JPH0684229B2 - Sorter - Google Patents

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a sorter for classifying recording paper discharged from an image recording apparatus such as an electronic copying machine or a printer into a plurality of bins.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a sorter, a plurality of bins arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, a belt that is arranged near these bins and that conveys recording paper upward or downward, and A recording sheet conveying means such as a suction fan for sucking the recording sheet; an elevating member arranged so as to be able to ascend and descend between the recording sheet conveying means and a bin; and an elevating drive means for elevating the elevating member. A direction switching member for directing the moving direction of the moving recording paper of the recording paper conveying means arranged on the elevating member to the bin direction, and recording whose direction is switched by the direction switching member arranged on the elevating member. It is known to include a pair of paper discharge rollers for discharging paper into a bin.

However, since this sorter has to convey the recording paper discharged from the image recording apparatus from the position corresponding to the highest one or the lowest one of the plurality of bins by the recording paper conveying means, Since the movement amount of the recording paper for classification becomes large, there is a drawback that the recording paper classification operation becomes slow.

OBJECT It is an object of the present invention to provide a sorter that can speed up the recording paper sorting operation.

Configuration According to the present invention, a plurality of bins arranged at a predetermined interval in the vertical direction, a first elevating member and a second elevating member arranged to be able to ascend and descend near these bins, and these Elevating and lowering drive means for individually elevating and lowering the elevating and lowering members, recording paper holding means arranged for each of the elevating and lowering members to temporarily hold the recording paper sent thereto, and recording paper for each of the elevating and lowering members. A pair of paper discharge rollers for discharging the paper into a bin, paper discharge roller driving means for rotating the paper discharge rollers, a reference first bin located at the center of the plurality of bins, and adjacent to and below the reference first bin. Paper guide means for alternately guiding the recording paper discharged from the image recording device to a position corresponding to the reference second bin, wherein the first elevating member corresponds to the reference first bin The bin above the first waiting position And a second lowering member corresponding to the reference second bin, and a range in which a bin below the second standby position corresponding to the second bin is positioned is moved up and down. And the second elevating member are respectively the first
The standby position and the second standby position, and the elevating member is moved to a predetermined position in a state where the recording paper is guided by the paper guide means alternately to these standby positions and held by the recording paper holding means. After the movement, the paper ejection roller is rotated to eject the recording paper to the bin by the paper ejection roller, and then the elevating member is returned to the standby position.

Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 indicates a sorter. An electronic copying machine 2 is arranged adjacent to the exterior plate 1a of the sorter 1. The sorter 1 is mounted on the exterior plate 2a of the electronic copying machine 2.
A paper discharge port 3 for discharging the recording paper P is formed on the side of.
Inside the exterior plate 2a near the paper discharge port 3, a pair of paper discharge rollers 4 is arranged.

A paper receiving port 5 is formed in the exterior plate 1a of the sorter 1 so as to face the paper discharge port 3 of the exterior plate 2a of the electronic copying machine 2. Inside the exterior plate 1a near the paper receiving port 5, a pair of receiving rollers 6 are arranged. These receiving rollers 6, 6 are in pressure contact with each other, and one receiving roller 6 is rotated by the receiving roller driving means 7. The receiving roller driving means 7 includes a motor 7a fixed to the exterior plate 1a, a pulley c fixed to the drive shaft 7b of the motor 7a, a pulley 7d fixed to the shaft 6a of the receiving roller 6, and these pulleys. It consists of a belt 7e that is attached to 7c and 7b.

A receiving paper sensor 8 is arranged between the paper discharge roller 4 and the receiving rollers 6, 6. The receiving paper sensor 8 detects the recording paper P inserted into the paper receiving opening 5, and is composed of a photo sensor. A plurality of bins 9 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction on the recording roller P feeding direction side of the receiving rollers 6, 6. These bins 9 are supported by the exterior plate 1a, and most of the bins 9 extend outward from the opening of the exterior plate 1a. Elevating members 10 and 11 are arranged between the receiving rollers 6 and 6 and the bin 9 so as to be able to move up and down near the bin 9.

Between the receiving rollers 6 and 6 and the elevating members 10 and 11, paper guide means 12 for guiding the recording paper P sent by the receiving rollers 6 and 6 toward the elevating members 10 and 11 is arranged. There is. The paper guide means 12 guides the recording paper P to the reference first bin 9 located at the center of the plurality of bins 9, and the first paper path 12 is provided.
a and a second guide 9 for guiding the recording paper P to the second reference bin 9 below and adjacent to the first reference bin 9
And a common paper path 12c for guiding the recording paper P sent from the receiving rollers 6, 6 before being divided into the first paper path 12a and the second paper path 12b. A plurality of guide members 12d and a paper common path of these guide members 12d
Paper direction switching means 12e for guiding the recording paper P sent to 12c to either the first paper path 12a or the second paper path 12b.
Consists of.

The paper direction switching means 12e is a common paper path of the guide member 12d.
A paper direction switching member 12f rotatably arranged on 12c,
A tension spring 12g that elastically presses the paper direction switching member 12f to the lower side of the guide member 12d, and an actuator 12h arranged on the guide member 12d and a wire 12i is used to move the paper direction switching member 12f. The solenoid 12j is connected to the rotating end.

When the solenoid 12j is OFF, the paper direction switching member
12f is arranged at the position shown by the solid line and guides the recording paper P sent by the receiving rollers 6, 6 in the direction of the first paper path 12a, and when the solenoid 12j is ON, the paper direction is shown. The switching member 12f is arranged at the position shown by the alternate long and short dash line so that the recording paper P sent by the receiving rollers 6, 6 is transferred to the second paper path 1
Guide to 2b.

The lifting members 10 and 11 are lifted and lowered by lifting drive means 13 and 14. The lifting drive means 13 includes two pairs of pulleys 13a and 13b arranged vertically and a step motor 13d arranged near the shaft 13c of the upper pulley 13a and capable of rotating in the forward and reverse directions.
A worm gear 13f fixed to the drive shaft 13e of the step motor 13d, and a gear 13g fixed to the shaft 13c of the pulley 13a while meshing with the worm gear 13f.
The pair of wires 13h are attached to the pulleys 13a and 13b and both side plates 10a of the elevating member 10 are fixed. The pulley 13a is fixed to the shaft 13c, and the pulley 13b is rotatably supported by the shaft 14c. The shafts 13c and 14c are supported by bearings fixed to the exterior plate 1a. The step motor 13d is fixed to the exterior plate 1a.

The lifting drive means 14 also includes two pairs of pulleys 14a and 14b arranged vertically and a step motor 14d which is arranged near the shaft 14c of the lower pulley 14b and which can rotate in the forward and reverse directions.
A worm gear 14f fixed to the drive shaft 14e of the step motor 14d, and a gear 14g fixed to the shaft 14c of the pulley 14b while engaging with the worm gear 14f.
The lifting member 11 is mounted on the pulley 14b.
And a pair of wires 14h to which a holding member 11b protruding from both side plates 11a is fixed. The pulley 14b is fixed to the shaft 14c, and the pulley 14a is rotatably supported by the shaft 13c. The step motor 14d is fixed to the exterior plate 1a.

The elevating member 10 is composed of both side plates 10a and a holding plate 10b integrally fixed thereto. Two guide members 10c, 10d for guiding the recording paper P sent from the receiving rollers 6, 6 are arranged on the side plates 10a and the holding plate 10b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guide member 10c is provided with two supporting members 15 protruding therefrom. Bearings 16 are arranged in the elongated holes of the support members 15 so as to be vertically movable by a small distance, and the shafts 17a of the paper discharge rollers 17 are supported by the bearings 16. A holding member 18 is provided so as to project from the guide member 10c, and a spring 19 that presses the shaft 17a of the paper discharge roller 17 upward is held on the holding member 18.

The guide member 10d is also provided with two support members 20 projecting therefrom. These support members 20 are provided with a one-way clutch 21 and a bearing 22, and these one-way clutch 21 and bearing 22 are provided. The shaft 23a of the paper discharge roller 23 is supported. The paper discharge roller 23 is rotated by the paper discharge roller driving means 24. The paper discharge roller driving means 24 is used for the lifting member 10
24a fixed to the holding plate 10b of the
Pulley 24c fixed to the drive shaft 24b of the
A pulley 24d fixed to the shaft 23a of the paper discharge roller 23 and a belt 24e attached to the pulleys 24c and 24d. The one-way clutch 21 does not prevent the paper discharge roller 23 from rotating in the direction of sending the recording paper P to the bin 9, and the paper discharge roller 23 is in the direction opposite to the direction of sending the recording paper P to the bin 9. Prevent it from spinning.

The elevating member 11 includes both side plates 11a, and a holding member 11b and a holding plate 11c that are integrally fixed to the side plates 11a. These side plates 11a and holding plate 11c have receiving rollers 6, 6
Two guide members for guiding the recording paper P sent from the
11d and 11e are arranged.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guide member 11d is provided with two support members 25 protruding therefrom. Bearings 26 are arranged in the elongated holes of the support members 25 so as to be vertically movable by a small distance, and the shafts 27a of the paper discharge rollers 27 are supported by the bearings 26. A holding member 28 is provided so as to project from the guide member 11d, and a spring 29 that presses the shaft 27a of the paper discharge roller 27 downward is held on the holding member 28.

The guide member 11e is also provided with two supporting members 30 projecting therefrom, and these supporting members 30 are provided with a one-way clutch 31 and a bearing 32, and these one-way clutch 31 and bearing 32 are provided. The shaft 33a of the paper discharge roller 33 is supported. The paper discharge roller 33 is rotated by the paper discharge roller driving means 34. The paper discharge roller driving means 34 is provided for the lifting member 11
Of the motor 34a fixed to the holding plate 11c of the
34c fixed to the drive shaft 34b of the
The pulley 34d is fixed to the shaft 33a of the paper discharge roller 33 so as to face it, and the belt 34e is attached to these pulleys 34c and 34d. The one-way clutch 31 does not prevent the paper discharge roller 33 from rotating in the direction of sending the recording paper P to the bin 9, and the paper discharge roller 33 is in the direction opposite to the direction of sending the recording paper P to the bin 9. Prevent it from spinning.

A paper sensor 35 for detecting the recording paper P is arranged between the paper discharge rollers 17 and 23 and the receiving rollers 6 and 6 and near the paper discharge rollers 17 and 23. The paper sensor 35 is a photo sensor and is fixed to the guide member 10c. The discharge rollers 17 and 23 are arranged at the first standby position corresponding to the reference first bin 9 at the center of the plurality of bins 9 for receiving the recording paper P sent by the receiving rollers 6 and 6. The first roller standby position sensor 36 for detecting the fact that it has been moved is arranged at a predetermined position. The first roller standby position sensor 36 is composed of a photo sensor and detects that the detection piece 36a projecting from the side plate 10a of the elevating member 10 is arranged at a predetermined position so that the discharge rollers 17, 23 are It is detected that it has been placed in the first standby position.

Further, a paper sensor 37 for detecting the recording paper P is arranged between the paper discharge rollers 27, 33 and the receiving rollers 6, 6 and near the paper discharge rollers 27, 33. The paper sensor 37 is composed of a photo sensor and is fixed to the guide member 11d. A second roller standby position sensor 38 for detecting that the discharge rollers 27, 33 are disposed at a second standby position corresponding to the reference second bin 9 is disposed at a predetermined position. The second roller standby position sensor 38 is composed of a photo sensor, and detects the fact that the detection piece 38a protruding from the side plate 11a of the elevating member 11 is arranged at a predetermined position so that the paper discharge rollers 27, 33 are released. It is detected that it has been placed in the second standby position.

The paper discharge roller 4 of the electronic copying machine 2 is interposed between the receiving rollers 6 and 6.
When the recording paper P is sent from the receiving rollers 6, 6, the receiving rollers 6, 6 send the recording paper P toward the paper guide means 12, and the paper guide means 12
Reference numeral 12 guides the recording paper P toward the paper discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33. In this case, the paper discharge rollers 17, 23 and 27, 33 stand by in a state where they are not rotated to the first standby position and the second standby position for receiving the recording paper P. Paper sensor 3 above
When 5,37 detects the front end of the recording paper P, the paper discharge rollers 17,23 or 27,33 are rotated in the direction for feeding the recording paper P to the bin 9 for a short predetermined time from this point, and the front end of the recording paper P is rotated. Hold and stop.

When the paper discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 hold the recording paper P, the elevating member 10 or 11 and the paper discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 move forward in the direction of the selected bin 9 to be used. And stops at the position corresponding to the selected bin 9. When the elevating member 10 or 11 and the paper discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 move forward, the paper discharge rollers 23, 33 rotate in a direction opposite to the direction in which the recording paper P is fed to the bin 9 by a one-way clutch. Since it is blocked by 21,31, the recording paper P is ejected by the paper ejection rollers 17,23.
Or it will not be detached from 27,33. Paper ejection roller 1
The forward speed of the paper discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 when moving 7, 23 or 27, 33 to the selected bin 9 is determined by the recording paper P of the paper discharge roller 4 of the electronic copying machine 2. The discharge speed is set to be almost the same. This is the exit roller 17, 23 or 2
This is to prevent the recording paper P from being detached from the paper discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 due to unnecessary resistance acting on the recording paper P when the 7, 33 move forward.

When the discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 are arranged at the positions corresponding to the selected bin 9, the discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 are rotated to discharge the recording paper P to the bin 9. In addition, after a short time elapses from the time when the paper sensor 35 or 37 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper P, the paper discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27,
The rotation of 33 is stopped, and the lifting member 10 or 11 and the discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 are set to the first standby position or the second standby position.
Return to the standby position. When the raising / lowering member 10 or 11 and the discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 are moved back, the speed of the backward movement of the raising / lowering member 10 or 11 and the discharge rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 is Since the rollers 17, 23 or 27, 33 do not hold the recording paper P, the feeding speed of the recording paper P of the paper discharge roller 4 of the electronic copying machine 2 may be set higher than the feeding speed.

FIG. 5 shows the operation display panel 39 provided on the upper surface of the exterior plate 2a of the electronic copying machine 2, which will be described below.

On the operation display panel 39, a power key 40 for turning the power on or off, a power indicator 41 for indicating that the power is on or off, a start key 4 for starting copying
2, original number set key 4 to set the number of originals
3, original number set indicator 44, which indicates whether or not this original number set key 43 is turned ON, copy number set key 45 for setting the number of copies, this copy number set key
Number of copies set display that indicates whether 45 is turned on
46, numeric keypad 47 for entering the number of originals or the number of copies,
A clear stop key 48 that clears the input value from the numeric keypad 47 and stops copying, an original set number display 49 that displays the number of originals set, and an original execution number display 50 that displays the number of originals that have been copied. , Copy set number display to display the set number of copies 5
1, a copy execution number display 52 that displays the number of recording sheets P that have been copied, a sort mode key 53 that sets the sort mode, and a sort mode display that displays whether or not the sort mode is set 54, a stack mode key 55 for setting the stack mode, a stack mode indicator 56 for displaying whether or not the stack mode is set, and the like are provided.

When the ten-key 47 is pressed after the manuscript number set key 43 is turned on, the number of manuscript sets is entered, and when the ten-key 47 is pressed after the copy number set key 45 is turned on, the number of copy sets is entered. The sort mode is a mode in which a plurality of recording papers P are discharged one by one to different bins 9. In the stack mode, a plurality of recording papers P are
A mode in which the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in each bin 9 is sequentially discharged into a plurality of bins 9.

The controller of the sorter 1 described above is shown in FIG. 6, which will be described below.

The received paper sensor 8, the paper sensors 35, 37, the first roller standby position sensor 36, the second roller standby position sensor 38, the power key 40, the start key 42, the original number set key 43, the copy number set key 45, Numeric keypad 47, sort mode key 53
Information such as the stack mode key 55 is given to the input ports of the microcomputers 57 and 58. The microcomputer 57 and the microcomputer 58 are connected.

In the RAM of the microcomputer 57, a document number set counter, a copy set number counter, a total copy set number counter, a first discharged number counter, a sort mode flag, a used bin number counter, a first lift flag and a second Up and down flags and the like are provided. The sort mode flag becomes "1" when the sort mode key 53 is turned on, and becomes "0" when the stack mode key 55 is turned on. The used bin number counter counts the number of bins used in the sort mode, and has the same value as the copy set number counter. The first lifting flag and the second lifting flag are lifting members.
When moving up 10,11, it is set to "1" and the lifting member 1
It is set to "0" when going down 0,11.

To the output port of the microcomputer 57, the receiving roller driving means 7, the elevating driving means 13, the paper discharge roller driving means 24, etc. are connected.

In the RAM of the microcomputer 58, a document set number counter, a copy set number counter, a total copy set number counter, a second discharged number counter, a sort mode flag, a used bin number counter, a first lift flag and a second Up and down flags and the like are provided. The sort mode flag becomes "1" when the sort mode key 53 is turned on, and becomes "0" when the stack mode key 55 is turned on. The used bin number counter counts the number of bins used in the sort mode, and has the same value as the copy set number counter. The first lifting flag and the second lifting flag are lifting members.
When moving up 10,11, it is set to "1" and the lifting member 1
It is set to "0" when going down 0,11.

To the output port of the microcomputer 58, the paper direction switching means 12e, the elevating drive means 14, the paper discharge roller drive means 34, etc. are connected.

The operation of the above sorter 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 to 12.

When the ON signal of the power key 40 is given to the microcomputer 57, the operation is executed according to the program shown in the flow of FIGS. 7 to 9 stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 57. 7 and 8 show the main routine of the flow, and FIG. 9 shows the subroutine of the flow.

First, initialization is performed in steps. In this initial setting, the RAM and the input / output port of the microcomputer 57 are cleared.

Next, in step, it is checked whether or not the start key 42 is ON. If it is determined that the start key 42 is ON in step, the receiving roller driving means 7 is turned ON in step, and the used bin selection routine of step is executed.
At step, it is checked whether the first elevating flag = 1. When it is determined that the first lift flag is not 1 in step, the process returns to step. When it is determined that the first elevating flag = 1 in step, the ON time of the elevating drive means 13 is set in step corresponding to the bin 9 selected in the use bin selection routine of step.

Next, in step, it is checked whether the paper sensor 35 is ON. If it is determined in this step that the paper sensor 35 is ON, that is, if the paper sensor 35 detects the leading edge of the recording paper P, the paper discharge roller driving means 24 is turned ON in step, and t _x ≧ t ₁ in step Check if there is. This t _x is the elapsed time from the time when the paper sensor 35 is turned on, and t ₁ is the time when the paper sensor 35 is turned on (the time when the paper discharge roller driving means 24 is turned on) Laura 1
7,23 is a predetermined time required to hold the leading edge of the recording paper P.

When it is determined that t _x ≧ t ₁ in the above step, the discharge roller driving means 24 is turned off in the step, the elevating driving means 13 is turned on in the step, and the discharge rollers 17 and 23 are raised to proceed to the step.

In the step, it is checked whether or not the discharge rollers 17, 23 have reached the bin 9 selected in the use bin selection routine of the step, that is, the lifting drive means for the ON time of the lifting drive means 13 set in the step. Check if 13 is turned on.

When it is determined that the discharge rollers 17 and 23 have reached the selected bin 9 in the above step, the lifting drive means 13 is operated in the step.
After being turned off, the first elevating flag is set to 0 in step, the discharge roller driving means 24 is turned on in step, and the recording paper P is discharged to the bin 9 by the discharge rollers 17 and 23.

Next, in step, it is checked whether the paper sensor 35 is OFF. When it is determined that the paper sensor 35 is OFF in the step, in the step [first discharged sheet number counter] +1
And in the step, the value of the first discharged sheet number counter is set to the second value.
From putting in the number of discharged sheets counter, t _y ≧ t ₂ in step
Check whether or not. This t _y is the elapsed time from the time when it is determined that the paper sensor 35 is OFF in the step, and t ₂ is determined by the discharge rollers 17 and 23 after it is determined that the paper sensor 35 is OFF in the step. This is a predetermined time required for the discharged recording paper P to be released from the paper discharge rollers 17 and 23.

If it is determined that t _y ≧ t ₂ in the above step, the discharge roller driving means 24 is turned off in the step, and the elevating drive means 13 is turned on in the step to lower the discharge rollers 17 and 23, and then the step is performed. .

In the step, the first roller standby position sensor 36
Check if it is ON. When it is determined that the first roller standby position sensor 36 is ON in step, the elevating and lowering driving means 13 is turned OFF in step S1 and the discharge rollers 17 and 23 are made to stand by in the first standby position, and then in step S1 Set number counter] = [First discharged number counter]
Check whether or not. If it is determined in the step that [total copy set number counter] = [first discharged sheet number counter], the process returns to the step. If it is judged in the step that [total copy set number counter] = [first discharged number counter], the operation is stopped.

Next, the used bin selection routine of the step shown in FIG. 9 will be described.

First, in step, it is checked whether or not [sort mode flag] = 1. When it is determined that [sort mode flag] = 1 in the step, that is, when it is determined that the sort mode is set, C and D in A−BC = D (where 0 ≦ D <B) are obtained in the step. Here, A is the value of the first discharged sheet number counter, B is the value of the used bin number counter, and C and D are 0 or a positive integer. Next, in the step, it is checked whether or not D = 0, and when it is determined that D = 0 is not satisfied in the step,
In step, it is checked whether or not D = 2m + 1 (however, D ≧ 2m). Here, m is 0 or a positive integer.

When it is determined that D = 0 in the above step, the reference first bin 9 in the central portion is selected as the bin 9 to be used in the step, the first elevating flag is set to 1 in the step, and the second elevating / lowering step is executed in the step. After the flag is set to 1, the process returns to the main routine. When it is determined in the above step that D = 2m + 1 (where D ≧ 2m), in the step, the (m + 1) th bin 9 above the central first reference bin 9 is selected as the bin 9 to be used. Then, the first raising / lowering flag is set to 1 and the second raising / lowering flag is set to 1 in step and then the process returns to the main routine. D =
If it is determined that it is not 2m + 1 (where D ≧ 2m), in the step, the (m−1) th bin 9 below the reference second bin 9 in the central portion is selected as the bin 9 to be used, and the first bin is selected in the step. The elevating flag is set to 0, the second elevating flag is set to 0 in step, and the process returns to the main routine.

When [sort mode flag] = 1 is not determined in the above step, that is, when the stack mode is determined, F and G in A-EF = G (where 0≤G≤E) are obtained in step. Here, E is the maximum number of sheets of the recording paper P that can be stored in one bin 9,
And F and G are 0 or a positive integer. Next, in step, it is checked whether or not F = 0, and when it is determined that F = 0 is not satisfied in step, F = 2n + 1 in step.
It is checked whether (F ≧ 2n) or not. Here, n is 0 or a positive integer.

When it is determined that F = 0 in the above step, the first bin 9 based on the central portion is selected as the bin 9 to be used in the step, the first up / down flag is set to 1 in step, and the second up / down flag is set in step. Is set to 1, and the process returns to the main routine. In the above step, F = 2n + 1 (F
≧ 2n), it is determined in step that the (n + 1) th bin 9 from the reference first bin 9 in the central portion is the bin 9 to be used, and the first up / down flag is set to 1 in step. , The second up / down flag is set to 1, and the process returns to the main routine. In the above step, F =
If it is determined that 2n + 1 (where F ≧ 2n) is not satisfied, the (n−1) th bin 9 below the reference second bin 9 in the central portion is selected as the bin 9 to be used in the step, and the first bin is selected in the step. The elevating flag is set to 0, the second elevating flag is set to 0 in step, and the process returns to the main routine.

When the ON signal of the power key 40 is given to the microcomputer 58, the microcomputer 58 is operated in accordance with the programs stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 58 shown in the flow charts of FIG. 10, FIG. 11, FIG. 12 and FIG. Run. Figure 10,
FIG. 11 shows the main routine of the flow, and FIGS. 9 and 12 show the subroutine of the flow.

First, initialization is performed in steps. In this initial setting, the RAM and the input / output port of the microcomputer 58 are cleared.

Next, in step, it is checked whether or not the start key 42 is ON. When it is determined that the start key 42 is ON in the step, the used bin selection routine of the step is performed, and it is checked in the step whether or not the second elevating flag = 0. If it is determined that the second elevating flag is not 0 in step, the process returns to step. Second in step
When it is determined that the lift flag of 0 is 0, the ON time of the lift drive means 14 is set in step corresponding to the bin 9 selected in the use bin selection routine of step. Then, in step, it is checked whether or not the received paper sensor 8 is ON. When it is determined that the received paper sensor 8 is ON in step, the paper direction switching means 12e is turned ON in step.

Next, in step, it is checked whether the paper sensor 37 is ON. If it is determined in this step that the paper sensor 37 is ON, that is, if the paper sensor 37 detects the leading edge of the recording paper P, the paper discharge roller driving means 34 is turned ON in step, and t _z ≧ t ₃ in step. Check if there is. This t _z is the elapsed time from the time when the paper sensor 37 is turned on, and t ₃ is the time when the paper sensor 37 is turned on (the time when the paper discharge roller driving means 34 is turned on). Laura 2
7,33 is a predetermined time required to hold the leading edge of the recording paper P.

When it is determined that t _z ≧ t ₃ in the above step, the discharge roller driving means 34 is turned off in the step, the elevating driving means 14 is turned on in the step, and the discharge rollers 27, 33 are lowered to switch the paper direction of the step. Go to the step through the control routine.

In the step, it is checked whether or not the discharge rollers 27, 33 have reached the bin 9 selected in the use bin selection routine of the step, that is, the lifting drive means for the ON time of the lifting drive means 14 set in the step. Check whether 14 is turned on.

If it is determined in the above step that the discharge rollers 27, 33 have not reached the selected bin 9, the process returns to step. When it is determined that the paper ejection rollers 27, 33 have reached the selected bin 9 in step, the elevating drive means 14 is turned off in step, and then the paper ejection roller drive means 34 is turned on in step to record by the paper ejection rollers 27, 33. The paper P is discharged to the bin 9, and a paper direction switching control routine of step is executed, and it is checked in step whether or not the paper sensor 37 is OFF. If it is determined that the paper sensor 37 is not OFF in step, the process returns to step. If it is determined that the paper sensor 37 is OFF in the step, the value is set to [second discharged sheet number counter] +1 in the step, and the value of the second discharged sheet number counter is set in the first discharged sheet number counter in the step. , Step, it is checked whether t _v ≧ t ₄ . This t _v is the elapsed time from the time when it is determined that the paper sensor 37 is OFF in the step, and t ₄ is determined by the discharge rollers 27 and 33 after it is determined that the paper sensor 37 is OFF in the step. It is a predetermined time required for the discharged storage paper P to be detached from the paper discharge rollers 27, 33.

When it is determined that t _v ≧ t ₄ in the above step, the discharge roller driving means 34 is turned off in the step, the second raising / lowering flag is set to 1 in step, and the raising / lowering driving means 14 is turned on in step to discharge the sheet. Raise the rollers 27 and 33 before going to the step.

In the step, the second roller standby position sensor 38
Check if it is ON. If it is determined that the second roller standby position sensor 38 is ON in step, the elevating drive means 14 is turned OFF in step and the paper discharge rollers 27 and 33 are made to wait in the second standby position, and then in step Set number counter] = [Second discharged number counter]
Check whether or not. If it is determined in the step that [total copy set number counter] = [second discharged number counter], the process returns to the step. If it is determined in the step that [total copy set number counter] = [second discharged number counter], the operation is stopped.

The use bin selection routine of the above step comprises the flow shown in FIG.

Next, the paper direction switching control routine in the above step is executed.
It will be described based on FIG.

At step, it is checked whether the received paper sensor 8 is turned from ON to OFF. If it is determined in step that the received paper sensor 8 has not been turned from ON to OFF, the process returns to the main routine. When it is determined that the received paper sensor 8 is turned from ON to OFF in step, it is checked in step whether or not t _w ≧ t ₅ . The received paper sensor 8 is ON at this t _w
Is the time that has elapsed since the switch turned off from, and t ₅
Is a predetermined time required for the trailing edge of the recording paper P to pass through the paper direction switching member 12f from the time when the received paper sensor 8 is turned off. If it is determined that t _w ≧ t ₅ in step, the paper direction switching means 12e is turned off in step and the process returns to the main routine.

In the above-described embodiment, the recording paper holding means 59 for temporarily holding the recording paper P when the paper discharge rollers 17 and 23 move forward to the selected bin 9, and ejects the leading end of the recording paper P from the paper discharge rollers. 1
Although it is configured to be sandwiched by 7, 23 itself, as shown in FIG. 13, the front end portion of the recording paper P inserted into the paper ejection rollers 17, 23 separately from the paper ejection rollers 17, 23 is temporarily held. A recording paper holding means 59 for holding the recording paper may be provided. This recording paper holding means 59 is
Two elastic holding pieces 59a fixed to the lower surface of the guide member 10d and easily elastically deformable, and this guide member 1
The elastic holding piece 59a is fixed to the upper surface of 0d and is displaced downward by the actuator 59b through the hole of the guide member 10d. 2
It consists of two solenoids 59c. When the solenoid 59c is OFF, the elastic holding piece 59a is sufficiently separated from the guide member 10c so as not to obstruct the movement of the recording paper P. When the recording paper P is inserted between the paper ejection rollers 17 and 23 and the leading end of the recording paper P reaches between the elastic holding piece 59a and the guide member 10d, the solenoid 59c is turned on.
When turned on, the actuator 59b of the solenoid 59c displaces the elastic gripping piece 59a downward, and this elastic gripping piece 59a presses the recording paper P against the guide member 10c and holds the recording paper P with the guide member 10c.

Further, a recording paper holding means 60 for temporarily holding the recording paper P when the paper discharge rollers 27 and 33 move to the selected bin 9.
Is configured to hold the leading end of the recording paper P by the paper ejection rollers 27, 33 itself, but as shown in FIG. 14, it is inserted into the paper ejection rollers 27, 33 separately from the paper ejection rollers 27, 33. Recording paper P
A recording paper holding means 60 for temporarily holding the leading end of the recording paper may be provided. The recording paper gripping means 60 is fixed to the upper surface of the guide member 11e and is elastically deformable easily. Two elastic gripping pieces 60a and the lower surface of the guide member 11e are fixed to the holes of the guide member 11e. The actuator 60b includes two solenoids 60c for displacing the elastic holding piece 60a upward. When the solenoid 60c is OFF, the elastic holding piece 60a is arranged sufficiently away from the guide member 11d so as not to obstruct the movement of the recording paper P. When the recording paper P is held between the discharge rollers 27 and 33 and the leading end of the recording paper P reaches between the elastic holding piece 60a and the guide member 11d, the solenoid 60c is turned on.
The actuator 60b of 0c displaces the elastic holding piece 60a upward, and the elastic holding piece 60a presses the recording paper P against the guide member 11d and holds the recording paper P with the guide member 11d.

The present invention can also be applied to the case of classifying recording paper of an image recording device such as a printer.

Effect The sorter of the present invention makes two pairs of paper discharge rollers stand by at the standby position for receiving the recording paper at the center of a plurality of vertically arranged bins, and records alternately with each other pair of paper discharge rollers. Since the paper is ejected to the bin, and the amount of lifting and lowering of the paper ejection roller for the sorting operation of the recording paper is about 1/2 of the distance from the uppermost bin to the lowermost bin, Since the number of recording sheets can be reduced, the recording paper sorting operation can be speeded up.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a sorter of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an essential part of the same sorter, and FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway front view showing an essential part of the same sorter, FIG. Is a partially cutaway side view showing a main part of the same sorter, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an operation display panel of an electronic copying machine for discharging recording paper to the same sorter, and FIG. 6 is a block showing a control device of the same sorter. FIG. 7 and FIG. 12 are the same as the flowchart showing the flow for explaining an example of the operation of the same sorter as above.
13 and 14 are partially cutaway perspective views showing another embodiment of the recording paper holding means of the same sorter. 9 ... bin, 10,11 ... elevating member, 13,14 ... elevating driving means, 17,23,27,33 ... paper discharging roller, 24,34 ... paper discharging roller driving means, 56,60 ... ... Recording paper holding means, P ... Recording paper

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A plurality of bins arranged at predetermined intervals in the vertical direction, a first elevating member and a second elevating member arranged so as to be able to ascend and descend near these bins, and these. Elevating and lowering drive means for individually elevating and lowering the elevating and lowering members, recording paper holding means arranged for each of the elevating and lowering members and temporarily holding the recording paper sent thereto, and recording papers arranged for the respective elevating and lowering members. A pair of paper discharge rollers for discharging the paper into a bin, paper discharge roller driving means for rotating the paper discharge rollers, a reference first bin located in the center of the plurality of bins, and adjacent to and below the reference first bin. Paper guide means for alternately guiding the recording paper discharged from the image recording device to a position corresponding to the reference second bin, wherein the first elevating member corresponds to the reference first bin The bin above the first waiting position The first lifting member includes a first lifting member, which raises and lowers a range, and raises and lowers a second lifting member in a range in which a bin below a second standby position corresponding to a reference second bin is located. The second lifting member is the first
The standby position and the second standby position, and the elevating member is moved to a predetermined position in a state where the recording paper is guided by the paper guide means alternately to these standby positions and held by the recording paper holding means. A sorter characterized in that, after the movement, the paper ejection roller is rotated to eject the recording paper to the bin by the paper ejection roller, and then the elevating member is returned to the standby position.