JPH08133564A - Image forming system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To reduce the current consumption and operating sound at the operation of an image forming system, and shorten the processing time by arranging carrying means, discharge means, reversing means, accumulating means and stitching means for sheet, respectively. CONSTITUTION: A sheet discharged from a printer is carried in from the sheet carrying-in port 403 of a sheet stacker, and carried by a carrying roller pair 404. On the downstream side of a carrying pass I passing the carrying roller pair 404, a deflector 410 for switching the sheet carrying direction to each carrying pass II, III is arranged. One carrying pass I is horizontally extended, and a carrying out roller pair 405 is arranged on the lower stream thereof. Further, the other carrying pass III is extended down to the right, a feeding roller pair 407 is arranged there, and a stapler 420 is arranged in a position near its terminal end. On the other hand, a sheet stacker tray 412 for stacking sheets is arranged on the downstream direction of sheet discharge.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an image forming system, and in particular, in a multi-function machine system that prints out from a plurality of functions such as copying, faxing, and computer in one machine, reverse sheet ejection is performed. The present invention relates to a sheet reversing unit and a finishing unit that performs a finishing operation such as binding on a stacked sheet bundle.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, in this type of multifunction peripheral system, when processing is performed from the bottom page as in the copy mode, the sheet on which the image is formed is not inverted and is conveyed as it is to the finishing section on the downstream side for finishing. Do the action, again F
In the case of processing from the uppermost page (first page) as in the AX and printer mode, the sheet on which the image is formed is reversed, and then conveyed to the finishing section on the downstream side to perform the finishing operation.

[0003]

However, in the image forming system based on the above-mentioned technique, both the sheet reversing unit for performing the sheet reversing operation and the finishing unit for binding the sheet bundle have a very large portion. Since it is necessary for the route, there is a problem that the size of the entire system, especially the size in the width direction, becomes large.

Further, since the sheet reversing section and the finishing section are individually provided and the processing is performed respectively, the current consumption and the operating noise during the operation become large, and the processing time becomes long and inefficient. There was a problem.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In view of the above points, an object of the present invention is to provide a system which can reduce current consumption and operating noise during operation and shorten processing time.

According to the first aspect of the image forming system of the present invention, the sheet conveying means for conveying the sheet after the image formation, the sheet discharging means for discharging the conveyed sheet, and the downstream of the sheet conveying means. Side, the sheet reversing means located upstream of the sheet discharging means for reversing the sheet conveying direction, the sheet accumulating means for accumulating two or more sheets in the sheet reversing means, and the sheet accumulating means. And a sheet binding unit for binding sheets.

According to the second aspect of the image forming system of the present invention, the sheet conveying means for conveying the sheet after the image formation, the sheet discharging means for discharging the conveyed sheet, and the downstream of the sheet conveying means. Side, the sheet reversing means located upstream of the sheet discharging means for reversing the sheet conveying direction, the sheet accumulating means for accumulating two or more sheets in the sheet reversing means, and the sheet accumulating means. And a sheet stacking unit for stacking sheets, and a sheet bundle transfer unit for transferring the bound sheet stack to the sheet stacking unit.

According to the third aspect of the image forming system of the present invention, sheet stacking means for stacking sheets, and first sheet transporting means for transporting sheets after image formation,
A sheet discharging unit that discharges the conveyed sheet, and a second sheet conveying unit that is located downstream of the sheet conveying unit and upstream of the sheet discharging unit and that conveys the sheet without reversing the conveying direction. And a sheet reversing unit located on the downstream side of the sheet conveying unit and upstream of the sheet discharging unit for reversing the sheet conveying direction, and a switching unit for switching between the second sheet conveying unit and the sheet reversing unit. A sheet accumulating means for accumulating two or more sheets in the sheet reversing means, a sheet binding means for binding the sheets accumulated in the sheet accumulating means, and a sheet for transferring the bound sheet bundle to the sheet stacking means And a bundle transfer means.

According to a fourth aspect of the image forming system according to the present invention, sheet stacking means for stacking sheets, and first sheet transporting means for transporting sheets after image formation,
A sheet discharging unit that discharges the conveyed sheet, and a second sheet conveying unit that is located downstream of the sheet conveying unit and upstream of the sheet discharging unit and that conveys the sheet without reversing the conveying direction. And a sheet reversing unit located downstream of the sheet conveying unit and upstream of the sheet discharging unit for reversing the sheet conveying direction, and a first sheet conveying unit for switching the second sheet conveying unit and the sheet reversing unit. Switching means, sheet accumulating means for accumulating two or more sheets in the sheet inverting means, sheet binding means for binding the sheets accumulated in the sheet accumulating means, and the bound sheet bundle to the sheet stacking means. Sheet bundle transfer means for transferring,
A third sheet carrying means for carrying a sheet from the second sheet carrying means to the sheet accumulating means, and a second switching means for switching between the sheet discharging means and the third sheet carrying means. Characterize.

[0010]

In the present invention, the sheet reversing unit is provided with the finishing means so that the sheet reversing unit and the finishing unit can be processed at the same position, thereby reducing the size of the entire system without degrading the function of the system. Then
Further, by making it possible to perform the sheet reversing operation and the storing of the sheet in the finishing section in the same operation, it is possible to reduce the current consumption and the operation sound during the operation and shorten the processing time.

[0011]

1 is a sectional view of the entire system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This system includes a main body (reader unit 100, printer unit 200), a circulating automatic document feeder (300),
A sheet post-processing device (400) is provided.

The details will be described below.

A. Main body (100, 200) In FIG. 1, 100 is an image input device (hereinafter referred to as a reader unit) for converting a document into image data, and 200 has a plurality of recording paper cassettes, and the image data is printed on the recording paper by a print command. An image output device (to be referred to as a printer hereinafter) 250 for outputting a visible image to the reader 250 is an external device electrically connected to the reader unit 100. The external device has various functions, and includes a fax unit, a file unit, an external storage device connected to the file unit, a computer interface unit for connecting to a computer, and a formatter for converting information from the computer into a visible image. Section, an image memory section for accumulating information from the reader section and temporarily accumulating information sent from a computer,
Also, a core unit for controlling each of the above functions is provided (not shown).

The configurations and operations of the reader unit 100 and the printer unit 200 will be described with reference to FIG.

Documents stacked on the document feeder (DH, 300) are sequentially conveyed one by one onto the platen glass surface 102 (the operation will be described later). The original is glass 102
When it is transported to the predetermined position of the
Lights up and the scanner unit 104 moves to illuminate the original. The reflected light of the document is reflected by the mirrors 105, 106,
It is input to the CCD image sensor unit 109 via 107 and the lens 108. Then, the reflected light of the document with which the CCD 109 is irradiated is subjected to electrical processing such as photoelectric conversion, and is subjected to normal digital processing. After that, these signals are input to the printer unit 200.

The image signal input to the printer unit 2 is converted into an optical signal modulated by the exposure control unit 201 and illuminates the photoconductor 202. The latent image formed on the photoconductor 202 by the irradiation light is developed by the developing device 203. The transfer paper stacking unit 20 is provided at the same timing as the leading edge of the developed image.
4 or 205, the transfer paper is conveyed, and the transfer unit 20
At 6, the developed image is transferred. The transferred image is fixed on the transfer paper by the fixing unit 207, and then discharged from the paper output unit 208 to the outside of the apparatus. Then, the paper output unit 20
The transfer sheets output from the sheet No. 8 are sorted and bound according to the operation mode designated in advance by the sheet stacker 400.

Next, a method for outputting sequentially read images on both sides of one output sheet will be described.

The output paper sheet fixed by the fixing section 207 is once conveyed to the paper discharge section 208, and then the conveyance direction of the paper sheet is reversed and the transfer sheet stacking section 210 for re-feeding is conveyed through the conveyance direction switching member 209. Transport to. When the next manuscript is prepared,
The original image is read in the same manner as in the above process, but the transfer paper is fed from the re-transferred transfer paper stacking section 210, so two original images are printed on the front and back sides of the same output paper. Can be output.

B. Circulating Automatic Document Feeder (RDF300) The original document feeder of this embodiment is a circulating automatic document feeder RD.
It is F. As shown in detail in FIG. 2, the RDF 300 is equipped with a stacking tray 310 as a first document tray on which a document stack S (not shown) is set.

Further, the stacking tray 310 is equipped with a feeding means which constitutes one part of the document feeding means.
This feeding means includes a half-moon roller 331, a separation conveyance roller 332, a separation motor SPRMTR (not shown),
Registration roller 335, full-face belt 336, belt motor BELTMTR (not shown), conveyance large roller 337, and conveyance motor FEEDMTR (not shown)
And a paper discharge roller 340, a flapper 341, a recycle lever 342, a paper feed sensor ENTS, a reverse sensor TRNS, a paper discharge sensor EJTS (all not shown), and the like.

Here, the half-moon roller 331 and the separation / conveyance roller 332 are rotated by the separation motor SPRMTR to separate the originals one by one from the lowermost part of the original stack S on the stack tray 310.

The registration roller 335 and the entire surface belt 336 rotate the original separated by the belt motor BELTMTR to the exposure position (sheet path c) on the original table glass 102 via the sheet paths a and b. Transport. Further, the large transport roller 337 is a transport motor FEE.
The document on the platen glass 102 is rotated by the DMTR and conveyed from the sheet path c to the sheet path e. The document conveyed to the sheet path e is returned onto the document stack S on the stacking tray 310 by the paper discharge roller 340.

Further, the recycle lever 342 detects one circulation of the original, and when the original feeding starts, the recycle lever 342 is placed on the upper part of the original bundle S, the originals are sequentially fed, and the trailing edge of the final original is placed. When the recycle lever 342 exits, it falls due to its own weight to detect the circulation of the document.

In the document feeding means 300, when a two-sided document is to be fed, the document is first guided from the sheet paths a, b to c, then the large transport roller 337 is rotated, and the flapper 341 is switched to move the leading edge of the document to the sheet path d. Then, the sheet is passed through the sheet path b by the registration roller 335, and then the original is conveyed by the full-face belt 336 onto the original table glass 101 and stopped to reverse the original. That is, the document is reversed on the path of the sheet paths c-d-b.

The originals of the original stack S are passed through the sheet paths a to b to c to d one by one, and the recycle lever 34 is used.
The number of originals can be counted by transporting the sheet until it is detected that one circulation is made in step 2.

C. Sheet Post-Processing Device (400) Next, FIG. 3 shows a sectional view of the sheet stacker. In the figure, the sheet discharged from the printer is carried in from the sheet carrying-in port 403 of the sheet stacker and is carried by the carrying roller pair 404.

A deflector 410 for switching the sheet conveying direction to the conveying path II or the conveying path III is disposed downstream of the conveying path I passing through the conveying roller pair 404.
One of the transport paths II extends in a substantially horizontal direction, and the discharge roller pair A405 is disposed downstream thereof, and the other transport path III extends in the lower right direction, and the delivery roller pair A is there. (407), and a stapler 420 is provided near the end of the transport path III (dotted line portion in the figure). Then, the stapling operation can be performed by the rotation of the motor of the electric stapler (not shown).

A discharge roller pair B (406) is provided on the downstream side of the discharge roller pair A (405), and an upper roller of the discharge roller pair B is arranged in the opening / closing guide 411. This opening / closing guide is configured to be able to open and close in the vertical direction by the rotational movement of the cam 415. When it is opened, it is at position a in the figure, and the bound position is point b in the figure. The open / close position can be identified by the micro switch S5.
Further, there is a transport path IV in the direction opposite to the end of the transport path III, which joins with the transport path II at the end. A delivery roller pair B (408) is arranged on the transport path IV. The pair of feed rollers B and the pair of feed rollers A are configured so as to be able to open and close between the pair of rollers by a solenoid (not shown). By moving to the position of b, the distance between the rollers can be changed. Further, a sheet stacker tray (412) for stacking sheets is provided downstream of the sheet discharge, and can be moved in the vertical direction according to the stacking of the sheets. Below the stacker tray 412 are a stacker tray lifting motor that drives the stacker tray in the vertical direction, and a shift motor that performs a horizontal shift operation to sort the stack of sheets stacked on the stacker tray. The stacker tray motor unit 413 is provided.

In the figure, S1, S2 and S3 are sensors for detecting the presence / absence of sheets and sheet bundles, and S4 is a sensor for detecting the height of the sheet stacking upper surface on the stacker tray.

Further, each conveying roller, discharge roller and delivery roller are driven by a drive motor (not shown). The conveying roller / discharge roller pair A rotates in one direction, and rotates in the direction of the arrow in the figure. The discharge roller pair B, the delivery roller pair A, and the delivery roller pair B rotate in the forward and reverse directions, and the arrow p direction in the drawing is the forward rotation direction.

In the vicinity of the stapler 420,
The sheet aligning operation can be performed in the direction perpendicular to the sheet conveying direction. In other words, a reference plate that is capable of contacting and aligning with the sheet is provided on the front side, and with the alignment plate that can reciprocate by the alignment motor (not shown),
The seat from the back is aligned to the front.

The alignment motor is a stepping motor, and the position of the alignment plate can be accurately controlled by the number of pulses applied to the stepping motor. Further, the position of the home position of the alignment plate (not shown) can be detected by a sensor (not shown), and the position of the alignment plate can be controlled by the number of pulses given to the alignment plate home sensor and the alignment motor.

The presence of sheets on the stacker tray can be detected by the stacker tray paper presence / absence detection sensor S6.

D. Operation Unit, Display Unit (Operation / Display Panel 500) FIG. 4 shows an arrangement configuration example of the operation / display panel 500 provided in the main body reader unit 100 described above. The operation / display panel is
It has keys and an LCD display 501 capable of key / display.

Reference numeral 503 denotes a copy start key (copy start key), which is pressed to start copying. A clear / stop key 504 has the function of a clear key when pressed during standby (standby) and a stop key during copy recording. This clear key is pressed to cancel the set number of copies. Reference numeral 502 is a ten-key pad which is pressed to set the number of copies. A copy density key 505 is pressed to manually adjust the copy density. An AE key 506 is pressed when the copy density is automatically adjusted according to the density of the original, or when the AE (automatic density adjustment) is canceled and the density adjustment is switched to manual. Fifty
Reference numeral 7 is a density display. A cassette selection key 508 is pressed to select the upper cassette, the middle cassette, and the lower paper deck. When a document is placed on the document feeder 300, the APS
(Automatic paper selection) can be selected. When APS is selected, a transfer paper cassette having the same size as the original is automatically selected. Reference numeral 509 denotes a unity size key, which is pressed when making a copy of the same size (actual size). 511 is a zoom key, 64
Press to specify any magnification between ~ 142%. 5
Reference numerals 10 and 512 denote fixed-size variable magnification keys, which are pressed to specify reduction / enlargement of fixed-size.

Reference numeral 515 denotes a key for selecting an operation mode of the sheet stacker, which is a sheet discharging method (staple, sort, group), and a stapler when a stapler capable of stapling recorded sheets by staple is connected. Mode / sort mode and folding of recorded paper (Z section / V section) can be selected and released.

Further, various processing can be set by using the keys 513 and 514. For example, double-sided mode, binding margin setting, photo mode, multiplex processing, page continuous shooting, 2 in 1 mode, and the like.

Reference numeral 516 is a mode key for selecting a mode such as a copy mode, a fax mode or a printer mode.

An LCD display 501 displays various messages, and displays information regarding copying.

<< Explanation of Overall Block Diagram >> FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the entire system. 1 is a reader unit, 2 is a printer unit, 3 is an external device, 900 is a DH (document feeding device), and 1000 is The respective control parts of the sheet stacker are shown, and data is exchanged by bus or serial communication or the like for synchronization. here,
The data sent from the main body to the document feeder is the paper feed signal that prompts you to feed the originals stacked on the document feeder, the paper ejection signal that prompts you to eject the originals on the platen glass, and the original feed and discharge. The data is a paper feeding / discharging mode that determines the form of paper, and the data transmitted from the main body to the sheet stacker is an image forming mode, a mode for stacking on the sheet stacker, the size of sheets to be stacked, timing signals, and the like. When the operation is being performed, data indicating which function of the external device is used is transmitted from the reader unit and the printer unit to the document feeder and the sheet stacker, respectively, by communication.

The external device 3 is connected to the reader 1 by a cable, and the core section in the external device 3 controls signals and controls each function. The external device 3 includes a fax unit 4 for sending and receiving a fax, a file unit 5 for converting various document information into electric signals and storing the signals on a magneto-optical disk, a formatter unit 8 for developing code information from a computer into image information, and a computer. A computer interface section 7 for interfacing with a computer, an image memory section 9 for accumulating information from the reader section 1 and temporarily accumulating information sent from a computer, and a core for controlling the above-mentioned functions. It consists of part 10.

E. Reader Unit (1) FIG. 6 is a circuit block diagram showing the signal processing configuration of the reader unit 1 described above, and the configuration and operation will be described below.

The reflected light of the document applied to the CCD 109 is photoelectrically converted here and converted into electric signals of red, green and blue colors. The color information from the CCD 109 is amplified by the next amplifiers 110R, 110G and 110B according to the input signal level of the A / D converter 111. The output signal from the A / D converter 111 is input to the shading circuit 112, where uneven light distribution of the lamp 103 and uneven sensitivity of the CCD are corrected. The signal from the shading circuit 112 is input to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 and the external I / F switching circuit 119.

The Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 calculates the signal from the shading circuit 112 by the following equation to obtain the Y signal.

[0045]

## EQU1 ## Y = 0.3R + 0.6G + 0.1B Further, it has a color detection circuit for separating the R, G, B signals into seven colors and outputting the signals for the respective colors. The output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is input to the scaling / repeat circuit 114. Scaling in the sub-scanning direction is performed according to the scanning speed of the scanner unit 104, and scaling in the main scanning direction is performed by the scaling circuit / repeat circuit 114. Further, the scaling / repeat circuit 114 can output a plurality of identical images. Contour / edge enhancement circuit 115
Obtains edge emphasis and contour information by emphasizing high frequency components of the signal from the scaling / repeat circuit 114. The signal from the contour / edge emphasis circuit 115 is input to the marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116 and the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117.

Marker area determination / contour generation circuit 116
Reads the portion of the manuscript written with a marker pen of a specified color to generate contour information of the marker, and the next patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 thickens, masks or trims the contour information. I do. Further, patterning is performed by the color detection signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

The output signal from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 is input to the laser driver circuit 118, and various processed signals are converted into signals for driving the laser. The output signal of the laser driver 118 is input to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed as a visible image.

Next, an external I / F for performing I / F with an external device
The F switching circuit 119 will be described.

When the image information is output from the reader unit 1 to the external device 3, the external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the image information from the patterning / thickening / masking / trimming circuit 117 to the connector 120. When the image information from the external device 3 is input to the reader unit 1, the external switching circuit 119 inputs the image information from the connector 120 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.

Each of the above-mentioned image processings is performed according to the instruction of the CPU 122, and the area generation circuit 121 generates various timing signals necessary for the above-mentioned image processing according to the value set by the CPU 122. Further CPU 122
Communication with the external device 3 is performed using the communication function built in the. The SUB / CPU 123 controls the operation unit 124 and communicates with the external device 3 by using the communication function built in the SUB / CPU 123.

F. Core Unit (10) FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the core unit 10 described above.

The connector 131 of the core section 10 is connected to the connector 120 of the reader section 1 by a cable. The connector 131 has four types of built-in signals.
Reference numeral 7 is an 8-bit multivalued video signal. The signal 185 is
It is a control signal for controlling the video signal. The signal 181 is
It communicates with the CPU 122 in the reader unit 1. Signal 182
Communicates with the SUB / CPU 123 in the reader unit 1. The signal 181 and the signal 182 are subjected to communication protocol processing by the communication IC 132, and the CPU via the CPU bus 183.
The communication information is transmitted to 133.

The signal 187 is a bidirectional video signal line, and it is possible for the core unit 10 to receive information from the reader unit 1 and to output information from the core unit 10 to the reader unit 1.

Signal 187 is connected to buffer 140 where bidirectional to unidirectional signals 188 and 170.
Is separated into The signal 188 is an 8-bit multivalued video signal from the reader unit 1 and is input to the LUT 141 in the next stage. The LUT 141 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value by using a look-up table. L
The output signal 189 from the UT 141 is input to the binarization circuit 142 or the selector 143. Binarization circuit 142
Include a simple binarization function that binarizes a multi-valued signal 189 at a fixed slice level, a binarization function that uses a variable slice level in which the slice level varies from the values of pixels around the pixel of interest, and error diffusion. It has a binarization function by the method. Binarized information is 00H when 0 and FFH when 1
Is converted into a multi-valued signal and input to the selector 143 at the next stage. Selector 143 is the signal from LUT 141,
Alternatively, the output signal of the binarization circuit 142 is selected. The output signal 190 from the selector 143 is input to the selector 144. The selector 144 inputs the output video signals from the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8 and the image memory unit 9 to the core unit 10 via the connectors 135, 136, 137 and 138, respectively. 194 and the selector 14
The output signal 190 of No. 3 is selected by the instruction of the CPU 133. The output signal 191 of the selector 144 is the rotation circuit 1
45 or the selector 146. Rotation circuit 1
Reference numeral 45 denotes the input image signal at +90 degrees, -90 degrees, +18 degrees.
It has the function of rotating to 0 degrees. The rotation circuit 145 converts the information output from the reader unit 1 into a binary signal by the binarization circuit 142, and then stores it in the rotation circuit 145 as information from the reader unit 1. Next, according to an instruction from the CPU 133, the rotation circuit 145 rotates and reads the stored information.
The selector 146 outputs the output signal 192 of the rotation circuit 145.
And the input signal 191 of the rotation circuit 145 is selected, and as the signal 193, the connector 13 with the fax unit 4 is selected.
5, the connector 136 to the file unit 5, the connector 137 to the computer interface unit 7, the connector 138 to the formatter unit 8, the connector 139 to the image memory unit 9 and the selector 147.

The signal 193 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the core unit 10 to the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9. The signal 194 is a synchronous 8-bit unidirectional video bus for transferring image information from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9. It is the video control circuit 134 that controls the synchronous bus of the signal 193 and the signal 194, and the control is performed by the output signal 186 from the video control circuit 134. Other signals 184 are connected to the connectors 135 to 139, respectively. The signal 184 is a bidirectional 16-bit CPU bus, and exchanges data commands asynchronously. Information can be transferred between the fax unit 4, the file unit 5, the computer interface unit 7, the formatter unit 8, the image memory unit 9 and the core unit 10 by the two video buses 193 and 194 and the CPU bus 184 described above.

The signals 194 from the fax unit 4, file unit 5, computer interface unit 7, formatter unit 8 and image memory unit 9 are input to the selector 144 and the selector 147. The selector 144 is the CPU 1
According to the instruction of 33, the signal 194 is input to the rotation circuit 145 of the next stage.

The selector 147 has signals 193 and 19
4 is selected by the instruction of the CPU 133. Selector 14
The output signal 195 of No. 7 is input to the pattern matching 148 and the selector 149. Pattern matching 148
Pattern-matches the input signal 195 with a predetermined pattern and outputs a predetermined multilevel signal to the signal line 196 when the patterns match. If the patterns do not match, the input signal 19
5 is output as the signal 196.

The selector 149 has signals 195 and 196.
Is selected by the instruction of the CPU 133. Selector 149
The output signal 197 of 1 is input to the LUT 150 of the next stage.

The LUT 150 uses the input signal 19 according to the characteristics of the printer when outputting the image information to the printer unit 2.
Convert 7.

The selector 151 selects the output signal 198 and the signal 195 of the LUT 150 according to an instruction from the CPU 133. The output signal of the selector 151 is the expansion circuit 1 of the next stage.
52 is input.

The enlarging circuit 152 can set the enlarging magnification independently in the X and Y directions according to an instruction from the CPU 133. The expansion method is a first-order linear interpolation method. The output signal 170 of the expansion circuit 152 is output to the buffer 14
Input to 0.

The signal 170 input to the buffer 140
Becomes a bidirectional signal 187 according to an instruction from the CPU 133, is sent to the printer unit 2 via the connector 131, and is printed out.

The signal flow between the core section 10 and each section will be described below.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Fax Unit 4] A case of outputting information to the fax unit 4 will be described. CPU
133 is a CP of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 132.
It communicates with U122 and issues a document scan command. In response to this command, the reader unit 1 scans the document with the scanner unit 10
4 scans the image information by the connector 12
Output to 0. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and information from the reader unit 1 is transferred to the core unit 10.
Is input to the connector 131. In addition, the connector 131
Image information input to the multi-valued 8-bit signal line 1
It is input to the buffer 140 through 87. The buffer circuit 140 inputs the bidirectional signal 187 as a unidirectional signal to the LUT 141 via the signal line 188 according to the instruction of the CPU. The LUT 141 converts the image information from the reader unit 1 into a desired value using a look-up table. For example, it is possible to remove the background of the original. The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 is input to the binarization circuit 142 at the next stage. The binarization circuit 142 converts the 8-bit multilevel signal 189 into a binarized signal. Binarization circuit 142
Is 00H when the binarized signal is 0, and FF when it is 1.
H and two multilevel signals. The output signal of the binarization circuit 142 is input to the rotation circuit 145 or the selector 146 via the selector 143 and the selector 144. The output signal 192 of the rotation circuit 145 is also input to the selector 146, and the selector 146 selects either the signal 191 or the signal 192. The signal is selected by the CPU 133 by the C
It is determined by communicating with the fax unit 4 via the PU bus 184. Output signal 193 from selector 146
Is sent to the fax unit 4 via the connector 135.

Next, the case of receiving information from the fax unit 4 will be described.

The image information from the fax unit 4 is the connector 1
It is transmitted to the signal line 194 via 35. Signal 19
4 is input to the selector 144 and the selector 147.
In the case of rotating and outputting the image at the time of fax reception to the printer unit 2 according to the instruction of the CPU 133, the selector 144
The rotation circuit 145 rotates the signal 194 input to The output signal 192 from the rotation circuit 145 is the selector 1
46, pattern matching 14 via selector 147
8 is input.

When the image at the time of fax reception is output to the printer 2 as it is according to the instruction of the CPU 133, the signal 194 input to the selector 147 is input to the pattern matching 148.

The pattern matching 148 has a function of smoothing rattling of an image when received by fax. The pattern-matched signal is sent to the selector 149.
Is input to the LUT 150 via. LUT150 is
In order to output the received fax image to the printer unit 2 at a desired density, the table of the LUT 150 is the CPU 13
It can be changed in 3. Output signal 1 of LUT150
98 is input to the expansion circuit 152 via the selector 151. The expansion circuit 152 uses two values (00H, FF
The 8-bit multivalue having H) is enlarged by the linear interpolation method of the first order. The 8-bit multi-valued signal with many values from the expansion circuit 152 is stored in the buffer 140 and the connector 13.
1 to the reader unit 1. The reader unit 1 sends this signal to the external I / F switching circuit 1 via the connector 120.
Enter in 19. The external I / F switching circuit 119 outputs the signal from the fax unit 4 to the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113.
To enter. The output signal from the Y signal generation / color detection circuit 113 is processed as described above, and then the printer unit 2
And the image is formed on the output paper.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of File Unit 5] A case of outputting information to the file unit 5 will be described.

The CPU 133 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 132 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans the document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 131 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 131 is stored in the buffer 140.
Is a one-way signal 188. The signal 188, which is a multi-valued 8-bit signal, is converted into a desired signal by the LUT 141. The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 is input to the connector 136 via the selector 143, the selector 144, and the selector 146.

That is, the binarization circuit 142 and the rotation circuit 14
The 8-bit multi-value data is transferred to the file unit 5 without using the function of 5. When filing a binarized signal by communication with the file unit 5 via the CPU bus 184 of the CPU 133, the functions of the binarization circuit 142 and the rotation circuit 145 are used. The binarization process and the rotation process are omitted because they are the same as the case of the above-mentioned fax.

Next, the case of receiving information from the file section 5 will be described.

The image information from the file section 5 is the connector 1
A signal 194 is input to the selector 144 or the selector 147 via 36. It is possible to input to the selector 147 in the case of 8-bit multi-valued filing, and to the selector 144 or 147 in the case of binary filing. In the case of binary filing, the description is omitted because it is the same processing as fax.

Selector 147 for multi-value filing
Output signal 195 from the LUT via selector 149
Enter in 150. The LUT 150 creates a look-up table according to the instruction of the CPU 133 according to the desired print density. Output signal 1 from LUT150
98 is input to the expansion circuit 152 via the selector 151. The 8-bit multi-level signal 170 enlarged to a desired enlargement ratio by the enlargement circuit 152 is sent to the reader unit 1 via the buffer 140 and the connector 131. Reader unit 1
The information of the file portion sent to the printer is output to the printer unit 2 and image formation is performed on the output paper, similarly to the above-mentioned fax.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Computer Interface Unit 7] The computer interface unit 7 interfaces with a computer connected to the external device 3. The computer interface unit 7 has a plurality of interfaces for communicating with SCSI, RS232C, and Centronics. The computer interface unit 7 has the above-described three types of interfaces, and information from each interface is sent to the CPU 133 via the connector 137 and the data bus 184. The CPU 133 performs various controls based on the sent contents.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information from Formatter Unit 8] The formatter unit 8 has a function of expanding command data such as a document file sent from the computer interface unit 7 described above into image data. .
The CPU 133 is the computer interface unit 7.
From the data bus 184
If it is determined that the data is related to the formatter unit 8,
The data is transferred to the formatter unit 8 via the connector 138. The formatter unit 8 develops from the transferred data into a memory as a meaningful image such as a character or a figure.

Next, a procedure for receiving information from the formatter section 8 and forming an image on an output sheet will be described.
The image information from the formatter unit 8 has two values (00H, FFH) on the signal line 194 via the connector 138.
Is transmitted as a multivalued signal. The signal 194 is input to the selector 144 and the selector 147. CPU1
33 controls the selectors 144 and 147. Hereafter, the description is omitted because it is similar to the case of the above-mentioned fax.

[Operation of Core Unit 10 Based on Information of Image Memory Unit 9] A case of outputting information to the image memory unit 9 will be described.

The CPU 133 communicates with the CPU 122 of the reader unit 1 via the communication IC 132 and issues a document scan command. The reader unit 1 outputs the image information to the connector 120 when the scanner unit 104 scans the document according to this command. The reader unit 1 and the external device 3 are connected by a cable, and the information from the reader unit 1 is input to the connector 131 of the core unit 10. The image information input to the connector 131 is sent to the LUT 14 via the multi-level 8-bit signal line 187 and the buffer 140.
Sent to 1. The output signal 189 of the LUT 141 transfers the multi-valued image information to the image memory unit 9 via the selectors 143, 144, 146 and the connector 139. The image information stored in the image memory unit 9 is stored in the connector 13
9 to the CPU 133 via the CPU bus 184. The CPU 133 transfers the data sent from the image memory unit 9 to the computer interface unit 7 described above. Computer interface section 7
Are the three types of interfaces (SCSI, R
S232C, Centronics), and transfer to the computer with a desired interface.

Next, the case of receiving information from the image memory unit 9 will be described.

First, the computer interface section 7
Image information is sent from the computer to the core unit 10 via the. When the CPU 133 of the core unit 10 determines that the data sent from the computer interface unit 7 via the CPU bus 184 is the data related to the image memory unit 9, the CPU 133 transfers the data to the image memory unit 9 via the connector 139. Next, the image memory unit 9 transmits the 8-bit multilevel signal 194 to the selector 144 and the selector 147 via the connector 139. The output signal from the selector 144 or the selector 147 is sent to the CPU 133.
In the same manner as the above-described fax, the image is output to the printer unit 2 and the image is formed on the output paper.

G. RDF Control Device (900) FIG. 8 is a circulation type automatic document feeder (RDF) of this embodiment.
3 is a block diagram showing a circuit configuration of a control device (900) of 300. FIG. The control device 900 is a central processing unit (CP
U) 901, read only memory (ROM) 902, random access memory (RAM) 903, output port 9
04, input port 905, etc., ROM902
A control program is stored in the RAM, and input data and work data are stored in the RAM 903. Further, the output port 904 is connected to various motors such as the above-described separation motor and solenoid driving means, the input port 905 is connected to a paper feed sensor and the like, and the CPU 901 is connected via a bus according to a control program stored in the ROM 902. Control each part. Further, the CPU 901 has a serial interface function, performs serial communication with the CPU of the reader unit, and exchanges control data with the reader unit. The data transmitted from the DH to the reader unit is a paper feed completion signal or the like indicating the completion of feeding the original onto the platen glass.

H. Sorter Control Device (1000) FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing the circuit configuration of the sheet post-processing device: sheet stacker control device (1000) of this embodiment. The controller 1000 is a central processing unit (CPU)
A ROM 1001 includes a read-only memory (ROM) 1002, a random access memory (RAM) 1003, an output port 1004, an input port 1005, and the like.
A control program is stored in 1002, and the RAM 100
Input data and work data are stored in 3. The output port 1004 is connected to the above-described various motors such as the transport motor and the output motor, a solenoid, and the like, and the input port 1005 is connected to each of the sensors and switches from S1 to S6 such as a path sensor.
Each unit connected via the bus is controlled according to the control program stored in M1002. In addition, the CPU 100
1 has a serial interface function, performs serial communication with the CPU of the printer, and controls each unit by a signal from the printer unit.

The control flow of the sheet stacker in the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the flow charts of FIGS. 12 to 21 and FIG.
This will be described using 0 and 11.

Since the operations of the reader section, the printer section, the external apparatus section, and the document conveying apparatus section are not related to the present invention, detailed description of their control methods will be omitted.

[Mode] First, referring to FIG. 12, the mode processing, which is the overall processing of the present embodiment, will be described. st
At ep101, it is determined whether or not there is a "sort start signal" indicating that the sheet discharge from the copying machine main body is started. If yes, the process proceeds to step 600. step1
If there is no "sort start signal" in 01, step7
00 load state monitoring processing (described later) is performed, and then step
The process is returned to p101.

At step 600, it is determined whether or not the reversing operation is accompanied when the sheet output from the printer is discharged. Details will be described later. After step600, step
At 103, based on the result of step 600, control separation processing by reverse discharge is performed. That is, the process proceeds to step 105 when the reverse discharge operation is performed, and to step 107 when the reverse discharge operation is not performed. In step 105, it is determined whether or not stapling is performed at the time of sheet ejection, and if stapling is not performed, s
The non-staple storing process 1 of step 200 is performed, and when the staple is performed, the staple storing process 1 of step 300 is performed. Similarly, at step 107 as well, it is determined whether or not stapling is performed at the time of sheet ejection. If stapling is not performed, step 400 non-staple storage processing 2 is performed, and if stapling is performed, step 500 staple storage processing 2 is performed.

As described above, the non-staple storing process 1,
2. The stapling and accommodating processes 1 and 2 are both stacking processes for stacking sheets on the stacker tray. Depending on whether or not the reversing operation and the stapling operation are performed at the time of sheet ejection, 4
It is classified into one process.

Then, the non-staple storing process 1,
2. Upon completion of stapling processes 1 and 2, the process is returned to step 101.

[Non-staple Storage Processing 1] (See FIG. 10A) Next, referring to FIG. 13, the non-staple storage processing 1 described above.
The operation will be described. First, in step 201, it is determined whether or not sheets have already been stacked on the stacker tray 412, and only when they have not been stacked, step 203
Position the stacker tray height and front and rear positions, which are horizontal shift positions, for the sheet stack. Next, in order to convey and stack the sheet 430, the open / close guide 411 is closed, and the convey motors and the discharge motors A and B are turned on. At this time, the discharge roller pair B406 is rotated so that the rotation direction thereof is the forward rotation direction. Then, in order to select II as the sheet conveyance path, the solenoid that drives the deflector 410 is turned off. In this way, the transport path II is selected by turning off the deflector solenoid, and the transport path III is selected by turning on the deflector solenoid.

Then, in step 209, the path sensor S1
Is turned on, the process proceeds to step 211 if it is on, and proceeds to step 221 if it is off. Next, the on / off of the pass sensor S2 is checked (step2
11, step 213), when turned off, the sheet is conveyed by 70 mm in step 215, and the stored number counting process of step 800 (described later) and the overload monitoring process of step 900 (described later) are performed. 70 mm of the step 215 is the pass sensor S
It is a distance from 2 to the stacker tray 412, and after the distance is conveyed, stacking processing on the stacker tray is performed. Then, in step 217, it is determined whether or not the horizontal shift operation for sorting the sheets on the stacker tray is performed, and if so, the stacker tray shift operation is performed (steps 217, step 219). s
At step 221, it is determined whether or not there is a sorter start signal. If yes, the process returns to step 209. If not, at step 223, the conveyance motors, discharge motors A and B, and deflector solenoids are turned off, and the process ends.

[Staple Storage Processing 1] Next, the operation of the staple storage processing 1 will be described with reference to FIG. First, at step 301, the stacker tray 41
It is determined whether or not the sheets have already been stacked on the sheet No. 2, and only when the sheets are not stacked, the height of the stacker tray and the front and rear positions which are the horizontal shift positions are set for the sheet stack in step 303. Next sheet 43
In order to carry and load 0, the opening / closing guide 411 is opened, and the carry motors and the discharge motors A and B are turned on. At this time, the discharge roller pair B406 is rotated so that the rotation direction is the reverse direction. Furthermore, the conveyed sheet is conveyed to the conveyance path III.
Feed roller pair A, B 407, 4 for feeding
08 is turned on in the reverse direction to open the space between the rollers (s
(Step 306). Then, in order to select II as the sheet conveyance path, the solenoid that drives the deflector 410 is turned off (step 307).

Then, in step 309, the path sensor S1
Is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step 311, and if it is turned off, the process proceeds to step 321. Next, the on / off state of the pass sensor S2 is checked (step 3
11, step 313), and when turned off, the aligning plate is moved to the retracted position in order to perform the sheet aligning operation in step 314 (see FIG. 10B). And step
It conveys 50 mm at 315, and 750 ms at step 316.
The weight of. The sheet is conveyed to the conveyance path III by the sheet conveyance and the free fall in the obliquely downward direction, and is stacked at the stapling position. This operation is completed in steps 215 and 216. Subsequently, the number of stored sheets counting process in step 800 (described later) and the overload monitoring process in step 900 (described later) are performed, and sheet alignment is performed in step 325. st
At ep327, it is determined whether or not stapling is performed after the sheet is stored, and when stapling is performed, a staple bundle 440 discharging process (step 1000: described later) is performed (FIG. 10).
(C)). Then, in step 317, it is determined whether or not the horizontal shift operation for sorting the sheets on the stacker tray is performed, and if so, the stacker tray shift operation is performed (steps 317, step 31).
9). At step 321, the presence or absence of the sorter start signal is determined. If yes, the process returns to step 309. If not, at step 323, the transport motor, discharge motor A,
B, the feed roller pairs A and B, and the deflector solenoid are turned off, and the process is completed.

[Non-staple Receiving Processing 2] Next, referring to FIG.
The operation of the non-staple storing process 2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 401, it is determined whether or not the sheets are already stacked on the stacker tray 412, and only when they are not stacked, the height of the stacker tray and the front and rear positions which are the horizontal shift positions are set for the sheet stack in step 403. , Set the position. Next, in order to convey and stack the sheet 430, the open / close guide 411 is closed, and the convey motors and the discharge motors A and B are turned on. At this time, the discharge roller pair B406 is rotated so that the rotation direction thereof is the forward rotation direction. Further, in order to feed the conveyed sheet to the conveyance path III, a pair of feed rollers A407
Is turned on in the reverse direction and the gap between the rollers is closed (step 4
06). Then, in order to select III as the sheet conveying path, the solenoid driving the deflector 410 is turned on (step 407).

Then, in step 409, the path sensor S1
Is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step 411, and if it is turned off, the process proceeds to step 421. Next, waiting for the pass sensor S3 to be turned on (step 411), after being turned on, it is conveyed by 50 mm, and the feed roller pair A is turned on in the forward direction (step 425). As a result, the sheet switchback type inversion operation is performed (FIG. 11).
(See (a) and (b)). Here, the sheet conveyance is 50 m
Although it is set to m, this is a distance at which the rear end of the sheet 430 passes through the deflector portion, and may be changed depending on the size or the like. Next, at step 413, the path sensor S3
Wait for OFF, then carry 300 mm, step80
A stored number counting process of 0 (described later) and an overload monitoring process of step 900 (described later) are performed. Then, the feed roller pair A is turned on in the reverse direction in preparation for the next sheet conveyance (step 427). Then, in step S417, it is determined whether or not the horizontal shift operation for sorting the sheets on the stack tray is performed, and if so, the stacker tray shift operation is performed (step 417, s).
(Step 419). In step 421, it is determined whether or not there is a sorter start signal. If yes, the process is returned to step 409. If not, in step 423, the conveyance motor, the discharge motors A and B, and the feed roller pairs A and B 407 and 40.
8. The deflector solenoid is turned off, and the process ends.

[Staple Storage Processing 2] Next, the operation of the staple storage processing 2 will be described with reference to FIG. First, at step 501, the stacker tray 41
It is determined whether or not the sheets have already been stacked on the sheet No. 2, and only when the sheets are not stacked, the height of the stacker tray and the front and rear positions which are the horizontal shift positions are set for the sheet stack in step 503. Next, sheet 4
Close the open / close guide 411 to transfer and load 30
The transport motor and discharge motors A and B are turned on. At this time,
The discharge roller pair B is rotated so that the rotation direction is the forward rotation direction. Further, in order to send the conveyed sheet to the conveying path III, the pair of feeding rollers A and B is turned on in the reverse direction to open the space between the rollers (step 506). Then, in order to select III as the sheet conveying path, the solenoid that drives the deflector 410 is turned on (st
ep507).

Then, in step 509, the path sensor S1
Is turned on. If it is turned on, the process proceeds to step 511, and if it is turned off, the process proceeds to step 521. Next, waiting for the pass sensor 3 to be turned on (step 511), and when it is turned on, in step 514, the sheet alignment operation is performed.
Move the alignment plate to the retracted position. And step5
A weight of 250 ms is performed at 16. The sheet enters the conveyance path III by the sheet conveyance and the free fall in the oblique downward direction, and is stacked at the stapling position.
The process is completed in 16 (see FIG. 11 (c)). Then, ste
p800 storage number counting process (described later), step 9
00 overload monitoring processing (described later) is performed, and step 5
Sheet alignment is performed at 25. In step 527, it is determined whether or not stapling is performed after the sheet is stored, and when stapling is performed, a staple bundle discharging process (step 1000: described later) is performed. Then, in step 517, it is determined whether or not the horizontal shift operation for sorting the sheets on the stacker tray is performed, and if it is performed, the stacker tray shift operation is performed (step 517, step 51).
9). In step 521, it is determined whether or not there is a sorter start signal. If yes, the process is returned to step 509.
B, the feed roller pairs A and B, and the deflector solenoid are turned off, and the process is completed.

[Reverse Ejection Judgment Process] Next, the operation of the reverse ejection judgment process described above will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 601, the operation mode when the sheet is discharged from the printer is determined (step 601). In the copy mode, since the reverse discharge is not performed, the "reverse discharge flag" indicating that the reverse discharge is performed is reset ( s
Step 603), and in the case of the FAX / printer operation, since the reverse discharge is performed, the “reverse discharge flag” is set (s
Then, the processing is ended.

[Loaded State Monitoring Process] Next, the operation of the loaded state monitoring process described above will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 705, the sensor S6 on the stacker tray 412 is used to determine whether or not sheets are stacked on the stacker tray, and when the sheets are not stacked, the stacking sheet counter N is cleared (step 7).
07).

[Stored Number Counting Process] Next, the operation of the stored number counting process will be described with reference to FIG. In step 801, the stored number counter is incremented by 1.

[Overload Monitoring Process] Next, the operation of the overload monitoring process described above will be described with reference to FIG. In step 903, it is determined whether the number of stacked sheets counter: N exceeds the preset maximum number of stacked sheets: Nlmt1, and if it exceeds, an alarm indicating overload is output to the printer body (step 905).

[Staple Bundle Ejection Processing] (See FIG. 10C) Next,
The operation of the staple bundle discharging process described above will be described with reference to FIG. First, in step 1001, in order to staple the sheet bundle, the discharge roller pair B406 and the delivery roller pairs A, B407 and 408 are stopped, the open / close guide 411 is closed, and the rollers between the delivery roller pairs A and B are closed. Next, at step 1003 and step 1005, the stapling operation is performed on the sheet bundle 440, and after the completion, the discharge motor B and the feed roller pairs A and B are turned on in the forward direction to convey the sheet bundle (step 100).
7). Then, after the pass sensor S3 is turned off, the sheet is conveyed by 300 mm, and the discharge of the sheet bundle is completed (step 1008, 1).
009). Then, when the sheet is not in the reverse discharge mode, the opening / closing guide is opened in preparation for loading the next sheet (step 1).
011, 1013). Then, in preparation for carrying in the next sheet, the delivery roller pair A and B is opened, and the ejection motor B and the delivery roller pair A and B are turned on in the reverse direction (s
(Step 1015), the process ends.

[0103]

According to the present invention, the sheet reversing unit is provided with the finishing means so that the sheet reversing unit and the finishing unit can be processed at the same position, thereby reducing the size of the entire system without degrading the function of the system. A system that reduces the current consumption and operating noise during operation by shortening the sheet size and enabling the sheet reversing operation and storing in the finishing unit in the same operation. can do.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system cross-sectional view showing the overall configuration of an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a document feeder according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a configuration of a sheet stacker of an example.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an operation unit / display unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the entire system of the embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a reader unit according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a core unit of the embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the document feeder of the embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a control unit of the sheet stacker of the embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing an operating state of the embodiment.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing an operating state of the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing control of the embodiment.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing control of the embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing control of the embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing the control of the embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart showing control of the embodiment.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing the control of the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a flowchart showing the control of the embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing the control of the embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing control of the embodiment.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing control of the embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

 100 reader unit 102 platen glass 104 scanner unit 109 CCD image sensor unit 200 printer unit 201 exposure control unit 202 photoconductor 203 developing device 204, 205 transfer paper stacking unit 206 transfer unit 207 fixing unit 208 paper discharge unit 209 transport direction switching member 210 Refeeding Transferred Paper Stacking Unit 250 External Device 300 Document Feeder (Circulating Document Feeder) 310 Stacking Tray 332 Separation Conveying Roller 335 Registration Roller 336 Full Belt 337 Large Conveying Roller 340 Paper Ejecting Roller 341 Flapper 342 Recycle Lever 400 Sheet post-processing device 403 Sheet inlet 404 Conveying roller pair 405 Discharging roller pair A 406 Discharging roller pair B 407 Sending roller pair A 408 Sending roller pair B 410 Deflector 411 Closing guide 412 sheet stacker tray 415 cam 500 operation and display panel 501 LCD display 503 a copy start key 504 a clear / stop key 516 mode selection key S1, S2, S3, S4, S6 sensor S5 microswitch

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁶ Identification code Internal reference number FI Technical indication H04N 1/00 108 Z

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A sheet conveying means for conveying a sheet after image formation, a sheet discharging means for discharging the conveyed sheet, and a downstream side of the sheet conveying means and an upstream side of the sheet discharging means. A sheet reversing means for reversing the sheet conveying direction, a sheet accumulating means for accumulating two or more sheets in the sheet reversing means, and a sheet binding means for binding the sheets accumulated in the sheet accumulating means. An image forming system characterized by the above. 2. A sheet conveying means for conveying a sheet after image formation, a sheet discharging means for discharging the conveyed sheet, and a downstream side of the sheet conveying means and an upstream side of the sheet discharging means. Sheet reversing means for reversing the sheet conveying direction, sheet accumulating means for accumulating two or more sheets in the sheet reversing means, sheet binding means for binding the sheets accumulated in the sheet accumulating means, An image forming system comprising: a sheet stacking unit that stacks sheets; and a sheet bundle transfer unit that transfers a bound sheet bundle to the sheet stacking unit. 3. A sheet stacking unit for stacking sheets, a first sheet transporting unit for transporting sheets after image formation, a sheet discharging unit for discharging the transported sheets, and a downstream of the sheet transporting unit. A second sheet conveying means located on the upstream side of the sheet discharging means for conveying the sheet without reversing the sheet conveying direction, and a downstream side of the sheet conveying means on the upstream side of the sheet discharging means. A sheet reversing unit located to reverse the sheet conveying direction; a switching unit for switching between the second sheet conveying unit and the sheet reversing unit; and a sheet accumulating unit for accumulating two or more sheets in the sheet reversing unit, It is characterized by having a sheet binding means for binding the sheets stored in the sheet storage means, and a sheet bundle transfer means for transferring the bound sheet bundle to the sheet stacking means. Image forming system. 4. Two or more different image data inputting means, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet material, and the image data inputting means to switch between the second sheet conveying means and the sheet reversing means. The image forming system according to claim 3, further comprising a control unit. 5. A sheet stacking means for stacking sheets, a first sheet transporting means for transporting sheets after image formation, a sheet discharging means for discharging the transported sheets, and a downstream of the sheet transporting means. A second sheet conveying means located on the upstream side of the sheet discharging means for conveying the sheet without reversing the sheet conveying direction, and a downstream side of the sheet conveying means on the upstream side of the sheet discharging means. A sheet reversing unit located to reverse the sheet conveying direction, a first switching unit for switching between the second sheet conveying unit and the sheet reversing unit, and a sheet accumulating unit for accumulating two or more sheets in the sheet reversing unit. Means, a sheet binding means for binding the sheets stored in the sheet storage means, a sheet bundle transfer means for transferring the bound sheet bundle to the sheet stacking means, and the second An image characterized by comprising: a third sheet carrying means for carrying a sheet from the sheet carrying means to the sheet accumulating means; and a second switching means for switching between the sheet discharging means and the third sheet carrying means. Forming system. 6. Two or more different image data inputting means, an image forming means for forming an image on a sheet material, and the image data inputting means for switching between the second sheet conveying means and the sheet reversing means. The image forming system according to claim 5, further comprising: a control unit.