JPH01236167A - Copying machine - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To prevent stapling by mistake before hand by counting the number of sheets being housed in a tray for stapling, and forbidding stapling based on a signal from a switching means when counting value is less than one. CONSTITUTION:When a stapling mode is set up by a switching means, a control unit a switches a switching member 70 of a finisher unit 50 upwards for housing copy sheets discharged from a paper discharging roller pair 18 in a copy machine body 1 into a stable tray 90, and when it is confirmed by a sensor SE2 that the sheets get to a specified number of sheets, stitching is performed with a staple 130. In this case, when the number of copy sheets in the staple tray 90 detected by the sensor SE2 is less than one, stapling is forbidden even if a manual stapling switch is pushed by mistake. Erraneous stitching of sheets can thus be prevented.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a copying machine equipped with a paper storage device that accommodates and aligns sheets discharged from a copying machine main body and performs stapling processing.

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, copying machines equipped with a paper storage device having a stapling function are disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No. 59-43765, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-183461, and Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 60-2485.
The one described in Publication No. 63 is known. This type of paper storage device can usually be called a finisher, and is configured to stack copied sheets on a tray or the like, align them, staple them, and then transfer them to a stacking section for stacking and storage. Note that a type of stapling tray that accommodates and aligns sheets substantially vertically is also being considered in order to save space in the apparatus and accommodate and align the sheets.

Problems to be Solved by the Invention By the way, in a copying machine equipped with this type of paper storage device, when an operator performs manual stapling processing, for example, when the manual stapling switch is turned on, the paper is not placed in the staple tray. If it was stored, the stapling process would be executed immediately. However, in this case, the stapling process is performed even for one sheet of paper, and the staples are also wasted.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a copying machine that can prevent pointless stapling.

Means for Solving the Problems In order to solve the problems above, the copying machine according to the present invention includes (a) a main body of the copying machine, and (b) a method for storing and aligning sheets that have been completely ejected from the main body of the copying machine, and stapling them. (c) a switch means for generating a signal to perform stapling processing on the sheets in the paper storage device; (d) the number of sheets to be stored in the stapling tray; (e) a count value of the number of paper sheets accommodated by the counting means is "1";
``The apparatus is characterized by comprising means for inhibiting stapling processing by a signal from the switch means in the following cases.

In the above-described configuration, when the stapling mode is selected, the copying process is performed in the copying machine main body, and the completely ejected sheets are sequentially stored and aligned in the sheet storage device. Thereafter, the sheets are stapled together by the operation of the stapler. For example, in manual operation by an operator, the operation of the stapler is performed when alignment of the sheets is completed based on a signal generated by the operator's operation of a switch means.

At this time, if the number of sheets accommodated by the counting means is less than "1", stapling processing based on the signal is prohibited.

Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment of a copying machine according to the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[Configuration of the copying machine main body and ADF] First, the configuration of the copying machine main body 1) will be explained according to FIG.

The copying machine main body (1) is placed on a desk (45), and a circulating automatic document feeder (30) (hereinafter referred to as A) is mounted on the top surface.
DF) is attached. This copying machine body (1)
Inside, there is an optical system (3) and a charger (4) centering around a photoreceptor drum 2 which can be rotated in the direction of arrow (a).
, developing device (5), transfer charger <6).

Well-known image forming elements such as a cleaning device (7) and an eraser lamp (8) are arranged. Since these devices and copying processes are well known, their explanation will be omitted.

Copy paper is fully accommodated in the automatic paper feed cassettes (10) and (11), and is selectively fed one sheet at a time from either cassette <10) or (11).
In step 5), the toner image is conveyed to the transfer section (2a) in synchronization with the toner image formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum (2).

After the transfer, the copy paper is sent to a fixing device (17) via a conveyance belt (16), where the toner is fixed, and then ejected from a pair of ejection rollers (18).

A D F (30) is roughly the original tray (31).
>, paper feed belt (32), paper feed roller pair (33), reversal guide plate (34), conveyance belt (35), reversal roller (
36) and a pair of discharge rollers (37). A
DF<30> is a device that circulates the document in order from the last page.The document is placed in the tray (31) with the back side of the last page facing down.
), and the paper feed bell starts from the last page) (3).
The sheet is pulled out by the rotation of step 2) and sent between the conveyor belt 35) and the document table glass (9) from the sheet feed roller pair (33) via the reversing guide plate (34). Next, the document is set at a predetermined position on the document table glass (9) by rotation of the conveyor belt (35), and is irradiated with light by an optical system (not shown). After image exposure, the original is transported from above the original platen glass (9> to the right in FIG. The document can be completely ejected onto the document placed on the tray (31>).

Here, one image exposure for all documents is defined as one cycle of copying processing. The ADF (30) repeats one cycle of copy processing as many times as input using the number button (304) shown in FIG. Further, the number of originals to be copied in one cycle of copying processing is also input using the number button (304). Furthermore, A.D.
The A D F (30) is provided in the copying machine body (1) so that it can be opened and closed, so that the A D F (30) can be opened and a document can be manually set on the document platen glass (9). You can also make copies. The ADF (30) does not operate when it is opened, and the opening of the ADF (30) is detected by a switch (not shown) provided near the document table glass (9).

In this embodiment, the paper storage device is the main body of the copying machine (1).
Copy sheets ejected from the copy sheets are selectively stored on a paper ejection tray (80) or stored and aligned in a staple tray (90) and stapled with a stapler <130>. Therefore, when copying and stapling a plurality of copies using the ADF (30),
The copy sheets are sequentially stored in the staple tray (90), and the stapler (130) is operated based on the stapling signal output from the copying machine main body (1) when one cycle of copy processing is completed to staple the copy sheets. . The bound copies are stored in a stack box (161). Further, in this embodiment, manual stapling processing is also possible. This is executed by the operator turning on the manual stapling switch (SW3) shown in FIG. 9 when copying is performed without using the ADF (30).

[Operation Panel of Copying Machine Body] Here, the operation panel (300) of the copying machine body (1) will be explained with reference to FIG. This operation panel (30
0) is installed on the upper front part of the copying machine body (1), and is a print button (301) for starting the copying operation;
A number button (304) used to set the required number of copies, the number of originals to be copied using A D F < 30), magnification, etc., and an exposure setting button (305) to set the image density when copying. ), copy paper in the upper cassette (10)
Alternatively, there is a paper selection button <308) for switching to the lower cassette (11), a magnification setting button (311) for setting a copy magnification that is less than recent. In addition, special input keys such as magnification calculation button, zoom memory set button, zoom memory button, book copy button, etc.
30), and becomes usable only when this opening/closing lid (330) is opened. (303) is an all reset button, which is used to reset the mode of the copying machine to the initial mode. (322) is the number of copies, magnification,
This is a display unit that displays paper size, etc.

[Configuration of finisher unit] Next, regarding the configuration of the finisher unit (50),
This will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1, 2, and 3.

This finisher unit (50) generally includes rollers (60) and (61) for receiving copy paper, a switching member (70) for switching the conveyance path, a paper ejection tray (80), and a paper ejection tray (80). Copy paper ejection rollers (85), (86) to the paper ejection tray (80) and the staple tray (90)
), copy paper transport rollers (100), (1ot) to this staple tray (90), a pressing member (110) capable of suppressing the upper end of the copy paper accommodated in the staple tray (90), and a staple tray. (90) for aligning the copy paper stored in the corner part (A) with a paddle wheel <120) and a stapler (130).
In addition to (61), there is a guide plate (62) facing the discharge roller pair (18).

(63), a guide plate (64) provided inside the unit (50)
), and the guide plate (65) extends from the receiving portion to the discharge roller (ss), <86) portion.

The guide plate (65) is attached to a support shaft (65) for clearing paper jams, etc.
It can be released upward using the roller (66) as a fulcrum.
1) is attached to this guide plate (65).

In addition, a static elimination brush (19
) and a photo sensor (SEL) for detecting copy paper are installed.

The switching member (70) has a beak shape and is rotatably attached to the support shaft (71) as a fulcrum, and is rotated from the dotted chain line position to the solid line position in FIG. 1 by turning on a solenoid (not shown). . - When in the dot-dashed line position, the copy paper is guided toward the output tray (80) by the top surface (70a), and when in the solid line position, the copy paper is guided to the staple tray (90) by the curved surface (70b). .

The paper ejection tray (80) is fixed to the outside of the unit (so) via support plates (81) and (82), and has a step at its lower end with ejection rollers (85) and (ss), so that it It intersects with the end regulating piece (81a). Discharge roller (85)
, There are guide plates (87) and (88) near (86).
is installed, and the discharge roller (86) is attached to a guide plate 87).

The staple tray (90) consists of a substrate (91) and a guide plate (
92), this substrate (91), a guide plate (93 facing the guide plate (92)), and a stopper (9S), and is installed in an upright state with a slight inclination to the left.

The upper part of the guide plate (92) extends to the vicinity of the curved surface (70b) of the switching member (70), and the guide plate (92) is rotated counterclockwise in FIG. Can be opened. The upper part of the guide plate (93) is the guide plate (
The switching member (7) faces the upper part of the switching member (72) with a narrow interval
0). In addition, a guide plate (93
) has a paddle wheel (120) as described below.
The facing distance of the portion (93a) facing the substrate (91) further down is narrower than the facing distance of the other portions. Specifically, the distance between the opposing portion (93a) and the substrate is set to be slightly larger than the thickness for detecting copy sheets that can be accommodated in the staple tray (90).

In this way, the interval in the thickness direction of the staple tray (90) is narrowed in the vicinity of the paddle wheel (120) and widened in other areas, which is why the gap between the copy paper that has been accommodated and aligned is different from the copy paper that is being accommodated and aligned. This is to reduce contact resistance as much as possible and to ensure that the copy paper is aligned with the alignment reference line <A'), (A').

Furthermore, a sensor (SE3) for detecting copy sheets fed into the staple tray (90) is installed in this portion.

The stopper (95) constitutes the bottom plate of the staple tray (90), and is attached to the support shaft (97) via the arm (96).
It is rotatably held. The arm (96) is a bottle (
A torsion spring (96a) is connected to the solenoid (SL2) via a torsion spring (96a) and is wound around a support shaft (97).
Both ends of 8) are engaged with a protrusion (96b) of the arm (96) and a protrusion <52) provided on the frame (5).

Therefore, when the solenoid (SL2) is turned off, the stopper (95) is at the solid line position in FIG. 1 due to the spring force of the torsion spring (98), and the staple tray (
90) is closed at the bottom. On the other hand, the solenoid (SL
When 2) is turned on, the staple tray (90) is rotated around the support shaft (97) to the dashed line position, opening the bottom of the staple tray (90).

The conveyance roller (100) <101) is connected to the guide plate <92).

(93) is installed in the upper narrow part of the switching member (70) to feed copy paper guided downward by the curved surface (70b) of the switching member (70) into the tray (90), and is directly above it. There is a photo sensor (SE2) for copy paper detection.
is installed.

A strip-shaped mylar sheet <105) is attached to the upper part of the guide plate (93). This myra sheet (10
5) overlaps at a position adjacent to the nip portion of the transport rollers (100) and (101) and hangs down inside the staple tray (90), and the lower end is attached to the staple tray (90).
It extends to a position slightly lower than the upper end of the minimum size (B5) copy paper to be accommodated in the paper sheet 0), and reaches the static elimination brush (106) attached to the guide plate (93). When the copy paper is being fed into the staple tray (90), this Mylar sheet (105) is reliably fed into the staple tray (90) with a stiffness according to the thickness of the copy paper. In addition, the static elimination brush (106) and the upper end of the stored copy paper come into contact with each other, preventing the copy paper from falling toward the guide plate (93).
It functions to prevent buckling.

Further, the nip portions of the conveyance rollers (100) and (101) are set so that the sandwiched copy paper faces toward the guide plate 93). This is to reduce the contact resistance between the copy paper fed into the staple tray (9o) and the copy paper already stored.

As shown in FIG. 3, the holding member (110) is attached to a support shaft (11
1).

(111), and the support shaft (111) is connected to the solenoid (SL3) via the arm (112).
The arm (112) is biased by a coil spring (113) in the direction opposite to the arrow <b>. Therefore, when the solenoid (SL3) is turned off, the holding member (110) is urged in the opposite direction to the arrow (b) by the spring force of the coil spring <113), and the stopper pin (114)
As shown by the solid line in Figure 1, the guide plate (93
) is waiting outside. On the other hand, solenoid (SL3)
When turned on, the head part (110a) rotates in the direction of arrow (b) using the support shafts (111) and (111) as fulcrums.
enters the staple tray (90) through the window (93b) of the guide plate (93>) and presses the upper end of the copy paper stored in the staple tray (90). In order to avoid contact with the mylar sheet (105) and the static elimination brush (106) when it enters the staple tray (90), the cutout (110b)
) is formed.

The paddle wheel (120) has a shaft (
A plurality of blade members are attached radially to the tip of the copy paper, and the angle (θ) with respect to the conveyance direction is
The shaft <121) can be rotatably attached to the bracket (122) fixed to the outside of the guide plate (93), and a part of the paddle wheel (120) is attached to the guide plate (93).
It protrudes into the staple tray (90) from a long hole (93c) formed in the staple tray (93). Bracket (122)”
A motor (M2) that can rotate in forward and backward directions is connected to a gear (123) via a 5gc speed means (not shown), and the gear (123) is connected to a gear (124) that is fixed to the shaft 21).
It meshes with. Therefore, the paddle wheel (120) can be rotated in forward and reverse directions by the motor (M2).

That is, the paddle wheel (120) rotates in the direction of the arrow (C) to move the copy paper conveyed into the staple tray (90) to the corner where the alignment reference lines (A') and (A') intersect. A) move in the direction. In this case, the peripheral speed (V) of the paddle wheel (120) has a vertical component (V
y) is set to be faster than the circumferential speed of the transport roller (100), but the transport force is higher than the peripheral speed of the transport roller (100).
, (101) is set to be weaker than the conveying force of (101). Therefore, the paddle wheel <120
) is applied after the trailing edge of the copy sheet passes through the nip portion of the conveyance rollers oo) and (1ot). Conveyance roller (100).

The position of the copy paper when it passes through (101) is A in Figure 2.
'4, B5 is the position shown. Note that the copy paper is conveyed with a central reference centering on the center line (CL).

The inclination angle (θ) of the paddle wheel (120) is such that when the trailing edge of the copy paper passes through the conveyance rollers (100) and (101) and the conveyance force of the paddle wheel (120) begins to act, the corner of the copy paper It is set to be approximately parallel to the straight line connecting the part of the matching corner (A). This is to improve the alignment by moving the copy paper directly to the alignment corner portion (A) over the shortest distance by rotating the paddle wheel (120). Therefore, it is desirable that the alignment corner part (A) be located on the extension line <C> of the angle (θ) from the corner of the copy paper, but when the angle (θ) is less than 45°, ), the angle (θ) is 45°
In the above case, the position may be moved upward from the extension line (C). Further, the vertical positional relationship between the paddle wheel (120) and the conveying rollers (100) and (101) must be set so that the copy paper receives the conveying force from at least one of them.

The stapler (130) is a well-known electric powered type, and as shown in FIG. The corners of the copy sheets accommodated and aligned in the tray (90) are bound.

[Operation of Finisher Unit 7] Next, the operation of the finisher unit (50) will be explained.

(Non-stapling mode) The copy paper ejected from the ejection roller pair (18) of the copying machine main body (1) is transferred to the ejection tray (80) without being stapled.
This is the operating mode for loading and accommodating.

In this case, the switching member 70) is positioned as shown by the dashed line in FIG. 1, and the copy paper received from the rollers (60) and (61) is )
and the guide plate (65>), and the ejection roller (85).
).

(86) and is discharged onto the paper discharge tray (80).

(Staple mode) After storing and aligning the copy sheets in the staple tray (90) and binding them with the stapler (130), the stack box <1
61> (see Figure 7) or stack unit (160
) (see FIG. 6), etc.

In this case, the switching member (70) is switched to the position shown by the solid line in FIG.
0b) and the upper parts of the guide plates (92) and (93), and are fed into the staple tray (90) from the conveying rollers (100) and (101). Conveyance roller (1
At the same time as the rotation of <00) and <101>, the paddle wheel (120) is also driven to rotate forward in the direction of arrow (C), and the rear end is the conveyance roller (100).

The copy paper that has left the paddle wheel (120)
), a part of the corner moves in the direction (A) and is aligned. At this time, the copy paper is transported by the transport roller (
100) and (101) receive a conveying force so as to face the guide plate 93) based on the setting direction of the nip portion,
The sheets are then placed in sliding contact with the Mylar sheet (105) to give a stiffness according to the paper thickness, and are sequentially stored in the staple tray (90) in a state that minimizes the contact resistance with the stored copy sheets. At the same time, the electricity is removed by sliding contact with the static elimination brush (106).In addition, the tips of the Mylar sheet (105) and the static elimination brush (106) come into contact with the upper end of the stored copy paper, causing the copy paper to fall over and buckle. is prevented.

By the way, when the copy paper is curled by heating etc. by the fixing device (17) and stored in the staple tray (90) with the upper end curved toward the guide plate 93), the leading edge of the next copy paper to enter collides with the upper edge of the curled copy paper, causing a paper jam. In order to prevent this, in this embodiment, the upper end of the housed copy paper is pressed by the presser member (110).

That is, after a predetermined period of time has elapsed since the leading edge of the copy paper is detected by the photosensor (SE2), for example, at the timing when the copy paper is aligned with the corner part (A) by rotation of the paddle wheel (120), the solenoid ( Sl3) is turned on, and the pressing member (110) moves in the direction of the arrow (b) with the support shaft (111) as the fulcrum.
) direction, and the head g3 (110a) moves toward the guide plate (
93) from the window (93b) of the staple tray (90).
The upper end of the stored copy paper (Sl) is pressed (see Fig. 4), and the curled copy paper (Sl) is
) is pressed against the tray bottom [guide plate (92)] side, and the curl is corrected.

On the other hand, the holding member (110) is moved from the arrow (b) by turning off the solenoid (Sl3) immediately before the leading edge of the next copy sheet (S2) reaches at least the vicinity of the holding member (110). It rotates in the opposite direction to release the suppressed state of the stored copy paper (Sl).

Through the above operations, the curling of the upper end of the stored copy paper (Sl) toward the guide plate (93) is corrected, and the copy paper (S2) to be fed next to the staple tray (90) collides with the paper. Paper jams can be reliably prevented from occurring.

Further, as in this embodiment, when pressing the head portion (110a) of the pressing member (110) or the upper end portion of the copy paper (Sl), if the notch (uOb) intersects with the Mylar sheet (105), , further improvement in the capacity for copy paper can be expected. That is, as shown in FIG.
) is pressing the upper end of the stored copy paper (Sl), the mylar sheet (105) is located in the notch (110b) and is not urged leftward. As shown in FIG.
In the same way as when you evacuated from the stored copy paper (S
l〉 and staple tray (90) while maintaining sufficient distance.
contained within.

With the above operation, the copy paper is moved one sheet at a time to the guide plate
93) Staple tray (90) for pages to the side
It can be accommodated and matched inside. And the circulation type ADF
(30), based on the stapling signal output at the end of one cycle of copy processing, or, if the ADF (30) is not used, the manual stapling switch shown in Figure 9 by the operator. <
The stapler (130) operates based on the stapling processing signal that can be output when 5i3) is turned on, and staples the copy sheets at the stapling position (D).

When the stapling process is completed, the solenoid (Sl2) is turned on, the stopper (95) is retracted to the position indicated by the dotted chain line in FIG. 1, and the bottom of the staple tray (90) is opened.

At the same time, the motor (M2) is switched to reverse rotation and the paddle wheel (120) rotates in the opposite direction to the arrow (c). As a result, the stapled copy sheets are completely discharged downward from the staple tray (90) while turning in the lower right direction in FIG.

That is, the copy paper is turned to the right by the biasing force generated by the reverse rotation of the paddle wheel (120), so that the stapled portion avoids the stapling position (D) and is ejected.

As described above, the copy paper discharged from the staple tray (90) is stored in the stack box (161) shown in FIG.
, or the stack unit (160) shown in FIG.
are loaded and housed in a stack box (162). When the copy paper is ejected from the staple mode dock 90),
The operation of the DF (30) and the copying machine body (1) is opened and closed,
The next cycle of copy processing is performed. This series of operations (one cycle of copying processing and stapling processing of the copy sheet on which an image has been formed) is
04) until the input value matches the input value.

[Configuration of Stack Unit and Drama Production] Next, the stack unit <160) will be explained with reference to FIG.

This stack unit (160) connects a stack box (162) to a belt (163) that is rotationally driven in forward and reverse directions by a motor (M3) via a metal fitting (164),
It can be moved up and down. In addition, a photo sensor (SE4) for detecting copy paper faces the windows (162a) formed on both sides of the stack box (162), and detects the height of the copy paper stacked in the stack box (162). It is designed to be detected.

That is, a stack of copy sheets that have been stapled is discharged from the staple tray (90) and placed in the stack box (90).
162), and the upper part is the sensor (SE4).
), the motor (M3) is driven to rotate in the direction of arrow (d), and the stack box (162) is lowered as the belt (163) rotates. Due to this lowering, the upper part of the stacked copy paper leaves the optical axis of the sensor (SE4), and when the sensor (SE4) is turned off, the motor (M3) is turned off. In this way, copy sheets are always ejected and stacked at the same height position.

[Operation Panel of Finisher Unit] Next, the operation panel of the finisher unit (50) will be explained with reference to FIG. 9.

(SWI) is the mode selection switch, (170) is the non-staple mode display LED, and (171) is the staple mode display LED. In the initial state, the non-staple mode is set, and the selection switch (SWI) is pressed once. Then, the stapling mode and non-staple mode are sequentially switched, and the display LEDs (170>, (1
71) lights up. Further, (SW3) is a manual stapling switch, and when copying is performed without using the ADF (30), stapling can be performed by turning on this switch (SW3).

When executing the stapling mode using the ADF (30), the stapling operation timing etc. can be automatically processed through communication with the control unit of the copying machine main body (1) as explained below. . When executing the staple mode without using A D F (30), first turn on the selection switch (SWI) to select the staple mode,
After copying a predetermined number of sheets, stapling is performed by turning on the switch (SW3). In order to prevent meaningless stapling during this manual stapling process, in this embodiment, the set number of copies is set. When there are two or more copies, and when there is only one copy sheet stored in the staple tray (90), stapling processing based on turning on the switch (SW3) is prohibited.

Details of such control will be explained later.

Also, (SW2) is the staple release switch.
(30) is used to cancel the staple mode by turning it on while executing the staple mode.0 For example, while copying 10 copies, staple only 8 copies and staple the remaining 2 If you want to take out the section without stapling, turn on this release switch (SW2) while the stapling mode for the 8th section is in progress.
Control is performed so that the ninth and subsequent copy sheets are discharged to the paper discharge tray (80).

Reference numeral (172) is a stack copy number display, which displays the number of set copies that have been stapled, and is incremented based on a signal from the control unit of the copying machine main body (1), and reset based on a clear signal or the like.

[Control Circuit] FIG. 10 shows the control circuit of the copying machine. 1st CPU
(1000) is a microcomputer that controls the operations of the ADF (30) and the copying machine main body (1).

Control signals to various movable elements of A D F (30) are output from the port (Q,).
A signal indicating the state of A D F (30) is input to c). The port (QD) outputs control signals to various elements of the copier main body (1), and the port (QD)
, I) receives a signal indicating the state of the copying machine body 1).

Numerical data and the like can be input to the port (Q2) from various setting buttons on the operation panel (300).

The second CPU (2000) is a microcomputer that controls the operation of the finisher unit (50).

E D (170) and (171) are connected to the port (pm) for display via a decoder (175), and a stack copy number display (172) is connected to the port (pc) via a decoder (176). has been done. The port (pn) has a roller (60).

A motor (Ml) that drives (85) and (100) is connected, and a forward/reverse driver (177) is connected to the port (PR).
A motor (
M2) is connected. Port (PF), (PG)
, (pg) are connected to a solenoid (SLI) that drives the switching member (70>), a solenoid (Sl2) that drives the stopper 95), and a solenoid (Sl3) that drives the pressing member (110), respectively. baud)
(PI) is connected to the stapler (
130) is connected. Also, ports (P,) ~ (
Switches (SWI), (Sen2), (Sen3), sensors (SE2), and (SE3) are read directly from Po).

Then, the first CP IJ (1000) and the second C
What is PU (2000)? Port (QA) and Port (PA)
ADF signal, staple signal, copy signal,
Eject signal, copy wait signal, auto reset signal,
It sends and receives all-reset signals, etc. The auto-reset signal here refers to the first CP when the auto-reset mechanism, which resets the mode of the copying machine to the initial mode after the copying effort is completed - when the copying machine is not operated for a certain period of time, is activated.
This is a signal issued from U (1000). The all-reset signal is issued from the first CPU (1000) when an all-reset mechanism that resets the mode of the copying machine to the initial mode is activated by pressing a predetermined operation button, for example, the all-reset button (303). It's a signal. Further, the predetermined operation button is not limited to the all reset button (303), and may also be used as another operation button.

[Control Procedure] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the main routine for controlling the copying machine executed by the first CPU (1000).

When the power is turned on, the first CPU (1000) is reset and the program starts. In step (Sl), the RAM and various registers built into the first CPU (1000) are cleared, and initial settings are made to initialize various movable elements.Next, in step (Sl), the internal timer is cleared. Start.

An internal timer determines the time required for each routine of this routine.

In step <S3), the state of the wait signal sent from the second CPU (2000) is determined. If the weight signal is 11'', the process directly advances to step (S7).

If the wait signal is "0.", the signal processing subroutine is executed in step (S4), the ADF control subroutine is executed in step (S5), and the copy control subroutine is executed in step (S6>), and the process proceeds to step (S7). In step (S7), the process waits for the internal timer started in step (S1>) to end, and then returns to step (S1).

The signal processing subroutine of the above step (separate) will be explained below. Note that the step (55).

The ADF control subroutine and copy control subroutine of (S6) are the same as well-known ones, and their explanation will be omitted in this embodiment.

FIG. 12 shows a signal processing subroutine that can be executed at step (S4) in FIG.

First, in step (5401) it is determined whether A D F (30) is being used. If the ADF (30) is not in use, the ADF signal is reset to "rO" in step (5403) and the process proceeds to step (5408).

If the ADF (30) is used, after setting the ADF signal to 11'' with the Ste knob (5402), use the Ste knob (5404>) to determine whether the staple signal is rO. If the staple signal is not 10, change the staple signal to rO with the Ste knob (5406).
Reset and proceed to step (5408). on the other hand,
The staple signal is “0” and the step (540
If it is determined in step 5) that one cycle of copying has not been completed, the process directly proceeds to step 08), and if one cycle of copying has been completed, the staple signal is set to "1" in step (5407). The process then proceeds to step (5408). In other words, when one cycle of copying is completed using A D F <30), the staple signal is
1. 7, and staple processing is performed.

In step (5408), it is determined whether copying is in progress.

If copying is not in progress, the copy signal is reset to "0." in step (sao9), and if copying is in progress, step <5.
410) to set the copy signal to "1",
In step (5411), it is determined whether or not the sensor (SEI) is off, and if it is off, the ejection signal is set to ``rl'' in step (5413), and if it is not off, the ejection signal is set to 10 in step <5412>. ”.

Next, in step (5414) it is determined whether or not the auto-reset mechanism has operated, and if it has not operated, step (5414)
5415), the auto-reset signal is reset to "rO", and if it is activated, the auto-reset signal is set to "11" in step (5416). Also, the next step (5
In step 417), it is determined whether or not the all reset button (303) is on-edge, and if it is on-edge, that is, the all reset button (303) has been pressed, step (5419) is performed.
The all reset signal is set to "11" at step (5418), and if it is not on edge, the all reset signal is reset to "0." and the process returns to the main routine for controlling the copying machine.

Next, FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a main routine for controlling the finisher unit (50) executed by the second CPU (2000).

When the second CPU (2000) is reset and the program starts, first, in step (510), the RAM is cleared, various registers are initialized, and initial settings are made to put each device into the initial mode. An internal timer is started in step (520).

The internal timer determines the time required for one routine of this main routine.

Next, steps (530), (540), (550
), (560), and (70), and when the processing of all subroutines is completed, the process waits for the internal timer to end in step (580), and then returns to step (520). The time length of one routine is used to count the various timers that appear in each subroutine.

Further, when there is an interrupt request from the first CPU (1000), interrupt processing is performed in step (590>).

FIG. 14 shows the auto-reset/all-reset check subroutine executed in step (530).

First, in step (5301), it is determined whether there is an auto-reset signal that can be output from the copying machine main body (1) side,
If not, in the next step (5302), copy machine body (1)
It is determined whether or not there is an all-reset signal output from the side, and if there is not, it immediately returns.

Then, step (5301> or step (5302)
), if it is determined that each signal is present, step (5303)
Then, it is determined whether the sensor (SE3) for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper in the staple tray 90) is on. If it is on (there is no copy paper), return; if it is off (there is copy paper), in step (5304) the solenoid (SL2
) to open the stopper (95) and start the timer (T4). This timer (T4) is used to determine the timing for reversing the paddle wheel (120), and in step (5305) the timer (T4) is started. When the end of T4) is confirmed, the motor (M
2. ) is off and step (530
7), turn on the motor (M2) in reverse and turn the paddle wheel <
120) in a direction opposite to the direction of arrow (c) in FIG. With the above operations, the copy paper will be placed in the staple tray (
90). In step (5308), it is determined whether or not the sensor (SE3) is on, and if it is on, that is, it is detected that there is no copy paper in the staple tray (90), the ejection flag is set to "rl" in step (5309). Then, return after turning off the solenoid (SL2) and motor (M2).

FIG. 15 shows a subroutine for canceling the stapling mode executed in step (540).

First, in step (541) it is determined whether the ADF signal is "0". If "1", A D F (30) is in use and the process goes to step (544>), and if r If it is "1°", proceed to step (544), and if not "1", set the staple mode release flag to rl in step (543).In other words, the copying machine main body (1) The number of copies set to be copied is stored in the RAM of the second Cp U (20oo).
When the ADF (30) is not in use and the set number of copies is "2" or more, the staper 2 Set a flag to cancel remote mode.

Next, in step (544) it is determined whether the ejection flag is "1", and in step (545) it is determined whether the staple mode release flag is "11J". stack box (16
1), the copy paper is set in the rIJ, and the copy paper for the subsequent copy cycle is stored in the staple tray (90).
When the stapling mode release flag is stored in the rl '', in step (546>) the operation mode is set to non-staple mode, the discharge flag is reset to rO'', and the staple mode release flag is reset to rOl.

Next, in step (547>) it is determined whether the release switch (SW2) is on-edge, and if it is on-edge, it is determined in step (S48) whether or not the staple mode is set as the operation mode, and the staple mode is set. If the settings have been completed, the staple mode release flag is set to "1" in step (549).

That is, the release switch (SW2) is enabled to accept even during copying, the staple mode release flag is set to rl, and the copy paper of the current copy cycle is stapled in steps (544) to (546). , the operation mode is changed from stapling mode to non-staple mode at the time of being accommodated in the stack box (161).

FIG. 16 shows the mode setting subroutine executed in step <550).

Here, first, in step (551) it is determined whether the mode selection switch (SWI) is on-edge, and if it is on-edge, it is determined in step (552>) whether or not the copy signal is rOl. The main body (1) is set to "11" in the copy operation. Therefore, when it is determined that the copy signal is "10" and the copy operation is not in progress, it is determined in step (553) whether or not the stapling mode is set as the operation mode. If it is not the staple mode, the staple mode is set in step (555).If it is determined in the step (553) that the staple mode is set, the non-staple mode is set in the step (554).

FIGS. 17 and 18 show the transport alignment subroutine executed in step (560).

First, in step (5601) it is determined whether the copy signal is "1", and in step (5602) it is determined whether the staple mode has been set as the operation mode.If both are YES, step (5603) is performed. solenoid(
SLI) is turned on, the switching member (70) is switched to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. 1, and the discharge flag is reset to "0".

Next, in step (5604), after confirming the on-edge ejection signal [detection of the trailing edge of the copy paper by the sensor (SEI)] that indicates the status of the sensor (SEL) installed in the paper ejection section of the copying machine main body (1), , in step (5605) the motor (Ml
) is turned on, and the motor (M2) is turned on for forward rotation.

Now the rollers (60), (85), (100)
At the same time, the paddle wheel (120) is driven to rotate normally in the direction of arrow (c).

Next, in step (5606), after confirming the off-edge of the sensor (SE2) installed in the staple path, the solenoid (SL3) is turned off in step (5607) and the timer (T1) is started. Solenoid <5
L3), the head part (1) of the presser member (110) is turned off.
10a) is retracted from the staple tray (90). Subsequently, in step <5608), the sheet number counter is counted up. This sheet number counter is incremented every time one sheet of copy paper is stored in the staple tray (90), and counts the number of sheets of copy paper stored in the staple tray (90). Then, in step (5609), the timer (T
When the completion of step 1) is confirmed, it is determined in step (5610) whether or not the alignment end flag is "Ol". If YES in both cases, the solenoid (SL3) is turned on and pressed in step (5611). The head of the finishing member (110) (
110a) into the staple tray (90);
Press the upper end of the stored copy paper.

Next, in step (5612), confirm the end of the timer (T1) again, and then in step (5613), start the motor (Ml).
), (M2) is turned off. Furthermore, step (56
14), it is determined whether or not the staple signal is 11'', and rl
, then in step (5615) the alignment end flag for performing stapling processing is set to ``rl'', the wait signal is set to ``rl'', and the copying machine is installed.1)
Prohibits the operation of If the staple signal is r□, the process returns to the main routine and moves to the next subroutine [step (570)].

On the other hand, if the determination in step (5602) is No and the non-stapling mode is to be executed, first in step (5621) the solenoid (SLI) is turned off and the switching member (70) is turned off at the - point in FIG. The discharge flag is held at the chain line position, and the discharge flag is reset to "0." Next, in step (5622), confirm that the discharge signal from the sensor (SEL) is on-edge, and then in step (562).
3), turn on the motor (Ml), and turn on the roller (60), (
85) is rotated.

Next, when it is confirmed in step (5624) that the discharge signal from the sensor (SEI) is off-edge,
In step <5625), a timer (T2) is started.

The timer (T2) is set with the time until the copy paper is ejected to the paper ejection tray (80), and the timer (T2)
When the end of this timer (T2) is confirmed in step 6) and it is determined that the copy signal is "r□" in the following step (5627), the motor (Ml) is turned off in step (5628) and this subroutine is executed. finish.

FIG. 19 shows a staple/stack processing subroutine that can be executed in step <570) of the main routine.

First, in step (5701) it is determined whether the copy flag is r□, and if it is set to rl, step (
5707), and if it has been reset to r
It is determined whether the DF signal is "r□". rl, then A
D F (30) is in use and step (570
7), and if it is "0.", it is not used, so in step (5703), turn on the manual staple switch (S).
W3) is on-edge. If it is on-edge, that is, when the operator inputs the execution of stapling processing, it is determined in step (5704> whether the sheet number counter has been set to "2" or more. If the sheet number counter is "1" or ' When the value is 0', the number of copies in the staple tray (90) is 1 or 0, and the stapling process in such a case is meaningless, so even if the switch (SW3) is turned on, the stapling process will not be performed. To prohibit processing, a timer (step 3) is set in step <5705).
>Set the flag to "rl" and set the timer (T3)
is started, and the matching completion flag is set to 11'' in step <5706>.

On the other hand, if the sheet number counter is "2" or more, the alignment end flag is set to "11" in step (5706) to execute the stapling process.

Next, in step <5707), the matching end flag is set to rl.

It is determined whether or not the timer (T3
) 7 lag is "Ol". If both are YES, that is, when the alignment of the copy paper in the staple tray (90) is completed, the timer (
T3) Set the flag to “1” and use the ° stapler (13
0) and bind the copy paper. Note that this stapler operation signal is momentarily turned off. At the same time, the timer (T3
). The timer (T3) has a stopper (95
), and when the end of the timer (T3) is confirmed in step (5710),
In step (5711), it is determined whether the solenoid (SL2) is turned off. If it is off, step (5
712), the solenoid ('5L2) is turned on, the stopper (95) is opened, and the timer (T4) is started.

Note that if the determination in step (5704) is NO and the stapling process is prohibited, step (570
9) is never executed, and steps (5711) and (5712) are executed when the timer (T3) expires.

When the solenoid (SL2) is turned on, a stapled copy paper or a copy paper for which stapling is prohibited begins to be folded. The timer (T4) is set using the paddle wheel (12
This is to determine the timing for reversing the motor (M2), and when it is confirmed in step (5713) that the timer (T4) has ended, in step (5714) it is confirmed that the motor (M2) is turned off. In step (5715), the motor (M2) is turned on in reverse, and the paddle wheel (120) is rotated in the opposite direction to the arrow (c). As a result, the copy paper falls while turning to the right in FIG. 2, and the stapled portion avoids the stapling position (D) and is ejected from the staple tray (90).

Next, in step (5716) the staple tray (90
) is on or not, and if it is on, that is, when it is detected that the copy paper has been ejected from the staple tray (90), step (5717) is the timer (T3) flag.

Reset the matching completion flag and wait signal to r□,
Set the discharge flag to ``rl'' and set the solenoid (
SL2) Turn off the motor (M2), count up, display the number of stacked copies on the display (172), and clear the number of copies counter.

[Staple Operation Mode] By the way, in this embodiment, when performing stapling processing, there are an auto staple mode and a manual staple mode as operation modes that can be selected by the operator.

(Auto stapling mode) In auto stapling mode, the operator can use the ADF (3
This is for stapling using 0).
A predetermined number of copies of the original document conveyed by the ADF (30) are automatically stapled, and the documents are discharged to the stack unit (160). To briefly explain the processing procedure in this case, first, since the ADF (30) is used, the ADF
The staple signal is set to 11'', and then, in step (5407) after one cycle of copying, the staple signal is also set to 11.
” can be set. Then, the alignment end flag is set in rIJ in step (5615) of the conveyance alignment routine in FIG. Press the stopper (9) for paper ejection.
5) is canceled.

That is, in the auto stapling mode, the above process is automatically performed a predetermined number of times.

(Manual stapling mode) In manual stapling mode, the operator does not use the ADF (30), but instead places the originals one by one on the original platen glass (
9) Copies are made by replacing the paper on top of the paper and stapling them. First, the operator's operations are as follows:
After selecting the stapling mode using the mode selection switch (SWI), copies for stapling are made.

Then, by pressing the manual stapling switch (SW3), the stapling process and the staple tray (90) are performed.
Evacuation takes place. To outline the processing procedure in this case using a flowchart, first, the ADF (30
) is not used, so step (540
In 3), the ADF signal is reset to 10''. After copying is completed, press the manual stapling switch (SW3) for stapling processing, and the step (570) shown in FIG.
If YES is determined in 3) and two or more sheets of copy paper are stored in the staple tray (90>), then [
YES in step (5704)], step <5706
), the matching completion flag is set to 11''.

As a result, after being stapled in step (5709), in step (5712) the paper ejection stopper (95)
) is released, and the manual stapling mode is completed.

However, in such manual stapling mode,
As described above, a control system is employed to prevent meaningless stapling operations caused by operator errors. One of them is when the staple tray (90) contains only one sheet of copy paper, the switch (SW
3) is pressed, and at this time, even if it is determined YES in step (5703) in FIG. 19, step (5703) is pressed.
704), the determination is NO, and the timer (T3) flag is set to rl in step (5705).

By setting it to , subsequent steps (5709
), the stapling process is not executed and the copy paper is ejected as is.

Another control is to prohibit stapling in advance when the set number of copies is "2" or more.

That is, in step (S42) of FIG. 15, the set number of sheets is "1".
”, the staple mode release flag is set to “1” in step (543), and the operation mode is automatically changed to non-staple mode in the subsequent step (546). Therefore, in the transport alignment routine of FIG. 17, the determination in step <5602) is No.
Copy paper ejected from the copier main body (1) is placed in the output tray (
80), and as a result, stapling processing by the signal from the switch (SW3) is prohibited.

[Modified example] In the above embodiment, when the copy paper left in the staple tray (90) is discharged by the auto-reset mechanism or the all-reset mechanism during the manual stapling mode, the stapling process is performed as shown in FIG. The control system is such that it is discharged as is. but,
If the copy sheets in the staple tray (90) are ejected as they are in this way, there is a risk that the copy sheets will come apart. Therefore, a control method that performs stapling processing before ejecting the copy paper will be described as a modified example. In this control system, the routine shown in FIG. 20 is used instead of the auto-reset/all-reset check routine shown in FIG. 14. The routine in FIG. 20 performs the staple processing shown in FIG. 19 from step (5304) in FIG.
This is a replacement for the processing after step (5708) of the stack routine.

However, the count up and count display processing in step (5717) is omitted because it is the processing in the auto stapling mode. In other words, if the routine shown in FIG. 20 is used, when the auto-reset signal or all-reset signal is detected, the copy sheets in the staple tray (90) will be stapled in step (5311) as in the auto-stapling mode. After being processed, it will be discharged to the stack unit (160).

On the other hand, in the above embodiment, the manual stapling process was performed by pressing the switch (SW3) provided on the operation panel, but instead of providing a dedicated switch, for example, pressing the mode selection switch (SWI) In other words, the switch after selecting the stapling mode (
The stapling process may be executed based on the ON operation of SWI. In addition, the staple tray (9
0)), or set up a separate counter to display the number of sheets accommodated in
A display may be provided to display whether or not manual stapling can be accepted.

Effects of the Invention As is clear from the above explanation, according to the present invention, when the number of sheets stored in the tray is "1" or less, the stapling process is prohibited by the signal from the switch means.
It is possible to prevent a problem in which stapling is performed on one sheet of paper due to an error, and wasteful use of staples is also eliminated.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

The drawings show an embodiment of the copying machine according to the present invention, in which FIG. 1 is a sectional view showing the internal structure of the finisher unit, FIG. 2 is a view taken in the direction of arrow E in FIG. 1, and FIG. A perspective view, FIGS. 4 and 5 are cross-sectional views for explaining the state of copy paper conveyance to the staple tray, FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a state in which a stack unit is attached to a finisher unit, and FIG.
The figure is a schematic sectional view showing the finisher unit connected to the copying machine main body, Figure 8 is a plan view of the operation panel of the copying machine body, Figure 9 is a plan view of the operation panel of the finisher unit, and Figure 10 is the control The block diagrams of the circuit and FIGS. 11 to 20 are flow tilt diagrams showing the control procedure. (1) Copy m main body, (50) Finisher unit, (90) Staple tray, (91
)...Substrate, (95)...Stopper, (130)...
... Stapler, (304) ... Number button, (SW
I)...Mode selection switch, (SW3)...Manual stapling switch.

Claims (1)

[Scope of Claims] 1. A copying machine main body, a paper storage device that accommodates and aligns sheets discharged from the copying machine main body, performs stapling processing, and discharges the sheets, and a paper storage device that staples the sheets in the paper storage device. a switch means for generating a signal for executing a process; a means for counting the number of sheets of paper stored in a stapling tray; and a switch means for counting the number of sheets of paper stored in a stapling tray; A copying machine characterized by comprising: means for prohibiting stapling processing using a signal from the copying machine.