JP2001316034A - Sheet post-processing machine and image formation device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To automatically switch over to stapling operation or non-stapling operation for satisfying a user by automatically carrying out stapling when the user wants stapling and by preventing the execution of stapling when the user does not want stapling. SOLUTION: In a complex copying machine 30 provided with a facsimile function, the range of the number of sheets for stapling to be carried out is previously memorized in one facsimile, receiving operation, the received number of sheets is compared with the range of the number of sheets and stapling of a recording form P is carried out only when the received number of sheets is within the range of the number of sheets.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus. In particular, the present invention relates to a countermeasure for realizing a stapling process according to a user's request in a device having a stapling mechanism for stapling (binding) a plurality of stacked sheets.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 63-187.
As disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 963/96 and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-72222, a facsimile apparatus and a facsimile multifunction copier equipped with a stapling mechanism are known.

The former publication discloses that stapling is performed for each sheet on which an image has been formed by one facsimile reception.

[0004] In the latter publication, a code is described in a transmission manuscript, and when facsimile reception is performed, the code in the received data is discriminated, sheets are sorted according to the code, and stapling processing is performed individually for each. It has been disclosed.

[0005]

As described above, in a facsimile apparatus and a facsimile multifunction copier equipped with a conventional stapling mechanism, when facsimile reception is performed, stapling is performed regardless of the number of receptions.

For this reason, for example, when the number of received faxes is several (for example, one or two), and the user does not want the stapling, the stapling is executed. .

It is also conceivable that "staple execution" and "staple non-execution" can be switched in advance by setting. This setting is performed by the user before facsimile reception. However, in the case of facsimile reception, the number of received sheets cannot be confirmed unless the reception operation is completed. For this reason, even if the above setting is performed, the execution or non-execution state of the stapling process desired by the user may not be obtained. In other words, when "staple execution" is set, the stapling process is executed even if the number of facsimile receptions is several (the number of stapling processes not desired). Conversely, if "staple non-execution" is set, the stapling process is not executed even if the number of facsimile receptions is the desired number of stapling processes (for example, 10).

[0008] As described above, until now, the operation that satisfies the user in switching between “staple execution” and “non-staple execution”, that is, post-processing such as executing stapling only when the user desires stapling. The machine was not proposed.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the foregoing, and has as its object to stapling is automatically executed when a user desires stapling, and stapling is desired. In a situation where there is no stapling process, the stapling process is not executed, and the stapling execution operation and the non-execution operation satisfying the user are automatically switched.

[0010]

Means for Solving the Problems-Summary of the Invention-In order to achieve the above object, the present invention recognizes the number of images to be formed and determines whether or not this number is the number of sheets to be stapled. The stapling process is automatically executed only when the number of sheets to be judged is to be executed.

-Solution Means- Specifically, it is assumed that a sheet post-processing machine is provided with stapling means for stapling a plurality of sheets on which images are formed and stacked. For this sheet post-processing machine,
A number storage means and a staple executing means are provided. The number-of-sheets storage means stores in advance a sheet number range in which the stapling process is performed. The stapling unit receives the output of the number storage unit, and only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage unit, the stapling unit performs stapling of these sheets. It is to be driven.

A sheet post-processing apparatus which automatically switches between execution and non-execution of stapling processing during facsimile reception has the following configuration. That is, a sheet post-processing apparatus provided with an image forming apparatus that has a facsimile function and performs image formation on a sheet by image forming means based on received facsimile reception data,
It is assumed that the apparatus is provided with stapling means for stapling a plurality of sheets on which images are formed and stacked. This sheet post-processing machine is provided with a sheet number storing means and a staple executing means. The sheet number storage means stores in advance a sheet number range in which the stapling process is performed in one facsimile receiving operation. The stapling unit receives the output of the number storage unit and staples the sheets only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed in one facsimile reception operation is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage unit. The stapling means is driven to perform the processing.

According to these specific items, when forming an image on a sheet, the number of sheets on which an image is formed is compared with the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage means. Then, only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage means, the stapling executing means drives the stapling means to perform stapling processing of the sheets. As described above, the execution and non-execution of the stapling process are automatically switched based on the sheet number range stored in the number storage means. In particular, if the range of the number of sheets to be stored in the number-of-sheets storage means is set according to a user's request, execution and non-execution of stapling according to the user's request will be automatically switched. . That is, it is possible to avoid unnecessary stapling processing not requested by the user, and to surely execute stapling processing when the user requests stapling processing.

As a specific example of the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage means, when the minimum value of the number of sheets to be stapled is stored, the staple executing means sets the number of sheets stored in the number storage means. The stapling device is driven only when an image having a number equal to or more than the minimum value is formed by one facsimile reception operation. Therefore, only the minimum value is required as the value to be stored in the number-of-sheets storage means, and the work of setting the number-of-sheets range in the number-of-sheets storage means is simplified.

When stapling means is driven to perform stapling processing, if a notifying means for notifying the user of the execution of stapling processing is provided, the user can easily output a stapled sheet. , And the usability of the sheet post-processing machine is improved.

There are the following two types of specific configurations of the notification means. First, the first type includes a staple discharge tray for discharging staple-processed sheets and a non-staple discharge tray for discharging non-stapled sheets. When the staple processing is performed, a non-staple discharge tray is provided. The communication management table. As the second type, when stapling is performed, execution of stapling is displayed on the operation panel of the image forming apparatus. The display on the operation panel includes lighting of a lamp.

According to these specific items, a configuration for making the user recognize that the stapled sheet has been output is realized, and the sheet post-processing machine can be made highly practical. In particular, the first type is effective when the staple discharge tray and the non-staple discharge tray are arranged vertically in two stages, and the staple discharge tray is arranged below the non-staple discharge tray. Because, in the case of this configuration, when a sheet is output to the staple discharge tray, it is difficult for the user to easily recognize the output of the sheet because the non-staple discharge tray is in the way. In this case, if the communication management table is discharged to the non-staple discharge tray, the user can be surely recognized that the sheet has been output to the staple discharge tray.

There are the following two types of configurations of an image forming apparatus provided with the above-mentioned sheet post-processing machine.

First, as one type, an image forming apparatus provided with an image forming means and a stapling means for stapling a plurality of stacked sheets on which images are formed by the image forming means is premised. I do. This image forming apparatus is provided with a sheet number storing unit and a staple executing unit. The number-of-sheets storage means stores in advance a sheet number range in which the stapling process is performed. The stapling unit receives the output of the number storage unit, and only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage unit, the stapling unit performs stapling of these sheets. It is to be driven.

Another type is an image forming means which has a facsimile function and forms an image on a sheet based on received facsimile reception data, and a plurality of sheets which are formed by forming an image by the image forming means. An image forming apparatus provided with stapling means for stapling the sheet. For this image forming apparatus,
A number storage means and a staple executing means are provided. The number storage means stores in advance the number of sheets on which the stapling process is performed in one facsimile receiving operation. The stapling unit receives the output of the number storage unit and staples the sheets only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed in one facsimile reception operation is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage unit. The stapling means is driven to perform the processing.

Also in these image forming means, execution and non-execution of stapling processing are automatically switched based on the sheet number range stored in the number storage means. In particular, if the range of the number of sheets to be stored in the number-of-sheets storage means is set according to a user's request, execution and non-execution of stapling according to the user's request will be automatically switched. .

[0022]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the present embodiment, a case will be described in which the present invention is applied to a facsimile multifunction copying machine having both a facsimile function and a copying function as an image forming apparatus.

FIG. 1 schematically shows the internal structure of a multifunction copier 30 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the multifunction copier 30 includes:
The image forming apparatus includes a copying machine main body 30A and a sheet post-processing unit 30B attached to the paper discharge side of the copying machine main body 30A. The copier body 30A includes a scanner unit 31 as a document reading device, and a recording sheet P as a sheet in the present invention.
A laser recording unit 32 as an image forming means for forming an image on the recording paper P; and a transport unit 33 for transporting the recording paper P. Hereinafter, each unit will be described.

<Description of Scanner Unit 31> Scanner Unit 31
Includes a document table 35 made of transparent glass or the like, and a double-sided automatic document feeder (RADF) 36 for feeding a document onto the document table 35.
5 is a part for reading the image of the original on 5 and creating image data.

The RADF 36 is provided with an automatic paper feed tray 36a for automatically feeding a plurality of set documents one by one onto the document table 35. Also, this RA
The DF 36 can read one side or both sides of a document by a scanner unit 40 described later according to a user's selection. More specifically, it has a transport path for transporting the document on the automatic paper feed tray 36a onto the document table 35, and a reversing path for reversing the document so that the scanner unit 40 reads both sides of the document. When only one side of the document is read, only the transport path is used. On the other hand, when both sides of the document are read, the document transported onto the document table 35 via the transport path is reversed in the reverse path. The document is conveyed onto the document table 35 again. Since the configuration of each path is well known in the related art, a detailed description is omitted.

The scanner section 31 includes the scanner unit 40 for reading an image of a document conveyed on the document table 35. The scanner unit 40 includes a lamp reflector assembly 41, a plurality of reflection mirrors 42a, 42b, 42c, an optical lens body 43,
A photoelectric conversion element (CCD) 44 is provided.

The lamp reflector assembly 41 includes:
The light source irradiates the original placed on the original placing table 35 with light. Each reflection mirror 42a, 42b, 42c
As shown in FIG. 1, the reflected light from the original is reflected once to the left in the figure, then reflected downward, and then toward the optical lens body 43 as shown by the two-dot chain line in FIG. It reflects in the direction.

As a document image reading operation, when a document is placed on the document table 35, the first scanning unit 40a including the lamp reflector assembly 41 and the reflection mirror 42a is moved horizontally along the document table 35. To irradiate the entire original with light. At this time, the reflection mirror 4
The second scanning unit 40b composed of 2b and 42c
The scanning unit 40a moves in the same direction at a speed of a predetermined ratio with respect to the scanning unit 40a. Each of the reflection mirrors 42a, 42b,
The light reflected by 42c and passing through the optical lens body 43 is
The light is guided to the photoelectric conversion element 44, where the reflected light is converted into an electric signal (original image data).

<Description of Laser Recording Unit 32> The laser recording unit 32 includes a laser writing unit 46 and a photosensitive drum 48. When the composite copying machine 30 operates as a copying machine, the laser writing unit 46 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 with a laser beam based on the document image data converted by the photoelectric conversion element 44. When the multifunction copier 30 operates as a facsimile machine, the laser writing unit 46 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 with a laser beam based on facsimile reception data.

More specifically, the laser writing unit 46 includes a semiconductor laser for irradiating laser light corresponding to original image data or facsimile reception data stored in a memory (not shown), and a polygon mirror for deflecting the laser light at an equal angular velocity. Correction is performed so that the laser beam deflected at a constant angular velocity is deflected at a constant angular velocity on the photosensitive drum 48.
A −θ lens and the like.

The photosensitive drum 48 rotates in the direction indicated by the arrow in FIG. 1, and is irradiated with laser light from the laser writing unit 46 so that an electrostatic latent image is formed on its surface. I have.

An electrophotographic processing section 47 is provided around the photosensitive drum 48. The electrophotographic process unit 47 includes a charging device 47a, a developing device 47b, a transfer device 47c, a peeling device, a cleaning device, a static eliminator 47d, and a fixing device 47e. The charger 47a charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 to a predetermined potential before an electrostatic latent image is formed. Developing unit 47b
Develops an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 into a visible image with toner. Transfer device 47c
Is for transferring the toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 to the recording paper P. The fixing device 47e fixes the toner image transferred to the recording paper P on the recording paper P by heating. The peeler and the cleaner remove the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 after the toner transfer. Static eliminator 47
d removes residual charges on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48.

Thus, when an image is formed on the recording paper P, the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 is charged to a predetermined potential by the charger 47a, and the laser writing unit 46
Irradiates a laser beam based on document image data or facsimile reception data onto the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 to form an electrostatic latent image. Thereafter, the developing device 47 b develops a visible image with toner on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48, and transfers the recording paper P fed by the transport unit 33 to the transfer device 4.
The toner image is transferred by 7c. Thereafter, the recording paper P is heated by the fixing device 47e, and the toner image is fixed. On the other hand, the toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 is removed by a peeling device and a cleaning device, and the residual charge on the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 is removed by the charge removing device 4.
7d. This completes one cycle of the image forming operation (printing operation) on the recording paper P. By repeating this cycle, it is possible to continuously form an image on a plurality of recording sheets P, P,.

<Explanation of the Transport Unit 33> The transport unit 33 includes a paper cassette 51 and a multi-manual tray 54.
Are conveyed one by one and the laser recording unit 32 forms an image.
The recording paper P on which the image is formed is transferred to the sheet post-processing unit 3
The paper is discharged to the first and second paper discharge trays 341 and 342 through the OB or to the main body side paper discharge tray 343 provided above the paper cassette 51.

A pickup roller 58 is provided at the upstream end (portion facing the discharge side of the paper cassette 51 and the manual tray 54) of the transport path 56 for transporting the recording paper P. Immediately downstream of each pickup roller 58, a sheet separating section 59 for feeding the taken out recording sheet P to the transport path 56 is provided. The sheet separating section 59 is composed of a combination of a roller 59a and a friction sheet 59b. In addition, the sheet separating section 59
May be configured by a combination of a forward rotation roller and a reverse rotation roller. Immediately upstream of the transfer unit 47c, the recording paper P is aligned with the toner image on the photosensitive drum 48 (the leading edge of the toner image is aligned with the leading edge of the recording paper P). A registration roller 57 for feeding P to the electrophotographic processing unit 47 is provided.

The transport path 56 branches off downstream of the fixing device 47e. One first branch path 56 </ b> A extends to the main body discharge tray 343. The other second branch 56B
Extend to a paper discharge switching unit 60 disposed below the scanner unit 31. A first switching gate G1 for switching the transport path of the recording sheet P is provided at a branch portion between the first branch path 56A and the second branch path 56B. When the first switching gate G1 is switched to the state shown by the solid line in FIG.
The sheet is conveyed to the sheet discharge switching unit 60 via B.
On the other hand, when the first switching gate G1 is switched to the state of the imaginary line in FIG.
The paper is discharged to the main body discharge tray 343 through A. For example, a case where post-processing (stapling processing or the like) is performed on the recording paper P after image formation or an offset discharge of the recording paper P (a paper discharge state in which the discharge positions of the stacked recording papers P are shifted from each other) is considered. In the case of performing a large amount of paper discharge, the first switching gate G1 is switched to the state indicated by the solid line in FIG.
It is transported toward zero. In the discharge state other than the above, the first switching gate G1 is switched to the state of the imaginary line in the figure, and the recording paper P is discharged to the main body discharge tray 343.

As shown in FIG. 2 (a diagram showing a part of the sheet discharge switching unit 60 and the sheet post-processing unit 30B),
The paper discharge switching unit 60 includes a first transport path 61 and a second transport path 62 that branch up and down the second branch path 56B. A second switching gate G2 for switching the transport path of the recording sheet P is provided at a branch portion between the first transport path 61 and the second transport path 62. When the second switching gate G2 is switched to the state shown by the solid line in the figure, the recording paper P is transported to the second transport path 62. On the other hand, when the second switching gate G2 is switched to the state indicated by the imaginary line in the figure, the recording paper P is transported to the first transport path 61. For example, when a sheet that does not require stapling such as special paper or small-size sheet is conveyed, or when a large amount of sheets are discharged and stapling is not possible, the second switching gate G2 is used.
Is switched to the state of the imaginary line in FIG.
It is transported to the transport path 61. On the other hand, when performing the stapling process on the recording paper P, the second switching gate G2 is switched to the state shown by the solid line in the figure, and the recording paper P is transported to the second transport path 62.

Hereinafter, each of the transport paths 61 and 62 will be described. In the first transport path 61, transport roller pairs 63, 63,... Are arranged at predetermined intervals in the transport direction. By the rotation of the pair of conveying rollers 63, 63,..., The recording sheet P sent to the first conveying path 61 is supplied to the sheet post-processing unit 30B as it is.

The sheet post-processing unit 30B includes a first
Discharge paths 71 and 72 connected to the transport path 61 and having a downstream side branched vertically are provided. The downstream end of the upper discharge path 71 faces the first discharge tray 341 as a non-staple discharge tray. That is, the upper discharge path 71
Is discharged to the first discharge tray 341. The downstream end of the lower discharge path 72 is the second discharge tray 34 serving as a staple discharge tray.
2. That is, the recording paper P conveyed through the lower paper discharge path 72 is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 342. Note that a pair of paper discharge rollers 71a, 72a are provided at downstream ends of the paper discharge paths 71, 72.

A third switching gate G3 for switching the transport path of the recording sheet P is provided at a branch between the upper discharge path 71 and the lower discharge path 72. When the third switching gate G3 is switched to the state shown by the solid line in the figure, the recording paper P is discharged to the first discharge tray 341 via the upper discharge path 71. On the other hand, when the third switching gate G3 is switched to the state of the virtual line in the figure, the recording paper P is discharged to the second discharge tray 342 via the lower discharge path 72. ing. In addition, this second
The paper discharge tray 342 can move up and down between a state shown by a solid line and a state shown by a virtual line in FIG. As a result, a large amount of recording papers P, P,
Are discharged, the height position of the second paper discharge tray 342 is changed to lower the paper discharge path above the upper end of the recording paper P stacked on the second paper discharge tray 342. The discharge operation can be performed favorably by positioning the 72 discharge ports.

In the second transport path 62, a staple tray 64 is provided.
Is provided. When the recording paper P is stapled, the staple tray 64 stores the target recording paper P in a stacked state, and performs staple processing by a staple unit 65 as stapling means provided in the sheet post-processing unit 30B. To do.

The staple tray 64 holds the recording paper P
The paper mounting surface 64a is inclined downward toward the upstream side in the transport direction.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a peripheral portion of the staple tray 64. As shown in this figure, a pair of left and right stoppers 66, 66 are provided at the downstream end of the staple tray 64 in the sheet transport direction. This stopper 6
6, 66 are staple trays 64 as shown in FIG.
The posture can be changed by an actuator 66a disposed below the. Specifically, a state in which the recording sheets P, P,... Project upward from the openings 64b, 64b formed in the staple tray 64 to regulate the positions of the recording sheets P, P,. P,
The posture can be changed between the state where the position regulation of P,... Is released.

Further, sheet pressing levers 67, 67,... Are provided on both sides of each of the stoppers 66, 66. The paper holding levers 67, 67,.
By pressing down the upper surface of the recording paper P whose position is regulated by 6, 66, the positional deviation is prevented. The upper end of the paper pressing lever 67 is supported by a rotating shaft (not shown) extending in the horizontal direction. For this reason, the paper pressing lever 67 is rotated in accordance with the number of stacked recording papers P on the staple tray 64, so that the upper surface of the recording paper P can be always pressed down. The paper pressing lever 67 is provided with a biasing force (not shown) by biasing means (such as a spring) so as to press the upper surface of the recording paper P with a predetermined pressing force.

One side of the staple tray 64 (FIG. 3)
Is provided with a fixed guide 68A for contacting the side edges of the recording sheets P, P,... To regulate the position of the recording sheets P, P,. The recording paper P
A movable guide 68B in the width direction is provided at a position opposite to the fixed guide 68A with the. The width-direction movable guide 68B is movable toward and away from the recording sheet P by an actuator (not shown) (see an arrow in FIG. 4 which is a plan view of a peripheral portion of the staple tray 64). That is, when the width-direction movable guide 68B advances toward the recording papers P, P,... And comes into contact with the side edges of the recording papers P, P,. Are sandwiched, so that the widthwise positions of the recording sheets P, P,... Can be aligned.

On the other hand, the longitudinal movable guide 68 is located at a position facing the stoppers 66, 66 with the recording paper P interposed therebetween.
C is provided. This longitudinal movable guide 68C
Also, it can be moved forward and backward toward the recording paper P by an actuator (not shown) (see the arrow in FIG. 4). That is, the longitudinal movable guide 68C is used for the recording paper P,
When the sheet moves forward toward P,... And contacts the edges of the recording sheets P, P,..., The recording sheets P, P,. This makes it possible to align the positions of the recording papers P, P,... In the longitudinal direction.

The movable guides 68B and 68C move forward and backward each time the recording paper P is collected on the staple tray 64. That is, when the recording paper P is collected on the staple tray 64, the movable guides 68B, 68C
Is retracted, and after the recording paper P is collected, each movable guide 68B,
68C moves forward and the already collected recording papers P, P,...
Are arranged to be aligned. FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, on the upstream side of the longitudinal movable guide 68C, the recording paper P conveyed toward the staple tray 64 is passed over the longitudinal movable guide 68C and guided on the staple tray 64. Guide roller pair 68D is provided.

The staple unit 65 is disposed on the side of the fixed guide 68A (downstream in the sheet transport direction). The stapling unit 65 includes a stapler 65a that can move in the vertical direction. When a predetermined number of recording sheets P, P,... Are collected on the staple tray 64, the stapler 65a descends, and P,
.. Are stapled.

A pair of feed rollers 69 are provided below the staple tray 64. Delivery roller 6
9 is for discharging the recording papers P, P,... After the stapling process to the second paper output tray 342. When the recording papers P, P,...
Is in the evacuation state.

Above the staple tray 64, there is provided a feed unit 80A for feeding the recording paper P conveyed on the staple tray 64 to a position where it comes into contact with the stoppers 66, 66. As shown in FIG. 5, the feeding unit 80A includes a feeding roller 80A.
Are rotatably supported by the holding arm 81.
The pressing arm 81 is pivoted about the point O in FIG.
It is connected to. Therefore, this actuator 83
5A, the feeding roller 80 is lowered onto the staple tray 64 as shown in FIG. 5A, and the feeding roller 80 is positioned above the staple tray 64 as shown in FIG. It can be moved to and from the closed state. That is, the feed roller 80 is lowered onto the staple tray 64 in a state where the recording paper P is placed on the staple tray 64, and the feed roller 8
By rotating 0 in the clockwise direction in the figure, the recording paper P can be fed to a position where it contacts the stoppers 66, 66. FIG.
In the state shown in (a), the pressing arm 81 presses the recording sheet P, and even if the recording sheet P is curled, it can be sent to a position where it comes into contact with the stoppers 66 while eliminating the curl. it can. This holding arm 81 is normally in a state of being lowered onto the staple tray 64 as shown in FIG. 5A, and the actuator 83 is driven only when the recording paper P is conveyed to the staple tray 64. As shown in FIG. 5B, the staple tray 64 is turned upward.

Further, a feeding unit 80B similar to the above is disposed on the upstream side of the staple tray 64 in the second conveying path 62 (see FIGS. 1 and 2). The feed unit 80B is for transporting the recording paper P sent from the second branch path 56B to the second transport path 62 downstream (toward the staple tray 64).

Sensors for detecting the passage or presence of the recording paper P are provided at a plurality of locations on each transport path. S1 to S8 in FIGS. 1 and 2 are passage detection sensors for detecting the passage of the recording paper P. S9 in FIGS. 1 and 2 corresponds to the recording paper P on the staple tray 64.
Is a paper sensor for detecting whether or not a sheet exists. S10 in FIG. 3 is a paper jam sensor for detecting a paper jam on the upstream side of the staple tray 64.

<Description of Configuration of Control System> FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a control system of the multifunction copier 30 provided in the copier main body 30A. As shown in this figure, the multifunction copier 30 controls the controller 91 for controlling the entire copier, the staple controller 92 for controlling execution and non-execution of stapling, and the laser recording unit 32 to perform an image forming operation. Image forming controller 93, an image reading controller 94 for causing the scanner unit 31 to read an image of a document, a memory 95 for recording image data, and an operation signal of an operation panel disposed on the upper surface of the multifunction copier 30. In addition, an operation panel transmission / reception unit 96 for displaying on the operation panel is provided. Further, the memory 95 includes:
Not only "document image data" and "facsimile reception data" but also "received number" is stored when the "facsimile reception data" is stored.

Since the multifunction copier 30 also operates as a facsimile machine, the multifunction copier 30 is connected to an NC connected to a telephone line.
A U (Network Control Unit) 97 and a modem 98 are provided. That is, when facsimile data is received from the calling side facsimile apparatus via the NCU 97 and the modem 98, the control unit 91 stores the facsimile reception data in the memory 95. When the facsimile reception is completed, the facsimile reception data stored in the memory 95 is transmitted to the laser writing unit 46, and the laser writing unit 46 irradiates the surface of the photosensitive drum 48 with a laser beam based on the facsimile reception data. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed.

A feature of the present embodiment is that when the multifunctional copier 30 operates as a facsimile apparatus, execution and non-execution of stapling processing controlled by the staple controller 92 are determined based on facsimile reception data. Switching may be performed according to the number of sheets.
The staple controller 92 includes a number storage unit 92.
a, staple executing means 92b and notifying means 92c.

The number storage means 92a stores the "number of staples executed" set in advance by the user. That is, the user sets the minimum number of sheets for which stapling is desired by operating the operation panel 20 described later. That is,
Set the range of the number of sheets to be stapled. For example, if the stapling process is not desired when the number of discharged sheets is less than 5, and the stapling process is desired only when the number of discharged sheets is 5 or more, the user performs the stapling process by the above setting operation. Is set to "5" (the range of the number of sheets: 5 or more). The number-of-sheets storage means 92a stores this “staple execution number: 5”.

The staple executing unit 92b stores the “staple executed number” stored in the number storing unit 92a.
And the information on the “number of received images” stored in the memory 95. Then, the staple executing means 92
b switches the execution and non-execution of the stapling process by comparing both information. That is, the stapling process is executed only when there is a “number of received sheets” equal to or more than the “number of staples executed” set by the user in advance. For example, in the case of the above setting, the staple executing means 92b determines whether or not the number of facsimile receptions is 5 or more based on the “number of receptions” stored in the memory 95. When the number of sheets is five or more, the stapling process is executed. As an operation for executing the stapling process, the first switching gate G1 and the second switching gate G2 are switched to the solid line side in FIG. 1, and the stopper 66 is projected above the staple tray 64. Then, in a state where a predetermined number of recording sheets P are stacked on the staple tray 64 after the image formation based on all the facsimile reception data is completed,
The stapler 65a of the stapling unit 65 descends and staples the recording papers P, P,. afterwards,
The stopper 66 is retracted from the staple tray 64,
By driving the feed roller 69, the recording paper P is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 342.

The staple executing means 92b includes:
The upper limit of the number of staples can be recognized in advance, and the number of facsimile
If the number of staples exceeds the upper limit, the stapling process is not executed. For example, in the case of the multifunction copier 30 capable of stapling only up to 30 sheets due to the structure of the stapling unit 65, if the number of received facsimile exceeds 30 sheets, the staple executing means 9
2b does not execute the stapling process.

The notifying means 92c informs the user that the stapled recording sheets P, P,... Have been discharged onto the second discharge tray 342 when the stapling processing is performed by the stapling executing means 92b. The communication management table P1 for notification (see FIG. 7) is stored in the first discharge tray 34.
1 is discharged. That is, after the end of the stapling processing, the laser recording unit 32 is instructed to print the communication management table P1, and the first switching gate G1 and the third switching gate G3 are switched to the state of the solid line in FIG. The gate G2 is switched to the state of the virtual line in FIG. Thereby, the stapled recording sheets P,
Are notified to the user that P,... Have been discharged onto the second discharge tray 342. In particular, in the multifunction copier 30 of the present embodiment, the recording sheets P, P,... Are discharged to the second discharge tray 342 because the second discharge tray 342 is disposed below the first discharge tray 341. In such a case, it is difficult for the user to easily recognize the discharge of the recording sheets P, P,... Because the first discharge tray 341 is in the way.
In this case, by discharging the communication management table P1 to the first discharge tray 341, it is possible to make the user surely recognize that the recording sheets P, P,... Have been discharged to the second discharge tray 342. Like that.

The notification means 92c turns on a lamp 26b on the operation panel 20, which will be described later, when the stapling processing is executed by the stapling execution means 92b. The lighting operation of the lamp 26b will be described later.

With such a configuration, the sheet post-processing unit according to the present invention is constituted by the sheet post-processing unit 30B, the number-of-sheets storage means 92a, the staple executing means 92b, and the notifying means 92c. In this embodiment, the copy number storage unit 92a, the staple executing unit 92b, and the notifying unit 92c are provided in the copying machine main body 30A. However, these units may be provided in the sheet post-processing unit 30B.

<Description of Operation Panel> FIG. 8 shows the operation panel 20 arranged on the upper surface of the multifunction copier 30. The operation panel 20 includes a copy key 21, a numeric keypad 22, a clear key 23, a stop key 24, a display panel 25, and a paper discharge display unit 26. Copy key 21,
The numeric keypad 22, the clear key 23, the stop key 24, and the display panel 25 are the same as the well-known ones, and thus the description is omitted.

The paper discharge display section 26 has two types of display lamps 2.
6a and 26b. One lamp 26a is
"COPY / FAX tray discharge lamp". This lamp 26
“a” lights when the recording paper P is discharged to the first paper discharge tray 341. The other lamp 26b is a "staple tray discharge lamp". The lamp 26b is turned on when the recording paper P is discharged to the second discharge tray 342. In other words, the user can be informed which tray 341 or 342 is to be discharged according to the lighting state of these lamps 26a and 26b. That is, when the stapling process is performed by the staple executing unit 92b, the notification unit 92c turns on the staple tray discharge lamp 26b.

<Explanation of Facsimile Reception Operation> Next, the facsimile reception operation in the multifunction copier 30 configured as described above will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

First, in step S1, the user
By operating the operation panel 20, the minimum number of sheets desired to be stapled at the time of facsimile reception is set. At the time of facsimile reception (step S2), the “facsimile reception data” is stored in the memory 95. At this time, the received number is counted, and the “received number” is also stored in the memory 95 (step S3).

When the facsimile reception operation is completed, in step S4, the staple executing means 92b stores the information of "the number of staples executed (the number set by the user)" stored in the number storing means 92a and the memory 95
Is compared with the information of “the number of received data (the number of received data)” stored in. If the "number of received sheets" is equal to or larger than the "number of staples executed", the image forming operation based on the "facsimile received data" is performed (step S5), and the plurality of sheets on which the image has been formed are processed. A stapling process is performed on the recording sheets P, P,... (Step S6). That is, a plurality of recording sheets P, P,... On which an image has been formed based on the “facsimile reception data” are stacked and accommodated in the staple tray 64, and are stapled by the staple unit 65.

After the execution of the stapling process, the paper is discharged to the second paper discharge tray 342 by driving the feed roller 69 (step S7). At the same time, the notifying unit 92c instructs the laser recording unit 32 to print the communication management table P1. Thereby, the communication management table P1 is discharged to the first discharge tray 341 (step S8). The notifying unit 92c turns on the staple tray discharge lamp 26b on the operation panel 20 (step S9). By these operations, the facsimile receiving operation is performed and the second
.. Are notified to the user that the recording sheets P, P,.

On the other hand, in the comparison operation in step S4, if the "received number" is less than the "staple execution number", the image forming operation based on the "facsimile reception data" without performing the stapling process. Are discharged to the first discharge tray 341 (step S10). At the same time, the COPY / FAX tray discharge lamp 2 on the operation panel 20
6a is turned on (step S11). Thus, the user is notified that the facsimile receiving operation has been performed and the sheet has been discharged to the first sheet discharge tray 341.

-Effects of Embodiment- As described above, in the present embodiment, when the multifunction copier 30 operates as a facsimile machine, the number of received facsimile is recognized, and the stapling process is executed in response to a user request. Non-execution is automatically switched. For this reason, even if the number of received facsimile is several (the number of which the user does not want the stapling process), the stapling process is executed. It is possible to avoid a situation in which execution is not performed. As a result, the stapling process can be executed only when the user desires the stapling process, and unnecessary stapling can be avoided. Further, since the number of sheets to be stapled can be arbitrarily set by the user, a multifunctional copier 30 that can respond to various user requests is provided.

-Other Embodiments- In the above embodiment, when the multifunction copier 30 operates as a facsimile machine, execution and non-execution of the stapling process are automatically switched. The present invention is not limited to this, and the execution and non-execution of the stapling process may be automatically switched even when the multifunction copier 30 operates as a copying apparatus.

The "staple execution number" stored in the number storage means 92a is set by the user operating the operation panel 20. The present invention is not limited to this, and the number of staples executed may be stored in the number storage means 92a as a fixed value when the multifunction copier 30 is shipped. The “staple execution number” stored in the number storage means 92a as this fixed value.
May be arbitrarily changed by the user. Furthermore,
The setting of the “number of staples executed” by the user is not limited to setting the minimum number of staples desired to be stapled,
Both the minimum value and the maximum value may be set.

Further, in the above embodiment, the case where the present invention is applied to a facsimile multifunction copier having both a facsimile function and a copying function has been described. The present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a facsimile dedicated machine, a copy dedicated machine, and the like.

In addition, the notifying operation by the notifying means 92c includes the one based on the communication management table P1 and the operation panel 2.
It is possible to adopt various means such as audio, not limited to the display to 0.

Further, in the above embodiment, a so-called “memory reception” in which all “facsimile reception data” are temporarily stored in the memory 95 in one facsimile reception operation.
After that, the image forming operation is performed. This is because, in the case of facsimile reception, the total number of received sheets cannot be confirmed until all “facsimile reception data” have been received. However, when a communication mode in which the total number of received data can be confirmed during the facsimile reception operation is put into practical use (for example, the first “facsimile reception data”
If it is possible to include information on the total number of received
It is not always necessary to perform “memory reception”. That is, it is possible to determine whether or not to execute the stapling process during the facsimile receiving operation, so that the facsimile receiving operation and the image forming operation can be performed in parallel.

[0075]

As described above, according to the present invention, the number of images to be formed is recognized, it is determined whether or not this number is the number to execute the stapling process. The stapling process is automatically executed. That is, a sheet number storing unit that stores in advance a sheet number range for performing stapling processing, and a staple executing unit that performs stapling of these sheets only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed is within the sheet number range. I am preparing. For this reason, it is possible to avoid unnecessary stapling processing not requested by the user, and it is possible to reliably execute stapling processing when the number of image forming sheets requested by the user is stapling. As a result, it is possible to provide a sheet post-processing apparatus and an image forming apparatus capable of automatically switching between execution and non-execution of stapling according to a user's request.

When the stapling process is performed, if the notifying means for notifying the user of the execution of the stapling process is provided, the user can easily recognize that the stapled sheet has been output. Thus, the usability of the sheet post-processing machine can be improved. When the communication management table is discharged to the non-staple discharge tray as a notification operation by the notification means, the user can easily output sheets to the staple discharge tray because the non-staple discharge tray is in the way. Even if it is difficult to recognize the sheet discharge, it is possible to make the user surely recognize the discharge of the sheet.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an internal configuration of a multifunction copier according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a part of a sheet discharge switching unit and a sheet post-processing unit.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing a peripheral portion of a staple tray.

FIG. 4 is a plan view showing a peripheral portion of a staple tray.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the feeding unit.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control system of the multifunction copier.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a communication management table.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an operation panel.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation at the time of facsimile reception.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Operation panel 30 Multifunction copier (image forming apparatus) 32 Laser recording unit (image forming unit) 341 First discharge tray (non-staple discharge tray) 342 Second discharge tray (staple discharge tray) ) 65 Staple unit (stapling means) 92a Number recording means 92b Staple executing means 92c Notification means P Recording paper (sheet)

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (72) Masahiro Kitashiri 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Ken Tsubooka 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Inventor Hiroki Kinoshita 22-22, Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Inside Sharp Corporation (72) Yoshio Nishimoto 22-22 Nagaikecho, Abeno-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Sharp Corporation F term (reference) 3F108 GA03 GB01 HA02 HA45 HA54 5C062 AA02 AA05 AB08 AB20 AB23 AB35 AB42 AB46 AC05 AC18 AC60 AE15 AF07 BA00

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A sheet post-processing apparatus having a stapling unit for stapling a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed and stacked, a sheet number storing unit for storing in advance a sheet number range for performing a stapling process; Only when the number of sheets on which an image is to be formed is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage means, the stapling is performed to drive the stapling means so as to perform stapling of those sheets only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed is received. And a sheet post-processing machine. 2. An image forming apparatus having a facsimile function and being provided with an image forming apparatus for forming an image on a sheet by image forming means based on received facsimile reception data.
In a sheet post-processing apparatus provided with a stapling unit for stapling a plurality of sheets on which image formation has been performed, a sheet number storage for storing in advance a sheet number range in which a stapling process is executed in one facsimile receiving operation Means for stapling these sheets only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed in one facsimile receiving operation is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage means, in response to the output of said number storage means. And a staple executing means for driving the staple means to perform the staple operation. 3. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the number-of-sheets storage means stores a minimum value of the number of sheets to be subjected to stapling, and the staple execution means includes a number of sheets stored in the number-of-sheets storage means. A sheet post-processing apparatus configured to drive the stapling means only when an image is formed by a single facsimile reception operation when the number of sheets is equal to or more than the minimum value. 4. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 2, further comprising a notifying unit for notifying a user of the execution of the stapling process when the stapling unit is driven to perform the stapling process. And sheet post-processing machine. 5. The sheet post-processing machine according to claim 4, further comprising: a staple discharge tray for discharging staple-processed sheets; and a non-staple discharge tray for discharging non-staple-processed sheets. A sheet post-processing apparatus characterized in that a communication management table is discharged to a non-staple discharge tray when stapling is performed. 6. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the notification unit displays the execution of the stapling process on an operation panel of the image forming apparatus when the stapling process is performed. And a sheet post-processing machine. 7. The sheet post-processing apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the execution display of the stapling process is performed by turning on a lamp provided on an operation panel. 8. An image forming apparatus comprising: an image forming unit; and a stapling unit for stapling a plurality of sheets on which images are formed by the image forming unit and stacked, the number of sheets to be stapled. Means for storing the range in advance, and stapling these sheets only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storage means, receiving the output of the number storage means. An image forming apparatus comprising: a stapling unit that drives a stapling unit to perform a process. 9. An image forming means having a facsimile function and forming an image on a sheet based on received facsimile reception data, and stapling a plurality of sheets on which images are formed and stacked by the image forming means. An image forming apparatus provided with a stapling unit that performs stapling processing in one facsimile receiving operation; a sheet number storing unit that pre-stores the number of sheets to be stapled in one facsimile receiving operation; And stapling executing means for driving the stapling means so as to staple these sheets only when the number of sheets on which image formation is performed is within the range of the number of sheets stored in the number storing means. An image forming apparatus comprising: