JP2990848B2 - Finisher - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a finisher provided in a copying machine or the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 233462/1990, a paper ejected from a copying machine is collated and further equipped with a finisher configured to bind with staples. In some sorters, the types of staples are made different depending on the number of sheets to be stapled. In this conventional sorter with a finisher, a plurality of staples storing different types of staples are provided, and a stapler storing an appropriate type of staples is selected according to the number of sheets to be stapled and moved to a stapling position. It is configured to be.

[0003]

For this reason, it is necessary to secure a space for each stepper to move, which is disadvantageous for downsizing and has the disadvantage that the configuration becomes complicated. The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a finisher that has a simple configuration and is small in size.

[0004]

According to the present invention, there is provided a finisher for receiving paper and binding the received paper with a staple.
Needle storage means for storing a plurality of types of staples at different storage positions, selection means for selecting a staple to be used among the plurality of types of staples stored in the needle storage means, and selection means And stapling means for stapling the paper with the staple needle displaced to the binding position.

[0005]

With the above arrangement, the staple storage means is displaced so that the staples selected from the plurality of types of staples stored at different storage positions in the staple storage means are located at the binding position. The paper is stapled with the staple needle displaced to the position.

[0006]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Embodiments of the present invention will be specifically described below with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, a paper output device 200 with a finisher according to an embodiment of the present invention
It is attached to the right side, and is configured so that the paper discharged from the copying machine 1 is collated, then bound and stacked, as described later. [Outline of Copying Machine] A copying machine 1 irradiates a document placed on a platen glass 3 with a slit beam from a light source 4 by an automatic document feeder (hereinafter, referred to as an ADF) 2 and converts reflected light from the document into an optical system. 5 to form an image on the photosensitive drum 6. The photoconductor drum 6 rotates in the counterclockwise direction in the drawing, and at each point on the surface of the photoconductor drum 6, a fixed charge is applied by the precharger 7 during one rotation of the photoconductor drum 6. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed, a toner image corresponding to the electrostatic latent image is revealed by the developing device 8, the toner image is transferred to paper by the transfer charger 9, and the remaining toner is removed by the cleaning device 1.
0, and the residual charge is erased by the eraser lamp 11.

[0007] The paper is divided into three-stage paper feed cassettes 15 to 17 including an elevated automatic paper feeder 12, a cassette automatic paper feeder 13 provided in the copying machine 1, and an automatic paper feeder 14 provided outside the machine. And is fed between the transfer charger 9 and the photosensitive drum 6 at a timing by a timing roller 18.
The paper on which the toner image has been transferred by the transfer charger 9 is conveyed from the transfer charger 9 to the fixing device 20 by the conveying belt 19, and after the toner image is heated and fixed by the fixing device 20,
The paper is discharged to the paper discharge device with finisher 200 by the discharge roller 21.

The copying machine 1 is provided with a re-feeding device 22 for performing double-sided copying and composite copying, and a paper conveyance path between the fixing device 20 and the discharging roller 21 is connected to the discharging roller 21 side. A transport switching claw 23 for switching to the re-feeding device 22 is provided. Note that the ADF 2 is a known one, and the originals placed on the original tray 24 are taken out one by one by the paper feed roller 25 and set at a predetermined position on the original table glass 3 by the transport belt 26. After the exposure, the sheet is sent out from the original table glass 3 by the conveyance belt 26 after the exposure, and is reversed on the reversing conveyance path 27 and is conveyed onto the discharge tray 28. [Outline of Finishing Discharge Apparatus] The finisher-equipped discharge apparatus 200 includes a plurality of bins 210, a sorter unit 220 for distributing paper to each bin 210, a staple unit 230 for binding paper, and a sorter unit 220. Take-out and transport unit 24 that transports paper to stapling means 230
0, and a stack unit 250 for stacking the paper sheets stapled by the stapling unit 230.

A trunnion 211 shown in FIG. 2 is provided at the end of each bin 210 on the sorter section 220 side so as to protrude to both sides, and this trunnion 211 is inserted into a guide groove 222 provided in a frame 221 of the sorter section 220. By slidably fitting, the front end of each bin 210 is guided to move vertically. [Sorter section] As shown in FIG.
Has a carry-in section 223 for transporting the paper discharged from the copying machine 1 to each bin 210, and a floating cam 224. The bin 210 side end of the loading unit 223 is configured to be able to move in the vertical direction, and the height of the front end of each bin 210 vertically moved by the floating cam 224 and the height of the bin 210 side end of the loading unit 223. The paper discharged from the copying machine 1 is distributed to the bins 210 in accordance with the relative positions.

As shown in FIG. 2, the floating cam 224 is formed in a substantially circular shape and has a 180
A U-shaped groove 225 corresponding to the trunnion 211 of each bin 210 is formed at two places at an angle. The floating cam 224 is rotatably mounted on the sorter unit 220 side of each trunnion 211 so that a part of the floating cam 224 enters the space in which each trunnion 211 moves up and down, between the bottom bin position X1 and the top bin position X2. It is arranged to be able to move up and down. The fact that the floating cam 224 is located at the bottom bin position X1 or the top bin position X2 is detected by the detection switch SW1 or SW
2 is detected.

Here, the bottom bin position X1 is the position where the paper is discharged to the lowest bin 210, and the top bin position X2 is the position where the paper is discharged to the highest bin 210. Position. That is, the floating cam 224 sequentially fits the trunnions 211 of each bin 210 into the U-shaped groove 225, and also raises and lowers the floating cam 224 itself, thereby widening the interval between the bins 210 and discharging paper. I have. [Ejecting and Conveying Unit] As shown in FIG.
Are lifting drive means 248 for reciprocating the trunnion 211 of each bin 210 from the bottom bin position X1 to a take-out position thereunder, and take-out rollers 241 and 24 for taking out paper from the bin 210 located at the take-out position.
2, guides 243 and 244 for guiding the taken out paper above the stapling means 230, and a guide 243.
And a pair of transport rollers 245, 246, and 247 provided at the front stage, the rear stage, and the rear stage of the guide 244. The take-out transport section 240 lowers the trunnion 211 of each bin 210 received from the floating cam 224 at the bottom bin position X1 to the take-out position by the lifting / lowering drive means 248, and then takes out each bin 2 by the take-out rollers 241 and 242.
While the operation of taking out the paper from the bin 10 and transporting the paper above the stapling means 230 is repeated, the trunnions 211 of the bins 210 are replaced with the upper bins 210 after the removal of the paper from all the bins 210 used for collation is completed. From the bottom bin position X1 by the driving means. [Staple Unit] As shown in FIG. 1, the staple unit 230 guides the staple tray 231 in the vibration direction, a staple tray 231 on which the paper discharged from the unloading / unloading device 240 is placed, a vibration motor 232 for vibrating the staple tray 231. Guide plate 2 that aligns both side edges of paper with
33 and a stopper 234 for blocking the paper placed on the staple tray 231 and aligning one end of the paper.
And a stapler 300. Further, the stapling means 230 is configured to vibrate the staple tray 231 by the vibration motor 232, thereby
After aligning one end and both side edges of the paper discharged from 40 to the staple tray 231 with the guide plate 233 and the stopper 234, the sheets are stapled with the stapler 300, and then the stopper 234 is flipped up to staple the tray.
Is controlled so as to slide down the paper bound from the stack unit 250. [Stapler] The stapler 300 is provided at a binding operation position facing one end of the staple tray 231. After the binding operation is completed, the paper stapled from the staple tray 231 is slid down to the stack unit 250. Together with the stopper 234, the paper is retracted to a retracted position which does not prevent the bound paper from dropping.

As shown in FIG. 3, this stapler 300
Includes a staple table 301, a drive shaft 302 rotatably inserted into the base end thereof, and a head arm 303 swingably connected to the base end of the staple base 301 via the drive shaft 302. Prepare. A needle holder 304 is fixed to the upper surface of the tip of the staple table 301, and a head 305 projecting toward the needle holder 302 is fixed to a tip of the head arm 303.

As shown in FIG. 3 or FIG. 4, the stapler 300 is disposed between a staple table 301 and a head arm 303, and can be swung about a driving shaft 302 around the axis of the driving shaft 302. And a magazine unit 3 pivotally supported by a pin 306 so as to be swingable about an axis perpendicular to the axis of the drive shaft 302 via a pin 306.
07.

As shown in FIG. 5, the magazine unit 307 includes a ginkgo-shaped base plate 308 and three magazines 309 to 311 each having a base end connected to the base plate 308.
And A pin hole 312 through which the pin 306 is inserted is formed at the end of the petiole of the base plate 308, and the magazines 309 to 311 are arranged at an equal distance from the pin hole 312, and the staples 313a to 313c are driven out. The direction is directed in the direction from the pin hole 312 to the radial direction. The leg lengths of the staples 313a to 313c stored in the magazines 309 to 311 are different for each of the magazines 309 to 311.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, a gear 31 is provided at the leaf edge of the base plate 308 of the magazine unit 307.
4 is formed, and a motor 316 is operatively connected to a reduction gear mechanism 315 meshing with the gear 314,
By rotating in the forward or reverse direction,
Any one of the magazines 309 to 311 is a staple table 301 and a head arm 3
03 and is driven to reciprocate.

A rotary cam 317 is fixed to the drive shaft 302, and the arm 31 is swingably supported by a pin 318 fixed at a fixed position with respect to the drive shaft 302.
One end of 9 is made to circumferentially contact the peripheral edge of the rotary cam 317. The other end of the arm 319 is pivotally attached to the tip of the head arm 303 in a swingable manner. Thus, during one rotation of the drive shaft 302, the head 305 is moved to any one of the magazines 309 to 311 located between the staple table 301 and the head arm 303.
From the initial position on the side of the head arm 303 through the tip of each of the magazines 309 to 311.
Only one staple needle 313a to 313c stored in the staple tray 231 is punched out, and both ends of the staple needles 313a to 313c penetrate the end of the paper stacked on the staple tray 231. The paper stacked on the staple tray 231 is bound by being pressed against the staple holder 302 and bent, and thereafter, the path is reversed and the original position is restored.

As shown in FIG. 4, each of the magazines 302 to 3
11 have staple needles 313a to 313, respectively.
Photo sensors Se1 to Se for detecting empty of 3c
3 are provided, and each of the detection sensors 320 to 322 for detecting the swing position of the magazine unit 307 is provided. Each of the magazines 309 to 311 includes a magazine case 323 bent into a groove shape and a magazine case 32.
And a needle holder 324 slidably inserted into 3.
Guide grooves 32 formed on both side walls of magazine case 323
The needle holder 324 is moved in the magazine case 323 in a direction parallel to the magazine case 323 by slidably inserting claws 426 protruding from both sides of the needle holder 324 into the holder 5. In the magazine case 323, an urging means for urging the needle holder 324 toward the distal end of the magazine case 323 is provided.
3a to 313c are pressed against the tip end wall of the magazine case 323. Note that a hole through which only one staple 313a to 313c pressed against the front end wall of the magazine case 323 is formed at the front end portion of the bottom wall of the magazine case 323. [Operation Panel] The copier 1, the ADF 2, and the paper output device with finisher 200 are provided with operation panels called a copier panel 400 shown in FIG. 6, an ADF panel 500 shown in FIG. 7, and a sorter panel 600 shown in FIG. 8, respectively. .

As shown in FIG. 6, the copy machine panel 400 has a print key 401 for starting a copy operation when the ADF 2 is not used, an interrupt key 402 for temporarily stopping a multi-copy operation, and a copy operation. Clear / stop key 403 for stopping or canceling the number of copies, a numeric keypad group 405 for setting the number of multi-copy, a display unit 406 for displaying the number of copies and the state of the copying machine 1, and a copy density. Up / down keys 407 and 408 for setting, LED for displaying copy density
A group 409, a paper selection key 410 for selecting a copy paper size, an LED group 411 for displaying the selected paper size, a magnification selection key 412 for selecting a copy magnification, and an LED group 413 for displaying the selected magnification are provided.

The ADF panel 500 has the structure shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), only a start key 501 for starting the ADF operation is provided. When this start key 501 is pressed, the originals on the original tray 24 are automatically and sequentially conveyed onto the original platen glass 3 to start the copy operation. Is done. Also,
As shown in FIG. 8, the sorter panel 600 has a sorter mode selection key 601, a non-sort mode display LED 602 for displaying the non-selection of the sort mode, a sort mode display LED 603 for displaying the selection of the sort mode,
A grouping mode display LED 604 for displaying selection of a grouping mode, and a finish mode selection key 6
05, a non-finish mode display LED 606 for displaying the non-selection of the finish mode, an auto finish mode display LED 607 for displaying the selection of the auto finish mode, and a small finish mode display LED
608, a finish mode display LED 609,
Finish large mode display LED 610, finish start key 611, finish start display L
An ED 612 is provided. The finish start display LED 612 indicates that the finishing process is being performed, and blinks by causing the staple tray 231 to blink.
Display a warning that the paper from should be removed.

The sorter panel 600 further includes an LED 6 indicating that paper should be removed from the bin 210.
13, an LED 614 for displaying the empty state of the staples 313a to 313b, and an LED 615 for displaying a setting failure of the magazines 309 to 311. Each time the sorter mode selection key 601 is pressed once, the sorter unit 22 is pressed.
The mode of 0 is sequentially and cyclically switched to the non-sort mode, the sort mode, or the grouping mode, and the corresponding LED 602, 603 or 604 is turned on.

Also, a finish mode selection key 605
Each time is pressed, the mode is switched to non-finish mode, auto finish mode, small finish mode, middle finish mode, large finish mode in order.
Any one of the corresponding LEDs 606 to 610 is turned on. In the non-finish mode, the take-out / transport device 230 and the stapling means 230 do not operate, and in the other auto-finish mode, the small finish mode, the middle finish mode, and the large finish mode, the take-out / transport device 240 and the stapling means 230 operate. In the small finish mode, the staple needle 313a having the shortest leg length is used. In the middle finish mode, the staple needle 313b having the middle leg length is used. In the large finish mode, the staple needle 31 having the longest leg length is used.
3c is used. In the auto-finish mode, the number of papers to be bound or the thickness of the paper is automatically detected, and the staples 3 having appropriate leg lengths are detected in accordance with the detection results.
13a, 313b or 313c is used.

Each time the finish start key 611 is pressed once, a finish start command and a cancel command for the finish operation are alternately output. When the start command is output, the finish start display LED 612 is turned on to indicate that the finish processing is being performed. And after this, the L
The warning that the paper needs to be removed from the staple tray 231 is displayed by blinking the ED 612. After the cancel signal is output, the LED 612 is turned off until the next start command is output. [Control Circuit] FIG. 9 is a block diagram of the control circuit. The control circuit 700 is provided with a central control unit (hereinafter referred to as a CPU) 701 comprising a microcomputer.
The CPU 701 includes the copier panel 400, the AD
F panel 500, sorter panel 600, optical system 5 of copying machine 1, copy processing means 702 for performing mechanical control of copying machine 1, ADF processing means 703 for performing mechanical control of ADF 2, and sorter section 220
Sorter process means 7 for mechanical control of
04, the take-out / transport section 240 and the stapling means 230
Finisher process means 705 for performing mechanical control of the above is connected.

More specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, a print key 401 of the copier panel 400, a start key 501 of the ADF panel 500, and a sorter panel 600
Are respectively connected to the CPU 701. The sort mode selection key 601, the finish mode selection key 605, and the finish start key 611 are all connected to the CPU 701. An LED 414 built in the print key 401 for indicating that a copy operation is being performed, and an LED 502 built in the start key 501 for indicating that the ADF is being operated are each a CP.
A non-sort mode display LED 602, a sort mode display LED 603, and a grouping mode display LE connected to U701 and provided on the sorter panel 600.
D604, non-finish mode display LED 606,
Auto finish mode display LED 607, finish small mode display LED 608, finish mode display LED 609, finish large mode display LED 6
10, finish start display LED 612, copy removal display LED 613, staples 313a to 313
LED 614 indicating the empty of b, magazine 30
The LEDs 615 and the like for indicating the setting failure of 9 to 311 are also connected to the CPU 701, respectively. [Control Program] CPU 701 of the control circuit 700
As shown in FIG. 11, the main routine is started when the CPU 701 is reset by turning on the power or the like, to clear a random access memory, initialize various registers, and set each device to an initial mode. Initial setting (S1) is performed. Thereafter, an internal timer for setting the processing cycle time of the main routine is set (S2), and then the input processing routine (S2
3) Display processing routine (S4), copy system processing routine (S5), finish processing routine (S
6), the paper discharge stack routine (S7), and other processing routines (S8) are sequentially executed, and after the end of the internal timer is confirmed (S9), the internal timer is set (S9).
Returning to 2), the above procedure is set to be repeated.

As shown in FIG. 12, in the input processing routine (S3), the ten key group 40 of the copier panel 400 is used.
5 or the like, the number of multi-copy sheets A is input (S301), and a paper selection for selecting a paper size to be used (S30).
After performing 2) in order, it is determined whether or not to use the ADF 2 (S303). Here, if the ADF 2 is used, the ADF mode flag is set to “1” (S 304), and the start key 5 of the ADF panel 500 is set.
If 01 is not pressed, it is determined that ADF2 is not used, and the ADF mode flag is reset to "0" (S305).

After setting or resetting the ADF mode flag, a sort mode setting routine (S3) described later
06) and a finish mode setting routine (S
307), it is determined whether sorting is to be performed based on whether the sort mode flag is “1” (S308). Here, when the sorter mode selection key 601 of the sorter panel 600 is pressed, the sorting is performed, and the sort mode flag is set to “1” in the sort mode setting routine (S306) as described later. Therefore, the sort mode flag is determined to be “1”, and after this determination, the total number (bin number) a of the bins 210 provided in the sorter with finisher 100 is input (S309), and the multi-copy number A Is smaller than or equal to the bin number a (S310).

If the multi-copy number A is equal to or smaller than the bin number a, the sort mode can be executed. Therefore, it is further determined whether or not the stapling process is to be performed based on whether or not the finish mode flag is "1" (S311). ). Here, finish mode selection key 605 of sorter panel 600
Is pressed to select the auto finish mode, the small finish mode, the middle finish mode, or the large finish mode, the stapling process is executed, and the finish mode flag is set in the finish mode setting routine (S307). Since it is set to "1", it is determined that the finish mode flag is "1", and thereafter, it is determined whether or not the paper size is a size capable of stapling (S31).
2). In this embodiment, the paper sizes that can be stapled are A4 size and B5 size.
It is determined whether the paper size is A4 or B5 (S312), and if the paper size is A4 or B5, other input processing is performed assuming that stapling is possible (S13). When the finish mode selection key 605 of the sorter panel 600 is pressed to select the non-sort mode, the stapling process is not performed, and the finish mode setting routine (S
Since the finish mode flag has been reset to “0” in 307), other input processing is performed without checking the paper size (S312) (S31).
3).

In the step (S308) of determining whether the sort mode flag is "1", the sorter panel 60
When the non-sort mode is selected by the sorter mode selection key 601 of 0, no sorting is performed, and a sort mode setting routine (S30) will be described later.
Since the sort mode flag is reset to "0" in 6), it is determined that the sort mode flag is "0", and therefore, the stapling process is not executed. Therefore, other steps are immediately performed from this determination step (S308). Input processing (S
313).

When the other input processing (S313) is completed, it is determined whether the print key 401 of the copier panel 400 or the ADF start key 501 of the ADF panel 500 is turned on, as shown in FIG. (S
314, S315), if neither the print key 401 nor the ADF start key 501 is turned on, it means that no command to start copying has been given, and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined that the print key 401 is turned on, it means that copying in the manual mode is performed, and the copy flag is set to "1" (S316), and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined that the print key 401 has not been turned on and the ADF start key 501 has been turned on, it means that the ADF mode copy is to be performed, and the copy flag is also set to “1”. Then (S316), the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined in the step (S310) that the multi-copy number A is equal to or less than the bin number a, the multi-copy number A exceeds the bin number a, the distribution number exceeds the bin number. Therefore, it is determined that sorting cannot be performed, and the warning flag F1 is set to “1” (S31).
7), the system operation is prohibited (S318). Thereafter, when it is confirmed that either the print key 401 or the ADF start key 501 is turned on (S31).
9, S320), it is assumed that copying is performed even though the number of distributions exceeds the number of bins. Therefore, it is considered that copying in the non-sort mode is requested, and the non-sort mode flag is set to " 1 ”(S321),
After resetting the warning flag F1 to "0" (S322), canceling the system operation prohibition (S323), setting the copy flag to "1" (S324), and returning to the main routine. Also, after the system operation is prohibited (S31
8), print key 401 and ADF start key 501
Is not turned on (S
319, S320), and returns to the main routine as it is assuming that copying has been abandoned.

If it is determined in the step (S312) that the paper size is A4 or B5, it is neither A4 nor B5, it is determined that the stapling process cannot be performed, and as shown in FIG. The warning flag F2 is set to "1" (S325), and the system operation is prohibited (S326). After this, the print key 401 and A
When it is confirmed that any one of the DF start keys 501 is turned on (S327, S328), it is determined that copying is performed even though stapling cannot be performed, so a copy without stapling is requested. And the finish mode flag is reset to "0" to cancel the finish mode (S32).
9), reset the warning flag F2 to “0” (S33)
0), after canceling the system operation prohibition (S331),
After setting the copy flag to "1" (S332), the process returns to the main routine.

As shown in FIG. 15, in the sort mode setting routine (S306) in the input processing routine (S3), first, it is detected whether or not the ON edge of the sorter mode selection key 601 of the sort panel 600 has been detected (FIG. 15). S3
061) If not detected, the process returns to the input processing routine (S3). When the on-edge of the sorter mode selection key 601 is detected, it is determined whether the non-sort mode, the sort mode, or the grouping mode is selected (S3062, S3064, S306).
6) The non-sort mode flag, sort mode flag or grouping mode flag corresponding to the confirmed mode is set to “1” (S3063, S306)
5, S3067) Return to the input processing routine.

As shown in FIG. 16, in the finish mode setting routine (S307), it is determined whether or not the mode is the non-finish mode (S30701). If it is determined that the mode is the non-finish mode, the non-finish mode flag is set to "1". (S30702) and returns to the input processing routine. If it is determined that the mode is not the non-finish mode, the finish mode flag is set to "1" (S30703), and it is checked which of the auto finish mode, the small finish mode, the medium finish mode, and the large finish mode has been selected ( S30704, S30709, S30712, S
30715), the finish mode flag, the finish small mode flag, the finish middle mode flag, or the finish large mode flag corresponding to the selected mode are set to “1” (S30705, S3071).
0, S30713, S30716), the allowable number of staples (stitching number) cb3, cb corresponding to each mode
After setting 1, cb2 or cb3 (S3070
6, S30711, S30714, S30717), the staple permission size is set to A4, B5 (S3070).
7) After setting the sort mode flag to "1" (S30708), the process returns to the input processing routine. If the finish mode cannot be confirmed (S3070)
4, S30709, S30712, S30715), the finish mode flag is set to "1" assuming the non-sort mode (S30718), and the process returns to the input processing routine.

As shown in FIG. 17, in the display processing routine (S4) of the main routine, first, it is determined whether or not the ADF mode flag is "1" (S401). After performing S402), the sorter mode display (S403) is performed. If the value is "0", the sorter mode display (S40) is not performed.
Perform 3). Next, it is checked whether any of the finish mode flag, the auto finish mode flag, the finish small mode flag, the finish mode flag, and the finish large flag are "1" (S).
404 to S408), when it is confirmed that the finish mode flag is “1” or when all the flags are “0”, a non-finish mode display is performed (S409, S410), and If it is confirmed that any of the flags is “1”,
The finish mode corresponding to the confirmed flag is displayed (S411 to S414).

Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 18, a warning flag F1 for warning that the number of multi-copy sheets A exceeds the number of bins a, a warning flag F2 for warning that the paper size is not suitable for stapling, and a finish mode are set. A warning flag 3 for warning that the document cannot be printed, a warning flag 4 for warning that the document is empty, a warning flag 5 for warning that the finisher capacity is exceeded, a warning flag 6 for warning that paper needs to be removed from the staple tray 231, and a bin 210. It is determined whether any of the warning flags F11 for warning that the paper needs to be removed is set to "1" (S415, S421, S423, S
425, S427, S439, S431), a warning display corresponding to the warning flag set to "1" is performed (S416, S422, S424, S426, S42).
8, S430, S432). Note that the warning flags 4 ...
Is set or reset by a sorter mode processing routine described later, a control routine (not shown), or the like.
Thereafter, it is determined whether the copy flag is "1" (S4).
17) If "1", the number of copies is displayed (S41)
8) If "0", the number of remaining copies is displayed (S4).
19) Further, after performing other display processing (S4)
20) Return to the main routine.

As shown in FIG. 19, the copy system processing routine (S5) of the main routine first determines whether the ADF mode flag is "1" (S501).
If "1", it is determined whether the copy flag is "1" (S502). If the copy flag is "1", A
After the DF control routine (S503) is executed, it is determined whether the non-sort mode flag is "1" (S503).
Go to 505). Determination of ADF mode flag (S50
Even if the ADF mode flag is "0" in 1), it is determined whether the copy flag is "1" (S504) and "1".
In the case of, the process proceeds to the determination of whether the non-sort mode flag is “1” (S505). In any of the copy flag determinations (S502 or S504), if the copy flag is "0", no copy processing has been requested, and thus the end of the main routine timer is confirmed (S50).
Go to 9).

Determination of non-sort mode flag (S50)
If 5) is "1", the non-sort mode processing routine (S506), the copy processing routine (S507), and the other processing routines (S508) are sequentially executed, and the process returns to the main routine. If the determination of the non-sort mode flag (S505) is "0", it is determined whether the sort mode flag is "1" (S509), and if it is "1", the sort mode processing routine (S510). Is executed, the copy processing routine (S507) and other processing routines (S508) are sequentially executed, and the process returns to the main routine. "0" in the sort mode flag determination (S509)
In the case of (1), it is determined whether or not the group pin mode flag is "1" (S511). If "1", the grouping mode process routine (S512) is executed, and then the copy process routine (S507) and other processes are performed. Processing routine (S5
08) are executed in order, and the process returns to the main routine. If the determination of the group pin mode flag (S511) is "0", the copy processing routine is executed without executing the non-sort mode processing routine (S506), the sort mode processing routine (S510) or the grouping mode processing routine (S512). The flow shifts to (S507), executes another processing routine (S508), and returns to the main routine.

The ADF control routine (S503) in the copy system processing routine (S5), the non-sort mode processing routine (S506), and the grouping mode processing routine (S512) are not directly related to the essence of the present invention. I will omit it. 20 to 30 show the copy system processing routine (S
It is a flowchart of the sort mode processing routine (S510) in 5), and this sort mode processing routine (S51)
In 0), the bin 21 depends on whether the finish mode is selected.
0 is different. This is because the order in which paper is extracted from the bin 210 differs depending on whether the finish mode is selected. That is, when the finish mode is selected, the paper is distributed from the lower bin 210 to send the paper to the stapling means 230, and when not selected, the paper is distributed from the upper bin 210 to make it easier for the operator to directly take out the paper.

Specifically, first, as shown in FIG.
It is determined whether or not the finish mode flag is “1” (S
51001), if it is “1”, it is determined whether or not there is paper in the bin 210 (S51002). If there is no paper, it is determined whether or not a warning flag F11 for warning that the paper needs to be removed from the bin 210 is "1" (S
If the flag is "1", the warning flag F11 is reset to "0" (S51004), the prohibition of the system operation is released (S51005), and the bottom bin detection switch SW1 is continued as shown in FIG. It is determined whether the bin 210 is located at the bottom bin position X1, which is the home position when the finish mode is selected, and whether paper distribution in the finish mode is possible or not (S51006). If the determination of the warning flag F11 (S51003) is “0”, it is determined whether the bottom bin detection switch SW1 is continuously turned on immediately without resetting the warning flag F11 or canceling the prohibition of the system operation. (S51006).

Here, if the detection switch SW1 is continuously turned on, as shown in FIG. 21, the bin 210 is located at the bottom bin position X1, which is the home position when the finish mode is selected, and the paper in the finish mode is set. Is reset, and the floating cam rotation direction flag is reset to “0” so that the rotation direction of the floating cam thereafter becomes the reverse rotation direction (S5101).
2). If the detection switch SW1 is not continuously on, the floating cam 224 is rotated forward (S
51007), apply a sorter weight (S5100)
8). The sorter weight means that the copying operation is prohibited so that the paper is not fed into the sorter unit 220 while the bin 210 is moving. Then, when it is confirmed that the detection switch SW1 is turned on (S5100)
9) Stop the floating cam 224 (S510)
10) After releasing the sorter weight (S5101)
1) The floating cam rotation direction flag is reset to "0" so that the subsequent rotation direction of the floating cam becomes the reverse rotation direction (S51012).

On the other hand, if the finish mode is not selected, as shown in FIG. 20, it is determined whether or not there is paper in the bin 210 (S51013). If not, the top bin detection switch SW2 is continued. It is determined whether it is on (S51014). When the bin 210 is located at the top bin position X2, which is the home position in the non-finish mode, and paper can be distributed in the non-finish mode, the detection switch SW2 is turned on, and as shown in FIG. The cam rotation direction flag is set to "1" so that the rotation direction of the floating cam thereafter becomes the normal rotation direction (S5102).
0). If the detection switch SW2 is not continuously turned on, as shown in FIG.
Is reversed (S51015), and a sorter weight is applied (S51016). Then, as shown in FIG. 21, when it is confirmed that the detection switch SW2 is turned on (S51017), the floating cam 224 is stopped (S51018), and the sorter weight is released (S51).
019), the floating cam rotation direction flag is set to “1”
Is set so that the rotation direction of the floating cam thereafter becomes the normal rotation direction (S51020).

As shown in FIG. 20 or FIG. 21, when it is determined that there is paper in the bin 210 (S51002, S51013), it is determined whether the copy number count is "0" (S5102, S51013). S51021, S5102
4) If "0", the warning flag F11 for warning that the paper should be removed from the bin 210 is set to "1" (S51022, S51025), and the system operation is prohibited (S51023, S51026). The process proceeds to a step (S9) for confirming the end of the internal timer of the main routine.

After the floating cam rotation flag is reset (S51012) or set (S51)
020), as shown in FIG. 22, when the on-edge of the ejection switch of the copying machine 1 provided at the entrance of the loading section 223 of the sorter section 220 is detected (S51027), the loading section 223 is detected.
(Hereinafter, also referred to as sorter conveyance motor) is turned on (S51028). Thereafter, it is confirmed that the sorter detection photosensor is off-edge (S5102).
9) and start the sorter transport motor timer (S51)
030), and increments the number counter (S510).
31) When the end of the sorter transport motor timer is confirmed (S51032), the sorter transport motor is turned off (S51033).

If the on-edge of the discharge switch of the copying machine 1 is not detected (S51027), it is determined that the paper has not yet been discharged from the copying machine 1, and the copy system processing routine (step S51027) is performed without starting the sorter transport motor. Returning to S5), the sorter detecting photo sensor S
When the off edge of e1 is not confirmed (S51029)
Returns to the copy system processing routine (S5) without stopping the sorter transport motor, assuming that there is paper in the loading section 223 of the sorter section 220, or when the end of the sorter transport motor timer is not confirmed (S510).
In step 32), the process returns to the copy system processing routine (S5) without stopping the sorter transport motor in order to wait for the paper transport to be surely completed.

Turning off the sorter transport motor (S51033)
Then, as shown in FIG. 23, it is determined whether the paper conveyed just before is the last paper (last sheet) (S23).
51034), if it is the last sheet, the floating cam rotation flag is inverted (S51035). That is,
"0" if the floating cam rotation flag is "1"
And if it is "0", it is set to "1". If it is not the last sheet (S51034), it is determined whether the floating cam rotation flag is "0" to continue the sorting operation (S51036). If "0", the motor driving the floating cam is rotated in the reverse direction. On (S51037), if "1", the motor for driving the floating cam is turned on in the normal rotation direction (S51037).
51038).

Inversion of the floating cam rotation flag (S
51035), reverse rotation or forward rotation of the motor driving the floating cam is turned on (S51037, S5103)
After 8), when it is confirmed that the finish mode flag is “1” (S51039), it is determined whether or not the auto finish mode flag is “1” (S510).
40). If it is "0", the number of papers M per bin 210 is calculated (S51041), and it is confirmed that all of the small finish mode flag, the middle finish flag, and the large finish mode flag are "0" (S51041). S51042, S51043, S51044),
The process returns to the copy system processing routine (S5). If the auto finish mode flag is "1", the small finish mode flag is set to "1" (S51045),
The number of papers M per bin 210 is calculated (S510).
46) The number of papers M per bin 210 is cb1,
When it is confirmed that it is not cb2 or cb3 (S
51047, S51048, S51049), and returns to the copy system processing routine (S5).

Determination of finish mode flag (S51)
If the ADF mode flag is "0" in step S039, it is determined whether the ADF mode flag is "1" as shown in FIG. 24 (S5).
1050), if it is “1”, after confirming that there is a document on the document tray 24 (S51051), the finishing mode flag is reset to “0” (S5105).
2). When the ADF mode flag is “0”,
It is determined whether the print key 401 is on (S5105).
5) If it is on, the finishing mode flag is reset to "0" (S51052). After resetting the finish mode flag (S51052), the finish mode display flag is reset to "0" (S5).
1053), and further sets the no-finish mode display flag to “1” (S51054), and returns to the copy system processing routine (S5).

If it is determined that there is no document on the document tray 24 (S51051), or the print key 401
Is determined to be off (S51055), the process immediately returns to the copy system processing routine (S5). The auto-finish mode flag is “1” (S510
40), the finish small mode flag is set to “1” (S51045), and after the number M of papers per bin 210 is calculated (S51046), it is determined that the number M of papers per bin 210 is cb1. (S
51047), as shown in FIG. 25, it is determined whether or not the ADF mode flag is “1” (S51056). If “1”, it is confirmed that there is a document on the document tray 24 (S51057), and then the finish is performed. The small mode flag is reset to "0" (S51058). Also, ADF
If the mode flag is “0”, the print key 401
Is determined (S51060), and if it is on, the small finishing mode flag is reset to “0” (S51058). After the finish small mode flag is reset (S51058), the finish mode flag is set to "1" (S51059), and the process returns to the copy system processing routine (S5).

If it is determined that there is no document on the document tray 24 (S51057), or if the print key 401
Is determined to be off (S51060), the process immediately returns to the copy system processing routine (S5). After the auto finish mode flag is determined to be “1” (S51040), when it is determined that the number of papers M per bin 210 is cb2 (S510).
48), as shown in FIG. 26, it is determined whether or not the ADF mode flag is “1” (S51061). If “1”, it is confirmed that there is a document in the document tray 24 (S5).
1062), the finishing mode flag is reset to “0” (S51063). If the ADF mode flag is "0", it is determined whether or not the print key 401 is on (S51065), and if it is on, the finishing mode flag is reset to "0" (S510).
63). After resetting the finish mode flag (S51063), the large finish mode flag is set to "1" (S51064), and the process returns to the copy system processing routine (S5).

If it is determined that there is no document on the document tray 24 (S51062), or
Is determined to be off (S51065), the process immediately returns to the copy system processing routine (S5). After the auto finish mode flag is determined to be “1” (S51040), when it is determined that the number of papers M per bin 210 is cb3 (S510).
49), as shown in FIG. 27, it is determined whether or not the ADF mode flag is "1" (S51066). If "1", it is confirmed that there is a document on the document tray 24 (S5).
1067), the finish large mode flag is reset to “0” (S51068). If the ADF mode flag is "0", it is determined whether the print key 401 is on (S51071), and if it is on, the large finish mode flag is reset to "0" (S51).
068). After resetting the large finish mode flag (S51068), the auto finish mode display flag is reset to "0" (S51069), and the non-finish mode display flag is set to "1" (S51070). (S
Return to 5).

If it is determined that there is no original in the original tray 24 (S51067), or if the print key 401
Is determined to be off (S51071), the process immediately returns to the copy system processing routine (S5). After the auto-finish mode flag is confirmed to be "0" (S51040) and then the small finish mode flag is confirmed to be "1" (S51042), as shown in FIG. Paper number M
Is determined to be cb1 (S51072).
If the number of papers M per one bin 210 is not cb1, the process returns to the copy system processing routine and returns to cb1.
If it is 1, it is determined whether or not the ADF mode flag is "1" (S51073). If it is "1", after confirming that there is a document on the document tray 24 (S51074), the small finish mode flag is reset to "0" (S51).
075). If the ADF mode flag is "0", it is determined whether the print key 401 is on (S51).
079), when it is on, the finishing small mode flag is reset to “0” (S51075). After resetting the small finish mode flag (S5107)
5), the finish small mode display flag is reset to "0" (S51076), the finish mode flag is set to "1" (S51077), and the finish mode display flag is set to "1" (S510).
78), returning to the copy system processing routine (S5).

When it is determined that there is no document on the document tray 24 (S51074), or when the print key 401
Is determined to be off (S51079), the process immediately returns to the copy system processing routine (S5). After the auto-finish mode flag is confirmed to be "0" (S51040) and then the finishing mode flag is confirmed to be "1" (S51043), as shown in FIG. Paper number M
Is determined to be cb2 (S51080).
If the number M of papers per one bin 210 is not cb2, the process returns to the copy system processing routine and returns to cb2.
If it is 2, it is determined whether or not the ADF mode flag is "1" (S51081). If it is "1", after confirming that there is a document in the document tray 24 (S51082), the in-finishing mode flag is reset to "0" (S51).
083). If the ADF mode flag is "0", it is determined whether the print key 401 is on (S51).
087), when it is on, the finishing mode flag is reset to “0” (S51083). After resetting the finish mode flag (S51083),
The in-finish mode display flag is reset to “0” (S51084), the large finish mode flag is set to “1” (S51085), and the large finish mode display flag is set to “1” (S5108).
6) Return to the copy system processing routine (S5).

If it is determined that there is no document on the document tray 24 (S51082), or the print key 401
Is determined to be off (S51087), the process immediately returns to the copy system processing routine (S5). After the auto-finish mode flag is confirmed to be "0" (S51040) and then the large finish mode flag is confirmed to be "1" (S51044), as shown in FIG. Paper number M
Is cb3 (S51088).
If the number M of papers per one bin 210 is not cb2, the process returns to the copy system processing routine and returns to cb2.
If it is 2, it is determined whether or not the ADF mode flag is "1" (S51089). If it is "1", after confirming that there is a document on the document tray 24 (S51090), the finish large mode flag is reset to "0" (S51).
091). If the ADF mode flag is "0", it is determined whether the print key 401 is on (S51).
095), when it is on, the finishing mode flag is reset to “0” (S51091). After resetting the finish mode flag (S51091),
The large finish mode display flag is reset to "0" (S51092), the non-finish mode flag is set to "1" (S51093), and the non-finish mode display flag is set to "1" (S510).
94), returning to the copy system processing routine (S5).

If it is determined that there is no document on the document tray 24 (S51090), or if the print key 401
Is determined to be off (S51095), the process immediately returns to the copy system processing routine (S5). FIG.
As shown in FIG. 1, the copy system processing routine (S5)
In the copy processing routine (S507), it is determined whether or not scanning has been performed for the number of copies (S5071). If scanning has been performed for the number of copies, the scan end flag is set to "1" (S5072). In this case, a copy process processing routine (S5077) is executed.
Thereafter, when it is confirmed that the scan end flag is “1” (S5073), the scan end flag is set to “0”.
(S5074), reset the copy flag to "0" (S5075), execute other processing routines (S5076), and return to the copy system processing routine (S5). If it is confirmed that the scan end flag is "0" (S5073), other processing routines are executed without resetting the scan end flag and the copy flag (S5076), and the copy system processing routine is executed. Return to (S5).

As shown in FIGS. 32 and 33, the finish processing routine (S6) determines whether or not the finish mode flag is "1" (S601), and if "0", returns to the main routine immediately. If “1”, it is determined whether or not the finish mode is prohibited (S
602). If it is prohibited, it is determined whether or not the staple tray sensor is on (S603). If it is on, it is determined that there is paper to be removed from the staple tray 231 and the paper should be removed from the staple tray 231. Is set to "1" (S604), the finish mode is prohibited (S605), and the process returns to the main routine. Even if the finish mode is not prohibited (S602) or the finish mode is prohibited (S60)
2) If the staple tray sensor is off, it is determined whether the warning flag F6 is "1" (S606).
If "1", the warning flag F6 is reset to "0" (S607), the prohibition of the finish mode is released (S608), and it is determined whether the finish start key 611 is on (S609). If the warning flag F6 is "0", it is determined whether or not the finish start key 611 is on without resetting the warning flag F6 or canceling the prohibition of the finish mode (S609). Here, if the finish start key 611 is off, it is determined that the finish has not been started, and the process immediately returns to the main routine. Finish Starter Ki-61
If 1 is on, the finish processing flag is set to "1" (S610), and the number of papers per bin M
Is calculated (S611), and it is determined whether the number of papers M per bin is 1 or not (S612). In the case of 1, the finishing is unnecessary, so that the warning flag F3 for warning that the finishing is unnecessary is set to "1" (S622), the finishing mode flag is reset to "0", and the finishing mode is set. Is canceled (S623), and the process returns to the main routine. If the number of papers M per bin is not “1”, it means that the finishing process is possible. As shown in FIG. 33, it is determined whether or not the warning flag F3 is “1” (S615). 1 "
If so, the warning flag F3 is reset to "0" (S614), and it is determined whether or not the staple tray sensor is on (S615). Here, if the staple tray sensor is ON, the warning flag F6 for issuing a warning to remove paper from the staple tray 231 is set to “1”.
(S604), the finish mode is prohibited (S605), and the process returns to the main routine. If it is off, the bin moving process (S616) and the sheet take-out process (S61)
7) and a stapling process (S618) are sequentially performed. Thereafter, it is confirmed that there is no paper in the bin 210 (S61).
9) Further, after confirming that the staple tray sensor is off (S620), the finishing process flag is reset to "0" to cancel the finishing process (S621), and the process returns to the main routine. After executing the staple processing routine (S618), if there is paper in the bin 210 (S619), it is determined that paper to be subjected to the finish processing is left, and that the staple tray sensor is ON ( In S620),
Assuming that the paper being stapled is on the staple tray 231, the process temporarily returns to the main routine from the finish processing routine.

As shown in FIG. 34, the staple processing routine (S61) in the finish processing routine (S6)
In 8), first, it is determined whether or not the staple tray sensor is on edge (S61801). This sensor turns on when paper is conveyed onto the staple tray 231. Therefore, when an on-edge is detected (S61)
801), the vibration motor 232 is turned on, the staple tray 231 is vibrated, and the paper on the staple tray 231 is aligned (S61802). This motor 232
Is turned on (S61802), the vibration motor timer is started (S61803), and when the end of the vibration motor timer is confirmed (S61804), it is turned off (S61805). Next, a staple selection routine (S
61806) is executed, and the magazines 309 to 311 for storing one of the three types of staples 313a to 313c corresponding to the number of papers stacked on the staple tray 231 are moved to the staple table 301 and the head arm 3.
03 in the binding position. Thereafter, the staple motor is turned on (S61807). When the on-edge of the rotation sensor of the motor is detected (S6180)
8) The staple motor is turned off (S6180)
9) Turn on the stopper solenoid to set the stopper 234
Is jumped up (S61810). Thereby, the stapled paper on the staple tray 231 is stacked in the stack section 25.
Discharged to zero. Thereafter, when it is detected that the staple tray sensor is off-edge, that is, the paper is discharged from the staple tray 231 (S61811), the stopper solenoid is turned off (S61812), and the process returns to the main routine.

If the on-edge of the staple tray sensor is not detected (S61801), it is determined whether or not the staple tray sensor is on (S61813). If the staple tray sensor is on, it is determined that the paper continues to the staple tray 231. The process proceeds to the step of confirming the end of the vibration motor timer (S61804), and if it is off, it is determined that the paper has not been conveyed to the staple tray 231 and the process returns to the main routine. If it is determined that the vibration motor timer has not expired (S61804), it is determined that the paper alignment is being performed, and the process returns to the main routine. If the ON edge of the rotation sensor of the staple motor is not detected (S61810), the staple needle 313a is not yet detected.
313c, the process proceeds to the step of detecting the off-edge of the staple tray sensor (S61811) without stopping the stapling motor and without turning on the stopper solenoid. Since the off edge of the tray sensor is not detected, the process returns to the main routine.

As shown in FIG. 35, the staple selection routine (S618) of the staple processing routine (S618)
In step 06), first, it is determined whether or not the small finish mode flag is “1” (S6181801). If “1”, the staple 313a having the shortest leg length is used, so that the detection sensor 320 is turned on. Then, it is determined whether the magazine 309 is located at the binding position (S6180602). Here, the detection sensor 32
If 0 is not on, the motor 316 is rotated in reverse (S618).
0603), if it is on, it is determined that the magazine 309 is located at the binding position, and the motor 316 is stopped (S618).
0604) Return to the staple processing routine (S618). If the finish small mode flag is not “1”, it is further determined whether the finish mode flag is “1” (S6180605), and if “1”, it is determined whether the detection sensor 321 is on. Determine (S61806)
06). Here, if the detection sensor 321 is off, it is further determined whether the detection sensor 320 is on (S6180).
607) If it is on, the normal rotation of the motor 316 is started (S6180608), and the normal rotation flag is set to "1" (S6180609).
If the normal rotation flag is not "1" (S618806), the motor 316 is rotated in the reverse direction (S6188061). Also,
If the detection sensor 321 is on in S6180606,
Assuming that the magazine 310 accommodating the staple 313b having an intermediate leg length is located at the binding position, the motor 316 is stopped (S6188062), and the normal rotation flag is reset to "0" (S61880613). It returns to S618). If the in-finish mode flag is not “1”, it is determined whether the large finish mode flag is “1” (S618180).
4) If "1", it is determined whether the detection sensor 322 is on or not (S61818015).
16 is rotated forward (S6180616), and if turned on, the magazine 311 for storing the staple 313c having the longest leg length is assumed to be located at the binding position, and the motor 316
Is stopped (S61818017), and the process returns to the stapling processing routine (S618).

In the above-described paper output device with finisher 200, the stapler 3 having the magazine unit (movable magazine) 307 in which the staple means 230 stores a plurality of types of staples 313a to 313c having different leg lengths.
00, the number of papers to be bound is detected, and staples 313a to 313c having leg lengths corresponding to the detected number of papers are selected to bind the paper. Accordingly, stapling can be performed in accordance with the number of sheets, and the length of a leg that is turned back on the back side can be prevented from being too long or too short, so that good-looking finishing can be performed.

Further, since one stapler 300 having a magazine unit (movable magazine) 307 for storing a plurality of types of staples 313a to 313c having different leg lengths at different storage positions is provided, a plurality of staples 3 are provided.
The configuration is simpler than that of the conventional example in which 00 is provided and moved. Further, since the type of the staples 313a to 31c used by moving the magazine unit 307 is changed, a large space for moving the plurality of staplers 300 is not required, and a small space for displacing the magazine unit 307 is sufficient. The size can be reduced.

In the above embodiment, the number of papers in each bin 210 is calculated from the number of copies input with the ten keys 405 of the copy panel 400 and the number of bins 210, and this is used as the number of sheets to be bound. It is also possible to detect the number of sheets to be bound by the method described above. For example, the number of papers fed into each bin 210 can be detected by a sensor.
Further, the configuration may be such that the binding thickness is calculated instead of the number of binding sheets, and the staples 313a to 313c are selected according to the binding thickness. Furthermore, magazines 309-311
Are provided side by side with each other, and the magazine unit 307 is provided.
For example, the required magazines 309 to 311 may be moved to the binding position by traversing by an actuator composed of a solenoid.

The present invention can be applied to a paper discharge device having no sorting function as long as it has a finisher or stapling means.

[0062]

As described above, according to the present invention, a staple selected from a plurality of types of staples stored in different positions in the staple storing means is moved to the binding position.
The needle storage means is displaced so that

Accordingly, the configuration is simpler than that of the conventional example in which a plurality of staples storing different types of staples are provided and the staples are moved. Further, a large space type of staple storing as in the prior art moves the different stapler is not required, it can be miniaturized.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a copying apparatus in which one embodiment of the present invention is used.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a main part of a sorting unit according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a stapler used in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a stapler used in one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a vertical sectional front view of a magazine unit of the stapler.

FIG. 6 is a plan view of a copying machine panel of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 7 is a plan view of an ADF panel of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 8 is a plan view of a sorter panel of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a control circuit of the copying apparatus.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a main part of the control circuit.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart of a main routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 12 is a part of a flowchart of an input processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 13 is a part of a flowchart of an input processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 14 is a part of a flowchart of an input processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 15 is a flowchart of a sort mode setting routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 16 is a flowchart of a finish mode setting routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 17 is a part of a flowchart of a display processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 18 is a part of a flowchart of a display processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of a copy system processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 20 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 21 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 22 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 23 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 24 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 25 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 26 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 27 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 28 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 29 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 30 is a part of a flowchart of a sort mode processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 31 is a flowchart of a copy processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 32 is a part of a flowchart of a finish processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 33 is a part of a flowchart of a finish processing routine of the control circuit.

FIG. 34 is a flowchart of stapling processing of the control circuit.

FIG. 35 is a flowchart of a staple selection routine of the control circuit.

[Explanation of symbols]

 200 Paper ejection device with finisher 230 Staple means 300 Stapler 307 Magazine unit 313a Staple needle 313b Staple needle 313c Staple needle 316 Motor 400 Copy panel 405 Numeric keypad 700 Control circuit

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (72) Inventor Toru Okaya Osaka International Building Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. 2-3-13 Azuchicho, Chuo-ku, Osaka City (56) References JP-A-63-231988 (JP, A JP-A-2-233462 (JP, A) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁶ , DB name) B65H 37/04 G03G 15/00 534 B42C 1/12 B42B 4/00

Claims (1)

(57) [Claims] 1. A finisher for receiving paper and binding the received paper with staples, a staple storing means for storing a plurality of types of staples at different storage positions, and a staple storing means stored in the staple storing means. Selecting means for selecting a staple to be used among a plurality of types of staples; displacing means for displacing the storage means so that the staple selected by the selecting means is at the binding position; and displacing to the binding position. A stapling means for stapling the paper with the set staples.