JPH02123074A - Picture forming device - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To enable copy efficiency to be improved omitting complicated action of a user by enabling both operations to be executed of binding and work except binding two or more sheets forming a picture further performing only the operation except binding in case of the sheet in a single sheet. CONSTITUTION:A finisher unit 50 is actuated in non-stable and stable modes and stable + stamp mode, being selected by a selector key 330 on a control panel 300. That is, the mode is selected with the stable mode when a displayed LED330a is turned on and the stamp mode when 330b is turned on, and the stamp mode can be selected only with the stable mode, when both the LED are turned off, the non-stable mode is selected. In the non-stable mode, a discharge copying paper is received onto a tray 80 and sorted in every number of copies. In the stable mode, a copying paper bundle is received to a binding cage 220. While in the stamp mode, the uppermost page in a group of copying paper is stamped immediately after a stable process, when the copying paper on the tray is a single sheet, a stabler 190 is not actuated.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] (Industrial application field) The present invention relates to image forming apparatuses such as copying machines and printers.

[Prior Art] A sheet +- on which an image is formed in a copying machine, a printer, etc. is sometimes collected and compacted in a plurality of sheets.

In addition, sheets with images formed in this way have "secret",
Various processes may be performed, such as stamping "circulation" or punching holes. Conventionally, such processes such as ruffling and stamping of sheets have been performed separately. As a means for automatically compacting sheets, a method is known that aligns and staples a plurality of sheets on which images have been formed, as disclosed in, for example, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 59-43765. There is.

Further, as a stamp means, for example, JP-A-55-15
As disclosed in Japanese Patent No. 150, a copying machine is known in which a stamper is provided at a position past the fixing device within the main body of the copying machine, and a stamp is stamped there.

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, if only one of the sheet compacting means and other processing means is provided, and it is desired to perform both sheet binding operation and other processing operation, It's extremely inconvenient. What can be considered, for example, is to provide an image forming apparatus that is equipped with a sheet binding means and a stamping means and can operate both of these means together. In the case where a mode in which both the sheets are operated is selected, there is a problem as to how to process a plurality of sheets on which images are formed, when only one sheet is present. That is, if there is only one sheet, there is no need to perform a sheet binding operation, and a stamp operation is sufficient. This is true not only when the sheet binding means and stamping means are combined, but also when combining the sheet binding means and other processing means, such as punching and paper folding. If there is only one sheet, only the sheet IJ operation is unnecessary.

Therefore, the present invention aims to provide an image forming apparatus having the following advantages.

In other words, it is possible to perform both the operation of binding multiple sheets on which images have been formed and the operation of performing processing other than sheet binding on the sheets, and even if the re-operation mode is selected, even if a single sheet is If only the sheets are bound together, unnecessary binding operations are not performed and only other processing operations are performed, thereby omitting troublesome operations for the user and improving copy efficiency. This is an image forming apparatus that can prevent wasteful use.

[Means to solve the problem]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides: a tray for storing sheets on which images are formed; a spooling means for binding a plurality of sheets stored in the tray; processing means for performing processing other than slurping; selection means for selecting a mode in which the ruffling means and the processing means operate together on the sheet accommodated in the tray; and in the mode selected by the selection means,
It is characterized by comprising: means for operating both the crimp means and the processing means when a plurality of sheets are stored in the tray, and means for operating only the processing means when there is only one sheet. The present invention provides an image forming apparatus.

[Function] According to the image forming apparatus of the present invention, when the selection means selects the mode in which the sheet processing means and the processing means operate together, the plurality of sheets on which images have been formed are bound by the binding means. The sheet can be subjected to predetermined processing by a processing means. Further, even if such a mode in which both means are operated together is selected, if there is only one sheet on which an image is formed, the sheet 1 [the same means is not operated and only the processing means is operated.

〔Example〕

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 shows a copying machine as an example of an image forming apparatus.
This copying machine includes a finisher unit 50 that is removably attached to the main body of the copying machine.

[Copy machine body]

The copying machine main body 1 shown in FIG.
30 (denoted as H) is attached.

Inside the copying machine main body 1, there is a photosensitive drum 2 that can be rotated in the direction of arrow a, an optical system 3, and a charger 4.
, developing device 5, transfer charger 6, cleaning device 7
, an eraser lamp 8, and other image forming elements are arranged.

The optical system 3 scans the document on the document table glass 9 and exposes the photosensitive drum 2 charged by the charger 4 with an image. As a result, an electrostatic latent image is formed on the drum 2, and this latent image is developed with toner by the developing device 5, reaches the transfer charger 6, and is transferred to copy paper there. After the toner image is transferred, the drum 2 is cleaned by a device 7 and erased by a lamp 8.

Copy sheets are stored in automatic paper feed cassettes 10.11, and are selectively fed one by one from either cassette 10.11, and formed on the outer peripheral surface of the photoreceptor drum 2 by a pair of timing rollers 15. The transfer unit 2 is synchronized with the toner image.
transported to a. After the toner image has been transferred, the copy paper is conveyed by a conveyor belt 16 to a fixing device 17 where the toner is fixed, and is discharged from a pair of discharge rollers 18.

At this time, the copy paper is detected by a sensor SEI (see FIG. 2) provided immediately before the ejection roller pair 18.

RI) H30 has a document tray 31 and a paper feed belt 3.
2, a pair of paper feeding rollers 33, a reversing guide plate 34, a conveying belt 35, a reversing roller 36, and a pair of discharge rollers 37. The RD H30 circulates and conveys originals in order from the last page.The originals are placed on the tray 31 with the back side of the last page facing down, and the last page is pulled out by the rotation of the paper feed belt 32, and the paper is fed. From the roller pair 33 through the reversing guide plate 34, the transport heald 35 and the original platen glass 9 are transferred.
sent between. Next, by rotation of the conveyor belt 35, the document is set at a predetermined position on the document table glass 9, and is irradiated with light by the optical system 3. After image exposure, the original is transferred to the transport heald 35
The document is conveyed from the document table glass 9 to the right in FIG. Ru.

The number of originals and number of copies are determined by the copying machine body and R described later.
This can be input using the numeric keypad on the operation panel on the DH, and each time the copying of the - group of originals is completed, the paper output tray 80 is shifted or stabilized as described below.
In order to execute the stamping process, a group of documents is conveyed in a circular manner for the set number of copies while the copying operation is interrupted, as described above.

The finisher unit 50 selectively stores the copy paper ejected from the copying machine main body 1 on the paper ejection tray 80 or
The sheets are stored in a stable tray 150, aligned, and stapled using a stapler 190. Therefore, the RD
When copying a plurality of copies using the H30 and performing stable processing, stable processing, and stamp processing, the copying machines are sequentially accommodated in the stable tray 150, and the originals from the copying machine main body 1 are After one cycle of copying completion signals is issued and the alignment of the final copy sheets is completed, the stapler 190 or the stapler 190 and the standber 200A are operated to staple or crimp the copy sheets and stamp them. The bound copies are stored in a packet or stack basket 220.

? +4 configuration of finisher unit) Next, regarding the configuration of the finisher unit 50,
This will be explained with reference to the figures and subsequent figures.

The finisher unit 50 includes rollers 60 and 61 for receiving and receiving copy sheets, a switching member 70 for switching the conveyance path, a paper ejection tray 80, and a roller 60, 61 for receiving copy sheets, a switching member 70 for switching the conveyance path, a paper ejection tray 80, and a roller 60, 61 for receiving copy sheets. A shift block 90 that shifts the tray 80 in a direction perpendicular to the paper ejection direction, and a shift block 90 that shifts the paper ejection tray 80 intermittently to keep the amount of drop of the copy paper approximately constant when it is stored in the paper ejection tray 80. A stable tray 150 having a stable function and a stamp function is provided, and a guide plate 215 is provided for guiding the stack of copy sheets while dropping them under their own weight from the tray 150 to the packet 22o.

The receiving part for copy paper is a driving roller 6o and a driven roller 61.
In addition, guide plates 62 and 63 opposing the discharge roller pair 18
The finisher unit 50 further includes the switching member 7o and guide plates 64, 69, 91,
A sensor SE2 is installed to detect copy sheets discharged to the paper discharge tray 8o.

The switching member 70 has a beak shape and is rotatably attached around a support shaft 71 as a fulcrum.

Each time a solenoid SLX (see FIG. 7) connected to an arm (not shown) provided at the end of the support shaft 71 is turned on, the member 70 is moved against a spring acting on the arm (not shown) as indicated by the solid line in FIG. Rotate from the position to the dotted line position.

When in the solid line position, the upper surface 70a guides the copy paper toward the paper discharge tray 80, and when switched to the dotted line position, the curved surface 70b guides the copy paper toward the stable tray 150.

The copy paper is ejected to the ejection tray 80 by a ejection roller 95 driven by a transport motor MX (see Fig. 7), not shown in FIG. 2, and a plurality of balls 67 in contact with this roller under its own weight. The ejected copy sheets are aligned by a plurality of paddles 99 mounted coaxially with the eject roller 95. The paddle 99 has flexible blade members arranged radially, and when rotated in the clockwise direction in FIG. The back plate 7 applies biasing force and fixes the rear end of the copy paper.
5 and align.

In this unit, the paper output tray 80 is
The copy sheets are sorted by shifting at a predetermined timing. For this reason, the paddle 99, which is in constant contact with the trailing edge of the ejected copy paper, is moved so as not to disturb the alignment of the copy paper.
It is necessary to shift in conjunction with the shift operation. Therefore, the paddle 99 and the discharge roller 95 are configured to be integrally shiftable.

As shown in FIG. 2, the paper discharge tray 80 has a plurality of protrusions 80a extending in the paper discharge direction on its surface, and is mounted via a holding plate 85 on a shift frame 200 that constitutes a shift block. I'm getting lost. The rear end of the paper discharge tray 80 faces the upper part of the fixed back plate 75, and the actuator 86 of the sensor SE3 is located directly above it. The actuator 86 is rotatably attached to the shaft 88 integrally with the lever 87,
The lower end of the lever 87 normally blocks the optical axis of the senna SE3. When the number of copies stored on the paper output tray 80 increases and the top surface of the copies pushes up the actuator 86, the lever 87 rotates together with the actuator 86 in the counterclockwise direction in FIG. 2 about the shaft 88. and lever 87
The lower end of the sensor SE3 opens the optical axis of the sensor SE3. With this, the top surface level of the copy paper is detected, and the nilevate block 13
0 to lower the paper discharge tray 80.

The rebate block 130 supports the shift block 90 and moves the paper discharge tray 80 up and down.

As shown in FIG. 3, the elevating frame 131 that supports the shift frame 100 in a shiftable manner has rollers 136 rotatably mounted on both sides thereof mounted on the inside of a guide frame 140, 140 fixed to the main body frame (not shown). By engaging, it is possible to move up and down. Further, this elevating frame 131 includes a binion 13 fixed to a support shaft 137.
B, 138 is installed. This pinion 138.1
38 meshes with racks 140a and 14Qa formed on the lifting guide frames 140 and 140, and is rotationally driven by an lifting motor MS (see FIG. 7) that can be driven in forward and backward directions, not shown in FIG. The elevating frame 131 moves up and down together with the shift frame 100 and the paper discharge tray 80.

Below the Nilevate block 130 are sensors SE5 and S.
E6 is installed. The sensors SE5 and SE6 are activated when their optical axes are blocked by the corner 131b of the lowered elevating frame 131.

When the sensor SE5 operates, it means that the paper ejection tray 80 is full of copy paper, and a signal that it cannot accommodate the paper is sent to the copying machine main body l.
and displays to remove the copy paper from the paper ejection tray 80 if necessary.

Further, the elevating frame 131 can be lowered until the corner 131b is detected by the sensor SE6 in order to operate the stand bar 200A.

[Stamp function]

Here, the stamp function will be explained.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the standber 200A stamps predetermined characters such as "Secret", "Circulate", etc. on the copy paper stored in the stable tray 150, which will be described in detail below. It is for. This stand bar is provided so as to face a stamp holder 300 provided at one end of a substrate 151 of a stable tray 150 on the copy paper alignment reference side, which will be described later, and is driven by an elevating frame 131. The stamp 200 constituting the standber 200A has a printing surface 2
00a in the direction of the arrow e, and the pin 201 is guided by the guide hole 209 of the frame (not shown) in the direction of the arrow e.
It is installed so that it can be moved in any direction.

Links 202 and 203 connected by pin 204 are connected to this stamp 200, and link 203 is connected to pin 2.
It is rotatably supported by a frame (not shown) at 05, and is always urged upward by a torsion coil spring 206.

A protrusion 13 is provided on the horizontal guide portion 131a of the elevating frame 131 that supports the shift frame lOO of the shift block.
5 is fixed, which presses the pin 204 and stamp 2
00 in the direction of arrow e, the stable tray 150
Print on the copy paper inside. The printing operation is performed by the stapler 19 when stable and stamp modes are selected.
It is controlled so that it is performed immediately after the strut action by 0,
Simultaneously with printing, the sensor SE6 operates, so that the lifting motor MS is driven in the reverse direction, and the lifting frame 131 is raised and returned to its original position. Then, the links 202 and 203, which are no longer pressed by the protrusion 135, are rotated upward by the spring force of the torsion coil spring 206, and the stamp 200 returns to its initial position.

Note that the stamper is not limited to the above-mentioned ones,
If desired, other configurations may be used, for example, the stamp may be driven by a solenoid.

[Stable tray]

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, the stable tray 150 includes a substrate 151, a guide plate 155, and a stopper 160.
It is installed in an upright position with a slight incline.

A stamp holder 300 is provided on one side of the substrate 151 so as to face the stamp 200 .

The stamp holder is arranged so that there is no problem in receiving copy sheets into the tray 150, aligning the sheets, and discharging the sheets from the tray.
It is made of a soft elastic material with a low coefficient of friction μ against the copy paper, and has a smooth surface, and its surface height is made to substantially match the tray surface height so as not to protrude above the tray surface.

To explain the stamp holder in more detail, in the illustrated example, a polyester sheet 302, commonly known as a Mylar sheet, is adhered to a soft sponge 301.

Note that the stamp holder is not limited to the one described above, and if necessary, it can be made of silicone rubber, a rubber material and a mylar sheet attached to it, or a suitable soft material coated with a low friction coefficient paint. In short, if it is made of a soft material that allows clear stamping without being affected by the slight inclination of the standber 20OA, the curl of the copy paper, the thickness of the stack of copy paper, etc. good.

Since the coefficient of friction between sheets of paper is about 0.3 to 0.7, usually about 0.4, the coefficient of friction μ between the surface of the stamp holder and the copy paper in contact with it is about 0. It is preferably 4 or less, more preferably about 0.3 or less. The μ between the Mylar sheet 302 and the copy paper in the illustrated example is approximately 0.2.
~0.3.

The stopper 160 is for regulating the lower part of the copy paper stored in the stable tray 150, and is rotatably supported by a support shaft 161, and is connected to a discharge solenoid SLC (see FIG. 7) not shown in FIG. connected. This stopper 160 normally engages with the lower part of the guide plate 155 to close the bottom of the stable tray 150 when the discharge solenoid SLC is turned off. When the discharge solenoid is turned on, the stopper 160 rotates about the support shaft 161 in the direction of arrow f to open the bottom of the stable tray 150.

Further, at the bottom of the stable tray 150, a paddle wheel 180 for aligning the stored copy papers, a stapler 190 for binding a plurality of copy papers, and a guide roller 19 are provided.
5 and a sensor SE7 for detecting the presence or absence of copy paper. As shown in FIG. 5, the paddle wheel 180 has flexible blade members 182 radially attached around a support shaft 181, and a motor MA not shown in FIG.
(See FIG. 7) to rotate in the direction of arrow g. As a result, the blade member 182 slides against the copy paper, causing the copy paper fed into the stable tray 150 by its own weight to fall one by one to the stopper lower end regulating portion 160a, and to contact the side plate (not shown). Apply force in one direction and align.

The stapler 190 is shown in phantom lines in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is of a known electric type; here, an electric motor-driven stapler made by MAX is used. The stable needle holder is a base]・Brim 160
The stable tray 15 is installed on the same plane as the stable tray 15.
Bind the corners of the stack of copy sheets accommodated and aligned within the 0. In addition,
Staplers other than those shown in this example can also be used as appropriate.

The guide roller 195 is rotatably attached to the guide (155)/at the bottom of the bar 196,
To prevent the leading edge of a stack of paper from bulging when stored. The upper part of the guide plate 155 is extended to the vicinity of the switching member 70, and guides the copy paper to the stable tray 150 with the guide Vi69. Immediately above the stable tray 150, conveyance rollers 165 and 166 for feeding copy sheets into the stable tray 150 and a sensor SE4 for detecting and counting the fed copy sheets are installed.

Furthermore, the guide plate 155 has a regulating lever 1, 56.15.
7 and a copy paper static elimination brush 158 are installed.

Regulation levers 156 and 157 are solenoids SLI and SL2.
By turning on, it enters the stable tray 150,
It can be rotated to the position shown by the dotted line in FIG. 1, and this prevents the copy paper from falling down and prevents the page alignment from being disturbed. Therefore, the regulating levers 156 and 157 correspond to the size of the copy paper that can be stably processed, and are set at positions that regulate the upper end portion of the copy paper stored in the stable tray 150.

Next, a configuration for discharging the stable copy paper from the stable tray 150 will be described.

Frame 21 installed inside finisher unit 50
．． A protruding piece 211 is attached to the fourth plate at a position facing the lower part of the copy paper stored in the stable tray 150.
- As shown in the figure, a long hole 160b corresponding to the protruding piece 211 is formed in the stopper I60. Therefore, when the stopper 160 rotates in the direction of arrow f to open the bottom of the stable tray 150 after stable processing, the protrusion 211
protrudes from the elongated hole 160b and regulates the lower part of the copy paper.

This is to prevent the lower part of the copy paper from moving in the direction of the arrow f while contacting the lower end regulating portion 160a of the stopper 1.60 when the stopper 160 is opened, thereby preventing an ejection failure from occurring. Therefore, the regulating surface of the protruding piece 211 is an inclined surface so as to guide the copy paper in the ejection direction.

Further, the stabilized copy paper is guided by a guide plate 215 and discharged to a packet or stack basket 220 (see FIG. 1).

(Operation Panel and Control Circuit) Next, the operation panel provided on the main body of the copying machine will be explained.

As shown in FIG. 6a, this operation panel 300 includes the following operation keys and display light emitting diodes (+).

ED).

301...Print key to be operated when starting copying 302...7-segment display section that displays the number of copies and the status of the copying machine, 305.306...Up-down key 307 for setting image density . . . Interrupt key, 308 . . . Clear stop key for canceling the setting or stopping copying operation 309 . . . Paper size selection keys 309 a to 309 d . . . Display section for selected paper size, 311 to 320...Numeric keypad for setting the number of copies, 33
0...Finishing mode selection key (key to select menstable mode, stable mode, staple + stamp mode) 330a...
・Display section that displays that the stable mode is selected, 330b...Display section that displays that the stamp mode is selected, 340...Store the paper in the stable tray 150 from the tray. An ejection key operated when ejecting paper without using a table, etc. 340a: A display unit indicating that the paper is being ejected from the tray 150.

Next, the operation panel on the RDH 30 will be explained.

RD) (The operation panel 350 on the 30 is equipped with a numeric keypad 351 for manually inputting the number of originals, a display section 352 for displaying the number of inserted originals, and a cancel key 353 for canceling the display. Note that inputting the number of originals set using the numeric keypad 351 is
This only applies when an original is set on the tray 31 of the DH 30, and therefore a sensor (not shown) is installed on the tray 31 to detect the presence or absence of an original.

Next, the control circuits of the copying machine main body and finisher unit will be explained with reference to FIG.

This control circuit is centered around a microcomputer, and includes a main body side microcomputer CPU1 (hereinafter simply referred to as rcPtJl), a finisher side microcomputer CPU2 (hereinafter simply referred to as rcPU2.), etc. panel 300
Various key switches on the top 301.302.305-309
．． A switch matrix 202 such as 3°11 to 320.330.340 is connected to the display segment 302 via this matrix 202 and a decoder 205.
is connected.

Also, from the output boat, the main motor inside the copying machine,
On/off signals are output to the developing motor, etc.

The CPU 2 port has a stable tray 15.
A sensor SE7 detects the absence of paper in 0, a sensor SE4 detects paper heading towards the stable tray 150 (sensor SE4 detecting paper in the general transport path, a sensor SE2 in the paper transport path heading towards the paper ejection tray 80, a stamp to be described later) Sensors SE6 that detect the lowering limit of the lifting frame corner portion 131b in the mode are connected to each other.A tray 80 is connected to the output boat.
A transport motor MX for discharging the copied paper, a motor for the stapler 190, and a stable tray 150 or paper discharge tray 80 for discharging the copied paper sent from the main body of the copying machine.
a solenoid SLX that drives a switching member 70 that guides the switching, a motor MS that drives a standby bar 20OA,
Discharge solenoid 5LC1 alignment paddle wheel drive motor M for opening bottom 160 of stable tray 150
On/off signals are output to A, etc.

In addition, the clock terminal SCK for data sampling and output of CPU 1, interrupt output terminal PCO, data output terminal 5OUT, and data input terminal SIN are connected to CP t.
J2 clock input terminal SCK, interrupt output terminal I
NT, data input terminal SIN and data output terminal 5O
tJT respectively.

A copying operation in the copying machine main body 1 is started by pressing the print key 301 on the operation panel 300. The subsequent copying operations are as described above. In addition, in the copying operation, the paper selected by the key 309 is used, and according to the number of original sheets set by the numeric keypad 351G on the operation panel 350 of the RDH 30 (R
(when using DH), numeric keypad 31 on main unit operation panel 300
The number of copies set from 1 to 320 is copied.

[Operating Mode of Finisher Unit] The finisher unit 50 having the above-described configuration can operate in a non-stable mode, a stable mode, and a stable stamp mode.

These modes can be selected using the selection keys on the operation panel 300 (
rotation key) 330. Display LE
When D330a is lit, stable mode is selected, and when display f and E D 330b are lit, stamp mode is selected. Note that in this embodiment, the LED 330b does not light up unless the ED 330a is lit. In other words, stamp mode can only be selected together with stable mode, and 1
, this has been clarified. , LED33oa and 3
When both 30b are off, the non-stable mode is selected.

The non-stable mode is an operation mode in which copy sheets discharged from the copying machine main body 1 are stored on the paper discharge tray 80. At this time, the switching member 70 is held at the solid line position in FIG. 2, and the copy paper is ejected onto the paper ejection tray 80 from between the ejection roller 95 driven by the transport motor MX (see FIG. 7) and the ball 67. Alignment is performed based on the rotation of the paddle 99. Then, each time the sensor SE3 detects the top surface of the stored copy paper, the nilevate block 130
operates as described above, and maintains the height between the nip portion of the ejection roller 95 and the ball 67 and the top surface of the copy sheet at a substantially constant level.

The shift operation of the paper output tray 80 by the shift block 90 is automatically executed by setting the number of copies to "2" or more, or by setting the number of copies to "2 or more" using the RDH 30. At this time, when the copying process for one copy is completed and the ejection of the final copy sheet is detected by the sensor SE2, the ejection tray 80 is shifted left and right,
Copy paper is sorted by number of copies.

In the stable mode, copy sheets discharged from the copying machine main body 1 are stored on the stable tray 150, aligned with the paddle wheel 180, and the stapler 190 is operated to staple the bundle of copy sheets, thereby producing bound copies. Stack paper basket 2
This is an operation mode accommodated in 20. At this time, the switching member 70 is set to the dotted line position in FIG. 2 by turning on the solenoid S L
6 into the stable tray 150 and aligned by rotation of the paddle wheel 180. And R
When the DH30 is in use, the stapler 190 is driven automatically after the final copy sheet has been aligned with a group of documents, and when the RDH30 is not in use, when the eject key 340 on the operation panel is pressed, the stapler 190 is driven and then Stopper 16
0 is opened by turning on the discharge solenoid SLC (see FIG. 7), and the copy paper falls downward and is discharged.

Stamp mode means that the stamper 200A stamps the top page of a group of copy sheets stored in the stable tray 150.
This is an operation mode in which a stamp is stamped in the stamp mode, and it can be executed together with the stable mode, and the stamp operation is performed immediately after the stable process when the ejection key 340 is turned on. in this case,
Nilevate block 1 is activated by motor MS (see Figure 7).
30 is operated to raise and lower the elevating frame 1 together with the paper ejection tray 80.
31 is lowered until its corner 131b is detected by the sensor SE6, and the stamp 200 is moved and printed by the linked operation of the links 202 and 203. At this time, the stamp holder 300 supports the back side of the stack of copy sheets, contributing to clear stamping. Stopper 160 is opened after the stamping operation.

In this embodiment, in the stable mode (including the stable+stamp mode), when the number of copies on the stable tray 150 reaches the capacity that the tray can accommodate, even in the stable mode. Regardless, the solenoid SLX is turned off, the switching member 70 is returned to the position shown by the solid line in FIG. In this state, copying can be continued according to the number of original sheets. Furthermore, if the ejection key 340 is pressed in this state, the stapler 190 and standber 200A will not operate;
The stopper 160 immediately opens and the copy paper in the tray is ejected as is. Therefore, later, this copy paper and the copy paper on the paper discharge tray 80 can be appropriately matched, bound and stamped as necessary.

Further, when the staple + stamp mode is selected and there is only one sheet of copy paper on the tray, the stapler 190 does not operate, only the standber 200A operates, and after the standber 200A operates, the stopper 160 When opened, a single stamped copy of the tray is ejected.

Next, the operations of the microcomputers CPU1 and CPU2 will be explained. In the following description, the letter "S" and the number following it indicate the steps of the operation flowchart in the CPUI and CPU2.

First, the operation of the CPUI will be explained based on the flowcharts shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

Figure 8 shows the main routine controlled by the CPU.According to this routine, when the CPU is reset and the program is started, the RA, M
Initializes the microcomputer, such as clearing the data, setting various registers, and initializing the copying machine to its initial state.

Next, an internal timer built into the CPUI and whose value has been set by the initial setting is started at 82.

After that, from 83 to S6, subroutines are sequentially called,
When all the subroutine processing is completed, the routine waits for the first set internal timer to end at step 37, and the routine ends, and the process returns to S2.

Note that S3 indicates a finishing mode selection routine, S4 a stapling operation determination routine, S5 a copying operation routine, and S6 a communication routine with the CPU 2.

Next, the finishing mode selection routine will be explained with reference to FIG. First, in S31, it is determined whether or not a copying operation is in progress, and if a copying operation is in progress, the process immediately returns to the main routine.

When the copying operation is not in progress, it is determined in S32 whether the finishing mode selection key 330 is on-edge or not. If it is not on-edge, the process returns to the main routine, but when it is on-edge, it is determined in S33 whether the display LED 330a is on. Here, when the LED 330a is on, it is determined in S34 whether the display LED 330b is on,
LEDs 330a and 330b at 335 when on
Turn off. If the LED 330b is not turned on in S34, it is determined in 336 whether the stamper is set, and if it is not set, the process advances to S35, but if it is set, the LED 330b is turned on in S37.
Turn on.

Also, if the LED 330a is not on at 333, the 333
Proceed to step 8, where it is determined whether or not the stapler is set, and if it is not set, the process returns to the main routine, but if it is set, LE is sent in S39.
Turn on D330a.

Note that when turning on LED330b in S37, ED330a has already been turned on in S33, and LED330a is already turned on in S33.
Turning on D330b is based on the premise that LED330a is turning on. In other words, when the stamp mode is selected, the staple mode is always selected at the same time.

In addition, in the stapler S38, if the stapler is not set, even if the key 330 is pressed, the LED 330
a is not turned on. Similarly, in 336, if the stamper is not set in the stapler, even if the key 330 is pressed, the LED 330b will not turn on, and the LED 330b will not turn on.
0 It only turns off a.

In other words, if the finisher unit is not installed in the main body, no matter how many times you press the key 330, you will not be able to select the staple mode or stamp mode. If the stamper is not attached, the stamp mode will not be selected, and only either the staple mode or the non-staple mode will be selected by operating the key 330.

Next, the stapling operation determination routine will be explained with reference to FIG. 1O.

mass, determine whether the ejection key 340 is on edge in S41,
If the ejection key 340 is not on, the process immediately returns to the main routine.

If it is on-edge, it is determined in S42 whether the LED 330b is on or off. If the LED 330b is on, that is, the stapling mode is selected, the process proceeds to 343, and if it is off, that is, the non-stable mode is selected, the process proceeds to S44.

In S43, it is determined whether a capacity over flag, which will be described later, has been set. If the capacity over flag is 0°, that is, if the number of sheets accommodated does not exceed the permissible number, the staple flag for stapling is set to 0 in S45.

If the capacity over flag is 1'° in 343, or if the L-D330b is off in S42, that is, the number of sheets accommodated exceeds the allowable number in the staple mode, or
or S4 if non-stable mode is selected.
In Step 4, set the non-stable ejection flag to eject without stapling to "J°".

Note that the stable flag is set to “1pa” when
This is when the eject key 340 is pressed as shown in 345 above when the RDH30 is not in use, but when the RDH30 is in use, the number of original sets entered using the numeric keypad 351 on the panel 350 of the RDH30 is copied. has ended,
Each time the staple flag is stored in the stable tray 150, the staple flag may be set to ``1''.

Next, the main routine controlled by the CPL 12 will be explained with reference to FIG.

According to this routine, when the CPU 2 is reset and the program is started, in step 310, the microcomputer is initialized, such as clearing the RAM and setting various registers, and initial settings are made to bring the finisher unit 50 into the initial state.

Next, an internal timer built in CP (, J2 and whose value has been set by the initial setting) is started at 320. In subsequent steps 330 to S6O, subroutines are sequentially called, and when all subroutine processing is completed, At 370, the first set internal timer is waited for to end, the I routine is ended, and the process returns to S20.

In this main routine, S30 is a capacity over check subroutine that checks whether the number of copy sheets in the stable tray 150 has reached the storage capacity of the tray, and S40 is a capacity over check subroutine that checks whether the number of copy sheets in the stable tray 150 has reached the storage capacity of the tray. The stable subroutine S50 is a subroutine that staples the sheets in the stable tray with the stapler 190, stamps them with the stamper 200A, and discharges them. S60 is a subroutine for communicating with the CPUI.

Next, the capacity overcheck routine will be explained based on FIG.

First, in step 5301, it is determined whether the mode is staple mode or not, and if the mode is non-stable mode, the process immediately returns. If it is in stable mode, it is determined in 5302 whether the number of sheets stored in the stable tray has reached the specified number of sheets, and if it has not yet, the process returns to the main routine, but if the specified number of sheets has been reached, the capacity is determined in 8303. Set over flag 1 to “1”
” and proceed to 5304 to set the solenoid S L
is turned off, and the copy sheets that continue to arrive from the main body are guided toward the paper output tray 80.

Note that in step 5302, it may be determined whether the total number of sheets in the copying machine main body and the number of sheets accommodated in the stable tray has reached the permissible prescribed number of sheets for the stable tray.

Next, the stable subroutine will be explained with reference to Part 13. First, in step 5401, it is determined whether or not the staple mode is set. Returns immediately if it is not in staple mode,
If the mode is the staple mode, the process advances to 5402 to align the sheets stored in the stable tray 150.

In step 5403, it is determined whether the non-stable discharge flag set on the main body has been reset to 0°.

If the non-stable eject flag is set to "1", that is, the eject key 340 on the main body operation panel was pressed while the number of sheets accommodated exceeded the allowable number in staple mode or stamp mode, or the eject key 340 was pressed in non-stable mode. When the ejection key 340 is pressed, the paper stored in the stable tray 150 is ejected without being stabilized at 8406.

At 5403, the non-stable discharge flag is O”.

If so, the staple flag is “1” in 5404.

Determine whether it is set to . If the staple flag is °0”°, the process returns as it is in the middle of a series of copying operations.The staple flag is °1°.
If it is .degree., the paper stored in the stable tray 150 is stabilized and discharged.

Next, the stamp subroutine will be explained with reference to FIG. First, it is determined whether or not 5501 is in stamp mode. If it is not stamp mode, return immediately; if stamp mode, proceed to 5502 and select stable tray 1.
The sheets stored in the paper 50 are aligned.

In step 5503, it is determined whether the non-stable discharge flag set in the main body has been reset to "0°".

If the non-stable ejection flag is set to "1°", that is, the eject key 340 on the main body operation panel was pressed while the number of sheets accommodated exceeded the allowable number in the staple mode + stamp mode, or the eject key 340 on the main body operation panel was pressed in the non-stable mode. When the ejection key 340 is pressed, the paper stored in the stable tray 150 is ejected at 5504 without being stabilized or stamped.

If the non-stable ejection flag is "0" in 5503, it is determined in 5505 whether the stable flag is set to "l".The staple flag is 0.
′, the process is in the middle of a series of copying operations, so the process returns directly. 55 if the staple flag is l 11
At step 06, it is determined whether there is only one sheet of paper stored in the stable tray, and if there is only one sheet stored, at step 5507, only stamping is performed without stabilizing and the sheet is ejected. 3
If the number of sheets accommodated is more than one (or two or more) at 506, the sheets accommodated in the stable tray 150 are stabilized, stamped, and discharged at 350B.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and can be implemented in various other ways.

For example, in the embodiment described above, the finishing mode selection key 33
0 is, and the corresponding displays 330a and 330
b is provided on the operation panel 300 on the copying machine main body 1, but this selection key and display may also be provided on the finisher unit. However, if the finisher unit, which can be installed as an option on the copying machine main body, is provided on the operation panel on the main body side, it can be used in both cases where the finisher unit is equipped with only a stable tray, only a standby tray, or even when it is equipped with both. This selection key 33
There is an advantage that 0 and the corresponding display can be used as appropriate.

Although the above explanation does not mention the device that combines punching and stabilization, and paper folding and stabilization, if the above-mentioned standber is replaced with punching means, folding means, etc., the present invention can be realized. It is clear that the method can also be applied to such devices.

〔Effect of the invention〕

According to the present invention, an image forming apparatus having the following advantages can be obtained.

In other words, it is possible to perform both the operation of binding multiple sheets on which images have been formed and the operation of performing processing on the sheets other than sheet binding, and even if the mode for performing both operations is selected, the sheets will not be If there is only one sheet, unnecessary binding operations are not performed and only other processing operations are performed, thereby omitting troublesome operations for the user and improving copy efficiency. This is an image forming apparatus that can prevent wasteful use of images, etc.

[Brief explanation of drawings]

The drawings show an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a copying machine equipped with a finisher unit, FIG. 2 is a schematic sectional view of the finisher unit, and FIG. An exploded perspective view, Figure 4 is a perspective view of a part of the stable tray and a stand bar, Figure 5
The figure is a perspective view of the paddle wheel in the stable tray, Figure 6a is a plan view of the operation panel on the copier main body, Figure 6b is a plan view of the RDH operation panel, and Figure 7 is the control circuit block of the copier. Figure 8 shows the microcomputer CPU
9 is a flowchart of the finishing mode selection routine, FIG. 10 is a flowchart of the stable operation determination routine, FIG. 11 is a flowchart of the main routine of the microcomputer CPU2, and FIG. 12 is a flowchart of the capacity overcheck routine. FIG. 13 is a flowchart of the stable routine, and FIG. 14 is a flowchart of the stamp routine. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1... Copying machine main body, 50... Finisher unit, 70... Switching member, 80... Paper ejection tray, 150... Stable tray, 180... Alignment paddle wheel, 190... - Stapler, 20OA... Stamper, CPUI, CPU2... Microcomputer. Applicant Minolta Camera Co., Ltd. Agent

Claims (1)

[Claims] (1) a tray that stores sheets on which images are formed; a binding device that binds a plurality of sheets stored in the tray; a processing device that performs processing other than sheet binding on the sheets on the tray; a selection means for selecting a mode in which the binding means and the processing means operate together on the sheets stored in the tray; and in the mode selected by the selection means,
It is characterized by comprising means for operating both the binding means and the processing means when a plurality of sheets are stored in the tray, and means for operating only the processing means when there is only one sheet. Image forming device.