JPH0443089A - Sorter equipped with stapling mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To miniaturize the title sorter as a whole without allowing the width of the sorter to protrude by providing the stapler and a distributing means so as to make both of them movable in the same region. CONSTITUTION:The home position of a stapler unit 30 is provided so as to be set further downward from the arranging region of distributing bins 2 and, when stapling is performed after the distributing operation due to a distributing means is completed, the stapler unit 30 is controlled so as to rise along a guide rail 28 but the stapling of the respective distributing bins 2 may be executed while the stapler unit 30 is allowed to fall after moved to the position of the distributing bin 2 of the uppermost stage or while the stapler unit 30 is allowed to rise from the distributing bin 2 of the lowermost stage. Since a stapler 55 is arranged so as to rise and fall in the same region as the rising and falling region of the distributing means, a sorter can be miniaturized and it is prevented that the sorter protrudes in its lateral direction by the arrangement of the stapler 55.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION [Industrial Field of Application] This invention relates to a plurality of distribution bins and a sheet distributing means that is movably provided along the plurality of distribution bins and distributes sheets to the respective distribution bins. The present invention relates to a sorter with a step ring mechanism, which is equipped with a stapler that steps and stitches sheets stored in distribution bins for each distribution bin.

[Prior Art] Generally, a sorter is connected to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, and sorts sheets ejected from the image forming apparatus by arranging the pages in a plurality of distribution bins and storing them.

Some sorters are equipped with a step ring mechanism that steps and stitches sheets stored and stacked in a distribution bin.

For example, the sorter disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Application Publication No. 63-1853 is provided with a stapler and a distribution bin moving mechanism that are movable up and down on the left and right sides of the distribution bin. After stopping, the distribution bin moving mechanism moves the distribution bin to the step ring position of the stapler for stepping.

Further, the sorter disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 1-281258 has a stapler and sheet pulling means that are integrally provided so as to be movable up and down along the left and right sides of a plurality of distribution bins, and the stapler and sheet pulling means are provided for each distribution bin. When the means stops, a pair of upper and lower gripping portions of the sheet pulling means grip the sheet bundle and pull it to the step ring position of the stapler to perform stepping.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, in each of the above conventional examples, either the stapler and the distribution bin moving mechanism are provided on the left and right sides of the distribution bin, or the stapler and the sheet pulling means are provided on the left and right sides of the distribution bin. Since the sorter is provided in a section, the width of the sorter becomes large, and there is a problem in that when the sorter is attached to an image forming apparatus such as a copying machine, the width of the sorter protrudes to a greater extent than the width of the image forming apparatus.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a sorter with a step ring mechanism that does not make the width of the sorter protrude due to the addition of a step ring, and which is made smaller as a whole.

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is characterized in that the stapler and the dispensing means are provided so as to be movable in the same area.

[Operation] In this invention, the stapler and the distribution means move in the same area.

[Example] An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a longitudinal section of this sorter.

Referring to FIG. 1, the sorter is attached to and detached from an image forming apparatus (the path shown in the figure) such as a copying machine on the right side of the figure.

A plurality of distribution bins 2 are arranged vertically within a frame 1 of this sorter. A guide member 3 is movably attached to the sheet input end side of the distribution bin 2.

A dedicated bin 4 is provided above the distribution bin 2 for storing sheets in a non-sort mode in which sorting is not performed.

A guide roller 5 and a conveyance path 6 are provided to guide sheets such as copy sheets discharged from the image forming apparatus into the sorter. A sheet sensor 7 is provided at the entrance to detect the presence or absence of a sheet, and when the sheet sensor 7 detects the introduction of a sheet in the sort mode, the guide roller 5, conveyance belt 11, and suction means 12 are driven.

The terminal end of the conveyance path 6 is connected to the dedicated bin 4.

On the other hand, in the middle of the conveyance path 6, a switching pawl 9 for selecting whether to send the sheet to the dedicated bin 4 or the distribution bin 2 is provided so as to be vertically swingable.

The conveyance direction of the sheet is switched by the entry of the switching claw 9 into the conveyance path 6, and the sheet is sent to each distribution bin 2 via a conveyance means and a distribution means to be described later.

The conveyance means conveys the sheet downward while sucking the sheet. This conveyance means includes a conveyor belt 11 with suction holes stretched between upper and lower pulleys 10, and a conveyor belt 11 with suction holes stretched between upper and lower pulleys 10.
1 and a suction means 12 such as a fan for adhering the sheet to the sheet.

The distribution means 13 separates the sheet from the conveyance means and discharges the sheet into a selected distribution bin. This distribution means 13 includes a peeling guide member 13 that peels the sheet from the conveyor belt 11 and guides the sheet to the distribution bin 2.
1a, 131b, and this peeling guide member 131a, 1
It is generally composed of a discharge roller 14 which is provided at 3 lb and forcibly conveys the sheet toward a distribution bin. Further, the distribution means 13 is fixed to a pair of left and right lifting timing belts 16 stretched between upper and lower pulleys 15.

Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the pulley 15 below the distribution means 13 is connected by a connecting shaft 17. A pulley 18 provided on this connecting shaft 17 has a belt 19 and a pulley 20.
, a shaft 21, a helical gear 22, a worm gear 231, and a gear 232.
4 pinion 25. Clutch mechanism 23
is for connecting and disconnecting the driving connection between the pinion 25 of the motor 24 and the helical gear 22.

The distribution means 13 is guided along a guide rail 28 via rollers 27 on both sides thereof. This guide rail 28 also serves as a guide for a stapler unit 30, which will be described later.

A photoelectric sheet sensor 29 consisting of a pair of light emitting elements and light receiving elements is installed at the height of the upper and lower ends of the lifting area of the distribution means 13 and the stapler unit 30. This is to detect the passage of the sheet discharged into the second position. This seat sensor 2
As described later, when the guide member 3, which is movably provided with respect to the distribution bin 2, is pulled into the step ring position of the stapler 55, it is also possible to detect whether or not there is a sheet on the guide member 3. It is possible.

A stapler unit 30 is provided to move up and down the lifting area of the distribution means 13. This stapler unit 30 includes a stapler 55, sheet pressing means 26, and guide member pulling means 57 (to be described later).
(See Figure 3).

The Stepler unit 30 is coupled to a pair of left and right lifting timing belts 32 stretched between upper and lower pulleys 31 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The lower pulley 31 is connected by a connecting shaft 33.

A pulley 34 provided on this connecting shaft 33 has a belt 35,
Pulley 36, shaft 37, helical gear 38, worm gear 3
The pinion 25 of the motor 24 is connected to the pinion 25 of the motor 24 via a clutch mechanism 39 having a gear 392 and a gear 392 . The clutch mechanism 39 connects and disconnects the pinion 25 of the motor 24 and the helical gear 38 .

The stapler unit 30 is guided along the guide rail 28 via rollers 41 on both sides thereof.

The clutch mechanism 23.39 selects whether or not to drive the distribution means 13 and stapler unit 30. Also, each worm gear 231.391
The vertical movement of the dispensing means 13 and stapler unit 30 is detected by the slit disk 43.44 and photoelectric sensor 45.46 provided integrally with the dispensing bin 2 to accurately feed each distributing bin 2 up and down. ing.

As shown in FIG. 1, the positions near the top and bottom distribution bins 2 are the home positions of the distribution means 13 and stapler unit 30, respectively.

A positioning means is provided for positioning the sheet discharged onto the distribution bin 2 with approximately the center of the distribution bin 2 as a reference. As shown in FIG. 2, this positioning means is connected to a pulley 49 on one side of the uppermost distribution bin 2 via a pulley 47 and a belt 48, and is connected to a pulley 51 via this pulley 49 and a belt 50. A pair of left and right positioning members 52 are coupled to the belt 50 so as to face each other. As shown in FIG. 1, a pair of left and right positioning members 52 are connected to each distribution pin 2 via a connecting shaft 53 to the positioning member 52 of the uppermost distribution bin 2.

That is, by rotating the belt 50 in the forward and reverse directions, the positioning members 52 are moved toward and away from each other, and push the sheets from the left and right to position the sheets distributed in the distribution bins based on the center of the distribution bin 2. ing.

3 is a plan view of the stapler unit 30 and the guide member 3, and FIG. 4 is a rear view of the stapler unit 30 with some parts omitted.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the stapler unit 30
A stapler 55 and sheet pressing means 56 are integrally provided on a base 54 so as to be movable in the width direction of the guide member 3, and pulling means 57 for the guide member 3 are provided at the left and right ends of the base 54. There is.

A pressing means 56 is integrally provided on the side of the stapler 55. Then, the stepping roller 55 has a running wheel 58.
is provided and connected to a belt 59, the belt 59 is stretched between a pair of pulleys 60, and one pulley 6
0 is connected to a motor 61.

That is, the rotation of the motor 61 causes the stapler 55 and the pressing means 56 to be horizontally moved in the width direction of the guide member 3 via the belt 59.

A square shaft 62 is supported on the base 54 via a bearing 63.
This square shaft 62 is passed through the pressing means 56 and the pulling means 57, and a pulley 64 provided on this square shaft 62 is connected to a motor 67 via a belt 65 and a pulley 66. The forward and reverse rotation of the square shaft 62 causes the pressing means 56 and the pulling means 57 to advance and retreat with respect to the guide member 3 via a pinion rack mechanism described later.

That is, by forward and reverse rotation of the motor 67, the pressing means 56 and the pulling means 57 are moved forward and backward with respect to the guide member 3 through the forward and reverse rotation of the square shaft 62.

FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pulling means 57 and the guide member 3;
FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressing means 56, and FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the stapler 55.

The attracting means 57 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5.

A pinion 68 is fitted onto the square shaft 62, a rack 69 is meshed with the pinion 68, and a support frame 70 is integrally provided with the rack 69. Support frame 7
A pin 72 of a locking member 75 is engaged with an elongated hole 71 formed at 0, and this locking member 75 is swingably fixed to a support frame 70 about a fulcrum shaft 74. A biasing spring 76 is interposed between the support frame 70 and the lock member 75 to bias the lock member 75 downward.

On the other hand, a guide shaft 77 is fixed to the base 54, and a support frame 70 and a lock member 75 are slidably provided on the guide shaft 77. That is, by forward and reverse rotation of the square shaft 62, the pinion 68, rack 69, and support frame 70
The lock member 75 is configured to move back and forth along the guide shaft 77 via the guide shaft 77. A pin 78 thrown integrally with the lock member 75 and an elongated hole 79 provided in the support frame 70 restrict the range of movement of the lock member 75 in the front-rear direction. 75a is a lock pin that engages with the guide member 3.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 3, and 5, the guide member 3
Explain.

The guide member 3 is provided on the sorting input end side of each distribution bin 2 so as to be movable with respect to the distribution bin 2 .

A regulating portion 80 for aligning and regulating one end of the sheet is erected at the sheet input end of the guide member 3, and the guide member 3 is pulled into the step ring position of the stapler 55 during stepping when the stapler 55 and the pressing means 56 are moved. A notch 81a181b in which is located is formed at the center in the width direction and at one end.

Guide member 3 and base 5 of the stapler unit 30
4 respectively have through holes 82.4 for the beams of the sheet sensors 29.
83 is formed, and the guide member 3 is a step schnitte 3.
When pulled toward the 0 side, both through holes 82 and 83 overlap, allowing the beam of the sheet sensor 29 to pass when there is no sheet on the guide member 3, but when there is a sheet on the guide member 3, the beam passes through. cut off. Thereby, the presence or absence of a sheet on the guide member 3 is detected, and the drive control of the stapler 55 is performed so that stepping is performed only when there is a sheet.

Guide plates 84 are provided at the left and right ends of the guide member 3, and can be smoothly moved back and forth by rollers 86 provided on the side frames 85. side frame 8
A return spring 87 is interposed between the guide member 5 and the guide member 3 to return the guide member 3 that has been pulled out.

Lock portions 88 are provided on the left and right sides of the guide member 3 to engage the lock pins 75a of the lock members 75 of the pulling means 57.

With reference to FIGS. 3, 4 and 6, the pressing means 5
6 will be explained.

A pinion 89 is fitted to the square shaft 62, a rack 90 is meshed with the pinion 89, a support frame 91 is integrally provided with the rack 90, and the support frame 91
is adapted to move back and forth along the guide shaft 92.

A solenoid 93 is provided at the upper part of the support frame 91, and a link 95 that swings back and forth around a fulcrum shaft 94 is connected to a lever 93a of this solenoid 93, and this link 95 is connected to the fulcrum shaft via a buffer spring 96. It is connected to a link 97 that swings up and down about 94. The tip of this link 97 is connected to a guide pin 98, which is moved up and down along an elongated hole 99 and is connected to a sheet pressing member 100.

A pressing member 1 is provided between the link 97 and the support frame 91.
A return spring 101 is interposed to separate 00 from the seat.

That is, the square shaft 62 is rotated in the normal direction to advance the pressing member 100 via the pinion 89, rack 90, and support frame 91, and the solenoid 93 attracts the lever 93a to close the link 95, buffer spring 96, link 97, and guide pin. A pressing member 100 is lowered via a lever 98 to press the sheet from above.

The stapler 55 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 2, 3, 4, and 7.

The stepper 55 is a known one, and includes a motor 102,
It is roughly composed of a gear 103 that is rotated forward and backward by this motor 102, a bracket 104 that swings up and down by this gear 103, an anvil 105 that steps together with this bracket 104 across a sheet bundle, and a needle storage section 106. has been done.

The sorter configured as described above operates as follows.

When the sheet sensor 7 detects that a sheet discharged from the image forming apparatus enters the sorter, the guide roller 5 is driven and the sheet is conveyed through the conveyance path 6.

In the sorting mode, the sheet is sent downward via the switching claw 9 that enters the conveyance path 6.

At this time, the conveying belt 11 of the conveying means conveys the sheet downward while sucking the sheet. Also, the clutch 23 for the distribution means 13 is connected, the clutch 39 for the stepper unit is disconnected, the motor 24 is rotated in the normal direction, and the pinion 25, the gear 232, the worm gear 231, the helical gear 2
2. The distribution means 13 is moved to a position opposite the selected distribution pin 2 via the shaft 21, pulley 20, belt 19, pulley 18, connecting shaft 17, pulley 15, and timing belt 16.

Therefore, the sheet lowered by the conveyor belt 11 is peeled off from the conveyor belt 11 by the peel guide member 13a113b of the distribution bin 13 and guided to the distribution bin 2. The sheet sensor 29 detects that the sheet has been discharged to the distribution bin 2.
When this is detected, the distribution means 13 is controlled to move to a position facing the adjacent distribution bin 2 and discharges the next sheet to be sent to the next distribution bin 2.

If a condition is set on the copying machine to use the automatic document feeder to copy three copies of a set of 10 sheets in sword mode, the copying machine will first copy the first copy of the original. Three copies are made in succession, and these copies are sequentially fed into the conveyance path 6 of the sorter.

At the home position shown in FIG. 1, the distribution means 13 peels off the first of the three copies from the conveyor belt 11, guides the sheet to the distribution bin 2, and discharges it.

The sheet sensor 2 indicates that the sheet has been discharged to the distribution bin 2.
9, the motor 24 is driven by a predetermined amount to move the dispensing means 13 to a position facing the adjacent lower dispensing bin 2.

Then, the second copy is discharged into the distribution bin 2.

When the third copy has been ejected to a predetermined distribution bin (the third distribution bin from the top (not shown)), the distribution bin 13 is controlled to stop at that position, and the copying process for the second original is stopped. The first of the three copies that are continuously conveyed to the sorter side is first discharged to the distribution bin, and then the motor 24
by reversing the dispensing means 13 to the adjacent upper dispensing bin 2.
Control the movement to the opposite position. The distributing means 13 is sequentially raised to eject the second and third copies.

The same control as described above is repeated for the third to tenth sheets of the original.

The sheet discharged onto the distribution bin 2 slides down due to its own weight along the slope of the distribution bin 2, and one end of the sheet is aligned with the regulating portion 80 of the guide member 3. Further, by rotating the belt 50 of the positioning means in the forward and reverse directions, the positioning members 52 are moved in directions toward and away from each other, and the sheet is pushed from the left and right to be positioned approximately at the center of the distribution bin 2.

After distributing sheets to distribution bin 2, indexer 1
3 to the home position shown in FIG.

Next, the clutch 23 for the indexer is disengaged, the clutch 39 for the stapler unit is connected, and the motor 2
4 in the forward direction and move the stapler unit 30 via the pinion 25, gear 392, worm gear 391, helical gear 38, shaft 37, pulley 36, belt 35, pulley 34, connecting shaft 33, pulley 31, and timing belt 32. and stops at the selected distribution bin 2 position.

Next, the motor 61 is driven to drive the pulley 60 and the belt 59.
The stapler 55 and the pressing means 56 are integrally moved in the width direction of the guide member 3 via the notches 81a, 81.
b Stop in either direction. Depending on the stop position of the stapler 55, the sheet can be stepped at the center or at the end in the width direction.

Next, as the motor 67 rotates forward, the pulley 66 and the belt 6
5. Normal rotation of the square shaft 62 via the pulley 64 causes the locking member 75 to protrude forward via the pinion 68 of the pulling means 57 and the rack 69, and locking the lock bin 75a of the locking member 75. slides on the inclined part of the locking part 88 of the guide member 3, rises and engages with it.

Further, due to the rotation of the square shaft 62, the holding member 100 projects forward integrally with the support frame 91 via the pinion 89 of the holding means 56 and the rack 90.

Next, the solenoid 93 of the pressing means 56
When 3a is pulled in, the link 97 is lowered via the link 95 and the buffer spring 96, and the sheet pressing member 100 presses the sheet on the guide member 3 from above through the lowering of the guide bin 98.

Next, when the motor 67 is reversed and the square shaft 62 is reversed,
The locking member 75 of the pulling means 57 is moved rearward,
The lock member 75 locks the guide member 3 into the step schnit 3
Pull it to the 0 side. Due to this reversal of the square shaft 62, the pressing member 100 of the pressing means 56 also retreats while pressing the sheet.

When the guide member 3 is pulled toward the step Schnitt 30 side, the through holes 82 and 83 between the guide member 3 and the base 54 of the Stepler unit 30 overlap, and the photoelectric sheet sensor 29 becomes operable.

When the sheet sensor 29 is ON (when the light receiving element receives light from the light emitting element), it is determined that there is no sheet on the guide member 3, and the guide member 3 is returned to its original position without executing step ring. and moves the stapler unit 30 to the next distribution bin 2.

On the other hand, when the sheet sensor 29 is OFF (when the light receiving element does not receive light from the light emitting element), it is determined that a sheet is present, and the stapler 55 steps the sheet.

After the step ring is completed, the solenoid 9 of the holding means 56
3 is turned OFF (de-energized state) and the return spring 101
The holding member 100 is separated from the sheet by the action of.

Next, when the stapler unit 30 is slightly raised, the engagement between the lock portion 88 of the guide member 3 and the lock member 75 of the pulling means 57 is released, and the guide member 3 is returned by the return spring 87.

Next, the stapler unit 30 is moved to the adjacent distribution bin 2 and the above operation is repeated.

Note that the home position of the stapler unit 30 is provided at a position further below the installation area of the distribution bin 2, as shown in Figure 1, and when performing the stepper unit 30 after the dispensing operation by the dispensing means 13 is completed, the guide rail 28 However, even if the step ring of each distribution bin 2 is executed while descending after moving to the topmost distribution bin 2 position, or conversely, the movement of each distribution bin 2 containing sheets The step ring may be performed while ascending from the lowest dispensing bin 2.

The sorter described above provides the following effects.

(1) Since the stapler 55 is arranged to move up and down in the same area as the area in which the distribution means 13 moves up and down, the sorter can be made smaller.

(2) Since the stapler 55 is arranged to move up and down in the same area as the lifting area of the distribution means 13, the sorter does not protrude in the width direction due to the arrangement of the stapler 55.

(3) A pair of photoelectric sheet sensors 29 placed above and below the common lifting area of the distribution means 13 and stapler 55 detect that the sheet has passed through the distribution means 13 and draw it toward the stapler 55. It is possible to detect whether or not there is a sheet on the guide member 3.

(4) Guide member 3 movably provided in distribution bin 2
Since the sheet is stepped by moving only the sheet along with the sheet to a position where it can be stepped, the driving force can be reduced and the drive system can be made smaller compared to the case where the entire distribution bin 2 is moved to the stapler 55 side. can.

(5) When pulling the guide member 3 and when stepping the guide member 3, the member 10 holds down the sheet on the guide member 3.
Since the sheet is pressed by 0, the sheet can be reliably pulled together with the guide member 3, and the curled and separated sheet bundle can be compressed to facilitate stepping.

(6) Since one end of the sheet is aligned with the regulating portion 8° of the guide member 3 and the sheet is pressed against the guide member 3 from above by the pressing means 56, the guide member 3 is moved toward the stapler 55. It is possible to minimize variations in the step-ring sheet during movement.

(7) Along with the stapler 55, the sheet pressing means 5
6 and the pulling means 57 of the guide member 3 are integrally raised and lowered as the same stapler unit 3o.
The step ring system can be simplified compared to a case where a pressing means 56 and a pulling means 57 are provided for each distribution bin separately from the step ring 55.

(8) Since the pulling means 57 engages with both left and right sides of the guide member 3 and pulls it closer together, the guide member 3 can be drawn in a stable manner.

(9) By moving the stapler 55 along the width direction of the guide member 3, stepping can be performed at a plurality of locations in the width direction of the sheet or at an arbitrary position.

(10) To move the sheet pressing means 56 along the width direction of the guide member 3 integrally with the stapler 55,
Even when the stapler 55 is moved along the width direction of the sheets, the means 5 presses the sheet bundle in the vicinity of the stapler 55.
6 allows for reliable stepping.

(11) The pressing means 56 and the pulling means 57 can be moved forward and backward by one motor 67, and the drive mechanism for the pressing means 56 and the pulling means 57 can be simplified.

Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments, and various modifications can be made.

For example, in the embodiment described above, in order to align the sheet and the stapler, a guide member provided at one end of the dispensing bin is pulled toward the stapler. However, for example, the entire distribution bin 2 may be moved toward the stapler 55 as shown in FIG.

Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 9, only the sheet may be gripped by the sheet pulling means 107 and moved toward the stapler 55. Also, as shown in Figure 10, step plate 5
5 may be moved to the distribution bin 2 side.

Further, the present invention can be applied to a sorter other than the type of the above-mentioned embodiment, as long as the sorter is equipped with a dispensing means that is movable along a plurality of dispensing bins.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the invention described above, there are a plurality of distribution bins, a distribution means that is movably provided along the plurality of distribution bins and distributes sheets to the respective distribution bins, and In a sorter with a step ring mechanism, which is equipped with a stepper that steps the processed sheets into each distribution bin, since the stepper and the distribution means are provided so as to be movable in the same area, the sorter can be made smaller and , the sorter does not protrude in the width direction by the amount of the stapler.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

1 to 7 are diagrams showing one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a schematic vertical cross-sectional view of the entire sorter. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of the distribution bin, guide member and stapler unit. FIG. 3 is a plan view of the guide member and stapler unit. FIG. 4 is a rear view of the stapler unit. FIG. 5 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pulling means and the guide member. FIG. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view of the pressing means. FIG. 7 is a longitudinal sectional view of the stapler. 8 to 10 are schematic longitudinal sectional views of other embodiments. 2: Distribution bin 3 13; Distributing means 55 Nippon tip puller 57: Attracting means guide member 30 Nippon tip puller unit 56: Pressing means

Claims (6)

[Claims] (1) A plurality of distribution bins, a distribution means that is movably provided along the plurality of distribution bins and distributes sheets to the respective distribution bins, and a step ring for distributing the sheets stored in the distribution bins for each distribution bin. What is claimed is: 1. A sorter with a step ring mechanism, comprising a stapler for binding the stapler, wherein the stapler and the distributing means are provided so as to be movable in the same area. (2) a guide member provided movably relative to the distribution bin at the sheet input end of the distribution bin; and a guide member provided movably along the plurality of distribution bins integrally with the stapler; 2. The sorter with a step ring mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a pulling means for pulling the guide member to the step ring position of the stepper. (3) provided so as to be movable integrally with the stapler;
3. The sorter with a step ring mechanism according to claim 2, further comprising sheet pressing means for pressing the sheets stored in the distribution bin in the vicinity of a step ring position by the stepper. (4) The sorter with a step ring mechanism according to claim 1, wherein each of the distribution bins is provided movably to a step ring position of the stepper. (5) The sorter with a step ring mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising sheet pulling means for gripping the sheets on the distribution bin and moving them to the step ring position of the stepper. (6) The sorter with a step ring mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the stepper is provided movably to a step ring position of the distribution bin.