Finisher with a stapling function

摘要

A finisher distributes image-formed sheets into bins while sorting and stapling the sorted and stacked sheets. The bins are movable vertically pitch by pitch, and the image-formed sheets are distributed so that each bin will store a set from the first page to the last page (sort mode). Further, chucking units are provided to take stacks of sheets on bins set in specified levels out of the bins. The chucking units pinch the respective stacks of sheets and move along the bins in the same direction. The stack of sheets pinched by the lower chucking unit is taken out of the bin for stapling, and then the stapled stack of sheets is moved back onto the bin. The stack of sheets (stapled stack of sheets) taken out of the bin by the upper chucking unit is received by rollers of a convener gate, and the convener gate moves upward to convey the stack of sheets to a non-sort tray.