JPH0725466B2 - Sorter control method - Google Patents

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a sorter control method for classifying recording paper discharged from an image recording apparatus such as an electronic copying machine or a printer into a plurality of bins.

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

However, in this sorter, it is necessary to change the conveyance direction of the recording paper of the recording paper conveying means according to the height of the recording paper discharge position of the image recording apparatus, and to change the configuration of the direction switching member correspondingly. Moreover, there is a drawback that the configuration is complicated.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an ideal control method for a sorter having a simple structure, which can easily cope with a change in the discharge position of the recording paper of the image recording apparatus.

Configuration According to the present invention, the discharge roller is driven when the leading edge of the recording paper is detected by the sensor that detects the passage of the recording paper, and the discharge roller is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed from the sensor detection. At the same time, the recording paper holding means for temporarily holding the recording paper is activated, and when the unit including the recording paper holding means and the paper discharge roller reaches the selection bin, the recording paper holding means is released and the paper is discharged. The present invention is characterized in that when a predetermined time has elapsed after the roller was driven and the trailing edge of the recording paper was detected by the sensor, the paper discharge roller was stopped and the unit was returned to the original position.

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

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

A paper receiving port 5 is formed in the exterior plate 1a of the sorter 1 so as to face the paper discharge port 3 of the exterior plate 2a of the electronic copying machine 2. Inside the exterior plate 1a near the paper receiving port 5, a pair of receiving rollers 6 and 7 are arranged. These receiving rollers 6 and 7 are in pressure contact with each other, and one receiving roller 7 is rotated by the receiving roller driving means 8. The receiving roller driving means 8 includes a motor 8a fixed to the exterior plate 1a, a pulley 8c fixed to a drive shaft 8b of the motor 8a, and a rotating shaft of the receiving roller 7.
It is composed of a pulley 8d fixed to 7a and a belt 8e mounted on these pulleys 8c and 8d.

A plurality of bins 9 are arranged at predetermined intervals in the up-down direction on the side of the receiving rollers 6 and 7 in the feeding direction of the recording paper P. These bins 9 are supported by the exterior plate 1a, and most of the bins 9 extend outward from the opening of the exterior plate 1a.

Between the receiving rollers 6, 7 and the bin 9, an elevating member 10 is arranged near the bin 9 so as to be able to ascend and descend. A paper guide member 11 for guiding the recording paper P is arranged between the receiving rollers 6 and 7 and the elevating member 10. The elevating member 10 is moved up and down by the elevating drive means 12. This lifting drive means 12
Is a pair of upper and lower pulleys 12a, 12b, a forward and reverse rotatable step motor 12d disposed near the rotating shaft 12c of the upper pulley 12a, and the step motor 1
The worm gear 12f fixed to the drive shaft 12e of 2d and the rotation shaft of the pulley 12a are engaged with the worm gear 12f.
It is composed of a gear 12g fixed to 12c, and a pair of wires 12h fixed to the pulleys 12a and 12b and to which both side plates 10a of the elevating member 10 are fixed.

Both ends of the rotating shafts 12c and 12i of the pulleys 12a and 12b are exterior plates 1a.
It is supported by bearings that are fixed to. The step motor 12d is fixed to the exterior plate 1a.

The elevating member 10 is composed of both side plates 10a and a holding plate 10b integrally fixed thereto. Two guide members 10c, 10d for guiding the recording paper P sent from the receiving rollers 6, 7 are arranged on the side plates 10a and the holding plate 10b.

As shown in FIG. 4, the guide member 10d is provided with two support members 13 protruding therefrom. Bearings 14 are arranged in the elongated holes of these support members 13 so as to be movable up and down by a small distance, and a rotating shaft 15a of a paper discharge roller 15 is supported by these bearings 14. A holding member 16 is projectingly provided on the guide member 10d, and the holding member 16 has a rotation shaft of the paper discharge roller 15.
A spring 17 for holding 15a downward is held.

The guide member 10c is also provided with two support members 18 projecting therefrom, and these support members 18 are provided with a one-way clutch 19 and a bearing 20, and these one-way clutch 19 and bearing 20 are provided. The rotation shaft 21a of the discharge roller 21 is supported. The paper discharge roller 21 is rotated by the paper discharge roller driving means 22. The discharge roller driving means 22 includes a motor 22a fixed to the holding plate 10b of the elevating member 10 and the motor 22a.
The pulley 22c fixed to the drive shaft 22b of 22a and this pulley 2c
The pulley 22d is fixed to the rotary shaft 21a of the paper discharge roller 21 so as to face 2c, and the belt 22e is attached to these pulleys 22c and 22d. The one-way clutch 19 is
The paper discharge roller 21 does not prevent the recording paper P from rotating in the direction of sending the recording paper P to the bin 9, and the paper discharge roller 21 holds the recording paper P in the bin 9
Prevents rotation in the direction opposite to the feeding direction.

A paper sensor 23 for detecting the recording paper P is arranged between the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 and the receiving rollers 6 and 7 and near the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21. The paper sensor 23 includes a photo sensor and is fixed to the guide member 10d. A roller standby position sensor 24 is arranged at a predetermined position to detect that the discharge rollers 15 and 21 are arranged at a standby position for receiving the recording paper P sent by the receiving rollers 6 and 7. The roller standby position sensor 24 is composed of a photo sensor, and detects that the side plates 10a of the elevating member 10 are arranged at predetermined positions to detect that the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are arranged at standby positions.

The paper discharge roller 4 of the electronic copying machine 2 is interposed between the receiving rollers 6 and 7.
When the recording paper P is sent from the receiving rollers 6 and 7, the receiving rollers 6 and 7 send the recording paper P toward the discharge rollers 15 and 21. In this case, the discharge rollers 15 and 21 are in the standby position for receiving the recording paper P (the position corresponding to the lowest bin 9 in the illustrated embodiment).
It is waiting without rotating. When the paper sensor 23 detects the front end of the recording paper P, the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are rotated in a direction for feeding the recording paper P to the bin 9 for a short predetermined time from this time point to hold the front end of the recording paper P. Stop.

When the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 hold the recording paper P, the elevating member 10 and the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 move in the direction of the selected bin 9 to be used, and the position corresponding to the selected bin 9 is reached. Stop at. When the elevating member 10 and the discharge rollers 15 and 21 move forward, the discharge roller 21 is prevented from rotating in the direction opposite to the direction in which the recording paper P is sent to the bin 9 by the one-way clutch 19, The recording paper P is never detached from the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21. The forward speed of the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 when the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are moved to the selected bin 9 is the same as the feed speed of the recording paper P of the paper discharge roller 4 of the electronic copying machine 2. The settings are almost the same.

When the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are arranged at positions corresponding to the selected bin 9, the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are rotated to discharge the recording paper P to the bin 9, and the paper sensor 23 records. Paper P
After a short time elapses from the time when the trailing edge is detected, the rotation of the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 is stopped, and the elevating member 10 and the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are returned to the standby position. This lifting member 10
And when moving the discharge rollers 15 and 21 back, the lifting member 10
And the speed of the return movement of the paper ejection rollers 15 and 21 is
Since 21 does not hold the recording paper P, the feeding speed of the recording paper P of the paper discharge roller 4 of the electronic copying machine 2 may be made higher.

FIG. 5 shows the operation display panel 25 provided on the upper surface of the exterior plate 2a of the electronic copying machine 2, which will be described below.

On the operation display panel 25, a power key 26 for turning the power on or off, a power indicator 27 for indicating that the power is on or off, a start key 2 for starting copying
8, original number set key 29 to set the number of originals,
The number of originals set indicator 30 that indicates whether or not this number of originals set key 29 has been turned on, the number of copies set key 31 that sets the number of copies, and this number of copies set key 31
Copy number set indicator 32, which indicates whether or not it is turned on
Numeric keypad 33 for inputting the number of originals or number of copies, clear stop key 34 for clearing the input value with this numeric keypad 33 and stopping copying, original set number indicator 35 for displaying the number of originals set, originals for which copying has been performed The number of originals to be displayed 36, the number of copies to be set 37 to display the number of copies set, the number of copies to be displayed 38 to display the number of recording sheets that have been copied, and the sort mode is set. Sort mode key 39, a sort mode indicator 40 that indicates whether or not this sort mode is set, a stack mode key 41 that sets the stack mode, and a stack mode that indicates whether or not the stack mode is set A display 42 and the like are provided.

When the ten-key 33 is pressed after the manuscript number set key 29 is turned on, the number of manuscript sets is input, and when the ten-key 33 is pressed after the copy number set key 31 is turned on, the number of copy sets is entered. The sort mode is a mode in which a plurality of recording papers P are discharged one by one to different bins 9. In the stack mode, a plurality of recording papers P are
A mode in which the maximum number of sheets that can be stored in each bin 9 is sequentially discharged into a plurality of bins 9.

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

Paper sensor 23, roller standby position sensor 24, power key 2
Information such as 6, a start key 28, a document number set key 29, a copy number set key 31, a ten key 33, a sort mode key 39 and a stack mode key 41 is given to the input port of the microcomputer 43.

The RAM of the microcomputer 43 is provided with an original document number set counter, a copy set number counter, a total copy set number counter, a discharged sheet number counter, a sort mode flag, a used bin number counter, a lift flag and the like. The sort mode flag becomes "1" when the sort mode key 39 is turned on, and becomes "0" when the stack mode key 41 is turned on. The used bin number counter counts the number of bins used in the sort mode, and has the same value as the copy set number counter. The lifting flag is set to "1" when the lifting member 10 is raised, and is set to "0" when the lifting member 10 is lowered.

To the output port of the microcomputer 43, the receiving roller driving means 8, the elevating driving means 12, the discharge roller driving means 22 and the like are connected.

An example of the operation of the above sorter 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8. The flow shown in FIGS. 7 and 8 is for the case where the standby position (home position) for receiving the recording paper P of the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 is the position corresponding to the lowest bin 9.

When the ON signal of the power key 26 is given to the microcomputer 43, the operation is executed according to the programs shown in the flows of FIGS. 7 and 8 stored in the ROM of the microcomputer 43. FIG. 7 shows the main routine of the flow, and FIG. 8 shows the subroutine of the flow.

First, initialization is performed in steps. In this initial setting, the RAM and the input / output port of the microcomputer 43 are cleared.

Next, in step, it is checked whether or not the start key 28 is ON. If it is determined that the start key 28 is ON in step, the receiving roller driving means 8 is turned ON in step, and then the used bin selection routine of step is executed,
The ON time of the lifting drive means 12 is set in steps corresponding to the bin 9 selected in this used bin selection routine.

Next, in step, it is checked whether or not the paper sensor 23 is ON. When it is determined in this step that the paper sensor 23 is ON, that is, when the paper sensor 23 detects the leading edge of the recording paper P, the paper discharge roller driving means 22 is turned ON in step, and t _x ≧ t ₁ in step Check if there is. This t _x is the elapsed time from the time when the paper sensor 23 is turned on, and t ₁ is the paper output from the time when the paper sensor 23 is turned on (the time when the paper discharge roller driving means 22 is turned on). Laura 1
5,21 is a predetermined time required to hold the leading edge of the recording paper P.

If it is determined that t _x ≧ t ₁ in the above step, the paper discharge roller driving means 22 is turned off in the step, the lifting flag is set to “1” in the step, and the lifting drive means 12 is turned on in the step. Ascend 15,21 (forward).
Next, in step, it is checked whether or not the discharge rollers 15 and 21 have reached the bin 9 selected in the use bin selection routine of step, that is, the lifting drive means 12 is set to the ON time of the lifting drive means 12 set in step. Check whether 12 is turned on.

When it is determined in the above step that the discharge rollers 15 and 21 have not reached the selected bin 9, the process returns to the step and the lifting drive means 12 is held ON. Paper ejection rollers 15,2 in steps
When it is determined that 1 has reached the selected bin 9, the elevating means 12 is turned off in the step, the paper discharge roller driving means 22 is turned on in the step, and then the paper sensor is executed in the step.
Check if 23 is OFF.

When it is determined that the paper sensor 23 is OFF in the above step, that is, when the paper sensor 23 detects the trailing edge of the recording paper P, the [paper discharge number counter] is set to +1 in step and t _y ≧ t ₂ in step. Check if there is. this
t _y is the elapsed time from the time when it is determined that the paper sensor 23 is OFF in step, and t ₂ is the discharge time by the discharge rollers 15 and 21 after it is determined that the paper sensor 23 is OFF in step It is a predetermined time required for the recording paper P to be detached from the discharge rollers 15 and 21.

If it is determined that t _y ≧ t ₂ in the above step, the discharge roller driving means 22 is turned off in the step, the elevating flag is set to “0” in the step, and the elevating driving means 12 is turned on in the step. Moves down 15 and 21 (backward).
Next, in step, it is checked whether or not the roller standby position sensor 24 is ON. If it is determined in step that the roller standby position sensor 24 is not ON, the process returns to step and the lifting drive means 12 is held ON.

If it is determined that the roller standby position sensor 24 is ON in the above step, the elevating and lowering drive means 12 is turned OFF and the discharge rollers 15 and 21 are arranged in the standby position in the step, and then in the step [total copy set number counter] = It is checked whether or not it is a [sheet discharge number counter]. If it is determined in this step that [total copy set number counter] = [sheet discharge number counter], the process returns to step. If it is judged in the step that [total copy set number counter] = [sheet discharge number counter], the operation is stopped.

Next, the used bin selection routine shown in FIG. 8 will be described.

First, in step, it is checked whether or not [sort mode flag] = 1. If [sort mode flag] = 1 is determined in this step, that is, if sort mode is determined, Pa−MaN = a
Find N and a in (where 0 ≦ a <Ma). Here, Pa is the value of the paper discharge counter, Ma is the counter value of the number of bins used in the sorting process, N is the number of original documents for which the sorting process is completed (0 or a positive integer), and a Is 0 or a positive integer. Based on a obtained in step, the (a + 1) th bin 9 from the bottom is selected as the bin 9 to be used in step, and the process returns to the main routine.

If it is determined in the above step that [sort mode flag] = 1 is not satisfied, Pa-MbQ = b (where 0 ≦ b
Find Q and b in ≦ Mb). Here, Mb is the maximum number of sheets of recording paper P that can be stored in one bin 9, and Q and b are 0 or a positive integer. Based on the Q obtained in the step, the (Q + 1) th bin 9 from the bottom is selected as the bin 9 to be used in the step, and the process returns to the main routine.

In the above-described embodiment, the recording paper holding means 44 for holding the recording paper P when the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 move forward to the selected bin 9, the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are connected to the leading end of the recording paper P. Although it is configured to be held by itself, as shown in FIG. 9, the front end portion of the recording paper P inserted into the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 separately from the paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 is temporarily held. Recording paper holding means
44 may be provided. The recording paper gripping means 44 is fixed to the lower surface of the paper guide member 10d and is elastically deformable easily, and two elastic gripping pieces 44a are fixed to the upper surface of the paper guide member 10d. The actuator 44b includes two solenoids 44c for displacing the elastic holding piece 44a downward through the holes. When the solenoid 44c is OFF, the elastic holding piece 44a is arranged sufficiently apart from the paper guide member 10c so as not to obstruct the movement of the recording paper P. The recording paper P is placed between the discharge rollers 15 and 21.
When the leading edge of the recording paper P reaches between the elastic holding piece 44a and the paper guide member 10c, the solenoid 44c is held.
When turned on, the actuator 44b of the solenoid 44c displaces the elastic holding piece 44a downward, and this elastic holding piece 44a presses the recording paper P against the paper guide member 10c, and the paper guide member 10c holds the recording paper P. To do.

The paper discharge rollers 15 and 21 are used for the paper discharge port 2 of the electronic copying machine 2.
Standby position (home position) for receiving the recording paper P so as to correspond to any of the plurality of bins 9 corresponding to the position of a
Can be set.

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

Effect The sorter control method of the present invention can easily cope with a change in the discharge position of the recording paper of the image recording apparatus, and
No unnecessary driving power is required.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a sorter of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing an essential part of the same sorter, and FIG. 3 is a partially cutaway front view showing an essential part of the same sorter, FIG. Is a partially cutaway side view showing a main part of the same sorter, FIG. 5 is a plan view showing an operation display panel of an electronic copying machine for discharging recording paper to the same sorter, and FIG. 6 is a block showing a control device of the same sorter. FIG. 7, FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts showing a flow for explaining an example of the operation of the same sorter, and FIG. 9 is a partially cutaway perspective view showing another embodiment of the recording paper holding means of the same sorter. is there. 9 ... bottle, 10 ... lifting member, 12 ... lifting driving means, 1
5, 21 ... Paper ejection roller, 22 ... Paper ejection roller driving means, 44 ...
... Recording paper holding means

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. A discharge roller is driven when a leading edge of the recording paper is detected by a sensor that detects the passage of the recording paper, and the discharge roller is stopped when a predetermined time has elapsed from the sensor detection. At the same time that the recording paper holding means for temporarily holding the recording paper is activated and the unit equipped with the recording paper holding means and the paper discharge roller reaches the selection bin, the recording paper holding means is released and the paper is discharged. A sorter control method comprising driving a roller and stopping the paper discharge roller and returning the unit to the original position when a predetermined time has elapsed after the trailing edge of the recording paper is detected by the sensor.