine paper forgotten indicator that warns that copy paper remains in the sorter, 229 is a sorter jam indicator that warns of a jam in the sorter,
330 is a jam indicator that warns of a jam within the copying machine body, etc.; 231 is a paper replenishment indicator that warns that the selected copy paper is out; 232 is a staple replenishment indicator that warns that there is no staple; 233 is a stapling impossible indicator that warns that stapling is not possible; 234 is a stapling limit indicator that warns of stapling limits; 226
Reference numeral 227 is a stapler abnormality indicator that displays abnormal movement of the stapling device, and 227 is a jogger abnormality indicator that displays abnormal movement of the jogger as an aligning device. The operation of the post-processing device will be explained below based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 11 to 13. In FIG. 11, which shows a flowchart of a program that performs the entire operation, first a mode set routine is passed. If there is an instruction from a key on the operation section, the instructed mode is set in this mode set routine. After passing through the mode set routine, check whether manual stapling mode is selected. If YES, stapling is started for the copy bundle discharged to the bin of the sorter, and when it is completed for all the copy bundles, the process returns to the start again. N
If it is O, check whether it is ADF mode and
If it is not F mode, check SADF mode.
．． In the ADF mode, first, it is checked whether a document has been set, and if it is not set, the process returns to the start, and if it is set, it is checked whether the start key is ON. If the start key is not turned on, the process returns to the start process, and if the start key is turned on, the process moves to the copying operation. In the copying operation, first, the original set in the ADF is fed. transport the am onto the contact glass and wait for the original to be read. Next, select the tray containing the paper that matches the size of the original. Then, in order to arrange the copies ejected to the sorter, if the jogger has not moved, move the jogger to a predetermined size position and wait for the copies to be ejected. Next, the set number of copies are made by the copy control routine. When this is completed, the contact discharges the document on the lath, and if there is still a document in the ADF, the document is fed again.

When there are no originals in the ADF, check whether the copies in the copier have been completely ejected. Turn off the copying machine and sorter transport motors. Next, check if you are in auto staple mode,
If auto staple mode is not set, return to start. If the automatic stapling mode is selected, the copied cobby bundle is automatically stapled. First, the cobby bundle in the first bin is stapled, the processed counter is incremented by 1 to remember the completion of stapling for the first bin, and the stapler is moved to the next bin.
Turn on the “Please wait” display. Then, if the stop key is not turned on, the number of output bins is compared with the value of the stapling completed counter, and if they do not match, the process returns to the stapling process for each bin. If they match, clear the processed counter, turn off the "Please wait" display, move the stapler to the home, move the jogger to the home, and check the staple remaining amount sensor. After starting the stapling process for each bin, until the end of stapling when the number of output bins matches the value of the processed counter that counts the stapling process, the control flow returns to the step of checking the start key. Therefore, no new copying operation can be performed. When the stop key is turned on, stapling processing is interrupted.

Stapler remaining staple sensor (near end sensor)
By checking, if the sensor is ON, turn on the staple supply display, and if the sensor is OFF, turn on the staple supply display.
If it is L, the staple replenishment display will be turned off. Next, we will discuss the operation in SADF mode.
If YES in the F mode check, it is checked whether an original has been set, and if it has been set, the original is fed and the tray containing the paper that matches the original size is selected. Next, in order to align the copies, move the jogger and begin copy control operations. When the copying operation for the set number of sheets is completed, the JM document is discharged and the copy is waited for to be discharged to the sorter. When the copy is discharged, the conveyance motor of the copying machine and the sorter are turned off. Then, the process returns to the start and waits for the next manuscript to be inserted.

Next, we will discuss the operation in modes other than ADF and SADF modes (modes in which originals are manually placed on the contact glass). When the start key is turned on during the start key check, the irises are moved to align the copies.
Start copy control operation. When the copying operation for the set number of sheets is completed, wait for the copies to be ejected, turn off the motor, and return to the start again. In FIG. 12, which shows a flowchart of a program for mode setting, first, it is checked whether the key is turned on or not. If it is not turned on, the program returns, and if it is turned on, the program for accepting the key is executed. This key ON check is a program that detects the rise of the key. First, the ONL key is 1
If it is the 0 key, set the data of the ONI and 10 keys on the set number display and return. Next, if the turned ON key is a paper key, each time the key is turned ON, the paper feed tray is switched and set in the order of 3rd → 2nd → 1st → 3rd, and the process returns.

Next, if the ONL key is an ADF key, check whether it is in ADF mode, and if it is not ADF mode,
Reset ADF mode and set ADF mode. already. If it is ADF mode, reset ADF mode and return. Next, if ONL, the key is the SADF key, then SAD
Check whether it is F mode, and if it is not SADF mode, reset ADF mode and set SADF mode. If the stable is in SADF mode, SA
Reset the DF mode and return. Next, if the turned ON key is an interrupt key, check whether it is in interrupt mode or not, and if it is not interrupt mode, store the current mode in RAM and set the standard mode for interrupts. , set interrupt mode and return. If it is already in the interrupt mode, the interrupt mode is reset to the pre-interrupt mode stored in the RAM, and the process returns.

If the interrupt key is not ON, check whether it is in interrupt mode and return if it is in interrupt mode. this is,
This is because the sort, stack, and staple modes are invalid in the interrupt mode.

If it is not in interrupt mode, go to the next step.

If the ONL key is a sort key, check whether it is in sort mode, and if not, reset stack mode and set sort mode. If it is already in sort mode, reset the sort mode and return.

Next, if the ONL key is a stack key, it checks whether it is in stack mode, and if it is not in stack mode, it resets the sort mode and sets stack mode. If it is already in stack mode, reset the stack mode and return. Next, if the ONL key is the staple key, check whether there is paper in the sorter bin, and if there is paper and the staple has not been completed, set the manual staple mode. If the paper has already been stapled, it returns. If there is no paper, it is checked whether the auto staple mode is on, and if it is not the auto staple mode, the auto staple mode is set and the process returns. Also, if it is in auto-stable mode, reset the auto-stapling mode and return. In FIG. 13, which shows a flowchart of a program that performs copy control operations, first, the number of copies is cleared and it is checked whether the ADF mode is selected. If it is not ADF mode, reset the auto staple mode. If in ADF mode, check the ON of the staple key and make sure the key is OFF.
If there is no NI, do nothing and go to the step of adding 1 to the number of copies. When the key is turned on, it checks whether the auto staple mode is on, and if it is the auto staple mode, it resets the auto staple mode, and if it is not the auto staple mode, it sets the auto staple mode. Next, add 1 to the number of copies, feed one sheet from the tray, perform copy control for each sheet (control to read the original image and place the image on the sheet), and output it to which bin of the sorter. The paper discharge control is performed to judge and control the paper size, and the number of paper sheets set and the number of copies are compared, and if they do not match, the paper size is determined. Check whether they are the same, and if the sizes are not different, go to the step of checking whether the ADF mode is on again and repeat the copying operation for the set number of sheets. If the sizes are different, return the jogger to the home position, cancel the operation, and reset the auto staple mode.

Returns if the set number and copy number match. Even if you are in auto stapling mode, which automatically binds the stapler with the stapler after copying is completed, sort, stack, and stapling modes are disabled in interrupt copy mode, so the copy before interrupt copy mode is This prevents the problem of staple binding together with the cobby after the interrupt cobby mode.

According to the present invention, the control unit is configured so that the next copying operation cannot be executed during the stapling operation, so it is possible to prevent recording sheets from multiple jobs from being mixed together. By displaying a "please wait" message on the display that prevents copying during stapling, the operator can recognize the current situation, improving operability.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a side sectional view showing the overall configuration of a copying system to which the present invention is applied, FIG. 2 is a side sectional view showing the configuration of the sorter, and FIG. 3 is the side of the sorter seen from the opposite side of FIG. cross section,
Fig. 4 is a partially cutaway plan view, Fig. 5 is a side view of the sorter seen from the right side of Fig. 2, Fig. 6 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the chuck unit, and Fig. 7 is post-processing. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the stapler as a unit, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the alignment shaft drive unit, FIG. 9 is a plan view showing part of the operation panel of the copying machine, and FIG. 10 is the control system. The block diagram and FIGS. 11 to 13 are flowcharts showing control of parts related to the present invention. 20... Sorter 5S... Bin 61... Stapling device drawer Fig. 6b Fig.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An image forming apparatus comprising an image forming section, a sorter section having a plurality of bins for sorting recording sheets sent from the image forming section, and a stapling device for binding the recording sheets stored in each bin. An image forming apparatus characterized in that the image forming apparatus is controlled to prohibit copying operations after the stapling apparatus starts stapling until the stapling process is completed;