JP2846807B2 - Image forming device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a so-called post-processing apparatus having a copying apparatus, in particular, an automatic document feeder, a staple of a copied sheet, a glue to the end of the sheet, a punch and a sheet folding function. And an electrophotographic copying machine having the same.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, a paper post-processing apparatus having such a processing function is provided in a copying apparatus main body in order to automate operations such as stapling or punching of a sheet on which an image is copied. As this type of conventional paper post-processing apparatus, for example, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 2-269370, a predetermined post-processing is not performed on the sheets which have been copied from the copying apparatus main body and conveyed in. A discharge tray for discharging sheets and a post-processing pedestal for performing post-processing are separately provided. In such a copying apparatus, the ratio of the apparatus for post-processing is large, and the copying apparatus as a whole is a very large-scale apparatus.

On the other hand, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-147825 discloses that a post-processing portion and a portion of a tray for storing a post-processed sheet bundle are used as a tray for discharged paper. Also serves as the discharge section in post-processing.

For example, the structure is shown in FIGS. 26 and 27. In the non-post-processing mode in which no post-processing is performed on the paper in the paper post-processing apparatus, as shown in FIG. 26, for example, the paper (sheet) S discharged from the copying apparatus main body (not shown) The sheet is carried into the apparatus through the guides 101 and 102 and is sent out toward the sheet discharge roller 106 by the conveying rollers 103 and 104. Thereafter, the paper S passes between the paper discharge roller 106 and the pressure roller 105 pressed against the paper discharge roller 106, and is discharged onto the stacking tray 107 by their conveying force.

On the other hand, in a post-processing mode in which a stapling process is performed on a sheet, as shown in FIG.
05 moves to the information together with the paper guide,
A paper discharge portion 109 having an opening shape is formed between the paper discharge roller 106 and the paper discharge roller 106. In this state, when the paper S sent by the transport rollers 103 and 104 leaves the transport rollers 103 and 104, the paper S falls onto a staple processing tray (receiving tray) 110 provided in an inclined shape and is stacked thereon. You. At this time, the movement of the sheet S to the rear end stopper 111 is A
The direction is assisted by the rotation of the rubber blades 112. In addition, the width direction of the sheet S is aligned with the alignment plate 1 moving in the sheet width direction.
13. The above operation is repeated, and when a predetermined number of sheets S are placed on the stapling tray (receiving tray) 110, stapling by the stapler 114 is performed on the sheets on the stapling tray 110. Thereafter, when the sheet pushing member 115 moves in the C direction, the sheet P on the stapling tray 110 is discharged onto the stacking tray 107 through the discharge unit 109.

[0006]

However, according to a conventional post-processing apparatus, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 5-147815, compared with Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-269370, a receiving pedestal for discharge for post-processing is disclosed. And the stacking tray in the non-post-processing mode is partially used, which is advantageous in that the post-processing device can be reduced in size and space can be simplified.

However, in order to perform the post-processing, it is necessary to discharge the sheet S to the receiving tray for the post-processing, so that the receiving tray and the stacking tray for loading the post-processed sheet bundle are straddled. The discharge paper P is discharged. Therefore, in the case of a jam on the copying apparatus main body side, if the transport system is not out of order, the sheets in the copying apparatus are transferred to the post-processing tray (receiving tray) 11.
It is necessary to discharge the paper to 0, and if there is no problem as long as the copy paper is normally copied, the paper not copied is also discharged at the same time. When the stapling is performed at times, useless copy sheets are stapled.

In particular, if the copying apparatus is provided with an automatic document feeder, the jam is not caused by paper conveyance for forming an image in the main body of the copying apparatus but is jammed on the automatic document feeder side. There are paper sheets on which all images are formed and paper sheets on which the fed image is not formed during the conveyance, and the paper conveyance path is operating normally. For this reason, in the case of a paper conveyance system of the copying apparatus, when the document conveyance apparatus is jammed, the paper conveyance system is continuously driven to perform the discharging operation. At this time, a normal copy sheet and an unnecessary sheet, that is, a sheet on which an image is not normally formed are ejected together, so that the stapling is performed on the stapling tray 110 including the unnecessary sheet.

From the above, unnecessary copy sheets need to be eliminated from the effective copy sheets, but they cannot be distinguished because they are ejected to the same receiving tray.

Such a problem is that a separate discharge tray is provided at a position completely different from that of the post-processing tray 110, and the discharge path is switched to prevent the unnecessary paper from being discharged to the tray 110. Although it can be performed, it cannot be processed when the tray 110 or the like is shared for downsizing.

As described above, a copy sheet is generated in the copying apparatus in addition to the jam of the automatic document feeder as described above. For example, while doing duplex copying,
A key for clearing the copying operation is provided when the user recognizes that the double-sided copying has been mistaken, but the operation of the copying apparatus is urgently stopped by operating the key. After the image is formed on the paper being copied by operating this key,
Copying operation has been stopped. In this case, there is a sheet that has been subjected to single-sided copying, such as an intermediate tray for double-sided copying. If there is paper in this intermediate tray, the copying apparatus cannot be restarted. Therefore, the paper in the intermediate tray becomes unnecessary paper, and it becomes impossible to discriminate the paper from the paper on which double-sided copying has been completed.

In addition, the post-processing device has a limit that can be processed.
In addition to impairing the function as the post-processing device, the post-processing device may be damaged. In this case, it is not possible to distinguish between a sheet exceeding the limit and a sheet that can be processed. Also,
Distrust on the user side due to the absence of post-processing remains, and the same operation is repeated many times on the user side.

According to the present invention, the size of the post-processing device is reduced by making the length of the post-processing device in the transport direction shorter than the maximum sheet size and by setting the minimum length to allow post-processing. To save space by using
In the post-processing mode, even if a condition in which post-processing is not possible occurs, discrimination between invalid (unnecessary) paper and valid paper is performed.
Based on this, it is an object to provide an image forming apparatus that can easily distinguish valid copy paper from unnecessary copy paper and can easily process the unnecessary copy paper.

[0014]

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an image forming apparatus comprising: an automatic document feeder; In an image forming apparatus having a copying apparatus main body for copying an image thereon and a post-processing apparatus for post-processing a plurality of sheets formed by the copying apparatus main body, the post-processing apparatus conveys the copy sheet to a first position. And a post-processing means for post-processing the aligned sheet bundle at the second position. A means for receiving a signal for stopping image formation on the copy sheet, determining a valid copy sheet for which image formation has already been completed and an unnecessary copy sheet in response to the signal, Unnecessary copy paper and At the sheet aligning means to valid copy sheet by discharging to the post-processing apparatus said discriminating means second
And a sheet conveyance control unit for discharging invalid paper to the first position.

In addition to the above-mentioned conveyance failure of the copying apparatus main body,
The signal for stopping the image formation on the copy sheet is a jam detection signal by the automatic document feeder. Alternatively, it is a signal for stopping the copying operation halfway. Alternatively, the signal is output when the number of sheets that can be processed by the post-processing device is exceeded.

In particular, the image forming apparatus of the present invention has a third aspect.
As described in the above document, a document feeder, a copying apparatus main body for copying an image of a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder onto a sheet, and a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the copying apparatus main body. In an image forming apparatus having a post-processing device for performing processing, the post-processing device is configured to perform alignment for performing alignment for moving a copy sheet on the receiving table to a position where post-processing is to be performed, and a receiving table on which a discharged copy sheet is placed. Means, a post-processing means for performing post-processing after the alignment, and a discharge tray which is arranged by extending the receiving tray for a bundle of copy sheets post-processed by the post-processing means and constitutes a part of the receiving tray. And a means for switching the copy sheet discharged according to the post-processing mode or the non-post-processing mode to a receiving tray or a discharge tray. Determining means for judging, as unnecessary copy sheets, valid copy sheets for which image formation has been completed in the copying apparatus main body in the post-processing mode, and sheets present in the copying apparatus in which a normal document image has not been formed; And a paper transport control unit that performs the alignment process on the valid copy paper by the determination unit and does not perform the alignment process on the unnecessary copy paper while discharging the copy paper inside the tray to the receiving tray of the post-processing device. It is characterized by.

[0017]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, the operation of the image forming apparatus may be temporarily stopped, not due to an abnormality in the sheet conveying system in the main body of the copying apparatus. For example, when a document jam occurs while a document is being conveyed in the automatic document feeder, an image cannot be formed using the jam document. Therefore, on the copying apparatus main body side, the paper corresponding to the jammed document can be determined to be unnecessary paper, and the copy paper on which the image of the previous non-jammed document has been formed can be determined as valid copy paper. In this case, unless a jam occurs in the transport system of the copying apparatus main body, the paper in the copying apparatus main body can be carried out to the post-processing apparatus side, and the transport operation can be continued.

Therefore, the paper on the copying apparatus main body side is discharged to the post-processing apparatus. In this case, in the post-processing mode, the paper is discharged at a position for post-processing, for example, on a receiving table. According to the validity or invalidity judgment, the copy sheet is discharged in the aligned or non-aligned state by the operation of the aligning means. That is, if it is a valid copy sheet, the aligning means operates, and the discharged copy sheet is aligned. Also, in the case of unnecessary copy paper, even if it is ejected, no alignment processing is performed,
The valid copy paper and the unnecessary copy paper can be distinguished on the cradle. Therefore, the unnecessary copy sheet can be easily processed, that is, removed.

Further, even if a release signal for releasing the post-processing mode is generated during double-sided copying using an intermediate tray or the like as unnecessary copying paper, one side of the sheet may be used. In this case, it is possible to easily distinguish between a copy sheet on which an image is formed and a sheet copied on one side. Therefore, processing after unnecessary copy paper (single-sided copy paper) and effective copy paper can be easily performed. In this case, when an emergency stop is performed in the middle of the copying operation, for example, when the copying condition is mistaken, the process after the input of the copying condition can be performed immediately.

Further, in the case where the number of unnecessary copy sheets exceeds the limit by the post-processing device, the number of sheets that can be processed can be distinguished from the number of remaining copy sheets that cannot be processed. In this case, by displaying the number of sheets and a state in which post-processing cannot be performed, it is possible to easily refer to the subsequent processing, for example, to recognize the number of originals that can be post-processed, and to input copy conditions based on the recognition. Very useful.

[0021]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An image forming apparatus having an automatic document feeder and a post-processing device according to the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a main part of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention, FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a copier equipped with a sheet post-processing device, FIG. 4 is a layout diagram of each sheet detection switch in an offset mode of the sheet post-processing device, and FIG. 5 is a sheet post-processing device. FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a control unit, FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the sheet post-processing apparatus in the offset mode, and FIG. 8 is a staple (FIG. 8) of the sheet post-processing apparatus. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation process in a single) mode, FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a sheet discharging operation, FIG. 10 is a diagram showing output characteristics of a stepping motor, and FIGS.
FIG. 16A is a flowchart showing an operation process in the staple (multi) mode of the sheet post-processing apparatus, and FIG.
FIGS. 4B and 4C are explanatory diagrams illustrating a sheet conveyance operation in a post-processing conveyance path in a staple (multi) mode.

First, a general copier equipped with a post-processing device will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, this copying machine has a copying machine main body 1 for copying an image of an original M onto a sheet S. The copying machine main body 1 is formed at an upper end of the copying machine main body 1 at an upper portion thereof. Document transport device 30 that transports document M to exposed section 2
Is provided.

The copier main body 1 has an exposure unit 2
Is provided, and an optical system 9 including a light source lamp 4, mirrors 5, 6, 7, and a lens 8 is disposed below the exposure glass 3, and the optical system 9
The original M conveyed to the exposure unit 2 by the original conveyer 30 is optically scanned by irradiation light from a light source lamp 4, and the reflected light is reflected by the By irradiating an exposure point A on the surface of the drum 10, an electrostatic latent image corresponding to the image of the document M is formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10.

Around the sightseeing drum 10, a main charger 11 for charging the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 to a predetermined potential, a developing device 12, and a transfer charger 13
And a peeling charger 14, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 10 is
The toner image is transferred to the sheet S by the transfer charger 13, and then the transferred sheet S is peeled off from the photosensitive drum 10 by the peeling charger 14.

A sheet conveying path 15 for conveying a sheet S for transferring a toner image is provided below the photosensitive drum 10. On the upstream side of the sheet conveying path 15, a sheet feeding table 19 provided with each of the sheet feeding rollers 16, 17, and 18, a sheet feeding cassette 20, and a sheet feeding deck 21 are respectively disposed. The sheets S placed or accommodated therein are fed to the photosensitive drum 10 through the sheet conveying path 15. On the other hand, on the downstream side of the sheet conveying path 15,
Conveyor belt 2 that conveys sheet S to which the toner image has been transferred
2 and a fixing device 23 for fixing the toner image on the sheet S are provided.

On the downstream side of the fixing device 23, a deflector 24 for branching the sheet S in the conveying direction to a sheet post-processing device 40 and a re-conveying path 25 is provided. The re-conveying path 25 forms a circulation path for conveying the sheet S on which the toner image has been transferred by the photosensitive drum 10 to the photosensitive drum 10 again. It enables double-sided copying.

The document feeder 30 includes a document feed path 31 for transferring a document M to an exposure section 2 formed on the upper end surface of the copying machine main body 1 and a document discharge path 31a for returning a document from the exposure section 2 to a document tray. Have. The document transport path 31 and the document discharge path 31a form a circulation path. In the path, a document tray 32 for stacking the documents M and a document M stacked on the document tray 32 are sequentially arranged. A feed belt 33 for feeding the exposure unit 2 and an exposure glass 3 forming the exposure unit 2
A transport belt 34 is provided in contact with the exposure glass 3 to form a transport path for the original M with the exposure glass 3, and a discharge roller 31b for discharging the original M to the original tray is provided.

The document feeder 30 feeds the document M on the document tray 32 to the exposure unit 2 by the feed belt 33, and exposes the exposure glass 3 by the feed belt 34.
By positioning the document M at the upper predetermined position, the document M is arranged in a state where light scanning by the light source lamp 4 is possible.

The sheet post-processing device 40 is for performing a stapling operation on a copied sheet.
It is connected to the downstream side of the sheet conveying path 15 in the copying machine body 1.

The sheet post-processing apparatus 40 is shown in FIGS.
A post-processing conveyance path 41 for conveying the sheet S conveyed from the copier main body 1 in the post-processing apparatus main body 40a,
A sheet receiving table 46 for temporarily storing the sheets S from the conveyance path 41, a post-processing section 45 for aligning the sheets S on the sheet receiving table 46 and performing a bookbinding process with staples;
A sheet discharge unit 51 that discharges the bound sheets S from the post-processing apparatus main body 40a, and a discharge tray 56 that stacks the sheets S discharged by the sheet discharge unit 51 are provided.

As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the post-processing conveyance path 41 is formed at one end thereof with a carry-in port 41a for carrying the sheet S conveyed from the copying machine body 1. Also,
The transport path 41 bifurcates in the middle of the path to form an upper and lower bypass 41b and a main path 41c, and a pair of upper and lower transport rollers 42 and 43 are disposed at each end. At a branch point between the bypass 41b and the main path 41c, a deflector 44 as a path switching means rotatable in the B ₁ -B ₂ direction (see FIG. 2) is disposed, and the bypass path 41b for the sheet S transport path is provided. Alternatively, the path is switched to one of the main paths 41c.

Further, the post-processing conveyance path 41 is provided with sheet detection switches SW ₁ and SW ₂ for detecting a sheet S in the middle of each of the bypass 41b and the main path 41c.
Are arranged respectively.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the post-processing unit 45 transports the sheet S accumulated in the sheet receiving table 46 from the post-processing transport path 41 in the width direction. A paddle 48 that is aligned in the direction, and a staple 49 that binds and binds the aligned sheet S with a staple.
It is composed of

The sheet receiving table 46 is disposed below the post-processing conveyance path 41 with one end thereof being disposed near the discharge port 40b and the other end thereof being inclined lower than the one end. I have. Also, in the center of the side of the sheet receiving base 46,
A reference guide 47a for positioning the side of the sheet S is attached, and a stopper 50 for positioning the lower end of the sheet S is attached to the lower end of the sheet receiving base 46.

The width shift plate 47 is provided with the reference guide 47a.
Are arranged so as to be able to advance and retreat in the width direction of the sheet S. The paddle 48 includes a post-processing device main body 40a.
2 is rotatably supported in the direction of arrow C in FIG. 2, and its blade contacts the upper surface on the lower end side of the sheet receiving base 46. The staple 49 is disposed on the lower end side of the sheet receiving base 46 on the side of the paddle 48.

The sheet discharging section 51 includes a sheet receiving table 46 as a discharging section, an extruding means 52 disposed so as to be able to advance and retreat along the sheet receiving table 46 to push out the sheet S, and a discharge section of the post-processing apparatus main body 40a. And discharge rollers 53 and 54 disposed near the outlet 40b.

The pushing means 52 is provided with the stopper 50
It consists from the rear and a pair of pushing piece 52a which is a retractable to D ₁ -D ₂ directions, a drive unit which is arranged below the seat pedestal 46 to drive the pushing piece 52a.

The extruded piece 52a has a flat shape and is moved along the long hole of the sheet receiving base 46. The driving unit includes an endless belt 52c attached to a base of the pushing piece 52a and wound around a pair of rollers 52b,
2b is driven by a stepping motor 52d that rotates via a gear or the like. The stepping motor 52d
Is provided separately from the drive unit (motor) of other components.

The discharge roller 53 has a rotating shaft 53a.
Are rotatably mounted on the upper end of the sheet receiving base 46 so as to be rotatable. On the other hand, the discharge roller 54 has a rotation shaft 54 a pivotally supported at one end of an arm member 55, and the other end of the arm member 55 has F ₁ around a fulcrum E.
And it is rotatable in the -F ₂ directions.

[0041] Then, discharge rollers 53, the staple mode, while assisting the alignment of the conveying direction of the sheet S to be stacked on the sheet receiving tray 46 by the rotation of the G ₂ direction by the rotation of the G ₁ direction The bound sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 56.

[0042] The discharge roller 54 is offset mode, in accordance with the rotation in G ₁ direction of the discharge roller 53, by the arm member 55 is rotated in the F ₂ direction, the sheet S between the discharge roller 53 , The sheet S is directly discharged from the post-processing conveyance path 41 to the discharge tray 56.

Incidentally, the discharge roller 54, the sheet detection switch SW ₃ is disposed, the sheet detection switch SW
₃ detects the sheet S when the discharge rollers 53 and 54 abut in the offset mode as shown in FIG.

The discharge tray 56 is attached to the post-processing apparatus main body 40a below the discharge rollers 53, and is vertically moved by an elevator unit 57 and a shift unit 58 disposed near the attachment portion. and it is movable in the direction perpendicular to the ₁ -H ₂ direction to the discharge direction. By these movements, the bound sheets S of the highest value of the discharge tray 56 always keep a certain distance from the discharge roller 53, and the bound sheets S are alternately shifted without overlapping at the same position. The tray position is adjusted to overlap.

The copier body 1 and the post-processing device 40
Control unit 70 composed of a microcomputer for controlling
Is provided on the copying machine body 1. As shown in FIG. 6, the microcomputer 70 performs control in accordance with a control program stored in the ROM 71 in advance. RAM7
Reference numeral 2 is used as a buffer memory, a flag required for copy control, and other operation areas.

In FIG. 6, reference numeral 73 denotes a signal input device for detecting signals by a key switch, a copy paper switch, and the like.
The signal is transferred to the CPU 75 via the interface circuit 74. That is, the copier main body 1 sends a detection signal of the paper transport position, a signal of the position detection of the photoconductor 10, and the like to the CPU 75 via the interface circuit 74.

Reference numeral 76 denotes a driver array for controlling the display of the copy magnification and other display circuits and each load of the copying machine main body 1. Reference numeral 77 denotes an interface circuit of the driver array for transmitting a control signal from the CPU 75 to the driver array 76.
Has been transferred to. Therefore, the driving of the copying machine main body 1 is as follows.
The microcomputer 70 controls the driving in association with each other.

The ROM of the microcomputer 70
Reference numeral 71 denotes an offset mode in which the sheets S conveyed from the copying machine main body 1 in the post-processing device 40 are sequentially discharged one by one to the discharge tray 56 without performing post-processing, and The staple (single) mode in which only one bound sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 56 after the post-binding process is performed on the incoming sheet S, and the binding of the sheet S conveyed from the copier main body 1 is performed. After the post-processing, a program for executing a staple (multi) mode in which a plurality of sets of bookbinding sheets S are sequentially discharged to the discharge tray 56 is stored.

The microcomputer 70 executes each mode in accordance with the sheet detection switches SW ₁ , SW ₂ , SW ₃ and a sheet detection signal from a sheet detection switch (not shown) provided on the sheet receiving base 46. In addition, about the rotation operation of the said conveyance roller 43,
The control is also performed temporally by a timer (not shown).

Further, when the number of sheets to be stapled is inputted, the microcomputer 70 receives this and stores it in the RAM 72, and the number of rotations of the stepping motor 52d for driving the extruding piece 52a according to the number of stapled sheets ( It has a function of controlling the drive by changing the discharge speed of the sheet S).

This drive control function determines whether the number of staples is greater than or less than the set number of speed changes, and determines the number of staples from the two-step pattern of the number of rotations of the stepping motor 52d input to the microcomputer 70 in advance. If it is large, a pattern with a small number of rotations is selected, and if it is small, a pattern with a large number of rotations is selected.

This is because the optimum torque is selected from the load applied to the stepping motor 52d according to the output characteristics of the stepping motor 52d, and the stapled bookbinding sheet S is efficiently discharged. That is, when the number of staples is large, the weight of the bookbinding sheet S is heavy, and the load on the stepping motor 52d becomes large.
It is necessary to increase the torque and reduce the number of revolutions. When the number of staples is small, the weight of the binding sheet S is light,
Since the load applied to the stepping motor 52d is small, the torque can be small, the number of rotations can be increased, and the seat S
The discharge speed of

In the above configuration, in the offset mode, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 7, when the number of offsets is input, the microcomputer 70 receives the number of offsets (S1) and sets the number of offsets (S2). Next, when the post-processing device 40 receives a start signal from the microcomputer 70 (S3), a start process in the offset mode is performed (S4).
The number of processed sheets is cleared (S5).

The sheet S on which the image of the original M has been copied by the copying machine main body 1 passes through the carry-in port 41a, and the post-processing apparatus main body 4
It is carried into 0a, and when passing through the main path 41c sheet detection switch SW ₂ is turned on (S6), the main path 41c
Is detected. Then, each discharge roller 53,5
When passing between the 4 sheet detection switch SW ₃ is turned on (S7), the sheet detection switch SW ₃ when it is discharged to the discharge tray 56 is turned off (S8), the process number is counted up (S9).

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of processed sheets counted up as described above matches the number of offset sheets (S10). If the number of processed sheets does not match the number of offset sheets, the process returns to S6, and the conveyance of the sheet S in the main path 41c is detected. If the processed number matches the offset number, the processed number is cleared (S11).
Lowering of the discharge tray 56 (S12), offset (S1)
3) and ascending (S14) are sequentially performed.

When the copy is completed, a copy end signal is output from the microcomputer 70 (S1).
5) When the post-processing device 40 receives the end signal, the end process is performed (S16), and the offset mode as described above is ended. If the copy has not been completed, the post-processing device 40 does not receive the end signal and returns to S6 again.

Next, in the staple (single) mode, as shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, when the number of staples is input, the microcomputer 70 receives the number of staples (S21) and sets the number of staples (S22). Next, when the post-processing device 40 receives a start signal from the microcomputer 70 (S23),
Start processing in the staple (single) mode is performed (S24), and the number of processed sheets is cleared (S2).
5).

Thereafter, the sheet SF on which the image of the document M has been copied by the copying machine main body 1 is carried into the post-processing apparatus main body 40a through the carry-in entrance 41a, and passes through the main path 41c.

[0059] In this case, the main path 4 by the on (S26) and off the sheet detection switch SW ₂ (S27)
The size of the sheet S is detected based on the time of conveyance and ON in 1c, and the sheet S is discharged onto the sheet receiving base 46 by the discharge roller 43 so as to be stored over the discharge tray 56. As a result, the timer of the post-processing device 40 is cleared and the timer starts (S28), and the number of processed sheets is counted up (S29). Then, when a predetermined time has elapsed (S30), it is determined that the discharge of the sheet S onto the sheet receiving table 46 is completed, and the sheet S on the sheet receiving table 46 is aligned in the width direction by the width shift plate 47 (S3).
1).

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of processed sheets counted up as described above matches the number of staples (S32). If the number of processed sheets does not match the number of staples, the process returns to S26, and the main path 41 of the sheet S is returned.
The conveyance at c is detected. If the processed number coincides with the staple number of sheets, processed number is cleared (S33), then, the sheet S on the sheet receiving tray 46 is rotated in the C direction of paddlers 48 and the G ₂ direction of the discharge roller 53 , The lower end thereof abuts against the stopper 50 to be aligned in the transport direction, and is stapled by the staples of the staples 49 to be stapled (S34).

[0061] bookbinding sheet S stapling as described above has been performed, pushing piece 52a of the pushing means 52 at its lower end abuts, it is pushed out by the movement of the D ₁ direction of the pushing piece 52.

At this time, the microcomputer 70
It is determined whether the number of staples is larger or smaller than the set number of speed change, and the stepping motor 52d set and input in advance is determined.
A rotation speed pattern corresponding to the number of staples is selected from the two types of rotation speed patterns, and a drive signal is output to the stepping motor 52d. As a result, the stepping motor 52d is driven at the determined rotation speed, and the discharge speed of the bookbinding sheet S by the extruding piece 52a is set according to the rotation speed.

For example, referring to the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, the rotational speed pattern is represented by R ₀ (4 rp) shown in FIG.
m), a two-stage R ₁ (6 rpm), when the 30 pieces of speed change predetermined number, since the staple number of sheets when more than 30 sheets, is larger than the predetermined number, the rotation speed of the stepping motor 52d is R ₀ , The torque is T ₀ ; 6 kg · cm, and the bound sheet S is discharged at a discharge speed v ₀ (413 mm / s).

When the number of staples is two, since the number of staples is smaller than the set number, the rotation speed of the stepping motor 52d is R ₁ , the torque is T ₁ ; 4 kg · cm, and the binding sheet S is discharged at the discharge speed v ₁ (620 mm / s).

In accordance with this, G of the discharge roller 53
Due to the rotation in _one direction, the bound sheets S are discharged from the discharge tray 56.
Is discharged. (S35).

Then, after the discharge tray 56 is adjusted (S36), when the post-processing device 40 receives a copy end signal from the microcomputer 59 (S37), an end process is performed (S38). The staple (single) mode is terminated.

Next, in the staple (multi) mode, as shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 11 to 15, when the number of staples is input, the microcomputer 70 receives the number of staples (S41) and sets the number of staples (S42). ). Next, when the post-processing device 40 receives the start signal from the microcomputer 70 (S43), a start process in the staple (multi) mode is performed (S44), and the number of processed sheets is cleared (S45).

[0068] Thereafter, the sheet S on which the image of the document M is copied by the copying machine main body 1 passes through the entrance 41a is carried to the post-processing apparatus main body 40a, a sheet detection switch SW ₂ when passing through the main path 41c On (S46), conveyance on the main path 41c is detected. Then, the sheet detection switch SW ₂ is whether it is turned off is determined (S4
7). If the sheet detection switch SW _{2 is} still on,
As shown in FIG. 12, it is determined whether or not the bookbinding sheet S has been discharged from the sheet receiving table 46 (S48).

The bookbinding sheet S is still placed on the sheet receiving table 46.
Is not discharged, the bound sheet S is pushed out at the discharge speed set in accordance with the number of staples.
Of extruded by movement in the D ₁ direction. Rotation of the G ₁ direction of the discharge roller 53 to fit thereto, bookbinding sheet S is discharged to a discharge tray 56 (S49), the flow returns to S47 again for the loading of the next sheet S.

If the bookbinding sheet S has been discharged from the sheet receiving table 46, it is determined whether or not the discharge tray 56 has been adjusted (S50). If the discharge tray 56 has been adjusted, the process directly returns to S47. If the discharge tray 56 has not been adjusted, the discharge tray 56 is adjusted (S51), and S
Return to 47.

[0071] Then, when the off-sheet detection switch SW ₂ is detected, the size of the sheet S is detected, the timer of the post-processing apparatus 40 is cleared (S52), also,
The number of processed sheets S is counted up (S5).
3).

Next, it is determined whether or not the number of processed sheets counted up as described above is the first one (S5).
4). If the number of processed sheets is not the first sheet, the discharge roller 43
As a result, the sheet S is discharged to the sheet receiving table 46, and the process proceeds to S66 described later. If the number of processed sheets is the first sheet, it is determined whether or not the preparation of the sheet receiving tray 46 is OK (S).
55).

When the sheet receiving table 46 is ready, the sheet S is discharged by the discharge roller 43 to the sheet receiving table 4.
6 and the process proceeds to S66. If the sheet receiving table 46 is not ready, the conveyance of the first sheet S is stopped by stopping the rotation of the discharge roller 43 (S5).
6), also the deflector 44 is rotated in the B ₁ direction,
The conveyance path of the sheet S is switched to the bypass 41b (S57).

Next, whether or not the second sheet S is being conveyed to the bypass 41b is determined by the sheet detection switch SW.
It is determined by ₁ (S58). Sheet detection switch S
W ₁ if it is not still on, as shown in FIG. 13,
It is determined whether or not the bound sheet S has been discharged from the sheet receiving table 46 (S59).

The bookbinding sheet S is still placed on the sheet receiving table 46.
Is not discharged, the bookbinding sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 56 by the pushing means 52 and the discharge roller 53 in accordance with the number of staples of the sheet S as described above (S6).
0), and return to S58 again. If the bookbinding sheet S has been discharged from the sheet receiving table 46, it is determined whether or not the discharge tray 56 has been adjusted (S61). If the discharge tray 56 has been adjusted, the process directly returns to S58. Discharge tray 56
If has not been adjusted, the discharge tray 56 is adjusted (S62), and the process returns to S58.

[0076] Then, when the sheet S is passing through the bypass 41b sheet detection switch SW ₁ is turned on, when the sheet S passes by, the sheet detection switch SW ₁ is turned off (S
63). Conveying path of the sheet S deflector 44 is rotated in the B ₂ direction is switched to the main path 41c (S6
4) Further, the conveyance roller 43 is rotated, and conveyance of the first sheet S in the main path 41c is restarted (S6).
5). At this time, the second sheet S conveyed to the bypass 41b is discharged by the discharge roller 42, and the first sheet S and the second sheet S are simultaneously discharged onto the sheet receiving table 46.

Next, returning to S52, the post-processing device 40
Is cleared (S52), the number of processed sheets is counted up (S53), and if it is determined that the processed number is not the first sheet (S54), the sheet S is discharged by the discharge roller 43 to the sheet receiving tray. 46 and is discharged to FIG.
It is determined whether the predetermined time set by the timer has elapsed (S66). When the predetermined time has elapsed, the sheets S on the sheet receiving table 46 are aligned in the width direction by the width shift plate 47 (S67). Thereafter, it is determined whether or not the number of processed sheets S matches the number of staples. (S68).

If the number of processed sheets does not match the number of staples, the flow returns to S46 to detect the conveyance of the sheet S on the main path 41c. On the other hand, if the number of processed sheets matches the number of staples, the number of processed sheets is cleared (S69).
Next, the sheet S on the sheet receiving table 46 is
The rotation and rotation in the G ₂ direction of the discharge roller 53 in the C direction, the lower end portion of the sheet S is aligned in the conveying direction abuts against the stopper 50, and stapled by the staple of the staple 49 stapling Is performed (S70), and thereafter, the flow returns to S46 again to detect the conveyance of the sheet S in the main path 41c.

[0079] When the detection of the sheet S by the sheet detection switch SW ₂ is eliminated, as shown in FIG. 15, whether bookbinding sheet S is present at the already discharged is determined (S71).
If the bound sheet S has not yet been discharged from the sheet receiving table 46, the bound sheet S is discharged to the discharge tray 56 by the pushing means 52 and the discharge roller 53 in accordance with the number of staples of the sheet S as described above (S72). , Again S
Return to 46. If the bookbinding sheet S has been discharged from the sheet receiving table 46, it is determined whether or not the discharge tray 56 has been adjusted (S73).

If the discharge tray 56 has not been adjusted, the discharge tray 56 is adjusted (S7), and the process returns to S46. If the discharge tray 56 has been adjusted, it is determined whether or not the post-processing device 40 has received a copy end signal from the microcomputer 70 (S75).

If the end signal has not been received, S
Return to 46. When the end signal is received, the end processing is performed (S76), and the staple (multi) as described above is performed.
The mode is terminated.

Further, the sheet post-processing apparatus 40 of the present embodiment
In the staple (multi) mode, when the ON of the sheet detection switch SW is not detected (S58) within a predetermined time after the timer is cleared (S52), the rotation of the conveyance roller 43 is automatically restarted, thereby Only the first sheet S is discharged onto the sheet receiving table 46 without waiting for simultaneous discharge with the first sheet S.

As described above, when performing bookbinding of a plurality of sets, the sheet post-processing apparatus 40 performs a predetermined bookbinding process on the first set of sheets S on the sheet receiving table 46 as shown in FIG. during and have to convey the sheet S ₁ of the first sheet of the next conveyed from the copying machine main body 1 side in the main path 41c, then, by stopping the rotation of the conveying roller 43, once the sheet S ₁ Stop the transport. Next, as shown in FIG. 16 (b), by switching the deflector 44, to convey the second sheet S ₂ to the bypass 41b.

When the bookbinding process and discharge of the first copy are completed, the rotation of the transport roller 43 is resumed, thereby
The conveyance of the _first sheet S ₁ is resumed, and the first sheet S ₁ and the second sheet S ₂ are discharged onto the sheet receiving table 46 in synchronization with each other as shown in FIG. I do. For this reason,
Since the next sheet is effectively conveyed even at the time of stapling the sheet on the sheet receiving table 46, the speed of the post-processing operation can be increased.

The bookbinding sheet S on the sheet receiving table 46
When the number of bound sheets S is larger than the set number of sheets, the number of rotations of the stepping motor 52d is reduced to increase the torque, and a thick bound sheet S can be discharged. Further, when the number of bound sheets S is smaller than the set speed change number, the rotation speed of the stepping motor 52d is increased to increase the discharge speed with a small torque.

Therefore, a small stepping motor 52d can be used without replacing the motor with a large motor power.
When the number of sheets S is large and large torque is required, the stepping motor 5
By reducing the number of rotations of 2d, it is possible to reliably convey. When the number of sheets S is small and a large torque is not required, the discharge speed of the bound sheets S can be increased by increasing the rotation speed of the stepping motor 52d.

As described above, since the discharged sheet is discharged so as to be stored in the sheet receiving table 46 over the discharge tray 56, the size of the post-processing apparatus can be reduced. However, the following problems occur,
The present invention has solved the problem, and will be described in detail according to each embodiment for solving the problem.

(Embodiment 1) In the staple mode, a sheet tray (hereinafter referred to as a staple compiler) 46 and a sheet discharge path are shared.
Although the structure of the post-processing device can be easily reduced in size, when invalid paper (unnecessary paper) is generated during a copying operation, the invalid paper cannot be discharged separately from the valid paper, and the same tray, that is, the staple compiler 46, is used. Both are discharged. In particular, when the invalid paper is discharged to the staple compiler 46 and is aligned by the matching plate 47, the invalid paper and the valid paper cannot be distinguished from each other, resulting in confusion for the user. Occur.

Here, the conditions under which invalid paper occurs will be described.

Normally, the transport timing of the original M and the sheet S should be set such that the sheet to be copied is copied before the completion of the positioning of the original M at a predetermined position on the exposure glass 3 for the purpose of increasing the job speed. -The transfer of the port has started.

Accordingly, if a document jam occurs before the positioning of the document M is completed, the sheet to be copied has already been conveyed and becomes invalid paper. Must be discharged. In this case, since the jam is caused in the conveyance path of the original M and not in the conveyance system using the copy sheet, the original is discharged by continuously driving the conveyance system of the copying apparatus main body. At this time, when the paper is discharged to the staple compiler 46 in the staple mode, the unnecessary paper is also discharged. Note that the copy paper corresponding to the image of the jam document is determined as unnecessary paper, and the copy paper corresponding to the image other than the previous jam document in the copying machine main body, for example, passing through the fixing area is regarded as valid paper. It is determined and discharged to the staple compiler 46 to perform the alignment operation. However, in the case of unnecessary paper, the alignment operation is not performed. here,
It is unlikely that unneeded paper will be followed by valid paper.

In the present invention, the post-processing mode (in this embodiment,
In the staple mode, when such invalid paper is generated, the invalid paper is discharged onto the staple compiler 46 without being aligned by the alignment plate 47 in order to distinguish it from valid paper.

At both ends in the width direction of the staple compiler 46, as shown in FIG. 17, matching devices 60 as matching means are provided. This matching device 60 is
A reference guide 47a as a sheet alignment member that is fixedly provided on one side in the width direction of the pull compiler 46.
And a matching plate 47 as a sheet matching member driven in the width direction of the staple compiler 46.

As shown in FIG. 17, the alignment plate 47 is provided on a support plate 62 which is guided by a guide rail 61 and is movable in the width direction of the staple compiler 46. On the support plate 62, an alignment plate rotating motor 63 and gears 64 and 65 as alignment plate driving means are provided. A rack gear 67 is formed on a side edge of the support plate 62, and the rack gear 67 is provided with a support plate driving motor (stepping motor).
When the power of 47b is transmitted via the pulley 68, the belt 69a and the pinion gear 69b, the matching plate 47 is driven in the width direction of the staple compiler 46,
The sheet S is aligned with a reference position set by the reference guide 47a.

As shown in FIG. 18, the alignment plate 47 is connected to a support plate 62 by a connecting plate 66 formed at the lower end.
Parallel to the top surface of the staple compiler 46, ie, FIG.
It is pivotally connected 7 and J ₁ -J ₂ direction in FIG. 18. A gear is formed on a side edge of the connecting plate 66, and the power of a matching plate rotating motor 63, which can rotate forward and reverse, is transmitted to the gear via gears 64 and 65. When the aligning plate 47 is rotated by the power of the aligning plate rotating motor 63 near the sheet S on the staple compiler 46 in parallel with the upper surface of the staple compiler 46, both ends of the aligning plate 47 are rotated. Alternately contact the side surface of the sheet S many times so that the sheet S is surely aligned with the reference position set by the reference guide 47a. As means for rotating the matching plate 47 in parallel with the upper surface of the staple compiler 46, other than the above-described matching plate rotating motor 103 capable of rotating forward and reverse,
For example, it may be configured by a motor and a cam mechanism that can rotate only in one direction.

The aligning operation by the aligning plate 47 is performed by controlling the support plate driving motor 47b and the aligning plate 47 rotating motor 63 by a control device (not shown). Is performed in accordance with the width of The rotation direction of the alignment plate rotating motor 63 is switched by the control device every time the end of the alignment plate 47 comes into contact with the sheet S.

At the position behind the reference guide 47a in the aligning device 60, the stopper 50 and the reference guide 4 in the sheet S aligned by the staple compiler 46 are located.
A stapler 49 for binding the corner of 7a is provided.
This shows a state in which valid paper (S1) and invalid paper (S2) are being discharged to the staple compiler 46 of FIG. According to FIG. 17, the invalid paper S2 is placed on the aligned valid paper S1 in an unaligned state.
The paper S1 and the paper S2 can be easily distinguished.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart at the time of sheet discharge in the post-processing mode of the first embodiment of the present invention.

At the timing (n101) at which the exposure of the original M is started after the start of copying, it is determined whether or not the original conveyance device 30 has jammed in the original M (n102). If the jam of the document M has occurred, the document M
Is not correctly positioned at the predetermined position, the copy sheet corresponding to the original M is invalidated,
7 is not performed, and the sheet is output to the staple compiler 46 without performing the matching operation (n103). In this case, the copy sheet S corresponding to the jam document is determined only as invalid paper. If the copy sheet on which the image corresponding to the previous document M is formed in the copying apparatus main body, it is processed as valid paper and stapled. The matching process is performed on the compiler.

If the jam of the original M has not occurred in the step n102, the sheet is aligned by the alignment plate 47 after copying, and is discharged to the staple compiler 46 as valid paper (n104).

Therefore, valid paper (S1) and invalid paper (S2)
Since the discharge position is shifted in the direction orthogonal to the sheet transport direction and discharged, it can be easily distinguished as shown in FIG. 17, and the invalid paper can be removed by the staple compiler 46. Will be very easy.

(Embodiment 2) In Embodiment 1, the invalid paper (S2) is discharged to the staple compiler 46 while being distinguished from the valid paper, and this is removed by a message or the like. Can be easier. Especially, effective paper (S1)
Is reliably matched by the operation of the matching plate on the compiler, but the invalid paper (S2) is not aligned so as to be distinguished from the valid paper, so that the invalid paper on the valid paper is not necessarily located at a position where it can be easily understood. Not always.

Accordingly, a counter for counting the number of invalid papers is provided, and when a invalid paper is generated, the number of sheets to be removed is notified by a message from the staple compiler 46 so that the number of invalid papers to be removed can be grasped. Then, reliable removal can be performed.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart according to the second embodiment of the present invention, in which invalid paper is generated in the staple mode.

The counter X is a counter for counting invalid paper.

At the start of copying, the counter-X is initialized to 0 (n201), and it is determined whether or not the discharge sheet is valid paper (n202). The judgment of validity or invalidity is shown in FIG.
As described in FIG. 9, the sheet corresponding to the uncompleted original is determined by whether or not the exposure of the original M has been completed due to the occurrence of the jam during the transportation of the original M.
It can be determined as invalid. If the sheet to be ejected is valid paper, the sheet is ejected to the staple compiler 46 by the aligning plate 47 (n203), alignment is performed, and the end of copying is determined (n206). If the discharged sheet is not valid paper (invalid paper), the sheet by the matching plate 47 is discharged to the staple compiler 46 without performing alignment (n204), and the content of the counter X is set to X + 1 (n2).
05), it is determined whether or not all the sheets in the copying apparatus have been discharged (n206). In this case, a normal image is formed during the image formation by the original M which is not a jam, for example, during the passage at the transfer position or during the passage through the fixing unit, so that the copy control is executed. If all the sheets in the copying apparatus have not been discharged by the control, the process returns to n202, and if it has been completed, the content of the counter X is determined (n207).

If the content of the counter X is not 0, an invalid paper has been discharged to the staple compiler 46, and a message indicating how many invalid papers are to be removed is displayed (n20).
8).

Accordingly, the user can easily recognize how many sheets of invalid paper should be removed.

(Embodiment 3) According to the above embodiment, the image forming operation on the copying apparatus main body side due to the jam on the document conveying apparatus 30 side is temporarily stopped. Therefore, unnecessary paper on which a regular image is not formed is generated in the main body of the copying apparatus. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

That is, during a copying operation in the staple mode and when a sheet is stored in the intermediate tray 26, a release key (clear all key) for releasing the staple mode is issued. When pressed, for example, when duplex copying is being performed, the sheets stored in the intermediate tray 26 must be processed as unnecessary paper. For example, during the copying operation in the post-processing mode, when the setting of the copying condition such as the number of copies, the magnification or the image density is wrong, the above key is operated, and the image forming operation of the copying apparatus is temporarily stopped. Regarding this interruption, the operation is stopped when the normal image formation is completed for the image formation on the copy sheet.

In this embodiment, in the staple mode and when a sheet is stored in the intermediate tray 26, the process is performed for processing invalid paper generated by the operation of the clear walk key. Stapling the copy sheet on the pull compiler 46, discharging the copy sheet to the discharge tray 56 with the extruded piece 52,
The discharge roller 5 is set with the port 55 as the position of the offset mode.
The sheets in the intermediate tray 26 are all sequentially discharged to the discharge tray 56 by the discharge roller 3 and the discharge roller 54.

Therefore, even if the staple mode is released by the clear-or-key operation during the copy operation in the staple mode, the sheet in the main body of the copier (intermediate tray) is moved out of the main body of the copier. Since the sheet is ejected, the transition to the copy mode accompanying the next copy operation can be easily performed. in this case,
The copy sheets remaining in the intermediate tray 26 and the copied sheets already discharged onto the staple compiler 46 can be distinguished by completing the stapling.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

After starting the copying operation in the staple mode,
When the clear walk key is operated (n301), the stay
It is determined whether or not a sheet exists on the pull compiler 46 (n302). This determination is provided with a paper presence / absence detection switch on the staple compiler 46, and can be performed based on the detection status of this switch.

Therefore, if a sheet exists on the staple compiler 46, the sheet on the staple compiler 46 is aligned by the aligning plate 47, stapled, and discharged by the extruded piece 52. The sheet is discharged to a paper tray (n303). After the discharge of the staple sheet bundle is completed (n30).
4), it is determined whether there is a sheet in the intermediate tray 26 (n)
305). If there is a sheet in the intermediate tray 26,
After the post-processing device is switched to the offset mode, the gate 5
5 is set to the offset mode position, and all the sheets in the intermediate tray 26 are sequentially discharged to the discharge tray 56 by the discharge roller 53 and the discharge roller 54 (n306), and the process ends (n307). As a result, unnecessary sheets that are not stapled are discharged onto the previously stapled sheet bundle.

If there is no sheet on the intermediate tray 26, the process is terminated. If there is no sheet on the staple compiler 46 in n302, the process proceeds to n305.

Therefore, if the clear walk key is operated during the copying operation in the staple mode, the sheet in the copying machine main body (intermediate tray) is discharged out of the copying machine main body. The transition to the copy mode following the next copy operation can be easily performed, the burden on the user is reduced, and the copy efficiency is improved.

Note that, at n303, the staple compiler 46
The same effect can be obtained by aligning the sheet by the alignment plate without performing staples on the upper sheet, and then discharging the sheet to the discharge tray with the extruded piece 52.

(Embodiment 4) In the embodiment 3, if the sheet on the staple compiler 46 is ejected by performing the staple during the operation of the clear walk key, only the sheet in the middle of copying is output. In order to use the stapled sheet, it is necessary to remove the staple or to copy it from the beginning. Effective use of the sheet becomes difficult.

Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, the sheet on the staple compiler 46 can be effectively used even when the clear walk key is operated, so that the sheet on the staple compiler 46 can be effectively used.
The sheet is discharged to the discharge tray without staples.

In the fourth embodiment, in the staple mode, the sheet in the intermediate tray 26, which has become invalid by the operation of the clear walk key, is discharged onto the stapler compiler 46 without being aligned. .

Therefore, the user can utilize the sheets discharged on the staple compiler 46, and furthermore, a completed (double-sided) sheet group at the lower part and a sheet group at the upper part. The unfinished (single-sided copy) sheet group discharged from the intermediate tray 26 shifted in the direction orthogonal to the sheet conveyance direction can be easily distinguished from the sheet group, and can be used in a distinguished manner.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

After starting the copying operation in the staple mode,
When the clear walk key is operated (n401), it is determined whether or not a sheet exists in the intermediate tray 26 (n4).
02). If there is no sheet on the intermediate tray 26, the process ends. If there is a sheet in the intermediate tray, it is determined whether there is a sheet on the staple compiler 46 (n40).
3). If there is no sheet on the staple compiler 46, the sheet in the intermediate tray 26 is sequentially turned on by the discharge rollers 53 and 54 with the gate 55 as the position of the offset mode. All are discharged to the discharge tray 56 (n40
5, n406). When there is a sheet on the staple compiler 46, all the sheets in the intermediate tray are sequentially sent to the staple compiler 46 without performing the matching operation by the matching plate 47 on the staple compiler 46. Discharge (n4
04, S406).

Therefore, the sheet on the staple compiler 46 which has already been subjected to double-sided copying is aligned by the plywood 47, so that the lower sheet on which double-sided copying is being performed. The group can be easily distinguished from the upper sheet group on which single-sided copying is being performed.
Group can be used effectively.

(Fifth Embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, when the clear walk key is operated and a sheet exists on the staple compiler 46, the transition to another copy mode is performed. It is only possible after removing this sheet.

Therefore, the fifth embodiment has a clear all key
After the above operation, a message for removing the sheet on the staple compiler 46 is displayed, and the ready lamp is turned off until the message is removed, so that the processing procedure can be easily understood and erroneous operation can be prevented.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

After starting the copying operation in the staple mode,
When the clear walk key is operated (n501), the presence or absence of a sheet in the intermediate tray 26 is determined (n502), and then the presence or absence of a sheet on the staple compiler 46 is determined (n503, n508). ). If there is a sheet in the intermediate tray 26 and no sheet on the staple compiler 46, the gate 55 is set to the offset mode position and the discharge rollers 53 and 53 are set. Then, all the sheets in the intermediate tray 26 are sequentially discharged to the discharge tray 56 by the roller 54, and the process ends (n506, n507). If there are sheets both in the intermediate tray 26 and on the staple compiler 46, all the sheets in the intermediate tray 26 are aligned with the matching plate 47.
Are not sequentially performed, and all are sequentially discharged to the staple compiler 46 (n505).
Until the sheet on 6 is removed, a message is displayed to remove the sheet of the staple compiler 46,
The ready lamp is turned off (n509, n510). Thereafter, when the sheet on the staple compiler 46 is removed, the ready lamp is turned on, the transition to the next mode is permitted, and the process is terminated (n511). If there is no sheet in the intermediate tray 26 in n502 and there is a sheet on the staple compiler 46, the flow advances to n509.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent an erroneous operation after the clear walk operation, and furthermore, it is possible to easily understand the processing procedure of the unnecessary sheet, and to effectively use the sheet on which only one-sided copying has been performed. And the copy efficiency can be improved.

Embodiment 6 On the other hand, in the post-processing apparatus,
For example, there is a possible number of sheets that can be stapled. Therefore, the scene stored on the staple compiler 46
If the number of staples exceeds the number of sheets stapled, the stapling operation cannot be performed. Therefore, when a document is copied by the document feeder 30, the number of copy sheets may exceed the allowable number of staples depending on the selected copy mode.

For example, when the number of originals is 60 and the allowable number of staples is 50, the number of copy sheets becomes 30 in the S → D mode (mode in which double-sided copying is performed from a single-sided original). Stapling is possible. However, in the S → S mode (mode for performing one-sided copying from a one-sided document), the number of copies is 60, and the number of copies exceeds the permissible number of staples. Processing cannot be performed.

In the sixth embodiment of the present invention, the excess sheet is processed as unnecessary paper in the same manner as in the first, third and fourth embodiments, and the stapling is not performed by the alignment plate 47. -By discharging the sheet to the pull compiler 46, it is possible to easily recognize the number of sheets exceeding the allowable number of staples, thereby reducing the number of originals or changing the copy mode. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the stapler from overloading and eliminate factors such as failure.

In particular, in the case where the original is automatically circulated by the original feeder and copies are sequentially made one copy at a time, it is possible to recognize whether or not staples can be made at the time when one copy is copied. When copying the second copy, reduce the number of documents,
The copy mode can be changed (for example, a change from a single-sided copy mode to a double-sided copy mode).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention.

At the start of copying in the staple mode, the contents of a counter X for counting the number of sheets discharged to the staple compiler 46 are initialized to 0,
(N601), the timing at which the sheets are discharged to the staple compiler 46 is determined (n602), and the number of sheets X discharged onto the staple compiler 46 and the
The number A is compared with the allowable number of pulls A (n603). Count X
Is less than A, the sheet is aligned by the matching plate 47 and the sheet is moved to the staple position (n604), the content of the counter X is set to X + 1 (n605), and When the staple is requested by the end of copying (n608),
The sheet on the staple compiler 46 is stapled and discharged to the discharge tray 56 (n609), the contents of the counter X are initialized to 0 (n610), and this operation is performed until the desired copy is completed. Continue (n611). n60
If the number of sheets discharged to the staple compiler 46 exceeds the allowable number of staples in step 3, the sheets discharged thereafter are matched by the matching plate 47. The sheet is discharged without being discriminated from the sheet that has already been discharged and matched (n606). Further, at the time of automatic document circulation copying by the document feeder, a flag is set so that copying of only a part is completed (n607), and if copying is partially completed, copying is terminated (n612).

Here, the n607 flag is a flag for completing only a part of the original in the automatic circulation copying of the original by the original conveying device. Stop.

Accordingly, it is possible to easily know how much the sheet exceeds the allowable number of staples, reduce the number of originals, or change the copy mode (single-sided copy mode). Mode to double-sided copy mode, etc.)
We can respond quickly and accurately.

(Embodiment 7) In Embodiment 6, the sheet exceeding the allowable number of staples is replaced by the staple compiler 4.
6, the user must be prompted to perform the processing.

Therefore, in the seventh embodiment of the present invention, when the number of staples exceeds the allowable number, the copying operation is stopped after the copy is partially completed. At the same time as this stop, a message "A
More than one sheet cannot be stapled. The page over which the shifted sheets on the staple compiler have been exceeded.
Please remove the sheet from the staple compiler. Is displayed, and the ready lamp is turned off until it is removed to prevent erroneous operation.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention.

At the start of copying in the staple mode, the contents of a counter X for counting the number of sheets discharged to the staple compiler 46 are initialized to 0,
(N701), the timing at which the sheet is discharged to the staple compiler 46 is determined (n702), and the number of sheets X discharged onto the staple compiler 46 and the
The number A is compared with the allowable number of pulls A (n703). Count X
Is less than A, the sheet is aligned by the matching plate 47 and the sheet is moved to the staple position (n704), the content of the counter X is set to X + 1 (n705), and When the staple is requested by the end of copying (n708),
The sheet on the staple compiler 46 is stapled and discharged to the discharge tray 56 (n709), the contents of the counter X are initialized to 0 (n710), and this operation is performed until the desired copy is completed. It continues (n711). n70
If the number of sheets discharged to the staple compiler 46 exceeds the allowable number of staples in step 3, the sheets discharged thereafter are matched by the matching plate 47. The sheet is discharged without being discriminated from the sheet that has already been discharged and matched (n706). Further, at the time of automatic document circulation copying by the document feeder, a flag is set so that copying of only a part is completed (n707). Until the sheet is removed (n713), a message is displayed (n714), the ready lamp is turned off (n715),
Avoid extra duplication. When the sheet on the staple compiler 46 is removed, the ready lamp is turned on to permit the next copying operation (n716).

Here, the n607 flag is a flag for completing a part of the document in the automatic document circulation by the document feeder, and the CPU completes a part of the copy by using this flag to perform the copying operation. Stop.

Therefore, the user can recognize the processing method of the sheet by the message, and reduce the number of originals equal to or more than the allowable number of staples to copy or change the copy mode ( (Eg, change from a single-sided copying mode to a double-sided copying mode).

As described in the above embodiments, according to the present invention, the copying apparatus main body which occurs when the copying operation is temporarily stopped due to some factor, not due to the conveyance failure of the copy sheet in the main body of the copying apparatus. Valid copy paper in the
Unnecessary copy paper that cannot form an image properly is distinguished on the same discharge tray. Therefore, when there is a sheet to be processed unnecessary other than when the document feeder 30 operates the clear key or the like for stopping the operation or when the number of post-processable sheets is exceeded, the present invention is not changed. Applicable.

[0146]

According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, a tray provided with an automatic document feeder, which performs post-processing of a copy sheet after copying by a sheet post-processing apparatus, such as a stapler, is used for post-processing. When partly used as a discharge tray that is discharged later, when unnecessary paper is generated, the unnecessary paper can be distinguished from the valid paper that has been discharged earlier. Processing can be performed easily.
In this case, since it is not necessary to provide a separate sheet transport path as the post-processing device, a large-scale transport path is not required, which can contribute to downsizing.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a main part configuration diagram of a sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram showing the entire sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the overall structure of a copier equipped with the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an arrangement of each sheet detection switch in an offset mode in the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an arrangement of each sheet detection switch in a staple mode in the sheet post-processing apparatus of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram according to a control system of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the sheet post-processing device in an offset mode.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation process in a staple (single) mode of the sheet post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart for discharging a sheet.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing output characteristics of a stepping motor.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation process in the staple (multi) mode of the sheet post-processing apparatus according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an operation process in a staple (multi) mode of the sheet post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the sheet post-processing apparatus in a staple (multi) mode.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing an operation process of the sheet post-processing device in the staple (multi) mode.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation process in a staple (multi) mode of the sheet post-processing apparatus.

FIGS. 16 (a), (b) and (c) are explanatory views showing sheet conveyance operations in a post-processing conveyance path in each staple (multi) mode.

FIG. 17 is a top view showing an alignment state of sheets by the staple compiler according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view showing an example of sheet alignment on the staple compiler of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart in Embodiment 1 relating to sheet alignment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart of a second embodiment relating to sheet alignment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of Embodiment 3 relating to sheet alignment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a fourth embodiment relating to sheet alignment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of a fifth embodiment relating to sheet alignment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of Embodiment 6 relating to sheet alignment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart of Embodiment 7 relating to sheet alignment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a schematic front view showing an operation in a non-staple mode in a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus.

FIG. 27 is a schematic front view showing an operation in a staple mode in a conventional sheet post-processing apparatus.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Copier main body 26 Intermediate tray 30 Original conveyance device 40 Sheet post-processing device 45 Post-processing part 46 Stable compiler (sheet receiving stand) 47 Alignment plate 47a Reference guide 47b Support plate driving motor 49 Stay Plastic 53 Discharge roller 56 Discharge tray M Original S Sheet S1 Valid paper S2 Invalid paper

────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (56) References JP-A-5-147815 (JP, A) JP-A-5-238620 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B65H 37/00-37/06 B65H 7/06 G03G 15/00

Claims (3)

(57) [Claims] 1. An automatic document feeder, a copying apparatus main body for copying an image of a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder onto a sheet, and a post-processing for post-processing a plurality of sheets formed by the copying apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus having the device, the post-processing device transports the copy sheet to the first position,
A sheet aligning means for aligning and moving to the second position; and a post-processing means for post-processing the aligned sheet bundle at the second position. Means for discriminating between valid copy paper for which image formation has already been completed and unnecessary copy paper in response to the signal for temporarily stopping image formation on the copy paper, and And a valid copy sheet is discharged to the post-processing device by the discriminating means.
An image forming apparatus, comprising: a sheet conveyance control unit that aligns the invalid paper and discharges the invalid paper to the first position. 2. A signal relating to stoppage of image formation on a copy sheet, not a conveyance failure of the copying apparatus, is a jam detection signal by an automatic document feeder, a copy operation stop signal, or a number of sheets that can be processed by a post-processing apparatus. 2. The image forming apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the signal is one of signals output when the number of signals exceeds the limit. 3. An automatic document feeder, a copying apparatus main body for copying an image of a document conveyed by the automatic document feeder onto a sheet, and a post-processing for post-processing a plurality of sheets formed by the copying apparatus main body. In the image forming apparatus having the apparatus, the post-processing device includes: a receiving tray on which the discharged copy paper is placed; an alignment unit that performs alignment for moving the copy paper on the receiving tray to a position where the post-processing is performed; A post-processing means for performing post-processing after the sheet is discharged, and a copy sheet bundle post-processed by the post-processing means is discharged to a discharge tray which is disposed by extending the receiving tray and forms a part of the receiving tray. Discharging means, and means for switching the copy paper discharged according to the post-processing mode or the non-post-processing mode to a receiving tray or a discharge tray;
Determining means for judging, as unnecessary copy sheets, valid copy sheets for which image formation has been completed in the copying apparatus main body in the post-processing mode, and sheets present in the copying apparatus in which a normal document image has not been formed; The image forming apparatus includes a sheet conveyance control unit that discharges the copy sheet in the tray to the receiving tray of the post-processing device, performs the alignment process on the valid copy sheet, and does not perform the alignment process on the unnecessary copy sheet. apparatus.