DE3744948C2 - Enabling-disabling stapling for copier or printer - Google Patents

Abstract

The sheet handling appts. comprises a storage device for storing several sheets transported to it and a stapler for binding the sheets stored. A controller activates the stapler either in a first mode in which the stapling operation is conducted in response to the completion of image formation, or in a second mode in which the stapling operation is conducted arbitrarily regardless of the completion of image formation.An input enters a selection signal for selecting the first mode or the second mode. The storage device is adapted to store sheets discharged from a copying machine

Description

The invention relates to an image forming apparatus according to the preamble of claim 1.

Such an image forming device is, for example, in US 4 424,963. In the known from this document The copies made by a copier become a machine Sheet handling device fed after feeding a predetermined number of copies automatically Can perform stapling.

In contrast, the invention is based on the object Imaging device in the preamble of claim 1 specified type in such a way that its Binding device can be used individually.

This object is achieved by the specified in claim 1 Measures solved in a particularly advantageous manner.  

With the solution according to the invention, the operator is in the Positioned, either one of the imaging device predetermined stapling process or a stapling process regardless of those running in the imaging device To be able to choose operations so that any of the Operator desired stapling by means of the invention Imaging device is feasible.

An advantageous development of the invention results from the subclaim.  

The invention is explained below with reference to exemplary embodiments play in connection with the drawing in detail purifies. Show it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic view of a sheet handling device in which the present invention is applied;

Figure 2 is a schematic view of a Faltvor direction of the sheet handling device with corresponding sheet conveyor tracks.

FIGS. 3A and 3B are schematic views for illustrating the process of wrinkle formation at a first folding unit

Fig. 4 is a schematic view of three forms of folds in the folding unit in steps (A), (B) and (C);

Figure 5 is a schematic view of an Endbe processing unit with sheet conveyor tracks arranged therein.

Fig. 6 is a schematic view of an operating unit for the finishing unit and folding unit;

Fig. 7 is a block diagram of a control circuit for the sheet handling device constructed in accordance with the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a flow chart showing the control sequence of an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing the control sequence of another embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 10 is a waveform diagram showing a detection signal from a fold sensor and clock pulses;

11A and 11B are perspective views each showing a correct and an incorrect folding of the recording sheet.

Figs. 11C and 11D are perspective views each showing correct and incorrect stapling of a plurality of recording sheets;

Fig. 12 is a block diagram of a control circuit which, depending on the detection of improper folding of the sheet, can give an alarm signal;

FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a corresponding control sequence;

Fig. 14 is a flowchart of a control sequence dependence for preventing stapling operation in on the detection of an un proper folding;

Fig. 15 is a control diagram of a control sequence for changing the determination of the sheet conveyance depending on the detection of an incorrect folding;

Fig. 16 is a section through a sheet handling device, which includes a copier for two-sided copies, a document return device, a folding unit and a finishing unit;

Figs. 17A to 17D are schematic views of Operation unit of the copying machine shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 18 is a block diagram of a control unit for the device shown in Fig. 16;

Fig. 19 is a flowchart showing the control sequence for discharging sheets on sorting trays when the size of the recording sheets is not fixed;

FIG. 20 is a flow chart of the control sequence for the delivery of sheets to sort seed shells in the event of the interruption copying operation;

Fig. 21 is a flowchart of the control sequence in the event that the sheet width is changed ver in the course of a copying operation, for the delivery of the sheets after this change on the animal trays;

Fig. 22 is a schematic view of a sheet in case the following modes are selected at the same time: folding in half, two-sided copying and stapling;

Fig. 23 is a flowchart showing the control sequence for preventing the simultaneous selection of the following modes of folding by half, two-sided copying and stapling;

Fig. 24 is a flowchart showing the control sequence for a stapling operation after a timer has expired;

FIG. 25 is a flow chart for controlling the timing showing the control sequence of a stapling operation as a function of a predetermined number of copies;

Fig. 26 is a flowchart showing the control sequence for controlling the stapling depending on the input signal of a stop button;

Fig. 27 is a flowchart of the control sequence for preventing stapling when there is only one original;

Fig. 28 is a flowchart of a control sequence for selecting the RDF operating mode in dependence from the choice of the mode stapling;

Fig. 29 is a schematic view of a unit for stapling in the finishing unit;

FIG. 30 is a flow chart of the control sequence for controlling the copying operation, if sheets are present in Depending speed of a subsequent copying operation on the stapling tray;

Fig. 31 is a flowchart modified from that of Fig. 30;

FIG. 32 is a flow chart of the control sequence for controlling the timing of the stapling operation in dependence on the size of said recording sheets;

Figure 33 is a flow chart of the control sequence for controlling the conveying speed of the sheet bundle, depending on the size or number of the corresponding leaves or sheets. and

Figs. 34-1 and 34-2 conveying states of a sheet bundle.

Fig. 1 shows a copying machine of an example of the present invention. A recording sheet 2 , which is delivered by a copying device 1 , is passed through a folding unit 3 to a stacking unit 5 or a stapling unit 6 of a finishing unit 4 .

The folding unit 3 can carry out one of the following 5 operating modes.

In a first mode of operation, the sheet is not folded, but only passes through the unit as shown in FIG. 2, the recording sheet 2 , which is introduced through paired entry rollers 7 , 8 , is fed via an entry deflection element 9 to a web 10 and through Dispensing rollers 11 , 12 arranged in pairs are fed to the final processing unit 4 .

In a second operating mode, a sheet that does not exceed A4 or B5 format is folded in half. The sheet 2 is guided by the pair of inlet rollers 7 , 8 and the inlet deflecting element 9 to a web 13 , then by deflecting elements 14 , 15 and 16 via folding rollers 17 , 18 , rollers 18 , 19 and rollers 19 , 20 to a web 21 and come off the delivery rollers 11 , 12 .

In a third mode, a recording sheet with A3 or B4 format or larger is folded in half. The sheet is guided by the inlet rollers 7 , 8 and the inlet deflection element 9 to the web 13 and is further guided by the deflection element 14 into a folding web 22 . As shown in FIG. 3A, a loop 24 thus forms in the middle of the bow when the front end of the bow is stopped by a stop 23 . This loop is placed into the nip between the folding rollers 17, 18 to produce 2 A about a central fold 3B and 4A as shown in FIGS.. The sheet 2 folded in this way is then guided by the deflecting elements 15 , 16 to the nip between the folding rollers 18 , 19, guided by the rollers 19 , 20 into the web 21 and discharged from the delivery rollers 11 , 12 .

In a fourth mode of operation (Z-folding), a sheet is folded in half, with half of the sheet folded in this way being folded in half again. In this operating mode, the recording sheet is guided over the entry rollers 7 , 8 and the entry deflecting element 9 into the web 13 and then guided by the deflecting element 14 into the folding web 22 . When the front end of the sheet is stopped by a stopper 25 , which is advanced by a solenoid 25 A, a loop is formed at about ¼ of the sheet from the front end, which is then gripped by the gap between the folding rollers 17 , 18 , a first convolution to produce 2 B shown in Fig. 4B.

Thereafter, the sheet 2 folded in this way is inserted by the deflecting element 15 into a folding sheet 26 . If the folding 2 B of the sheet 2 is stopped by a stopper 27 , a loop has been formed in a corresponding manner at about ¼ of the folding 2 B, which is gripped by the nip of the folding rollers 8 , 19 to a second folding 2 C. to manufacture. The Z-shaped in this way folded sheet, which has been folded back onto the front, as explained above, is guided over the deflection element 16 , the folding rollers 19 , 20 and the web 21 and from the discharge rollers 11 , 12 of the finishing unit 4 fed.

In a fifth operating mode (rear Z-fold), the recording sheet 2 fed from the entry rollers 7 , 8 and the entry deflecting element 9 to the web 13 is guided via the deflecting element 14 into the folding rollers 17 , 18 and further from the deflecting element 15 into the folding web 26 . When the front end of the sheet 2 is stopped by a stopper 27 , a loop is formed at about ¼ of the sheet from the front end of the same and rollers 18 , 19 are gripped by the gap of the folding, so that a first fold 2 D is formed as shown in Fig. 4C.

Then the sheet is guided by the deflection element 16 into a path 28 . When the folding 2 D is stopped by a stopper 29 , a loop is formed at about ¼ of the sheet 2 from the folding 2 D, which is gripped by the nip of the folding rollers 19 , 20 to form a second folding 2 E, as in FIG Fig. 4C shown.

The sheet folded in this way in a Z-shape on the back passes through the web 21 and is delivered by the delivery rollers 11 , 12 .

In Fig. 2, an entry sensor SO for detecting the recording sheet 2 in the folding unit 3 and a folding sensor S5 in the last web 21 for measuring the length of the folded sheet ge are shown.

Referring now to FIG. 5 for explanation of the finishing unit 4 , which is provided with a web which leads to a stacking unit for stacking the recording sheets 2 in succession and with another web which leads to a stapling unit 6 , where the sheets are stapled.

In stacking operation, the input sheet, which is arranged in pairs by a step roller 30 , 31 , is guided over a deflection element 32 into a web 33 and is discharged from delivery rollers 34 , 35 onto a stacking unit 5 . Depending on the stacked height of the sheets, the stacking unit 5 is gradually lowered so that it can accommodate a large amount of sheets in this way.

Is in the stapling operation by the entrance rollers 30, a sheet run out 31 on the deflector 32 in a different path 36 and discharged via paired rollers 37, 38 to an intermediate shell. 39 A on the roller 37 driven belt 40 aligns the sheets 2 .

The recording sheets 2 aligned on the intermediate tray 39 are stapled at their rear end, as will be explained later, and the bundle thus stapled is discharged into a lower tray 43 by the rotation of a stopper 2 .

The following elements are provided: an entry sensor S1, which is provided at the entry point of the sheets into the finishing unit 14 , a stacking unit exit sensor S2, which detects the sheets fed to the stacking unit, an intermediate tray exit sensor S3, which detects the sheets that are delivered to the intermediate tray detected and a corresponding signal generated, which is used for counting the number of sheets that are discharged onto the intermediate shell 39 by a counter MC (explained later), a sensor S4 for detecting the sheets fed to the intermediate shell 39 and a level sensor S6 which is provided along the stacking unit 5 .

Fig. 6 shows an operating unit consisting of an operating unit 50 A for the finishing unit 4 and an operating unit 50 B for the folding unit 3 .

When the operation unit 50 A, a finishing selects betriebswählschalter 52, the stacking mode or stapling, and lamps, or LED indicators 55, 53 show the selected mode by the switch 52 on. The display 55 shows the stacking operating mode in connection with a simultaneous image display 56 , while the display 53 shows the stapling operating mode in connection with a simultaneous image display 54 .

In the operating unit 50 B, an operating mode selector switch 58 selects the folding encoder operating mode and the Z-shaped folding operating mode. Lamps or LED displays 61 , 59 indicate the operating mode selected by the switch 58 . The display 61 shows the simple folding mode in conjunction with an image display 62 , while the display 59 shows the Z-shaped folding mode in conjunction with an image display 60 . A jam indicator 57 shows a paper jam in the folding unit 3 or in the finishing unit 4 . The operating mode Z-shaped folding on the back can be selected by a selector switch, not shown, which is provided in the folding unit 3 .

In the present embodiment, in addition to the stacking mode and the stapling mode, the finishing unit 4 can select a bookbinding mode in which the copying unit performs a copying operation without selecting the document feeder and the copies obtained are stapled.

Referring to FIG. 6, the mode can bookbinding represented by deleting the display 55, 53 that turn ON weils th in the stacking mode or the Hef mode.

It is of course also possible to advertise for this purpose or add a special switch.

Fig. 7 shows a block diagram of an example of a control circuit for the sheet handling device formed according to the invention.

A control unit of the copying machine 1 and a microcomputer MC of the finishing unit 14 are mutually connected via an asynchronous serial communication. Depending on an information exchange request signal REQ from the copier 1 , the finishing unit returns an acknowledgment signal ACK, and each data signal DO is answered by a data signal DI. The data signal DO from the copying machine primarily shows intermediate stages, for example the copying start, the copying, the copy size, the number of copies, a paper jam, the operating mode document feeder, book etc., while the data signal DI from the finishing unit the number of finished sheets, which shows the operating mode non-stapling, paper jam etc. The operating unit shown in FIG. 6 is designated by 50 . As explained before, S1, S2, S3 and S4 are the finishing entry sensor, the stacking unit exit sensor, the intermediate tray exit sensor and the intermediate tray sensor. An up / down signal U / D and an on / off signal on / off for controlling the up / down movement and for switching the stacking unit on and off are fed via buffers 66 , 67 to a control circuit 68 in order to motor a stacking unit M1 to control. The stacking unit 5 is further provided with an upper limit sensor 69 , a lower limit sensor 70 and a stack level sensor 56 , which also contribute to the control of the stacking unit motor M1.

A signal 72 controls a deflecting element 32 , which is provided at the input of the discharge unit 4 ( FIG. 5), by a solenoid 32 A being controlled via a buffer 74 and thereby the recording sheet 2 being fed either to the stack 5 or to the intermediate shell 39 .

A signal 73 controls the stopper 42 , with which a solenoid 42 A is controlled via a buffer 75 and the stapled leaf bundle is thereby dropped onto the lower shell 43 .

A signal 76 drives a conveyor motor M2 for the recording sheet 2 via a buffer 77 , while a signal 79 drives a staple 81 , which will be explained later, via your buffer 80 . An interrupter 78 generates pulses depending on the revolutions of the feed motor M2, and a sensor 82 , for example of the reflection type, detects the presence of a staple mer on the stapling unit 6 , as will be explained below.

A manually operated staple switch 83 is used in the bookbinding mode or in the stapling mode.

As for the folding unit 3 , a signal 83 drives a sheet feed motor IM through a buffer 85 , and a mode signal 89 selectively drives 5 of the aforementioned deflection elements and a stopper solenoid 87 according to the selected mode of folding. An interrupter emits pulses proportional to the revolutions of the motor IM.

Reference is now made to Figure 8. To the control sequence of the present embodiment, to explain, wherein a single copy is discharged onto the tray 43 without stapling. Depending on the detection of the start of a copying process in a step S1, the folding unit 3 and the finishing unit 4 are activated, it being determined in a step S2 whether the stapling operating mode has been selected.

If this is not the case, the program proceeds to step S3 to deliver the sheets to the stacking unit 5 . However, if the staple mode has been identified in step S2, the program proceeds to step S4 to deliver the sheets to the stapler 6 . Then it is determined in a step S5 from the data signal supplied by the copier 1 whether the predetermined number of copies is 1. If not, the program proceeds to step S6 to perform a sequence (A) of steps that is not directly related to the present invention.

On the other hand, if the copying of a single sheet is identified in step S5, it is determined in step S7 whether the copying process has ended, and in step S8 it is determined whether the manually operated staple switch 83 is switched on. If not, the program returns from step S9 to step S8 and repeats the previous sequence starting from step S2 for a next sheet.

If the manually operated switch is turned on in step S8, the program proceeds to step S10, and if the stapler 6 contains only one sheet without subsequent sheets, the program proceeds to step S11 to put the sheet on the lower tray 3 without delivering stapling. On the other hand, if individual sheets are sequentially copied so that the stapler 6 contains a plurality of sheets, the program proceeds to step S12 to activate the stapler unit 41 and discharge the stapled sheets onto the lower tray 43 to be on it Way to carry out the bookbinding mode.

Reference is now made to FIG. 9 to explain another embodiment that may select an automatic stapling mode after copying or another mode of stapling by manual instruction. Depending on the detection of the start of a copying process in a step K1, the folding unit and the finishing unit 4 are activated, and in a step K2 it is determined by a bookbinding signal from the copying machine and a stapling mode selection signal by the operating unit 50 whether the operating mode bookbinding or book has been chosen.

If this is not the case, the program proceeds to step K2 in order to determine from the copy device 1 via the copy number data whether single-sheet copying has been selected. If cut sheet copying has been identified, the program proceeds to step K4 to feed the sheet to the stacker 5 . However, if this type of copying has not been selected, the program advances to a sequence A which is not directly related to the present invention and is therefore not further explained.

If the bookbinding mode or bookbinding mode is identified in step K2, the program proceeds to step K5 in order to feed the sheet to the stapling unit 6 . In a next step K6 it is determined whether a series of recording steps has been completed. After continuation of the sheet delivery to the stitching unit 6 until such a termination, it is determined in a step K7 whether the manually operated stitching switch 83 has been switched on.

If this switch has been turned on, it is determined in step K8 whether only one sheet has been fed to the stapler unit 6 . If so, the program proceeds to step K9 to drop the sheet from the stapler 6 onto the lower tray 43 . On the other hand, if there are a plurality of sheets, stapling is performed in step K10, and the sheets thus stapled are dropped onto the lower tray 43 in step K11.

If the manual staple switch 83 is turned on at step K7, the program proceeds to step K12 to determine whether a next recording has started. If so, the program returns to step K1.

In the embodiment explained above, the Stapling process, for this purpose by a switch leads. It is therefore possible in the operating mode  Book copy a staple and make the copies automatically fed into an easily accessible tray, even if the operator is in error stapling mode for single sheet copying ren chooses.

The following is the detection of incorrect folds for the corresponding control in the present Aus management form explained.

First, the detection of erroneous folds in the present embodiment will be described. Such detection is carried out with the aid of the fold sensor S5 of the fold unit 3 shown in FIG. 2, which is arranged along the end web 21 and measures the length of the continuous sheet 2 in the final folded state.

In order to facilitate understanding, the case of simply folding in half is explained. When an unfolded sheet 2 of size A3 passes through the position of the fold sensor S5, a signal Ta is obtained, as shown in Fig. 10A, which represents the period of the presence of the sheet.

As shown in Fig. 10C, the microcomputer MC receives clock pulses from the breaker 88 and can measure the length of the folded sheet by counting the number of clock pulses during the signal T.

A sheet 2 correctly folded in half, as shown in FIG. 11A, emits a signal Tb, which is shown in FIG. 10B and whose duration corresponds to half that of the signal Ta. An incorrectly folded sheet, as shown in Fig. 11B, produces another signal Tb ', as shown in Fig. 10B.

Depending on such a detection signal Tb ', the microcomputer MC identifies incorrect folding, prevents a stapling process and carries out an activation so that the incorrectly folded sheet 2 is fed to the lower tray 43 instead of the stapling unit 6 ( FIG. 5).

FIG. 11C shows the state of correct folding of a plurality of folded sheets 2 , while FIG. 11D shows incorrect folding when this incorrect folding has not been detected, as is the case in the prior art. A staple is designated 92 .

Instead of counting the impulses from the breaker as before standing explained, the microcomputer can also internal Count clock pulses.

It is also possible to generate an alarm signal depending on the detection of an incorrect fold. Fig. 12 shows a control circuit for such an embodiment.

According to Fig. 12 generates an alarm generating device 100, an alarm signal in response to detection of an improper fold by the microcomputer MC on the basis of a signal from the sensor S5. The device can include, for example, a buzzer, a bell, an alarm device that produces a composite sound, a liquid crystal display unit, an indicator lamp, for example an LED, or combinations thereof.

Such an alarm generating device can be installed in the operating unit 50 .

The other components correspond to those of FIG. 7 and are therefore not further explained.

Fig. 13 shows a flowchart of the control sequence capable of generating an alarm signal depending on the detection of an incorrect folding.

First, depending on the detection of the start of a copying operation in the recording or copying machine 1, the folding unit 3 and the finishing unit 14 are activated in a step S11, and it is determined in a step S12 whether the folding mode has been selected. If this is not the case, the program proceeds to step S13 and determines there whether the stapling mode has been selected. If this is not the case, the program proceeds to step S14 so that the sheet is fed directly to the stacking unit 5 . In the stapling mode, the sheet is fed to the stapling unit in step S15.

If the folding mode is identified in step S12, it is determined in step S16 whether the folding is carried out correctly. If so, it is determined in step S17 whether the stapling mode has been selected. If this is the case, the sheet is fed to the stapling unit 6 in step S15. If not, the sheet is guided to the stacking unit 5 in step S14. The functions after the sheet is discharged to the stapler unit are not related to the present embodiment and are therefore not explained further.

If an incorrect convolution has been identified in step S16, the program proceeds to step S18 and causes the alarm generator 100 to generate an alarm signal. If desired, it is also possible to delay the following recording process.

It is also possible to prevent the stapling operation depending on the detection of an improper folding. Fig. 14 shows a flowchart of the control sequence for such an embodiment.

Depending on the detection of the start of a recording process in step K11, the folding unit 3 and the finishing unit 14 are activated. In steps K12 and K13 it is determined whether the folding mode and the stapling mode have been selected. The program advances to step K14 only if both determinations in these steps are positive. If this is not the case, the program advances to a sequence A which is not directly related to the present embodiment and is therefore not explained further.

In step K14, the deflecting elements and stoppers 87 are optionally activated for the above-mentioned three folding modes (folding by half, Z-shaped folding and rear Z-shaped folding). In a subsequent step K15, the start of the sheets passing the folding sensor S5 is identified. In step K16, it is determined whether the time required for the sensor S5 to pass through the arc lies within a normal range by counting the clock pulses from the interrupter 88 . This identifies whether the folding is done correctly. If an abnormality is detected, an abnormality flag "1" is set in a predetermined area of the RAM in the microcomputer MC in step K17, and the program proceeds to step K18. On the other hand, if normal folding is identified in step K16, the program proceeds directly to step K18 to feed the sheet of the stapler to the finishing unit 4 . In the next step K19 it is determined whether the recording process has ended. If not, the program returns to step K15 to repeat the above operations.

When the recording process is finished, step K20 determined whether all the folding processes were done correctly have been conducted. If so, in Step K21 the stapling process is carried out.

On the other hand, if the irregularity flag "1" indicating the existence of an irregularity is identified in step K20, the program proceeds to step S22 to rotate the stopper 42 without stapling, thereby dropping the sheets onto the lower tray 43 .

As explained above, the stapling process at one prevents incorrect folding. Therefore, the operating person does not use the staple for incorrectly folded sheets  remove but it is only necessary after folding the incorrectly folded sheets again staple.

It is also possible to change the determination of a sheet if an incorrect folding is found on this sheet. Fig. 15 shows a flowchart showing the control sequence for such an embodiment. After detecting the start of a recording process in step K31, the folding unit 3 and the finishing unit 4 are activated. It is then determined in step K32 whether the folding mode has been selected. If so, the program proceeds to step K33. If not, the program advances to another sequence A, which is not directly related to the present invention and therefore is not further explained. In step K33, the deflection elements and stoppers 87 for the above-mentioned three types of folding (folding in half, Z-shaped folding and rear-side Z-shaped folding) are activated selectively, and in the next step K34 the start of passing through the folding sensor S5 is activated the arches noted. It is then determined in step K35 whether the time required for the fold sensor S5 to pass through the sheet is within a normal range by counting the clock pulses from the breaker 88 . If this time is in the normal range, in step K36 the sheet of the stacking unit 5 or the stitching unit 6 of the finishing unit 4 is fed depending on the selected operating mode.

On the other hand, if an abnormal folding is identified in step K35, the entrance deflecting element 32 is shifted in step K37 so that the sheet is guided into a sheet of the finishing unit 4 which is opposite to that of the selected sheet. Then, in step K38, copying is requested again in that the incorrect folding state is supplied to the copying machine. The program then returns to step K31. In this way, the number of copies is corrected in the event of such incorrect folding. After step K36, it is determined in step K39 whether the recording process has ended. If this is not the case, the program returns to step K34, so that the sequence explained above is repeated. On the other hand, when the recording operation has ended, the program proceeds to step K40 and performs a stapling operation when the stapling mode has been selected. The sequence of the finishing unit 4 is thus ended.

As explained above, depending on the Detection of incorrect folding the entrance deflection element moved to a position that of the selected one Operating mode is opposite. This will make it incorrect folded sheets given off on a tray by the Shell of the selected operating mode is different, so that the number of these faulty sheets is thus compensated. In this way, the device is in the correct loading operating mode until the specified number of copies is reached is. The operator can thus be secured receive normally aligned and collected sheets.

The following is the control in the overall device explains if a suitable for double-sided copying  Copier with a document return device is provided with a folding unit and an end unit of work is combined.

Fig. 16 shows the structure of such an embodiment. It has a copying machine 100 for reading and recording an image, a pedestal 200 which has a two-sided process function for turning over the recording sheet in a two-sided recording and a multiple recording function for performing multiple recordings on the same recording sheet, a document return device (RDF) 300 for automatically feeding the original documents, a folding unit 400 for folding the sheet at a predetermined position and a finishing unit 500 for sorting and stapling the recording sheets. The units 200-500 explained above can be combined in any combination with the copying machine 100 .

A Copier 100

The copier 100 has an original washer 101 , which stores an original document, an exposure light 103 for exposing the original document, scanning mirror 105 , 107 , 109 for deflecting the light path reflected from the original, a lens 111 for producing an image and for changing the image ver magnification, a motor 115 for driving an optical system and sensors 117 , 119 , 121 .

Also shown are a photosensitive drum 131 , a main motor 133 for driving the photosensitive drum 131 , a high voltage source 135 , a blank exposure unit 137 , a developing unit 139 , a transfer charger 141 , a separation charger 147 and a cleaning unit 145 .

Furthermore, the apparatus includes an upper cassette 151 , a lower cassette 153 , sheet feed rollers 155 , 157 , pass rollers 159 , a conveyor belt 161 for conveying the recording sheets after image recording to a fixing unit, a fixing unit 163 for fixing by heat and pressure of the image the conveyed sheet and a sensor 167 which is used for the two-sided recording.

Also shown are: a tray 171 for manual feeding of the recording sheet and a sensor 172 for manual feeding, which detects a manually inserted recording sheet, the manual feeding mode being selected in this detection.

The photosensitive drum 13 is provided on its periphery with a seamless photosensitive member which comprises a photoconductive member and a conductive member. It is rotatably supported and is rotated in the direction of the arrow shown by the main motor 133 , which is activated as a function of the actuation of a copy start button to be explained later. After a preliminary rotation of the drum 131 , which consists of a rotation control and a potential control, the original document arranged on the glass pane 101 is exposed by the lamp 103 , which is formed in one piece with the first scanning mirror 105 , and the light reflected from the original is reflected by the first scanning mirror 105 , the second scanning mirror 107 , the third scanning mirror 109 , the lens 111 and the fourth scanning mirror 113 guided and focused on the drum 131 .

The drum 131 is first charged by a corona discharge generated by the high voltage source 135 and then exposed through a slit with the image of the original illuminated by the lamp 103 . In this way, a latent electrostatic image is formed on the drum 131 by the already known NP process.

The latent image on the drum 131 is made visible as a toner image by development with a developing roller 140 in the developing unit 139 . The toner image is transferred onto a recording sheet by the transfer charger 141 .

The recording sheet contained in the upper cassette 151 or the lower cassette 153 is fed through the roller 155 or 157 into the copying machine and fed from the registration rollers 159 to the photosensitive drum 131 with such an accurate timing that the leading end of the sheet matches that of the latent image matches. The toner image on the drum 131 is transferred to the sheet when it passes between the transfer charger 141 and the drum 131 . Thereafter, the sheet is separated by the separation charging unit 143 from the drum 131 , then fed from the conveyor belt 161 to the fixing unit 163 , subjected to image fixing there by pressure and heat, and finally discharged from the copying machine 100 by discharge rollers 165 .

After the image transmission, the drum 131 rotates further and is subjected to surface cleaning by the cleaning unit 145 , which consists of a cleaning roller and an elastic knife.

B. Base 200

The base frame 200 can be detached from the main device 100 and is provided with a deck 201 for receiving 2000 recording sheets and with an intermediate shell for double-sided copying. A lifting member 205 lifts the deck 201 so that the recording sheets are always in contact with a feed roller 225 .

It is also shown: a deflection element 211 for selecting a path for multiple recording or a path for the delivery of sheets, tracks 213 , 215 for a conveyor belt, an intermediate shell weight 217 for compressing the sheets, the deflection element 211 and the sheets 213 , 215 of the recorded sheet are rotated and stored in the intermediate tray 203 , a deflecting element 219 for selecting a sheet for two-sided recording or a sheet for multiple recording, which is arranged between the sheets 213 and 215 and the sheet into a sheet for multiple record 221 , when rotated upward, multiple record sheet discharge sensor 223 for detecting the rear end of the record sheet passing through deflector 219 guides a sheet feed roller 225 for guiding sheet through a path 227 toward drum 131 and discharge rollers 229 for discharging the recording sheet from the unit eit.

In the case of two-sided recording or multiple recording, the deflection element 211 is shifted upward in order to guide the recording sheet through the tracks 213 , 215 of the base frame 200 to the intermediate shell 203 arranged therein. In the case of two-sided recording or multiple recording, the multiple recording deflection element 219 is lowered or raised or lowered accordingly. The intermediate shell 203 can accommodate a maximum of 99 sheets, for example, and the sheets stored therein are held in place by the weight 217 .

In the following recording on the back or in the fol lowing recording in multiple recording, the sheets stored on the intermediate shell 203 are fed one by one with the aid of the feed roller 225 and the weight 217 from the bottom and via the web 227 to the registration rollers 159 of the main copier 100 .

C. Document return device 300

The document return device RDF 300 comprises a stacking tray 301 for storing the original documents and original size sensors 302 , 303 , which are arranged perpendicular to the sheet surface at a predetermined mutual distance. The lateral size of the original can be identified if the original is detected by both sensors 302 , 303 or only by sensor 303 , which is located far away from the plane of the drawing. A more precise size measurement is possible by increasing the number of sensors. The longitudinal size can also be identified by the duration of the detection of the original by sensor 303 or 302 . A sensor 307 is provided to detect a circulation of the originals and consists, for example, of a partition plate and a photo interrupter.

In this RDF unit 300 , the original guided from the stacking tray 301 by a path 304 into the exposure position can be returned to the tray 301 via a path 305 . The unit 300 is also capable of performing a document return operation in which a copying operation is performed for each arrangement of an original in the exposure position and the originals are returned a corresponding number of times corresponding to the predetermined number of copies. The unit can also work in automatic document feeder mode (ADF), in which the copying process is repeated for each arrangement of an original in the exposure position a number of times corresponding to the predetermined number of copies.

A more detailed description of the operation of the unit 300 is contained in Japanese Patent Application 59-206619 by the same applicant. At this point, a description is omitted, since this unit is not directly related to the invention.

D. folding unit 400

The folding unit 400 is capable of folding in half, in which the recording sheet is folded approximately in the middle after the image recording, as is a Z-folding, in which the sheet is folded in two predetermined positions by a Z -shaped cross section. The folding unit 400 comprises a deflecting element 401 for guiding the sheet in the folding mode downwards, conveyor tracks 403 and 405 and rollers 401 , 409 .

If the Z-folding mode is specified by pressing a Z-folding key, which will be explained later, the deflection element 401 is moved so that it leads the sheet provided with the recording to a lower path 403 . When the leading end of the sheet is stopped at the end of web 403 , the end of the sheet which has been folded 1/4 by roller 407 is then stopped from the end of web 405 , which in turn folds the sheet in half . The sheet is thus guided over the rollers 407 and 409 to the finishing unit 500 . On the other hand, if a fold is given by a corresponding key, the sheet provided with the record is folded in half in the web 403 and, without penetrating into the web 405 , fed to the finishing unit 500 via the roller 409 . If the folding mode has not been selected, the deflecting element 401 is brought into its inoperative position, in which the sheet provided with the recording is conveyed directly to the finishing unit 500 .

E. Finishing unit 500

The finishing unit 500 for sorting or stapling has a stapler with a deflector 501 for selecting a sorting path 503 or a stapling path 505 , a stapling tray 503 for temporarily storing the sheets to be stapled, a side alignment plate 509 arranged on the stapling tray 507 511 for stapling a plurality of recording sheets which have been aligned by the alignment plate 509 , a stacking tray 513 for storing the stapled sheets and a sorting tray 515 for sorting the sheets not to be stapled. The side alignment plate 509 is driven by a stepper motor, not shown.

The recording sheets delivered by the copying machine 100 or the base frame 200 are folded in half or Z-shaped in the folding unit 400, depending on the key input, and are delivered to a movable sorting tray 515 or the binding tray 507 of the finishing unit 500 . The sheets fed to the staple tray 507 are laterally aligned through the plate 509 , and a certain number of sheets are stapled by the stapler 511 and dropped onto the stacking tray 513 .

If the stapling mode has been selected using a staple button explained later, the finishing unit 500 moves the deflector 501 so that the recording sheets are fed through the path 505 of the staple tray 507 . When the number of sheets reaches a predetermined number, the alignment plate 509 and the stapler 511 are activated to staple the recording sheets according to a command from the copying machine. The stapled sheets are then dropped onto the stacking tray 513 . In this way, multiple copies of collected and stapled documents are obtained by repeating the above-mentioned sequence.

If, on the other hand, no stapling mode has been selected, the deflection element 501 is turned away to the sorting side so that the recording sheets are guided over the web 503 to the sorting tray 515 . The sheets may be stacked at positions laterally spaced 30 mm in response to a command from the copying machine 100 to be convenient units.

FIG. 17A and 17D show an example of the copying machine Be dienungsplatte 100th This control panel is provided with buttons 600 and indicators 700 , as will be explained below.

F. Keys 600

Referring to FIG. 17 are provided: A ver with an asterisk down button 601, which serves a binding frame or a size for deleting the original frame for adjusting an overall reset button 602 which is used to restore a standard operation, and a Vorerhitzungstaste 603 for preheating of the copying machine 100 or to switch off preheating or to switch the automatic switch-off status to standard operation.

A copy start key 604 is operated to start a copy operation.

A delete / stop key 605 serves as a delete key in the standby state or as a stop key during a copying process. The delete key is used to delete the number of copies already set or to delete the mode marked with an asterisk. The stop key is used to interrupt a continuous copying process, which is interrupted after the end of a copying cycle, which proceeds when the key is pressed.

The numeric keys 606 are used to set the number of copies or to set the mode marked with an asterisk. A memory button 607 is used to store modes of operation that are frequently performed by the operator.

Copy density buttons 608 , 609 are used to manually set the copy density. A button 610 for automatic exposure (AE) is used for automatic copy density control according to the original density or for changing the density control from automatic mode (AE) to manual mode. A cassette selection button 611 is used to select an upper cassette 151 , a middle cassette 153 or a lower paper deck 201 or to select an automatic paper cassette selection operation when the originals are arranged on the RDF 300 . In this mode, a cassette of the same size as that of the original is automatically selected.

If copying is to be carried out on a scale of 1: 1, a corresponding key 612 is pressed. An automatic resize button 612 is pressed when the original image is to be automatically enlarged or reduced depending on the size of a particular recording sheet. Vario lens buttons 614 , 615 are used to set an arbitrary image enlargement within a range of 64 to 142%. Special size change buttons 616 , 617 are used to enlarge or reduce the picture to certain sizes.

In the case of making two-sided copies from one-sided originals, two-sided copies from two-sided originals, or one-sided copies from two-sided originals, a two-sided key 618 is pressed. A booklet limit key 619 is used to form a booklet limit of a fixed width on the left side of the recording sheets. A photo key 621 is pressed in the case of copying a photograph as the original. A multi-record key 621 serves to synthesize the images of two originals on the same side of a recording sheet.

An original frame clear key 622 is used to clear the frame of the originals of certain sizes, and the original size is set in this case by the asterisk key 601 . A sheet frame delete key 623 serves to delete the original frame according to the cassette size.

A consecutive page copying key 624 is used to copy the left and right sides of the original on separate sheets.

A staple button 625 is used to staple the recording sheets. A Z-fold button 626 is used to Z-fold an A3 or B4 size sheet. A half fold button 627 is used to fold an A3 or B4 sheet in half.

A sort button 628 is used to perform automatic sorting when the sort tray 515 is connected. If sorting mode has been selected while the sorting tray is not connected, the RDF unit performs the document returning mode mentioned above. This operating mode is selected in standard operation and indicated by a display. The key 628 can be used to delete or select this sorting operation. A Gruppiertaste 629 is used to produce multiple copies of each original, and when the sorting tray is connected 515 to sort the thus obtained copies in the shell 515 in groups, each group containing the obtained copies from the same original. An interrupt key 630 is used to interrupt a continuous Kopiervor process and to perform another copying process.

G. Show 700

In Fig. 17, a liquid crystal display unit 701 can display a message with 40 letters, each of which consists of 5 × 7 dots, for example. This display unit is semi-transparent and it lights up in two colors from behind. In the normal state, it is illuminated from behind with a green light. In the event of an irregularity or inability to make a copy, their background will be illuminated with orange light.

An image magnification display unit 702 displays the image magnification in% which has been set by the zoom lens buttons 614 , 615 or the magnification change buttons 616 , 617 . When 1: 1 scale copying is selected, a corresponding indicator 703 lights up. A color developer indicator 704 lights up when a sepia developing unit is provided. A copy number display 705 shows the number of copies or corresponding self-diagnosis codes. A display 706 for the used cassette shows the selected cassette from the upper cassette 151 , the middle cassette 153 or the lower deck 201 .

An original direction indicator 707 shows the setting direction of the original. An AE indicator 708 lights up when the automatic density control mode has been selected via the AE button 610 . A preheat indicator 709 lights up in the preheat state and flashes when it is switched off automatically. A ready-waiting indicator 710 , which consists of a two-color LED (green / orange), lights up green in the ready state and orange in the waiting state if no copying process is possible.

A double-sided copy indicator 711 lights up when two-sided copies of two-sided originals or two-sided copies of one-sided originals are obtained.

In normal operation with the RDF device 300 , the following settings are made: single sheet copying, automatic density control, automatic sheet selection, 1: 1 scale copying and single-sided copying from a single-sided original. In normal operation without the RDF device 300 , the following conditions exist: single sheet copying, manual density control, copying on a 1: 1 scale and single-sided copying from a single-sided original. The first or second mode of operation is selected depending on whether the originals are placed on the RDF device 300 .

H. Control unit 800

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of the control unit 800 shown in FIG. 16. A central processing unit (CPU) 801 for carrying out the control according to the invention consists, for example, of a microcomputer μ COM 87 AD from NEC. A ROM 803 stores a control program as shown in Fig. 19, and the CPU 801 controls various units via a bus in accordance with the stored control program. A RAM 805 is used to store input data and as a working memory area.

The following components are also shown: An interface (I / O) 807 for supplying the control signals from the CPU 801 to various loads, such as the main motor 133 , an interface 809 for transmitting the input signals from a sensor 121 for the front image end, one manual feed sensor 172 etc. to the CPU 801 and an interface 811 for controlling the input and output signals of the buttons 600 and displays 700 . These interfaces 807 , 809 , 811 can consist, for example, of input / output units μ PD 8255 from NEC.

The displays 700 correspond to those shown in FIG. 17 and consist of LEDs, liquid crystal displays etc. The keys 600 also correspond to the keys shown in FIG. 17, and the CPU 801 can identify the actuated key via a known key matrix.

Reference is now made to the flowchart shown in FIG. 19 to explain the operation of the present embodiment. In this embodiment, the sheets are put on the sorting tray even when the stapling mode is selected when the size of the recording sheet is not fixed, as is the case with manual sheet feeding.

The operator can start a control sequence shown in Fig. 19 by, for example, selecting the staple mode with the staple key 625 in Fig. 17, then selecting a cassette for an unfixed sheet size with the cassette select key 611 , or recording sheets on the tray 171 for manual Feed sets to select the manual feed mode and the copy start key 604 presses.

First, it is determined whether the stapling mode has been selected. If this is not the case (step S51), the sorting tray mode is identified in such a way that the deflecting element 501 is pushed in the direction of the path 503 in order to discharge the recording sheets onto the sorting tray 515 (step S53). Then, a copying operation is performed as already described in connection with Fig. 16 (step S54). It is then determined whether the recording process has ended. If it has ended (step S55), this sequence is ended and the program returns to a main program part, not shown.

If the staple mode is identified in step S51 the program proceeds to step S52 to determine whether a cassette of a fixed size is chosen has been. If a cassette for sheets one does not fi xized size or the manual feed mode the program moves in the same way as explained above, to step S53 and perform this way a copying process with the sorting tray by (steps S54, S55).

Thus, when the operator selects the cassette for unfixed sizes or manual sheet feed operation in conjunction with the stapling mode, the stapling mode is ignored and the sheets obtained are discharged onto the sorting tray 515 . In such a case, it is also possible to cause the sorting tray 515 to perform a sorting operation.

On the other hand, if a fixed size cassette has been selected in combination with the staple mode, a positive determination is made in step S52 and the program proceeds to step S56 to set up the staple tray operation in which the deflector 501 is shifted to the staple tray path 505 so that the sheets can be fed onto the staple tray 507 . Thereafter, copying is performed (step S57), and it is determined whether the copying has ended. When finished (step S58), the stapler 511 is activated to staple the plurality of recording sheets on the staple tray 507 . Thereafter, the stapled sheets are dropped onto the stacking tray (step S59), and the program returns to a main program part, not shown.

As explained above, the present enables Guide format when choosing a cassette for sheets not fixable sizes or if a manual sheet feeder is selected in Combination with the stapling operating mode ignoring the stapling mode and the recording sheets without stapling on the sorting tray are given, causing discomfort for the loading servant can be prevented.

It is also possible to prevent the stapling mode in the interruption copying mode and to discharge the recording sheets onto the sorting tray. Fig. 20 shows a flowchart for the control sequence of such an embodiment.

When the copy start key 604 is pressed in Fig. 17 from the loading dienungsperson, Festge in step S61 is whether the stapling mode has been selected. If this has been selected, the deflecting element 501 is moved to the web 505 in step S62 in order to deliver the recording sheets onto the staple tray 507 . Thereafter, a copying operation is performed in a step S64, and it is determined in a step S65 whether the copying cycles of a predetermined number have been completed. If this is not the case, it is determined in step S66 whether the interrupt key 630 has been actuated. If so, the copying operation mentioned above is interrupted in step S67. Then, upon pressing the copy start key 604 (step S68) in step S69, the deflecting element 501 is shifted to the path 503 to discharge the sheets onto the sorting tray 515 . Then, a copying operation is performed in step S70, and the interrupt copying operation is ended when the completion of the copying operation has been identified in step S71.

Then the operating mode is restored before the interruption, for example, the operating mode delivery of the tray, so that the rest of the copying process can be continued. On the other hand, if it has been identified in step S61 that the stapling mode has not been selected, the program proceeds to step S63 to select the tray dispensing mode with the deflector 501 switched to path 503 to clear the sheets to hand over the sorting bowl 515 . Then, the copying operation is performed in step S64. If the copying operation is ended in step S64 without actuation of the interrupt key 630 , the program returns to a main program part, not shown, and waits for the next actuation of the copy start key 604 . It is also possible to operate in the interruption copying mode that the sorting tray 515 carries out the sorting process by moving the tray.

This way, even during stapling mode an interrupt copy process allows the Discomfort for the operator is reduced become.

It is also possible in a device with APS function (automatic paper size), in which the recording sheet is selected in dependence on the detected original size, if the size of the recording sheet is changed in the course of a copying process and the finishing unit in the Stapling mode is to save the sheets delivered to the finishing unit in the sorting tray after this change. Fig. 21 shows a flowchart of the control sequence of such an embodiment.

When the operator places two or more originals on the stacking tray 301 of the RDF unit 300 shown in FIG. 16 and presses the staple key 625 , the 1: 1 scale key 612 , and the copy start key 604 , the CPU gives 801 a control signal for the RDF unit 300 to feed the originals (step S81). In step S82, it is determined whether there is an original in the exposure position on the glass sheet 101 of the copying machine 100 . The original setting in the exposure position is carried out by activating a timer a predetermined time after the original feed and termination of the feed when the time of the timer has expired. The corresponding setting is determined by the expiry of the time period specified by the timer. If the original is in this position, a cassette 151 or 153 or the deck 201 is selected in step S83, which contains sheets of the same size as the original detected in the course of the sheet conveyance. This dialing process is hereinafter referred to as the APS process (automatic paper selection process).

Thereafter, in step S84, the alignment plate 509 of the finishing unit 500 is moved depending on the size of the sheet of the selected cassette 151 or 153 or the deck 201 . In step S85, the copying operation is carried out. If the completion of the copying process has been identified in step S86, the original is delivered in step S87 and a next original is fed.

It is then determined in step S88 whether the next original is in the exposure position on the glass pane 101 . If the original is already there, a cassette 151 or 153 or the deck 201 of a sheet size corresponding to the original is selected in step S89. In step S90, it is determined whether the lateral width of the recording sheet in the thus selected cassette corresponds to that of the sheet of the previously selected cassette. If there is a match, the copying and stapling operation is repeated in steps S91 and S92 until the copying operation for the original in the exposure position is completed. Then, steps S87 to S93 are repeated until the copying process for all the originals in the RDF unit 300 has been completed. The RDF unit 300 is provided with a sensor for detecting a complete circulation of all original documents. The completion of the copying process of all original documents is determined by the output signal of this sensor.

If the determination in step S90 gives a negative result, indicating that the width of the recording sheet fed from the cassette differs from the previously identified value, the choice of a non-standard recording sheet is identified and the program proceeds to step S94. to perform the sorting tray delivery operation in which the deflecting member 501 of the finishing unit 500 is switched to the sorting tray 507 . Then, the copying process is repeated until the current number of copies is reached (steps S95, S96). Thus, if it is identified in step S97 that the copying process for all the originals on the RDF unit 300 is not yet complete, the original is discharged and a next original is fed in step S98, and if the arrangement of the next original in FIG Exposure position is identified on the original carrier glass 101 , the cassette 151 or 153 or the deck 201 of a size corresponding to the original size is selected in step S100. The steps S95 to S97 explained above are then repeated.

When the recording sheet is discharged into the sorting tray 515 during the copying operation of step S98, it is also possible to perform a sorting operation by moving the tray.

In the present embodiment, the finding the choice of a non-standard recording sheet a comparison with the previously selected cassette size guided. However, it is also possible to make such a determination by comparing the original sizes on the RDF unit respectively.

As explained above, in the event that On drawing sheets of a non-standard size in the course stapling mode can be selected drawing sheets not stored in the exercise book, son rather, in the sorting tray, so that the recording process can continue without interruption.

If, in the case of a two-sided copying operation, the folding mode is selected to half or the stapling mode, there are unusually stapled two-sided copies, as shown in FIG. 22. Such an unnecessary drop can be prevented by an embodiment whose control sequence is shown in the flowchart of FIG. 23. In this embodiment, image recording is prevented when two-sided recording, half-folding and stapling mode are selected at the same time.

Depending on the operation of the copy start key 604 by the operator, it is determined in a step S101 whether the two-sided recording, folding by half and stapling modes have been selected at the same time. If so, the program proceeds to step S102 to prevent image recording in the copying machine 100 and display a message indicating the fact or the reason of such prevention on a display unit 701 . The program then returns to a main program part (not shown) or a stand-by program part.

When the copy start key 604 is operated again after the two-sided recording mode is changed to the single-sided recording or multiple recording mode or the staple mode or the fold mode is halved using the keys in the key group 600, is deleted in Step S101 makes a negative determination, so that the program proceeds to steps S104-S111 for usual image recording and post-processing.

As explained above, image recording is prevented when the copy start key 604 is pressed after the staple key 625 , the key 627 for folding by half and the key 618 for double-sided recording have been pressed. It is therefore possible to prevent erroneous stapling, as shown in Fig. 22, in which the information on the back of the sheet (dashed number '' 2 in Fig. 22) cannot be recognized properly.

Instead of the RDF unit shown in FIG. 16, which has a large number of original documents which are fed one after the other, a document feeder (DF) is often used, in which a large number of original documents are manually inserted one after the other, into the exposure position and is released after exposure. Fig. 24 shows a flow chart of the control sequence of an embodiment capable of realizing the stapling with an appropriate timing even when such a document feeder is used.

First, the operator puts the original document on, then enters the copy number "1" using the numeric keys 606 , selects the staple mode using the staple key 625, and presses the copy start key 604 . Depending on this, it is determined in step S121 whether the original document is inserted. If this is already the case, the automatic feeding of the original is started in step S122. Thereafter, it is determined in step S123 whether the original is in the exposure position on the glass sheet 101 . If so, the copying operation is performed in step S124. If the completion of a copying cycle has been identified in step S125, an internal timer (not shown) of the CPU 801 is activated in step S126 for measuring a predetermined period of time. Thereafter, in step S127, it is determined whether a new original is loaded, if so, the program returns to step S122 to repeat steps S122 to S127.

On the other hand, if identified in step S127, that a new original has not yet been inserted, it is determined in step S128 whether the timer already  has expired. If not, the program returns to step S127 back and repeats the determination of whether there is a Original is located on the document feeder. Like this with the copying process is repeated if the original within the time specified by the timer has been inserted for a long time.

However, if this is not the case, the end of this period of time is identified in step S128, whereupon in step S129 the recording sheets delivered to the staple tray 507 are bound with the stapler 511 and the sheets bound in this way are dropped onto the stacking tray 513 .

The time to be measured by the timer can be kept variable via the numeric keys 606 depending on the operating conditions or the requirements of each operator.

The embodiment explained above thus enables a stapling process in a suitable timing using an automatic original feeder, where one original after another is fed.

It is also possible to control the timing of the stitching process depending on the number of sheets. Fig. 25 shows a flow chart for such a control.

In this case, the operator does not select the sort mode, places the original documents on the stack tray 301 of the document return device (RDF) 300, and selects the staple mode with the staple key 625 .

Depending on the operation of the copy start key 604 in step S131, a control signal is supplied to the unit RDF 300 in step S132 in order to guide an original into an exposure position of the glass sheet 101 . When the completion of the original feed is determined in step S133, it is determined in step S134 whether the predetermined number of copies previously set by the numeric keys 606 is "1".

If the number is "1", copying by image reading and recording is performed in step S135, and the original is released from the RDF unit 300 onto the glass sheet 101 in step S136. Thereafter, when the next original is identified on the RDF 300 in step S137, the program returns to step S132 and repeats steps S132 to S137. If there are no more originals on the RDF unit 300 , the recording sheets discharged onto the staple tray 507 are bound with the stapler 511 in step S138, and the bound sheets are dropped onto the stacking tray 513 , whereupon the process is completed.

On the other hand, if identified in step S134 is that the given number of copies is "2" or larger, the program jumps to step S139 to knock out process that is repeated as long as until it is identified in step S140 that the pre given number of copies has been reached.

Then, in step S141, a stapling operation for binding the recording sheets discharged onto the staple tray 507 is performed with the stapler 511 as explained above, and in step S142 the RDF unit 300 is caused to discharge the original onto the glass sheet 101 . If the next original has been identified on the RDF unit 300 in step S143, the program returns to step S132 to repeat the cycles of steps S132 to S134 and S139 to S143 until there are no original documents on the RDF unit 300 are present, whereupon the present sequence has ended.

In this way, the stapling process by choosing the loading mode of stapling even when the Sort mode has not been selected.

It is also possible to carry out a stapling operation when the stop button has been pressed. Fig. 26 shows a flow chart for such a control.

The control sequence shown in Fig. 26 is started when the operator arranges the original documents on the stacking tray 301 of the RDF unit 300 , selects the stapling mode with the staple key 625 and presses the copy start key 604 .

If the copy start key 604 is pressed in step S201, a control signal is caused to be supplied to the RDF unit 300 in step S202, thereby bringing an original into the exposure position on the original carrier disk 101 . After completion of the original feeding, a copying operation consisting of image reading and recording is performed in step S303, and the original is released after the copying operation is completed in step S204.

Then, it is determined in step S205 whether the stop key 605 has been operated during the copying operation. If this is the case, in step S207, after the copying process has ended, the stapling process is made possible for the original currently present on the original carrier disk, with the output recording sheets being stapled together. If the stop button 605 has not been operated, the steps of original feeding, copying, and discharging are repeated until there are no more originals (step S206), and the above-mentioned stapling at the end of the originals is performed, thereby performing the sequence is ended.

If, as explained above, the operator during a copy operation in the staple mode presses the button, the process will be completed by a stapling process ends. Therefore, the sheets are not after the recording distracted and kept in order.

It is also possible not to carry out the stapling process if there is only one original document, even if the stapling mode has been selected. Fig. 27 shows a flow chart for such a control.

The control sequence shown in Fig. 27 is started by pressing the copy start key 604 . First, it is determined in step 211 whether the originals have been placed on the RDF. If originals are present, an original is fed to the exposure position in step S212. Then, it is determined in step S213 whether the stapling mode has been selected. If not, the delivery mode to the sorting tray 515 is selected in step S214, so that the sheets are delivered to the sorting tray 515 . On the other hand, if the stapling mode has been identified in step S213, the circulation sensor 307 of the RDF unit checks whether there is only one original, and the delivery mode to the sorting tray is carried out in step S214 only if there is only one original document. If there are two or more original documents in the stapling mode, the delivery mode on the staple tray is selected in step S215, and the sheets are discharged onto the staple tray 507 .

After that, the copying process for the above-mentioned Original document carried out, and the above he refined steps S212 to S216 are repeated until the original documents complete one circulation.

In the stapling mode, the stapling process is carried out during of the copying process. Also the sorting order gang can be carried out in the case of sorting mode become.

As explained above, the stapling process is not done when there is only one document, and even if the stapling mode was selected that is. It is therefore possible to make mistakes regarding the Avoid stapling the same copies.

It is also possible to implement the control such that the RDF unit feeds one original for each exposure and this feed repeats a number of times that corresponds to the predetermined number of copies when the stapling mode has been selected. Fig. 28 shows a flow chart of the control sequence in this case.

The process is started by setting the number of copies with the numeric keys 607 , placing the original documents on the RDF unit, and pressing the copy start key 607 in step S221. It is then determined in step S222 whether the sorting mode has been selected with the sort button 628 or whether the stapling mode has been selected with the staple button 625 . If the sorting mode has been selected, the program proceeds to a sorting operation and begins with step S223. However, if the operator forgets to select the sort mode, the sorting process beginning with step S223 is still executed when the staple mode is selected. The non-sorting mode that starts from step S228 is only realized if no special mode has been selected.

The sorting process beginning at step S223 is shown in FIG carried out in the following way. First step S223 the originals placed on the RDF unit other in the exposure position, and in step S224, the copying process is done once for the original guided. This process is repeated until the circulation sensor has recorded a complete circulation of the originals, so that a number of copies are completed in this way is. The recording process is carried out by a record is made for each original. After a complete round, a turns on in step S226 Stapling performed if the stapling mode has been chosen.

The steps S223 to S226 explained above are repeated until it has been identified in step S227,  that the remaining number of copies has reached 0, so that on this way a predetermined number of sorted and stapled ten sets of copies are made available.

The non-sorting beginning with step S228 is now Process explained. In this case, in step S228 works that the RDF unit the originals one after the leads others to the exposure position. In the steps S229 and S230 become copying a number of times performed that of the given number of copies for each Ori ginal corresponds. This process is repeated as long as until a complete circulation of the originals in step S231 has been identified.

As explained above, the stapling mode made a copy of each of the variety of originals, and this process is repeated a number of times which corresponds to the specified number of copies by using the Ori ginale circulates. It is therefore possible to relate errors on stitching the he from an original document to prevent held same copies.

It is also possible to prevent copying when copying in the stapling mode when recording sheets remain on the staple tray. Fig. 29 schematically shows part of the finisher stapler, and Figs. 30 and 31 are flow charts of the control sequence in this case. As can be seen in FIG. 29, sheets discharged from the copier after recording are conveyed by the discharge rollers 530 and stacked on the staple tray 507 . The sheets are aligned by the belt 531 provided on the roller 530 in the direction of the stopper 519 and further aligned laterally via the plate 509 . The sheets sequentially stapled on the staple tray 507 are stapled by the stapler 511 at a predetermined point in the continuous copying process, for example after the originals have been completely rotated. After stapling, the solenoid 521 is energized to retract the stopper 519 so that the stapled copies are dropped from the staple tray 507 onto the stacking tray 513 . A sheet sensor 523 of the staple tray inspects this dropping, and the solenoid 521 is deactivated after a predetermined period of time from the detection by the sensor, that is, after the sheets are completely dropped. The stapling process is completed in this way.

The binding tray 507 is provided with an openable cover 525 , which enables sheets to be inserted into the binding tray 507 from the direction A. A manually operated stapling button 527 enables the sheets contained in the staple tray to be stapled together. In this way, the operator can use such a unit instead of the usual office stapler.

To explain the operation of the present embodiment, reference is now made to FIG. 30. The control sequence is started in step S251 by selecting the stapling mode with the staple key 625 of the operating unit and pressing the copy start key 605 . Thereafter, in step S252, the sheet sensor 523 of the staple tray detects the presence of a sheet that may have remained from the previous operation. If there are no sheets, the program proceeds to step S256 to identify the presence of originals on the RDF. If there are originals, the program proceeds to step S257 to perform the automatic stapling mode every one revolution of the originals from the RDF. However, if there are no originals, the program proceeds to step S254 to perform the book copying mode in which a sheet is fed onto the staple tray. Details of these modes are not explained. In the latter book copying mode, a sheet is discharged each time the copy start key is pressed, and the operator operates the aforementioned manual staple button when the desired copies have been stacked on the staple tray so that the copies are stapled and dropped into the stacking tray become. In this way, the copying process is carried out without the original feeder. In the book copy mode, originals can be used in sheet form or in book form. In this process, if the operator forgets to perform the stapling operation by manually operating the stapling button, the staple tray still contains sheets which are detected in step S252.

In such a case, the program goes to step S253 to see if the originals are on the RDF Unity. If there are no originals are, the above-mentioned mode is book copy done. On the other hand, if there are originals the program proceeds to step S255.

In step S255, a message "Remove sheets from the Booklet tray "and the further operation un  made possible until the operator completes the rest Has removed arches. In step S257, the RDF copy operation activated when the operator turns the sheets of has removed the exercise tray so that a Mix the remaining sheets with those of the booklet ganges is prevented.

As another embodiment of the step S255, the step S255 shown in Fig. 31 can be performed, in which the above-mentioned display is replaced by a retraction of the stopper 519 so as to drop the sheets on the staple tray onto the stacking tray.

As discussed above, those may be on the sheets remaining in the tray do not match the sheets mixed that in the subsequent copying process are to be stitched together. This is achieved by the Start the following process depending on the Image generation is controlled.

It is also possible to control the timing for performing a subsequent copying operation in accordance with the size of the recording sheet. Fig. 32 shows a flow chart of the control sequence in this case.

This control sequence is started in step S261 by setting the number of copies with the numeric keys 607 , selecting the stapling mode with the staple key 625, placing the originals on the RDF unit and pressing the copy start key 604 .

First, it is caused in step S262 that the RDF unit successively guides the original documents into the exposure position on the original carrier disk. In step S263, a copying process is carried out and a recording sheet is delivered onto the staple tray 507 of the finishing unit. Steps S262 through S264 are repeated until the circulation sensor 307 of the RDF unit has detected a complete circulation of the originals so that a set of copies is stacked on the staple tray. At this point, the device enters a stand-by state. In step S265, the stapler 511 is caused to perform a stapling operation and to wait for the stapling operation to be completed. It is then identified in step S266 whether the stapled copies are small in size, such as B5 or A4, or large in size, such as B4 or A3. Depending on this, the following steps are determined.

If there is a large size, the program proceeds to step S267 to drop the above-mentioned recording sheets from the staple tray 507 onto the stack tray 513 . After this, the process proceeds to step S269.

With a small size, the program moves to step S268 before, so the same operation of dropping as explained above, and to Step S269 without ending the falling step to be seen.

In step S269, the above process 05908 00070 552 001000280000000200012000285910579700040 0002003744948 00004 05789 again until the copies of the specified number are repeated have been held. This way the start time  of the following copying process.

The difference between step S268 and step S269 will now be explained. If the falling speed of the stapled copies is kept constant by a conveyor motor, not shown, the time required for such a falling process should fluctuate depending on the size of the sheets. For example, at a drop speed of 420 mm / sec, this time corresponds to 0.5 sec for a size A4 (210 mm), but 1.0 sec for a size A3 (420 mm). However, if step S269 is performed regardless of the sheet size, the start of the subsequent copying operation must be delayed accordingly, so that the total throughput is obviously reduced. On the other hand, step S268 has the disadvantage that a recording sheet obtained in the subsequent copying operation is discharged onto the staple tray 507 before the dropping operation is finished. In the present embodiment, therefore, the start time is regulated depending on the sheet size. More specifically, for a small size, such as A4, the next copying process is started at the start of the falling process of the stapled copies, since the time from the start of the next copying process to the delivery of the corresponding sheet on the staple tray 507 is certainly longer than the time required for the falling process, which is 0.5 sec for A4 size. This improves overall throughput. With a large size, such as A3, on the other hand, however, the time to the sheet discharge may be shorter than the time for the fall process, which is 1 sec for the size A3, so that the next copying process after the completion of the Fallvor process is enabled. In this way, an extremely reliable stapling process is carried out.

As explained above, the start time of the picture is up drawing process after stapling depending on the Size of the recording sheet controlled, causing losses at minimal imaging speed the.

It is also possible to control the conveying speed depending on the size or number of the recording sheets when the stapled sheet bundle is dropped on the tray 513 . Fig. 33 shows a flow chart of the control sequence for this process, and Figs. 34-1 and 34-2 are schematic views showing the movement of the sheet bundle.

In this embodiment, in the stapling mode in step S301, the conveyor system is driven to full speed by activating the conveyor motor. Then, in step S302, the sheets are stacked, discharged from the copying machine onto the staple tray 507 , and the number of sheets is selected by counting a sheet counter until the sheet discharge is completed. When finished, the stapler for binding the sheets with staples is activated in step S303. After the stapling process, it is determined in step S304 whether the sheet size is larger than B4. In step S305, the sheet counter is used to determine whether the number of sheets is 11 or more. If each determination leads to a positive result, the feed motor is slowed down in step S306, for example by a known method, such as pulse width modulation, of which no details are described here. Then, in step S519, a solenoid is energized to retract the stopper 519 so that the sheet bundle is conveyed from the belt 531 toward the stacking tray 513 .

Fig. 34-1 shows the conveying process of the sheet bundle in the normal state. Fast conveyance can result in the top sheet being skewed, as shown in Fig. 34-2, since with large sheets or when stacking a large number of sheets, the conveying force is only transferred to the top sheet.

In such a case, a reduced funding avoids speed a rapid increase in the load, so that this prevents funding in an imbalance becomes.

In the next step S308, a sufficient time is measured with a timer from passing the sheet sensor 523 of the staple tray through the sheet bundle to passing the stopper 519 through the rear end of the sheet bundle, and the stopper 519 is set at the end of this time period.

As explained above, the conveyor speed of the leaf bundle from the staple tray to the stacking tray depending on the sheet size or the number of ge stapled sheets set, so that a good sheet stapling is achieved and mistakes avoided be that a bow from the stapled sheet bundle solves.  

Although the above embodiments are related have been described with a copier, the Invention in the same way for a printer for Facsimile device or electronic data application system.

According to the invention, sheet handling is thus carried out proposed direction that is capable of leaves, which, for example, are delivered by a copier to stitch it together. This is the stapling process prevented in certain cases, for example if the desired copy consists of only one page or if the folding of the sheet incorrectly has been led.

Claims (2)

1. Imaging device with
an illumination device for illuminating a template,
an image generating device for generating an image of the template illuminated by the lighting device on a recording material sheet, a storage device for storing a large number of recording material sheets on which an image was generated by the image generating device,
a binding device for binding a plurality of sheets of recording material stored in the storage device and
a control device for activating the binding device in a first operating mode, in which a binding is carried out as a function of completion of the image generation,
characterized,
that a feed device is provided for feeding originals to the lighting device,
that the control device for activating the binding device is designed in a second operating mode in which a binding process can be carried out as a function of manual operation,
that an input device for inputting a dial signal is provided for selecting the first or the second operating mode and
that the control device allows the selection of the first operating mode when using the feeder. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the Control device prevents a binding process if only one single sheet of recording material in the storage device has been filed.