JPH0286554A - Image forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention [Field of Industrial Application] The present invention provides a means for forming an image of an original on copy paper, a means for storing the copy paper on which the image has been formed, and a copy paper stored in the storage means. The present invention relates to post-processing of image forming apparatuses, such as copying machines, facsimile machines, printers, etc., having a stapling device for binding.

[Prior art]

2. Description of the Related Art Copying apparatuses that include a built-in stapling device and use the stapling device to staple copied sheets are known.

Conventionally, stapling was always performed using a stapler with the same stapling ability, regardless of the number of copies. For this reason, for example, if a post-processing device that uses large staples is used to staple a large number of copies, the total length may be too long and staple errors may occur. There were drawbacks such as the staples digging into the copy bundle and damaging the copy bundle.

Conversely, when a large number of copies are stapled using a post-processing device that uses small-sized staples, stapling errors may occur because the staples are short, or the large number of copies cannot be stapled. There was a problem.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned conventional problems and provide an image forming apparatus that can perform appropriate stapling depending on the number of copies.

[Means to solve the problem]

The present invention solves the above problem by providing a stapling device with a plurality of staplers having different maximum stapling thicknesses, a means for detecting the thickness of a stack of copy sheets discharged into a storage means, and a means for detecting the thickness of a stack of copy sheets discharged into a storage means, in response to a detection signal from the thickness detecting means. This has been achieved by an image forming apparatus characterized in that it has means for selecting a stapler with the maximum stitching thickness that is optimal for the thickness of a stack of copy sheets from the plurality of staplers and moving it to a stitching position.

[Effect]

According to the present invention, the thickness of the copy paper stored in the copy paper storage section is detected, a stapler having an appropriate maximum stitching thickness is selected from among a plurality of staplers according to the thickness, and the stapler is positioned at the binding position. Move to.

According to the present invention, it is no longer possible to cause staple errors due to staples being too long or too short.

〔Example〕

The details of the present invention will be explained based on embodiments shown in the drawings.

First, 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, reference numeral 1 indicates the fourth mirror of the exposure optical system;
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
1 is a charging charger, 7 is a photoconductor drum using a selenium photoconductor, 8 is a drum thermistor that detects the surface temperature of the photoconductor drum 7, 9 is a static elimination lamp, 10 is a lens, 11 is a quenching charger (charger after cleaning) )
, 12 is a cleaning unit, 13 is a bias roller, 25 is an FCC (pre-cleaning charger), 14 is an exposure illumination unit consisting of a halogen lamp, etc., and 15 is a first scanning unit which forms a first carriage together with the illumination unit 14 etc. Mirrors 16 and 17 are the second and third mirrors that form the second carriage, 18 is a fixing section that fixes the toner image transferred to the transfer paper, and 19 is the discharge direction of the transfer paper after fixing in the fixing section 18. and an inversion section for controlling the discharge surface, 20
Reference numeral 26 indicates a sorter for sorting the transfer sheets after they are discharged, 26 indicates a separating claw, and 21 indicates a conveyor belt.

The sorter 20 is provided with a staple device for binding documents and a punch for perforating documents if necessary.

Further, 22, 23, 24, 33 are trays for stocking and supplying transfer paper, 22 is a double-sided paper feed tray, 2
3 is a first feeding tray, 24 is a second feeding tray, and 33 is a third feeding tray. 29 is a paper feed roller unit, 30 is a vertical paper transport section, 32 is a horizontal paper transport section, 31 is a paper dust removal roller for removing paper dust from transfer paper, 27 is a separation charger,
2nd is a transfer charger, 35 is a registration roller, 34 is a developer collection container for collecting old developer when replacing developer,
36 is a PTC (pre-transfer charger), 38 is a drum heater for increasing the temperature of the photosensitive drum 7, 37 is a developing unit, 39 is a toner cartridge for replenishing consumed toner, and 40 is for rotating the photosensitive drum 7. Possible supporting drum shaft is shown.

Next, the operation of the copying apparatus 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 eliminating lamp 9, PT
C36, separation charger 27, transfer charger 28, eraser 5, cleaning unit 12, bias roller 13, PCC 25, and quenching charger 11 are driven. 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 morph (not shown). At this time, the leading edge of the image is defined as the part after the position passing from the control section to the reflinning 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. A latent image is formed on the drum 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.

A developing unit 37 visualizes the latent image on the photosensitive drum 7 as a toner image. In this case, the developing unit lift 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 stocked in the second paper feed tray 24 or the third paper feed tray 33 is fed by the paper feed roller unit 29 until a paper detection (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 fir paper transport section 30 or the horizontal paper transport section 32 to the registration rollers 35 that have been stopped in advance, and the toner image on the photoreceptor drum 7 is The registration roller 35 is driven at the timing when the leading edge of the transfer paper matches the leading edge of the transfer paper.

The toner image on the photoreceptor drum 7 is transferred to a transfer paper using a transfer charger. At this time, the surface of the photoreceptor 7 is very smooth, and therefore the adhesion between the photoreceptor drum 7 and the transfer paper is large, so by lowering the potential of the transfer paper using the separation charger 27, the photoreceptor drum 7 and Decreases adhesion to 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 1B, whereby the toner image on the transfer paper is fixed to the transfer paper, and then the transfer paper is discharged via the reversing section 19. The paper is discharged to a paper section, for example, a soak 20. When performing double-sided copying or the like, the paper is discharged 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 and 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. The lamp 9 makes the surface potential constant.

These control timings are obtained mainly from pulses generated in synchronization with the rotation of the photoreceptor drum 7 or reference pulses for driving the photoreceptor drum 7.

Next, the structure of the sorter 20 as a paper discharge section of this embodiment will be explained based on FIGS. 2 to 8.

As shown in FIG. 2, a paper guide 43 is provided at the receiving opening for receiving paper such as transfer paper discharged from the copying machine, followed by a vertical conveyor belt for transporting the copies upward to the first stage. 44.42, switching claw 46, upper switching guide temporary 4
5. A lower switching guide plate 47 is provided. Switching claw 4
A pair of paper ejection rollers 48, 49 and a paper ejection tray 54 are provided in the upper path by the switching claw 46, and a plurality of paper sheets (in the example shown in the figure) are arranged in parallel with the vertical direction and arranged upwardly. 20 sheets) of the bin 55 on the paper (copy) insertion side.

A deflection claw 64, a pair of rollers including a conveyance roller 62, and a discharge roller 63 are provided at a position corresponding to each bin on the vertical feeding path, and a plurality of conveyance rollers 62 provided at appropriate intervals are provided with a pair of rollers. A driven roller 65 is in pressure contact with the vertical feed path. The above-mentioned conveyance belts 44, 42, discharge rollers 48, 49, conveyance roller 62, and discharge roller 63 are driven by the drive motor 41.

Shafts provided with two pulleys 53 and 69 at the upper and lower sides of the bin group, respectively, are supported by the machine frame, and the lower shaft is connected to a mokuro 8 for moving the post-processing unit. A post-processing unit moving belt 66 is passed between the upper and lower two pairs of bools, 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 5L, a guide rail 67 is provided on the side of the bin group, extending vertically as well as over almost the entire height of the sorter.

A sheet of paper (copy) discharged from the copying device is inserted through the entrance guide plate 43, sandwiched between a pair of conveyor belts 42 and 44, and conveyed to the upper part.

If we are currently in the normal paper ejection mode (a mode in which paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray 54), the switching claw 46 is lowered and the paper is moved along the upper switching guide plate 47 to the paper ejection roller pair 48.
49, the paper is discharged onto the paper discharge 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 paper is conveyed downward along the lower switching guide +7i45. The paper conveyed by the conveyance roller 62 and the driven roller 65 is discharged to the bin 55 at the location where the deflection claw 64 is activated. The deflection claw 64 moves according 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. Also, the first sheet of the second piece is discharged to the first bin 55, and the second sheet is discharged to the second bin 55, respectively. In this manner, in the sort mode, pages 1, 2, 3, etc. are discharged into one bin in the order of page J.

In the stack mode, the deflection claw 64 operates so as to discharge all of the first page of paper into the first bin and to discharge the second page of paper into the second bin. In this way, in the stack mode, sheets of the same page are discharged into one bin and are sorted page by page.

In addition, the deflection claw 64 can be used in sort mode or stack mode.
If there is a jam in the vicinity, there is a function to discharge the sheets after the jammed sheet in front of the switching claw 46 from within the sorter.

In this case, when a jam occurs, the switching claw 46 is switched, and the copy that comes later is ejected to the paper ejection tray 54 without being jammed. The copies discharged to the paper discharge tray 54 can be placed into a predetermined bin by the manual feed roller 50 from the manual feed table 52 after the jam is removed.

In addition, even in cases other than jams, when paper is inserted from the manual feed table 52, it is also possible to discharge the paper to each bin and sort it according to the mode. The post-processing function that performs post-processing on the sheets sorted in this way will be described 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, the post-processing unit moving belt 66 is moved up and down via the lower pulley 69 and the upper pulley 53, and the guide unit is moved accordingly. 51 up and down. The guide unit 51 has a car, and the guide rail 67
It is designed to move along the

The chuck unit 60 means that the paper bundle is transferred to the post-processing unit 6.
This is a device that transports the device to the first position and returns it to the original position after post-processing.

In FIG. 2, the home sensor 5 is detected by the home detection piece 57.
6 is turned on, and the paper stored in the first bin is ready for post-processing. 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.
The sun is turned on and the after-treatment unit movement motor 68 is turned off.
Then, the post-processing unit 61 is stopped. Then, the post-processing unit 61 performs the post-processing for the second bin, and when the post-processing for the paper in the predetermined bin is finished, the post-processing unit 61
Transfer to Home Posisilane.

In this way, post-processing of a plurality of copy bundles can be performed.

The sheets stored in a plurality of bins (20 in the figure) 55 can each be subjected to post-processing by a post-processing device 61, for example, a stapling device, and the paper discharge tray 54 is connected to the post-processing device 6.
Here, the paper discharge tray 54, which cannot be subjected to post-processing according to No. 1, is referred to as a non-post-processing discharge paper storage section, and the bin 55 is referred to as a discharge paper storage section, and is included in the storage section.

FIG. 3 is a view from the opposite side of FIG.

In FIG. 3, things that could not be expressed in FIG. 2 will be explained.

The sorter of this embodiment is a 20-bin sorter, each with 1
It is divided into two blocks of 0 bins each, and the upper block has a bin sensor 76.79 and a paper ejection sensor 77.78.
There is a bin sensor 81.84 and a paper ejection sensor 80.83 in the lower block. Further, the paper ejection tray 54 also has a paper ejection sensor 99. These sensors are
It is a transmission type optical detection sensor consisting of an LED and a phototransistor. The paper ejection sensor 77.78.80.83.98.99 detects whether paper has been ejected, and the bin sensor 76.79.8L8'4 determines whether there is paper in the bin. be. 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, multiple sheets of paper must be aligned, so the sorter of the present invention has the following features:
It comes with joggers as described below.

In FIGS. 3 and 5, the rotation of the pulley 85 by the jogger moving motor 82 is transmitted to the drive shaft 96 via the jigger drive belt 86, and the drive shaft 96 rotates. The upper jogger moving belt 73 and the lower jogger moving belt 8 are rotated by the pulleys 74 and 87 fixed to the drive shaft 96.
8 and is fixed to the upper jogger moving belt 73 and the lower jigger moving belt 8
8 is moved. 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 jigger drive motor 82.

When the paper is discharged into the bin 55, the paper discharge sensor 77.
78 or 80.83 is detected, the alignment shaft drive unit 95 is activated, the alignment temporary 70 is moved by the alignment shaft 71, and the sheets are aligned. The alignment plate 70 is attached to an alignment shaft 71. After finishing the post-processing, the jogger moving motor 82 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 time the sheets are ejected, they are aligned and prepared 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 of paper can be aligned. Further, the alignment plate 70 rotates as shown by the arrow to align the sheets. At this time,
In order to hold the other edge of the paper in place, use the edge presser temporary 97.
There is. This end face retainer 97 is attached to the chuck unit 60.
It is designed to move according to the movement of.

As shown in FIG. 5, which is a view from the right side of FIG. It can be stopped at. The shaft fixing unit 72 also stops in synchronization with the alignment shaft drive unit 95. 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. 6A is a detailed view of the chuck unit 60.

The chuck unit 60 grabs the stack of sheets on the bin 55 and transfers it to a post-processing unit (not shown in FIG. 6A).
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 l direction, the worm gear 100 rotates and the gear 101 moves in the
The moving plate 113, the upper chuck finger 109, the lower chuck finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the B direction via the spiral hole (105). When moving in direction B, the position detection piece 103 turns on the home sensor 102 and stops the motor 107.

Conversely, when the motor 107 rotates in the G direction, gear 1
01 in the J direction, moving rod 105, moving plate 113
, the upper chuck finger 109, the lower chuck finger 110, and the push plate 112 move in the A direction.

When moving in the inward direction, 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 chunk upper finger 1
09 is lowered in the D direction by the pull rod 108, and the bundle of paper (
(not shown).At this time, the end face presser plate 97 is rotated in the F direction by the presser 112 so that it does not interfere with the movement of the sheet bundle.

Then, when the motor 107 rotates in the H direction, the paper stack is
It can be brought in direction B. When the push plate 112 returns to direction B, the end face press plate 97 attempts to return to its original position due to the spring 111, but since the paper stack is already on top, it remains stopped at the paper stack. When the moving plate 113 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 paper stack to the A direction. When the position detection piece 103 turns on the tip position detection sensor 104, the motor 10
7 is stopped, the solenoid 114 is set to 0FFL, the upper chuck finger 109 is raised by the coil spring 115, the paper stack is returned to its original position, and the end face presser plate 97 is also released by the spring 11.
1 returns to the original position. And motor 107
rotates in the H direction, returns the moving plate 113 to the home position, and stops. In this manner, the chuck unit 60 carries the stack of sheets discharged onto the bin to the post-processing device and returns them to their original position.

When grasping a stack of paper by chucking, use the upper chuck finger 10
The gripping position 9 changes depending on the thickness of the paper bundle. When there is no paper, the solenoid 114 pulls the paper onto the chuck.
Finger 109 is pulled to the bottom and touches chunk lower finger 110. With this position as a reference, the length of descent of the upper chuck finger 110 is proportional to the thickness of the sheet bundle.

A lever 109a carries the upper chuck finger 109, is connected to a tension rod 108, and is swingably supported by a support shaft 109b.
A thickness sensing filler 109c is provided at the free end of the chuck unit 60, and a thickness sensor 124 is attached to the chuck unit 60. The thickness of the sheet bundle is detected by detecting the amount of movement of the thickness detection filler 109 by the thickness sensor 124. The thickness sensor 124 is connected to the LE as shown in FIGS. 6B-D.
It can be formed as a transmission type optical detection sensor consisting of a D124b and a phototransistor 124a, and as shown in FIG. The thickness of the paper bundle is detected based on the position of the phototransistor 124a.

Five slits 125 are provided to transmit light for detection by the phototransistor 124a, each having a scale mark of 1.
26 is attached.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a stapler as an example of the post-processing unit 61.

This stapler presses and bends staples 119 supplied from a cartridge 117 when a motor 116 is turned on by an electric signal. The staples 119 are connected in a band shape with a thin tape and are stored in the cartridge 117 in a rolled-up manner. Furthermore, when the end of the staple passes a near-end sensor (reflective sensor that reads optically) 118, a near-end signal is output.

FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the alignment shaft drive unit 95 shown in FIGS. 3 and 5. FIG.

When the output shaft of the motor 120 supported by a base plate 123 that is movable by rollers 90 guided by rails 89 makes one rotation, the alignment plate 70 engages with the cam 121 attached to the output shaft 120 and the cam 121. arrow A through the lever 122 and the alignment shaft 71 to which the lever 122 is fixed.
B Rotates back and forth in a fan shape in the force direction. In this manner, motor 120 rotates once each time a sheet is ejected into the bin to align the copies.

The post-processing unit 1-61 shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a multi-stapler unit having a plurality of staplers.

Stapler unit 129.130, 13L 1
32 are staplers each having a different maximum stitching thickness;
are fixed to the rotation support plate 133 at predetermined angular intervals. Gear 1 is attached to the central shaft fixed to the rotation support plate 133.
36 is fixed, and the gear 136 meshes with a worm 135 fixed to the output shaft of the motor 134. When the motor 134 is energized, the rotation support plate 133 is rotated.

Home position detection hole 137 in rotation support plate 133
is formed. The position where the home position detection hole 137 is detected by the home position sensor 138 is the home position of the rotary support plate 133, that is, the home position of the multi-stapler unit.

Furthermore, each stapler, unit 1 is mounted on the rotation support plate 133.
Each stapler unit 129 has a set position detection hole 139 for detecting the set position of 29, 130, 131, and 132, that is, the staple operable position.
．． One address is provided for 130.131.132. When the set position sensor 140 detects the set position detection hole 139, the stapler unit corresponding to the set position detection hole is set to the operable position. Home position sensor 1
38 and the set position sensor 140 can be located at angular positions on each side, but they can also be located at the same position. Normally home position detection hole 139
and the seven position detection holes 139 are located on the rotation support plate 13.
In order to ensure reliable detection, it is convenient to form them at different radial positions with respect to the central axis of No. 3.

The motor 134 is energized by a signal from the control unit to rotate the rotary support plate 133. When the rotary support plate 133 is stopped when the corresponding position detection hole 139 is detected, the selected desired stapler unit is activated. Set in ready position. Therefore, the paper bundle 141 is
The chuck unit shown in the figure is used to insert the stapler in the direction of the arrow in FIG. 7, and the stapler unit is actuated by the staple drive signal to perform the stapling operation.

A plurality of stapler units 129.130.131.
132, the height of the stack of sheets 143 discharged into the bin 55 of the sorter is detected. copy bundle 1
As shown in FIG. 10, a shaft 145 is rotatably supported above the paper stack 141 as a detection device for detecting the height of the sheet 41, and a detection lever 144 is fixed to the shaft 145. The detection lever 144 is formed in a curved shape so that the ejected paper can smoothly pass under the detection lever 144.

The detection lever 144 is pushed up by the paper as shown by the arrow and rotates the shaft 145. Detection filler 1 is installed on the shaft 145.
46 is fixed. A plurality of height detection sensors are arranged on the sorter. Although the figure shows an example in which a first height sensor 147 and a second height sensor 148 are arranged, the number of sensors is not limited to 27 and is determined depending on the type to be detected. In the example of FIG. 10, the paper stack is thin until the detection filler 146 turns on the first height sensor 147, and after the first height sensor 147 turns on, the second rear height 2 height -14
8 indicates a medium-thick paper stack, and after the second height sensor 148 turns ON, a thick paper stack is indicated. The thickness of the stack of sheets to be stapled is detected by the activation of the detection filler 146 of the height sensor, the stapler unit corresponding to the thickness is selected, and the rotary support plate 133 is rotated to place it in the operable position. do.

FIG. 11 shows a part of the operation section of the above-mentioned copying apparatus.

Reference numeral 201 is a start key for instructing to start copying;
202 is a numeric keypad for inputting the number of copies, etc.;
203 is a clear/stono knob key for instructing to clear the set number and start copying 204 is a set number display that displays the number of copies set, 205 is a copy number display that displays the number of copies, and 206 is a document that displays the number of originals. A number of sheets display 207 is a paper size display 208 that displays the copy paper size set in each paper feed tray.
209 is a paper remaining amount indicator that displays the remaining amount of copy paper set in each tray, and 209 is set to a mode (automatic paper selection mode) that automatically selects the most suitable copy paper based on document size information, etc. 210 is a paper key for selecting the copy paper; 211 is a paper size selection display for displaying which copy paper size is selected; 212 is the copying machine's Wait a moment indicator that displays Preparing, 2
13 is a copy ready indicator that indicates that the copying device is ready; 214 is a sort key for instructing the sort mode; 215 is a sort mode indicator that indicates that the sort mode is set; 216 217 is a stack mode indicator to indicate that the stack mode is set; 21B is a DF key to indicate automatic document feeder (ADF) mode; 219 is an automatic key. Document feeder (
220 is a staple key for instructing the stapling mode; 221 is a stapling mode indicator for indicating that the stapling mode is set; 222 is the single-sided/duplex mode key for instructing to make one double-sided copy from two single-sided originals; 223 is the single-sided/duplex mode indicator to indicate that the single-sided/duplex mode is set; 224 is the single-sided/duplex mode key duplex single-sided mode key 22 for instructing to make two single-sided copies from a double-sided original;
5 is a double-sided mode key to indicate that the duplex single-sided mode is set, 226 is a duplex duplex mode key to indicate that one double-sided copy is to be made from one double-sided original, and 227 is a duplex mode key. 228 is a sorter bin paper forgotten indicator to warn that there is copy paper remaining in the soak bin; 229 is a sorter jam indicator to warn of a jam in the sorter. , 230 is a jam indicator that warns of a jam in the main body of the copying machine, 231 is a paper replenishment indicator that warns that the selected copy paper is out, and 232 is a staple replenishment indicator that warns that there is no staple. display,
233 is a stapling impossible indicator that warns that stapling is not possible, and 234 is a stapling limit indicator that warns of stapling limits.

235 is a manual stapling mode key for instructing the start of stapling on the copy paper on the sorter bin, unlike the stapling key 220 which automatically staples following collation in the sort mode, and 236 is a manual stapling mode key. This is a manual stapling mode indicator indicating that the mode is in progress.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the control system in the present invention.

This control is centered around the CPU 300, ROM 301, RA
M302, IN boat 303, OUT boat) 304, I
This is a micro combinator system consisting of 10 boats 305. By using the ROM 301 in which the program is written, the IN boat 30 can be operated while using the RAM 302 at any time.
In response to various input signals from 3, the OUT boat 304 outputs controlled signals to control the copying machine and the sorter. The control of the sorter also includes processing operations (such as stapling operations) after sorting the sheets. Further, a control unit of the ADF 3 is connected to the I10 port 305 and exchanges signals with the CPU 300. A.D.
F3 feeds the original onto the contact glass according to a signal from the CPU, and discharges the original when exposure is completed. In addition, in double-sided original mode (double-sided single-sided mode, double-sided duplex 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 ejected. It looks like this. Further, a bank-up battery 306 is connected to the RAM 302, and serves as a non-volatile memory.

The operation of the post-processing device of the image forming apparatus will be explained below.

In FIG. 13, when the power is turned on to the image forming apparatus, the process starts, and the number of sheets to be set is inputted from the numeric keypad in a subroutine for inputting the number of sheets to be set. Sort or stack mode is then selected by the sorter's mode set subroutine.

Determine whether or not a document is set in the ADF. If it is set, check the copy prohibition status, and if copy is prohibited, the process will end. If copy is not prohibited, it will remain in standby mode until the start key is pressed. becomes.

Here, copy prohibition means a state such as after copying has been interrupted.

When the start key is pressed, drive system motors such as the main motor are turned on.

Next, the document is fed as shown in FIG.

That is, a document feed signal is sent to the ADF, and the document is set at a copyable position on the contact glass.

Then, clear the copy number counter, etc., and check whether the sort or stack mode is selected. When the sort or stack mode is selected, the switching claw 46 is raised to output the paper to the bin 55. When the sort or stack mode is not selected, the switching claw 46 is lowered and the paper is output to the bin 55.
so that it is discharged.

In this state, a copying operation is performed under copy control, and paper ejection control for the paper that is ejected after copying is performed by a paper ejection control subroutine. Thereafter, copying and paper ejection are performed until the number of copies matches the set number.

- Since the copying of the original document is completed, a document discharge signal is sent to the ADF, and the document on the contact glass is discharged.

If there is a document remaining in the ADF, feed the next document and repeat the above operation. If there is no original, the main motor is turned off and the drive motor is turned off after waiting for the completion of paper ejection to the sorter.

Next, the post-processing subroutine performs a stapling operation and ends the process.

The subroutine for inputting the number of sheets to be set is as shown in FIG. 15, and checks whether the numeric keypad has been pressed.
The pressed ten key data is stored in the RAM, the cent number display is lit according to the cent RAM data, and the process returns.

The mode set subroutine for the sorter is shown in FIG. 16, and checks whether the sort key or stack key has been pressed.

When the sort key is pressed, it checks whether it is already in sort mode, and if it is already in sort mode, it resets the sort mode and turns on the sorter paper forgotten indicator.
FF! , to return.

If it is not in sort mode, set the sort mode and reset the stack mode.

When the stack key is pressed, it checks whether it is already in the stack mode, and if it is already in the stack mode, it resets the stack mode and sets the sorter paper forgotten indicator to 0FFI.
, and return. If not, set stack mode and reset sort mode.

When the sort mode or the stack mode is set, it is checked whether there is paper in the upper bin sensor, and if there is no paper, the deflection claw of the first bin is turned on, the first bin discharge is selected, and the process returns. If there is paper, check whether there is paper in the lower bin sensor, and if there is no paper, turn on the deflection claw of the 11th bin, that is, the 1st bin of the lower bin group, select 11th bin discharge, and return. .

If both the upper and lower bin sensors detect the bin, the sorter paper forgotten indicator is turned on and the process returns.

The paper ejection control subroutine is formed as shown in FIG. 17, and controls ejection according to the sort or stack mode.
I do.

First, it is checked whether the paper ejection sensor is ON, and when the paper ejection sensor is ON, the paper ejection counter is counted up by 1 to check whether the mode is sort mode or stack mode. When in sort mode, turn off the deflection claw of the current bin.
and set the deflection claw of the bin one bin below the current one to ONL, so that the paper is ejected to the bin one bin below.

The return operation is repeated until the number of discharged sheets reaches the set number, and when the set number is reached, the deflection claw is set to 0FFL for the next sorting operation, the deflection claw of the bin at the tip of the bin block is turned ON, and the process returns.

In the stacked mode, it checks whether all the copy sheets for one document have been ejected, that is, whether the number of ejected sheets has reached the set number. If the set number is not reached, the process returns, and when the number of cents is reached, the next For the stack operation, turn the deflection claw 0FFLI, turn the deflection claw below the bin ONL, that is, turn on the deflection claw of the bin just one below, and return.

The post-processing subroutine is as shown in FIG. 18, in which a forward drive signal is sent to the chuck unit to advance the chuck toward the bin, and a close drive signal is sent to the chuck unit 2 to remove the paper (copy) stack. Then, it sends a backward drive signal to the chuck unit and pulls the paper stack toward the stapling unit.

When a stack of sheets is inserted into the staple unit, a staple drive signal is sent to the staple unit, and a stapling operation is performed by a staple control subroutine.

When the stapling operation is completed, a forward drive signal is sent to the chuck unit to return the paper stack to the bin, and an open drive signal is sent to the chuck unit to release the paper stack.

A post-processing completion check is performed, and if there is still a stack of sheets to be processed, the post-processing unit is moved to the next bin and the above-mentioned operations are repeated.

Returns after processing all paper bundles.

The stapling control subroutine is formed as shown in FIG. 19, detects the thickness of the ejected paper by the thickness sensor of the chuck unit, selects the most suitable stapler capable of stapling, and if stapling is not possible, selects the optimal stapler capable of stapling. Set over status. In Figure 19, first reset the over status and check the thickness sensor! 24
Detects the thickness of the paper stack when it is gripped. Staple capacity, that is, the thickness that can be stapled
As A≦stapler-B≦...≦stapler n,
Check whether stapling is possible with stapler A. If possible, select stapler A. If stapling is not possible, check whether stapler B is possible. Check each stapler in turn and select an appropriate stapler. Select the capacity stapler. The selected stapler is rotated to a set position, that is, a position where stapling is possible. If the paper thickness is such that it cannot be stapled by any stapler, an over status is set and the process returns.

In this specification, copy paper is not limited to paper copied by a copying device, but broadly refers to paper on which an image is recorded by a facsimile machine, a printer, etc.

〔effect〕

According to the present invention, unlike detecting the thickness based on the height of the paper stored in a bin, the thickness of the paper is detected while it is gripped by the chuck unit, so the thickness can be detected reliably and the stack of paper It is now possible to select the stapler with the optimal maximum binding thickness according to the thickness of the paper.
Stapling errors caused by inappropriate staples have been eliminated, and stapling workability has been improved.

[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 a side sectional view showing the configuration of the sorter. 4 is a partially cutaway top view, FIG. 5 is a side view of the sorter seen from the right side of FIG. 2, FIG. 6A is a perspective view showing the configuration of the chuck unit, and FIG. Figure 6B is a perspective view of the thickness sensor, Figure 6C is an explanatory front view of the thickness sensor, Figure 6 is an explanatory front view showing the state in which the thickness sensor is shielded from light by a thickness detection filler, and Figure 6 is an explanatory front view of the thickness sensor. FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the post-processing unit, FIG. 8 is a perspective view showing the configuration of the alignment shaft drive unit 2, FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the multi-staple unit, and FIG. 10 is paper thickness detection on the bin. A perspective view of the device, FIG. 11 is a plan view showing part of the operation panel of the copying device, FIG. 12 is a block diagram of the control system, and FIGS. 13 to 19 are main operations and controls related to the invention. 2 is a flowchart showing the flow of FIG. 20... Sorter (storage means) 55... Bin (storage means) 60... Chuck unit 61... Stapling device 109... Chuck upper finger 109C... Thickness detection filler 110... Lower chuck finger 124... Thickness sensor 129.130.131.132... Staple unit 133... Rotating support plate (moving means) 134... Motor (moving means) 143... Paper stack (etc.) 1 person) Funeral map No. F No. 6 (B) (D) 24b 24a zu≧=I2 deception-1-no1i1-eup Fig. 17

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] An image forming apparatus comprising means for forming an image of a document on copy paper, means for storing the copy paper on which the image has been formed, and a stapling device for stapling the copy paper stored in the storage means, The stapling device includes a plurality of staplers having different maximum stapling thicknesses, a moving means for grasping and moving a stack of copy sheets between the storage means and a stapling position by the stapler, and a moving means provided on the moving means for holding the grasped copies. means for detecting the thickness of the stack of paper; and means for selecting a stapler with the maximum stitching thickness that is optimal for the thickness of the stack of copy sheets from the plurality of staplers and moving it to a binding position in accordance with the detection signal of the thickness detecting means. An image forming apparatus comprising: